Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 11

#Formatting software: #Atticus vs #Vellum: A Side-by-Side Comparison by Kindlepreneur

There is an excellent article by Dave Cheeson at Kindlepreneur discussing two different software programs authors use to format their books for publication. He uses a side-by-side table to highlight each software's capabilities.

I'm a fan of Atticus, and I'm glad to see they are expanding the software's capabilities. For any author who does their own formatting and can't decide which software to go with, this article should help you make up your mind.

You can find the full article here: https://kindlepreneur.com/atticus-vs-vellum/

In the article, he makes a side-by-side comparison of each software's capabilities and the cost of each program. One important factor is also the platform they can be used on. Vellum is for the MAC only, while Atticus can be used on any platform.

Vellum is priced at $199.99 for the ebook-only package, and $249.99 if you want to do paperback formatting as well. As a prior user of Vellum, I can tell you that you definitely want the paperback package to make it worth your while. 

Atticus is priced at a universal price of $147, and it includes paperback capabilities, meaning you get the same package for more than $100 less.

#Review: THE LADY'S PIRATE by C.K. MacKenzie

 

 3.5 of 5 stars

Adelaida Machado was doing everything in her power to keep her family and staff safe from the invading French. Her beautiful Portuguese villa had been taken over, and the soldiers had stolen everything of value, even their finest wooden beds. Every day Ali must do everything the French commander orders for fear of retaliation.

As she ran along the beach one night, screaming her frustration into the violent storm, she stumbled across a man—a man who would change her life forever.

Grayson Conrad thought he was invincible. He would sneak through enemy lines and bring much-needed supplies to the village in exchange for information about the French troop movement. So much for that plan! He was caught in a fierce storm and barely made it to the beach battered and bruised. When Adi saves him and hides him from the soldiers, they have no idea their lives will never be the same.

While this story was well written, depicting the cruelty and vicious nature of war and enemy occupation, I found much of it tedious. I started skipping pages so I could get back to Adi and Grayson and their budding romance. I liked how their interactions at first were more about suspicion than anything else. That was very well done. Grayson was in bad shape and needed time to heal, and each day that Adi brought him what little food she could spare without alerting the soldiers, their trust in each other grew, and that trust slowly turned into more.

There is intrigue, betrayal, and a desperate escape plan for the villagers that make the final chapters fly by. Throughout the book, however, two threads were repeatedly discussed, but in the end, neither was mentioned again. It seems a lot of mystery is built around these two items for nothing to come of it. That was disappointing. I thought there would be something important revealed, vital to Grayson's mission.

Readers who enjoy learning about the different countries Napoleon tried to conquer will certainly get a better understanding of how horrific and brutal enemy occupation can be. 

I voluntarily read the advanced read copy provided by N.N. Light Book Heaven, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE HUSBAND LIST by Ella Quinn

 

4 of 5 stars

Lady Madeline Vivers has a list that any gentleman must pass if he wishes to marry her. Her mother wants her to marry a title, but she wants to marry for love. When she meets Mr. Harry Stern, she's drawn to him, and the more she gets to know him, the more he checks off the boxes on her list. Harry Stern, recently elected to Parliament, is seeking a wife that could not only bear his children but be a helpmate in his political career as well. The first time he sees Lady Madeline, he's mesmerized and wants to get to know her better. Can these two from different stations in life find their HEA, or will Harry's lack of a title prove to be his undoing?

This was a cute and easy read. I loved that the author let Harry and Madeline spend time together getting to know each other instead of the insta-love so many stories have. Harry is so honorable and not too proud to take advice from his sister and brother-in-law about how to go about courting Madeline. He was clever and resourceful when presented with various problems. Both his and Madeline's number one priority was to make the lives of those around them better, especially the orphan children. Madeline was kind and generous with her time and coin and would make the perfect political wife. The plot moves along at a good pace, and there aren't any real obstacles in their way except for Madeline's mother, who objects to the marriage, but in the end, the young couple finally gets their HEA. 

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE NOTORIOUS LORD KNIGHTLY by Lorraine Heath

 

5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book! I don't think I've ever enjoyed a book so much. It was filled with passion, betrayal, hatred, and, eventually, love. 

