Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Christmas at the Castle (The Ever After series Book 3)Christmas at the Castle by Melissa McClone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas at the Castle was a great read. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A person is really blessed if they have at least one life-long friend. Kat and Sophie met at Summer camp and developed a friendship that most would envy, however, Sophie's brother was there and seemed to take an immense disliking to Kat which appears to exist 15 years later. Kat is a veterinarian and loves her job and despite having a ton of student loans she is pretty happy. Sophie, it turns out is a princess and her brother Gill is a Prince and Sophie is getting married. Although she visited Kat over the years and met Kat's family, Kat has never met Sophie's family and it also turns out that they think Kat has had too much influence over Sophie and do not care for Kat.

When Kat arrives at the small country where Sophie's family is the monarch, her mother the queen, she has a pretty chilly reception from two of the family members. Kat is a pretty strong character and for the most part it rolls right off of her, however, Gill starts to think something is different about Kat and wonders if he had her wrong all along. Christmas at the Castle does a great job of allowing Gill and Kat to both to slowly learn more about each other and they become friends and more. The reader is treated to the slow build-up of a clean romance and if you like modern royal romances this book fits in very nicely.

Monday, December 12, 2016


TEMPEST IN THE HIGHLANDS by May McGoldrick
E-Original published by Swerve
Publication Date: December 6, 2016
ISBN: 9781250106582
Price: $3.99



Book Description
Miranda MacDonnell is on the run. When she inherited a mysterious relic from her mother, she had no idea the dangers it would bring. Now hunted by a relentless foe who will stop at nothing to find her, she has one choice: stow away on the ship of the notorious privateer, Black Hawk.

Rob Hawkins, the half-English privateer known as Black Hawk, has a mission from the Tudor king to find and kill the rogue commander, Sir Ralph Evers. To complete his quest, Hawk must find Miranda, a young woman Evers is pursuing. Caught in a tempest, he is shipwrecked with a "boy" who demonstrates an uncanny ability for saving him. Cast away on the mysterious Isle of the Dead, Hawk realizes that the "boy" traveling with him is actually Miranda MacDonnell and having her means that Evers will come to him. What begins as a ploy —using her as bait—soon changes, however, as he falls in love with her.

Ancient forces are at work, drawing the four possessors of the relic’s power to the Isle of the Dead in the Outer Hebrides for a final battle where good must overcome the forces of evil in this spectacular finale to the Scottish Relic Trilogy.

 Author Bio
Authors Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick (writing as May McGoldrick) weave emotionally satisfying tales of love and danger. Publishing under the names of May McGoldrick and Jan Coffey, these authors have written thirty-five novels and works of nonfiction for Penguin Putnam, Mira, HarperCollins, Entangled, and Heinemann. Nikoo, an engineer, also conducts frequent workshops on writing and publishing and serves as a Resident Author. Jim holds a Ph.D. in Medieval and Renaissance literature and teaches English in northwestern Connecticut.

Author Links

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Tempest in the Highlands (The Scottish Relic Trilogy #3)Tempest in the Highlands by May McGoldrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tempest in the Highlands is a great book that I received a free copy of from St. Martin's via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have never been a pirate story reader. This actually might be my first. Technically, Hawk is not a pirate, but, to the eyes of those in the world he appears to be a pirate, but, he is so much more. He reads like a tough, great-looking, ethical man who secretly works for the King of England, who is up to his neck in fighting wars on all fronts. One of his commanders has gone rogue and the King has sent Hawk to bring him down, permanently. Hawk is following Evers' trail and lands in Scotland where Evers has just left a village in death and destruction, including killing the laird of the village. He is searching for the daughter of the laird, Miranda, who is missing.

