Thursday, November 29, 2018

The Mona Lisa Key by Liesl Shurtliff

The Mona Lisa Key: Time Castaways #1

Author: Liesl Shurtliff

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Published: September 18th, 2018

ISBN13: 9780062568137

Hardcover/e-book: 400 pages

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Summary

From Liesl Shurtliff, the New York Times bestselling author of Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin, comes a thrilling new middle grade trilogy about three city kids who get on the wrong subway train and wind up on a wild, magical mystery-adventure throughout time.
Imaginative, daring, and packed with fun, Time Castaways is perfect for fans of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Percy Jackson.
Mateo, Ruby, and Corey Hudson’s parents don’t have too many rules. It’s the usual stuff: Be good. Do your homework. And never ride the subway without an adult, EVER. But when the siblings wake up late for school, they have no choice but to break a rule. The Hudson siblings board the subway in Manhattan and end up on a frigate ship in Paris…in the year 1911.
As time does tell, the Hudson family has a lot of secrets. The past, present, and future are intertwined—and a time-traveling ship called the Vermillion is at the center. Racing to untangle the truth, the kids find themselves in the middle of one of the greatest art heists of all time.
And the adventure is just getting started.

My review

I am a huge fan of Liesl Shurtliff's books. She always writes fun, sweet, all out wonderful books, so I was excited to read this new series from her! The Mona Lisa Key is a nonstop, time traveling, thrill ride of an adventure. I absolutely loved it. The characters are fantastic and the siblings are great together. Corey made me smile lots of times and Ruby is a doll. Mateo (Matt) is the anchor of the group. He is super smart and a bit of a mystery himself. I really enjoyed their time traveling adventures, but I was very suspicious of their company. They travel to Paris, India, and the famous Game Six (which I personally thought was so fun, I love baseball), to name a few. There are many secrets and twists and turns I don't want to spoil, but it has me eagerly waiting for the next book!

5 out of 5 stars. There are so many enjoyable twists and the author does a great job of planting hints throughout to keep the reader guessing! I didn't want to stop reading at times. I had to find out what happened next. 

Purchase links


Author links

Dream of Me This Christmas Eve by L.A. Sartor -- Release Blitz

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
By L.A. Sartor

Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
(Star Light ~ Star Bright #4)
By L.A. Sartor
Contemporary Romance, Christmas
ebook, 127 Pages
December 1st 2018

Boulder, Colorado, attorney Maximillian Henderson III is in a bind. His new law office won’t open on schedule unless he finds immediate help to finalize his building’s renovation.

Award-winning designer Caroline Young is visiting Boulder for a family wedding and has promised to stay through Christmas. Meeting Max at the wedding and hearing his problem, she accepts his plea for help. But if she can make him see past his own nose, she could make it even better.

Creating a new design only works if she commits to staying longer. By doing so, she puts her heart and her treasured independence at risk.

Max is aware her life and business are in California, and a long-term relationship is impractical. Still she adds vibrancy to his plain black and white world, and his dream of her on Christmas Eve convinces him to try.

On Christmas Day, Caro reveals that she must return home for a vital meeting, breaking her promise and his heart.

Max has new plans for his office but no Caro. Can he convince her to return to him and find a way to meld their lives?


