Babs Hightower's Blog, page 124
January 21, 2015
#AngelTour His Angel by Kimberly Black & Giveaway
Publication Date: December 31, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance (18+)
Series: The Angel Trilogy, #1
Giveaway: $15 Amazon/B&N G.C. or Book Depository Book Spree
When Evan Young walks into Abigale Hayes’s life she falls; mind, body, and soul for the man she thinks he is, having no idea that the secrets he holds in his hands will destroy the girl she is. Abby must decide how the truth will affect the relationship that has her craving more with every breath she takes and how she will take revenge into her own hands. Evan will die to protect Abby and will kill for her too. The events that unfold will change who Abigale Hayes is forever.
Buy Links
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Top Ten List:
Kimberly has been writing since she was a young girl growing up in Kansas City, Mo. Reading and writing has always been a big part of her life. She enjoys a world she can get lost in while reading a good book. A wife and mother to four beautiful children she decided she wasn’t busy enough. She spent some time chasing down fugitives as a bounty hunter then laid down her hand cuffs and finished her college degree in nursing.Kimberly loves discovering new music to jam out to and loves anything that’s different. Her many interests include Google, you heard it! Google. If you need to know any unusual or interesting fact she has searched it and can recite it. Her motto is: Why be the same as everyone else when you can stand out?
When Kimberly isn’t writing or playing superhero for her children, she takes care of her patients as a Registered nurse in the field of hospice.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Giveaway: A $15 Amazon or B&N giftcard or credit at the Book Depository. Ends 1/30. The code for the Rafflecopter is provided below.
The post #AngelTour His Angel by Kimberly Black & Giveaway appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Blitz Sign-Up: Blood, Milk, and Chocolate by Cameron Jace
Book & Author Details:
Blood, Milk, and Chocolate by Cameron Jace
(The Grimm Diaries #3)
Publication date: January 19th 2015
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:
I have been accused of being malicious and evil.
I, the Snow White Queen, have a story to tell.
The true story and what has really happened. How it all happened. Why the Brothers Grimm altered the truth, letting you think it was a fairy tale. When and how the tale took place. And above all, why I did what I did. Why you haven’t been told the truth for centuries. The truth about me and the truth about the not-so-innocent Snow White.
Here is my side of the story. You will never look at Snow White the same way again.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13611117-blood-milk-and-chocolate?ac=1
Purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Milk-Chocolate-Grimm-Diaries-ebook/dp/B00QTK3NRC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421330187&sr=8-1&keywords=Blood+Milk+and+Chocolate
AUTHOR BIO
Wonderlander, Neverlander, Unicorn-chaser, enchanter, musician, survived a coma, & totally awesome. Sometimes I tell stories. Always luv the little monsters. I write young adult paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction mostly. The Grimm Diaries series is a seven book saga that deals with retellings of fairy tales from a young adult POV – it connects most of the fairy tales together and claims to be the truth about fairy tales. I live in San Fransisco and seriously think circles are way cooler than triangles.
Author Links:
Website: http://cameronjace.blogspot.ca/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/995289.Cameron_Jace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camjace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cameronjace
TWO GIVEAWAYS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
The three first books in the series (eBooks)
The post Blitz Sign-Up: Blood, Milk, and Chocolate by Cameron Jace appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
January 20, 2015
What I Like About You blog tour & Giveaway
What I Like About You
by Shelly Alexander
Series: The Red River Valley Series, Book One
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2015
She has a secret.
He has a scandal.
And they both have an attraction they can’t deny.
Ella Dennings is furious. Soaking wet, muddy, and furious. All she wants is to spend a quiet summer retreating to her Red River cabin. Maybe she can finish healing after the death of her husband, Bradley. Maybe she can even start writing that second book in her top secret bestselling erotica series. But when she arrives at the cabin in a raging June rainstorm, who does she find holed up there but Cooper Wells, Bradley’s sexy best friend—a man capable of seducing women of all ages and cup sizes within seconds—and a man Ella has never liked.
Coop’s got his own baggage. He’s engulfed in a nasty legal battle, and after selling his condo to cover his legal fees, he’s got nowhere to go but the cabin. He and Ella will just have to coexist under one roof…but is their heated animosity boiling over into attraction? And when Ella’s racy new book rocks the sleepy town, will her secret identity spell scandal for both of them?
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU
A 2014 Golden Heart finalist, Shelly Alexander grew up traveling the world, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and worked in the business world for twenty-five years. With four older brothers, she watched every Star Trek episode ever made, joined the softball team instead of ballet class, and played with G.I. Joes while the Barbie Corvette stayed tucked in the closet. When she had three sons of her own, she decided to escape her male-dominated world by reading romance novels and has been hooked ever since. Now, she spends her days writing steamy contemporary romances while tending to an obstinate English bulldog named Lola.
Tsu ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Newsletter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The post What I Like About You blog tour & Giveaway appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
January 2015 Anniversary Tour for STRUCK by Clarissa Johal
Welcome to the blog tour celebrating the 1 Year Anniversary of
the release of Paranormal Gothic Horror Novel ~
STRUCK by Clarissa Johal.
Follow the tour (schedule posted below) to read new reviews,
interviews with Clarissa, and exclusive excerpts.
“The shadows hadn’t been waiting. The shadows had been
invited.”
About
STRUCK
After a painful breakup, Gwynneth Reese moves in with her best friend and takes a job at a retirement home. She grows especially close to one resident, who dies alone the night of a terrific storm. On the way home from paying her last respects, Gwynneth is caught in another storm and is struck by lightning. She wakes in the hospital with a vague memory of being rescued by a mysterious stranger. Following her release from the hospital, the stranger visits her at will and offers Gwynneth a gift–one that will stay the hands of death. Gwynneth is uncertain whether Julian is a savior or something more sinister… for as he shares more and more of this gift, his price becomes more and more deadly.
