Friday, October 31, 2014

Blog Tour - Blood Master by Kirsten Campbell | Spreading the Word

Today I'm turning my blog over to Kirsten Campbell author of "Blood Master," which is the 1st novel in her G.O.D.s Series. [Blog Tour will run on October 29 - November 12, 2014]




"Blood Master"
[The G.O.D.s Series, Book 1] by Kirsten Campbell

Author's Book Description :
    2052 : Two-thirds of the human population has been killed by the Great War, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Only one man survived the Death Plague, an albino man named Griffin Storm. He’s the only albino in existence. No one knows what happened to the other albinos, but most believe the rumors that they were eliminated by the Guild Faction’s deadly experiments.

    Griffin is hiding out in Underground Atlanta. He has special abilities. He can manipulate crystal and glass. He uses these abilities for good, raiding warehouses and old buildings for food and medical supplies to give to the abandoned children that live in the Underground. During a raid, he meets Tassta Vinetti. She’s a resident of the legendary Brotherhood Fortress. Griffin is taken to the Brotherhood and chaos ensues as Tassta, her twin brother Penn and her Uncle Lerin Sanctobous keep their new visitor and his untold powers secret. They can not disclose that the only albino in existence is now at their fortress or they could all be in great danger.

    Fact is, the Guild is hunting Griffin. He is the only survivor of their deadly experiments and his survival will have dynamic consequences. The Guild believes Griffin will transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. If he transforms, he will have inter-dimensional doors within his body, doors that lead to heaven and hell. Griffin will become a Blood Master and he’ll be able to control the demons from the Dimension of Blood.

    Will Griffin save the children of the Underground from their tragic life? Will he transform into a G.O.D. and become the Blood Master? Only time will tell...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

Kirsten Campbell is the author of several short stories and poems that have been published in Bewildering Stories, Ascent Magazine, Beauty Talk, The Fairfield Review, Poets-Artists & Madmen, Interracial Voice, Sagazine Online, The Write Gallery, The Pittsburgh Quarterly Online, COBRA, The CoffeehousePress Journal and several other magazines.

Kirsten was abandoned by both mother and father at six-years-old and she somehow survived a very devastating childhood. She found strength and courage through reading and writing and she graduated from school, got married and raised four wonderful children. She also cared for several children that were abandoned by their parents and by society, (a few were literally left on her doorstep.) She fed and clothed them and sent them to school and taught them to be upstanding, decent members of society.

Kirsten wrote "Blood Master" several years ago and it developed into The G.O.D.s Series, a series of books that deal with Griffin Storm, a hero with feet of clay, a hero that saves the lives of several people, but most importantly, he saves hundreds of children from abandonment and neglect; takes them to a better life, (something of which Kirsten always wished for when she was a child.)

Her short story, "Dark Matters," was published in Bewildering Stories and a character from the G.O.D.s Series made a special appearance in the story. Said character appears in the second book of the G.O.D.s Series, "Blood Storm."

As a side note, Ladybug Press published her chapbook, "Poetry from the Covert Bourgeoisie," in 2006 and her chapbook, "The Abandoning Kind," was published by Pudding House Publications in 2009. She lives in Brewster, NY., with her daughters and her five unbelievably beautiful grandchildren!




Book Excerpt :

Prologue

It’s 2052 and earth has lost a third of its population to the Great War. Many more lives were lost to earthquakes, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Years later, survivors are clumped into factions on the East and West Coast of America. Over the years the factions developed laws and a barter system that is in place, even now.

I am Tassta Vinetti and I live in the Brotherhood Fortress, an underground dwelling that houses three hundred and ten souls. We are a cultural soup that has thickened to a receptive stew of every race, creed and color known to mankind. Yet, there is a missing factor in our equation of humanity. There are no albinos at the fortress and as far as I know, there are no albinos anywhere in 2052. Where did they go? How did they disappear? I have no idea. All I know is what I’ve been told and what I’ve read.

The old text books say that in 2012 albinos were numerous, what with 1 albino birth in every 17,000. Yet, even then it was rare to see an actual albino walking the streets. Now, they are never seen and most people believe they were wiped out in the Great War or killed by earth quakes or the Death Plague. It’s a mystery that has plagued my people for decades, mainly because of a prophecy. It is written in our Master Scroll Books that an albino man with untold powers will come to the fortress. This man will rid the fortress, and eventually the world, of a great evil, the Guild Faction. (That’s a tall order, even for a legend.) I never believed in prophecies or legends, especially since in all my travels and all the raids I’ve ever gone on for the fortress, I’ve never once come upon a single albino-until now...



Find Kirsten Campbell :

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Blog Tour - The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak | Spreading the Word, Gift Card Giveaway, & 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Brenda Novak author of "The Heart of Christmas," which is seventh book in her Whiskey Creek Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run on October 28, 2014 -- Giveaway #1 will run until October 29, 2014 -- Giveaway #2 will run until November 30, 2014]



"The Heart of Christmas"
[Whiskey Creek Series, Book 7] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description :
    Just call her Christmas Eve...

    Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn’t have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that’s what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B-and-B she manages and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem...confining.

    As Eve turns thirty-five, she’s worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. She’s dated all the eligible men in the area. There’s no one she could even imagine as a husband—until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve’s definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve’s happily ever after—just when it finally seems within reach. Just when she’s counting on the best Christmas of her life!

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak is the author of more than fifty books. A four-time Rita nominee, she has won many awards, including the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Daphne, and the Holt Medallion. She also runs an annual on-line auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovakforthecure.org (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised over $2 million. For more about Brenda, please visit www.brendanovak.com.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.5 (Prequel) | Book 1 | Book 3

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Bastard / Honor Bound | Coulda Been A Cowboy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013



Book Excerpt :

Moving slowly to compensate for her hangover, she managed to prop herself against the headboard and, once there, frowned at her bedmate.

Who the heck was he?

She had no idea, but she was relieved to see that he was no bum off the street. He wasn’t even one of those “he looked a lot more attractive last night” kind of pickups everyone joked about. This guy was so far above average that she began to wonder why he wasn’t already taken. Heaven forbid that was the case! She didn’t see a ring on his left hand, which rested on the pillow above his head. But he had to have some story. If he looked this good sleep-tousled, she could only imagine what he’d be like once he had a chance to clean up.

It was his bone structure, she decided. Those pronounced cheekbones. The narrow bridge across his nicely shaped nose. The distinct ridge of his upper eye sockets. He also had a strong chin and a manly jaw, which certainly didn’t detract.

So maybe she couldn’t point to just one or two features. With his long, sandy-colored hair spread across his pillow, he resembled a fallen angel—and his body further enhanced that image. Although bedding covered his lower half—thank goodness—she could see his torso. He was built like a greyhound or panther, lean and sinewy and ideally proportioned with very little body hair. What body hair he did have was golden and downy, as appealing as his tanned skin.

He’d make a nice subject for a painter, she mused, someone looking for refined masculine beauty—a man who could even be called elegant.

But not everything about him was elegant. When she looked closer, she could see that he had some very unusual scars....

What types of injuries could’ve caused those? she wondered. It seemed to her that he’d been shot, and more than once. Several round, bullet-size marks dotted his chest. Then there was a long, jagged scar on his side that must’ve come from something else....

Out of nowhere—he didn’t open his eyes first, so she had no warning—he grabbed her wrists in a crushing grip and slammed her onto her back.

Eve gasped as she stared up at him. Gone was the image of an angel, fallen or otherwise. Shocked at being so easily and unexpectedly overpowered, she couldn’t even scream. His fierce expression, as if he was intent on causing her bodily harm, made it worse.

Had she brought home a homicidal maniac? Was he about to kill her?

The terror that surged up must’ve shown on her face because he suddenly came to his senses. He gave his head a shake. His expression cleared and, letting go, he eased off her and slid back onto his side of the bed.

“Sorry about that. I thought...” His words trailed off, and he covered his eyes with one arm as if he needed a moment to pull himself together.

Her heart was now pounding in unison with her head. But once she could speak somewhat normally, she prompted him to finish his sentence. “Thought what?”

His lips turned down. “Never mind. I was dreaming.”

She pressed a hand to her chest as though she could slow her galloping pulse. “It couldn’t have been a pleasant dream.”

“They never are,” he muttered.



Giveaways #1 :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Giveaways #2 :

CLICK HERE to ENTER Brenda's 12 Days Of Christmas Contest

Prize Details






Find Brenda Novak :

Teaser Tuesday: The Parchment Scroll


"The Parchment Scroll" [Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3] by C. A. Szarek -- MY REVIEW

Book Teaser:

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Made the Grade: Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 248; Kindle Edition - File Size: 877 KB | Expected Release Date: August 12, 2014 | Publisher: Paper Dragon Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Parchment Scroll" [Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3] by C. A. Szarek

Author's Book Description : Book Three in the time travel, fantasy romance trilogy, Highland Secrets!

Her sister is lost...in the past.

Three weeks after her sister goes missing, Juliette McGowan encounters her on a beach in Scotland. Her sister gives her a scroll full of claims about time travel and disappears—literally.

As a sister, Jules is determined to find her. As a cop, she can’t go to the authorities. The piece of parchment declares magic exists; they’d think she’s nuts.

When a mysterious woman vows she can help her get to the seventeenth century, Jules goes along with it out of desperation.

He’s an infamous barbarian...

Hugh MacDonald is intrigued when he finds a disoriented naked lass on the beach. She holds a scroll that was written by his rival’s wife. Clan MacLeod will pay ransom for her safe return, so he takes her captive.

