Category Archives: Guest Post

Sour Grapes (Blue Plate #2) by Rachel Goodman- Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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SOUR GRAPES (Blue Plate #2) by Rachel Goodman-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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SOUR GRAPES
Blue Plate #2
by Rachel Goodman
Release Date: May 23, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Sour Grapes

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2016

Margaret Stokes is bitter. And not in the robust fine wine or tangy dark chocolate kind of way. She just got dumped, is fed up with her job as a glorified party-planner for the rich, and can’t possibly listen to one more veiled insult from her impossible-to-please mother. So she retreats to the comfort of her grandmother’s ramshackle bed and breakfast, where the wide open vineyards are filled with surprises, from the shockingly delicious wine to the aggravating yet oh-so-tempting man who makes it.

Ryan Camden’s easy approach to life encourages Margaret to loosen up and have a little fun, despite her better judgment. She resists the urge to micromanage every detail, embracing the welcome distractions of her surroundings and letting their relationship unfold at a natural rhythm. But when a health scare forces Grammy J to give up the B&B, Margaret begins to wonder if Ryan really is the man he promises—and whether the problems she tried so hard to escape ever really went away.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SOUR GRAPES is the second installment in Rachel Goodman’s contemporary, adult SOUR GRAPES romance series. This is Texas winery owner/vintner Ryan Camden, and party planner Margaret Stokes’s story line. SOUR GRAPES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the characters from book one FROM SCRATCH cross over including Margaret’s ex-boyfriend Nick Preston whose actions, months earlier, set Margaret off on her adventure. SOUR GRAPES picks up following the events of book one.

Told from first person point of view (Margaret) SOUR GRAPES focuses on acerbic snob Margaret Stokes-a woman who finds herself on the run from family, so-called friends, and a thriving party planning business. Margaret is struggling with who she is, and what it is she wants from life. Months earlier Margaret was dumped by her boyfriend Nick for another woman-his ex Lillie-and things have gone down hill ever since. Without thinking, Margaret embarks on a journey where landing at her Grandmother’s struggling B&B finds our heroine battling with the local bad boy, and owner of the profitable local winery- Ryan Camden. What ensues is a building relationship between Margaret and Ryan, and the reevaluation of one woman’s life.

Wow, Margaret Stokes is a piece of work. I don’t know if I have ever met a heroine of whom I disliked to the extent that I considered DNFing. Not only is Margaret a snob, a condescending, caustic, judgmental b*tch but her so-called friends up the anti by ten fold. But I must say that Margaret comes by her attitude naturally once we meet her highbrow mother-a woman literally torn from Satan’s womb. In the early stages of the story line Margaret’s ability to put people down is nothing short of rude, destructive, patronizing and egotistic but her building relationship with Ryan, and the local townsfolk, find our heroine softening around the edges as love begins to enfold her heart. It is Ryan’s proclamation of love and plans for their future that sets Margaret off on another temperamental tirade of irrational accusations and name calling that finds our couple walking in opposite directions.

SOUR GRAPES is a well written, entertaining and engaging storyline once you ‘see’ beyond the heroine’s attitude and behavior. Ryan is a man who has fallen for the mercurial Margaret and finds himself falling in love when neither one expected anything beyond the present. The premise is passionate; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is intimate and seductive.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of FROM SCRATCH book 1 by Rachel Goodman

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

Researching the Premise of SOUR GRAPES

Thank you so much for having me back at The Reading Café!

Prior to and during the writing of SOUR GRAPES, I made several visits to Fredericksburg, a quaint town in the heart of Texas Hill Country that President Lyndon Johnson once referred to as “a special corner of God’s real estate.” In Fredericksburg, Main Street is lined with antique stores, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, and bakeries, and the surrounding area is filled with rolling hills, grassy pastures, and row after row of vineyards.

Fredericksburg was settled in the mid-1800’s by German immigrants whose culture can still be felt in and around town today, from the 19th-century vernacular buildings of stone and fachwerk—a traditional German building technique consisting of heavy timber framing and diagonal bracing, with an infill of limestone—to the German flags placed outside the Auslander Beirgarten and Der Lindenbaum restaurant.

And while Texas may not be the destination most people think of for spectacular wine, I’d say those people are missing out. Over the last decade, Texas Hill Country wineries have evolved significantly, relying on grape varietals that grow well in Spain and the Mediterranean and not trying to model their wines after those found in California or the Pacific Northwest. Wineries in and around Fredericksburg are proud of being big, bold, and hospitable like Texas itself.

