Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 52
September 17, 2015
Cover Reveal: The Second Wife by Kishan Paul
Release Date: October 14, 2015
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Length: 80,000 words
Cover Artist: Syneca Featherstone
If you want to live, you must let go of the past…
Twenty-eight-year-old psychologist, Alisha Dimarchi, is abducted by an obsessed client and imprisoned in his Pakistani compound for over two years. Forced to change her name and live as his second wife, her life is filled with trauma and heartbreak. Thrust into a world of violence and oppression, Alisha must fight not only to keep herself alive but to protect the lives of the people she now considers family. At night, she retreats into her memories of the only man she has ever loved – a man she believes no longer loves her.
Thirty-two-year-old handsome surgeon, David Dimarchi, has spent the last two years mourning the disappearance of his wife. After a painful and isolated existence, he begins the process of healing. It is then that he is visited by a stranger, who informs him that his wife is very much alive and needs his help. In a desperate attempt to save her, David enlists the help of a Delta Force Operative. Together they find themselves in the center of more than just a rescue mission. Will he be able to reach her in time and if he does, will she still want him?
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Add the book on Goodreads:
http://bit.ly/1JgPBTF
Buy the book at Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1WJsSd8
Reviews for The Second Wife:
Kishan Paul’s writing shines in this beautifully written psychological thriller filled with heart-gripping emotion as the heroine unearths an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed. – Cait Jarrod, bestselling author
“The Second Wife is a poignant story of love, domestic violence, and mental strength. It grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until you’ve finished the last page. No wait, it doesn’t let go at all… I had the pleasure of betareading it, and the wide range of emotions it stirred in me are still right under the surface.” – Lea Bronsen, award winning author of The Perfect Shoot
“This is a gripping story, brilliantly woven from start to finish. I’ll never forget Ally. She’s as real to me as anyone else because her story isn’t some forgettable fictional work. No way you are walking away from this one the same way. I actually took a break between this novel and my next one. I wasn’t ready to begin another journey just yet. Amazing work, Kishan Paul.” – Kristen Shanchez, reader
About the Author
From daring escapes by tough women to chivalrous men swooping in to save the day, the creativity switch to Kishan Paul’s brain is always in the “on” position. If daydreaming stories were a college course, Kish would have graduated with honors.
Mother of two beautiful children, she has been married to her best friend for over seventeen years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.
Her novel, Blind Love, is currently available through most major ebook sites and through Samhain Publications.
She can be found at:
Website: http://kishanpaulauthor.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KishanPaulAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@kishan_paul
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kishanpaul
TSU: https://www.tsu.co/kishanpaul
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JQBudd
Sign up for her newsletter at: http://mad.ly/signups/119110/join
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September 14, 2015
5 Star Review: Divine Passion by Valerie Twombly
Published: 07/22/2015
Publisher: Resplendence
Genres: fantasy, paranormal romance
Tags: demons, dragon shifters, Fae, gods, vampires
Baal is a demon that likes to make his own rules and the thought of being tied down to only one woman makes his skin itch. When he rescues the human Ranata from becoming a sacrificial lamb, he gets more than he bargained for. With Hades insisting his fate is to bond with the beautiful female, he can either resist or risk losing his heart.
One minute Ranata is tending bar in a small hole in the wall, and the next she fears for her life. When a sexy demon comes along and saves the day, his golden eyes and hard body make him difficult to resist. With her sister in the clutches of the enemy, she must plan a daring rescue. Fate however, has other plans. Will she choose the path destiny has laid out for her?
Buy Links:
Amazon Barnes & Noble Resplendence Publishing iBooks Goodreads
Review
by Aubrey Wynne
Valerie Twombly has done it again. Her world just keeps getting better and better with each new storyline in this series. Baal is protective, arrogant and hot as hell. He has been burned (pun definitely intended) and very leery of love. He has no desire to commit to another relationship. Even as you roll your eyes at his opinion of women, you feel sympathy for his past and root for him.
Enter Ranata. A sassy bartender in the human world with enough attitude to catch his attention. She is headstrong (which drives Baal crazy but he really loves her for it), loyal (which he admires) and smart (which irritates him.) Her background and present situation are at odds and gives yet another layer to her character and their relationship. When they mate, they both convince themselves that love is absent.But their hearts know better.
Twombly’s stories are always strong in love and relationships. Divine Passion is no exception. Through the action and plot twists, the romance remains at the forefront along with a cast of steamy male characters and sizzling heroines. Paranormal fans, enjoy!
