Thursday, June 27, 2019

Book Review: When the Squirrel Sings by Shana Hollowell


When the Squirrel Sings is a sweet children's book about a squirrel. It goes through the animal's day using cute rhymes and bright, colorful pictures. I think it's perfect for very young children who will delight in the story and accompanying illustrations.
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Book Review: River by Ryen Lesli


River is your typical seventeen-year-old girl, hanging with her best friend Skye and living in hot
dusty Georgia. She's not fond of Skye's new boyfriend, but it's when she finally meets him that her life turns upside-down. Her mother whisks her away to a new world and removes the suppression of her memories: River finds out she's a Fair and has power, she's a princess (not that she cares much), and oh, she's also bonded to Luca, a boy from her childhood. Luca is now a warrior named Wolf, and he didn't take her leaving him well. Frustrated, River turns to Cat, her Royal (a type of bodyguard) for friendship and comfort.
The author has been very clever in how she integrates the world of the Fair with the Outer World, placing it in Muir Wood in California. The world building is excellent and definitely adds to the story. As River relearns her past, the reader is also introduced to her fascinating environs. And not just the other species, but their customs and way of life.
The three main characters, River, Wolf, and Cat, are a good mix. River is the linchpin, confused by her new surroundings and frustrated with her mother while Wolf covers his hurt with a belligerent shell and Cat does his best between the two of them. While triangles are often a YA trope (not that there's anything wrong with that), I liked that this one doesn't go on that long.
The supporting characters are fun. Scarlett and the other Fair learning swearwords and other slang from River add a comic element that's a nice touch. Finn and Scarlett's romance is also great; it reminded me of Tormund and Brienne from GOT in some ways. The other Warriors are a good mix of guys as are the girls who befriend River.
Angel, the evil villainess of the book, is suitably malevolent and just icky. The tour of her rooms is nausea-inducing, just horrific- and a fine piece of writing. For the most part, the writing is good though I got tired pretty quickly of everyone tugging on braids. The story is fascinating and propels the reader to discover more about this world and these characters until one reaches the cliff-hanger ending. I definitely will read the next book and can't wait for it.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Book Review: Rogue Most Wanted by Janna MacGregor


Lady Theo is a Countess in her own right due to a Scottish law but is being challenged by an English Duke who wants her land.  Theo has lived an isolated life due to her grandfather's ill health, but is determined to do the best for her estate and tenants. She goes to a neighbor for help who suggest marriage might be a way out of her issues and brings her great-nephew William Cavensham up to Northumberland as a possible candidate.
The two decide almost at once they don't suit - William has vowed never to love and Theo wants a loving marriage - but they become friends.
This was a sweet romance, and it was nice to see the rest of the extended Cavensham family again. William and Theo are both interesting characters, but I thought I would like this more than I actually did. The problem is all the dithering: William can't make up his mind if he wants work or marriage, Theo can't decide if she loves William or not, and the author can't make up her mind up about her characters. It drove me crazy, especially when shy Theo who wants to be friends basically suddenly becomes bold and seductive.
The story was fine but I wish there was a little more consistency and a better buildup to their romance. I want to thank Netgalley who provided this book for a fair and honest review.

Amazon

Release Blitz: More Than A Rogue by Sophie Barnes




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 The Crawfords, Book 2
 Historical Romance
 Release Date: June 25, 2019

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All she wanted was a kiss…

What she got, was fiery passion…

Emily Howard knows she is destined to be a spinster. She has accepted this fate, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to experience kissing. What she doesn't expect, is for Griffin Crawford, the handsomest man in the world, to do the honors. Or for all her female relations to discover her in his embrace. Naturally, marriage is instantly mentioned, but since Emily knows this is not what Griffin wants, she tries to escape him, her family and the ensuing scandal.

