EEK! I'm a Woman By Dee Dawning ~ Review ~

I was intrigued by the name of this book, EEK! I'm a Woman. This story has such an interesting storyline. I have to say that once I had a chance to sit down and read this book I finished it in one setting. I was completely intrigued to see what was going to happen next. There were so many twist and turns that I was anxiously anticipating each new twist.

All the characters involved were so interesting. I enjoyed Brad and Ginger story. I have to say I was completely entertained by the story line. Brad and Ginger switch bodies. However they have a good time exploring their new bodies. There are some REALLY hot, hot scenes between these two. Not only is this a REALLY hot story but there is some mystery included, it involves a few people that I certainly did not see coming. 

I enjoyed the relationship between Ginger, Brad, & Ginger's best friend Amber. Amber adds some nice content to the storyline as well. She truly is a REAL best friend.

On the whole I really enjoyed this story. I don't want to give you to many details because that's part of the fun of reading the story for yourself. There is a lot going on in this story and I was completely absorbed all the way through. There was plenty of really hot scenes and drama that kept me flipping pages quite quickly. 

This is the first time I have read any of Dee Dawning's work but I would be interested in reading more. 

I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for sharing my thoughts with you.

Unscrupulous by Avery Aster ~ Manhattanites #2 ~Review ~

I just finished the second book in the Manhattanites series by Avery Aster. In Unscrupulous Ms. Aster gives us the background story of Taddy Brill one of the Manhattanites that I first read about in the  Undressed.  This story takes us back in time before Undressed, and shows us some background on all the characters.

Taddy has lived quite the life, she has major issues with her parents, and we find out just how horrible her teenage years were. I felt for this young woman, whom despite her parents influence created a very successful business and has friends that are way more loyal then her own family.

Taddy meets Warren Truman, her Big Daddy, but a few things stand in their way. They go their separate ways and then are lucky enough to meet up again. I liked the story line of their reunion. The bond these two share is very strong  instantly. The scenes between Taddy and Warren are really hot, spicy, and steamy.  Their attraction to each other is flammable from the from the start.

Warren has been through a lot in his life as well. When he lost his wife, he dealt with the pain by working hard. His hard work has paid off, he now has a very successful business and is quite wealthy. He doesn't like to be the center of public attention so there some mystery with this gentleman. 

I have to say one of my favorite supporting characters in this book was Kiki. I loved how she is so innocent, yet works for Taddy who is anything but innocent. I thought this made for some really humorous scenes. 

I enjoyed this book, there was quite a bit of drama, lots of steamy scenes, some humor, and some lovely scenes that show just what true friends will do for each other.

I look forward to the next book in this series to see what Ms. Avery has in store for us next.

I received this book in exchange for sharing my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts on Unscrupulous with you.

You may find my review of Undressed here.... 

Keeper of Reign by Emma Right ~ Goddess Fish Excerpt Tour ~ Giveaway ~

Keeper of Reign

by Emma Right

Emma will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Be sure to enter with the rafflecopter below. Also stop by the other tour stops to increase your changes of winning. You may find the other tour stops here... http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/07/virtual-excerpt-tour-keeper-of-reign-by.html

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BLURB:

Sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze is an Elfie - half elf, half fairy, living in a cursed Kingdom. The Keepers, entrusted to protect sacred Books written in blood, have long forgotten their purpose and struggle with the effects of the curse. 

Jules finds himself in the crosshairs of an evil lord bent on destroying Keepers and their Books. His mother is a Keeper and she has disappeared, along with his grandparents. His father is nowhere to be found, and Jules now finds himself alone with four siblings to protect and a house ravaged by the enemies. 

War rages on all sides of his homeland. Agents and assassins sent by the evil Gehzurolle are determined to kill him. Jules must find an ancient book whose secrets are the only thing that could give him answers and save him, his family and his homeland.

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EXCERPT:


JULES SLID UNCONTROLLABLY, deeper and deeper down the tunnel, gripping Tippy in one arm. He hoped the others were close behind him but he wasn’t sure. It was dark and he was falling too fast. Screams from Bitha and Tst Tst echoed around him. Were they okay? Mustn’t let go of the lantern, he reminded himself.

The bottom eventually came. Ralston smashed into Jules’s back, somersaulted and landed with a thump into the side of the burrow, followed by Bitha and Tst Tst. Puffs of dust clouded the air and everyone choked and spluttered. Between hackings Jules said, “Stay put. Let the dust settle. Here, drink water.” He passed Ralston a water pouch.

“I still can’t see.” 

“Stop fidgeting and just blink,” Jules said.

