Wicked With the Scoundrel by Elizabeth Bright – a Review

Wicked With the Scoundrel by Elizabeth Bright – a Review

 

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Description:
After ten years of adventure, Colin Smith, the bastard son of a viscount, returns to the place he most despises ––London. But only until he can sell off some of his treasures. He has no use for the stifling rules of the ton, but he’s more than happy to play the game if it gets him what he wants. Lady Claire, daughter of a marquess, is everything Colin loathes about the ton, but she is determined to win him over. Her life is a catalogue of dances and evening gowns, and thanks to an eidetic memory, she can remember every blasted, boring second of it. A treasure hunt for the Cleopatra Emerald promises adventure, but Claire wants more. If she can convince Colin Smith to take her with him as he travels the world, then she’ll have the life she’s always dreamed of. There’s just one problem, he doesn’t seem to like her much. But Lady Claire loves a good challenge and the intellectual beauty may be on her way to the grandest adventure of all.

 

 

Review:

England is not his home, at the age of sixteen Colin left it behind, he was the illegitimate son of a lord and a lady’s maid. So society had turned their nose up at him, so after seven years travelling Egypt and India, Colin comes back to sell some of his goods. 

Lady Claire wants out of England, she’s bored of the society life, she wants adventure, she has a memory that remembers EVERYTHING; she’s tired of being treated as “different” and after she meets a certain Mr Colin Smith, she’s fallen in love ? . She wants to travel the world and thinks he would be a great guide, but propriety dictates that she can’t travel on her own, and certainly not without a travel companion (and not a male) so she proposes a solution to Colin ….. 

Colin can’t believe his ears !!! A marriage proposal and to daughter to a Marquess no less !!! He thinks it’s all a nasty joke, but after  Claire explains it all (she needs a guide and to find a treasure, it will set the pair of them up for life)

And when he is approached by Claire’s father, he wants to take Claire on a fake adventure, and in return he will set Colin up for life in his business venture. Colin has to think logically (but her father says that he is to keep it “business” only) 

During the adventure Colin sees Claire as more than just than a soft debutante with a silly notion of adventure. He sees a young woman struggling to find her identity. He sees past her dowdy exterior, and sees instead a passionate and fun loving young woman, slowly Colin warms to her. 

Yes it’s the usual bastard meets debutante, she softens him and changes his outlook on life. But I liked this one, the adventure in Egypt was a little far fetched, but entertaining none the less; there were a few funny moments, the dance lesson was very funny. 

So does Claire get her happy ending ? Does Colin get past his bitterness, with his hate of high society ?  And more importantly, do they find the treasure ? Because if not, the outcome could wreck both they’re lives. 

Books in the series …..
Twice as Wicked 

Lady Gone Wicked 
Wicked with the Scoundrel 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy proved by Publisher

 

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The Reading Cafe 7th Anniversary Celebration-Sourcebooks Giveaway

The Reading Cafe 7th Anniversary Celebration -Today’s Prize Package from Sourcebooks

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

SOURCEBOOKS Publishing is graciously offering  2 paper/print prize packages for today’s giveaway

TWO (2) commenters will each receive ONE (1) prize package from SOURCEBOOKS Publishing

Package 1:

Crazy Cupid Love by Amanda Heger
The Whole Package by Marie Harte
Suddenly Mine by Samantha Chase
Caught Up in a Cowboy by Jennie Marts
Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin

Package 2:

Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet
Do Or Die Cowboy by June Faver
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear
Built to Last by Julie Ann Walker
Beyond Risk by Connie Mann

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The Reading Cafe 7th Anniversary -Today’s Prize Package with Lauren Smith

The Reading Cafe 7th Anniversary Celebration -Today’s Prize Package

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Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

Lauren Smith is graciously offering 3 signed paper/print books from her back list (US only) or 3 ebooks for International winner.

ONE (1) commenter will receive all 3 books from Lauren Smith

Click HERE to find Lauren Smith and more about her fabulous books and series.

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Kiss of the Fae (Forbidden Fae #3) by Carly Fall-Review and Anniversary Celebration Giveaway

Kiss of the Fae (Forbidden Fae #3) by Carly Fall-Review and Anniversary Celebration Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2019

Blood might be thicker than water, but it’s not thicker than the truth.

