Friday, January 23, 2015

Blog Tour - Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter | Spreading the Word & Novel/Kindle Giveaways

Today I'm turning my blog over to Debbie Macarter author of "Rekindled Desires!!"

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 22 - February 22, 2015]



"Rekindled Desires"
by Debbie Macarter

Author's Book Description :
    On her best friend’s wedding night, Becca Lawson becomes distressed when she runs into the man who once held her heart and shattered it completely. One night of intense emotions and daring confessions is all it takes to rekindle long-lost emotions. Fearing another heartbreak, Becca shuts herself off completely, denying herself a chance at true love.

    On the surface, it seems Austin Blackstone has it all. He’s rich, young and strikingly good-looking; but deep down, his heart aches for the unforgettable girl who slipped through his fingers. When a serendipitous encounter places them together on a tropical paradise, all of his deepest and darkest secrets threaten to spill over. He’s willing to forsake everything he has built to finally get what he truly desires.

    "Rekindled Desires" is a touching love story of second chances and new beginnings. Can two vastly different people forget their rules and take a chance at love? Fans of Deborah Bladon are sure to love this sweet tale set on a beautiful, Caribbean island.

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



About the Author :

Debbie is an aspiring writer who loves writing steamy romance. She lives in New York with her husband and Debbie, her lovely cat. She prefers writing at night, especially when the stars are out. Marie has always had a passion for romance; even as a child, she loved hearing about steamy love stories and impossible relationships. Instead of asking her parents to read her a story at night, she preferred coming up with wild love tales herself. Writing a romance series has always been Debbie’s dream, and she is excited to be able to share her passion with others.



Book Excerpt :

How long had he denied himself the simple pleasure of being with a woman? Months? A year? That was insane. He was making himself a promise to end this celibacy as soon as he got out of this old-fashioned formality. The easy catch would be, of course, the bridesmaid. They were always ready for a little adventure, weren’t they? But this was out of the question. He must be content, polite, and utterly boring today.

But something inside of him just could not stop remembering the voice of that woman he was watching earlier, standing in the middle of this tropical garden with the flowers that produced amazing, exotic, almost seductive scents. Some feeling of déjà vu would not let go.

His gut was telling him that his life was missing something, something very important.

Family. This was a family gathering.

The wedding represented the birth of a family and he was desperately alone. At twenty-eight, Austin was in his prime. Physically he was in perfect shape. Financially, he was very stable. He was ready to have someone significant in his life. He was ready to give himself. This was something he had never felt before.

How could Roman do this when he was so young?

It must be the old money, the sense of security, something Austin had had to build wealth on his own. He was proud of it. Preoccupied with his growing businesses and success, he tended to put his private life aside.

Did he even have a life beyond work?

He wanted to become a family man, to tie himself to a wife and a bunch of kids. He had never before felt compelled to care for anyone, except himself. He had little idea how to do that in the first place. He’d never experienced what a family really meant…until today.

Was it realistic to be so much in love that Rom wanted to marry when he was barely twenty? Austin had been twenty not so long ago. He remembered what he’d been like back then vividly. His chest clenched with regret as he remembered the young girl, that innocent soul he cruelly pushed away. How could he possibly have resisted that goddess-like body she’d thrown at him? But he’d been so self-centered and not capable of any kind of relationship at that time, never mind love. For so long, the sweet form of that girl who’d foolishly confessed her love for him had kept appearing in his dreams…

He had not wanted to be responsible for her broken heart. So he had just disappeared from her life and made sure she knew nothing about him anymore. It was better for her. She should have forgotten about him forever.



Giveaway(s)!! :

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 Debbie Macarter :

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Idolizing In: Cowboy Country Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: ??? KB | Expected Release Date: February 17, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Cowboy's Forever Family" [Cowboy Country Series, Book 2] by Deb Kastner

Author's Book Description : His Best Friend's Baby

Widowed and pregnant, Laney Beckett wants nothing to do with stubborn rodeo cowboy Slade McKenna. But avoiding her late husband's best friend is nearly impossible now that Slade thinks Laney and her baby need his protection. Though Slade figures he's too rough a man to settle down, his thrill-seeking ways have already cost him his childhood pal. Looking out for the man's wife and child is the least he can do, especially when headstrong Laney doesn't know the first thing about running the family's ranch. For the sake of baby Beckett, Laney and Slade give friendship a chance...but could they become a true family?

