December 11, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review with Extract & Author Bio A Way From Heart to Heart by Helena Fairfax

A Reader’s Review Blog is absolutely thrilled to share with you the latest release from author and blogger, Helena Fairfax, A Way From Heart to Heart. A keen reader and writer of romance, Helena has brought another deep and meaningful contemporary romance to her audience, following her previous stand alone novels, The Silk Romance and The Antique Love.

Blurb: After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Kate Hemingway’s world collapses around her. Kate’s free time is spent with a charity for teenage girls, helping them mend their broken lives – which is ironic, since her own life is fractured beyond repair.

Reserved, ex-public school journalist Paul Farrell is everything Kate and her teenage charges aren’t. But when Paul agrees to help Kate with her charity, he makes a stunning revelation that changes everything.

But can Kate take a risk with her son’s happiness as well as her own?

REVIEW

A Way From Heart to Heart is a lovely, emotive and heart-warming contemporary romance story that draws in the audience and takes hold from the very beginning. Kate’s character is developed so well that the reader feels her sadness and loss at the death of her husband, Stuart, and later we learn of her worries and fears for her future – for her son, George. Although these feelings are negative, Kate is actually quite a strong woman as the reader will find out. I was drawn to Kate and wished I could have read this in one sitting as I certainly didn’t want to put this book down!

The story begins where Kate first discovers that her husband has died. This creates a great sense of loss with Kate, his best friend, Paul, and the reader. It is a very poignant beginning to a thoughtful and meaningful story. As Kate learns of her husband’s fate, Paul comforts her as they share their grief. Although extremely tragic, it is a beautiful and intimate scene where these two characters share the same feeling, at the same moment in time.

But, despite being briefly affectionate in this instance, Paul always appears cold and distant towards her. He picks his godson, George, up once a month to spend a day with him and yet every time he arrives at Kate’s house he stands on the doorway, never enters, and speaks as little as possible. This doesn’t warm Kate to him at all, in fact the opposite. Is he just looking out for George, or is he there for Kate too?

Paul is quite a reserved man. He begins to realise how he must seem to Kate, but how can he express his true feelings. For Paul, it was an instant attraction to Kate when Stuart had introduced them a few years ago. Paul is in a battle with himself it seems as he doesn’t quite know how to handle his situation. He, therefore, keeps to his once a month visits to pick George up for a day out. But things are about to change.

Aside from her modelling work, Kate spends most of her time working with a charity, At Home, who offer their help and support to teenage girls who have fallen on hard times. It is something that Kate feels very strongly about as she can empathise with the girls and is now in a position to help them. She realises that Paul’s journalism may come in useful in creating an awareness of the charity and it’s cause.

The teenage girls who are being supported by At Home have many problems collectively, including homelessness – which Kate herself experienced. The reader becomes well acquainted with some of these girls and their situation, and Helena Fairfax has written these scenes with much thought and respect. Although very delicately written, the girls’ circumstances are dark. Certainly in Kate’s case some people have been judgemental of her history. She was not accepted by Stuart’s parents, and the press have also found their way of belittling her. Has Paul ever felt this way about her?

The world of media has a huge impact on Kate’s life. When Paul writes about his experiences of At Home and Kate he writes from within, based on what he knows of Kate and how he feels for her. A rival journalist uses her model status and writes a very negative story, allowing her past to creep up on her.

As the story opens up more and more, Kate begins to see a different side of Paul and there are some great scenes between the two of them. Although Kate begins to feel more strongly about her attraction to him, she is not ready to go head on and have a relationship with him. After all, she experienced love with her parents and then lost, and again with Stuart. She fears love and loss again, and she certainly doesn’t want to open George up to that possibility.

There are moments when she wishes for Paul to return to his reserved self and become distant again, and other times when she wants his friendship, and sometimes more. Paul accommodates her feelings exceptionally well, although there are times for him when he just longs to be with her.

Helena Fairfax really builds these characters up and fills them out with both positives and flaws, making the characters believable with very real dilemmas. Fans of contemporary romance will love A Way From Heart to Heart, especially the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ aspect, as Helena keeps the reader guessing until the very end!

A Way From Heart to Heart was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Excerpt

‘You know none of this was your fault, don’t you?’ he said.

Kate didn’t answer. A large, fat, stupid tear rolled slowly down her cheek and dripped onto his fingers.

‘Katerina, listen to me. You were a child. Nothing that happened was your fault.’ He shook her face, his touch warm and gentle.

Kate leaned a little into his hand. ‘I try to think like that,’ she said. ‘But it’s hard. Sometimes you just can’t help feeling if you’d only been a bit different, if you’d just been a different person, people wouldn’t have just left you.’

Her voice quivered.

Paul tightened his grip. ‘The people who left you were the ones who lost out.’

Kate said nothing, and he dropped his hand.

‘Do you know what this calls for?’ he asked solemnly.

She shook her head.

‘This calls for a massive bowl of chocolate and almond pudding, hot chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.’ He stood, removing their plates. Kate rose to help him, but he waved her away. ‘Stay where you are,’ he said. ‘Help yourself to more wine while I’m in the kitchen.’

He moved past her, and Kate cast a glance at her half full glass on the table. She’d barely drunk a drop. And the bottle was still nearly full, which meant Paul had drunk even less. His mind must be razor clear. And he certainly knew how to get people to talk. All the time he’d been pretending to concentrate on his meal, he must have been listening to her intently. Her eyes fell on Paul’s notepad, which was full of some scribble. How had she not noticed him writing? She twisted her head to make sure he was out of the room. Then she reached a hand out swiftly over the table and picked up the pad. It appeared to be full of some form of shorthand, interspersed with question marks. She replaced it on the table, disappointed.

Trust me, Paul had said. Funnily enough, this evening he’d made her acknowledge what she’d always known deep down. Whatever he might think of her, Paul was a man she could rely on totally.

When he returned, he was carrying two enormous bowls of chocolate and cream. He placed one of them in front of her, leaning over to move her glass as he did so. He had rolled up his shirt sleeves and his bare arm grazed hers briefly. He smelled deliciously of almonds and chocolate.

‘Did you make this?’ Her eyes were wide as she gazed into her bowl.

‘Yes.’ He gave her a grin. ‘I took it out of the packaging and switched the microwave on, all by myself.’

Kate grinned back. She realised Paul was now also completely relaxed. The arrival of dessert seemed to signal some sort of finish to his interview. The intensity had left him, and when he sat at the table he leaned back a little, holding his bowl in one hand and looking at her with his attractive smile. ‘I’ve never known anyone enjoy a dessert as much as you do, apart from maybe George.’

‘Oh, George loves his pudding!’ Kate laughed and licked her spoon. ‘Actually, I do have to watch what I eat a little, for my job. I can’t eat the amount of dessert I’d like every day, but when I go out I make up for it, and enjoy it as much as I can.’

‘How much dessert do you think you could eat, if you allowed yourself?’ he asked, tucking in to his own bowl.

‘I’d eat it for breakfast, dinner, and tea.’ Kate suddenly remembered something, and broke into a chuckle. ‘For Christmas dinner, George and I have a chocolate starter, followed by turkey dinner, followed by chocolate pudding. It’s heavenly.’

She gave a satisfied sigh and filled her spoon. Then greed got the better of her. As she was lifting the loaded spoon to her mouth, a small dollop of cream fell off the edge and dropped. ‘Oh.’ She slid her finger into the neckline of her dress and scooped up the cold cream from where it had fallen on the top of her breast. She lifted her creamy finger to her lips and raised her head, to find Paul had gone totally still. His gaze was fixed on her mouth.

It was many years since Kate had thought of her body as desirable. Ever since Stuart had died, she’d thought of it as merely a tool of her profession. Her torso was moved this way and that under the camera by people who had no interest in her as a real woman. Clothes were put on and removed from her with clinical dispassion; make-up and hair were styled by people who talked over her head. Her body was an object, advertising clothes for other women to admire.

The intensity in Paul’s expression caused a jolt of awareness of herself. A delicious heat spread throughout her body. Paul’s eyes were fixed on her, dark and intense, and her skin flamed and burned under their scrutiny. He lifted his gaze from her mouth, and the throbbing hum of her pulse sounded in her ears. There was complete silence in the room, apart from their breathing. Then Kate’s fingers relaxed their hold, and her spoon dropped from her hand with a clatter, bouncing from the table to the floor.

‘Oh,’ she cried again, standing quickly.

Paul stood as swiftly, pushing his chair back. ‘Leave it,’ he commanded. ‘I’ll fetch another.’

He took a step towards her, and she drew back. She remembered kicking off her boots under the table, lulled into relaxing by the dessert and Paul’s good-humoured conversation. Now she stood in her stockinged feet, feeling exposed, forced to tilt her head slightly to look at him. The heat had vanished from his expression, as though she’d imagined it. He was looking down at her gravely.

