Heather Osborne's Blog, page 15
August 3, 2016
Review Request: The Geisha with the Green Eyes
The Geisha with the Green Eyes
India Millar
Release Date – August 16, 2016
Genre – Historical Romance
Preorder Link – https://www.amazon.com//dp/B01IJAR0IW
By 1850, Japan had been closed to the outside world for centuries. It was a secret, hidden world. And deep within Edo was Yoshiwara − The Floating World. The center of pleasure. Within Yoshiwara was the Hidden House. A place that only the very wealthy could afford to visit. The place where the geisha were… special.
And in the Hidden House lived Midori No Me. Half Japanese, half foreign Barbarian, born in captivity. She was trained to dedicate her life to serving the wealthiest men in Japan. Defiled at thirteen when her virginity was sold to the highest bidder. Possessed by the greatest actor in the Kabuki theater. Stolen by the most powerful Yakuza in Edo.
The geisha who escaped from the Floating World.
Review
I started The Geisha with the Green Eyes with much anticipation. I loved Memoirs of a Geisha, so I was eager to read more historical romance about the practice, and the cover inspired me even more. A well-constructed story, with memorable characters, I found the novel an easy read, and kept going back to it after having put it down. I liked Midori’s character and found her struggles real in the Floating World. However, my favorite character ended up being Carpi, the poor geisha with shortened arms. Her character was how I might imagine a geisha to feel; forced to entertain the outside world while feeling crushing sadness inside.
I feel though that the ending was rushed. There was a great build-up, but there could have been more substance. I do hope the author plans a sequel, as I would love to continue reading Midori’s journey. There are some violent scenes in this novel, some involving sexual context so any readers should be made aware of this. Otherwise, The Geisha with the Green Eyes was a solid four-star read for me. Well done!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
About India Millar
INDIA MILLAR started her career in heavy industry at British Gas and ended it in the rarefied atmosphere of the British Library. She now lives on Spain’s glorious Costa Blanca North in an entirely male dominated household comprised of her husband, a dog, and a cat. In addition to historical romances, India also writes popular guides to living in Spain under a different name. Her Romance Noir series is highlighted on her website, indiamillar.co.uk.
India Millar Facebook – http://www.indiamillar.co.uk/
India Millar Twitter – https://twitter.com/indiamillar23
About Red Empress Publishing
RED EMPRESS PUBLISHING is a full-service publisher offering traditional and new services for our authors to help them succeed and stand out in an ever-changing market. The company is actively seeking submissions by women and people of color as part of the company’s philosophy of diversity and inclusion. They are currently seeking submissions in any genre of fiction but especially romance, mystery, fantasy and historical fiction. Authors can submit their books and request more information on Red Empress Publishing’s official website. For the company’s latest news and updates, visit Red Empress on Facebook and Twitter.
August 1, 2016
To Win a Viscount Book Tour (+excerpt)!
Title: To Win a Viscount (Daughters of Amhurst #2)
Author: Frances Fowlkes
Genre: Historical Romance
England, 1820. To gain a certain marquess’s notice, Lady Albina Beauchamp aims to win the derby. What she hadn’t planned for is the price handsome Mr. Edmund White asks in payment to train her to race: each lesson for a kiss.
A first place finish isn’t the only thing worth racing for
Lady Albina Beauchamp is in love with the Marquess of Satterfield. Unfortunately, his only interest is in horses, and doesn’t know she exists. But when the marquess confesses he will bestow his undying admiration on the jockey racing the winning horse at Emberton Derby, Albina sets out to win his affections by training to race.
Mr. Edmund White is a master groomsmen for the Earl of Amhurst in line for a viscountcy, should he abandon his passion for horses and become a respectable sheep owner. But horses are his love–until he meets Lady Albina and her silly notions of racing. When she affirms she will enter the derby with or without his assistance, Edmund not only instructs his student in racing, but seduction as well.
For Albina, a first place finish isn’t the only thing at stake. She must decide whether to take her place in society…or follow her heart and love a groom.
Excerpts
Excerpt #1
The enchanting, but very puzzling Lady Albina stared at him. “Do you intend to walk the two miles out to the bluff or will you saddle a horse and ride, Mr. White?”
He pulled his gaze away from her buckskin-encased thighs and shook himself out of his reverie. “Ride, yes,” he said, still in a daze.
