Heather Osborne's Blog, page 17
March 4, 2016
Daniel’s Erotica Sale Blitz
The future, backwater village may be sleepy, but its people are hot blooded and passionate. Feel the heat at Daniel’s Fork!
A compilation of some of the spicy scenes from the Daniel’s Fork universe by Zeecé Lugo!
Now 99 cents until March 8th! Grab a copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BA7DMAQ/
About the Author:
Zeecé Lugo was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in Brooklyn, and lived in many places. She spent seven years in the U.S. Air force, taught for many years in Miami, and even spent a year working for the IRS.
Her early love was reading. The worlds of Pern, Middle-earth, St. Mary Mead, and Shrewsbury Abbey had an incredible influence and hold on her imagination.
She wrote her first novel, Daniel’s Fork, in two months, spending long hours at her task. During that time, she ensconced herself in her bedroom with her computer, barely coming out to grab a cup of coffee or a snack. One day, her nearest neighbor came desperately knocking at her bedroom window, afraid that Zeecé might be dead; no one had seen her for days!
Daniel’s Fork was meant to be the first book in a romantic trilogy. Little did Zeecé know that stories have a way of going where they want to go. Daniel’s Fork turned out to be a journey to the future past! It is a sexy mystery set in the future, giving birth to a fictional universe: the Daniel’s Fork universe.
February 28, 2016
Maria V. Snyder Blog Tour!
I am absolutely honored to be part of the blog tour for Maria V. Snyder’s newest book, Night Study (review coming soon!). I have been a fan of Miss Snyder’s work for as long as I can remember, starting with her first novel, Poison Study. I remember receiving a copy from my mom for Christmas and diving right in to the world of Yelena and Valek. I am not often a fan of fantasy, as many people know, but I make a HUGE exception for Miss Snyder!
I was lucky enough to meet her in Edinburgh last year, and it was definitely a treat! So, this is an incredible thing to get to blog about her again!
Night Study is a continuation of the Study series and The Chronicles of Ixia. We continue to follow the adventures of Yelena, once poison tester for the Commander of Ixia, a land where magic is forbidden. It is preceded by Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, and Shadow Study, as well as a handful of other books about the characters of Ixia and Sitia, the country to the south where magicians flourish.
I don’t normally gush, but I’m gushing now! This is a series I fell into and I kept falling! Yelena is everything I want in a heroine, and Valek, well, he’s totally swoonworthy! So, it is with pride, I share this blog piece by Maria V. Snyder!
Ten reasons why girls can enjoying reading fantasy just as much as boys
The fantasy genre encompasses such a wide range of sub-genres and styles, that it can appeal to every reader at every age. Below are my top ten reasons to read fantasy:
Escape from reality – every day life can be a drag and fantasy can be a grand escape.
Magic – this adds more conflict and tension to a story and the variety of solutions can be quite clever.
Horses and other magical creatures – who doesn’t love dragons?
Magical worlds – experience a world that is unlike ours.
Your own problems pale in comparison – think about it – dealing with a problematic co-worker is nothing compared to fighting demons/evil wizards/corrupt monarchs for the fate of the world and your very own survival.
Cool weapons – people just don’t have sword fights anymore.
No internet – imagine being able to disappear without a trace. (this doesn’t apply to urban fantasy or any fantasy in a contemporary setting)
Supernatural creatures – vampires, werewolves, and Fae, oh my!
And here are a few reasons for the girls:
Strong female protagonists – fantasy has changed over the last couple of decades and now has many strong and intelligent women in the leading role.
Hot guys – Valek, Ari, Janco, Devlen, Kade, and Kerrick (If you don’t know who they are, then might I strongly suggest you read my Study books, Glass books, and Healer series ;).
You can get the Study series on Amazon, and Night Study is now available!
(Isn’t this a gorgeous cover!? Gotta love purple ;-) )
Happy Reading, my lovelies!
February 26, 2016
Author Feature: Brooke May
On behalf of Iron Claude Author Services, I am proud to present Brooke May, a contemporary romance author!
