Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 104

Love and Country~Tour & Giveaway

For Love and Country 
When A Man Is Torn Between Honoring His Country And The Woman He Loves, The Best Option Might Be To Choose Both.   When Maggie du Woernig willfully ignores her parents’ admonitions and entangles herself with Nik Koenig, she is certain he’s the only man who will make her happy. Blind to Nik’s real intentions, she throws herself recklessly into a situation that could not only destroy her life but compromise the safety of her country.   Han Heinrich has resigned himself to working in the castle stables, mostly as an excuse to have contact each day with Maggie. His aspirations for a more fulfilling career seem fruitless, in spite of his father’s position as the duke’s highest advisor. But when Han learns about Maggie’s precarious situation, he is willing to sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves, and to save the country he would die for. He only hopes that someday Maggie will forgive him. Purchase your copy:Amazon * Barnes & NobleiTunes * Google Play * Kobo   Praise for The Horstberg Saga:  I completely enjoyed this book. The character development is fantastic. The author has a great sense of emotional storytelling that wraps you into the story as if you know,and can fully relate to the characters. This is the kind of story that touches the heart and the spirit. Well done. I look forward to the next chapter in the Horstberg Saga. This book kept me so interested, I had a hard time putting it down. Suspense, love without smut, emotions that so relate to everyday life. This author touched on it all. Such in depth understanding of human emotions with the characters. Firstly, I loved that this was a VOLUME! And what a great story to really sink my teeth into and get settled in with for more than just one sitting! Well written and thoroughly satisfying.   Author Elizabeth D. Michaels Elizabeth D. Michaels began writing at the age of sixteen, immersing herself ever since in the lives created by her vivid imagination. Beyond her devotion to family and friends, writing has been her passion for nearly three decades. While she has more than fifty published novels under the name Anita Stansfield and is the recipient of many awards, she boldly declares The Horstberg Saga as the story she was born to write, with many volumes in the works. She is best known for her keen ability to explore the psychological depths of human nature, bringing her characters to life through the timeless struggles they face in the midst of exquisite dramas. Website * Blog * Facebook