The vampires of Seattle are dying, and everyone believes Avery’s father is responsible. But when she finally agrees to help discover who is framing him, she’s confronted with a reality she doesn’t want to face.

When all clues lead back to her father as the murderer, Avery begins to question her unwavering faith in her father’s innocence. As the line between guilt and innocence blurs, Avery and Gabe are forced to face deception, betrayal and danger.

But is it worth risking their lives to save a killer?

•••••••••

REVIEW: KISS OF THE FAE is the third instalment in Carly Fall’s contemporary, adult FORBIDDEN FAE paranormal series. KISS OF THE FAE continues to focus on half-Fae Avery Dubois, and wolf-shifter Gabe Turneaux who now co-own and work together at Phantom Investigations, a small firm that investigates supernatural problems. KISS OF THE FAE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up shortly after the events of books two Blood of the Fae.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Avery and Gabe) KISS OF THE FAE follows Avery and Gabe as they are contacted by Avery’s father Preston to investigate the who and what behind a series of vampire deaths directly related to Avery’s father’s burgeoning Fae blood operation. With her father’s future and life on the line, Avery and Gabe begin collecting evidence from anyone ad everyone connected to her father’s business, a business that may not necessarily be following the rules.

KISS OF THE FAE is a story of betrayal and revenge; of specieism and discrimination; of friendship, secrets, dishonesty and hope. Avery’s father Preston has made many enemies during his lifetime, and with most of the supernatural species at war with one another, all indication points to vengeance and retribution but retribution against whom and what is the ultimate answer.

Carly Fall pulls the reader into a story of family secrets, lies and heart break. As Avery begins to fall for her wolf-shifter partner, the people in charge threaten any semblance of peace for our story line heroine.

The world building continues to focus on the building relationship and friendship between Gabe and Avery; the ongoing distrust and hatred between the supernatural species; and the fall-out of deceit and lies. The premise is engaging and fast paced; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is just beginning; the $ex scenes are mostly implied or fade to black.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Revenge of the Fae
Blood of the Fae
Kiss of the Fae

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Carly Fall is graciously offering a paper/print book (US only) and an ebook copy (International) of SIREN’S CURSE for today’s giveaway

ONE (1) commenter (US only) will receive a print copy of SIREN’S CURSE, and ONE (1) commenter (international) will receive an ebook copy from Carly Fall

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19. Giveaway runs until February 14-28, 2019

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Ensnared (Eternal Guardians / 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review Tour

Ensnared (Eternal Guardians / 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Laughton-Review Tour

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RYDER–Mysterious, powerful, every woman’s fantasy come true.

For thousands of years, Ryder has reveled in his role as an immortal messenger—a dream weaver sent to seduce and manipulate. Until he’s ordered to deceive a fantasy of his own.

Zakara, the daughter of one of the mightiest Eternal Guardians, is his perfect woman. But she’s impervious to Ryder’s advances. Each attempt to sway her to his will pushes him deeper into a dreamscape she seems to be controlling. To survive, Ryder will need to find a way to master his sexy new prey. Because if he can’t, he risks forever condemning himself and the woman he’s grown to love to a never-ending nightmare drawn straight from the twisted depths of hell.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ENSNARED is the latest novella in Elisabeth Naughton’s contemporary, adult ETERNAL GUARDIANS paranormal / fantasy, romance series based in Greek mythology, prophecy and history, as well as the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series.

The modern day heroes –the Argonauts-are descended from the Gods of Olympus whom fate has decreed the Eternal Guardians on Earth. This is the cosmic deity and dream weaver Ryder aka Morpheus (god of dreams), and Zakara aka Kara’s story line. ENSNARED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kara and Ryder) ENSNARED follows the building relationship between cosmic deity and dream weaver Ryder aka Morpheus, and Zakara aka Kara, daughter of Callia, and Argonaut father Zander. Zeus, the god-king has taken control of our hero Ryder, and in doing so demands Ryder seek out the descendants of the ancient goddesses the Horae (goddesses of the seasons). Ryder’s latest target is the daughter of Callia and the Argonaut warrior Zander, a target who has yet to come into her powers. As a dream walker Ryder infiltrates our heroine’s dreams only to realize there is more to Zakara than anyone could have imagined. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Ryder and Kara, and the potential fall-out as Zeus demands Ryder finish his assignment.

