From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Friday, January 2, 2015

Blog Tour - The Trouble with Texas Cowboys by Carolyn Brown | Guest Post, Spreading the Word, & Sourcebooks Casablanca Western Romance Bundle Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Carolyn Brown, who is talking about her latest novel and how the heroine deals with all the guys coming after her. =0)

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 & Giveaway will run from January 1 - 30, 2015]

Three Cowboys Means One Too Many...
Good morning! Hope your holidays were wonderful and that you are enjoying the beginning of a brand new year. Thank you so much for inviting me to From Me to You... to talk about Sawyer and Jill’s story, "The Trouble with Texas Cowboys."

One sexy Texas cowboy is a hand full but add two more to that mix and you’ve got trouble. Jill hadn’t even had time to get settled in the bunkhouse on Fiddle Creek when a cowboy from each of the two feuding ranches came knocking on her door with an invitation to a family gathering the very next day. Quaid Brennan was the first and she was so startled she agreed to go to Sunday dinner with him. Then when Tyrell Gallagher showed up, she felt like she had to give him equal time. Number three was Sawyer O’Donnell, the cowboy her great aunt was forcing her to share the bunkhouse with but he wouldn’t be a problem. If they got past circling each other like wary feral cats, they might be friends but that was as far as it could go.

The first thing Jill decides is that she damn sure doesn’t want a Gallagher or a Brennan. Sure, they can offer her the moon and stars and either one can give her the biggest ranch in north Texas, but they want to court her for all the wrong reasons. She’s been led down the rich-cowboy daisy path in the not-so-distant past and she knows what kind of pain and heartache lies on that road. But Sawyer−now there’s a cowboy with his smart Irish wit and willingness to protect her that she might think about falling for...just not now.

Folks might think it’s difficult for romance to bloom in the middle of winter while feeding cows, taking care of a general store and spending every evening together at the Burnt Boot Bar and Grill. But flirting and fun can sure be found while a couple is out there in the snow or while they’re working together in close quarters behind a bar or maybe trying to make their way back home after being kidnapped. And a relationship can be born when two people need a partner desperately to keep from being swallowed up by the local feud.

"The Trouble with Texas Cowboys" is the second book in a four book series. There are two more coming so keep your boots on. "One Cowboy Too Many" is Leah Brennan and Rhett O’Donnell’s story. Rhett appears in Burnt Boot riding a big motorcycle with steer horns fixed to the front and Mavis Brennan doesn’t like him from day one but her granddaughter, Leah, is quite smitten with him even though she’s had her eye on forbidden fruit (a Gallagher of all things) for years. Then there’s a fourth book that brings Betsy Gallagher to the table as the heroine. My editor and I are still working on a title for that one.

"The Trouble with Texas Cowboys"
[Burnt Boot, Texas Series, Book 2] by Carolyn Brown
Author's Book Description :

Can a girl ever have too many cowboys?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Amazon.com (Paperback) | Kobo (eBook) | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

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

About the Author :

Carolyn Brown is a New York Times bestselling author with more than sixty books published, and credits her eclectic family for her humor and writing ideas. Carolyn was born in Texas but grew up in southern Oklahoma where she and her husband, Charles, a retired English teacher, make their home. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Just a Cowboy and His Baby | How to Marry a Cowboy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Just a Cowboy and His Baby | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Giveaways!! :
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT & TWEET on/about this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

Find Carolyn Brown :

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Dark Wolf Enterprises by A. M. Griffin | Review & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to A. M. Griffin, with a review of her debut novel "Dark Wolf Enterprises," which is the first novel in her Dark Wolf Enterprises 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(s)!! [Blog Tour will run on December 31, 2014 -- Giveaway will run from ???]

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2731 KB | Release Date: November 19, 2014 | Publisher: Three Twenty-One, LLC | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Dark Wolf Enterprises" [Dark Wolf Enterprises Series, Book 1] by A. M. Griffin

Author's Book Description : The big break Trudy Hollander’s small accounting firm needs has finally arrived, but unfortunately it comes with murder, mayhem and Kristof Farkas, a man she just can’t seem to resist. Even worse, Kristof is the CFO of Dark Wolf Enterprises—the one person who can pull the plug on the job that will take her company to the next level.

And then there are the assassins who can jump from three stories up and still be able to run away...

