Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 43

#Excerpt: ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED by Sarah Peis

Adult Supervision Required
Sarah Peis
Publication date: May 6th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Nora Lindberg doesn’t let life get her down. Disowned by her family and left by the man who was supposed to love her for the rest of their lives, she packs up her kids and goes in search of a second chance.

The small town she lands in was supposed to be her fresh start, her chance at a better life. But instead, she’s a broke single mom who spends her nights looking for the chocolate she hid from her kids.

When her ex lands on the local Motorcycle club’s most wanted list and leads them straight to her door, her life is once again turned upside down.

But maybe a broody hot guy on a motorcycle is just the thing she never asked for but got anyway.

Now the only question is: Will he be her savior or her downfall?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

“I want cockporn,” Lena wailed.

“Don’t we all,” I muttered under my breath, then looked around the crowded supermarket, hoping nobody had heard her. “Not today, Sötnos. We still have some at home.”

“But I want—”

I clamped my hand over her mouth and speed-walked my way to the checkout, hoping Luca wouldn’t join her out of sympathy. He was two years older, but hadn’t outgrown the tantrums yet.

She didn’t like having her shriek interrupted and her little face went red with anger. But I’d rather deal with my daughter’s wrath than once again be the talk of the town. We made it outside in record time, Lena wailing the whole way, Luca holding his hands over his ears.

I was running late, my shift starting in less than twenty minutes, and I still had to drop my kids home and drive to work. After wrestling them into their seats and dumping my bags in the trunk I hightailed it back to the house.

Lena made sure we knew her displeasure at not getting any popcorn for the duration of the drive. My friend Stella was sitting on the front steps waiting when we pulled up.

“Sorry we’re late,” I greeted her, unbuckling the little hellions. She watched my kids for me on the nights I had to work.

I couldn’t really afford a babysitter, so when she offered, I had to put my pride aside and let her help. She was my friend—one of the few I had—and I just couldn’t do it on my own anymore. I worked two jobs, barely keeping my head above water, and needed any break I could get.

My day job was a virtual assistant, something I could do from home while watching the kids. Luca had recently started preschool, so I only had Lena most of the time. My second job was waitressing at Pepper’s, a strip club. It paid well, but the hours sucked. I never thought I’d end up where I was.

“Don’t worry, I only just got here. Mason dropped me off,” Stella said, cuddling Lena to her and holding Luca’s hand. “But aren’t you going to be late for work?”

I checked the time on my phone and sprinted up the steps. Definitely going to be late if I wasn’t ready in the next three minutes.

Author Bio:

Supporter of all things written, defender of the e-book revolution and master of the take out order - I'm not afraid to say I can't cook, go a week without breaking something, read labels correctly or park cars in a straight line.

I love the written word in all forms and shapes and if I'm not glued to a book I'm attempting to write one. I'm a frequent blonde moment sufferer and still trying to figure out how to adult. I live in Melbourne, Australia, with my two little humans, the holder of my heart and two furry demons. I love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

 

 

 

 

#NEW Romance Release: THE SURPRISING WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth

 

This title will be released on May 18, 2021. You can pre-order at ONLY .99.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091FQGDLD

BLURB: Edward Tyndale, brother to the Earl of Barrett, has sworn off marriage. His disastrous first marriage ended in tragedy and he's determined not to put his heart at risk again.

American artist Jade Stanfield travelled to Barrett Castle to attend her brother's wedding and fell in love with the estate. When the Earl offers her a chance to teach in the art internship program he sponsors, she readily accepts. It's been her dream for as long as she can remember to become an art teacher. Her joy is marred by the caustic remarks by Edward, but she's determined to ignore the tall, dark and handsome brother. Can they peacefully co-exist or will their growing attraction upset the stoic Edward into taking another chance on love?  You can read all the books in the Loving a Billionaire series here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZNKRW6W

 

#Review: HEIRESS IN RED SILK by Madeline Hunter

 

 

[image error] 3 of 5 stars

Kevin Radnor is steaming mad that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half of his invention to a total stranger, Rosamund Jameson. It took a year to find the hat maker and the family had been looking foward to finally splitting up the money he left her. Ehen Kevin finds her by happenstance, he and the family are determined to prove she somehow tricked the late duke into making her a heiress. Rosamund, a tenant farmer's daughter, has no idea why the late duke left her such a vast fortune and when she finds out she's part-owner of Kevin's invention, it will take all of her resolve not to give in to his demands she give him back full ownership of the invention.

