Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 83

Blog Tour: KITCHEN MATCHES by Marianne Arkins

Kitchen Matches

by Marianne Arkins

 

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GENRE: Romance

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BLURB:

 

A feisty auto mechanic and a hunky chef cook up chaos!

Cori Weathers is a wizard with a torque wrench, but the moment she lays eyes onher cooking teacher, Micah DePalma, her lessons turn into a klutzy symphony offlying poultry and burning aprons. It makes no sense. He couldn't be less hertype: tall, skinny, and born with a silver spoon in his mouth. So why is herheart sputtering like a badly tuned engine?

Despite family pressure to date only women of his own social class, somethingabout the cooking-challenged spitfire lights all Micah's burners. Cori's acomplex dish inside a deceptively simple coating, one he's willing to risktackle football and jealous ex-boyfriends to sample.

His every attempt to crack her stubborn heart strikes sparks. Will they ignitethe flame of love or explode into just another kitchen disaster?

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Excerpt One:

 

Corinne Weathers, Cori to her friends and family—but not toher very proper cooking class teacher, Micah DePalma—gave a squeak of fear atthe flames creeping up her apron. She slapped at them with her potholder, butit didn’t help. Her throat was so tight with panic, she couldn’t cry out forhelp. With one last futile whack at the growing fire, and desperately trying toremain calm, Cori reached behind her neck to untie the apron straps. Hertrembling fingers fumbled with the bow and pulled it into a good, solid knot.

 

A brief hissing sound was the only warning she got beforeclouds of whatever white stuff lurked inside a fire extinguisher smacked intoher gut like a fist and drifted in a halo around her head.

 

She coughed and waved a hand in the air in an attempt toclear it. “Thanks.”

 

“You’re welcome.” A familiar male voice threaded through thecloud.

 

Cori grimaced. Ack. Saved by Micah DePalma, herhandsome-but-cranky cooking teacher. Why couldn’t it have beensomeone—anyone—else? She closed her eyes for a moment and prayed for somethingto rescue her from his wrath. She knew a lecture was on its way, knew shedeserved one for setting herself on fire, but she really didn’t want to hearit.

 

 

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Review: Cori’s cooking class seemed to bea disaster. Actually, it seemed the disaster was HER as she couldn’t really doanything right. I mean, seriously, who catches on fire…TWICE? Somebody whoshouldn’t be in the kitchen. And her micromanager, tough-as-nails teacherdidn’t help any. It was just a shame he was so cold to her because he wasactually hot stuff. But even so, Cori just didn’t match well with rich, high-classmen. But then…

“Who’d have thought that crankyMr. DePalma would have puppy-dog eyes?”

Micah seemed to have beenimpressed by the tiny, tomboy girl that knew her way around cars better thanany man. And what was Pretty Boy thinking accepting an invitation to playfootball with Cori’s overprotective brothers and her very jealous linebacker ofan ex-boyfriend?  Yikes!

The story was laced withcleverness, wit, and humor, and it all just naturally draws you in. Gotta lovethat Cori for being able to throw a punch and not taking any load from anybody,especially her jerky ex. And it was sweet of Micah for wanting to protect Cori. 

 “[Micah] wasn’t like any guy she’d knownbefore. Her brothers and Steve—they were rough and loud and rude. Strong andcompletely male.” But he could cook and there was just something about him. Butwhy would he want someone like her, a woman that couldn’t cook, clean, orprimp?

Could this match be anymoremismatched?

But perhaps a mismatch could bethe most perfect thing in the world? After all, the heart wants what the heartwants.

A sweet, laugh-out-loud romance oftwo people from opposite sides of the track. A quick and enjoyable read!

 

Rating:5 stars

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Marianne isoriginally from California but currently living in the lovely state of Utahwith her daughter, two dogs, two cats and one adorable foster hamster. Shecan’t imagine a world without romance or not having stories rattling around inher brain. There are nights when she dreams a complete story and watches itacted out in her head. Those are the times she wakes up and grabs for a notepadto jot down the important parts – without turning on the light – and hopes it’scoherent in the morning. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America andheavily involved and indebted to her group of writing friends.