Take Becker Vineyards for example, whose wines are award-winning and produced of only Texas-grown fruit. Established in 1992, it’s one of the oldest Hill Country wineries and the third largest in Texas. The property is filled with vineyards, lavender fields, a tasting room, and the winery. Becker Vineyards is the real-life embodiment of Camden Cellars, Ryan’s winery that plays a major role in SOUR GRAPES.

Perdernales Cellars—with wines that are robust, nuanced, and delicious—was the inspiration for nearly every wine mentioned in SOUR GRAPES—Reckless Love, Wild Abandon, and No Holds Barred. Set off the main drag of Wine Road 290, Perdernales Cellars is known for its Spanish and Rhone-style wines and its commitment to Texas fruit—about half their grapes are grown on the property while others are grown in different areas of the state. Just a taste of their Texas Tempranillo Reserve is worth the visit to Fredericksburg.

But it’s not just the Tempranillo that makes a trip to Fredericksburg well worth it. It’s the people, the relaxed vibe, and the hidden treasures that make it worth the trip south. But, if your summer travel plans are set and made, you can grab a little slice of Southern Texas charm in SOUR GRAPES to hold you over until next year.

~~Rachel~~

About the author

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Rachel GoodmanRachel is a mojito lover, cheese enthusiast, wanderluster, book junkie, romance writer, and an enginerd. She is a Colorado native displaced in Texas and an engineer and university professor. When she’s not creating optimization models or traveling the world, eating her way through city after city, she is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up stories and typing away on the computer. She lives in suburbia Dallas with her husband and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Oliver Pancake and Rigby Peanut. FROM SCRATCH is her first novel.

giveaway

Rachel and her publisher are offering an ebook copy of SOUR GRAPES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

NOTE: The ebook copy will not work with Kindle ebook readers.

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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Rachel Goodman on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

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 to international

9. Giveaway runs from May 22 to 26, 2016

 

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Rebel Warrior (Medieval Warriors #3) by Regan Walker-Review and Guest Post

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Rebel Warrior (Medieval Warriors #3) by Regan Walker-Review and Guest Post

Rebel Warrior

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk

About the book: Release Date May 17, 2016

When your destiny lies far from where you began …

Scotland 1072

The Norman Conqueror robbed Steinar of Talisand of his noble father and his lands, forcing him to flee to Scotland while still recovering from a devastating wound. At the royal court, Steinar becomes scribe to the unlettered King of Scots while secretly regaining his skill with a sword.

The first time Steinar glimpses the flame-haired maiden, Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, he is drawn to her spirited beauty. She does not fit among the ladies who serve the devout queen. Not pious, not obedient and not given to stitchery, the firebrand flies a falcon! Though Catrìona captures Steinar’s attention, he is only a scribe and she is promised to another.

Catrìona has come to Malcolm’s court wounded in spirit from the vicious attack on her home by Northmen who slayed her parents and her people. But that is not all she will suffer. The man she thought to wed will soon betray her.

When all is lost, what hope is there for love? Can a broken heart be mended? Can a damaged soul be healed?

Review:

Rebel Warrior begins with Catriona’s home being attacked and her beloved parents being murdered as she and Angus, her trusted guard, make their way home from a day of flying her falcon. Those whom the attackers didn’t kill, they took as prisoners. Thankfully, her brother was away as well and was spared. They were taken in by their uncle until the time came for Catriona and her cousin, Fia, to become ladies of the Queen’s court. Catriona was not very enthusiastic when it came to her duties at court, but soon fell into a routine and discovered that Queen Margaret is more than she first thought.

Steinar had become a valuable member of the King of Scots’ inner circle. He relished his duties, but practiced daily trying to regain his warrior’s body and strength from a wound that could have very well killed him. Once he sees Catriona, he is immediately drawn to her and is determined to get to know her. He soon discovers that she is betrothed to another, but can’t help his feelings for her.

Catriona can’t help but notice Steinar and is drawn to him as well. She steadfastly stays the course her father had laid out before her though. However, once she was betrayed by the one she was to marry, she immerses herself into a project helping Queen Margaret.

However, when King Malcolm decides to meet war head on, he and his men head out, leaving Queen Margaret and her court worried and anxious. It just so happens that Catriona is not the only one smitten with one of their King’s guards, so they do the only thing they know to do. Pray. What transpires will leaving you turning the pages and holding your breath at the same time.