When Emily flees the Camberly ball in the wake of their kiss, Griffin goes in pursuit. He will not allow his sister-in-law's determined friend to risk her safety for any reason. And risk it she will if she means to return to her countryside home by herself. But the longer he remains in her company, the more he is tempted to kiss her again. If only he could risk falling in love and remain in England forever.



Other Books in The Crawfords Series:




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No Ordinary Duke
The Crawfords, Book 1
Release Date: August 2018



He’s everything she’s trying to avoidBut somehow precisely what she needs…

Caleb Crawford doesn’t want to be a duke. He’d much rather build houses for a living. So when fate disrupts his peaceful life and burdens him with the responsibilities of a newly inherited title, he does what any sensible man would do by fleeing London, disguising himself as a laborer, and seeking refuge with three young spinsters who need his help with a leaky roof.

Ruined by a marquess who promised her the world, Mary Clemens has sworn to avoid marriage forever. Instead, she intends to live out her days with her friends and the orphaned children they’ve taken into their care. But when Mr. Crawford comes knocking, Mary finds herself in real danger of risking heartbreak all over again. Especially when she discovers that he’s not at all what he seems.






About the Author

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Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world and has lived in five different countries on three different continents.

She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor's degree from Parson's School of design, but most impressive of all - she's been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion - writing.

When she's not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.



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RABT Book Tours & PR

Monday, June 24, 2019

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Tabloid by Jackie Paxsonby


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Romance with a splash of humor
Dirty Laundry #1
Date Published: 5/25/19

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1 gossip writer + 1 A-list movie star = 1 fake relationshipor does it?

After breaking a story that rocks Hollywood, Talia is the top gossip writer around. One night will put all of that into question. The writer becomes the story when she gets caught doing the walk of shame from A-lister Zee Jaxon’s home.

To save both of their reputations he suggests a fake relationship. Pretending should be easy. It shouldn’t mean the fake feelings become real. Accepting the real feelings means the lies they’ve told are even harder to hide.

When the truth comes out can their love survive or will everything just fade to black?



Excerpt

“I forgot to tell you something.”  Zeke said as they walked hand and hand to baggage claim.

“What?”

“Please don’t hate me.”  He kissed their linked hands.

“What did you do?”

As Zeke and Talia turned the corner to pick up their bags Talia saw a giant poster being held by a tall muscular guy wearing a too tight t-shirt and dirty jeans.  Scrawled on the poster were the words she was going to have etched on her brother’s grave.

WELCOME HOME, TALLY!

SORRY PORN DIDN’T WORK OUT FOR YOU!

GLAD YOU GOT THE HELP YOU NEEDED IN REHAB FOR THE FIFTH TIME!

“You asked Rex to pick us up?”

Zeke bit his lip trying not to laugh at the poster.  When Rex saw the poster had gotten their attention, and many others around them, he flipped it over.

WELCOME HOME, ZEKE!

I GOT THAT MEDICATION FOR YOUR STD!

HOPEFULLY THE SORES ARE NO LONGER LEAKING!

“I’m seeing my mistake now.”  Zeke said.

“I bet you are.”

Rex strode over to Zeke and Talia.  He dropped the poster and opened his arms wide.  Talia walked up to give him a hug, but landed a swift punch to his nuts.  Air whooshed out of his lungs.  Rex collapsed on the ground.  Fellow passengers walked around him.  The granny from the plane caught my eye and gave me a thumbs up.

“Hello, Rex.”  Talia stood with her hands on her hips watching her brother struggle.

“I’m….tellingmama.”

“Go ahead.  Then I’m going to show her the poster you made.”

“Fine.”  Rex managed to get off the ground.

“Thanks for picking us up, ass wipe.”  Zeke said.

“No problem.  How could I strand my best friend and sister at the airport?  Especially when they are now seeing each other.”  Rex looked at them skeptically.

“What car did you bring?”  Talia changed the subject before questions could be asked.

“The pick-up.”

“What?  Why didn’t you bring mama’s SUV?”

“Why would I?  My pick-up is fine.”