She challenges his authority—and his desires. What started off as a plan to anger the MacLeods ends with Hugh wanting to keep her for himself.

Can Jules break free of the barbarian, find her sister and return to the future or will she give in to her attraction and desire to remain in the past?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, a woman who is searching for her missing sister finds a lead of a lifetime if only she can get around the fact that she has to travel into the past to find her. Than once she sees her sister again, she learns that the woman who helped her is trying to tear apart everything she's now opened up her heart too. Will she stay to love and protect her new loved ones or will she reconcile that going back to her reality would be the best choice for her after all?

I really liked how this novel is stand-alone while still updating the reader as to what the MacLeod clan is up too! However, what pulled me into this novel was the constant banter that Juliette (Jules) & Hugh share, as it's hilarious at times and sweet while you get to see how their feelings grow for one another. I like how everything wrapped up between them and the other characters, yet I wish this novel had a longer epilogue to really see how things turned out for them later on. Also, I'm curious to see if there will be another novel included in this series to see where everyone will end up next.

I do recommend this novel and series to those who like paranormal historical romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : SMASHWORDS : The Tartan MP3 Player | SMASHWORDS : The Fae Ring | SMASHWORDS : The Parchment Scroll


My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

Author's Novel Extras : The Parchment Scroll - Overview & Excerpt | COVER REVEAL! The Parchment Scroll (Highland Secrets Trilogy Book Three)! And 2500 likes giveaway! | The Parchment Scroll is OUT!!!! Excerpt!!!!!!

Author's Series Extras : Highland Secrets Trilogy | The Tartan MP3 Player - Overview | The Fae Ring - Overview | COVER REVEAL: The Tartan MP3 Player! | My Writing Process Blog Hop. Process? WHAT the HECK is that? #AMWriting | COVER REVEAL!! The Fae Ring and GIVEAWAY!!


Book Teaser(s) :
"I made a choice. I chose Duncan and the past. My life is here. Duncan and Lachlan are my life."
She bit down until her teeth ached and her jaw creaked. "I can't lose you, little sister."
"I don't want to lose you, either. But I'm happy here, Jules. I promise."
"Without...everything you know?"
Claire laughed. "I do miss tampons."
Jules swallowed a giggle. "But not antibiotics?"
Her sister scrunched up her nose, reminding Jules of when they were little. "An epidural woulda been nice."
"I bet." She snorted. ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book, series and/or any other books by C. A., then please check out her website.

Second Sentence Saturday: Love Me To Death


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Love Me To Death" [The Underveil Series, Book 1] by Marissa Clarke -- MY REVIEW

The skinny guy in the black baseball cap leveled the gun at the clerk behind the counter and without a word, pulled the trigger.



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Idolizing In: The Underveil Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 350; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1394 KB | Expected Release Date: October 28, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Love Me To Death" [The Underveil Series, Book 1] by Marissa Clarke (aka Mary Lindsey)

Author's Book Description : What you want the most just might kill you...

Medical research scientist Elena Arcos has always lived her life under the radar. When she is shot in a convenience store robbery, Elena finds herself rocketed into supernatural insanity courtesy of a sexy immortal law enforcer. He's convinced she's some kind of freaky half-vampire thin and that her deceased dad was the real deal: a blood sucking monster. Yeah, right.

Nikolai Itzov never anticipated battling the urge to kiss the offspring of his father's murderer. As a slayer, and elite law enforcer descended from Azrael himself, his orders from teh Underveil General are clear: Kill her or die.

Nikolai and Elena find themselves in a life and death battle to stop a plot designed to lift the Underveil and enslave humans. With her analytical mind and his centuries of training, they might be able to foil the plot with their lives and maybe their hearts intact. But in order to succeed, he must help her become the very thing he hates the most: an Undead.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! A fated couple, who started out as enemies, comes together to save the world and learn that there is more out there then what they know...in more ways then one.

Oh My Goodness!! I am already ADDICTED to this series, as I LOVED this novel!! All of the characters are very compelling and entertaining! It was fun reading about their many background stories, which were continuously coming out of the woodwork. Overall, this novel takes the reader on a thrilling ride where they'll not expect everything that is thrown their way.

To top it off ... I could not get enough of Nikolai (Nik) & Elena (E) being together!! With Nik's abrasive/protective manner and Elena's caring ways it was exciting to watch their relationship grow, especially since with their dispositions they had to work out how to understand each other while not being offended which was kind of sweet! Additionally, I really appreciated that this novel has a beginning and end, so other then some secondary plots that weren't completed everything involving Nik & Elena's romance comes together in this novel!!

