Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Blog Tour-Review: Riding it Out by Jennifer Foor


Synopsis:
One woman
One man
An empty bed and breakfast
A summer storm
One night they'll never forget - so they thought...
When my aunt passed away and left me her dilapidated bed and breakfast it was all so surreal. I hadn't been back to that beach in many years, and the idea of revisiting left me sad and vulnerable. 
I never planned on having guests. In fact, I just wanted to close up the place and sell it, so that I could move on with my life. 
Then the storm happened.
Taken by surprise, I planned on waiting for it to pass. The house creaked and the power went out. That's when someone knocked on the door.
He was a stranger, dripping wet, cold, and looking for shelter. I couldn't turn him away...
What happened next between us opened new doors, changing everything I thought I wanted for myself.
The only question is if I can trust him, or will his secrets destroy it all?

My Review
Riding it Out is a quick and steamy read.  My interest was piqued with the premise of the story, and I liked the way it started out-even though I have a hard time thinking that a single young lady would allow an unknown man into her place with no one else there.  But setting that aside, I like the setup of the story and the heat between Reed and Erica (but I'm surprised at her immediate acceptance of the things Reed does with her right off the bat).
Erica, while not necessarily making smart decisions for a young lady on her own, is a pretty decent character-though she doesn't seem clear on what path she wants to take for her future.  Reed knows what he wants, has your expected alpha male traits, but is keeping a whopper of a secret.  It really bothered me that after the length of time he and Erica are together that he still hadn't said anything about it...and once his big secret comes out, I'm surprised how Erica handles it and her eventual decision (I can't really say anything more without spoilers).
The book didn't flow as smoothly as I would have liked-I did take quite a few breaks from it, even as quick of a read as it was.  
I understand why Reed did what he did to cause him to have his secret, but him not telling Erica even after they were together for so long, added to her naive attitude with a stranger at the start of the story was a bit of a turnoff for me.  It's still a good read...and clearly for 18+.


AUTHOR BIO:
Jennifer Foor is an award winning Contemporary Romance Author. She's best known for the Mitchell Family Series, which includes ten books.
She is married with two children and spends most of her time behind a keyboard, writing stories that come from her heart. 


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Hundred to One by Freya Barker


Hundred to One Synopsis:
Arlene Bowers is as tough as nails. She has survived a less than perfect marriage, managing to move past it to run her own diner. Her abrasive exterior has always been a way for her to hide behind the darkness and pain that she has endured, but a recent, violent attack and several disturbing phone calls have that tight hold on her emotions wavering.
Seb Griffin showed up in Cedar Tree eight months ago and was hired on at Arlene's Diner as a cook. An ex-con with secrets of his own, Seb walks a fine line. Since he began working at the diner, he's developed feelings for his fierce, stubborn boss, and the need to keep his distance from her, to protect her, is a daily struggle.
When it appears that Arlene's past has come back, rearing its ugly head while her defenses are low, Seb steps up and claims responsibility for Arlene, praying that he can keep her safe from whatever is coming her way.
Buy Links:
Slim to None (book 1)


My Review:

I hadn't read book one of this series when I started Hundred to One.  There were a few points at which I was unsure of the prior storyline, especially in the beginning, but eventually everything was explained.

This book has no shortage of strong characters, both lead and secondary.  Arlene, in addition to being strong is also a bit stubborn.  Seb (Sebastian) is a bit of the same way with his strong alpha male personality and fierce protective streak.  I loved Emma, and can't wait to go back and read the first book so I can get the whole story of her and Gus.

The secret that Seb was keeping kind of bugged me-I really wanted to see him come clean with Arlene sooner than he did.  But not revealing it did add to the already suspenseful storyline, making everything more intense...especially when his secret is finally revealed.

The sexual tension between Arlene and Seb is pretty strong until it finally erupts into some pretty steamy scenes that will have you turning on the closest fan (especially their first one!).

A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I gave Hundred to One 4 stars...and look forward to reading more from this talented author.



Freya Barker Bio:
Freya Barker has always been creative. Involved in music and dance when she was younger, she followed it up with cake design, quilting, and has most recently added cover design, the Dutch-born Canadian mother of two now has found her voice - writing.
Freya Barker is the pen name for a well-respected reviewer/blogger, who has a strong following on her blog, Facebook and Goodreads. As an avid reader, the next step to pen a book of her own seemed natural.
Driven to make her story about 'real' people, Freya writes about people who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives!
Author Links:

GIVEAWAY!