I really enjoyed the first book in this story in the series and was looking forward to reading about Kevin, but I came away with mixed feelings. The plot was unique as is Kevin although his family abhors him and only tolerates his company because Nicholas the current Duke of Hollinburgh befriends him. While there are many instances with Kevin thinking about his invention and how to bring it to life, I didn't feel any romance on his part when it came to Rosamund. It was more about lust for him. There were missed opportunities such as when Rosamund was being taught to dance for him to insert himself in the lesson and begin to fall in love with her. Even though I thought Rosamund's character was well-fleshed out, I got the impression she married Kevin for practical reasons. To be sure there was sexual chemistry between them, but the "falling in love" part just didn't connect the dots for me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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

#Review: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EARL by Amelia Grey

 

3.5 rounded to 4
 
This was an entertaining romance. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and the ending had a good twist. I did lose a little interest in the middle though and skimmed the chapters. I wasn't convinced that Zane Blacknight would know without a doubt he'd marry Brina Feld, a woman he briefly met her given his reputation as a rake so for him to agree to all her conditions seemed so out of character for him. But, this was a romance so all things are possible.

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

 

Interview with Katharine Sadler, HOW TO NAIL A STUD

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

How to Nail a Stud is the second book in my Vegas Billionaires series (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L5RKBTS). It’s about a single dad and his musician neighbor. They have a world of good reasons to keep their relationship platonic, but they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Their attraction and genuine respect for each other keeps pushing them together. Well, their attraction and an accidental kitchen fire.

 

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

I spent a lot of years aiming to be traditionally published. When I started, the advice was to get short stories published so I’d have credits to show agents. I spent a lot of years writing short stories, which only made it clear I’m never going to be a short story writer. I love creating characters and having a whole book to journey with them.

 

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

A big part of my decision was that I wanted to have control over every part of the creation and publication of my books. I love being able to choose the covers for my books and to choose where and how they’re marketed.

 

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

I have to have silence while I write. I’ve tried listening to music, but I just end up singing along, which is bad on two levels. One, I don’t get any writing done and two, I have a terrible singing voice that pains my family.

 

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

I outline my stories, but my characters don’t always agree with my plans. I’m open to changing my outline when it makes sense for the characters and the story.

 

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

I’ve learned to manage my time well, because there’s always more to do than I have time for. That time management has forced me to learn what’s most important to me and to focus on that.

 

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale? 

The Vegas Billionaires series is only available at Amazon.

 

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

One of the best things about self-publishing is the amazing community. There are so many people who’ve been where you are and are excited for you. Get on social media and make those connections.

 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions? 

I love to cook. I could spend all day in the kitchen if I didn’t have books to write.

 

What’s next for you? 

The next book I’ll have out is book five in the Catalpa Creek series (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MDCB5R1), The Poet in the RV which will be out this summer. It’s a fun road trip romance.

How to Nail a Stud
Katharine Sadler
Publication date: April 16th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Shel is tired of dating men who don’t appreciate her rock and roll wardrobe or her tomboy tendencies. She’s swearing off dating, and she is not going to give another moment’s thought to the hot single dad next door. She is not going to waste a single moment dwelling on his muscles or his eyes or the way he plays with his adorable six-year-old daughter.