Regan Walker has once again written a story like no other. Rebel Warrior is, without a doubt, one of the most well written stories I’ve ever read, by any author. The storytelling, as well as the world building, is phenomenal. I know I repeat myself when I review one of her books, but the weaving of actual historical events in with the story she tells is awe inspiring. As Walker starts to weave her tale, you will swear you can hear the clamor, whether in the dining hall, or in the courtyard. Catriona is a wonderfully strong and determined young woman. Even after witnessing the destruction of her own home, she stays true to the path that her beloved father had set in motion. Steiner is wonderful in his own right. Strong, intelligent and deeply loyal, he is the perfect match for Catriona. However, it is Catriona’s beautiful friendship that develops with Queen Margaret, that is truly life changing. Margaret not only gives Catriona a sense of purpose, but helps restore her faith. A faith that she had been struggling with ever since she was forced from her home. The secondary characters are well written as well, and I hope to read more about them in the next installment. Rebel Warrior is truly one of the most heartfelt and inspirational things I’ve read in years. The romance that develops between the two main characters is very touching, but it is Catriona’s renewed faith that will have you cheering and shedding a few tears. If you’ve not ready anything by Regan Walker, I will tell you once again…..it is truly your loss. Very well done Regan Walker! Very, very, very well done.

Series Reading Order and Vickie’s Previous Reviews
The Red Wolf’s Prize
Rogue Knight
Rebel Warrior

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Vickie M

Guest post

Reflecting Characters’ Faith Without Making the Romance Inspirational
by Regan Walker

It seems to me that historical romance authors who strive to accurately portray the era in which they set their stories should consider the element of faith, both in the culture of the time and their characters’ lives. I write mainline Georgian, Regency and Medieval novels and, in each case, I have found the historical setting often requires me to add this aspect to my characters. Not to do so would be to give the reader an inaccurate picture of the times in which my characters live.

For example, in my newest novel, Rebel Warrior, the hero and heroine meet in the court of King Malcolm Canmore in 11th century Scotland. The heroine, who has just suffered a devastating loss, becomes a lady in waiting to the devout Queen Margaret. I could hardly present Margaret any other way since she was a real historic figure about whom we know much. And her ladies in waiting would be expected to join her in prayer and good deeds, yet how would a heroine who doubted God’s love serve such a queen? To include this element does not mean the story is not full of action, sexual tension and romance, or that there isn’t a love scene, which there is.

Queen Margaret feeds the orphans

In my Regency romances, you might encounter the heroine going to church with her friends, especially on Christmas, as in The Holly and the Thistle or The Twelfth Night Wager. It was just something they did in the Regency era as a matter of course. The Church of England was very important to their lives.

Jane Austen wrote about the world of the Anglican clergy, which she knew well, her father being the Reverend George Austen. Often, she featured clerics as characters, sometimes favorably (Edmund in Mansfield Park) and sometimes unfavorably (Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice).

Edmund Bertram in Mansfield Park

In the medieval era, one daughter or son in a family might be expected to serve the church, which made it terribly inconvenient should that character fall in love.

In Georgian England, it was the Protestant Church of England vs. the Catholics and sometimes a story must reflect it. In my novel To Tame the Wind, which begins in France with a Catholic heroine and ends with her being married to a Protestant Englishman by the Anglican Bishop of London, I could hardly fail to deal with the difficulties their love produced, especially when England was making it near impossible for Catholics to own land, retain a title or even marry. And if you were Irish, as my hero in The Shamrock & The Rose, you had even more issues!

To reflect the characters’ faith is not to make the novels inspirational, that is to say, novels with a decided Christian message. Rather, it is merely presenting the culture in which my characters live and love. And I think the stories are richer for it.

About the author

Regan WalkerRegan Walker is a #1 bestselling, multi-published author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romance. She has been a featured author on USA TODAY’s HEA blog three times and twice nominated for the prestigious RONE award (her novel, The Red Wolf’s Prize is a finalist for 2015). Regan Walker writes historically authentic novels with real history and real historic figures. She wants her readers to experience history, adventure and love.

Her work as a lawyer in private practice and then serving at high levels of government have given her a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown”. Hence her romance novels often involve a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for “special assignments.”

Regan lives in San Diego with her golden retriever, Link, who she says inspires her every day to relax and smell the roses.