Excerpt from For Love and Country, Volume Three in The Horstberg Saga  The group of women passively busy at their needlework and chatting casually was comfortable and the situation commonplace. But perhaps that was the very reason Maggie felt so bored. No one had anything to say that she hadn’t heard some version of many times before. It was always the same. The men ran the country, and the women talked about what the men were doing, often joking that it was actually the womenwho ran the country because their husbands trusted them and relied heavily on their insights and opinions. These women were all heavily involved in ways that no outsider would ever suspect—especially if they could see them now, appearing as if not one of them knew how to do anythingexcept create little pictures in fabric out of tiny little stitches. Maggie wanted to scream!            Now that she’d stitched dutifully for nearly an hour, the probability of graciously escaping became more feasible, and she considered what she might say to her mother in order to be excused. Ironically, she knew her mother wasn’t terribly fond of needlework either; it rather seemed that she wanted her daughters to be privy to these conversations, as if they might learn something. Maggie just felt bored. She considered the possibility of a headache, or perhaps some feminine issue that would necessitate her needing to retire to her room. Then the door came open, which for a split second offered Maggie some relief at the idea of an interruption. But it was Erich and Han who sauntered into the drawing room and made themselves comfortable. She bit her tongue from suggesting that they should be taught how to make tiny little stitches while sitting with their backs straight—as opposed to the way they slouched onto the sofas in a manner that no gentleman ever would. She might expect as much from Han, but Erich had been raised to be a duke. Of course, Han had been raised at his side, so he supposedly did know how to behave like a gentleman. But it seemed that Han brought out the worst in Erich.            “Hello, boys,” Abbi said, lighting up at their appearance. Elsa lit up similarly since Han was her only child—her pride and joy. If she only knew how her son behaved when his mother wasn’t around!            “Hello, Mother,” Erich and Han replied almost simultaneously, each offering their mothers a warm smile.            “What are the two of you up to?” Elsa asked.            Maggie noted that Dulsie didn’t even glance up from her sewing, as if she hadn’t noticed that anyone else had come into the room. Nadine gave each of the boys a smile, which they returned fondly.            Erich looked toward Han as if he expected him to answer the question—perhaps because it was hismother who had asked it.            “Erich was just going down to his laboratory,” Han said dramatically, “to try a new experiment.”            “How very exciting,” Abbi said with a hint of dubious sarcasm. Her son’s interest in chemistry was one thing she could have lived without, and she’d never pretended that she felt otherwise. However, she also respected her children’s inclinations—as long as they were reasonable—therefore, she toleratedErich’s hobby. Maggie shared her mother’s views. She thought it was silly. But Erich took it very seriously. And their father had often said that if he wasn’t going to be the duke, he would have made an excellent chemist. According to opinions of experts who had helped teach him the science of chemistry, he was actually very good at it.            “Would you like to come along?” Erich asked.            “Who, me?” Sonia replied eagerly, and Maggie knew her sister was far more bored than she’d been letting on.            “Yes, you,” Erich said.            “You mean you’ll let me into your dungeon?” Sonia asked with an astonishment that was only a little bit wry.            “Of course.” Erich chuckled.            “I’d love to,” Sonia said, obviously glad to put the needlework aside.            “How about you, Mags?” Erich asked.            “I’d rather not,” she said with distaste.            “Ah, come on,” Erich urged. “It’ll be fun.”            “Forget it, Erich,” Han piped in. “She doesn’t like to have fun.”            Maggie saw her mother smile slightly, and she wondered why Abbi might find this amusing. She knew that bringing attention to it would only make her look foolish, so instead she tossed Han an indignant glare as she said with forced nonchalance, “Going down to the cold, dark recesses of this castle to watch bottles of liquid bubble is not my idea of fun.”            “But today we’re doing something very interesting,” Erich said. “We’re going to try a new experiment. And you can be a witness.”            “Oh, go along, darling,” Abbi urged. “It would be good for you to do something different.”            “Come along, little sister.” Erich took her hand and pulled her right off the chair. She didn’t want to admit her relief at tossing her needlework aside, but this wasn’t the escape she’d had in mind.            “Apparently I have no say in this,” Maggie said as she was dragged toward the door, her arm held firmly in her brother’s grasp.            “Don’t be such a ninny,” Erich said as if they were still young children in the nursery. “You were bored out of your mind, and I know it. If you weren’t so stubborn . . .” He laughed and left the sentence unfinished as he hurried to catch up with Sonia and Han, still holding to Maggie’s arm.            They quickly traversed a typically lengthy hallway before Erich pushed open a squeaky-hinged oak door and led the way down the stairs with Sonia behind him, then Maggie, and finally, Han, bringing up the rear.            “I hate these stairs,” Maggie said in reference to the winding stone steps with a wall on one side and only a rope bannister on the other. They seemed to go on and on, and she could almost get light-headed if she wasn’t careful.            “Oh, they’re fun,” Han remarked.            “They’re scary,” she retorted.            “I always count them,” Sonia said. “There are seventy-eight steps.”            “Really?” Han laughed. “Seems like more.”            Maggie began to feel dizzy and stopped briefly until she felt Han’s hand on her arm.            “Are you all right?” he whispered close behind her ear.            “I’m fine.” She pulled away quickly and proceeded down.            They came at last to the bottom, and Erich pushed open another squeaky door of iron.            “This place gives me the creeps,” Maggie said.            “It’s a dungeon.” Han smirked. “What do you expect? Just think of all the ancient tortures and all the people who died down here in the—”            “Oh hush!” Maggie cut off his dramatic speech, and he grinned at her as they followed Erich into his laboratory.            Mother had insisted that if Erich was going to do this, it had to be here so she wouldn’t have to put up with the odd smells or worry about fire. Erich came here almost every day without fail. Maggie thought it was all very strange.            “Now, let’s see,” Erich said as he lit a few lamps from the one he’d been carrying. He began picking up different bottles and looking at the labels. “Ah yes, here we go. First some of this and—”            “Don’t use that!” Han said. “We decided it would need this if it was going to work.” They proceeded to work intently on their project in silence while Maggie and Sonia looked on, occasionally exchanging a glance of astonishment over their antics. Except that while Sonia seemed more amused, Maggie felt mostly disgusted.            