Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 48

#Excerpt: RELIC BOUNTY by Arwen Paris

Relic Bounty
Arwen Paris
(Relic Legacy Series)
Publication date: December 30th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

Kill the courier, retrieve the relic, collect the money.

Bounty hunter Janis Torzen finally has a chance to free himself from his indentured servitude to the mob. The brutal weather on planet Urrak is as unforgiving as the mob boss Janis Torzen works for, so of course a sudden sandstorm upsets his best laid plans. To make things worse, the courier, Everell, turns out to be a beautiful, smart-mouthed archeologist who has her own plans for the money. Unfortunately, powerful people will kill to possess the relic Everell carries—everyone from government officials to the social elite, and they will stop at nothing to get it.

Now on the run, Janis and Everell are forced to depend on each other to escape from Nadir Space Port. But when Everell and the relic are stolen from Janis, he must go back to the very man he’s trying to get away from and offer a deal with the devil. He’s got nothing to lose but his own life, so he bluffs the mob, willing to sacrifice his future to save the woman he’s fallen in love with—a woman he’s still not sure he can trust.

It’s a crazy plan, one so crazy it just might work. If he succeeds, it will pay out big for his wallet and his heart—if he doesn’t die trying. But with a bounty this high, it’s worth any risk…

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS released in 2017 and the second book in the series RIVAL in 2018. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Idaho, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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#Review: THE PRINCESS AND THE ROGUE by Kate Bateman

 

  4 of 5 stars

Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, stumbles upon Anya in a brothel of all places. When he attempts to engage her services, Anya tells him she's not a worker there. What she didn't tell him was that she was the Russian princess Anastasia who went missing a year ago in Paris. When Seb foils a kidnapping attempt of Anya, he agrees to protect her at his Tricorn gambling establishment. Anya feels the undeniable attraction between the two of them, but refuses to tell him who she really is. When he eventually discovers her identify, he feels betrayed by her secrets. Can they finally get beyond the betrayal and confess their love for each other?

This is the 3rd book in the Bow Street Bachelors and I was looking forward to reading Seb's story. I loved Seb. He was so loyal and competent although his constant scowling got a little old. As far as Anya is concerned, I had mixed feelings about her. She is supposed to be a smart young woman and yet she runs away from Paris with only her maid and a few jewels. Being a princess why wasn't there guards or advisors or anyone who could protect her from Petrov? That was a big plot hole for me that there wasn't anyone she could turn to for help. I absolutely loved the dowager. She was a hoot!

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

#Review: HER WICKED MARQUESS by Stacy Reid

 

5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Reid and what an introduction to her utterly enthralling writing. Nicolas St. Ives is a man haunted by what happened to his childhood friend, Arianna. He's made it his mission to punish those men who were responsibility for what happened to her. He's playing a long game--10 years of plotting and angling himself to be the architect of their ruin. He's almost done with the revenge game, but he is distracted by the utterly fascinating Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam, a feisty wallflower that he can no longer overlook. He longs to make her his, but his enemies are watching and if they know she is important to him, he fears they will strike against her. Can he give up his revenge for the woman he loves?

Wow, what a riveting story this is! Ms. Reid is a master storyteller revealing bit by bit what makes Nicolas tick. Her descriptions bring scenes to life and I was hooked from the beginning. I loved Maryann. She was so brave and strong and the interactions between her and Nicolas were intriguing. A word of warning--there are numerous graphic sex scenes in this book for those readers who do not care for this in their stories. I will definitely look for other books by Ms. Reid.

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

 

 

#SALE .99 THE DUKE'S FORBIDDEN LOVE by Debra Elizabeth

 

THE DUKE'S FORBIDDEN LOVEAge of Innocence, Book 4 
Miss Amelia Beckwith should be over the moon with happiness when the Earl of Lincoln proposes. Unfortunately, the handsome earl is not who he appears to be in public.  She is desperate to escape Lincoln’s cruelty and has only one option left to leave the nightmare behind—RUN.
Racing back to his estate during a horrific thunderstorm, James Harlow, the Duke of Warwick, spots a young woman walking along the road when a bolt of lightning startles her. She tumbles down the ravine and lays like a broken doll at the bottom. Warwick rescues her and with the help of his staff nurses her back to health. There’s only one problem—the woman who has captivated his heart has lost her memory and cannot tell him who she is or where she comes from. Can he find out the identity of this delicate beauty before fate steps in and ruins everything he loves?
Amazon link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0892SBDTC/ref=twoen-20
Read for FREE with KindleUnlimited


Reviewer’s Comments:
5 stars - I thoroughly enjoyed the tale & look forward to reading more from this author, Amazon customer
5 stars - It was truly a lovely, whimsical, delightful, enjoyable read!! This book was a quick, fast paced story that truly captured the historical romance genre essence. That is one thing that I truly love about Debra Elizabeth’s writing! Her extensive amount of detail and research applied to her work shows not only the respect she has for her writing, but also her dedication to the genre, Amazon customer
4 stars - I thought it was pretty good. I liked the characters, the setting and the sweet romance, Amazon customer 
 

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, December 2020

  'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, 
  When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
  The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.      
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

 
  His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
  He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
  He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

 

#Review: A DUKE IN SHINING ARMOR by Loretta Chase

 

4 of 5 stars

I recently read "Ten Things I hate About the Duke" and didn't realize it was the second book in the series. I was curious what had happened with Ripley and Lady Olympia and bought this book. What a fun read. I loved Ripley. He was always trying to do the honorable thing and things just got more and more complicated. Ms. Chase reveals Olympia's personality a little at a time keeping the reader engaged from the opening page to the last. I can't wait to read Blackwood and Alice's story next.

