Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

The Reading Cafe 11th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway Winners

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The Reading Cafe 11th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway Winners

The Reading Cafe 11th Anniversary Celebration Winners

All of us at The Reading Cafe want to take this time to thank everyone for helping celebrate our eleventh full year on the web. The month long Anniversary Celebration is now over, and the winners selected and notified. We have been amazed at how close our small community truly is and have enjoyed being able to offer such great giveaways to all of our members.

2022 was a troubling year for many, and also a year of new beginnings. Some of us lost family and friends, and many continue to struggle in their daily lives. 

We want to thank all of the publishers  who have graciously donated the wonderful prize packages.

We have been blessed to have been able to meet many wonderful people along the way, as well as to read so many fantastic books from new and established authors, post interviews and offer giveaways from the publishers and authors.

From Barb, Sandy and all of our contributors, we THANK YOU for being a part of The Reading Cafe. As we head into our twelfth year, we hope to see you and invite you back to participate in all of our promotions and giveaways. We love introducing new authors to old friends.

The Reading Cafe Team-Sandy, Barb, Vickie, Julie B,  Marcie, Erin, and  Sarah 

••••••••••••

NOTE: ALL of the winners have been notified, and have responded.

FOREVER PUBLISHING

DREAMING OF A HEART LAKE CHRISTMAS by Sarah Robinson
WISHING ON A COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Sara Richardson
LUNAR LOVE by Lauren Kung Jessen
THE HOUSE ON MULBERRY STREET by Jeannie Chin
THE GODPARENT TRAP by Rachel Van Dyken
JUST THE TWO OF US by Jo Wilde
THE DATING PLAYBOOK by Farrah Rochon
THE GOOD LUCK CAFE by Annie Raines
SUMMER AT HOPE HAVEN by Kristin Harper
A THOUSAND MILES TO GRACELAND by Kristen Chase
STARTING OVER AT SUNSHINE CORNER by Phoebe Mills

WINNER: Pat L.

•••••

4 book prize package

Ali Hazelwood – Loathe to Love You
Ali Hazelwood- Love on the Brain
Jen DeLuca – Well Travelled
Amanda Elliot -Sadie on the Plate

WINNER: Mary McCoy

•••••

4 books prize package

Samantha Verant -The Spice Mast at Bistro Exotique
Samantha Young -A Cosmic Kind of Love
Denise Williams – Do You Take This Man
Amy E. Reichert -Once Upon a December

WINNER: Sue Galuska

•••••

3 book prize package

Passion on Park Avenue- Lauren Layne (2)
Love on Lexington Avenue-Lauren Layne (2)
Lucky Streak -Tif Marcelo (2)

WINNERS (2): Angel Key / Evelyn S.

••••••

4 book prize package

Jane Igharo Where we End and Begin
Jackie Lau The Stand-Up Groomsman
Lynn Painter Mr. Wrong Number
Rochelle Bilow-Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year

WINNER: E. (Aylah)

••••••

3 book prize package

Mimi Matthews The Belle of Belgrave Square
India Holton The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Kerry Rea Lucy on the Wild Side

WINNER: Kim C

••••••

4 book paranormal prize package

Katee Robert- Court of the Vampire Queen
Nalini Singh- Archangel’s Resurrection
Brian Feehan – Harmony of Fire
Ruby Dixon- Barbarian Mine

WINNER: Remi

••••••

2 book hard cover package

Mary Balogh -Remember Love
Amanda Quick – When She Dreams

WINNER: Judy Hudgins

••••••

Christine Feehan prize package

Shadow Fire
Phantom Game
Red on the River
Dark Whisper
Recovery Road

WINNER: Dawn Blankenship

••••••

2 book prize package

Deanna Raybourn Killers of a Certain Age
Jayne Ann Krenz Sleep No More

WINNER: Latesha B

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Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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?⚔️Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway?⚔️

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn’t been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can’t tell who is friend–or foe.

Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren’t what they seem. Soon, everything she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.

With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true secret of her magic–or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall . . .

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd and final book in her Gargoyle Queen trilogy. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and I couldn’t wait for Conquer the Kingdom; I am happy to say I loved this series.  I hope there will be more to come from this world.

