ROMANCING THE GRAVESTONE by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe - Cover Reveal

I am thrilled to be helping Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe with the cover reveal for their newest book,

 ROMANCING THE GRAVESTONE. 

Check out this fantastic cover, created by artist Leni Kauffman and make sure to get Romancing the Gravestone on your TBR and Pre-Order today!    ❤️

Releasing 27 September 2021!  

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Book Description:

She suspects everyone of everything. Sometimes she gets it right.

Jane Ladling is the sole proprietor of her family's landlocked cemetery, Garden of Memories. She's responsible for the, er, guests, but there's a slight problem. Well, besides her moody cat, Rolex, and her sixty-two-year-old best friend's unrequited crush on the sheriff. An extra body now rests in Plot #39.


Enter Special Agent Conrad Ryan. He's gruff, he's gorgeous, and oh, yes, he kind of suspects her of murder. What's an innocent—and very single, not that it matters—girl to do? Solve the crime herself. Even if she must turn the small town of Aurelian Hills, Georgia upside down.


The only line she won't cross? Falling for the first man to make her heart flutter. Nope, not happening. Not even a little.

Meet the Authors:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.

Connect with Gena:

Website ~ GoodReads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~  Facebook Fan Group ~ Instagram ~ BookBub

Jill Monroe is the international best selling author of over fifteen novels and novellas.

Her books are available across the globe and The Wrong Bed: Naked Pursuit has been adapted for the small screen for Lifetime Movie Network. When not writing, Jill makes her home in Oklahoma with her husband, enjoys daily walks with her dog Zoey, texting with her two daughters who are away at college and collecting fabric for items she'll sew poorly.

Connect with Jill:

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter 

Evidence of Desire by Lexi Blake - Review and Excerpt

     

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Author: Lexi Blake

Publication Date:  8 January, 2019

Publisher: Berkley 

Series:  Courting Justice, book 2

Genre:  Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Age Recommendation: 17 and Up

Rating: 5 Stars 

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

A fast-paced contemporary romance that sizzles from the New York Times bestselling author of Order of Protection where passion for the aw isn't the only thing heating up the courtroom.  

Isla Shayne knows she's in over her head. As former all-star linebacker Trey Adams's personal lawyer, she's used to handling his business dealings and private financial matters, not murder charges. She needs to find an experienced criminal attorney who speaks her client's language. David Cormack of Garrison, Cormack and Lawless is exactly what she needs in the courtroom—and the only man she wants in the bedroom. For David, taking on the Adams case means diving back into a world he thought he'd left behind and colliding head on with tragic possibilities he's in no mood to face. There's a reason professional football is in his past and no matter how close Isla gets to the truth he intends to leave it there. But long days working on the case together lead to hot nights in each other's arms. As their feelings grow, the case takes a deadly twist that could change the game between the two lovers forever.  

        

My Review:

Evidence of Desire is the second book in the Courting Justice series and I have to say that I think this series is just getting better and better.  I throughly enjoyed book one but this one was just such an emotional roller coaster on so many levels and the suspense was spot on.  I had a niggiling suspicion I knew the villain in this story, but I wasn't positive till we got toward the end and that makes for a great murder mystery.  

I loved that this story revolves not just around the romance, (and it is a total two for one romance even if the ending of one of them isn't sunshine and roses) the mystery, or the very real health concern for athletes out there.  Each aspect flowed seamlessly together to make a story that not only leaves you content in having read a great book but also will leave you to think about how much athletes are affected by their chosen sport, in this instance football.  I will say if you are not sympathetic to the beating that athletes, particularly football players, bodies take this could be either an eye opening book or a frustrating one for you.  The basis of everything revolves around head injuries suffered by football players and the outcome to their future lives.  Like I said though, this book isn't just about that.  It is also about love and it is also about the mystery that turns the characters worlds upside down.

I loved meeting all the characters again, especially the new ones and though I want to strangle 'Lawless' on the regular for just being a bit of a man-whore I am so excited to see what happens with his book and you can't help but love his rambunctious character.  Isla and David were a perfect match, they play off each other so well.  David is this conglomeration of your favorite type of hero, the sports jock, the businessman, the teddy bear hidden behind an Alpha mask.  Isla is just straight up bad to the bone.  She is so incredibly caring but isn't going to take any crap from anyone and will fight for those she know are worthy of her time, her love, of justice!