Twitter: @RegansReview (https://twitter.com/RegansReview)
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Friday Night Brides by Samantha Chase-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Friday Night Brides by Samantha Chase-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES
by Samantha Chase
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Genre: adult,contemporary, romance

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00033]

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

About the book: Release Date May 3, 3016

Four women.
Twenty years.
Five hundred bridal fashion shows.

They’ve been friends since they were five, and modeling for Enchanted Bridal has been as much of a part of their lives as their friendship has. And this season has them seeing more than new wedding trends.

Hailey’s family owns Enchanted Bridal and she knows there’s a possibility that someday it will be hers. She’s not sure that’s the path she wants to take, but she does know that she’s been hopelessly crushing on the perfect man and bridal show model Logan Baxter III. While failing to gain Logan’s attention, she can’t seem to get rid of the less-than-perfect man – and model – Jackson Carr. He’s big and bold and tattooed – pretty much everything Hailey despises. And yet…there’s something about him that has Hailey questioning her definition of perfect.

Becca’s got a knack for dating the wrong kind of guys. When her current boyfriend publicly dumps and humiliates her, she’s devastated. Wanting to run and hide, she’s mortified that the stranger who had witnessed the entire scene is now part of the Enchanted Bridal family. But when Max Abrams offers her comfort and tells her that he thinks she’s beautiful, she has to wonder if maybe getting dumped by Mr. Wrong has finally led her to her very own Mr. Right.

Angie’s loud and feisty and completely fearless. That is until she gets dumped by the one guy she really had feeling for. It opens her up to insecurities she didn’t know she had and she’s not sure what to do about it. But when Sean Patterson comes back into her life in a big way, she’s not sure she’s ready to forgive and forget quite so easily. His persistence and her stubbornness make for an exciting chase, however, but at the end of the season, it’s ultimately up to her if she’s ready to quit running.

Ella’s been planning her perfect wedding to Dylan Graham since she was twelve. Together for thirteen years, Ella’s beginning to wonder if that number really is bad luck. She can’t focus on all that’s right in her life because all she can think about is what she may be missing. Their parents have taken over their wedding, her friends all seem to be in crisis and Dylan’s just not listening to her fears. Not one to ever make waves, she suddenly finds that that’s exactly what she’s doing and turning everyone’s life upside down in the process. The life that she once considered boring is now the one she longs for, but it may be too late.

Four friends.
Four crossroads.
Four possibilities for happily ever after.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES by Samantha Chase is a contemporary, adult romance story focusing on four life-long friends –Hailey, Becca, Angie and Ella. For close to twenty years our foursome have ‘modeled’ bridal wear –flower girls to brides- for Enchanted Bridal, a bridal shop owned by Hailey’s mother Judith. FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES looks at the struggles and romantic heartbreaks of four friends who believe the ‘grass is always greener on the other side’. There is a prequel novella-THE WEDDING SEASON-that introduces Angie’s friend Sean. You do not have to read the novella to enjoy FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES.

Told from several third person points of view FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES follows the friendships, relationships, personal discoveries, and the good and bad times of four friends who have had one another’s backs for as long as they can remember. Of the four, Ella is the only one in a committed relationship, bound for the altar, but a relationship that begins to crumble when Ella wants what the other girls have.

FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES focuses on each of the four heroines through the ups and downs of relationship nightmares, falling in love, and moving on. There are moments of humor and fun; heartbreak and sorrow; love and passion but in the end Hailey, Becca, and Angie find love where they’d least expect it, while Ella takes back what it is she thought she lost.

Samantha Chase writes a sweet, romantic and entertaining tale of friendship and love. The premise is lighthearted and enchanting; the characters are an eclectic mix of passionate and fun; the romances are emotional and real. FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES is a fantastic read for every romance fan and romantic at heart.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Click HERE for more information and to read an excerpt from FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES by Samantha Chase

Guest Post

Romance covers-How much say does an author have? Do you believe a cover can make or break the success of a book?

Okay, so…funny story. When I first wrote “The Christmas Cottage”, I had no idea how to create a cover and had no idea where to find someone who did. Working with CreateSpace, they have free templates for you to use to create your cover. So I used it. I thought I did a good job, I was happy with it, but some of those early reviewers were unimpressed.

Like seriously unimpressed.

But it didn’t hinder sales on that book, oddly enough. That was the second book I had published and it’s the book that really launched my writing career. But after that book, I found a cover artist and let her design everything from that point on. However, I picked the pictures that I wanted and she worked with the fonts and the layout and really made something out of my two cents.

