March 24, 2014 by Tina Williams

SP0TLIGHT BLITZ The Stable Boy, by Harmony Stalter

Romantic and Emotional Contemporary

Welcome to the Spotlight Blitz for Harmony Stalter’s new release, The Stable Boy, a romantic and emotional tale of love, loss and second chances. Check out the book blurb and find out about the author. There are also a couple of great teasers and an excerpt to wet your appetite even further. Enjoy! Tina 🙂

Claire is a 40 year old widowed farm owner. She lost her husband in a terrible freak accident. In a constant state of depression for the past two years, her farm is failing. She barely has enough money to survive and her last farmhand just left to follow his new wife’s dreams.

She is all alone, until he walks into her life. She knows she needs the help, but does she want his help? Can she resist his good looks, charm, and flirting or will she give into temptation and open her heart and bed to him?

the stable boy

harmony stalter

goodreads

Excerpt

“What am I going to do with you, Josh?”

“I can think of a few things.”

“I can’t believe you just said that,” I said, hiding my face in a dishtowel. It was as if he could read my mind. He laughed. He walked over and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

“What can I help you with?” he asked as he hugged me.

“You can take the pitcher of tea outside with some glasses,” I said hugging him back. I did not want to let go.

“Okay,” he said, slightly pulling away. He leaned in to kiss me. Backing me up against the counter, he kissed me hard. I let out a slight moan. This made him smile a little. He kissed me deeper and harder. He went to pull away. I pulled him back in. I returned his kiss, this time making him moan. He picked me up and sat me on the counter, continuing to kiss me. He kissed my neck, working his way down to my chest. I stopped him.

“We can’t do this right now,” I said. The panic was starting to kick in.

“Was it something I did?”

“No, it is definitely not you. It’s me.”

“I’m sorry. I will try to restrain myself.”

“It’s okay. I just keep thinking I am some how cheating on my husband.”

“But,” he said.

“I know, I know he is dead. Alison said the same thing the other night. I want to, believe me I want to, but I think we need to slow it down some.”

“I can go as slow as you like,” he said with a crooked smile.

purchase links

amazon us | amazon uk | Barnes & Noble

ten fun facts about harmony

1. I smile at everyone.

2. I love making people laugh.

3. I am a lover of local bands. I see them as often as I can.

4. I dance around the house constantly, even when there is no audible music playing. If a song is in my head, I dance to it.

5. I cannot count how many concerts I have been to. There are just too many.

6. I treat people how I would like to be treated. I have been told I am one of the nicest people going.

7. I prefer to work in my pajamas, but driving an hour to my 9 to 5 job, I am sure I would get some looks from the other drivers and my boss when I walked in the office.

8. I have a habit of staring at people, almost to the point of being a creeper. It is just my way of memorizing the parts of them I want to use for a character in my next book.

9. I am an animal lover. They all seem to know it. Even as a child, I would walk up to any dog and hug it. My mother was always afraid I was going to get bit. I have never been.

10.I am very shy. I tend to keep to myself most times, but I do love to hang out with friends.

about the author

Harmony Stalter (1976-Present) was born in Newburgh, New York. She currently makes her home in Central Florida, and is a freelance writer that currently writes for a monthly magazine called All Access Music Magazine. She was an architectural drafter for three years before she dove head first into pursuing her career in writing, her first love. Employee Body Language Revealed: How to Predict Behavior in the Workplace by Reading and Understanding Body Language is her first book.

Since completing this book, she has written Dancing the Night Away, Bulk Cooking: Everything You Need to Know, and The Great Wolf Lodge 2011 Travel Guide. Look for these, and more upcoming titles from this writer on the rise, and make sure to visit her website at http://www.harmonysfreelancewritingworld.com.

Contact Links

Facebook | Twitter: @writer247

March 20, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Cry Heaven Cry Hell… The Return of Miss Mary Weather by Deno Sandz

From the original novel in 2001: “Miss Mary Weather: A Southern Nightmare,” a sequel arises. In a rural black community in the Deep South, there is a myth of a woman who is the most terrifying female creature ever unleashed in this world. Will’s battles with the evil woman continue from childhood to adulthood. The protagonist, Will defeats her: however his eldest son begins dreaming of the evil woman’s return. +++Now, after many years of forgetfulness and the tragic death of Will Sr. and his wife, Miss Mary Weather has truly returned bringing perdition and no absolution with her to collect more souls and to finally destroy the bloodline of the one man who defeated her….making the world as we know it, “Cry Heaven, Cry Hell.”

Cry Heaven Cry Hell… The Return of Miss Mary Weather is a fast-paced horror with a paranormal element, focusing on a mythical female creature who intends to end the bloodline of Will’s family. In the process she also terminates anyone associated with Will, i.e. friends, care family, etc. Be afraid, guys, as Miss Mary Weather can appear at any time and can control all that is around her! Due to the horror scenes I would recommend this book for those aged 17 yrs+.

The reader is provided with a nice introduction of Will Jnr’s family life and background which enables the reader to visualise and relate to Will. Due to this explanatory introduction, as well as various mentions of the previous book throughout, The Return of Miss Mary Weather can be read as a stand alone. I, myself, haven’t read the first book, however, I usually do recommend this as it does provide the reader with even the smallest of details that could help the reader to relate with the characters and events.