Maggie noticed, as she often did, the unique contrast in Han and Erich. They were both slender and muscular, above average height, but they looked nothing alike. Erich had red curls and blue eyes, a stark contrast to Han’s fluffy, blond hair and green eyes. Maggie recalled often hearing her mother say that the two of them looked and acted very much like their fathers used to. And though the years showed in her father’s face—and Han’s father as well—she could see the resemblances and had to admit it was true.            “What are you going to make?” Sonia asked with interest.            “A love potion,” Han said as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.            “Really?” Sonia asked with a little laugh.            “And just what is this love potion supposed to do?” Maggie asked skeptically.            “It makes people fall in love, of course,” Erich said as he busily poured a number of different liquids into a vial.            “Baggage!” Maggie said, and Han chuckled.            “All right, Han,” Erich said, “you know what to do now.”            “Are you sure you got everything in there?”            “Of course I’m sure.”            Han picked up a small vial and poured a drop of something into the mixture. Immediately it began to bubble and smoke.            “Good heavens,” Maggie said, but Han only rubbed his hands together. Erich looked positively satisfied, and Sonia was quite amused.            “That should do it,” Erich said, then he poured the liquid into a drinking glass and it gradually stopped bubbling. “Maggie would you hand me that . . . that rag over there?”            “What, this?” she asked, turning to pick up a little piece of cloth, which distracted her and Sonia for just a moment.            “Yes, thank you.” Erich took it from her and wrapped it around the glass. “This stuff is kind of hot.”            “Well,” Han said with his hands on his hips, “let’s see if it works.”            “Here goes,” Erich said. He took a deep breath and lifted the glass to his lips.            “Wait!” Maggie cried. “You can’t drink that!”            “Why not?”            “It’s probably . . . poison!”            “Oh, let him drink it.” Sonia smirked. “It would do him good.”            Grinning, Erich glanced toward Han and took a deep swallow of the drink. His face went into several exaggerated contortions. He shivered visibly from head to toe. Then he squeezed his eyes shut, opened them dramatically and coughed. When the initial effect seemed complete, Erich held his breath and the other three stared with wide eyes.            “Whew!” Erich said. “That stuff is potent.”            “How do you feel?” Han asked with expectation.            “No different.”            Erich gazed quite obviously toward Maggie and then Sonia, as if he expected something to happen. “Nothing!” he nearly shouted. “What could have gone wrong? We did all the right things. It should have—”            “Give me that!” Han said, abruptly taking the glass from Erich. “They’re your sisters. You can’t expect to fall in love with one of your sisters.”            “What is he talking about?” Maggie asked her brother.            “After a man drinks that stuff, he’s supposed to fall in love with the first woman he sees.”            “Baggage!” Maggie uttered.            They all became silent as Han took a big swallow of the golden liquid and did an exact imitation of the reactions Erich had performed. When he opened his eyes they were set on Maggie. He seemed quite stunned and overwrought with emotion.            “What do you feel?” Erich asked with intense anticipation.            “Erich,” Han whispered, “I never realized your sister was so beautiful.” Erich chuckled with satisfaction as Maggie’s eyes widened and she backed away. “She’s like an angel. I feel all tingly . . . and oh, Maggie!”            Han deftly swept her into his arms, and despite her efforts to get away, he held her to his advantage.            “Let go of me!” Maggie shrieked, barely aware that Erich and Sonia were laughing intolerably. She didn’t find it funny at all!            “Don’t speak to me that way, my love. Oh, Maggie . . . say you’ll be mine. I need you in my life.”            “You are mad! This is baggage!”            “How can you say such things?” Han looked genuinely hurt. “Can’t you see how much I love you?”            “Erich! Get him away from me!”            “But he’s in love,” Erich laughed. “You can’t blame a man for being in love.”            “Ooh!” Maggie hissed, but Han pressed his mouth over hers with a kiss that forced her into momentary silence.            “Let go of me!” she shouted louder when he set her lips free.            “One more kiss, my love,” he whispered, then overcame her with a kiss more passionate than the first.            Maggie forced back the memories stirred by his kiss and finally managed to turn her face away. Han chuckled, but she briefly caught something severe in his eyes that left her uneasy. “You’d better give her some of that stuff, Erich,” he said. “She could really use some. She’ll be betrothed soon and needs a little romance before the dreaded thing takes place and it’s too late.”            Maggie wanted to retort that she was in love and there would be no betrothal. But she bit her tongue, remembering her father’s admonition to keep it a secret.            Sonia laughed and said, “I’ll try some.”            Erich handed her the glass without hesitation while Han continued to hold Maggie close, ignoring her continued effort to free herself. Sonia took a careful sip and chuckled. “That’s nothing more than scotch whiskey. You switched glasses!”            Erich and Han laughed boisterously while Maggie finally managed to squirm out of Han’s arms.            “And how do you know?” Erich asked. “Has my little sister been thieving from the duke’s liquor cabinet?”            “Just a little taste here and there,” she admitted with a smile.            “Well, at least you get some adventure.” Han chuckled while Maggie brushed the front of her dress with exasperation. “That kiss is the most adventure Maggie’s had since—”            “Han!” she stopped him.            “Sorry,” he whispered and briefly put his hand over his mouth. “I won’t tell. I promise.”            Erich’s brows went up, and Han added, “Don’t ask, Erich. I won’t tell a soul—not even you.”            “If he does,” Maggie said, starting up the stairs, “I’m certain that Georg Heinrich would be interested to know what his son has been doing in the dungeon.”            “Threats?” Han called after her, but she ignored him. “Do be careful on those stairs, my love. Oh, and if you hear any serenading outside your window, it’s me. I’ll never forget that kiss. I could live on it for the rest of my life. But I may get desperate and come searching for more and—”            “I don’t think she can hear you anymore,” Erich cut him off. “If she can, she’s not listening.”            “Too bad,” Han said. “I had so much more to say.”            “Give me some more of that,” Sonia said, taking the glass again from Erich. She took another sip and did her best to imitate the required reaction. Then she opened her eyes and jumped comically into Han’s arms.            “Oh, Han, my love,” she said, batting her eyelashes. “Let’s run away together and get married.”            “I think I looked at the wrong girl.” Han grinned.            “Kiss me, Han. Kiss me!”            “If you insist.” Han smiled and kissed her every bit as passionately as he had Maggie. But when he pulled away and Sonia started twirling around the room, he glanced toward the stairs where Maggie had gone. There was no question about it. Maggie was a better kisser—even if they were both sorely out of practice.    Blog Tour Giveaway  $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/5/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway   --