 

https://mariannearkinsauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Author-Marianne-Arkins-111996717795365/

https://www.facebook.com/mariannearkins

https://twitter.com/MarianneArkins

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1452737.Marianne_Arkins

 

All RetailerBuy Links: https://books2read.com/b/KitchenMatches

 

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GIVEAWAY

One randomly chosen winner viarafflecopter will win a $10 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: YES, ROYA by C Spike Trotman, Ed Denich, and Kelly Fitzpatrick

 

Wylie, a shy and strugglingcartoonist, goes to his hero’s home for a portfolio review. After taking aprovocative piece of art, the cartoonist starts to get naughty ideas. Then Royacomes into the picture and the shy cartoonist enters a hedonistic sexualexperience. Oh wow! Very erotic! Very sexually explicit! Very good! Webasically have a trio experimentation. Yowza! And Roya controls it all.

 

Love the color and thecartoon-like illustrations. It can get a little too detailed and graphic attimes, but the sex scenes were still pretty hot. There were too many textbubbles all over the place, making it too chaotic and hard to read. I didn’tquite understand the politics with the publisher, but I was glad it all workedout for everyone in the end.

 

A good read!

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: SAVORING ENORMOUS SWEET POTATOES by Rivierax Huxgox (erotic manga)

 

I enjoyed the comedy in this. Imean, breaking your back when you’re getting it on? That’s rich! To get closeto the girl of his dreams, a college guy steps into some tights and joins apilates class. Funny poses with wild expressions! What a hot shower scene! Agood read!

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: THE ENIGMATIC MAID by Shannon Gordon (erotic manga)

 

An unknown woman from hischildhood returns as a housemaid with her much-equally busty sister. Theboy—now a curious young man—finds himself drawn to the sister. Funny how theyaccidentally end up—naked in the tub together. And that’s when the experimentationbegins, which was quite sensual.

 

The illustrations were prettygood, but the angles and close-ups seemed odd and off.

 

Can two sexually awkward andinexperienced teens resist temptation? Definitely not!

 

A pretty good read.

 

Rating:3 stars

Review: TIME TO COME AND FIND OUT by Carol BullC (erotic manga)

 

A guy thinks his new futurestepmom is real hot. Curiosity keeps nagging at him and, soon, the new stepmomtakes charge and takes what she wants. Talk about hot!

 

You’d think you’d feel bad for thedad, but he was cheating with someone so you don’t. The real question was: wasthere something going on between the boy and the girl? I loved the part when hesaves her from the perverted CEO.

 

A good romantic read!

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: TEMPTATION HIGH (erotic manga)

 

The storyline was kind of hard tounderstand. From what I gather, everyone in the senior class is being invitedto a party. There seemed to be too many characters and too many stories at oncehere. Too long, too confusing, and too slow. Not a good read.

 

Rating:2 stars

Blog Tour: AMOUR IN AVIGNON by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Amour in Avignon

by Jennifer Ivy Walker

 

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GENRE:   contemporary erotic romance novella

 

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BLURB:

 

Adrift and lonely, Lily Greene travels toProvence to spend the summer with her aunt in the sunny south of France. In the vibrant city of Avignon, she meets Ludo and Auguste, two expert fencerswho are also local actors performing in the upcoming Festival of Theater wherethey will present the classical tragedy, Cyrano de Bergerac.
When Lily joins their thespian troupe, portrayingthe lead female role, she discovers that real life mirrors the play they arerehearsing, for--just as Cyrano and Christian vie for Roxane-- Ludo and Augustebecome intense rivals for Lily.
Handsome as a Hollywood movie star, Auguste is usedto women falling into his bed. But when Lily spurns his amorous advances, drawninstead to the enigmatic Ludo, jealousy drives Auguste to seek revenge.
Will tragedy strike with a cruel twist of fate? Orwill love triumph with Amour in Avignon?

 

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Excerpt One:

 

A clean shaven, muscular blond of medium height with asmooth, sculpted chest paused his work to look up at Aggie’s approach. Fairhair gilded in the golden sun, his welcoming grin was as dazzling as the blueeyes which sparkled with reflected light as he rove an appreciative gaze overLily. Setting his hammer down on a nearby shelf, he hoisted up the faded jeanswhich had fallen seductively low on his narrow hips. Lily admired the goldenfuzz below his navel before quickly averting her eyes.