You can find her here:
http://brookemayauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookemay
Twitter: @B_May88
Instagram: BrookeMay_Author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13487635.Brooke_May
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brooke-May/e/B00TET4ZQS/
Her books:
~*~My Cowboy~*~
Growing up in Northeastern Wyoming, Emma Price has always known that the ranching way of life is never easy. After losing her dad, her brother’s illness and now the risk of losing everything that means something to her, Emma is in for a fight. What started off as a routine day of checking on her horses, turned her world upside down with the arrival of an old crush.
Cade Masters spent the last ten years running. After a great tragedy struck unexpectedly he hit the road thinking no one cared. Now he is back and wanting the life he use to have on the Price Ranch. How will Emma handled her life now that Cade is back in it and wanting to pick up where he left off?
Will Emma forgive him and allow him into her heart again or will she push him away?
Life can change at the drop of a hat and the unexpected always takes you by surprise.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UeIBhW
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1lBTijc
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1NLnL8V
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1OmE9Jh
~*~Faith in My Cowboy~*~
Maddi Barnett was used to living a solitary life until a handsome soldier cowboy saved her. Feelings she never knew started to blossom in her life.
A happy life is what she wanted with Tucker Price, even after his injury. And they seemed completely set up for a life together, until tragedy hit and things changed drastically.
Tucker loses his way and pushes Maddi away. Unsure on what to do, Maddi is faced with two choices; give up and move home or fight for her love.
Can Maddi heal from the heartbreak and possibly save Tucker? Will others cause untold damage to save a relationship for them?
Faith is a strong thing; it helps the weak become stronger, others grow in the belief of another, and sometimes you need enough to help heal someone you love. And that’s why Maddi has faith in her cowboy.
**Faith in My Cowboy is part of a series, it is book two of the My Cowboy Series. But it can be read as a stand-alone, but for a better grasp of the story, please read after My Cowboy. Has HEA.**
18+ audience
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1NnxNcz
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1OWZgX8
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1OY0mQG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SSUby9
~*~Loved by My Cowboy~*~
Six years ago, Libby Jones’ life was turned on it’s head. Abandoned and pregnant, Libby changed her carefree, reckless life for both her and her son. There would be no more random hookups and no more partying. Dylan’s entrance into her life was a blessing and changed everything in her life. Yet, nearly six years later, Libby is still discovering how much things in the past had changed her. The strong person Libby once was is now lost and confused with a man who wants nothing more than to love her and Dylan.
Justin Foster has always been interested in Libby, past and present, and he has never hidden that fact. He’s back in Elk Field for good now and has his sights on finally getting Libby as his. He will do anything and everything to prove to her that he has changed and they could be wonderful together.
Twists, turns, and crazy surprises await Libby. Is she ready for the ride?
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1O43w31
War and Me Book Blast and Giveaway
War and Meby M.A. Wood
Publication Date: September 26, 2013
eBook; 200 Pages
ASIN: B00FGJLG08
Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction/Romance
Flying model airplanes isn’t cool, not for fifteen-year-old girls in the 1940’s. No one understands Julianna’s love of flying model airplanes but her dad. When he leaves to fly bomber planes in Europe forcing Julianna to deal with her mother’s growing depression alone, she feels abandoned until she meets Ben, the new boy in town. But when he signs up for the war, too, she has to consider whether letting her first love drift away would be far easier than waiting for the next casualties.
Amazon US | Amazon UK
About the Author
Marcy Blesy is the author of several middle grade, young adult, and new adult novels and short stories. Her picture book, Am I Like My Daddy?, helps children who experienced the loss of a parent when they were much younger. She has also been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books as well as various newspapers and magazines. By day she runs an elementary school library and enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.
Marcy is a believer in love and enjoys nothing more than making her readers feel a book more than simply reading it. She likes to connect with her readers via twitter (@marcyblesy), email (mablesy(at)yahoo.com), or her blog(www.marcyblesy.com).