Excerpt

Feel this? Seriously, she wanted him to do what? After that sigh, he wasn't sure he should. “Why are you so excited about an afghan?”
“Not just any old afghan, this one is vicuña. Seriously, feel it.”
If he hadn't reached out to take it from her, the throw would have fallen to the floor, and Max had an idea that would have been akin to sacrilege in Caro's eyes.
Despite himself, he held it up to his cheek. Soft, supple … Whoa, his thoughts were spinning in wild directions, all because of the woman sitting in front of him. “Nice.”
“Nice? Do you know what vicuña is?”
“Nope, can't say that I do.”
“It's the wild relative of the llama. Pretty rare these days. The Incas believed the critters were reincarnations of lovely young maidens, so only Incan royalty were allowed to wear the fleece. Their wool is incredibly expensive. Nevertheless, I'd love to find some.”
Max handed her back the throw, only to see her again bury her face into its softness. And damn if his body didn’t heat up a few degrees thinking about her nuzzling his neck with the same passion. Sucking in a lungful of the chilly air wafting through the front door cleared his mind. Just. “First, how do you know all this? And second, what would you do with the wool if you were to find and then afford it?”
“First, I love random facts. My teachers hated that, especially when I spouted off in class, answering a question with a fact or even another question.”
“And yet you were valedictorian of your high school class. Phi Beta Kappa, and magna cum laude at university.”
“How’d you know?”
“Brice. He talks about you all the time.”
“Oh, did he tell you that I knit?” She gestured Vanna White style to the sweater still topping her maid-of-honor gown.
Max felt his brows rise in surprise, and there was nothing he could do to stop his obvious reaction to her last reveal. Knitting seemed like such an old-fashioned art for a free spirit like Caro.  He prided himself on reading people—it was one of the traits that made him a successful attorney. Yet Caro, in the past few hours, delivered him one surprise after another. His interest level in her ratcheted up and went beyond his physical attraction.
If she agreed to his plan, this could be an interesting week ahead, matching wits and wherever anything else led. “You read structural and interior design plans, right?”
“I create design plans for structural engineering. So yes.”
“My designer has the flu and can't finish the work on my new office building. I could use your expertise to help complete the final phase so it's open by the new year.”
“I'm not really an interior designer.”
“It's a bit more than that.”
“How much more?”
She pulled the afghan up on her lap a little higher and he realized the draft continued.
“Hold on a sec, I’m going to see if the door was left open. It’s letting in minus-degree cold.”
Everyone had left the house. He closed the slightly ajar door, feeling instantly warmer, then returned to Caro and perched on the sofa’s arm.
“Okay, so you’re not an interior designer. And you asked how much more.”
She nodded, then poured a bit more champagne into her glass and sipped.
“The building is old and I’m having a lot of work done to the interior. And some new windows added. And—"
He stopped when she held up her hand. Uh oh.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

I started writing as a child, really. A few things happened on the way to becoming a published author … a junior high school teacher who told me I couldn’t write because I didn’t want to study … urk … grammar. I went to college, moved a few times, came home and found the love of my life (that is another novel worthy story, but for later), and got married.

We were super busy with our respective careers, mine a custom jewelry business with my mom, who was also teaching metalsmithing at the time, and my husband a crazy law career. We had two fur babies, Fudge (and briefly her brother Smudge, but sadly he didn’t live very long) and Two. Our cats would sleep with us and when they’d stretch out to their full length, we’d end up sleeping on the edge of the mattress.

I have always been a voracious reader and one night after throwing a particularly bad book at the wall (even putting a small ding in said wall), I realized that I could do better. I told my husband, and he said go for it. I called Mom and she revealed the junior high teacher story and she told I’d been writing all the time up to that point.

That blew me away. I didn’t remember any of it. But I started writing again, nearly the next day, pen and paper, learning, making mistakes, winning contests, nearly getting an agent, becoming disenchanted with the publishing industry and moving away from novel writing to screenwriting, getting a contract for a script and doing really well in screenwriting contests.

But none of that was making me much money. After numerous scary robbery drills I wanted to move away from my bank job (yes, this is many years later and a lot of stuff in between) and write full time for the green stuff.

My husband told me repeatedly that independent publishing was becoming a valid way to publish a novel and people were making big dollars. I didn’t believe him even after he showed me several Wall Street Journal articles. I thought indie meant vanity press.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I started pursuing this direction seriously, retired from the bank and hit the keyboard, learned a litany of new things and published my first novel. My second book became a bestseller, and while I’m not rolling in dough, I’m absolutely on the right course in my life.

So if you have a dream, pursue it as hard as you can. Life can get in the way, but never give up.

Please come visit me at www.lasartor.com, see my books, some pictures, some screenplays and sign up for my mailing list. I have a gift I’ve specifically created for my new email subscribers. And remember, you can email me at Leslie@LeslieSartor.com.

WebsiteBlogGoodreadsFacebookTwitterPinterestBookbubAmazon

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive ebooks of all four books in the Star Light ~ Star Bright Series and a $15 Amazon eGift Card
US only
Ends December 2nd

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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Midnight Groom by Taylor Hart - 99 cents sale


Click on the image to purchase or here!

