Babs Hightower's Blog, page 56

Release of The Thief’s Countess by Cecelia Mecca

The Release of The Thief’s Countess is a Dream Come True

More than twenty years ago, like most English majors, I thought to combine my love of the romance genre and fandom of all things medieval and write a romance novel. Researching at the University of Scranton’s library, I began a story that has become The Thief’s Countess so many years later. Although I convinced myself life–jobs, marriage, kids, new jobs– took precedence over realizing my dream of becoming a romance author, it was more likely fear which held me back.

In 2015 when I decided to make time for the one goal I’d never achieved, I re-submerged myself into 13th century England. Little did I know, writing “The End” in September (on my birthday) was really just the beginning. Editing, querying, publishing, marketing–there are many components of getting a book out into the world. But I continued to learn, read and network and finally, more than two years later, I published my first romance, The Ward’s Bride, a Border Series prequel novella. The support, positive reviews and excitement of accomplishing a lifelong goal has not yet worn off. And with any luck, and a bit of determination, it never will.

Get a Free Novella

Join the CM Insiders to receive a free prequel novella or purchase on Amazon for .99. Although it can be read as a stand alone, The Ward’s Bride gives a bit of background to Border Series Book One, The Thief’s Countes.

INSERT THIEF’S COUNTESS BOOK COVER

Blurb

A thief turned reluctant protector… A countess who resents but can’t resist him…

The Reiver

Sir Geoffrey has dedicated his life to exacting revenge on the men who killed his parents and stole his birthright. The son of a baron, he has been reduced to stealing the resources he needs to reclaim his family legacy. Just when he’s on the verge of success, his uncle asks him to put his plans on hold to help protect a wealthy countess. It’s a distraction Geoffrey resents, even more so when he meets Lady Sara. The gorgeous, complicated and alluring lady is everything he’d want in a woman—and everything he can’t have.

The Countess

With her betrothed coming to claim her hand in marriage and a distant cousin intent on usurping her earldom, Lady Sara Caiser feels beset by controlling, unwanted men. As if that weren’t enough, her father’s deathbed request was for two lawless border reivers to serve as her protectors. Despite her misgivings, an undeniable attraction pulls her into Sir Geoffrey’s arms. The man she thought nothing more than a thief is more dangerous than she believed, for he’s noble, caring and sinfully attractive. As the threats against her continue to mount, Sara must decide what’s more important—her duty or her heart.

You can purchase The Thief’s Countess on Amazon for $2.99. A limited-time special edition includes chapter upgrades, similar to “DVD extras. The upgrades will expires in two weeks.

 

Author Biography

A former English teacher, Cecelia combines two of her passions, romance novels and the middle ages, in debut novel The Thief’s Countess. Combining alpha male types and strong female heroines, Cecelia transports readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles. She lives in Northeast, Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children where she can be found either planning a Disney trip, watching period dramas or convincing her children to watch Star Wars. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.

Connect with Cecelia: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

The post Release of The Thief’s Countess by Cecelia Mecca appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.

The Secret Life of Anna Blanc tour and audiobook review

Author: Jennifer Kincheloe

Narrator: Moira Quirk

Length: 12h 44m

Publisher: Jennifer R. Kincheloe, Ltd⎮2016

Genre: Historical Mystery/Thriller

Release date: Nov. 14, 2016

It’s 1907 Los Angeles. Mischievous socialite Anna Blanc is the kind of young woman who devours purloined crime novels, but must disguise them behind covers of more domestically-appropriate reading. She could match wits with Sherlock Holmes, but in her world women are not allowed to hunt criminals. Determined to break free of the era’s rigid social roles, Anna buys off the chaperone assigned by her domineering father and, using an alias, takes a job as a police matron with the Los Angeles Police Department. There she discovers a string of brothel murders, which the cops are unwilling to investigate. Seizing her one chance to solve a crime, she takes on the investigation herself. If the police find out, she’ll get fired; if her father finds out, he’ll disown her; and if her fiancé finds out, he’ll cancel the wedding. Midway into her investigation, the police chief’s son, Joe Singer, learns her true identity, and shortly thereafter she learns about blackmail. Anna must choose – either hunt the villain and risk losing her father, fiancé, and wealth, or abandon her dream and leave the killer on the loose.