Working with a publisher was a completely different story. I don’t pick the pictures, I don’t pick the layout. The first five books we did together, they had those covers ready to go before I even had an idea of what we were doing. But when they presented them to me, I did get to say ‘This couple doesn’t work’ or ‘The heroine in the book is a brunette and you’ve got a blond’ and they made the changes. They’ve been very good like that. I believe you need to establish early on – and in your contract – that you have a final say in the covers.

Have I ever rejected a cover? Absolutely! Do I feel good about it? No! Someone is putting in a lot of time and effort to put them together and I always feel bad when I don’t like them, but at the end of the day, it’s my name on the cover and it needs to be something that I like or that I’m proud of.

Can a cover make or break the success of a book? I believe it can certainly hurt your chances of success. For example – when I was self-publishing and put out the first three books in my Montgomery series, I knew the layout that I wanted. Book one – “Wait for Me” – the cover was beautiful. I mean I seriously loved it and so did readers. That book did extremely well! I believe it hit #4 on B&N’s top 100 and was in the top 100 in the Kindle Store. Book two – “Trust in Me” – didn’t do as well. And to be honest…I didn’t particularly like the cover. It was still totally my ideas but I was on a time crunch and I didn’t put as much thought in to it and the sales figures showed. Book three – “Stay With Me” – did great in sales and the cover was pretty and appealing. So from a cover vs. sales standpoint, you could say that the cover of book two was partially to blame.

Back to my traditionally published books, we changed the style of the covers with the release of “I’ll Be There”. We went in a completely different direction. I was so caught up in the new look, that I didn’t pay as much attention to the couple on the cover. I got a lot of negative feedback from readers who thought they were very “blah” and they weren’t people who inspired them to want to pick up the book. I get it. But the sales were okay on that book. Not great but it had some good weeks. So we’ve really been working on that and the cover of my upcoming “Always Me Girl” has done extremely well in pre-order figures. Why? That cover is stunning. There is no other way to describe it. I love it. I want to wallpaper my office in it!

From personal experience, I’m more prone to purchasing a book that looks appealing from the cover – that’s what will initially grab my attention. Whereas a poorly designed or unappealing cover won’t even make me look at the back cover blurb.

Bottom line. Covers help. Make it appealing. Make it the best you can. And do what you can to have a say in it. It’s your name on the cover and you need to be happy with it.

~~Samantha Chase~~

about the author

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

giveaway

Samantha and her publicist are offering an ecopy of FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES to THREE (3) 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 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 follow Samantha Chase on Facebook.

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

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

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is international

8. Giveaway runs from May 11-16, 2016

Trident Media Group

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Bachelor For Hire by Charlene Sands / Falling For Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman-Reviews, Book Tour & Giveaway

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Bachelor For Hire by Charlene Sands / Falling for Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman-reviews, book tour and giveaway

Bachelor Auction Blog Tour Button

Bachelor For HireBACHELOR FOR HIRE
(Bachelor Auction #1)
by Charlene Sands
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / itunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

She needed him to guard her body, in more ways than one…

Ex-Army sergeant and security expert, Cody Matthews recently walked away from his company to work The Lucky B Ranch just outside of Marietta, Montana. The ranch is his refuge, but his hiding out is short-lived when he’s recruited into the Marietta Bachelor Auction and his high school ex-crush bids a small fortune to spend one weekend with him.

Hollywood starlet, Hayley Dawn O’Malley has had decent, honest, sexy Code Matthews on the brain ever since she left Marietta after high school to pursue her dreams. But now she’s back in town and someone is threatening her. Code, a natural-born protector, is the only man she trusts to keep her safe.

Spending their weekend date in a remote cabin, Code plays the role of reluctant bodyguard, yet Hayley isn’t going to let the tormented man deny his feelings for her, no matter the threat to her body or her heart.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BACHELOR FOR HIRE by Charlene Sands is the first installment in the multi-authored, contemporary adult BACHELOR AUCTION romance series. Marietta, Montana’s medical center is in need of funding for a helipad, and what better way than for Marietta’s high school alumni -the school’s four most popular heroes- to return for Marietta’s Bachelor Auction. This is ex-Army sergeant/security expert Cody Matthews, and Hollywood star Hayley Dawn O’Malley’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cody and Hayley) BACHELOR FOR HIRE is a second chance romance for two people whose lives went in different directions twelve years earlier. Cody and Hayley were childhood sweethearts; Cody the protector, and Hayley the beautiful young girl who wanted something more in her life. When Hayley headed to Hollywood, Cody and his broken heart enlisted in the Army, and following two tours in the Middle East, Cody returned to the States, and started Code First Security Firm. An invitation to participate in the town’s fund raiser finds Cody back where it all began, facing the woman he lost years before. What ensues is the rekindling of a romance between Cody and Hayley, and the threats against Hayley by an unknown source.

