Babs Hightower's Blog, page 139
October 3, 2014
The Cowboy Earns a Bride by Cora Seton review
Wedding bells are ringing on the Double-Bar-K and Luke Matheson is determined to make his move on his favorite bridesmaid–sweet, sexy Mia Start. Though she’s shared his house for more than two months, she’s remained elusive. Luke’s ready to cross that divide, and win her love for good.
Mia would give anything to marry Luke, but he won’t want her once he knows the truth; she’s four months pregnant with another man’s child. It’s time to find a real home–and a real job–so she can raise her baby alone.
When a nosy neighbor exposes Mia’s pregnancy at his brother’s wedding, Luke sees his chance to finally get what he wants. He lays claim to the baby–and to Mia–but their happily-ever-after lasts barely a day. When Luke’s pride clashes with Mia’s need for independence, Mia calls their brand new engagement off.
Can Luke convince her to change her mind? Or will these wedding bells sound the death knell of their relationship?
My thoughts:
This author is one of my favorites. This series has been great from the beginning. If you like westerns with some fun times and hot romance this is the series for you.
Luke has liked Mia for a while now and wants to make her his but Mia has a secret and doesn’t know how well Luke will take the news. She is pregnant and must make a life for herself and the baby. Everyones thinks she acts like a teenager and treats her as such. Mia makes a move to make things better for herself and still wants Luke but can she trust him with the truth and lose him forever?
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review this book for my honest opinion.
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Rodeo Rebel (Texas Rodeo Barons, #0.5) Review
The Barons, six tight-knit siblings loud, daring and loyal are about to discover that love can be as rough as the rodeo. Bestselling author Donna Alward introduces the exciting Texas Rodeo Barons series with her charming prequel novella, Rodeo Rebel.
Back in the ring
As the first female bull rider in her circuit, Megan Robertson needs to focus. But all she can think about is her ex, Pax Lantry. Megan knew their paths would cross again she just wasn’t prepared for the effect it would have on her. More surprising than the old heartache is the jolt of pure attraction she still feels for him.
Even after five years, Pax has never gotten over Megan. All it takes is seeing her, just once, for him to know that their connection is as strong as ever. But he’s committed to his family’s ranch and Meg has her own demanding career. It seems as if Pax and Megan have moved on, so why can’t they let each other go?
Don’t miss the first heartwarming novel in the Texas Rodeo Barons series, The Texan’s Baby.
File Size: 196 KB
Print Length: 62 pages
Publisher: Harlequin American Romance (June 2, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
My thoughts:
A nice new read for me from a great author. Pax comes back into Megan’s life after letting her go and breaking her heart 5 years ago. When she is thrown off a bull in a rodeo she gets rushed to the hospital as she is uncoinsious. Pax stays with her night and day for a few days as they try and work things out. Can Meg risk her heat being broken again?
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September 23, 2014
Book Spotlight Her Name by Alicia Joseph
Blurb:
Madison Andrews believes she has found the love of her life… but only in her dreams. She is convinced the woman is real and she seeks out their life together and the love she believes is her destiny. But how can Madison find the love of her life…and convince herself and her friends she’s not just escaping the death of her mother?
Madison Andrews has spent her entire life–unsuccessfully–searching for love. She begins having vivid dreams of the same woman every night, and soon, Madison believes this woman is the love she has been searching for. Madison’s dreams become more intense and she realizes the dreams she’s having recreate moments taken from actual events from her life–and this woman is there for all of it. Madison searches for her, but how can she find a woman she knows everything about… and yet nothing? She doesn’t even know her name.
Excerpt:
Now, I laid down my fork and leaned into my seat. I knew she didn’t want to talk about this anymore, but I did. “This all sounds crazy to you, and maybe in the beginning, it was something to joke about, but now, I’m not sure. These pictures were taken directly out of my life, and this woman was in every one of them. You can’t tell me I just dreamed it from memory, because my memory isn’t that good! The photos were identical all the way from the clothes we wore, to the smile on our faces. Hell, even the background was the same! She was the only thing that was different. How could that be?”