With a rising feeling of unease – the same unease she’d felt the day she first met him, that time beside Stuart’s pond – Kate finally understood that Paul wasn’t the stuffed shirt she’d always dismissed. The Paul Farrell she had just glimpsed was an unknown force.

Amazon Buy Link: http://authl.it/B00PQRJ0WQ

(Available from other distributors from February 2015)

Author Bio

Helena Fairfax writes engaging contemporary romances with sympathetic heroines and heroes she’s secretly in love with. Happy endings are her favourite, and when one of her novels won a reader competition for “The Most Romantic Love Scene Ever” it made her day.
Helena was born in Uganda and came to England as a child. She’s grown used to the cold now, and these days she lives in an old Victorian mill town in Yorkshire. After many years working in factories and dark, satanic mills, Helena has turned to writing full-time. She walks the Yorkshire moors every day with her rescue dog, finding this romantic landscape the perfect place to dream up her heroes and her happy endings.

Social links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenaFairfax

Twitter: @helenafairfax

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/helenafairfax/

Blog: www.helenafairfax.com

December 10, 2014 by Tina Williams

SPECIAL FEATURE ~ Books by Children Authors ~ (includes giveaway)

As a lifelong reader I was delighted when Tami from MAGIC OF BOOKS PROMOTIONS contacted us to see if we would be interested in helping promote children’s authors. If you are thinking of purchasing books for children over the coming weeks in the run up to Christmas or at any time of the year you are sure to find something to grab your interest in the following! You can also win a gift card in the Rafflecopter giveaway. Tina 🙂

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Children authors are seen but rarely heard in the blogger world. This Christmas support one of these beautifully talented authors and provide a child in your life with the gift of imagination.

Do you remember as a child, hoping and praying, wishing with all your might, that on Christmas morning that one present was under the tree? The one present you bugged your parents constantly for months about? The one present you obsessed over? Then, you found yourself standing in front of the tree, the one that loomed over you like a mountain, looking in vain for that one box, wrapped in pretty paper, with your name on it?

I do.

For me, it wasn’t a Barbie, a board game or even an easy-bake oven. A few months before my tenth Christmas, my mother had taken me to an old second-hand store. Tucked into a corner was a book shelf. It was on that shelf that I saw it for the first time; The Black Stallion. I begged, pleaded and made promises with my mother if she would buy me that one book. Unfortunately, my mother, who survived on a welfare check, didn’t even have the 35 cents to buy it for me. I was so angry that I didn’t speak to her for a solid day. Of course, being a child I got over it fast, but I continued to obsess about the words that I knew were written on those pages.

Christmas morning, still believing in Santa Claus, I raced to the tree, searching for a small gift from him. There it was, a small present with green wrapping and a red bow taped to it. My thrill was quickly squashed when I tore the paper off the book and found a copy of Little Women. My disappointment quickly turned to joy as I sat down and began reading about the March sisters.

My mother, as I learned years later, wanted me to be challenged, to push myself against convention, and she believed that Little Women was the book to do it. I have since read The Black Stallion, but its love has been lost to me now. My mother had given me a present I never knew I wanted, and could never be replaced.

This Christmas, I ask you, a reader and lover of books, to give your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren or even your friends’ children, a gift they don’t even realize they want. The love for the written word can be a powerful tool to shaping who these children will be.

I ask you to support these selfless authors whose love for children comes before fame or fortune. They write because of the joy they can bring to a child’s world. So whether a child in your life owns a tablet, a laptop, an e-reader or any other device or is receiving one for Christmas, load it full of the endless world of possibilities.

Happy Holidays,

Tami

All authors are represented in alphabetical order.

BRENDA PERLIN (1 BOOK)

TY THE BULL (Age 11 & up)

Everything seemed to fall apart for Ty when his parents got a divorce. At his wits end after being bullied endlessly, he started to ditch school. It wasn’t until he met up with a skater named Peacock that things somehow turned around and he put the pieces of his life back together.

Amazon

CRYSTAL WEST (1 BOOK)

JAMES AND THE CLOUDS (Age 4 -8)

Enjoy an adventure to outer space with James and his dog Max. James uses his imagination and the shapes he sees in the clouds to go on an outer space adventure.

Amazon

DARREN LEWIS (3 BOOKS)

THE SEREN TROLOGY (Age 11 & up)

Do you believe in magic?

Our world was born into chaos four billion years ago. It has survived to nurture and protect a species that is duty-bound to help it live. And it’s not human. Now, those protectors are dying and the Earth will perish. Their leader Rox has a plan, but she will not be alone.

From a chance meeting, Rox will travel with the bravest creature she has ever met. A young human girl, Ellie. Travel with them both, through the dark woods to the far reaches of the past, as they seek a way to save our world.

Can you fly?

Ellie returns home to forge a unique friendship that will change her life. Her new companion, Cole, will fly her to amazing heights and plummet to the lowest depths beneath the earth, as they embark together on a perilous and personal quest to discover something precious lost so long ago.

Could you save the world?

The fate of mankind hangs in the balance and on the shoulders of Ellie and her dragon, Cole. Old and new friendships will come together to overcome the dreadful future the young friends have unleashed upon the world. Everything must be risked and sacrificed if Ellie is to save everyone she knows and loves.

A choice must be made. A price must be paid.

And only one girl can make it.

Amazon

VENGEANCE OF SHADOWS (11 & UP)

In Seren Trilogy, Ellie and her dragon Cole journeyed to the far reaches of our past to prevent the war between man and dragonkind, and could not return home.

In the present day, an Ellie exists that never encountered the dragons, but she somehow harbors the memories of them. Ellie’s life has become as normal as it can, for a girl who visits the home of talking rabbits.

But a darkness has been woken in the village. Bitter memories of the past and a thirst for vengeance upon the guilty thrusts Ellie onto the path of danger, and the road to the past where answers lie in wait. Ellie alone must stand against the darkness that would consume all, and overcome it. To accept her fate may lose her everything. To stand against it may cost her everything. The shadows will not be satisfied until she is punished for what she did.

Amazon

THE ONCOMING STORM (Age 11 & up)

In Vengeance of Shadows, Ellie escaped Isabelle but received a dire warning about the Institute. Now returning home with more questions than answers, Ellie will discover her value not only to this new threat but to a magical device created by the dragons and hidden by Isabelle.

With the net closing in, Ellie is not the only one the Institute have their sights on. Rox and her entire family have been discovered, and their secret revealed. Rox must not only confront this new enemy, but attempt to find her only human friend Ellie in the turmoil, and fight back.

But the Institute have resources and power beyond reckoning. They will sweep aside all who oppose and try to stop them. Their ferocity will bring about a storm like no other. Ellie will try and run from the storm and encounter mysteries, foes and allies but in the end, Ellie will have nowhere to hide from The Oncoming Storm.

Amazon

DIANNE LYNN GARDNER (3 BOOKS)

ALTERED (Age 12 & up)

In a dystopian future, the Privatol invades American soil, and crops propel the engine. Uncontrollable tyranny has succeeded in dictating where people live, what they do, and what they eat. When Abree, a spunky twelve-year-old is taken away to learn the process of modifying seed to Newly Constructed Food she discovers an evil plan that could alter the fate of the human race, and a way out if only she can escape to tell the others.

Amazon

DECEPTION PEAK (Age 12 & up)

The first book of the Saga, Deception Peak is a young adult adventure fantasy about a teenager, Ian Wilson, who follows his father through a portal that magically appears on their computer screen. They travel into a deceptively beautiful Realm, where horses run free, the wind sings prophetic melodies, and their computer avatars come to life. But when the two are separated, Ian is abducted by a tribe of dragon worshipers and is forced to find his courage. As he struggles for his freedom and embarks on a perilous search to find his father, Ian meets the true peacekeepers of the Realm. It’s then that he learns there is a greater purpose for being in there.

Amazon

DRAGON SHIELD (Age 12 & up)

“Integrity isn’t something you do, it’s who you are,” Aren tells the confused Ian in The Dragon Shield.

Now a young man, Ian returns to the magical Realm to fight against the tyranny that has befallen his friends. But the Realm: is a different place, the forest is dying, the Kaemperns have lost the shield that protected them from the dragon, and Ian has a hard time proving his allegiance when trouble follows him through the portal.

His struggle to do right buries him in confusion, and he must fight his own will to prove his integrity.

The Ian’s Realm Saga is filled with sorcery, wizards, magic, and fantasy adventure, great for young readers and the entire family.

If you enjoy dragons, sorcery, wizards, magic, legend, and fantasy adventure, then this series is for you!

Amazon

FIONA BURDETT (1 BOOK)

THE GADOOMFS: ACROSS THE WAAIGEZI (Ages 10 – 13)

Goose, Boo, Daddoo and Bear set off on a wild adventure. Their mission is to find a mysterious map in a bottle. If they fail, the wicked Foosnags will invade Goodlybuttonswell and they will all be doomed!As they traverse across the mystical and wild continent of Figmentica, they find themselves on a voyage of discovery. They meet all sorts of fascinating and unusual creatures along the way and learn much about their continent, which they have never dared to explore before.