Throughout the story there are many different scenes of horror that are well-described, graphic and, therefore, remain quite vivid in the reader’s mind. During some of these scenes the reader will recognise the fear of the victim. However, I felt that many of these scenes needed a little more build up and description to create more suspense to really allow the reader to feel the fear in a more dramatic, dark and touching way. At times, it did seem that the reader was leaving one scene of horror to another, without chance to cool down from the previous one. In doing this, the reader can feel a little confused and it can take a few moments to realise what is taking place.

My two favourite characters are Officer Franks and Will Senior. Officer Franks is a beat cop who usually finds himself attending the scenes where Will and/or his friends are being threatened. Although not visible to many, Officer Franks can actually see Miss Mary Weather and this side of the story left me intrigued as I was trying to figure out why he could. What was the connection?

I also enjoyed reading about Will Snr. After being killed in circumstances surrounding Miss Mary Weather, there are moments when Will Senior’s ghost appears to Will and his friend to warn them of the danger and who it involves. Although he had met a tragic ending, it appears that by doing so he actually was able to aid Will Jnr.

Although a little confusing at times, the whole story wraps up nicely at the end as all is explained. And I did enjoy the little twist at the end. I do like surprises when I read a fictional book and Deno Sandz certainly added that element here.

The language and style of writing of Cry Heaven Cry Hell… The Return of Miss Mary Weather makes it easy for the reader to follow and imagine. It is to the point and a quick read, written with great imagination from the author. The idea of some of the scenes are memorable and certainly stand out. However, I feel that overall it would benefit with some more editing/proofreading which could really make this novel more enjoyable and easier to read.

A copy of Cry Heaven Cry Hell… The Return of Miss Mary Weather was provided by the author, Deno Sandz, in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 20, 2014 by Tina Williams

Transcendence, by Shay Savage

Totally, Utterly and Completely Spellbinding!

Time travel romance/science fiction/historical Adult read

Transcendence is one of those rare books that as soon as I started I COULD NOT PUT DOWN! My mind was totally fixated on the characters and the world that the author Shay Savage had created, wondering what would happen next. It is a love story like no other and it is difficult to shoe-horn into one particular genre, as it encompasses time travel, science fiction, historical romance and is also a super sensual and erotic read.

Book Blurb

It is said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to comprehend language?

Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.

Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.

With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.

As soon as the book opens we are introduced to the hero, Ehd and learn about his lonely existence and his struggle to get though the harsh winter since the fire that destroyed his village and tribe a year past. I felt his delight when he discovered a young woman in his animal trap. He is extremely attracted to her form and believes her to be his ideal mate despite her strange clothes and behaviour. It is a mystery where the woman Eizabeth (whom he calls Beh) has come from but Ehd has an overwhelming desire to provide for her, protect her and impregnate her as she is HIS!

It would have been so easy for this book to have cast Ehd as a alpha male who immediately bends the heroine to his will and compels her to accept his sexual advances, but instead Ehd is a beta male through and through, empathising with Elizabeth’s initial fear and her ocassional tears and sadness. He is often frustrated at not understanding her and also when she repels his sexual advances.

Beh’s reactions to waking up and finding herself in an alien landscape and being plucked from the trap by Ehd is realistic, as is how she struggles to adapt to her new reality. Initially she is forced to stay with Ehd to survive, but slowly grows to trust him and shares her own innovations with him to ensure their survival in this harsh world. Their blossoming romance is truly beautiful to behold and when they do ‘get it together’ the scenes are extremely sensual as the couple explore each others bodies and communicate to each other their intimate and carnal needs.

In addition to the originality of the plot and the well drawn characterisations the author’s masterstroke is writing the novel in the first person POV of Ehd. Much of our emotional journey throughout the novel is therefore with Ehd, which is highly unusual in a romance novel. However, such is the skill of the author that we are left with little doubt as to how Elizabeth is bearing up in the strange new world she finds herself in and what she feels about her relationship with Ehd. I LOVED the many humorous and touching scenes in the novel where the couple struggle to communicate what they want and need from each other and Ehd strives to prove to Beh that he is the perfect mate for her. Ehd and Beh are without doubt an unforgettable hero and a heroine!

Transcendence is one of my fave reads of this year and I will definitely be checking out other books by Shay Savage. I recommend it to readers who love historical novels, science-fiction or time travel tales with the focus very much on the psychology of the relationship between the hero and heroine.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Cover Design by Mayhem Cover Creations

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Author

http://www.shaysavage.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ShaySavage7289

March 17, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL Enduring Everything, by M. Sembera

Today we are delighted to be hosting the cover reveal for M. Sembera’s forthcoming release, ENDURING EVERYTHING, a novel which examines friendship and love and how it is not always easy to let go of secrets and hurt from the past. Read on for the book blurb and the truly gorgeous cover!

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

Time doesn’t always heal old wounds.

Often time makes them worse.

Especially when you push those wounds to the back of your mind and focus on the life you want to lead.

Then the day comes when you finally have everything.

It is then, you realize that nothing ever goes away.

GoodReads

In order to put years of heartache and abuse behind her, Ren learned to bury the past deep down inside herself and focus on one thing; raising her daughter Sophia. As the years passed, she found peace in the daily routine of her job and becomes content with being a mom.