5 blazing hot stars
Excerpt
Baal had never been turned down by a woman. Not once. Ever. He stared at the female behind the bar, who’d refused to give him even her name. He’d closed down the place a couple of nights ago with Seth, the guardian he’d been charged with babysitting—or had it been longer ago than that? After taking a couple of those damn pills that helped immortals get drunk, he couldn’t remember. Either way, he remembered craving a piece of the vision who currently gave him the evil eye. He still did. He hadn’t come across a female like her in a long time.
Black hair curled around her shoulders; thick lashes fringed blue, almond-shaped eyes. Add to that high cheekbones and pouty lips, and you had exotic perfection. Not to mention curves he wanted to sink his fingers into while he fucked the hell out of her. “Seriously, why are you working in this shit hole? You should be strutting your stuff in designer clothes and high heels.”
She laughed. “I suppose you’re going to promise me a starring role in your next movie?”
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his card. “Nope, but I need a hostess for my casino.” He tossed it on the bar. She rolled her eyes then threw her towel aside and picked up the card.
“Dragon’s Cove?” She eyed him suspiciously. “I’ve heard of it.” She snorted and tossed it back on the bar. “Right, and I suppose you’re gonna tell me you own the place?”
He shrugged. “Okay, I won’t tell you that, but I do.”
“Please, I’m not that stupid. Why would someone who owns a highly successful Vegas club be here in, as you called it, this shit hole?”
“I came to help a friend who’s down and out.”
She reached for an empty beer bottle, rinsed it then tossed it in the recycling. “The dark-haired guy? He seemed like he’d seen better days.”
“He has, but I think things will improve for him soon. Now, back to my offer. I was serious when I said I need someone. You think about it, and if you’d like, I’ll fly you in for an interview and discussion of terms.”
She wiped her hands and picked up the card again. She stared at it while pulling her bottom lip through her teeth. He could almost see the gears turning. “I don’t get it. Vegas has to be full of people qualified for the job. What do you want from me?”
No way in hell could he tell her that what he really wanted was to strip her, toss her on top of the bar and taste every inch of her. He’d have to work his way up to that one. “You desire more than this; I can tell.” No lie there. The ability to read a human’s desire was bred into every demon. It was how the evil spread. Some chose to use it for bad and others for good. In this case, his intentions were for a little of both. “Your beauty shouldn’t be wasted here.”
“I’ve always wanted to leave but never had the means to do so.”
“Well, this is your chance.” He tipped back the last swig of his beer and set the glass on the bar. “I have to leave and head back. You can Google me all night long and see that I’m who I say. Call that number, and I’ll send a limo and my private jet to pick you up. You can have a room in the hotel. I promise; no strings attached.” His charm and demon good looks would bewitch the pants right off her. He just needed the chance.
“I’ll think about it.” She tucked the card into her back pocket, and suddenly, he was jealous of the tiny piece of glossy paper.
He tipped his head. “Fair enough.” Then he headed for the door.
“Wait!”
He stopped dead in his tracks and held his breath. Had she made up her mind already? “Yes,” he said and turned slowly.
“My name, it’s Ranata.”
About the Author
Award winning and bestselling author, Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby, and her two German Shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also the founder of Sexy Scribblers, a group of romance writers who bring readers new and fresh stories every month.
September 8, 2015
Review: Better Than Chocolate by Jennifer Rowan
Carmella Sannarelli is a people pleaser. She can’t say no to anyone, even when it means putting off her own personal goals in the process. So, when her best friend, Sadie Miller, calls with the announcement that she’s broken up with one fiancé and eloping with another in St. Croix, Carmella can’t stop herself from dropping everything and accepting the invitation to stand as maid of honor.
Jilted fiancé, Ryan Wutkowski, has been the third member of the Carmella-Sadie trio for nine years. He fully supports Sadie’s new engagement and upcoming nuptials, knowing it’s the right decision and best for both of them. But when he boards a plane to San Juan for a business conference, Carmella is the last person he expects to find occupying the seat next to his.
Two days in San Juan, then a week in St. Croix—Carmella knows her two best friends are hiding something. But can she figure out what went wrong between them as she battles her own tingly, off-kilter feelings toward Ryan, while dodging advances from a womanizing best man, and confirming for herself that Sadie did make the right decision? When Ryan unexpectedly shows up at the rehearsal dinner and gets himself invited to the wedding, will Carmella finally uncover the secret he’s held since the day they first met?