An Event to Remember or Forget Tour & Giveaway

  An Event to Remember... or Forget Sienna Harris is a girl with a plan. Her days of slaving away at Carrie’s Classic Events and More are numbered as she is on the brink of launching her own event planning company. Her relationship with Luke Price is headed in the right direction and they are approaching their one-year mark. The future is looking bright and she knows that life could not get any better . . . That is until her perfectly planned world is thrown upside down by the unexpected arrival of someone from Luke’s past. She receives the shock of her life on the night of the biggest event of her career. Sienna will now have to pull it all together without a list or a plan. The question is, can she do it? Amazon     Author Melissa Baldwin Melissa graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications; she has always had a love for writing. An avid journal keeper, she fulfilled her dream with her debut novel, An Event To Remember . . . Or Forget. Melissa resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and young daughter. She is a master at organization and multi-tasking. Her daily jobs include mother, chauffeur, wife, PTA President, Fitness Trainer, and now Author. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, fitness, decorating, fashion, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then. 
Excerpt
“Sienna, I want you to meet some of my co-workers. Ladies,this is Sienna Harris. She is the genius behind all of this,” says Abby, comingtoward me. “Do you have any business cards?” asks the first woman. “Yes, I do! I am still with Carrie’s Classic Events andMore, but I am launching my own company very soon,” I say as I hand out a fewcards.All of a sudden, I feel like I am being chased by thepaparazzi. They all start talking at once; questions are flying at me fromevery direction. “You work for the Carrie Anderstone?”“Is it true what they say about her?”“Does she still run that company?”“I have heard some crazy stories.”“I heard she had an affair with the mayor at his son’sgraduation party. Were you at that event? Did you see anything?”“How much plastic surgery has she really had?”“Do you get along with her?”“Where does she travel to so much?” I’m not sure how to answer their questions. This is not thefirst time I’ve been asked all about the sordid details of Carrie’s life. Iquickly decide to handle it in the best way I know how . . . I lie and changethe subject. Blog * Facebook * Pinterest * TwitterBlog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/2/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Louder Than Words Tour & Giveaway