Cowboy Country: Surprise babies lead to unexpected love in Texas

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! In a bull riding accident a man loses his life, afterwards it makes his wife and best friend become friends too as they work to help each other out no matter their differences.

I was surprised with the outright animosity between Slade & Laney (Princess) when this novel began. However, what hooked me was how their relationship, and novel, progresses. It's sweetly touching how Slade tries to do right by his friend and Laney tries to honor her husband (who she barely knew) by moving into his family home trying to help with his ranch.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel for those who like Christian cowboy romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo : Yuletide Baby | Kobo : The Cowboy's Forever Family


Book Teaser(s) :
"How did this happen?" His voice was low and icy.
"Excuse me?" Both of her eyebrows arched, disappearing under her hairline. If Slade didn't know the facts of life she certainly wasn't going to be the one to explain them to him. The very idea was laughable. ~ within Chapter 1

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

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Blog Tour - Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter | Cover Reveal, Spreading the Word & Novel/Kindle Giveaways

Today I'm turning my blog over to Debbie Macarter author of "Rekindled Desires!!"

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 14 - February 22, 2015]



"Rekindled Desires"
by Debbie Macarter

Author's Book Description :
    On her best friend’s wedding night, Becca Lawson becomes distressed when she runs into the man who once held her heart and shattered it completely. One night of intense emotions and daring confessions is all it takes to rekindle long-lost emotions. Fearing another heartbreak, Becca shuts herself off completely, denying herself a chance at true love.

    On the surface, it seems Austin Blackstone has it all. He’s rich, young and strikingly good-looking; but deep down, his heart aches for the unforgettable girl who slipped through his fingers. When a serendipitous encounter places them together on a tropical paradise, all of his deepest and darkest secrets threaten to spill over. He’s willing to forsake everything he has built to finally get what he truly desires.

    "Rekindled Desires" is a touching love story of second chances and new beginnings. Can two vastly different people forget their rules and take a chance at love? Fans of Deborah Bladon are sure to love this sweet tale set on a beautiful, Caribbean island.

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



About the Author :

Debbie is an aspiring writer who loves writing steamy romance. She lives in New York with her husband and Debbie, her lovely cat. She prefers writing at night, especially when the stars are out. Marie has always had a passion for romance; even as a child, she loved hearing about steamy love stories and impossible relationships. Instead of asking her parents to read her a story at night, she preferred coming up with wild love tales herself. Writing a romance series has always been Debbie’s dream, and she is excited to be able to share her passion with others.



Giveaway(s)!! :

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 Debbie Macarter :

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Made the Grade: Dark Kings Series, Books 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, & 0.4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 447; Kindle Edition - File Size: 947 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: December 31, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"Dark Heat" [Dark Kings Series, Books 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, & 0.4] by Donna Grant

Authors' Book Description : The Dark Kings are sworn to defend an ancient legacy of dragon magic. But their fiercest challenge lies in the modern world, where a woman’s love conquers all. These are their stories.

Dark Craving

Fueled by ancient magic—and enflamed by human desire—the Dragon King known as Hal can transform himself at will into one of the legendary winged creatures he is sworn to protect. But one thing he can never do is fall in love…with a mortal woman.

Night’s Awakening

The dark immortal warriors were never meant to experience human desire. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena—a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core—all bets are off...

Dawn’s Desire

For centuries, the Dragon Kings have hidden their shapeshifting powers from the world. But when a mortal enemy threatens to expose them, the warrior Banan must leave his secret lair in the Highlands to risk his life for the dragons within—and resist the temptations of human love.

Passion’s Claim

Banan has been waiting for centuries for someone like Jane. Guy knew it was love at first sight with Elena. Can two Dragon Kings commit to two immortal women for eternity? Or does fate have something else in store?



"Dark Craving" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 1] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.1]

Author's Story Description : Fueled by ancient magic—and enflamed by human desire—the Dragon King known as Hal can transform himself at will into one of the legendary winged creatures he is sworn to protect. But one thing he can never do is fall in love...with a mortal woman.

Searching for her brother in Scotland—and succumbing to the freezing cold—Cassie Hunter awakens to find herself in the arms of a magnificent Highland warrior. Across his chest is the tattoo of a fiery dragon. And in his heart is a burning passion that, once unleashed, will consume them both...body and soul.

This is a story of destiny and desire, magic and mystery, warriors and lovers.

These are the forbidden cravings of the Dark Kings.


My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Looking for a new beginning, a woman moves to Scotland to be closer to her brother and ends up getting more than she bargained for with her hot new neighbor!

It’s a great start to this series! I liked how “self-involved” it was, meaning the only danger this novella had was the main characters (along with their friends/comrades assistance) messing up their own love lives. Haldor (Hal) and Cassie are a very sweet couple, who’s story I enjoyed in its simplicity. It was also interesting reading about Constantine (Con) in a “fatherly figure” role, it made for entertaining and dramatic scenes.

Purchase This Story Here : AMAZON.COM | KOBO

Author's Story Extras : Dark Craving - Overview | Dark Craving - Fun Notes | Dark Craving - Learn More About Hal!

Story Teaser :
"I'm not sure if I'm ready for this," she said to Duke. "I haven't slept in thirty-six hours, I'm freezing, and I'm driving a stick. On the wrong side of the road. This is a really shitty day, Duke."
In answer, he nudged his large head against her shoulder. She smiled and scratched him behind the ear.
Her morale fortified--by a dog--Cassie started the car and headed out on the M90 north toward Perth. ~ within Chapter 1



"Night’s Awakening" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 2] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.2]

Author's Story Description : Fueled by dragon magic, the dark immortal warriors were never meant to feel human desire, much less fall in love. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena Griffin—a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core—all bets are off...

Having left America to explore the Scottish Highlands, Elena suddenly finds herself lost in a dark cave—alone, injured, and utterly hopeless...until Guy appears from out of nowhere. Is she dreaming her own rescue when she falls into his arms? A man—and a passion—this strong is too good to be true. It’s only a matter a time before she learns the truth about the flames in his heart. And the dragon in his soul...

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars! A woman’s boss cons her into caving on the dragons’ private property and during the excursion she gets herself into serious danger, but once Guy finds her will her world turn out for the better or worse?

This novella was a hard one to completely fall for. I felt that way mostly because even though I liked Guy & Elena’s growing relationship instead of being mostly about them it was more about the storyline of the series and based around that. Nevertheless, in regards to Guy & Elena, I enjoyed how quickly they responded to one another and while Elena showed a few indecisive traits, I was happy with how swiftly she decided that Guy was the one for her.

Purchase This Story Here : AMAZON.COM | KOBO

Author's Story Extras : Night’s Awakening - Overview | Night’s Awakening - Excerpt | Night’s Awakening - Learn More About Guy!

Story Teaser :
Right before he went over the side, she giggled.
"Something amusing?" he asked.
"I was just thinking of Jurassic Park, where the little girl was in this same position and she choked Dr. Grant." Elena laughed harder. "She was so scared of falling, and of the T. rex, of course, that she didn't know she was choking him."
"Well, let's no' choke me, shall we?" ~ within Chapter 3



"Dawn’s Desire" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 3] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.3]

Author's Story Description : For centuries, the immortals knows as the Dragon Kings have hidden their shapeshifting powers from the world. But when a mortal enemy threatens to expose them, the warrior Banan must leave his secret lair in the Highlands, risk his life for the dragons within – and resist the temptations of human love...

Jane Holden has never considered herself beautiful. But when the impossibly handsome Banan casts his gaze upon her, smoldering with sensuality, she feels like the sexiest woman on earth. Banan, however, is a man on a mission. He refuses to succumb to this modern woman’s charms – or his own desires. Two of his warrior brethren have already surrendered to forbidden love. But as the danger closes in, Banan realizes that he needs to possess Jane – mind, body, and soul. For she is more than his match. She is his destiny...

My Story Review : THIS NOVELLA WAS A REREAD:: Then (December 2012): 4 out of 5 stars | Now (January 2015): 4 out of 5 stars! Being a klutz and typically being looked over had never felt like positives to Jane until danger seems to slowly surround her, thankfully she unknowingly has one hot Dragon King looking over her. Hopefully, she’ll be able to handle and deal with the fallout once all the secrets are out in the open...

I’m very happy that I reread this novella since it made so much more since while reading it as a part of the series. I still enjoyed reading about Banan and his sweetly growing relationship to Jane, again. [READ MY PREVIOUS FULL REVIEW]

Purchase This Story Here : AMAZON.COM | KOBO

Author's Story Extras : Dawn’s Desire - Overview | Dawn’s Desire - Excerpt | Dawn’s Desire - Learn More About Banan!

Story Teaser :
There was a soft knock on the door, and then it opened. Banan glanced behind him to see Rhys fill the doorway.
"Whoever that was willna be bothering you again," Rhys said to Jane.
There was a pause as Jane pulled both the knife and the pepper spray from her purse. She released the purse and flipped the knife open so that she held a weapon in each hand.
"Ah ... Banan, what's going on?" Rhys asked as he softly closed the door behind him.
Jane lifted the Mace toward Rhys. "Stop right where you are. I didn't invite you, and I don't want you up here."
"I've made a muck of things," Banan answered Rhys. ~ within Chapter 5
Teaser #2 ~ within Chapter 6



"Passion’s Claim" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 4] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.4]

Author's Story Description : Banan has been waiting for centuries for someone like Jane. Guy knew it was love at first sight with Elena. Can two Dragon Kings commit to two immortal women for eternity? Or does fate have something else in store?

My Story Review : For the full story I'm giving it 3 out of 5 stars it wraps up both novella's #2 & #3.

Part 1 – 3.5 out of 5 stars, Banan (being such the charmer he is) romantically proposes and binds himself to Jane in this sweet novella.

Part 2 – 2.5 out of 5 stars. Talk about communication issues! Guy is giving up on his feelings for Elena so she can have the happiness he thinks she deserves, if only he told her his reasoning before tensions between them had escalated. Yet, I’m happy I read about their bonding too even if it had dramatic results.

Story Teaser :
"You're thinking of stripping off my clothes."
"Oh, aye. I'm thinking of much more than that."
"I know," she murmured. "It's written all over your face when you look at me like that."
"I thought you liked it."
"I don't like it, Banan. I love it." ~ within Part 1 - Chapter 2



My Book Review : For the full book, I’m giving it 3.4 out of 5 stars!! I had originally only read "Dawn’s Desire," because I liked its book description the best, a few years ago and now that I've read all of the novellas prior to the full series I feel like I get the gist of this series even more. Plus I enjoyed getting to know Cassie, Hal, Elena, & Guy while getting to read more of Banan & Jane! Very cute, I'm interested to see where this series will go next!

I recommend this novel (and its individual novellas) to anyone who is a fan of Ms. Grant and/or to those who like paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Dark Heat | Alibris (Paperback) : Dark Heat


My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.3

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Midnight's Surrender

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : "Waiting On" Wednesday: Dawn’s Desire | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Dark Heat - Overview | Dark Heat - Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

Monday, January 12, 2015

What was I thinking?: Ashland Pride Series, Book 4

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 419 KB | Release Date: October 18, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Redeeming Rue" [Ashland Pride Series, Book 4] by R. E. Butler

What was I thinking? : I am a fan of Ms. Butler. Even though this was the first novel, I've read from this series, I've read previous novels of hers and liked them enough to want to read something else of hers. When I saw and read this novels description on Amazon.com back before it was going to be available I was highly excited about it and put it on my Amazon.com Wish List. After getting gift cards for Christmas it was one of the novels I was really interested in reading about...

Author's Book Description : As an albino black panther banished by her people, Veruka Jennings knows if her clan discovers she had a child, it would mean death for them both. Labeled an abomination and forbidden from having cubs, she’s spent the better part of her life as an outcast, believing she is worthless because of the color of her fur. After secretly overhearing traveling clan members discuss a bonding ceremony in Indiana, she decides to spy on the proceedings for one last look at the people who treated her like trash.

When James and John Fallon investigate a shadowy figure in the woods during a bonding ceremony, they do not expect to find the woman they are meant to share. But instead of enjoying their mating, they are embroiled in a clan war as they fight to protect Veruka and her son, who have come to mean everything to them. If they can protect her, will they be able to keep her? Or will Rue believe she’s not worthy of their love and disappear from their lives forever?

Warning: This book contains one spunky heroine who will do anything to keep her son safe, two males who aren’t about to let the slippery female get away, and a ticked off clan of panthers who want bloody revenge for their broken laws. Expect plenty of growls and snarled curses, love bites, ceremonial mating, and scorching m/f/m loving that only happens when two mountain lions finally find the woman of their dreams. Contains m/f/m interaction.

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars, a woman who has been banished from her clan and on the run for over seventeen years finally becomes rescued by two men claiming to be her mates but will she allow their help?

This novel wasn't like anything I expected, and sad to say not in the good way. Maybe my hopes were too high for this novel but I found that it didn't hold my attention at all after the 43% mark where Rue started acting like an idiot. I mean I know and understand her concerns about her son's safety but to just take off after everything supposedly got fix really made me want to stop reading this novel. Especially since James and John (Rue's mates) weren't winning me over that well either as "hero type" characters.

The only two redeeming things I found about this novel was one Domino (Dom--Rue's son) himself because I liked him and his growing relationship with Henry (John's son). The second redeeming thing I found was how the setup of John & James' pride ran and how much the guys (all of them) yearned for families of their own. Those parts were all very sweet and made me force myself into see how this novel would end.

Nevertheless, I ONLY recommend this novel to those who are already fans of Ms. Butler's Ashland Pride Series.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : Seducing Samantha (Book 1) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Loving Lachlyn (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Loving Lachlyn (Book 2) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Marking Melody (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : Marking Melody (Book 3) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Redeeming Rue (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : Redeeming Rue (Book 4)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Every Night Forever | A Bead of Blood | A Twitch of Tail | The Gigolo’s Bride | A Promise on White Wings | The Alpha’s Heart

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Cover Reveal & Pre-Order: Ashland Pride 4!! | Are you Ready for the Ashland Pride? Countdown to Release Day & KU/KOLL News | Available Now: Redeeming Rue (Ashland Pride Four)! | Wilde Creek 3, Ashland Pride 4, and Best Seller Lists!!

Author's Series Extras : The Ashland Pride Series - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :
Henry shoved John’s hands away and grabbed Dom’s tail.
“Shift, damn it, shift!”
“Henry,” John said, but then Rue gasped and everyone froze as Dom’s whole body twitched. Dom’s body shuddered and his chest heaved as he breathed deeply. His eyes blinked open, the blue color dull at first but then turning the same brilliant green as Rue’s as his bones cracked with the force of his shift.
James grabbed Rue as her legs went out and pulled her tightly against him. Henry continued to cheer Dom on through his shift as the whole pride watched in surprise as Dom’s body shifted from nearly dead panther to very wounded human.
Dom rolled to his back with a loud groan. His skin was streaked with blood, the wounds healing but still deep. Sarah, Don, and Ethan rushed forward and began to talk to Dom hurriedly, asking him questions and checking him over.
John looked at James who stared at Henry. James met John’s eyes and said, “What the hell just happened?”
John shook his head. “I haven’t the foggiest.”
Henry let out a soft sob and buried his head against John’s chest. “He’s my brother. I couldn’t let him die.”
Rue began to cry, pushing away from James and leaning over Dom. She tipped his chin until she was looking into his eyes and said, “I thought you were dead. I thought I had lost everything.”
Dom wheezed and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. “Cat saved me.”
“Cat? What cat?” Rue asked.
Dom squeezed his eyes shut as a shudder wracked his body and said with a scratchy voice, “Feels like family.”
His eyes rolled back in his head, and Ethan pushed Rue back gently, smacking Dom on the cheeks to rouse him. “Don’t pass out on us again, kiddo. You need to shift and let your cat heal you.”
Henry let go of John and pushed forward to Dom’s side, grabbing his hand lightly. “Shift. I’m not going anywhere brother.” ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by R. E., then please check out her website.
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/