Miranda has managed to stay a couple of steps ahead of Evers, however, Evers has a skill that is leading him right to Miranda who has managed to escape by stowing away on Hawk's ship disguised as a boy. Hawk is following the one person who is a lot closer than he thought. The weather changes and after the ship is damaged Hawk and Miranda are castaways on a deserted island. Evers is closing in and now has the one thing that Miranda wants more than anything and he will force her to choose. It turns out that there is more to the island they have landed on and more than Evers will be present since something has drawn everyone to the island. My favorite part of this story were the conversations between Miranda and Hawk when she was not aware he had determined she was not a boy. Miranda comes up with some hilarious answers to questions she couldn't possibly know the answer to since she is really not a boy. The story was written with rich characters and a great plot. I was not aware of the first two books and I was glad to see that I could jump right in and still understand everything without having read the first two books. I do plan to go back and take a look at those because this is a great story.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

A Promise MadeA Promise Made by Anissa Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some stories just make the reader feel good. A Promise Made is one of those stories. I received a copy from Barclay Publishing in exchange for an honest review. A Promise Made is the second in the story of three friends, Josh, Evan and Zach who each have promises that they have to live up to when they meet the one. Josh has wanted Marla from the moment he met her. She and Grace (A Promise Kept) are best friends and Grace is well aware that Josh is interested in Marla who won't give him the time of day. Not only will she not give him the time of day. She acts as if she seriously dislikes him. The harder he tries, the meaner she seems to get. Marla is having trouble at work. She has worked hard to get a raise so she can afford to take the vacation she has dreamed of and saved for soon. However, the owner's son is now working at the firm and he is showing a lot of interest in Marla, very unwanted interest. It is not long until his interest turns hostile when Marla turns him down.

Josh is a well-accomplished personal trainer who trains several Hollywood actors, one of which is his friend Evan. He is in Austin because Evan is there temporarily until he goes to his next site for filming. Since Josh is Evan's dedicated personal trainer he travels with him on location. Grace is worried about her pal Marla after she is mugged in the parking garage where she parks during work hours. Grace asks Josh to look out for and train Marla in self-defense after the mugging. This is Josh's chance to spend time with Marla and hopefully, work up to convincing Marla to go out with him. Marla's problems get worse when her home and car are vandalized. Josh wants to protect her and he has a promise that he made to Grace that he has to keep. Things take a turn and both Marla and Josh have to determine how long they both plan to let the past affect their future. It is a great story with a great ending.
A PROMISE MADE
 by Anissa Garcia




A feisty redhead and an alpha male makes for a steamy pairing you can't resist. Fans of The Matchmaker's Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken and Violet Duke’s Resisting the Bad Boy, will love this super sweet and sexy romance from Anissa Garcia. 


Title: A Promise Made
Author: Anissa Garcia
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 3, 2016
Publisher: AG Romance Reads LLC                                                  
Synopsis:
Josh McKenzie may come off as intimidating with his solid build and cold stare, but when trouble calls, Marla quickly learns there is more to the sexy tatted man with the British accent. And if she’s not careful, she can easily lose herself in his gentle touch and soft voice.

A feisty redhead with a mouth that won’t quit, Marla Sullivan knows how to push all of Josh’s buttons, making him want her in the worst way. His biggest hurdle is breaking through her stubborn walls and proving he’s here to stay.

When Marla’s faced with an unknown danger, Josh is forced to reveal his buried past. Promises made and surfaced truths may be the catalyst that brings them together...or pushes them further apart.

Get More information at: Goodreads  | Amazon
Learn more about her debut novel, A Promise Kept : Goodreads  | Amazon




Anissa Garcia resides in Austin, Texas and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications and English. She held an array of jobs including Public Relations Manager for Barnes and Noble. Wanting a change of pace, she moved to Los Angeles where she attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and trained full-time in theatre. After working in Hollywood, she returned to Texas where she has written articles for Cosmopolitan and Lady Couture. When not writing stories, watching movies, or drinking a latte, she loves to daydream about romantic fictional men.
Connect with Anissa at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram





Excerpts

Marla’s form strutted out the door, her long hair flowing down her creamy white shoulders and hourglass frame.  That black dress hugged her petite body, and I observed the way her ass moved as she hooked her coat and purse over her arm.  Her femininity was alluring.  The way she held herself and her delicate skin smelling like cinnamon made me hard.  It matched her sizzling mouth that I wanted to suck on and kiss raw. 
            I lifted myself out of the seat and crossed the room to her as she fumbled to put on her coat.  One side hung down and I grabbed it with ease.  She jerked away, attempted to escape me as I held it up.  Mahogany eyes glared at me.  She was on defense, no doubt from Ryan and whatever other idiots had disillusioned her about chivalry and romance.  I would prove to her it wasn’t dead. 
            “Is the date set with Dumbledore?”
            Her ruby red colored lips pressed down a smile as she shook her head.  “His name’s Gandalf, and he asked me to an early bird dinner at Denny’s.” 
            Cute.  At least she was open to joking with me, if only a bit.  But she was also nervous.  I could see it reflected in the way she moved, even the way she breathed.  “Let me walk you to your car.”
            “No, I’m fine.”
            She moved at a faster pace and I kept up easily.  I wasn’t letting her walk alone at night, especially with the type of men I saw in there.  “I’m walking you out.”
            “My car’s in the parking garage, they have security cameras.” 
            She was one tough cookie.  Independent, used to doing things on her own, she probably attracted the men who were complete opposite of her.  She liked to be in control and so did I.  You’d think this would pose some type of problem, but I was attracted to it.  I moved closer to her, my mouth near her ear.  “You like pushing me away, don’t you?”
            She turned her head toward me and rolled her eyes.  “Let me guess, you’re one of those alphas who likes to see his woman submit.  You want the type of woman who will adore you every night, follow you around all day, and tell others how amazing you are at everything you do.” 
            “You certainly like pretending you know who I am.  Since we met you’ve been nothing but judgmental toward me and only me.  Why is that?” 
            We were riding in the lift, but she didn’t dare give me a glance.  Instead she pressed the button to the ground floor, even though it had already been lit up.  She pressed at it again, as if it would make it go faster. 
            “I don’t like guys like you.”
            “Guys like me?”
            “Yeah.  I’ve dated guys like you.” 
            I couldn’t help but laugh as I rested in the corner against the wall.  What to say to a woman who thought she already knew everything about you?  I’d give it a go.  “So, some idiot who lived in the gym dated and hurt you, and now you think all men who work out are the same?”
            “Whether they live in the gym or not, they all end up being the same.  They all want a certain type of woman.” 
            “Which is what?”
            The doors finally opened and she scurried out, searching for her keys in her bag.  “The easy woman to comply with whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want.”
            “That type of woman is boring.” 
            She turned to her red Toyota Prius and opened the door, throwing her purse in the passenger side and starting her car.  “Exactly.  Yet they all want it.” 
            Before she could shut the door, I stepped in front of it and leaned down as she strapped on her seatbelt.  “Darling, I’m not afraid of hard work.  I know you’re an independent woman, and though most men find that threatening, I find it extremely sexy.”
            “You know what I find extremely not sexy?  The fact that you find a woman like me to be hard work.  Strike one, pal.”    
            She threw her hand up holding two fingers, and either she was warning me that I had two chances left, or she shot me the peace sign.  I believe it was the latter.  Either way, she was not happy.  If I wanted to make headway with Red, I was going to have to get some inside help to thaw the icy heart within that fiery woman. 
  
EXCERPT #2
The knock on the door stirred me out of my thoughts and my mind reeled over who could be keeping me from my dinner.  The doorbell then chimed.  Not once, not twice, but three annoying times in a row, followed by a series of fervent knocks. 
            I inaudibly walked toward the door, careful to not give myself away, in case it was someone selling me a subscription to the newspaper or converting me to their religion.  I peered into the peephole and scrunched my face in aversion as my mouth emitted an aggravated sigh.  I swiftly opened the door as his hand stopped midair. 
            My hip jutted out as my irritation level climbed.  “What are you doing here?”
            Josh’s cool exterior, the tight forest green shirt, the peekaboo tattoos, his dark jeans were all too much to take in.  Good God, this man was delicious.  It was enough to make me go nuts, but instead I kept myself calm.  “Did you forget?  Lessons.” 
            “Are you serious?”  He nodded as his blazing eyes trailed down to my chest.  I followed, remembering I had opened my blouse.  I shrugged, closing the satin around my body.  “What?  You haven’t seen a great pair of breasts before?” 
            “Not those,” he smirked.  “At least not yet.” 
            “Want me to shut this door in your face?”  I flung it and walked away, but heard as his hand caught it from closing completely.  I could feel his presence as he walked in and shut the door, locking it behind him. 
            “Thanks for inviting me in,” he said softly, as I glanced back, buttoning my blouse up.  His eyes scanned my living room, and I ignored the idea of him seeing my untidy home.  My shoes were set in an accumulating pile near the corner of the entrance, my sweaters and jackets hung over one another on hooks near the door, and magazines were scatted across my coffee table.
            I turned and glared at him as he set his hands in his pockets, his eyes on my pretty heaps of high heels.  “What?” 
            The grin playing over his lips stayed small, as if he knew to be careful with me.  At the same time there was a hint of mischief behind those glassy light blue eyes.  “Nothing,” he said, shaking his head slightly.  “Nice shoes.”
            “Fine.  You can borrow a pair, but only if you promise to return them.” 
            A very rare smile spread over his lips.  It was one that made his eyes twinkle, his teeth show, and a laugh emit from his throat.  I shockingly found myself grinning back, a twirl in my stomach reminding me of what it felt like being on a rollercoaster right at the drop.  Satisfaction built inside me knowing I had earned that moment of sincerity from him.  It was one he hardly let others see.  Wait.  Why should I care that he smiled?  Pull yourself together, Sullivan.  “What are you doing here, Josh?”