Book Details:
Title: STRUCK
Genre: Paranormal Gothic
Horror
Author(s): Clarissa Johal
Publisher: Musa Publishing
http://www.musapublishing.com/
Cover Artist: Kelly Shorten
ISBN: 978-1-61937-690-8
Number of Pages: 255
Price: $4.99
Purchase Links:
Amazon Struck
Musa Publishing: Struck
Barnes and Noble: Struck
About the Author:
Clarissa Johal has worked as a veterinary assistant, zoo-keeper aide and vegetarian chef. Writing has always been her passion. When she’s not listening to the ghosts in her head, she’s dancing or taking photographs of gargoyles. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters and every stray animal that darkens the doorstep. One day, she expects that a wayward troll will wander into her yard, but that hasn’t happened yet.
*Member of the Author’s Guild
Coming May 19, 2015 from Permuted
Press
VOICES, a paranormal psychological
horror
STRUCK, a paranormal gothic horror
(2014) Musa Publishing
*Indie Book of the Day Award
*Nominated for the Preditors and
Editors Readers Poll 2014
BETWEEN, a story of the paranormal
(2012) Musa Publishing
*Second place in the Preditors and
Editors Readers Poll 2012
*Paranormal Reads gives BETWEEN 4
out of 5 Bats
PRADEE, a young adult fantasy
(2010) CreateSpace
*Second round finalist in Amazon’s
Breakthrough Novel Award Contest 2012
Short stories:
PIGEONS, published in the literary journal Susurrus
THE ROPE, published in the literary journal Susurrus
Non-Fiction:
A WAY OF LIFE, published in The Sacramento Bee
Find Clarissa Online:
Twitter: Author Twitter Profile
Goodreads: Author
Goodreads Profile
Amazon Author Page
Pinterest: Author Pinterest Profile
Praise for STRUCK:
Lovely Reads: 5 Stars
“This book grabs you in right away and hold your attention…I so loved this book and didn’t put it down until the very end.” Read More ~ Lovely Reads
Bex ‘n; Books: 5 Stars
“This is a spooky thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won’t be able to put it down because you must finish it to see what happens, even if it keeps you up late at night to do so.” Read MOre ~ Bex’n’Books
Bibliophilic Book Blog: 4 Stars
“STRUCK will get beneath your skin from the very beginning. Gwen’s a likable character with a difficult past and tenuous future after meeting Julian. I liked the secondary characters, especially Fenten and Poppy. The characters were definitely all well-developed and engaging.” Read More
~ Bibliophilic Book Blog
“The characters are well drawn and likable….The action is fast paced– I read the book in one sitting ” Read More ~ Straight from the Library
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How did you come up with the idea for STRUCK?
Some stories begin as random scenes, some as characters, and some are born from asking the question, “What if?” I was hit with the idea of STRUCK while running on a forest trail near my house. It was during a thunderstorm and I wondered what it would be like to be hit by lightning.
I write about ghosts and things that go bump in the night and in essence, those entities are energy. What if a portal was opened by a lightning strike? And what if that portal allowed the energy from those entities to escape? The idea was intriguing and I went to bed still thinking about it. That night, I dreamt I stood in a field, with lightning striking the ground all around me.
But the lightning wasn’t just releasing electrical energy, the lightning was releasing negative entities from the Otherworld. I woke from the nightmare in a panic, thinking those entities had somehow attached themselves to me. And so a story is born.
I went on to research the effects of being struck by lightning, interviewed several lightning survivors, and began writing STRUCK. I’m continually amazed how a, “What if?” idea can expand into a novel.
What first inspired you to become a writer? And what compels you to continue your career as an author?
I wrote my first short story in grade six. I was asked by the teacher to read it aloud to the class, which terrified me. After I was finished, I realized that I actually had everyone’s attention! I was shy and we moved every year, so I was always the new kid. When you’re in that situation, it’s kind of like being invisible. Finding my voice through story-telling made me realize how powerful writing could be. As far as continuing—truthfully? I think I’d go nuts if I didn’t write.
What made you choose the genre of paranormal gothic horror?
I started out writing fantasy fiction. I was working on the second installment to my PRADEE series when there were two characters that kept showing up on the page, over and over. They didn’t belong in fantasy novel, nor did they belong in my story! But their backstory came to me so vividly, that I set aside my series and wrote my first paranormal novel, BETWEEN. I’ve been pulled into the Otherworld permanently now. The ideas come faster than I can write them down.