Kristof has no intention of giving in to his inner wolf and claiming Trudy. She’s human. Too fragile to withstand being a shifter’s mate. But the need to protect her is stronger than his resolve, and his desire is more powerful yet. He’ll fight with everything he has to keep her safe, both from those who would hurt her, and from himself.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Landing her newest account is all that matters to Gertrude (Trudy/Tru) right now. Yet, when her world gets turned upside down because of the information she learns Trudy will find out what it really means to be a part of something great, if only she can be accepted for who she happens to be.

This intense novella keeps you on your toes as you follow Trudy and Kristof’s growing relationship through an extreme bout of “getting to know one-another.” I liked Trudy’s character. It was fun reading about Trudy finding other ways of besting Kristof even though she’s portrayed as being weak because she’s a human. They are definitely a matched set.

In addition, while I liked how this novella laid out the foundation for this series, I wish the ending for it was a bit more meaningful instead of Kristof fighting himself for its majority and then coming to the conclusion that he shouldn’t have done what he does. I guess it was just too abrupt for me to like completely. Nevertheless, I am intrigued by Meisha (Trudy’s small spitfire best friend) and can’t wait to see where this series will lead us next!

I recommend this novella to those who are looking for a quick paranormal romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords : Lover Claimed | Kobo : Lover Claimed

Author's Novel Extras : Brought To His Knees - Overview | New Book Release! Yule's Tyd!!!

Author's Series Extras : Dark Wolf Enterprises Series - Overview | Brought To His Knees #boxset, #0.99 | Blog Tour Schedule for Lover Claimed Dark Wolf Enterprises Book Two

Book Teaser(s) :

“I swear. Who gave these idiots a marriage license in the first place?”
Trudy hadn’t been paying attention to the bickering couple on screen. Who aired their dirty laundry on national television anyway?
“I mean, he knew the baby wasn’t his when they got married. Why is he so surprised that the new baby isn’t his too? Give me a break.” Then for added measure, Meisha screamed at the television. “She’s a whore, Jessie! Your momma warned you not to marry her.”
Trudy shook her head. Meisha spent most of her days watching daytime television and communicating with students via internet. Trudy realized that at some point her best friend might’ve lost touch with reality. ~ within Chapter 2

Streaks of blood were on his body. He looked...deadly. She startled and fell back.
She aimed the gun at him. “Don’t hurt me.”
“Trudy, darling.”
She stared at him.
“Y–yes.”
“If you’re going to shoot me, I’d rather you aim for my head and get it over with quickly.”
Her gaze followed the path of her aim. It was on his wonderful hanging cock. Aw shit.
“My other head,” he said softly. ~ within Chapter 8

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

About the Author :

A. M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.

Book Excerpt :

Kristof is some kind of freak and he’s being attacked by wolves. She was god knows where with god knows who.

She could be killed out here and no one would know how to find her body.

Her gaze shifted to the cockpit door. They could kill her.

Flare gun.

She scrambled to the back of the plane and flung open the closet door. On the top shelf was the metal box Kristof had told her about. Grabbing it, she pulled the box down. The handle slipped in her sweaty palms and hit the floor with a crash. The contents spilled at her feet.

She spotted the flare gun immediately. Grabbing it, she ran back to her seat by the window and aimed the gun at the cockpit door.

While she waited for the pilots to come out, she continued to watch the fighting below. One of the wolves was down, leaving Kristof to fight the other two. She peered at the cockpit door. Still shut. Then back to Kristof. One of the others wolves was now limping badly.

Kristof snarled and grabbed the uninjured wolf by the neck and shook him. The wolf went limp and appeared to be more like a rag doll than anything else. Kristof stopped and opened his mouth. The wolf he held there fell to the ground in a lump. The only wolf left stood his ground. Both he and Kristof growled and circled each other until, finally, the injured wolf seemed to realize this was a losing fight and scampered off into the darkness.

Standing alone, Kristof let out a long howl at the night.

Trudy pressed her face to the glass and looked left to right, trying to see if she spotted any more of the other wolves.

Kristof ran off, to where she couldn’t see.

He’s leaving me.

The thought ripped through her mind. Then an instant later, another thought eased the first.

He’d never leave me. I belong to him.

She’d no time to pick apart the last thought because, on the next blink, Kristof—the wolf—was standing outside of her window—watching her.

She knew it was him and not some other wolf, she felt he was hers. Their eyes locked. A part of her wanted to shrink away under his stare, but the other…wanted to claim him.

The cockpit door creaked open and the pilot peered at her. Yelping she raised her gun and aimed. Screaming, he shut the door before she could fire off a shot.

“Come out here and I’ll kill you! Do you see what happened to your buddies?” Her hands shook as she aimed the gun.

She was going to die. There was a man-wolf killer outside and a pilot-kidnapper in here.