Saturday, November 26, 2016

Blind Date Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 18)Blind Date Collection by Annette Lyon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blind Date Collection is an anthology of books by different authors telling the story of blind dates or finding unexpected love where it was least expected. I received a free copy from eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review. I have to be honest. I typically do not read anthologies as I am not a big fan of short stories. I typically find that they build the reader up and end so quickly when there is so much more I want to know. This is why I never read first chapters released by authors or publishers. I cannot stand getting into the first chapter and having to wait weeks or months for the rest of the story. I was willing to give this anthology a shot because the synopsis provided some good bait for drawing me in and giving it a try. The stories varied locations and times in history. They appeared to have gone in a bit of chronological order from historical to current stories. There was not one that I did not like. Each had something interesting and offered the reader a chance to sit back and enjoy the couples meeting, finding each other and realizing who they found. They were all clean romances with interesting storylines that have the reader hoping that the couples find each other and give each other a chance. It was a great time to give anthologies a chance.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Royal Scandal (Royals in Exile, #1)Royal Scandal by Marquita Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Royal Scandal was a great read. I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Colin and his family are in exile from their home where his family is the ruling royal family. He, his brother Theo, twin sisters Charlotte and Imogen and two baby brothers, Aiden and Pierce are living in the U.S. where they are running their family's company after being exiled after a tragedy occurred in their family. When they arrive at their property in the U.S. Colin butts heads with the current caretaker family's daughter Della, who is outspoken and totally angry at Colin for evicting her family from the property so that he can have privacy with his family. This confrontation leads to a 10-year friendship.

After 10 years, have passed and the Sinclair's are still in exile, their government wants its royal family back and as in the past they are willing to bully and lie to get them back, especially since the Sinclair family business followed them off the island to the U.S. and their homeland needs the jobs back. The prime minister is still up to his machinations and wants to force Colin to wed who they think he should marry and force him to be king when Imogen is next in line. Colin and his siblings are tired of being bullied and are homesick and they plan to take the necessary steps gain to take back their rightful home and roles in their home country. But, Colin wants to marry the woman he has loved for 10 years and knows it is just the thing to keep the prime minister from getting his way and choosing who he loves will help preserve the heritage of the country and just might force them into accepting Imogen as Queen as it was always intended in a country that is a matriarchy for the line of succession. What follows is a lovely story where the secrets in the Sinclair family and in Della's family rip at Della and Collin's relationship and both of their families. It is a great start to what I think will be an entertaining series.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Her Fateful DebutHer Fateful Debut by G.G. Vandagriff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Fateful Debut was a fun, clean romance. I received a free e-Arc from Ebooks For Review in exchange for an honest review. Although I have been reading romances for a couple of years now, I am much newer to the historical romance sub-genre. I do enjoy books in locations outside of the U.S., especially if they give me a good sense of being there. I can honestly say that although I enjoy reading about this era in British history, I most certainly wouldn't want to live there. The entire concept of a woman not inheriting from her own father because she is a woman is completely horrible. I have no clue when this atrocious rule stopped, but, I do know that there are still some people out there that leave things only to the first-born son. I wonder how that works when the first-born son is an idiot who wastes and gambles things away.