Gemma and her best friend continue to spy undercover, to search for Milo, her enemy, and find out what his evil plans are to destroy her Kingdom (Andvari).  Gemma makes plans for a Sword and Shield tournament, with gladiators from all over attending in Glanzen.  She even invited Maeven and those from Morta to participate in the tournament; in hopes of trapping Milo, who is determined destroy everyone and take over all kingdoms, including Morta .  Gemma continues to master her mind magier powers, and worrying about keeping everyone safe.

I loved seeing Leo and Gemma together, as they made such a great couple, even if the people in Andvari hated all the Mortans. I also really liked Delmira (Leo’s sister), as she was so great in helping Gemma.  It was also fun to see the Gargoyles and Strix, and I love Grimley, who has always been with Gemma since childhood. The baby Strix, Violet was cute, and I did like Lyra. We learn about why Maeven calls her the Gargoyle Queen. We also got to learn more about her mother, as she saw flasdhbacks of the past.

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine, and her powers became ultra-powerful, which saved her life a number of times.  The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, with her life on the line, Gemma rises up with help from her loyal Gargoyles/Strix and friends. 

Conquer the Kingdom was a fantastic finale, with so much magic, mystery, suspense, excitement, action, danger, with lives on the line, and a couple we rooted hard for. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you need to read it from start to finish. Conquer the Kingdom was so very well written by Jennifer Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. I do hope Jennifer will come back to this world.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading the Gargoyle Queen series, which you should start with the first book, Capture the Crown.

•••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

CONQUER THE KINGDOM is the third and (final ?) instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. CONQUER THE KINGDOM should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book two TEAR DOWN THE THRONE but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read books one or two, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Gemma) CONQUER THE KINGDOM focuses on the preparations for, and the events of the upcoming Sword and Shield Gladiator tournament in Glitner, Gemma’s home town and the Andvari Kingdom but Gemma is wary having invited Queen Maeven, with the knowledge, her son Crown Prince Milo will make an appearance in the wake of his numerous attempts to kill our story line heroine. Prince Milo has set his sights on Gemma; he wants to take control of Andvari, destroying everything and everyone who stands in his way. Gemma is the ultimate prize, the most powerful wielder of magic, and in this, Milo is determined to take down the princess by first conquering the land but Gemma has an ally and lover in Milo’s brother Prince Leonidis aka Leo, an ally who battles between head and heart knowing Gemma will take no prisoners, meaning Leo’s brother and his mother are Gemma’s primary targets. As the Gladiator games commence, Milo is amassing an army, securing help and power from an unlikely source.

The relationship between Gemma and Leo continues to struggle in the face of Gemma’s need for vengeance, including stopping Leo’s mother, and destroying Crown Prince Milo. Leo battles between head and heart knowing the pain his mother and brother had previously inflicted upon himself and upon Princess Gemma but Maeven is still Leo’s mother, and in this, Leo must choose between the woman he loves, and the woman who gave him life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, for fans and followers of Estep’s books and series, there are many similarities to the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN story lines including the tragic death of the mothers at the hands of the ultimate evil; the use of ‘elemental’ magic, specialty stones and gems, and the odd assortment of friends and creatures with different levels of power including gargoyles and colorful bird like creatures called strixes. And you can’t help but notice the comparisons between the requisite evil including the similarities in names and powers (Maeven Morricone/ Milos Morricone- Mab Monroe/M.M Madeline Monroe-Gemma/Gin).The fast paced, action packed scenes, and the violence perpetrated against our story line heroine are also reminiscent of the aforementioned series in that Gemma Ripley and Gin Blanco are two powerful females who are targeted for who they are, and what they do, and in this suffer as they struggle to protect the people they love.

And not to sound like a broken record, as per my previous reviews, there continues to be a redundancy and overwhelming use of the words purple (79 times) and violet (62 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, the name of a baby strix, and their world as a whole.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to spy and dragon morph Reiko Yamato, Gladiator Kai; gem worker and jeweller Alvis; Gemma’s grandfather King Heinrich, her father Crown Prince Dominic, and his wife Rhea Hans; gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and baby Violet; Leo and Milo’s mother Queen Maeven, as well as their sister Delmira, and Milo’s right hand man Captain Wexel. The requisite evil has many faces.

CONQUER THE QUEEN is a story of madness and vengeance, greed, power and control, misunderstanding and mistrust, acceptance and love. CONQUER THE QUEEN reveals the prophecy of three queens, and so far, we have focused on two: Everleigh (Crown of Shards), and Gemma (Gargoyle Queen), and the third queen has been revealed for the author’s next series. The premise is captivating, engaging and energizing; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. Jennifer Estep is a master at story telling.