“It’s a bench seat. “ 

Rex smirked at her.  “Yep.  We will be getting real close for the next hour.”

“Hour?  It takes close to an hour and a half to get to Grandin.  How fast do you plan on going?”  Talia stopped and looked to her brother.

“You didn’t tell her?”  Rex asked.

“I didn’t have a chance.  We had a bit of an issue on the plane.”

“What happened?”

“Never mind that tell me what is going on.”  Talia stared at Zeke.

“We are going to go to my farm. It’s a half hour outside of Grandin.”

Talia glared at both of the men in front of her.  Turning on her heel she grabbed her bag and marched off toward the short term parking.   She easily found his beat up truck.  Slinging her bag into the bed she stood next to the passenger door.

“In a hurry to get to your love nest, Tally?”  Rex asked.

Talia ground her jaw as she stared at her skeptical twin.  When Zeke’s arm wound around her waist, pulled her close and kissed her temple Rex groaned and wrenched the door open.




About the Author:

Jackie is a single mom of a rambunctious boy and his dog, Cady.  She is an avid reader with a blog under the name of The Book Maven.  Reading has been a passion of hers from the time she could pick up a Sweet Valley High book.  Writing is a new adventure where she gets to curse, be clumsy and fall in love with every page.



Contact Links




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RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Tour and Giveaway: Mary Queen of the Scots by Laurel A. Rockefeller



Mary Queen of the Scots: The Forgotten Reign
The Legendary Women of World History Book 3
by Laurel A. Rockefeller
Genre: Historical Fiction

Queen Mary Stuart was one of the most beloved and controversial women in Scottish history. The granddaughter of King James IV and his wife Margaret Tudor, Queen Mary's status as heiress-apparent to Queen Elizabeth's throne in England paired with the violence of the Scottish Reformation set the stage for one of the most dramatic and poorly understood lives of the 16th century.


Mary Queen of the Scots tells Mary's true story, focusing primarily on her reign as queen of Scotland, celebrating her life more than her death and showing us all why she was truly a woman ahead of her time.

Features a detailed timeline, a list of Latin prayers with their English translations, and the lyrics to all four featured period songs performed in the book.


**Available in 6 languages!**




Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA Laurel A. Rockefeller is author of over twenty-five books published and self-published since August, 2012 with editions spanning across ten languages and counting. A dedicated scholar and biographical historian, Ms. Rockefeller is passionate about education and improving history literacy worldwide.


With her lyrical writing style, Laurel's books are as beautiful to read as they are informative.

In her spare time, Laurel enjoys spending time with her cockatiels, travelling to historic places, and watching classic motion pictures and classic television series. Favorites: Star TrekDoctor Who, and Babylon 5.

Laurel proudly supports Health in HarmonyThe Arbor Day Foundation, and other charities working to protect and re-plant forests globally.




Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!







Friday, June 21, 2019

Book Tour & Giveaway: Pirates & Petticoats by Chloe Flowers


If You Give a Smuggler a Secret
Pirates and Petticoats Book 1
by Chloe Flowers
Genre: Historical Romance Adventure 

*NOTE: This is the *sexy version* of the novel The Heart of a Tempest, (Book 1 of The Hearts of Adventure Sweet Romance Series).

If you give a smuggler a secret, He'll demand a kiss to keep it...




A lady plotting her way out of an arranged marriage.
A smuggler with a cryptic invitation to a clandestine meeting.
A group of pirates out for revenge.
It’s the perfect storm.






She’s acting a charade and he knows it. The question is~will he demand compensation for keeping her secrets?

Silly question. Of course he will. The bigger question is~will she be able to afford the cost of his silence?

From the moment he discovered her with a sword in one hand, dagger in the other sparring in a hidden meadow, smuggler and ship’s captain Landon Hart has been intrigued by that independent, spirited tempest, Keelan Grey. But, he isn’t prepared for the impact she has on his tightly-guarded heart, or the trouble she manages to attract.



