**REVIEW** ~ The Silent Governess, by Julie Klassen

Regency Historical Romance

Inspirational/Christian Read

Book Blurb

6624391Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems. Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley’s secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

A Beautiful Romantic Read

The Silent Governess is a beautiful sweet Regency romance, with Christian undertones by Julie Klassen. It is reminiscent of the novels of Victoria Holt in that is has a Gothic flavour.

It is expertly researched and has an ingenious and page turning plot, containing plenty of mystery and suspense pertaining to the hero and heroine including family secrets and threatening characters. I rooted for the heroine, Olivia, from the off. She is a strong and thoroughly likeable young woman who is fleeing a crime scene. Her actions greatly assist the emotional journey that the hero embarks on as he comes to terms with new found secrets from his own past.

The hero, Lord Bradley, is a handsome, honourable and competent young man, however, he is very much the product of his aristocratic upbringing and his actions towards the heroine are not always kind. He did grew on me a great deal as the story progresses and he comes to learn a great deal about what really matters in life.

The characterisations are excellent and the romance, central to the plot, evolves realistically, over time. Olivia is quickly attracted to her employer but Lord Bradley, although increasingly fascinated and drawn to her beauty inside and out, shies away from admitting his attraction to himself, due to the differences in their station. Yet he comes to realise that in reality there is not much that separates them after a series of unexpected plot twists. Their evolving romance is truly beautiful to behold.

The read expertly illustrates the social mores of the time, including the perceived gulf between the upper classes and those in service. It is especially instructive in painting a realistic picture of the lonely life of a governess. It also documents the rural society around the great houses and the ties between the church, village and the role the aristocracy played in managing their estates. I particularly loved how each chapter has a contemporaneous quote from the era reflecting the times.

This is the first book that I have read by Julie Klassen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Silent Governess transported me to the Regency era and swept me away into the emotions of the characters. I recommend it to romance lovers who like a sweet romantic read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Buy Links

Amazon UK     Amazon US

Connect with the Author

Author’s Blog    Facebook

Goodreads

**BOOK BLITZ** ~ City Nights: One Night in Edinburgh, by Charlotte Howard

18+/Erotic Read

One Night in Edinburgh

City Nights: One Night in Edinburgh by Charlotte Howard (@Shy_Tiger)

Blurb:

Chloe Shard has travelled to Edinburgh to meet up with a potential client, and has just twenty-four hours to convince them to sign her contract. But when she meets the delicious Ethan, he proves to be so much more than an enticing distraction. It’s not long before Chloe has some life changing decisions to make, and less than a day to make them in.

Buy Links:

Tirgearr Publishing      Amazon UK    Amazon US    Smashwords

Excerpt:

Chloe squeezed her eyes shut as the plane’s wheels bumped along the tarmac, and her stomach lurched into her chest as the brakes were applied. Her ears flooded with the sound of her own heart beating louder than the squealing and screeching of the landing gear. Pressure built in her cheeks as she clenched her teeth together. The worst hour in her life was almost over.

“Welcome to Edinburgh,” said the captain over the speaker system. “We hope you had a pleasant journey and enjoyed the flight. Please remain seated with your seat belts fastened until the light is turned off.”

A chuckle emanated from nearby. Chloe opened one eye and peered at the man in the seat across the aisle from her. “You can breathe again,” he said in an American accent, flashing her a grin.

“I think I’ll wait until my feet are actually on the ground if it’s all the same to you,” she replied, leaning back into the headrest.

A loud ping was followed by a Mexican wave of clicking as the passengers released their seat belts and fought to get their bags and rush off the plane. Chloe undid her own belt then hurriedly squished herself into the seat as an oversized belly, violently stretching at a pale green shirt, began its invasion of her breathing space. Her shoulder was nudged as the impatient woman beside her stood up, hunching under the overhead compartment. She waited for the plane to empty. The impatient woman started huffing and tutting. Chloe looked up apologetically, but was met with a hardened glare.

“Here,” said the man from opposite. She turned her gaze towards him and was grateful to see him holding back a herd of cattle desperate to depart. She drank him in for a second. He was broad enough to act as a barrier between her and the crowd. A very attractive barrier. From the way his T-shirt stretched over his biceps, she could tell that his width was certainly not due to being overweight. Ink spiralled around his skin from beneath the short sleeve, tracing down to his elbow.

“Thank you.” She stepped into the aisle. Immediately, the woman from beside her shoved herself through the gap, knocking Chloe into the man’s chest with an oof!

“I’m so sorry!” she said, stepping back and turning to the overhead compartments, feeling her cheeks heat. Her fingers tingled with the memory of his muscular chest beneath them.