There is really just so much to love about this book that I could gush on it for ages. If you are a fan of Lexi this is a must, if you like contemporary romance, a must, if you are a fan of murder mysteries...you got it, a must!  Get this one on your TBR

~ HAPPY READING ~  

Excerpt:

 Isla couldn’t believe she was doing this, but the minute she got a good look at David Cormack without his suit on she knew there was no going back. She’d been ready to make a pot of tea and wait for him to come out of the shower when Erin Taggart had appeared in the kitchen. “Not jumping his bones, then?” she’d asked as she dragged a bottle of water out of the fridge. “He wants to take it slow.” She was aware of how disappointed she’d sounded. “No man who looks at a woman the way that one looks at you wants to take things slow. He’s scared you’re too good for him or something stupid like that,” she said. “I should know. I held off my gorgeous hottie for way too long because he was a tiny bit younger than me. Don’t waste time. Take command. And then when he’s all in, give that control up. That always works for me. ’Night.” There was something in the way the redhead smiled, something intimate and soft. Something Isla wanted for herself again. She’d had it as a girl with Austin. She wanted to know how it felt to have that connection as a woman. So she’d made the decision. Maybe for the first time in her life, she’d genuinely made the decision to be brave, to go after what she wanted with a singular purpose, to put herself out there and see if she was bait enough to catch the one fish she wanted. Though first she needed some fishing gear. According to Noah, that was in the nightstand drawer. She’d stepped in and taken off her clothes. All in. Just like a poker game. If he refused to play, she would be devastated and potentially never be able to face the man again, but she’d felt almost compelled to undress and walk to the entry of that sexy natural stone shower. She’d stood there and looked, really looked at David Cormack. He’d been turned away from her, his back on full display. He was beautifully male, his muscles defined by years of athleticism. His back was strong, his butt practically perfect, and he was held up with strong legs. But his head hung low and she could swear she felt how lonely he was. She hadn’t realized how lonely she was until she’d met him. “David?” He started, every muscle tensing, and then he turned, though he mostly moved his torso as though trying to keep his private parts private. His eyes latched onto her, but he didn’t say a word. Oh, she wanted to run. He was far too gorgeous. She wasn’t in his league. She knew she was attractive, but she wasn’t even close to being in the same condition he was in. He’d been an elite athlete and he’d obviously never stopped working out. She could stand to lose a few pounds. And if those pounds and the roundness of her hips ran him off, then so be it. She was done sitting around and hoping she got what she wanted. At least she would know. “I don’t want to go slow.” For a second, she was almost sure he would tell her to go. Then he turned and he was standing there in his full glory, as though let- ting her see what he had to offer. When she simply stared, he crossed the space between them and, without a word, his hands cupped her face and his mouth was on hers. The minute they touched, something sparked to life inside her, something wild she’d never felt before. It seemed to start in her toes, making them curl as the sensation rushed through her system. Heat and anticipation and pure joy. It had been forever since a man kissed her like this. Maybe never. The only thing that compared was the sweet high school fumbling between her and Austin. He’d been eager, but he had no idea what he was doing. David Cormack knew how to kiss. He mastered her mouth with his, soft when he needed to be and then rough, sending a thrill through her system that burned a path straight to her pussy. He brushed his lips against hers and then zeroed in on her lower lip, biting gently and sucking briefly before another soft kiss allowed her to breathe again. And then when she was ready to beg, his tongue surged in, rubbing soft velvet against her own. “Tell me you’re sure,” he said against her mouth as his hands moved down. “I’m sure,” she replied with a breathy whisper. He could throw her up against the side of the shower and take her then and there and she would be perfectly satisfied. “Because there’s no going back. I’ve been a good boy up until this point. I’ve been civilized, Isla. I’ve played the gentleman around you, but if you let me in, I’ll invade and you’ll see the real man under- neath the suit. I’ll be demanding and overly protective and I’ll want you every fucking minute of the day.” And that was bad, how? She’d been on the outside looking in for so long, the idea of being someone’s center, being the person for him, made her heart ache with longing. “Please touch me, David. I want the real you, every dirty, possessive part of you.” His hands found her hips and he dragged her against him, their bodies coming together for the first time. He was warm, his skin soft over the steel of his muscular body. She took a moment, letting her arms wrap around him, her breasts against his chest, that hard erection of his cradled to her belly. This was sweet intimacy. Yes, it would lead to something wild, but for a moment she basked in the comfort of another body against hers. He stepped back, taking her with him and bringing them into the warmth of the shower. He seemed to understand she needed a moment, and he followed her lead perfectly. One hand held her to him while the other smoothed back her now-wet hair as he brushed light kisses over her forehead and down to her nose, lavishing her with affection she’d been starved without. He stood like that with her, learning her body with his hands and mouth. “See,” he said with the sexiest chuckle as he leaned over and ran his tongue along the shell of her ear. “We’re still taking it slow. I could do this for hours and I haven’t even gotten to your tasty parts yet. You’re sweet, Isla. I could eat you up. Are you going to let me eat you up?” She nodded. One hand tangled in her hair, gently drawing her back and forc- ing her to look up at him. His eyes were hot, his jaw tight with arousal. “Talk to me. I won’t let you disconnect from me when we’re intimate. Tell me. ‘‘Yes, David, I want you to eat me up.’” “Yes, David. I want you to eat me up.”    


