Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Eleanor and the Iron King: A Review

Goodreads (description):

Eleanor de Lacy is forced into an arranged marriage with her father’s greatest enemy, Brac Goch, the Welsh king. All Eleanor knows of Brac is that he is a ruthless, war hungry man.

Eleanor arrives at the Welsh castle of Bryn Du already expecting the worst. When the ghost of Brac Goch’s first wife appears and warns her that the Welsh king is not to be trusted, all of Eleanor’s fears are confirmed.

As the countdown to her wedding day approaches, Eleanor must figure out who is lying, who is telling the truth, who is loyal, and who is the traitor--and most of all, if she can love an enemy king.
My review:

Saw this book at Seagull Book, read the back, and immediately decided I would love this book.

Of course, the book didn't end up to be what I thought it would be, but it was MUCH better. :)

Eleanor is English royalty and has been pledged to the Welsh king, Brac Goch. She is beyond terrified to meet this apparently evil, scary king. Yet, she doesn't want to stay with her abusive father. There is one person alive she still loves and that is her friend Gilbert.

It was really sad to see her say goodbye to Gilbert and start her new life living at the Welsh castle Bryn Du. At this point, Brac and Eleanor are only engaged, so Eleanor finds excuses to stay as far away from him as possible, hoping that he will end their engagement.

During her exploration of the Welsh country, a ghost appears to her, all creepy like and warns her to stay away from Brac. So of course this scares her half to death, but what I find funny is that every time the ghost leaves her a message, she does directly to Brac, wakes him up and accuses him of something. While reading the story is was very intense; looking back on it, it's kind of funny and also shows that Eleanor isn't going to blindly trust something that's dead.

Eleanor was a smart girl. There are a few mysteries in this book that I won't reveal, but she finds them out pretty soon after I did. I like that Eleanor was intelligent. Her skill with healing herbs was amazing too, of course, she gets accused for being a witch. Still, when Brac sees that she is genuine, he returns them to her.

Brac Goch is not who I was thinking he would be. He was a far better man than what I was expecting. The sacrifices he makes, the love he hold for his country is amazing. I love how he made sure to discover the truth when there was any doubt and remedy and apologize if he did something wrong (like returning Eleanor's herbs). I expected him to be emotionless. Instead, he laughs often and tries to find the good in everything.

After all the lies and mysteries have been solved, Eleanor realizes just how good of a man Brac is. And oh, the love story is oh so sweet. It's been a long time since I couldn't fall asleep because I had to finish a book. It was beautiful.

I give this a 5 out of 5!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy Book 1): A Review

Goodreads (description):

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom...

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.



My Review:

This series has been sitting on my shelf for over a year now. A few of my cousins read it the minute they discovered this series and talked nonstop about it for a long time. Of course when I was around I forbade them from saying a word :)

And now I'm really sad I have waited this long to read the series. This first book was fabulous!

Emma is a pasty white, violet eyed girl whose life gets overturned when Galen the merman (make sure you call him Syrena though, or he'll get offended, hehe). Emma starts out as a sweet girl, but when Galen showing her what she is, she has a major freak out. Not like, screaming and yelling, but beneath it all, she's brewing up a storm. It doesn't help that Galen's sister Rayna is a psycho crazy chick sometimes and pushes all of Emma's buttons.

Overall, Emma is a good girl though. She fights for what's right and doesn't let anyone mess with her. She seeks for the truth even when it will hurt. I love that about her. She never gives up.

Galen is quite swoon worthy and adorable. Trying to see him adjust to the human world is humorous at times. Still, I love how he is devoted to his people and the law, while not being a blind follower. He knows when some things just need to be fought for, and he does.

Toraf, Galen and Rayna's mate, is my favorite character though. He is a great comic relief as well as spunky and just plain funny. The book would not be as fun without him.

Learning about the Syrena was fun too. There was never too much description. It always felt perfect and incorporated well into the story. Something of which I admire.

If you want a good book about mermaids and mermen, I highly recommend this one. It's good, clean, and funny.

I give this a 4.5 out of 5!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Release Day Grand Finale: The Suspect's Daughter

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.


Release-Day Grand Finale for
The Suspect's Daughter
By Donna Hatch

We're celebrating the release of The Suspect's Daughter! We hope you enjoyed finding out more about Grant Amesbury, the reclusive Bow Street Runner who has finally met his match, and the Regency era this story is set in. If you missed any of the stops, you can check them out now... 