From the moment he happened upon her secret training, Keelan knew Landon Hart was going to be a storm on her horizon. With an assassin killing off members of her family one by one, and a father trying to arrange a marriage between her and a vile plantation owner, Keelan had enough on her plate without an exasperating, rakishly handsome, ship’s captain getting in the way of her plots and schemes.

When Landon’s own dangerous secrets collide with Keelan’s, it’s the perfect storm.



If you enjoy historical romance and action and adventure, entwined with charismatic characters and a rich, entertaining plot you’ll love The Pirates & Petticoats Series. 

(Want sweet romance instead? Read Chloe Flowers’ The Hearts of Adventure Sweet Romance Series!)







**Only 99 cents!!**


The Heart of a Tempest
The Hearts of Adventure Book 1 

*NOTE: This is the *clean and wholesome version* of the novel If You Give a Smuggler a Secret, (Book 1 of The Pirates & Petticoats Series by Chloe Flowers).

A lady plotting a way out of an arranged marriage. A smuggler with a cryptic invitation to a clandestine meeting. A group of pirates out for revenge. It’s the perfect storm.

She’s acting a charade and he knows it. The question is~will he demand compensation for keeping her secrets?Silly question. Of course he will. The bigger question is~will she be able to afford the cost of his silence?
From the moment he discovered her with a sword in one hand, dagger in the other, smuggler Landon Hart has been intrigued by that independent, spirited tempest, Keelan Grey. But, he isn’t prepared for the impact she has on his tightly-guarded heart, or the trouble she manages to attract.
From the moment he happened upon her secret training, Keelan knew Landon Hart was going to be a storm on her horizon. With an assassin killing off members of her family one by one, and a father trying to arrange a marriage between her and a vile plantation owner, Keelan had enough on her plate without an exasperating, rakishly handsome, ship’s captain getting in the way of her plots and schemes.
When Landon’s own dangerous secrets collide with Keelan’s, it’s the perfect storm.
If you enjoy historical romance and action and adventure, entwined with charismatic characters and a rich, entertaining plot you’ll love The Hearts of Adventure Sweet Romance Series. (Want sexy romance instead? Read Chloe Flowers’ Pirates & Petticoats Series!)




**Only 99 cents!!**



Chloe supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Chloe Flowers is an award-winning author and the recipient of the University of Akron, Wayne College 2018 Writer of the Year Award. She writes small town contemporary women’s fiction, and historical women’s action and adventure romance novels about scoundrels, pirates, and spunky, independent heroines.

Chloe keeps bees, and identifies her hives by the different flowers she paints on them. Her pets have always been named after her favorite characters or action heroes: Indiana, Luke, Gimli, Thelma, Rocket, Forrest, Al Giordino, Severus, Mushu, Mérida, Gibbs, JackDead Pool (he’s a goldfish).

Chloe’s biggest fault is the apparent inability to say “no” whether it’s in response to a call for aid or a double-dog-dare to hike home through 30 acres of a snow-covered forest at midnightduring a full moon. It was early morning during said adventure when she came upon a group of sheriff’s deputies searching for a lost girl. So, of course she offered to help (turns out, they were searching for her).

She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Northeast Ohio Romance Writers and RWA Contemporary Romance Writers, The Beau Monde Romance Writers group, where she served as secretary 2017-2019.

She has given workshops and presentations on creating a critique group, how to provide effective critiques, story structure, marketing and self-publishing lessons to writers groups, library patrons and school children.

In 2014, she started her own small publishing company, Flowers & Fullerton. Currently, she’s the publisher of record for authors Sheridan Jeane, Heather Knight, H.O. Knight as well as herself.

Chloe has a weakness for good red wine, Calvin & Hobbes comics, pie, dark chocolate and brown-eyed guys with beards, which is probably why she digs pirates, men in uniform and treasure hunters and writes about action and adventure and of course romance, which is the greatest adventure of all.




Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!