Book Blast Schedule
Monday, February 15
A Chick Who Reads
Passages to the Past
Tuesday, February 16
A Holland Reads
CelticLady’s Reviews
Wednesday, February 17
Beth’s Book Nook Blog
The Never-Ending Book
Thursday, February 18
A Book Geek
What Is That Book About
Friday, February 19
So Many Books, So Little Time
Monday, February 22
#redhead.with.book
Queen of All She Reads
Tuesday, February 23
Let Them Read Books
Wednesday, February 24
The Reading Queen
Thursday, February 25
Boom Baby Reviews
Friday, February 26
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Giveaway
To win a $10 Amazon Gift Card please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 26th. 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.
February 23, 2016
The Gilded Cage Cover Reveal!
The Gilded Cageby Judy Alter
Publication: April 2016
eBook & Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction
Born to a society and a life of privilege, Bertha Honoré married Potter Palmer, a wealthy entrepreneur who called her Cissy. Neither dreamed the direction the other’s life would take. He built the Palmer House Hotel, still famed today, and become one of the major robber barons of the city, giving generously to causes of which he approved. She put philanthropy into deeds, going into shanty neighborhoods, inviting factory girls to her home, working at Jane Addams’ settlement Hull House, supporting women’s causes.
It was a time of tremendous change and conflict in Chicago as the city struggled to put its swamp-water beginnings behind it and become a leading urban center. A time of the Great Fire of 1871, the Haymarket Riots, and the triumph of the Columbian Exposition. Potter and Cissy handled these events in diverse ways. Fascinating characters people these pages along with Potter and Cissy—Carter Harrison, frequent mayor of the city; Harry Collins, determined to be a loser; Henry Honoré, torn between loyalties to the South and North; Daniel Burnham, architect of the new Chicago—and many others.
The Gilded Cage is a fictional exploration of the lives of these people and of the Gilded Age in Chicago history.
“The Gilded Cage is a wonderful recreation of early Chicago and the people who made it what it is. Central character Cissy Palmer is a three-dimensional, real, vibrant person. The Gilded Cage is fiction, but firmly based on fact—the Chicago Fire, the prisoners from the War Between the States interred in Chicago, the newcomer Potter Palmer, the explosive growth of wealth in a prairie town, deep poverty adjacent to great riches—the American experience laid bare. You don’t have to be a Chicagoan to love this book.” -Barbara D’Amato, author of Other Eyes
About the Author
Judy Alter is the award winning author of fiction for adults and young adults. Other historical fiction includes Libbie, the story of Elizabeth Bacon (Mrs. George Armstrong) Custer; Jessie, the story of Jessie Benton Frémont and her explorer / miner / entrepreneur / soldier / politician husband; Cherokee Rose, a novel loosely based on the life of the first cowgirl roper to ride in Wild West shows; and Sundance, Butch and Me, the adventures of Etta Place and the Hole in the Wall Gang.
For more information visit Judy Alter’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.
Cover Reveal Schedule
Monday, February 15
Passages to the Past
Tuesday, February 16
The Never-Ending Book
Wednesday, February 17
The Reading Queen
Thursday, February 18
Book Nerd
Friday, February 19
A Book Geek
Saturday, February 20
With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Monday, February 22
The Maiden’s Court
To Read, Or Not to Read
Tuesday, February 23
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Wednesday, February 24
100 Pages a Day
Thursday, February 25
Reading Is My SuperPower
Monday, February 29
A Holland Reads
Wednesday, March 2
CelticLady’s Reviews
A Literary Vacation
Thursday, March 3
She is Too Fond of Books
Friday, March 4
I Heart Reading
February 20, 2016
Daughter of Destiny Blog Tour!
Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere’s Tale, Book One)By Nicole Evelina
Publication Date: January 1, 2016
Lawson Gartner Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 326 Pages
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Before queenship and Camelot, Guinevere was a priestess of Avalon. She loved another before Arthur, a warrior who would one day betray her.
In the war-torn world of late fifth century Britain, young Guinevere faces a choice: stay with her family to defend her home at Northgallis from the Irish, or go to Avalon to seek help for the horrific visions that haunt her. The Sight calls her to Avalon, where she meets Morgan, a woman of questionable parentage who is destined to become her rival. As Guinevere matures to womanhood, she gains the powers of a priestess, and falls in love with a man who will be both her deepest love and her greatest mistake.
