Saturday, April 21, 2018

Release Blitz: A Gift and a Curse: Renata's Story by Stephanie Deniese Brown




Romance
Date Published: April 21, 2018
Publisher: Independence Publishing, TLR

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What does one do when your mind says go but your heart says stay?

In Stephanie Deniese Brown's third installment of her Wesson Family Saga, newly divorcee, Renata McKain-Christian learns if giving it up all in the name of love is either the best gift she'll ever receive or the curse she rather not face.

Renata, fresh off a divorce and ready to start a new life, with no distractions, finds immediate trouble the second she accepts a job from Carson Becker. Carson is established, powerful, and most of all rich. All the things Renata is not and that makes her feel unworthy of his love. But Carson doesn't care about her pocketbook, he sets out to capture Renata's mind, body, and soul. Just as he gets Renata to let her guard down and things start sizzling in the boardroom and the bedroom, secrets are unleashed that threaten to take away everything these two have built.

When power and insecurities threaten a relationship everything comes down to figuring out if the love you share is really a gift or a curse.


About the Author


Stephanie Deniese Brown, a native of Hampton, VA has always loved creative writing. From romance to mystery, she has dipped her pen in all styles of writing.

Stephanie began writing her first novel when she was 21 years old. At first the story was for recreational purposes and was meant to live in Stephanie's computer. After researching how to publish a novel, Stephanie decided she wanted to release her masterpiece to the world. In 2005 she opened Independence Publishing, TLR and released "Skye's His Limit". The novel received high reviews from readers and Stephanie went back to the lab and released the second installment in her series, "Sable's Karma...The Secret's Out" in 2008. The novel placed as a finalist in the National Indie of Excellence Book Award. After a ten year hiatus, Stephanie is back on the scene and is releasing the highly anticipated third installment of the Wesson Family Saga.

Stephanie currently resides in Richmond with her husband, children, and her adorable cat CiCi. 


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Friday, April 20, 2018

Release Blitz: Zagreb, Milan, Nice, Barcelona by Maya Berger


Chick Lit Adventure
Date Published: 19 April 2018

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Maya and Una are two best friends from Croatia, living life a bit more recklessly than they should. This time, they embark on a new adventure along with some friends. Soon their friendship, which seemed tight in Zagreb, becomes challenged on their trip to Barcelona.

The two girls and their friends experience some misfortunes that shape their voyage in a completely different way from what they were expecting. Luckily, they meet new and interesting people who help them to forget their problems and focus on love, fun, and the beauty of the landscape and places they visit.


About the Author


Maya Berger is the author of Luna Tree, a memoir focusing on personal growth and its sequel, In the Pursuit of Change. She took a break from writing about life and personal growth to write two chick lit adventure stories, Girls with No Plan and its stand-alone sequel, Zagreb, Milan, Nice, Barcelona, a second story about Maya and Una who, this time, voyage through Italy and France to visit Maya's boyfriend in Barcelona, Spain.

Maya is a 43-year-old living in Zagreb, Croatia, with her husband and their four-year-old daughter. She is a passionate traveler who spends every free minute either planning a trip or traveling with her family.



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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Book Review: Save Me by Tiffany Snow

Save Me by Tiffany Snow



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, April 17, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 264 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In this fast-paced romantic suspense, China Mack will make one final choice.
Computer genius China Mack may be the former head of Vigilance, the government’s clandestine spy program, but she can still be knocked off balance. And two back-to-back personal blows have thrown her into a tailspin.
While her relationship with tech billionaire Jackson Cooper is on the rocks, China is testing the boundaries of what she feels for man-of-mystery Clark Slattery. But when China learns that her mother’s death sixteen years ago wasn’t an accident, she can’t rest until she knows the truth. And China’s own father, an elusive ex–CIA agent, might have been the killer. To avenge her mother’s death, she needs help, and both Jackson and Clark step up to the plate. But when her investigation is linked to a decades-old international plot to hack the New York Stock Exchange, putting both of the men she loves in danger, China must make an impossible decision to keep them safe.
As the three of them are plunged into a far-reaching conspiracy, China’s notions of love and trust are turned upside down. For China, this final case couldn’t be more personal—or more dangerous.

