Monday, February 13, 2012

Blog Tour Guest Post & Giveaway -- Odd by Leigh Ellwood

Let's give a grand welcome to Leigh Ellwood, who I'm turning over my blog to today and is talking about her latest novel "Odd!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's and this blog's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Book Tour will run from February 13 - 17, 2012]

So ... here we go ...



About "Odd" :

Hello, and thank you for reading. I am Leigh Ellwood, author of romance and erotica, and I am happy to be the guest blog today. My latest release, "ODD," is an M/M contemporary short and part of the All Romance Perfect Strangers series. It is available exclusively through All Romance in digital format.

The theme of this story, naturally, is written to suit the ARe imprint, which focuses on stories of total strangers who meet and instantly fall in love/like/lust, whatever you wish to call it. Is this something that happens in real life? I can’t say that it’s happened to me personally, though I will admit the first time I saw my husband – nearly 20 years ago in an English class we shared – there was definite immediate interest. We didn’t start seeing each other until several months after that first meeting, however. So if there was love at first sight happening there, there was no love at first action.

The one challenge to writing a story like "ODD" is making the relationship believable. I’ve talked with enough people who affirm that love at first sight is possible. In fiction, you must write it in a way that a reader accepts. There may be hesitation on part of one person to move forward, but if the emotions are strong enough a writer can take two characters in love and make the relationship last.

If you have fallen in love at first sight, I hope it worked out for you and that you are living the happily ever after! Thanks for visiting.

If you comment on this post, I’ll give a random visitor two free downloads from my backlist (see below for more info). I have a number of M/M and het erotic romances, which I hope you’ll enjoy.



About the Author :

Leigh Ellwood is an award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance fiction. Following the release of her first novel, "Truth or Dare," in 2004, Leigh has since written several novels, novella, and short stories. She is an EPIC Award winner and has been nominated for many reviewers awards for her works.
Leigh welcomes reader mail at kspatwriter (at) yahoo (dot) com.




"Odd" [Perfect Strangers Series] by Leigh Ellwood

Author's Book Description :

    Greg Hargrove has a ticket to the hottest party in town: Drew Bradley's annual Odd Ball. Dressed for the theme as one half of a popular sitcom duo, Greg doesn't expect to meet his match and engage in a secret night of passion while the festivities rage on. When handsome Rick Wade falls on his radar, however, Greg decides to partake of more explicit party favors. Is Rick more than a one-night stand, though, or can Greg look forward to many passion-filled reruns?



Book Excerpt :

In the ten years Drew Bradley hosted his annual Odd Ball, people knew to expect two events: sometime toward the end of the evening Drew would lose his pants, and the two winners of the Best Oscar and Best Felix costume awards would immediately hook up afterward and live happily ever after. That many of the happy couples continued to come to the big party as their chosen television personas stood testament to their host’s impeccable matchmaking—and entertaining—skills.

Greg Hargrove personally didn’t care if either happened on his watch. After years of watching siblings primp and prepare for the biggest bash in town, he’d finally reached the requisite legal drinking age and could now attend. Though he’d never seen the television show that inspired the theme of the party, he’d gleaned enough by living vicariously through older friends—and researching YouTube clips—to know the score.

On November fourteenth, Felix Unger was asked to his leave his apartment. This request came from his wife...

There was more to the prologue, he knew, but in his excitement Greg thought himself fortunate to recall his own name, much less those of characters from a TV show that ceased airing first run episodes long before he was a “glint in the mailman’s eye,” as his brothers liked to tease.

Greg adjusted his Yankees ball cap and smoothed a hand over his three-day-old stubble. It itched like hell, but he wanted to shoot for realism even if he didn’t win the grand costume prize. Would be nice, though, since neither of his older brothers had won before, and Greg had heard Drew didn’t skimp on the goods. Last year’s couple, he’d been told, won matching gold watches.

At the front door of Drew’s McMansion of a home, a wiry, unsmiling man with a long nose looked down at Greg over his John Lennon glasses. “Your invitation?” He held out a pale, almost wrinkleless palm.

“Sure.” Greg surrendered the requisite card given him by his brother Joe, who couldn’t make it this time. Joe hadn’t kidded him when he warned about the exclusivity of the event. What the hell went on here that required protection against crashers?

The butler-bouncer, for lack of a better description, peered down at the invitation for a long moment, as though determining its authenticity. Then, curling it in his bony hand, he addressed Greg. “You may access all designated party rooms with the exception of the VIP area, and you must stay in character. How everyone behaves throughout the evening will determine the final judging for the contest.”

“Got it.” Damn, people sure took this party seriously. At least, going as slovenly Oscar rather than uptight Felix, Greg believed he could blend in easily. Acting like a slob came naturally to him anyway.

“Good.” The man startled Greg with a warm smile that completely softened the landscape of his face. “Enjoy yourself.”



Giveaways!! :
  • A $10 All Romance eBooks gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour
  • Giveaway for a randomly drawn commenter on this specific blog: Readers choice of two downloads from Leigh’s backlist!

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


Find Leigh Ellwood :

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Feasted On: The Baby Chase Series, Book 5

Format: Paperback | Pages: 219 | Release Date: June 2010 | Publisher: Silhouette Books Special Edition | Obtained: Friends of the Pasquotank-Camden Library - Fall Book Sale

"The Billionaire’s Baby Plan" [The Baby Chase Series, Book 5] by Allison Leigh

My Book Summary : After finding out about her brother's betrayal Lisa agrees to meet with Rourke in hopes that he'll be willing to invest in her family's fertility institute. However, she soon finds out that for Rourke's help she'll need to agree to become his wife and the mother of his children. Because of her dedication to her family, their business and the necessity of the situation she's in, Lisa agrees.

During their honeymoon, Rourke and Lisa started to really have feelings for one another that could turn their situation into a blessing. If only, the reasons for getting involved weren't over their heads all the time. In addition, Rourke has some secrets of his own that could turn everything that they have created together into a complete shame if they come out. Will they be able to make everything work out together or if everything finally does come out ... will they even want to stay together in the end?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. This novel was about two strong-minded individuals, who on the surface don't seem to have anything in common or want the same type of things, but when thrown together passionate sparks fly between them in a way it's hard to keep them apart. A fun read with all the sudden twists and secrets that seemed to come out of the woodwork. The characters were intriguing and lively, creating an entertaining story that I didn't want to put down!

I recommend this novel to anyone who has enjoyed this series thus far and/or anyone who likes romance novels.

Book Teaser(s) :
"Is she your girlfriend?"
Lisa nearly choked, particularly when Rourke sent her a sidelong look. "Does she look like she's my girlfriend?"
The little girl's eyes were just as dark as Rourke's; a startling contrast considering the golden curls spilling around her head. And they focused on Lisa with an unnerving intensity. "Maybe," she determined. "But I'm gonna marry Uncle Rourke, anyway. He's mine."
Lisa couldn't help but smile. "I see." ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Allison, then please check out her website.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Made the Grade: A Waltz at Midnight by Crista McHugh

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 238 KB | Expected Release Date: February 27, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Waltz at Midnight" by Crista McHugh

My Book Summary : Set in 1866, right after the American Civil War, Susanna finds her life completely changed. Instead of living in the home she grew up in the south, her brother and her now live in their Aunt's boarding house in New York. Where she works as a servant there, dealing with spoiled debutantes. However, when one of the debutantes receives a letter from a suitor that she would like to discourage but doesn't know how, she hires Susanna to do so for her.

One letter turns into two and then she finds that she enjoys written to this suitor more than she should. However, what will happen when emotions get involved and it finally becomes time to meet, will she be able to tell him the truth in hopes he won't get angry or will she let him go for good??

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Even though this isn't true, this is a short story that seemed to be a clever mix of Disney's "Cinderella" and Lisa Kleypas's "Love in the Afternoon." From the way Susanna is now a servant (like in "Cinderella") to how she is asked to respond to someone else's suitor (like how the plot is in "Love in the Afternoon"). However, since I like both of those novels it made me enjoy this short story that much more.

I really liked reading the letters between Susanna and Theodore, they were flirty, well written, and have enough banter, between the two of them, that I could see the romance bloom after each letter. Then, of course, the author wraps up the story in such a sweet way that makes everyone happy .... except, probably, Theodore and Charlotte's parents.

I recommend this to anyone who liked the two stories listed above and to anyone who would enjoy reading a short story historical romance. One that is very sweet and charming. =0)

Book Teaser(s) :
She paused, wanting to continue to berate him by sharing her personal stories of the tears she shed when her father was killed at Gettysburg, the brave face she was forced to show when her brother returned missing a leg and half-dead from fever, or her flight from Columbia when Sherman came marching in with lit torches. But then she remembered she was posing as Charlotte. Mr. Blakely didn’t know who she was and wouldn’t even care about a refugee from the South.
She signed Charlotte’s name and sealed the letter in an envelope. The first flakes of winter’s snow were falling outside, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to be done with Mr. Theodore Blakely. ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Crista, then please check out her website.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Made the Grade: Pack and Coven by Jody Wallace

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 501 KB | Expected Release Date: February 20, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Pack and Coven" by Jody Wallace (aka Ellie Marvel)

My Book Summary : Ever since Harry had issues with his previous pack, he has never joined another one and has no plans too. He's happy being an indie werewolf, enjoys his "grandmother" type friends, and being the local mechanic at the town he's living in. However, the local pack is in need of a new alpha and wants him to step up to the plate and take the position ... which is the last thing that Harry wants to do.

Knowing Harry's predicament June, a friend of his, makes plans to help him any way possible, even if that means going against her own coven's rules. Nevertheless, helping Harry also has the potential to inadvertently expose secrets from both of them to come out to each other. With each new secret that comes out has the potential to ruin both of their lives, depending if the pack and/or coven finds out that the secrets have been told. How much are Harry and June willing to risk for each other and keep their lives the way they want them??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is one action-packed romance novel that takes a whole new twist on what it means to be a witch within a shifter world. From finding out the secrets, that June was hiding to finding out how eccentric the witches were I enjoyed reading about how dynamic the world is that this story is set in.

About the Characters:
• June: Sweet, older than she looks, a witch who's keeping secrets.

• Harry: Protective about those he cares for, Alpha male, an independent werewolf, someone who has a secret past.

• Bianca: The Alpha female of her pack who plans to do whatever it takes to have Harry join her pack.

• June's Coven: Funny, quirky, and unique. Willing to do what it takes to make sure their secrets stay that way.

• Gavin: A wannabe Alpha werewolf willing to do anything to be sure he gets what he wants.

I liked the way this story is wrapped up (Harry and June's tale). However, I wish it didn't leave off some things about the other characters. Like what happened to the guys that came with Gavin, Maurice especially since he seemed kinda sweet. =0/ I think this has the potential to turn into a cool series if the author wanted to. You just never know. Anyway ....

I recommend this novel to everyone who enjoys paranormal romances that are action-packed in more than one way! =0)

Book Teaser(s) :
Fighting the urge to curl up and sleep, she pushed Harry’s face into her neck and peered at the old shifter awaiting an answer. A pure white beard and mustache surrounded his face, and his head hair had given in to the recessive gene not even shifters were able to avoid. He looked like Santa Claus, if Santa wore flannel and denim instead of red and white. ~ within Chapter 5
“Are you saying I could alter my appearance?”
“It’s a theory. We haven’t been able to experiment.”
“You looking for a guinea pig?” He liked new things—yet another reason he was no packer.
“No.” But her gaze lost focus as she considered it, just like when she had an idea for pie.
“How about a compromise?” He started grooming her PJs, removing pine needles. “If you stay in the tree, I’ll see what’s going on at the house.” He could sneak down there, listen in and sneak back before Maurice caught up to Gavin.
“No, sir. In horror movies when the actors separate, neither of them make it.”
“I can outrun Michael Myers.” ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jody, then please check out her website.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Idolizing In: There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Format: Paperback | Pages: 303 | Release Date: October 2011 | Publisher: Thomas Nelson | Obtained: Amazon.com

"There You’ll Find Me" by Jenny B. Jones

My Book Summary : Two years ago, Finley's world completely fell apart when her older brother Will was killed. Everything that she believed seemed to end and she got into things that she really shouldn't have been doing.

Now, after finishing her therapy sessions, she has decided to spend her last semester of her senior year in high school abroad in Ireland. While there she hopes just being there will bring her peace over loosing Will by following the steps he took on his previous visit (by following his journal). In addition, she's hoping that this trip will help her complete the song she's trying to compose that is dedicated to Will.

While on her flight to Ireland, she meets Beckett, a teen heartthrob who is flying out to shoot his latest vampire film. They find that Finley might be the only girl who could be immune to Beckett's charm. Therefore, not long after meeting they come to an agreement that during their stay Beckett will play tour guide to Finley in exchange Finley will be Beckett's assistant while on the set.

Yet not everything is what it seems. Finley comes to a point in her life where she has to decide if she should stick to the things she's doing or if she should open up her heart for new experiences to happen. However, will she be able to let go and let God choose her path or will old hurts get in the way??

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars, this is a touching novel about trying to deal with the heartbreak of loosing someone close to you and how you can over come that heartbreak into getting back to a "normal" life again. I loved the way this novel goes about trying to help the main character, Finley, from the gorgeous views that were described of Ireland (making me wish I could take a trip there) to Finley's adopted grandmother and her cranky ways to the new friends Finley meets. There seemed to be nothing I did not like about this novel!! Especially the relationship between Finley and Beckett, it was sweet, funny (with all of their bickering and unusual ways of talking to each other), and because of the way they go about helping each other it really made me enjoy this novel so much more!!!

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA romance novels! As well as, to anyone who enjoys novels with a Christian feel to it too.

FYI -- I bawled like a baby by the end of this novel so you might too.

Book Teaser(s) :
"I called you Sunday," he said.
I pointed to his shirt. "Seriously? Is this 1975?"
He looked down. "It drives the chicks wild."
"Yeah, the ones who work at Hooters and have a thing for backseats." ~ within Chapter 15
"Leave me now. I'm old and sick. And you're just nosy."
"How did he die?"
"The town said I killed him."
"Did you?"
"If wishes were bullets . . ." ~ within Chapter 21

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jenny, then please check out her Amazon Page.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
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Related Posts :

The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2012

Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

We Are Booked - So Very Thankful - November Bookstagram Challenges Wrap Up | @traciemomie @SoDreWrites #WeAreBookedPhotoChallenge #BookChallenges #photography

Feasted On: Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ J ~ Authors

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Texas Bride

  • Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here


  • "Texas Bride" [A Bitter Creek Book] by Joan Johnston
    Expected Publication Released Date: March 27, 2012

    Author's Book Description:
      HE MAY BE HER ONLY HOPE.
      SHE MAY BE HIS LAST CHANCE.

      Miranda Wentworth never imagined becoming a mail-order bride. Now marriage to a stranger is her only hope of finding a home where she and her two younger brothers can escape the brutality of the Chicago orphanage where they live. With any luck, she can even start a family of her own, once the three of them are settled at Jacob Creed’s Texas ranch. But Miranda has one gigantic concern: Her husband-to-be knows nothing about the brothers she’s bringing along. What if he calls off the deal when he discovers the trick she’s played on him?

      Jake Creed is hanging on to his Texas ranch by his fingernails. His nemesis, Alexander Blackthorne, is determined to ruin him. Jake will never give up, but he’s in desperate trouble. His wife died six months ago in childbirth, along with their stillborn son, and his two-year-old daughter needs a mother. The advertisement Jake wrote never mentioned his daughter—or the fact that he has no intention of consummating his marriage. He’s determined never to subject another wife to the burden of pregnancy. But Jake doesn’t count on finding his bride so desirable. He doesn’t count on aching with need when she joins him in bed. And he never suspected his bride would have plans of her own to seduce him.



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
    More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
    You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
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    Related Posts :

    Spreading the Word: Bachelors of Battle Creek Series, Book 2

    Blog Tour - Idolizing In: Swept Away by Mary Connealy | Review & Giveaway

    Made the Grade: A Texas Holiday Miracle by Linda Warren

    "Waiting On" Wednesday: A Lady Never Surrenders

    Tuesday, February 7, 2012

    Teaser Tuesdays: An Alpha’s Path

  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here



  • "An Alpha’s Path" [Redwood Pack Series, Book 1] by Carrie Ann Ryan

    Book Teaser:
    "How did the date go before it ended?"
    "You may have set me up on the date, but that doesn't give you the right to play teenage dream with me, bro. We're not sixteen-year old girls and I didn't go out with the quarterback of the football team. Fuck off."
    Jasper clasped his hands together and spoke in a high pitched voice, "Oh but Kade, you must tell me more, tell me more. Like did he have a car?" ~ within Chapter 7



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
    More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
    You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
    **



    Related Posts :

    Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Trinity Bound by Carrie Ann Ryan | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

    Made the Grade: Taming the Alpha by 20+ Fabulous Authors

    Made the Grade: Alpha Marked Series, Book 3

    #TeaserTuesday: An Immortal’s Song
    This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
    More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
    You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/