On the night of her daughter’s wedding, Ren takes a risk and strays from the predictable world she has set up for herself when her longtime friend Jackson rekindles a loving promise he made to her long ago.

Ren cannot keep her past buried, and the two struggle when old problems start to creep back into their lives. She cannot get her world back in order and her instinct is to shut everyone out.

In the midst of it all Ren is coerced into helping Charlotte, an adopted teenager of her close friends the Roberts’. Reluctantly agreeing, Ren finds Charlotte is in dire need of self control and direction. Upon discovering they share a similar upbringing Ren feels she can advise Charlotte and keep her from repeating her own mistakes. Taking steps to ensure Charlotte’s recovery, her new found purpose causes a rift in the family she has come to know and love as her own.

Battling issues, both new and old, will Ren & Jacks be able to endure everything life has thrown at them or will Ren give up everything and isolate herself from the inevitable pain that will follow when all her secrets are revealed?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20657380-enduring-everything

March 16, 2014 by Tina Williams

Our Next Reads!

We have a host of exciting reads coming up over the next few weeks which cover a huge variety of genres from some super authors! Read on for the book blurb. Tina 🙂

The Dragon’s Heart, Dragon Lore, #1, by Eden Ashe (urban fantasy romance)

The dragon-shifter king will do anything to keep his mate alive…even if it means war. After millennia as king of the dragon-shifters, Daniel Ashborne wants a little peace and quiet, especially from the beautiful Hollywood starlet who haunts his memories. His escape tactics end abruptly when he is calledd to the ER to save the one woman he wants to forget, but who now bears his mark.

Shelby Kincade’s life and movie career were nearly destroyed when Daniel vanished a year ago. Now he’s back, claiming they have been accidentally mated. Getting over him once was hard enough, but she must choose either the life of her dreams or the man she can’t live without.

With peace finally on the horizon between the dragon-shifters and the Hunters, an assassination attempt on the dragon king and his mate shatters everything. Tensions rebuild as Daniel and his loyal team of shifters try to discover who put out the hit. Enemy and ally lines are crossed, but in the end–after the battle ash has settled–no one could have foreseen who has plotted for their own gain.

CONTENT WARNING: Graphic fight scenes, lots of great sex, and hot, hot, hot dragon men.

Seconds Before Sunrise, #2 in The Timely Death Trilogy, by Shannon A Thompson (YA paranormal romance)

Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

Wind Raven, Agents of the Crown #3, by Regan Walker (regency romance)

Ordered by the Prince Regent into the Caribbean, English sea captain and former privateer Jean Nicholas Powell has no time for women onboard the Wind Raven, especially not Tara McConnell. The impudent American forced herself aboard, and so she’ll get more than she bargained for: Instead of a direct sail to Baltimore, she’ll join their quest to investigate a rampaging pirate, the infamous Roberto Cofresi. But the hoyden thinks she can crew with his men, and though he bans her from the rigging, Nick is captivated watching her lithe, luscious movements on deck. Facing high seas, storms, cutthroats and the endless unknown, he must protect his ship, his passenger, his crew. But on this voyage, with this woman, there is a greater danger: to his heart.

30 Days to Syn, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (erotic romance)

The ad reads: Young woman (American only) willing to engage in domination roleplay. No BDSM. Salary: $1,000,000 upon completion of contract. Length of employment: 30 consecutive nights.
Drowning in debt, Melina Wynth is going under for the third time. With a dead-end job and a disabled brother dependent on her, the ad in the paper could be the lifeline to keep her from sinking. Reeling in her courage, she casts her line.
Synjyn McGregor is a shark—a very wealthy shark from Down Under—and his bite could prove to be her undoing. But Lina is determined she isn’t going to allow him to get away. The length of employment might read thirty nights, but she suspects he is fishing for something more.
Synjyn needs a woman who will love him—mentally and physically—as never before. A woman whose touch will not only put the billionaire in his place but keep him there…begging for more. He will quickly realize Lina is made for Syn.

Living Life Backwards, by Peter Wells (literary fiction)

Having spent his childhood in a barren emotional wasteland
overseen by a father who valued order above feeling, Bill finally meets a woman who leads him to a place he can call home. Arriving in the small coastal town in England with his new wife, he finds that he is quickly assimilated into her community and extended family. With his somewhat murky past behind him, he forg…more Having spent his childhood in a barren emotional wasteland
overseen by a father who valued order above feeling, Bill finally meets a woman who leads him to a place he can call home. Arriving in the small coastal town in England with his new wife, he finds that he is quickly assimilated into her community and extended family. With his somewhat murky past behind him, he forges a new life within a solid, caring community and discovers what being valued means. As it happens, his wife appears to be overly interested in “organizing” everything and everyone around her, including her young cousin who is the apple of her father’s eye.

Within the garden of Eden Bill knows he can show no interest in this apple called Misty. He knows the price of doing so, and the value of what he now enjoys. Will that be enough to protect him from desire? Luck is with him: she has no interest in him. But what if circumstances where to change and she looked at her world and him with new eyes. Would he cling to common sense?

With the hand of a surgeon, Peter Wells gently probes the thoughts of the mundane to seek those corners that still long for adventure. Those bits and pieces of each of us that gaze out on the world and find something to settle on and wonder… Tenderly touching the wounded, lonely parts of his characters’ hearts, Peter gently leads them to a destiny they never could have imagined on their own.