 

At his side, a carpenter with huge shoulders, a lanky frame,and long limbs stood to welcome the women. Dark hair covered his tattooed chestand sinewy arms, trailing down his rippled abdomen to disappear into thewaistband of his torn, tattered jeans. Long black hair pulled back in a queue,his prominent, aquiline nose was balanced by a square jawline covered with darkstubble. In his deep green eyes, Lily glimpsed intelligence, intensity, andinterest. And a simmering sensuality that stirred her very soul.

 

 

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Review: An American woman was staying withher aunt in France. Two Frenchmen were vying for her attention. While one wasaggressively pursuing her, it was really the other—the one with the uglynose—that she wanted.

After a day of sight-seeing, Lilyand Ludo share a passionate night together. How would his friend react to thistraitorous consummation?

The roles these three characterstake part in the play “Cyrano” mirrors the conflict they have in this book.Actually, there was ample opportunity for some good conflict, which this bookdidn’t quite take advantage of. Instead, it was rather mild with more time andeffort spent on the French food, scenery, and, of course, the play. I evenexpected the sex to be hotter. I mean, it was still sexy, but I expected it tobe hotter. The flowery language was enriching, but it was sometimes long andslowed down the story.

Quick and easy, this was still afairly nice read.

 

Rating:3 stars

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

JenniferIvy Walker has an MA in French literature and is a former high school teacherand professor of French at a state college in Florida.  Her novels encompass a love for Frenchlanguage, literature, and culture, incorporating her lifelong study and manytrips to France. Amour in Avignon was inspired by her National Endowment of theHumanities scholarship for teachers to participate in le Festival d’ Avignon—the world famous Festival of Theater inthe city of Avignon, France.

 

SocialMedia Links

 

Website:  https://jenniferivywalker.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor/

Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/bohemienneivy/amour-in-avignon/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy

Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Avignon-Passport-Pleasure-Jennifer-Walker-ebook/dp/B0CJH6FSSV/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199108488-amour-in-avignon

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/amour-in-avignon-passport-to-pleasure-by-jennifer-ivy-walker

 

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GIVEAWAY :

Jennifer Ivy Walker will be awarding $25 Amazon orBarnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during thetour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: VALKYRIE EARTH CYRY'S by Merrin Slade

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Merrin Slade will award a $50 Kobo gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In a world where perfection is demanded of its citizens, one imperfect woman may be the only person who can save humanity.

One thousand years in the future, humans have developed the ability to alter their genes to create a perfect version of themselves, but not all are so fortunate. Cerys Skye is a Wild Type, genetically unaltered and forced to live in the Refuge—a place for Wild Types and the unlucky citizens whose genetic modifications society has deemed as imperfect.

All the fiery tempered young woman knows is how to fight. Using her wits and skills, Cerys must compete in brutal prize fights if she is to bring food to the table for her younger sister. But, she is always aware that the next fight could her last—she must find a way out of this life.

Leaving behind all that she knows, the last place the tempestuous Cerys expects to find herself is joining the United Planet's Space Force Academy, where she battles prejudice and intolerance in a world run by genetically modified humans.

As the new recruit discovers, not all is as it seems at the Academy with a shadowy cyber-evil seeking to threaten humanity. But, when loyalties are tested and the stakes are high, can Cerys rely on newfound allies and her unshakeable courage to stop the impending catastrophe?

Contains mature themes.

Read an Excerpt

“You’ve got the wrong Wild Type—sir.” Cerys stood straighter.

“There is no mistake.” His eyes narrowed.

“I haven’t done anything, and I’m already late for training.”

“I have my orders to ship you out. We’ve spent a lot of time finding you, Cerys Skye.” The secofficer glanced into the sky, searching for something.

“Let me explain.” Her pulse throbbed in her temple. “I’ve done nothing illegal. If this is about the protests, I’m not involved and I’m not with Rebels. You’ve got the wrong person.” She gritted her teeth. “You can’t send me to jail if I haven’t done anything, sir.”

“Jail?” His brows shot up. “Oh, no. Not jail. You’re going to the Space Force Academy.”

Cerys’s mouth opened, but no sound came out.

