Monthly Archives: February 2014

Second Anniversary Celebration-Robin D. Owens prize package

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Second Anniversary Celebration-Robin D. Owens Prize Package

Anniversary Giveaway Banner

Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION giveaway prize package has been donated by the amazing Robin D. Owens. Robin is offering the following:

1. Three (3) commenters will each receive an ecopy of FERAL MAGIC.

2. One commenter will receive a pdf copy of Robin’s upcoming GHOST SEER (April 2014)

3. One commenter will receive a paper copy of HEART FORTUNE (Celtas Heart).

There will the five (5) winners

Follow: Facebook /Goodreads /Website / Twitter

Robin Owens prize package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

7. Giveaway runs from February 18 to February 28, 2014

Click HERE for all of our 2nd Anniversary Celebration Giveaways

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Carly Fall Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration:  Carly Fall Prize Package

Anniversary Giveaway Banner

Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package has been graciously donated by the fabulous Carly Fall. Carly is donating three (3) ecopies of FINDING MY FAITH (Six Saviors #2).

THE LIGHT WITHIN ME (Six Saviors #1) is FREE : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

There will be THREE (3) winners each receiving an ecopy of FINDING MY FAITH

Follow Carly: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Carly Fall Prize Package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

7. Giveaway runs from February 17 to February 28, 2014

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Jane Ashford Re-release Promotion and Giveaway

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Jane Ashford Re-release Promotion and Giveaway

Jane Ashford Banner

Celebrate historical romance author Jane Ashford is re-releasing many of her backlist titles with Sourcebooks Casablanca over the next few years. We are really looking forward to bringing back so many of Jane’s revered books in print!

Just this past Fall, we were proud to bring three of Jane Ashford’s beloved backlist titles are now back in print:

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Man of Honor

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Man of Honour
There’s only one man she’s afraid to fall in love with—her husband…

Eliot Crenshaw knew that it was his familial duty to marry a respectable lady. And when he’s stuck in an inn with Laura Lindley for three days— unchaperoned—he decides to do the honorable thing: save her reputation and marry her. He doesn’t believe in love anyway, and Laura’s a pretty, suitable choice for him. Laura, however, always pictured herself marrying for love, and is unsatisfied with her unconsummated marriage. When Eliot’s spurned mistress steps into the picture and tries to ruin Laura, will Eliot realize how much he loves her before it’s too late?

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Three GracesThe Three Graces
When It Comes to the Game of Love…

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Finding themselves suddenly impoverished and alone in the world, the three Hartington sisters must rely on their wits, charm, and unique talents to support themselves. Forced to go their separate ways, each of these enchanting sisters is brought to a dead end by the perplexing ways of men and the inequity of fate.

Three Heads are Better than One…
Then each receives a letter that changes everything…and if the sisters are going to overcome the obstacles to love, they’re going to require some astonishingly creative solutions…

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The Marriage Wager

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

The Marriage Wager
In this Regency favorite from Jane Ashford, a troubled war hero is dealt an unexpected hand…

When Emma Tarrant enters a gambling house to find her brother losing to a gamester, she follows the strange man home and attempts to settle the score. Colin Wareham is intrigued by Emma’s offer, and when he wins the first hand, he suggests another game. Should he prevail, Emma would be his prize. But as he’s collecting his winnings, Emma’s father storms in and demands a marriage. Though forced together, Emma and Colin’s passion begins to grow… until a sinister man from Emma’s past emerges to raise the stakes.

 

Sourcebooks is giving away a prize pack of all three of these backlist titles! To enter, leave a comment telling us if you’ve ever read a Jane Ashford book and which is your favorite. If Jane is new to you, tell us which of the three books mentioned above you’re the most interested in reading. A random winner will be chosen to receive a prize pack of ALL THREE titles (US and Canada only please).

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Jane Ashford also has a BRAND NEW book coming out in March 2014:

THE BRIDE INSISTS

To Preorder The Bride Insists:

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository/ Books a Million / Indie Bound/ iBooks

Click HERE for our review of THE BRIDE INSISTS by Jane Ashford

The Bride InsistsSparks fly in this sexy, fast-paced Regency romance by acclaimed, bestselling author Jane Ashford

When governess Clare Greenough learns she’s inherited a fortune, the good news comes with a catch: it will be held by her cousin until Clare can find a husband. To stave off ruin, Jamie Boleigh, the seventh Baron of Trehearth, agrees to marry Clare under the condition that she controls the money, a provision he hopes to overturn. Their passionate relationship becomes a battle of wills. When the cousin tricks Jamie into betraying his wife, he’ll have to prove the truth or lose her forever.

