Reviews by Crystal: Romance

Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

#GiveAway The Hunter's Moon by Beth Trissel ~ Secret Warrior Series

The Hunter's Moon

Book 1--Secret Warrior Series

by Beth Trissel

Beth will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. Those locations may be found here.

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BLURB:

Seventeen year old Morgan Daniel has been in the witness protection program most of her life. But The Panteras have caught up with her and her younger brother. Her car is totaled, she's hurt, and the street gang is closing in when wolves with glowing eyes appear out of nowhere and chase away the killers.

Then a very cute guy who handles a bow like Robin Hood emerges from the woods and takes them to safety at his fortress-like home. And that's just the first sign that Morgan and her brother have entered a hidden world filled with secrets.

GENRE: YA Fantasy Romance
Amazon Buy Link

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EXCERPT:
Oh, no. Was the wolf hit? Morgan prayed not. She sensed him trying to protect them, and couldn’t imagine why, or why he seemed like ‘her wolf’.

Cries, like the shrieks of a panther, carried through the trees. A chill crawled down her spine. Were the woods filled with creatures she thought long gone from these mountains?

More wolfish snarls erupted and snapping, tearing. Good. He lived. She nudged Jimmy. “Can you see anything?”

He craned his head around the rocks. “Not through the smoke and fog.”

Eerie howls rose from the surrounding woodland on every side. A whole pack must be gathering. Morgan wasn’t certain whether to be frightened, fascinated, or hopeful of rescue. Still light-headed, not sure she even saw clearly, she watched the black wolf reappear; with him, a great white wolf whose green eyes shone like starlight. The most extraordinary yet. Together, the two loped after the brown and gray one. Judging by the high-pitched calls, there were more wolves out there. And panthers, or were they mountain lions?

Snarls, growls, and the shrieks of enraged felines ripped through the smoky shroud. The pack wasn’t after her and Jimmy. Not now, anyway.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Married to her high school sweetheart, Beth Trissel lives on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by her human family and furbabies. An avid gardener, her love of herbs and heirloom plants figures into her work. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans, and the people who journeyed here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of her inspiration. She's especially drawn to colonial America and the drama of the American Revolution. In addition to YA fantasy romance, she also writes historical, time travel, and paranormal romance, plus nonfiction.

For more on Beth visit her blog, One Writer’s Way, at: https://bethtrissel.wordpress.com

Connect with Beth on Facebook: Author Beth Trissel: https://www.facebook.com/bctrissel?fref=ts

At Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethTrissel

Visit Beth’s Amazon Author Page where all her books reside: Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Beth-Trissel/e/B002BLLAJ6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1435416800&sr=8-1

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 20, 2015

Matronly Duties By Melissa Kendall ~ SPOTLIGHT

Matronly Duties

By Melissa Kendall

EBook available from: Amazon and ITunes

Hundreds of years after an asteroid slammed into Earth and sent it into a new ice age, what remains of the human race lives on in underground sanctuaries. Now, as the bicentennial anniversary of the impact approaches, a

new leader prepares to take her place at the head of the government. At least, that’s what she thinks.

Bethanie Greene’s life has been planned out for her since the age of thirteen. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s spent the last twelve years training to become the next Matron of the underground nation of Oceania. But when Bethanie is kidnapped by rogue extremists just six weeks shy of taking

office, her world is turned upside down by the handsome stranger who rescues her.

Howard James’ life has been the polar opposite of Bethanie’s. Struggling to survive in a world where those in power wished he didn’t exist, he harbors a deep-seated resentment of the government and all its representatives.

Together with his unconventional family, he shows Bethanie a life she never knew was possible, while at the same time, opening her eyes to the injustices

of the government she is meant to lead. But can she trust a stranger? And can a few days change everything she believes and desires? Against all odds, Bethanie must decide if her heart and her duties can coexist.

Genre: FICTION / Romance / General / Science Fiction

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

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EXCERPT:

My body shakes at the thought of what could have happened to me yet again. I’ve heard

stories about the slums, and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.

“I was silly running away, I get it. I just couldn’t stay in your home any longer.”

Howard sighs. “Just because my parents raised us with traditionalist values doesn’t mean we

are anything like the Trads. You accused us of being a drain on society, but you don’t even know us.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But you don’t know me either. If you did, you would understand why it’s hard for me to understand your way of life. It goes against every law, moral, and

convention I’ve been taught. So I can’t be sorry for what I said, even if I’m sorry I ran out of the house.”