Release Day Launch, Excerpt and Giveaway: Enduring Fate by Alicia Rae

Enduring Fate RDL

Today we have the release day launch for Alicia Rae's Enduring Fate. We're so excited for Alicia's new series, and the first book to release. We've got a fantastic giveaway, as well as an excerpt exclusive to the release day, so be sure to checked out the entire post for all the fantastic details.

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Exclusive Excerpt:
I awoke to the sun just beginning to rise, feeling like my body was going to overheat. At the weight of a large arm pressing on top of my stomach, I changed my position and rolled over onto my other side. Colton lay next to me, fast asleep, with his body facing me.
I let my eyes leisurely travel over his face—from his dark brows to the defined outline of his cheekbones and down to the sexy curves of his full lips. It made me recall just how soft and loving his sweet kisses were. Just the slightest touch of those lips held the power to release a field of butterflies in my belly…and my heart.
The conversation with Colton the prior night drowned my thoughts. I had no idea how we had gotten here. We were so close to one another, yet there seemed to be an insurmountable distance between us. I disliked feeling so far away from him. Even worse, I hated that I was the one causing it.
Knowing it was time to go, I slowly leaned my body up and propped forward on my elbows. I gazed at him one last time, wishing things could be different. Then, I leaned over, and with the slightest touch, I gingerly rested my lips against his temple and kissed him. I held back the urge to whisper just how much I loved him, fearing he would hear me and never let me go.
EF Amazon (1)

About Enduring Fate:


Colton Kingston has loved Paige Summers his entire life. All he has ever dreamed of is having Paige by his side while he lives the simple life of a cowboy raising horses and cattle on his farm.

When tragedy strikes, fate tests the strength of their love. Paige’s confidence is shaken as she wonders if she can heal from her past and move forward, so Colton can have the life he was born to live.

Can Colton and Paige endure everything in fate’s path?

Or will Paige give up her one true love to give Colton the life he deserves?




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About Alicia Rae:
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Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...





Enter Alicia's fantastic giveaway!!


Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch
Sexy Bibliophiles

Release Day Launch, Excerpt and Giveaway: Forever Found by Nazarea Andrews

Forever Found RDL

It's release day for Nazarea Andrews' Forever Found!! I am so excited for this novella, a sequel to Girl Lost. For the first time, Nazarea is telling Peter Pan's story from Peter's eyes. Be sure to read all the way down for the excerpt she's sharing, as well as her fantastic giveaway!

Exclusive Excerpt:

“You ran away.”

She gives an unladylike snort. “You decided you were a delusion of my past, and then you expected me to sit there and listen to your insane ramblings. Thanks, but no. I can’t do that. I’ve had enough crazy for one life.” She bites her lip, and then blurts, “You stole my file, didn’t you? That’s how you know about the Boy.”

“Do you remember the firefly meadow?”

She goes still, and I smile, gently. “You do.”

“That wasn’t real,” she whispers, and I feel the shudder.

“We’d hide there, from the lost boys. And you’d fall asleep telling me your happy thoughts, and wake up to a galaxy of fireflies, and we’d chase them until you made yourself sick, laughing. And then I’d hold you and we’d stare at the stars, and you always said they were different. It smelled like jasmine and honey-“

“And wild woods and freedom,” she whispers, her blue eyes impossibly wide in her pretty face. I take a tentative step toward her, and touch her fingers.

Why are your stars different?

“It wasn’t a delusion, Gwendy. You know it wasn’t. Trust yourself.”

She shudders. “Can’t. My mind lies. It wasn’t—“

“Gwendy,” I say, desperately. Her eyes are filling with tears and I can feel the disbelief, the way it will tear apart the world I’ve known, and the girl I’ve loved, and I can’t. I move without thinking, catch her head and bring her lips to mine.


Neverland series banner


Forever Found Synopsis:

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00025]Losing Gwen was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to survive. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love her.

But finding her was never about that. And now that I have found her–now that she knows the truth about me and the Island, I have to trust her to believe. Because her leaving me didn’t just destroy me–its killing Neverland.

I need her to love me. But we all need her to believe again.