Another glance outside and Kristof stood, as a man, watching her. A naked man. A wonderfully naked man.

She shook her head.

Wolf-beast.

“Trudy. Open the hatch. I’m coming back up,” He yelled out to her.”

Was she supposed to let him back in? He hadn’t said that.

She chewed on her lower lip, waiting for an answer she couldn’t think of. If she opened the door would he attack her? Was he a rabid beast who couldn’t control himself?

She shook her head. “No. You said not to open the hatch.”

“I meant don’t open the hatch for them.”

“Since I know your secret are you going to kill me now?”

“Don’t be silly. It’s cold out here. Open the hatch.”

Should she let him back in?

“Are the pilots still alive?” he asked.

Her gaze shot back to the cockpit. “Yes. But not for long,” she yelled, loud enough for the pilots to hear.

“I’m naked and it’s about thirty degrees out here. Can you please let me in?”

“Wh-what about your super-human heating abilities? Aren’t you supposed to be so hot that’d you’d melt snow?”

He cocked his head to the side. “This is not a young adult story. I’m freezing my ass off.”

“If he kills me I’m going to be so pissed,” she mumbled to herself.

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 A. M. Griffin :

A. M. Griffin - Website & Blog
A. M. Griffin - Newsletter
amgriffinbooks@gmail.com
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Dark Wolf Enterprises Series : Amazon.com : Dark Wolf Enterprises | Amazon.com : Lover Claimed | Smashwords : Lover Claimed | Kobo : Lover Claimed

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Happy New Year / Kids Penguins

For Christmas 2014 I found this create your own penguin set (it had about 20 of them) so after talking it over with my 3-yr-old she decided that she would put them together as her Christmas gifts to her relatives. Below are shots of her at work:

So I could remember it years later I took "group shots" of them below is one to wish you a Happy New Year in 2015!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Feasted On: Freakn’ Shifters Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 4338 KB | Release Date: July 1, 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Delicate Freakn’ Flower" [Freakn’ Shifters Series, Book 1] by Eve Langlais

Author's Book Description : Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter Multi-Partner Romance (MFM)

Dammit, just how many toes was she going to have to stomp on before people realized she was a delicate freakn’ flower?

Naomi doesn’t want to follow tradition and settle down with a violence-loving, chest thumping shapeshifter. She grew up in a household with five, testosterone laden brothers where none of the dishes ever matched, the ugly-as-sin furniture could withstand any catastrophe, and where crazy glue was bought by the case.

When fate—with a snicker—makes her meet not one, but two mates, Naomi digs her heels in and refuses to do what her wolf—and her body—demands. No way is she voluntarily allowing herself to get hitched to a pair of dumbass—totally hot and muscled—lacrosse players.

Can Ethan, the towering Kodiak bear, and Javier, the sexy, tanned jaguar convince this she-wolf that life with them won’t be all chaos? And can this delicate freakn’ flower unbend her prejudices enough to recognize she needs a pair of men who can handle her thorns—and her passion?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A tough woman finds out what she's really looking for in a man, while dealing with the two men fate sent her.

Even though I don't typically like wishy-washy characters I still liked Naomi because she truly owned being the way she was, especially when she stated, “I’m such an indecisive ninny.” in Chapter 10. Together Javier & Ethan are Naomi's perfect counterparts, especially with how quickly they could settle her "ruffled feathers." This cute novel is great for fans of Ms. Langlais!

I recommend this novel to those who like paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo : Freakn’ Shifters Bundle (1-3) | Smashwords : Freakn’ Shifters Bundle (1-3) | Kobo : Freakn’ Shifters Bundle 2 (4-6) | Smashwords : Freakn’ Shifters Bundle 2 (4-6) | Kobo : Delicate Freakn’ Flower | Smashwords : Delicate Freakn’ Flower | Alibris : Delicate Freakn’ Flower | Kobo : Jealous And Freakn’ | Smashwords : Jealous And Freakn’ | Alibris : Jealous And Freakn’ | Kobo : Already Freakn’ Mated | Smashwords : Already Freakn’ Mated | Alibris : Already Freakn’ Mated | Kobo : Human and Freakn’ | Smashwords : Human and Freakn’ | Alibris : Human and Freakn’ | Kobo : Jungle Freakn’ Bride | Smashwords : Jungle Freakn’ Bride | Alibris : Jungle Freakn’ Bride | Kobo : Freakn’ Cougar | Smashwords : Freakn’ Cougar | Alibris : Freakn’ Cougar