Her Fateful Debut introduces Penelope who apparently is a great beauty, an excellent artist, a bit of a tom-boy, smart and someone who speaks her mind. She has been sent to London to stay with her aunt who is introducing her to society so that she can find a husband. It seems to be going extremely well until she happens upon Deveraux, a French spy, at a park where she is sketching what she sees in the park and that someone does not want to be drawn. He is in the middle of doing something extremely dangerous and he has no problems taking his anger out on a woman. Penelope's life is in danger and Viscount Beau Wellingham is present in the park and witnesses the French man's verbal abuse of Penelope. He is so concerned for her safety that he thinks he needs to keep an eye on her to ensure that Devereaux does not attack Penelope again. He is right to be concerned because at Penelope's very first ball she is attacked and Beau comes to her aid. What follows is the story of a gentleman of the ton is supposed to do when caught alone with an unmarried woman, he protects her honor by becoming engaged to Penelope. A sweet romance develops between Beau and Penelope, but, it is not an easy trip down the aisle. There is more intrigue, and even the dreaded love triangle in Regency times. Although that is not my "trope" this one was not too painful. I would imagine this would occur quite a bit in Regency times when a woman is put on the market for all eligible bachelors to come 'acallin and she has several viable suitors. In Penelope's case she has to choose between a childhood friend and this exciting man. It is a fun read that I enjoyed very much.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Return to Umbria (Rick Montoya Italian Mystery, #4)Return to Umbria by David P. Wagner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Return to Umbria is the fourth installment in the Rick Montoya series. I just love this series more and more. I received an early released copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This time, we find Rick and his new girlfriend, Betta, in Orvieto where Rick has been sent by his family to talk his cousin into coming home and stopping his current extracurricular activities. Along the way, Rick falls into a murder mystery. Three women are on the funicular that Rick and Betta take up to Orvieto. They get a first-hand look at the victim, who is not quite the nicest person anyone has met. It turns out that not only are her traveling companions possible suspects but, the victim has history in Orvieto which means there are several more possible suspects from her past.

The victim attended school in Orvieto many years ago and she appears to know several people that are still in Orvieto or the surrounding areas. Most importantly, she was involved in something that has put her life at risk once she steps foot in Orvieto. As these things go in any good Rick Montoya mystery there is another murder and Rick works with someone from his past to determine who is committing the murders before Rick becomes a victim. This is a story that looks back to multiple shady characters, one of which is from Rick and Betta's past. Rick has his hands full putting his Uncle the commisario off who wants Rick to become a police detective, investigating two murders, handling Betta's history, not to mention his original purpose in traveling to Orvieto. He still has to work on getting his cousin Fabrizio to go home. None of these tasks turns out to be easy.

The reader is treated to a wonderful armchair trip to a different part of Italy, Umbria. One of the great things about this series is that Rick moves across Italy a lot. The reader is treated to a new area of Italy in each book along with a great mystery and Return to Umbria no exception. It has the reader ready for the next book and trip to Italy.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

The Fall of Lord Drayson (Tanglewood, #1)The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Fall of Lord Drayson is a historical romance set in the English countryside. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Lord Drayson appears to be a pompous, mean land-owner who visits the dower house on a property that was left to him when his father passed away. He is unaware that a special arrangement was made by his father to let the Beresfords, Lucy, and her mother, live there at no cost as long as they need to, and he orders them out so he can sell the property. After having words with Lucy he rides off on his horse but has a terrible accident and loses his memory. Lucy, in her anger, tells Colin that he is her servant and proceeds to get her revenge until her guilt gets the best of her. They become closer and somewhere along the way things change between them.

I am thinking about the moment I finished the book when I realized I had the biggest grin on my face. I was loving this book without even realizing how much I was enjoying it. When I read I vividly picture things as if I am watching a movie so when the characters in a book get in trouble I might grit my teeth and even say things out loud or when a bad guy seems to be winning I can feel my cheeks getting hot because I am angry on behalf of the victims. When reading The Fall of Lord Drayson I was cheering Lucy and Colin on and thinking back to the fun conversations and interactions Lucy had with pretty much everyone in the book because she was well thought of in her village. She could be seen doing things no lady in this time would be caught doing and people loved her and protected her more because they thought so much of her. The Fall of Lord Drayson is a great start to a new series that appears to be focused on the Tanglewood manor that was the focus of this book.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016






Revenge won’t change anything—or will it?