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Vikki’s Musings

Save Me is an action-packed romantic suspense novel. I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley to read and review in advance of publication. I thank them for the opportunity. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I enjoyed the story a great deal, but I did struggle with the love triangle between the three main characters. I am not fond of the particular trope. Fortunately, the plot is strong and kept me engaged from the beginning to the end.

China’s character is a mixed bag for me. I liked her feistiness and determination, her fearless courage when faced with danger. What I did not care for was her vacillation between Jackson and Clark. One minute she’s lusting after Clark, then telling herself Jackson is the safer choice.

Jackson is an interesting character with many characteristics I enjoy in a hero. He certainly is not afraid to express his feelings for China. I cannot understand why she even hesitates in acknowledging he’s the best choice.

Clark is not a hero I can love. He’s self-absorbed and will do whatever is necessary to accomplish his goal. An excellent trait in a spy, but not a lover. It is clear the relationship between him and China is purely physical.


Nonetheless, even though I did not care for China, this is an exciting read. If you enjoy a romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then you will like Save Me. Happy reading!

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Book Review: The Hellion by Christi Caldwell

The Hellion by Christi Caldwell



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, April 3, 2018

Time and setting:  Regency England, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length: 295 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell’s Wicked Wallflowers series burns hot as two rivals meet in the flesh and feel the heat…
Adair Thorne has just watched his gaming-hell dream disappear into a blaze of fire and ash, and he’s certain that his competitors, the Killorans, are behind it. His fury and passion burn even hotter when he meets Cleopatra Killoran, a tart-mouthed vixen who mocks him at every turn. If she were anyone else but the enemy, she’d ignite a desire in him that would be impossible to control.
No one can make Cleopatra do anything. That said, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her siblings―even if that means being sponsored by their rivals for a season in order to land a noble husband. But she will not allow her head to be turned by the infuriating and darkly handsome Adair Thorne.
There’s only one thing that threatens the rules of the game: Cleopatra’s secret. It could unravel the families’ tenuous truce and shatter the unpredictably sinful romance mounting between the hellion…and a scoundrel who could pass for the devil himself.

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Vikki’s Musings

Christi Caldwell’s latest release offers another glittering foray into Regency England, sure to titillate anyone who loves historical romance. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review The Hellion, I immediately accepted.

The Hellion is fast-paced with endearing characters, and a plot that grabbed me from the first page and kept me in its thrall until the last word. I loved getting another view of characters from some of her previous books! The character development in this book is beyond what I’ve seen in recent novels. It’s a pleasure to read the smooth, flowing prose and emotionally-charged dialogue.

Cleopatra Killoran’s character gripped me. and I immediately became vested in her. She is delightfully innocent for a street-wise young woman. She is willing to sacrifice herself for her siblings, even though the last thing she wants is to marry a peer of the realm. I loved how she tentatively opens up with Adair a bit at a time.

Adair Thorne is a hero I can totally love. He has honor and loyalty for all his adopted family circle. Although he has reason to distrust Cleopatra, he is drawn to her in a big way. I loved that he took a chance and looked beyond her vibrato to the sweet, caring woman underneath.

One thing I love most about historical romance is the slow build of sexual tension between the main characters, and Ms. Caldwell is a master at this. The chemistry between Cleopatra and Adair is amazing.

If you enjoy historical romance in a Regency setting, then you will absolutely love The Hellion as much as I did. Not only does this book have a wonderful, fulfilling love story, there is plenty of action as well. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading!


Message From Heroine Cleopatra Killoran

A knife-fight in the Dials. Plucking a nob’s purse with a constable underfoot. Scaling a London rooftop.

Want me to go on, do you? Because I can go on and on with the list goes of things I’d rather do than live with the fancy nobs in Mayfair. Yet, that is precisely where I, Cleopatra Killoran find myself.

Nor is this just any fancy family I’m living with—this is the Black family, hated enemies. Our feud goes back to the streets of St. Giles when we were all poorer, powerless, and scraping to survive. Oh, don’t go thinking the Killorans want for anything—not now. Not any longer. We’ve built The Devil’s Den the most prosperous gaming hell that’s lined our pockets and kept us safe. But for my brother, Broderick—it’s not enough. It’s never enough. It’s why he’s determined to marry one of his sisters: me, Ophelia, or Gertrude, off to some toff.