Review
by Aubrey Wynne
Better Than Chocolate centers around two friends Carmella and Sadie. Ryan, also their best friend, creates a triangle when he becomes engaged to Sadie. Carmella is the level headed friend; Sadie is the spontaneous friend. These two reminded me of Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin in Something Borrowed. Out of the blue, Sadie dumps Ryan and heads to the Caribbean. She meets a man in flight a week later announces she’s getting married to the rich older man. Enter Preston.
Rowan takes you on their journey providing laughs, tears and the ultimate ‘aha’ moment. Set in Puerto Rico and St. Croix, she tells a story full of the twists and turns that only happen in friendship and love. She reminds us how honesty and loyalty will always be the most important qualities in the ones you love. I’m pleased to have read this first book out by Rowan. She creates a well-written romance with humor and understanding, witty dialogue and believable characters. If you love second chances and falling in love this is a must-read. 4.5 mugs
About The Author
Lynn Rowan started writing stories as a small child, usually starring her favorite cartoon characters. Most of her work through middle and high school was filled with typical teenage angst and melodrama, and usually mirrored the books she loved to read. But eventually she found her own author’s voice and decided to seriously pursue a writing career.
Historical fiction remains J. Lynn’s “first love”, but she has enjoyed the journey to becoming an author of romance and chick lit. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Central New York Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. She is also a teacher who tries to instill a love of learning, reading, and writing in her students.
When she’s not writing, J. Lynn enjoys travelling, gardening poorly but enthusiastically, studying various topics in American history for her own expertise, and channeling Julia Child every time she steps into the kitchen.
A native of Oswego, NY, she now lives in Charlotte, NC, with her own Romantic Hero of a husband and the most adorable baby on the planet.
Keep in Touch With Jennifer:
Email: jlynnrowanliterature@gmail.com
Website: http://jlynnrowanliterature.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JLynnRowan
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JLynnRowanLit
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jlynnrowan/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UClfsVyA4LQYMA0Cq7T1rb6w
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14191767.J_Lynn_Rowan
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Lynn-Rowan/e/B012YC8PQ2/
BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE PURCHASE LINKS
http://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Chocolate-Sweet-Somethings-ebook/dp/B012X1IJD8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
September 4, 2015
#LOLHop Labor of Love Blog Hop and Giveaway
From sweet to dark, divas of romance work their fingers to the bone for your reading pleasure in the Labor of Love Bloghop from 9/4-9/6. Come join us and enter to win a Kindle with new, heart-pounding titles just for you!
Happily ever afters only come after heart-breaking work, and this Labor Day weekend, we are celebrating our written labors of love by giving our readers a chance to win a brand-spankin’ new Kindle with our personal bests. That’s right, you could win all of our books! Aren’t you excited? We are! So here’s your chance, just click the link below to enter our giveaway:
This story is near and dear to my heart because it was my debut publication. I worked a year on this short story, trying to get the setting perfect, the dialogue entertaining and painting the picture with words that Henry and I saw in our minds. It won the 2013 Preditors and Editors Readers Choice Award with its combination of Christmas romance and magic. I hope you enjoy it.
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream. Published my Melange Books.
Excerpt:
“Hey, Henry, you want a little overtime?” the supervisor had asked. “Charlie called in sick and I could use an extra hand. Another rich collector remembered us in his will. We’ve got a pricey piece arriving in about an hour and I’d feel better with some extra security.”
“Hey, Henry, you want a little overtime?” the supervisor had asked. “Charlie called in sick and I could use an extra hand. Another rich collector remembered us in his will. We’ve got a pricey piece arriving in about an hour and I’d feel better with some extra security.”
Henry tried to wipe the smile off his face. Five years in the city and he still felt like a country bumpkin. “Sure.”
“The paper says a Rubens. Flemish, wasn’t he? But it’s a small one.”
Henry gave a whistle. “Impressive.”
“There’s a companion painting with it, artist unknown. We’ll have to find a spot for it in appreciation for the collector’s piece.”
An hour later, Henry held a priceless painting in his hands. God, he loved this job.
“The family probably figured they wouldn’t get any money out of the other one. But this one sure is a beauty,” the supervisor said as he reached for the Rubens.
“Yes, indeed,” Henry replied, as his eyes landed on the second painting. “Striking.”
Henry’s boss laughed. “I’m talking about this one, Bud. The little one is worth the big bucks!” His boss headed toward the office to start the paperwork on the new museum pieces.