ABOUT LEXI BLAKE:

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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Tiffany Blues by M.J. Rose - Release Day Launch

 

NYT bestselling author, M. J. Rose crafts a dazzling Jazz Age jewel--a novel of ambition, betrayal, and passion with TIFFANY BLUES. TIFFANY BLUES is now available! 

Check out the excerpt below, and pick up your copy of TIFFANY BLUES today!

 

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Book Description:

New York, 1924. Twenty‑four‑year‑old Jenny Bell is one of a dozen burgeoning artists invited to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s prestigious artists’ colony. Gifted and determined, Jenny vows to avoid distractions and romantic entanglements and take full advantage of the many wonders to be found at Laurelton Hall.

But Jenny’s past has followed her to Long Island. Images of her beloved mother, her hard-hearted stepfather, waterfalls, and murder, and the dank hallways of Canada’s notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women overwhelm Jenny’s thoughts, even as she is inextricably drawn to Oliver, Tiffany’s charismatic grandson.

As the summer shimmers on, and the competition between the artists grows fierce as they vie for a spot at Tiffany’s New York gallery, a series of suspicious and disturbing occurrences suggest someone knows enough about Jenny’s childhood trauma to expose her.

Supported by her closest friend Minx Deering, a seemingly carefree socialite yet dedicated sculptor, and Oliver, Jenny pushes her demons aside. Between stolen kisses and stolen jewels, the champagne flows and the jazz plays on until one moonless night when Jenny’s past and present are thrown together in a desperate moment, that will threaten her promising future, her love, her friendships, and her very life.

    

  EXCERPT:

March 13, 1957 Laurelton Hall, Laurel Hollow Oyster Bay, New York

Once the present turns to past, all we have left are memories. Yes, sometimes we can stand where we stood, see our ghost selves, and relive moments of our life. See the shadow of the man we loved. Of the friend we cherished. Of the mentor who made all the difference. Our memories turn specific. The terrier that played by the shoreline, joyously running in the sand. We can remember the smell of the roses. Look at the azure water and see the glimmer of the sun on the opposite shore and hear a fleeting few bars of jazz still lingering in the air. If you were the only girl in the world… Staring into the remains of what is left, I see ghosts of the gardens and woods, the gazebo, terraces, rooms ablaze with stained glass—everywhere we walked and talked and kissed and cried. With my eyes closed, I see it all in my mind, but when I open them, all of it is gone, up in flames. Mr. Tiffany once told me that there is beauty even in broken things. Looking back, there is no question I would not be the artist I am if not for that lesson. But would he be able to salvage any beauty out of this destruction? No, I never dreamed I’d come back to Laurelton Hall. The Xanadu where I came of age as both a woman and a painter. Where I found my heart’s desire and my palette’s power. Where depravity bloomed alongside beds and fields of flowers, where creativity and evil flowed with the water in the many fountains. Where the sun shone on the tranquil sea and the pool’s treacherous rock crystals reflected rainbows onto the stone patio. Where the glorious light streaming from Mr. Tiffany’s majestic stained glass illuminated the very deep darkness that had permeated my soul and lifted me out of despair. And where I found the love that sustained me and remained in my heart even after Oliver and I parted. Standing here, smelling the acrid stench, looking at the felled trees with their charcoal bark, the carbon-coated stones and bent metal frames that once held the master’s windows, at the smoky, melting mess that was one of the greatest mansions on Long Island’s Gold Coast, I know I never will see it again, not how it was that magical and awful summer of 1924. The fire is still hot in spots, and a tree branch snaps. My reverie is broken. Leaves rustle. Rubble falls. Glass crushes. Twigs crack. Then comes a whisper. Jenny. But it can’t be. The wind howling through a hollow tree trunk is playing a trick. Fooling me into thinking I am hearing his sapphire voice, its deep velvet tone. As I listen to the repeated whisper—Jenny—I raise my hand to wipe at my tears and tell myself that it is the smoldering ash making my eyes water. The charms on my bracelet jingle as I lower my arm. And again the whisper… and again my name—Jenny.  