Her cheeks flushed pink. “Then please saddle your selection. I don’t have much time.”
Neither did he. Edmund had horses to groom, train, and run. Evaluating the riding technique of a bored lady had not been on his morning agenda. Which was why he made his way back into the barn and saddled the spirited bay mare the earl had only recently acquired. He had to run the horse anyway. Why not kill two birds with one stone?
Edmund adjusted the leather bridle and gripped the thick lead, guiding the steed into the morning sun.
Lady Albina’s face brightened at his approach. “Shall we make a wager, Mr. White? Your mare against mine? The first one to the bluff wins?”
“And what would the prize be, my lady?” He could think of more than one thing he’d very much like to win, like a long, slow kiss on her set of full, pink lips.
“Your full recommendation to the earl about my racng capability, when I arrive on the bluff a minute before you.”
“And when I pass your mare and end up the victor?” he asked. “What shall I win?”
She nibbled on her lip, drawing the supple flesh between her teeth and making his position on the horse a very uncomfortable one. “I named my terms. It seems only fair you should do the same.”
Naïve, then. She was definitely naïve. And he had no qualms exploiting the fact. “A kiss. On my lips. From yours.”
Her eyes widened, her porcelain skin flushing scarlet. He could almost hear her inner voice willing her to object his bold request, but she squeaked out a definite affirmation. “Done. On the count of three, we race to the bluff.”
His blood warmed, and nothing, he was certain, but God himself could prevent him from claiming his prize.
She brought her mare alongside his, a hint of uncertainty passing over her delicate features. “I expect nothing less than honest sportsmanship.”
“And I expect nothing less than a good race, my lady.” He settled into the stirrups and gave her his best rakish smile. “One…two…”
His words were drowned out by the clomping of hooves and Lady Albina’s high-pitched laughter.
Excerpt #2
“I am not the one claiming the prize, Mr. White. Should you wish to…kiss me, you must…press your lips against mine.” Good heavens, she’d never been so mortified. All this talk about kissing took the very romance out of the notion. But then, this kiss was not a romantic intimacy. It was a business transaction. A payment for her incompetency.
“Your lips. On mine. That was the agreed-upon arrangement.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and lifted his chin.
“I do not see how it makes any difference,” she said with a huff. “A kiss is a kiss. It does not matter who initiates the act so long as it is given.”
“I am afraid I must disagree. Whoever initiates the act sets the tone for the event, thereby altering the effects.”
Albina rolled her eyes. “It is but a pressing of one’s lips to another’s. And that, only for a moment. I sincerely doubt one person’s initiation of the event is different from anyone else’s.”
“Would you care to test your theory?”
She leveled a glare in his direction. “How so?”
“You kiss me,” he said, his voice low. “And we assess the results. Then I kiss you and we compare the experience.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You wish to kiss me twice?”
“No, I wish to kiss you once, for I claim ownership of the kiss when I initiate the act. Likewise, you would kiss me once when you settle your accounts and do as you have already agreed by settling your lips against mine. I should think it a small price to pay for the sake of an argument, really. And, as you said, it is but a pressing of one’s lips to another. For but a moment.”
Albina rolled her lips inward and took a deep breath. One kiss had slipped into two. And under the guise of settling an argument she had unknowingly started. But a kiss was no more than what she claimed. A simple act. Nothing more than a settling of accounts.
She let out the breath she had been holding and nodded. “If my compliance allows for my continual access and use of the earl’s Thoroughbreds, I agree.”
Excerpt #3
“My lady.” Mr. White’s exasperated voice called from behind her. “I only seek to help you.”
Albina turned around, her chin lifted, her plaited hair licking past her arm. “Then do so, Mr. White. Tell me how to correct my form without insulting me. Unless you cannot. In which case, I shall seek out assistance elsewhere.”
He ran up to her and took hold of her hand, pulling her into his chest. Her hat fell to the ground as she crumpled against him, her right hand gripping his arm to steady herself. A thick, hard, and solid arm.
Heavens.
He lowered his head, his mouth mere inches from hers. “Your head should be flush with the horse’s.” His words were breathy and low, spoken in a rich tenor she could hardly hear over the hammering of her heart.
“My head,” she whispered. Her thoughts were no longer on her form, but the pair of lips hovering over hers.
“Place it alongside the mare’s, low and even, as though you see and hear as one.”