Peter Pan has grown up and found the girl who left–but the stakes are higher than ever in this romantic conclusion to the story begun in Girl Lost.














Girl Lost Synopsis:
Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00025]
Northern was supposed to be a fresh start—a place where people didn’t know who I was or how I had spent years in and out of mental institutes. People didn't know about my parents death or the island no one heard of. But when Peter sits next to me in lit class, I can’t stop the memories, and I don’t want to. He looks too much like the boy from the island, and despite my best intentions, coaxes my secrets from me.

He’s gorgeous, irresistible, a little mad, and completely lost—we are a pair of broken cogs in a world neither of us truly fits into. He is somehow gentle and fierce, heartbreaking in his devotion and savage in his defense.

When Belle, his best friend, shows up, pale and lovely and sick, Peter pulls away from me, a startling withdrawal. It’s a relationship that scares and confuses me. She is at times warm and friendly, and other times is violent and unpredictable.

Peter says that he wants me, but refuses to let himself get close. And there are secrets, surrounding both of us, that border on nightmares. As the memories close in, as Belle gets sicker and more violent, I’m torn between what is true and what I believe, and what this magical boy knows about my mysterious past.

Nazarea Andrews Bio:
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Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She is the author of the University of Branton series, Neverland Found series, and Edge of the Falls.

She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.


Enter Nazarea's giveaway!!



Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch
Bookworm Misfit 
Bookworm Misfit

Monday, December 29, 2014

Blog Tour, Reviews and Giveaway: Otherworld Realms Series by Isabelle Saint-Michael


Practical Uses for Princes with Pointed Ears
Otherworld Realms 
Book 1
Isabelle Saint-Michael

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Otherworld Romance, LLC
Date of Publication: November 14, 2014
Number of pages: 380
Word Count: 95,000
Cover Artist: CL Smith



Book Description:
Lillian Chambers was just an ordinary high school teacher, until she fell through a Fairy Circle. When she came to on the other side, she was surprised to find herself in the company of an Elven prince she thought only existed in her dreams. Now she’s slaying monsters and rescuing Prince Tallyn, instead of playing the part of the damsel in distress. 
Tallyn had been the protector of his kingdom for over one hundred years. He knows that the world is filled with danger around every corner, but these days he’s finding himself babysitting the annoyingly fearless Lady Lillian. 
When their worlds collide sparks fly, humorous situations ensue and the only thing for sure is that neither will ever be the same. Practical Uses for Princes with Pointed Ears takes readers on an adventure into a modern fairytale where we explore what it really means to fall for Prince Not-so-Charming.
Available at Amazon

Excerpt Practical Uses for Princes with Pointed Ears:
My dreams were more vivid than usual. It was like I was standing there with my favorite imaginary hunk. He and several others were packing up horses. There was a great deal of laughter and teasing among the men. They poked at each other until finally he had to step in and tell them to calm down. Even as he reprimanded them his smile shone brightly. I had never seen him smile with such a youthful presence. 
Moments later another man appeared, just as handsome as my dream guy. “Tallyn!” he called, and my heart skipped a beat as I watched the man of my dreams turn to wave.
“Tallyn,” I could feel myself whispering. He turned and looked in my direction, as if he had heard me. His face fell a little when he couldn’t see me standing there.
“What’s wrong?” the taller man asked him.
I watched as Tallyn shrugged. “I was just thinking about how I was going to have to see your face every morning for the next few days and it quashed all the fun out of our camping trip.”
The taller man laughed, only to turn when someone called, "Maerryn!" which I guessed was his name.
I could feel the cool breeze on my skin, causing the hair on my arms to stand up. I watched with interest as the men finished packing up and began to ride away. I followed them through the forest I had seen a hundred times in my dreams. After a few hours they crossed the river in a shallow area then headed up a steep cliff, guiding their horses one at a time along the narrow ledge.
By midday the group reached the top of the cliff and stopped for lunch. The food smelled amazing cooked over the open fire. I felt my stomach rumble. When it did, Tallyn placed a hand on his stomach and looked around with confusion.
He was beautiful to look at, even with uncertainty creasing his brow. His green eyes deepened in color and his breath stilled. It was like he was looking right at me but couldn’t see me. With a shake of his head, he rejoined the conversation around him.
They packed up and left, heading across a path at the top of the cliff that led into another forest. The group seemed more hesitant when they entered the new area. They rode close together for hours, and when darkness finally threatened, they found flat ground and made camp. The horses were tied up, dinner was caught and prepared, and then the wine came out. 
Boys will be boys, I thought to myself as they laughed, sang and passed around the bottles.
Behind me I heard the crack of twigs underfoot. Suddenly, I sensed someone else was there. I turned, looking in the direction of the sound, and I saw shadows moving through the woods towards the encampment. Panic filled me and I tried to scream, but I was just a watcher without a voice. 