The burrow they stood in was large and, even though the air seemed cool, Jules didn’t think they could stay down there indefinitely. Especially if gophers lived nearby.



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschooling mother of five. Besides running a busy home, she regularly reads and writes stories for children. An avid Christian, she enjoys writing stories with themes involving family-life, friendship, faithfulness, and seeking wisdom, all in an imaginary fantastical world. She has written several young adult novels and plans on writing many more. Right worked for two advertising agencies and has won several major awards, including the prestigious Clio Award. She currently resides in California where she takes care of her children and her many pets.

Keeper of Reign is a finalist in the reader's Choice Award 2013

FaceBook, Twitter & author website links:

Website:   www.emmaright.com

Blog url: http://www.emmaright.com/Blog.aspx

Amazon: Keeper of Reign Buy Link

BN.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeper-of-reign-fantasy-series-book-1-emma-right/1115454624?ean=2940016706047

Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmbeliever

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emma.right.author

Fan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeeperOfReign

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17995764-keeper-of-reign

Librarything: http://www.librarything.com/work/book/98432219
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post ~ Vicki Wilkerson ~ Bikers and Pearls ~ Giveaway ~ Excerpt

Today I have the Great honor of hosting Vicki Wilkerson. She is here to celebrate her release of Bikers and Pearls. Not only has she written an interest post on reviews she is also giving away a wonderful prize. Vicki is giving away a pair of pearl earrings to someone who comments on either this post or the one which was on The Reading Addict site (http://thereadingaddict-elf.blogspot.com/2013/08/bikers-and-pearls-guest-post-excerpt.html) on August 16th!  Please leave a comment with a valid e-mail address about what is your favorite accessory to wear (necklace, ear rings, bracelet, ring, etc). If you have had a chance to read this book let me know what you thought.  Contest will run until midnight September 15, 2013." I have Bikers and Pearls in my to be read pile so you may look forward to my review posted soon. Without further ado here is Vicki... 

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Moved by Reviews 
by Vicki Wilkerson, author of Bikers and Pearls

I never thought that I would be moved by reading reviews of my book, Bikers and Pearls, but I am. In fact, I’ve already cried several times, and tears have filled my eyes many more times—the good kind of tears. You could have never told me that fact and made me believe that a few months ago. I was prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly…but not the tears.  
You see, for many years now I have reviewed books for local and regional newspapers, and I’ve had an amazing time reading novels and writing evaluations. I’ve also read many reviews others have written, so I thought that I’d seen it all, but never have I been personally moved by a review. Well, almost never. I love reading Off Season by Anne Rivers Siddons so much that when I finished her review, I got a little emotional—but not teary. 
Anyway, upon being stirred by the recent beautiful reviews of Bikers and Pearls, I began to reflect upon my own career as a reviewer, and you know what? I’m darn proud of the job I did and how I handled my reviews and the authors I read. You see, I never wrote an “I Hate It” review—ever.  And there were reasons for that. I worked closely with my editor, so he knew which genres of books I would consider appraising and which I would not. Yes, that’s right. I would not review certain genres of books—simply because I was not knowledgeable about the genre and because I wanted to give the book an honest, informed evaluation so that the readers who might be interested in it would be able to make reasonable decisions about purchasing the books.
It didn’t make sense to me to review an historical, Civil War novel since I wasn’t knowledgeable about the Civil War or the history surrounding it—any more than any other Southerner on the street. I was sure, for example, that an author of such a book would have put tons of research into his project, and if something was incorrect or absolutely spectacularly insightful, I wouldn’t be able to recognize either. Thus, my decision for NOT reviewing genres in which I was not an expert—or a fan.
It’s like that with romance, as well. Not all romance is created equally, and if someone is looking for a hot, steamy read and ends up with something sweet and heart-warming, like Bikers and Pearls, well, they will not be happy and may give it a poor or an uninformed review because it was not their cup of tea. Reviewers are—many times—very busy people, and they need to enjoy what they read because everyone should enjoy their jobs, right? Imagine working at a job you didn’t like. Well, imagine being made to review something you’d never enjoy because you didn’t enjoy the genre. That would be torture, and the review would reflect that. 
Now that I am on the receiving end of the reviews, I’m so glad that I approached reviewing in the way I did—independently, knowledgably and paired appropriately with the books. And I’m so appreciative of the wonderful reviewers who’ve approached evaluating Bikers and Pearls in the same way—with integrity. They have treated my hard work with respect. I wish that everyone could experience that kind of praise for something they worked terribly hard on from someone completely independent and knowledgeable about the work that went into it. It is the best feeling—the best reward. I thought that when it came to reviews that I was seasoned, experienced, prepared . I was not, however, prepared to be moved.