Howard takes a deep breath, then exhales long and slow. The expression on his face looks a bit like pity but with a dash of guilt mixed in.

“Look, maybe I’ve judged you unfairly based on preconceived notions, but—”

A loud bang echoes outside. Howard glances at me with a panicked look on his face, and then pulls me off the crate onto the floor behind. I sit up, and turn to yell at him, but male voices outside keep my mouth closed. I instead huddle closer to Howard as he puts his hand around my shoulders. He pulls me in until I’m tucked against him.

“Did you see where she went?” a man’s voice asks.

“Nah, she just vanished.” The voice of this one sounds young.

“Damn, the boss isn’t going to be pleased about this.”

The crunch of shoes against pavement indicates they are on the move again. The sounds trail off until they’re no longer audible. I sigh in relief, all the tension fleeing my body.

“Are you okay?’ Howard asks, rubbing my shoulder.

I glance up, only then noticing how little space is between us.

His blue eyes have flecks of grey in them, and there’s a smattering of freckles covering his nose and cheeks. His warm breath tickles my cheek almost like a caress, and his jaw has the barest hint of a five o’clock shadow. He really is captivating.

“I’m fine,” I eventually say, the words a mere whisper.

The butterflies in my stomach return with a vengeance. Howard licks his lips as they turn up ever so slightly in a smile.

“Good.”

I can’t stop the sigh that slips past my own lips. Howard leans forward a little, then moves

closer still until his mouth is pressed against mine. I don’t dare move.

A zing of something, I’m not sure whether it’s pleasure or fear, shoots through me. His lips are soft and wet, and the sensation is unlike anything I’ve felt before. I can’t even decide if I want him to continue or stop. When he pulls away though, a feeling of disappointment bubbles up inside me.

My first kiss.

Goosebumps cover me from head to toe, and unbidden, my fingers move to my lips. Glancing at Howard, he stares at me for a minute, then moves to sit further away.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I shrug. “It’s okay.”

Howard frowns and then looks across the room.

Part of Matron training is learning not to form close relationships. It doesn’t mean it

never happens. I’ve heard the odd story here and there from the other women, and I realise that’s probably what Gail was trying to tell me at breakfast the other day. But in all honesty,

I can’t remember the last time I had real physical contact with anyone, above all with a man.

We sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Tension rolls off Howard in waves.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.

Come on,” Howard whispers. “We need to get to the house before those guys come back.”

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~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

Melissa Kendall is an almost forty-year-old mother of two from Perth, Western Australia, the second-most isolated capital city in the world. Predominantly a stay-at-home mum, she works a few hours a week as a software support consultant. She has always loved to read and write, and spent most of her teens writing poetry and short stories. Over the years, daily life got in the way and she lost the passion for it, but after the birth of her first child, Melissa discovered e-books and her interest in writing rekindled. She is now the author of two published short stories. Matronly Duties is her first full-length novel.

~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Faerie’s Ring By Jaylee Austin ~ Sedona Series ~ GIVEAWAY

Happy Book Birthday to Faerie's Ring!

Faerie’s Ring

Sedona Series, Book #1

By Jaylee Austin

A fallen demon invades Lara Clint’s beloved city of Sedona and a strange voice calls for her to awaken to her destiny. A demon catcher, she is summoned to capture and reignite the flame of the iris, stolen by the son of Vobris, God of Light. Ironically, her own secret binds her to the demon.

Rafe Avery, a sidhe warrior and protector of dreams, is challenged to remove the black rose of darkness and help the one chosen to replace the white iris. Time has run out. The gates of Elysium and the magic portals will close to humankind, leaving them to the mercy and control of the revenge-seeking demon.

A hot attraction ignites between the human and fae as they struggle to accomplish their goals. Lara’s secret threatens to destroy all their lives. Is Rafe’s love strong enough to break evil bonds and bring the darkness to justice?

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: November 9, 2015

Buy Links:
Amazon | All other buy links may be found here

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing's marketing department.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Sheila Roberts ~ Life in Icicle Falls #8 ~ REVIEW

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane
Life in Icicle Falls #8
by Sheila Roberts

BLURB:

Everyone’s getting ready for Christmas in Icicle Falls, especially on Candy Cane Lane, where holiday decorating is taken very seriously. Tilda Morrison, town cop, is looking forward to celebrating Christmas in her first house…until she discovers that she’s expected to “keep up” with the neighbors, including Maddy Donaldson, the inspiration behind the whole extravaganza. But this year, someone’s destroying Maddie’s precious candy canes! Thank goodness for the cop in their neighborhood.