The Midnight Groom by Taylor Hart

How much would you bet on true love this Christmas season?


After the worst year of his life, Cameron Cruz, owner of the Denver Storm, agrees to a family Christmas cruise with his twin sister and her family. Sure, maybe part of the reason he agreed to go was because it got him out of court mandated therapy for a week. Still, he was trying to focus on relaxing. He was trying to focus on having fun. He was trying not to look at the reports that came everyday from the private investigator's he'd been hiring and firing for the past year to bring justice to the man who killed his wife.
Isabel Kind was only on this Christmas cruise for one reason--to heal. After tragically losing her husband and son five years ago, she'd been stuck. And she and her therapist thought doing the list of excursions they'd planned to do as a family--might help her move on. When she sprains her ankle and Cameron Cruz offers to help her, she finds herself accepting.
After reluctantly getting piggy backed around by the amazingly strong and handsome man, swimming with the sting rays, and zip lining through the Honduran jungles, she is more and more mystified by this troubled man. Even more mystified that he's not only helping her physically but he's also trying to help her emotionally--even if, as he says, 
he can't heal himself.
When bad news comes to light and Cameron has to face the past, they are left with a choice--walk away or let the power of grace make them whole.


Friday, November 23, 2018

The Christmas Girlfriend by Taylor Hart

The Christmas Girlfriend: A Return to Snow Valley Romance

Author: Taylor Hart

Publisher: ArchStone Ink

Published: November 8th, 2018

ASIN: B07KCQ45VR

e-book: 186 pages

FTC FYI: I received a e-book copy from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own. 

Goodreads Summary

He needs a date for Christmas. She needs money for a dream. Maybe they'll both get a Christmas miracle!
The handsome and kind, Mike Hamilton, doesn't want to go back to his hometown, Snow Valley, to attend his sister's wedding and spend Christmas, especially since he didn't tell anyone he got dumped two weeks ago. So when he discovers a girl standing on a roof praying, running to the top to join her doesn't feel thatdesperate. Too bad they both fall and she accuses him of trying to kill her.

Aspiring singer and songwriter, Zoey Harper, doesn't know who this guy is -- but she doesn't need his help. When he offers to pay her to be his FAKE girlfriend to get him out of a little situation, she immediately says no. But when she finds herself without a job, without a car, and with no money to go try out for The Voice and fulfill a life-long dream, she agrees! But ONLY kissing. And only pecks on the cheek!

She doesn't know how she finds herself making out with him to keep his ex girlfriend at bay, then cannon balling into the hot springs on his property and spilling all of her secrets. And who would have guessed that her favorite person would be his grumpy grandpa? Her lonely heart doesn't know when things started to change between she and Mike--when he ran up on the roof to save her or when she finds herself singing a song for him in front of his whole family.

When their lies fall apart, they are left with a choice--forget the past five days or get the Christmas miracle that could change their lives forever.
 


My review

This is a quick, fun read and a very cute story. I loved the characters and this was a fun trope. Even though Zoey was supposed to be another girl, she held her own and was herself. And Mike is the hunky guy who came to her rescue when she was down and they needed each other. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed and the supporting characters were just as wonderful as Mike and Zoey.

4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase links

Amazon

Author links

Goodreads / Amazon page / Website

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid -- grand finale post

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
By Cathy McDavid

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I’m so thrilled it’s finally here — my first Harlequin Heartwarming! After thirty books for Harlequin Western, I made the move to Heartwarming when my line closed last year, and I couldn’t be happier. To celebrate the release of A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL, I have all kinds of exciting things planned, including a blog tour, fun interaction, and a great giveaway...


Where do you get your ideas?

Yeah, it’s a question writers get asked all the time. I wish I had something glib and interesting and fun to say in response instead of, “The internet or the news or while walking my dog,” all which happen to be the truth. That is, until recently…


HEARING WHAT SOUNDED like a hammer banging against metal, Molly O’Malley tossed the covers aside and sat bolt upright. Her sister had beaten her to the shower. Again. Now she’d be late getting downstairs—the last thing she wanted today of all days. After endless planning, preparation and backbreaking labor, Sweetheart Ranch was finally opening for business.