#Review: FOREVER YOUR DUKE by Erica Ridley

 

5 of 5 stars

Alexander Borland, seventh Duke of Nottingvale, holds an annual Christmas party, but this year he's going to choose a bride on the last day. His mother has invited all the eligible young women including Lady Gertrude. The only downside was that Gertrude would be accompanied by that spinster hoyden Cynthia Louise Finch. Society had decided years ago that Cynthia Louise was not marriage material. When she finally stopped trying to fit in and follow the rules, her life became so much better. She would be a disaster choice for Nottingvale and his mother reminds him throughout the fortnight party of that fact. How long can Alexander and Cynthia Louise deny their feelings just to please the ton?

I loved this book. Cynthia Louise was such a fun character and of course Alexander had to be so straight-laced and proper. Opposites attract and these two tried hard to convince themselves that Alexander should marry Lady Gertrude who was the perfect young woman who followed the rules. Once Alexander let Cynthia Louise tempted him to just have fun for once, he knew she was the only woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Ms. Ridley was very creative with this story and I read it in one sitting. I'm sorry to see the series end because I enjoyed all the stories in that fairy tale town of Christmas.

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

 

 

#Review: COURTING DANGER by Kerrigan Byrne

 

5 of 5 stars  

I haven't read any of the previous books in this series so I had no preconceived notion of who Nora was before. This book starts out with a bang--literally with Nora dying from a gunshot wound from her husband. What a way to keep the reader engaged!

I felt so bad for Nora. She was selfless with her actions regarding Titus although Titus never knew why Nora pushed him away. Nora's father was a piece of work--hated him from beginning to end. Although the book mostly focuses on Nora, Ms. Byrne teasing out the back story for how Titus became the esteemed doctor he was. There were lots of twists and turns in this book and the ending was a surprise--not the HEA but how Nora and Titus finally got the chance to be together despite dark forces keeping them apart. I can't wait to read Mercy and Felicity's story. Those two are a hoot!

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

 

Interview with C.S. Hale, ALL BAGS GO TO CLEVELAND

What are your favorite TV shows?

I have about 70 set to record on my DVR. As an elementary teacher, I always have grading to do, and it doesn’t seem like such a chore if I’m watching something while I grade. I recently fell in love with The Last Alaskans. I love shows that show creativity, such as Project Runwayand the baking championships on the Food Network. I love mysteries such as Vera and Endeavor. NCIS became a favorite after my dad died in 2008. It had been one of his favorites, and I can’t believe that I didn’t check it out until after he was gone. I had watched Grey’s Anatomy since the first episode but stopped last year when it became too political for me. I watch TV to escape. I don’t need to see the woes of the world on the small screen as it sits in my classroom every day. And I will cry the day The Blacklist goes off the air. Raymond Reddington is one of my favorite characters of all time. Talk about your byronic hero! Just when you think you’ve figured things out, they change again.

 

What is your favorite meal?

I don’t have one. I love food and what I crave changes depending on my mood and the season. All Bags Go to Cleveland allowed me to indulge that through semi-foodie Dave. I could wander Union Square Market and have him cook for me any day. Or the Belgian place. *drools* Angela’s favorite Belgian restaurant is next door to the hotel I stayed at in NYC. My niece finally became embarrassed that we ate there so much. I even subjected my oldest son to meals there when we went to NYC for his audition to the Royal College of Music. He ended up choosing a different school, but the trip was worth it for the food.

 

If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about?

 Well, I currently have four series. Two are still in the drawer (an urban fantasy series where those who have had near-death experiences are stalked, and a fairytale retelling series). My Bánalfar series follows a woman from 400 years in the future who is forced to crash land on an alien planet that it is against the law to contact as they have only a medieval Earth level of development. And Cleveland is the first of three books that follow the lives of gremlins (not the furry things from the movie) and other magical creatures. I’m already at work on Ghost Chilis Are Realand will follow that with Angela’s cousin Julia’s story.

 

Is there a writer you idolize?

If so who? I love writers who can create worlds that you can absolutely lose yourself in. C.S Lewis was an early favorite. Katherine Kurtz greatly influenced who I am as a person, as well as my world view. I can get utterly lost in a Stephanie Meyer novel. Janet Evanovich and Darynda Jones are great when you need to laugh out loud. C.J. Redwine builds fabulous worlds but leaves a path of death in her wake. Seriously, there are memes about her and everything. (Love you CJ!) And my critique partner Bethany Adams does the most amazing deep POV. I wish I could write like her, but she doesn’t know how she does it.