Just when Guinevere is able to envision a future in Avalon, tragedy forces her back home, into a world she barely recognizes, one in which her pagan faith, outspokenness, and proficiency in the magical and military arts are liabilities. When a chance reunion with her lover leads to disaster, she is cast out of Northgallis and into an uncertain future. As a new High King comes to power, Guinevere must navigate a world of political intrigue where unmarried women are valuable commodities and seemingly innocent actions can have life-altering consequences.
You may think you know the story of Guinevere, but you’ve never heard it like this: in her own words. Listen and you will hear the true story of Camelot and its queen.
Fans of Arthurian legend and the Mists of Avalon will love Daughter of Destiny, the first book in a historical fantasy trilogy that gives Guinevere back her voice and traces her life from an uncertain eleven year old girl to a wise queen in her fifth decade of life.
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble
Praise
“A gripping read that brings a wonderfully depicted Guinevere tumbling out of the shadows of myth.” – Anna Belfrage, author of The Graham Saga
“Nicole Evelina shows a deep and passionate love for the Arthurian world, and her re-weaving of the story of Guinevere and Arthur makes for enjoyable reading. With more volumes to come, if you like stories of Camelot, ancient priesthoods, magical Avalonian dreams and embattled romance, this is for you.” – John Matthews, author of ‘Arthur of Albion’ and ‘The Camelot Oracle’.
“Colorful and exciting…love all the characters. You will have a ball with this book.” – Serena Scott Thomas, actress and audio book narrator
About the Author
Nicole Evelina is St. Louis-born historical fiction and romantic comedy writer. Her first four books are coming out in 2016:
1. Daughter of Destiny (January 1 – This is the first book of an Arthurian legend trilogy that tells Guinevere’s life story from her point of view)
2. Camelot’s Queen (March 23 – The second book in the trilogy)
3. Been Searching for You (May 23 – a contemporary romantic comedy that won in the single title romance category of the 2015 Great Expectations Contest (sponsored by North Texas RWA) and the 2015 Gold Rose Contest (sponsored by Portland RWA) and is a finalist in five others.
4. Madame Presidentess (July 25 – Historical fiction about 19th century American Presidential candidate Victoria Woodhull, the first American woman to run for President)
She hopes to have the final book in Guinevere’s Tale available in late 2016 or early 2017.
Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for the Historical Novel Society, and Sirens, a group supporting female fantasy authors, as well as a member of the Romance Writers of America, Women Fiction Writers Association, the St. Louis Writer’s Guild, Women Writing the West and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She is one of only six authors who completed the first week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness in 2014. Nicole has traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere 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.
Her website/blog is http://nicoleevelina.com and she can be found on Twitter as well as on Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.
Review
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, February 8
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Spotlight at Unshelfish
Tuesday, February 9
Review at Bookish
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books
Wednesday, February 10
Review at Curling up by the Fire
Guest Post at To Read, or Not to Read
Thursday, February 11
Review at Just One More Chapter
Friday, February 12
Review at Broken Teepee
Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft’s Blog
Monday, February 15
Review at Laura’s Interests
Review at Puddletown Reviews
Tuesday, February 16
Interview at Flashlight Commentary
Wednesday, February 17
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Spotlight at Passages to the Past
Thursday, February 18
Review & Interview at Singing Librarian Books
Friday, February 19
Review at Book Nerd
Monday, February 22
Review at Seize the Words: Books in Review
Tuesday, February 23
Review at The Baking Bookworm
Review at The Hive at Black Tea & Milk
Wednesday, February 24
Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Thursday, February 25
Review at A Literary Vacation
Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Friday, February 26
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective
Guest Post at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Giveaway
To win a paperback copy of Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere’s Tale, Book One) by Nicole Evelina please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. Two copies are up for grabs!
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 26th. 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.
February 16, 2016
His Confession Release Blitz
Release Blitz
His Confession
by
Sophia Valentine
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00033]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1455712483i/18139776._SX540_.jpg)
Blurb
When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.
At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted…
It’s her own.
Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable…
Unable to get him out of her head—and against Darion’s explicit warning—Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.