Max has made mistakes, he’s been a terrible father, and he has no problem spending the rest of his life atoning by being the best, most devoted parent he can possibly be. A devoted father does not have wicked thoughts about his sexy neighbor, and he most certainly does not consider an actual relationship.

Except, he can’t stop thinking about Shel, and he’s not sure what to do about it.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Katharine Sadler lives with her husband in North Carolina. She’s been writing since she was ten and has wanted to be a writer even longer. When she’s not writing or otherwise gainfully occupied, she reads like it’s an addiction, exercises, skis whenever she gets the chance, and adds more books to her Amazon wish list.

Visit her on the web at www.KatharineSadler.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

@font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Lucida Grande"; panose-1:2 11 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 0 16778247 0 131072 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-update:auto; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;}p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph {margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;}p.HeaderFooter, li.HeaderFooter, div.HeaderFooter {mso-style-name:"Header & Footer"; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:right 6.5in; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;}div.Section1 {page:Section1;}ol {margin-bottom:0in;}ul {margin-bottom:0in;}

 

 

#Review: THE TANTALIZING OF A SCANDALOUS RAKE by Samantha Holt

 

  4 of 5 stars

Lord Adam Moncrieff is bored being in the country and has spent time at every inn in the area gambling. He ends up at the inn with a famed beauty and he soon finds that the compliments about Rosie Seymour are true. He's never seen a more beautiful woman, but he's not interested in settling down. On his way out of the inn, he's attacked and it's Rosie who finds him and nurses him back to health. Rosie is tired of all the attention about her beauty. She knows beauty is fleeting and she's more than how's she looks. When she finds Adam injured and bleeding, she takes care of him and finds herself attracted to him. That was the first time she'd been interested in a man and she's not sure she wants to give up her independence. Can both of these independent souls come together and admit they each want a shared happily ever after.

I liked this novella better than the first one. Adam and Rosie have lots of interactions while she nurses him back to health. I prefer the slow burn of their feelings instead of the insta-love found in too many books. The mystery surrounding Adam and his 2 brothers is finally solved in a satisfying manner and I was glad that Adam and Rosie finally got their own HEA.

 

#Review: HOW TO CATCH A DUKE by Grace Burrowes

 

5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a Grace Burrowes book and this one did not disappoint. I was so happy to see this story was about Stephen Wentworth, the crippled younger brother and heir to the duke. Stephen is a brilliant inventor, but has been scarred since childhood when his cruel father breaks his leg, leaving Stephen with life-long pain and difficulty walking. He's bitter, but when he meets Abigail Abbott, he's intrigued and when she shows up on his doorstep asking him to kill her, he's determined to find out why she would take such a drastic step. Abigail has never felt good about herself--she is a big boned, nearly 6ft tall and no man has ever made her feel attractive. When Stephen offers an engagement of convenience, Abigail can't help but fall for him.

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. Stephen is such a complicated character and I was happy to see his character finally revealed. Ms. Burrowes teases out how the details about Stephen's early life and his complicated relationship with his older brother, Quinn. The Wentworths are a formidable family and they all rally around Stephen and Abigail trying to uncover the threat against Abigail. For all of Abigail's independence, it's Stephen who finally makes her understand her appeal to the opposite sex. I really liked that she was not a retiring miss and was responsible for her own household. While this might be a little more modern than some other period romances, I think anything less would not let Stephen and Abigail shine and come together for their HEA.

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

 

 

#Review: THE VIRGIN AND THE VISCOUNT by Robin DeHart

 

3 of 5 stars

Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook, never expected to inherit the title. Two years after his older brother's death, he returns to London only to find out he's now Glenbrook. His younger brother Thomas has been running things in his absence, but Sullivan isn't sure Thomas is looking out for the tenants as he should. Sullivan has  always had a tendre for Matilda Brooks and when he rescues her from a carriage accident and they are forced to share a room for the night, he finds out they've been seen coming out of the room together and he does the honorable things and offers for her. Matilda Brooks has nothing but disdain for her brother-in-law Sullivan, but feeling she has no choice, she agrees to marry him. Can they find some common ground and give their forced marriage a go?