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Bunny And The Bear | Hybrid Misfit | Croc and the Fox | A Demon and His Witch

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Feasted On: Ridgeville Series, Book 5 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Delicate Freakn’ Flower - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Freakn’ Shifters Series | Freakn’ Shifters Bundle (1-3) | Freakn’ Shifters Bundle 2 (4-6) | Jealous And Freakn’ - Overview & Excerpt | Already Freakn’ Mated - Overview & Excerpt | Human and Freakn’ - Overview & Excerpt | Jungle Freakn’ Bride - Overview & Excerpt | Freakn’ Cougar - Overview & Excerpt | Is jealousy romantic? | Another week until you can FREAK! | Now in French! | Because Older is Sexier… Freakn’ Cougar, excerpt posted

Book Teaser(s) :

“Shouldn’t you be leaving?” she asked with a pointed stare toward the door.
A shrug from massive shoulders answered her. “Make me.”
“Ooh,” she almost shrieked in exasperation. Only the pulsing of her painful head held her back. “Why are you both being so stubborn? Can’t you tell you’re not wanted?”
“My mama said the same thing to my dad when they first met,” Ethan admitted. “Not liking her answer, he tossed her over his shoulder and kept her prisoner in a cave for two weeks, making love to her numerous times a day until she finally admitted she loved him, too,” he added with a smug grin.
Naomi’s jaw dropped and her throat worked soundlessly for a moment. “You wouldn’t dare!” Her mouth said one thing, her pussy, drenching at his words, screamed another.
“Well, as you’ve mentioned a few times, I’m probably too dumb to know better. Although, don’t worry, because of the lacrosse season, maybe I’ll just handcuff you to a bed instead of finding a cave.”
“My family won’t stand for it!”
“Children, children,” Javier chided returning to them holding two open beers, and one tall glass of juice. “Can’t we all get along? After all, since our beasts have seen fit to join us in a ménage, we’ll be together a long, long time.”
“Over my dead body,” she growled.
“Not dead, but gagged can definitely be arranged,” Ethan grumbled.
“Hmm, a little kinky, but I’m not averse to the idea,” Javier added. ~ within Chapter 3

“So where’s the other Neanderthal, or is he the smart one and left?”
“Nope, dumber than a rock still,” Ethan announced walking into her bedroom with a tray.
Naomi’s eyes widened as she saw the logo from her favorite coffee house on the Styrofoam cups and at least four Danishes.
“How did you know?” she asked as she dove on the steaming java. She took a burning sip and sighed happily.
“Your mother called to check on you. We actually had a great chat,” Javier announced. He went to grab a lemon pastry and Naomi slapped his hand.
“Mine,” she growled.
“But there are four of them. Surely you can share one?”
She shook her head. “I don’t share, and I warn you, I bite.”
“Promise?” Javier leered, his eyes twinkling. ~ within Chapter 5

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

Disappointmentville: Snowbound Surprise for the Billionaire by Michelle Douglas

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 256; Kindle Edition - File Size: 320 KB | Expected Release Date: December 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Romance | Obtained: NetGalley

"Snowbound Surprise for the Billionaire" by Michelle Douglas

Author's Book Description : Harlequin Romance
December 2014

All she wants for Christmas...

After a difficult year, and the loss of her father, festive cheer is the last thing Addie Ramsey is feeling. She’s just planning a quiet one on her Outback farm. Until her new boss, billionaire Flynn Mather, offers her the perfect distraction—to spend the holiday in Europe as his temporary PA!

Christmas hasn’t always been magical for Flynn, either, yet with vivacious Addie by his side, and seeing the joy through her eyes, things feel different this year. Could Addie be the Christmas present Flynn never knew he needed?

My Book Review : DNF -- 2 out of 5 stars. Two people come to each aid in unexpected ways...

I was intrigued with the buildup of this novel. Yet, by the time 31% of this novel had been read, I was to disgruntled with how little Addie & Flynn really talked to each other and instead overly admired each other’s looks while talking around each other that I had to stop. In addition, I found Flynn's morals to be a bit skewed, which made it hard to really like him.

I don't recommend but since I didn't finish the novel I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and saying those looking for a Christmas romance might like it.

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo : Snowbound Surprise for the Billionaire | Kobo : Harlequin Romance December 2014 Box Set

Author's Novel Extras : Snowbound Surprise for the Billionaire - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

It made him seem suddenly exotic.
Deliciously exotic.
Delicious? She frowned. Well, she knew he was perfectly perfect--she'd known that the moment he'd stepped onto Lorna Lee's dressed in a perfectly perfect suit. He was also decidedly male. That had become evident the moment she'd clapped eyes on him in jeans and boots. She just hadn't felt all of that down in her gut until this very moment. She swallowed. Now she felt it all the way to her bones.
Flynn Mather was a perfect specimen of perfectly perfect maleness. In fact, if he'd been a stud bull she'd have moved heaven and earth to have him on the books at Lorna Lee's and--
'Addie?'
She snapped out of it. She swallowed. 'Sorry, brain fog, jet lag, the cold, I don't know.' What had they been talking about? ~ within Chapter 2

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

Disappointmentville: Lords of the Abyss Series, Book 2

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 3894 KB | Release Date: December 18, 2013 | Publisher: The Raven Books | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Romance Book Deals: Hot for the Holiday

"Commanding the Tides" [Lords of the Abyss Series, Book 2] by Michelle M. Pillow (aka Madelyn Porter & Naomi Kalling)

Author's Book Description : Paranormal Shifter Underwater Romance

“Sparks fly and desires heat, when logic and myth collide.”

Terminally ill, Cassandra Nevin has come to the ocean to live out her days on a boat with a bunch of scientists who don’t even know she’s sick—or that she’s not even a scientist. When something from the depths of the abyss attacks their boat, leaving her to drown, she knows it’s her time. But then the unimaginable happens—she lives.

Iason the Hunter doesn’t understand why the woman he’s trying to save from death seems insistent he save anyone but her. Duty bound to try and rescue whoever he can; he takes the woman into Deep Ocean, to his home beneath the waves. But it would seem a watery grave wasn’t the only thing threatening his new charge’s life. To try and save her from her illness would mean possible disgrace and being banned from ever swimming in the ocean again. But what else can he do? From the first moment he saw her, she had command over his heart.

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. A merman saves the one woman solely meant for him. However, is the woman strong enough to survive the major changes coming to her life?

I have a hard time liking characters who are the "one step forward and two steps back" type of people, which is the type of person Cassandra (Cassie) is and it made it hard for me to want to finish this novel because of that. I mean the buildup of this novel is really good and intense but when Cassandra literally ran away because she decided running from a man who cares for her was better than discussing her personal issues with him it made me mad. Therefore, from the point where she ran away to her "epiphany" moment I pretty much skipped through it. Yet, even though I liked how Cassandra redeems herself during the time between her epiphany moment to the end of this novel, I wish the ending wrapped up better and without as many loose ends as there were.

I will say that although I'm not a fan of Cassandra I did like Iason as a character and thought that they suited each other very well.

Therefore, I only recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Pillow's and who liked reading book 1 in this series.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Alibris : Lords of the Abyss: Trilogy | Kobo : Lords of the Abyss: Trilogy | Alibris : The Mighty Hunter (Book 1)

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Call of the Sea

Author's Novel Extras : Commanding the Tides - Overview & Excerpt | Excerpt: Commanding the Tides by Michelle M Pillow | Excerpt #2: Commanding the Tides by Michelle M Pillow

Author's Series Extras : Lords of the Abyss Series | The Mighty Hunter - Overview & Excerpt | Captive of the Deep - Overview & Excerpt | Lords of the Abyss: Trilogy (Volume 1) by Michelle M. Pillow

Book Teaser(s) :

“So Ator…Altar…what did you call this island?”
“Ataran.”
“Ataran,” she repeated. “And where exactly is Ataran?”
“Beneath you,” he said, laughing when she gave him a dirty look.
“Fine. Where are we?”
“In the ocean,” Iason said. He sat up, taking his wine.
“Are you being difficult on purpose?” Cassandra challenged, setting her glass down and raising a brow. “Or is it because you need to keep the location secret? Could you give me a basic idea of where we are? Southern Hemisphere, perhaps?”
“No, I answered. We are in the ocean, below the surface.”
Cassandra froze, waiting for the rest of the joke. It never came.
Please God, don’t let him be crazy. ~ within Chapter 14

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Blog Tour - Christmas With The Marquis by Jean Hart Stewart | Spreading the Word & PayPal Cash Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Jean Hart Stewart author of "Christmas With The Marquis," which happens to be the EIGHTH BOOK in her Passionate Pursuits 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 & Giveaway will run TODAY -- December 17, 2014]

"Christmas With The Marquis"
[Passionate Pursuits Series, Book 8] by Jean Hart Stewart
Author's Book Description :

When an arrogant Marquis’s seduction fails, he plans a Xmas celebration at his country estate. Inviting the one girl who not only rejects him but seems to hate him is part of his plan to win her. His scheming soon turns to much more than decorating the house for Xmas. Abigail’s beauty incites a plan for revenge on the Marquis by his most depraved enemy, who is bent on kidnapping and raping Abigail. Can the Marquis save her and make this a merry Christmas after all?
This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Kobo (eBook) | Barnes & Noble

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

About the Author :

Jean feels she’s very much a Californian although she was born in Ohio. California has been home for a good many years. Life changed drastically for her when she was six and her father died incredibly from an errant golf ball. A dishonest insurance agent forced her sheltered mother to seek work, and she became a teacher. Her hours required Jean to be alone in the house in the afternoon, and since she was forbidden to leave till her mother got home, she became an avid reader. The local library supplied most of the books and she developed early her two of main interests, Jane Austen and King Arthur.

Reading is still one of her favorite activities, although she sometimes has to push it aside to make room for her enduring love of writing. Her journalism degree was used infrequently until recently. Marriage and raising two children pleasantly got in the way. After twenty years of being a real estate broker and with the kids raised she finally could devote her time to writing, her first love.

Jean's enchantment with the lore and legends of Druids and, therefore, delving into their history led to fascinating research that inspired her popular Garland of Druids Series for Cerridwen Press. She's now enjoying writing stories filled with magic and romance for her Songs of the Mages Series, also for Cerridwen Press. She has recently left Cerridwen and Ellora's Cafe Press and is now writing exclusively for MuseItUp, the largest Canadian publisher.

Few things in her life have been so satisfying, especially when all her books have a happy ending. Wonderful to make happen. It only gets more interesting when a secondary character demands his very own book. Who would want to deny him? Not Jean!

Book Excerpt :

Abigail called after them. “Galoshes are by the back door. Gloves and scarves also. You don’t want to wear your best clothes on an expedition like this, gentlemen”

She leaned back in her chair and watched them go. Startled, but pleased, she hurried to her own rooms to change into riding clothes and tall boots. She adored tramping in the woods and how could she not join in the search for the perfect Yule log? After scarcely a thought she pulled on the breeches she wore when she was riding at home with no one caring what she did. She pulled on her riding boots, although she picked her second-best pair. Who knew what such wonderful snow would do to good boots?

She ran lightly down the steps to the back door. A small screech escaped her when the felt herself hauled against a strong chest, and looked up in astonishment at a livid Jason glaring down at her. Maybe not Jason, right now. No, definitely the Marquis. An irate Marquis, giving her a good swat on her rear and glaring at her.

“Don’t you even think of trying to escape me, you little fool. You’re not at your country home. You’re at mine, with some of the most licentious noblemen in London who’d be delighted to see you so scantily clothed. Do you want them to line up at your door tonight, you vexatious idiot?”

Abigail simply stared at him for a moment, her temper ready to boil over, when he suddenly softened, ran his hands over her hips and around her waist and pulled her against him. His kiss was hot and blazing, lingering at her lips with his tongue pushing into her mouth in a dizzying display of passion that had her clinging to his coat lapels.

“My god, Abigail, how am I going to stay away from you?”

He lay his forehead softly against her hair and softly caressed her well rounded bottom.

Stunned, she couldn’t think of a thing to say. She wrenched herself away and fled back to her room. She’d simply not thought of anything but her own comfort and that wonderful snow. Of course a woman didn’t appear in breeches at a house party for London aristocrats! Not unless there was a hunt scheduled or good riding was available.

She was an idiot.

How could she face Jason, and indeed her grandmother? And she herself was supposed to be chaperoning Bettina?

Burying her face in her hands, she tried to shut out her regretful thoughts. The fact that her every thought centered on Jason and his reactions didn’t even occur to her.

She didn’t see the lascivious face of Lord Wilcombe, earl of Wilmington, watching them from a corner of the hallway.

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 Jean Hart Stewart :

Monday, December 15, 2014

Blog Tour - The Cowboys of Copper Mountain by Jane Porter, Melissa McClone and Katherine Garbera | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Jane Porter, Melissa McClone, and Katherine Garbera the authors of "The Cowboys of Copper Mountain!!"

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 & Giveaway will run from December 15 - 18, 2014]

"The Cowboys of Copper Mountain"
by Jane Porter, Melissa McClone, and Katherine Garbera
Authors' Book Description :

Three novellas and an unforgettable short story, now available together in one festive package!

A Cowboy For Christmas by Katherine Garbera

Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter

Home For Christmas by Melissa McClone

Mistletoe Magic by Melissa McClone

Don't miss this amazing bundle, and stop by MontanaBornBooks.com for more!

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com -- On sale for 99¢ here from December 13 - 18, 2014

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

About the Authors :

USA Today, and New York Times bestselling author of 47 romances and women's fiction titles, Jane Porter has been a finalist for the prestigious RITA award five times, with her Tule Publishing novella, "Take Me, Cowboy," winning the Novella Category July 2014. Jane today has over 12 million copies in print, including her wildly popular "Flirting with Forty," a novel picked by Redbook Magazine as it's Red Hot Summer Read in 2006 before being turned into a Lifetime movie in 2008 starring Heather Locklear.
Jane holds an MA in Writing from the University of San Francisco and makes her home in sunny San Clemente, CA with her surfer husband, three sons, and two dogs. You can learn more about Jane at janeporter.com.

USA Today bestselling author Katherine Garbera is a two-time Maggie winner who has written more than 65 books. Writing is the chief focus of her time after her family and the only thing she likes more than working on her own books is reading other authors. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and loves the opportunity to talk about writing with anyone who'll listen. A Florida native who grew up to travel the globe, Katherine now makes her home in the Midlands of the UK with her husband, two children and a very spoiled miniature dachshund.

Melissa McClone 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!

My Previous Review(s) for the Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, the Copper Mountain Series, Marietta Christmas Series, & other Montana Born Books : Nobody's Cowboy | Mistletoe Magic | Kiss Me, Cowboy | Mistletoe Wedding | Blame The Mistletoe

My Previous Review(s) for Melissa McClone : Expecting Royal Twins!

My Previous Mention(s) of Melissa McClone's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: Kiss Me, Cowboy | Blog Tour - Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series by Melissa McClone | Spreading the Word & Gift Card with Mini Swag Bag Giveaway

Book Excerpt from Ms. Porter's "Christmas at Copper Mountain" :

“You okay, Miss Diekerhoff?”

Turning quickly, potato skins still dripping, Harley blinked back tears as she spotted Brock Sheenan standing by the fireplace, warming his hands.

Brock was a big man. He was tall–six one or two—with broad shoulders, a wide muscular chest, and shaggy black hair.

Harley’s late husband, David, was Portuguese and darkly handsome, but David was always groomed and polished while the Montana rancher seemed disinclined to comb his hair, or bother with a morning shave.

The truth was, Brock Sheenan looked like a pirate, and never more so than now, with tiny snow flakes clinging to his wild hair and shadowed jaw.

“I’m fine,” she said breathlessly, embarrassed. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“The faucet was on.” He rubbed his hands together, the skin red and raw. “You’re not....crying...are you?”

She heard the uncomfortable note in his voice and cringed a little. “No,” she said quickly, straightening and squaring her shoulders as she dumped the potato peels into the garbage. “Everything’s wonderful.”

“So you’re not crying?”

“No,” she repeated crisply, drying her hands. “Just peeling potatoes for dinner.”

Her gaze swept his big frame, seeing the powdered snow still clinging to the hem of his wrangler jeans peeking beneath his leather chaps and white glitter dusting his black brows. His supple leather chaps weren’t for show. It was frigid outside and he’d spent the week in the saddle driving the last herds of cattle from the back country to the valley down below so the cows could take shelter beneath trees. “Can I get you something?”

“You don’t happen to have any coffee left from this morning that you could heat up?”

“I can make a fresh pot,” she said, grabbing the glass carafe to fill it with water. “Want regular or decaf?”

He glanced at the clock mounted on the wall above the door and then out the window where the snow flurries were thickening, making it almost impossible to see the tall pine trees marking one corner of the yard. “Leaded,” he said. “Make it strong, too. It’s going to be a late night for me.”

She added the coffee grounds, and then hit the brew button. “You’re heading back out?”

“I’m going to ride back up as soon as I get something warm in me. Thought I’d take some of the breakfast coffee cake with me. If there was anything left.”

“There is.” She’d already wrapped the remaining slices in foil. He wasn’t one to linger over meals, and he didn’t like asking for snacks between meals, either. If he wanted something now, it meant he wouldn’t be back anytime soon. But it was already after four. It’d be dark within the hour. “It’s snowing hard.”

“I won’t be able to sleep tonight if I don’t do a last check. The boys said we’ve got them all but I keep thinking we’re missing one or two of the young ones. Have to be sure before I call it a night.”

Harley reached into a cupboard for one of the thermoses she sent with Brick on his early mornings. “What time will you want dinner?”

“Don’t know when I’ll be back. Could be fairly late, so just leave a plate in the oven for me. No need for you to stay up.” He bundled his big arms across his even bigger chest, a lock of thick black hair falling down over his forehead to shadow an equally dark eye.

There was nothing friendly or approachable about Brock when he stood like that. His wild black hair, square jaw, and dark piercing gaze that gave him a slightly threatening air, but Harley knew better. Men, even the most dangerous men, were still mortal. They had goals, dreams, needs. They tried, they failed. They made mistakes. Fatal mistakes.

“Any of the boys going with you?” she asked, trying to sound casual as she wrapped a generous wedge of cheddar cheese in foil, and a hunk of the summer sausage he liked, so he’d have something more substantial than coffee cake for his ride.

He shook his head, then dragged a large calloused hand through the glossy black strands in a half-hearted attempt to comb the tangled strands smooth. “No.”

She gave him a swift, troubled look.

He shrugged. “No point in putting the others in harm’s way.”

Her frown deepened. “What if you get into trouble?”

“I won’t.”

She arched her brows.

She ought to be intimidated by this shaggy beast of a man, but she wasn’t. She’d had a husband—a daring, risk taking husband of her own—and his lapse in judgment had cost them all. Dearly.

“It’s dangerous out there,” she said quietly. “You shouldn’t go alone.”

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 Jane Porter :

Find Katherine Garbera :

Find Melissa McClone :

The Cowboys of Copper Mountain : Amazon.com
The Authors' Books : Amazon.com : A Cowboy For Christmas | Amazon.com : Christmas at Copper Mountain | Alibris : A Copper Mountain Christmas | Amazon.com : Home For Christmas | Amazon.com : Mistletoe Magic

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Made the Grade: Life, Love & Babies Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 666 KB | Release Date: February 10, 2014 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: Amazon.com

"The Baby Arrangement" [Life, Love & Babies Series, Book 1] by Samantha Chase

Author's Book Description : What do you do when a baby is dropped on your doorstep and you're not sure if the father is you or your wayward brother? If you're Derek Sloan you freak out as your perfectly organized world suddenly becomes filled with chaos. With his brother nowhere to be found and fatherhood is suddenly thrust upon him, Derek is desperate for any help he can get.

What do you do when the man you've been crushing on suddenly has a need and you are the only one he wants to fill it? You do a little happy dance and pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming! For five years Kayleigh Mitchell has longed for her boss to notice her and now that he has, she can only hope that he'll come to see her as more than a temporary solution to his problem, but someone that he wants around for the long haul.

This is a Valentine's Day SHORT STORY of approximately 27,000 words

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A little baby is dropped into the lives of two people who never met, shaking up their future plans in great ways.

This sweet quick read covers all of its bases from finding love in unexpected places to creating a built-in family for someone who didn't realize that was exactly what they wanted/needed. It was very cute. In addition, I thought that Derek & Kayleigh were an intriguing couple who complemented each other really well. Reading about them together it wasn't hard to understand why Derek & Kayleigh fell into their relationship so quickly.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick fun Valentines contemporary romance!

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

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Blog Tour - Moonlight in Winter Park by Samantha Chase | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Book Teaser(s) :

In that instant, she saw red. Not just red with annoyance , but full-blown, ‘I’m gonna let you have it, mister’ red. Fully facing him, she poked a finger at his chest. “Now you listen to me. I am well aware that you did not ask to be put in this position, but the fact is that here you are! Now, I was more than willing to help you and Emery out but I will not sit back and listen to any more of your bitching because you’ve been inconvenienced. If anyone’s being inconvenienced here, Mister, it’s me!”
“All I did was come to work this morning like I always do and for the last couple of hours I’ve had to put of with your foul mood, your assistant ’s nasty attitude , a heart-broken baby and a lecture from my brother! And besides that, I haven’t even had lunch yet, thanks to you. ” She took a deep breath and squirmed in her seat when she saw the surprise in his whiskey eyes.
By this point, Kayleigh was trembling and she didn’t care. She took a deep breath and gave her final say. “And to tell you the truth, Mr. Sloan, I don’t think that I can help you. I think this has been a complete mistake. It would be best if you called an agency because I am just not up to this kind of situation and...” Derek’s mouth crushed against hers and thoroughly brought an end to her tirade. ~ within Chapter 2

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

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Second Sentence Saturday: I Love You, Stinky Face

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

This book was chosen in honor of TODAY being my son's 1st Birthday...

MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"I Love You, Stinky Face" by Lisa McCourt

Mama, what if I were a big, scary ape?

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!

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