Until his confession changes everything…
Her heart is telling her to stay.
Her instinct is telling her to run.
She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves…
Or can she?
Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.
PreOrder Now
Trailer
Meet the Author
Sophia Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.
Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine to shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and SATC. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.
For more information, please visit: http://www.s-valentine.wix.com/books. If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!
Author Links
What Others Are Saying About His Confession
His Confession was a surprisingly engaging read with believable characters who were easy to connect with.It dealt with subjects a little different to what I’m used to, but the author did a great job of pulling me into her world.” – Mia Hoddell, YA/NA author.
”His Confession pulled me through from the first paragraph! The enigmatic Darion practically leapt off the pages and I could picture his every move and facial expression clear as day in my head! This story is definitely one to add to your “want-to-read” list-especially if you love a captivating plot as well as scenes so hot that they fog up your glasses. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it for future readers but DARION and GABI put Christian and Ana to SHAME! Enough said. LOL.” – Kiarra M. Taylor, contemporary romance author of THE QUARTER CHANGE.
”I loved it and I’m excited to read more to find out what happens. Darion is a great guy who was hurt badly and doesn’t know how to handle, which in steps Gabi. Love love love her! Hopefully she fights for him! When does the next book come out, as I’m dying to know what comes next! I also hope the girls get their own stories.” – Susan Flynn, Beta reader Writers club.
”S. Valentine does an exquisite job at creating a dynamic between two characters, both His Confession is book one in The Black Door Trilogy. It is a fast paced story that is full of hotness and anticipation that heats you up from your head to your toes. Gabi, is tired of always playing it safe. Darion, has demons that he can no longer control.When these two get together, boundaries are pushed, control is tested and emotions run from different worlds, that goes beyond a physical attraction.runs wild.” – AV. Scott, author of High Heels & New York.
A brilliant book which leaves you wondering what happened in Darion’s past that has left him so wary and so afraid to put himself and his heart out there not to mention to put his faith and trust in Gabi, the one woman whose managed to penetrate the walls he’s built.I can’t wait for book 2 and I’m hoping that Darion and Gabi can overcome the obstacles that stand in front of them, including Eva, Darion’s ex wife.” – Rebecca Barber, author Nobody’s Obligation.
Giveaway
OMPETITION! WIN BOOK SWAG!
Fancy being entered into a prize draw to WIN book swag, consisting of: signed paperback, bookmark, postcards, stickers, key-rings, a bracelet and more, then follow the below instructions:
> LIKE S. Valentine’s author page: Author Page
> Follow S. Valentine on Twitter: Twitter
Take two seconds to enter your email and sign up to S. Valentine’s newsletter to receive FREE book chapters, teasers, prize competitions, and important book news.
COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ON S. VALENTINE’S FACEBOOK PINNED POST TO SHOW THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED THE COMPETITION!
Hosted by
February 15, 2016
Taming the Twisted Blog Tour!
Taming the Twistedby Jodie Toohey
Publication Date: August 15, 2015
Wordsy Woman Press
eBook & Paperback; 242 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Taming the Twisted is written in a similar style to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books though updated for modern times. It might read as if she’d left in all of the juicy tidbits about things people didn’t talk about during the time when she was writing. Taming the Twisted is a story of destruction, romance, mystery, and deceit set against a back drop of an actual historical event.
In early June, 1860, Abigail enjoyed a peaceful home life with her parents, younger sister, and twin toddler brothers. Their home in Camanche, Iowa, where they’d emigrated from Pennsylvania, was almost complete and her beau, Joseph Sund, had recently proposed marriage.
That changes the evening of June 3rd when a tornado rips through town, killing her parents. At the mass funeral for the over two dozen people who perished in the storm, she learns Marty Cranson, with whom Abigail witnessed Joseph having a heated argument, died, but at the hands of a person rather than the tornado.
In addition to being faced with raising her young siblings, Joseph has disappeared without a trace and a stranger, Marshall Stevenson, appears, offering to help Abigail repair the families’ home and cultivate the newly planted farm crops.