Amazon

GARRETT CARKOS (2 BOOKS)

TOMORROWLAND (Ages 3 -12)

Do you believe in miracles or a life after this one? Meet little Pearl, an orphan and gentle Ben her rescuer. Both homeless and with no family, they quickly bond and decide it was their destiny to ride out the snow storm inside a little diner. There they meet waitress Alice, who instantly sees their situation as desperate and treats them to breakfast. With their tummies full and their minds full of questions, up pops Joey. Joey is smartly dressed and seems to be much wiser than his years. He claims to be from Tomorrowland. A place he describes as ‘someplace nice’ where there are no orphans or homeless. No one ever gets sick or grows old. It sounded too good to be true, but Ben and Pearl had nothing to lose…except each other. Would they stay together and live on the streets or take a chance on a better life in Tomorrowland.

Amazon

THE LOCKET (Ages 3 -12)

Young Princess Annabelle was traveling in her white carriage pulled by four proud white horses. She glanced out and spotted a lone figure under a tree down by a stream. A curious child by nature, she commanded the driver to stop so she could run down and investigate. Once there, she discovers a young boy. His name was Nicholas. He was very different than other young boys the Princess had met, but different in a good way. He was calm and quiet and had an easy way about him as he whittled on a tree branch. Being a Princess, strangers frightened her, but there was something about Nicholas that made her feel at ease. After chatting for a few minutes, she discovers Nicholas was very gifted and had some incredible powers. Powers he tried to convince her- she had as well. She doubted and giggled at first, but soon realized anything’s possible..if you believe…

Amazon

GRETA BURROUGHS (5 BOOKS)

PATCHWORK DOG AND CALICO CAT (Ages 5 – 10)

Patchwork Dog has a knack for getting into trouble and his best friend, Calico Cat usually winds up right in the middle of the mess with him. Calico would rather spend her days sleeping in her nice comfortable bed, staying safe and worry free. She knows better than to follow Patchy when he is out looking for a new adventure, but she tags along anyway just in case…

On the other hand, Patchy is very curious and is always investigating new sights, sounds and smells. He follows his nose wherever it goes. Sometimes that leads to trouble but other times it gives Calico a chance to play a trick on her not so smart friend.

Join the two lovable creatures as Patchy tries to fly like a bird and finds out that soaring through the air is fun but the landing hurts too much. In another adventure, the little dog gets caught sneaking around an airplane. In the other three stories, Patchy and Calico eat too many apples, confront a not too friendly skunk, and take a magical ride into town.

Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat has illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that hint at what the new adventure will be about. Other pictures are included at the end of each story along with some questions for the child to answer. Older children can read the stories themselves or it would make a wonderful bedtime story book for younger kids. The five tales will entertain children of all ages with the antics of the title characters and hopefully teach youngsters some valuable lessons on sharing and working together.

Amazon

PATCHY AND CALICO’S SUMMER VACATION (Ages 5 – 10)

Children will laugh out loud when the two lovable creatures go to the beach where Patchy comes nose to claw with a fiddler crab, or when they take a walk through the woods and meet a not too friendly bear who can not decide whether to help the two lost campers or eat them.

In the other stories, children will enjoy reading about how Patchy and Calico accidentally join the circus, take an unplanned boat ride and get caught sneaking into a school classroom.

Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation has illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that hint at what the new adventure will be about. Other pictures are included at the end of each story along with some questions for the child to answer. Older children can read the stories themselves or it would make a wonderful bedtime story book for younger kids. The five tales will entertain children of all ages with the antics of the title characters and hopefully teach youngsters some valuable lessons working together and staying out of trouble.

Amazon

CHRISTMAS WITH PATCHY AND CALICO (Ages 5 – 10)

Christmas is a special time for kids of all ages and in “Christmas with Patchy and Calico”, the lovable dog and cat discover the true spirit of the holiday season. Through their many adventures, the two friends learn that giving and sharing are just as much fun as receiving presents.

In one story, making a snowman should be a fairly simple job, but not for these two. Patchy decides to show off and accidentally becomes the world’s first walking snowdog.

Then when all the Christmas presents mysteriously disappear, Patchy and Calico become detectives. They track down the gift snatcher and come face to face with the bully who stole all the gifts from underneath their Christmas tree.

In other adventures, the two friends find a wealth of chestnuts and are given lots of treats. What Patchy and Calico do with all the chestnuts and treats will teach children how simple gifts can make both the giver and receiver very happy.

Preschoolers up to elementary-aged children (and adults too) love the adventures and misadventures of the two title characters. The humorous stories, illustrations, and simple questions at the end of each story will entertain kids while teaching them valuable lessons on sharing, caring and giving while spreading Christmas cheer.

Other books in this series include “Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat” and “Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation.”

Amazon

GERALD AND THE WEE PEOPLE (Ages 10 & up)

Gerald and the Wee People is a novel intended for young adults but readers of all ages will get carried away in the world of the Wee People.

Gerald and his best friend, Vernon literally fall into a new world when responding to a plea for help. A few years prior to that, the boys had discovered an unusual clearing in the woods where only Gerald had the ability to watch the daily activities that took place in a miniature village.

When creatures started attacking the village, Gerald became more and more concerned about the little inhabitants that he had become attached to. Vernon humored his friend but became concerned when Gerald mentioned one of the villagers coming to him and asking for help.

To prove him wrong, Vernon agreed to venture out to the clearing late one night and show Gerald it was all in his imagination. Instead, Vernon was drawn into the enchanted vision and both boys charged off to the rescue.

While in the wee people village, Gerald and Vernon try to fulfill a prophecy overcoming many dangers and obstacles. The boys help the villagers in their fight against the misshapen ones while also trying to defeat a powerful being intent on destroying all life.

The characters in the book come to life and will make you laugh, cry and root for the underdog. Gerald and the Wee People is an action packed fantasy adventure that will keep you spellbound until the last page.

Amazon

HOUSE ON BO-KAY LANE (Ages 10 & up)

“House on Bo-Kay Lane” continues the adventure begun in book one in this series, “Gerald and the Wee People”.

Gerald and Vernon believe their time with the wee people came to an end after they returned to their home world but begin to wonder when strange things started to happen at an abandoned house in their neighborhood. Ghostly images of familiar faces from the wee people village are seen in the windows, echoes of voices from the past haunt the boys’ dreams and an undeniable curiosity draws Gerald and Vernon to investigate the mysterious haunted house. What they find takes them back to the world of the wee people and a new adventure begins.

In House on Bo-Kay Lane, a mirror is found in a forgotten room in the far-seers’ training center. Sheela, a far-seer master and Alyson, an apprentice firestarter are unwillingly drawn into the depths of the mirror and wind up in the abandoned house on Bo-Kay Lane. Sheela uses her telepathic skills to enlist the aid of Gerald, Vernon and Gerald’s father, Andrew to help find the way back to the world of the wee people.

That problem resolved, they try to unravel the secrets of the mirror and find that it is a portal between their two worlds, as well as to a time in the future and possibly even to a parallel universe. They also discover that someone is trapped inside the mirror and the decision has to be made as to whether or not to help the trapped soul escape the confines of the portal.

Meanwhile, the wee people discover the origins of their world. That knowledge is not well accepted and leads to discord between them and the outworlders, Gerald, Andrew and Vernon. An uneasy truce paves the way to an understanding and acceptance of the unwelcome facts and eventually to a solution of how to deal with the man in the mirror.

Amazon

JENNA ELIZABETH JOHNSON (3 BOOKS)

THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE – THE FINDING (BOOK ONE) (Ages 11 & up)

When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found . . .

Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.

But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.

Amazon

THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE – THE BEGINNING (BOOK TWO) (Age 11 & up)

Twelve years have passed since Jahrra arrived in Oescienne and became the responsibility of the old Korli dragon Hroombra; yet much can happen in twelve years. So far, Jahrra’s life has been filled with adventure, danger, friendship and even loss. Despite what she has learned in school and what she has learned from life, she has no idea that she is in fact human, a child of the race that has been absent from the world of Ethöes for five long centuries . . .

But the girl’s identity must be kept secret, even from Jahrra herself, for if the Tyrant King of the East knew of her existence all would be lost. And as time goes by those responsible for the young human girl grow anxious and cautious, for there is evidence of an unknown danger in their midst; a danger they cannot see or hear, but one they can sense like a bad omen.

As Jahrra continues to grow and learn about the world around her, facing personal dangers, challenges and enemies of her own, she will become aware of the prophecy that she is meant to fulfill and what she must sacrifice in order to survive what lies ahead.

Amazon

THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE – THE AWAKENING (BOOK THREE) (Age 11 & up)

Growing up is never easy, but for Jahrra, seventeen years has brought its own unique share of hardships. She’s made both friends and enemies; has felt both joy and sorrow. Yet she has persevered through it all and has finally learned to know and accept who she is. Unfortunately, her trials and tribulations are only just beginning . . .