The Eagle by Jillian Dodd NOW AVAILABLE!!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2e4YqcQ
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2dQiMqJ 
iBooks: http://apple.co/2c7DgJa 
Nook: http://smarturl.it/theeagle
BN Kobo: http://smarturl.it/theeagle
Kobo Google Play: http://smarturl.it/theeagleGP


Blurb

From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the second book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

The world’s most deadly assassin, a man known only as The Priest, has come back from the dead to take a series of high profile hits. When the assassin completes his first task—shooting an important world leader, the global community goes into collective shock and his government vows retaliation.

With her cover firmly cemented as Huntley Von Allister, Spy Girl’s vacation on the Royal Yacht is cut short when she’s called home for her next mission—and, this time, it’s personal.
Can Huntley accomplish her mission before the next hit takes place?
And what will happen when she finally comes face-to-face with the man who killed her mother?


Excerpt

“No, Huntley, I did not.” He sighs. “Even though I was upset to learn the truth about you, I’m certainly not over you. And I could never offer you up to another man.”
A quick glance over the railing confirms that Daniel is still training in the pool a deck below. Knowing I won’t be overheard, I say, “I’m sorry, Lorenzo. If I weren’t who I am, if I didn’t have to do this—”
“Things would be different,” he says, finishing my sentence. “I know. I’m a King and you’re—you. It would never work.”
“Right.”
“But what if it could?” he asks.
“The only way it could is if one of us were willing to quit.”
“I can’t quit my country.”
“So you want me to quit?”
“I’m not sure. I have so many unanswered questions.”
“What were you told about me?”
“Very little. The man who called simply stated that your training and cover had taken years to put into place. He then requested I not tell a soul, for your personal safety.”
“Lorenzo, it’s one thing to know what I do. It’s another thing to have witnessed it.”
“While I will admit your talents are slightly unusual, it doesn’t make them any less spectacular.”
“You saw me kill people. I’m good at it.”
“And thank goodness that you are, or I’d be dead.”
“And I’m a liar.”
“I watched you work the crowd to perfection at both the Queen’s Garden Party and Her Majesty’s Royal Ball. Where I come from, we call that being diplomatic.”
I laugh out loud. “You almost make me feel like a normal girl.”
“Will you tell me how you ended up in this profession at such a young age?”
“Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course.”
“I’m not doing this for my country.”
“Good, then it will be easier to convince you to live in mine.”


BOOK TRAILER







Haven’t read this series yet?

THE PRINCE (Book One) is NOW AVAILABLE.
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2dqcBx9


Author Information



Jillian is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes fun romances with characters her readers fall in love with, from the boy next door in the That Boy trilogy to the daughter of a famous actress in The Keatyn Chroniclesseries.
She's married to her college sweetheart, has two adult children, two Labs named Cali and Camber, and lives in a small Florida beach town. When she's not working, she likes to decorate, paint, doodle, shop for shoes, watch football, and go to the beach.

 FOLLOW JILLIAN:ON HER WEBSITE.
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GIVEAWAY

Win a Kate Spade handbag & signed paperbacks of the Spy Girl Series.




Friday, October 14, 2016

Christmas at Eden ManorChristmas at Eden Manor by Noelle Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brie and Cyrus meet in Savannah, GA while both are enjoying their favorite painting at an art exhibit. It was one that was the least viewed in the entire show, however, the one they both loved to revisit over and over. Brie noticed Cyrus one day when he was visiting the painting and they both stopped into the same cafe just outside of where the painting was hung in the exhibit. They talk and discuss the exhibit and their thoughts and feelings about the painting. They are drawn to each other, however, there is a large gap in their ages and Cyrus is only in Savannah visiting for the month. Despite these differences, they cannot stay away from each other. They agree to spend the week together before Cyrus leaves to spend Christmas with his family at a B&B. Cyrus and Brie are both single and are drawn to each other and enjoy the week together, so much that Cyrus extends his time with her, right up to the day before he leaves. They have a difficult time parting and are both heartbroken.

Brie goes to visit her extended family at their new B&B and is shocked to find that it is the same B&B that Cyrus is spending Christmas at with his family. What transpires is hard for both families to watch and for both Brie and Cyrus to experience. Christmas at Eden Manor delivers a slow and sweet story where the reader gets to watch Brie and Cyrus fall in love, go through the pain of parting and ultimately finding each other again. It is a wonderful story to experience.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Travel to Somerset, England for your 
Holiday Season!