Regina was an amazingly strong character, and I fell in love with her myself for all she had to endure throughout her life. That she came out the other side of such a tempest speaks to her incredible strength and generosity of spirit. Knightly truly was a knight in shining armor, always trying to protect those he loved even though it forced him to give up the love of his life. Five years of unending torment only made him stronger as well and gave him the fortitude to conquer all obstacles in the end. The author is a magnificent storyteller weaving a story that will leave you breathless. There are graphic sex scenes in this story so readers beware if you prefer your stories sweet. For me, the pleasure experienced by Regina and Knightly was a wondrous experience. Highly recommended!

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#FREE: Regency Romance LOVE BY SECRETS by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:
Eighteen-year-old Emily Stanton is excited to attend this season's society balls and begin her search for a husband. She is thrilled when the dashing and handsome Connor Preston begins to show her more attention. After each ball, Emily finds a love note in her drawstring reticule, and she expects a marriage proposal from Connor any day.

When her father objects and forces Emily to accept the proposal from Lady Tisbury's shy nephew, Ethan Richardson instead, her heart is broken. How can she love her new husband when her heart belongs to the man who wrote her such beautiful love letters?
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
LOVE BY SECRETS is a novel. (214 pages)


Reviewers Comments:

"As a fan of the incredible Jane Austen ... this novella was a real treat for me to read. The author does a wonderful job with descriptions, such as when she describes Emily's first ball as a kaleidoscope of colors as the couples dance the night away." 
"Love by Secrets is a sweet, bite-size love story. ... I really liked the time period the book was set in. It reminded me of Pride & Prejudice in that regard." 
 "The story was captivating, truly well-written.....Overall, Love by Secrets was an enjoyable, quick read. The author did a good job in conveying all the right elements of a sweet historical romance and I look forward to continuing the series, as well as read her other works. I recommend giving this one a try. 



Excerpt:

Emily picked up her skirts, rushing down the hall. The butterflies roiled around her insides, and her heart pounded. She knocked on the study door. “Papa, are you in there?”

“Come in, Emily.”  

Emily burst through the door as her father put down the document on his desk. “Papa, it’s so good to see you.”

Riley stood and embraced his daughter. “So good to have you home, my dear Emily. I have missed you too. This old house is very quiet without you.”

“I’ve missed you too. Oh, and Mr. Giles sends his regards.”

“Did you enjoy your visit?” Riley asked. He sat down in his chair behind the desk.

“It was a lovely visit. I hadn’t realized how much I missed Mia until I was back in her company, but she is very happy with Mr. Giles. He’s a kind and generous husband. Their home is lovely, and Mia is delighted with it.”

“That’s good to hear. Giles is a good man. Emily, please sit down. I have a matter to discuss with you.”

Emily took a seat, waiting for her father to tell her the good news she hoped had finally arrived. “What matter, Papa?”

“I had a visit from young Mr. Richardson the other day. He would like to speak with you in private.”

Emily’s shoulders slumped. “What? Only Mr. Richardson?”

“Yes, who else? Who were you expecting?”

Emily felt a sharp stab in her heart and was so shocked that she could not draw air into her lungs. This was not the news she’d been expecting at all. How could this be? She didn’t want to speak to Mr. Richardson in private. No, this was all wrong. She had to fix it. “Papa, I thought it was, um, Mr. Preston who had come to see you.”

“Preston? No, I have not spoken to him. Emily, do you realize what this means? Mr. Richardson will propose marriage to you, and I have given him my blessing.”

Emily stood up and started pacing her father’s study. She wrung her hands together, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. “Papa, I don’t want to talk with Mr. Richardson. He’s nice enough, but he’s so dull. Please don’t make me speak with him.” She glanced at her father, and his eyes narrowed at her outburst. 

“Emily, what has gotten into you? Mr. Richardson will be an excellent choice as a husband, and he’s from one of the finest families around. You could not ask for a better match. You will want for nothing. I’m in favor of the union, and you should be too.”

Tears coursed down her cheeks. “But, I don’t love Mr. Richardson. I love Mr. Preston. Please, Papa, I know Mr. Preston will speak with you soon, perhaps even ask for an appointment at the ball. Please wait for his visit before you make a final decision,” she pleaded. She swiped at her cheeks to wipe away the tears. “Please, Papa.”