I stared at her, waiting for a response as she took it all in.
“Like I said on the phone, I just don’t know what you want me to say. I’m not sure what you’re asking me. Is it weird? Yeah, totally, but I’m no dream expert, and neither are you. Like I said before, maybe it’s your subconscious taking over. I’m sure there’s a logical explanation, and it probably has some fancy scientific name.”
“She’s my wife,” I said flatly. “I saw a picture of us from our wedding, and we looked like we belonged together. We know each other. I mean, really know each other. I wish you could see us together, because you’ve never seen me this way with anyone before.”
“And what way is that?”
“In love,” I answered.
“In love,” Shelly repeated and then pushed herself away from the table. “Well, Maddy, me seeing you with her is something that will never happen. Do you wanna know why that will never happen?”
“I know why you think that will never happen, but that’s where you’re wrong.” I stared at her and said, “I’m just gonna come out and say it. I think she’s real.”
Check out Alicia at her website
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September 16, 2014
J. Taylor Publishing are giving away FIVE ARCs of Secret of the Souls by Terri Rochenski!
J. Taylor Publishing are giving away FIVE ARCs of Secret of the Souls by Terri Rochenski!
Check it out!
Thrust out of their homes by a human High Priest on a vengeful mission, the Natives of Derlund no longer have a place to call their own. One escaped capture, however, and now she, Hyla, is the only one who can save her people.
For, Hyla, though, saving her nation isn’t her ultimate goal—returning to the Pool of Souls is. Becoming its Guardian and preserving their faith is her heart’s desire. The perils of her current journey, though, could leave her unable to fulfill that dream.
To find her way back to the Pool, Hyla must live among dangerous, powerful humans willing to defend the Natives, and must submit herself—her Talents—to them. While her protection is paramount, plots to end Hyla’s life will push her to her physical and emotional limits.
On the edge of sanity, her courage tested, and convictions nearly broken, Hyla’s final test of loyalty to her faith comes with the death of one she could have loved.
Readers will experience Hyla’s spiritual and self-discovering journey once more, in this latest addition to the Pool of Souls duology.
And J. Taylor Publishing is giving away FIVE ARC copies.
To YOU!
You don’t even have to be a book blogger!
Nope, so long as you are willing to leave an honest review* by October 12th 2014, you are eligible to enter.
Interested?
Then just fill out the form and keep your fingers crossed.
You have until midnight of September 21st, 2014 to enter.
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*A review should consist of your honest thoughts regarding a book, usually a few paragraphs long and around 150 – 500 (or more, if desired) words in length.
About Terri Rochenski
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 the fantasy genre.
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.
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September 12, 2014
Musa Publishing Submission Call
Authors: Helen is looking for erotica subs, vanilla to ultra kink, Cowboys any length. Submit to @helenhardt http://delphi.musapublishing.com/submissions
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Release Day for Prentice & Desiree by Brita Addams
Blurb:
Guard your heart. Passion comes with a price.
Lost in grief, Prentice Hyde, the much sought after Marquess of Wycroft, salves his broken heart at the Sapphire Club. He wants love, but finding it presents problems of disloyalty to his dead wife.
Widow Desiree Huntington appears at the Sapphire Club, sees Prentice in action, and presents him with a request so seductive, he finds it difficult to refuse.
As their arrangement progresses, Prentice takes Desiree to the heights of sexual endurance and enjoyment, mires her in passion, and sees a way out of the loneliness that is his life.
But Desiree wants all Prentice has to offer—but his heart.
historical erotica, historical romance, sapphire club,
Warning: This eBook may contain language, content, images, and scenes that depict profanity, violence, sexuality/sexual relations or other content that is intended for mature adult readers. This eBook is meant only for adults as defined by the laws of the country or region where you made your purchase. If you are under the age of maturity, if adult material offends you, or if it is illegal to read, view, purchase, or own such material in your community please be warned that this eBook may contain objectionable content. Store your eBook carefully so that it cannot be accessed by younger readers.