The world building focuses on the rebuilding relationship between Cody and Hayley, and Cody’s dogged determination to protect the woman with whom he was once in love. Hayley wants a second chance at love with the man whose heart she broke twelve years earlier but Cody has a hard time letting go of the past-a recent past wherein Cody lost someone he had sworn to protect. When threats against Hayley becomes personal and real, Cody knows that to fall in love with his latest assignment would probably bring heartbreak when Hayley walks away-again.

We are introduced to the secondary and supporting characters including the other three potential bachelors up for auction: Nick Palotay, Gavin Clarke and Colt Ewing. Nick’s story will be told in book two-FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR. Cody’s Uncle Brand plays a central role in our hero’s life, and we are also introduced to a number of townsfolk who like to gossip and keep a close eye on the comings and goings of their local heroes.

I will admit I did have an issue with the revelation of the ‘guilty’ party. I am not sure if the reasoning made sense; it seems to be a little convoluted and not quite believable but, once again, it is a story meant to entertain, and I was ….entertained.

BACHELOR FOR HIRE is a quick and sexy read. The premise is spirited and heartwarming; the characters are a mix of colorful and animated; the romance is a struggle towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

______________

Falling for her BachelorFALLING FOR HER BACHELOR
(Bachelor Auction #2)
by Robin Bielman
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / itunes / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 12, 2016

When Navy firefighter Nick Palotay returns to Marietta to go on the bachelor auction block for a good cause, he expects it to be risk free. But when he needs someone safe to bid on him and his sister’s best friend is coaxed into stepping up, Nick isn’t prepared for the effect Cassidy has on him. She sends his mind to all kinds of dirty places…places his battered heart can’t afford.

Freelance photographer Cassidy Ware is in waaay over her head. She’s always been Nick’s other little sister, but she’s all grown up now and just a glance from him leaves her hot and bothered. Still, she can stay immune to his charms and keep him at an emotional distance because she’s got an agenda, too. She’ll help the too-handsome Nick with his charitable deed, and, in return, he’ll help her keep an unwelcome suitor at bay.

A deal’s a deal, but when their “business transaction” turns into more pleasure than duty, can they walk away from each other without losing what matters most?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR by Robin Bielman is the second installment in the multi-authored BACHELOR AUCTION romance series focusing the small town of Marietta, Montana. Marietta, Montana’s medical center is in need of funding for a helipad, and what better way than for Marietta’s high school alumni -the school’s four most popular heroes- to return for Marietta’s Bachelor Auction. This is Navy firefighter Nick Palotay, and photographer Cassidy Ware’s story line. FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR runs parallel to the timeline in book one- Bachelor For Hire.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nick and Cassidy) FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR finds Nick targeted by the town ‘crazy lady’ at Marietta’s Bachelor Auction and devises a plan to ensure someone, anyone else, win his offer for the weekend. When his sister Rowan gets her best friend Cassidy to bid for Nick, Nick knows that he may have made the biggest mistake of his life. Cassidy has had an unrequited crush on Nick since high school, and Nick is in no place for any romantic entanglements in his life. What ensues is a weekend of fun, relaxation and a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement that sees Cassidy falling deeper in love, and Nick choosing to walk away in the end.

Cassidy is Nick’s little sister’s best friend, and he has always seen Cassidy as a little kid. Nick has lost a number of people in his life, and he isn’t ready for a permanent arrangement. Cassidy and Nick have choices to make, and Cassidy is ready to move on without the man with whom she has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are seductive and provocative without the over the top graphic sexual scenarios and text.

The world building continues to focus on the bachelor auction but also on the small town of Marietta, Montana and the people who live there. We learn a little bit about Cassidy and Nick’s back stories of loss, love and pain. The premise is enjoyable and romantic; the characters are engaging and passionate; the romance is heartbreaking and emotional-knowing that in the end, this may be all there is. Robin Bielman adds a fun, sexy, and emotional installment to the Bachelor Auction Series o Marietta, Montana.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

Hey everyone! Charlene and Robin here. We’re so happy to be celebrating the release of our Bachelor Auction books together! And being that we’ve never personally participated in a bachelor auction, we thought we’d have some fun and share our dream auction participants with you today.