Abigail, while developing romantic feelings for Marshall, tolerating the scorn of town woman Pamela Mackenrow, and working as a seamstress and storekeeper to support her siblings, becomes obsessed with finding out who killed Marty, hoping that and not that he no longer loved her, was the reason Joseph left without saying goodbye.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY
About the Author
Jodie Toohey is the author of four additional books, two poetry collections – Crush and Other Love Poems for Girls (2008) and Other Side of Crazy (918studio, 2013) – as well as two novels, Missing Emily: Croatian Life Letters (2012) and Melody Madson – May It Please the Court? (2014).
When Jodie is not writing poetry or fiction, she is helping authors, soon-to-be-authors, and want-to-be authors from pre-idea to reader through her company, Wordsy Woman Author Services.
WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | PINTEREST
Review
Having always been a fan of the Little House on the Prairie series, I was curious to read a novel by an author that stated her book emulated the style of the great Laura Ingalls Wilder. Upon beginning Miss Toohey’s book, I was drawn in by the easy prose, however, I do think it is a stretch to compare it to Wilder’s novels. It certainly takes place during the same time period though, in an environment fraught with peril and uncertainty. The characters were relatable, and their tragedies palatable. It was a tale told many times of a scorned woman finding a new love in an unlikely and unexpected place.
While starting out very strong, however, the ending felt very rushed, wrapping up all loose ends abruptly. I would have liked to see more development of the storyline in regards to Marty and Joseph, as well as Pamela Mackenrow. There was a great deal of potential for the town to take sides in the situation between Marshall and Abigail, but the townspeople paid little mind to Pamela’s scorns, which seemed highly unrealistic for a pioneer community.
Overall, I have had mixed feelings about this novel, and really contemplated what to put in my review, concluding with Taming the Twisted starts strong, and falls short. These are my personal tastes, however, and another reader might truly appreciate the simplicity of this feel good novel. As a self-published author, I do understand it is difficult to put your work out there for public consumption and criticism, and I hope Miss Toohey finds no offense or malice in my review. I wish her the very best of luck in all her endeavors. Three and a half stars.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, February 8
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog
Spotlight & Giveaway at Rambling Reviews
Tuesday, February 9
Guest Post at Just One More Chapter
Wednesday, February 10
Review at Book Nerd
Thursday, February 11
Guest Post & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation
Friday, February 12
Review at Back Porchervations
Character Interview at Boom Baby Reviews
Monday, February 15
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Tuesday, February 16
Review at Book Drunkard
Wednesday, February 17
Review at Griperang’s Bookmarks
Thursday, February 18
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Friday, February 19
Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft’s Blog
February 14, 2016
Sunday Author Feature: RC Boldt
Good morning and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Today, in conjunction with Iron Claude Author Services, I am proud to present a feature post on RC Boldt, the author of the Teach Me series!
RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you’re in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80’s song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she’s your girl.
You can find her at the following social media links:
Website: http://www.rcboldtbooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RC_Boldt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor/timeline
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14543027.R_C_Boldt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcboldt
Book 1:
WILDEST DREAM
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Blurb:
The Teach Me series starts off with the story of Raine and Mac, the most unlikely of best friends…
Taken from his parents and bounced from one foster home to the next, former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, Callum “Mac” Mackenzie had a rough childhood. The only time he’s let himself get attached to anyone has been with his military “brothers”. He’s convinced he doesn’t know how to love and certainly doesn’t “do” relationships. He’s spent fourteen years in the Navy and now he gets to live out his other dream: teaching.
Her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, science teacher, Raine Thompson feels as if her time to find “the one” is running out. She knows life is short, especially after dealing with breast cancer two years ago, and wants to experience her own happily ever after. But is it in the cards for her?
Finally acting on the simmering attraction they have long ignored, Raine and Mac decide to have a fling and they discover what it’s like to have someone who knows you inside out also be the one who makes your body come alive.
But it was only temporary…
Goodreads:
https://goo.gl/GaQF1i
Buy links:
Amazon Kindle: http://goo.gl/uhBV5W
B&N Nook: http://goo.gl/fu7zDM
Kobo: https://goo.gl/jY936S
iBooks: https://goo.gl/j2H8gL
EXCERPT:
He turned his head to see her in profile as she was lying there, staring up at the slivers of moonlight and shadows on the ceiling. Mac wasn’t sure what made him do it but he slid his hand over almost hesitantly, his fingers linking with hers. He watched as she turned her head to look at him, an easy smile coming over her face.