YA Bound Book Tours is organizing a Blog Tour for: Louder Than Words by Iris St. Clair. This tour will run from September 16th to September 26th.  Check out the full blog tour schedule below:
Louder Than Wordsby Iris St. Clair Release Date: 09/16/14Swoon Romance
Summary from Goodreads:Disappointment has been on speed dial in Ellen Grayson's life lately. Her dad died, her mom numbs the grief with drugs and alcohol, and her so-called friends have slowly abandoned her. 
Trusting a popular teacher with her troubles should have been safe and should NOT have led to an unwelcome seduction attempt that made her desperate to escape the final moments of Junior year. Lesson learned. Best to keep all the sordid details to herself and trust no one.
Enter Rex Jacobi, a cocky boy, recently transplanted from New York City and fellow summer camp employee. Though his quick wit and confidence draws her in, she can't let him get too close. And summer is just long enough and hot enough to keep a boy like that at arm's length.
But by the time Rex's charm wears down her resistance, it's too late. He's put Ellen on the "just friends" shelf and has shifted his romantic attentions to the impossibly annoying and perky anti-Ellen. Even worse, the teacher who tried to get her to sleep with him is still at it, preying on other girls while Ellen struggles to come to terms with what happened.


With her ability to trust as shaky as a chastity vow on prom night, Ellen must decide if she has enough remaining courage to speak up about the well-liked teacher and risk retribution, tell Rex how she really feels about him and risk heartbreak, or hold all her secrets inside. After all, it's the only safe place she knows when the only thing louder than words is the fear of being rejected.

About the AuthorIris St. Clair is the pen name for a long-suffering cubicle worker by day, a Walter Mitty-like dreamer by night. (Her alter ego Tatiana Ivanadance also choreographs gravity-defying routines in those fantasies, but that's another bio.)No matter what genre she writes, she prefers witty, insecure heroines and kind, persistent heroes able to break through to the gooey heart inside.In high school she was voted most likely to win at Monopoly and Clue, but least likely to throw a ball anywhere near a target. Thank goodness writing requires less hand-eye coordination, punctuation errors notwithstanding.

Iris believes in the two-year "fish or cut bait" dating rule and has a 20+ year marriage and two teenaged sons as proof of concept. She lives, writes, dreams and dances in the rainy Portland, OR area.
Author Links:        

Louder Than Words Excerpt "The Meet"


When I finally suck enough water from the stingy fountain to justify a swallow, I turn to rejoin the group. Dark-Haired Boy stands in my path.

"Looks like we're going to be partners for the summer." He extends his hand, all knobby boy knuckles and tanned skin. "I'm Rex."


This is Rex? And Rex wants to shake my hand? I look at it dully for a few beats before I wrinkle my face into one of intense seriousness and extend mine to meet his. "Ellen."


"I know."


Great. A smart-ass who thinks he can get away with it because he's good-looking. I nod, and unable to conjure up a witty comeback, I move past him to rejoin the group.


He catches up to me and says, "Uh, because I asked someone to point you out to me, seeing as how we're co-counselors and all."


"Oh." I keep walking. Brilliant conversation, Ellen.


"I just moved here … from New York City."


Shooting him a sideways glance, I say, "I know. I mean, I heard you tell Gracie."



Gracie has been swallowed up by the group. Rex and I hug the back of the pack, both of us silent. I think he sneaks a peek at me, but my peripheral vision isn't that hot, so I chase off the idea.

Curiosity. That's all it is. He'll get all the pertinent facts and show polite interest until something better twitches her hips in his path. Hell, even a hot car will probably do it. Guys like Rex are out of my league, and it's only a matter of time before he realizes it too. No point letting even the tiniest of seeds germinate into a full-blown hope.


"Where do you go to school?" he asks.


"Um, Lewis Meriwether High."


"Oh yeah? Me, too. I mean, I will. In the fall. I haven't enrolled yet, though. My ma's been trying to push me into the magnet school for math and science, but I think it's too late to get in. Plus that school's way up in the north part of Vancouver. I don't want to have to get up early to ride the city bus."



Ride the city bus? How old is he? I don't want to ask, but somehow I am asking anyway. "Don't you have a car?"

"Nah. Don't have a driver's license or a learner's permit neither. Nobody drives in New York."


I mumble something stupid about how I'd read that once, then curl my lips inside my mouth and bite down on them to keep them shut. My reason for not driving is significantly more mundane—we can't afford the car or the insurance.


"The subway takes me anywhere I need to go, as do these." He points to his feet.


I look down for the first time and notice he’s wearing Chucks, too, only his are full of holes and are covered in graffiti. Plus, they’re red. Yuck. I only wear black ones. I pretty much wear black everything, not because I'm emo, but because I like it. Everything matches. Nothing stands out. The stains don't show.


I force a smile, but I’m sure it’s coming off as fake as the greased-up toothy grin of a beauty pageant contestant who’s just been cut from the first round but still has to do the cheesy musical routine. It's as much for his benefit as my own that I shove him forward along the reality path. His kind doesn't hang with my kind. He's an alpha. I'm an omega.