Riley stood. “Emily, dear. You are young and not wise in these matters. I only want the best for you. Love is not the only foundation for a good marriage. Love alone cannot put food on the table or warm you in the winter. You must be taken care of financially, and Richardson will do that as well as give you an ample allowance of your own. You will want for nothing.”

“But, Papa, you love Mama.”

“I do now, of course, but I did not love her when we married. I admired your mother while I courted her, and that admiration grew into love over the years. Richardson is a kind young man who admires you a great deal. I’m sure you will grow to love him as I did with your mother.”

“Papa, please wait. Don’t make me do this. I’m begging you.”

Riley reached out for his daughter. “Emily, enough of your silliness. I want you…” He stopped in mid-sentence and grabbed his left arm, pulling it close across to his chest.

Emily was stunned to see the grimace on her father’s face. “Papa, what’s wrong?” 

“Pain…” he sputtered before crashing to his knees. 

Emily’s hand flew to her mouth.  She watched in horror as her father crumpled to the floor. She rushed over to his prone body and picked up his hand. She patted it furiously. “Papa, can you hear me? Papa, please open your eyes.” 

With no response from her father, Emily rushed out of the study and into the hallway, calling for anyone who would answer. “Mama! Mrs. Jannell!”

Her panicked cry reverberated through the house, bringing her mother rushing to the study. “Emily, what are you shouting about?”

“It’s Papa. Come quick. He’s collapsed.”

Catherine ran into her husband’s study and knelt beside him. He was deathly pale, but his chest still rose with shallow breaths. “Emily, go find Mrs. Jannell. Tell her to send Joseph for the doctor with all due haste. Quickly, now.”

Tears streamed down Emily’s face. This was all her fault. She should have never argued with him. She stood by her father, paralyzed with guilt. What had she done?

 

Interview with Dan Shaskin and Deb Welsh, A SEASONAL SONG

Do you have a favorite character? 

Yes, Clarissa. She is an Instagram friend (a professional classical violin player) so she was the inspiration for the main character in the book. 

 

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

No, we decided to do self-publishing from the start 

 

Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book. Have you joined any FB author groups to inspire and help you along the way? 

Our first book was written in a rather unorthodox way. My brother and I, who live in different countries, started off, as an experiment each writing a paragraph and not having any plot predetermined. We eventually started writing pages and then chapters. 

 

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)? 

We had a friend that self-published, so we decided to try it.

 

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover? 

We went with an organization that create cover art. The artists provided examples as part of a contest, and we picked which one we wanted to use.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence? 

It depends on how complicated the scene is that I’m writing. If I need to concentrate intensely, I can’t listen to music. If not, I almost always listen to Vivaldi or Bach. I can’t concentrate if the music has lyrics.     

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you? 

We did not have an outline for our first book, see comment above.

 

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing? 

Yes, highly recommend doing this.

 

What have you learned during your self-publishing journey? 

It’s a lot of work but very rewarding too.

 

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book? 

Yes, it makes for a busy time. Do you try to write every day or carve out certain times during the week? We do. 

 

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena? 

Have realistic expectations, and don’t expect to sell thousands of copies of your book. Write for your own enjoyment, not for money.  

 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions? 

Yes, music, songwriting

 

What’s next for you? 

We are working on our next novel. We are collaborating on a new romance/musical novel. Currently it’s about 50% complete.

Blurb:

 

Discover love and music in the sultry streets of Miami with “A Seasonal Song."

Clarissa Bianchi, a talented violinist, lands her dream internship with the Miami Orchestra, but little does she know that she will also discover the love of her life. Jack Williams, a rugged rock guitarist with a broken heart, meets Clarissa and is instantly drawn to her beauty and passion for music. Despite their different musical backgrounds, their mutual love for music brings them together on a journey filled with passion, growth, and unforgettable memories.

As the summer draws to a close, Clarissa and Jack must navigate their intense feelings for each other and determine if their love is strong enough to withstand the distance between Miami and Boston. Will their hearts play a different song, or will the romance come to an end?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125016143-a-seasonal-song
Purchase:Amazon: https://amzn.to/418cKap

Rafflecopter Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235466

Interview with Kirsten Weiss, THE MYSTERIES OF TARROT

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

The Mysteries of Tarot is a work of experimental mystery fiction, and a sort of supplement to my Tea and Tarot cozy mystery series. Hyperion, my fictional Tarot reader/amateur sleuth, has decided to write his own Tarot guidebook. He’s sent it to a friend for edits. But when he gets the edits back, he discovers a murder mystery in the notes. So. It’s a full-length, fully-usable Tarot guidebook plus a mystery.