“Yes, of course,” he murmured, but his attention remained focused on the woman in the larger painting.
She sat on the edge of a rocky cliff, her face slightly turned as if looking over the edge. Her legs were out to the side, knees bent, a long, olive-colored skirt spread around her haphazardly as if blown by the wind. The stormy ocean breakers rushed between jagged rocks then turned into frothy waves that lapped at the sand. The details in the picture were crisp and stark, the color was minimal—just the woman on a cliff with the turbulent water below. But the overall effect created a hauntingly beautiful scene.
He felt her distress, her sorrow. His fingers itched to reach out and pull her from the painting and hold her, soothe her, give her comfort. Henry knew that if she could turn and face him, he would be looking at the most exquisite creature he’d ever seen. His hand shook as he reached out to touch the canvas.
“Are you okay, Henry?”
Henry drew his hand back quickly as if he’d been caught in the act of—of what? Touching a frame? Good lord, he must be tired.
“What? Oh, yeah, I just need some sleep. ” As Henry turned to leave, he took one last look at the woman who had just stolen his heart. Fate had given him a precious gift. He whistled “Angels We Have Heard on High” all the way home.
Back To School Giveaway!
Thanks for joining the blog hop. Be sure to check out the rest of the awesome participating authors. In honor of my return to school, a random commenter will receive an e-copy of one of my humorous short stories. Tell me about the teacher you will never forget, good or bad, touching or funny.
Mine was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Kelly. She kept tennis shoes under her desk to catch one of the boys who always tried to run home during recess. The old gal could move, too.
Thank you for join joining our Labors of Love Blog Hop. To see who’s participating, click the linky link (hehehe) below and work your way through our participating authors:
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
September 1, 2015
Review: My Lady Faye by Sarah Hegger
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$50 GC, $20 GC or
Copy of SWEET BEA
MY LADY FAYE
Sir Arthur’s Legacy #2
Sarah Hegger
Released September 1st, 2015
Kensington Books : Lyrical
The Lady
The fair Lady Faye has always played the role allotted her. Yet the marriage her
family wanted only brought her years of abuse and heartache. Now, finally free
of her tyrannical husband, she is able to live her own life for the first time.
But someone from the past has returned. Someone she has never been able to
forget.
The Warrior
After years of servitude as a warrior for King and Country, Gregory is now free to pursue his own path: to serve God by becoming a monk. The only thing stopping him is Faye. Gregory has loved Faye since the moment he saw her. But their love was not meant to be. How can he serve God when his heart longs for her? He can neither forsake God nor the woman he loves.
The Promise
When Faye’s son is kidnapped, Gregory answers her family’s call for help, only to find that even in the most dangerous of circumstances, neither can fight their
forbidden attraction. An attraction that now burns brighter than ever before.
And it is only a matter of time until it consumes them both.
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& N | iTunes | Kobo
REVIEW
BY AUBREY WYNNE
This is my first read from Sarah Hegger. I knew from the first page I would love this book. It is the old-time historical romance with great main characters and a voice reminiscent of Philippa Gregory. The research is impeccable and puts you in their time with just the right amount of period language.
Faye has finally escaped her villain of a husband and is living with her family. She is the kind of heroine who is strong and capable. She knows what hell is and will fight tooth and nail not to go back there. If she doubts herself, she does it quietly without whining and moves on.
Gregory, living without her, has pledged himself to God. He is tired of death and killing but Faye returns and needs him before he says his vows. Perfect timing. And he comes running. He’s a hero from the start with his quiet and valiant ways.
Faye’s first born has been kidnapped and the two of them work together to rescue him and the love begins again. I did have a problem with the explanation to her family about the abuse. Gregory knew the evils she had suffered yet her family seemed not to know anything. I found that a little hard to believe. (Not a spoiler, it is all in the very beginning of the book.)
The rest of the story is beautiful. I hadn’t time to read a good medieval in months. This one has me ready to devour a few more. It is part of a series but I found it read as a standalone. I will be checking out the rest of the series. 4.5 mugs
Steamy and delicious. Don’t miss this one.
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Excerpt:
Her mother and father were settled at table and Faye took the seat to her father’s left. As the first girl, born after Roger and William, she’d been accorded a special place in her father’s affection.
His craggy face split into a grin. “Beautiful Faye.” He kissed her cheek. “Tell me how you have been spending this day.”