An inconceivable tragedy and the revelation of a secret kept from her since birth has turned her perfect world on its end. Jahrra isn’t the poor Nesnan she thought she was, but human, one promised by Ethöes in a prophecy from long ago. Now, without her guardian, she must accept the help of the one she mistrusts the most as they flee Oescienne before the Tyrant’s minions have a chance to close in.

With her enemies at her heels and the terrifying truth looming before her, Jahrra will seek shelter with the dragon Raejaaxorix in the faraway city of Lidien, a place of hope and enlightenment. But when the City of Light proves to entertain its own dangers, Jahrra and Jaax find their safety threatened once again. But this time the threat may be coming from those they trust the most . . .

Amazon

J.M. NORTHUP (1 BOOK)

FELINE FASCINATION (THE ADVENTURES OF BORIS AND OLGA (Age 5 – 13)

Boris is a stray kitten rescued from the city streets. He finds his forever home on the farm of his dreams where he meets his sassy older sister, Olga. Together, Boris and Olga explore the farmstead and all it has to offer!

Through the antics and adventures of these two adorable cats, you’ll meet and learn about an array of animals and farm activities. You will get the chance to discover everything from how hay is made, the process of milking cows, and even why birds migrate; learning alongside Boris as he is taught about his new life!

You will have the chance to meet some very interesting characters that include Charlie the Dog, Gus the Squirrel, Charlotte the Horse, Zeke the Mallard Duck, and the Holstein Heifers, Betsy and Ellie Mae. You will be able to hunt for frogs, climb a Christmas tree, and even go to the vet. Come discover the things that fascinate a feline and experience it through the eyes of the cat himself!

Amazon

K.L. WARD (1 BOOK)

LILLY THE ALMOST FAIRY (Age 2 – 8)

Have you ever wished upon a star

that was shining bright in the night sky?

Do you believe in the power of magic?

Have you ever felt the presence of pixies and fairies, goblins and Elves as they

Flutter about?

Do you believe fairy tales and stories of love? Have you ever watched snowflakes fall from above?

Close your eyes, count to three

And come on this magical journey with me.

Amazon

KARINA GIOERTZ (1 BOOK)

LITTLE RACHEL DARK (Age 3 – 9)

This is the story of Little Rachel Dark and the time she decided she was ready to find her light.

Amazon

KATHRYN & GABRIELLE JOHNS (1 BOOK)

THE PRINCESS IN THE PYRAMID (Age 11 & up

Best friends Brianna Miller and Eddie Williams are a couple of typical Midwestern pre-teens who share an unusual passion for Ancient Egypt. But this interest does not prepare them for a magic papyrus or an encounter with mysterious girl from another time.

Suddenly, the friends find themselves in the land of the pyramids, where, with the help of their new friend Ibis, they must perform an impossible task or they will never be able to return home.

Amazon

KRIS SHIELDS (1 BOOK)

THE TANGLE MONSTER (Age 5 – 10)

Come join the Tangle Monster on his adventures to a new home. Learning about taking care of your hair has never been more fun.

Amazon

LARA HENLEY (1 BOOK)

JESSE DISCOVERS CHRISTMAS (Age 5 – 10)

Follow Jessie on her inquisitive journey as she travels the world on an imaginative adventure. Jessie discovers that there are many ways to celebrate her favorite holiday. Join Jessie and open your imagination to the many possibilities.

Amazon

MARY THERIOT (2 BOOKS)

CHILLY THE SNOWMAN (Age 5 – 10)

Before the first snow in Louisiana could melt, Theresa and her friends rushed outside to build their very own snowman.

After they built their rather funny looking snowman, Andrew realized that his Papa’s lucky fishing hat was just what Chilly the Snowman needed. The children were all surprised when Andrew placed the hat on Chilly’s head and he came to life!

Come follow Theresa and her friends as they celebrate their first snow with Chilly the Snowman!

Amazon

RAYNE EMILY DEER (Age 5 – 10)

Rayne Emily Deer has always dreamed of helping guide Santa’s sleigh for Christmas.

Even though the other reindeer constantly pick on her, she refuses to stop believing that one day her dream may come true.

She makes sure to eat lots of carrots so that her eyes are better than all the other reindeer, and is always practicing her jumps so that she can jump higher than anyone else.

When a heavy snowstorm sweeps across the North Pole, everyone starts to worry. Will Christmas be canceled, or will Rayne Emily Deer’s dream finally come true?

Amazon

MICHELLE MURRAY (1 BOOK)

THE DREAM WALKER (Age 10 & up)

Once upon Mystica there were six wizards, three light and three dark. One day, one of the dark wizards Midnight says a spell to trap his fellow wizards. The spell goes astray and all the wizards are trapped in stones, including Midnight. Now, one curios boy finds one of these stones and releases Midnight upon Mystica. Midnight gathers an army and prepares for war. Miranda has dreams of Mystica. She travels there to find the one wizard that can stop Midnight, Lightning. Follow Miranda through the Plains, Ice Caves, Forest of the Lost, and the Dragon’s Lair. Can Miranda find and release Lightning and save Mystica?

Amazon

PRUDENCE HAYES (1 BOOK)

HAZEL SPELLINWITCH AND THE DAY SHE SAVED WICKEDVILLE (Age 2 – 8)

It was a normal sunny day in Wickedville when suddenly the sun disappeared, the animals began to cry and things started to turn black. It was Sara Unsmiley taking all the happiness away. Will Hazel and her friends be able to stop her before they are completely surrounded by darkness?

Amazon

RANDELL BARNES (1 BOOK)

THE DIARY OF AALIYAH ANDERSON (Age 13 & up)

Meet Aaliyah Anderson, a beautiful, intelligent, ambitious thirteen-year-old young woman ready to take over the world. With her mom being a superstar broadcast journalist and her older brother Damon being an acclaimed writer and star sports player. Aaliyah lives a fantastic life. Aaliyah quickly learns that her good life, doesn’t separate her from life’s problems. She has to deal with tons of hardships and avoid many obstacles along her path to achieving her short term goal of finally making it to high school and what she feels will bring her closer to her dreams of being a CEO of a company.

Aaliyah has to deal with overwhelming family issues such as the divorce of her parents and the result of her “father’s” unfaithfulness, infidelity, and a family secret that turns her world upside down. As if her family wasn’t messed up enough, her eleven-year old brother turns to the streets and joins the Eastside Rydahz, one of the most notorious gangs in the city. Her eldest brother Jeffery, or high-ranked Rydah 808, hates everything about Aaliyah and she doesn’t understand it. All Aaliyah wants is to have the ideal loving, united family and it hurts her that their situation is seemingly fractured beyond repair.

To make things even more pressing, she lives in the ruthless city of Willowsfield, statistically the #1 most dangerous city in America, where senseless community violence is the norm and life expectancy is low. With the pressure to succeed and make it out of the ditch that Aaliyah calls her hometown, she still has to deal with more problems that test her patience.

With its realistic characters, life-like setting and dynamic message, The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson is entertaining and a sure fire conversation starter on what we need to do as a generation.

Amazon

On behalf of the authors, MoB Promos and the bloggers of the world,

Happy Holidays.

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December 10, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL ~ One Penny (Marked Heart #3), by M. Sembera (Includes Excerpt)

Contemporary Romance

We are delighted to feature the Cover Reveal for M. Sembera’s forthcoming release *One Penny* the third book in the Marked Heart Series. Check out the blurb for this contemporary romance and read an excerpt. ❤

Foolish is the heart that leaves itself open to falling in love. Reckless is the person who steps away from tradition to claim a life of their own. Irreplaceable is the moment one takes the risk.

One Penny (Marked Heart #3)

Contemporary Romance

M. Sembera

January 22, 2015

Penny Caffrey seems to make all the wrong choices in life. From the men she dates to her career path; most of what she does is either hidden from or frowned upon by her large Irish family.

Seth Chevalier has been labeled a disappointment by his entire family. He has a good job at a large accounting firm that he devotes the majority of his time to. His is used to and comfortable living a solitary life.

When her latest boyfriend, the drummer for a local band dumps her Penny takes a step back to do some self-evaluation and decides to lay off of dating for a while.

Even with an overbearing father, Seth is determined to be his own man and moves into an upscale apartment complex in an effort to prove he is successful.

Seth’s solitary life is thrown completely off track when he moves in next door to Penny and she decides they are going to be friends, whether he likes it or not.

Excerpt:

Penny opened the door to find a tall, handsome, brown haired man with a startled look on his face. As she looked him over there was something familiar about him. Then, she realized, she knew him.

“Seth?”

“No,” he uttered shaking his head before rambling, “I mean yes… Never mind…Sorry,” and then turned away.

Watching as he bumped into the railing on his way down the stairs, Penny waited to shut the door until she saw him sprinting across the parking lot. It seemed like he couldn’t get away from her fast enough.

“Who was at the door?”

With a confused expression, Penny replied, “A guy I went to high school with.”