Excerpt:
Prentice & Desiree
Book Two Sapphire Club series
Brita Addams
Chapter One
1804
Desiree’s quarry skirted the periphery of the ballroom. She’d feigned
indisposition to escape her mother’s cloying grasp and hidden
near the terrace doors until her assignation wended his way through the
marriage-minded mothers and their desperate daughters.
“He’s mine,” she silently told each one. “I will claim the
hand of the Earl of Cheshire.”
In anticipation of his momentary arrival, she smoothed imaginary
wrinkles from her gown, as he smiled and flirted, kissed hands, and
chatted with mothers worried about how firmly their daughters sat on the
shelf.
While Desiree’s parents had betrothed her to Jonathan Greeley, they
had neither consulted Desiree nor asked her opinion of the match. He was
fine enough—rich, handsome, and several years—but not too many—older
than she, but at eighteen, she wasn’t as marriage-minded as she ought to
be, or so said her mother at every opportunity.
Her sense of adventure kept her searching for something more than
needlework, watercolors, and handling the household accounts, much to
her mother’s consternation. The woman insisted upon daily visits to the
milliner, the dressmaker, the shoemaker. Desiree had more hats, dresses,
and shoes than any woman of her acquaintance.
“You must go to your husband in clothes befitting your station. You are
a lady of good breeding.”
Earlier in the evening, when the Earl of Cheshire asked her to dance,
her heart nearly sank into her pretty kid shoes. She marked the steps of
her well-rehearsed quadrille, and the earl flirted shamelessly, the mere
intensity of his gaze enough to entrance her even an hour later. When
they came together, he’d made the dance an intimate experience, one that
hadn’t escaped her vigilant mother.
“No lady should dance so closely to a young man. Why, I wouldn’t dance
that close to your father. Where has decency gone?”
She’d reasoned that explained her lack of siblings.
The earl’s flirtations weren’t lost on her. She was, given the opportunity, of
a like mind. Two years at the estimable Mrs. Petrie’s School for Young Ladies
in Bath had served to enhance more than her education as to the use of globes.
Her real instruction came after hours, during the randy conversations
with her fellow students. She’d learned the ways of the world—that
which transpires between men and women—taught by the girls whose
maidenheads hindered the lives they wished to lead.
The school’s drawing classes often served to educate during those
long nights, as Ruby Lake drew, from memory, or so she assured, detailed
images of the male member and its many uses.
“This belongs to none other than the Earl of Cheshire,” Ruby told her
rapt audience. “One day, I’ll marry him and experience it—again.”
Ruby related details of her encounter with the earl, and the girls nearly
expired from envy. All but Desiree. That night, she made it her purpose
to wrangle the lascivious earl and, through any means necessary, make
him her own. Every woman of her age would envy her for having taken the
plum prize on the marriage mart.
Though the drawings of the earl’s cock—Ruby insisted they refer to it
as such—frightened her, due to its sheer size, she’d grown so enamored
by it that she filched the drawings and kept them as part of her most
treasured possessions. That, and her father’s not so secret collection of
erotic drawings that turned her mind from embroidery to anything carnal.
That very afternoon, Desiree had, while under strict instruction to nap
in preparation for the ball, taken the drawings from their secure hideyhole
and traced over them with her finger. The implied intimacy shook
her, made her feel things she didn’t understand. The interminable heat
remained long after she tucked the drawings away.
Should luck find her, as well as a not so full moon, she’d proceed with
her plan to discover for herself whether the Earl of Cheshire was indeed
thusly endowed, or if his fabled member, as with so many things in life,
was a mere figment of a naughty girl’s imagination.
Waiting for him just inside the large French doors unnerved her, given
that her overprotective mother cast a rather long shadow. She had spies
everywhere and seemed capable of being in more than one place at a time.
I should have told him to meet me in the orangery.
From behind the Corinthian column, she spied on him. He moved with
such grace—without doubt all the men in the room envied him his God-given
confidence.
She placed her hand over her heart, which beat faster than it should. He
was a god himself, blessed with hair the color of sunlight, skin bronzed by
hours on horseback, his tall muscular body—oh, my. She took her fan from
her reticule and whipped it to purpose.