“See and hear as one,” she repeated, her voice far throatier than it ought to be.
“And your legs,” he continued, “should be tight against her sides.” His hands fell to her outer thighs. With a slight push, he clamped her legs around his. “Like this.”
God in heaven. She couldn’t think. At least not of anything beyond the pair of hands resting on her thighs. She gave a slight nod and licked her lips.
He inhaled, an audible, sharp intake of breath. His hands should not have been anywhere on her person. No gentleman would hold her thus, with such bold possession. But Mr. White was not a gentleman. He was a groom.
And she was, for the first time, glad for it. A heady rush of excitement coursed through her.
“Is that all?” she whispered. “My head and legs?”
Slow and sensual, his lips curled. “Your bottom.” His hands slipped to her backside and cupped her supple flesh through the thin leather of her breeches. “It needs to be held high in the air.”
“M-m-my, my bottom,” she stuttered, lapsing into a mode of speech most often associated with her sister, Henrietta. “Must b-b-be higher,” she ended on a gasp.
Her breath caught, his fingers burning on her bottom as though they were on fire. No man had ever dared, never imagined to place his hands upon her…certainly not the marquess, who, as a titled peer, would respect the rules of decorum and treat her as a lady. As he ought.
Yet…she could not deny the surge of pleasure rushing through her at Mr. White’s forwardness. His blatant disregard for propriety was intoxicating. A shot of rebellion that echoed her own. Her rule-breaking, however, was limited to assuming the appearance of the opposite sex. A simple portrayal. A minor deception, though it was quickly becoming more. She had allowed him to kiss her yesterday. Today…today she was allowing him a firm grasp of her bottom. And what’s more, enjoying every second of it.
Author Bio
After viewing her all-time favorite love story, “Anne of Green Gables”, at the impressionable age of ten, Frances Fowlkes has been obsessed with affable boy-next door heroes, red-heads, and romance stories with lots of “highfaluting mumbo jumbo” written within their pages. It only seems natural then that she married the boy who used to pull on her curls in her high school English class, had not one, but THREE red-headed boys, and penned multiple love stories with bits of flowery prose.
When not writing, Frances loves spending time with her family, fangirling, and planning her next vacation.
Frances Fowlkes, originally a northern mid-westerner, now lives in the southeast with her ardent hero of a husband, three playful and rambunctious boys, and one spoiled standard poodle.
A self-professed Anglophile and summa cum laude graduate of LeTourneau University, Frances Fowlkes combines her passion for happily-ever-afters with her interests in both American and English histories.
Links
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/francesfowlkes.author/
http://www.francesfowlkes.com/
https://twitter.com/francesfowlkes
http://www.amazon.com/Frances-Fowlkes/e/B00JOPV2T0
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8145738.Frances_Fowlkes
Buy the Book
Entangled Publishing: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/to-win-a-viscount/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-win-a-viscount-frances-fowlkes/1124060999
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/be/book/to-win-a-viscount/id1130767737?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/to-win-a-viscount
Giveaway
Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card during the tour.
Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MWNiNTU0OTUyMGNlZDFiOGJmOTc5ZmExZmRmZDJmOjg1Mw==/
July 15, 2016
Lakota Honor Book Blast!
Lakota Honor (Branded Trilogy, Book 1)by Kat Flannery
Publication Date: May 26, 2013
Publisher: Imajin Books
eBook & Paperback; 182 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance/Paranormal/Western
Fate has brought them together, but will a promise tear them apart?
In the small town of Willow Creek, Colorado, Nora Rushton spends most of her days locked up in her home with a father who resents her and fighting off unwanted marriage proposals from the wealthy Elwood Calhoun. Marked as a witch, Nora must hide her healing powers from those who wish to destroy all the witkowin—crazy women. What she doesn’t know is that a bounty hunter is hot on her trail.
Lakota native Otakatay has an obligation to fulfill. He has been hired to kill the witkowin. In a time when race and difference are a threat and innocence holds no ground, courage, love and honor will bring Nora and Otakatay together as they fight for their freedom. Will the desire to fulfill his promise drive Otakatay to kill Nora? Or will the kindness he sees in her blue eyes push him to be the man he once was?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Chapters | Createspace
Blood Curse (Branded Trilogy, Book 2)by Kat Flannery
Publication Date: September 14, 2014
Publisher: Imajin Books
eBook & Paperback; 214 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance/Paranormal/Western
“Upon mine death for the blood ye have shed, Every daughter born to ye shall die before it draws breath, to which ye will know pain and worse, I cast unto ye mine blood curse.” ~ Vadoma
Four years after the Blood Curse, Pril of the Peddlers vows to protect her child against the evil men who hunt her. With her clan unaware of the branded girl among them, Pril has to keep the identity of her daughter a secret. When her child is kidnapped, she is forced to ask Merchant runner, Kade Walker, for his help.