"A lush, romantic historical mystery...a heroine to root for." --Kristin Hannah, NYT bestselling author of The Nightingale

     

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

 

"[M.J. Rose] transports the reader into the past better than a time machine could accomplish" (The Associated Press). 

   

About M. J. Rose New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it. Her most recent novel TIFFANY BLUES (Atria/S&S) was chosen as an Indie Next Pick and takes place during the Jazz age at Louis Comfort Tiffany's Long Island mansion/ art colony. Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers.

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Motive by Kennedy Layne - Review

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Author: Kennedy Layne

Publication Date:  17July 2018

Publisher: Self-Published

Series:  Office Roulette, book 2

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Age Recommendation: 17 and Up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

The Office Roulette trilogy continues with an epic battle between blame and forgiveness…

Rye Marshall had it all—wealth, prominence, and the love of his life.  But nothing lasts forever, and his perfect world came crashing down around him.  When the dust settled, he found himself alone and starting from a clean slate.

Grace Dorrance had made many mistakes in her life, but one stood out above the rest—an epic ending to a complex and passionate relationship.  She left her former lover’s life in complete ruins and tried her best never to look back at the wreckage.

Seconds chances are hard to come by, but even more difficult when Grace is arrested for a murder she didn’t commit.  This gives Rye the perfect motive to forgive and forget, allowing for new beginnings.  Unfortunately, someone’s playing a game of office roulette with everyone’s lives.

Get your hands on MOTIVE today!

 

My Review:

First let me start off by saying that while it isn't an absolute must I highly advise you reading this series in order.  The romance itself is a standalone but the inner workings of this office and the friendships is an integral part to the story line.  I will also say that you MUST read this book before going on to book three as this leaves you in a pretty big cliffhanger situation, bigger in my opinion that from Means to Motive.

Now that that is out of the way lets talk strictly about Motive.  Motive follows Grace and Rye as their rekindled and secret romance comes to light in the midst of tragedy and intrigue.  I enjoyed these two together and watching them work through a lot of hurt to get to a place where they can be honest with each other.  I loved Rye and his steadfast belief in both Grace and their relationship.  I loved that Grace is a strong independent woman who unfortunately takes too much on her shoulders but only does so because she loves with all her heart.  These two are a steamy couple who when alone just can't keep their hands off each other.

While I enjoyed the romance I am pulled completely in by the intrigue and suspense of the 'Who Done It' storyline.  It's going to be interesting when everything falls into place and we learn how they mystery plays out.  I can honestly say right now I have no idea who is the culprit and that I am not sure that some of the crossed out suspects still shouldn't be on the list.

I love that this series revolves around the friendship of three independent, strong, determined, mature women who have no qualms saying what they want and what they mean.  Trouble seems to follow them but together and with the help of their eventual (or rekindled) romantic heroes these women come out on top...pun intended.

If you are looking for a quick, run, steamy read that will have you writing out your own suspect list and trying to read between the lines to discover the killer than this is the book for you.  It's perfect for a time when you have a few hours to jus sit and, well maybe not relax since you'll be scratching your head at the mystery, ha....but just enough time to enjoy a good read.  Get this one in your library so it's there when you're ready, you won't regret having done it and then you can wait anxiously with me while we try and discover the who and why!

~ HAPPY READING ~

Missed MEANS (Office Roulette #1) and need to catch up? Get your hands on it now!