Tour Schedule:
January 1: Tour Kick-Off http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
January 2: Exclusive Excerpt http://ifeeltheneedtheneedtoread.com/
January 4: Review http://www.carolynspearromance.com/blog
January 5: Review HorrorMade.blogspot.com
January 7: Exclusive Excerpt http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
January 9: Exclusive Excerpt http://aliciajoseph.com/
January 12: Review https://twitter.com/peach83352
January 15: Exclusive Excerpt http://darcnina.wordpress.com
January 17: Review http://mullenarmyfamily.blogspot.com/
January 19: Exclusive Excerpt http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/
January 20: Exclusive Excerpt http://www.babsbookbistro.net/
January 21: Interview http://ifeeltheneedtheneedtoread.com/
January 23: Exclusive Excerpt https://fillingspaces.wordpress.com/
January 26: Interview http://karengreco.blogspot.com/
January 28: Review http://neutiquamerro.wordpress.com
January 31: Reviews (by 3 different tour hosts)
1) http://ifeeltheneedtheneedtoread.com/
2) http://www.themoralofourstories.com
3) http://hello-booklover.tumblr.com/
The post January 2015 Anniversary Tour for STRUCK by Clarissa Johal appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Broken Prophecy by Sandra Love blog tour
Title: Broken Prophecy (Broken Wings Book 3)
Author: Sandra Love
Release Date: December 18th
Blog Tour: January 19th-23rd
Genre: YA Paranormal
Cordelia is dark, but is that her fate? She’s also the one the prophecy talks about, and she has a lot of decisions to make. Can she fulfill the prophecy, even if it means the death of a loved one? Between the love of her life, her best friend, and her birth father, she has a ton of support. But is that enough to help her make the difficult decision she has to make? Can she fulfill the prophecy, become pure once again, and save the world? That’s a lot of pressure on one eighteen year old girl’s shoulders.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18809954-broken-prophecy
Buy Links:
Amazon:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Prophecy-Wings-Book-ebook/dp/B00R3XFF3E
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Prophecy-Wings-Book-ebook/dp/B00R3XFF3E
10 Facts about Sandra Love
1. I collect anything mythical. Such as fairies, unicorns, & dragons.
2. I studied Norse Mythology, and I named my cats after the gods and goddess, Odin, Thor and Freya.
3. I have one kidney.
4. I have really bad anxiety, and going out makes it worse.
5. I LOVE staying at home rather than going out.
6. My parents were in the Navy, so I was born in a Navy Hospital in Mississippi.
7. I really want to collect all of The Babysitters Club books. I am really determine to do this.
8. I want to become the crazy cat lady.
9. When I was a little girl I wanted to chase Tornadoes when I grew up.
10. I’ve never left the country.
Excerpt:
Chapter One
Cordelia
The burning is too much for me. I don’t think I can do this anymore. It feels like my veins are on ablaze, and that fire ants are eating at my skin. I just want to die. I hate what Amelia has done to me. I don’t know why she turned me dark rather than just killing me. I don’t know where to go or what to do. The look on Cameron’s face killed me, and I know I can fight this. I have to; my country needs me. I don’t know what the prophecy states, but I need to get hold of it so I know what I have to do. I know I have to kill my parents, but there is no way in hell I am killing my father. Now, when it comes to my mother, I think I can do it, because she made me this way.
I stand on the edge of the cliff and look down at the waves crashing along the rocks. Now I need to think about what I am going to do. I know I need to go into hiding until things chill out. I don’t want to hurt anyone, or worse, kill someone. I am not an evil person, nor am I like my horrible mother. Maybe I could hide out in Summers, Georgia in that cabin. Yes, that’s what I will do. Lock myself away until Cameron finds me.
Thinking of Cameron makes me sad. Sitting up against a nearby tree, I remember the look on his face when he realized I was dark. It ripped my heart in half to know that the boy I love had to witness that. That I know I saw a look of fear in his eyes over what I had become. What did I do to piss off the Gods? I sit there listening to the waves and watching the clouds speed in the sky. I look up to the moon that still has a hint of red. Damn you, blood moon. I freaking hate it, as it was a part of this as well.
The sound of the waves make me drowsy, so I began to close my eyes. But when I hear people talking in the distance, I open them back up and stand to hide behind the tree. I can tell they were coming my way.
What Happened before Broken Prophecy.
Broken:
Cordelia Rose has a horrible life. She gets bullied by students at school, beaten by her father, practically abandoned by her mother, and wants to end her life and suffering. But when some strange things start to happen, she questions whether or not she has a purpose in this life.
Then she meets a brother and sister that means more to her than she realizes. They are her protectors, and her kindred spirits. Just like her, they are bruised and broken, though for different reasons.
When she finally discovers the truth of her existence, her mind is jumbled with everything She has to take in; not to mention the battle she has to fight inside and out.
US: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Wings-Sandra-Love-ebook/dp/B00HGZISYM
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Wings-Sandra-Love-ebook/dp/B00HGZISYM
Broken Hearts: Kaleigh’s Revenge
Kaleigh had her heart broken.
And now she wants revenge.
But that’s hard amongst the battle
raging around her in
her home city of Ithaca.
Add to that the fact that she’s a fallen angel
with a curse, and you’ve pretty much got the worst
time of her life….
But her new friend, Gabe,
may just make it the best time, too.
US: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Hearts-Kaleighs-Revenge-Wings-ebook/dp/B00JAFVT6U
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Hearts-Kaleighs-Revenge-Series-ebook/dp/B00JAFVT6U
Broken Wings Playlist:
Skyscraper by: Demi Lovato (Cordelia’s Song)
Mean by: Taylor Swift
Wasting All These Tears by: Cassadee Pope (Kaleigh’s Song)
You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me by: Cher
Broken by: Seether and Amy Lee
My Immortal by: Evanescence
Anthem of the Angels By: Breaking Benjamin
Til the End by: Breaking Benjamin
Give Me a Sign by: Breaking Benjamin
A Little Bit Stronger by: Sara Evens
Stay by: Mayday Parade
My Sacrifice by: Creed
The Reason by: Hoobastank (Cameron song to Cordelia)
Broken by: Lindsey Haun
Forever by: Papa Roach
Haunted by: Taylor Swift
Invisible by: Hunter Hayes
Broken Wing Series
Dreamcast:
Cordelia à I would love her to be played by Victoria Justice.
Cameron à Josh Hutcherson would make a great Cameron.
Kaleigh à Jennifer Lawrence, no questions asked.
Amelia à This one was tough, but my choice is Kate Beckinsale
Deanà This was an EASY choice. MARK WAHLBERG!!