Launch - Intro to the Book


In this new novel, Grant has met his match. Not only is Jocelyn his perfect opposite--light to his darkness--but she matches him in wit and courage. But Jocelyn has her own problems, and a troublesome man does not fit into her plans.


Bookworm Lisa - About the Book & 5 Fun Facts


The Rogue Hearts Series centers around a noble family with the surname Amesbury, children of Lord Tarrington. Each book is a stand-alone story about each member of the family.



1. The murder plot in The Suspect’s Daughter was based on true events known as The Cato
Street Conspiracy.


"This book was romantic and had a bit of intrigue. I was happy to see glimpses of the Amesbury brothers throughout, still happy and well. Now Grant's story has been told and I can't wait to see where we go next with Donna Hatch. Wherever it is, I will be there. I loved this book. It took me to my happy place!"


I Am A Reader - Why Regency Gentleman Make the Perfect Heroes

Men in many historical eras were civilized and treated women with courtesy by standing up when a lady entered the room, doffed their hats, curtailed their language, offered an arm, bowed, and did a hundred other little things I wish men still did today. 



"I love a good, clean romance, but when there's depth--more "meat" to the story--, I'm in heaven and this book delivers. The reader not only gets a really great, believable romance, but a fantastic story line, full of conspiracy, mystery, and suspense."




"Regency" is the era in England when the Prince of Wales was Regent, or the ruler, in place of his father, King George III who was declared legal unfit to rule due to madness. Because George (later George IV) was the Prince Regent, the period is called the Regency. The true usually when I tell people I write Regency, I get one of two reactions. They either say, “I love Regency” or they say “what is Regency?” I guess to know it is to love it.


"The Suspect’s Daughter has it all – romance, suspense, great characters, skilled writing, and some quite spectacular kisses. I thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of this novel and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to fans of historical fiction, particularly the Regency era."


Christy's Cozy Corners - British Titles

Here is a basic rundown on titles. The titles of duke and marquess are usually territorial, meaning they are associated with a specific area of land, such as Duke of York, Marquess of Salisbury, etc. Though the titles of earl, viscount, and baron are most often associated with a territory, they can also be based on a family name, eg Earl of Tarrington. Some titles were bestowed without land so the title is attached to the family rather than to the land that family governs, so to speak.


underneath the covers - Writing Great Kissing Scenes


Great kissing scenes always include a great deal of sensory detail. I try to include as many of the five senses as possible, as well as internalization—what that person is thinking and feeling in his/her heart. I walk a fine line between sizzling chemistry and staying on the “sweeter” side of romance.


Colorimetry - Carriages

To accommodate the Regency gentry or nobility, the styles, paint design, and features of carriages were as varied as today’s automobiles. Image, status, and money, as well as personal taste, were all factors in choosing a carriage. Nobility had their family coat of arms painted on the side of their family coach. A reader may come across a number of different names for carriages, and unless one is willing to do some research, these names may mean nothing.




"From the first pages of this book, I was completely sucked in. I fell in love with Grant and Jocelyn and the type of characters they portrayed. I would recommend this book to anyone."

Wishful Endings - Bow Street Runners


Into this ineffective chaos stepped the Fielding brothers. Henry Fielding was a magistrate who operated his office on Bow Street. In 1750, he and his brother hand picked and organized an elite fighting force of highly trained and disciplined young men known as the Bow Street Runners. Later nick-named the “Robins Redbreasts” for their distinctive red waistcoats, they conducted investigations, including a rudimentary forensics and interrogations. They even carried handcuffs.

Bookworm Nation - Review


"We know Grant helps out with Bow Street Runners, so it was fun to see him in his element trying to solve a mystery. I also liked to see that he had high standards and always tried to do the right thing and help others. Jocelyn and Grant were great together, their relationship built at a believable pace and had plenty of swoony moments."

Singing Librarian Books - ​The Cato Street Conspiracy

​The murder plot in The Suspect’s Daughter was inspired by a true event in England known as the Cato Street Conspiracy.

The early 1800’s in England was a time of social and economic upheaval. Upon the ending of the long-term Napoleonic wars, unemployed career soldiers and sailors flooded the workforce. Industrial change was taking England from a largely agricultural country to one of large industry. Many of the working class were hungry and feeling oppressed. Riots erupted which the government crushed. Laws grew more and more restrictive.


