Book Blitz of Somewhere Along The Way by Anna Gomez (#Contest- Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card)

Somewhere Along the Way
Anna Gomez

Publication date: September 24th 2024

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

Charlotte “Charlie” Hastings never missed her mother. But when Charlie’s late father visits her in a dream and reveals the letters her mother had written to him over the years, she begins yearning for a connection she never desired to make. Reeling from a mix of emotions, Charlie embarks on a soul-searching cross-country journey to California to find the mother she thought she never needed.

Along the way, she stumbles upon Graham Mead, a mysterious stranger with a secret identity, who becomes her unexpected travel companion. Each pit stop reveals new truths from her mother’s letters, unveiling a poignant love story and the reasons behind her departure. From state to state, Charlie and Graham unravel their pasts, confront their fears, and discover a love that goes beyond their personal journeys.

But as they reach their destination, they must face the harsh reality of their separate lives: Charlie needs to find her mother, and Graham needs to rebuild his life. Pulled in different directions, can they find each other in the right place and at the right time, twice?

——

SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY is a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of unexpected encounters and the healing power of love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo

—

Author Bio:

Anna Gomez is a hopeless romantic who writes about real life, flawed characters and the saving grace of unconditional love. Her experience of living and growing up in a foreign country plays a large part in her stories. Her full-time career and ability to travel extensively also add flair and individuality to the vividly written settings in her books. They transport the reader to faraway places and make them feel like they’ve been there before. Anna’s inspiration stems from the people she meets and the places that she’s seen. Her stories are realistic and honest, thought-provoking and impactful. Her love for poetry is evident in her writing style. Prior to writing this book, Anna wrote under the pen name Christine Brae, with six books which have won literary awards and ranked as bestsellers upon release.

Anna is Partner and Chief Financial Officer of one of the world's largers global advertising agencies. She lives in Indiana with her husband and sheepadoodle, Izzy.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Cover Reveal of the book Winds of Change: A Steamy Paranormal Romance Collection (#Paranormal, #Romance)

Winds of Change: A Steamy Paranormal Romance Collection
Publication date: October 31st 2024
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

An accident and a magical breeze will forever alter their destinies…

Weird stuff happens in San Destino. Some accept it without question. Others know and protect its secrets.

Cross the bridge over Starfall Bay to a town where the paranormally gifted live in peaceful anonymity. When ten couples are drawn together during the mystical time of Beltane, their hearts and minds will be challenged and changed.

Whose magical world is threatened? Whose ordinary world will be transformed by magic? Find out in this limited-edition collection of steamy paranormal romances by established and emerging authors.

 

 

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

—

Book Blitz of Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin (# Contest- Win an Amazon Gift Card)

 

Love in Overtime
Melissa Baldwin

(Love on Thin Ice)

Publication date: September 19th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Playing hockey in Maple Falls was meant to be just a charity gig, but then my new publicist showed up, melting the ice—and my heart.

Cooper

I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn’t foresee it coming so soon.

Getting assigned a new publicist, Blair Radcliffe, didn’t sit well with me at first. However, there’s something about her – a fierce determination that’s both intriguing and challenging. I wonder if she’s ready for the whirlwind that is Cooper Montgomery. One thing’s certain– I can’t afford to fall for my publicist.

Blair

I still can’t believe I landed my dream job. The excitement is overwhelming, and I’m determined to carve out my path in the industry. But there’s one obstacle standing in my way– Cooper Montgomery, the seemingly uncooperative hockey star. Nevertheless, I’m ready to tackle the challenge head-on, and perhaps some time away in a quiet town like Maple Falls will work wonders.

What I didn’t anticipate was developing a crush on my own client. It’s the ultimate taboo in my profession, a mistake that could jeopardize everything I’ve worked for. I’m at a loss on how to navigate this newfound attraction, especially when it appears that Cooper might feel the same way. I’m not sure what to do next.

Love in Overtime is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It’s slow burn, grumpy-sunshine, workplace romance set in this small town with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Today should be relaxing,” I tell him. “At some point I want to have a meeting to go over a few things. Practices start in a few days, as you know.”