Shaking her head, Charlotte laughed, “They really do start lining up at your door don’t they.”

Penny couldn’t help but laugh at the thought.

“So what did he want?”

“No idea, he just said never mind and then ran away.”

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December 9, 2014 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Multi-Orgasmic: A Collection of Erotic Short Stories by Lucy Felthouse (Includes Excerpt)

An Anthology of Erotic Shorts

18+/Adult Read

(@cw1985) #erotica #erotic #ebook #ku #kindleunlimited

Blurb:

From the pen of award-winning erotica author Lucy Felthouse comes a collection of short stories and flash fiction sure to hit the spot.

There’s something for everyone nestling between the pages of this sexy anthology. From spanking to voyeurism, bondage to pegging, solo loving to ménage, with a sprinkling of femdom, maledom and magic, fans of M/F erotic stories will soon discover why this book is described as multi-orgasmic.

Enjoy twenty one titillating tales, over 52,000 words of naughtiness packed into one steamy read.

Please note: Many of the stories in this book have been previously published in anthologies and online, but three of the tales are brand new and never-seen-before!

Buy links:

Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon AU Amazon CA

Excerpt:

Private Jesse Bagnall glowered and muttered to himself all the way to the mess. He’d just been bawled out by Corporal Roxanne Grey—yet again—and he was getting seriously fed up of it. He knew he wasn’t perfect in the drill exercises, but then nor were any of the other guys. It was like she was singling him out and aiming all her abuse in his direction. Being shouted at was to be expected in the army—it was almost part of the job description—but Corporal Grey’s attitude was bordering on discriminatory, and he didn’t know what to do about it. Especially without looking like a total pussy.

Spotting some of his closest friends at a table towards the back of the mess, he caught the eye of one of them—Matt Kay—raised a hand in greeting, then got in line for his food.

Several minutes later he loaded his cup of tea onto his tray along with everything else and headed over to where he’d seen Matt and the boys. Hopefully they’d take his mind off the Queen Bitch. They were always game for a laugh.

“All right, lads?” he said, sliding his tray onto the table and taking a seat.

There were mumbles of assent.

“Yeah,” replied Ed Patterson. “You?”

“Yeah, I suppose.”

Ed raised an eyebrow, and the other men turned their attention to Jesse, too. “Well,” Ed said, “that wasn’t very convincing. What’s up, mate?”

Jesse sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s the drill instructor.”

His friends exchanged confused looks. “Care to elaborate?” Matt said.

Not wanting to look like a wimp in front of his mates, Jesse changed his tone. But once he had, the anger took over him. “She’s a fucking bitch, that’s what!”

The confused expressions turned to surprised ones.

“I’m fed up of her treating me like a twat. I know it’s her job to bawl us out, but she takes it too far. I do my fucking best, work my arse off, and it’s still not good enough for her.”

He barely noticed the gazes of his friends shifting slightly, and carried on regardless. “She definitely picks on me more than everyone else. As though I’ve seen sitting on my arse when everyone else is killing themselves to get it right. She’s just being a complete and utter bitch. Bitch face fucking Grey!”

Matt cleared his throat, to no avail.

“You know what her problem is?” Jesse continued. “She needs a fucking good shag, she does. That might cheer the miserable cow up. Mind you, Christ knows what man would be brave enough to go there. She’d probably bite your cock off as soon as suck it.”

As the red mist of his anger dissipated, Jesse finally clocked the reactions of the other men around his table. They weren’t at all what he’d expected. Ed and Matt looked mighty chagrined, staring at a point over his left shoulder. Private Graham Pilgrim had actually put his head down and begun to bang it on the table.

A cold trickle of dread ran down his back, and he turned, wondering which of his superiors had heard his rant.

Fuck. It was none other than the target of his diatribe.

Corporal Roxanne Grey stood, her arms crossed, one high-heeled foot tapping on the floor. Her facial expression was as far from impressed as it was possible to be.

Coolly, she said, “Bagnall. Guard room, now.”

Jesse’s heart sunk into his heavy-duty boots, and he had to resist the temptation to drop his gaze to the floor. His buddies would never let him live it down. He had to do as the woman said otherwise he’d be guilty of insubordination, but he was going to do it in the manliest way possible.

Turning back to the table, he sneaked a quick glance at each of his friends in turn, hoping his expression looked irritated, not shit scared, which was what he really was. Standing, he left his lunch tray where it was and followed Corporal Grey out of the mess, across the yard and into the scruffy-looking building that was the guard room. God, the government really needed to put some money into this place—it certainly didn’t give off the air of tough professionalism that the personnel were expected to show.

Opening the door, Corporal Grey stood aside and ushered him in, before following him and shutting the door behind them and twisting the lock. The room was empty. She moved to sit in a chair, and motioned him to take another one.

“I suppose you know why you’re here?”

“Yes, ma’am. My unforgiveable words and actions back in the mess.” Now it was just the two of them, he could grovel as much as he felt necessary without worrying about losing face.

“Hmm. Yes. But actually, it’s more the reasoning behind the words that I’m interested in.”

“W—what do you mean?”

“You mentioned that you feel like I pick on you, more than I do anyone else during drill instruction. As though you’re sitting on your arse, I do believe were your words.”

Jesse fought the colour coming to his face, and failed miserably. “Y—yes, ma’am.”

“Do I really make you feel that way? Or were you just having a whinge to your mates? Tell me honestly, please.”

The anger had gone from her tone, and her expression was open, expectant. She really and truly wanted him to be honest. He opened and closed his mouth—not unlike a fish—a couple of times, before clearing his throat and attempting to form an answer. It didn’t help that, now she’d stopped screaming at him and was actually being quite pleasant, he’d come to the conclusion that she was hot. Even in her army uniform, she looked feminine, as though she was hiding a delicious body underneath all that olive green.

“O—okay then. Yes, you do. Ever since you turned up to drill us in preparation for the parade, you’ve made me feel like a useless sack of shit. I know it’s important, God do I know, and I want to get it right, but I really am trying my best. I’m giving this my all, and it seems as though it’s just not good enough for you. Some of the other guys are worse than me, and you don’t come down on them like a ton of bricks. Maybe just half a ton.” He smiled weakly, hoping she’d realise he was joking.

A tiny smile played at the corners of the corporal’s lips. “Would it make you feel any better if I told you why I’m doing it? Shouting at you more than the others, I mean.”

“Um, I guess it depends on what you’re going to say. I’m really not as shit as some of the other guys.”

“I know. But…” She got to her feet and moved to stand in front of Jesse. Leaning down and placing her hands on the arms of his chair, she continued. “Let’s just say I’m trying not to let my true feelings show. If people found out how much I want you, I don’t think it would go down too well.”

“W—want me? You want me?” His heart pounded, and his brain raced to keep up with what she was saying. Did she really mean what he thought she meant? Was there a way he could have misunderstood her words? He didn’t think so. “You mean, like, want me in the sex way?” He knew his phrasing was ridiculous, but he couldn’t think of anything better right at that moment. His brain was too fried.

Corporal Grey laughed, her blue eyes sparkling as crinkles appeared in their corners. It was adorable and sexy all at once, and Jesse’s cock surprised him by hardening.

“Yes,” she said. “I mean in the sex way. But I guess you know now why I’ve been behaving the way I have? Can you forgive me? I didn’t mean to make you feel like a useless sack of shit. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, I can forgive you. But only if you make it up to me.” It seemed his cock had taken over control of his mouth now, because as the words floated into the air, he realised he had no idea what he actually meant.

“Oh yeah?” Moving her hands to her hips, Corporal Grey adopted a saucy stance. “And how am I supposed to do that?”

Jesse cast his gaze about the room rapidly, hoping for inspiration. Thankfully, he spotted something that would serve his purpose perfectly. Standing, he gently pushed past her and retrieved the pace stick that was propped up in the corner. Designed for marking time in parades and similar, when it was open it formed a ‘V’ shape; closed it was just a wooden stick. One he could use to get his own back on Corporal Grey. And he really had to stop thinking of her as Corporal Grey, especially considering what he was about to do. She was Roxanne.

Turning back to her, he stifled a grin when he saw the look on her face. She obviously hadn’t been expecting that. Pointing to a nearby table, he commanded, “Pull your skirt up to your waist and bend over.”

“O—okay.”

She sounded nervous, and he didn’t blame her. Frankly, he was surprised she’d agreed. He was wielding quite an interesting weapon, and she was going to allow him to use it on her. Perhaps she was into a bit of pain. He’d soon find out.

Following her to the table, he waited while she summoned her courage, then lifted her skirt. His eyebrows nearly disappeared into his close-cropped hairline when he saw the skimpy black thong that had been hidden beneath her drab skirt. It bisected lovely pale, round bum cheeks, and suddenly he wanted nothing more than to pull the material aside and bury his cock in her warm depths.

First, though, Roxanne had some making up to do. “Ready?”

Pressing her hands to the surface of the table, she nodded quickly.