Buy on Audible ⎮ Amazon

Jennifer has been a block layer, a nurse’s aid, a fragrance model, and on the research faculty at UCLA, where she spent 11 years conducting studies to inform health policy. A native of Southern California, she now lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and two teenagers. She’s currently writing book three in the Anna Blanc Mystery series. Book two, THE WOMAN IN THE CAMPHOR TRUNK, is coming out in Fall of 2017 from Seventh Street Books.

Website ⎮ Twitter ⎮ Facebook ⎮ Goodreads ⎮ Pinterest

Moira grew up in teeny-tiny Rutland, England’s smallest county, which is fitting as she never managed to make it past five feet herself. Moira’s work spans the pantheon of the voiceover world: plays for BBC radio, plays for NPR, video games, commercials, television promos, podcasts, cartoons, movies and award winning audiobooks. She’s won Multiple Audie Awards, Earphone Awards, as well as Audible’s prestigious Book-of-the-Year Award. She has lately set foot in front of the camera again, appearing in “Pretty: the Series” and the Emmy-winning “Dirty Work.”

Website ⎮ Twitter ⎮ Facebook

Songs selected by Author Jennifer Kincheloe

All Tomorrow’s Parties by Nico (for the Pink Ball)

Sucker by Tori Amos (for the sting operation in Boyle Heights)

Doll Parts by Hole (for when Anna’s getting ready in the brothel)

Everybody Hurts by Patti Smith (for the scene when Joe bails Anna out of jail)

Kamikazi by PJ Harvey (for the showdown with the villain)

 

 

 

Anna is a character you can adore.  She is witty and talk about a roller coaster ride.  She has been sheltered a bit but that does not stop her.

The men in the book will have you laughing and shaking your head at times but well worth it.

The narrator, Moira, was excellent her voice just added to the brilliance of this book.  I felt a lot of times I was back in the early 1900’s and not 2017.  I hated the book to come to and end with the story and the wonderful narrator.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Kincheloe. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

 

Mar. 1: Chapter Break (Review, Spotlight, Dream Cast, & Interview)

Mar. 2: Candid Ceillie (Review & Author Interview)

Mar. 3: The Bookworm Central (Review)

Rolo Polo Book Blog (Spotlight & Music Playlist)

Mar. 4: Lilly’s Book World (Review)

Mar. 5: The Desert Bibliophile (Review & Spotlight)

Mar. 6: A Bookaholic Swede (Review)

terriluvsbooks (Review & Dream Cast)

Mar. 7: Working Mommy Journal (Review)

Jorie Loves A Story (Narrator Interview)

Mar. 8: The Maiden’s Court (Review)

The Bookworm Lodge (Spotlight)

A Literary Vacation (Review)

Mar. 9: Babs Book Bistro (Review & Spotlight)

Mar. 10: Dab of Darkness (Review)

Desert Rose Reviews (Review, Music Playlist, & Dream Cast)

Mar. 11: Literature Approved (Review)

Spunky ‘n Sassy (Review & Spotlight)

Mar. 12: History From A Woman’s Perspective (Review)

Mar. 13: Jorie Loves A Story (Review)

Bound4Escape (Review)

Mar. 14: A Page To Turn (Review & Author Interview)

XOXO Book Blog (Review & Music Playlist)

Ronelle Antoinette (Narrator Interview)

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The post The Secret Life of Anna Blanc tour and audiobook review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.

Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs blog tour, review, spotlight & giveaway

Pekoe Most Poison

by Laura Childs

Pekoe Most Poison (A Tea Shop Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

18th in Series

A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery (March 7, 2017)

An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

Hardcover: 320 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0425281680

Kindle – ASIN: B01KGZVXTK

Synopsis

In the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs, Theodosia Browning attends a “Rat Tea,” where the mice will play…at murder.

When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is invited by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston’s most prominent hostesses, to a “Rat Tea,” she is understandably intrigued. As servers dressed in rodent costumes and wearing white gloves offer elegant finger sandwiches and fine teas, Theo learns these parties date back to early twentieth-century Charleston, where the cream of society would sponsor so-called rat teas to promote city rodent control and better public health.

But this party goes from odd to chaotic when a fire starts at one of the tables and Doreen’s entrepreneur husband suddenly goes into convulsions and drops dead. Has his favorite orange pekoe tea been poisoned? Theo smells a rat.

The distraught Doreen soon engages Theo to pursue a discreet inquiry into who might have murdered her husband. As Theo and her tea sommelier review the guest list for suspects, they soon find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse…

INCLUDES RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS

Review:

This is the 18th book in the Tea Shop series and my favorite by far.  Theodosia and Drayton are invited to a “Rat Tea” Party and you guessed it serves are dressed in rodent costumes.  Theo has learned these parties date back to the early twentieth century Charleston the rat teas helped promote rodent control in the city.

