Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Book Blitz: The Battle for Vale by Erin D. Andrews

The Battle For Vale
By Erin D. Andrews
Blurb:
After the long, fiery war had raged and King Osiris of Avalon took the seven realms, the once rich green lands now sat as nothing more than ash and cinder. Osiris and his commander, Holland, have reached a precipice where they must decide to chase their thirst for revenge, or stay sitting in the fires of the Cinder Territories. Princess Leonetta, once the future Queen of Avalon, has fled, leaving Osiris and her love behind in search of the great Kingdom of the Vale.
The fae, Leonetta’s heritage, are a peaceful and serene species and sit under the rule of the great King Anthurium, his wife Queen Seville, and their beautiful daughter, Asphodul. As the seas begin to drift the remnants of a bloody war to the Vale’s shores and the storms push across the magical realms in the east, the war begins to churn.
Will Osiris’ anger drive the fae from their beautiful lands and leave Leonetta in the hands of the gods, or will magic prevail?"
Available on Amazon!

Snippet #1
"The crashing sound of a whip against the skin echoed through the garden of Avalon. King Osiris, in his constant anger over the treasonous betrayal of his daughter, plucked his people from the streets one at a time and questioned them about her whereabouts. He was sure she had been the one who took the people from the outlying realms before the attacks and therefore assumed those left behind knew something. However, whether due to their loyalty to the princess or their lack of real intel, one by one they fell to the punishment of the Whip.
Holland stood out on the balcony of the throne room, tired of watching the bloody mist fly from the backs of innocent people. He didn’t seem to care anymore for the favor of the king, but he knew if he turned his back now he was as good as dead. With Leonetta flying off, taking most of the kingdom with her, a dark cloud had fallen over the Cinder Territories, even darker than the wars. The king had just returned from the ports where he discovered that the ships were left tied to the docks, holes punched into the bottoms of them. By the time the army had gotten there, all that was left was half sunken ships and burning tinder."

Snippet #2
"Leonetta ran her hands over the cold stone arms of the throne. Her thoughts lingered on her father’s memorial just hours before. It was the first fae funeral she had ever attended, and it was much different than those in Avalon. The fae body, when ready, didn’t get lowered into a darkened pit and covered with dirt. Instead, a chanting commenced and the body dissolved, the king’s magic flowing outward and into the sky. The area where the physical body was left in dust lit up in vibrant colors on its own. The fae in attendance then began singing melodies in the old fae language. The chorus of voices floated down the walls and into the streets of Athanasia where the people of Vale stood with lit candles. As the melody pierced their ears, they began to sing as well until the choir of the Vale could surely be heard across the realms."

Snippet #3
"Even in the bright morning sun, the wisps of magical spells could be seen across the gorge in a field laid for training. Queen Seville emerged from her chambers and stepped out on the balcony, stretching her eyes high into the air. Her days of mourning were over, and she would spend the morning being briefed on the events that occurred while she was away. Then, as the sun begins its decent toward the horizon, the Mourning Gala would commence. Though her heart was not complete, Seville was looking forward to laughter and music, something her king had always loved.
Seville turned and entered back into her room and stood, watching the workers open drapes, extinguish insense, and allow life back into her world. The door to the castle was open, and Seville looked up at the Faith standing in the chamber opening. He bowed deeply and reached his hand out to her. A warm feeling filled her, knowing she was no longer alone in her solace and could see the bright faces of her daughters."
Author Bio:
Born in Los Angeles, but now a native of beautiful New York, I love spending her days writing in Central Park. Growing up, I was always a fan of paranormal and fantasy books. From dragon shifters to fae, I was obsessed with creating detailed and expansive worlds.
Having spent my entire career as a chief editor for a popular fashion magazine, I finally mustered up the courage to start publishing my own books. I hope to use my words to suck you out of reality and take you on magical journeys!