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Blurb:

Who said tempting a sweet Southern belle would be easy?
When rebel biker Bullworth Clayton gets tangled up with pastel-and-pearls-clad April Church, sparks fly. Sure, April would clearly rather work with anyone else, but if teaming up with Bull means a successful charity event for a sick little boy they both care about, then so be it.
April is baffled at how drawn she is to the leather-wearing, tattooed Bull—he just doesn’t fit with her simple, safe, country-club life. And as much as the handsomely rugged man tempts her, she still can’t shake the images of the tragic motorcycle accident from her past, which left her scarred and her father broken.
Bull tempts her to don a pair of leather pants and go for a ride with him, while April desperately tries to resist her attraction to the wild side and keep her exploits hidden from her small town. Will they be able to navigate their differences and find a middle road to love?

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 BIO: 
Vicki is a native of the Charleston, South Carolina, Lowcountry and loves to share her enchantment with the area with readers through her writing. Even in childhood, she enjoyed penning stories and poems—no doubt fueled by her grandfather's enthusiasm for telling tales himself. Where else—but in the South—could one find the interesting blend of salt water, eerie swamps, unwritten traditions and unique characters? In her spare time, she loves traveling, spending weekends at her family's lake house, playing golf and cooking (with lots of wine). Visit Vicki at http://www.vickiwilkerson.com .

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EXCERPT: 

(When April first met Bullworth):

April backed up against the wall to better hide the crooked chrome she held. Of all the stupid things that could happen.
With her free hand, she brushed at the pleats on her skirt to straighten them. Then she switched the mirror into her right hand and smoothed out the other side. Everything was under control.
“What do you have there?” inquired a low, masculine voice from above her head.
She snapped to attention like she was about to undergo a military inspection.
A handsome, muscular man in a black bomber jacket towered above her, larger than life. His shoulder-length hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail. Golden streaks highlighted his nut-brown mane. His indigo-colored eyes perused her face. “Is something wrong?”
She twisted the strand of pearls that draped from her neck between her fingers with her free hand. “No. Everything’s fine,” she said. It would be as soon as she could meet up with Mr. Morrow or some of the other members from the civic organizations.
“Then what are you hiding behind your back?”
He had seen. Oh, no. He had seen. 
“Just a little mishap. I’m going to take care of it.”
“You ride?” The left corner of his mouth curled up. “In a skirt?”
“No.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound strained. “No, I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before,” she said calmly.
He narrowed his eyes. “Then why are you walking around with a Harley dome billit mirror?”
That was a good question. Why was she? She held out the broken piece of the bike in front of her. “I don’t know how it happened. I was opening my car door, and then—”
He took it from her, examined it, and gave it back. “Let me guess. It just fell.” He tilted his head, exposing a strong, angular jawline. “All by itself.”
“That’s right. It really did happen that way. Exactly.” He probably didn’t believe a word she said. And she couldn’t blame him. She heard unlikely stories like hers from claimants at the insurance company all the time.
“Ahhh, I see. Sure it did,” he said. But the left side of his grin inched upward again

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Praise for Bikers and Pearls:

“A sweetly Southern story with a deep heart.” –Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling author of A Place to Call Home
“…I was drawn in by the rebel biker Bullworth "Bull" Clayton meeting demure pearls and skirts wearing April Church but the sweetness between them unfolded and I was hooked.” -Sarah Tolinger, Vine Voice
“This lovely book is a romantic journey of self-discovery, acceptance and understanding. With wonderful characters and a captivating story, it has a perfect combination of moments that are heartwarming and touching, those which make your heart ache and humour at which I laughed out loud.” -Review from Amazon and Goodreads
“There is no hanky-panky in this book.  I repeat: there is NO hanky-panky in this book!  And you know what?!  I LOVED IT!  It made their relationship all that much more real, for me.  The chemistry is TOTALLY obvious, and they didn't need to sleep together to prove it. (Ya'll know how much I love me some steamy romances, but this is perfect just the way it is.)” –Ashley Bodette at Book Junkie


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Social Media & Contact:

http://vickiwilkerson.com
https://twitter.com/vickiwilkerson 
https://www.facebook.com/vickiwilkersonauthor 

vickiwilkersonauthor@gmail.com 

Hunting the Hero by Heather Boyd ~ Wild Randall's Series #4 ~ Interview ~ Review ~ Giveaway

Hunting the Hero

Wild Randall's Series #4

By Heather Boyd 

Please leave a comment below to be eligible to win the prize. See prize details below :)

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Interview: 
Crystal: I was given a wonderful opportunity to not only read Hunting the Hero by Heather Boyd but a chance to ask Heather a few questions as well. Thank you so much for joining me today Heather, I'm very honored to have you here. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Heather: Hello Crystal and company. Let’s see. I’ve been married to the most amazing man for the past 22 years, have two sons--one grown, one who thinks he’s an adult at 11--and am slave to the largest cat I’ve ever owned. His name is Morpheous. I’m sure most writers have similar lives, especially the cat part. LOL. 