I cannot wait to see where this series will go next and whom we'll get to read about!! I recommend this novel and series to those who like paranormal thriller romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Love Me To Death Has a Cover! | ALA 2014 Las Vegas

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
“You have to promise me something: Don’t let me become one of those creatures. I can’t live like that. You have to promise to use that sword and end me before it happens.” A tear ran down her cheek, and he brushed it away with his thumb. “Promise me,” she insisted.
He shook his head. “Humans don’t just change over into vampires. They replicate by killing humans, draining their blood, and replacing it with some of their own. You were born of one, not bitten and turned by one. It’s unprecedented.”
“Promise, Nikolai, or I’ll kill myself before it happens.”
Seeing her fear made him ache. If a promise would make her feel better, he would give it, even if there was no way he could carry it out. He reached under the water and grabbed her ankle, then gently tugged her closer from her side of the tub. “I promise you, Elena Arcos, I will kill you.”
“Aww. Isn’t that romantic?” Stefan said from the bathroom door. “Sweeter words have never been uttered. I bet you are a real winner on Valentine’s Day, Slayer.” ~ within Chapter 6

Cats stared at her from everywhere: from the bushes, the lawn, the roof, under the porch, and even from inside the house. Gold, blue, and green eyes glowed and followed her from the windows. So many. Too many. The back of her neck tingled. There was a threat or some kind of danger here.
One of the closer cats growled low in its throat. Elena slipped the latch from the gate, and the beast crouched lower and twitched its tail. The growl got louder. It was going to pounce.
Nik stilled her hand on the latch. “They fight like their shifter animal even in human form. They will bite and scratch. They can leap great distances in either physical manifestation. Don’t let their looks deceive you. Even unshifted, you’re not dealing with house cats here. They’re dangerous. You must be careful.”
Well, crap. That’s not what she needed to hear. She used to cuddle and pet these guys.
He leaned closer. “They won’t be expecting you to channel. Zap a few and they’ll back off. Cats don’t like water or electric shock. Go get ’em.”
The cat closest to them hissed, and Elena flinched. “Wait. Where are you going to be?”
“I’ll be watching from here. You wanted training. Well, here it is. Hands- and claws-on training.” He slid the latch all the way open and swung wide the gate. “You’re on!”
Holy. Freaking. Shit. ~ within Chapter 22
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Marissa, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Blog Tour - Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series by Melissa McClone | Spreading the Word & Gift Card with Mini Swag Bag Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Melissa McClone author of "Mistletoe Magic," "Kiss Me, Cowboy," & "Mistletoe Wedding," which are all in her Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series & her Copper Mountain Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run from October 16 - 22, 2014]



[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series] by Melissa McClone

Author's Series Description : Three couples. Three stories, where you can follow one pair from meeting to wedding day!
  • "Mistletoe Magic" – short story – FREE at Amazon and Smashwords
  • "Kiss Me, Cowboy" – eBook novella — $0.99 on Kindle from October 17 - 23, 2014
  • "Mistletoe Wedding" — eBook novella — New Release! Only $2.99




"Mistletoe Magic"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Copper Mountain Christmas Series, Book 3, & Montana Born Brides Series] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description :
    Spending a quiet Christmas housesitting and reading novels about hot cowboys sounds perfect to Caitlin Butler. Until a stray kitten brings her face-to-face with Noah, her crush from college. Watching the handsome vet in action melts Caitlin’s heart and brings back long forgotten emotion. She would be safer back at the house lost in the pages of a book. But a toe-curling mistletoe kiss tempts her to stay. Maybe she won’t be spending this Christmas... alone.

    Veterinarian Noah Sullivan isn’t a Scrooge, but the Christmas Eve tradition of hanging mistletoe in the clinic’s waiting room annoys him. Kissing doesn’t belong at the Copper Mountain Animal Hospital. Noah rethinks his position when Caitlin arrives with a stray kitten she found freezing in the snow. All he wants now is to maneuver the pretty preschool teacher under the mistletoe. If he’s not careful, he’ll wind up on Santa’s naughty list.

My Book Review :
    3.5 out of 5 stars, exes meet again after years apart at a veterinary clinic while trying to save a kitten, with all that "mistletoe" around they might just ignite their old passions for one another in time to celebrate Christmas!

    This was a sweet story about college sweethearts finding one another in unexpected circumstances. [READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Smashwords

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **




"Kiss Me, Cowboy"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, & Montana Born Rodeo Series, Book 3] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description :
    She didn’t mean to kiss him...

    When dude ranch wrangler Charlotte – aka Charlie – Randall kisses Zack Harris in an act of empathy, she falls hat over spurs for the handsome military veteran turned cowboy. Zack has too many demons, however, and refuses to get involved. A year later, he’s still stonewalling, and Charlie needs to move on with her life so she can find a fulfilling relationship, not frustrating unrequited love. Putting distance between them seems the best way to get Zack out of her head and heart…but that means quitting the job she loves and accepting a position in Colorado.

    He didn’t mean to kiss her back...