When an Obsession knocks on the doors of your Paradise, should they remain closed?

Claiming the Rebel’s Heart, Alison Stuart (historical romance)

Herefordshire, England 1643

As the English Civil War divides England and tears families apart, Kinton Lacey castle is one of the brave few loyal to the roundhead cause.

With her father away, Deliverance Felton will do whatever it takes to defend her family home against the royalist forces ranged against it. She can shoot and wield a sword as well as any man and anything she needs to know about siege warfare she has learned from a book…but no book can prepare her for what is to come.

Captain Luke Collyer, soldier of fortune and a man with his own reasons for loyalty to the parliamentary cause, is sent to relieve the castle. Everything he knows about siege warfare in general and women in particular he has learned from experience, but when it comes to Deliverance Felton has he met his match?

Deliverance will not give up her command lightly and Luke will have to face a challenge to his authority as fierce as the cavalier foe outside the walls. He will do whatever it takes to win Deliverance’s trust but will he run the risk of losing his own, well guarded, heart?

Cry Heaven Cry Hell…The Return of Miss Mary Weather by Deno Sandz (horror)

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding (contemporary romance, chick-lit, humour)

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

What do you do when your girlfriend’s sixtieth birthday party is the same day as your boyfriend’s thirtieth? Is it better to die of Botox or die of loneliness because you’re so wrinkly? Is it wrong to lie about your age when online dating? Is it morally wrong to have a blow-dry when one of your children has head lice? Is it normal to be too vain to put on your reading glasses when checking your toy boy for head lice? Does the Dalai Lama actually tweet or is it his assistant? Is it normal to get fewer followers the more you tweet? Is technology now the fifth element? Or is that wood? If you put lip plumper on your hands do you get plump hands? Is sleeping with someone after two dates and six weeks of texting the same as getting married after two meetings and six months of letter writing in Jane Austen’s day? Pondering these and other modern dilemmas, Bridget Jones stumbles through the challenges of loss, single motherhood, tweeting, texting, technology, and rediscovering her sexuality in—Warning! Bad, outdated phrase approaching!—middle age.

Animus by Thomas Evans (crime)

A family is torn in half when a careless killer evades justice. Jason McDowell’s bad choice to drive to work drunk one morning leaves a father dead, a daughter in a coma and her twin sister and mother to try and pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Three years later, while Jason has gone on with his life, ignorant of the struggles of his victims, someone has decided it is time for him to face justice.

Bounty Hunter by S.J. Hollis (fantasy)

What do you do when your magic makes you a target? Run. Fight. Die.

14-year-old Kai Koson had nothing to do with the apocalypse, thank you very much. He was just a baby the day a coven of blood witches ripped a hole in the universe and the demons fell screaming from the sky. Earth and its magic perished. Witchkind was hunted and annihilated.

Now, because he was born a witch, Kai must spend his life running and fighting for survival. Even his own uncle seems determined to abandon him.

With nothing left to lose, Kai runs away and joins a team of galactic bounty hunters. But instead of providing an escape, it sets Kai on a path that will destroy everything he believes about himself and the apocalypse, transforming him into the most wanted teenager in the galaxy.

Written with humour, imagination and darkness, Bounty Hunter and its protagonist Kai Koson stand confidently beside Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, Alex Rider, Young Bond, Mortal Engines and Harry Potter.

21 Hours by Dustin Stevens (thriller, suspense)

Felix “O” O’Connor is an ex-con from central Ohio that has spent the seven years since being released from prison working on a ranch in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Rarely does he venture out into the world and never does it come looking for him. Both of those things change when his twin sister Alexa “Lex” Borden calls from Columbus, Ohio to ask for his help.

Earlier that afternoon, she and her husband were both beaten unconscious and their two year old daughter abducted from their front yard. Nobody saw a thing, the police are stumped, and it is a well known statistic that if a child isn’t found in the first 48 hours, they rarely are.

O immediately drives back to Ohio and finds himself with just 21 hours to find his beloved niece before potentially losing her forever. Plunging himself into a world he’d long ago left behind, he crosses paths with criminal masterminds, human traffickers, gun runners, drug smugglers, blood-thirsty spectators and suspicious detectives all in the name of bringing her home.

When It Happens to You by Molly Ringwald (contemporary, chick-lit)

When it happens to you, you will be surprised. That thing they say about how you knew all the time, but just weren’t facing it? That might be the case, but nevertheless, there you will be.

Molly Ringwald mines the complexities of modern relationships in this gripping and nuanced collection of interlinked stories. Writing with a deep compassion for human imperfection, Ringwald follows a Los Angeles family and their friends and neighbors while they negotiate the hazardous terrain of everyday life—revealing the deceptions, heartbreak, and vulnerability familiar to us all.

In “The Harvest Moon,” a stay-at-home mom grapples with age, infertility, and an increasingly distant husband. In “Ursa Minor,” a former children’s television star tries to rebuild his life after being hospitalized for “exhaustion.” An elderly woman mourns the loss of her husband and her estranged relationship with her daughter in “The Little One.” In “My Olivia,” a single mother finds untapped reserves of strength to protect her flamboyant six-year-old son who wishes only to wear dresses and be addressed as Olivia. And in the devastating title story, a betrayed wife chronicles her pain and alienation, leading to an eviscerating denouement.