 

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Book Description:

From USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne comes a sexy trilogy that involves greed, power, and the desire to do it all over again…

Smith Gallo has everything a man could ever want at the tip of his fingertips, except of course the woman he loves.  To what lengths will he be willing to go to make his ambitions come true?

Laurel Calanthe is one successful stock pick away from making partner when she finds herself in desperate need of an alibi.  There’s only one problem.  The man who can save her from being arrested is her only competitor and the one who now holds her fate in his hands.

Greed is a powerful motivator in the game of making money, but desire can overcome even the strongest motive.

 

About Kennedy Layne

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her military romantic suspense novels in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. They live in the Midwest with their teenage son and menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace. She loves hearing from readers--find out how to connect with her at www.kennedylayne.com.

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The Museum of Mysteries by Steve Berry and M.J. Rose - Release Day Launch

 

Cassiopeia Vitt takes center stage in this exciting novella from New York Times bestsellers M.J. Rose and Steve Berry. 

THE MUSEUM OF MYSTERIES is now available! 

Check out the excerpt below, and pick up your copy of THE MUSEUM OF MYSTERIES today!

 

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Book Description:

In the French mountain village of Eze, Cassiopeia visits an old friend who owns and operates the fabled Museum of Mysteries, a secretive place of the odd and arcane. When a robbery occurs at the museum, Cassiopeia gives chase to the thief and is plunged into a firestorm.

Through a mix of modern day intrigue and ancient alchemy, Cassiopeia is propelled back and forth through time, the inexplicable journeys leading her into a hotly contested French presidential election. Both candidates harbor secrets they would prefer to keep quiet, but an ancient potion could make that impossible. With intrigue that begins in southern France and ends in a chase across the streets of Paris, this magical, fast-paced, hold-your-breath thriller is all you’ve come to expect from M.J. Rose and Steve Berry.

   

  EXCERPT: 

 The L’Etoile family traced its roots back to the 13^th century. The name carried a popular familiarity thanks to a branch of the family that came to fame in the early 18^th century as perfumers to royalty. L’Etoile fragrances became known worldwide and their shop on the Left Bank in Paris remained one of the most famous perfume destinations in the world. And one of my personal favorites. Fifty years after the French Revolution one member of the family, Sebastian L’Etoile, settled in Eze, opening a shop to sell his brother’s fragrances. Eventually, he branched out and founded the Museum of Mysteries, mainly as a place to store artifacts brought back from expeditions to Egypt. Sebastian rediscovered a tunnel that extended from the back of the shop into the mountain, closed off long ago by an avalanche, perfect as a repository. So an entrance was created from the shop. A door, with no knob, no knocker, no lock. Just oak panels bound by iron. Which only the curator could open through a complicated puzzle that predated Sebastian L’Etoile’s rediscovery. Curiosity had gotten the better of me, and so some research had revealed that, in the 5^th century, some of the women of Eze, after being branded witches, had used the tunnel as an escape route down to the sea. Their stories were told through carvings in the walls, which Nicodème had allowed me to see. Goodbye messages. Parting advice. Recipes for spells and potions. Final messages to those they were leaving behind. Seeing them at once both moving and hopeful. Now the old tunnel contained over three hundred rare objects. One of them apparently gone. Being carted away, through a rainstorm, across the streets of Eze by a thief. Hildick-Smith hung a left at a fork in the street, which gave me hope. I knew Eze, every warren of turns and alleyways, every dead end. Clearly my quarry wasn’t as well versed since he’d just chosen one of the inescapable routes, this one ending at a viewing platform where tourists could gaze at the valley below, the towns in the distance, and the endless sea and sky. I took the same left and saw Hildick-Smith ahead. He stopped running, then casually joined a small grop of visitors with umbrellas enjoying the scenic vista. I slowed, caught my breath, and approached. To gain control of the wooden box, Hildick-Smith had drawn a pistol in the shop and held both me and Nicodème at bay. If threatened, he might use his weapon. My instincts told me to shout for the people to clear out so I could deal with the problem. But approaching I suddenly realized something. He was gone.  

   

 

About Steve Berry:

 STEVE BERRY is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of fourteen Cotton Malone novels and four stand-alones. He has 23 million books in print, translated into 40 languages. With his wife, Elizabeth, he is the founder of History Matters, which is dedicated to historical preservation. He serves on the Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board and was a founding member of International Thriller Writers, formerly serving as its co-president.  