A fire starts and the hottest husband goes into convulsions and drops dead.  Theo and the gang figure out what happened and who did it.

With great recipes the author does an excellent job once again with this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links:

Webpage –  http://www.laurachilds.com/

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/laura.childs.31

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 6 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – REVIEW

March 6 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW

March 7 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST

March 8 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

March 8 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW

March 9 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

March 10 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

March 10 – My Journey Back – REVIEW  

March 11 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW  

March 11 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

March 12 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW

March 12 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

March 13 – Queen of All She Reads –  SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW

March 14 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

March 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW

March 15 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW

March 16 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – INTERVIEW

March 17 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, GUEST POST

March 17 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 18 – The Editing Pen – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

March 18 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  

March 19 – 3  Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – REVIEW

March 19 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

The post Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs blog tour, review, spotlight & giveaway appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.

Review of SEALs of Honor: Mason (SEALs of Honor #1) by Dale Mayer

Part of an elite SEAL team, Mason takes on the dangerous jobs no one else wants to do – or can do. When he’s on a mission, he’s focused and dedicated. When he’s not, he plays as hard as he fights.

Until he meets a woman he can’t have but can’t forget.

Software developer, Tesla lost her brother in combat and has no intention of getting close to someone else in the military. Determined to save other US soldiers from a similar fate, she’s created a program that could save lives. But other countries know about the program, and they won’t stop until they get it – and get her.

Time is running out… For her… For him… For them…

 

My thoughts

Tesla has developed a program that will help save lives of the military men and women. After her brother is killed she is determined to get this program done and presented.  Before she can do that she is kidnapped and Mason and his team of Seals are sent to retrieve her.  Little does his team know she is the little sister of one of their fallen.

Tesla knows Mason is special and when she finds out this was her brothers team she adores them all and proves herself over and over.

The story was good and I enjoyed reading it.  I think she was kidnapped a few too many times but it fits into the story and you find yourself turning the pages to see what will happen and if Mason will come around.  I will be reading more books by this author.

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The post Review of SEALs of Honor: Mason (SEALs of Honor #1) by Dale Mayer appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.

Death By Chocolate Lab by Bethany Blake blog tour, review & giveaway

Death By Chocolate Lab

by Bethany Blake

Death by Chocolate Lab (Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

New Series

Kensington (February 28, 2017)

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1496707383

E-Book ASIN: B01GBAG2T0

Pet sitter Daphne Templeton has a soft spot for every stray and misfit who wanders into the quaint, lakeside village of Sylvan Creek. But even Daphne doesn’t like arrogant, womanizing Steve Beamus, the controversial owner of Blue Ribbon K-9 Academy. When Steve turns up dead during a dog agility trial, Daphne can think of a long list of people with motives for homicide, and so can the police. Unfortunately, at the top of the list is Daphne’s sister, Piper—Steve’s latest wronged girlfriend.

Certain that Piper is innocent, in spite of mounting evidence to the contrary, Daphne sets out to clear her sister’s name—and find Axis, Steve’s prize-winning chocolate Labrador, who went missing the night of Steve’s death. Aided by Socrates, her taciturn basset hound, and a hyperactive one-eared Chihuahua named Artie, Daphne quickly runs afoul of Detective Jonathan Black, a handsome and enigmatic newcomer to town, who has no appreciation for Daphne’s unorthodox sleuthing.

Can a free-spirited pet sitter, armed only with a Ph.D. in Philosophy and her two incompatible dogs, find the real killer before she becomes the next victim?

Includes recipes for homemade dog treats!

Review:

Daphne, a pet sitter and her sister Piper the veterinarian live in Sylvan Creek.  Daphne’s basset hound, Socrates and Artie, the one -eared Chihuahua are a hoot and help her set Jon, the detective who is also handsome , straight that Piper is not a suspect.

A great fast paced read that will keep you guessing until the end and even I was taken back by who it was.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

 

About The Author

Bethany Blake lives in a small, quaint town in Pennsylvania with her husband and three daughters. When she’s not writing or riding horses, she’s wrangling a menagerie of furry family members that includes a nervous pit bull, a fearsome feline, a blind goldfish, and an attack cardinal named Robert. Like Daphne Templeton, the heroine of her Lucky Paws Mysteries, Bethany holds a Ph.D. and operates a pet sitting business called Barkley’s Premium Pet Care.