And though I’d sooner split my side open than concede a point to Broderick or anyone—I not only see my brother’s fear, but I understand it. After living amongst the rats with an empty belly and a hard floor a person’s only mattress, that fear is with you. It’s always with you and keeps you on edge...if you’re clever. Terror that everything one’s built will be taken away and one will find oneself back in those hated streets, cloying to survive once more. Yes, Broderick was sending one of us and I’ll be damned if he sacrifices Gertrude or Ophelia. I’m the protector. The one who’ll keep them safe. And so I went.

I was prepared for everything I’d face.

Or I thought I was.

What I didn’t anticipate was Adair Thorne. Black’s brother of the streets. I see the way he watches me. Carefully. With suspicion. Anger. He no more wants me here than I wanted to come. It was clear from the moment I entered the house, and he made the mistake of trying to take my dagger from me. And yet, there’s something else, there, too in his eyes, every time he touches his gaze on me--desire. And god help me, I feel it, too.

***

Excerpt from The Hellion

At last they reached the far recesses of the townhouse: one of the last doors in the long hallway. Thorne shot a hand out, and Cleopatra stiffened. He merely pressed the handle. She hesitated. It would be unwise for Thorne to inflict harm upon her. That act would result in an all-out war of the streets. Nonetheless, she bore the scar upon her hand from having entered a room with far less caution than she should. Cleopatra ducked her head inside. 

Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the spacious, pale-pink chambers in a soft light. Pink. She curled her hands into tight, reflexive balls as a memory whispered forward. Cleopatra as she’d been prowling the streets of London, in search of unsuspecting lords, and seeing a fancy toff alongside a small girl in pink ruffles. The two had laughed and spoken with such a tenderness that, from that point forward, Cleopatra had come to abhor that soft shade of innocence because it reminded her of what she’d truly gone without—a loving parent. 
“Not to your liking, Cleopatra?” 
She started, grateful to Adair for pulling her back from the humiliating melancholy that struck. It was the first time he’d laid claim to her given name. Hearing him wrap it in his low baritone roused … something peculiar inside. A damned, unwanted fluttering that didn’t have anything to
do with hatred or danger, and all the more unnerving for it. She forced herself to look back at him. “That’ll be all,” Cleopatra said, dismissing him like a servant. 
Splotches of color suffused his cheeks. 

It was entirely too easy getting under this one’s skin. And for the first time in the whole of that miserable day, she felt the stirrings of amusement. 

“Turn around,” he said gruffly. 

“Wha—” Cleopatra gasped as he laid his hands to her waist. Her valise tumbled from her fingers, and God help her, the weight of his powerful hand upon her person brought her eyes briefly closed. She fought to draw in a steady breath, but it emerged ragged. 

“Wh-what are you doing?” She managed to complete her earlier question, reaching belatedly for her weapon. 

Adair gripped her two hands in a firm hold that also had a shocking gentleness to it. He lowered his lips close to her ear; the hint of coffee and cheroots stirred the sensitive skin of her nape. “Surely you don’t think we’ll not search you,” he muttered, wholly unaffected, as he patted her through her gown. 

She tried to squeeze out an inventive curse—and came up empty. 

Through the fabric of her satin skirts, the heat of his bold touch continued to burn her, holding her immobile. It had been almost ten years since a man had dared to touch her … in any way. That man had lost two fingers for that affront by Cleopatra’s hand herself. Adair’s touch, however, was nothing like that grasping, clumsy one of a toff trying to take a girl against an alleyway. His hand lingered on her belly, and her mouth went dry. In a bid for both nonchalance and control, she peeled her lip back in a sneer. “What good would a weapon tucked inside my gown do me?” 

Ignoring her, he dropped to a knee and tugged her skirts up. The slap of cool air on her exposed legs effectively doused whatever maddening pull his touch had inflicted on her senses. “Bastard,” she hissed, shooting her boot out. 

With his unencumbered hand, he caught her ankle. “No armed Killoran will sleep under our roof.” In quick order, he divested her of the sapphire-studded dagger and tossed it at the opposite side of the wall. 