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About the Author

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads /Facebook
JaneAshfordJane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was captivated by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. That delight was part of what led her to study English literature and travel widely in Britain and Europe. She has written historical and contemporary romances, and her books have been published in Sweden, Italy, England, Denmark, France, Russia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Spain, as well as the U.S. Jane has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews. Born in Ohio, she now lives in LA. Find Jane Ashford on the web at www.janeashford.com and on Facebook.

 

giveaway

Sourcebooks is giving away a prize pack of all three (3) of these backlist titles to ONE lucky commenter!  A random winner will be chosen to receive a prize pack of ALL THREE titles (US and Canada only please).

Jane Ashford giveaway

1.  Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3.  To enter, leave a comment telling us if you’ve ever read a Jane Ashford book and which is your favorite. If Jane is new to you, tell us which of the three books mentioned above you’re the most interested in reading.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5.  Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only.

6.  Giveaway runs from February 17 to February 22, 2014

 

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The Bride Insists by Jane Ashford-a review

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The Bride Insists by Jane Ashford-a review

The Bride Insists

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 4, 2014

When governess Clare Greenough learns she’s inherited a fortune, the good news comes with a catch: it will be held by her cousin until Clare can find a husband.

To stave off ruin, Jamie Boleigh, the seventh Baron of Trehearth, agrees to marry Clare under the condition that she keeps the money, a provision he hopes to overturn. Their passionate relationship becomes a battle of wills.

When the cousin tricks Jamie into betraying his wife, he’ll have to prove the truth or lose her forever.

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Before writing this review, I have to say that I am confused why this author receives lower ratings for her historical romance novels. This is the second book I have read by Jane Ashford, and I happen to really enjoy not just her writing style, but her capacity to create a realistic couple in a historical setting. Jane Ashford writes more of a conservative historical romance (no bodice ripping here), and while I love me some bodice ripping, I find this sweeter more flowery style quite refreshing. I truly fell in love with the characters of this story and appreciated all the quirks and traits that make them so special. So if you pass by this author because of lower ratings else where, you are going to miss out on a great story.

On with the actual review now … LOL

The Bride Insists by Jane Ashford is a sweet historical romance that centres around a man and a woman bringing more wealth (and not just the cha-ching variety) to each others lives. Clare Greenough is a bored governess, just living her life day to day with no future really planned. Wake up, deal with spoiled brats, go to bed. Day in, day out! When she learns that she has come into a large inheritance, her life changes. She quits her governess position, hires herself a companion named Selina (an motherly older lady) and sets out to “husband seek” in a most unconventional way for the times. Clare requires a husband to free her from the clutches of a real jerk of a cousin who has control over her inheritance until she marries, but also a husband that will agree to allow her to maintain her own finances (unheard of during this time).

Jamie Boleigh is the seventh Baron of Trehearth and in the midst of utter ruin. He lost his parents at a young age, inherited a title and an estate that was in absolute dire straits and became a father figure to his baby twin sisters. Unable to procure funds to save his estate and the village, he resigns to the idea of bankruptcy. Enter Clare, and suddenly things begin to turn around. Jamie signs the paperwork stating that Clare may have financial control, but believes that with time she will relinquish control to Jamie. OH BOY!

While the estate is being turned around, Jamie is quite captivated by his bride, and soon passion of the marital kind engulfs them. Clare also has taken his twin sisters who have become quite the hooligans while neglected by their older brother, in hand. However, Clare insists that Jamie honour the contract and allow her to control her finances. Well feeling rather “unmanned” this soon enough becomes a problem between them.

Through all this, we have a secondary couple in the making, and a two young ladies that made me chuckle and laugh throughout this story. This book flowed naturally from one page into another and I was captivated and eager to find out what would happen next! So again, a sweet historical romance that one can enjoy over a hot cup of happy and a warm blanket! Most assuredly a warm and fuzzy read!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Sandy James Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Sandy James Prize Package

Anniversary Giveaway Banner

Today’s second SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package giveaway has been graciously donated by the amazing Sandy James. Sandy is offering an ecopy of SAVING GRACE and an ecopy of THE BOTTOM LINE (May 2014) to one (1) lucky commenter.

There will be ONE (1) winner.

Follow Sandy at :  Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Sandy James prize package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

7. Giveaway runs from February 16 to February 28, 2014

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Second Anniversary Celebration-Melissa Foster Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration-Melissa Foster Prize Package

Anniversary Giveaway Banner

Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package has been generously donated by the amazing Melissa Foster. Melissa is offering an ecopy of SISTERS IN BLOOM and SISTERS IN LOVE (Books 1-2 Snow Sisters) and an ecopy of LOVERS AT HEART and DESTINED FOR LOVE (Books 1-2 The Bradens). One (1) winner will receive books 1 and 2 from the Snow Sisters Series and one (1) winner will receive books 1 and 2 from The Bradens Series.