Author Links 

Webpage  BookBub    Twitter    Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

March 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 6 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

March 7 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

March 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW

March 8 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

March 8 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

March 9 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW

March 9 – Texas Book-aholic – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

March 10 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

March 10 – The Book’s the Thing – SPOTLIGHT

March 10 – Bookworm Mom – REVIEW

March 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

March 11 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

March 11 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT

March 12 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

March 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  

March 13 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – INTERVIEW

March 14 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 14 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW

March 15 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT 

March 16 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW

March 16 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

March 17 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW

March 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

The post Death By Chocolate Lab by Bethany Blake blog tour, review & giveaway appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.

Review of Adella’s Enemy (Steam! Romance and Rails Series) by Jacqui Nelson

The War Between the States ended five years ago, but she still pursues her enemy…

Rebel spy turned government rabble rouser Adella Willows receives her mission straight from a Washington senator—play havoc with the Katy Railroad and derail its bid to win the race. The senator craves wealth. Adella craves revenge against the man responsible for her brother’s death. But her plans crumble into chaos when she enters a battle of wits with the railroad’s foreman.

An ocean separates him from his failures in Ireland, but he’s still haunted by those who died…

Seasoned railroad foreman Cormac McGrady’s sole desire is keeping his workmen safe and employed, which means keeping the Katy ahead of its rivals. But the beautiful spy bedeviling his railroad needs protecting as well. Cormac must choose between winning the race and winning Adella’s heart, while Adella must choose whether she lives for revenge or dies for love.

This novella is part of the Passion’s Prize anthology and the Steam! Romance and Rails series. It can be read on its own or as part of the anthology.

 

 

My thoughts:

Adella is a wonderful woman who protects her family at all cost.  She vows to get revenges on the persons who are responsible for her brothers death. Information comes to her through a Senator that Levi Parsons, the owner of the Railroad  is the one to go after.

Cormac is the Forman for the railroad who comes across as an honest man.  When he sees Adella who is trying to get herself killed all he wants to do is protect her.

She tries to cause as much trouble as she can for the railroad to stop progress and Cormac is trying his best to keep her out of trouble and keep the men working.

The author does a wonderful job with the characters and setting.  The reader will be turning the pages as quickly as they can to find out what will happen with these two.  You will fall in love with everyone and laugh at times as well.  A great book for anyone.

I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed

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Release Day Blitz HOMETOWN COWBOY by Sara Richardson, Giveaway & Excerpt

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: HOMETOWN COWBOY

Author: Sara Richardson

Series: Rocky Mountain Riders, #1

On Sale: February 28, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

 

In the New York Times bestselling tradition of Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates, and B. J. Daniels comes the first book in Sara Richardson’s western contemporary romance series about bull-riding brothers.

 

NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH A COWBOY

 

Jessa Mae Love is done with relationships. No matter how tempting he might be, she cannot—will not—fall for a man like Lance Cortez. The outrageously handsome cowboy is practically a living legend in Colorado, as famous for riding bulls as he is for breaking hearts. What would a big-time rodeo star like him see in a small-town veterinarian who wears glasses, rescues animals, and cries when watching rom-coms? Turns out, plenty.

 

Raising bulls, riding the circuit, and looking after his ailing father—Lance never stands still for long. Yet Jessa catches his attention, and the more she tries to resist him, the more he wants her. When she agrees to move to the ranch to keep an eye on Lance’s dad, Jessa tells him they have to keep it professional: no flirting, no sweet talk, and definitely no kissing. But with Jessa now living under his roof, that’s easier said than done . . .

 

BUY THE BOOK HERE

 

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Books-A-Million

Google Play

iBooks

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THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN RIDERS SERIES

 

HOMETOWN COWBOY, #1

COMEBACK COWBOY, #2

RENEGADE COWBOY, #3

 

Series Page on Goodreads

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Sara Richardson grew up chasing adventure in Colorado’s rugged mountains. She’s climbed to the top of a 14,000 foot peak at midnight, swum through Class IV rapids, completed her wilderness first-aid certification, and spent seven days at a time tromping through the wilderness with a thirty-pound backpack strapped to her shoulders.