As the lives of these characters converge and diverge in unexpected ways, Ringwald reveals a startling eye for the universality of loss, love, and the search for connection. An unflinching yet poignant examination of the intricacies of the human heart, When It Happens to You is an auspicious literary debut.

March 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

Once Upon a Hero: Tales of Love Throughout History, by C. N. Bird, Samantha Holt, Em Taylor and Lily Magee

Sensual History Lessons in Love!

50,000 word collection of four short stories

History lessons at school were never this hot! Revisit them with the aid of this anthology, which features romantic and sensual tales which span history from Ancient Roman times through to Medieval Scotland, Regency England and the battlefields between Russia and Napoleon’s army. The collection includes Pompeii by C.N. Bird, Hunting His Highland Lass by Samantha Holt, A Love Remembered by Em Taylor and An Honourable Enemy by Lily Magee. Read on for the burb and my thoughts on each story and the swoon worthy heroes – Victus, Rory, Ben and Amaury!

Pompeii by C.N. Bird

Blurb: 69 A.D.
Following the loss of her father and her mother years later, Hadriana is saved from a life of prostitution by her closest friend Victus. Through rebuilding and many loves, one night finds them unable to resist their feelings for one another any longer. With their new found affection and moving forward in their lives, the city of Pompeii seemingly doesn’t have a happy ending in store.

My Review: I found this tale both sweet and sensual and from what I have read of events in Pompeii, well researched, evoking a good sense of place and time. The romance between Hadriana and Victus is a slow burn (they are childhood friends), but when the flames ignite they really do burn hot! Victus, is very much Hadriana’s saviour and although she becomes very aware of him as a man, she despairs that he will ever return her feelings, believing he loves another. I enjoyed how they each revealed their love for each other and the passion that burnt between them and I held my breath as I waited to see if their love could survive the momentous events that were about to befall them and the other citizens of Pompeii.

Hunting His Highland Lass by Samantha Holt

Blurb: Scotland, 1292
Rory MacPherson has returned home to find his castle overrun by the English and his timid wife missing. So when he hears of her tales of bravery, he’s just a little surprised. But his main concern is whether she is still alive or has been captured. Upon discovering her intention to run to her father’s and to leave their affectionless marriage for good, Rory realises just how much sweet Isla means to him. Can the warrior get past his fears of being too rough for her?

Though fear of capture drove Isla out, it’s the fear of returning to her marriage that keeps her travelling across the unforgiving Highlands. Not that doesn’t care for her husband, but she can no longer bear desiring a man who clearly doesn’t want her. Believing that he must be sharing his bed with another lass, Isla plans to beg her father for refuge from the English…and her husband. But the journey is dangerous and Rory is a determined man. Will he even let her go?

My Review: I lapped up this romantic tale, where Rory attempts to woo his wife and convince her to return home with him. I liked how the circumstances compelled the couple to open up to each other and overcome the misunderstandings that existed between them. They eventually do in a hot and sensual coming together amongst the heather, where Rory convinces Isla that she is the only woman for him and Isla reassures Rory that she welcomes his embrace! I loved the single mindedness of Rory as he pursues his wife through the countryside, bent on ensuring her safety and return and the fact that Isla is a lot stronger and more resourceful than he imagines. The danger presented by the English soldiers roaming the ountryside where the drama takes place added suspense to the tale.

A Love Remembered by Em Taylor

Blurb: England, 1811
When Lord Benedict Mallory is lost at sea while fighting in His Majesty’s Navy, Lady Cassandra Strong knows her happy ever after with the handsome duke’s son will never be. That is until she spots her friend’s footman. He bears a striking resemblance to the Lord who was presumed drowned.

A chance encounter with the newly restored Earl leaves Cassy with no option but to marry Lord Benedict. Can they overcome his loss of memory and forge a marriage for themselves?

My Review: I enjoyed the strong physical attraction between Ben and Cassy, evidenced in a number of sensual scenes, where propriety is cast aside! Ben is a hero who has a good heart, but also struggles with the loss of his memory, which affects many aspects of his life, not just his recollections of Cassy. Cassy is a strong heroine who is resolute in her support for Ben and although she is ecstatic that he is very much alive he does not recognise her and I really felt for her. I loved how the couple strove to make up for lost time and lost memories. A heart felt and sensual tale.

An Honourable Enemy by Lily Magee

Blurb: Russia, 1812
War has been kind to Capitaine Amaury de Poitiers. With every victory over the Russians, Napoleon’s Grande Army brings ever greater glory to France. Highly regarded by both his superiors and his men, his career looks set to soar.

When he is tasked with guarding a prisoner of war critical to the war effort, an archduchess no less, Amaury finds himself enchanted by her. The only surviving member of her family, the proud Katinka of Viasma is overwhelmed by grief and the desire for revenge upon the French for her family’s death. Despite her initial hostility, Amaury finds himself becoming ever more drawn to this feisty, angry yet fragile young woman and is overcome by the need to protect her.

Katinka in turn finds herself confused by her increasing attraction to the witty, chivalrous capitaine who refuses to give up on her despite her temper.

Their longing for each other is undeniable but both of them know that the barriers between them are great. Amaury finds himself torn between his mission, his love and his honour. Katinka is a noblewoman and he is but a common soldier. To be together could cost Katinka everything.