The Suspect's Daughter: Regency Romance (Rogue Hearts Book 4)The Suspect's Daughter
(Rogue Hearts, #4)

by Donna Hatch

Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 298 pages

December 15th 2015 by Mirror Lake Press


Determined to help her father with his political career, Jocelyn sets aside dreams of love. When she meets the handsome and mysterious Grant Amesbury, her dreams of true love reawaken. But his secrets put her family in peril.



Grant goes undercover to capture conspirators avowed to murder the prime minister, but his only suspect is the father of a courageous lady who is growing increasingly hard to ignore. He can’t allow Jocelyn to distract him from the case, nor will he taint her with his war-darkened soul. She seems to see past the barriers surrounding his heart, which makes her all the more dangerous to his vow of remaining forever alone.



Jocelyn will do anything to clear her father’s name, even if that means working with Grant. Time is running out. The future of England hangs in the balance...and so does their love.


Donna Hatch 2014

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.


Tour Giveaway


$10 Amazon eGift Card

2 ebooks of A Winter's Knight

2 ebooks of Mistletoe Magic

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Ends December 19th



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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Cover Reveal: United



United (The United Trilogy #1)
by Jaci Wheeler
Release Date: January 19th 2015

Limitless Publishing

Summary from Goodreads:

United America runs like a machine. Everyone has a job and a purpose to make the country run smooth and efficiently. Nothing is left up to chance. The people are under constant monitoring for the good of the Country. After careful consideration every citizen is given their career at the age of sixteen. "Rosaline, come now!" ordered President Vaughn. Sixteen-year-old Rosaline Thatcher got up from her seat among her classmates and walked toward the stage. The sound of her blood pumping resounded deeply in her ears and, perhaps for the first time in her life, a reminder to breathe was necessary. All eyes were on her. She knew this day was coming, the day when she would be asked to serve her country in the career path chosen for her, but as she moved closer to the stage with President Vaughn and further away from her parents and dearest friends, she wondered why she was being singled out. What future lies ahead for Rosaline? In a country where citizens blindly follow the rules, what will happen when one girl dares to defy them, and what does that mean for United America?









Author Links:

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Book Blitz: Sophie's Quest

On tour with Prism Book Tours.


Book Blitz for
Sophie's Quest
By Sonja Anderson


Sophie's Quest is currently only 99¢ for Kindle!




Interview with Author Sonja Anderson


1. What is your motivation behind Sophie’s Quest? Why did you want to write it?

The character of Sophie Topfeather popped into my head many years ago when I was teaching a multi-faith class at St. Mary's International School in Tokyo, Japan. According to many stories, owls are supposed to be wise, and it felt like we could use a wise owl in our class to help me answer all the kids' great questions about God. Then, about fifteen years ago, my five-year-old daughter got into heated discussion about God on the playground with two other students from different religious backgrounds, and my wise owl popped back into my head again. I wanted to write a story that would help her understand others better in our diverse community, and for her friends to also understand her.


2. What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope that first of all, they take away the feeling that they have made some special friends on the journey, and want to know what happens next! I also hope and pray that readers will have developed compassion for others who believe differently than they do, and an increased desire to know the true Sky Painter--Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.


3. Do you have a favorite scene?

I love all the scenes with Sophie and Timley, but some of my favorite scenes are between the Great Wise Horned Owl and Timley's very frightened mother. Their love for their missing children helps them forge a strong bond that is very special.


4. What is something about you that is unique?

I write from home with a view of Puget Sound. While writing Sophie's Quest, I would watch container ships go by and imagine Sophie and Timley on board.

— Sonja


Sophie's QuestSophie's Quest
by Sonja Anderson

Middle Grade Adventure

Paperbook & ebook, 2260 Pages
June 7th 2015 by Sunberry Books



Sophie Topfeather loves to collect people-things with which to decorate her life and home. When she finds a golden necklace, she is intrigued by its shape and shows it to her grandfather, the Great Wise Horned Owl of the Park. His reaction only stirs her interest even more; he calls it a holy symbol, and then a ‘t’ for ‘trouble’! All of which sets our young owl off on a Quest to learn its true meaning. Little does she know that a day-dreaming, over-protected, adventure-seeking Pirate – er, mouse – named Timley has leapt into the brim of her hat as Sophie flies off on her Quest! And suddenly, their adventure takes its own turn as they find themselves on board a ship bound for the Holy Land. Thorns and thistles! Has the trouble started already? Can Timley convince Sophie she should not—I repeat, NOT—eat him?