GIVEAWAY: $10 Amazon gift card + ebook of Louder Than Words (INT)



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Infinite Harmony Cover Reveal

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[image error] Pre- Order on Amazon Ada Jessup lives for the moment, knowing the promise of tomorrow can be all too easily broken. 
Joshua is an Immortal, a heavenly warrior who will still be fighting long after the rest of the Alpha Pack have turned to dust. 
When a gunshot wound forces Joshua to tell Ada the truth of what he is, there is more at risk than the safety of the Alphas he's sworn to protect. For Joshua, the real danger is the way he feels drawn to the human girl. After all, what can the future hold for a girl whose days are numbered and a boy whose life has no end? Haven't started the Shifters & Seers Series?  Check out the first book Fragile Brilliance[image error]Maggie McCray has worked her whole life for the opportunity to attend Sanders College. It’s her one chance at becoming a world-renowned artist, and she’s determined nothing will get in her way. But when a murder brings Maggie and her powers to the attention of the Alpha Pack and the tragically handsome Charlie Hagan, her carefully planned future hangs in jeopardy.
Charlie Hagan isn’t happy when the Alpha Female assigns him as Maggie McCray’s personal bodyguard. Just being near the Thaumaturgic threatens to unleash the primal instincts he’s been suppressing for so long. Charlie knows if the coyote is uncaged, then the person he’ll most need to protect Maggie from is himself. Amazon Barnes & Noble
  Check out the series that leads into the Shifters & Seers Series: The Timber Wolves Trilogy! [image error]   Amazon Barnes & Noble iTunes

-- Rachel Marks Mark My Words Book Publicity http://www.markmywordsbookpublicity.com

Cover Reveal~Meet Your Baker & Giveaway

Today we're excited to announce the cover reveal of Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander. This is a cozy mystery that releases December 30th by St. Martin's Press. This is the first in the Bakeshop Mystery series!
About the Book:Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the treats are so good that, sometimes, it’s criminal…After graduating from culinary school, Juliet Capshaw returns to her quaint hometown of Ashland, Oregon, to heal a broken heart and help her mom at the family bakery. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is bringing in lots of tourists looking for some crumpets to go with their heroic couplets. But when one of Torte’s customers turns up dead, there’s much ado about murder…
"Sure to satisfy both dedicated foodies and ardent mystery lovers alike."―Jessie Crockett, author of Drizzled with Death
The victim is Nancy Hudson, the festival’s newest board member. A modern-day Lady Macbeth, Nancy has given more than a few actors and artists enough reasons to kill her…but still. The silver lining? Jules’s high school sweetheart, Thomas, is the investigator on the case. His flirtations are as delicious as ever, and Jules can’t help but want to have her cake and eat it too. But will she have her just desserts? Murder might be bad for business, but love is the sweetest treat of all…
"Alexander weaves a tasty tale of deceit, family ties, delicious pastries, and murder.” ―Edith Maxwell, author of A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die
  Goodreads
About the Author:Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.

Links: Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway:Prize package of goodies (US only)


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Cover Reveal ~ The Land Uncharted!

Title: The Land UnchartedAuthor: Keely Brooke Keith
Release Date: October 21, 2014
Publisher: Edenbrooke Press
Summary:Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land. Day and night, she rushes by horseback to treat the ill and injured, establishing a heroic reputation as the village’s new doctor.
Naval Aviator Connor Bradshaw is flying over the South Atlantic Ocean on a mission to secure any remaining sources of fresh water in a 2025 world torn apart by war. A malfunction activates his aircraft’s ejection system, parachuting his unconscious body to the shore of a hidden land. 
Lydia risks her safety to help the injured outsider despite the shock of his mysterious arrival and the disastrous implications his presence could have for her peaceful society, which has gone undetected for seven generations.
Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, but his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland. And while Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated, it also pushes an unwanted admirer to stage a dangerous attempt to win her affection.
As Connor tries to keep the Land off the radar, he learns the biggest threat to Lydia lurks in her village. But when Lydia’s greatest passion and darkest fear collide, will she look to the past or the future to find the strength to survive?
Add The Land Uncharted to your shelf on Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, or FictFact
***Pre-order today! Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Smashwords * iTunes Have your ebook of The Land Uncharted signed via Authorgraph!
Advance Praise for The Land Uncharted:"I was caught up in the characters and the story line from the first pages and hated to see it end.” -Ann Ellison, Goodreads reviewer
"Not only is Keely's writing beautiful and full of vivid detail, but the story and characters are incredible! I love the way she crosses genres and how well it all blends together.” -Christina Yother, author of Reverie
"The premise is unique, the characters - realistic, the storyline - consistent and entertaining, and the language - fluent. It has just the right touch of conflict, suspense, longing and hope.”- Annalise Joy, Goodreads reviewer
About the Author
Keely is a bass guitarist and lives on a hilltop south of Nashville. When she isn’t writing stories or playing bass, Keely enjoys dancing, having coffee with friends, and sifting through vintage books at antique stores. 
Author Links:Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Instagram * Pinterest





Cover Reveal Organized by:

The Warble by Victoria Simcox~2.99~Get yours at Amazon!

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship. 
Book ReviewThis is a fantastic children's book for middle grade age range. I loved it!

Kristina Kingsley is a fantastic character. She may not be the most popular girl in school, but I actually liked her. She reminded me of me! I was never the popular girl either. However, where we differ is that she is a lot braver than me! She is given an unusual gift, and she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime!

This is a fantastic children's fantasy novel! There are some wonderful characters in this book. The most likable of them are Clover and Looper (a pair of sibling fairies), Prince Werrien, and Kristina's pet rat, Raymond. This book is also filled with some really nasty characters. The main ones being Queen Sentiz and her gross Zelbocks. There are also enemies that turn into friends and friends who turn into enemies.
I was completely engrossed in this tale! It is full of danger and adventure! In a way, it reminded me of Tolken's Lord Of The Rings, as there is an object (the Warble) and a dangerous mission to deliver it to it's rightful place. I loved the subtle humour that the author used to great effect; it lightened the mood, so that the story didn't take a too dark a turn. The story is also told from several character's points of view, which gives a well rounded feel to the book and brought the characters alive. There are also some pictures sketched on a few selected pages to reinforce the story. These pictures are well drawn and show the characters just as described, and how I imagined them without the pictures!

Victoria Simcox has written an amazing children's adventure book! Her writing style is fast paced, but not overly so as to feel rushed. Her attention to detail with regards to the description of the characters, scenery and clothing is exceptional. I could "see" them so clearly in my minds eye! I am now looking forward to reading the sequel, The Shard!

 I recommend this book to everyone (adults included) who love fairies, gnomes, dwarves and talking animals in their fantasy novels. - Lynn Worton http://bookreviewsbylynn.blogspot.co.uk/     

Synopsis  Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.
  Available at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oclob9n
  BioVictoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington with her husband and 3 children. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz. For the past 12 years, she has home-schooled her children. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and hanging out with her family and friends. Victoria is the author of The Warble.
Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Warble/118277634882514 Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

The Warble by Victoria Simcox ~1.99~Get yours at Amazon!

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship. 
Book ReviewThis is a fantastic children's book for middle grade age range. I loved it!

Kristina Kingsley is a fantastic character. She may not be the most popular girl in school, but I actually liked her. She reminded me of me! I was never the popular girl either. However, where we differ is that she is a lot braver than me! She is given an unusual gift, and she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime!

This is a fantastic children's fantasy novel! There are some wonderful characters in this book. The most likable of them are Clover and Looper (a pair of sibling fairies), Prince Werrien, and Kristina's pet rat, Raymond. This book is also filled with some really nasty characters. The main ones being Queen Sentiz and her gross Zelbocks. There are also enemies that turn into friends and friends who turn into enemies.
I was completely engrossed in this tale! It is full of danger and adventure! In a way, it reminded me of Tolken's Lord Of The Rings, as there is an object (the Warble) and a dangerous mission to deliver it to it's rightful place. I loved the subtle humour that the author used to great effect; it lightened the mood, so that the story didn't take a too dark a turn. The story is also told from several character's points of view, which gives a well rounded feel to the book and brought the characters alive. There are also some pictures sketched on a few selected pages to reinforce the story. These pictures are well drawn and show the characters just as described, and how I imagined them without the pictures!

Victoria Simcox has written an amazing children's adventure book! Her writing style is fast paced, but not overly so as to feel rushed. Her attention to detail with regards to the description of the characters, scenery and clothing is exceptional. I could "see" them so clearly in my minds eye! I am now looking forward to reading the sequel, The Shard!

 I recommend this book to everyone (adults included) who love fairies, gnomes, dwarves and talking animals in their fantasy novels. - Lynn Worton http://bookreviewsbylynn.blogspot.co.uk/     

Synopsis  Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.
  Available at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oclob9n
  BioVictoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington with her husband and 3 children. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz. For the past 12 years, she has home-schooled her children. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and hanging out with her family and friends. Victoria is the author of The Warble.
Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Warble/118277634882514 Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

The Warble by Victoria Simcox ~.99 CENTS~Get yours at Amazon!

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship. 
Book ReviewThis is a fantastic children's book for middle grade age range. I loved it!

Kristina Kingsley is a fantastic character. She may not be the most popular girl in school, but I actually liked her. She reminded me of me! I was never the popular girl either. However, where we differ is that she is a lot braver than me! She is given an unusual gift, and she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime!

This is a fantastic children's fantasy novel! There are some wonderful characters in this book. The most likable of them are Clover and Looper (a pair of sibling fairies), Prince Werrien, and Kristina's pet rat, Raymond. This book is also filled with some really nasty characters. The main ones being Queen Sentiz and her gross Zelbocks. There are also enemies that turn into friends and friends who turn into enemies.
I was completely engrossed in this tale! It is full of danger and adventure! In a way, it reminded me of Tolken's Lord Of The Rings, as there is an object (the Warble) and a dangerous mission to deliver it to it's rightful place. I loved the subtle humour that the author used to great effect; it lightened the mood, so that the story didn't take a too dark a turn. The story is also told from several character's points of view, which gives a well rounded feel to the book and brought the characters alive. There are also some pictures sketched on a few selected pages to reinforce the story. These pictures are well drawn and show the characters just as described, and how I imagined them without the pictures!

Victoria Simcox has written an amazing children's adventure book! Her writing style is fast paced, but not overly so as to feel rushed. Her attention to detail with regards to the description of the characters, scenery and clothing is exceptional. I could "see" them so clearly in my minds eye! I am now looking forward to reading the sequel, The Shard!

 I recommend this book to everyone (adults included) who love fairies, gnomes, dwarves and talking animals in their fantasy novels. - Lynn Worton http://bookreviewsbylynn.blogspot.co.uk/     

Synopsis  Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.
  Available at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oclob9n
  BioVictoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington with her husband and 3 children. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz. For the past 12 years, she has home-schooled her children. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and hanging out with her family and friends. Victoria is the author of The Warble.
Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Warble/118277634882514 Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

HENGE ~ Cover Reveal & Giveaway

I'm excited to share the cover reveal of Henge by Realm Lovejoy. Henge is a YA Fantasy that is a modern spin-off of the Arthurian legends featuring Morgan le Fay as the protagonist. It is due to release this fall. The cover art is by the author, Realm Lovejoy.


About the book: Modern-day Camelot. Where knights no longer carry swords. Magic is dangerous. And those who seek control are not to be trusted.
Sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is a fire user. An ordinary girl with an extraordinary skill, she has the ability to create and command fire at will. Her dream is to become the Maven—the right hand of the future King Arthur. In the chance of a lifetime, Morgan is selected to join Arthur’s Round, an elite group of young magic users from which the new Maven will be chosen.
Along with the other fire, water, and wind users in Arthur’s Round, Morgan is rigorously trained and tested. The handsome Merlin, a brilliant water user, takes a particular interest in her. Is his friendship to be trusted, or is Merlin simply trying to win the position of Maven for himself? Among the many rivals Morgan faces is the current Maven, Mordred, who seems determined to see her fail.
But Morgan has a secret—years ago, her mother was executed for using fire magic, and Morgan’s desire for justice makes her more than ready to take on the challenge before her. Can she prevail in Camelot’s tests of survival and magic? Only time—and Morgan’s powerful fire—will tell.
Realm Lovejoy’s modern Arthurian series features one of literature’s most complicated and powerful female figures. Henge is the first book in the LE FAY series, and—like Morgan le Fay’s magic—it is sure to dazzle and amaze.

Add it on Goodreads!
About the Author:
Realm Lovejoy is an American writer and an artist. She grew up in both Washington State and the Japanese Alps of Nagano, Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle and works as an artist in the video game industry. CLAN is her first book. You can find out more about her and her book at www.realmlovejoy.com

Find the Author:
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Giveaway:$30 Amazon Gift Card (INT)a Rafflecopter giveaway