Can Amaury and Katinka ever overcome the barriers of war and class that separate them?

My Review: Amaury is a man that you would definitely want on your side, not to mention in your arms if you ever find yourself being held prisoner! Katinka is a strong and resourceful heroine worthy of a hero’s embrace and I loved how she dealt with Amaury and how she coped with the situation she finds herself in, being both brave and resourceful. This story is clearly one of love at first sight between the hero and the heroine and there are a lot of passionate scenes packed into it. I hankered after their HEA, mindful of the many barriers between them: the war between their respective countries; their class differences and the fact that Katinka could well become is a pawn in the warnegotiations. The tale also gave the reader a taste of conditions experienced during the Russian winter by the French troops.

I recommend this anthology to readers who enjoy sensual and romantic tales set in an historical context.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this anthology was given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Authors

Samantha Holt

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

http://www.samanthaholt.org.uk/

http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk

Em Taylor

http://romanticregency.weebly.com/

March 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR Forever Doomed, by Mary Ann Kempher

A Readers Review Blog is THRILLED to be participating in the blog tour for FOREVER DOOMED, a sexy romantic suspense. Read on for the book blurb, an exciting excerpt and 10 fun facts about the author Mary Ann Kempher!

book blurb

It’s not wise to wander the cruise ship Forever alone at night. You might not live to see daylight.

Detective Jack Harney agrees to do an old Army buddy a favor. Curt Noble had some personal business to attend to, he didn’t say what. What he did say was he needed someone to temporarily take over his duties as head of security on the struggling cruise ship Forever. Jack hesitates, but he owes Curt his life so agrees. He’s told the worst mischief he can expect to encounter will be the occasional shoplifter, or drunk. Instead, one week into the cruise, a beautiful red head and a member of the crew are ruthlessly murdered. Are the two murders connected? It’s up to Jack to find out. He must find the killer before the ship returns to Tampa’s port, or worse, before another dead body is found. This won’t be easy. The ship is old, it’s security systems outdated, and clues are few, or so it seems at first

It’s not just a sense of obligation that motivates Jack to agree to Curt’s request;

Jack moved thousands of miles, started over, and still can’t get Amy O’Brian out of his heart or mind. When she shows up on the ship, as part of a large wedding party, Jack must fight to stay focused. To make matters worse, Amy isn’t his only distraction; a sexy and mysterious woman has made it her mission to seduce Jack.

As the body count rises, and time slips away, Jack has to ask himself, “Did someone commit the perfect crime?”

forever doomed

maryann kempher

goodreads

purchase links

amazon us | amazon uk | barnes & Noble | kobo

excerpt

She quickly opened the pantry door and stepped inside. Oh good, my cake. By the sound of the wind, rain, and even the occasional thunder, she could tell the back door had finally been opened. She cracked the pantry door an inch and peeked out. A tall, muscular man was there, he was making a sandwich. She’d wait him out. The lights in the kitchen flickered on and off, then on again. Suddenly, another man entered the kitchen. Jeez, I’m never gonna get out of here.

“What are you doing in here?” she heard him ask. His tone concerned her. He seemed annoyed, maybe even angry. At least I’m not the only person in the kitchen that’s not supposed to be here.

The other man didn’t answer. He picked up a rolling pin and hit the guy on the side of the head, hard. The man fell to the floor with a thud. His head lay outside where she was hiding. Through the crack in the door, she could see blood on the side of his head, his eyes wide open and vacant. She swallowed hard and willed herself not to freak out. She’d need all her composure so she didn’t give herself away. She watched, shocked, as the man rushed to the kitchen’s swinging doors, looked out, then quickly returned. He picked up the dead guy and walked outside.

She wasn’t thinking straight. Should she wait, see if he was coming back? Should she run like hell and hope he didn’t see? She did what any good stripper would do. She went to the other side of her cake, bent down, and with all her strength pushed that cake out of the pantry, through the kitchen, and out of the cafeteria. She pulled up the hood up on her overcoat and kept it there until she arrived at her destination.

ten fun facts about maryann

1. I spent my honeymoon in Saudi Arabia. Someone approached our guide and offered to buy me.

2. I spent a year in Korea, about 90 miles from Seoul.

3. I’ve written two books. My first is a romance with a murder mystery, my second is a mystery with a dash of romance.

4. I grew up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, but moved to Reno NV when I was 15 years old.

5. My first job was at the Circus Circus casino in Reno. On their second floor, they have arcade games similar to a carnival, and a stage where acts are performed. I worked all the different games.

6. I’ve been married for 21 years.

7. My favorite food is spicy squid. My least favorite is cabbage.

8. I love to travel, but don’t get to do it as much as I’d like. My last big trip was to New York City. My last mini-trip was to St. Augustine Florida.

9. My first book is entered into a contest hosted by Romance Writers of America. Fingers crossed.

10. My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.

about the author

MaryAnn Kempher loves to write mystery with a dash of romance. She spent her teen years spent living in Reno NV where her first book, Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder is set. The setting for her second book, Forever Doomed, was inspired by her love of the ocean. Her writing influences include favorite authors Agatha Christie, Jane Austen and Janet Evanovich. Her guilty pleasures include any and all sweets, including a good cup of Mocha. She is married with two children.

contact maryann

facebook | website | twitter | goodreads

previous books

goodreads

Instead of feeding her late-night appetite, a midnight food run nearly gets 28-year-old Katherine O’Brian killed. She’s the only person to see the man who brutally murdered a local woman, and the killer is hell-bent on making sure she doesn’t talk.