This is also the story of the mysterious Sky Painter, who seems to be with them—no, leading them—on their Quest. So, why is he always leading them straight into trouble? Was the Great Wise Horned Owl right all along? Come along on the Quest to find out! Cross oceans with Sophie and Timley to a land of mosques and synagogues, markets and Bedouin tents, and, like our unlikely friends, you may never be the same again!


Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Amazon UK



Sonja Anderson

Author Sonja Anderson has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in History, has worked as an elementary school teacher, a resident counsellor in a children’s home, taught Sunday School, and has served for 12 years as the Christian Formation Coordinator for the North Pacific Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the NW Christian Writers Association. Married with two daughters, she has called Seattle home for over 20 years.


Connect with the publisher, Sunpenny Publishing Group, on their website, Facebook, or Twitter.


Blitz Giveaway

$10 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally

Ends December 5th

Friday, December 4, 2015

GRAND FINALE: A Heartwarming Thanksgiving!

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Grand Finale for
A Heartwarming Thanksgiving


Harlequin released 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors during November via their site. You can still read these short stories through December 31st. The sale for 30% off Heartwarming titles also continues through November 30th. Grab the ones you want now!



A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Facebook Party

Join us for a grand ending to this month of wonderful Harlequin Heartwarming short stories with a Facebook party! All thirteen authors are stopping by and giving away more books!! Come join us on Monday, November 30th, from 12 pm to 2 pm EST HERE. If you can't make it, feel free to stop by later and check out the party.

If you missed any of the extra guest posts or excerpts for stories you might have missed, go back and check them out...

11/2: Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine


Katie's Clean Book Collection - Short Story Guest Post
. . . when Harlequin came to me about this Thanksgiving short, I had to give Scott the ending he deserved. SNOW DAY BABY was born.
Sheridan pulled her hair over one shoulder. She had been a pretty girl who turned into an absolutely beautiful woman. Pregnancy looked good on her. Her skin was flawless and those green eyes had always been capable of taking his breath away.



Singing Librarian Books - Heartwarming Guest Post
You always know you’re going to get an emotional-satisfying read with a guaranteed happy ever after. Another great thing about this line – you can share these books with your friends, your mother, your sister, your daughter and not be embarrassed to say you’ve read them.

11/4: Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty



Babs Book Bistro - Short Story Guest Post




. . . the Writer’s Lot in Life—which is nothing more than thinking “what if…” every time you turn around—took over, resulting in Wedding at Turkey Run.

“Sorry.” Although she wasn’t. Even taking into account the gorgeousness of his eyes, hair and smile, there was something about Zeke McNeil that set her teeth on edge.

Heidi Reads... - Heartwarming Guest Post
I was in Northwest Florida avoiding a terrible winter in the Midwest, but my heart was in the Northeast Kingdom. I made a discovery then, that not only were these books heartwarming to read, they were heartwarming to write, too.

11/6: Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker


Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima - Short Story Guest Post
From the start, Caleb seemed to need his own story—and now he has it. I hope you enjoy reading “Her Thanksgiving Soldier.” I loved writing it.

Mel's Shelves - Excerpt
She tried to focus on her list, but it seemed his image was imprinted on her mind. Sleepy eyes and tousled hair. He looked good enough to…love? Even after yesterday when she’d cried in the car, and he’d kissed her, she wasn’t going there.

Brooke Blogs - Heartwarming Guest Post
Whether each author’s stories are funny or sad or both, they all contain lots of emotion. Heartwarming gives me the chance to explore some deeper issues with fully-realized characters to love.

11/9: Mr. Right All Along by Jen Snow


Katie's Clean Book Collection - Short Story Guest Post
Ah well, she gets her happily ever after in this Heartwarming Thanksgiving short Mr. Right All Along. Of course, not without a few bumps in the road;) 

Love thy Shelf - Excerpt
Her eyes lit up and immediately he knew where her thoughts were heading. “Cooking isn’t hard for you.” She grabbed his hands in her small soft ones, making his heart pick up speed. “Teach me,” she said.