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About M. J. Rose:

New York Times bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it. Please visit her blog, Museum of Mysteries at http://www.mjrose.com/blog/
 Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, Wall Street Journal, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com Rose lives in Connecticut with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield.

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Aphrodite's Tears by Hannah Fielding - Review

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Author: Hannah Fielding 

Publication Date:  25 January 2018

Publisher: London Wall Publishing

Series:  StandAlone

Genre:  Romance

Age Recommendation: 16 and Up

Rating:  4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

​Summer 1977, Oriel Anderson finds herself on the charming Greek island of Helios hoping to fulfill a long held dream or joining an archaeological dive team. Broken hearted after her university fiancé leaves her for her best friend, Oriel is determined to prove she can make it in a man’s world by heading up an all-male dive team on her first underwater dig. Spending her days excavating a Roman shipwreck, surrounded by turquoise waters and scorching sunshine, Oriel thinks that she has found paradise, until she meets her employer and the owner of the Island, Damian Lekkas. A widower, with a scarred face, Damian is a brooding presence on the island who instantly takes a shine to Oriel, but Oriel resolves to maintain a professional relationship between them. But the mercurial Damian has other ideas, and Oriel’s stay soon becomes a battle between her head and her heart. When strange things start happening Oriel doesn’t know what to think. She learns that no other women who had come to work on the dive had lasted more than a few weeks, a young boy almost drowns on one of her dives, then one morning Oriel finds a dead songbird in her room, its throat slit. Finally out exploring the beaches Oriel becomes trapped in a cave. Is it all just a coincidence or is someone trying to send her a warning?

My Review:

First let's start off with how much I love this cover.  It is beautiful.  If I saw this book sitting on a shelf I would have definitely stopped to look at it just because of how pretty the cover art is.  It is a big book, almost 600 pages, (something we will talk about more in a minute) but when you touch it and swoon over the cover it doesn't feel so daunting and is totally inviting you in for an adventure.  

I really enjoyed that this book is set in the 1970's.  I think that gives the author a little bit of leeway in the actions of her characters and the setting she is creating that she wouldn't have necessarily been able to pull off if it had been in this time period.  Due to politics, etc Greece of the 2000's has lost (in my opinion) some of its magic and she was able to bring that back to me by pushing the time period to an earlier era.  It also enables her characters to act in ways that would not be appreciated by others in this day and age, though we also have to keep in mind that an American mindset does not always translate to Greece (or any other country honestly, ha) mindset.  The seventies were a time of exploration but also a time that was still rooted in many 'old-fashioned' points of view.  I appreciate as well how well Ms. Fielding remains rooted in that time period, not slipping into mannerisms or attitudes that would be standard today that were not then. It is easy to let today slip into yesterday, but Ms. Fielding does a wonderful job of staying true, not an easy task I am certain.

I also loved the 'feel' of the book as I read.  You are taken on a journey with the characters to Greece and are given all the senses in a way that makes you feel as if you had truly been there.  Her descriptions are beautifully detailed and bursting to life on the pages.   This however is also where I get a little stuck and it is simply that at times things can become bogged down in the descriptions, they can become overwhelming (hence, 600 pages) and you may find yourself skipping along to get back to the 'good' stuff.  

Oriel is a British Archeologist who specializes in Greek history who has been given the chance to fulfill one of her lifetime dreams of joining a Greek archeological dive team, (who is going out to sign up for their own dive certification now?)  surprisingly her boss on this adventure turns out to be a past one night stand, a one night stand that she has never forgotten, but now she can't let herself go back down that path.  Damian is the owner of the island that Oriel finds herself exploring and not only that but he has a very different the on how their relationship or lack there off.  

I loved the excitement that everyone had over each discovery, the fact that Oriel and Damian are able to in a way come together over their shared love of history. (something I throughly approve of, ha) I enjoyed the build up of their romance and in particular the suspense that is wrapped around it.  There were times when the angst gets heavy but it is truly what I would consider an epic love story, one that will have you oohing and awning, with a whole lot of swooning too.  