She dreaded the question. He asked it every night and every night she burrowed deep for some interesting morsel that wouldn’t make her day seem as stale as old bread. “I am working on a new set of bed linens for Beatrice’s baby. As we do not know the sex of the child, I thought green was a good choice.”
“Marvelous.” Her father rubbed his hands together.
She loved him for the attempt, but honestly, the mighty Sir Arthur of Anglesea had as much interest in bedding as, well, she did.
Twined up in each other like a pair of clinging vines, Garrett and Beatrice entered the hall. Beatrice waddled under the weight of the child she carried. Garrett strutted and preened like the first man to ever conceive a child, hovering about Beatrice constantly. So in love, it made her wish for things she couldn’t have.
Nurse leant forward from beside Lady Mary. “She carries a boy, you mark my words.”
Faye itched to adjust her wimple. Nurse wore it so low and tight, it pressed her face inward and gave her the look of a spotted pudding.
“It is in the shape of the belly.” Nurse made a circle with her hands. “If it is round like that, it’s a boy. You were the same and your mother before you.”
Oh, spare her Nurse and her predictions. Both times Nurse had sworn up and down Faye bore a girl. She merely smiled at their resident oracle and accepted a goblet from a serving woman. At least the wine at Anglesea was always good.
Speaking of her confinements, Simon and Arthur should be back by now.
“Nurse, have you seen the boys?” She leant far forward to see past her father and mother. She had told Sir Arthur they should commission a curved table at Anglesea. It was one good thing she had taken from Calder Castle.
Nurse’s bodice dropped in her trencher as she replied. See there, a curved table would be a mercy to silk everywhere. “Nay.” Nurse frowned. “I thought they were with young Oliver.”
Oliver, the squire charged with watching the boys. There were so many around Anglesea, their names blurred into a crowd of eager young faces.
“Oliver missed weapons practice this evening.” William took the seat beside her.
Why he did it baffled her because Roger would only insist he move one down. Men. Oliver should not have missed practice. Everyone knew Sir Arthur ran a disciplined keep, and squires did not miss practice. Not unless there was a problem. A tendril of alarm curled in her belly.
“I saw them heading for the beech thicket.” Roger rumbled from behind. He clapped William on the shoulder, his knuckles whitening as he increased his grip.
“The beech thicket? Did you not stop them? They told me they would go to the stream at the bottom of the hill. They were to remain in sight of the keep guards.”
“I thought they had your permission.” Roger won the battle with William and wedged huge shoulders in beside her.
Roger was so thick sometimes, sitting there sipping his mead as if naught was amiss. She had told her boys right before him the thicket was not allowed, even accompanied. Her brother would be well served if she poured his mead over his thoughtless head. Roger should have stopped them. The beech thicket spread all the way to the village and the boys could be anywhere. Best she start looking. Already planning the stern word she would have with her oldest son when she found him, she got to her feet. Simon forever led the way into mischief with little Arthur at his heels. She should never have let them go this morning.
Sir Arthur rose. “Faye?”
“Forgive me.” She managed a tight smile for the table. “If you will excuse me, I will go and find my sons.”
Garrett stood. “I shall come with you.”
“I am sure there is no reason for concern.” She kept it light. Boys were boys and she did try not to coddle them, but for their bellies not to lead them to dinner was unusual.
“I will come.” Garrett motioned for Beatrice to stay. “Where would you like to begin?”
Beatrice had a treasure in her husband. Faye gave him a grateful smile as she led the way out of the hall.
A bench scraped and William called out. “Hang about, Faye, we can split up and cover more ground.”
Born British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
She loves to hear from readers and you can find her at any of the places below.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
August 31, 2015
Win a copy of Blind Love by Kishan Paul.
This is the best contemporary romance I have read all summer. And to celebrate the book that brought me our of my book funk, I am giving a copy of it away (along with a $10 gift certificate.) So click the gift card below and check out the great teasers for this book.
About the Author
From daring escapes by tough women to chivalrous men swooping in to save the day, the creativity switch to Kishan Paul’s brain was always in the on position. If daydreaming stories was a subject, Kish would have graduated with honors. It has taken her decades to discover a way to finally pull those stories out of her head and share them with the world.
Mother of two beautiful children, she has been married to her best friend for over 16 years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, her thriving counseling practice, and writing with out sinking into insanity.
Influences – From romance to thrillers to the paranormal to non-fiction, she has been influenced by every story she has ever read.