“So.”
“So,” he echoed, returning her smile. Lying there with her, her hand in his, with that trademark smile on him, he felt like his heart staggered a bit in that moment.
Mentally shrugging it off, he spoke. “That was . . .” he trailed off, trying to find the right words.
“Subpar? So-so?” she supplied, eyes wide in innocence.
The smile slipped off his face as he stared at her. “Really, Thompson? That’s how you’re going to be?”
Raine shrugged nonchalantly and gave a dramatic sigh, turning away as if to get up. “Well, I’ll be going, now.”
He rolled to his side, his arm snaking out and grabbing her, pulling her back flush against his front. “Oh, no you don’t, missy,” he growled. “Not before giving me a chance to redeem myself. It’s only fair,” he said, smiling into her hair.
“Well, if I must,” she sighed despondently and wiggled against him as if to get more comfortable. He felt himself start to harden in response to her movement.
“Oooh. Somebody’s ready for round two already?” she remarked. “Too bad I’m too tired,” she yawned loudly. A very fake yawn.
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Woman, you should know better than to provoke me.”
“Oh, yeah? You planning to punish me?” she teased.
He slid his hand up over her hip and down to the center of her thighs. Her legs parted easily for him as he glided his fingers over her to slide one inside with ease. The sound of her quick inhalation made him grin.
“I think I’m rather fond of your punishment,” Raine told him breathlessly.
If he were to judge by the way she came apart in his arms after that as well as the other three times throughout the night, he would have to agree with her.
Teasers:
Book Two:
HARD TO HANDLE
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Blurb:
RC Boldt’s Teach Me series gives us a closer look at just how thin the line is between love and hate…
Fifth grade social studies teacher, Laney Kavanaugh, is no stranger to being left behind – her father taught her that at a young age. That’s why she always has her eyes wide open when it comes to men. She’s determined she will never again be the one left behind. She doesn’t let sex blur what they’re really doing; it’s always just sex.
Until Zach.
Zachariah Mayson, fifth grade writing and English teacher, has been the bane of Laney’s existence from the moment they met at their shared elementary school. She can’t stand him. He gets under her skin like no other and is always utterly obnoxious in his attempts–and successes–in getting a rise out of her.
Until the wedding.
The night of their friends’ wedding, Laney gives in to a moment of melancholy, knowing she’ll never be able to let her guard down enough to let a guy close, let alone someday get married. She and Zach end up having the hottest night she’d ever experienced, showing her another side of him, a softer, sweeter one he’d hidden from her until now. Because now, he hoped she was finally ready to “see” him.
But when you’ve always guarded yourself against falling in love, can you let go of the past in order to embrace the future?
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27831210-hard-to-handle
Buy links:
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/1KaTMYd
B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/20sPMq3
Kobo: http://bit.ly/23tuhIf
iBooks: http://apple.co/1lSx8si
Excerpt:
“What the hell do you—” He stopped mid-rant as his eyes fell on who was standing on his doorstep.
Laney looked mad as hell … and never more beautiful. With anger flashing in her hazel eyes and lips pressed thin, red and kissable. And that dress she wore? Oh, hell. It had taunted him the entire time they had been at The Turtle. Just for the simple fact that it accentuated the curves on the body he’d had his hands on, mouth on, lips on just a few days prior.
“What the hell do I want, you ask?” she snarled at him as she shoved past him to enter the house, pushing the door shut behind her with a loud thunk. “Oh, I’m so glad you asked. I want to know what the hell was with that gift. The one you shoved at me.” Her volume increased, her words forceful, demanding. “Why did you give me that gift?”
She was upset because he gave her a nice gift? Fuck that.
“Because it made me think of you!” he practically screamed. He watched Laney’s eyes go wide, lips parting in shock or disbelief, he wasn’t sure which. They stood there, staring at each other, fiery gazes clashing.