Social Media:

Monday, 26 June 2017

Review: First Kiss, on the House by Judi Lynn


An infusion of romance is in the mix in the lush and charming town of Mill Pond, Indiana, where anything-and everything-can happen. As a schoolteacher, Miriam is used to being the one in charge. A born leader with a whip-smart sensibility and a pair of legs that can't be beat, she is adored by many but has never found her one true love. For the most part, that's fine: she has a fulfilling career, a big-hearted family, and a great social life with her best friend Daphne and her better half, Chef Tyne. But when a micro-brewery owner comes to Mill Pond in search of a new beginning, Miriam can't help but wonder whether fate has something else in store for her. . .

Joel is a single father whose divorce left him bruised, bitter, and solely focused on running his business. He doesn't have time to go out on dates, much less begin a new relationship. But when he meets Miriam, he's offered a glimpse into a life he never thought possible. Her warmth and wit are an alluring combination-and she hits it off with his daughter, too. Soon Joel finds himself fantasizing about spending a lifetime of "happy hours" with Miriam. But are each of these strong-willed singletons willing to give up their independence and give love a chance? All it takes is just one kiss to find out . .

Paperback
Expected publication: June 27th 2017 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!  It will be released later this month.

This is the fourth story in a series.  I somehow missed the first and the third while reading the second.  That's ok, it is not required to read the other stories to enjoy this one.  While it would provide a little bit of background on the secondary characters, they are not the focus in this story so it does not impact.

What I liked about this story is that the characters were average looking.  They were not portrayed as the epitome of beauty as some of the previous characters in the last book I read.  This made them more relatable to the average "Joe" and could be appealing to those who get sick of people being portrayed as perfection.

While there are no real surprises found within the pages of this story, it was an entertaining read.  It was relatively "clean" for this genre although there is sexy time to be found within it.  For those who don't need the graphic details in their reads, this may be a good choice.

Altogether a good read.



About the Author


Saturday, 24 June 2017

Review: Blue Hollow Falls (Blue Hollow Falls #1) by Donna Kauffman


From her free-spirited mother, Sunny Goodwin learned the value of peace, love, and Jerry Garcia. The inheritance from the father she never knew? That’s a little more complicated...

Sunny never expected to find herself owning a centuries old silk mill in the shadow of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains . . . or becoming a half-sister to a ten-year-old named Bailey. Once the shock subsides, she plans to cash in and head back home. But the overgrown greenhouse she finds on the property calls out to the gardener in her, and she senses Bailey’s need for nurturing too...

And someone else is making it hard for Sunny to leave: Sawyer Hartwell, an Iraq War hero who wants to make the old mill a creative hub for the artisans of Blue Hollow Falls . . . and wants Sunny to share his vision, and his life. But sexy as this ex-soldier may be, she’s not sure she’s ready to give love a chance...


Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Expected publication: June 27th 2017 by Zebra


Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!  The expected release is June 27th, 2017.

I will start by saying I really enjoyed this book however I am having difficulty putting in to words the reason why so this review may be a little short.  If I really have to choose something to say is that you could tell that this was the beginning of a series.  Kauffman took the time to lay the backdrop of the town and its people so that there will be numerous possibilities for the direction of the future installments.  I really liked the fact that she did this as opposed to just focusing on the romance aspect so that the reader becomes invested in what is to come.  my imagination is taking me to so many potential storylines that could lie ahead and makes me want to continue on with the series.

So without further ado, I will say I recommend this story to those who enjoy romance, small town life and complex family dynamics.  This story will appeal to a wide range of people.  I am glad I discovered this series at the beginning so I have something to look forward to in the future.


About the Author


USA Today bestselling author of the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia, where she is presently applying her crafty DIY skills to decorating her new mountainside abode. Well, when she isn’t busy trying to keep the bears from hanging out in her flower and vegetable garden all day and night! With her new Brides of Blueberry Cove series, Donna’s been having a blast applying those same restoration and design skills to doing some fictional wedding planning. Of course, if that means haunting all those lovely antique shops and flea markets that are so plentiful in her new neck of the woods, well, it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. When she’s not finding ways to take her love of all things rustic and vintage and give them a fabulous seaside, coastal Maine wedding party twist, she loves to hear from readers!



Thursday, 22 June 2017

Book Blitz & Giveaway: A Life No Less Than Perfect by Angela K Parker

A Life No Less Than Perfect
By Angela K Parker
Blurb:
The lone survivor of a tragic car accident, Elona has since been a recluse, with the exception of her parents.  Though her memory is fogged, she is finally in a place where she can begin to piece together her life again.  She felt that moving miles away from home would help her do that.  She thought she was prepared for anything...until she met him.
Michael is a young man with a rough past, a past that’s left him pained and broken.  He shoulders the guilt of his former circumstances.  He’s accepted that he will never find someone deserving.  Then he lays eyes on her and his whole life suddenly changes.
Will Elona be able to love, after she’s lost so much?
Can Michael move past the pain enshrouding him?
To get through tragedy they must feel the pain, but getting through the pain will be tragic.

Now Available on Amazon!

 Snippet #1:
I place my hands flat on the table.  I lean forward and look into her eyes so she can feel the effects of what I’m about to say.  “I assure you El, I am not going anywhere unless you are by my side.” I stress the next couple words.  “I have never been as intrigued by anyone as I am by you.”  I ease back into the booth.  “So, I’ll ask you the same question.  Are you planning on sticking around?”

Snippet #2:
Growing up everyone has a dream and expectations.  Most know what they want to be, what they want to have and what type of person they want to be with.  Once upon a time, I thought I knew those things too.  Turns out, what we think we want and our reality are two totally different things.  What we expect and what actually happens are rarely ever the same thing.  So here goes...this is my story, or at least what I can remember…..

Snippet #3:
“I love the way you say my name El.  I hope I’m not being too forward, but I have to tell you that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.  Since the first moment I laid eyes on you, I could hardly think of anything else.  I tried to grill Jess about you last night, but she wasn’t giving anything away.  She told me to ask you myself.”  He laughed.  His laugh, it was like a summer breeze.  I instantly knew that I would want to hear more of it and I would do whatever it took to get it out of him.  I wanted to be the one to make him laugh.  We start to walk.  “So here we are.  I’ll start with an easy question.  Where are you from El?”

About The Author:
Angela K. Parker is a country girl with a big heart.  She grew up in Greeleyville, SC where she graduated from C.E. Murray High School.  She received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance from Limestone College in Gaffney, SC.  Her passions include reading, writing, music and she loves spending time with her family.  When she’s not engaged in any of the above, she’s knitting or catching up on the latest movies.  She’s always had a very active imagination.  Now she’s putting it to good use.
Connect With The Author:
Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/cI3h6H
Email: angelaparkerauthor@gmail.com

Wednesday, 21 June 2017

Book Blitz: Blood LAws by Lexi C. Foss

Blood Laws
By Lexi C. Foss
Blurb
The lines between illusion and reality blur as a dark romance brews between two unlikely soulmates…
Stas isn’t your average human. She can bend others to her will, a psychic talent she’s kept hidden since the brutal murder of her parents.
Issac isn’t human at all. He’s an immortal masquerading as one of New York City’s most eligible bachelors while secretly seeking revenge against a former ally.
A fateful meeting ends in a seductive proposition. As their lives intertwine, secrets are exposed and passion ignites. It’s a bond built to last a lifetime, if they’re willing to risk everything to protect it.
Available Now!

Excerpt One:
“I’m curious. How old were you when you realized you could bend others to your will?”
She forced herself to reply. “What?”
“Oh come now, Astasiya, feigning ignorance doesn’t suit you. Order me to do something instead. I dare you.”
A violent tremor shook her, rendering her speechless. For years she had kept a lid on her abilities, playing it off whenever the occasional demand slipped. It was easy to laugh off coincidences with normal people, but there was nothing normal about this man. He would see right through any charade she threw up as was evident by his blatant dare.
“I thought it might be coincidence with the hysterical woman.” He pushed off the wall, his steps casual as he sauntered towards her. “Persuasion is a very rare gift, after all.” He stopped just in front of her to tuck a stray blonde strand behind her ear. “But that reporter was all you.”
She forced herself to swallow, mouth dry. “How long have you been watching me?”
“Long enough.” His intimate gaze stroked over her, touching on all the places that could make a woman squirm. “It’s customary for one in my position to kill you on sight. Fortunately for you, darling, I’m not an admirer of our archaic laws.”
Excerpt Two:
His little complication was playing with fire. He welcomed the challenge and the change in air between them. It was starting to feel a little melancholy during their walk down memory lane. Now they were back on track. “Are you trying to deal with me, Miss Davenport?”
Fierce green eyes met his, provoking all manner of inappropriate thoughts. Like what they would look like in the throes of passion. “No, I’m giving you my terms.”
He nearly laughed. No woman ever gave him terms for a date. 
“I will give you two answers.” He tucked a soft strand behind her ear and let his fingers drift down her neck. “And I will consider defining Ichorian more clearly for you.” By showing, not telling.
She licked her lips and shook her head. “Three answers and you define Ichorian now.”
He moved into her personal space, gripping her hip with one hand to hold her in place when she tried to move away. Their foolish conversation had already gone on longer than he intended. “We leave at seven.” He bent so their mouths were a hairsbreadth apart. “And I will only answer your three questions after the gala, not before or during.”
Excerpt Three:
“What are you doing here, Astasiya?”
She tried to turn to face him, but he held her in place. He wouldn’t hurt her. She was sure of it. But he sounded furious.
“Answer me.”
Right. Time to improvise. “Well, most people come to clubs to dance.” Even as she said it, she knew it was an absurd excuse. She was here looking for him and he knew it.
“I don’t see you dancing.”
“That’s because I’m being manhandled.” Asshole.
“This is not a game.” The low rumble in his voice made her squirm. That tone was meant for the bedroom. It required compliance and submission, and at the same time seduced. A man of his experience would know what he wanted and how he wanted it. He would be nothing like her previous experiences.
He bit her ear to bring her back to the present. What would that mouth feel like on other parts of her body? He seemed to enjoy nibbling. Her nipples tightened at the prospect of him focusing his attentions there. “Who told you to come here?”
“Why do you care?” Her voice was a little higher than she intended. He evoked a response from her unlike any other. Not that her limited experiences was much of a comparison.
“Because whoever sent you here was trying to get you killed.” 

Author Bio
Lexi C. Foss is a writer lost in the IT world. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their furry children. When not writing, she’s busy crossing items off her travel bucket list. Many of the places she’s visited can be seen in her writing, including the mythical world of Hydria which is based on Hydra in the Greek islands. She’s quirky, consumes way too much coffee, and loves to swim. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit her website at www.LexiCFoss.com.
Social Media Links

Book Blitz: End Game by Lisa Swallow

End Game: A Gamer Romance
by Lisa Swallow
Blurb
He’s my knight in shining armour, but not the romantic kind a girl dreams about. This one invaded my online world and threw everything into chaos.
My sorcerer can kick his ass in the game, but real life kicks mine. Gaining experience points online is easier than in reality, and when I play, I know where my quests lead. In the real world, the storylines confuse me, and I don’t know which direction I’m heading in.
In the game, I’m in control.
Or I was until he arrived.
This guy never shares anything about himself, and I only know him as 'Thorsday'. My Aussie gaming nemesis can't be a blond haired, blue-eyed god in reality.
Can he?
There’s something about this enigmatic man that intrigues me, and the more we play together, the bigger my desire to meet him. And I know he feels the same.
The problem is, if I allow my game world to merge with reality, I could die standing in the fire.
Romance meets LitRPG in this romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author, Lisa Swallow. If you think geek heroes can't be hot... think again!
Available on Amazon!
Only $0.99! Release Price!
Author Bio:
Lisa is an Amazon bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001. She now lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband, three children, and Weimaraner, Tilly, who often makes appearances on Lisa’s social media.
Lisa’s first publication was a moving poem about the rain, followed by a suspenseful story about shoes. Following these successes at nine years old there was a long gap in her writing career, until she published her first book in 2013.
Lisa studied English at the University of Leeds and has worked as an English teacher in France, as an advertising copywriter in England, and ran her own business in Australia.
She lived in Europe as a child and also travelled when she left university where she found inspiration for some of her book locations. These days, Lisa is happy in her writing cave under Tilly’s supervision.
Author Links:
(Love Kissed Tours is not responsible for this giveaway)