About the Author:
Sandra Love is a new to the author world, publishing her first book in 2013. She currently lives in Michigan, with her son and partner. Sandra is very lucky to have a sister Amanda, who has been there with her through everything, including helping her with the editing of her books. She is also very lucky to have her editor Genevieve Scholl. Sandra has four cats, Stubby, Odin, Thor and Freya. She loves to spend hours reading her favorite authors and writing. Her favorite genres are Paranormal, supernatural and romance. Sandra’s first series of books (Broken Wings) is a Supernatural romance. She currently has 3 books out, Broken, Broken Hearts: Kaleigh’s Revenge and To Love Again. She is working on book 3 of the Broken Wings Series; Broken Prophecy. It is due out December 18th. She also has a short story in an Anthology, called Seven Christmas Surprises. The Anthology is called; 12 Days of Christmas: Naughty or Nice? She had to step out of her comfort zone to write that short story. Sandra also writes under a pen name, Diamond Davenport. She has a book out called Summer In Dallas. Her inspiration are Indie Authors. She loves and adores them all.
Follow Me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsandralove
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7339622.Sandra_Love
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/sandeelove1980/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovesandee951
Blog: http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/
The post Broken Prophecy by Sandra Love blog tour appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
The Untouchables by J.J. McAvoy blog tour & Giveaway
The Untouchables
Ruthless People #2
Publication Date: January 22, 2015
Also in this series: The Untouchables
Genres: Contemporary, Dark, Romance
Book 2 in the Ruthless People Trilogy.
“One Secret. Multiple Casualties.”
Everything Melody Callahan has ever been told about her past is a lie. Her father lied. Her husband lied. But like all secrets…they come out. Not only is her mother, Aviela, alive but she won’t stop until she tears down everything Liam and Melody have spent the past year building.
With a new target on their back and the media now focused on their family as the Presidential election approaches, Liam and Melody must fight on two battlefronts. Melody is torn between being in love with Liam and wanting to kill him for lying to her. Being in love and showing love are two different things in her world. Liam wants to do anything to protect his family even if that means hurting the people he loves.
Family is everything… but what happens when they’re out for your blood? Everything they have been through is nothing compared to what is coming…
***Warning: This book contains adult language and subject matter including graphic violence and explict sex that may be disturbing for some readers. This book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***
J. J. McAvoy first started working on Ruthless People during a Morality and Ethics lecture her freshman year of college. X number of years later, she is an insomniac who has changed her major three times, and is a master in the art of procrastination. If you ask her why she began writing, she will simply tell you “They wanted to get their story out.”
She is currently working on her next novel . . . so please bug her on Twitter @JJMcAvoy
Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
The post The Untouchables by J.J. McAvoy blog tour & Giveaway appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
January 19, 2015
Love Struck by Patrice Wilton book blitz
Love Struck
by Patrice Wilton
Series: Serendipity Falls, #3
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 21, 2014
“LOVE STRUCK” by USA TODAY Best Selling author PATRICE WILTON.
Can Samantha and Kyle resist their attraction and find a way to save the town? The “love bug curse” and the discovery of gold has turned Serendipity Falls into a place where no one is safe.
PROLOGUE
I’m Cupid, and for those who don’t know about me, I reside in what used to be a beautiful little town in the foothills of Mammoth, California, called Serendipity Falls. You have to forgive me for being less upbeat than usual, but my heart is broken. This once idyllic town has been overrun by people who have no concept of the true meaning of love. For the past several years I took great joy uniting couples in matrimonial bliss, and was very proud of the fact that while weddings abounded, divorces became extinct. Then my ego got the better of me, and I drew attention to myself. People flocked to Serendipity Falls to find love and the truth behind the so called ‘love bug’ in the spring water. Of course, you and I know that no such bug existed–it was just me up to my old tricks.
The news carried wide and far, and reporters came to our neck of the woods, eager to learn what the phenomenon was about–this wedding fever that drove strangers toward the altar. Oh, I had been so proud. Even won the National Cupid for Excellence three years running.
So what am I complaining about, you ask? Well, last year one of these reporters fell in love with one of our local girls. Yes, I had a little hand in that. I’m not sorry and make no apologies either. They were right for each other, and I never–not once–unite couples who are not a perfect match.
Well, this young buck didn’t discover any ‘love bug’–instead he discovered gold behind the falls. His story drew national attention and opened up an unsavory can of worms. People flocked to our little paradise, men seeking their fortune in gold–women seeking husbands.
This is where my ambling story takes an unfortunate turn. You see-the women are desperate and have resorted to the most unladylike behavior–fighting one another, setting traps for men. Hundreds arrive by busloads each month, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, I fear a thousand more will get here soon.
The sad truth is that they have no idea what love is. The meaning of love has been forgotten, or perhaps in some cases, never learned.
With a heavy heart, I watch and pray that common sense will prevail and the crazy antics will stop. Until that day happens, I am going to retire my trusty bow and arrow. I want no part of this.
Love cannot be forced. It cannot be controlled. It cannot be tricked, or trapped. Love is setting someone free, and wanting that person’s happiness more than their own. It is unselfish. It is considerate and caring. And it is the essence of joy.
When those lessons have been learned I will embrace my love making skills again, but until then silence will be my answer.
CHAPTER ONE
Kyle wiped down a spill on the bar as his brother Devon slammed the register closed. “What’s the matter with you?” Kyle asked, dropping the beer stained towel in the small bar sink.
“Just tired. It was another good night, though, so I can’t complain.” Devon rubbed his bad knee as he eyed the crowd around the two pool tables. “And pretty quiet, all things considered.”