 

Eventually Sara did the responsible thing and got an education in writing and journalism. After a brief stint in the corporate writing world, she stopped ignoring the voices in her head and started writing fiction. Now she uses her experience as a mountain adventure guide to write stories that incorporate adventure with romance. Still indulging her adventurous spirit, Sara lives and plays in Colorado with her saint of a husband and two young sons.

 

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Book Information

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2lRYZgk

 

Buy The Book Here

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lNJYMp

 

The Series

Series Page on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2mlvHnT

 

Author Information

Author Website: http://bit.ly/2ligFyr

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Excerpt:

Holding her breath, she stood perfectly still and quiet—minus the loud drumbeat of her heart.

The knocking didn’t stop.

“Hello?” A man’s deep rumbling voice sent her heart off to the races again. There was something vaguely familiar about it . . .

“It’s Lance Cortez. I need to talk to you.”

Lance! Oh. Holy. No. This was not happening. She gazed longingly at the other side of the living room to the safe darkness of the tiny hallway that led to her bedroom. There was no way she’d get through there without him seeing something. Like her ass, maybe.

Get the front door with the windows, the ignorant Home Depot salesman had advised. It’ll let in the most light. Yes, and now it would also give Lance a clear view of a very full moon.

She flattened her body against the cabinets, craning her neck, and sure enough, he stood right there on her front porch, now peering through that lovely window on the door. Oh, god. Her lungs heaved so hard it felt like the Bold Lift Bra was about to bust at the seams. Calm down, she in-

structed herself. He’ll go away. He had to go away.

“Jessa! I know you’re in there. Your car’s here,” he called again, rapping the door with that big manly fist of his. “I need to talk to you. It’s an emergency.”

Tell me about it! Maybe she could call 9-1-1 and have him escorted off her porch . . .

Footsteps thudded on the front porch, moving closer.

Sweet lord! Lance Cortez was peeking through the bay window!

“Hang on a sec!” she yelled, then hit the deck, pressing her body against the wood floor. Lifting her head, she as- sessed the distance to the hallway. It might as well have been twenty miles.

Okay. Think. What would Naomi do? That was an easy one. She never would’ve gotten herself into this situation in the first place because Naomi had the ability to get dressed without the assistance of coffee.

“Jessa, I really need a word,” Lance called again.

“Be there in a minute!” Despite the fact that she was basi- cally naked, sweat itched on her back. Her room. She had to get to her room. And there was only one way. She’d have to army crawl. As long as she stayed on this side of the couch, Lance probably wouldn’t be able to see her from the win- dow. It was risky, but what other option did she have? He obviously wasn’t going away.

Here goes. Trying to remain one with the floor, she squirmed forward, shimmying past the bookshelf. Squirm, pull, squirm, pull. She edged against the couch, bare skin grazing the cold wood planks.

Yes. Yes! It was working. Almost halfway now . . .

A scratch stung her hip as something sharp caught the delicate strap of her thong.

Uh oh. Contorting her body, she tried to get a better look. A loose staple from the re-upholstery job she’d done on the couch had hooked her adorable brand-new panties. Cam it! She should’ve known a staple gun wasn’t enough hold a couch cover together. Thanks a lot, Pinterest.

“Jessa!” More pounding.

“Hold on! Give me a minute!” she called, trying to wring the panic from her tone. What the hell was his problem, any- way? Couldn’t he take a hint? She pushed onto her side to free herself from the staple, but her legs smacked into the end table. The whole thing toppled over with a deafening crash. Ow! Shit! She rolled over, gripping the backs of her calves. At the same time, the thong stretched, ripped, and snapped, falling to the floor underneath her.

“Jessa?” Lance yelled through the door. “What was that?” The doorknob clanged like he was trying to get in. “Is every- thing okay?”

Hot tears filled her eyes. “Fine!” Minus the throbbing in her legs and the fact that she’d just shredded a fifty-dollar thong.

“Are you sure?” he persisted, the sonofabitch. “That sounded bad. Is the key still out here?”

The key? Oh, dear god, the key! Her dad had always left a house key underneath the flowerpot . . .

A new wave of terror surged, blinding her with white-hot fear.

The sound of metal clanged in the lock.

“No!” She squealed, scrambling to hide herself behind a small square throw pillow from the couch. “Please! Don’t come—”

The door sprang open.

Right as Lance stepped around the couch, she shifted the pillow to cover her lower hemisphere.

“What’re you—?” He halted like he’d been shot, his gaze bouncing from her eyes to her bra and then, sure enough, down to the pillow.