“Yes,” he says.

“It’s going to be a great event,” I continue. “And the town is so pretty and quaint. Their fall events are popular, they’ve made the place famous.”

Cooper makes a face. “I doubt Pine Falls is famous.”

“Maple Falls,” I say with a giggle. For some reason he can’t remember the name of the town.

He groans. “Crap, you’re right. I don’t know why I keep doing that. You’ll have to keep me on my toes over the next few weeks. The last thing I need is to meet the mayor and call his town by the wrong name.”

“Oh, don’t you worry, I’ll definitely keep you on your toes,” I exclaim.

“Yes, I can tell,” Cooper replies, the corner of his mouth turns up slightly which unexpectedly makes my stomach do a flip.

Ugh. What was that?

Thankfully we arrive at the baggage carousel at the perfect moment. I conveniently excuse myself to contact our driver while Cooper waits for his bag. As soon as I’m a safe distance away from him, I let out an exasperated sigh as I call for our car.

“Hello.”

“Hi, this is Blair Radcliffe. Just confirming our pickup at the airport.”

I glance back to where Cooper is standing and meet his gaze almost immediately. I give him a quick wave and point to the phone.

“Yes, ma’am. Your driver is on his way—ETA ten minutes.”

“Wonderful. Thank you,” I gush.

I exhale slowly after I end the call. I’m not sure why I feel so frazzled. I’m usually calm, focused, and professional.

Seriously, Blair, get your head in the game. Cooper Montgomery may be attractive, but he’s my client, which means we work together. These next few weeks could make or break my career. The last thing I need is to be swooning over a professional hockey player and his tall, muscular physique. In my defense, it’s kind of hard to ignore. Cooper stands out, and I’m only human.

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.

Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she's not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

Visit authormelissabaldwin .com to sign up for her newsletter.

 

Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe on Facebook.

Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter/ Linktr.ee

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

BOOK BLITZ OF THE BOOK SOMEBODY TO LOVE BY M. ANKENMAN (#Contest- Win an Amazon gift Card.)

 

Somebody To Love
Mariah Ankenman

 (Jackson Family Distillery, #2)
Publication date: September 19th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Penny Williams is a lot of things; intelligent, shy, socially awkward, but the one thing she wants to be most is a mother. Unfortunately, she’s never been very lucky in the dating world. Men rarely go for quiet nerds, but that won’t stop her. Being an independent woman of the 21^st century, she decides to forgo traditional methods of baby making and try for a medical option. Only, she doesn’t want a random donation. She knows the perfect candidate. The only problem? It’s her best friend.

Bravo “BJ” Jackson would do anything for his best friend, but her latest request has him stumped. He knows Penny would make a great mom. Problem is, he never imagined himself as a dad. She says she wants nothing from him except his little swimmers. The real question is can he step away from a child who would technically be a part of him?

She promises nothing between them will change. But life gets complicated when they discover hidden feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. This deal could destroy what they have. Or it could reveal that what they really want has been in front of them the whole time.

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

 

                                       CLICK HERE FOR AN EXCERPT

 About the Author:

Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her.

Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books visit her website www.mariahankenman.com.

 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

New Cover Reveal for Silent Screams by M.H.B (#Contest- Win an Copy of the Book 10 Winners)(Adult Romance Book)

 

Silent Screams
M.H.B.
Publication date: September 19th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

One accident.
Two men.
Almost three years of despair.
Four beating hearts growing in pain.
Five lives forever changed.

Everything fell apart in the blink of an eye.

These days my own misery keeps me company.

I never thought this would be me—a twenty-four-year-old—stuck in a dead-end relationship.

Gone are the thrilling adventures with Harvey Stark.
Gone is his smile.
Gone is the sight of his dimples and the sparkle in his bright blue eyes.

He’s changed into a hollow version of himself and I’m just a shadow following him around our home.

Then I meet my new boss. Damon Dreygon challenges me in ways I never knew existed and makes me believe in myself again. Our souls match instantly, and meeting Damon feels like a step towards peace.