Molly pushed herself out of bed, excitement and nervousness replacing the fog of sleep. Grabbing her flannel robe hanging from the bedpost, she padded to the closet, every third floorboard creaking in angry protest. A single tug on the antique glass knob and the closet door glided open. Thank goodness. It just as often stuck and refused to budge.


What is it about your book that makes it stand out in this competitive genre?

I don’t think there are too many romance books with a cowboy-themed wedding ranch. At least, I haven’t seen any 😊 Neither have I come across a book with a cowboy wedding officiant for the hero. I hope that makes A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAL PROPOSAL a little unique and worth a look.


Research for A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL

Researching is part of a writer’s job. Most of the time it’s fun, we tend to write about what interests us so we find the research fascinating. It was no different for me when it came to finding interesting facts about weddings for my November release, A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL. I learned all kinds of wedding history and trivia from the wacky to the wonderful. And I actually got to use some of it in my book!...

Remembrancy - Review

"Take a type-A woman intent on making the new family wedding planning business a success and throw in an unexpected elopement of one member of said family wedding planning business and a substitute officiator with three rambunctious children, and the recipe for entertainment is delicious! Oh, and did I mention this is all during the busy holiday season?"


"I really can't seem to get enough of the cowboy and rancher romance stories lately. This story gets bonus points for taking place during the Christmas season, because I also can't get enough of the Christmas romances at this time of year. This book fit both perfectly."


“What’s this?” With her free hand, Molly tore off the note and started reading. The next instant, her fingers went slack, and she nearly dropped the pot. “I don’t believe it!”

“What’s wrong?” Bridget glanced up from sprinkling flour onto a rolling mat.

“Grandma’s gone.” The words fell from Molly’s mouth in a shocked whisper.

“Where? The café?”

“Try the Grand Canyon and then Nevada. In Homer’s RV.” Molly gaped at her sister, alarm battling with disbelief. “They’ve eloped. They’re getting married in Reno and then taking a monthlong road trip.”

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

An Author's Print Copies

I’m lucky that my publisher sends me lots of copies of my books. Not only do I receive boxes of my current release, but I also get more boxes when my previous titles are re-released. This has happened as many as three different times, giving me multiple versions of the book. Which raises the question, what’s a person to do with all these free print book?...

E-Romance News - Excerpt

She was halfway to the girl when the arched doorway separating the parlor from the foyer and the chapel was filled by a pair of broad shoulders, a tall lanky form and a dark brown Stetson.

Molly came to a halt. She’d seen plenty of attractive cowboys since moving to Mustang Valley, but this one in his pressed jeans and Western-cut suede coat rated right up there. The fact that he balanced a third child in his left arm, this one a toddler, diminished none of his good looks.


"A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is a really sweet romance with some fun characters and a cute story line. I love the idea of Sweetheart Ranch. I’m not sure I’d run a wedding venue…too much stress…but those cabins are just perfect. . . . Clean romance lovers will enjoy getting to know these characters and this charming town."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

“NO OFFENSE, BUT you don’t look like a minister.”

Owen didn’t blame Molly for doubting him. He wasn’t really a minister. And his three intent-on-misbehaving offspring were hardly aiding his image.

“I got ordained online,” he explained. “A buddy asked me to officiate his wedding a few months ago. We had this bet and, well...”

“Is that even a real thing? Getting ordained online?”

He corralled his children closer. They’d attempted to wander off in three different directions, and the room had far too many breakables for his comfort level. “I guarantee you, I can legally marry people. In Arizona, at least.”


"This is a novel centered round family and how sometimes, in order to find the tomorrow [you're] wanting most in your life - you have to be willing to take risks. Without risking your heart, you lose the chance to find someone who is your rightful match and without being willing to go outside your comfort zones - sometimes you miss opportunities for self-growth."


"This was a really cute story. . . . This book is one you don't want to pass up. It has a make you feel good story with a wonderful cast of characters. This story will hit you right in the heart. Plus you can't go wrong with the holiday season working it's magic."


"An adorably sweet family-oriented romance! She’s too uptight, he’s too lackadaisical … but together, they shine! In a story of trying to pick up the pieces of a life that hasn’t quite worked out the way you planned, two people meet and fall in love in less than ideal circumstances. . . . The characters were well developed, the plot was steady and filled with cuteness and the story was overall a joy to read!"

Splashes of Joy - Review

"...this is a sweet story, one that you will sure want to read for your own enjoyment. It takes place during the Christmas holidays so it’s a fun and exciting story to read at this time of the year. I encourage you to pick up a copy for your own entertainment!"


I Am A Reader - Guest Post

Believing in Santa Clause

Who here used to believe in Santa Clause as a child? Okay, spoiler alert, if you still do believe in him, don’t read the rest of this post 😊

When I was child, I believed in Santa Clause with an unshakeable conviction…up until I was nine years old when my mother broke the news to me. Her reasoning, she told me at the time, was she feared the other kids at school would tell me, and I’d be devastated. News flash, Mom. I was devastated anyway. Didn’t matter that you were to the one to crush my happy illusion...

Book by Book - Spotlight


"A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid is an absolute lovely read. . . . You do not want to miss this great Christmas read."


Molly immediately brightened. “Nora! Please tell me you’re here to rescue us.”

“What else would get me out of bed at this ungodly hour?”

Was eight forty-five an ungodly hour? Owen wondered. Apparently for Nora it was.

“I assume this is Homer’s great-nephew.” Removing her coat, she gave him careful consideration. “He didn’t mention you were easy on the eyes.”

Owen grinned. “He didn’t mention you were, either.”

Her dour countenance magically transformed into a delighted grin. “And charming to boot. I do believe this next month is going to be quite enjoyable.”


"A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal was a fun story. I really enjoyed the setting of the Sweetheart Ranch, a specialty wedding destination that had just opened as the book began. . . . The interactions between all of the characters in this story, including the children, felt very authentic."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Did Grandma tell you all this?”

“She figured you’d be interested in him and wanted me to tell you.”

“Interested in him?” Molly feigned shock as if nothing could be further from the truth. “Whatever gave her that idea?”

The next second, Owen and his three kids strolled into the parlor. Molly went still, wishing she could disappear. How much of her and Nora’s conversation had he heard?

The last part of it, certainly, judging by the amused expression he wore.


"A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is cute, endearing, witty, and sweet. Not to mention the sparks that sizzle between Molly and Owen. The chaos the author has written into this novel is palpable – throw in the holidays, a new business, the stress of weddings (sometimes more than one in a single day), three restless (and adorable) kids, and the absence of two intended key players…. not to mention the losing battle of trying desperately not to fall in love. (because who needs more chaos?) And yet, the tender moments gradually overshadow the chaos – much like in real life – and leave readers breathing a blissful sigh of relief. Looking forward to more visits to the Sweetheart Ranch!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
(The Sweetheart Ranch #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

At a magical time of year…

Can a cowboy help falling in love?

For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…


About the Author

In the third grade, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 1.2 million books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll.

An “almost” Arizona native, she’s married to her own real-life sweetheart, whom she re-met a few years ago at a high school reunion. Her grown twins are out on their own and finding their happily-ever-afters. In 2014, Cathy retired from the corporate world to write full-time. She now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting a bronc, and sweeping gals off their feet. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive their choice of two previously published Christmas stories by Cathy McDavid (print or ebook, winner's choice), a small gift bag of promo bling, a holiday ornament, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card
US only
Ends November 23, 2018

Grab Our Button!

Monday, November 19, 2018

Dragonwatch: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull -- blog tour

Dragonwatch: Wrath of the Dragon King

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 23, 2018

e-book/Hardback: 416 pages

ISBN13: 9781629724867

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

War has come to the dragon sanctuaries of the world and nowhere is the danger more intense than at Wyrmroost. After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Kendra and Seth, Celebrant, King of Dragons, prepares to unleash his fury and take control of his native preserve. Armed with information from a new ally Ronodin, the dark unicorn Celebrant seeks a legendary talisman the dominion stone.

However, the powerful stone is protected by a cursed castle. Upon entering the castle fortress, an unyielding power strips all magical beings of their power and forces Celebrant to take his human avatar form. Kendra and Seth must enter the cursed castle as well. The race is on. Will the two young caretakers rally enough support from the creatures of Wyrmroost against the greatest threat the magical community has faced in ages? Can they foil Celebrant's plan and beat him to the mighty dominion stone? Or will all hope be shattered by the wrath of the Dragon King?
 


My review

Wow! What a ride. Wrath of the Dragons is another heart pounding adventure in the Fablehaven world. I knew I would love it and I did., immensely. Fablehaven is one of my all-time favorite series, and this book is a wonderful addition. The author does a fantastic job of planting little plot hints throughout and seriously, what an amazing ending! There are many entertaining new characters. One in particular was mysterious, sinister, and extremely important. I love the Kendra and Seth brother and sister duo and their adventures. They work together well and even Seth has grown up a lot. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon Hardcover / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Author links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter


Friday, November 16, 2018

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Stephanie Fowers -- spotlight


Playing House or burning it down? Sparks fly when Gina watches her sister's kids with the help of an irresponsible heart breaker--even worse, the kids want to set them up.


Kids get away with saying most anything, like Aunt Gina should marry that "charmer" she met at her sister's wedding.

But Gina won’t have anything to do with that guy who played with her heart that night—he’s a heartbreaker—no matter how much her niece and nephews adore him now. Besides, the two come from different worlds. Gina’s a workaholic career woman; he’s the irresponsible flirt. Whenever they meet, there are fireworks, and not the good kind. 

That is, until her sister wins a cruise to the Caribbean and asks the two to babysit for 2 weeks. Sparks fly as they find a way to play house without burning the place down. Forget marriage—these two shouldn't even date.

And what do kids know anyway? Maybe everything.

Author bio

Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film. She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., BBC (which she supposes includes non-bonnet movies Sherlock and Dr. Who). Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist. Stephanie plans to bring more of her novels out to greet the light of day. Be sure to watch for her upcoming romantic comedies in her line of sweet romances called "Hopeless Romantics." May the adventures begin!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

The Risky Groom by Carly Morgan -- 99 cent sale



Deal of the Day! Click on image or here to purchase for 99 cents!

Book summary

A football player and the woman who got away! How much would you bet on true love this holiday season? 

The generous and seriously hot, Dalton Ruff, wide receiver for the Denver Storm, has had a rough twenty-four hours. Spending time in jail with his teammates a week for Christmas wasn’t on his to do list. But after fellow player and good friend, Will Kent bets him that he can’t find, date, and kiss the woman who got away, he accepts the challenge. 

The beautiful and talented, Lydia Landon is newly relocated to the quaint town of Port St. Austen. The fact that it happens to be her ex boyfriend, Dalton’s, hometown doesn’t bother her at all, until she runs smack into his naked chest on the beach and then finds herself at his brother’s house having dinner with his family. When Dalton asks her to go out with him again, she tells him no because there’s NO way they could ever work out. But when he shows up to help out with the Christmas program she’s in charge of…she remembers how determined he is. 

After exploring a cave of sea creatures together, unexpectedly discovering the secret acts of service Dalton was doing for a family down on their luck, and finding herself being comforted in Dalton’s arms when she’s attacked by a dangerous stalker, Lydia can’t help but find herself falling for him all over again. 

Now they have to make a choice, let the problems of the past keep them apart or give the ultimate sacrifice and get everything they ever wanted. 

Monday, November 12, 2018

Rescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan -- Grand Finale Post

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Rescued by the Firefighter
By Catherine Lanigan

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Welcome back to Shores of Indian Lake series! For those of you who haven’t visited my series yet or known my characters, I think you’ll love this story of Beatrice Wilcox and Rand Nelson equally as all the other Heartwarming people of Indian Lake...


Indian Lake, Indiana

July

THE SUMMER NIGHT sounds of chirping tree frogs and cicadas drifted through the open screen window of Beatrice Wilcox’s sixty-year-old log cabin. Loving the wildlife melodies, she closed her eyes, her weary body spent from a long day with ten rowdy, sometimes frustratingly taciturn children and preteens.

But running this camp was her dream. She wanted to create a summer idyll for kids who faced challenges in their young lives, as she had when she’d been a camper herself as a child.


When I think of forest fires, I remember living in Los Angeles, California for over a decade and how so many of our decisions were based on the constant of fires.

We lived on the world’s tiniest houseboat in Marina Del Rey ON the water and far from anything resembling a forest. Yet,my husband’s elderly aunt and uncle lived in Novato, on top of a mountain surrounded by nothing but forest...

Book by Book - Review

"Don’t worry if you have not yet read Lanigan’s other Shores of Indian Lake books. Rescued by the Firefighter can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. So, if you are in need of a sweet contemporary romance, make sure to check this one out—I recommend it."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Cindy came rushing up with five-year-old Ricky Sanders, the youngest child at the camp that week. He was a foster child, hoping to be legally adopted by his new foster parents, and was Cindy’s personal favorite. “Did one of you get the Dunning boys?”

“Eli and Chris are in the last cabin,” Beatrice replied. “I thought you were getting them.”

“I was…” Cindy hesitated, looking at Ricky. She put Ricky in his child’s seat and belted him in. She turned away from the boy so that only Beatrice could hear her. Nearly in a whisper Cindy said, “They weren’t there. That’s why I thought one of you might have gotten to them already.”


RAND NELSON PULLED his fire engine to a stop in front of the camp and stared over the steering wheel in disbelief at what he was seeing: a woman running toward the fire.

“No way in…”

He jumped out the driver’s door, his heavy leather-booted feet hitting the ground with a thud. He grabbed his thermoplastic helmet off the console, then his goggles and pigskin gloves.


Rand had fought fires from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Idaho to California. He knew exactly the kind of conditions that it took for Mother Nature to burn. But there had been no thunderstorms here in Indian Lake. No lightning bolts. And not quite enough heat to spark spontaneous combustion. No, this was a fire started by human hands. Rand would bet his reputation on it.

And if he was right, Chris had all the more reason to stay clear.

Rand had one shot at bringing out Chris. He had to take it.

“Chris! I know you can hear me. It’s safe now. Eli is safe.”

Rand kept going, toward the most burned section of forest. It was his guess that it had been near here where the fire started.


"Such a touching story! With a return visit to Shores of Indian Lake, we see lots of the old regulars and meet some news ones as we embark on a heartwarming story of hope. . . . overall a really sweet story of love when you least expect it and reaching for it even when it’s outside of your comfort zone. Sweet kids, a sexy fireman and a story about reaching for the stars and achieving them!"


"From the start I knew that I was going to enjoy these two characters. A caregiver and a firefighter, two people you want to live happily ever after. . . . The ending definitely made me teary eyed, and I can not wait to read more from this author. I would love to read up and see how these characters are doing. Especially the kids and the camp. I am giving this book a 5/5."


"Author, Catherine Lanigan, successfully weaves enticing romance into her otherwise, suspense gram stories. . . . it has enough intrigue and writing which keeps it interesting, that the reader still will not want to put it down. The research she did on the subject matters covered in this tale was remarkable."


Seriously, when you see all this gear these guys and gals have strapped to their backs and that they carry INTO a fire, all I can think is how strong they have to be to perform their job.

In RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER, Rand Nelson saves Beatrice Wilcox and little Eli Dunning from the raging forest fire. He carries Beatrice and Eli at the same time out of the fire...


"A sweet story that fits in perfectly with the Indian Lake universe, Rescued by the Firefighter reminds us of the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Layered characters that are genuinely likable, a charming setting, and great romantic tension – all of these elements make this a great choice for a cozy weekend read!"


Wincing, she glanced up and saw him.

He was leaning against the doorjamb. Gone were the Nomex suit, goggles and gloves. The helmet. She noticed his thick, dark, nearly black hair first. A hunk of shining, slightly damp hair hung over his strong forehead. His jawline looked like it had been carved from granite. In fact, everything about him was strong. He didn’t need a firefighter’s suit to make his shoulders wide; his presence filled the doorway, the room, the expanse between them. He wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt that stretched over biceps that could only have been built by hours in a gym. His black jeans fitted close to his narrow hips and muscular thighs. He wore no jewelry. No watch, no wedding ring, no tats. There was nothing extraneous or ornamental about this man. It wasn’t necessary—his whole being shouted, “I’m a man.”

He pushed himself off the door and took a short step inside. “You okay?”


"This novel is full of a cast of characters that readers are sure to enjoy, from the adults and their sweet romance to the children and their fun inclusion in the book. This is a touching and heart-warming sweet contemporary romance that lovers of the Harlequin Heartwarming line are sure to enjoy!"

Kimber Li - Spotlight

Jorie Loves A Story - Review & Guest Post

"I liked how the layers were set early-on, how Lanigan gives you a glimpse of where she wants this story to go direction wise but holds back some of the key bits as well. She wants you to wait it out and see how it unfolds - taking it gently and allowing you to understand her characters without prejudgement."

Although it's romantic and fun to conjure visions of me interviewing a crew of firefighters about their emotions and dealings in relationships, that was not quite the case. I did talk to both husbands and wives who deal with the stress of one or both being employed in high risk fields but to be honest, their attitude was "everything in life is high risk"...

Among the Reads - Review

"This is a fun, sweet story. Though there is a dramatic rescue at the onset, it is not a suspenseful or action-filled story, it is more about the relationship between the main characters."

Harlie's Books - Review

"Do yourself a favor and read this series and particularly this book. It has heart, some serious issues that need to be dealt with but overall, I sniffled, sighed and I’m thinking about Rand and Bea. That’s great storytelling."

Remembrancy - Review

"For readers who have been following Catherine Lanigan’s Shores of Indian Lake series, there are plenty of familiar faces (names?) within the pages of Rescued by the Firefighter. And for those who have missed the previous books, this may just be the best time to jump into them because Beatrice and Rand are brand new characters who (at least to my knowledge. But full disclosure: I have read most but not every book in the series) haven’t been introduced before."


“I’ll walk you to your truck,” she said and turned to grab her crutches from the porch railing.

“No need. I can see the way.”

“Good night vision, too, huh?”

He decided he didn’t want their time together to end, so he stood at the bottom step as she followed him down. “You’re getting pretty good with those things.”

“I’m trying,” she said and walked alongside him to his truck.


"Rescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan is a great read. This book is a welcoming visit back to Shores of Indian Lake. . . . I enjoyed this exciting heartwarming romance."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Rescued by the Firefighter
(Shores of Indian Lake #10)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He saved her life…

But will he destroy her dreams?

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
1 winner will receive a print copy of RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER (US only)
Ends November 14th

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Friday, November 9, 2018

A Convenient Engagement by Ashtyn Newbold

A Convenient Engagement: Brides of Brighton Book 1

Author: Ashytn Newbold

Published: October 2018

e-book/paperback: 184 pages

ISBN13: 978-1728777818

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own. 

Goodreads Summary

A false engagement. A mysterious coast. Two reluctant hearts.

Much to her father’s dismay, Miss Amelia Buxton aspires to become a spinster, just like her eccentric aunt. Growing up with parents who married for every reason but love, she has never seen a joyful marriage. When Amelia requests a summer trip to the legendary waters of Brighton, her father allows her the excursion, but with one requirement: she must return engaged, or agree to the proposal of the man of his choosing.

Crawling with tourists, Brighton is not the town Adam Claridge had once loved. When his sister Eleanor disappears without warning, Adam is desperate to bring her home. In his search, he happens upon Miss Amelia Buxton, a young tourist that proves vital in his search for Eleanor. But Amelia is conducting a search of her 
own—a search for a husband—and Adam has little choice but to offer a fair trade: he will play the role of Amelia’s betrothed in exchange for her assistance in finding Eleanor.

Convenient at first, Amelia and Adam’s arrangement quickly plummets into disarray. Falling in love had not been part of their bargain.


My review

A Convenient Engagement is a lovely story with wonderful characters. Brighton itself was a character. The author painted a lovely picture of the setting. I enjoyed the banter between Amelia and Adam. They meet, while Adam was searching for his sister, and later strike up an agreement to help each other. Adam needs to find his sister, Amelia needs an engagement to please her father. What they find is a wonderful journey in finding themselves. Amelia, especially. This book is full of fun and sweet moments. There are hints of mystery and of course, the romance. I loved the tension between Amelia and Adam. There were many enjoyable characters in this book. Aunt Margaret was a joy. She had many wonderful one liners and I loved every page she was on.  

5 out of 5 stars. 

Author links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase links - get your e-book copy for only 99 cents (check price before downloading)

Amazon e-book / Amazon paperback / FREE on KU!