Jesse moved into the position he thought best and waved the pace stick around a little, to get used to the way it moved and balanced. He’d never spanked a woman before, never mind with one of these things. God knows why he’d even suggested it. She probably thought he was some kind of kinky bastard, now. Never mind, it was just a bit of fun.

Author Bio:

Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women’s Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house.

She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

December 8, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR for The Last Prizefighter, by James Classi

Get ready to rock.

On a 20X20 boxing ring in the belly of Madison Square Garden, Tommy Farrow defends his title for the WBO championship belt against Jeffrey Johnson. Near the end of the 10th round, a solid left hook to Farrow’s head drops him to the canvas, killing him instantly. Thus begins an adventure into hell and a race against the clock.
Farrow must rescue the soul of a writer who dies only seconds before him. The writer, Robert Scalia, has been hijacked by demons through a passage into purgatory called the Hellmouth.

In the future, Scalia is supposed to write a tell-all book that will prevent a madman from becoming the President of the United States…a madman that will eventually cause a nuclear war.

If Farrow can rescue Scalia from hell, he and the writer will be put back into their bodies at their times of death and be allowed to give life another shot; but if he fails…the world as we know it will end.
The timer is set. Get ready to rock.

Buy on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon US

Teasers

More About James Classi

James Classi has been writing since the age of 16. He lives on Long Island with his wife, children and 2 dogs. James has worked in Law enforcement for the last 8 years. His interests include photography, old rock music, and the Civil War, and playing the acoustic guitar.

His first published a collection of short fiction titled “Nine Lives” was released 2 years ago. Each story in the volume has been liked to an episode of Tales from the crypt.

In his new novel, The last Prizefighter, James takes you to hell and a race against the clock.
He is currently at work on a second volume of short stories and a new novel.

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December 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Promo Post & Giveaway x 2 DRUG (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) by Lynda O’Rourke

Only 2 days to go for your chance to win one of two copies of Lynda O’Rourke’s ‘Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1)! Please scroll down for more info. CLOSING DATE – TUESDAY 9th DECEMBER 2014!
Thanks to all who have entered and good luck to all!
Caroline & Tina 🙂

areadersreviewblog

Yesterday saw the release of Lynda O’Rourke’s debut novel, Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1), a paranormal thriller. I am quite excited to review her first book soon as I have reviewed many books that she has been story editor on, and found every one of them to be a brilliant read. This is certainly a chance to see a different side to Lynda, and I know that Drug has been long awaited by some of her hardcore fans (me included)!

Blurb: Out of work and out of luck, 19 year-old Kassidy Bell finds herself in desperate need of money.

Coming across a mysterious advert in her local newspaper offering a reward, Kassidy believes she’s found the answer to her prayers.

But Kassidy soon realises that if something is too good to be true then it usually isn’t what it first appears to be. Finding herself in a desperate…

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December 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review HOT Festive short story ~ Candy Cain by C.L. Scholey

Author: C.L. Scholey

Title: Candy Cain

Genre: Festive, Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Release Date: 02 December 2014

Publisher: Torrid Press/Whiskey Creek Press

Length: 55 pages (est)

Blurb: Candy is on top of the world. She’s a high priced corporate lawyer with expensive cars, time on her hands, and money to burn. Although, she has no one to burn it on, except for a yearly ritual of buying toys and treats for the needy at Christmas time.

Cain is an egotistical enigma. A very deprived and hurting enigma, who feels wishes are for fools. A car accident leaves them stranded together, and the two have no choice but to warm each other’s cold bodies, lest they freeze to death.

As the temperature dips outside, the heat begins to sizzle inside. Candy and Cain, though worlds apart in society, begin to feel perhaps they have more in common than either could ever wish for.

Will they both discover the miracle of Christmas wishes isn’t just for the very young?

REVIEW

In this recently released festive short story we have a very strong conflict between the main two characters, Candy and Cain. But despite their differences, circumstances lead them to be stranded together and the result is some very hot, steamy moments of passion between them that will leave you hoping for more!

Candy has had a tough life, yet she has made a great career for herself in becoming a corporate lawyer. She is grateful for her upbringing, no matter how poor her family’s status was, and feels like she can now give something back to similar families and their children who appreciate her kindness and goodwill. But, the one thing that Candy doesn’t have in her life now is love – love from a family, love from a man. She is lonely, and the one wish she does have for Christmas is quickly taken from her mind with the thought that:

‘Christmas wishes were for children.’

Personally, this is something I have never believed and never will. But Candy, remaining realistic and mature pushes her fleeting thought to the back of her mind.

When she first bumps into Cain, although there was an initial attraction with this slightly dishevelled but handsome man, with a large, warm chest, there is instantly a love/hate relationship developing as they comment in adolescent ways to each other. The reader can sense both characters being a little irked with the other.

A little later, when they both become stranded together, the tension is and still there and Cain seems quite mysterious. His hard, outer shell displaying some annoyance with Candy and yet he does all he can (plus more!) to ensure that they both survive the freezing, cold night. It begins to get a little sexy between them as they only have a blanket and each other’s bodies to keep them warm in the cab of his truck, and while Candy’s thinking sensual thoughts, Cain begins carrying them out!

‘It was an odd mixture of entrapment and safety.’

During the time they have known each other, they have been judgmental towards each other, not realising the truth of their backgrounds and true feelings. But maybe they both have something in common. They have both experienced loss, and it can feel even worse at this time of year. But will they both realise this before they go their separate ways?

Candy Cain offers all you would want in a festive story: there’s the heart-warming moments of caring for the needy and their gratitude, the Christmas shopping, the presents, the snow and, of course, the romance. It is a fun and quirky read at moments, as well as being suspenseful in other instances. I am certainly looking forward to reading more from this author.

A copy of C.L. Scholey’s ‘Candy Cain’ was provided by Torrid Press for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

BUY LINKS

Torrid Press

Amazon UK

Amazon US

December 6, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL ~ Devil in Duke’s Clothing (Royal Pains #1), by Nina Mason

Erotic Historical Romance

18+/Adult Read

By reading the contents of this post you confirm that you are aged 18 years or over.

We are delighted to be joining in with the cover reveal for Nina Mason’s upcoming release, *Devil in Duke’s Clothing* which is scheduled for release early in 2015. The novel is a highly erotic historical romance set in Scotland during the Restoration Period (1680). The book features voyeurism, bondage, flagellation, and a voyeur menage. It will be the first in a trilogy titled Royal Pains, which will feature the Duke and Duchess of Dunwoody. Scroll down to have a peep at the gorgeous cover, read the blurb and check out the 18+ trailer. You can also find out how to connect with the author. Tina 🙂

****************

Isn’t this a gorgeous cover?

What’s inside is just as wickedly delicious.

Devil in Duke’s Clothing, an erotic historical romance set in Scotland in 1680, tells the story of an innocent bride’s struggles to come to grips with her new husband’s eccentric erotic tastes amidst the instability and hedonism of the reign of Charles II. The book is coming in January from Nina Mason, the author of The Queen of Swords and The Tin Man. Book One in the Royal Pains Trilogy, Devil in Duke’s Clothing is highly erotic, features scenes of voyeurism, bondage, flagellation, and a voyeuristic menage.

Here’s the blurb:

Maggie York, a convent-raised foundling, knows the Duke of Dunwoody’s sexual tastes are a shade or two darker than normal, but marries him anyway—partly because she has no other prospects and partly because, try as she might, she can’t seem to exorcize her desire for the dashing ducal devil. Two years ago, she watched him swive and spank her lady’s maid, luring her from the garden of innocence into the orchard of fleshly delights–and she’s been hungry for more ever since.

Robert Armstrong, the duke, is a Roman Catholic whose extreme devotions as a child warped his desires as a man. He’s also a slave to the times in which he lives–and to his king. Everything he is, everything he holds dear, depends on staying in Charles II’s good graces. Unfortunately, Maggie isn’t the bride the king selected for him. Now, to make amends, the duke must choose between the lesser of two evils: whore his wife or be reduced to a penniless commoner.

Whose interests will Robert choose to serve, his own, the king’s, or the woman he loves?

Here’s the trailer (18+ only, please):

Here’s an excerpt from the Prologue:

Maggie York had not set out to be a spy.

She’d only come into the housekeeper’s closet to look for a bootlace. It had finally stopped raining and she was eager to escape the musty, smoke-choked prison the castle had become over the past se’nnight. Sick to death of books and needlework, she yearned to be out of doors picking flowers or stalking rabbits, but could do neither of those things until she’d replaced the broken lace on her boots.

Her abigail, as usual, was nowhere to be found, so Maggie had ventured below stairs to apply to the housekeeper for aid. To Maggie’s vexation, Mrs. McQueen was nowhere to be found, either, and, too impatient to await her return, the young ducal ward elected to hunt for the needed item herself.