Min Reads and Reviews - Heartwarming Guest Post
I’ve made a lovely home at Harlequin’s Heartwarming line. When my agent and I were looking for a place for my small town, contemporary, sweet series, it was the perfect fit.

11/11: Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson


Kindle and Me - Short Story Guest Post
I wrote this story because for me, thanksgiving is about home. It’s a holiday where we get together with our loved ones and are grateful we have each other.

He’d grabbed a cowboy hat off a rack, placed it on his head, and gave her a broad smile, looking a lot like the star of a country western film.

Colorimetry - Heartwarming Guest Post
I read books because I want to feel; I want to laugh, cry, yell at no one in particular. I want the freedom to experience a range of emotions that aren’t of my doing. That’s also why I write for Harlequin Heartwarming. This is a line where the stories are driven by an emotional payoff; that moment when you clutch your heart and feel the words in your soul.

11/13: The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn


Babs Book Bistro - Short Story Guest Post
The Marriage Gift is a lot shorter than any of my other work, but it’s classic ttq. Emotionally compelling. A little dark. And ultimately joyful.

Shrugging, prosecuting attorney, Corrine Armstrong, pulled the offensive piece of material off the small, but nice wooden dinette she’d purchased two months before but had yet to host a meal on. She used to host a lot of meals. All the time. She used to have a large, impressive dining room table, too.

Brooke Blogs - Heartwarming Guest Post
I’m thrilled to be spending time in this new Heartwarming world as well. Where my heart can spill forth freely! I hope you find the result a blessing in your life.

11/16: Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy


Writing Pearls - Short Story Guest Post
Heart of a Hero is Nathan’s story. Imagine finding out your whole history is not the one you were supposed to have? That the parents who raised you weren’t your parents and that the mother who gave birth to you never stopped loving, never stopped searching, never stopped praying.

Nathan nodded. He knew Agatha. Back when he was a cop in nearby Adobe Hills, Arizona, he’d occasionally called her needing information. She knew everyone.

Waiting For Wentworth - Heartwarming Guest Post
I love Harlequin Heartwarming. Within the pages of the books, I can go places I’ve never been, meet heroes and heroes having adventures, and always walk away knowing that Happily Ever After is the perfect ending.

11/18: Thankful for You by Karen Rock


Christian Chick's Thoughts - Short Story Guest Post
I’m absolutely thrilled with the second chance love story I wrote for a secondary character in another romance I’d set in the Adirondacks, RAISING THE STAKES. In that book, two best friends co-own a diner. I wanted to give Maggie James, a woman who admires the gutsy gals she grew-up watching in black and white films with her grandmother, the happily-ever-after she deserved. 

Beams whined overhead and plunged. One careened into the opposite wall in a shower of sparks. Eric doggedly kept his focus. They would make it out. Alive.

Getting Your Read On - Heartwarming Guest Post
I love writing Heartwarming novels because they are deeply emotional and extremely romantic. As they are “clean reads” the author has lots of page room to devote to developing the love between two compelling characters and their journey to find it.

11/20: Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross


I Am A Reader - Short Story Guest Post
I thought the story would be something light-hearted and not-too-serious with a hero returning or moving to Rankins to escape a difficult past. He’d want to be left alone. I intended for the folks of Rankins to make my broody hero’s alone-time impossible. . . . Some of that happens. But, as is usually the case when I start writing, my characters began to take on lives of their own. And they had other plans. Plans that surprised me.

Ryder could feel two sets of eyes on his back as he and Tag started toward the cabin. Something in him itched to turn around and see if he was right. What could it hurt to take one more glance at the lovely Jessie and her dog Fife? Cool it, Ryder, he told himself, women and dogs were both off limits.

Colorimetry - Heartwarming Guest Post
The emphasis on feelings like affection, respect, admiration and “like” reflects the necessities (in my opinion) that make up a strong and lasting relationship. True love, in other words, is the hallmark of Heartwarming.

11/23: The Firefighter’s Promise by Kate James


Mel's Shelves - Short Story Guest Post
[T]he precipitating event in The Firefighter’s Promise is based on a very personal experience. . . . It was an interesting process for me to try to put myself inside my husband’s head while writing this story to understand what he must have been feeling and thinking.

     Amidst the scorching bursts of light, she saw him. Dark hair. Strong features. Blue eyes. There was a prick on her forearm and an odd taste in her mouth.
     She trusted those eyes and believed the voice that assured her he’d take care of her before everything went black.