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  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.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

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

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from March 7– 11,  2023

 

 

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The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
The Queen’s price is to stand against what you know is wrong. To stand and fight, no matter the cost to your court or to yourself. Especially to yourself.

Zoey, a young Queen-in-training at SaDiablo Hall, is wounded…and vulnerable to taunts and criticism. When an opportunity arises to befriend a stranger seeking sanctuary at the Hall, she puts herself and others in danger by ignoring Daemonar Yaslana’s warning to back off.

Meanwhile, the witch Jillian’s family prepares for her Virgin Night, the rite of passage that assures a woman will retain her power and her Jewels. The trouble is Jillian secretly went through the ceremony already. Now she has to explain the omission of that detail to her powerful and lethal family. And the High Lord of Hell’s daughter, Saetien, travels to Scelt to find out about Jaenelle Angelline’s sister–and perhaps to discover truths about herself.

With some guidance from Witch, these three young women will learn when to yield because it is right–and when to take a stand, even if they must pay the Queen’s price.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop is the 12th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series. I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, as I have read all her series.  Black Jewels has always been one of my favorite all time series, and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  The Queen’s Price was a fantastic read, I could not put the book down, as this was a masterpiece.

The Queen’s Price focuses on Daemon & Surreal’s daughter, Saetien’s for a major part of the story, with the rest of the story centering on the training at SaDiablo Hall. Daemon, Lucifier and staff offer training for young Queens, Black Widows, as well as the boys who would be part of the first circle courts.

I did not like Saetien in the previous book, even at the start of this book, as she was not likeable and deserved her punishment from the previous book, but in the last half of the book I did begin to like her. She went to Scelt on a heart quest to learn more about Jaenelle’s sister and discover truths about herself.  As Saetien meets Prince Butler, he will teach her the truths about the past, and along the way she begins to change.  I loved the past stories, as we learn more and more about Jaenelle, the purge, and her terrible recovery.

Zoey is considered one the best young Queens, and very close to Titian; when someone new comes to the hall, she over steps herself, not listening to those in control, such as Daemonar.  After Zoey is reprimanded, she loses her confidence, and begins to struggle; not to mention a separate group of Queens, who do not like Zoey, were mean, jealous and manipulative to her.  Zoey’s group of friends, such as Titian, Jhett, Kathleen, Grizande, were all loyal and great friends.  Zoey will need to step up and convince the Queens that they need to pay the price, required by Jaenelle.

I also got a kick of Jillian facing Virgin Night, and Brenda’s help explaining things…this was funny.  I also enjoyed seeing Surreal, who continues to be Daemon’s second hand.  Karla once again was fun in her short appearance; and loved spending time with Jaenelle (Witch), which was always great.    

The entire book was fantastic, exciting, intense, dangerous, with heartwarming moments that do not allow you to put the book down, as you become totally enthralled.  I will say I absolutely loved seeing our favorites Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal, Daemonar, Marion, Karla and of course, my favorite heroine, Jaenelle.  And as always, I love the Kindred.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters; her secondary characters continue to be to be equally memorable. Black Jewels has always been one of my top favorites, especially all those people we loved, and Anne Bishop continues to bring joy to our lives with these fantastic characters. The Queen’s Price was another masterpiece from Anne Bishop.   I want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering copies of THE QUEEN’S PRICE to TWO (2) lucky commenters 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Follow ANNE BISHOP  on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 7 – 11, 2023

 

 

 

 

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11th Anniversary Giveaway #10 at The Reading Cafe-Today’s Prize

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11th Anniversary Giveaway #10 at The Reading Cafe-Today’s Prize

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 TWO (2) HARD COVER book prize package to ONE commenter

One commenter will WIN both HARD COVER books

 

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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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 and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK  for an additional entry.

5. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs until February 28-March 4, 2023

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11th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway #9-Today’s Prize

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11th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway #9-Today’s Prize

 

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 5 paper/print /hard cover ARC prize package of CHRISTINE FEEHAN books for today’s giveaway

ONE (1) commenter will WIN all 5 paper back/ hard cover books

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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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 and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs February 25-March 4, 2023

 

 

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Harmony of Lies (Alice & Owen 2)by Brian Feehan-review & giveaway

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Harmony of Lies (Alice & Owen 2) by Brian Feehan-dual review & giveaway

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 21, 2023

After being forced away for seventeen years, Alice is finally home. But home isn’t what she thought it would be, and every day the secrets she holds from her parents grow with weight. But how do you tell your mother and father that you’re not normal? That the world is a far more dangerous place than they have ever known and you are anything but the small, innocent child that was torn from their arms all those years ago?