Now, she was where she should not be and someone was coming. Two someones, actually. If they caught her here, she’d be punished the way she’d been several years past when she’d broken the vase belonging to the duke’s mother. The old duke, the young duke’s late father, had tanned her hide so severely she hadn’t been able to sit down for a full week without wincing.

Fear pumped through Maggie’s veins as the larksome duet drew nearer. The lady was her absent abigail. The gentleman’s laughter she could not place. The duchy employed several male servants—footmen, a valet, a coachman, a gardener, and a handful of strapping young grooms–but the baritone tenor was unlike any of theirs. Neither was it the laugh of the duke’s younger brother, who’d been blessed with a cheerful disposition. The sounds of Hugh’s gaiety echoed so often through the castle’s corridors, she would have known it anywhere.

There was, however, one gentleman residing at Balloch who’d never laughed within range of her hearing. Once or twice, he’d deigned to grace her with a smile—and, Lord bless her—what a thing of beauty ‘twas to behold. Like the sun breaking through the clouds on a gloomy day. The merest glimpse made her bones feel like they were made from tallow. What a pity he was so seldom cheerful.

The laughter grew still louder. As the door opened wider, panic erupted in Maggie’s chest. She could not let them find her snooping like a common thief. Pulse racing, she closed the French doors betwixt closet and room as swiftly and quietly as circumstances permitted.

As luck would have it, the door’s linen curtains were arranged in such a way as to allow her to see into the room without being observed. The man came in first.

Her breath caught when she saw ‘twas none other than the duke himself—in naught but his kilt and shirtsleeves!

Mistress Honeywell, her lady’s maid, soon followed in her usual tartan dress but sans shoes.

Why were they both half undressed? What could they be about?

Maggie bit her lip as she watched in breathless silence.

After locking the door, the duke dropped the key into his sporran and led Mistress Honeywell to a long sofa facing the closet. Maggie’s heart leapt into her throat. She drew back and held her breath. If he saw her, she was doomed.

The maid sat quietly whilst he filled the antimonial cup with Mrs. McQueen’s medicinal whisky. Was the duke ill perchance?

His grace returned to the sofa and handed Mistress Honeywell the whisky. Was it the maid who’d taken ill? If so, why apply to the duke for physick? Maggie could not reason it out.

He stood over the maid as she drank the whisky. Since his back was to the closet, Maggie could not see what passed between them. After a spell, Mistress Honeywell rose and they turned to face one another, providing a perfect view of their full-length profiles.

Maggie expected them to embrace, but they did not.

Instead, Mistress Honeywell set about unlacing her bodice whilst he watched with rapt interest.

The maid wore no stays, but clearly had no need of their support. Her paps, though large, stood as proud and sure as a pair of cockerels.

When Mistress Honeywell was down to her shift, the duke stepped forward, untied the neckline drawstring, and reached inside with both hands.

Maggie swallowed a gasp when he seized both the maid’s breasts and proceeded to knead them like dough. Mistress Honeywell, astonishingly enough, offered no reproach. She only tipped back her head, parted her lips, and emitted a breathy sigh.

How could she abide, let alone enjoy, such exploitation? If a man ever treated Maggie thusly, she’d slap him so hard he’d see stars for a week!

The duke swept the shift off the maid’s shoulders. The thin garment slipped down her body to her ankles. To Maggie’s astonishment, Mistress Honeywell appeared to be unashamed–either by her nudity or his grace’s covetous stares.

By the light of Our Lady’s brow! Such impiety was not to be borne. How could they be so wicked? As Roman Catholics, both had to know what they were doing was sinful.

Here’s a wee bit about the author:

Nina Mason is a hopeful romantic with strong affinities for history, mythology, and the metaphysical. She strives to write the same kind of books she loves to read: those that entertain, edify, educate, and enlighten.

She has two books out at present: The Queen of Swords, a darkly erotic Scottish paranormal romance/urban fantasy, and The Tin Man, a political thriller.

Ms. Mason is currently at work on two new series’: an erotic historical trilogy titled Royal Pains and a four-part erotic paranormal/fantasy series titled The Knights of Avalon. Devil in Duke’s Clothing is book one in Royal Pains. Starry Knight, book one in the Knights of Avalon will be released on August 4, 2015 by Lyrical/Kensington>

When not writing, she works as a communications consultant, doll maker, and home-stager. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Ms. Mason currently lives with her husband, teenage daughter, two rescue cats, and a Westie named Robert just north of Atlanta, Georgia.

Here are the author’s stalker links:

December 6, 2014 by Tina Williams

BOOK BLAST ~ The St Nicholas’ Day Wager, by Em Taylor (includes excerpt)

Sensual Regency Romance

A huge welcome today to The St Nicholas’ Day Wager, by Em Taylor, a seasonal Regency Romance. This author writes hugely romantic and sensual reads and never fails to deliver. I hope that you enjoy reading the excerpt as much as I did! Tina ❤

*****************************

In Regency times, the Feast of St Nicholas, which falls on December 6th signified the start of the the Christmas season. For the poor, this propbably did not mean much as they still had to work for a living. For the rich, it was another excuse to party and attend balls and functions, drink and make merry. So not much change there either.

The St Nicholas Day Wager begins just before midnight strikes the beginning of St Nicholas’ Day in 1818. It’s a night that will change the lives of the Viscount Eastden and Lady Gabriella forever.

Blurb

As the clock in White’s hallway chimes midnight on St Nicholas’ Day morning, Lord Nicholas, Viscount Eastden makes a stupid wager. Somewhat foxed, he agrees to a wager which states that he can marry the spinster sister of the Earl of Thornwich by Christmas eve. If Thornwich wins the wager and Eastden fails in his quest to marry her, he will get ten thousand pounds and vice versa. Having grown up on neighbouring estates, Nicholas can’t figure out why a nice girl like Gabriella failed for so many seasons on the marriage mart. Gabriella appreciates the viscount’s honesty when he explains the wager. Knowing the dire straits of her family’s finances and her brother’s addiction to gambling, it seems that marriage to Nick may be the only option. But can she overcome his cruel words from their childhood when he taunted her about the strawberry birthmark on her face which blights her appearance? After such a rocky start, can the Spirit of Christmas find its way into the lives of Nick, Gabriella and their families or will injury and grievances from the past keep hem apart forever?

Excerpt

Nick has been injured by thugs in the street and although he is staying at his own rooms in Brook Street, a kindly friend brought his back to his parents house where his betrothed, Gabriella, is staying. She is supposed to be being chaperoned by her maid while Nick’s father sees to his mother who is understandably upset that her son has been attacked. Nick has a badly sprained and bruised knee, injured ribs and a cut to the head.

“Gah!” Nick roared as Gabriella lifted his knee gently, holding it until her maid placed a pillow under it and then let it down slowly. The pain was so intense it made him want to cast up his accounts there and then. But he would not show himself up in front of her.

I am sorry,” she whispered, “but it does need to be elevated.” She placed cold, wet cloths over the knee he was sure was twice the size it was supposed to be.

“Shall I take the dirty water down to the kitchen, my lady?” asked the maid, scowling into the large bowl of water he assumed to be somewhat bloody given the state of his head.

“Yes please, Molly. I shall use the bowl on the side there but please bring up some more cold water.”

Yes, my lady.” Molly bobbed a curtsey as Gabriella placed a hand on either side of his face and pushed his face into her bosom so she could inspect the wound at the crown of his head. His body reacted instantly. The poor girl was clearly not thinking about the situation she was currently in as she ran a damp cloth over the head wound. He sucked in a breath at a sharp sting and placed his hands on her waist. It wasn’t that the head wound itself was sore, but he was already nauseated from the pain in his knee. Damn, she had luscious breasts. Every part of his being, and one part in particular, wanted him to stick out his tongue and lick the skin just under his lips.

Thank heavens for the fischu. It seemed to taunt him and remind him of his need to be honourable at this moment. Meanwhile the throbbing in his knee reminded him he could hardly tumble the girl even if he wanted to. And the new ache in his groin told him he desperately wanted to.

“It has nearly stopped bleeding,” she remarked as another sting made him suck in a breath, filled with her scent of lavender. Involuntarily his hands moved higher. His manhood was straining at the fall of his breeches and she still had no idea what kind of predicament she was in. He brushed the knuckles of his thumbs along the underside of her breast and she gasped. Was it a gasp of pleasure or one of outrage, he was not sure. He moved his thumbs again.

“My lord,” her voice was husky. More desire than protest then. He smiled against her décolletage and pursed his lips, dropping a kiss to the one bit of spare skin her fischu did not cover. She stepped away, biting her lip. “My lord, that is wholly inappropriate,” she said, the censure in her voice somewhat lacking.

“Did you like it though, Gabby?” he asked.

Her throat worked as she swallowed and looked anywhere but at him. “My lord, we are not yet married.”

“No, we are not. But I asked if you liked it. Did you?”

Her cheeks were crimson, almost hiding the strawberry birthmark. She nodded slowly.

“Me too.” He grinned.

My lord!” she chastised.