Author Bio:

charlottehoward

British author Charlotte Howard, was born in Oman and spent much of the first part of her life flitting between Oman, Scotland, and England. Now settled in Somerset, Charlotte lives with her husband, two children, and growing menagerie of pets.

Her career as a writer began at an early age, with a poem being featured in an anthology for the East Midlands. Since then Charlotte has written many short stories and poems, and finally wrote her first full-length piece of fiction in 2010.

During what little spare time she has, Charlotte enjoys reading and writing (of course), spending time with her family, and watching action movies whilst eating curry and drinking tea.

Charlotte is an active member of Yeovil Creative Writers.

Social Media / Website links:

http://www.charlottehowardauthor.co.uk

http://choward2614.wordpress.com

http://facebook.com/charlottehowardauthor

http://twitter.com/Shy_Tiger

Instagram: Choward_author

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/choward2614

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**BOOK BLITZ** for Shannon (Angelis Vampire Series #1), by Shane North (includes Author Interview)

Introducing an Exciting New Paranormal Romance Series!

Today we are honoured to welcome author Shane North to our blog. Shane has recently released his first novel, Shannon, book 1 in the Angelis Vampire Series, a paranormal romance. Scroll down to read the book blurb and an extract for what promises to be a magical and fast paced read with a heroine who finds romance in pursuit of her destiny.

Shane has also very kindly taken some time out from his busy schedule to tell us a little about himself and his work and share some of his experiences of being a writer. The transcript from this interview follows the book blurb and extract. I hope that you enjoy reading Shane’s thoughts as much as I did. Tina 🙂

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shannon

Amazon US  Amazon UK

Book Blurb

Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives. Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

Extract

The best part of my life was when I dreamed of my Simon. Simon was a figment of my imagination. He was my sidekick, my lover, and fought beside me to help me defeat my demons. In my dream tonight, I saw his handsome face and my eyes opened wide. I loved Simon, I’m not sure how or why. He was my life in this strange world of immortals I dreamed about almost every night. I was wearing a white flowing gown. Simon, in his black leathers, looked sexy. “Simon, there you are, finally.” He pulled me close… his scent was fresh as an ocean breeze… his kiss melting my pain away. My red lips were moist from his kiss. I licked them slowly, to taste his essence “Shannon, you are so beautiful. I want you!” Simon slid his hand inside my gown; a small moan slipped from my lips.

Author Interview

1. Hi Shane. Thank you for being with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks Tina.

I have always wanted to write. I waited until I was retired to start my first book. I’ve been with my life mate and my best friend for over thirty years. We met in college and became best friends. We have four children and eight grandchildren. The grandkids are amazing and they go home when we are done spoiling them. I love the night and paranormal has always been one of my passions. I love to hear that bump in the night. 

2. Please tell us about Shannon, your new release and what inspired you to write it?

Shannon is about a young South Beach girl who has a very happy life, except for her nightmares. She dreams of a violent war with vampires and werewolves. In her dreams she is leading the attack! Her constant companion in these dreams is a handsome man who she falls in love with. Her happy life ends when her step parents are brutally murdered and she finds out what she truly is. Her best friend Caitlyn and her father Keegan are werewolves. Her uncle, Damon, which she had never met is the vampire lord of Europe. And as for the man in her dreams, his name is Simon, Damon’s second in command. Her saving grace in the this immortal world is that during the time she worked for Navy Intel, she became very good at killing. My inspiration for Shannon was my oldest granddaughter and our talks while she grew up. The highs and lows of becoming eighteen, her feelings of confusion, and her determination to get it right.  

3. Why do you think that you chose the paranormal romance genre in which to make your writing debut?

My love of paranormal and I love a good love story made the choice easy. I love happy endings and the fight to have them. The beauty of the paranormal world was perfect and the possibilities are endless. 

4. How much research did you have to carry out for this book? What sort of research did you carry out prior to and during the writing?

I did very little research for this book. My locations, addresses, and such needed to be correct. As for the writing, I closed my eyes and became my story. I hope I did it well. This first part of Shannon’s journey was important. She had to grow as her story unfolds. 

5. What is your writing process like? To what extent do you plan and how much do you just let the words flow?

Interesting question Tina. My process is mass chaos. I have so many thoughts racing through my head at one time. I have two more of Shannon’s books that I’m writing at the same time. My actual writing process is listening to music, eyes closed, and I try to visualize the scene and feel those involved. I hope it comes out with feelings and not just words.

6. What about the personalities of your characters – are they always fixed in your head before you start writing or do they develop a will of their own?