ENSNARED deviates from the previous story lines in that there is no mention of Zeus’ struggle to complete the Orb of Kronus a circular disk, designed by Prometheus, that holds all four elements, and the deity who is in possession of the Orb has the ability to start the war to end all wars. Zeus had previously stolen the Orb of Kronus from the Argoleans but the water element remains elusive, and Zeus suspects is has been hidden in Argolea, where the Olympians –and thusly Zeus- are unable to cross. Saying that, Ryder will be accepted by the Argonauts and thusly protected while living in Argolea.

The relationship between Ryder and Kara is one of immediate attraction perpetrated with a seduction and a lie. Zeus demands Ryder’s obedience but in doing so places Ryder together with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary characters include Zeus, Zeus’s Sirens, Callie and Zander, as well as a number of previous story line couples.

ENSNARED is a quick read; a story of power, control and love; a tale of vengeance and freedom. Once again, Elisabeth Naughton blends modern day with fantasy and mythology as the gods and goddesses of Olympus seek to win at all costs. The premise is inviting; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong and captivating.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Happily ever after wasn’t in his future. Reality and dreams—as he’d learned long ago—did not intermix. It was too dangerous. And he’d spent months successfully avoiding her, only to have Zeus send him straight to her now.
Only now that he was here, some part of him was thankful he no longer had to avoid her. He knew he should go on fighting the attraction but he didn’t want to. She was everything he’d been denying himself. Everything he craved. That connection he’d been missing for so damn long. For tonight, at least, he wanted to indulge in the one temptation he knew he could never truly have.
“I wondered when you’d return.”
She turned at the sound of his voice and lifted surprised eyes to his. Violet eyes. Mesmerizing eyes. Eyes that softened and warmed the instant they locked on his. “I was tied up all day with family stuff. This was the soonest I could get here.”
Damn, he didn’t remember those eyes being quite that brilliant.
“Thankfully, you’re here now.” He reached for her hand, silky soft skin sliding over his much rougher palm, and drew her toward him. Her lithe body brushed up against his without even the slightest hesitation.
“Where is here?” she asked, tipping her face up toward his, teasing him with her plump, pink lips beneath the softly swaying palms in the warm breeze.
“Right where we left off.”
He lowered his lips to hers with a kiss that sizzled along every one of his nerve endings and taunted his rock-solid self-control. But before he could deepen the kiss and tease her with the promise of a little pleasure, he registered that the water beneath his feet had turned cold, and the warm breeze that had once been ruffling his hair now left a shiver down his spine.
He drew back, lifted his head, and glanced around the beach, only to gasp at what he saw. No more palm trees, no more powder white sand, no gently lapping waves. The water was now still and black, the shore a mixture of rough sand and small round stones, and there was no more tropical foliage rising from the beach. Instead, steep, rigid mountains stood tall against a starry sky. Mountains covered in pine and fir and spruce and cottonwood.
“What in all the gods…” Still holding her hands, he turned to the left and looked back behind him, no longer seeing his bare footprints in the soft sand as they’d been moments before. Catching nothing but the dark rocky shoreline as it curved around what looked to be a small bay in a rather large lake.
“Something wrong?”
Her sweet voice drew him back around, and he looked down with wide eyes, shocked she didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned. “I…”
Words faltered on his lips. Had he altered the dream right there mid-kiss?

 

Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

Follow Elisabeth: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

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The Reading Cafe 7th Anniversary Celebration-Today’s Prize Package

The Reading Cafe 7th Anniversary Celebration -Today’s Prize Package

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

The Reading Cafe is offering a 3 paper/print ARC book prize package for today’s giveaway

ONE (1) commenter will receive all 3 ARC books from The Reading Café

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9. Giveaway runs until February 13-28, 2019

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Nice and Easy (Boys of the Big Easy #3) by Erin Nicholas-Review & Excerpt Tour

NICE AND EASY (Boys of the Big Easy #3) by Erin Nicholas-Review & Excerpt  tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 12, 2019

New Orleans firefighter, Caleb Moreau had to trade body shots and hot all-nighters for sippy cups and actual up-all-night fevers when his sister was killed, leaving his niece in his care. But two years in, he’s definitely got the hang of this fatherhood thing. Of course, he couldn’t do it without nanny-turned-friend and fellow single parent, Lexi. Because of her, things have always been pretty easy.