This book started out great. There was angst, tension and things neither Sullivan or Tilly could foresee or control. I loved how independent Tilly is and how hard she tries to hold onto that. Sullivan finds Tilly irresistible, but he doesn't want to frighten her with the intensity of his desire so he doesn't sleep with her right away. That only adds to Tilly's insecurities. Sullivan was such an honorable character and Ms. DeHart does a great job of letting the reader into his thoughts. Most of the book is devoted to his suspicions surrounding his brother's death. While the writing is well done, I found the ending to be abrupt and the plot surrounding the villain was not resolved and just left hanging. I think an epilogue would have been helpful even if the villain has his own book coming. These two things dropped the book down from a 4 star rating.

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

#Review: DUKE OF DISREPUTE by Alexa Aston

 

  5 of 5 stars

Weston Wallace, Duke of Treadwell, has spent years bedding one woman after another earning him the moniker of Duke of Disrepute. He does nothing to dissuade this until even he has had enough of his wanton ways. Withdrawing from Society, Weston works as a laborer for a local family and finally learns the meaning of love and family. While on her way back to her in-laws estate after attending her parent's funeral,  Lady Elise Ruthersby and her daughter Claire are caught in a terrifying storm near Weston's estate and they are offered sanctuary while they recover from injuries. Weston is immediately drawn to the lovely Elise and wants to do everything in his power to win her love. Can Elise let down her guard and face her own growing feelings for the Duke of Disrepute?

I have been looking forward to Weston's story since reading the Duke of Charm and was not disappointed. We finally find out what happened with Weston and his former fiancee that sent him in a tailspin of an unrepentant duke for years. When he finally decides to turn his life around, he has a long climb out of a hole of his own making. Ms. Aston does a great job of teasing out details for both Weston and Elise. I absolutely loved how Weston bonded with Claire and the Ruthersby boys. That was sweet and it was good to see Weston's true personality shine. There are a few twists and turns before they reach their HEA that will keep readers turning the pages to the end.

I received a copy of the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

 

.99 April Mini Event from N.N. Light's Book Heaven featuring THE ACCIDENTAL WEDDING

 

I'm very pleased to participate in this event with my romance, "The Accidental Wedding." There's a giveaway so be sure to enter to win a $30 Amazon gift card.

Blurb:

Has Keira made the worst mistake of her life?

 

Unemployed Keira Callahan decides to try her luck at the casino before delving back into job hunting. As she walks through the casino, she bumps into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. When he asks her to dinner, she doesn’t hesitate. As she learns Cade Tyndale’s story—he needs to wed or lose his British estate, her impulsive nature rears up and she agrees to marry him and move to England for one year. What does she have to lose except her heart to the impossibly handsome Earl of Barrett?

 

@font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Bookman Old Style"; panose-1:2 5 6 4 5 5 5 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;}div.Section1 {page:Section1;}@font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Bookman Old Style"; panose-1:2 5 6 4 5 5 5 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;}div.Section1 {page:Section1;}
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744PNS1H/ref=twoen-20

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Wedding-Loving-Billionaire-Book/dp/1979722447/ref=twoen-20

 

Be sure to check out the authors that are participating:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/april-99c-sale-bookish-event

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-accidental-wedding-a99

@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Bookman Old Style"; panose-1:2 5 6 4 5 5 5 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;}a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-parent:""; color:#0563C1; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;}a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:#954F72; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;}div.Section1 {page:Section1;}

Giveaway Info:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to win a $30 Amazon (US) gift card

Open Internationally.

Runs April 6 – April 12, 2021.

Winner will be drawn on April 15, 2021.

@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Bookman Old Style"; panose-1:2 5 6 4 5 5 5 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;}a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-parent:""; color:#0563C1; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;}a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:#954F72; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;}div.Section1 {page:Section1;}