I like my characters to grow and develop with the story. I try to imagine my characters before I introduce them, but for me, they like to surprise me as the story unfolds. 

7. What is the best thing about being an author? What do you find the most challenging?

The best thing is being able to write from any location. Home is great, but drifting along on Lake Erie on a sunny day isn’t bad either. For me, the most challenging part of this whole process was trying to learn everything that was needed to make this happen. My friend, Ally Thomas, worked very hard to make the process as easy as possible. 

8. What type of books do you like to read? Have you any favorite authors?

My favorite books are paranormal romance. No one loves the way an immortal does. That being said, I read everything. I love the imagination that happens to someone when they write. I never give bad reviews to anyone, I don’t believe in it. That’s something that is too subjective to be honest about. Why destroy someones book because you had a bad day?

9. Can you tell us about what you are working on at the moment?

I’m working on Shannon’s next two books. Shannon has some growing up to do and she needs to get her revenge. I hear that Damon thinks she’ll be queen of the immortal race? 

10. Have you any advice to give to aspiring authors?

Don’t wait as long as I did. If you feel it, close your eyes and write it down. Fulfill your dream and write. There are any places to get help. 

11. And finally, have you a message for readers?

My message would be to love harder, find peace in your life, and never give up on your dreams because anything is possible if you believe.

Shane, many thanks for answering these questions for us. We wish you best of luck with Shannon, which I am looking forward to reading and reviewing very soon. Tina 🙂

Connect with Shane

Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

 

*Sneak Peak* Deeper by Allyn Lesley

deeper sneak peek

Sneak Peek

deeper cover

Book Title: Deeper

Author: Allyn Lesley

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis

Everything Avianna Linton thought she knew was shattered in one traffic stop. With her life turned upside down, she flees to the bright lights of New York City hoping for anonymity and a new life.

 

Rising from nothing, Noah Adams holds onto his power and control with a bone-crushing grip. No one dared challenge his authority until her…

 

Avi’s disdain for Noah is barely contained, and Noah does everything he can to restrain himself—a concept he has little experience with.

 

There’s more between the two than either of them realize. A force looms near, hovering with deadly precision and motivated solely by revenge.

 

Avi wonders who her new friends truly are and if she’s already in too deep. Noah, accustomed to getting what he wants, will do whatever it takes to draw Avi’s in deeper.

 

Deeper is an interracial romantic suspense novel by new author Allyn Lesley.

 

 Meet the Cast

 

man in shirt

Noah Adams

Age: 33 years old

Occupation: CEO, Accipiere LLC

Background: He makes no apologies for who he is.

 

Avi

Avianna “Avi” Linton

Age: 24 years old

Occupation: Elementary Teacher, New York City Board of Education

Background: Recent transplant from a small Floridian town who’s looking for a do-over

 

excerpt

© Allyn Lesley 2014

Where the fuck is that little she-devil?

Zo pointed toward the dance floor, addressing his employer’s unvoiced question. “Under the ball.”

Noah saw her clear as day and dancing way too close with someone who might soon be leaving the club with a limp. He blew out a breath. She knew better than this, yet she still tested the limits set up for her protection.

A restraining hand on Noah’s arm paused him mid-stride. “Boss?”

Noah’s eyes widened at Zo’s hand. Immediately, the younger man’s hand fell away, and he wisely stepped back. Even in the dim light, Noah saw embarrassment tinge Zo’s face.

        “I, um. Excuse me, Mister Adams, but I can’t let you go over there,” Zo said, swallowing the fear his boss evoked.

 

“Let. Me?” Noah pointed at himself and straightened to his impressive six feet and five inches. “And who’s going to stop me?”

Teasers

 

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Standing-poster

Noahstandingposter

Book Trailer

Never Before Seen!

 

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Meet the Author

Allyn Lesley

Allyn Lesley writes real stories about real people.


As a teen, Allyn lost herself in the pages of some of Romance’s heavyweights, trusting that a happy ever after was just around the corner. In Allyn’s own writing journey, as in life, she’s learned that people don’t always experience recovery and restoration after a fall. Her stories speak to the gritty side of life where the right choice isn’t always easily identified and happiness not quickly gained.

 

Social Links

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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**COVER REVEAL** ~ Ruin and Rule (Pure Corruption MC #1), by Pepper Winters

We are delighted to be able to share the cover for Pepper Winters’ *Ruin and Rule* the first book in the Pure Corruption MC series, to be published by Grand Central next July. Feast your eyes on the cover and check out the blurb, teaser and pre-order links.

Tina and Caroline  🙂

winters.RuinandRule.tr

RUIN AND RULE (Pure Corruption MC, #1)

Release Date: July 28, 2015

Publisher: Grand Central

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Blurb

We met in a nightmare.

The in-between world where time had no power over rhyme, reason, or connection. We met. We stared. We knew.

There was no distortion from the outside world. No right or wrong. No confusion or battles from hearts and minds.

Just us. In our silent dream-world.

That nightmare became our home. Planting ghosts, raising fantasies. Entwined together in our happily skewed reality.

We fell in love. We fell hard.

In those fleeting seconds of our nightmare, we lived an eternity.

But then we woke up.

And it was over.

Pre Order - RUIN&RULE

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | B&N Nook | B&N Print | iBooks | Kobo

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About the Author

Pepper WInters

Pepper Winters is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestseller. She wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

 

Her Dark Erotica books include:

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1)http://amzn.to/1lROLYN

Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2) – http://amzn.to/1qB27Zh

Twisted Together (Monsters in the Dark #3)http://amzn.to/1olkxsD

Debt Inheritance (Indebted Series) – http://amzn.to/1As8P4X

Her Grey Romance books include:

Destroyed – http://amzn.to/1w9f6Vr

 

If you would like to be the first to know of upcoming releases please fill in her newsletter (Pepper promises to never spam or chat aimlessly http://bit.ly/YrpOsO

love p

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

A Way from Heart to Heart

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 Farfax photo-002Helena 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

**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)
Ty the bullEverything 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.
CRYSTAL WEST (1 BOOK)
 
JAMES AND THE CLOUDS (Age 4 -8)
image1Enjoy 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.
DARREN LEWIS (3 BOOKS)
THE SEREN TROLOGY (Age 11 & up)
PicsArt_1398935290527Do 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.
VENGEANCE OF SHADOWS (11 & UP)
vengeanceIn 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.

THE ONCOMING STORM (Age 11 & up)

oncoming stormIn 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)
altered-07-08-14-FINALIn 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.
DECEPTION PEAK (Age 12 & up)
960978_587524691305692_1752028001_nThe 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.
DRAGON SHIELD (Age 12 & up)
Dragon Shield Cover“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!
FIONA BURDETT (1 BOOK)
 
THE GADOOMFS: ACROSS THE WAAIGEZI (Ages 10 – 13)
427066_10150578237642413_402847598_nGoose, 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.
GARRETT CARKOS (2 BOOKS)
 
TOMORROWLAND (Ages 3 -12)
tomorrow (2)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.
THE LOCKET (Ages 3 -12)
locket coverYoung 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…
GRETA BURROUGHS (5 BOOKS)
PATCHWORK DOG AND CALICO CAT (Ages 5 – 10)

Patch1Patchwork 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.
PATCHY AND CALICO’S SUMMER VACATION (Ages 5 – 10)
PATCH2Patchwork 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.
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.
CHRISTMAS WITH PATCHY AND CALICO (Ages 5 – 10)
PATCH3Christmas 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.”
GERALD AND THE WEE PEOPLE (Ages 10 & up)
gerald1Gerald 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.
HOUSE ON BO-KAY LANE (Ages 10 & up)
 
GERALD2 (2)“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.
JENNA ELIZABETH JOHNSON (3 BOOKS)
 
THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE – THE FINDING (BOOK ONE) (Ages 11 & up)

TheFindingWhen 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.
THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE – THE BEGINNING (BOOK TWO) (Age 11 & up)
TheBeginningTwelve 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.
THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE – THE AWAKENING (BOOK THREE) (Age 11 & up)
TheAwakeningGrowing 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 . . .
J.M. NORTHUP (1 BOOK)
 
FELINE FASCINATION (THE ADVENTURES OF BORIS AND OLGA (Age 5 – 13)

FELINEBoris 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)

lillynewcover79Have 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)

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

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KATHRYN & GABRIELLE JOHNS (1 BOOK)

THE PRINCESS IN THE PYRAMID (Age 11 & up

PRINCESSBest 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)
TANGLECome 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)

jessie ebookFollow 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)

chilly coverBefore 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!
RAYNE EMILY DEER (Age 5 – 10)
 
rayne coverRayne 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?
MICHELLE MURRAY (1 BOOK)
 THE DREAM WALKER (Age 10 & up)

The Dream Walker_eCover_FinalOnce 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)

image2993It 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?
RANDELL BARNES (1 BOOK)

THE DIARY OF AALIYAH ANDERSON (Age 13 & up)

TDOAA CoverMeet 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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**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.

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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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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:

multiorgasmicFrom 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 

multiorgasmicgraphic

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

 

 

 

 

**BLOG TOUR** for The Last Prizefighter, by James Classi

Get ready to rock.

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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.
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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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