 

Do you have a favorite character?

Hyperion is one of my favorite characters. He’s just fun and practical and optimistic. And though he sees the world and people in it shockingly clearly, he’s focused on taking positive action.

 

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

Yes, I did get an agent and go the traditional publishing route for a time. But I’ve found that I have a lot more freedom and flexibility (and profit) when I indie pub through my authors’ cooperative, misterio press. 

 

Do you have an ARC review team? How did you recruit your reviewers? BookFunnel? Readerlinks? Booksprout?

I have an ARC review team on Booksprout. It’s got some spaces, if anyone wants to join! You can find my Booksprout profile here: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/author...

 

Do you regularly send out a newsletter? How are you recruiting new subscribers? Do you have a reader magnet?

Yes to all of the above! I’ve got a free novella in the Tea and Tarot series available to subscribers, as well as a novelette in the Riga Hayworth paranormal women’s fiction series. They’re both exclusive to the newsletter. I also send out exclusive short stories to subscribers. People can subscribe on my website at: kirstenweiss.com 

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I like silence. I find the music too distracting. When I listen to music, I like to focus on the music.

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I do create an outline, but I also give myself room to go offroad, so to speak.

 

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book? Do you try to write every day or carve out certain times during the week?

Over the years I developed a schedule that works for me. I calendar my writing time, editing time, and marketing tasks every day. And I’ve based my schedule on the way my brain works. I discovered that mornings are best for long, focused concentration. Afternoons, I’m easily distracted, which makes them a better time for task switching (i.e. lots of short tasks). For me, this means writing a chapter first thing every morning, editing until lunch, and then marketing in the afternoons.

 

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

Get an editor. They’re worth the money. I learned so much from my first editor—she dramatically improved my writing chops.

 

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a short mystery in my Paranormal Museum cozy mystery series coming out at the end of June called Deadly Divination. And then another full-length mystery novel in the same series coming out in July. That one’s Dead End Donation.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

The Mysteries of Tarot: A Work of the Imagination

 

How to Read the Cards for Transformation

When Tarot reader Hyperion Night sent his manuscript, The Mysteries of Tarot, to a friend to edit, it was a simple guide to reading Tarot. Hyperion couldn’t anticipate that his editor’s notes would evolve into a murder mystery, or that his friend would go missing. Shockingly, the annotated manuscript eventually made its way back to Hyperion, who forwarded it to the authorities.

 

Now this astonishing Tarot guide is available as a book. The Tarot guidebook features:

• Tarot basics―How to manage different interpretations of cards in a spread, how to read court cards, and a clear and simple method for dealing with reversals.

• Detailed card breakdowns― Keywords, flash non-fiction narratives, and a deep dive into the symbols of each of the 78 cards of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.

• Questions to apply to the cards for transforming your life―Insightful questions for each card to help you dig deeper into your Tarot reading practice.

 

Bonus feature: the guidebook also includes his editor’s comments on the more esoteric and philosophical interpretations of the Tarot, as well as his notes on the baffling mystery that engulfed him.

 

Gain deep insight from the cards, transform yourself, and solve The Mysteries of Tarot with this work of experimental fiction that’s part Tarot guidebook, part murder mystery.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries, and now a Tarot guidebook that’s a work of experimental fiction. Her heroes and heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop. 

 

Kirsten is best known for her Wits’ End, Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, and Tea & Tarot cozy mystery books. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…

 

You can find Kirsten at KirstenWeiss.com 

Twitter: twitter.com/SBPM_Museum

 

Buy links – The Mysteries of Tarot:

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C18BKGXB

 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mysteries-of-tarot-kirsten-weiss/1143066958

 

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kirsten_Weiss_The_Mysteries_of_Tarot?id=Thq3EAAAQBAJ

 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-mysteries-of-tarot

 

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6447194167

 

Author Website: https://bit.ly/tarotmysteries

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

#Review: THE CLAIMING by J.A. Nielsen

 