I’m about to release a new novel, Hunting the Hero. The last book in the Wild Randalls series. It’s a regency historical romance. Here’s a little about the book.

She can lose her birthright, but not her heart!

Meredith Clark wants no part of her long-ago identity as Rosemary Randall. She's created a more exciting life as the courtesan, Calista, and her newest lover is both intriguing and rugged enough to capture her fancy. But the widowed Earl of Grayling craves more than this woman's dazzling intelligence and fiery passion. He wants her as his mistress, and if she won't agree to that, he'll settle for taking her home as his daughters' governess.

Determined never to be tied down to one person or place, Meredith prepares to run again. Yet something deep inside her yearns to stay -- until she discovers Constantine’s real identity. Now she's faced with the hardest choice of her life. Should she trust the man she's coming to love with the secrets of her past, or flee to save them both from an even greater heartbreak?

Crystal:  Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Heather: Is it bad that I love scenes where I cry as I’m writing them, where readers are pushed reach for the tissues, too? This scene is from late in Hunting the Hero. My darling girl Rosemary finally gives in to the past she’s tried so hard to forget.

“WHEN MEREDITH CLARK had come into existence, there had been no knight to rescue her, no family left to care if she lived or died. She had been alone and frightened and unprepared for life’s hardships. When she assumed the name Calista, it was to protect what was left of her dignity in the face of a terrible choice.
Names were important. Names defined who you were and how far you’d fallen in the world. In all her life, she had fought her identity. Her place in society and its suffocating expectations. With each new name she assumed, a little piece of herself had withered. Yet coming to this place had brought the past rushing back as if it had never been lost.
As night closed in on the rain-washed village, she pushed open the lych-gate and stepped into the graveyard, allowing the gentle hiss to lull her and its whispers to lure her closer to the crumbling grave markers. The thick grass cushioned her sodden footfalls, muffling her passage through the dead. Grizzled gray stone jutted toward the sky, angels and carved granite bestowing identity and position, even in death.
The rows of weeping headstones bore names and benedictions. Much loved. Sadly missed. Too good for this life. The poorer markers were no less poignant than the larger. She passed them all, stopping at one that bore no names. No identity and therefore no position to speak of. A simple stone edifice marked the passing of life. 
Together in death was all it said along with a year.
Together but unknown.
Together and dead.
The woman known by many names save her own sank to her knees on the sodden ground, little caring if her carriage dress became as ruined as she was herself. 
Names were important. 
The couple buried here should have a name carved into their headstone. They deserved to be remembered for the life they had lived, for the sacrifices they had made, the love they had freely offered even as they guided their children to adulthood with determination to succeed and ignorance of the true danger. The headstone should say they had been loved and still were. That they were missed. That they were too vital to be taken away in an act of cold cowardice.
“Did you know them,” asked a woman to Rosemary’s right.
Did she know them? Not enough. No amount of time would be long enough, but she was glad they could not see what she had become. Tears burned her eyes, but she would not let them fall. When she did, she feared the avalanche of feeling would break her. She would not give in to her sorrows. She had already lost so much today.”

Crystal: I have to say I too cried at that scene, it was so moving. Thanks for sharing that excerpt with us. Where did you come up with the idea for Hunting the Hero? 

Heather: Hunting the Hero, the fourth and final book in the Wild Randalls series, has been in the works for over two years. When I planned out the stories featuring the four Randall siblings, there was always the question of where they had all ended up. Book one Engaging the Enemy was eldest brother Leopold’s story and brought Tobias home by the end. Book 2 Forsaking the Prize was all about taming Tobias and Blythe. Book 3 Guarding the Spoils dealt with Oliver. That left only Rosemary’s whereabouts unknown. Readers have been clamoring for her book to come out. Rosemary may not have traveled far from home but her life had changed so dramatically from what her parents had planned. Of course being Rosemary, a very unconventional woman for her time, she needed to make coming home very difficult for me to write. I wrote several outlines that, while good, didn’t work at all in her opinion. So I started afresh and just wrote what Rosemary and Constantine told me to.

