Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Promo Blitz: A Northern Rebel by John J. Schaffer


Historical Romance
Date Published:  February 2016
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Jameson Hartford and his wife, Abigail, return to their home in South Carolina to claim his inheritance, the Serenity Plantation, where he is determined to free all his workers and put an end to the evils of enslavement. He encounters hostility and hatred from family, friends, an entire community, and even his wife, as he steadfastly holds to his beliefs. Through the ordeal, he meets and falls in love with Delilah, one of his female workers, which further complicates the volatile situation.
Outnumbered and alone, he must sacrifice everything as he attempts to liberate Delilah and her people, facing confrontations, treachery, and even betrayal, culminating in a final deadly showdown between precious freedom and extreme prejudice.
A Northern Rebel is a romantic adventure that touches on human emotions and forbidden love amidst the rich backdrop of the old South at the onset of the Civil War.

Excerpt

Jameson tossed and turned until the wee small hours of the
morning, unable to fall asleep. His thoughts were filled with the
events of the day: Abigail, Bethany Sue, and especially Delilah.
He felt guilty about Abigail and shocked by Bethany Sue but
couldn’t get Delilah out of his mind. She suffered so much at the
hands of unscrupulous men. He decided to rise, get dressed, and
go down to slave row to be sure she was all right. He carefully
opened the bedroom door, and being reassured that Bethany Sue
was not there, he crept along the wall and down the stairs, finally
reaching the main door. He turned the knob and pulled the door
open, letting the hot, moist air engulf him.
He started down the path then suddenly stopped, wondering
what he would say to her. Would she think he was coming to take
advantage of her, to hurt her like his brother did? He decided this
was not such a good idea and it would be in his best interest to
go back to the house. He turned to retreat but was stopped by
a voice.
“Mista Jameson?”
He turned around to see Delilah standing there; looking
absolutely beautiful bathed in the pale moonlight.
Startled, he began to ramble. “Lilah, I couldn’t sleep. I was
concerned, I mean, worried about you. I wanted to be sure you
were all right. You were so sad. I wanted to say again how sorry
I was.”
She walked toward him.
He kept on speaking. “Abigail left me. She thought you and
I… Well, uh, I mean, she’s gone back to her mother.”
Delilah said softly, “I know. I saw her leave.”
He continued nervously, “I want you to know that you
never have to fear me. I would never hurt you or force you to do
anything you didn’t want to do.”
Delilah looked seductively into his eyes and whispered, “You
wouldn’t be forcing me.”
Jameson, confused for a second, did not know what to make
of this beautiful brown woman. He stuttered. “Are you saying, I
mean, that you… and I, that is, you would—”
She softly spoke. “You’re the first white man who ever talked
nice to me or even treated me with any kindness. You saved me
from that horrible Mista Slycott, and you care enough about me
and my people to give us our freedom, even though it puts your
life in danger. You’re the most wonderful person I ever met.”
She leaned in close to him and pressed her moist, soft lips
firmly yet gently on his. He did not hesitate and kissed her in
return. She tasted so different yet so delicious. They looked deep
into each other’s souls; she could see the desire in his eyes, he
could read the need in hers. They would never forget this moment
for the rest of their lives.
Delilah joined her hand into his and slowly led him into
the barn. They crawled onto a pile of hay and began to kiss each
other passionately. She started to unbutton his shirt. He, in turn,
removed her dress. They fell into each other’s arms and gave into
the temptation and the lust. They wanted each other badly.
He ran his hands up and down across her young body, touching
her first with his fingers and then with his lips. She returned the
affection with eager anticipation, exciting him more and more with
every touch—caressing, hugging, and kissing so deeply as they united
their two bodies in love. It was a love neither one of them understood,
but that didn’t seem to matter, as his lighter tan skin and her darker
brown skin blended together into a beautiful shade of brown. Their
state of ecstasy grew stronger and stronger, finally releasing all the
pent up fear and anxiety in the beauty of the moment.
Then they lay exhausted yet content in each other’s arms,
enjoying the forbidden love each one felt for the other. They
were lost in the moment and did not care about the time until
they heard the rooster crow. Reality was calling them back. They
hastily got dressed. He couldn’t resist a last kiss before letting her
leave, hoping this was not the end. They made no promises to
each other, for they both knew the risks and perils of their tryst.
However, he just couldn’t erase the big grin he had on his face as
he made his way back to the house. They couldn’t help turning
around, looking back at each other and smiling one more time,
wishing the moment did not have to end. He could still taste her
sweet scent in his mouth and vowed to himself to preserve the
memory for as long as possible until he could taste her once again.
Delilah was also smiling and dreaming of a love she knew
could not be. She slowly sauntered back to slave row only to find
the other slaves in turmoil.