“Turn around! Cover your eyes,” she wailed. For the love of god! Humiliation curdled into anger. “Why’d you have to come in? Who just barges into someone’s house, huh?” Why couldn’t he have waited on the porch like she’d asked?

“Uh . . . ” He seemed to be frozen in place. “Sorry. I heard the crash. Thought you were hurt . . .”

Was he gawking? His lips had parted with surprise. And then there were his eyes. Wide and unblinking. Men didn’t usually look at her like that . . .

“What the hell happened?” he asked, finally finding the decency to turn around and stare out the bay window.

Securing the pillow against her lower abdomen with one hand, she covered her Boldly Lifted chest with her arm in case he decided to peek again. “I had a bit of an accident.” She should make something up. Something really exciting. Something like she and a mystery man were playing this kinky game . . .

“Are you hurt?” Lance asked, his head swiveling toward her again.

She kept herself covered. Oh, yes. She was hurt. On more than one level. “I’m fi e,” she choked out. “Can you get my robe? It’s hanging up in the bathroom at the end of the hall.”

“Right. Your robe.” He sort of side-shuffled his way down the hall and back, before tossing the robe at her without turn- ing around.

Clutching her salvation, she scurried up to a standing po- sition, the backs of her calves still aching, and wrapped the fabric around her, tying the belt securely at her waist.

Lance peeked over his shoulder as if to check on her, then turned all the way around.

She wasn’t sure if she was out of breath due to the terrible thong ordeal or to the fact that the elusive Lance Cortez looked so different up close. She’s seen him around town since she’d been back, but she’d never looked at him that closely. He’d never looked at her the way he was now, either.  Eyes open slightly wider than a normal person’s, lips parted like he couldn’t remember what it was he’d wanted to say.

Yes, well, neither could she. Not with the sight of his dark hair, which curled slightly at the edges. It was mussed like he’d been nervously running his hand through it all morning. And those eyes. An arctic blue-gray. Cutting. He wore a dark red flannel shirt with the sleeves pushed up over his bulky forearms. His jeans were faded and worn like he worked hard, which she’d heard he did.

“So . . .” His voice had this deep soothing reverberation that made her want to curl up against him. “Did you fall or something?”

Or something. “I was in the kitchen making coffee,” she informed him, trying to smooth her hair into soft waves like it had been before she’d gone to battle with the couch. “Wasn’t expecting anyone to show up at my door . . . ” Espe- cially the enigma that was Lance Cortez. “So I panicked and was trying to get back to my room without giving you a show.” Which was clearly too much to ask from the uni- verse.

“Oh.” His gaze seemed to fixate on the leopard-print thong that lay a mere two feet from his boots.

As swiftly as possible, she swiped it off the floor and shoved it into the pocket of her robe. “Um. Did you need something, Lance?” Because her humiliation meter was about tapped out for the day and it wasn’t even seven o’clock.

 

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In Farleigh Field A Novel of World War II by Rhys Bowen

.The English countryside felt like a safe haven from the war, until the war landed in Farleigh Field.

In Farleigh Field

A Novel of World War II

by Rhys Bowen On-sale March 1, 2017

Farleigh Place is removed from the war by more than just miles. While bombs rain down on London just an hour away, life goes on as usual at this Downton Abbey-like estate in the countryside. Hampered only by a skeletal wartime staff, a dwindling supply of meat coupons, and an army regiment that’s taken up residence at the big house, Farleigh is almost too idyllic to be real—until one night, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the grounds, and the war literally hits home for Lord Westerham and his five daughters.

Inspired by the real events and people of World War II, IN FARLEIGH FIELD (Lake Union Publishing; On-sale March 1, 2017) is a sweeping and riveting saga of class, family, love, and betrayal by Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels and three award-winning historical mystery series.

In Bowen’s latest page-turner, her fictional storyline is rooted in historical truth. The pro-German societies referenced in this novel were known to have existed in England in the early days of

the war. Some of the most dangerous were composed primarily of aristocrats—and there are plenty of aristocrats in Farleigh. So when the dead parachutist, carrying only a photograph, is presumed to be a German spy sent to deliver a message to someone in the vicinity of Farleigh Field, the neighborhood’s most powerful and wealthy aren’t ruled out as targets of suspicion. Ben Cresswell, an M15 operative and son of the local vicar, is dispatched to find the traitor in their midst. And though this quiet bucolic region may seem like an unlikely place to harbor a sympathizer, the area’s black marketeers, arrogant pragmatists, and foreign refugees also raise concerns.