Getting pregnant and going it alone wasn’t in Lexi’s plans, but thanks to Caleb, she’s doing okay. He’s helped her out with everything from diapers to car repairs over the years. So, when she suddenly needs a place to live, of course Caleb steps up. After all, it’s only temporary. They’re just friends. It’s just a favor, like all the others.

But for now it really is, very, very nice.

••••••••

REVIEW: NICE AND EASY is the third instalment in Erin Nicholas’ contemporary, adult BOYS OF THE BIG EASY erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends, and their single parent support group. This is twenty-nine year old, New Orleans fire fighter and first responder Caleb Moreau, and twenty-two year old, ER nurse Lexi Scott’s story line. NICE AND EASY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: NICE AND EASY incorporates a few scenes of Domination and submission, as well as some light discipline including spanking.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lexi and Caleb) NICE AND EASY follows the friends to lovers relationship between twenty-nine year old, New Orleans fire fighter and first responder Caleb Moreau, and twenty-two year old, ER nurse Lexi Scott. Two and half years earlier Caleb Moreau became a single parent to Shay, when a car accident took the life of his sister and her husband. Six months later, having met single mother and ER nurse Lexi Scott, at the local single parents support group brought the much needed help and support for one another, support disguising the palpable sexual attraction between our leading couple. A drunk Lexi will make a pass at our story line hero, resulting in humiliation and embarrassment when Lexi believes Caleb feels nothing in return but a potentially homeless Lexi finds herself cohabitating with our story line hero bringing one another closer than ever before. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Caleb and Lexi, and the potential fall-out when misunderstanding and issues of trust force Lexi to re-evaluate the direction of their relationship.

Lexi Scott believes herself to be a burden upon our story line hero, unable to forge ahead on her own with assistance and help. Caleb Moreau struggles to become the father his four-year old niece needs, struggles that include Shay’s ongoing disabilities as a direct result of her parents’ accident. Over protective by nature, Caleb will overstep his need to control potentially pushing away the woman he loves.

The relationship between Caleb and Lexi is a friends to lovers romance wherein our couple support one-another as they co-parent and raise their children together. The palpable sexual attraction does not go unnoticed by family and friends, an attraction that reveals Lexi’s need to be submissive behind close doors. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and ‘helpful’ secondary and supporting characters who offer advise to our story line couple, including the suggestion of erotic, romance novels to aid in the adventures and playtime in the bedroom.

NICE AND EASY is a story of family, friendship, communication and love. The premise is sexy and captivating; the characters are sassy and energetic; the romance is seductive and intense but in all honesty, I am tiring of the D/s story lines. NICE AND EASY is a spicy, fun and spirited story perfect for the romantic in all of us.

Pick up EASY GOING .5 for FREE at Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple / Google Play

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Easy Going
Going Down Easy
Taking It Easy
Eggnog Makes Her Easy
Nice and Easy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy


NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ to due content and language.

 