This is the first book I have read from Hannah Fielding and I have to say that I throughly enjoyed it, despite the length of the book, ha.  Aphrodite's Tears is a sweeping tale of romance, mystery, discovery, and passion and not just the romantic kind.  You will fall under it's spell and find yourself immersed in a whole new world that plays out like one of the classic soap operas that we all loved of the 1980's (dating myself, sigh). You will fall involve not only with the main characters but also with the island itself.  You will have plenty of characters to round out the cast with some you love and some you hate.  This is the perfect read for your spring break beach weekend.  Grab a beach chair, a towel, and a glass of wine then settle in for a wonderful adventure!

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR — ​Having already had huge success as one of the UK’s leading romance authors, “Aphrodite’s Tears” follows the award winning success of Hannah Fielding’s previous novels “Burning Embers,” “Echoes of Love,” “Masquerade,” “Legacy” and “Indiscretion.” “Echoes of Love” won Romance Novel of the Year at the IPB Awards in 2012. With its spectacular setting and deep emotional drama, Aphrodite’s Tears will appeal both to fans of her backlist, as well as lovers of atmospheric travel writing including Santa Montefiore, Penny Vincenzie, Victoria Hislop and Lucinda Riley. Egyptian by birth, Hannah is fluent in French, English and Arabic and has lived all over the world. She currently lives between her writing retreat in the South of France and her rambling family home in Ireland. Hannah’s grandmother, Esther Fanous, was the revolutionary feminist writer in Egypt during the early 1900s and helped found the Women's Wafd Central Committee in 1920.

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For His Eyes Only by Lexi Blake - Release Day

So happy to be a part of this release day of Lexi Blake's 13th book in her Masters and Mercenaries series:  

For His Eyes Only 

is live!

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Book Description:

A night he can’t forget

Five years ago, Nick Markovic found himself consumed by his quest for vengeance. The one time he managed to find peace was in the arms of Hayley Dalton. Being with her was like bathing in sunlight, and he ached to feel that again, but he couldn’t. He gave his oath to Hayley’s cousin Desiree, his partner at McKay-Taggart and Knight, that he’d never let his darkness infect Hayley’s innocent world.

A spark she can’t put out

It was years before that Hayley offered everything she had to Nick. After that one amazing night, all she wanted was to be his forever. Unfortunately, Nick’s reaction was to walk away from her and never look back. The warm and caring man she’d discovered was gone, and after Des’s death, he’d only grown colder. But when Hayley finds herself in mortal danger, she’s forced to seek protection from the man who broke her heart.

A flame that threatens to consume them both

Haunted by the women he failed, Nick can’t allow himself to grow close to Hayley again. Running to stay ahead of the powerful forces that endanger their lives, they travel from the lush Garden in London to the glittering lights of Rio. As the threat against her becomes clearer, he realizes that to keep her safe he must confront the demons from his past, even if it costs him a future with the woman he loves.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

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Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout - Trailer Reveal

Wow you 'guys' I am so excited to help reveal the trailer for Jennifer L. Armentrout's upcoming release Till Death.  This book is going to be intense! 

 Most everyone already knows that JLA is an automatic one click for me but even if I was new to her writing this would be one I would want in my hands ASAP.  Check out the book description and trailer below and then try to hold yourself back from one clicking...no don't, you'll just fail and be disappointed, don't hold yourself back just do it.  

Till Death releases 28 February 2017 

and is published by William Morrow

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

GoodReads ~ 

AmazonUS ~ AmazonUK ~AmazonCA ~ AmazonAU 

~ iBooks ~ Barnes&Noble ~ IndieBound

Book Description:

In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

Trailer:

                  

About the Author:

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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Race the Darkness by Abbie Roads - Review and Giveaway

We’re having a blog tour for RACE THE DARKNESS by Abbie Roads. We are so excited to share this fantastic new paranormal romance with you! 

Check it out and grab your copy today!! 

    

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  GooglePlay ~ BAM ~ Indigo ~ IndieBound

Author: Abbie Roads

Publication Date:  4 October, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Series:  Fatal Dreams, book 1

Genre:  Paranormal Romance/Suspense

Age Recommendation: 18 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Cursed with a terrible gift... 

 Criminal investigator Xander Stone doesn't have to question you-he can hear your thoughts. Scarred by lightning, burdened with a power that gives him no peace, Xander struggles to maintain his sanity against the voice that haunts him day and night-the voice of a woman begging him to save her.