 

How did you come up for the title of this book?

Cleveland was born at a writer’s conference where I was seated next to agent Andrea Brown’s husband. We had been talking travel and he asked, “Why is it that when your luggage is misdirected, it always goes to Cleveland? Why do all bags go to Cleveland?” I knew immediately that there was a book there. His question was begging to be a title. Three days later, I had the answer to Dave’s question and gasped out loud as I was driving through a roundabout.

 

 

BLURB:

 

Angela Grimalke appears more blonde bombshell than the gremlin she is. But there is no denying her supernatural truth after her clumsiness gets her fired from her modeling career. Forced to work for her family’s upscale airline, she spends her days slinging luggage and wishing her parents would get off her back about finding a nice gremlin guy to settle down with. 

 

Relationships were the last thing on her mind, not that her family would accept that. 

 

For Dave Ford his frequent business travel made it next to impossible for him to find a woman who could tolerate his chaotic schedule. Which is why he appreciates Angela. Neither of them are looking for love, but Dave feeds Angela's addiction for chocolate while she provides him with the chaos to keep him on his toes.

 

However, as Angela’s parents bombard her with a parade of "eligible" gremlin men at their weekly family dinners, she finds herself torn between who she longs to be and her family’s expectations. Will she give in and live the life of magic they want for her? Or risk it all by to confessing to Dave that she isn’t human?

 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FVDJL54

 

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Catherine “C.S.” Hale has been writing fantasy since she could hold a pencil. When not holed up in a comfortable corner writing all her books out by longhand, she can be found somewhere by the sea, enjoying tea and pastries.

 

Website: cshalebooks.com

 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CatSHale

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcshale

 

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#Sale .99 THE UNEXPECTED WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:

Lady Elizabeth Tyndale has endured a string of bad dates. She’s not sure if sharing her opinions and business sense scared potential boyfriends away, but what’s the point of having an opinion if she never expresses it? When her brother and sister-in-law invite her to join them on a trip to San Diego, she reluctantly agrees. Besides, what does she have to lose? She’s certainly not burning up the dating scene in England.

Computer Programmer Jackson ‘Jack’ Stanfield doesn’t date much. He’d rather bury himself in code because computers are simple, but people are complicated. When his college buddy invites him to a BBQ, Jack reluctantly agrees to attend. He’s not prepared for his intense reaction when he meets Elizabeth Tyndale. Can the British beauty draw Jack out of his shell and open his heart to love?

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Wedding-Loving-Billionaire-Book-ebook/dp/B07XY8KQC5

Customer Reviews:

5 stars - I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. It had laughs and sorrows and a Clean romance which I appreciate in a book. It flowed seamlessly from one scene to another. Characters were well defined and the writing was very smooth and unpretentious. Very enjoyable book. Amazon customer

5 stars - I absolutely loved this book!!

It was truly a lovely, whimsical, delightful, engaging, heartwarming, romantic read!!

This is the third book I’ve read from the talented writer, Debra Elizabeth. About two and half years ago, I had the privilege of reading her book, “The Accidental Wedding,” which is Book One of The Loving a Billionaire Book Series. I totally loved it, so I was very excited to read her latest work, “The Unexpected Wedding,” which is Book Two of The Loving a Billionaire Book Series.

This book is a light, easy to read, enjoyable book that just swept you off your feet and transported you into a beautiful, charming, HEA story!! I could not put the book down!! Amazon customer 

 

Excerpt:

Jack walked toward the back door. When he was almost there, he saw a vision—a stunning young woman with blonde curls cascading down her back. When she turned at his approach, the last rays of the sun enveloped her silhouette, giving her an ethereal dreamy quality. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and he felt the breath leave his body as he stood staring open-mouthed. He’d never had such a reaction to a woman before. It was new and an unnerving experience.

“Did you want something?” she asked.

Jack continued to stare, totally captivated by this woman and her beautiful cornflower blue eyes. He knew she was talking, but he didn’t hear a word, just a lyrical melody.

The young woman waved her hand in front of his face. “Hello, can I get you something?”

That broke his trance and Jack felt heat climb up his neck. “Huh? Oh god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to stare,” he stammered.

“It’s quite all right. Now do you want something, a beer perhaps?” she asked.

“You’re British?”

The young woman’s eyes traveled down to her feet and back up again before she looked at him. “Last time I looked, yes,” she chuckled.

What an asinine thing to say!

 “Shall we start again?” she asked. “I’m Elizabeth and you are?”

Jack gave himself a mental shake. “Oh, please forgive me. I’m not used to making a complete fool of myself before I’ve even uttered a single word. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth. I’m Jackson, um Jack, that is.”

“Well, Jackson um Jack, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, would you like a beer?”

He chuckled. “Yes, please. That would be good.”

 

 

 

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