She silently screamed at the loss of that weapon and struggled against his hold. “Give me my damned knife,” she railed, yanking her foot left and right. Propelling her body sideways, she made a futile grab for the blade. Adair tightened his hold and glanced over to the weapon they battled for. His gaze lingered on that piece she’d retained of Diggory’s. “Don’t even think of it ya lousy bugger,” she seethed. It was the only material item of any value to her. 

When he’d joined Diggory’s gang, Broderick had convinced that hated leader of uniform blades to mark their connection. However, with the Celtic symbol of inner strength formed with the gems upon it, the blade was a reminder of her strength and ability to survive in the face of ugliness and evil. She’d be damned if Adair Thorne or any other claimed it for their own. She opened her mouth to bring his ears down but registered his stillness. 

A flash of hatred flared in Adair’s green eyes. Did he recognize the blade for what it was? Then, how many who’d crossed unfortunate paths with Mac Diggory or his men had had a similar weapon touched to their throat at one time or another? Or in Cleopatra’s case, countless ones. 

Taking advantage of Adair’s distraction, she shot her boot out and caught him between the legs. 

The air left him on a swift exhale, and he immediately freed her to clutch at himself. Cleopatra dealt him another kick to his lower belly. She gasped as her toes collided with a hard wall of muscle better suited to a stone statue than a man. Nonetheless, her efforts had the intended effect, and another sharp breath left him. Cleopatra sprang into action and lunged for her dagger. She cried out as that firm, unyielding grip collected her ankle once more, upending her. 

Cleopatra pitched forward. She put her palms out to catch herself. Adair swiftly brought her atop him, breaking her fall. 

“Hellion,” he whispered, rolling her under him. 

Their chests moved in like rhythm as her panting gasps for air blended with his noisy inhalations. The heat and power of him doused her logic and drove back her fear. Unbidden, her gaze went to his lips. Only one man had managed to place his lips this close to her own. She’d been a girl and he’d been a blighter who’d liked to bugger children. At Broderick’s hand, that bastard had paid the price with his life. Yet, the hint of cheroots and coffee lingering on Adair Thorne’s breath was so very different. Intoxicating. His gaze lingered on her mouth. Did she imagine the way his throat worked? “Do not ever put your hands on me, hellion,” he whispered, and that slight movement nearly brought their lips into contact. 

Her heart thudded as he slid a hand about her, cupping her at the nape. He’s going to kiss me. He’s going to kiss me, and I want it… 

***

About the Book

Title: The Hellion
Author: Christi Caldwell
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Wicked Wallflowers, Book #1

Summary

Adair Thorne has just watched his gaming-hell dream disappear into a blaze of fire and ash, and he’s certain that his competitors, the Killorans, are behind it. His fury and passion burn even hotter when he meets Cleopatra Killoran, a tart-mouthed vixen who mocks him at every turn. If she were anyone else but the enemy, she’d ignite a desire in him that would be impossible to control.

No one can make Cleopatra do anything. That said, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her siblings―even if that means being sponsored by their rivals for a season in order to land a noble husband. But she will not allow her head to be turned by the infuriating and darkly handsome Adair Thorne.

There’s only one thing that threatens the rules of the game: Cleopatra’s secret. It could unravel the families’ tenuous truce and shatter the unpredictably sinful romance mounting between the hellion…and a scoundrel who could pass for the devil himself.

Author Biography



USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell blames Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her class notes and try her hand at tales of love. She believes even the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before giving them a well-deserved happily ever after.

Christi makes her home in southern Connecticut, where she spends her time writing, chasing after her feisty young son, and caring for her twin princesses-in-training. For the latest information about Christi’s releases, future books, and free bonus material, visit www.christicaldwell.com and sign up for her newsletter.