A gift that threatens to engulf them...

Isleen Walker has long since given up hope of escape from the nightmare of captivity and torture that is draining her life, her mind, and her soul. Except...there is the man in her feverish dreams, the strangely beautiful man who beckons her to freedom and wholeness. And when he comes, if he comes, it will take all their combined fury and faith to overcome a madman bent on fulfilling a deadly prophecy.    

 Check out the trailer for Race the Darkness: 

  https://youtu.be/8jC21CGolSQ   

My Review:

Don't mind me while I sit here just staring at my kindle wondering what the heck I just read and no I don't mean that in a bad way I mean that in I can't believe that all just happened, wow, there is so much happening here that I can't even wrap my brain around it, oh my; I may have found a new favorite paranormal series, Woah, that was....weird, exciting, romantic, creepy, sweet, appalling, gentle, what the......the words just keep spilling from my brain and I am incapable of using them to make any sense.

This book was so different than anything I have read in a long time and I really loved it.  The plot and storyline are out there....way out there but in a good kind of way.  It's a fresh take on a genre that hasn't felt truly 'inventive' for me in a long time.  Don't get me wrong, I am a Paranormal Romance girl, I love all things Vampires, Werewolves, etc...but this was something truly different.  The paranormal aspects are based around folklore and the mystical.  The book itself had hints of Beauty and the Beast, The Divici Code, A little X-men, Silence of the Lambs feel.  It's a mash up of Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Mystery, and Dark Romance...It's a weird amalgamation but man does it work.  One thing I will say is that even though there were moments when I was 'Wait, what?' I knew from the get go that the author wasn't going to leave me hanging.  She comes at this from a different angle than I think most would but her explanations and line are straight forward....although it might take you a few pages to see the full picture when ever she takes a turn.  This book isn't going to hit you head on, it's going to come at you from all sides and like me leave you sitting there staring at it long after you are done.   Race the Darkness is a book hangover book, so be prepared!  

Why not a 5 star from me then, well....I wanted more.  I wanted more of the background story to come through in many different aspects.  The relationship between Matt and well, everyone, the relationship between Xander and Kent (I know there was the Camille element but that doesn't truly explain why they have ALWAYS hated one another), the history of the institute...heck Alex and Gale need there own book.  Which leads me to another issue, how old exactly is Isleen?  If Alex (Xander's dad) was married to Gale (Isleen's grandmother) and Shayla (Isleen's mother) was a young teenager when Xander was a child....wait, how old was Gale?  I don't know that whole age thing/relationship muddle confused me.  I am hopeful that we will see more Kent (perhaps his own book), I know we will see more Lathan as his book, Hunt the Dawn, is next but it was weird having him pop up with no real understanding of anything about him.  He's there, and then he's gone and no one knows a damn thing about him expect....he's got issues (similar to Xander?) and he's a consultant for the FBI, other than that he's a ghost.  

This is a fantastic debut from Abbie Roads and has me aching for the next book.  I can't imagine this being her debut how amazing future books from her are going to be.  

I honestly don't know who to recommend this book to because it has so many elements from different genres that I think it will appeal to a lot of people.  It is dark and a bit harsh at times so you definitely need to know that going in.  The romance is InstaLove, but there is an explanation for that. Also it revolves around a religious zealot and his (basically) cult so know that going in as well.  If you are looking for something that is going to engross your every sense and thought...this is your book!  

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

  

 Enter Abbie's Giveaway:

(Paperback copy of Race the Darkness and a $10 gift card)

a Rafflecopter giveaway      

 Seven Things about Abbie Roads:

1.  She loves Snicker Parfaits. Gotta start with what’s most important, right?
2. She writes dark emotional books featuring damaged characters, but always gives her hero and heroine a happy ending… after torturing them for three hundred pages.
3. By day she’s a mental health counselor known for her blunt, honest style of therapy. At night she burns up the keyboard. Well… Burn might be too strong a word. She at least sits with her hands poised over the keyboard, waiting for inspiration to strike. And when it does—the keyboard might get a little warm.
4.  She can’t stand it when people drive slowly in the passing lane. Just saying. That’s major annoying. Right?
5.  She loves taking pictures of things she thinks are pretty.
6.  She’s represented by Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary.
7.  Her first book will be out October 2016 through Sourcebooks.

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