Beck Valley Books - Heartwarming Guest Post
The Heartwarming series is for readers who enjoy well-written, deeply-nuanced stories that are clean and wholesome.

11/24: Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb


Bookworm Lisa - Short Story Guest Post
I had so much fun writing this story and watching Matt push Ruthie outside of her comfort zone. Of course Ruthie didn't budge easily from her by the book life, but Matt was more than up for the challenge. And Ruthie discovered the best happy-ever-after was the one she never planned for.

Kindle and Me - Excerpt
Matt squatted down and rubbed the golden coat of Lady, Steve and Becca's eight-month old Great Dane rescue puppy. But his focus remained on Ruthie as she circled around the tables toward him. He took in everything from her thick, loose braid that hung over her left shoulder to her scarf wilted against her belted jacket to her ease with the pony-sized dog that easily outweighed her by a good twenty-some pounds. 

Zerina Blossom's Books - Heartwarming Guest Post
I love strong emotional stories with characters defining what it means to be a part of a community, learning the value of family and discovering the power of their own happily-ever-afters. These are the types of stories I like to read and write.

11/25: The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara


Reading Is My SuperPower - Short Story Guest Post
In my Harlequin Heartwarming Thanksgiving short story, The Sweetheart Tree, environmental activist Serena Myss doesn’t only take a short walk in the woods when her family suffers a tragedy…unable to cope with her emotions or loss, she leaves home for several years. In doing so, she leaves behind the very people who love her, including the man she once thought she’d spend forever with. . .

Officer Austin Shale had slapped handcuffs on plenty of wrists—most of them hairy—but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined locking them on the soft, slender wrists of Serena Myss. Well, maybe he had imagined it once or twice, but not with her shooting daggers at him with those piercing, hazel eyes of hers. She glared at the handcuffs he’d taken off his belt.

Writing Pearls - Heartwarming Guest Post
What I love about writing for Harlequin Heartwarming is that, although the stories in the line are fiction, they’re so true to real life that the pain, struggles and loss so many experience are as much a part of the characters’ journeys as they are ours.

11/26: Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis


Heidi Reads... - Short Story Guest Post
I love marriage of convenience stories, but if you aren't writing historicals or paranormals, it's hard to come up with a plausible plot for one. When I was asked to write a short for Thanksgiving, a marriage of convenience idea came to mind: one NFL quarterback - Clinton Hadley - desperate to get out of jail and play Thanksgiving weekend.

She glanced up at Clinton. He looked like the poster boy for the NFL. Finely chiseled features, crisply cut black hair, dark brown eyes that could dissect a defense in less than ten seconds. He was known for his ability to adjust a play on the fly, to take risks, to think outside the box. What line had he crossed? 

Love, Laughter, Friendship - Heartwarming Guest Post
There is physical attraction between the hero and heroine (and kissing!), but the love between them is more likely built on the foundation of one soul recognizing another than one perfect body being attracted to another.


We hope you found something to warm your heart and help you get into the holiday spirit! Don't forget to enter the giveaways, if you haven't already...


GIVEAWAYS



Goodreads Giveaway



13 Harlequin Heartwarming Books

Enter on Goodreads HERE.



Pinterest Giveaway


Pin one or both of these images to spread the word and enter to win this adorably festive Thanksgiving Table Set:



Pinterest Prize includes: four reversible, quilted placemats, four matching napkins, hand-painted matching napkin rings, matching table runner, matching quilted hot pad/trivet, floral centerpiece in pot, and hand-crafted pilgrim pair.
- Enter via the Rafflecopter below
- Open to US/CAN only
- Ends December 4th


Tour Giveaway


Grand Prize: Harlequin Heartwarming Year Subscription (Provided by Harlequin and to US/CAN only)

$40 VISA card (US only)

13-Book Heartwarming Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, Back to McGuffy's, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Small Town Secrets, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, When The Right One Comes Along, Wedding of His Dreams, After The Silence, and A Memory Away (print copies if US, ebooks if international)

8-Book Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, When The Right One Comes Along, and After The Silence (print copies if US, ebooks if international)
Ends December 4th



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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

My Fairly Dangerous Godmother: A Review (Book 3)

Goodreads (description):

Some people bomb auditions. Sadie Ramirez throws up during her tryouts on TV show America's Top Talent. Her performance is so bad, it earns her a fairy godmother through the Magical Alliance's Pitiful Damsel Outreach Program. Enter Chrysanthemum Everstar: a gum-chewing, cell phone-carrying, high heel wearing fairy godmother in training. She misinterprets Sadie's wishes and sends her back in time to be a part of The Little Mermaid story and then makes her one of the twelve dancing princesses. Wishes are permanent, and if Sadie wants to get back to her home, she'll have to strike a magical bargain--one that involves stealing a goblet from a powerful fairy queen.