Kade Walker needs to find the gypsy child. Blackmailed and pushed beyond his own moral code, he is determined to do whatever it takes. When he comes across the Peddler clan, he is sure the girl is there, however all hope is lost when the gypsies capture him. Time is running out—until Pril makes him an offer he cannot refuse.
Amidst greed, lust, revenge and love, Pril will need to trust Kade. But as the evil nears and doubt creeps in, will she discover that the enemy has been standing next to her all along?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Chapters | Createspace
About the Author
Kat Flannery’s love of history shows in her novels. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. When not researching for her next book, Kat can be found running her three sons to hockey and lacrosse. She has her Certificate in Freelance and Business Writing. A member of many writing groups, Kat enjoys promoting other authors on her blog. She’s been published in numerous periodicals. Her debut novel CHASING CLOVERS has been on Amazon’s Bestsellers list many times and was #62 over all their titles. LAKOTA HONOR and BLOOD CURSE (Branded Trilogy) are Kat’s two award-winning novels and HAZARDOUS UNIONS is Kat’s first novella. Kat is currently hard at work on her next book.
For more information please visit Kat Flannery’s website. You can find Kat on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Book Blast Schedule
Tuesday, July 5
Passages to the Past
Wednesday, July 6
Lampshade Reader
Let Them Read Books
Thursday, July 7
A Holland Reads
The Never-Ending Book
Friday, July 8
Book Nerd
Monday, July 11
The Reading Queen
Tuesday, July 12
Cafinated Reads
Wednesday, July 13
Broken Teepee
Thursday, July 14
Brooke Blogs
Friday, July 15
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Monday, July 18
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Thursday, July 21
Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
Monday, July 25
One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Thursday, July 28
CelticLady’s Reviews
Saturday, July 30
Carole’s Ramblings
Giveaway
Author Kat Flannery is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card during the book blast! To enter, please see the GLEAM form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open Internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
June 20, 2016
A Thousand Salt Kisses Blog Tour!
A Thousand Salt Kisses
by Josie Demuth
Publication Date: April 2016
Wise Ink Press
Series: Salt Kisses, Book One
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Romance/Mer-Stories
Beautiful Crystal White is the new girl on the remote Starfish Island. During a party on the mainland, she goes for a midnight swim with other party goers where she meets the handsome, intriguing Llyr amongst the waves.
As she heads back to shore she realizes that he is not behind her and that nobody at the party remembers him. Crystal can’t seem to shake Llyr from her mind and returns to the beach in the hope of meeting him again. When she finally does, she realizes there may be more truth to the ramblings of the island folk than she thought.
To add more drama to her life, Crystal’s mother and her father are at war over a local power station that is devastating local marine life.
Over a sizzling roller coaster summer, it becomes apparent that all these events are not entirely unrelated and Crystal finds herself both caught up in a deep mystical romance and at the centre of an exploding environmental scandal…
About the Author
Josie is a 31 year-old writer from London. Her Salt Kisses books became popular on Wattpad, and are now also serialised on Radish Fiction. A Thousand Salt Kisses is her third book.
For more information please visit http://www.saltkissesbooks.com/ and https://josiedemuthwriting.wordpress.com/. You can follow author Josie Demuth on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Wattpad.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, June 6
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Thursday, June 9
Excerpt at Brooke Blogs
Friday, June 10
Review at Bibliotica
Monday, June 13
Interview at I Heart Reading
Tuesday, June 14
Spotlight at To Read, Or Not to Read
Wednesday, June 15
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
Friday, June 17
Spotlight at AC Reads
Monday, June 20
Excerpt at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Tuesday, June 21
Spotlight at Fiction Conviction Book Blog
Friday, June 24
Spotlight at A Leisure Moment
Monday, June 27
Spotlight at It’s a Mad Mad World
Monday, July 4
Review at A Book Drunkard
Tuesday, July 5
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews
Friday, July 8
Blog Tour Wrap Up at Book Junkie Promotions
Giveaway
To enter the giveaway for a signed copy of A THOUSAND SALT KISSES, please see the GLEAM entry form below. Three copies are up for grabs!
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 8th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY!
June 14, 2016
Special Blackout Excerpt!
Luke
New York whirled around us, people bustling to get to where they were going. JFK had been packed, but we managed to hail a cab and get ourselves to the loft in Manhattan, where we would be staying. It was easy to get to Theatre Row, our undercover location, from the high-rise building. Our backstory was simple. Rae and I were from a company out in California, and we were looking to move to New York. We wanted to try out a couple locations before deciding to make a permanent decision.
Rae insisted we maintain that we were friends, so as to avoid complications. Hell, our friendship was complicated already after New Orleans, but whatever made her feel comfortable. I flung down my bag on the queen bed in the sparsely furnished room. The Bureau made sure we had the necessities, so that was nice.
“There’s a tech meeting at the theatre tonight.” Rae leaned on the doorframe with a sigh. “Certainly not the Ritz, huh?”
I chuckled. “Nope, but it works. You okay?”
She raised and lowered a shoulder. “Usual zone. Feeling more uneasy about this one than I was when Madame Evangeline was telling my future.”
I had to admit, I missed Sabine’s grandmother. I missed New Orleans. I missed…well, I missed holding and kissing Rae. “Heh.”
“Should we get something to eat first? I’m sure there’s a pizza place.”
I loved how Rae knew when to break obvious building tension. “Order in?”
She smiled and walked to the olive green kitchen. “Geez, you’d think they’d make some decorating changes since the 70s.” She thumbed through a stack of takeout brochures by the fridge, settling on one and placing an order for a large pepperoni pizza and a bottle of Coke. I hated this on duty crap. Pizza and Coke just wasn’t the same.
I slumped into the sofa, sinking into the middle. Clearly they were trying to keep us in the façade that we were struggling theatre people. “Damn,” I groaned, adjusting my position. “Hey, Rae, wanna experience true torture?”
Rae laughed, crossing her arms and watching me shift uncomfortably. “Nope, I’m good.”
“Aww, come on. Cuddle up with me on the couch of death.” I patted the empty spot.
She huffed and walked over, sitting down with a small scream. “What is this? I think a spring just poked me. Undercover, or not, we’re replacing this monstrosity tomorrow.”
“And that’s why I love you, Rae.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I coughed, realizing what could be implied. “I mean, in the platonic sense. Hey, let’s see what’s on TV.” I grabbed the remote from the side table drawer and turned on the old set, my heart longing for my flat screen at home. I found an old Friends episode, and we lapsed into uncomfortable silence. Shit, I thought. You sure put your foot in it this time, Thompson. But, I did love her. Maybe this time around she’d finally let me in.
June 1, 2016
Learning to Breathe Blog Tour!
Learning to Breathe by Marisa OldhamBlurb:
Like the ocean, life is a beautiful force. One that can tear you limb from limb or lavish you in perfect moments.
Michelle Hathaway has it all: a view of the Eiffel Tower from her loft in Paris, a successful career as a fashion photographer, ownership in an up-and- coming art gallery, and jet-setting days filled with excitement. But, even with all that luxury, her life feels aimless.
Over the years, Michelle drifted on the tide of a long distance, on-again off-again relationship with Micah Roberts, a hot bass player in a popular rock band. When he finally asks her to move to Los Angeles to be with him, she risks everything, taking the leap into a new life.
Drowning in the wake of her decisions, she struggles just to breathe as destiny threatens to take everything. As unexpected events devastate her, will Michelle surface from the depths of despair?
From Bestselling Author of The Falling Series, Marisa Oldham, comes an emotionally heart-stopping novel about love, heartache, and learning to breathe when it feels as though the air is kicked from you.
Purchase Link:
#OneClick for only .99 cents! http://amzn.com/B01EQJFN7A
Review:
I had the privilege to read this book prior to release. Lately, I had been in a bit of a slump when it came to contemporary romance novels. However, Learning to Breathe is so far removed from anything I could have expected. I laughed, I cried, and I loved right alongside Michelle. The heart and soul that went into this novel were unlike anything I have experienced before. I don’t want to give much away because you need to experience each part of Michelle’s journey for yourself. I highly recommend this book.