“Not quiet enough. I gave those guys ‘last call’ twenty minutes ago, but don’t see anyone making a move.” Kyle didn’t care for the new crowd. The regulars were a different bunch, but lately the place was swarming with guys who wanted to get lucky with women, or had come to town in search of gold. Either way they were rude and obnoxious.
“We’ll give them another fifteen, then pull the plug. I told Tara I’d be home before midnight. She hates me driving so late–ever since that city slicker missed the bend, and flew over the cliff. I told her a zillion times that he wasn’t a local and didn’t know the turns, but she worries anyway.”
“That’s what women do–worry.” Kyle grinned, still shocked that his older brother had happily taken the marital plunge. “One of the many reasons I don’t go there. I’d hate to see a gorgeous gal like Tara get gray hairs over me.”
“As if! When was the last time you went on a date? Three, four months ago?” He scoffed. “You must be the biggest chicken in town.” Devon flapped his arms, which looked kind of silly for a macho, six foot two, muscular guy. “Cluck, cluck, cluck.”
“Very funny.” Kyle snorted and continued to stack the beer glasses. “I’m no fool. Like things just the way they are.”
As he spoke the words, he realized they weren’t true. He’d enjoyed Mammoth and the quaint little town of Serendipity when they’d been peaceful and quiet. That life was gone forever. Ever since gold was discovered last spring behind the falls, the place exploded and became a boomtown. Crazies flocked into the area–women camping out, looking for their future husbands. Some actually carried lassoes in their big handbags, even snare traps. Scary shit.
The damn love bug thing is what drew Chase, who used to be a reporter for the San Francisco News, into the area in the first place. He didn’t discover the existence of the love bug in the spring water, but he did get the story of a lifetime. A meteor crash caused moldavite formations, which led him to the discovery of gold, of all damn things. Until Chase went searching for the source, everyone in Serendipity had been happy enough with the mysterious love bug theories.
For better or worse, Chase Carlton changed the dynamics. Not intentionally, of course. He was a stand-up guy, and had married their sister Mila last summer, then knocked her up to boot.
That mitigating factor made Kyle the only single O’Reilley left. He guarded his independence as though it was the American Declaration for equality and liberty, and it might slip away any second. Not that he had any complaints because his siblings were happy, but he doubted it was the water, or something magical in the mountain air that had brought them together. Watching Devon with Tara, and Mila with Chase, he could see their love was real.
“I can’t really blame you for running scared,” Devon said. “Did you see that busload of women on the news earlier?”
“Getting off at the mall, wearing ‘MARRY ME’ t-shirts?” Kyle sighed. “Yeah. The reporter said the ladies hope to be hitched by Valentine’s Day.”
“Damn. I nearly forgot. That’s coming up soon.”
“Can’t forget, bro,” Kyle laughed. “It’s two weeks from now. Better buy Tara flowers or something pretty.”
“I’m sure she’ll give me a hint. She likes to make life easy.”
“You got lucky, but the rest of us…heck, all the good women are gone.” There were days when Kyle thought about moving to Hawaii. At least the locals only had erupting volcanoes to worry about. And a possible Tsunami, which seemed mild in comparison to what he dealt with on a daily basis.
As a single man, and not exactly unattractive, he had to keep his head low and his fly zipped. He was the most endangered species around. Far more threatened than the Bald Eagle or the Giant Panda.
He and Dev ran the most popular bar in town, and with all those hungry, single babes, well, the place got hot. Cat fights broke out whenever an unsuspecting new guy appeared. They’d had to hire a bodyguard/bartender named Flex, and he helped put out the fires, but the two brothers had also become adept at squashing brawls before the place got wrecked.
Devon sighed, staring at the group still playing pool as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Things sure have changed from a few years ago.”
“Are you sorry you didn’t listen to me when I tried to talk you into selling?”
“No. Not at all. We got lucky,” Devon shook his head. “Finances were tight as hell. But then the boom came. Saved our asses.”
“Bad part is that with the cash came the crazies.” Kyle shrugged his shoulders. “One problem got solved, but others took its place. Gotta fight the IRS, who want to get their greedy hands on the profits, and then we have these, these…” he sputtered, searching for the right word. “These men-eating women!”
Devon just laughed. “I remember the time you’d have thought you’d died and gone to heaven with all the young ladies chasing you.”
“Key word is ladies. That’s not what we’ve got here.”
The clock ticked at 10:55 p.m. “Closing time,” he called out, loud enough for everyone to here. “I’ll lock up,” he said quietly to Devon, and headed toward the door.
Halfway there, the door swung open and a pretty young woman strolled in. Pretty was a vast understatement. She looked like she came from Sweden or Norway with her thick blonde mane of hair falling straight past her shoulders. In any language, she was a knockout. Striking blue eyes–as clear and wide as the lake near the falls.
She brushed past him without making eye contact and headed straight for the bar. He followed her, his eyes on the curve of her hips. Nice ass. And long, forever legs.
Normally this time of year heavy winter coats hid a woman’s best assets, but she wore jeans and a short leather jacket. Kyle allowed himself a moment’s appreciation.
“I’ll have a Chardonnay, please.” She slid onto the stool, putting both elbows on the bar, supporting her head with her hands.
Kyle eyed her for a moment. She was either exhausted or drunk. Either way, he didn’t intend on serving her. Knockout or no knockout. “Sorry, Miss. But we’re just closing.” He jerked his thumb at the clock on the wall. “Eleven o’clock.”
She popped open an eye, squinted and looked at the clock behind the bar. “It’s five to. I’ll drink fast.”
Kyle leaned in her direction, wondering if there would be tell-tale signs of booze on her breath. You all right? Haven’t been drinking, have you?”
Devon coughed into his fist at Kyle’s rude remark, but Kyle shrugged. He rinsed the towel from the sink, and started wiping the bar down. Last thing they needed was to be found negligible serving a minor, or someone who’d had too much to drink and wrapped themselves around a pole.
She pulled herself up, lifted her chin and shot him a look that should have sent him straight to hell. “I haven’t had anything but water all day.” Her voice quivered, and her blue eyes shimmered.
Kyle felt his resolve melt as he watched the tears appear.
“I’ve been driving for darn near sixteen hours straight. Got to Serendipity Falls and they’d given away my room for the night. Said I was late and they couldn’t hold my reservation.”
“That’s rotten luck. You probably should have called to let them know you were on your way,” Kyle said, taking some of the asshole out of his voice.
She ignored his not-so-helpful comment. “I ran around everywhere. Not one single room to be found.” She sniffed and tried to smile, but the attempt failed dismally. “Now give me that drink, or I’m likely to have a meltdown right here and now.”
Kyle, feeling like a jerk, looked at Devon, who nodded. “You need something to eat? We’ve got bar snacks. Not much, I’m afraid, but our hotdogs are pretty good.”
“That’s nice of you, but no. I grabbed a bite to eat at the diner before driving up here. The one that overlooks the falls.” She wiped away a tear that had seeped out the corner of her eye and trickled down her cheek. “The waitress there, Sue something, she gave me a big bowl of home-made chili and fresh baked bread.”
“Sue Burke’s a heck of a nice woman,” Kyle said, pouring a generous glass of wine and sliding it over to her. “Also makes the best soups in town.”
“Uh-huh.” She plopped her head in her hand again, as if too tired to hold it up. “Would have had my wine there, but I didn’t know how far up the mountain I had to go.”
“Good thing. The road can be dangerous at night.” Kyle normally didn’t engage in conversation with pretty young women, but she seemed more interested in her glass of wine, so he relaxed his guard a notch. “Take your time. We’ll need to start moving our customers toward the door soon. Probably won’t empty out until half past, sometimes closer to midnight.”
She nodded, thanked him, and took a long swallow. Then another. “I still need to find a place to sleep.” She glanced around at the twenty or so people hanging around. “You know of a cheap motel where I can stay?”
Devon stopped rinsing glasses and stepped forward. “I do. My place.”
Her eyes widened. “I’m desperate, but not that desperate. Besides, I’m not that kind of girl.”
Devon laughed. “My wife and I own a B&B. Someone checked out this morning. We have one room which might still be available. I’d have to check with Tara to be sure.”
“Please do. That would be great.”
Devon walked to the other side of the bar to make the call.
Kyle couldn’t seem to get his feet moving. He wasn’t sure why, but this woman’s plight struck a chord in him. “Things will work out,” he told her. “If not Devon’s, I’ll call around and find you a place.”
“Why are you being so kind all of a sudden?” Her eyes grazed his face, and she frowned. “No one goes out of their way for strangers. There’s always an angle.”
“They do here in Mammoth and down in Serendipity Falls. It’s the friendliest place in the nation. At least, it used to be.”
“So I heard, but not for me tonight.”
“Give it some time. You’ll see.”
“Hey, Kyle. Another Cosmo before you close down,” someone shouted from the back of the room.
“You’ve had enough,” Kyle shouted back. “Closing time, folks. Drink up and drive safely. We’ll see you all back here tomorrow.”
Over the boos and hisses, a male voice spoke up. “You just served the lady a drink. One more round. Come on,” he coaxed. “One last call.”
“Last call was a half hour ago. Maybe you didn’t hear it.”
Devon was on the phone with Tara, and he put his hand to his throat, telling Kyle to cut them off.
“We’re done here, folks.” Kyle raised his voice. “It’s quitting time.”
“I’m sorry. If I hadn’t come in…” the pretty woman spoke softly, and lifted her eyes. Kyle saw the two blue ponds brimming with tears.
Kyle could see she was close to losing it. The long drive. Hotel room gone. It had been a hellova day and she looked set for a weeping jag. “Don’t be. They’re always one or two assholes in the crowd.”
Devon came back with a smile. “You’re in luck. We’ve still got one room, and my wife, Tara, is holding it for you. You can follow me when I leave. It’s about half way between us and Serendipity.”
“Back the other way?” She took another sip of her wine, her expression cautious. “Perhaps I’d better stay in town.” She fingered the stem of her glass. “Not that I’m not grateful. Just…you know.”
She shrugged but her eyes said it all. She didn’t know him, and hesitated over trusting him.
Devon rested his hip against the bar. “It’s getting late, and you don’t want to be running all over town looking for a room, do you?”
A guy with a ponytail and a baseball cap stood leaning against a pole, where he’d been watching her with drunken interest. He stepped closer and put a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, girl. If you’re looking for a bed tonight, you can share mine.” He laughed. “Don’t need to worry about a jealous wife. Ain’t got one.”
“Back off, Billy. Go home. You’ve had enough beer for one night,” Kyle told him, his jaw set.
“Mind your own business, Kyle. I’m about to get lucky with this pretty lady here.” His arm tightened around her shoulders and he pulled her close. He smiled, breathing fumes into her face. “If you’re here to find a man, you don’t need to look any further.”
She shrugged his arm off of her, and twisted away. “I’m not looking for a man. Just a hotel room.”
“A pretty thing like you shouldn’t be alone tonight.” Billy said with a leer. “I’ll give you a good old-fashioned welcome. Show you how friendly us locals can be.”
“Enough,” Kyle said, annoyed that this woman was getting harassed in his bar. He poured half a beer and beckoned Billy. As soon as the guy was close enough, Kyle popped him on the jaw and watched him stagger back. “That’s no way to treat a lady. Now, get out.”
Billy recovered quickly and came after Kyle, who stepped out of arm range, and danced light on his feet like a prize fighter. Billy continued to flail his arms, attempting in his inebriated state to reach Kyle, who should have known better than to taunt him with tight jabs and fancy footwork. Just maybe he was showing off a little.
“You had enough?” Kyle said, putting down his hands. “Why don’t you go home and sleep it off.”
“Just about done.” Billy, cross-eyed, delivered a right hook, which Kyle managed to dodge. After that everything happened in slow motion.
The shot directed at Kyle’s chin missed its mark, connecting with the woman at the bar. She cried out, and toppled off the barstool.
Devon moved quickly, grabbing Billy by his ponytail and forcefully taking him out to the street. Kyle leaped into action, crouching at the woman’s side. Remorse, anger, and shame warred inside of him. He’d been a fool to taunt Billy. And this poor girl had taken the brunt of the fist. A damn fine welcome she’d had in this once friendly town.
“I’m sorry. This is entirely my fault.” He touched her shining hair, wanting to do something crazy, like take her in his arms and hold her tight. Poor kid. Her bad day had just gotten a whole lot worse.
She shook his hand off and edged away.
“Are you all right?” he asked gently. “That fist was meant for me. You didn’t deserve it.” She was scrunched over and he couldn’t see her face.
He stood, offering her his hand. She didn’t take it.
“He just grazed me,” she whispered. “But it was the shock that scared me.” She stood up slowly, brushing off her jeans, and then pushed her hair out of her eyes. They were wide, alert, but not frightened.
“Are you sure?” He touched her chin gently, turning her face from side to side, inspecting it for bruises. “It’s a little pink, right here,” he touched the side of her cheek. His voice sounded weird to his own ears. He cleared his throat. “Is it sore?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m not hurt.”
“Damn.” He’d known Billy for years, and had never seen him act out before. He’d had more to drink than normal, but that was no excuse for his actions tonight. “This place doesn’t usually get rowdy, but with all the strangers lately, well, we never know what to expect.”
“It’s all right. I grew up with two brothers. I’m used to a few wild punches.”
They stood close to each other, staring into each other’s eyes. Kyle couldn’t look away. Seemed like she couldn’t either.
“What’s your name?” He licked his dry lips, watching her mouth. He liked the shape of it. Lush, pink lips, slightly open. Kissable lips, a mouth that could drive a man crazy. Not Billy crazy, but thinking about how fine they’d taste, and how he’d like to suck on that bottom lip…
“It’s Samantha,” she said in a husky voice, as if she were having trouble breathing. “I go by Sam.”
“Nice to meet you, Sam. I’m Kyle O’Reilley, and that’s my brother, Devon. You can trust him. He and Tara will take good care of you, I promise.”
“You’ve both been so kind,” she said, putting her hand to her throat. “Devon, thanks for calling your wife. What about you, Kyle? Married?”
Kyle took an instinctive step backward, seeing the overly-bright sheen in her eyes. His body reacted to her husky voice. Not good, man. Not good.
His antenna went on full survival alert. “Well, Sam, truth is, when it comes to single women and husband shopping, I’m a little gun shy.”
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU
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Grab the whole Serendipity Falls Series in One Box Set!
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU
Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes
Patrice Wilton knew from the age of twelve that she wanted to write books that would take the reader to faraway places. She was born in Vancouver, Canada, and had a great need to see the world that she had read about.
Patrice became a flight attendant for seventeen years and traveled the world. At the age of forty she sat down to write her first book—in longhand! Her interests include tennis, golf, and writing stories for women of all ages.
She is the proud mother of two, has four lovely grand-daughters, and a wonderful man at her side. They live in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he teaches her golf, and she teaches him patience. She is a USA Today Best Selling author.
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website
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Infernal Ice by Joceline Farrah blog tour
Infernal Ice
Joceline Farrah
Publication date: December 18th 2014
Genres: Erotica, Paranormal Romance
Beneath the sun kissed skies and the glamour of South Beach, Stygians and mortals co-exist under an uneasy alliance.Governed by strict rules known as Stygian protocol, they live by one most sacred and cardinal rule: Never comingle with mortals.
Grief stricken, caseworker Jessa Belle Jones loses herself in her job, after the love of her life, Scott Dempsey disappears without a trace. When her father announces her betrothal to Abbandon, the General of the Stygian Armies, Jessa-Belle turns to Havah, the Tinseller to thwart her father’s plan by finding her own Stygian noble to marry.
Wrought with vengeance, Stygian Raum Corvus, searches Miami Beach for retribution against the dark mage who took everything he’d cherished.
But when destiny links Raum path to Jessa’s plight, will fate keep them together or will Stygian conventions rip them apart?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23382632-infernal-ice
Purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Infernal-Ice-Stygian-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00R5H3DRS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421367902&sr=8-1&keywords=Infernal+Ice+Joceline+Farrah
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/infernal-ice-joceline-farrah/1120959678?ean=2940046277838
Guest Post
How did the story come to the author.
Infernal Ice was born of a short story that I initially wrote a few years ago for the 1NS series by Decadent Publishing. As I outlined the short, I kept on getting more and more ideas until I was completely outside of all the submission requirements. Once I outlined Raum Corvus’ character, there was no way this short would see the light of day. Raum Corvus’ devilish good looks, charm, wit, and courage swept me off my feet. I knew, from that moment, in order to do him justice as well as his love for Jessa- Belle (the heroine of Infernal Ice) only a novel would do. So I wrote the first draft, edited and revised it until I was teary when I wrote the very last sentence. ..(Yes, I know… I’m so mushyJ)
The next bump in the road was I no longer liked the original title ( Styx and Stones). I played around with the story elements long enough until I got a title I felt was the right fit and of course, I was happy with.
The cover is the work of Kim Killion and it captures every aspect of the novel: my city, the love story and the characters.
There you have it ….
Thank you Joceline.
AUTHOR BIO:
Joceline Farrah is an avid reader of all of things paranormal. She draws inspiration for her stories from her own hometown magic city Miami Beach, FL. With pen to paper, she creates worlds where beings are as magical as the realms they inhabit.When she isn’t plotting new ideas for a novel or crocheting, she enjoys a good game of Chess and a nice cup of Chai tea.
Author links:
http://jocelinefarrah.wordpress.com/about/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joceline-Farrah/1472670792987027
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January 18, 2015
“Delicious Mornings” blog tour
About the book:
Make the most important meal of the day the BEST meal of your day! Delicious Mornings is a delectable collection of from-scratch breakfast recipes, including everyone’s classic favorites as well as scrumptious new twists like French Toast Casserole, Red Velvet Pancakes, and Easy Apple Fritter Monkey Bread. Holidays, birthdays, or even weekdays—whatever the occasion, you’ll be jumping out of bed to try these amazing recipes!
About the author:
Dina Foglio Crowell lives in Historic Fredericksburg, Virginia with her husband who is in the District of Columbia Air National Guard and their four children. She is a self taught baker, professional blogger, photographer, food stylist, award winning cake decorator and freelance writer. She is a member of numerous Ad Networks including Collective Bias, Pollinate Media Group and Tap Influence and works in the highly competitive field of Brand Ambassadorship. She has written articles and developed recipes for ad campaigns working with major brands including Hershey’s, Nestle, Betty Crocker and Kraft Foods. Dina is an award winning cake decorator with two second place wins from the National Capital Area Cake Show in the professional tiered cake division. Her popular blog www.buttercream-bakehouse.com has become a media platform to inspire culinary achievement for home bakers who want to learn the craft of baking and try easy to follow recipes and have comparable success doing it. Dina has been featured on various online recipe forums including Taste of Home, Gooseberry Patch, Recipe Lion, Just a Pinch, The Best Dessert Recipes and Recipe Chart. Her photography has been been the cover shot for several ebooks and can also be found on Foodgawker.com. and Tastespotting.com. Dina is a partner with Taste Media Ad Network and is listed as a favorite blog on Tasteofhome.com. She also serves as a voluntary field editor for Taste of Home magazine.
My thoughts:
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January 17, 2015
Share the Moon by Sharon Struth
Get your copy for 99 cents now!
Title: Share the Moon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Kensington Books/Lyrical Press
Number of Pages: 285
Release Date: August 4, 2014
Book Blurb:
Sometimes trust is the toughest lesson to learn.
Sophie Shaw is days away from signing a contract that will fulfill her dream of owning a vineyard. For her, it’s a chance to restart her life and put past tragedies to rest. But Duncan Jamieson’s counter offer blows hers out to sea.
Duncan still finds Sophie as appealing as he had during boyhood vacations to the lake. Older and wiser now, he has his own reasons for wanting the land. His offer, however, hinges on a zoning change approval.
Bribery rumors threaten the deal and make Sophie wary of Duncan, yet she cannot deny his appeal. When her journalistic research uncovers a Jamieson family secret, trust becomes the hardest lesson for them both.
“Heart-tugging small town romance with real emotion.
Struth is an author to watch!”
—Laura Drake, author of RITA-award winning The Sweet Spot
Author Bio:
Sharon Struth is an award-winning author who believes it’s never too late for a second chance in love or life. When she’s not writing, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail. Sharon writes from the small town of Bethel, Connecticut, the friendliest place she’s ever lived. For more information, including where to find her other novels and published essays, please visit her at www.sharonstruth.com
Excerpt #1
“Manhattan.”
Sophie adjusted her crooked scarf. “Living here will be a big change.”
“I know. I’ve always loved this place, though.” Duncan reached out and tenderly brushed a leaf off Sophie’s shoulder. His gaze flowed down her body like a slow trickle
of water.
An unexpected burn raced up her cheeks.
He lifted his brows. “Hey, I never knew the lake went by another name. The town website said the original name came from an old Native American word.”
She nodded. “Puttacawmaumschuckmaug Lake.” The long name rolled off her tongue with ease, the pronunciation a rite of passage for anyone born and raised around the body of water. “It either means ‘at the large fishing place near the rock’ or ‘huge rock on the border.’”
“What?” He chuckled. “Puttamaum…”
She shook her head and repeated the difficult word. “Puttacawsch—”
“Nope. It’s a toughie. That’s why a reporter who visited here at the turn of the century suggested in his column we change the name. He said the water’s beauty was as rare as a blue moon, and the phrase stuck.”
He grinned, easy and confident. “My kids will love this place.”
Kids? Sophie buried her disappointment. “Are you and your wife looking at the other towns bordering the water?”
“No. I like Northbridge. Oh, and I’m not married,” he said matter-of-factly. His gaze arm-twisted her for a response.
Share the Moon Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GczH6uBi1og
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/share-the-moon-sharon-struth/1119885774?ean=9781616505639&itm=1&usri=9781616505639
Kensington Books: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30514
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/share-the-moon
Apple store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shar...
Google Books: http://books.google.com/books/about/Share_the_Moon.html?id=rmbZAwAAQBAJ
Where to find Sharon on-line:
Website: www.sharonstruth.com
Musings from the Middle Ages & More: www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com
Twitter: @sharonstruth
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