Crystal:  What are you currently working on?

Heather: I am currently working on the first draft of a new novel featuring Arabella from Hunting the Hero. Technically not a Wild Randall story but all my characters seem determined to have their story told. I am totally in love with Arabella’s hero, but my lips are sealed for now as to who he might be.

Crystal:  I have to say I have been hoping that we were going to get to read Arabella's story (I think I even included that in my review below) Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing? 

Heather: I’m a full time writer so working on new stories almost every day of the week is fairly routine for me. I’m a morning person, I even like Mondays, and I probably do most of my storytelling in the first half of the week. Music helps block out distractions if someone is home or the neighbors are being noisy. Once my son is off to school, I write till I get hungry or need coffee, take a lunch break and then go on new material if I can. Much like any other work from home job really but I stop when my 11yo comes home from school.

Crystal:  Did you have to do a lot of research for the Wild Randalls series? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us?

Heather: Research for regency historical romance stories is ongoing. I chose to stick to one genre because I love the era and my research can be more focused than if I jumped around to different centuries.

Crystal:  Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Heather: I read a lot of authors and when I think about it now they are all over the place in terms of genre and sizzle factor--some hot, some not so hot. LOL Not sure I even could even claim to have a manageable favorite authors short list anymore. But ... one book I am most desperate to get my hands on is Spook Squad by Jordan Castillo Price. It’s book 7 in a paranormal gay series. It comes out tomorrow so I get a new release to read this weekend as I release my own book. Yippee.

Crystal: Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Heather: There is only one but it’s still technically a regency. I’d love to devote some time to finishing a paranormal regency romance series I toyed with a while back. Not wolves or vampires. Gargoyles really fascinate me. 

Thanks so much for having on your blog today Crystal. Now it’s your turn to announce the giveaway….

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I am excited to announce Heather  has granted me a copy of Guarding the Spoils (the second book in this series) to give to one lucky commenter on this post. So please leave a comment below along with your email address so you may be contacted if you are the lucky winner.

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Review:

A few month ago I took a step out of my comfort zone and picked up a historical romance book. Heather Boyd is the author responsible for my new found fondness for historical romance. This author can tell a story that is not only highly entertaining but that has the powers to keep me totally enthralled from the beginning to the end. 

The series that mesmerized me so is the Wild Randalls Series. I just had the absolute joy of reading the fourth book in the series Hunting the Hero, Rosemary's story. If you were impatiently awaiting this story like I was, I think you will find it worth the wait. I thought each time I read another book in this series that I had found my favorite. Rosemary has had to be a very, very strong, independent, woman with a lot of spunk to get through life. I admire her so much for coming through her tough life but still having the ability to care. 

I loved Grayling, his love for Meredith/Rosemary, and his willingness to let her trust him enough to tell him her secret when she was ready. There are some really steamy scene's between these two. They have a VERY strong attraction from the moment they meet. Grayling knows they are meant to be together from early on but he has to work to convince Meredith that they should be forever. He also has to prove his is worthy of her trust. After all she has been through she has some major trust issues and is hiding a secret that she doesn't want to reveal to anyone, who she really is.

I also loved how Rosemary was able to walk into the life of Graying's children and totally turn their life right side up again. I was delighted with this part of the story. It showed just how big a heart she had and after all she had been through. She had the ability to help these sweet wonderful little girls heal and start to live again. Just like she was able to help Graying start to heal and fall in love again. I enjoyed reading Rosemary's story, I had been impatiently wanting to know what had happened to her. 

I'm not going to tell you anything about how she reunites with her brothers because this part of the book I found to be totally thrilling and was not able to set the book down at all. I enjoyed this whole family and totally loved this series. This is something about those Wild Randalls that I just adored! 

Overall, I just plain loved this book, I've loved this series and I have certainly become a HUGE fan of Heather Boyd's. I have a feeling if Heather writes it, I'm going to have to read it from here on out .

If you enjoy historical romance with some mystery, steamy scene's, and family connections I think you will enjoy this one. I know I certainly did. I hope Ms. Boyd has another story for us to find out what happens with Lady Arabella. Maybe we will get a chance to catch up with those Wild Randalls again. 

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my review. Of course I was impatiently waiting for this story and grabbed it as soon as I could. As always it is my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. If you get a chance to read this story please stop by my blog and let me know what you thought :)


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Author Bio: 


Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission. You can catch Heather’s news at www.heather-boyd.com 

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COLD by Stella Cameron ~ Sneak Peek ~ Smexy Fab Four blog tour ~ Excerpt

Cold

By Stella Cameron

Coming Sept 1
Introducing Alex Duggins
You can’t outrun the past…

…and tripping over a frosted corpse is a complication that could destroy Alex Duggins’ attempt to restart her life. The discovery of a murder victim threatens to unearth some old secrets, including her own.