“Space Force?” she finally stuttered. “That test was over a year ago. In the border settlements… We never heard...” She had buried the dark day of the exam; remembering brought back humiliation and failure. She didn’t want to think about what happened ever again.

“You never answered our messages. You’ve been impossible to find, Skye.”

“You were trying to find me? This dump is a technical wasteland—messaging is impossible.” Cerys’s mind spun. When she lived with her father, the space academy in Annapol had been her dream, but the chance of getting a scholarship was almost impossible because GMs were doing their best to keep Wild Types out.

“You’re lucky we finally located you.” The secofficer tapped his foot. “A random biometric scan of the fighters in the arena yesterday picked you up. Orders from the top were to bring you in immediately.”

“Space Force?” This could be a chance to make a better life for her and Starla. Her heart pounded.

“Well, are you coming or not?”

“It’s just…” She would have to leave Starla, and how would her sister survive on her own? Cerys shuffled, not knowing what to do.

“You are rejecting your place at the academy?” he scoffed. “Wild Types are such a waste of time.” He waved his hand. “Step aside, then.”

She dug her nails into her palms. If she stayed, death in the arena was certain. If not tomorrow, it would be soon. No future for her, no future for Starla. If she went, she could send Starla money and save the rest to make a new life for them.

“I accept.”

About the Author: Merrin Slade is a science fiction writer who transports readers to alternate futures and faraway universes.

Connect with Merrin Slade:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@merrinslade
Website: https://merrinslade.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrinslade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merrinslade

The book is discounted for a limited time in NZ, Australia and the UK. https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/cerys-valkyrie-earth

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: WHEN THE SKIES RAINED FREEDOM by Annette Oppenlander

 

When the Skies Rained Freedom

by Annette Oppenlander

 

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GENRE:   Historical Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Captivating, gripping and relentlesslyauthentic...inspired by eyewitness accounts.

To this day, the Berlin airlift presents one of themost dramatic and daring historic events of post WWII Germany, pinning eastagainst west, and cementing the Cold War against Soviet Russia. Without thehelp of America’s brave pilots, two million Berliners would’ve been lost toStalin’s dictatorial regime, the future of Europe may have turned out entirelydifferent.

Berlin, May 1945: As the war finally ends, LotteBerger's apartment lies in rubble, her mother suffers a breakdown after anassault by Russian soldiers, and both, Lotte's father and fiancé are missing inRussia. Only when Mitch Cameron, an American pilot, comes to her aid after anaccident, does she regain hope. Just as they are growing closer, Lotte's fiancéreappears under suspicious circumstances...

Berlin, June 1948: Lotte has fought her way throughthe aftermath of WWII and a devastating loss, when Russia’s dictator, JosefStalin, decides to take over West Berlin. By cutting off supply lines,electricity and travel, he is willing to starve two million Berliners and forcethe U.S., Britain and France out. But the western allies, led by PresidentTruman, decide to do the impossible: support Berlin from the air. Thus begins aturbulent and seemingly futile attempt to rescue West Berlin. Willing to do herpart, Lotte lands a job as a translator at the American-run Tempelhof Airport.Even if her love is long lost, she can at least dream about Mitch helping tofree Berlin...

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Lotte

How fragile life is. Snuffed out in an instant, erased bythe millions—the essence of war. Oh, how I hate it, that faceless, cruel warthat has taken everything I hold dear. And yet, in its aftermath, when it wasfinally over, I rose from the rubble along with my fellow Berliners, to liveand fight another hour, another day—a lifetime.

 

Berlin, September 1948

I look up as the sky darkens with another low-flying plane.American cargo planes, large and seemingly too heavy to remain in the air,colossal hunks of steel, are here to save us. They carry everything from sugarto dried potatoes to oil and coal, everything to supply the threewestern-occupied sectors of Berlin.

 

The air is balmy, a mild day with lots of sunshine, a lastremnant of summer, yet the droning sounds above send shivers up my back likeicy gusts in winter. It has been nearly three and a half years since Berlin sawits last bomb attacks—attacks that lasted for years and many of us survivedonly by a miracle, hiding in basements among the wreckage.