★✩★ WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT LTB ★✩★
“I have never cried so much while reading a book. This story touched me in a very deep and emotional way.” – Jackie, Fire and Ice Book Reviews
“This is a must read book. The characters in Learning to Breathe are so real. You will feel like you are in the story. You will feel the connection with the characters. You will feel the emotions. YOU WILL FEEL.” – Kelly M, ARC Reader
“I have never read a book that felt it was as much mine as it was the authors. This book has pieces that will parallel your life, and probably affect you in a way no other book has…or ever will.” – Devine Warnes, ARC Reader
May 10, 2016
Juliana Blog Tour!
Juliana (Volume I, 1941-1944)by Vanda
Publication Date: February 14, 2016
Booktrope Editions
eBook & Paperback; 375 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Contemporary Woman/LGBT
JULIANA is the story of dreams, the dreams of two women who randomly, inevitably cross paths, of stage stardom and soulful songs amid the deceptions required in a prewar 1941 New York City, where love was presumed to be straight, and destiny was supposed to be written in the stars.
It’s 1941 and Alice “Al” Huffman comes from the potato fields of Long Island with her beau, her best girlfriend and her girlfriend’s beau to make it on the Broadway stage only to find she has no talent. On the kids’ first day in New York City, they meet Maxwell P. Hartwell III, a failed nightclub owner and Broadway producer, who, according to Al, looks a little like Clark Gable. He invites them to a nightclub where Al hears Juliana, the glamorous, perpetually-on-the-brink-of stardom singer, for the first time. Al is instantly drawn to her and seeks her out. Juliana is a sexual risk-taker who easily reels in the mesmerized Al.
Al is increasingly pulled into a secret gay underworld of men who wear dresses and women who smoke cigars, while her childhood friends continue in their “normal” lives. Al glides easily between the two worlds until these worlds begin to collide.
Cameo appearances are made by Walter Liverace, Ethel Merman, Tallulah Bankhead and others.
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble
Review
Julianna: Volume 1 (1941-1944) was a unique look at an often undiscussed subject of the era. The research put into this short novel is incredible and admirable. Vanda has taken the time to really explore the topic from the perspective of her main character, Al. An excellent novel, I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Praise
“… captures the fear, excitement, and eroticism of a young lesbian’s awakening in the the 1940s.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Vanda creates a historical novel about a time period in which we know very little about queerness—WWII… Vanda’s narratives, prowess of timely language and setting and character development lend a poignant message: to be queer was to be anti-American.— July Westhale, Lambda Literary Review
“Juliana is the opening act in a series of stories that will cover, discover and recover LGBT history…. Vanda’s clean-shave style in Juliana amplifies the creative ways in which lesbians and gays in the 1940s compartmentalized their identities like meals at an automat…..I can’t wait for the next edition of yestergays’ news to come out” — Alison Fradkin, Curve Magazine
“Spell-binding, entrancing. A gay underworld with the sights and sounds of a lost New York.” — Lisa E. Davis, author of Under the Mink
About the Author
Vanda’s novel, Juliana (Vol. 1, 1941-1944) to be released in February by Booktrope Editions is about LGBT life in 1940s New York City. This novel is the first of a series of novels about the same characters living through successive decades of LGBT history.
As a playwright Vanda has received numerous honors, among them an Edward Albee Fellowship. Her play, Vile Affections, published by Original Works was a finalist for a National Lambda Award. Her play, Patient HM, which later became The Forgetting Curve, won the Pride Stage and Screen’s Women’s Playwriting Award and another play, Why’d Ya Make Me Wear This, Joe, won Celebration Theater’s (where Naked Boys Singing originated) Best New LGBT Play. Vile Affections played at the New York International Fringe Festival to sell-out audiences and was published by Original Works in 2008. The Forgetting Curve was produced in Boston in September 2014 and the producer has plans to bring it to New York.
Vanda’s non-fiction story, “Jack,” was published in Prairie Schooner in Summer 2011 and another non-fiction piece, “Roger: Lost Between Philosophies,” which appears Pentimento was selected by New Millennium Writings for Honorable Mention from a submission pool of 1,300. Other short prose pieces have been or will be published in Sinister Wisdom, The Outrider Review and The Grub Street On-Line Journal.