As the tiny town of Folly-on-Weir braces for a chilling winter and snow blankets Britain’s Cotswold Hills, a killer faces a deadline. A terrible crime was believed to be safely hidden, but time and conscience can wear on a secret.

The clock ticks and with the police breathing down her neck, Alex knows she’s at the top of the suspect list. Desperate to clear her name and find the real murderer she begins to peel back the layers of deception that have long-concealed one of the town’s darkest secrets. But time is also running out for a killer who has nothing left to lose. What’s one more murder? Someone intends that Alex will be the next snow-covered body found in the beautiful hills above the town.

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Excerpt: 
Warmth from the fire, and from bodies pressed into the space around the bar felt good to Alex.  The smells of beer and piping hot meat pies were comfortingly familiar
"I say, Alex," Major Stroud boomed.  Foam speckled a mustache rolled out along his upper lip like iron gray Velcro.  "We're all on your side, y'know.  Not one of us thinks you were more than an unlucky witness but you do need to bring the rest of us up to date.  Was there as much blood as they say?"
Cathy Cummings gripped the edge of the bar, her eyes filled with tears.

THE CADENCE OF GYPSIES By Barbara Casey ~ Goddess Fish Super Book Blast ~ Giveaway ~

THE CADENCE OF GYPSIES

By Barbara Casey

Barbara will be awarding a $25 Amazon or BN.com gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.So be sure to leave a comment below along with your email address in case you are the lucky winner. Also don't forget to visit the other tour stops to increase your chances of winning. The other tour stops may be found here....  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/07/super-book-blast-cadence-of-gypsies-by.html

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BLURB:   

Three high-spirited 17 year olds, with intelligent quotients in the genius range, accompany their teacher and mentor, Carolina Lovel, to Frascati, Italy, a few weeks before they are to graduate from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women. Carolina's purpose in planning the trip is to remove her gifted, creative students from the Wood Rose campus located in Raleigh, North Carolina, so they can't cause any more problems ("expressions of creativity") for the headmaster, faculty, and other students – which they do with regularity. Carolina also wants to visit the Villa Mondragone where the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world, was first discovered and search how it is related to a paper written in the same script she received on her 18th birthday when she was told that she was adopted – a search that will take them into the mystical world of gypsy tradition and magic, more exciting and dangerous than any of them could have imagined.

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EXCERPT:  

It was always the older ones who felt the need to challenge the ancient gypsy traditions.  The children who weren't yet adults, but who felt they were old enough to thwart authority and desire independence.

"I want lots of gold," said Milosh who had recently turned 17 years old--a man in his opinion.  The oldest in the group, soon he would join the adults. "Teach me the spell to make me wealthy."

"You must be careful for what you wish, Milosh."  As always, the choovihni was patient with her young pupils.  "But I shall teach you the spell for attracting material goods."  She sat in the shade of the tall elm with her full skirt spread out around her and waited until everyone was quiet and settled before continuing.  "First, write down whatever it is you desire on a clean sheet of paper, then place the paper on a small square of green cloth.  You must concentrate on it for a few minutes.  That might be hard for you, Milosh," she teased.  The other students laughed.  They liked for Milosh to be put in his place.  Just because he was the son of the Bandoleer, it didn't make him better than everyone else--even though he acted like it.  And he played mean tricks on the younger ones who were too timid and afraid to say anything.  "Try to visualize the object before you--the shape, texture, color.  Feel pride in owning it, the pleasure you hope it will bring, what you will do with it."  She looked at each of her students, making sure they understood.  "Then hold the paper to your forehead and say three times:  'I have you, I hold you, I keep you.'
"Fold the paper into the green cloth and tie it with a length of red wool.  Tie seven knots into the wool and as you tie each knot, say, 'You are mine, I own you.'  Put the green cloth with the paper in a small box, and each day, for seven days, hold the box to your forehead and say three times, 'You are mine, I own you.'  After you have done this, put the box away in the back of a drawer."

"Will I have lots of gold if I do that?" Milosh asked.

"It will bring success to those who are patient and deserving," Lyuba answered.

For the next several hours, Lyuba taught the children other spells: the spell using the power of trees, a ritual to cleanse the aura of their individual spaces, the spell for strength.  When they got older, she would teach them the spells for attracting romance and for keeping a loyal lover.  For now, however, she would teach only those things that were appropriate and what they could understand.