Lexi could feel Caleb’s breath on her lips, and his bunched muscles under her palm were hot and hard. She stared at his mouth. He stared at hers. And she decided that if he wasn’t going to look at her breasts, looking at her mouth like he was starving and she was a grilled BLT—his favorite food in the world—was just fine with her.
Being compared, even in her own head, to a grilled BLT might not seem sexy, but in her mind, it so was. Caleb devoured those sandwiches. He’d do almost anything for one. He made sexy moaning sounds when he first tasted them. And he’d proclaimed that hers were the best he’d ever tasted. Yeah, put that way, along with the schnapps still coating her brain, it was strangely sexy.
“Caleb.”
She watched his pupils dilate and his jaw clench.
Her hand went to the front of his shirt and she bunched it in her fists, watching his eyes. He didn’t try to stop her. Then she tugged, urging him forward.
And he came, the hand next to her hip pressing into the mattress as she tipped her head to one side. Their lips touched. Softly. Briefly. But she felt it all the way to her bones. Heat, want, relief. She suddenly had to have more. She made a little almost-a-sob sound and licked her tongue along his lower lip.
“Lex.”
Her name was more of a groan than a word. It was the sexiest thing she’d ever heard.
“Caleb,”she breathed.
Then the next groan became the sexiest thing she’d ever heard. It was a combination of hunger and resignation, and she felt like he’d just set her nerve endings on fire.
Suddenly, Caleb’s hand came up to cup the back of her head, his fingers diving into her hair. And he took over.
His mouth opened over hers and his tongue stroked deep and hot. Every glide of his tongue felt as though he was running a finger over her clit. Some were firmer, some softer, some longer, some shorter, and her need ratcheted up with each one.
She ran her hands over his chest to his shoulders and up the sides of his neck, loving the hard muscles and the heat under her palms. Then she slid her hands down his sides to the bottom of his shirt. She slipped her hands underneath, moaning as she met hot, bare skin. He sucked in a quick breath and she smiled against his lips, loving having an effect on him.
And suddenly she was on her back and Caleb was moving over her. Her hands slid to his back, the muscles there bunching as he braced himself above her, still kissing her like it was his job. Instinctively, she slid her legs apart and he settled between them. The comforter was between them, but she felt him hard and hot and deliciously heavy against her. The feel of his cock pressed against her made her ache. She’d done that to him. She’d made him hard.
Hallelujah.


 

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

Website /  Newsletter  /  Goodreads  / Amazon /  Facebook /  Twitter  / Blog

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The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross – Review & Giveaway

The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
A luxuriously magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in seventeenth-century France–and told from the point of view of the Beast himself.

I am neither monster nor man—yet I am both.

I am the Beast.

He is a broken, wild thing, his heart’s nature exposed by his beastly form. Long ago cursed with a wretched existence, the Beast prowls the dusty hallways of his ruined château with only magical, unseen servants to keep him company—until a weary traveler disturbs his isolation.

Bewitched by the man’s dreams of his beautiful daughter, the Beast devises a plan to lure her to the château. There, Isabeau courageously exchanges her father’s life for her own and agrees to remain with the Beast for a year. But even as their time together weaves its own spell, the Beast finds winning Isabeau’s love is only the first impossible step in breaking free from the curse . . .

 

 

Review:

The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross is a standalone novel that is based on the classic novel Beauty and the Beast, but in the POV of the Beast.  I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this retelling of the original classic, but by a quarter of the book, I was hooked into reading about Beast’s inner feelings, struggles and loneliness. It was sad to see him in his hardened state, living in his dark world, and slowly changing as he meets Isabeau; developing a friendship and  eventually falling in love.

I really loved Isabeau, who was a courageous and wonderful heroine. Especially that she willingly agrees to live at Beast’s mansion for a year, in order to help her father.  She quickly got past her fear of Beast, and it was beautiful to see the changes between them both over time. 

What makes this story compelling and mesmerizing , is not only Beast and Isabeau, but the magic within the mansion that slowly changes from the darkness within, to be a magical enlighten house,  as the friendship and happiness begins to surround them; the unseen servants, the enchanted gardens, and the amazing magic mirror made this such charming and beautiful story.

I loved when Beast used the magic mirror to check up on Isabeau’s family and we learn about her sisters, and how they were doing without her. It was very well done and added a wonderful element to the story.

Beast realized in time, especially as his feelings for Isabeau grew, that perhaps if he can convince her to stay with him, maybe he can break the curse.  Of course, Isabeau, though caring for him, kept denying his request for love and marriage.  Besides her friendship, she felt she needed to return home to her family after a year; but Beast continued his quest, even if slim.

The Beast’s Heart was a pleasant and enchanting read that Leife Shallcross wrote so beautifully.  How she was able to give us a glimpse into Beast’s emotions, and bring them together was so well done.  If you enjoy the classic Beauty and the Beast, I suggest you read this book, as it was a wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

I write mostly fairy tales and dark fantasy, with the occasional bit of soft sci fi thrown in for good measure. Even when I’m not working on something specifically fairy-taleish, a lot of my work draws on my love of traditional tales and folklore.

To Learn more about Leife Shallcross, you can visit her at the following sites.

WebsiteFacebook:   Twitter:   Goodreads:

 

Leife Shallcross’ publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of THE BEAST’S HEART to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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.

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9. Giveaway runs from February 13 to 17, 2019

 

 

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