 

The air vibrates as another plane passes overhead. My handslides into the pocket of my dress to find the brass button, wrapped in myfather’s handkerchief. I run a forefinger over its surface and though I cannotsee it, I could draw the eagle’s wings in the dark. Maybe he is up there rightnow, flying overhead. Would I know, would the button I’m carrying somehowsubmit a signal, some invisible wave? Nonsense, I scold myself. Why do Ibother?

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

AnnetteOppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As abestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authenticcharacters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researchedsettings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the secondhalf in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminatingstory questions as relevant today as they were in the past. 

 

Oppenlander’sbestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, received eightnominations/awards. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures andevents into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying agood story.

 

Oppenlandershares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries,festivals and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits.The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she now lives with her husband andmutt Zelda in Germany.

 

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/So-Close-Heaven-Annette-Oppenlander-ebook/dp/B0BM82FMNH/

 

Contact

Website: www.annetteoppenlander.com  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/annetteoppenlanderauthor 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/aoppenlander   

Pinterest:annoppenlander

Instagram:@annette.oppenlander

Blog: www.annetteoppenlander.com/blog/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Annette-Oppenlander/e/B00W8QRTJ4/ 

Email:hello@annetteoppenlander.com

 

Buy Links When the Skies Rained Freedom

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Skies-Rained-Freedom-historical/dp/3948100462/

Barnes & Noble:   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144247442?ean=9783948100469

 

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GIVEAWAY :

Annette Oppenlander will be awarding $15 Amazon orBarnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during thetour.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: I SURVIVED by Celisha J.

 

I SURVIVED

by Celisha J

 

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GENRE:  Memoir

 

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BLURB:

 

In“I Survived” the author’s journey through a life marked by hardship, pain andresilience. From the devastating loss of a mother at a young age to abusiverelationships and a harrowing escape, this gripping memoir unveils the story ofsurvival, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Withunwavering determination, the author overcomes the shadows of her past to forgea path toward self-discovery, healing, and hope.

 

ISurvived is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and theunwavering belief that no matter the obstacles, one can triumph over adversityand ultimately thrive.

 

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Introduction

 

My name isCelisha J. I have been through a lot, learned, and am better because of it. Iam a firm believer that every lesson is a blessing. God has saved me so manytimes. I know he did this because he has something bigger planned for me.

 

My prayer forthis book is that it helps women and children who have gone through the same orsimilar situations to know that they don’t have to allow the traumas of theirpast to keep them from being successful. I believe that God has a plan for ourlife, but we did something to alter that plan along the way. He did not intendfor us to struggle or have a hard life. He allows us to choose the path we wantto go on. The good thing is he is that he is Always there to pick us up when wefall. We were born for greatness.

 

Hold yourselfaccountable for your mistakes and forgive yourself and those who hurt you.Forgiveness is for you. I want people to know you can be the best you that youallow. No one says it will be easy, but the main thing to remember is that youare responsible for you. I believe that the only person you can truly believein life, who won’t let you down, is God and yourself. In order for you to crawlout of the slump of being abused, hurt, let down, controlled, and battered is,your faith in God and the belief that he has better for you. He does not wantus to live in our past. He intended for us to learn from it and allow our pastto help other people gain strength, but if we tell our stories and we have notgrown from what happened to us, then who can we really help?

 

I have donesome things in my past that I am not proud of, and this book tells you my storyand how I remember it. No, it is not everything, but the book will tell you thethings that stood out the most to me. I have learned a lot and grown from mymistakes, and I have decided not to allow the embarrassment, pain, andstruggles from my past to hold me back, so I am releasing it in this book.

 

This is my UglyTruth!

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Born in Michigan now living in Atlanta Celisha J. is an Actressand Author all in one, landing a role in a movie and a lead role on a TVSeries.

 

She currently has a book entitled “I Survived”. It is a chillingstory about her life from losing her mom at an early age and all the thingsthat she has endured in her life, that should have broken her but she uses herpain as motivation to continue on her journey to following her dreams of beingan actress, author and motivational speaker. She is currently pursuing moreroles in acting.

 

Website: http://www.Celishaj.com  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Celishaj_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Celishajtheactress

Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/celishaj  

 

Available on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/I-SURVIVED-Celisha-J-ebook/dp/B0CL9K719D

 

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Qzi7NXoPXbs?si=SIVr-OVo5Nv01dro

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY

Onerandomly drawn winner will win a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway