Lisa Rayns's Blog, page 13

Meant for Me Review & Book Tour

Meant For MeAfter a night of raw passion with the man Claire O’Briene had been secretly admiring for years, she thought their time together had come once and for all. Fate had finally brought them back to each other, but unfortunately nothing had changed. He was still the same man who ran away from relationships. Against his better judgment, Mason Bradley gave in to the temptation and allowed himself one night with the one woman he’d been too afraid to want … too afraid to need.
Four months after leaving Claire and regretting every minute of it, Mason gets called in for an undercover mission that’s not only dangerous, but brings back a past he spent years trying to forget. A past of fighting … of getting in the ring and using his fists to get what he wanted: money, women, and drugs. Now there are fighters turning up dead, and it’s Mason’s job to find out the truth.Knowing he might not come out of the mission alive, Mason seeks out Claire to tell her how he truly feels, only to find another man competing for her love as well. Fighting is what he’s good at, and for once he will be fighting not only for justice … but for love.
Put Meant For Me on your TBR list

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Meet the author
L.P. Dover is the author of the Forever Fae series, as well as the Adult contemporary standalone series called Second Chances, and her NA romantic suspense standalone called Love, Lies, and Deception. She lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband, her two wild girls, and her rambunctious kitten called Katrina. Before she began her career in the literary world, L.P. Dover spent her years going to college and then graduated to cleaning teeth, which she loved doing. At least until the characters in her head called her away. She has never been the same since.

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  LP is giving one reader a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a MEGA signed swag pack. The swag pack includes bookmarks, magnets, and bracelets.
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And Now For My Review...

Meant for Me by L.P. Dover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meant for Me--What a great title. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, and I love stories about second chances. Throw in a bad boy, and I couldn’t resist the temptation. I had to read it!

I was not disappointed.

Mason and Claire come from two different worlds and live on opposite sides of the United States, but that didn’t stop them from giving into their desires the night before the book begins. But it can’t work, can it? After a tense departing, the two can’t get the night out of their minds. Their relationship is enchanting, truly a delight to follow, and there’s plenty of action and suspense to go along with it. Loved it!

I have not read any other books in this series.

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Men and Manolos Review

Men and Manolos: Love and Relationships In The Heels of A Hopeless Romantic109 pages Genre: Women’s Biography, Memoir, Emotional Healing, Dating No one walks into a relationship without the proper footing… In a collection of original essays drawn from her open ended and inquisitive relationship column “Sex and the Chester,” Alyssa Velazquez explores a twenty-first century world dominated by proverbial singles, foreign and domestic affairs, and emotional recall relationships. In her intensely personal memoir of unscripted cute meets, dates that should have never happened, and affairs to forget Velazquez searches through her past for wisdom, perspective, and advice on the survival of a hopeless romantic. Following familiar scenarios through her never ending, often time predictable search for love in flats, sneakers, rain boots, and even a pair of Manolos her electric honesty makes us contemplate if maybe the key to the “mating ritual” is all in our shoes.

Buy on Amazon | B&N
Author’s Biography: Living in New Jersey, Alyssa Velazquez currently works as a barista while daydreaming of mastering latte art. The product of liberal arts education, she has worked in D.C., Maryland, and Philadelphia as a conservation apprentice, production design intern, living history actor, and most recently a free-lance writer for The Women’s History Magazine and the Secretaries of Juliet Newsletter: Il Giornal de’Juilette. velazquezalyssa@gmail.com Twitter: @AlyssaManolo Website: http://www.alyssavelazquez.net.tf


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Now for my review...

Men and Manolos: Love and Relationships In The Heels Of A Hopeless Romantic by Alyssa Velazquez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book begins with a woman on a ferry reflecting on her past relationships. I loved it. I thought it was well-thought out, beautifully-written, and well-edited. It’s a quick read, quite entertaining and humorous (my favorite was her mention of chivalry in the hospital). So true!

Insightful and authentic, I think almost any woman can relate to this short work and even gain a deeper understanding of their own past relationships, of themselves, and of finding peace and happiness. I highly recommend it!

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Inn on the Edge Review

By Gail BridgesAngela and her brand-new husband Josh have just arrived at their honeymoon destination, a romantic bed-and-breakfast hotel on the breath-taking Washington coast - the Inn on the Edge. But everything isn't as it seems. The lessons that come free with the room aren't for painting the lovely coastal scenery - the lessons are for better sex. Angie and Josh, shocked and titillated, immerse themselves in every sensual offering.It doesn't take long for things to go horribly wrong. The discover that the old man running the place is a sex demon, who has been stealing their sensual energy. Worse, he's dangerously in love with Angie and he has plans for her - plans involving an heirloom wedding ring.

Genre: erotica and intended for age 18+
Buy on Amazon / B&N / Eloras Cave  Follow the Book Tour and Enter to Win HERE!

And now for my review...

* Erotica and intended for age 18+ *
Inn on the Edge by Gail Bridges
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mysterious and Fun!

Erotic games rule, beginning with only the main couple who check into the Inn for their honeymoon. But something in the Inn is heightening their sexual awareness and soon the innocent couple is experimenting with ten other people. Yep. Ten, although, the escapades are written in a tasteful sort of way and every adult is consenting. The lack of morality running rampant is under suspicion by the even the guests themselves, but their creepy host manages to soothe over their worries and make them forget. Did I mention they can’t leave?

Everything about The Inn on the Edge is mysterious. From the setting on the Washington coast, to the unique characters within, to the strange occurrences and many, many, many unexpected sexual encounters. Nothing is typical, so if you like stories that keep you guessing, you’ll love this book as much as I did.


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Burning a Bridge in 2014

I hope everyone had a great 2013 and is planning for an even better 2014.
I am.
One of my many goals for this new year is to focus on my blog and get more personal. I’ll be concentrating more on my life, my writing, my books, vampire stuff, and other random thoughts in my head. I’ll also add some short & flash fiction just for you! Promotions, giveaways, and reviews for other authors will lessen, but it’s my blog and should be a place where my readers can get to know me.
What prompted this?
I’m making some major life changes this year––some exciting, some horrible––that I’ll share when the time is right. I have the feeling my journey will be a lot like slamming on the brakes, backing up, then cranking the wheel and flooring it in a different direction. I'll be traveling into unknown territory so any support, opinions, or similar stories shared in comments will be treasured.
You can also expect 3 – 4 new titles this year from me, including the final book in my Wanted: Vampire trilogy and my very first romantic comedy. I’m so excited to see those published!
I’ll be posting once a week as soon as I get into the groove of things, so I hope you’ll join me on my journey through 2014. (Yes. Explosions are expected.) 
What about you? Any major life changes this year? Are they exciting or are they scaring the bejeezes out of you like they are me?

Alone No More Book Tour

Genre: Romance / HistoricalPublisher: The Wild Rose Press
World Wide Release Date: December 18, 2013

Alone No More

Dismissed from her job as a scullery maid and cast aside by her lover, pregnant Cara Morland has no choice but to return to her father’s farm. While lies of widowhood keep her from disgrace, Cara is faced with a local landowner’s unwanted attentions. Without the social status to do much more than avoid the vile man, she loses hope of ever finding happiness.

A friendship based on mutual loneliness blossoms between Cara and James Elliot, a young farm hand hired by her father. He offers his protection, and one shared kiss reveals his heart, but propriety and her feigned grieving period hinders what they both desire.

When Cara’s stalker learns the truth of her circumstances, he gives her an ultimatum—submit to his possession or he’ll ruin her second chance at love with James.


Purchase on Amazon / The Wild Rose Press
Add Alone No More on Goodreads.


About the Author:

Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.

Visit her online - Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads


The author is giving away a PDF copy! Fill out the rafflecopter to enter.
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And now for the Interview...
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do for fun?
Seeing as I’m a stay-at-home mom, most of my ‘fun’ happens there – cooking, gardening, dreaming up new stories, & reading. Can’t forget coloring, Candy Land, My Little Ponies, and Lalaloopsies, too.  *wink*

Q: What do you like most about the genre you write in?
I write fantasy and romance. With fantasy it’s the escape from reality, where the muse knows no bounds and anything is possible. Romance – who doesn’t enjoy a good happily ever after love story? For me, if it takes place in history (which I love) it’s even better because that is kind of a go-back-in-time sci-fi for me as well.

Q: Where is your favorite place to write?
Wherever I can. Honestly. I’m lucky to get more than 5 minutes at a time, so if I get to jot down a paragraph or two I’m thrilled.

Q: What’s your next project?
I just finished up the 2nd fantasy novel I have contracted with J. Taylor Publishing (Secret of the Souls), so I’m giving my brain a break. Figured I’d hang out with my newborn son for a while and just wait for inspiration to strike.

Q: How do you feel about Dr. Pepper?

Ha! If it’s the only can in an ice-filled cooler on a hot day I’ll drink it. If there’s anything else (except diet) the Doc will be ignored.

Ridiculously Happy! Book Tour

Ready to live your very best life? Actually, the secret to becoming absolutely, ridiculously happy is already being conveyed to you every moment of every day. And, it’s coming right from within you. Now, life transformation coach Carol Whitaker can teach you how to tap into the positive potential of your physical and emotional well-being, and by doing so, achieve your lifelong dreams.

Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life and Body of your Dreams is Whitaker’s groundbreaking, step-by-step approach to changing the course of your life. By empowering you to claim your God-given birthright to have a meaningful, blissful existence, the author encourages you to simply embrace your own unique magnificence to manifest dreams.

Placing equal emphasis on both mental and physical positive energy, this comprehensive book shares strategies to harness the power of the Law of Attraction. By letting go of negative energy and thinking intentionally about the way you live your life, you will not only set yourself on a road to vitality, abundance, and deep satisfaction, but you will become your own cheerleader to stay the course. If you believe you can be ridiculously happy, Carol Whitaker’s illuminating, actionable book will show you the way.

The road to becoming ridiculously happy begins right here. And, you already have what it takes to forge the life of your dreams. Life transformation coach Carol Whitaker is here to guide you through her proven process, so you can claim your divine right to utter joy. All you need to do is to embrace what you already possess.

Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life and Body of your Dreams will move you to accept nothing less than the exhilaration to which you are entitled. By offering you new insights and techniques to gain mastery over your emotional and physical health, this revolutionary method will help you retrain your own energy so that its positive influence can work to shape your destiny. For unbounded, lifelong happiness, simply open this book. It will open your world to a whole new way of being.


Buy on Amazon | B&N | Website | Audible   About the author: Carol Whitaker is the author of Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life & Body of Your Dreams. Carol is a highly sought after Life Transformation Coach and Lifestyle Fitness Coach, she is well known for the amazing transformations she creates in her clients’ lives. Carol is dedicated to empowering women around the world to love and believe in themselves fully. Carol is a Motivational Speaker and is passionate about inspiring and motivating women to create and manifest the life and body of their dreams. Carol is an ongoing featured expert on national media and online websites. Carol is a happily married mother of 3.

Connect with Carol on Facebook to receive her health, fitness & happiness tips and by following her on Twitter . Visit CarolWhitaker.com to learn more about her services along with tools and secrets to discover how to transform your life to be ridiculously happy & fit today. See more about Carol on Linkedin .  

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Inn on the Edge Book Tour

By Gail BridgesAngela and her brand-new husband Josh have just arrived at their honeymoon destination, a romantic bed-and-breakfast hotel on the breath-taking Washington coast - the Inn on the Edge. But everything isn't as it seems. The lessons that come free with the room aren't for painting the lovely coastal scenery - the lessons are for better sex. Angie and Josh, shocked and titillated, immerse themselves in every sensual offering.It doesn't take long for things to go horribly wrong. The discover that the old man running the place is a sex demon, who has been stealing their sensual energy. Worse, he's dangerously in love with Angie and he has plans for her - plans involving an heirloom wedding ring.
Coming soon http://www.ellorascave.com/inn-on-the-edge.html
About the author I have three grown children. I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our five cats. In the past I have worked in a variety of different artistic media. I have a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and for over fifteen years I made award-winning Fine Art Jewelry (silver and handmade ceramics) and sold my work at local and regional Fine Art and Craft shows. My business, Vivid Arts, flourished - but always, I felt driven to write. Two years ago, no longer able to deny the writing muse, I took an open-ended sabbatical from my art shows. Since then, I've written two novels and a number of published and unpublished short stories.
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/gailbridgeswriterTwitter: @GailWBridgesBlog: http://gailbridges.blogspot.com/Website: http://gailbridges.com/Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7147145.Gail_BridgesLiterary Addicts http://literaryaddicts.ning.com/profile/GailBridges Prize for the contest. Angie's Travel Painting Kit Acrylic paints, brushes, palette, canvas board and instructions; Mr. Abiba's Wooden "Tool" Box, for decorating; Josh's Magic Book, for decorating; Tazo Passion Tea; Dark Chocolate bar with almond bits. 

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Home For Christmas Book Tour

by Roxy BoroughsThis holiday season, April Rochester must decide if her first love is merely “Home for Christmas” – or home for good. James Frost, the black sheep of the family, is back in Carol Falls, Vermont, to build a big box store and prove he’s a success. His plans derail when he learns his high school sweetheart has moved back to town also, along with her autistic son, Marcus. Ten years ago Jimmy and April eloped, only to be torn apart when April’s parents insisted on an annulment. Their love for each other never died, however, and this could be their second chance. But James has been hiding behind a mountain of secrets, one of them involving baby Holly, the abandoned child recently found at the family farm. And all of James’ well-kept secrets are about to come tumbling down. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a 40,000 word sweet romance novella, is Book Two of ‘A Frost Family Christmas’ trilogy. Each novella is a complete romance with a linking mystery connecting the three books. The three titles in this series are:Book 1 = WHAT CHILD IS THIS by C.J. Carmichael - http://amzn.com/B00FJFULYQBook 2 = HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Roxy Boroughs - http://amzn.com/B00FIO7D3ABook 3 = THE HOLLY & THE IVY by Brenda M. Collins - http://amzn.com/B00FZUI2C8Want a little mystery along with your holiday romances this Christmas?Then visit the Frost Family in Carol Falls, Vermont and enjoy these three heartwarming novellas.* * *ROXY BOROUGHS BIO Before turning her attention to fiction, Roxy appeared in numerous TV commercials and movies, and ‘tread the boards’ in theaters from New York to Newfoundland. In addition to HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and the free short story LETTING GO, she’s also published two romantic suspense titles, the award-winning A STRANGER’S TOUCH and its sequel, a romantic comedy called CRAZY FOR COWBOY and the sweet romance anthology STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCEwith Brenda M. Collins. Check them all out on her Amazon Page.
Follow Roxy: Literary Addicts | Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodreadsFollow the Tour

The author is giving away a $25 Amazon GC & a eBook plus 3 winners of additional eBooks.

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Home for Christmas Book Tour

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Best Served Cold Review

 
By Tawdra KandleSometimes revenge is your only choice. . .Julia worked for weeks planning the perfect surprise birthday party for her boyfriend, Liam, but that night, she was the one who got the biggest shock. He broke up with her in front of all their friends, humiliating her in the process. Clearly revenge was in order. The plan is simple. Make him jealous, win him back, and then crush his heart. Fair is fair. However, there is one little hiccup and he has curly brown hair and dimples. Jesse is everything she wants. With him, she could almost forget her bruised heart. Almost. Julia has one choice: let Liam walk away after everything he did, or lose a chance at love in pursuit of payback.

 AVAILABLE NOW Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Smashwords 

Tawdra Kandle has been a writer since pens were invented. Her first published story appeared in Child Life magazine when she was 13 years old. She took a brief hiatus of about thirty years to hone her craft, get married and have four children before publishing the young adult quartet The King Series. She has since published books in both the adult and new adult romantic genre. Tawdra lives in Florida with her husband and children, both skin and fur-types. Oh, and yes--she has purple hair.

Follow Tawdra Kandle: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Literary Addicts / Goodreads /Amazon

And Now For My Review...

Best Served Cold by Tawdra Kandle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic book for readers who love the New Adult. This is the first book I’ve read in the genre and I think the author did a wonderful job. It’s well-written and well-developed, and I developed a certain fondness for the hero’s facial features. The heroine is an odd mixture of down to earth and mature with a spiteful streak. The combination made for an interesting story line, and throughout the story the hero opens her eyes to what’s really important.

My favorite part of this book was not the revenge element but the love story that developed between Jules and Jesse. I liked how he impressed her by behaving like a gentleman and treating her nice and complimenting her. I think a lot of women can relate to that.

Also Desmond, the child she cares for a few days a week. He added a certain heartwarming quality to the book that made the story more real for me. I appreciated the fact that she had a job and it certainly made the romance more interesting because the hero is her boss’ son. Loved it!


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