Keep in touch with Kishan: website or Facebook Page Twitter
Now on Preorder:
August 28, 2015
Farewell To Summer $250 Cash Giveaway
Farewell to Summer $250 Giveaway – September 1st to 22nd An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!! We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com eGift Code!
In addition, I’m having my own rafflecopter. To a teacher, Back to School Days spells kids, chaos and creativity! I’d like to give away an ecopy of If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss plus a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Click on either image below to enter.
Tell me your favorite Dr. Seuss book or character! Mine is The Grinch.
Sponsor List
Thanks to these great authors & bloggers for making this giveaway possible!
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages
Rhonda Paglia ~ “Grammy Pags Stories”
Nerd-Girls, Romantics and Time-Travelers
Giveaway Details $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 9/22/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway //widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
August 24, 2015
New Release: Scotsman of My Dreams by Karen Ranney
Enter to Win a
MacIain Series Print Bundle
FIVE Winners!
SCOTSMAN OF MY DREAMS
MacIain Series #3
Karen Ranney
Releasing Aug 25th, 2015
In USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen
Ranney’s second novel in her breathtaking series, an unconventional woman and a former scoundrel embark on a daring mission of desire.
Once the ton’s most notorious rake, Dalton MacIain has returned from his
expedition to America during the Civil War-wounded and a changed man. Instead
of attending soirees, he now spends his time as a recluse. But Dalton’s peace
is disturbed when Minerva Todd barges into his London townhouse, insisting he
help search for her missing brother Neville. Though Dalton would love to spend
more time with the bewitching beauty, he has no interest in finding Neville-for
he blames him for his injury.
Minerva has never met a more
infuriating man than the Earl of Rathsmere yet she is intrigued by the torrid
rumors she has heard about him…and the fierce attraction pulling her toward
him.
Dalton does not count on Minerva’s
persistence-or the desire she awakens in him, compelling him to discover her
brother’s fate. But when danger surrounds them, Dalton fears he will lose the
tantalizing, thoroughly unpredictable woman he has come to love.
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EXCERPT:
She didn’t know what part of the letter made her angrier, the fact that he had gone off to see if he was brave, or his thought that women should simply agree to anything a man suggested.
What poppycock.
Sitting at her desk, she calmly folded the letter and held it against her chest.
She would not cry. Tears did nothing but make her eyes and nose red and congest her breathing. They didn’t solve the situation. They didn’t make her feel less guilty.
He had never mentioned America to her. What did he know about their war? Did he simply want to go into battle to see if he could survive it?
Dear God, had he survived it?
That was the one question no one could answer.
She replaced the letter in the drawer of her desk and sat quietly, thinking of her next move. If she wrote the earl again, he would probably ignore her, as he’d already done five times. If she returned to his house tomorrow, encountered his secretary again and marshaled her arguments better, was there any guarantee Mr. Howington would listen?
She had only been jesting when she was talking to Mrs. Beauchamp, but perhaps she should engage in a little subterfuge. Every house needed servants, and the earl’s large home must require quite a number of them in order to run smoothly.
The plan being born in her imagination died a swift death. Mr. Howington had seen her. Perhaps she could attempt to engage the housekeeper’s help. Or bribe one of the servants to turn the other way when she gained entrance to the house.
She had to find a way in to see the Earl of Rathsmere. She had to find out what happened to Neville.
How could she live another day without knowing?
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Karen Ranney began writing when she was
five. Her first published work was The Maple Leaf, read over the school
intercom when she was in the first grade. In addition to wanting to be a
violinist (her parents had a special violin crafted for her when she was
seven), she wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and, most of all, a writer.
Though the violin was discarded early, she still admits to a fascination with
the law, and she volunteers as a teacher whenever needed. Writing, however, has
remained the overwhelming love of her life.
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August 18, 2015
Crossing the Line by Michele Shriver
CROSSING THE LINE
Cover designer: Michele Shriver
Official genre of book: Contemporary romance (sports)
The bestselling Men of the Ice series, featuring the players of the San Antonio Generals hockey team, continues with Crossing the Line.
Nikolai Brantov left his homeland of Russia at the age of nineteen to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. As the first-ever draft pick of the San Antonio Generals, Nik wants to justify the team’s faith in him Adapting to a new country and culture and learning a new language take up most of his off-ice time, and he doesn’t needed any added complications, especially from the team owner’s beautiful daughter.