Scott Mitchell left a broken engagement behind when he moved to Reno, and the last thing he needs is more melodrama. But when he and Katherine are paired for a college project, that’s what he gets. It can be very distracting when someone is out to kill your lab partner. Together, they try to figure out what the police haven’t been able to—the identity of the murderer. Passion flares, but with Katherine’s life in danger, romance seems like more than a bad idea.

Scott and Katherine will face jealousy, misunderstandings, lust, and rivals, not to mention attempted murder—and all before their first real date

hosted by

March 10, 2014 by Tina Williams

Dark Indiscretions, by Shakuita Johnson

Fun and Fast Paced Urban Fantasy!

Adult content

Dark Indiscretions is a fun read, containing a fresh take on the world of supernatural beings. Although it contains some dark themes, it is also full of humour, feisty females, alpha males and characters whom the reader grows to love despite their many flaws. Due to the inclusion of some hot love making, including m/m scenes, the book is an adult read.

Book Blurb (summary)

What happens when your family is scarier than any nightmare and you don’t want to follow in their footsteps? Do you stay or rebel and have them turn on you? Jennifer Johnston experiences first hand why whispers are spoken in the dark about her species’ being evil when she was just a century old. What should have been another family argument over why she didn’t want to keep the bloodlines “pure” by marrying her brother turned into a nightmare and left her with more than tortured memories.

Jackson Dawls and Taylor Durham have been pack mates, best friends, and the other’s mate for as long as they could remember. A deadly species all their own but even they feared Mystics and their cruel and barbaric ways, but unforeseen circumstances bring them face to face with not one but a few. Will their lives be in danger or is something great and unexpected awaiting them? They also have to stay under the radar of the human society that is set out to destroy those they believe to be a danger to mankind.

When the three meet long ago secrets are brought to the light. Not only do they Jackson, Taylor and Jenny have to learn to get along with each other because they are fated mates, but someone is stalking Jennifer and performing sinister acts. Jennifer must seek guidance from old acquaintances and form unexpected alliances. She is met with riddles and startling revelations that she never would have imagined possible.

My Review

In Dark Indiscretions supernatural beings co-exist with human kind. Jennifer Johnston, the heroine, is a Mystic (a Vampyra Shapeshifting Witch). Jennifer is not typical of her race, who take pleasure in sadistic behaviour and who are regarded as evil by other supernatural beings. Instead, she has a conscience and does her utmost to resist the pull of the evil that nevertheless resides within her. Despite this, she is capable of great evil if the need arises.

Jennifer’s battle to go against the wishes of her family and not engage in an incestuous relationship sets the scene for the events in this novel. Even when she believes that she has escaped the evil that is her family she finds herself being stalked unrelentlessly by an unknown enemy. This happens at the same time that she discovers that instead of one fated mate she is ‘blessed’ with two, who happen to be Dylias, werewolves. Not only that but her mates, Jackson and Taylor, have themselves been mated for a long time and are deeply committed to each other. Who is staking Jennifer and how can she escape from her past, which still haunts her? Also will Jackson and Taylor find room for Jennifer and how will they cope with being mated to a Mystic, a race they despise?

There is much violence, danger and suspense in the novel, as Jennifer discovers the identity of her stalker and with the aid of Jackson, Taylor and others seek to destroy him before he destroys someone very dear to her. However, he is not going down without a fight. Jennifer and her mates must seek the help of others to succeed and we are introduced to a number of other characters as the tale plays out. There is also plenty of snarky humour and a number of smoking hot lovemaking scenes, notably between Jackson and Taylor, which I loved.

I enjoyed the character of Jennifer, the heroine. Although strong, she does struggle with the potential for evil that resides within her and also experiences trauma from past events. Krista, the other Mystic we are introduced to his novel, finds it far more difficult to curb her race’s natural instincts and it will be interesting to see how the author takes her story forward. It is Jackson and Taylor who stole the show for me however, as they are just so yummy! I enjoyed their reaction when they found out that Jennifer was their mate and I hope the author will explore the dynamics of how their existing relationship accommodates Jennifer a little more in the next instalment.

I found Dark Indiscretions to be a promising start to a new series. I liked how the author had taken the vampire myth and put her own spin on it and I am looking forward to reading Monsters Unleashed, the forthcoming novel. I recommend this series to readers of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Indiscretions-Shakuita-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00H5DODE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386381480&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+indiscretions

Connect with the Author:

Blog: http://www.dark-indiscretions.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/b3arcat26/

Facebook Book Series page: http://www.facebook.com/darkindiscretions

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sljay1184

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7504850.Shakuita_Johnson

http://reachforthestarsmarketing.com/

March 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts – Author Post, book blurb & GIVEAWAY!!!

Jennifer Gilby Roberts Introduces After Wimbledon

Hi everyone!

I’m Jennifer Gilby Roberts and I’m the author of After Wimbledon. Unlike my first novel (The Dr Pepper Prophecies), which I wrote mostly to prove to myself I could do it, writing After Wimbledon was about working through my feelings after I’d been agonizing with a decision. Add to that my obsession-of-the-moment – tennis – and I created this. Don’t worry, I cut out most of the angsting!