Out Sept 27th – Regency Romance, A Kiss At Christmastide by Christina McKnight
Follow the blitz and enter to #win one of 5 signed copies of Christmas Ever More by Christina McKnight


Title: A Kiss at Christmastide
Author: Christina McKnight
Genre: Regency Historical Romance, Christmas
Release Date: September 27, 2016
Length: 35k words
Format: Digital/Paperback

Lady Pippa Godfrey has suffered the most ruinous London Season. She escapes to her Somerset estate for a quiet Christmastide holiday with her family, away from society’s prying eyes. But before her parents can join her, a storm crashes down on Somerset to destroy any hope of Pippa’s white Christmas dream. The roads have flooded and travel is impossible, leaving her stranded and alone. But a muddied, angry and devilishly handsome lord appears at her door demanding shelter.

Lucas Hartfeld, the Earl of Maddox, has been summoned by his parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Bowmont, to attend a holiday party in the wilds of the country, far from his London townhouse. He suspects they command his attendance for far different reasons than a simple country party. When a storm strands his carriage, he’s forced to seek shelter at the only home for miles around, a local manor called Helton House.

When Lady Pippa is reluctant to admit him, he does what he’s been raised to do—demand she provide him and his servants with shelter until the storm passes. But the beautiful woman draws his interest far more than he’s willing to admit. Can Lucas find a way out of the predicament his parents are planning?

As Lady Pippa scrutinizes another arrogant, demanding lord, she is bombarded with memories of betrayals in her past. Can she forget those difficult life lessons to claim a Christmastide kiss from a perfect stranger?
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Excerpt One:
A moment of confusion clouded her mind as the laughter dimmed and a light breeze assaulted her face—as if someone had opened a window to a gusty wind.
At her side, Pippa’s mother fanned her face. Her wrist whipped to and fro, increasing as the room went silent.
Everything froze around her but her mother’s thrashing fan.
The Duchess of Midcrest, her dear mother, who’d labored for over twenty years to rise above her merchant class upbringing, would once again be embroiled in a scandal—all because of Pippa.
“Do you wish to depart?” her mother whispered.
“I did not…” Pippa stammered. “I would never…”
“I did not believe you had, my child.” Her mother sought to soften the blow—something that society had done to the current Duchess of Midcrest a hundred times over. “However, that does not change the appearance of things, no matter what we say or do in this moment.”
Pippa lifted her chin to keep her tears from streaming down her face.
“I do not understand why,” Pippa said as she leaned in close to her mother to whisper. “Lady Natalie and I are such friends.”
“Friendship and jealously often hold hands so tightly that one cannot distinguish between the pair.”

Excerpt Two:
Pippa pushed her hair away to continue with instructing the servant to the nearest inn. “Your lord will be far more comfortable…”
The wind whipped the last of her hair from her face to reveal not the servant from before, but a tall, very tall, broad-shouldered, very broad-shouldered, man—that was all Pippa saw of him as her glance locked on his chest. He was drenched, with his shirt plastered to his enormous width. It hadn’t been the wind that had knocked the door from her hands and allowed the storm access to her home, but the man before her.
And he was fuming mad—his nostrils flared as water dripped from his hair and he stared at her pointedly—not bothering to mask his aggressive stance.
“Were you truly going to turn away a man in need of shelter?” his voice boomed.
Pippa gasped, taking yet another step back. She glanced quickly over her shoulder, hoping the noise had awoken one of her servants, abed on the third floor of the house. But none came running to aid her.
“I knew I was venturing to the depths of hell when I agreed to come all this way from London, but are manners not taught in the wilds of Somerset?” The man ran his hands down the front of his shirt, pushing the water from his body to pool on the floor beneath him. “My servants will need space in your stables. I thank you for…” he eyed her up and down before continuing. “…your hospitality, my lady.”
He bowed before Pippa with his last words and his breath caressed her body, making her acutely aware of two things; he smelled heavily of spirits and she was attired in a sheer nightshift that did not leave much to the imagination.

Author Bio: 

Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.
Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.




You can visit her online at the following places: Website Facebook | Twitter Goodreads | Amazon


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