Owen can’t say goodbye, and Alice can’t hold on to him tightly enough as the pressures of danger and obligation grow stronger and stronger. With a broken heart, Owen is headed to San Francisco with his crew of musicians. But the Golden City is filled with history and secrets, and brutal deaths are just lying in wait for Owen and his people. To survive these trials and this city, Owen will need everything he has—even the broken parts he gave to Alice—to have any hope of doing the impossible one more time.

••••

Sandy’s Review: HARMONY OF LIES is the second instalment in Brian Feehan’s contemporary, adult, ALICE AND OWEN urban fantasy, romance series focusing on muscian/gatekeeper/Etherialist Owen Brown, and twenty-six year old, Etherialist/ hunter Alice. HARMONY OF LIES can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.

SOME BACKGROUND: The We have been around since the dawn of time. With seven levels of power, the We walk among the people of Earth but a war between Heaven and H*ll forced the We to choose sides, be it angel or demon, Heaven or H*ll. Etherialists are humans born with ethereal magic, magic that can be used and abused by someone else.

Told from third person perspective HARMONY OF LIES picks up after the events of book one wherein Owen Brown and his fellow musician and Etherialists journey to San Francisco in the wake of a favor for Owen’s uncle Damon but Alice, finally free of the demon who had bonded our heroine at nine years of age, is desperate to reconnect with her family, the family who believe she is dead and gone. With Alice safely in the arms of her family, Owen and his band head to California where two pianos, one played by a ghost, the other that sucks that power and souls from the musician, find Owen on the precipice of losing everything and everyone he has ever loved. Trapped into a nightmare of pain, Owen knows that to beat the dark magic, he will need the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

HARMONY OF LIES is a story of power and control, magic, wizardry and trickery, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance. Brian Feehan pulls the reader into a dramatic story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of prophecy and sorcery, deception and trust. HARMONY OF LIES is a more cohesive and smooth flowing story than its’ predecessor HARMONY OF FIRE but such is the nature of the beast that was the introductory instalment. The premise is musically action packed, intriguing, magical and intense; the characters are energetic, powerful and determined but Alice and Owen spend much of the story line separated, in different parts of the country, as the main focus is on Owen and his band in San Francisco; the romance is passionate but limited and mostly implied.

 

Barb’s Review:  Harmony of Lies by Brian Feehan is the 2nd book in his Alice & Owen series. Refresher: The We walk among us, beings who existed long before humans ever did, filled with powerful magic. Owen and Alice, who are the main characters in this story, are Etherealist, rare humans who also have magical abilities, which includes music that can change everything. Over the years of being bonded to an evil WE, Alice has learned how to use her powers, especially now that she is free.

Alice, is finally home (17 years later) with her mother and father, trying to find a way to explain to her parents that she is not normal. In the last book, Alice and Owen have fallen in love, and she has become an important member of the group (Clover, Jessie, Max, Daphne) who all have powerful musical abilities.

Owen receives a letter from Mara, to retrieve something in San Francisco, and is despondent that he has to leave with his crew, as Alice wants to stay longer with her family.  He has a hard time saying goodbye, but Alice knows she will find him, when she resolves things with her parents.   Owen and his team, head to San Francisco, knowing that the Golden City is filled with history, secrets, deaths and a mysterious red piano, that will put them all in danger.  He soon knows that he will eventually need Alice’s help to be able to stop a ghost and for all of them to survive.

I really loved all of Owen’s team, including his friend Abel, who lived in San Francisco and would work with them. As noted, I love the entire group, especially Clover. Of course, I adored Alice and Owen, who made such a great couple.  I also liked the newcomer to this book, Jessica, who was the mayor’s daughter. When things get difficult, both Alice and Daphne join them to fight against a dark power.

Harmony of Lies was an exciting, intense story, with wonderful characters that we have come to love.  Owen, Alice and the entire band group were totally loyal to each other, willing to do what was necessary to stop this evil.   Early on, at times the story was a bit confusing, but very intriguing. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you really need to read this, from start to finish.  Harmony of Lies was very well written by Brian Feehan, and I look forward to the next book.