It was tough narrowing it down to four, but since our series centers on four guys—high school football friends reuniting for a worthy cause—we picked that special number. So, here they are! The guys we’d like to bid a chunk of change on are…

Bachelor Pic for Post

Sign us up for any outdoor activity with the sexy, hot Chris Hemsworth!

We know we’d laugh until our stomachs hurt with the adorable Chris Pratt.

That tie is definitely coming off gorgeous Theo James if we get our hands on him.

And the very handsome Shemar Moore makes us want to stay quiet so we can just stare at him and listen to him talk all day.

So tell us, who is your ultimate bachelor auction pick?

about the author

Charlene SandsCharlene Sands

Charlene Sands is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical romance. She has been honored with the National Readers Choice Award, the Booksellers Best Award, The Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award and Romantic Times Magazine’s Best Harlequin Desire Award of 2014.   She is an active member of Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she spends time with her four “princesses”, enjoys sunny Pacific beaches and yummy chocolate mocha cappucinos! Sign up for her newsletter for fun and exclusive prizes at www.charlenesands.com and on FB and Twitter!

Site: http://www.charlenesands.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharleneSandsBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharleneSands

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/CharleneSands

 

Robin BielmanRobin Bielman

USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and one crazy-cute dog who loves to chew on everyone’s socks. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, eat cupcakes, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com.

Site: http://robinbielman.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobinBielman

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/robinbielman

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Word of Honor by Lauren Linwood-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Word of Honor (Knights of Valor #1) by Lauren Linwood-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Word of Honor
Knight of Valor #1
by Lauren Linwood
Genre: Historical, romance
Release Date: April 6, 2016

Word of Honor

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / itunes/ Wind Tree Press

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 6, 2016

Merryn Mantel and Geoffrey de Montfort have loved each other since childhood. Once betrothed, Geoffrey leaves for the wars in France for five long years. Upon his return, the two marry and spend one blissful night consummating their love and making plans for their future.

But her new husband vanishes the next day without a trace. Merryn grieves for almost seven years—and then Geoffrey returns to her—changed from the boy and man she knew and worshipped. This stranger refuses to reveal where he has been and why he stayed away for so long.

Will her husband’s silence create a rift too large to heal, or can Merryn and Geoffrey recapture the love they once shared?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: The talented author Lauren Linwood has begun a new series, Knights of Valor. Book one is titled Word of Honor, and is begun in 1351 in England, during King Edward’s rule.

The Prologue finds our main characters, sixteen-year-old Geoffrey De Montfort and his recently betrothed, thirteen-year-old Merryn vowing love and saying goodbye for a while, as Geoffrey would leave for France to fight for his king. It’s a tender and loving opening, letting everyone know how a rare love match had been made between these two neighbors.

Chapter One finds us in France 1356, Geoffrey is discussing war policy with Sir Thomas. They drank to their King and his son, another Edward (the Black Prince). On his way back to his tent, Geoffrey discovers a neighbor of his engaged in whoring and betraying his king and cause. Barrett, son of Berold, earl of Winterbourne. The charges resulted in a trial by combat which Geoffrey won, resulting in the beheading of Barrett, just as his father arrived from his own fighting. Berold vows to Geoffrey to make him suffer and pray for death someday, which Geoffrey dismisses as the words of a distraught father (feeling guilty for his part in the son’s death).

This marvelous story continues in November of 1356 as Geoffrey returns to marry his Merryn and begin their life together…they have a marvelous wedding and one night of bliss before all hell breaks loose!

That’s the setup, I’ll not spoil this marvelous story by telling more. The writing is clear and wonderful, the tale exciting and emotional. Just when you wonder what else could these two young people so much in love could go through…our talented author takes the mystery and twisting to another level, both enjoyable and frustrating at the same time.

If you love tales of knights and ladies, love and adventure, you won’t want to miss this series. It’s well written, incredibly interesting (had a hard time not putting it down…so of course I didn’t). I found it both exciting and entertaining. It’s much more than just a good story…an epic tale of the kind of love we all dream about.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna S

guest post

Developing my Heroine for Word of Honor

I am a Pride and Prejudice fan from way back. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read Jane Austen’s masterpiece, much less admit how many times I’ve watched the BBC mini-series (COLIN FIRTH!) or the 2005 film with Keira Knightley. Actually, I wouldn’t mind telling this to readers at The Reading Café, but just in case my husband catches this post on my FB or Twitter feed? He would be flabbergasted at the double digit numbers . . . so I suppose I’ll keep my readings & viewings a secret. For now.