When the day's lessons were complete, and the elm's shadow once again lengthened, the parents came for their children.  Concerned, Lyuba watched Milosh return to his hut alone.  His chakra, that point of light indicating the heart, was dark and brown rather than green as it should be.  
Much was expected of the only son of the Bandoleer.  He held promise, but he had much to learn.  Unlike his father, he was impatient and quick to judge others.  His focus was on material things, and he ignored what was important.  There was also a darkness in his spirit; something that could be dangerous if not corrected.

He would go and prepare the paper, wrapped in green cloth and tied with a thread of red wool, and wish for much gold.  He had not understood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, and North Carolina Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. Since that time her award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in several publications including the AMERICAN POETRY ANTHOLOGY, the SPARROWGRASS POETRY FORUM, THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF POETRY (Editor’s Choice Award), the NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE MAGAZINE, THE NEW EAST MAGAZINE, the RALEIGH (NC) NEWS AND OBSERVER, the ROCKY MOUNT (NC) SUNDAY TELEGRAM, DOG FANCY, BYLINE, TRUE STORY and THE CHRISTIAN RECORD. A thirty-minute television special which Ms. Casey wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ms. Casey's award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in THE COSMIC UNICORN and CROSS TIME short story anthologies. Her essays, also written for adults, appear in THE CHRYSALIS READER, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, and A CUP OF COMFORT ANTHOLOGY by the Adams Media Corporation.

Her two middle-grade/young adult novels, LEILANI ZAN and GRANDMA JOCK AND CHRISTABELLE (James C. Winston Publishing Co.) were nominated for awards of excellence by the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, the National Association of University Women Literary Award and the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award.  SHYLA'S INITIATIVE (Crossquarter Publishing Group, 2002), a contemporary adult novel of fiction, received the 2003 Independent Publisher Book Award and received special recognition for literary merit by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Ms. Casey’s novel THE COACH’S WIFE (ArcheBooks Publishing), a contemporary mystery, was listed as a Publisher’s Best Seller and was semifinalist of the Dana Award for Outstanding Novel. In 2007 her novel, THE HOUSE OF KANE (ArcheBooks Publishing), also a contemporary mystery, was considered for a Pulitzer nomination, and in December 2009 her novel, JUST LIKE FAMILY (Wandering Sage Publications), was launched by the  7-Eleven stores in St. Louis, Missouri. Her young adult novel, THE CADENCE OF GYPSIES (Gauthier Publications), was released in March 2011 and considered for the Smithsonian’s Most Notable 2011 Books.  It has also been selected by Amazon for its 2013 List of Best Books.  THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PRISSY (Strategic Media Books), a novel for adults, was released in March 2013 and received an IPPY Award for Best Regional Fiction.  It has also been listed as a “2013 Best Summer Read” by Conversations Live Radio and has been placed in nomination for a Pulitzer Award.

Ms. Casey is a frequent guest speaker at writers’ conferences and universities throughout the United States. She is former director, guest author, and panelist of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida; and for thirteen years she served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Florida.  She held the position of Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 to 2003.

Ms. Casey is president of the Barbara Casey Agency. She represents clients nationally and internationally in fiction and nonfiction for adults. Her past and present professional associations are numerous and include being editorial consultant for The Jamaican Writers Circle in affiliation with the University of West Indies and Mico Teachers College in Kingston. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories.

LINKS:

www.barbaracaseyagency.com 

Amazon Buy Link: The Cadence of Gypsies

Alien, Mine by Sandra Harris ~ Goddess Fish Blurb Blitz Tour ~ Giveaway ~

Alien, Mine

by Sandra Harris

Sandra will be awarding one Alien, Mine customized iPhone case to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. This will be available for Apple iPhone 5, 4/4S, 3G/3GS, Samsung Galaxy S4, SIII/S3, SII/S2 or BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 (winner to choose phone case size) and is US ONLY. So be sure to leave a comment below along with your email address so you may be contacted if you are the lucky winner. Visit the other stops on the tour to increase your chances of winning. The other tour stops can be found here..... http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/07/virtual-blurb-blitz-alien-mine-by.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:

THE BLUTHEN HAVE ONE CONSUMING PASSION: THEMSELVES.

IN THEIR EXPANSION ACROSS THE GALAXY, THEY WILL GO TO ANY LENGTHS TO DOMINATE SPECIES THEY ENCOUNTER.

Torn from modern day Earth and stranded on the far side of the Galaxy, Sandrea Fairbairn must use every particle of courage she possesses to adjust to her new life and live for tomorrow.