With the help of his lifelong friend and secret love, Lady Pamela—herself a civil servant who cracks German codes at Bletchley Park—Ben investigates for spies and sympathizers. When he learns of The Ring, a secret society that wants to depose the king and make peace with Germany, he can hardly believe it’s real—and he can’t believe who might be behind the plot. Can Ben and Pamela infiltrate The Ring? And can Ben find out what the photograph means in time to stop the crisis that could bring Britain to its knees?

Rhys Bowen is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty mystery novels. Her work includes the Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1900s New York City, and the Royal Spyness novels, featuring a minor royal in 1930s England, as well as the Constable Evenas mysteries about a police constable in contemporary Wales. Rhys’s works have won fourteen awards to date, including multiple Agatha, Anthony, and MacAvity awards. Her books have been translated into many languages, and she has fans from around the world, including the 12,000 who visit her Facebook page daily. She is a transplanted Brit who now divides her time between California and Arizona. Connect with her at rhysbowen.com.

……..

IN FARLEIGH FIELD

by Rhys Bowen

Lake Union Publishing | March 1, 2017

Hardcover: $24.95 | ISBN: 1477818294

eBook: $4.99 | ASIN: B01HBKAYMA

Praise for the Royal Spyness Mysteries

“Wonderful characters…A delight.” —Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author

“Few writers are capable of this deft combination of dark and light. This is a pitch-perfect book, which will charm you in one sentence, chill you in the next.”

—Laura Lippman, winner of the Edgar, Shamus, Anthony and Agatha Awards

“Fans of P.G. Wodehouse looking for laughs mingled with some amateur sleuthing will be quite pleased.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Georgie’s high spirits and the author’s frothy prose are utterly captivating.” —The Denver Post

“The perfect fix between seasons for Downton Abbey addicts.”

—Deborah Crombie, New York Times bestselling author of The Sound of Broken Glass

“A smashing romp.” —Booklist

Praise for the Molly Murphy Mysteries

“I devoured this flawlessly written mystery in one day, and enjoyed every word… The book is a wonderful read, full of interesting details that give life to the story.”

— Historical Novel Society

“Well written and fast paced, with a twist that will leave readers truly surprised. This novel is not to be missed.”

―RT Book Reviews

“A charming combination of history, mystery and romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Perceptive and poignant writing… make us look forward to Molly’s return.” —Chicago Tribune

 

Constable Evans Mysteries

Evans Above Evan Help Us Evanly Choirs Evan and Elle Evan Can Wait Evans to Betsy Evan Only Knows Evan’s Gate Evan Blessed Evanly Bodies

Other Titles by Rhys Bowen

Molly Murphy Mysteries

Murphy’s Law

Death of Riley

For the Love of Mike

In Like Flynn

Oh Danny Boy

In Dublin’s Fair City Tell Me, Pretty Maiden In a Gilded Cage

The Last Illusion Bless the Bride

Hush Now, Don’t You Cry The Family Way

City of Darkness and Light The Edge of Dreams Away in a Manger Time of Fog and Fire

Royal Spyness Mysteries

Her Royal Spyness

A Royal Pain

Royal Flush

Royal Blood

Naughty in Nice

The Twelve Clues of Christmas

Heirs and Graces Queen of Hearts Malice at the Palace Crowned and Dangerous

 

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The SEAL’s RETURN by Patricia Potter blog tour and review

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The SEAL’s Return

(Home to Covenant Falls #4)

by Patricia Potter

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

February 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

This is the home he never expected…

With a terrifying ordeal behind him, former navy SEAL Jubal Pierce was supposed to stay in Covenant Falls, Colorado, for only a day or two. That’s it. He’s not prepared to put down roots here—no matter how intriguing the town’s new doctor happens to be. Not to mention Dr. Lisa Redding’s teen brother is on a troubled path that’s all too familiar. Suddenly Jubal finds himself entangled in the community and with deep, unfamiliar feelings for Lisa. But maybe a little detour is just what a warrior needs to find his true purpose…and true love.

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Review

Jubal use to be a SEAL his career ended when he was captured.  With no where to go his friend Chip lets him say at Covenant Falls in a cabin.  He meets Gordon a teenager who needs some help and guidance but Gordon has a sister Lisa who Jubal is happy to meet.

Lisa is Gordon’s and Kerry’s older sister and guardian since her parents have passed.  She is the town’s new doctor and hopes a new start will do them all good.

Jubal has been through a lot of visible and not so visible scars.  The characters are ones you want to get to know and see good things happen to.  I love how the author has Lisa as a caring and not a judgmental person.  She cares a great deal for people.  Jubal is always there for Gordon when he really needs someone.  I like how everyone interacts and makes the story a real page turner.

 

Other Books in the Series

  

About the Author

Patricia Potter is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty books. She has received numerous writing awards, including RT Storyteller of the Year, its Career Achievement Award for Western Historical Romance and its Best Hero of the Year Award. She is a seven-time RITA finalist and three-time Maggie Award winner. She has served as president of Romance Writers of America. The SEAL’s Return is her fourteenth book for Harlequin.

Prior to writing fiction, she was a reporter for the Atlanta Journal and president of a public relations firm.

Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon │ Pinterest

Tour Schedule

February 18th: Launch

February 19th:

underneath the covers

Nicole’s Book Musings

With Love for Books

February 20th:

Hearts & Scribbles

Thoughts of a Blonde

deal sharing aunt

February 21st:

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

Rainy Day Reviews

February 22nd:

Falling Leaves

EskieMama & Dragon Lady Reads

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews

February 23rd:

Babs Book Bistro

Cafinated Reads

February 24th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will win a $25 Amazon eGift Card

– 3 winners will win an ebook of THE SOLDIER’S PROMISE (book 1 in the Home to Covenant Falls series)

– Open internationally

– Ends February 14th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Claimed by Sarah O’Rourke Blog Tour and Review

Claimed by Sarah O’Rourke – Blog Tour with Review

Instalove! Fire Chief Aiden James often fell in lust, but not in love. That was — until the beautiful new librarian Carolina Mayfair showed up in his small town. The sparks flew and set them both aflame for one magical night, and the resulting inferno changed both of their lives forever.
Caro Mayfair was passionate, committed, and not looking for love at all. She just wanted to use her newly-minted college degree at the small library in the mountain town of Paradise. Little did she know that she was about to meet the man that would set her world on fire!
Erotica, romantica, and all sorts of other stuff!
28K-word standalone novella; can be read as standalone or part of the Passion in Paradise series.

Click to buy for 99 cents or read for free on KindleUnlimited!
Amazon.com
Amazon UK
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Aiden had known the second he laid his eyes on that spectacular hourglass figure of hers that he wanted her. Of course he had. A man would have to be dead not to want to spend time between those gorgeous thighs, worshiping at those fantastic breasts while he fucked into what he’d bet was the tightest pussy in creation. Yes, his cock had screamed ‘MINE!’ the moment his gaze settled on her fine little body. But the second she’d turned and he’d seen her exquisite face for the first time… yeah, he’d been done. He’d known that woman would hold him – heart, mind, body, and soul.

There’d been no question at all.

He was claiming sweet Carolina for his own.

 

What a hot read between Carolina “Caro” and Aiden.  Caro is on the side of the road in Tennessee changing her tire why no one stops is beyond her.  Just when she is talking to her friend and she turns to see the most handsome man she has ever seen.

Aiden pulls over to help a woman in need and falls head over heels for her just from seeing her backside.

Carolina is the new librarian in the small town and is on the way to meet with the people who hired her and finds out Aiden is the sheriffs best friend.  Aiden claims Caro in front of two other men who wanted to meet her.  Caro finds herself trying to get out of the dinner and away from this man who has laid claim to her and thinks he is insane.

Can this man win her over or will Caro stay away from him?

The two characters are funny to read about and also hot.  The banter between the two and his friend will drive you crazy at times and funny in others.  I thought the author did a wonderful job with the story and setting. I was turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen with these two.  I read in one sitting it is that good.

Reach out to Crazy One and Crazy Two!
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Website
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Sarah O’Rourke is actually TWO besties who live three states apart and write at all hours of the day and night! They’ve crazily nicknamed themselves Crazy One and Crazy Two. Born and raised in the southern United States, they are overly attached to their one-click accounts, can’t make it through the day without copious doses of caffeine, and spend way too much time on the phone with each other.
Between them, they have four children and twenty years of marriage…one to a retired super soldier and the other to egomaniac engineer. They hate empty chocolate wrappers and writer’s block, love to talk to readers…and oh, by the way, they write about strong, kick-ass women and hot alpha heroes!
Provided by Sarah O’Rourke Productions

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