My Review
I tend to stick mostly with vampire and witch stories in the paranormal genre, venturing into the fantasy genre from time to time for a bit of variety.  After reading Practical Uses for Princes With Pointed Ears, I can tell you without a doubt I'll be picking up every book this author decides to put out in the Otherworld Realms series...and I sure hope there will be a lot of them.

With an intriguing and wonderfully developed world, we're introduced into a lot of quirky characters, and one hell of a strong leading woman-Lillian.  When we first meet her, she comes across as more quiet and unsure, but once she falls through the Fairy Circle, she truly blossoms into a character of amazing strength, and one who also inspires others.  Tallyn is a fantastic alpha male character, strong, loyal and protective (well, at least when Lillian lets him LOL).  The cast of supporting characters is rich with many other fantasy beings, and there are so many of them that I would love to see get their own stories.

From the start I was totally immersed in the story and didn't want to put it down.  And it's not all adventure and laughs-though there's plenty of both-but you'll also get a nice dose of romance and steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.

An outstanding look at an enchanting fantasy world that will leave you begging for the next in the series, I give this book 5 fantastic stars!

Holiday Spirit for Hire
Otherworld Realms 
Book Two
Isabelle Saint-Michael

Genre: Holiday/ Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Otherworld Romance, LLC
Date of Publication: November 14th, 2014
Number of pages:164
Word Count:41,000 
Cover Artist: CL Smith



Book Description: 
When life handed half-werewolf Grace MacGregor a pink slip four weeks before Christmas, she was determined to get back to work as soon as possible. She just didn’t expect it to be the very next day – or at the North Pole.  She now has four weeks to make other people’s holiday wishes come true, but will she be able to grant her own while she is at it?
Justin Kringle is the nephew of Santa Claus and his job is to keep operations of the Pole on point. When Grace is dropped bed and all into his work shop, he can’t decide if it’s love or hate at first sight. First impression: she’s a total mess. Can he keep her on track and remember to not mix business and pleasure?
Available at Amazon
Excerpt Holiday Spirit for Hire:
I settled into bed with my favorite boyfriend, my laptop. Before long I had updated my resume, applied for a half dozen jobs, checked flights home, and Facebooked with all of my friends to see if anyone had any leads. I was about to shut down when the pop from my email caught my attention. 
     I closed the other tabs and stared at my inbox. It was from the OAC. The Otherworld Alignment Council was a group of magical beings, things that go bump in the night, and people that made sure that there were universal laws and regulations used across all the realms.  They made sure there was a common language, rules about magic, and laws that kept peace between the different races.  Why they were emailing me I didn’t know. 
To: Grace MacGregor
From: OAC
Subject:  The North Pole Needs You
Dear Ms. MacGregor,
It has been brought to the attention of the OAC that you are no longer employed during this busy time of the year.  Every Holiday season we rely on the help we get from the Otherworld community to make the season bright.  Your talents could be used now through the end of the year helping deliver joyful winter holidays across all the realms. 
Please see the attached application. Applicants will be considered for a paid position.  Please send a resume, two letters of recommendation and magical aptitude test scores to the email listed below.  If chosen we will need you to report immediately for work. 
Thank you and Happy Holidays,
Otherworld Alignment Council
     I looked at the email again and shrugged.  “Why not?”  I asked myself.  I attached my resume, two recommendation letters and a quick note explaining my father was a Scottish Werewolf Clansman and that I was half human.  I figured my lack of magical abilities would keep me out of the fray.  My father told me to always answer the OAC right when they contacted you because they made the IRS look patient. 
     With a giggle to myself I closed the windows on my laptop and shut it down.  Snuggling deep into my pillows I closed my eyes, giggling about what use I could possibly be to the Great Holiday Front up North.  Strangely enough I fell asleep with thoughts of sugar plums dancing in my head
      I awoke the next morning to the sounds of clinking, clicking and power tools.  I opened my eyes involuntarily when a particularly loud noise sounded right over my head.  It was then I noticed my bedroom was swarming with Gnomes and they seemed too busy to care I was sleeping. 
     “Excuse me!” I yelled.  “Why are you in my bedroom?”
     A few of them stopped, exchanged looks with shrugs, and returned to work.  I wasn’t answered until a man with a heavy red braid down his back appeared. 
     “You are in their workshop, and it’s about time you got up.”  I climbed out of bed angrily, prepared to demand that they leave.  “Nice pajamas,” he said with a grin as he looked me over.  “If you follow me we will get you assigned duties, uniforms and the rest of your paperwork filled out.” 
     I looked around what should have been my room.  I was on a toy factory floor.  Only it looked like FAO Schwarz met Ikea.  Bright colors with industrial-grade shelves mixed with the old world charm of hand-carved wooden trim.  All around me Gnomes were hustling to complete toys.  I looked in the direction the redheaded man had gone and chased after him, abandoning my bed to the factory.
My Review 
I'm not normally one to read holiday books during the holidays, but I have to say-Holiday Spirit for Hire sure adds a dose of fun and yes, holiday spirit, to this time of year.  