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Monday, April 9, 2018

Book Review: Softhearted by Kim Law

Softhearted by Kim Law



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, April 10, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Red Oak Falls

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 315 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Heather Lindsay loves falling in love—even though her blueprint for romance has failed her time and time (and time) again. But now that she’s signed on to design an outdoor-wedding venue for her friend’s home renovation show, Heather’s found a new focus: her career. Only it’s not long before she’s being distracted—by the hunkiest man who ever swaggered down the streets of Red Oak Falls.
The show’s new ranch manager, Waylon Peterson, a.k.a. Prince Harry in a cowboy hat has every woman swooning. He’s also got a bad-boy rep that’s made him the hottest mess in town. In other words, he’s catnip for Heather, the Texan queen of bad choices. That’s why she’s steering clear—even with Waylon’s charm going full throttle.
Waylon is determined to trade one-night stands for true love, but convincing Heather may be an impossible task. He’s ready to settle down, but can she get past her fear of settling and give love one more shot?

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I always know I’m in for a treat with a new release from Kim Law. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly agreed to read and review the second book in her new series, Deep in the Heart.
As with all Ms. Law’s books, the characters are real and flawed, the plot is intriguing and there’s plenty of emotions running high. I immediately became enmeshed in this story and remained engaged until the last page.

Heather’s character is the queen of bad choices in relationships with men. I could feel her pain over her past and could really identify with her character. As a newly separated, soon to be divorced woman many years ago, I too saw the white picket fence and eternal love in every guy who asked me on a date. It’s a hard fall when reality finally hits, and the dream turns into another broken heart yet again. Fortunately, for me and for Heather, our prince does, at last, come along!

Waylon’s character is my kind of hero. While a little rough around the edges which sends off a bad boy image, underneath, he’s a knight in the making. He’s so determined to change his image and gain custody of his adorable daughter. He stole my heart from the first page.

The romance between Heather and Waylon burns hot, and I could see they were perfect for each other from their first encounter. While he had to work really hard to gain her trust, he does not give up.


If you enjoy a romance that will pull on your heartstrings and has you sighing, you will love Softhearted as much as I did. For me, this second book in the series has me eagerly awaiting the next book. Happy reading!

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Book Review: The Earl Claims his Comfort by Regina Jeffers

The Earl Claims his Comfort by Regina Jeffers



Publisher & Release: Black Opal Books, September 16, 2017

Time and setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length: 247 pages

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Hurrying home to Tegen Castle from the Continent to assume guardianship of a child, not his, but one who holds his countenance, Levison Davids, Earl of Remmington, is shot on the road and left to die. The incident has Remmington chasing after a man who remains one step ahead and who claims a distinct similarity—a man who wishes to replace Remmington as the rightful earl. Rem must solve the mystery of how Frederick Troutman’s life parallels his while protecting his title, the child, and the woman he loves.

Comfort Neville has escorted Deirdre Kavanaugh from Ireland to England, in hopes that the Earl of Remmington will prove a better guardian for the girl than did the child’s father. When she discovers the earl’s body upon road backing the castle, it is she who nurses him to health. As the daughter of a minor son of an Irish baron, Comfort is impossibly removed from the earl’s sphere, but the man claims her affections. She will do anything for him, including confronting his enemies. When she is kidnapped as part of a plot for revenge against the earl, she must protect Rem’s life, while guarding her heart.

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The Earl Claims his Comfort is a wonderful Regency and a joy to read. Ms. Jeffers uses a masterful touch in giving this sweet romance an authentic feel of the enchanting period of English history. I want to thank her for gifting me with a copy of this lovely story.
Comfort Neville’s character is delightful. Her love and care of the little girl, Deirdre, touched my heart. She’s truly a nurturer, and that comes through in all her dealings, whether it’s with the child, the servants or the earl. She truly loves taking care of people. Her character is humble, and I really wanted her to gain the affections of the earl.

Levison’s character is a wonderful hero. In true Regency fashion, he’s honorable, responsible and cares for his mother. Even though he is not Deirdre’s father, he still opens his home to the orphaned child. He quickly sees Comfort’s worth and earnestly wants to earn her regard.

This is a traditional Regency novel, so the romance slowly grows in the most romantic way, but the chemistry between the pair is strong and had me sighing and clasping my hands to my breasts several times.

If you’re a fan of the Regency period and love reading a romance with engaging characters and an intriguing plot, then you will enjoy The Earl Claims his Comfort as much as I did. The story is very well-written, and I will definitely be reading more novels by Ms. Jeffers. Happy reading!


Regina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and, retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her grand joys.

Austen Authors: http://austenauthors.net
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