As he spoke to Emily Hargrave, Desiree’s heart thudded. They spoke
briefly, he smiled, she giggled. Another vacuous daughter of nobility.
He nodded to other girls, kissed the hands of no less than a dozen, and
the moment she stepped out from behind the sheltering column, he stood
before her, his smile as bright as the sun on a clear summer morning. “Good
evening, again, Miss Fairholme. Might you care to join me on the terrace?”
He winked and offered his arm. Oh, he played the part of deceiver well,
given she had arranged the assignation by way of a promissory missive.
Shameful, yes, but she had competition to consider.
She gave the room one last glance and took his arm. “Yes, I would,”
she said with a lilt in her voice. No reason to sound scared, despite her
watery knees.
The earl guided her through the French doors, out onto the terrace.
“The music is so loud,” she said, taking matters into her own hands. “You
might find the garden to your liking.” She grabbed his hand and scampered
down the wide stone steps. “Oh, look. I’d love to see the orangery, wouldn’t you?”
She dashed across the manicured lawn, toward the orangery at the
edge of the property.
“Your parents might miss you.”
“I’ll worry about that later.”
Brita’s Website
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September 10, 2014
We Will Not Forget 9-11
We can not forget what happened on that day. The lives that were lost, the people who jumped in to help no matter the cost. From the Military to Firemen and all in-between. Too many lives were lost for a senseless action. To all the brave men and women who protect us still today we congratulate you and commend you on a job well done. Thank you for all you do for us.
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September 5, 2014
Release day for Mystic Thompson Fighting Kudzu
Happy Release Day
Blurb:
Never cower in the shadow of shame.
In 1972 on a hot, late spring day in Georgia, five-year-old Noble Thorvald plays contentedly alone in her suburban backyard. Her only companions…an imaginary professional football team.
As she plays in her world of wonder and adventure, Noble is unaware of the challenges life will hurl in her direction – challenges that will redefine her more than once.
Fighting Kudzu is the lyrical saga that traces Noble’s life as she emerges into adulthood and discovers herself.
#young adult #YA #family #southernfiction #alcoholism #comingofage #comingout #family #divorce #football #kudzu #magnolia #music #Atlanta #Georgia #TheSouth #lesbian #GLBTQ #gay #highschool #teenager #TheSeventies
Excerpt:
The house was quiet and dark. I removed all of my cards from the bag as well as the heart with a mouth and the special valentine from Jill. I quietly walked down the hallway, “Mama?” No response. “Mama, where are you?” I stopped at her closed door and leaned into it to see if I heard anything. Nothing. I slowly turned the knob and opened the door.
Mama was lying in the bed, still and quiet. “Mama?” I whispered. I went to the edge of the bed and sat beside her. “Mama?” Another whisper.
She opened her eyes and stared blankly at me as if she didn’t recognize me. I smiled down at her. “I want to show you something. What I got at school today.” I pulled the cards out onto her bed.
She sat up partially. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I wanted to show…”
She cut me off in mid-sentence. “Get the hell outta here.”
With that she flung her arm across the bed and my cards scattered on the floor. I felt the heat of tears beginning to sting my eyes. I crouched on the floor and began to neatly collect the cards.
“I said get out!!”
“I’m getting my things.” The tears were flowing now and I had to gasp to be able to speak.
“I want you out now! NOW! NOW! NOW!”
I grabbed what I could hold in my arms and I ran from the door while she continued to scream, “NOW! NOW! NOW!” I slammed the door behind me and leaned against the wall in the hall. I slid down the wall until I was sitting on the floor. I looked at what I was able to salvage of my valentines. There weren’t many, and the one from Jill was not there.
I tried to stop crying, but I couldn’t. I managed to get the heart with a mouth, but now it was torn and crumpled and one of its eyes had been torn off. I cried softly as I tried to smooth it. The house was dark and quiet. The only sound was of me trying to stifle my sobs as I attempted to organize the remnants of my valentine jackpot.
The heart was lying on the floor looking up at me with a small tear down the center of its forehead. A broken heart. It made me think of Mama’s description of what heartbreak was. She said when someone breaks your heart, things between you and that person will never be the same. She had struggled to describe what a broken heart actually felt like.
At this moment, I understood why she had struggled so. I knew that I was feeling heartbreak, and it was hard to describe. Once I was watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with Marlin Perkins. The show had been about python snakes. Marlin explained that pythons did not kill by biting, because they have no venom. The python kills its prey by wrapping around its torso and squeezing. Every time the poor trapped animal exhales, the snake tightens. For the prey, breathing gets more and more shallow until it eventually can’t breathe at all. It dies a very slow, painful death by suffocation.
This is what I thought heartbreak felt like. I could barely breathe and I felt that any minute the struggle would end, and death would come, slow and painful. Mama had just broken my heart, which meant things between us would never be the same. The python tightened its grip again and I fell to the floor. I lay crying among my torn valentines, struggling to breathe.
About Mystic:
Author Mystic Thompson is a veteran educator who has taught Physical Education, Social Studies, and Reading at the middle school level. Additionally, she has been both an Assistant Principal and Principal at the high school level. She has worked in Georgia, North Carolina, and California.
She currently teaches at a charter high school in the greater Los Angeles area, where she is also a member of the Board of Trustees. Fighting Kudzu is her first novel. She has begun work on a sequel that is currently entitled Downhill Running.
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The Duke and the Seduction of Fair Felicity by Sunny Lane & Giveaway
Blurb:
Can a man deeply in love with his wife overcome all the obstacles placed in the couple’s path by the cruel teachings of a jealous relative?
With a glimpse from across the room, the Duke fell instantly in love with beautiful Felicity. Understanding if he would ever enjoy domestic tranquility with his beloved bride, he would need sage advice, he turned to a well known poet for a solution to his problem. Could the Bard have the key to not only his happiness, but that of Felicity’s as well? Or would his desperate attempt end all chances of marital bliss for this star-crossed couple?
Warning: This eBook may contain language, content, images, and scenes that depict profanity, violence, sexuality/sexual relations or other content that is intended for mature adult readers. This eBook is meant only for adults as defined by the laws of the country or region where you made your purchase. If you are under the age of maturity, if adult material offends you, or if it is illegal to read, view, purchase, or own such material in your community please be warned that this eBook may contain objectionable content. Store your eBook carefully so that it cannot be accessed by younger readers.
Excerpt:
She frolicked naked on the edge of the clear stream like some nubile wood nymph while her clothes hung helter-skelter on the surrounding shrubbery. Waist-length, dark hair dripped in wet tendrils over pale skin and partially covered her ample breasts. Even as he stood watching, frozen immobile from behind a tree, she tossed her hair and stood totally revealed in all her beauty. The impact of the sight of his gorgeous, naked wife reminded the duke how long he had been without the favor of a woman. He grimaced and clenched his teeth, fighting for control over his traitorous body. With her back turned to him she bent over and scooped water to splash over her shoulders. As the cold water hit her she squealed with laughter at the shock. Her melodious voice rang out with delight.
An involuntary gasp escaped him, and he eased backwards, forcing himself to return quietly to the small cabin. He proceeded to prepare the fresh game for their supper. He knew who needed a bath in the cold stream. Ruefully he acknowledged this experiment might prove to be a more difficult task than he had anticipated. Who might be the schooled and who might be the teacher was still very much in balance.
Buy link on Musa website : http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=814
Giveaway:
One commenter will receive a Musa Gift Card valued at $5.99. So what are you waiting for?
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Guest Brina Courtney
~*~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~*~
Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She’s spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs. You can find her on her website,http://brinacourtney.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter, @brinacourtney.
~*~BOOK LIST~*~
The Promise
Move
Stealing Promises
The Cryptid Tales series
Summer in Salem
Discovery~*~SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS~*~
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brina-Courtney/270546116309774
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5295520.Brina_Courtney?from_search=true
https://twitter.com/brinacourtney
http://www.amazon.com/Brina-Courtney/e/B0073X9KRQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1402683149&sr=1-1
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