Tilda already has her hands full trying to sort out her love life and fix up her fixer-upper. Oh, and won’t it be fun to have the family over for Christmas dinner? Not really… Then there’s her neighbor, Ivy Bohn. As a newly single mom, Ivy can sum up the holiday in two words: Bah, humbug. But she’s determined to give her kids a perfect Christmas.

Despite family disasters, irritating ex-husbands and kitchen catastrophes, these three women are going to find out that Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Publisher: Mira (Harlequin)
Pages: 400
Genre: Women’s Fiction / Romance

Amazon Buy Link

Author Info:

Sheila Roberts lives on a lake in the Pacific Northwest. She’s happily married and has three children. She’s been writing since 1989, but she did lots of things before settling in to her writing career, including owning a singing telegram company and playing in a band. Her band days are over, but she still enjoys writing songs. Sheila’s books are best sellers and often appear as Reader’s Digest Condensed Books. Her novel “Angel Lane” was named one of Amazon’s top ten romances in 2009. Her novel “On Strike for Christmas” was a Lifetime Network movie and her novel “The Nine Lives of Christmas” is now a Hallmark movie, scheduled to air November 8th.

When she’s not speaking to women’s groups or at conferences or hanging out with her girlfriends she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

Visit Sheila Roberts Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Review:

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane contains two of my very favorite things a Christmas story in a small town. I have enjoyed each and every visit I have had to Icicle Falls. Sheila Roberts has created a wonderful small town with unique stores, fun holiday festivities, and great characters that quickly became new friends.

Tilda Morrison is a police officer in the small town of Icicle Falls. This lady is strong, independent, loves her job and has that soft side hidden under the rough and tough exterior. She doesn't think she wants anything to do with Devon Black even though he takes advantage of every opportunity that he can find to flirt with her.

Devon Black has that bad boy image of being a playboy who tends to get into trouble a lot. However under that bad boy image just might be a gentleman with a heart of gold that is just way too go to pass over. I really enjoyed watching this guy do his best to try to win over Tilda and maybe her heart too.

Maddy Donaldson is the Queen of Candy Cane Lady. Seriously this lady could give Mrs. Claus a run for her money in the Christmas cheer department. She wants everyone to have the best Christmas possible and to enjoy the festive neighborhood. However, her family is feeling a little left behind with all the Christmas Cheer. Ms. Roberts has done a great job of writing this family's story. She hits on some very real issues with teenage children and what the wrong influences can lead to.

Ivy Bohn is spending her first Christmas with her two young children after her resent divorce. Poor Ivy has her hands full with two little kids that miss their Daddy and really just don't under where Daddy has gone. She also runs the family business the Christmas Haus. Ivy is full of emotions and some are conflicting emotions. At first I would have gladly helped Ivy slap her husband for leaving her but he kind of grew on me as the story progressed. I won't tell you what happened. I'll let you read this great Christmas story to find out for yourself.

With all the different personalities, problems in their lives, and totally different situations the ladies of Christmas Cane Lane have all come together in this great story to share their lives with us this Christmas. I for one loved visiting Candy Cane Lane and I can't wait for my next visit to Icicle Falls.

I have found that each book in the Life in Icicle Falls series easily stands on it own. If you have read any of the previous books you might find a friend or two to catch up with. If this is your first visit to Icicle Falls you won't feel like you are missing any information that would decrease your pleasure of the story. Each visit to Icicle Falls is unique and doesn't leave you hanging. It may leave you anxious for your next visit though, I know it always does me.

Sheila Roberts has done a fabulous job with these characters. I experienced bouts of joy, moments of sadness, and a few over anxious moments for a few of them. Overall I would highly recommend this story to small town romance fans that also LOVE Christmas stories like me.

I can't wait to see what Sheila Roberts has in store for us lucky readers for the next story in Icicle Falls. I will be anxious to see what she comes up with next. I know it will be great.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Christmas on Candy Cane Lane.

You may find my reviews on more of Sheila Roberts work here.

Amazon Buy Link

Tour Schedule:

Monday, November 2

Interview at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, November 3

First Chapter Reveal at My Bookish Pleasures

Wednesday, November 4

Book Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Thursday, November 5

Book Review at A Chick Who Reads

Friday, November 6

Book Featured at What Is That Book About

Monday, November 9