I loved Grace's character.  She's fun, smart, good at solving problems...and just what the North Pole needs.  Justin, Santa's nephew, is a bit moody at first but starts to lighten up the longer Grace is there.  And everything between them seems mostly friendly-even when Grace is causing frustration for poor Justin-until things start to heat up between them.  But with Grace only there for the holiday season, it seems things may not work out.

Speaking of characters-I loved Justin's mom, Joy.  She's a lot of fun and I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a great big hug.  And again here in the second book of the Otherworld Realms series we are treated to some excellent secondary characters that you'll want to see get their own stories (pretty pretty please???).

When you get right down to it, this is a holiday story...so of course it will make you smile (and probably fan yourself a bit), and you'll enjoy seeing how Grace and Justin's story ends up-I promise :-)  4.5 stars for this entertaining holiday read!

About the Author:
Isabelle Saint-Michael is a cupcake enthusiast, shoe addict, and globetrotter. She is known for her sense of adventure and geeky hobbies. She is frequently seen haunting coffee shops and pubs into the wee hours of the morning. No matter where she goes, shenanigans and mirth are never far behind.
The blog that started it all- www.Elvenlife.com - Facebook - Twitter








Tour giveaway 
4 prize packs full of goodies and swag


Release Day Launch and Giveaway: Hundred to One by Freya Barker

Hundred to One RDL


Today we have the release day launch of Freya Barker's Hundred to One!! I'm so excited about this book. Freya is sharing a few exclusive teasers with us, as well as a fantastic giveaway, so be sure to read all the way down!!!

Beautiful naked couple is holding and kissing in the bedroom.

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Hundred to One Synopsis:


Arlene Bowers is as tough as nails. She has survived a less than perfect marriage, managing to move past it to run her own diner. Her abrasive exterior has always been a way for her to hide behind the darkness and pain that she has endured, but a recent, violent attack and several disturbing phone calls have that tight hold on her emotions wavering.

Seb Griffin showed up in Cedar Tree eight months ago and was hired on at Arlene's Diner as a cook. An ex-con with secrets of his own, Seb walks a fine line. Since he began working at the diner, he's developed feelings for his fierce, stubborn boss, and the need to keep his distance from her, to protect her, is a daily struggle.

When it appears that Arlene's past has come back, rearing its ugly head while her defenses are low, Seb steps up and claims responsibility for Arlene, praying that he can keep her safe from whatever is coming her way.
Slim to None (book 1)


IMG_8509

Freya Barker Bio:
IMG_8743Freya Barker has always been creative. Involved in music and dance when she was younger, she followed it up with cake design, quilting, and has most recently added cover design, the Dutch-born Canadian mother of two now has found her voice - writing.

Freya Barker is the pen name for a well-respected reviewer/blogger, who has a strong following on her blog, Facebook and Goodreads. As an avid reader, the next step to pen a book of her own seemed natural.

Driven to make her story about 'real' people, Freya writes about people who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives!







Enter Freya's giveaway!!


Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch