Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Summer Campaign by Carla Kelly

Miss Onyx Hamilton is about to make what everyone agrees is a perfect marriage―until handsome Major Jack Beresford comes galloping into her life. But with his fortune and connections, Onyx knows he’d never ask for her hand, would he? New and longtime fans alike will relish this delightful romance from Carla Kelly. Charming, sweet, and full of fun, it’s simply impossible to put down.

* Amazon * Goodreads

Carla Kelly's books are always enjoyable.  She knows how to draw the reader in with well defined characters and settings you can imagine in your head.

Onyx is a strong character.  Carla Kelly doesn't write her female leads any other way.  Onyx has led a hard and unfortunate life but she is resilient and knows how to adapt and work hard.  She also has a tender heart and a desire to please and take care of other people.  She is easy to like.

Jack just wants to go home.  He's faced the brutalities of war and needs time to heal, body and soul.  Jack is a protector though.  It's in his nature.  Oh, and he wants Onyx.

This book is sweet and charming.  There is witty banter and a gentle romance.  This book, to me, was more surface than some of her more recent books- not as meaty.  But still really good.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is a clean regency romance.  My thanks to Cedar Fort for providing a copy of this book for review.


Saturday, March 28, 2015

In My Dreams by Muriel Jensen

All he wants is family… 

Crawling on his belly through enemy fire is nothing compared to the murder that ripped Jack Palmer's childhood apart. Now that he's home from his tour of duty, the ex-soldier's most critical mission lies ahead: finding his long-lost sisters. And Sarah Reed can help.

The compassionate former pediatric nurse awakens powerful feelings in Jack. Yet Sarah's traumatic loss of a young patient prevents her from wanting a family of her own. Is Jack ready to risk his place in his adopted family for the chance to reunite with his biological one…and claim a childless future with the woman he loves?


I may have said this before, once or twice, but I really love Harlequin Heartwarming.  They put out sweet, clean romance books that I am happy to settle in and read.  I know I won't come across any sexual situations that would make me uncomfortable.  It's perfect for me.

Jack returns home from his tour of duty to find Sarah Reed.  He is instantly attracted to her but can't do anything about it because she is dating his brother.  Things get a little messy as both Sarah and Jack realize feelings for each other are growing and they have to do something about it.

I actually really like books like this where a couple falls in love and then together have to work through the things that are hard.  Jack and Sarah finally get together but realize that they just might be at an impasse because Jack really wants to have children and start a family but Sarah is dead set against it because she has seen so many children suffer and die in the hospital where she works.  

In the meantime, Jack is trying desperately to find the sisters that were taken from him when their family was split up by social services.  He has an adoptive family that he loves but really wants to find his sisters to make sure they are okay and happy.

I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the characters (Jack especially) and the journey.  I am looking forward to the next book which should bring Jack's adoptive brother and his biological half sister together.  There will be some fireworks there for sure!


Friday, March 27, 2015

Cover Reveal for Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen + $25 Giveaway!

Coming May 1, 2015 - Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen

Kindle-Cover-1 
  Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen Marriage wasn’t bliss—not for Marilee. Instead of finding contentment with the handsome son of a sovereign duke, she found betrayal and neglect. And fear. A fear that finally lifts when her husband dies, freeing her from his domineering hand. But freedom alone can't give her peace, and she must battle to regain her love for life, rebuild her happiness, and reclaim the ability to trust. When her charming neighbor intrudes on her quiet life, offering his friendship (and a dog, of all things), she must determine whether his interest is genuine, whether he is a friend or foe, and whether he deserves the fragile bit of trust she has managed to scrape together.

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Annette
Author Annette K. Larsen I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.


Cover Reveal Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/8/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Covering Home by Heidi McCahan + $20 and Book Giveaway!

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Covering Home
Covering Home
Heidi McCahan
Adult Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 310 Pages
January 18th 2015 by Snug Corner Cove Press

On assignment in Japan, television personality turned sportscaster Britt Bowen is determined to land an interview with the most reclusive pitcher in baseball and prove she can succeed in a demanding profession. A relationship with a self-absorbed professional athlete is the last thing Britt needs. 

Shunning all media attention, former All-Star pitcher Caleb Scott is focused on rebuilding his career in Japan, far from his past and the horrible tragedy that nearly ruined him. Then he meets Britt, who is everything he vowed to avoid. 

But it doesn’t take long before Caleb is battling his attraction toward Britt. While she works to uncover his secrets, she can’t deny she’s drawn to his wounded soul. At a crossroads, Caleb must decide if he can break free from his past mistakes and give love another chance. And Britt must choose between advancing her career … or falling in love.

Amazon * Goodreads 

I am such a sucker for baseball stories.  Especially baseball and romance.  <sigh>  I'm so glad baseball season is upon us once more.  Yay!

This book took baseball to Japan of all places.  Honestly, my brain has never really given much thought to baseball in Japan.  It was kind of cool.  I loved the change from the norm in baseball settings.

Both Britt and Caleb are full of life and energy.  You can feel their emotions and struggles.  I enjoyed getting to know them both through this book.  There is obvious chemistry between the two of them but there is also a lot of resisting.  Britt is trying to prove herself in the demanding and mostly man dominated world of sportscasting.  She is focused and determined.  Caleb is trying to play a game that he loves and hide at the same time.  It isn't really working for him but he is also pretty determined to stay out of the public eye.

This is a good story, easy to read.  There was a lot of back and forth toward the end that kind of drove me crazy.  You know- yes I want you.  No, I don't.  Yes, I do.  Well, now I don't.  But, eventually I got to that happy place and I really enjoyed the ride.

Heidi McCahanHeidi McCahan is a Pacific Northwest girl at heart. She spent her formative years in Alaska, where her unique upbringing, coupled with Alaska's breathtaking scenery, fueled her active imagination and loosely inspired her debut novel, Unraveled

Heidi graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University and a Master's Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband, Steve. They currently live in North Carolina with their three boys. 

When Heidi isn't stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the boys around suburbia or watching one of their many sporting events, she loves to read and write heartwarming romance.


- US Grand Prize: Birchbox 3-month subscription ($30 value) & signed paperback of Covering Home (US Only)
- Gift Card Grand Prize: $20 Gift Card for Amazon/iTunes/B&N (winner's choice) & an ebook of Covering Home (open internationally)
- Ends April 7th

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Falling Slowly (Hostage Negotiation #1.5) by Julie Coulter Bellon

**This is a companion novella to All Fall Down (Hostage Negotiation #1)**

Rafe Kelly never thought he’d fall in love with Claire Michaels, the hostage negotiator sent to get him out of a life or death situation. Though it was easy to see from the beginning that Claire was good at her profession, Rafe quickly realized she was even better for him personally―and that they might have a future together.

When they get back from their mission in Afghanistan, however, Claire goes back to the Hostage Negotiation Team and Rafe is left to deal with the huge hole in his life after leaving the SEALs. Trying to balance an uncertain future with a new relationship is made even more complicated when a family crisis strikes. Will Rafe and Claire be able to turn to each other for strength or are they over before they’ve really begun?

* Amazon * Goodreads * B&N * Kobo *

Now here's something I love.  A sweet love story continuation from a book that I loved.  I first read about Rafe and Claire in "All Fall Down" which is a clean romantic suspense (more suspense than romance).  In that book they make a connection and we have a glimpse of what will come.  In "Falling Slowly" we get a follow up on Rafe and Claire's romance and I loved it.  It's sort of like a P.S..

Rafe and Claire are back in real life, trying to figure out how to navigate this new and growing relationship in uncharted waters.  This is a novella and so it went by way too fast.  I wanted more.  Yeah, greedy am I.  I love all of Julie's books.  They are fast paced and engaging.  This novella was less suspenseful and focused more on the growing relationship which is such a perfect idea for in between novellas, I think.  So fun!  I REALLY hope she does this for all her books.  That would be awesome!

If you haven't read any of Julie's books, this is a great time to start!  They are all fantastic.

All Fall Down  (Hostage Negotiation #1)

Falling Slowly (Hostage Negotiation #1.5)

Ashes, Ashes  (Hostage Negotiation #2)

From the Ashes (Hostage Negotiation #2.5)

Pocket Full of Posies  (Hostage Negotiation #3)

Ring Around the Rosie  (Hostage Negotiation #4)

Also, just as an FYI, "All Fall Down" should be released April 15th as an audio book!



Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of eleven romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense.

Julie loves her work partly because she gets to travel to distant lands to research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She would love to visit Hawaii, Australia, Ireland, and Scotland someday. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Julie also offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com

Monday, March 23, 2015

Hidden Identities: A Sweet and Sassy Anthology

Readers will be delighted with nine sweet, contemporary romance novelettes in Sweet & Sassy: Hidden Identities. In this charming anthology, you will fall in love again and again.

THE BEST OF ME by Paige Timothy
Becky is a cancer survivor who has been blogging about her journey. She's shocked to find that Josh, her one-time love and now-famous oncologist, is the main speaker at the symposium she’s been asked to attend. Has fate given them a second chance at a future together, or just a shot at miserably ever after?

SECOND-HAND HEARTS by Jo Noelle
When Elena sees Chase for the first time, his turquoise eyes and tousled blond hair convince her that she might believe in insta-love. Just in time, her brain takes over, reminding her that her business is in trouble, making the future uncertain—not a good time for love. But being with Chase is as easy as following her heart, until she finds he has a secret big enough to break it.

FIRST LOVE, SECOND CHOICE by Lindzee Armstrong
When wedding planner Keslee gets asked on a date by her long-lost high school crush, Bryce, everything should be perfect. But Bryce mistakes Keslee for her deceased twin sister, Jadyn. And she doesn’t correct him. Now they’re unexpectedly working together. Keslee knows the charade can’t last much longer, and fears she’ll lose Bryce forever when she tells him the truth.

HACKED by Stephanie Connelley Worlton
NSA data analyst Samantha Perry never knew being an introverted computer geek could get dangerous until she digs a little too deep into a greedy blackhat’s business, forcing her to change her identity and relocate. She risks everything to try to close the case, but may end up putting a nail in her own casket. And if she doesn’t, Seth, her hot new neighbor, just might.

TO LOVE AND PROTECT by Ruth Roberts
First Son Daxon Hayward has refused a secret service detail since the day his father was elected President. This time the threat against Daxon is very real, and his father plants an undercover agent to protect him, Lorelei Davis who is capable and beautiful. She’s received her assignment: Protect the First Son, don’t let him know she is an agent, and don’t fall in love.

CLOSING TIME by Candice N. Toone
Chef Will Morrison can’t help himself after watching Kelsey sit alone at a table waiting for a blind date. When he steps in to save her from being stood up, he expects to exchange dull first-date pleasantries, but finds himself drawn in by her quick wit and spunk. Will hears himself confirming plans for a second date only to realize that she still believes he’s someone else.

SINK OR SWIM by Laura D. Bastian
Shelly can’t believe she’s fallen for another cheater. The last few weeks at the gym swimming next to Brandon had almost convinced her she could date again. Brandon’s excited to be back home with a career that can finally hold a candle to his twin brother’s success. When Shelly suddenly turns cold, Brandon can’t help wondering if it has something to do with his brother.

WRITE AND WRONG by Kaye P. Clark
Jon Patterson is burned out. After publishing a series of blockbuster novels under his pen name, he’s hit a brick wall. He escapes to a rural town in Idaho where he meets Abby, the local librarian. She ignites his imagination and quickens his heart. Without the pressure of his pen name, Jon is free to be himself. But will he lose Abby when she learns his secret?

UNDERCOVER LOVER by James C. Duckett
Agent Johnny Anderson is struggling with an investigation that could make or break his career. However, it’s love at first sight when beautiful and witty Hannah moves into the neighborhood. Will Johnny lose Hannah when she finds out his cover story is a façade? As things get hotter between them, his love for her might endanger her life.


I was excited to be able to read and review this new anthology.  The cover looks great and I love the premise of "hidden identities".  Every novella in this book revolves around that theme and I really liked it.

This book starts off strong.  I LOVED the first half of the book.  The stories were great and I was just eating them up.  I think my favorites were Second Hand Hearts, The Best of Me and Hacked.  After I read Hacked, I was over to Amazon trying to find anything about the next book after Hacked because it mentions it in the after word.  Alas, I could find nothing but I really want to read it!!

After the first five books, things sort of went downhill for me.  The stories just weren't as good.  Write and Wrong had sexual innuendo and frequent mild swearing which made it stick out in this collection as not quite like the others.  Undercover Lover is a lot like To Love and Protect in premise, but not nearly as good.  

Overall though, a great collection of stories.  As of today, you can pre-order this anthology for just $.99.  Seriously, that's a steal of a deal, even if you don't love every novella in there.  It releases March 26th.


Friday, March 20, 2015

The Best Laid Plans by Amy Vastine + $50 and book Giveaway!

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

The Best Laid Plans (Chicago Sisters, #2)
The Best Laid Plans
(Chicago Sisters #2)
Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 368 Pages
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She planned on falling in love. Just not with him!

Emma Everhart's life is going according to plan. Finish nursing school with flying colours… Check. Get a great job in the ER… Check. Marry a handsome doctor and have two babies, three years apart… Not quite yet. But with a dreamy new doctor joining the hospital staff, she's so close she can almost taste the wedding cake. Now is not the time to let the tall, dark and flirtatious paramedic Charlie Fletcher distract her! He may be the best date and best kiss she's ever had, but he's definitely not part of her plan. No matter how he makes her feel…

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin


I'm so happy to be a part of this tour for "The Best Laid Plans" by Amy Vastine.  I've been following Amy Vastine and I really enjoy reading her books.  This book is the second in the Chicago Sisters series by Harlequin Heartwarming.  I got an e-book for review for this tour but I also entered to win a physical copy of this book because well, sometimes it's awesome to hold an actual book in your hands.  Guess what?  I won!!  In the mail came this book, signed by the author!  Woot!  I read the real book instead of the e-book.  It was oh, so satisfying!  

Emma is a planner.  To the extreme.  She has a life plan and she is determined to stick to that plan no matter what.  Emma likes to be in control and she believes that she must stick to the plan because if she doesn't, bad things will happen.  Yeah, she is a bit fanatical about her plan.  I'm a girl that loves to plan too, but Emma and her planning drove me nuts.  

I fell in love with Charlie long before Emma did.  Haha.  He is awesome and so, so, so incredibly patient.  He'd have to be with Emma!  Poor Charlie just wants to be loved.  He's been heartbroken before and he doesn't want to go down that road again with Emma but he just can't stay away from her.  It's a recipe for a good, romantic book!

I have to say that this book can stand alone but I think you will best enjoy it if you read "The Better Man" first.  This book kind of gives the reader a happily ever after epilogue for Kendall and Max from the first book which is all kinds of awesome and just what I love to read about.  

"The Best Laid Plans" is clean- no sexual situations or swearing.  It is easy, fluffy, and romantic.   I love Harlequin Heartwarming and I love Amy Vastine.  I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!  Enjoy the following excerpt from "The Best Laid Plans".

Scott turned around first. He stared at her, obviously aware of the length of her hair, but unlike everyone else, he said nothing. Did he love it? Did he hate it? Why wasn’t he saying anything?
Charlie faced her, that easy smile on his face. “I love the new look, Nightingale,” he said without hesitation. “You look gorgeous.”

The butterflies in Emma’s stomach fluttered ever so slightly. She swallowed down some of her worry. “Thanks, Charlie. I donate my hair every year to mark the day my mom’s breast cancer took her hair but not her spirit.”

“That’s awesome,” Charlie said, reaching up to move some hair out of her eyes. Emma’s butterflies tickled her insides. “My niece had leukemia when she was eight. Losing her hair was a huge hit to her self-esteem. She would have loved a wig.”

Scott cleared his throat. “Yeah, that’s really sweet of you. Those places give wigs to kids with alopecia and burns, too.”

“I didn’t know that,” Emma said, self-consciously raking her fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck. Having the attention of both Charlie and Scott was more than she could stand.

“I worked in the Burn Unit at my last hospital. Some of the toughest work I’ve ever done.”
Charlie shoved his hands in his pockets. “There’s nothing more gut-wrenching than trying to care for someone with burns. Those are always our most harrowing rescues.”

The conversation suddenly turned into a competition. “You’re lucky all you have to do is drive the patient to the hospital,” Scott said. “I don’t know who has it worse, the firefighters who rescue a burn patient or the doctors who have to try to ease their pain.”

Charlie gave him a curious look. “Right. Because all we ‘ambulance drivers’ do is drive the ambulance.”

Emma found herself feeling protective of Charlie. She had a lot of respect for EMTs and paramedics, but they didn’t always get it from everyone else. “Paramedics are in the trenches with the firefighters. We all know that. Plus, I think the burn victims have it the worst. If we’re voting.”

“Of course.” Scott cleared his throat again and shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Well, forgive me if you catch me doing a double take when I see you. Your new look is going to take some getting used to.”

“I won’t hold it against you.” Emma was unsure if that meant he liked it or not. Scott gathered up his things and went to check on another patient.

“Isn’t he charming?” Charlie said, watching him go.

“He’s a nice guy,” Emma said in Scott’s defense. “He didn’t mean anything by that comment.”



Author pic

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read.

In September of 2012, she saw a tweet about Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. She entered, hoping for nothing more than a little feedback from some people in the business. Amazingly, The Weather Girl made it into the semi-finals, thanks to the many wonderful voters out there! The manuscript didn’t make it to the finals, but the editors over Harlequin were still interested. A few revisions later and The Weather Girl was contacted for publication with Harlequin Heartwarming – a dream come true!

Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.



- $50 Amazon gift card & signed paperback of The Best Laid Plans (ebook if international winner)
- 5 copies of The Best Laid Plans (paperback to US winners and ebooks to international winners) and Chicago swag and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet for (US winners only)
Ends March 29th

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Thursday, March 19, 2015

This Just In by Kathryn Scarborough


Science teacher Gina Thompson is as pragmatic and level headed as the next person except for the perpetual TV announcer that lives in her head and comments on everything she thinks. Her large family drives her crazy by getting her the worst blind dates on the planet. Ken Armstrong is an astrophysicist working at NASA. He is alone except for his grouchy old cat and his grouchy old uncle, Ken’s only family, and he likes it fine that way. Uncle Johann meets Gina and decides ‘she is the one’. Through a series of planned mishaps and an icy visit from Mother Nature these two seriously logical people discover that indeed, there is scientific proof of love at first sight.


This contemporary romance fell a bit flat for me.  I just didn't love it.  While the idea of the story is good, the execution left much to be desired.  I didn't connect to the characters and I never felt fully engaged in the story.  I think there is a lot of potential here but for me, this book just didn't work.

This is a clean romance.  There is some profanity (using God and Jesus as exclamations) but other than that it is sweet and clean.  

Not every story meshes with every reader but I do thank Astraea Press for allowing me to read and review titles for them.


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

Samantha and her neighbor, Jake, have no idea that Samantha’s best friend, a parrot named Charlie, is a thousand years old. Charlie is also at the center of a secret battle between an ancient, evil man’s monsters and magical creatures. When Charlie asks Samantha and Jake to protect him, they are chased by monsters from both sides. To save Charlie, and two worlds, Samantha and Jake have twenty-four hours to figure out how to use the supernatural staff, WhipEye, and find the courage to confront what they fear most…


WhipEye is a MG fantasy adventure book with some mystery and magic thrown in as well.  I'm not sure how MG this book actually is, it felt more YA with MG kids in it.

Charlie is a parrot, a talking parrot with a big problem and he needs help.  Sam and Jake are pulled in to help Charlie in a quest to save two worlds from the evil Magnar who has been holding Charlie captive for many years.  There are lots of monster like creatures who chase after Samantha and Jake.

One thing I think the author did a good job of was describing scenes so that I could visualize them in my head.  I had clear pictures of places and things that were happening.

I'm not sure this book was up to par with the many other MG books I've read through major publishing companies, but it was okay.  The writing was a bit rough around the edges- the flow, the dialogue.  I didn't find myself personally connecting to the characters but it was a fun story and if you enjoy fantasy/magic/adventure type books you may really enjoy this one.  It just wasn't a great fit for me.


Monday, March 16, 2015

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop- Enter to Win a Book of Your Choice!


Woo-hoo!  It's time for another giveaway hop!  

For this hop I will be giving one lucky person a book of your choice, $12 or less from Amazon if you are US and The Book Depository if you are INT.  E-books are also an option if you prefer.

Don't forget to check out the other giveaways going on right now as well.  You can find links to those on the right side bar.  :)

Thanks for stopping by and happy hopping!


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The Bluebird Bet by Cheryl Harper + a $25 and book Giveaway

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

The Bluebird Bet (Welcome to Tall Pines # 2)

 The Bluebird Bet
(Welcome to Tall Pines #2)
Cheryl Harper
Adult Contemporary Romance
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Winning isn't everything...

To other people Dr. Elaine Watson never loses. Period. So she won't miss out on a chance to restore the Bluebird Bed-and-Breakfast. The owner's son, Dean Collins, seems just as determined as she is. A famous photojournalist, he hasn't been home in years, so why does he want to turn the Bluebird, a charming old B and B, into a fishing camp?

With just a few weeks to create the winning plan, Elaine has no choice but to spend time with the guy. She's drawn to the handsome, wounded man, but being with Dean would mean giving up the future she's been dreaming of... And Dr. Elaine Watson never gives up.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin


The Bluebird Bet is a gentle, slow paced, light romance about two people who want to own the same property.  Dean and Elaine both love the Bluebird B & B but envision different things for it's future.  Elaine wants to restore the Bluebird to it's original glory and bring families back.  Dean wants to focus on the fishing which is something that he loves.  These two very different individuals have to learn to work together while they plot against each other.

The plot of the story is good - rivals who become friends who might become more if they allow themselves.  Even though both Elaine and Dean are determined to win, they also end up caring what will happen to the other if they do win.

As I said, this is a sweet, gentle book.  It didn't pull my emotions in or cause my heart to pitter patter, but it was a good book.  The romance is soft and slow building.  The Bluebird sounds like the perfect place for a weekend getaway.  I want to go there!  But only if Elaine wins...

I love the Harlequin Heartwarming line.  It is the perfect place for a girl like me to settle in because I like my romances sweet and clean.  


Cheryl Harper discovered her love for books and words as a little girl, thanks to a mother who made countless library trips and an introduction to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House stories. Cheryl enjoys strong characters that make her laugh. Now she spends her days searching for the right words while she stares out the window and her dog snoozes beside her.



Tour-Wide Giveaway

- $25 Amazon gift card (open internationally)
- Signed print copies of A Minute on the Lips & The Bluebird Bet (US only)
- 5 ebooks of The Bluebird Bet (to be gifted through Amazon or B&N)
Ends March 24th

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Saturday, March 14, 2015

The Locksmith by Susan Kaye Quinn

SHORT NOVELLA (STANDALONE) in the Mindjack Universe

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

In a world filled with mindreaders, Zeph is a mindjacker who wants to stay hidden—even if it means the cute mindreader in his Latin class is forever out of his reach. He locks and unlocks minds for a ruthless mindjacker Clan in exchange for protection and the chance to have a normal life with his parents and little sister. But when a girl he doesn’t know reveals the existence of mindjackers to the world, Zeph is forced to make a choice: unlock—and ultimately destroy—the mind of a young jacker changeling… or turn his back on everyone he loves.

The Locksmith is a SHORT NOVELLA (STANDALONE) (11000 words or 44 pages), a companion story to the Mindjack Saga (Zeph’s POV), a young adult science fiction series. There are three novels in the original trilogy (Open Minds, Closed Hearts, Free Souls), five novellas that accompany the series (Mind Games, The Handler, The Scribe, The Keeper, The Locksmith) and plans for another trilogy in the works.

             * Amazon * Goodreads *


I LOVE the Mindjack series.  It's one of my favorites.  If you haven't read this series, you really should.  Especially if you enjoy dystopian/paranormal kind of books.  I am so excited to hear that Susan Quinn has another trilogy based on the Mindjack world in the works!  That makes me happy.

In "The Locksmith", we meet Zeph who can lock down people's minds.  Freaky.  Zeph is young and unsure.  You can sense his hesitancy with pretty much everything.  The ending leaves things wide open for the upcoming trilogy.  It made me anxious to delve back into the Mindjack world again.

This is a super short novella.  I seriously read through it in minutes.  Now I just have to relax and wait.  haha.  Easier said than done!


Friday, March 13, 2015

Sweet and Sassy Anthology: Hidden Identities


Pre-Order for just $.99 on Amazon today!
Releases March 26, 2015

Readers will be delighted with nine sweet, contemporary romance novelettes in Sweet & Sassy: Hidden Identities. In this charming anthology, you will fall in love again and again.

THE BEST OF ME by Paige Timothy
Becky is a cancer survivor who has been blogging about her journey. She's shocked to find that Josh, her one-time love and now-famous oncologist, is the main speaker at the symposium she’s been asked to attend. Has fate given them a second chance at a future together, or just a shot at miserably ever after?

SECOND-HAND HEARTS by Jo Noelle
When Elena sees Chase for the first time, his turquoise eyes and tousled blond hair convince her that she might believe in insta-love. Just in time, her brain takes over, reminding her that her business is in trouble, making the future uncertain—not a good time for love. But being with Chase is as easy as following her heart, until she finds he has a secret big enough to break it.

FIRST LOVE, SECOND CHOICE by Lindzee Armstrong
When wedding planner Keslee gets asked on a date by her long-lost high school crush, Bryce, everything should be perfect. But Bryce mistakes Keslee for her deceased twin sister, Jadyn. And she doesn’t correct him. Now they’re unexpectedly working together. Keslee knows the charade can’t last much longer, and fears she’ll lose Bryce forever when she tells him the truth.

HACKED by Stephanie Connelley Worlton
NSA data analyst Samantha Perry never knew being an introverted computer geek could get dangerous until she digs a little too deep into a greedy blackhat’s business, forcing her to change her identity and relocate. She risks everything to try to close the case, but may end up putting a nail in her own casket. And if she doesn’t, Seth, her hot new neighbor, just might.

TO LOVE AND PROTECT by Ruth Roberts
First Son Daxon Hayward has refused a secret service detail since the day his father was elected President. This time the threat against Daxon is very real, and his father plants an undercover agent to protect him, Lorelei Davis who is capable and beautiful. She’s received her assignment: Protect the First Son, don’t let him know she is an agent, and don’t fall in love.

CLOSING TIME by Candice N. Toone
Chef Will Morrison can’t help himself after watching Kelsey sit alone at a table waiting for a blind date. When he steps in to save her from being stood up, he expects to exchange dull first-date pleasantries, but finds himself drawn in by her quick wit and spunk. Will hears himself confirming plans for a second date only to realize that she still believes he’s someone else.

SINK OR SWIM by Laura D. Bastian
Shelly can’t believe she’s fallen for another cheater. The last few weeks at the gym swimming next to Brandon had almost convinced her she could date again. Brandon’s excited to be back home with a career that can finally hold a candle to his twin brother’s success. When Shelly suddenly turns cold, Brandon can’t help wondering if it has something to do with his brother.

WRITE AND WRONG by Kaye P. Clark
Jon Patterson is burned out. After publishing a series of blockbuster novels under his pen name, he’s hit a brick wall. He escapes to a rural town in Idaho where he meets Abby, the local librarian. She ignites his imagination and quickens his heart. Without the pressure of his pen name, Jon is free to be himself. But will he lose Abby when she learns his secret?

UNDERCOVER LOVER by James C. Duckett
Agent Johnny Anderson is struggling with an investigation that could make or break his career. However, it’s love at first sight when beautiful and witty Hannah moves into the neighborhood. Will Johnny lose Hannah when she finds out his cover story is a façade? As things get hotter between them, his love for her might endanger her life.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

September Sky (American Journey #1) by John A. Heldt

When unemployed San Francisco reporter Chuck Townsend and his college-dropout son, Justin, take a cruise to Mexico in 2016, each hopes to rebuild a relationship after years of estrangement. But they find more than common ground aboard the ship. They meet a mysterious lecturer who touts the possibilities of time travel. Within days, Chuck and Justin find themselves in 1900, riding a train to Texas, intent on preventing a distant uncle from being hanged for a crime he did not commit. Their quick trip to Galveston, however, becomes long and complicated when they wrangle with business rivals and fall for two beautiful librarians on the eve of a hurricane that will destroy the city. Filled with humor, history, romance, and heartbreak, SEPTEMBER SKY follows two directionless souls on the adventure of a lifetime as they try to make peace with the past, find new purpose, and grapple with the knowledge of things to come.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

September Sky is another time travel book by John Heldt.  This book takes place mostly in Galveston, Texas with a father/son duo who have traveled through time from 2016 to 1900.  Chuck and Justin travel back in time with the purpose of solving a mystery and saving a life.  Of course, it's never as easy as that.  They both fall in love and make some good friends along the way.  Oh, and they run into a few spots of trouble.  With a murderer on the loose and a devastating hurricane on the way, trouble might be putting it mildly.

One thing I really enjoy in these books is the bits of history that come through.  It's always nice to get a clearer picture of events in time while being entertained with romance and mystery.

This book took me quite awhile to get into.  It started out slowly and I had a hard time staying focused.  The book picks up steam about half way into it and by the last third of the book I was invested and fully into things.  It just took so long to get there.  This is definitely a plot driven book.

While I enjoyed many parts of this book, there were some content issues for me.  Several characters in this book have sexual relationships outside of marriage.  There are a couple encounters between a couple in a hotel that are filled with innuendo and descriptions of the scenes (handcuffed to bed, etc.) that I just didn't like.  The actual sex is not described in detail but it all just didn't sit well with me.  There are a few instances of mild swearing.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Cover Reveal for Scion by Kelly Oram + an Awesome Giveaway!



Title: Scion
Series: Supernaturals #3
Author: Kelly Oram
Publisher: Bluefields
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Other books in the series: Chameleon, Ungifted

Russ Devereaux used to have it all—loving father, beautiful best friend, a carefree life in a town he loved, and strong magic. He was the king of his happy universe. Five months ago, that life was taken from him. Do not pass Go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.

He’s spent months fighting back and building himself a new life, in a new city, with new friends he now considers family. But suddenly, his new life might be in jeopardy of getting shot straight to hell just like the last one. Literally, this time.

He’s discovered power inside of him—an ancient, dark power that he shouldn’t have, can’t explain, can’t control, and definitely needs to keep secret. He needs answers, but before he can get them, he finds himself arrested and on his way to face the supernatural council. The same council that stole everything from him the first time.

As Russ struggles to keep his new power under wraps, his old life and he new one are about to collide and it’s bound to be explosive.





For access to all graphics (cover, avatars and photo teasers) for your own sharing, click HERE.

Kelly is giving away 10 signed posters of the Scion cover, and one grand prize of all three books in the series so far (signed).Giveaway is international. To enter, help Kelly with her cover reveal by sharing the cover, passing along photo teasers, or making your social media profiles and avatars Russtastic. The more you share the better your chances of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Montana Gallaghers Collection by MK McClintock: $50 Book Blast

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Find MK’s Books at:

  GALLAGHER’S PRIDE Book One of the Montana Gallaghers Audiobook read by Philip Ormond Brenna Cameron was a on a quest of discovery. Ethan Gallagher was on a quest for revenge. Together they would discover a second chance. From the Scottish Highlands to the Montana frontier, experience the first book in a series about a family in search of peace, hope, and love on a wild land.

  

  GALLAGHER’S HOPE Book Two of the Montana Gallaghers Audiobook read by Philip Ormond Isabelle Rousseau sought a new beginning. Gabriel Gallagher sought what he didn't know was missing. Together they would discover hope in unlikely places. Return to the beloved town of Briarwood with this frontier romance about second chances and finding love in the face of overwhelming odds.  
  
GALLAGHER’S CHOICE Book Three of the Montana Gallaghers Audiobook read by Kathryn Fields Ramsey Hunter finally had a family to call his own. Eliza Gallagher now knew what it meant to risk it all. Together they had a chance to find peace at last. Danger, adventure, and heartwarming romance will sweep you away in Gallagher's Choice, the unforgettable third book in MK McClintock's Montana Gallagher series.

Find MK’s Books at:
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  Praise for the Montana Gallagher series:   "The Montana Gallagher Collection is adventurous and romantic with scenes that transport you into the wild west." - InD'Tale Magazine "This series is spell-binding. Once you start it you cannot put it down." -Jacqueline Clark, Amazon Reviewer (on the Montana Gallaghers)  

I could not put this book down. It is a riveting book, from beginning to the end. The book is filled with adventure and big surprises. -Kelly from Kelly's Thoughts on Things (on Gallagher’s Pride)

 Ms.McClintock chisels out characters that root themselves deep in your heart, where they’ll stay forever more. It’s rich in historic detail and keeps you captivated til the last page. -Molly at Reviews by Molly (on Gallagher’s Pride)

  "MK has written a book that grabs the reader’s attention and refuses to let go." -Suzie at The Bunny's Review (on Gallagher’s Hope)  

 "A good story can have a little bit of romance, a little bit of adventure, and a little bit of mystery all rolled up into one. Ms. McClintock’s Gallagher’s Hope delivers all that and more." -Rebecca at A Book Lover's Library (on Gallagher’s Hope)  

 "I couldn't have asked for a better ending to the Gallagher's story. The Gallagher family has warmed my heart, and they have become like a second family. Ms. McClintock kept the action stampeding at an all time high in the conclusion of the Gallagher's story." -Rose Harness, Amazon Reviewer (on Gallagher’s Choice)  
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Author MK McClintock MK McClintock spins tales of romance, mystery, and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana. -2014 RONE Award-Nominee for "Alaina Claiborne" -Crowned Heart for Excellence from InD'Tale Magazine for "Blackwood Crossing" and "The Montana Gallagher Collection Want more? Visit www.mkmcclintock.com for interviews, free bookmarks, a Montana photo gallery, recipes from MK’s kitchen, and more reader extras. Genres: historical romantic westerns, historical romantic mysteries, western short stories

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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/31/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway