Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Playing for Keeps by Ranee S. Clark -- Blog Tour

Playing for Keeps


Published: June 1st, 2015

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Paperback: 228 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-850-9

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Football-loving TyAnne Daws has long admired BYU's star quarterback from afar. This semester, she's determined to step away from the sidelines and she has the perfect game plan for winning the heart of Anthony Rocket Rogers. When some smart moves land her in one of his classes, she finds herself in the perfect position to make her play. But as she gets to know the real Anthony, away from the lights of the stadium, Ty realizes that this is no game; she's falling in love . . .

Anthony takes full advantage of his all-star status, holding girls at arm's length for one reason: it keeps him from repeating the same mistakes that once led to a devastating heartbreak. When he meets Ty, his assumption that she's just another pretty face is quickly proven wrong. Though he's completely drawn in by this sweet young woman, her intriguing mix of amusing football know-how, and her quiet selflessness, he will not let himself fall in love. But when faced with the reality of losing the woman he's come to care for despite himself, Anthony's resolve is tested. It's getting harder to keep his head in the game when his heart's on the line.

My Review

Growing up my dad refereed college football, and now he does the instant replay for the Big 12, so football has always been a huge part of my life.  I honestly think that is why I liked this book so much, I already had an appreciation for the game, but of course the book itself that had me eagerly turning pages.  Playing for Keeps is highly enjoyable.  Ty is an amazing girl who I liked from the first page.  I loved how she was herself from the start, and even though she took friendly advice from her friend, she still kept her head.  Ty is the type of girl that shines kindness and radiance, and I loved her relationship with her brothers.  Anthony was a mystery to me at first, don't get me wrong, I loved when he was around and how he reacted to Ty.  Especially how he would react to how other guys reacted to Ty.  I really enjoyed the point of view switches with Anthony and Ty.  It was the perfect way to get to know Anthony and his friends (who I loved too.)   I loved how Anthony was with them, and especially his sister and family.  There were so many fun moments in this book.  It is full of amazing kisses, humor, and kindness.  GO TEAM!

5 out of 5 stars.  I can't wait for more from this author!  I hear she is working on follow up stories for the other guys in this book.  Yay!

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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Restless Earth and Blessing Sky by Emily Mah -- Cover Reveal

Welcome to the cover reveal of Restless Earth and Blessing Sky by Emily Mah. These are the first two books in a YA/NA fantasy series.  They release July 20th. 


About the books:

For over a thousand years, the Tanoa have relied on their line of Earth Shamen to bring rich harvests, temper stone tools and weapons, and imbue pottery with strength like metal. Now, though, the bloodline has dwindled to one Shaman, Tuwa, who is trapped high in the mountains, holding bedrock together to prevent a volcanic eruption while the rest of her people flee to safety. The only way to save the village is for her to sacrifice herself and buy them the time they need to evacuate.

But her grandson, Ahote, refuses to abandon her to die. Rather than do as she asks—marry and bear daughters who might inherit her gift—he sets out to find the one person who might be able to save Tuwa’s life.

Kasha is a Tanoa girl in who lives in Solace, a city of the pale-skinned Andalanos. If the Engineers Guild ever discovers her gender or race, they could order her execution—for in violation of the King’s law, Master Engineer Seamus trained Kasha as his apprentice. She is a genius in all things mechanical and earned her master certification when only fourteen years old. Since Seamus’s death, she has been discreetly working his job as the City Engineer.

No engineer in history could save Tuwa; it requires an invention unlike anything the world has ever seen. Kasha believes she can do it, but when Ahote breaks the Andalanos’ most sacred law, she is caught between worlds. Kasha must choose between her Tanoa heritage and her Andalano friends who have risked their lives to give her the only career she has ever wanted. Choosing one means betraying the other, and in this world, betrayal means death.

About the Author:

I write as both Emily Mah (for science fiction and fantasy) and E.M. Tippetts (for chick lit). My short stories have appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, The Black Gate, and anthologies like The Dragon and the Stars, Shanghai Steam, and The Change: Tales of Downfall and Rebirth. My E.M. Tippetts novels have been on the Amazon Top 100 numerous times, and my novel, Someone Else's Fairytale was semi-finalist for the Best Indie Book of the Year - Kindle Book Review, and a runner up in Romance for the Best of the Independent Book Awards - eFestival of Words.

I'm a graduate of the Clarion West Writer's Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy and Viable Paradise Writers Workshop, and I often teach the unit on self-publishing at the Taos Toolbox Writers Workshop.

When I'm not writing or chasing small children, I manage E.M. Tippetts Book Designs, my company which offers formatting, cover design, and editing services to authors and publishers.

Other links:

My interviews for Black Gate (I'm an audio and sometimes video blogger for BlackGate.com)
YouTube Channel
Twitter
Facebook
Mailing List



Giveaway:
The author is giving away an ebook of the first book in the series, Restless Earth, to everyone who signs up for her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bitx49

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.



Saturday, June 6, 2015

12 Days of Great Summer Reads -- Water So Deep by Nichole Giles




Seventeen-year-old Emma Harris is drowning on dry land.

No one knows what’s happening to her, and she’d like to keep her evolution from human to mermaid a secret, but the truth is getting harder and harder to hide. From her adoptive family, from her friends, and especially from the irresistible James Phelps.

Her time in the ocean is spent dodging a possessive merman, while her time on land is split between caring for her special-needs brother and squeezing in every last possible moment of human life. She soon realizes falling for James is unavoidable when he constantly comes to Emma’s rescue and somehow manages to see through her carefully constructed icy facade to the vulnerability she lives with every day. Everything about James makes Emma yearn for a life on land she just can't have.

When Emma’s brother disappears on her watch, James is the only person she trusts to help her save him. But even if they can save her brother, nothing can prevent her return to the sea. Whether she likes it or not, Emma is changing—unable to breathe without yielding to the tide—and it's only a matter of time before she's forced to surrender forever.


Nichole Giles, the author of the Descendant trilogy, has lived in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. She loves to spend time with her husband and four children, travel to tropical and exotic destinations, drive in the rain with the convertible top down, and play music at full volume so she can sing along.   


Social Media Links: 






Excerpt 


“It’s okay, Emma. It’s just school.” 
“Yep. And Everest is just a mountain.” She glanced at her younger brother, Keith, wondering again if it was a mistake for her parents to enroll him in regular high school. The district classified him as “special needs,” and Emma agreed with that label.  He was special, and for whatever reason, he thought he needed to attend school with her. 
What if people were mean to him because he was different? What if bullies picked on him? What if he came away traumatized for life? Hoping he was still this excited about school at the end of the day, she nudged him with her bag. “Let’s go, you grown-up high schooler.”
Keith’s grin split his face, lighting his eyes with excitement and pressing a wrinkle into his prominent forehead. The look melted Emma’s heart. If they were mean to him, she’d destroy them. Destroy them completely. 
“You’ll find me at lunch, right?” He started toward the building, twisting the bottom of his T-shirt into a ball. The first nervous gesture he’d shown since they’d left the house. 
“Yep. And we can eat outside on the grass if you want.” 
“Okay, ’cause I know I’m going to be hungry. It’s my first day of high school, and Gran says teenage boys are always hungry.”
Smiling at his eagerness, Emma saw Keith to his first class, where a petite woman with dark, spiked hair introduced herself. “Hello, Keith,” she said. “I’m Mrs. Long, the aide. I’m here to help you learn everything you need to know about high school.”
“Hi, Mrs. Long.” Obviously embarrassed, Keith pulled the collar of his shirt over his face, hiding his pink-tinted cheeks.  
“Is this your sister?” Mrs. Long asked, trying to force him to engage. “Are you going to introduce us?”
Hesitant to leave until she was sure Keith would be okay, Emma said, “Why don’t you be a gentleman and introduce me to your teacher?” Nothing. She kept her voice light, despite the nerves buzzing along her skin. “Keith, I’m going to be late to class. You don’t want me to get in trouble, do you?” 
“No.” He shook his head, still hiding.
“Remember what we talked about?” she asked, tugging on the wrinkled bottom of his shirt and trying not to curse her parents. “How it’s polite to look at people when you talk to them?”
He nodded. 
“How if you’re going to high school, you have to have manners and pay attention to what your teacher says?”
This time, he let the shirt down enough that his eyes peeked over the top. “Yes.”
“And do you still want to go to high school, or have you changed your mind? Because if you’d rather go home, I can take you.” And she would, even if it meant missing her entire first-period class. 
He let go of his shirt and smoothed it over his torso, biting his lip. “No, I’m big. I want to stay.”
Pride filled the empty spaces in her chest. Keith was so much stronger than she would ever be. “Then hurry and introduce me before I’m late.”
Scuffing his shoe on the ground, he muttered, “This is my sister, Emma.”





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Friday, June 5, 2015

Birthright by Cheri Chesley -- Kindle Scout Spotlight


My friend Author Cheri Chesley submitted her book to the Amazon Kindle Scout program, and it could use your vote! 


About Birthright:

Never go in alone.

The unwanted daughter of a king who must have sons, Verity fights against her father’s betrayal the only way she can—by fleeing the relative safety of her past and taking her chances in the unknown, untamed wilderness. Verity must learn who she can trust—and who wants her dead.




More about Kindle Scout:

Kindle Scout is reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books. It’s a place where readers help decide if a book gets published.

That's right--readers help decide.

Birthright is a dystopian YA fantasy, currently up for nominations in the Kindle Scout program.


Read more and nominate Birthright for publication through Kindle Press. Voting is open June 3 through July 3rd.



The best part, for readers, is if you nominate the book and it wins--you get a free copy downloaded to your Kindle upon publication.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

My Fairly Dangerous Godmother by Janette Rallison

My Fairly Dangerous Godmother


Publisher: Rally Point Press

Published: May 2015

ISBN13: 9780990675723

Paperback: 396 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Some people bomb auditions. Sadie Ramirez throws up during her tryouts on TV show America's Top Talent. Her performance is so bad, it earns her a fairy godmother through the Magical Alliance's Pitiful Damsel Outreach Program. Enter Chrysanthemum Everstar: a gum-chewing, cell phone-carrying, high heel wearing fairy godmother in training. She misinterprets Sadie's wishes and sends her back in time to be a part of The Little Mermaid story and then makes her one of the twelve dancing princesses. Wishes are permanent, and if Sadie wants to get back to her home, she'll have to strike a magical bargain--one that involves stealing a goblet from a powerful fairy queen.

My Review

I absolutely love how clever Janette's writing is.  She is a master.  Each line is expertly written, and funny.  I have been a fan of this series for a long time, and I was so excited to read this book!

I loved this book, it was so fun.  I absolutely love Chrissy and her attempts to help her charges with wishing for a way out of their problems.  Poor Sadie.  Poor, poor Sadie.  This poor girl has THE worst audition ever and gets stuck in Chrissy's version of "help".  Along the way she meets Donovan, who is trapped in the fairytale too.  I enjoyed how we gradually got to know him and learn his story.  (I loved him, by the way.)  I liked the twist of Sadie and Donovan getting involved in stealing back a goblet from the fairy queen, and in doing so, get to know each other.  I really enjoyed the scenes in the fairy queen's kingdom.  Sadie's growth as a character was fun to watch and I loved the ending.

4 out of 5 stars.  Like any book of Janette's, there is lots of humor, fun, and romance.  With how the book ends, it seems there will be another, which makes me happy!

Author Links


Purchase Links


12 Days of Great Summer Reads -- Summer in Snow Valley/Spotlight




First Love:

Janet Snow only agrees to go out with the man she’d written off ten years ago because it was understood--no complications. But after a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal Janet has to make a choice…play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.


Tin Foil Tiaras:

Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. He insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.


Love in Light and Shadow:


Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.

Romancing Rebecca:
Rebecca Dash would rather write about Jane Austen-type characters than hang out with her nerdy Chemical Engineering male lab partners—until a team of fire-fighters sets up camp on the lawns of the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast and the devastatingly handsome, Captain Wade, catches her eye. Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than flirty firemen with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

Catching Caytie:

To escape being trapped in an unwanted marriage, Caytie Holbrook hides out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. She intends to stay long enough to inherit a trust fund her grandmother left and then move to Italy…that is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans 


A Touch of Love:

Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. His ex-girlfriend reappears and confirms her fears, but Luke isn't ready to give Annie up.

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Snow-Valley-Romance








Tin Foil Tiaras:
Jeanette Lewis is a pen name used by author, Janet K. Halling. Dreaming up stories has always been one of Janet's favorite things. Other favorites include her family, good friends, crisp autumn days, decadent desserts, and having adventures. Visit elidryn.com for more info on Janet’s latest projects or check out her author page at https://www.facebook.com/JanetKHalling.

First Love:
Taylor Hart has always been drawn to a good love triangle, hot chocolate and long conversations with new friends. Writing has always been a passion that has consumed her dreams and forced her to sit in a trance for long hours, completely obsessed with people that don’t really exist. Taylor would have been a country star if she could have carried a tune—maybe in the next life. Find Taylor at:

www.taylorhartbooks.com │ Twitter: @taylorfaithhart │ Facebook: Taylor Hart



Love in Light and Shadow:
Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. Once caught up in a story, she disappears into a cave until the first draft is done. She writes fantasy, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks (under the name Christina Dymock.) Her Christmas romance, Blue Christmas, was a top seller in seven Amazon categories on its own and in thirteen as part of the Christmas in Snow Valley Anthology.
When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or church; shuttling kids to baseball, soccer, basketball, or football, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; wakeboarding; cycling; baking; cooking; or curled up with a good book.
You can sign up for her newsletter and get the latest news by clicking here.
Or, you can visit her website at:



Romancing Rebecca:
Award-winning author, Kimberley Montpetit AKA Kimberley Griffiths Little once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, but currently lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her big, messy family.
 
Kimberley reads a book a day and loves to travel. She’s stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed the Seine in Paris, swam in the ocean at Cannes, ridden a camel among the glorious cliffs of Petra, shopped the maze of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. Find her at www.KimberleyMontpetit.com or her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KimberleyMontpetit. Kimberley Montpetit Author Page on Amazon




Catching Caytie:
Cindy Roland Anderson is the bestselling author of clean, contemporary romance filled with humor, romantic tension and some pretty great kissing scenes. Cindy has a degree in nursing, and worked in the NICU until she recently retired to write full time. She loves to bake, not cook (there is a difference!) and enjoys spending time with her family.
Cindy is lucky to be married to her best friend John. They live in Northern Utah and are parents to five incredible children. Over the past few years their family has expanded by adding a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and four adorable grandchildren. Cindy loves to read, almost as much as she loves writing. And she loves chocolate—probably a little too much.

To contact Cindy or to see other projects she is working on go to www.cindyrolandanderson.com or check out her author Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cindyrolandandersonauthor



A Touch of Love:
Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and driving boys to lacrosse practice, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, running, and water-skiing. Website: http://www.camichecketts.com/







Tin Foil Tiaras Excerpt:
Kyle maneuvered around the mud and she prepared for him to stop and set her down, but he didn’t. He kept going, walking easily down the trail with her on his back.
“Uh … you can put me down now,” she finally said.
“Yeah, I could,” he agreed … and kept walking.
“We’re over the mud, thank you very much,” she didn’t really want him to put her down, but it seemed polite to suggest it.
“Okay,” he said … and kept walking.
“Now you’re just showing off,” she muttered good-naturedly and he threw her a grin over his shoulder.
“Yup.”
She tightened her arms slightly and her heart leapt when she felt him squeeze her knees in return.
Oh yes, taking the day off had definitely been a good idea.


Excerpt from First Love
“Do you remember the first time we sat on this rock?”
His heart picked up speed. “I remember. It was the first time we kissed.”
Her cheeks reddened, and she laughed. “I thought it was so gentlemanly that you asked me first.”
He knew his own cheeks were red. “Hey, I knew better than to assume anything from you.”
She laughed, too. “I guess last night you thought you could assume.”
The tension grew palpable. He scooted closer, their legs touching. He couldn’t stop looking at her lips. “I guess last night’s episode told me that I still got it.”
After a second, she laughed. “Oh, yeah?”
Warmth filled him. He leaned forward, taking one side of her hair and pushing it back behind her ear. “Yeah.” He stared in her eyes. “But I’ll ask anyway. Can I kiss you?”

Love in Light and Shadow Excerpt

“And grapes explode when you put them in the microwave.”
She lifted her hand. “That one would be worth testing.”
“Did it.”
“What happened?”
“I had to clean the microwave.”
Laughing, Mercedes asked, “Where were you when I had to go to all those stuffy dinner parties with my parents?”
Chet motioned for her to sit and scooted another chair closer.
Mercedes found herself relaxing a smidge because of Chets easy way. He moved with the grace of a man who used his body, knew what it was capable of, and was comfortable in his skin. She also liked that he wasn’t ashamed to be seen in work clothes. Most of the guys shed dated would have run into the house and not come out until they were all decked out. She could handle talking to him.
Just. Talking.
They were going to be neighbors, after all. 

Excerpt of Romancing Rebecca: 
Shea cupped her hands and stared through the window. Men wearing big heavy yellow coats and boots were unloading from the trucks. Taking off their very distinctive hats. Firemen hats. Faces blackened by soot.
Before Becca could protest, her aunt yanked open the door and marched out into the chilly night in her slippers and billowing purple robe.
“Oh, drats!” Becca exclaimed. She should have pulled on some jeans. Combed her hair. There were men—young men—swarming all over their yard.
Tall men. Chiseled men. Despite the dirt and soot on their faces, their awkward fire-fighting uniforms, they were all rugged and handsome and too cute for words. 
Becca pulled her robe tighter just as Aunt Rayna waggled her eyebrows. “Aunt Rayna! No shameless flirting in the middle of the night!”
“Rebecca Dash, just go with it. Have some fun.”
“My flirting skills are lacking even when I’m well rested and well fed.”

Catching Caytie Excerpt: 
She sized him up, not sure if she liked him better in a cowboy hat or a baseball hat. “Remember, don’t shoot the messenger.”
“Geez, am I gonna be as ticked as Kellen?” He took off his ball cap and ran a hand through his hair.
Probably. “That all depends on how you feel about auctions.”
His chocolate colored eyes looked confused. “As long as no one is trying to sell my favorite horse, I like them fine.”
“Great,” she said, passing by him on her way toward the kitchen. “Your horse isn’t going to be auctioned off. You are.”

A Touch of Love Excerpt:
“Do you ever write down what you’re thinking?”
Annie's eyebrows rose. Luke loved the way she did that.
“Would you write for me? What you’re thinking?”
She shrugged her shapely shoulders and studied him for a few seconds before pulling out a notepad. She wrote for a few seconds then handed it to him.
I’m thinking that this cowboy is a nice guy who’s uncomfortable with my silence.
“I guess you got me there. I don’t really talk too much, usually just swear at the cattle. So I’m not a nice guy at all.”
She took the pad back, wrote, and handed it to him again.
You’re definitely a nice guy. I knew that when you bought the thoughtful gift for your sister. Why do you want to take me to dinner? Feeling bad for the new girl in town?
He grinned. “Nope. Feeling intrigued by the new girl in town and wanting to get to know her better.” He handed the pad back to her.
You don’t have the time to get to know me better, it would take hours for me to get anything out with my stutter.

He laughed. “Sweetheart, I’ve got the time and the desire to get to know you better. I really do love the sound of your voice, but if you’re more comfortable we could communicate like this.”


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