Except it’s not. Because everyone grieves differently.

While one man refuses to touch me, the other won’t love me.

And I’m crawling through the crippling chaos, barely holding on . . .

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

M . H . B . graduated law from a Canadian University. She loves spending time with her partner and her dog. She has a passion for animals and loves the simple things in life: chocolate, music, books, sunny days, and overall wellness. When she is not writing, her mind is in another world with a book in hand.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Book Blitz of The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington (#Contest- Win a $20 Amazon Gift card and a Copy of the Book).

 

The Friend Face Off
Grace Worthington
(Love on Thin Ice, #3)
Publication date: September 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Getting involved with your brother’s best friend is risky enough. But when he’s a hockey player? It’s a whole new level of bad idea.

As a ravenous reader, I’ve got a secret: I’m obsessed with hockey romances.

But let me tell you, real life hockey players are nothing like my book boyfriends.

So I threw down the gauntlet on BookTok. I challenged any single guy out there to prove me wrong. Can a real hockey player be as romantic as the ones in my favorite stories?

Enter Dawson Hayes, a goalie with a point to prove and my brother’s best friend. He’s confident he can win me over and take me on the most romantic date of my life.

But there’s a catch: for me to accept, I have to pretend that he’s my fake boyfriend. Now everyone in my small town thinks that Dawson and I are having a fall fling. Even if it’s a fling that can’t last.

Worst of all, I’m starting to believe this fling is real. I’m falling for my brother’s best friend.

DAWSON

The first time I met Emmy, her brother warned me to stay away. As hockey teammates, that made her totally off-limits.

But now I’m back in Emmy’s small town to play in a charity hockey match, and I can’t resist her dating challenge: to find out if any man can be more romantic than the book boyfriends she adores.

Emmy and I are both fiercely competitive, and I’m determined to win her over.

When the moment of truth comes, the chemistry between us turns into something neither of us expected:
A romantic face-off between friends who are insanely attracted to each other.

Now, I’m out to prove to her that you should never judge a book by its cover—or a hockey player when it comes to love.

The Friend Face Off is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It’s a brother’s best friend, closed door hockey romcom with fake dating, friends to lovers and You’ve Got Mail vibes. It’s a small town romance with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“She can’t go with you,” a voice growls behind me. I spin around to see the hockey player’s steel gaze locked on the jerk who’s asking me out.
“Why not?”
“Because she’s going to the party with me,” Dawson replies without looking at me.
My breath catches. I’m caught between a guy who makes angry hives break out on my body, and one who makes my heart feel things I shouldn’t.
“Is this true?” Stewart asks me directly.
I pause, then look at Dawson. “Yes, he’s my date,” I say, even though I know this is a bad idea. Because once it’s out there, I’m committed. I’ll have to date my brother’s best friend.
I make myself move closer to Dawson and give his arm a pat, only to realize I’m touching what feels like a boulder. Seriously, no man should be walking around with biceps that huge, even if he is holding a coffee carrier with four cups. Either the man is working for a food delivery service in his spare time or consumes coffee at an alarming rate.
Dawson’s eyes trace over my workout wear. His mouth quirks at the corner. “Good run?”
I nod and thread my fingers through my knotted ponytail.
“You were always so fast,” he says.
How does he know this?
“Oh, right,” I laugh. “The night I tried to leave you behind at the party.”
I glance up at him and I’m immediately mesmerized by his eyes. He’s not my usual type—his hands are calloused from hockey. He’s rough and mysterious and his hair looks amazing without any effort. Plus, he’s always ready with a hockey pickup line that’s so cheesy it actually circles back to charming.
I need an emotionally sensitive man who reads books and quotes my favorite parts. Not someone who punches people in the face for a living. Of course, there was that one time he quoted Jane Austen. And he did buy my favorite romance book at the store. What kind of man does that?
My eyes trace over his frame. Dawson’s got that tall, dark, and muscular look. Put him in flannel and he’d be a sexy lumberjack. The image of Dawson in flannel with an axe stirs a funny feeling in my chest.
I can’t date a hockey player. He’s my brother’s best friend. That’s double the trouble.
And I just agreed to a fake date with him.

The Friend Face Off is a
brother’s best friend
closed door hockey
fake dating
friends to lovers
You’ve Got Mail vibes.

Author Bio:

Grace Worthington eats, breathes, and geeks out over sweet romcoms. So it’s no surprise that she believes that laughter and love are a cure-all for pretty much everything in life. After a short stint working in musical theatre (where she was often cast in comedic roles), she instills her books with witty banter, lovable characters, and a story that moves your heart and soul. Her inspiration includes quaint towns by the beach, romantic comedy movies from the '80s & '90s, and the crazy shenanigans of her family. Snag a free sweet romcom at graceworthington.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Book Blitz- Dangerous Allure by S. Fields, D. Rene, C. Denton and E. Bradley (#Contest, Win a copy of the book)

 

 

Dangerous Allure: A Dark Romance Anthology
Cole Denton, Dani René, Eden Bradley, Sara Fields
Published by: GTB Publishing LLC
Publication date: September 10th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

 

 

Two’s company. Three’s a dangerously good time.

This deliciously dark collection of stories is flying all the red flags – these men will hunt, stalk, and conquer their prey

And leave them begging for more.

Whether working together to claim their prize, or fighting to be the last man standing, it’s only when you find yourself trapped between them that you realize: there’s no way out.

And maybe…that’s exactly the way you like it.

  Purchase the Book

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

WIN A PAPERBACK COPY OF THE BOOK-CLICK HERE

—

Book Blitz- State of Union by Paula Dombrowiak (#contest- enter to win a gift card)

 

State of Union
Paula Dombrowiak
(Kingmaker, #3)
Publication date: September 10th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Our marriage could make or break us…

Letting go of billionaire playboy Darren Walker was the right thing to do.

My life as a former escort will only damage his campaign for congress, and I’m too scared to admit I’ve fallen in love with my fake husband.

Except when Darren finds me and refuses to let me go, I can’t run from my feelings any longer. It’s time I have the courage to confess that he isn’t my husband in name only. He’s my everything.

All Darren wants is to carve out a future for himself while honoring his father’s legacy. But can I truly be the politician’s wife my husband needs when there are those who will use me to derail his campaign?

It doesn’t matter how much we love each other, I can’t change my past.

But we have no way of knowing that he has shocking family secrets that are yet to be revealed. Secrets bigger than me and powerful enough to destroy him.

And his enemies won’t stop until they’ve left him—and our marriage—in ruins…

The Kingmaker trilogy is a steamy, marriage of convenience, romance, in a political setting. State of Union is the final book in the trilogy with a guaranteed HEA. The books must be read in order, for the best reader experience.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

The small bell at the top of the door jingles, a leftover from the hardware store that used to occupy this space. In walks Ethel Jackson, her crocheted handbag tucked under her arm. She looks around the space approvingly, her eyes finally meeting mine.

“Looks like a bunch of pomp and circumstance to me,” she says looking at me skeptically.

“Are you looking to volunteer?” I raise a challenging eyebrow.

“I thought you could use my sunny disposition.”

I can’t help but smile. “Well then, I have a spot for you right over here.” I lead the way to an empty desk near the windows where she sets down her crochet bag, a piece of yarn making its way out of the top like it has a mind of its own.

“Is this the famous Ethel?” Rausch asks.

Ethel places a hand on her hip and looks up at him as he towers over her short, round frame. If I was a betting man, my money would be on Ethel if these two were pitted against each other. “I don’t know about famous, but whatever you’ve heard,”—she pauses and gives him a naughty smile—“it’s probably true.”

Rausch laughs. Apparently, Ethel can win over anyone.

“Where’s that pretty wife of yours?” she asks.

The mention of Evangeline pulls at the edges of my wound, pain ripping through me like a lightning bolt.

Before I can make an excuse, Rausch bellows over the noise. “Angie!” She makes her way over. “This is Ethel, and she would like to volunteer.”

“People say I got a voice like honey, so if you want to put me on the phones, that’s fine by me,” Ethel proposes.

I give Rausch a thankful nod and retreat to my office. The desk is a secondhand one from the nearby school. There are strict rules on how campaign donations can be used. Right now, funds are limited as we start ramping up requests that can sometimes feel like begging. My last name can only carry me so far, and my reputation proceeds me.

“Excuse me, are you Darren Walker?” A young man inquires from the doorway.

I nod and he drops an envelope on my desk. “You’ve been served,” he says and leaves just as quickly as he arrived.

An envelope from a law office in Arizona.

I know exactly what it is. Like a Band-Aid, I rip the envelope open to expose the wound.

Divorce papers.

Pulling off my tie, I throw it across the room. It flutters through the stagnant air and lands silently on the dirty linoleum floor.

“Don’t forget about the fundraising event this weekend,” Rausch says as he enters my office. He sees my tie on the ground and picks it up. When he places it on the desk he notices the papers.

“You can gloat if you want to,” I tell him angrily, using him as a punching bag. “You got what you wanted, right?” I look up at him, the sting of getting the papers still fresh.

“If you want me to say that Evangeline leaving was the best thing for your campaign, then fine, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy about seeing you in turmoil.”

I scoff. “In turmoil? Is that what you think this is?”

“No.” A look of understanding crosses his face like a shadow. “I understand your heartbreak.”

I never thought of Rausch as a person, just a thorn in my side, giving me disapproving looks and lectures about getting my life together. Of course he knows what heartbreak is. No human gets a pass on that in their lifetime, not even someone as impenetrable as Rausch.

“You can think what you want, Darren, but what I said to you before was the truth. I would have done everything within my power to protect her.”

I lift my eyes from the papers. “Well, it seems she didn’t want to be a part of this life after all.” I can’t seem to keep the disappointment out of my voice.

Rausch lets out a breath. “You can sit here and stare at those papers, or you can pull yourself together and win this election.”

Author Bio:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Twitter / Facebook / instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

BOOK BLITZ OF A SLEIGH RIDE FOR CHARLOTTE BY SARAH LAMB (#Contest- Win an Amazon Gift Card.)

 

A Sleigh Ride For Charlotte
Sarah Lamb
Publication date: August 13th 2024
Genres: Adult, Historical, Historical Romance, Holiday, Romance

Sometimes the simple choice isn’t easy.

Charlotte Harrison dreams of being part of the winter festival, where romance fills the air and new starts are made. Penniless after her family was swindled, she’s always stayed home, unwilling to be looked at with pity. But this year Charlotte is desperate and willing to do whatever it takes to be there when she hears the most eligible man in town has his eye on her.

New to town, Dr. Justin Davis is in dire need of someone to assist him at his practice. When Charlotte is suggested, it seems like an opportunity for them both. At first, he simply wants to help her financial situation. But against his better judgment, he falls in love with her. Worst of all, the man she desires is someone he can’t stand, and he might have just sent her straight into his arms.

Through a series of surprising events, Charlotte learns that not everyone is as they seem, and when she goes to give her heart away, she’s faced with uncertainty. Who is she going to choose? The man she’s been longing for? Or the man who truly loves her?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Doctor, I know. I know that you are in love with Charlotte. I also know that the gifts she’s gotten have been from you, not August.”

This wasn’t at all what he’d expected her to say. Justin stiffened, though he tried to remain calm. “I beg your pardon?”

I beg your pardon? That was the best he could do? The only thing he could think of to say?

“Yes,” she told him. “A mother sees things. You need to tell Charlotte how you feel.”

It struck him then. She was twisting her hands and looking anxious because she was upset. Of course she was. Her daughter, one who was both beautiful and of marrying age was working for him. They were alone, and it was likely she suspected him of acting inappropriately.

He had to set things right.

“Mrs. Harrison, I promise you that in no way have I compromised your daughter’s reputation,” he started.

“And why not?” she asked, surprising him.

“Wh-why not?”

“If you had, then we could have married the two of you, been rid of that horrid August Middleton and whatever plan he has for my Charlotte. You care for her, don’t you?”

“I do,” he said, panic rising in him. This wasn’t a conversation he’d thought to have.

“Then why,” she urged, “won’t you tell her? Why do you let her think that scoundrel has sent her those thoughtful gifts? You must say something to her. Especially before it’s too late.”

Justin was silent for a moment. When he looked into Mrs. Harrison’s face, all he saw was compassion. It made him want to tell her. To confess everything in his heart.

“My dear boy,” she said quietly. “You care so much for her. So, why?”

“I’m not who she wants. It’s him, not me,” he suddenly burst out, pacing. All of his hurt, all of his insecurities and fears and upset rushed out of him. Now that the flood had started, he couldn’t hold it back.

“I’m not rich, I’m not handsome. I have nothing to offer. A doctor with his first practice—a new one at that—in a small town is not wealthy. Why, half of my patients don’t pay me in coin, but in service or food. I couldn’t give her all she deserves.”

“What does she deserve?” Charlotte’s mother asked, placing her hands in her lap, while her eyes never left his.

“She deserves someone who loves her. Who can give her what she desires. Who can care for her and protect her and…and I am none of those things.” He gestured wildly, hoping his hands would convey his desperation. “The only way that I can protect her is by staying away.”

Justin lowered his head and whispered, “If I don’t, he will hurt you both.”

Author Bio:

Sarah is wife to an amazing teacher and mom to two boys who are growing up just a little too fast. Her day job is helping others to become writers, while she squeezes in each spare moment she can on her own books. She spends her days working and writing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and planning her next trip to Disney World.

Website / Facebook / Amazon / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Review of the Inhabitants by Beth Castrodale

I want to welcome Beth Castrodale to Books R Us. Beth is the author of The Inhabitants. The novel will be available on Sept 10th. Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

About the Book:

After a run of misfortune, portrait artist Nilda Ricci could use a stroke of luck. She seems to get just that when she inherits a shadowy Victorian, designed by an architect whose works were said to influence the mind— supposedly, in beneficial ways. At first, Nilda’ s new home delivers multiple gifts, including the unexpected appearance of a housekeeper who’ d helped maintain the home for years. Also, Nilda finds herself falling for a handsome neighbor, a chemist whose herbal tonics boost her creativity to new heights. But as Nilda seeks revenge-by-painting against a contempt-worthy portrait subject, she begins having strange experiences in the house, making her wonder whether the place is haunted or whether its architect’ s intentions were less than benevolent. She also begins to suspect that her neighbor, and his gifts of tonics, aren’ t what they seem. All along, the housekeeper seems to be looking out for Nilda. But in time she reveals needs of her own, which may prove more powerful than anything in the house … or beyond it.

 

My Thoughts:

I loved this novel and even stayed up late to finish it. The story revolves around the main character, Nilda, and her daughter who inherit a Victorian house with unique architecture and a dark history. As the plot develops, Nilda starts to notice strange occurrences within the home. Her unease grows when she finds eerie models of the house, and her daughter, Sydney, begins talking to an imaginary friend named Alex. Each character plays a crucial role in the story-line, adding to the sense of anticipation. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I highly recommend getting a copy and experiencing the book for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Connect with the Author:

Website 

Facebook.

X.com

Goodreads

 

Books by the Author: 

Gold River- Get your free copy here

I Mean You No Harm. 

In This Ground. 

Marion Hatley. 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The author gave me a free ARC of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

Review of The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

If you are looking for a great novel with great characters and a magical story-line then I recommend The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

 

About the Book:

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

I truly enjoyed the book. The author included two different timelines in the story-line, with each chapter told from the perspective of a character. There was a connection between the past and present, and each woman had to overcome hardships. The book contained elements of fantasy, magic, romance, and historical fiction, all woven together into a wonderful novel. I especially loved the relationship between Martha and Henry as they searched for the lost manuscript and bookshop. All of the secondary characters added to the story especially Madame Bowden Martha's employer. She would show up numerous times to assist Martha with a difficult situation. I did not predict the ending and it was magical.

 

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF DECEPTIVE CALM BY PATRICIA SKIPPER (BARNES AND NOBLE EDITION)

 ABOUT THE BOOK:

Against the turbulent backdrop of declared martial law in South Carolina, a stunning light-skinned beauty, Vanessa, lives in a Catholic orphanage for Blacks. After a series of racial traumas, Vanessa obtains the birth certificate of a deceased white baby and uses this document to assume the child's identity. She moves to California and enrolls at UC Berkeley under her newly acquired name.

Vanessa marries into one of California's wealthiest families. Her charmed life abruptly ends eighteen months after the birth of her first child who is diagnosed with sickle cell trait. Discovering that the woman he married is Black, as is his toddler son, Vanessa's ruthless husband plots his revenge but they both survive. The police investigation that follows seems pretty clear-cut until a curious, young detective uncovers some clues to her private life where nothing is as it appears. The aftermath of the discovery brings down a pillar of San Francisco society.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Skipper's life journey began on a California Marine Corps base. After fighting in World War 11 and Korea, her father retired in South Carolina. Patricia was only 9 years old in 1961 when she saw her first "Colored Only" bathroom and water fountain signs in downtown Charleston at the Sears Roebuck. That sign scarred Patricia because on Marine Corps bases everyone ate at the same clubs, swam in the same pools and used the same bathrooms. That sign would have a major influence on her writing career as Patricia obtained a master degree in Broadcast Journalism. She reported internationally for the Charleston Evening Post from Leningrad and Moscow. Playing a key role, she supported a a brand new "Mothers Against Drunk Driving" and helped them get PSA (public service announcements) on every television station in the country. Earning accolades for her television commercial writing, Patricia has won numerous Addy Awards.

My Thought: 

I found the book very informative, well-written, and engaging. The themes included politics, racism, civil rights, and romance. The main character, Vanessa, is naive but very intelligent. She was a light-skinned black woman who was mistaken for a white woman in a very turbulent society. She lived in an all-black orphanage and had the support of her friends Trisha and Sister Rosalie. Sister Rosalie was like a mother to Vanessa and helped her while she was living in the orphanage. She obtained the identity of a deceased white baby and took it as her own so she could move on with her life. She traveled from South Carolina with her new identity to attend college in California with her friend Trisha.

Trisha, a character I deeply connected with, played a significant role in the novel. She was Vanessa's pillar of strength, providing her with the emotional support and guidance she needed. Their journey together, filled with trials and triumphs, will resonate with readers.

Post-graduation, Vanessa ventured into the broadcasting industry, where she met her husband, Tod. His family was affluent and esteemed, but when her son was diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease, her life took a drastic turn. She had to endure numerous hardships, including the societal challenges of the time and the wrath of her husband, who felt deceived by her actions. Tod's reaction, a reflection of the societal norms of the time, adds a layer of complexity to the story, making Vanessa's struggles even more poignant and relatable.

The book's narrative is driven by the characters' development, particularly Vanessa's, as she navigates the societal challenges of her time. While the book contains sexual content that may not be suitable for all readers, it is integral to the character development and the story's progression. The author's meticulous research and incorporation of historical details bring the period to life, creating a compelling read.

Purchase the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

Disclaimer: I will be compensated for my honest review of the book by the sponsor.

 
 

ENTER TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES FROM ROMANCE AT RANDOM (USA)

ENTER TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES FROM ROMANCE AT RANDOM INCLUDING A COPY OF AN AFFAIR TO DISMEMBER BY ELISE SAX


Giveaway:

• 1 Grand Prize Winner of a $25 Gift Card to a retailer of your choice 
• 4 winners receive a copy of An Affair to Dismember, by Elise Sax + a copy of Crazy Thing Called Love by Molly O’Keefe 
• 3 Winners win a copy of, An Affair to Dismember, by Elise Sax 
• 1 Winner receives a mashup of books, we choose, you receive

***All winners must be 18 Or Older & live in the USA.*** Contest ends 1/21/13    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

INTERVIEW OF NINA CROFT AUTHOR OF BREAK OUT

 I want to welcome Nina Croft to Books R Us. Nina is the author of Break Out (Blood Hunter) a Paranormal/Sci-Fi romance. Thanks for stopping by.

Can you tell me who or what was the inspiration for the book?

Break out is a mixture of sci-fi and paranormal romance, and there were actually two things that inspired it.

The first was watching the sci-fi series Firefly for about the third time. I love the series and I decided I wanted to write a space opera, because they’re fun and absolutely anything can happen.

The second was a serious case of paranormal deprivation. A while back, my husband asked me—why didn’t I write a good book? By ‘good’ he actually meant without any romance, vampires, werewolves or aliens. So, I wrote him a thriller, which I loved doing (it’s called The Descartes Legacy and will be out early next year!) And while a little (okay, a lot) of romance sneaked into it and maybe just a little bitty alien, there were no vampires and no werewolves, and by the time I’d finished writing I was in desperate need of a paranormal fix. So when I started plotting Break Out, and the pilot of my space ship turned out to be a vampire, I wasn’t too upset and actually welcomed him with open arms.

So there I was – vampires in Space.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

I go through stages where I find it difficult to get the words down. When that happens, I tend to just force myself to work through it. Usually though, I’ll give myself a change of scenery and perhaps try a different method from typing into my laptop. I’ll maybe take a notebook into the garden or up the mountain or… and I’ll write longhand for a change. It usually gets me going again.

Can you tell me your experiences in finding a publisher for the book?

I always knew that Break Out would be hard to find a publisher for, because it’s such a mixture of genres: sci-fi, romance, paranormal. I’d had another book accepted by Entangled Publishing through a pitch competition on the Savvy Authors site (that book was Bittersweet Blood, a paranormal romance to be released this December). I’d loved my dealings with Entangled up to that point and so when I saw that they were actively seeking space opera submissions I thought why not—maybe they’d like my space opera with a vampire. My manuscript found its way to Liz at Entangled who got back to me within the day. She asked me if it was part of a series, and if it wasn’t could it be? It was one of the nicest days of my writing career!

How long did it take you to write the book and how long did it take to get the book released?

Break Out was first released last July as a novella. The first draft took me probably a month to write and then another to edit. It was accepted in April last year and released in July so things moved pretty fast.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

Definitely the hero of the book, Ricardo Sanchez or Rico. He’s probably my favourite of all my characters. Rico turned up almost fully formed. He just about wrote himself and in fact, has a tendency to take over every scene he’s in (which was okay for Break Out, as he’s the hero but a bit of a pain for the later books.)

What are your current / future projects? 

I tend to have a few things on the go at once. I’m contracted to write another three Blood Hunter books so I’m planning those, but right now I’m working on a paranormal romance, a sequel to my December release, Bittersweet Blood.

Do you have any tips for a young writer just starting out?

Write what you love, because that’s what will sustain you when the going gets tough—which it will.

If your book was to be made into a movie, Who would you like the main character to be played by and why?

This is so hard. I think as writers we get such strong images of how are characters look that it’s hard to accept a real person. But I think for Rico, maybe a young Antonio Banderas (Rico is Spanish) or maybe Ian Somerhalder (I’ve just started watching The Vampire Diaries!) he could pass for Spanish.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

I live on an almond farm in southern Spain with my husband and a whole load of animals. So when I’m not writing, I’m usually either walking the dogs, riding my horse, Gencianna, or lying under an almond tree reading.

We used to travel a lot before we moved to Spain, and we loved getting off the beaten track. We visited Africa, India and South East Asia. But we don’t really get to go on holiday anymore, it’s just not possible because of all the animals, so we spend holidays at home. But as we live in a spectacularly beautiful part of the world, that’s not really a hardship.

Can you tell me where we can purchase your book?

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Book:

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.
Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun! 

 About the Author:

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Nina writes all types of romance often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.

Find me at:

Website

Twitter

Facebook