Hailing from one of the wealthiest families in Texas, Meryl Johnson should have everything she wants. But money doesn’t buy happiness or her father’s affection. Even though she’s been warned that the player’s on the team are off limits, a new community project puts Meryl in regular contact with the budding Russian superstar, and that’s exactly the way she likes it.
When sparks fly between Nik and Meryl, her father sets out to remind them who is in charge—of both the hockey team and his family. Can the young couple triumph over his manipulations, or will falling in love spell the end of Nik’s time in San Antonio?
Chapter One
Nikolai Brantov knotted his tie and ran his fingers through his damp hair, trying to spike the top exactly the way he liked it. When he first moved to the United States from his native Russia five months before to realize his dream of playing in the National Hockey League, he not only had to learn a new language—one he still struggled with—he had to learn new customs and traditions too. Among those were the expectations of being a player in the NHL, including the team dress code which left Nik primping more in front of a mirror as he prepared to leave the arena after a game than he might to get ready for a date. Not that he had any time for dating. Practice, games and English lessons filled most of his days, and that suited Nik fine. He’d left his family and his homeland at the age of nineteen to move to North America to play hockey, not meet women.
“Great game tonight, Nik,” the team captain, Colton Tremblay, said as he came up beside Nik.
Nik nodded at Colton. “Thanks. You too.” The San Antonio Generals beat the Winnipeg Jets three to two in overtime, and Nik scored the winning goal. His first season in the NHL, and the expansion Generals’ first season in the league, were both going well. The country might be unfamiliar, and the rink sizes a little different, but hockey was still hockey, and on the ice was where Nik felt most at home.
“You’re going to stop by the foundation table to see how the toy drive went, right?” Colton asked.
“Yes.” Nik would because he knew it was expected of him. It was almost Christmas, and the Generals’ charity foundation sponsored a drive to collect toys for needy children. Many of his teammates, included Colton, were excited about the event because their girlfriends and wives had helped organize it. Being single, it was less of a big deal to Nik. Still, as much as he would feel completely out of place, it was an important team event and Nik was expected to show up, even if only briefly.
“I’ll head over there with you,” Colton said. “I want to see my girl.”
Nik nodded and they left the locker room together. Of course, Colton was anxious to see his girlfriend again. With no one there waiting for Nik to greet him with a kiss and congratulate him on a good game, he planned to make a quick appearance—the minimum expected of him—and head home. Such that it was. ‘Home’ to Nik right now meant staying with a host family in San Antonio while he acclimated to his new city and new country.
Sure enough, as they approached the Generals Foundation charity table, Colton’s girlfriend came over gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Nice game, as usual,” she said, then nodded in Nik’s direction. “You too.”
“Thanks.”
“The toy drive was a huge success,” Maya continued. “Come see everything we collected.” She led the way to the boxes of children’s toys. She wore a maroon and silver Generals jersey with Colton’s name and number on the back. A group of women surrounded the table, similarly dressed to support their player.
“Hey Nik, is there something you’re not telling us?” Colton asked, as his eyes darted to a young woman in the group.
Nik recognized her as Meryl Johnson, the daughter of the Generals team owner. They’d never formally met before, although Nik had seen her at a couple of team events. His impression of her was that she was spoiled and liked to get her way, but that probably wasn’t unusual from the daughter of a billionaire. And maybe it wasn’t fair to judge someone he’d never so much as exchanged a word with. She was attractive, that was for sure, and he liked her casual style, with her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and tucked through a ball cap sporting the Generals logo. which featured the team name in a circle around the Alamo facade, with three stars underneath. She, too, wore a team jersey, and it took Nik a moment to realize what Colton referred to. The jersey Meryl wore was Nik’s.
Before he could answer Colton that he had no idea what it was about, Meryl approached him. “Hi there. I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced,” she said, extending a hand. “I’m Meryl Johnson.”
“Yes. Mr. Johnson’s daughter.” Nik shook her hand. “Nikolai Brantov.”
***
He said it as if he thought she might not know his name, and Meryl appreciated his unassuming nature. So many of the athletes she’d encountered had big egos, and Nikolai had every reason to as well. The hockey season might be only a few months old, but the young Russian had already made an impression on the league. Sports reporters remarked every day that Nik was a superstar in the making.
Meryl smiled at him. “I know who you are.” After all, her father owned the team, and Meryl made it her business to know about the players he employed. And why shouldn’t she? Hockey players were hot, and in Meryl’s estimation, none more so than Nikolai Brantov, with his gray eyes and spiked brown hair that Meryl longed to run her fingers through.
She’d noticed him during the summer’s NHL draft, when he became the first-ever draft choice of the San Antonio Generals. He appeared awkward in his early interviews, and a little overwhelmed, immediately intriguing Meryl. Was that his true personality, or a byproduct of the circumstances he found himself in? It couldn’t be easy moving to a new country and having to learn a new language at the age of nineteen.
From that moment, Meryl wanted to learn as much about him as possible, so she sought out all the information she could. She knew Nik hailed from the Siberian city of Irkutsk, that his favorite color was orange, and he liked to eat steak and baked potatoes. He listed the Pittsburgh Penguins as his favorite NHL team and his countryman, Evgeni Malkin, as his favorite player. And even knowing all of that, Nik remained an enigma to Meryl.
“I’m wearing your jersey, after all,” she said, and did a little twirl so he could see his name and number, forty-four, on the back. Her choice of attire had raised a few eyebrows among the wives and girlfriends’ who’d put together the event, and who proudly sported their man’s jerseys, but Meryl didn’t care. Her father owned the team, she could wear whatever she wanted.
“Yes,” Nik said, nodding. “It’s…what is the word?” He frowned a little. “Bold of you?”
He was so cute in his uncertainty. Meryl knew he had a tutor working with him on his English, a job she would have gladly volunteered for. In fact, she had, only half-jokingly. Not surprisingly, Daddy had vetoed that idea and warned her that Nik, and everyone else on the team, was off-limits to Meryl. “That’s me. Bold,” Meryl said.
“It looks nice on you,” Nik said, causing Meryl’s heart to flutter a little.
“Better on you, I think. Especially when you scored the winning goal.”
Nik shrugged. “I was in the right place and got a good pass from Colton.”
Definitely unassuming, Meryl decided. And hot. She kept going back to that one. Damn her father and his silly prohibitions. He never wanted her to have any fun. “What are you doing tonight?” she asked. “I have to help put this stuff away,” she gestured to the boxes of toys they’d collected during the charity drive, “then my dad is having a little party up in his box, if you want to join me.” He’d already called her bold. Meryl figured she might as well live up to it.
Nik hesitated before answering, giving Meryl hope that perhaps he’d seriously consider the offer, but the hope was dashed when he shook his head. “No, thank you. I need to go home.”
Meryl knew ‘home’ to Nik was a family of strangers hosting him in their house, and she questioned his need—or desire—to rush back there, but she didn’t press the issue. “Have a good night, then. It was nice to meet you.”
“You as well, Miss Johnson,” he said.
She watched him walk away, admiring how his perfectly-tailored suit fit his body. Okay, he hadn’t accepted her invitation. Meryl hadn’t really expected him to. At least they’d shared a few words, finally. The rest would happen in due time. Meryl was accustomed to getting everything she wanted, and she’d already decided she wanted Nik Brantov.
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The official website of the San Antonio Generals. The Generals are a fictional NHL expansion franchise based out of San Antonio, Texas and featured in the Men of the Ice series by author Michele Shriver.
The Men of the Ice books are contemporary romance novellas about the Generals players and the women who love them.
More information about the books, as well the team, organization, and news and events can be found on this site.
Visit the official Facebook page of the San Antonio Generals. The Generals are a fictional NHL expansion franchise based out of San Antonio, Texas and featured in the Men of the Ice series by author Michele Shriver.
Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.
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July 27, 2015
Sizzling Summer $250 Cash Giveaway
Sizzling Summer $250 Cash Giveaway
July 27th to August 16th
An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!
We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash!
So what have you done for fun this summer? Tell me about your vacation or favorite part of the summer so far. Swimming? Reading? Traveling?
As most of you know, I’m a teacher. I work hard 10 months out of the year and put in about 50 hours a week and recuperate in the summer. This year I had the travel bug. Hubby and I went to Ireland in June. My sister and her son and daughter-in-law joined us about a week into our trip. Anyone who has ever considered going to the Emerald Isle—DO IT!
We rented a 4 bedroom, 5 bath “cottage” along Galway Bay for a week. This was our view every morning while enjoyed our coffee.
And this was our view when we took our morning walk. Note the old castle in the background.
I’m adding one more giveaway to celebrate summer vacations and fun travels. Enter the rafflecopter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card or an Irish Butler’s Chocolate Bar from Dublin!
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Ends 8/16/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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