About the Author


John J Schaffer has always enjoyed writing. He graduated college receiving a BS degree majoring in Marketing, with a minor in Psychology. Working in advertising for various major pharmaceutical and industrial corporations, he created, wrote and produced a wide range of promotional materials and literature for dissemination to physicians and sales representatives, winning several AGA awards for his works. He has a vivid imagination for creating memorable characters and situations, being able to bring an original idea to life. This is John’s first novel, and he is currently working on the equally exciting sequel to this fascinating and poignant saga. John plays guitar and also writes songs, receiving accolades for his original compositions while being a part of a rock group in the 70’s. He has also played and sang at church services during that time period. John was born and grew up in Elizabeth and currently resides in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey.

Contact Links


Purchase Links



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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

New Release and Book Review: Staying Grounded by Marianne Rice

STAYING GROUNDED by Marianne Rice
A Rocky Harbor Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC
Release Date: January 17, 2017

Graham Riley enjoys the laid-back freedom of a pilot’s life—until one choice puts his career in jeopardy…

Graham loves his job—it allows him to escape his troubled past and the stigma of being a murderer’s son. But after an altercation with a drunk passenger is posted on social media, he's forced to go on administrative leave until his name can be cleared. To get his wings back, he must attend anger management classes, and to avoid the media frenzy near his home base in Texas, he heads to Rocky Harbor, Maine.

Responsible therapist Maggie O’Fallon wants a stable relationship with a man who’s not going anywhere…

Maggie grew up with parents who were never around, physically or emotionally. Needing steadiness in her life and in a relationship, she only dates men with normal jobs. But when Graham walks into her office and flashes his charming steel-blue eyes at her, she's at a loss for words. Torn between her ethics and her heart, Maggie asks Graham to see a different therapist so they can explore the chemistry between them.

He has everything she’s been looking for—except stability…

Maggie touches something deep within Graham and he panics, pushing her away, too scared to face his feelings. But when a private investigator threatens to discredit not only Graham, but Maggie’s practice as well, he is faced with two choices. Fight…or take flight.

Battling a lawsuit and his heart, Graham must decide what’s more important—the life he thought he wanted…or Maggie. Maggie might be the only thing that will ever help Graham
Stay Grounded.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY TODAY!


MEET THE AUTHOR: Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always, always, find everlasting love. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, cuddling with her husband, a drink in one hand, a romance book in the other.

** PUBLISHER ** FACEBOOK ** TWITTER ** WEBSITE **


Review:

I was given an ARC by the author and I'm glad she did. Graham Riley is an interesting hero, a pilot who defends those weaker than himself, but who also masks his empathy with jokes and sex because of his abusive childhood. Maggie O'Fallon is a therapist in the small town of Rocky Harbor assigned to treat Graham by the airlines after an incident with a drunken passenger.
There is an instant attraction and Maggie refers Graham almost immediately to another therapist. She has her own issues from her childhood and is looking for someone who wants to settle down, which isn't Graham - or is it?
I really enjoyed this story. It goes into a lot of depth with the backgrounds of the main characters which made them all the more real. Of course, it's set right outside where I live now so it's fun to read about the Old Port, Fort Williams, and other local attractions that are interwoven into the story. I can't wait to read the stories of the other Riley siblings.

Monday, January 16, 2017

New Release: The Dragon in the Garden by author Erika Gardner






Contemporary Fantasy 


Date Published: Eformats- 2/19/16, Print 10/21/16

Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing


There is magic beneath the mundane and in The Dragon in the Garden, Siobhan Orsini witnesses it all. 
No lie can fool her, no glamour or illusion can cloud her Sight. She sees through them all and wishes she 
could close her eyes. Returning to face her past, Siobhan inherits her grandparents’ house in California’s 
wine country. She encounters a talking dragon, a hot fallen angel, a demon lord, a Valkyrie, and, oh yes, 
her ex-boyfriend. And that is just in the first twenty-four hours.

It’s time to find out why she has this power.

Siobhan seeks out the Oracle and learns that only her Sight can help mankind navigate the travails of an 
ancient war. Our world is the prize in a battle between the dragons, who would defend us, and 
Lucifer’s fallen angels, who seek to take the Earth for themselves. Using her gift, she will have to make a
 choice that will decide humanity’s future.




Erika is a sixth generation San Franciscan of Irish descent. She attended the University of California at Davis
and completed degrees in Medieval History and Biological Sciences. A lifelong lover of books and a
scribbler of many tales from a young age (her first story was completed at age five) she turned to writing
full-time in 2011.

Erika resides in Northern California with her incredibly hot husband, their three amazing kids, and their
chocolate Labrador named Selkie. To reach Erika regarding her books, wine recommendations,
or to debate which Iron Maiden album is the best (clearly, it’s Brave New World),
you can find her online at www.erikagardner.com.