    Growing up, Zack longed for a real family, and had one with his squad while deployed in Afghanistan. Now, he’s back in the States and doesn’t want anything messing up his new ranch family, no matter how much he’s attracted to the sexy, hard-working Charlie. She could break his heart and ruin the comfortable working relationship they and the other wranglers enjoy. Besides, her friends claim she’s looking for the perfect guy, and perfect he’s not.

    A kiss is just a kiss...or is it?

    When Zack learns Charlie’s thinking about leaving the ranch, he decides to find her a boyfriend — someone so good, so perfect, she has a reason to stay in Montana. Until he realizes too late that the only cowboy he wants her kissing is him. Can he commit to love and convince Charlie not to leave? Or has she made up her mind to put the past, and the kiss that started it all, behind her and move on without him?

My Book Review :
    3 out of 5 stars!! Past experiences come back to haunt two friends/co-workers. One who has chosen to get over her heartache if only she can find a way to forget about her seemingly unrequited crush. While the other uses his past as a guide of "what not to do" and in doing to he stifles his options for his future. Will they finally be able to be honest with each other in hopes that everything will work out between them the way it's suppose to be or will new options for them come to light instead?

    A sweet romance that reels you in and doesn't let go! Charlotte and Zack are so alike that it’s hard not to see them together as a couple. [READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **




"Mistletoe Wedding"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description :
    Event planner at the Bar V5 Dude Ranch, Meg Redstone is dreaming of a white Christmas with twinkling lights, sparkly decorations and strategically placed mistletoe. She loves making dreams come true for others, whether planning a holiday wedding or giving her young daughter the best Christmas ever.

    Ranch foreman Tyler Murphy loves the holidays, but his newest employee has taken over his barn with her over-the-top decorations. He admires Meg’s desire to give her daughter the perfect Christmas while planning a winter wonderland wedding, but he wants to show her that a Montana Christmas is more than glitter and lights.

    After raising his younger sister, an instant family is not on Ty’s Christmas wish list. But he finds himself falling hard for the single mom and her little girl. Meg, however, is not interested in a romance with a cowboy like Ty, or any man. Getting her under the mistletoe is going to take a Christmas miracle . . . or a little help from Santa.

My Book Review :
    4 out of 5 stars!! Tyler (Ty) finds a woman he could truly fall for, if she didn't already have a child it might have been a no-brainer for him but with the magic of Christmas in the air and a little mistletoe, these two might get what they truly deserve for Christmas .... a family.

    Out of the three novels I've read by Ms. McClone in her series, I liked this one the best!! This fast-paced holiday romance puts the reader in a festive cheer while you watch Ty & Megan (Meg) work their way through their pasts to find out what they really want for Christmas, which is each other. [READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa McClone worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! Since then, she has published over thirty romance novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She’s also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children’s swim practices and other activities. She also sends care packages to deployed service members and fosters cats through a local no-kill animal shelter. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house. They do!



Book Excerpt from "Kiss Me, Cowboy" :

A few minutes later, Charlie stepped out of the barn. Two copper braids hung down from her hat. The only time he'd seen her wear make-up had been at Nate and Rachel's wedding. Charlie had worn a dress showing off long, toned legs no one expected, east of all him. He'd had to keep his distance that night and keep the other wranglers away from her, too.

She might act like a cowboy, rough and tumble, ready to jump into a fight if called upon, but she was girl-next-door pretty, with blue eyes that sparkled and a generous mouth that
readily curved into a smile. He didn't let himself think of her as a woman often. Treating her like a guy kept him from focusing on her soft lips, sweet scent, and sexy curves.

She rubbed the back of her neck. "Thought you'd be at the bunkhouse by now."

He shrugged. "Was waiting for you."

She inhaled sharply.

Ty was right about them not getting along. She seemed more pissed off today. He jumped off the fence and closed the distance between them. "Got a few minutes?"

"For?"

The blues of her eyes reminded him of two tempting, deep pools of water. Perfect to jump into when he was hot and sweating. Truth was, drowning in her didn't sound like a bad way to go. The reason that would be a mistake poked at him like hungry mosquitos.

"I want to talk," he said.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Melissa McClone :

Blog Tour - Good Faith by Liz Crowe | Spreading the Word & Kindle Fire/Gift Cards/Full Series Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Liz Crowe author of "Good Faith," which is eighth book in her Stewart Realty Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run on October 21, 2014 -- Giveaway will run until October 30, 2014]




"Good Faith"
[The Stewart Realty Series, Book 8] by Liz Crowe

Author's Book Description :
    Strong personalities—volatile marriages—stressful careers—conflicting goals—difficult children.

    Contemporary challenges facing close-knit families form the crucible that forges a new generation.

    Brandis, Gabriel, Blair and Lillian emerge from the entanglement of their parents’ longstanding emotional connections, but one’s star will burn brighter – and hotter – than the others.

    With a personality that consumes everyone and everything in its path, Brandis Gordon struggles to maintain control as he ricochets between wild success and miserable failure. His life proves how even the strongest relationships can be strangled by the ties that bind.

    Brandis and Gabe Frietag are as close as any brothers, bound by both loyalty and fierce rivalry. The strength of their ultimate alliance is tested time and again by Brandis’ choices.

    Companions from birth, Blair Frietag and Lillian Robinson share loner tendencies, but come to rely on each other through adolescence. As they mature, both are forced to confront their feelings for the men they knew as boys.

    Somewhere between the tangle of good memories and bad, independence and addiction, optimism and despair, the intertwined destinies of the new generation finally collide, leaving some stronger, others broken, but none unscathed.

    As a chronicle of three families navigating the minefields of teen years into the turbulence of young adulthood, "Good Faith" holds up a literary mirror to contemporary life with joys and temptations unflinchingly reflected. Its fresh, real-life voice portrays the sheer volatility of human nature, complete with the hopes, dreams, and unexpected setbacks of marriage, parenthood and “coming of age.”

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iTunes

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

Amazon best-selling author, beer blogger and beer marketing expert, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing novels about the same time she agreed to take on marketing and sales for the Wolverine State Brewing Company.

Most days find her sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, unless she’s writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Her early forays into the publishing world led to a groundbreaking fiction subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” which has gained thousands of fans and followers interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”). More recently she is garnering even more fans across genres with her latest novels, which are more character-driven fiction, while remaining very much “real life.”

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and many times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate, and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.




Book Excerpt :

That morning his father had roused him from a sound sleep. He’d blinked, confused, by the angle of the sunlight. He rarely slept much past eight since he usually had some sort of training or the other.
“Let’s go son. Time for lunch.”
Brandis had dragged himself up, his limbs feeling like they weighed a thousand pounds each. His brain buzzed with a strange sort of energy, his typical state, and not at all welcome considering it normally didn’t hit him until later in the day. The conversation his father began as soon as they were seated at their usual diner did not help.
“So, listen, Brandis. These girls…Katie’s friends from college....”
Brandis sipped his ice water, waiting for his father to finish the thought. His heart pounded, and his face flushed hot with embarrassment.
Jack sighed, as if exasperated that Brandis didn’t pick up the thread on his own, leaving him to carry on with the awkwardness about to ensue. Then he leveled his gaze, his face open, not angry or judgmental. “I think that you may be in for some...I mean, they’re...shit.”
“If you are gonna tell me where babies come from again,” Brandis said, after deciding to ease his father’s obvious distress. He cocked an eyebrow and half a smile. Jack seemed to relax somewhat as Brandis continued. “Don’t bother. I already know.”
He flashed his brightest smile up at the middle-aged woman who stood at their table, coffee pot in hand. She blinked rapidly at him, and at that precise moment, Brandis got his first flash of...something...about his power. Up until now he’d merely been “Brandis the trouble maker, the causer of strife.” Suddenly, he felt strong, amazingly so, stronger than even the man sitting across from him, a taller, older version of himself. His body tingled all over, as he tested the smile out again on the woman, making her slop some coffee out onto the table. His father frowned, but then chuckled as the woman walked away after they gave their orders.
“Son,” he said, leaning back and cradling the coffee mug to his chest. “Your adventure has only just begun.”
“Huh?” Brandis picked up his cup but didn’t drink any. He hated coffee, but had ordered it in a burst of need to be more like Jack. As he sipped the bitter stuff, he was transported back years before when he and his dad would spend every single Saturday morning together, eating breakfast at this very diner. He had adored the man, he remembered distinctly. His chest hurt at the simplicity of their relationship then. He looked away from Jack’s deep blue, knowing gaze.
The subject changed of its own accord, and Brandis let it. Although part of him wanted to ask for advice, a much bigger part would not allow the words past his lips.
They ate, discussing the upcoming football season and Brandis’ part in it. The recruiting company Jack had contracted last year to video his every move would start up with the first game. He’d made varsity again, technically as backup quarterback to a senior boy. Brandis didn’t see this as a setback and had every intention of starting under center by the second or third game.
Finally, when they pushed their empty plates back and sat looking at each other, Brandis felt more comfortable in his father’s presence than he had been in a long time. Jack said, “I am pretty sure at least one of those girls sleeping in the basement is determined to change the status of your virginity for you probably as soon as tonight.”
Brandis choked on the last sip of lukewarm coffee. His face burned, and his body tingled again. “I’m...it’s...uh....” He clutched the napkin in his lap unable to meet his father’s eyes.
“No need to say anything. Let’s just say your mother is an astute reader of female intent. While I was busy admiring your sister’s friend’s ass, she apparently read the girl’s mind or something.” Brandis’ face flushed even hotter.
He resisted the urge to protest, to proclaim his innocence of such things. Because he wanted it back—those mornings between them, father and son, man and boy, not this awkward, man and almost-man bullshit. Because while the thought of one of his sister’s college friends popping his cherry remained a pleasant fantasy, it also made him feel older than he wanted to be right then.
“So, I bought a box of condoms this morning,” Jack went on. “Put some downstairs in the side table drawer and the rest in your room. Use them please.” He sipped the last of his coffee, looked as if he were about to get up, then leaned forward, touching Brandis’ wrist. “Have fun. Don’t be an asshole to women. Let every experience teach you...something. Because you are nothing as a man if you don’t learn from every woman you...love.” Jack looked out the window onto the nearly empty parking lot. Then he turned back, tightened his grip on his son’s arm. “God, you are so...young.” His face fell a moment, then he perked up again, his eyes twinkling. “Okay, so, your mother told me to tell you not to let them corrupt you. But all I’m gonna say is this: always wear protection, no matter what, no matter how much you don’t want to. And don’t let your mom catch you in the act. I’ll handle her otherwise.”
Then he let go, stood and smiled, draping a friendly arm around Brandis’ shoulders as they exited the restaurant.
“You really didn’t tell me you were admiring Katie’s friend’s ass, did you, Dad?”
“No, son. I most certainly did not. You obviously misheard me.” Jack winked as he stood by the passenger’s side of his classic Corvette convertible and tossed the keys to Brandis. “Remember what I told you. Don’t ride my clutch.”



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... TWEET away on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Liz Crowe :

Teaser Tuesday: The Brickmaker’s Bride


"The Brickmaker’s Bride" [Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller -- MY REVIEW

Book Teaser:

Monday, October 20, 2014

Feasted On: Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 307 | Expected Release Date: October 16, 2014 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions/Melissa McClone

"Mistletoe Wedding" [Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description : Event planner at the Bar V5 Dude Ranch, Meg Redstone is dreaming of a white Christmas with twinkling lights, sparkly decorations and strategically placed mistletoe. She loves making dreams come true for others, whether planning a holiday wedding or giving her young daughter the best Christmas ever.

Ranch foreman Tyler Murphy loves the holidays, but his newest employee has taken over his barn with her over-the-top decorations. He admires Meg’s desire to give her daughter the perfect Christmas while planning a winter wonderland wedding, but he wants to show her that a Montana Christmas is more than glitter and lights.

After raising his younger sister, an instant family is not on Ty’s Christmas wish list. But he finds himself falling hard for the single mom and her little girl. Meg, however, is not interested in a romance with a cowboy like Ty, or any man. Getting her under the mistletoe is going to take a Christmas miracle . . . or a little help from Santa.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Tyler (Ty) finds a woman he could truly fall for, if she didn't already have a child it might have been a no-brainer for him but with the magic of Christmas in the air and a little mistletoe, these two might get what they truly deserve for Christmas .... a family.

Out of the three novels I've read by Ms. McClone in her series, I liked this one the best!! This fast-paced holiday romance puts the reader in a festive cheer while you watch Ty & Megan (Meg) work their way through their pasts to find out what they really want for Christmas, which is each other. The plot was sweet, and it made me love all of the characters (main & secondary)!! In addition, while it was a bit confusing because of the question of 'how could Meg's daughter (Brooklyn) know about her father' at the end of the novel, I really liked the endearing way everything was wrapped up and how officially Meg & Ty came together as a couple!

I hope to read more of this lovely town and it's entertaining characters!! I recommend this novel to those who like contemporary holiday romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series/Connected Series Here :


My Previous Review(s) for the Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series & the Copper Mountain Series : Mistletoe Magic | Kiss Me, Cowboy

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Expecting Royal Twins!

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: Kiss Me, Cowboy

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Mistletoe Wedding - Tyler and Meg | Mistletoe Wedding - Overview (with links to more) | Release Day for Mistletoe Wedding

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Marietta, Montana - Zach | Home for Christmas - Overview (with links to more) | Mistletoe Magic - Overview (with links to more) | Kiss Me, Cowboy - Overview (with links to more) | A Welcome from Marietta Chamber of Commerce | Home For Christmas | Mistletoe Magic! | Out a Day Early! | I Wear Her Necklace | Amazon Top 100 Best Seller! | Update and New Release! | Sierra: The Story Behind a Dedication | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Alissa Callen’s Cherish Me, Cowboy | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Rachael Johns’ Tease Me, Cowboy | Kiss Me, Cowboy Playlist | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Megan Crane’s Please Me, Cowboy | The Bar V5 and a Countdown Deal! | A Marietta Christmas: Alissa Callen’s The Mistletoe Cowboy


Book Teaser(s) :
“Asking more questions is not going to get you off the hook. You said you came to the barn to find me, but that doesn’t explain why you’re in here.”
“The music was so loud. I wanted to find some place quieter. A cat went through the doggy door so I followed.”
“The music is loud,” Ty agreed.
Meg shot him a look. She didn’t need him encouraging her daughter to misbehave or think what she did was right. “You could have asked me to turn down the volume.”
“I didn’t know where you were, and my ears hurt,” Brooklyn answered, even though Meg had been talking to Ty. “A light was on, and it was much quieter inside with the door closed. I saw the cats napping and wanted to see what that would be like.”
“To sleep.”
Brooklyn rolled her eyes. “Don’t be silly, Mommy. Everyone knows what it’s like to sleep. But I wanted to see what sleeping like a cat would be like.”
“What’s the verdict?” Ty asked.
“The ledge isn’t big so I had to curl up tight into a ball, but the carpet’s soft.” She crinkled her nose. “A little smelly though.”
Ty grinned, as if he was enjoying this. Well, Meg wasn’t. ~ within Chapter 2
“All the animals doing well?” Noah asked Ty.
“They are fine. No need to make a house call on your day off, Doc. Concentrate on your pretty fiancée and wedding plans.”
“You’re asking the impossible,” Caitlin said. “That’s why I’m wearing a Hello Kitty wedding gown, so I’ll be more appealing to my beloved vet.”
Noah’s eyes widened, as if in horror. “You are not.”
“Okay, I’m not,” Caitlin relented. “Charlie convinced me that would be a bad idea.”
“Good for Charlie,” Ty said.
Meg nodded. “That’s why a bride has a Maid of Honor.”
Noah blew out a puff of air. “Thank goodness for the cowgirl.” ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Melissa, then please check out her website.

Blog Tour - The Brickmaker’s Bride by Judith Miller | Spreading the Word & Kindle Fire HDX/Novel Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Judith Miller author of "The Brickmaker’s Bride," which is the first novel in her Refined by Love Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from October 10 - November 4, 2014 | Giveaway ends on November 4, 2014 | Judy's Refined by Love Facebook Author Event is on November 4, 2014]



"The Brickmaker’s Bride"
[Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller (aka Judith McCoy Miller)

Author's Book Description :
    Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

    But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka. She enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.

Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write full-time, a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing.

Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. She is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, several of which have placed in the CBA and ECPA top ten lists. It is her deep desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus.




Giveaways!! :

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, "The Brickmaker's Bride." CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

brickmaker-400

One winner will receive :

  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • A copy of "The Brickmaker's Bride" by Judith Miller

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of "The Brickmaker's Bride" then join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

brickmaker-enterbanner

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!




Find Judith Miller :

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Disappointmentville: Refined by Love Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 346; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4142 KB | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group : Bethany House Publishers | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"The Brickmaker’s Bride" [Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller (aka Judith McCoy Miller)

Author's Book Description : Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, a man sets out to America to create a better life for himself and his three younger sisters has to deal with deceiving relatives and powerful men hoping to see him fail while praying that God will see him through.

I had high hopes for this novel, and while I liked Ewan, Laura, and their relationship, it still didn't meet my expectations. I mostly feel that way because it was hard for me to take Ewan's Uncle Hugh & Aunt Margaret's constant scathing comments. If Ewan was real instead of fictional, I wouldn't know how he could've put up with the remarks as long as he did. In truth, the actions of Aunt Margaret, Uncle Hugh, and Winston (Laura's suitor) really made it difficult for me to get through this novel because animosity seemed never ending at times.

However, as I said before I liked Ewan & Laura. Them being together and seeing how their relationship played out was the only reason I stuck with this novel. Ewan has a great head on his shoulders and with Laura's sweet ways; together they make a good couple. I did like how their personal story wrapped up it was very endearing.

Since this is the first novel in Ms. Miller's Refined by Love Series, I am very curious to see where this will go next.

Even though I had a hard time reading this novel I did like its plot, because of that I do recommend it to those who like Christian historical romances.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : The Brickmaker’s Bride - Overview


Author's Series Extras : Refined by Love Series - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :
"I will have you know that a brick is not a brick, Winston, and Ewan did not wave a white flag." Laura's eyes flashed with anger. "Do you also believe that all shoes are alike?"
"There's nothing similar about shoes and bricks, Laura." There was a hint of disdain in Winston's voice.
Laura stopped short. "There is a similarity between shoes and bricks. A good shoe depends upon how the leather is tanned and on the talent of the cobbler. A good brick depends upon the quality of the clay and the talent of the brickmaker. If a brick isn't dried long enough before entering the kiln or if the burner doesn't know how to maintain a proper fire, the brick may look good on the outside, but crack under pressure." She tipped her head to one side and lifted an eyebrow. "I believe politicians sometimes crack under pressure, as well. Don't you agree?" ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Judith, then please check out her website.
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