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, May 2
Kick Off & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, May 4
Spotlight & Excerpt at I Heart Reading
Monday, May 9
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Tuesday, May 10
Review at Book Nerd
Thursday, May 12
Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Friday, May 13
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Monday, May 16
Interview at Flashlight Commentary
Tuesday, May 31
Blog Tour Wrap Up at Passages to the Past
Giveaway
To enter to win a paperback copy of Gioconda by Lucille Turner please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. Two copies are up for grabs!
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
May 3, 2016
Camelot’s Queen Book Tour!
Camelot’s Queen (Guinevere’s Tale, Book Two)by Nicole Evelina
Publication Date: April 12, 2016
Lawson Gartner Publishing
eBook; 358 Pages
Series: Guinevere’s Tale
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
History remembers Guinevere’s sin, but it was Arthur who transgressed first.
Forced into a marriage she neither anticipated nor desired, Guinevere finds herself High Queen, ruling and fighting alongside Arthur as they try to subdue the Saxons, Irish and Picts who threaten Britain from every direction. Though her heart still longs for her lost love, Guinevere slowly grows to care for her husband as they join together to defeat their enemies.
Meanwhile, within the walls of Camelot their closest allies plot against them. One schemes to make Guinevere his own, another seeks revenge for past transgressions, while a third fixes her eyes on the throne. When the unthinkable happens and Guinevere is feared dead, Arthur installs a new woman in her place, one who will poison his affections toward her, threatening Guinevere’s fragile sanity and eventually driving her into the arms of her champion.
Amid this tension a new challenge arises for the king and queen of Camelot: finding the Holy Grail, a sacred relic that promises lasting unity. But peace, as they will soon learn, can be just as dangerous as war. As the court begins to turn on itself, it becomes clear that the quest that was to be Arthur’s lasting legacy may end in the burning fires of condemnation.
This highly anticipated sequel to Daughter of Destiny proves there is much more to Guinevere’s story than her marriage and an affair. See the legend you think you know through her eyes and live the adventure of Camelot’s golden days yourself – but prepared to suffer its downfall as well.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound
Review
The second novel in a series, I loved this one just as much as Daughter of Destiny. I won’t say too much, for those who haven’t read the first one, but this is definitely a great story, with memorable characters. You’ll not want to miss this amazing novel. I couldn’t put it down!
About the Author
Nicole Evelina is a St. Louis historical fiction and romantic comedy writer. Her debut novel, Daughter of Destiny, the first book of an Arthurian legend trilogy that tells Guinevere’s life story from her point of view, has been short-listed for the Chaucer Award in Early Historical Fiction. Camelot’s Queen is its sequel.
Later this year, she will release Been Searching for You (May 10), a romantic comedy that won the 2015 Romance Writers of America (RWA) Great Expectations and Golden Rose contests, and Madame Presidentess (July 25), a historical novel about Victoria Woodhull, America’s first female Presidential candidate, which has been short-listed for the Goethe Award in Late Historical Fiction.
She hopes to have the final book in Guinevere’s Tale available in late 2016 or early 2017.
Nicole is one of only six authors who completed a week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness. Nicole has traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere’s Tale trilogy, where she consulted with internationally acclaimed author and historian Geoffrey Ashe, as well as Arthurian/Glastonbury expert Jaime George, the man who helped Marion Zimmer Bradley research The Mists of Avalon.
Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for the The Historical Novel Society, and Sirens (a group supporting female fantasy authors), as well as a member of the Historical Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the St. Louis Writer’s Guild, Women Writing the West, Broad Universe (promoting women in fantasy, science fiction and horror), Alliance of Independent Authors and the Independent Book Publishers Association.
She spent 15 years researching Arthurian legend, Celtic Britain and the various peoples, cultures and religious practices that shaped the country after the withdrawal of Rome. Other historical interests include the Middle Ages and women who made their mark on history. She’s also a frequent visitor to Chicago, where Been Searching for You takes place.
Her website/blog is http://nicoleevelina.com and she can be found on Twitter as well as on Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 25
Kick Off & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, April 26
Excerpt & Giveaway at Just One More Chapter
Wednesday, April 27
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective
Guest Post at Jorie Loves a Story
Thursday, April 28
Review at Broken Teepee
Friday, April 29
Review & Excerpt, & Giveaway at Book Lovers Paradise
Saturday, April 30
Review, Excerpt & Giveaway at Laura’s Interests
Monday, May 2
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Tuesday, May 3
Review at The Baking Bookworm
Wednesday, May 4
Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Thursday, May 5
Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft’s Blog
Tuesday, May 10
Review at Curling up by the Fire
Wednesday, May 11
Review & Giveaway at Singing Librarian Books
Thursday, May 12
Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Friday, May 13
Review at Book Nerd
Interview at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Monday, May 16
Review & Excerpt at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at Seize the Words: Books in Review
April 26, 2016
Daring Masquerade Book Blast!
Daring Masquerade by Margaret Tanner
Publication Date: May 7, 2012
Books We Love Ltd.
Paperback & eBook; 404 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance
In Margaret Tanner’s Daring Masquerade, published by Books We Love, by the time Ross Calvert discovers Harry Martin is in fact Harriet Martin she has fallen in love with him. Realizing she has failed in her final effort to protect her shell-shocked brother, she puts a desperate proposition to Ross. Marry her and she will give him an heir.
Ross accepts. However, he is tormented by the betrayal of his former fiancée Virginia. On his honeymoon he meets her again and is still infatuated. With the army recalling him to the trenches of France, he faces a terrible dilemma. Taste Virginia’s passion before he marches off to war, or keep his marriage vows to Harry.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Margaret Tanner is an award winning multi-published Australian author. She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries out research for her historical romance novels, and prides herself on being historically correct. No book is too old or tattered for her to trawl through, no museum too dusty. Many of her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia. She once spent a couple of hours in an old goal cell so she could feel the chilling cold and fear
Her favorite historical period is the 1st World War, and she has visited the battlefields of Gallipoli, France and Belgium, a truly poignant experience.
Margaret is married and has three grown up sons, and two gorgeous little granddaughters.
For more information please visit Margaret Tanner’s website. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads.
Book Blast Schedule
Monday, April 25
Passages to the Past
Wednesday, April 27
The Never-Ending Book
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Thursday, April 28
The Book Junkie Reads
Saturday, April 30
Book Nerd
Tuesday, May 3
CelticLady’s Reviews
Giveaway
To win an eBook of Daring Masquerade by Margaret Tanner please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
The Sorceress and the Skull Blog Tour!
The Sorceress and the Skullby Donald Michael Platt
Publishing Date: February 5, 2016
Penmore Press
eBook & Paperback; 254 Pages
Genre: Historical/Horror/Occult
Nostradamus, Occult, Suspense, Metaphysical, Visionary
A Gothic Horror Novella from Award Winning Author Donald Michael Platt
San Francisco 1946: A Confrontation of Sorcerers and Seers. For the first time in almost 400 years, Michele born in 1932, a direct descendant of Nostradamus, will have all his gifts of precognition and even greater powers, but they will not be fully manifested until after she enters puberty. More than one secret society has been obsessed with finding and controlling Michele, to learn from her where Nostradamus’ unpublished prophecies have been sequestered. Hidden since birth, protected by aliases, an aunt, and a gargoyle, Michele at age 13 has become a fugitive, fleeing across Europe and Canada before finally arriving in San Francisco. Around Michele deadly forces are closing in, but a new ally, Le Crâne, the Skull, has also appeared, coming to the aid of the young seer. Who will hold claim to Michele’s powers and at what price to her? And who will succeed in acquiring the hidden secrets of Nostradamus?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Donald Michael Platt is an award wining author of five published novels: “Rocamora,”an International Book Awards Finalist, and its sequel “House of Rocamora” set in 17th century Spain and Amsterdam during their Golden Ages. “Close to the Sun,” a WWII novel about USAAF and Luftwaffe fighter aces has garnered three Indie Book Award Finalist Awards. The Historical Novel Society named his novel “Bodo the Apostate” an Editor’s Choice title, calling it “a masterfully-controlled narrative” of the Carolingian Empire. “A Gathering of Vultures,” a contemporary horror novel set in Florianópolis, Brazil, was also selected as an Indie Book Award Finalist in Horror.
Donald and his wife Ellen currently reside in Winter Haven Florida along with his cat, Bodo, a loquacious tyrant.
For more information visit Donald Michael Platt’s website. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 25
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Wednesday, April 27
Review at Book Nerd
Thursday, April 28
Review at The Old Shelter
Friday, April 29
Spotlight at Passages to the Past