My main character, Lucy, is a tennis pro trying to decide whether to retire, break up with her boyfriend and pursue the man she’s admired from afar for years. All while playing in the Wimbledon Championships – the tournament she’s always dreamed of winning and never has. Could it be this year? And what will she decide? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Jennifer

PS: I’ve added an extract below and details of a giveaway I’m running where you can win a copy!

Extract

Sneaking into the hotel as best I can, I’m relieved that no one seems to be paying attention to me. Apparently, someone more famous has done something appalling. I must try to find out whom and thank them.

‘Lucy!’

I jump, but relax when I see it’s Libby.

‘I’m so glad I finally caught up with you,’ she says. She’s wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a monkey holding a snapped pencil on it. Underneath the picture it says ‘Write No Evil.’

‘I couldn’t believe it when I read that article,’ she continues. ‘I just wanted to make sure you knew that I had nothing to do with it.’

I turn my back to the lobby. ‘I never thought you did.’

‘Oh, good. I was worried because of that chat in the bar. Remember, with Adrienne? I thought you might think… well, never mind. That man’s a sleazebag, don’t worry about him.’

I discreetly look around. ‘Are there still journalists hanging around?’

Libby pulls a face. ‘Yes, but you’re not the one they’re chasing today.’

‘What?’

Libby rummages in her shoulder bag and produces a magazine. ‘You think you’ve got problems.’

The first thing I notice is a picture of Sam. That’s enough to get my attention. But there’s a second photo. Of his ex Julia… holding a baby. A baby about a year old, with blond hair and blue eyes who looks… exactly like Sam.

I go numb.

~~~

After Wimbledon is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites and Barnes & Noble

You can win an e-copy of After Wimbledon, and many other great ebooks, in the Chick Lit Ebook Giveaway on Jennifer Gilby Roberts’ blog, 1-14 March 2014.

Find Jennifer Gilby Roberts on her b log, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Wattpad and Amazon.

March 7, 2014 by Tina Williams

Hallows End, A Sarah Chase Novel, Part One of the Prophecy Trilogy, by Leo Craven

Thrilling and Addictive Dark Urban Fantasy!

Leo Craven has a talent for original writing, which enters the realms of dark fantasy, horror, sci-fi and the paranormal. His eclectic works can be sampled on his website (scroll down to the section entitled ‘Connect with the Author’ for the link). Hallows End is his first novel, published in January. It is not only a Dark Urban Fantasy, with a kick -ass heroine and a fantastic cast of magical and paranormal creatures, but also contains a great deal of mystery and suspense, which links past events on Earth to the present in what I found to be an addictive and thrilling read!

Book Blurb

In the mysterious town of Hallows End, a vigilante police detective, Sarah Chase, finds herself immersed in a world where myth and legend are reality. As Sarah discovers the secrets of the town and its residents, she also learns of her family’s ties to an ancient prophecy that could soon determine the fate of all humans and ‘immortals’. A suspenseful thrill-ride that builds toward a shocking climax, the first book of the “Prophecy Trilogy” will leave the reader eagerly anticipating Sarah Chase’s next adventure.

My Review

Hallows End is a fabulous first instalment to Leo Craven’s Prophecy Trilogy. The heroine, Sarah Chase, a police detective, is aware of the existence of creatures such as werewolves and vampires and hunts these monsters down to prevent their wanton destruction of human life. Whilst in hot pursuit of a werewolf suspect, she is compelled to enter the mysterious town of Hallows End, where she finds that werewolves and vampires are just the tip of the iceberg. Sarah meets the enigmatic Dr Nemitz and makes the acquaintance of many other mysterious characters and she very soon realises that it is no accident that she was drawn to Hallows End.

An ancient prophecy is revealed to her and she learns that a great evil strives to enslave the human race. Sarah makes a number of startling discoveries, not least about her past and will have to decide where her loyalties lie. I will not reveal any more about the plot – suffice to say that it sucked me in completely!

Sarah is a strong heroine who can hold her own in a fight. She is physically and mentally fit and willing to face danger to achieve her goals. She is also a modern, sexually liberated woman who knows how to satisfy her needs! It will be interesting to see how she will fare in subsequent instalments when faced with creatures imbued with great magic and evil. I am intrigued by her past and although we are given snippets of it throughout the novel, I am interested in learning more about what makes her tick in future instalments. We are introduced to a number of other characters as the plot progresses, some of them on the side of good, some who are allied with evil and others who have their own agendas. All of these characters are more than what they appear to be and play a key role in the tale. The novel becomes darker and more mysterious as it progresses as Sarah’s choices and the actions of others bear fruit and the extent of the evil that exists is revealed.

Although the focus of the tale is in the present day world, I loved how the author devoted whole chapters here and there to key events and characters in the past, notably those dealing with lord Artair, his part in the prophecy and his battles and those of his men, with evil. I also liked how the author referenced ancient myths, magic and legends in creating the world. The novel is a dark fantasy and there are bloody and violent scenes throughout. The scenes are vivid and well described and I could easily imagine them playing out in my head.

All in all Hallows End is a thrilling and entertaining read, which I found difficult to put down and I recommend it to lovers of Urban Fantasy and paranormal reads. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment!

Reviewed by Tina Williams