My Review:


This is another great installment in the My Fair Godmother series. In this version, we dive into the little mermaid and the twelve dancing princesses with Sadie, Jason, and Donovan.

And oh man, was this one a good one.

Sadie is basically an unfortunate soul who thinks she knows what she wants to do with her life, but then throws up on stage in America's Top Talent. Yeah, super embarrassing, and basically marks the end of a teenage girl's life right?

Wrong.

Chrissy the fair godmother does. Or at least, it seems like she's trying to.

As we have seen in the previous two books, Chrissy sucks at being a fairy godmother. Hence why she is still only a "fair" godmother. Sadie is sent back in time with famous pop star Jason Prescott into the little mermaid, where disaster strikes almost immediately. The little mermaid's sisters all think she's absolutely crazy, and Jason is the biggest punk in the world.

Needless to say, Sadie makes her last wish and is sent into the world of the twelve dancing princesses. Here, she meets another guy from her time, juvenile delinquent Donovan. Both of their fairy godmothers have pitted them to steal a goblet from the Unseelie Fairy Queen. A dangerous task at hand that could end in death.

So what are two teenagers to do but gain up against the fairy's that ruined their lives and the one they're trying to steal from?

Donovan and Sadie are awesome together. He teaches her professional magic tricks to help her steal the goblet, expressing confidence and patience with her clumsiness. They work well together, and are just so dang cute. Basically, they are perfect for each other.

The adventure, full of danger and fun, is a fantastic read. I loved seeing Sadie's and Donovan's relationship and how they not-so-subtly made fun of Jason the whole time without him really understanding what was going on.

This book is full of laughs, along with a great connection with the characters. If you want a light-hearted fantasy, this is the book for you!

I give it a 4.5 out of 5!

Friday, November 27, 2015

GRAND FINALE BLITZ: Craving Beauty

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.


It's the Grand Finale for
Craving Beauty
By Jennifer Silverwood



Did you come along with us as the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is retold in a Gothic setting where nothing is exactly as it seems and the heroine must be her own hero? If not, go back and check out each stop...



Launch - Author Interview


What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

Sometimes there is no knight in shining armor coming to rescue the damsel. Sometimes the damsel has to be the hero. I hope readers will find their courage, along with our heroine, Vynasha, to realize they too are beautiful beyond their inner and outer scars.



"Whatever you think you know, forget it, you are probably wrong. As I said earlier, there is so much going on within the pages of this book you won't know what to expect but that is what makes this book so utterly amazing. It was so different. It took a classic fairy tale one that I absolutely adore and made it something more. It made it something new."


Mythical Books - The Characters & an Introduction to Craving Beauty

Craving Beauty is yet another adaptation of the beloved fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, with a darker twist. Elements of Gothic romance and high fantasy flesh out this retelling. I have always wanted to read a high fantasy retelling of my favorite fairy tale, so I decided to write one. . . .My story is different from other retelling's because it focuses less on the romance and more on the journey of Vynasha.


deal sharing aunt - Author Interview


6. What would you like my readers to know?

Craving Beauty, Vol. 1 is a gothic romance as well as a high fantasy retelling of Beauty & the Beast. While it is a clean YA Fantasy, be prepared for a lot of mayhem and magic. And don’t be too surprised by the blood and beasts, or cloak and dagger. In the end, Craving Beauty is about finding courage and your own inner beauty despite all obstacles. Hope you will join me in Vynasha’s journey!




"Author Jennifer Silverwood will blow you away with her latest release, Craving Beauty. In this rendition of Beauty and the Beast, Jennifer has created a twist on the story that readers will fall in love with from page one. Although a little darker than I originally thought it would be, this novel is filled with a delightful story and excellently developed characters."




"If you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast type of story you will love this. It is a story of a girl with a tragic life who finds herself in a castle filled with Beasts and other enchanted characters."