 5 of 5 stars

I don't read a lot of YA fantasy books, but I was intrigued when I read the blurb for THE CLAIMING. Spence is the illegitimate son of King Ferrous, who has a modicum of magic that his father encourages him to pursue. Spence tries, but more often than not, his spells go awry, and he is very hard on himself as he repeatedly disappoints his father. His older brother and heir to the Kingdom, is the exact opposite of Spence--a strong battle-hardened Knight of the Kingdom, highlights how insignificant Spence feels most of the time. Dirk taunts Spence relentlessly because of his ineptitude, and Spence does his best to stay out of his brother's sight. 
Everything is about to change for Spence when King Ferrous commands him to go and spell a bridge against enemy incursions, something that should be within Spence's abilities. Finally, he can do something right for the Kingdom or so he thinks. However, with any use of magic, something goes wrong, and instead of spelling the bridge, Spence's spell captures and binds a beautiful Fae princess to him. The binding or claiming is against all the rules of magic, and Spence is horrified at his mistake. Princess Dew Drop or Dewy is shocked and dismayed at what the human has done, but that is not the end of her troubles. She soon learns what truly terrifying means when she's banished from the fairy Summer Court. No fairy bonded to a human is welcome in the Fae kingdom.
Spence searches through all his spell books, looking for a way to undo the Claiming, but can find nothing. His delightfully flawed character tries so hard to always do the right thing but is forever making mistakes.  Even his magic had apparently turned against him. It's hard not to route for him because he's so sincere in everything he tries.
The author does a fantastic job describing Fae customs and the Summer Court. I could easily envision the towering trees offering a canopy to the fairy realms as the true wonder of how the trees bend and form shapes to accommodate their fairy brethren is revealed on page after page. Dewy is a creature full of sunshine and light, dispensing much-needed water drops to thirsty plants and flowers, but she must endure more than just the pain of her banishment when she must accompany Spence back to the human castle surrounded by iron and steel. It hurts her soul, and Spence vows to do everything within his power to undo his mistake. Can Spence finally learn the proper spell to release Dewy from their bonding?
The author rounds out the cast well with another young woman, Flora, who is from the surrounding countryside outside the castle. Flora has no magic to help Dirk fight the invaders, but she has true aim with her bow and knows the surrounding countryside well. While the fighting rages, Spence and Dewy are commanded by King Ferrous to return to the Summer Court and ask for assistance fighting off the invaders, especially since not all the invaders are human. With the final addition of the Winter Fae, I could hardly read the pages fast enough to find out why the Winter King would attack King Ferrous's kingdom especially when there had been years of peace between them. The clues are sprinkled throughout the story, and I guessed that something mentioned early on in the book held significance. I assume this is the premise for book 2 in the series. Without even a pre-order page up for the next book, however, readers may be disappointed that they can not immediately continue reading about Spence and Dewy and their next quest.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy provided by N.N. Light's Book Heaven, and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: IF I ASKED YOU TO by Brianna Remus

If I Asked You to Stay
Brianna Remus
(Pebble Brook Falls, #1)
Publication date: June 6th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

For readers of Elsie Silver, Laura Pavlov and Catherine Cowles, fall head over heels for this binge-worthy read of two hearts who have always been destined to come together…even after twelve years of being apart.

*****************

We were both orphans.

While Johnny Moore was the product of alcohol and bad decisions, he never let his family define him. And me? Well, let’s just say that my mother’s unwanted pregnancy almost destroyed her family name and leaving me behind was the best decision she ever made.

Johnny and I made a pact all those years ago—never leave. Two simple words that always gave me hope. Something solid to lean on when things got tough.

But I guess promises are meant to be broken. The memory of Johnny walking away on his eighteenth birthday will forever be burned into my heart like a brand.

Ten years of forgetting him. Ten long years of forging my own path and trying to make my dreams come true…without him.

Nothing could have prepared me for the series of events that brought me back to Pebble Brook Falls and face-to-face with Johnny Moore. The very man I wanted nothing more than to forget…forever.

And nothing could have prepared me for the man that was the embodiment of my weaknesses. With his towering height, southern accent, and a smile that made me weak in the knees, I was completely helpless against him.

He had been my first for everything, and I mean everything. And even though I knew he was the only person who could break my heart, the moment I laid my eyes on him after ten years, I knew I wanted him to be my last—my forever.