There will be two (2) winners.

Click HERE for a link to Melissa’s website.

FOLLOW: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook / Twitter
Melissa Foster Prize Package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. If you have a preference to which prize package, please let us know-e.g. Snow Sisters Series or The Bradens Series

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

8. Giveaway runs from February 16 to February 28, 2014

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Sea of Love-Bursting with Love by Melissa Foster – Reviews

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Sea of Love- Bursting with Love by Melissa Foster – Reviews

Description of Love in Bloom series:
Love in Bloom is a contemporary romance series following several families. Characters from each series cross over to the next series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone novel or for more reading enjoyment, read the Love in Bloom books in series order.

If you have been following my reviews on this series, you will know the families that make up the series: The Snow Sisters, The Bradens, and soon The Remingtons.  Below are two more reviews of this fabulous series.  Melissa is also participating in our Anniversary Celebration, giving you a chance to win the first two copies of The Snow Sisters and The Bradens.  Don’t miss this wonderful giveaway.

 

Sea of Love
The Bradens – Book #4
Love in Bloom series – Book # 7
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: December, 2013

Sea of Love

Links to order Sea of Love: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo/ The Book Depository



Review:
Sea of Love by Melissa Foster is the 7th book in her Love in Bloom series, and the 4th for The Bradens.  This series is so much fun, and very steamy, with a fantastic family to enjoy.  I love starting a new book in this series, wondering if Melissa can keep it up, and continue to get us hooked into another Braden brother.  I am happy to say Melissa has created another wonderful romance that sizzles from the start.

Sea of Love belongs to Dane Braden and Lacy Snow, whom we met in Sisters in White.  15 months have passed since Danica and Kaylie’s weddings, and when Lacy became attracted to Dane.  They have not seen each other in this period, but they texted each other every day. 

Finally at Treat and Max’s wedding, Dane and Lacy finally come face to face and what follows is hot hot, steamy affair, making up for their lost 15 months.  Both know pretty quickly that they have strong feelings for each other, but Dane has always been a womanizer and Lacy is working hard to get a big promotion on her job.  Needless to say this and other issues keep this relationship on the brink, even though they are so great together.  A major stumbling block is Lacy’s fear of sharks, since as a child she was hurt and bears a scar.  Of course, Dane is a Shark tagger, which is his life blood, as he runs the Brave Foundation that works to save sharks, and he is always traveling.

Despite these things, they are very much in love, and just when you think they will finally get past their issues, something else happens to put another kink in their relationship.

What I loved about this book was that we got to spend a lot of time with Danica and Kaylie Snow again, and it was fun to see the three sisters together helping one another.  We know the Bradens are always there for each other, so it was nice to see more of the Snow sisters.  Do Dane and Lacy get past their issues and cement their relationship?  You need to read this book to find out.  Melissa Foster once again has given us another wonderful steamy contemporary romance at its best, with a fabulous couple. I am though, very very excited that Savannah Braden will have her story next in Bursting with Love.

 Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author


 

 Bursting With Love
The Bradens – Book #5
Love in Bloom series – Book # 8
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: January, 2014Bursting-with-Love

Links to order Bursting With Love:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Review:
Bursting With Love by Melissa Foster is the 5th book of her fabulous Bradens; and the 8th book of her Love in Bloom series,(The Snow Sisters and The Bradens). The next family for this series will be the Remingtons. 

Bursting with Love belongs to Samantha Braden, whom I have been waiting to read her story.  The Braden brothers are all hot, and the women in their lives are also beautiful and hot.  Samantha is the lone female in the Braden family, and she is gorgeous, tough, smart. loyal; as well as being very much loved by her family and friends.  But Samantha has been unlucky in love; while she sees her brothers all find the loves of their lives.  The story starts when Samantha having just broken up with her cheating boyfriend; she decides to leave everything behind to go away on a survival retreat in the mountains, getting away from everyone. 

Here we meet our hero, Jack Remington; our first introduction to the upcoming Remington family. Jack is the guide who takes people to the mountains and teaches them how to survive in the wilderness; he is good at what he does, but very tough, moody and distant.  Samantha finds herself thinking of him as an a**, since he comes across as angry most of the time, especially to her. 

It doesn’t take long for Samantha to find out that Jack suffered a tragedy two years ago, losing his wife, and has been hiding as a recluse in the mountains since.  She begins to see a softer side of Jack, when he gently teaches a young boy, who is on this trip with his family.  Jack finds himself attracted to the hot Samantha, and despite his desperate attempt to avoid her, but their attraction to each other is too volatile to stop.  What follows is a wonderful emotional story of finding ones self, forgiveness, and opening your heart to love again.

It was so beautiful to watch both of them fall in love, but mostly watching Jack’s broken heart mending slowly, and the dark man we met at the start becomes such a great and wonderful hero. Jack Remington was perfect for Samantha, and she for him.  Their relationship turned hot and steamy, as well as a sweet and beautiful romance. 

Samantha, who always has the support of her family, helps Jack open himself to her love, and begin his redemption of blaming himself for his wife’s death, and rejoining his family that he abandoned two year before.  I loved this story, as it was totally different in many ways (not the hot factor), then the other books.  This was the first that had no issues for the couple, just a man with a broken heart who needed the love of woman to heal him, and bring him back home.

It was such a beautiful and emotional story, as we watch Jack visit his family, as well as his wife’s family.  His love of his family, and the ensuing forgiveness was very emotional.   Jack Remington was such a great hero, and once he allowed himself to open his heart, he fell hard for Samantha, and what a hero he turned out to be.  His love for her was awesome, and it was so great when he meets her family.  I loved every moment.

The Bradens have one more book to go, as Hugh is next.  Then come the Remingtons.  I loved seeing all the Bradens & the Snow Sisters in this story, as it feels like I am part of this wonderful family.

Melissa Foster has a sensational series, which if you have not started, you are missing a gem.   Melissa has become the go to for me, when I want to read something to enjoy and relax; when you perhaps need a break from a paranormal or dark story.  Thank you, Melissa Foster for this fabulous series

Love in Bloom series order:

SNOW SISTERS
Sisters in Love (Danica & Blake)
Sisters in Bloom (Kaylie & Chaz)
Sisters in White ( Double Wedding and meet Lacy)

THE BRADENS
Lovers at Heart (Treat & Max)
Destined for Love (Rex & Jade)
Friendship on Fire (Josh & Riley)
Sea of Love (Dane & Lacy)
Bursting with Love (Savannah & Jack Remington)
Hearts at Play (Hugh & Bree) 

THE REMINGTONS (coming soon)
Game of Love (Dex)
Stroke of Love (Sage)
Flames of Love (Siena)
Slope of Love (Rush)
Read, Write, Love (Kurt)

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Seal’s Honor (Take No Prisoners #1) by Elle James-a review

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Seal’s Honor (Take No Prisoners #1) by Elle James-a review


Seal's honor

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 9, 2014

SEAL Reed Tucker doesn’t believe in commitment, until he tangles the sheets with one hot pilot, Delaney O’Connell. His phobia against commitment is challenged when his best friend asks Delaney to marry him first. As a helicopter pilot for the 160th Night Stalkers, Delaney knows the risks of loving a SEAL. When her lover’s friend loses an arm in battle, she can’t refuse his marriage proposal when he’s already lost so much. In love with one man, pledged to marry another, she’s torn. Tuck and Delaney must come to grips with the happiness they owe themselves and the happiness of their friend who has lost so much.

REVIEW: SEAL’S HONOR is the first instalment in Elle James’s contemporary, adult, romance series focusing on an elite group of military men and women. This is Tucker and Delaney’s story-a story of forbidden love during an Afghanistan mission that ends in death and disaster.

Seal’s Honor is also about a friendship between two navy SEALs who have both fallen hard for the same woman but a woman who has fallen hard for only one man. Our trio -Tucker, Delaney and Reaper are friends who have shared long nights of pizza, beer and movies but it is Tucker and Delaney who have shared so much more. When Reaper surprises Delaney with a proposal of marriage, Tucker refuses to admit that his feelings for Delaney go much deeper than friendship but to that of love. Knowing that Delaney doesn’t feel the same way about Reaper, Tucker sets about trying to convince the would-be couple that neither is right for the other-but when a mission in the Middle East leaves Reaper and Delaney wounded, Tucker throws himself into a war that he knows he cannot win.

SEAL’S HONOR is a novella that introduces many of Tucker’s fellow SEALs and friends. The reader is pulled into an emotional storyline about two people who love one another but have issues with commitment and long term relationships. This is also a story where a lack of communication has affected a friendship between three people who love one another but a love that is different for each other. When friendship turns to love, there is always someone sitting on the outside looking in. Elle James has written a story of friendship and love against a backdrop of trauma and loss. To find one’s soul mate in a world at war with itself says something about the human spirit and the fight to go on.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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