Eugen Mhartak, a general in the Tri-Race Alliance Army, refuses to bow to the merciless Bluthen. Haunted by the loss of far too many innocent lives he has vowed to drive the ruthless invaders from Alliance space.

The strength and valor of Eugen Mhartak attracts Sandrea as no man ever has, but she struggles to read the enigmatic general’s heart. Determined to help him triumph over the Bluthen she uncovers a diabolical plot against the Alliance.

Drawn by the courage and exotic beauty of Sandrea, Mhartak battles to overcome the barriers of cross-cultural differences that separate them and claim her ardent interest. He must conquer his deepest fears to be the man she needs. When his principles are betrayed by his own government and he is faced with the impossible prospect of taking Sandrea’s life in order to save his home planet, Mhartak desperately searches for a way to keep safe both his world and the magnificent woman who has stolen his heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:

Sandrea blinked and focused on Kendril’s worried face. Her friend knelt beside her, eyes filled with concern. 

Cramps struck Sandrea’s legs, urging her to unwind from a tight huddle. Beneath her vest and over-shirt, Dexter’s warm body hugged her ribs. “What happened?” she asked.

Kendril gazed at her with steady consideration then eased her grip on her upper arms. “Did he kill your dog, too?”

What? “No.”

“Well you ‘happened’ to him as you did the Bluthen who killed your dog.”

“I did?”


“You did.” 

“Did they rape you?” Kendril asked quietly.

Sandrea shook her head. “No. Violate, yes.” She hauled in a deep, shaky breath, gathered herself, and rose. “Where is he?”

Kendril pointed with a jerk of her chin. “Over there—mostly.”

Sandrea moved to the cliff edge and peered down. Early afternoon sunlight revealed a sheer tumble of boulders in shades of grey with a gruesome embellishment of stark, dark-red gore.

After a few moments of silent observation, she pursed her lips in contemplation.

“He is all over here, Kendril.”

“Well, technically, I suppose, yes,” Kendril admitted, coming to her side. “It’s just that he’s spread out over a few square meters. Sandrea?”

“Mmm?”

“Is that little lizard one of those things we’re not telling the General about?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Born in the far north of Australia, yearly cyclones, floods and being cut off from civilization for weeks at a time were the norm. An outrageous imagination helped occupy Sandra’s mind.

An abiding interest in astronomy and a deep-seated need to always see the good guys win naturally influences her writing. Not satisfied with the amount of romance in science fiction novels she set out to redress the balance.

She currently lives in sunny South East Queensland, Australia, with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who doesn’t seem to realize she comes from royalty and should act in a more appropriate manner.

Amazon buy link: Buy Link

Website: www.sandraharrisauthor.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sandra1Harris

What Happens in Ireland by Whitney K.E. ~ Review~

I love animals of all shapes and sizes and when I find a book that  includes animals in the story line I'm in my glory. I just finished What Happens in Ireland by Whitney K.E. What a fabulous story Whitney has written! Not only does she have a way with descriptions of the beautiful land of Ireland, she has also created some charismatic characters that I had the pleasure of meeting.

 Kate Barrow is a strong, sassy, spunky woman that has been hurt by a man in her past. I found myself very drawn to Kate and truly enjoyed reading her story. She does her best to keep a distance between herself and Jack but the attraction is just to strong. However the sparks they throw off while they are trying to keep their hands to themselves are quite explosive. There are also some very funny scenes that we get to see just how spunky Kate is. I have to say Kate is a lady I would enjoy chatting with about her experiences with horses. I am sure she would have some very interesting stories. 

Jack O’Reilly is instantly drawn to Kate. He does his best to break down her defense and I found it so sweet some of the things he goes through and does to get her attention. Jack is just a fabulous guy who even though I was reading the words I swear I could hear his accent. 

Kate & Jack go through many things before they are finally able to be together. There is plenty of tension and drama, as well as some just plain hilarious scenes between these two. 

Over all I REALLY enjoyed this story. I loved all the beautiful scene's that Whitney described to us, I have never been to Ireland but I feel like I took a short trip there while I was reading this book. I loved the set, the characters, and the story line. I do believe this is Whitney's first release and I have to say I know I will be on the lookout for more books by her. I would love to see if she has a story cooking for Will (Jack's brother), or either of Kate's two friends. 

If you enjoy a romance story with plenty of drama, some steamy scenes, with a beautiful setting I think you should check try this book. If you should happen to get a chance to read What Happens in Ireland, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please stop by and let me know what you think. 

I was given a chance to read this book in exchange for sharing my thoughts with you. As always it  has been my great pleasure to read this fabulous book and share my thoughts.