Contact Information

Website: www.erikagardner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erika-Gardner-Author-423796817705288/

Twitter: @Erika_Gardner

Blog: www.erikagardner.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/egardnerauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14899131.Erika_Gardner


Purchase Links

Amazon: Kindle- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AOWGL4C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B01AOWGL4C&linkCode=as2&tag=tirgeapubli09-20&linkId=Q2DUA7M3CPXQYFIS

Print- https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Garden-Erika-Gardner/dp/1910234249/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=tirgeapubli09-20&linkId=a8d4760072a8eae0ce52637c6cf4c285

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dragon-in-the-garden-erika-gardner/1123278539

Kobo: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dragon-in-the-garden-erika-gardner/1123278539

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-dragon-in-the-garden/id1076426217?mt=11

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Some new Irish music - Connla

Connla was named the best new Irish group of 2016. A big thanks to Charles de Lint for bringing them to my notice

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Promo Blitz - Tavish by Jane Stain



Time Travel Romance
Date Published: January 1, 2017

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Tavish was the best boyfriend Kelsey ever had, but seven years ago he disappeared. She coped with her heartbreak by finishing her doctorate in Celtic Artwork, and now her career is taking off. Except Tavish is back, but not in a good way. He keeps showing up at her job sites and butting into her business - all the while wearing that stupid sexy kilt.

But she's here to see the ruins, not Tavish. So she'll just have to show him who's boss at this site. Because rumor has it that under these cliffs at Dunskey Castle lies the ancient palace of the kings of Alba. Gggrr. Why does he seem to know more about it than she does?



Excerpt

“Are you sure you can’t come by, Sasha? This necklace is odd. The patterns aren’t matching up with any in the computer. It’s still searching, but it’s going slower and slower.”

Sasha’s redheaded face appeared in the corner of Kelsey’s screen.

“No, I have to lecture this afternoon, sorry. But tomorrow’s the weekend, maybe then. I just logged in so I could see. Fascinating. Maybe you’ll catalogue an entire newfound strain of Celtic expression.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?”

Kelsey wanted to say more.

But bare chested Tavish MacGregor came bustling into her tent from the tower house, where a bunch of other construction workers were busy. Bronze haired and brown eyed like Kelsey, he had been a nosy construction worker at every last one of her Scottish clients’ places so far, and always stubbornly wearing that red and green plaid great kilt that made him so darn sexy she could just...

Oh no.

Kelsey sat up straight and smiled at her client, who seemed to be getting dragged in on the hem of Tavish’s kilt.

“I’ve got to go, Sasha.”

“Business?”

“Yeah, call you back tonight.”

Typical. Tavish had wandered away from his own work and was looking at hers.

“‘Tis not ‘Celtic jewelry,’” he said to Mr. Blair. “Nay, it be not auld warld.”

And he said this in his sexy accent that had drawn her to him in the first place. Not to mention those twinkling brown eyes that could see into her soul whenever they wanted. And those strong arms that had made her feel so loved and cherished, all those years ago. And his fighting prowess that had protected her a time or two…

Kelsey blinked herself back into the present and turned to her client, to gauge his reaction to what Tavish had told him.

Mr. Blair looked skeptical, but patient.

“Hold on, nae. Let the doctor finish her appraisal, lad.”

Ha, Lad. Good thing someone was around who could put Tavish in his place. She didn’t trust herself to try—and besides, she was a professional woman now, not the teen she’d been when she and Tavish knew each other.

She gave her client a patient conspiratorial smile, which he returned. This made her feel warm inside. He respected her expertise, unlike some people.

With the young virile man and the grey stooped man both watching, she finished her complicated high-tech tests on the necklace. Unwilling to believe what she saw and trying not to scowl, she tested a silver goblet next, and then an ornate bronze breastplate.

Finally, she had to admit that Tavish was right. 




Contact Links

Twitter:   @stainjane

Purchase Link

$0.99 For a Limited Time 





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Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Book Review: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne




Julia Quinn recommended this book, and I pay attention to her recommendations. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman work together. Both are assistants to co-CEOs at their book publishing company, the result of a recent merger. Lucy is nice to everyone at work, Joshua terrifies everyone else, and the two 'hate' each other. They spend most of their time playing games like The Staring Game and pulling pranks on each other. There's also a difference in height in that Lucy is about 5 feet tall, and Josh is well over six feet which result in a lot of name-calling and teasing. Finally, they're both up for a promotion which only one will get.
The author takes the time to build the relationship here and it's well worth it. Written in first person in Lucy's POV, the reader gets to know both characters very well, both their flaws and good sides. Their banter is hysterical (the threats to go to the long-suffering HR woman are one example):
-‘Shortcake, if we were flirting you’d know about it.’
-‘Because I’d be traumatized?’
-‘Because you’d be thinking about it later on, lying in bed.’
-‘Been imagining my bed, have you?’
-‘I bet it’s a very small bed.’
One reviewer mentions that if this were The Office and Jim and Pam hated each other at first sight instead of Dwight, it would be this book and I have to agree. It's very funny and sweet, the perfect romcom. It really needs to be made into a movie. This is Sally Thorne's first book and it's a very impressive debut.

Link to Amazon