He wasn’t sure who moved first, but one minute they were having their angry standoff and the next, their bodies collided, lips meeting in a kiss filled with a fierceness, tongues warring. Knocking into the wall before he righted them as they pulled off articles of clothing, they made their way down the hallway to his room. Leaving a trail of her flip flops, sweater, dress, panties, bra, and his pants in their wake, they made it to his bedroom.
Zach pulled his lips from hers. “Just one night, again, Kavanaugh?” He heard the slight bite in his tone.
Her eyes searching his, she quietly answered, “Just one night. Again.”
Hearing her repeat the words, he felt like there was a massive weight on his chest, making it difficult to breath.
Oh, he would give her one night, all right.
His mouth slammed down on hers, devouring her, tasting her deeply. Having her curves pressed against him made him nearly weak in the knees at how right it felt to have her in his arms.
It’s only for one more night.
Those words haunted him and he slid his fingers into her hair, tugging her head back to tilt it, moving his lips to her throat.
Teasers:
Happy Reading!
February 13, 2016
The Vatican Princess Book Blast!
The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgiaby C.W. Gortner
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Ballantine Books
Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook
400 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Infamy is no accident. It is a poison in our blood. It is the price of being a Borgia.
Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized 15th-century Renaissance Italy. Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynasty’s ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival?
With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, the new pope’s illegitimate children—his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia—assume an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her family’s fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment’s notice as Italy’s ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia’s father faces challenges from all sides, he’s obliged to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood.
Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezia’s coming-of-age in her own voice—a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same, and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND
Praise
“Assiduously researched and expertly crafted . . . . This unholy plunge into Rome’s darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing.” – Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author
“A spider web of Renaissance intrigue with a legendary cast . . . Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization make for a fascinating read.” – Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author
“Elegantly written and deeply researched . . . Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life. I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s take on the controversial Borgias.” – Alison Weir, NYT bestselling author
About the Author
C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.
After an eleven year-long career in fashion, during which he worked as a vintage retail buyer, freelance publicist, and fashion show coordinator, C.W. devoted the next twelve years to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the international success of his novels.
In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceaux, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. His books have garnered widespread acclaim and been translated into twenty-one languages to date, with over 400,000 copies sold. A sought-after public speaker. C.W. has given keynote addresses at writer conferences in the US and abroad. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding.
Half-Spanish by birth and raised in southern Spain, C.W. now lives in Northern California with his partner and two very spoiled rescue cats.
For more information visit C.W. Gortner’s website and blog. You can also find him on Facebook, Twittter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube. Sign up for C.W. Gortner’s Newsletter for updates.
Book Blast Schedule
Tuesday, February 9
Unshelfish
Drey’s Library
The Maiden’s Court
CelticLady’s Reviews
Wednesday, February 10
The Lit Bitch
The Never-Ending Book
A Dream within a Dream
What Is That Book About
Thursday, February 11
Laura’s Interests
The Reader’s Hollow
Flashlight Commentary
Friday, February 12
Let Them Read Books
To Read, Or Not to Read
Saturday, February 13
So Many Books, So Little Time
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Sunday, February 14
100 Pages a Day
With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Monday, February 15
A Book Geek
A Bookish Affair
Puddletown Reviews
Tuesday, February 16
Just One More Chapter
Historical Fiction Obsession
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More
Wednesday, February 17
Impressions In Ink
A Literary Vacation
The Country Bookworm
Thursday, February 18
The True Book Addict
Ageless Pages Reviews
Friday, February 19
Passages to the Past
Kristin Un-Ravelle’d
Book Lovers Paradise
Saturday, February 20
Beth’s Book Nook Blog
One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Sunday, February 21
Carpe Librum (Seize The Book)
Seize the Words: Books in Review
Monday, February 22
Broken Teepee
Book Drunkard
The Reading Queen
Tuesday, February 23
Teatime and Books
View from the Birdhouse
Historical Fiction Connection
Giveaway
To win a Borgia-Inspired Velvet Bag & Beaded Bracelet from C.W. Gortner please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 23rd. 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.
The Vatican Princess Book Blast