 

 

 

An old wooden ladder led up toward the space Owen had claimed for himself. More importantly, it was private.
“We aren’t going up there tonight.” Owen smiled, and in that smile it was easy to see he had been looking forward to this moment.
“We aren’t going up to your bed? That’s a first. Where are you taking me?”
“This way,” he said, leading beneath the loft and deeper within. They moved past a trove of shovels and tools until she spotted a door she hadn’t used before. Owen pressed hard, and hay and dust fell off the frame as another wave of the night air broke over them both.
“So what’s out here?”
“It’s a surprise. It took a little work, but Max and I finished it this morning.”
Alice’s eyesight adjusted to the low light as Owen shut the barn door behind them. She took a glance around. She had thought this side of the barn was just where the farmer parked his rusted tractor and broken-down truck. Toss in a couple of old oil barrels and some leftover parts, and there wasn’t much to look at, particularly at night. She couldn’t fathom why Owen had brought her out here.
“You know I’m not really a tractor kind of girl. If you’re thinking we are getting kinky on that old thing, you’re far better off taking me back up to the loft.”
Owen laughed, and she felt it down deep.
It was nice spending time with the others, but every time they found a chance to be alone she saw it was easier for Owen to be himself.
“Back here. I set this up for us,” Owen said.
They weaved around an old rusted oil barrel and some empty propane canisters until she spotted a large something covered up by a sheet of old gray plywood and blue tarp.
“It’s not jewelry or a gun. For the record, I like both those things. What is it?” she asked.
“Patience,” he said, letting go of her hand and moving around the side. With practiced ease, Owen spread his long arms and grabbed both the old plywood and tarp beneath. A gentle pull and lift and a large, curved wooden hot tub was uncovered.
“How in the world did you find this? We are in the middle of nowhere.”
“We found it right off. It took some heavy lifting and more than one hour of cleaning. But the real problem was the pump and heater. You like it?” he asked.
“It’s clean?” she asked.
“Of course.” Owen used his foot to flip the metal switch that started the pump. Already there was steam rising into the air.
“And bubbles. Owen, I feel you’re giving me the full treatment.”
Owen didn’t answer.
There was something about the night sky mixed with the back-glow of the barn that framed Owen. He stood there watching her but was lost under the weight of leaving, leaving her. She could see it as clearly as his deep green eyes and strong face.
Owen reached over toward an instant propane heater and clicked it on. She heard the whoosh as gas met spark.
“Owen?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“I have never met someone like you.”
And I don’t want to say goodbye.
It was his thoughts that drifted in the air between them, but she thought she could hear him and understood his view. For the last couple of weeks, he had made a point of talking about the chaos of his life. How every road traveled twisted and turned, and those devoted to living as a musician changed with every trip. In short, he was saying that now that it was time to leave, this could be the end of their relationship. That he didn’t know where he going, but he was sure he couldn’t come back.
Excerpted from Harmony of Lies by Brian Feehan Copyright © 2023 by Brian Feehan. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.


 

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Brian Feehan is a 2nd generation author, son to #1 New York Times Bestselling author Christine Feehan. He lives in a small coastal town in Mendocino County Ca with his son and the love of his life Michelle. He loves spending time with family, playing tennis, cooking, reading, and of course writing.

 

The Reading Cafe and Berkley Publishing are graciously offering a paper copy of HARMONY OF LIES to ONE (1) 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Please LIKE Brian Feehan on Facebook

4. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE and FOLLOW Berkley Romance on Facebook for an addition entry.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from February 20-25, 2023

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11th Anniversary Giveaway #8 at The Reading Cafe-Today’s Package

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11th Anniversary Giveaway #8 at The Reading Cafe-Today’s Prize

 

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 TTWO (2) HARD COVER book prize package to ONE commenter

One commenter will WIN both HARD COVER books

 

 

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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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 and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK  for an additional entry.

5. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs until February 19-28, 2023

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11th Anniversary Giveaway #7 at The Reading Cafe-Today’s Prize

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11th Anniversary Giveaway #7 at The Reading Cafe-Today’s Prize

 

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 four (4) book prize package to ONE commenter

ONE commenter will WIN a paper copy of all four (4)  books

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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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 and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK  for an additional entry.

5. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA  only

9. Giveaway runs until February 17-28, 2023

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