“Oh don’t ‘my lord’ me, Gabby. You were the one who stuck my face in your bosom. I just…took advantage of it.”

“I did and I am sorry.”

“I am not sorry. It took my mind off the pain in this blasted knee.”

“Well I am afraid my bosom will no longer be acting as a distraction for you, Nicholas.”

“Oh my darling Gabby, even from here it is a delightful distraction.”

You can buy The St Nicholas Day Wager Here

About the AuthorEm was born and brought up in the Central Belt of Scotland and still lives there. She was told as a child she had an over active imagination–as if that is a bad thing. She’s traded her dreams of owning her own island, just like George in the Famous Five to hoping to meet her own Mr Darcy one day. But her imagination remains the same.

Favorite Em on Amazon HERE
Find Em on Facebook HERE

Follow Em on Twitter HERE
Follow Em on Tumblr HERE

If you like the sound of this read you may want to check out my review of Restoring Lady Anna, also by Em Taylor by clicking on the book title. 🙂

December 5, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Double Review Cursed & Obsession (Books 1 & 2 of the Cursed trilogy) by Georgina Hannan

Title: Cursed
Author: Georgina Hannan
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Horror
Publication Date: 07th January 2013
Publisher: Fast-Print.net

Blurb: Reality and Myths collide.
A young adult story about a group of four friends who embark on a holiday together to the gorgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon. Each of them hoping for an adventure, something they will always remember. However it isn’t long before they get what they want.

The group are plagued by noises after hearing the myths and legends of the area. Is it just their overactive imaginations or is there a visitor in the spare room who is trying to get their attention?

Join the group on a spectacular journey as they discover what Dartmoor has to offer.

REVIEW

Cursed is a great beginning to this trilogy which young adult readers (I’d say 14yrs+) and adults can enjoy. The main character, Daisy, is travelling with her best friend, Alice, Alice’s boyfriend, Jake, and Tyler who is a close friend to them all. After arriving at the house they are to be staying in for their holiday it becomes quite clear that there is more than meets the eye with a possible figure in one of the room’s windows, noises around the house that sometimes sound like crying and the door to the spare room is found open after it has been closed. Could it have been one of the friends, are the noises just the wind, is it just their imagination, or is there something more sinister going on?

Cursed has quite an eerie feel to it, which I absolutely loved. These types of horror are my favourite, as well as being ghostly and unexplainable it creates a psychological feel to it as the characters question whether events are real or not. To really capture the feel for the place where the group are staying, and the surrounding area, the group enter the local pub and speak to Frank. Frank spends many an hour going through some of the myths and strange happenings around the area. Although listening intently, the gang do have their reservations and wonder just how true some of it is. But, as the story continues it becomes clearer that there certainly are at least some elements of truth to what they are being told. Some of the details Frank gives them provides them with an awareness of the possibility of what could be happening when they find themselves experiencing these strange happenings.

Daisy is the focal character and experiences the most, which does make her question whether or not she should tell the others just in case they ridicule her or believe that it is just her imagination. (Jake would have certainly taken this approach as he thinks scientifically and believes that there is an explanation for everything, although his belief waivers at times!) But, the figure of Lady Howard who seems to be haunting the house is wanting the attention of Daisy in particular. At the same time as trying to cope with these ghostly encounters, Daisy and Tyler reach a point where their relationship becomes a little more intimate and they enjoy a little romance. But as the holiday wears on Daisy begins to question whether this romance will continue once the holiday is over, or is it just a holiday fling?

The storyline and the characters come across very well. The reader can connect with them and easily get sucked in by the horrors. I did feel that at the very beginning of the story there could have been a little more build up to create more of an atmosphere, but then again as it is a story to engage young adults this may have been intentional by the author. The plotline is written clearly and therefore easy to follow, although at times I felt it could have flowed a little smoother. It is also packed with historical information of the Dartmoor area, with Alice enjoying being a tour guide for the gang and takes them and the reader through some of the nearby towns and their ancient buildings, such as churches, castles, etc.

Cursed left me wanting to read Book 2 of the trilogy, Obsession, as I wanted to find out how the group’s holiday affected them when they returned home, in particular how it affected Daisy. And I have to say that Obsession was an absolute brilliant read that did not disappoint. (Please see below for my review of Obsession.)

Cursed was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Buy Links:
PAPERBACK:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Fast-Print
Waterstones

eBOOK:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Smashwords

Title: Obsession

Author: Georgina Hannan

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Horror

Publication Date: Friday 13th September 2013

Publisher: Fast-Print.net

Blurb: There’s a fine line between Obsession and Madness.

After a strange and exciting holiday, Daisy is looking forward to the new start University life will bring.

A life changing assignment makes her question the fine line between Obsession and Madness.

Can she tell the difference?
Can you?

REVIEW

Obsession is book 2 of the Cursed trilogy and engages young adult readers and adults. After reading book 1, Cursed, I had to continue with book 2 as it left me wanting more. I was not disappointed and felt that the writing and flow of the story was excellent. As the group of friends begin their University life they have new challenges to face. Daisy, in particular, has to deal with the affects that their recent holiday has had on her, her love life with Tyler and new-found family history facts.

The intro of Obsession is informative and recaps what took place in Cursed (book 1). It is written very well and reminds readers of Cursed at the same time as allowing a fresh reader of this trilogy to easily slip into the story without any confusion. I would strongly recommend that Cursed be read first, but it is not absolutely necessary.

As Daisy begins her first term at University, studying to become a journalist, the class is asked by the tutor to research their family history for an essay and newspaper article. Daisy spends a great deal of time speaking to her father, her grandparents and looking through family photographs to gather as much information as possible. During this time, even though Daisy has returned from the holiday in Dartmoor, she is still plagued by the ghost of Lady Howard.

Meanwhile, Daisy’s boyfriend, Tyler, is noticing the difference in Daisy and wishes that they could spend more time together. It doesn’t help when he is working on his own course and just taken up a part time job. But, when he does spend time with Daisy he feels she isn’t entirely with him mentally and is quite distant, behaving strangely at times too. Surely the myths of Dartmoor haven’t followed her back?

Daisy distances herself more and more from her friends as Lady Howard still appears to her and talks to her. To make matters worse, she also finds out the truth from her grandfather about what really happened to her mother. Her mother didn’t die, or leave, something she didn’t speak to her father about as it was too upsetting for him, but in fact had been institutionalised for mental health reasons. And what’s more is that there appears to be a connection between her family and Lady Howard. The family curse. Daisy becomes more and more obsessed with finding out as much as she can about her family history and the history of Lady Howard, becoming distant from everyone and eventually being heard talking to Lady Howard. Is she going mad or is she obsessed? Or both?

The idea of obsession being a form of madness is a constant theme running through Obsession. Is it really madness to be obsessed with something? The story provides many questions as well as answers. And again, the story is a paranormal horror but with psychological elements. It is quite a powerful read and the reader can easily become ‘obsessed’ with this trilogy.

The family curse that Daisy discovers means that sacrifices have been made in terms of life and love. Family members throughout generations have lost loves, and/or have been deemed mad and then lost time with loved ones as a result or lost them for good. Lady Howard appears to Daisy in flashbacks and talks to her in the present day. She wants the family curse to be gone, be destroyed, and it seems that she won’t stop haunting Daisy until she gets what she wants, or until Daisy is deemed mad and has lost Tyler and her friends.

Obsession carries on the trilogy’s insight into history and as the information is gathered by Daisy it makes for a very interesting read, as well as being eerie. The atmosphere in Obsession is built up brilliantly, the reader truly feels the fear and confusion in Daisy, and the flow of the writing is smooth and reads very well. I am certainly looking forward to reading the ending of this trilogy in Absolution!

Obsession was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Buy Links:

PAPERBACK:

eBOOK:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Obsession-Cursed-Series-Georgina-Hannan-ebook/dp/B00F6YPFLO

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Obsession-Cursed-Series-Georgina-Hannan-ebook/dp/B00F6YPFLO

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/357536

Author Bio: Georgina is an IT Consultant and Writer from Surrey, England.

She is the Author of the Cursed Trilogy.

Georgina started writing when she was fourteen; she always had a problem with reading before she started Secondary School. It was when she was about eleven or twelve that she started going to the library and she found the books which interested her. Since then she’s become a reader and a writer. She loves writing and hopes it can continue for many years to come.

Author Links:

Blog: http://authorworld.wordpress.com

Facebook Author: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Georgina-Hannan/418399218236108

Facebook Cursed: http://www.facebook.com/CursedBook1

Facebook Obsession: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Obsession-by-Georgina-Hannan/124919204352501

Facebook Absolution: http://www.facebook.com/AbsolutionBook3

Twitter: @AuthorGeorgina

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6912312

I.A.N: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/georgina-hannan.html

Email: authorgeorgina@yahoo.co.uk

And finally, here is the blurb, cover and links to Absolution. The final book of the Cursed trilogy!

Blurb: Daisy was pushed to the limits and finally agreed to end the curse surrounding her family.