Cover2Cover - Review


"This is a story of love and loss, sacrifice and finding the strength within oneself to beat the odds."


Colorimetry - Interview with Vynasha


The following interview was the last time anyone from the village of Whistleande had contact with her before Vynasha and her nephew, Wyll disappeared this winter. They are currently presumed dead by the local magistrate. One can only ponder what would drive these poor souls into a forest populated with danger and shrouded in myth.


Wishful Endings - Excerpt


The creature’s heavy limbs pounded upon the floor with every scrape of its claws. Roars echoed her flight over the crimson carpet. The hall was black as pitch without the light of the fire and candles. It wasn’t long before she felt the creature’s hot breath above her neck. Her heart pounded as she pushed harder and barely missed colliding with a column. She pivoted to avoid one agony, only to feel the rip of claws sinking around her waist.


Then she knew no more.

Bookworm Lisa - Not Your Average Beauty

As I mentioned before, Vynasha is not your average “Beauty”. She was beautiful once, but now is covered in scars. She has little interest in romance or personal goals but doesn’t consider herself to be selfless. From an early age, like so many women today, she learned to get by on her own. Sometimes the prince doesn’t come in time and the damsel has to rescue them both. In “Craving Beauty”, Vynasha will discover that her inner beauty, like her bravery comes in many shapes and sizes.




Zerina Blossom’s Books - What I Learned From Craving Beauty


Of all the projects I’ve worked on since I started writing professionally, Vynasha’s story has stuck with me the longest. It has been drafted and re-drafted, revised and edited and revised again. At times I wanted to throw in the towel and give up because I thought I would never see the day it would publish. Some authors in that position might have set it aside for a later date, or put it away for good to collect dust. And I might have done exactly that except for one thing, I love the story. I love gothic romances and fairy tale retellings, and “Craving Beauty” is somewhat of a conglomerate of the two. It has elements of horror and high fantasy with the necessary Byronic hero and a heroine who isn’t your average “Beauty.”



J. L. Mbewe - Interview


What are you working on now? What’s next for you?

As you might have guessed, I’m already hard at work on the sequel to Craving Beauty, as well as polishing up the companion novella, Wolfsbane’s Daughter. I’m also working on a contemporary adult romance novel called “Moonlight.” I hope to publish all three this next year, so be on the lookout for news from my website!


Reader Girls - Excerpt


The beast growled as it dragged her back into the shelter of the room. She felt a powerful arm, muscle and sinew straining against her body as it tucked her against its brown mane. She was too dazed to do anything but cling to the creature in turn as it barreled through the castle. Slowly, her muscles relaxed enough for her to almost enjoy that wild rocking sensation and the thump of the beast’s heartbeat.


alwaysjoart - Wylder Tales


Craving Beauty is the first book in a three part series. The next, Wolfsbane’s Daughter is a companion novella and in-between for volumes one and two. It follows the journey of a few side characters you’ll meet in volume one. We will get an up close and personal glimpse of Wolfsbane’s mute daughter, Resha as she looks after Wyll. Wolfsbane and Resha both have major parts to play before the story plays out in volume two. I had a lot of fun diving into a different perspective, since the other two books are told from Vynasha’s point of view. Also, because Resha was born and raised in the forbidding Wylder Mountains, she gives us a closer look at the new world Vynasha and Wyll have traveled to.

Craving Beauty
(A Wylder Tale, #1)

by Jennifer Silverwood

YA Dark Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 239 pages

October 31st 2015


Vynasha has spent the last four years tending her mother's roses and looking after her nephew. The fire that killed their family has left her scarred and put Wyll on the brink of death. Soon the first frost will come down from the mountains and she knows this winter will be his last.



Until a strange beggar appears on the road, telling her of the majikal Source that can heal her Wyll. With nothing left to lose, Vynasha braves the forbidden Wylder Mountains to seek out a cure and her fate.



A lost kingdom is uncovered by an equally lost girl, but the castle is not abandoned as she believes. Shadows cloaking unseen eyes watch. Tapestries whisper from the hidden corners, wondering if the one to break their curse has come. And a hungry beast waits, ready to devour her soul.


Other Books by the Author
Silver Hollow Qeya (Heaven's Edge #1) Ohre (Heaven's Edge, #2) Stay



Jennifer Silverwood
Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas. She is the author of the Heaven’s Edge series, Stay and Silver Hollow.


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