The only question was, would he even want me to stay?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Johnny’s hand cradled the back of my head as he brought his mouth to my ear. “Every moment we’ve been apart, there hasn’t been a single second when my thoughts weren’t of you. How your blonde strands feel like silk against my fingers. The way your blue eyes remind me of sweet summer days filled with your laughter. And how your cute button nose crinkles when you’re frustrated or thinking too hard about something. But most of all”—his thumb grazed the bottom edge of my lip, tugging it down slightly and I swore an entire field of butterflies flew came to life in my stomach—“I missed these pretty pink lips and how they taste like honey pulled straight from the hive.”

I closed my eyes as his hand slid up to cup the side of my cheek and a quiet moan escaped from my lips.

When I opened my eyes again, I said, “Coming back to our home made me realize that there is no place I’d rather be because this is where you are, Johnny. I’m not staying for a few more weeks just to see what might come of this thing with my mother’s journal. I’m staying forever to see if I might have a chance of you loving me again.”

A raspy chuckle and then, “Darlin’, haven’t you been listening to a word I’ve said? Since the first time I held your hand in the garden behind the orphanage, and probably even before then, every breath in my lungs, every beat in my heart has been for you. I love you, Willow Mae. Nothing has and nothing ever will change that.”

And then he kissed me. Slow. Tender. With such agonizing gentleness, it brought tears to my eyes because this was what I had held onto for twelve long years of his absence. The song his heart sang to mine when he was near—and even when he was far, far away.

Author Bio:

Brianna Remus is a Florida-based author who lives with her husband, three pups, and terrorizing cat. She started her writing journey in 2016 to ward off the woes of graduate school. The light-hearted hobby quickly turned into a passion filled dream that consistently distracts her from the real world.

When Brianna isn't working as a psychology resident or writing books, you can find her getting lost in the worlds created by others (through writing and movies), spending a day at the ocean, or taking a walk in the forest. She loves to spend her days outdoors surrounded by the beauties of nature.

A true Tolkien nerd, she also spends a lot of her time immersed in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as praying that Amazon doesn't completely fuck up the new LOTR series.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

 

#SALE: .99 DARE TO LOVE A SPY by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:

Miss Hannah Richardson is enjoying a Season in London. She's not looking for a husband, at least not this Season. She wants to enjoy herself before settling down for married life. All that changes, however, when she sees the Duke of Wetherby. He's tall, dark, and impossibly handsome, and someone Hannah wants to get to know better.

Camden Darkin, the Duke of Wetherby, is not fond of attending soirees, dinners, or balls, but his latest mission for the Crown demands he mingle with the ton. He has vowed not to marry because of his dangerous work, and the constant bevy of beauties anxious mothers throw into his path is not tempting him in the least. That is, until he meets Hannah Richardson, a young woman unlike any other he's ever met. Can he learn to love, or will his hardened heart rob him of the very thing he needs the most?

Amazon buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Love-Spy-Book-Innocence-ebook/dp/B01IWR62CW

Customer Reviews:

5 stars: Besides the strong love story plot there is also a murder mystery plot. I love a good love story, but a murder mystery just added another level and dimension to the story – plus an extra star in this review. The crazy dangerous adventure scenes made the passion between the two main characters even more intense and on fire. Amazon customer

5 stars: I loved this book!  It has everything I love in a romance: Regency era, hero is a spy, heroine is spunky and speaks her mind, a bit of danger and a happy ending. From the first page, I was transported to Regency England. I connected with Hannah right away and found her excitement infectious. Camden is a hero conflicted between what his heart wants and his very dangerous job as a spy for the Crown. The plot is character-driven with plenty of intrigue and romance. The romance is sweet and the stolen kisses caused me to grin as I read. Amazon customer

Excerpt:

Wetherby stepped closer to her and reached for her hand. “There was no demand. You could have refused me.”

 

“I could?”

 

“Yes,” he said, kissing her knuckles. “But…”

 

Hannah inhaled sharply as his lips grazed her hand. How she longed for those lips to kiss her again. When she realized he had stopped talking, she looked into his face and found his eyes had softened.

 

She swallowed the hard lump constricting her throat. “But what, Your Grace?”

 

A smile dangled on the edges of his lips. “You did slap me, and after kissing me so ardently too so I believe a penance must be paid,” he said in a most intimate tone.

 

“Penance?” His unrelenting stare sent a shiver racing down her spine. Was it terror or desire? She did not know; she only knew that he had captivated her with a look.