One of the reasons I love Austen’s classic tale so much is because of heroine Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy is intelligent, compassionate, loyal, witty, charming, and feisty—everything I love in a heroine. Of course, she’s not perfect. Perfect is boring. No reader wants to read perfect, and Lizzy does have a few (fixable) faults. She’s a great conversationalist, but her sharp tongue gets her into trouble sometimes. Her biggest flaw is that she tends to judge people a little too hastily and harshly, which occurs when she first meets Mr. Darcy. It’s this mistaken impression she gets of him which leads her to reject his proposal of marriage the first time around.

Thank goodness our hero finds her interesting enough to hang around, hoping that he can change her mind. Lizzy gradually realizes that Darcy, besides being impossible handsome and wealthy, has something truly important to her. He possesses a noble character. She realizes her prejudice against him is undeserved. This was truly the only obstacle to finding lasting happiness with him, as she has fallen in love with him after seeing many instances of this good character in action. His feelings for her never change, but hers do an about face.

Romance writers try to give both their hero and heroine character flaws which they must overcome during the course of the novel and their growing relationship. In my latest medieval romance, Word of Honor, I wanted just as strong a heroine as Elizabeth Bennet.

Merryn Mantel is betrothed to her childhood friend and sweetheart, Geoffrey de Montfort, who leaves England to fight against France in the Hundred Years’ War. Merryn matures into a woman in the five years her betrothed is away. They marry upon his return, but Geoffrey vanishes without a trace the next day. In the years Geoffrey is away, Merryn assumes an incredible amount of responsibility.

Upon Geoffrey’s return, she finds him to be a stranger—and yet she, too, has had to change in order to cope with the circumstances of his disappearance. I had to walk a fine line and balance having Merryn continue to love Geoffrey—the new Geoffrey—and still be true to the woman she has become in his absence. I let her frustration show at the situation, but I allowed her to keep her sense of humor even when things proved tough. It didn’t hurt that she was already intelligent and compassionate, but I had to let Geoffrey see how she had changed, just as Merryn needed to understand how and why Geoffrey changed, as well. Love isn’t the issue between these two lovers; it’s trust. Both must learn once again to trust one another and respect the person each has become in the years of their separation.

I thoroughly enjoyed writing Merryn and Geoffrey’s love story, and I’m thrilled that they are the first book in the Knights of Valor series. In the upcoming five books, I have the pleasure of revisiting this couple again and watching their love mature even as other heroes and heroines appear so that I may tell their love stories, too.

~~Lauren~~

About The Author

Lauren LinwoodLauren Linwood’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.

A native Texan, Lauren is an avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan who manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for Fixer Upper addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

Website / Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway

Lauren Linwood has graciously offered an ecopy of WORD OF HONOR 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.

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8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from April 9-12, 2016

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Luck is No Lady by Amy Sandas -Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Luck is No Lady by Amy Sandas-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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LUCK IS NO LADY
Fallen Ladies #1
by Amy Sandas
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: Historical, romance

Luck is no Lady

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple/ BAM / Indiebound

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

“You should not have kissed me,” she replied breathlessly.
“I do a lot of things I shouldn’t. It does not mean I won’t do them again.”

Gently bred Emma Chadwick always assumed she’d live and die the daughter of a gentleman. But when her father’s death reveals a world of staggering debt and dangerous moneylenders, she must risk her good name and put her talent for mathematics to use, taking a position as bookkeeper at London’s most notorious gambling hell. Surrounded by vice and corruption on all sides, it is imperative no one discovers Emma’s shameful secret or her reputation-and her life-will be ruined.

But Roderick Bentley, the hell’s sinfully wealthy owner, awakens a hunger Emma cannot deny. Drawn deep into an underworld of high stakes gambling and reckless overindulgence, she soon discovers that in order to win the love of a ruthless scoundrel, she will have to play the game…and give in to the pleasure of falling from grace.

•••••••••

REVIEW: 4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

My goodness that was a really good historical romance! 🙂

Luck is No Lady (love this title) by Amy Sandas (high five to another newly discovered author added to my “go to list”) is the first book of her series called “Fallen Ladies”. With a series called Fallen Ladies, and set in a time when ladies were held to a strict code of conduct, my inner rule breaking bad girl, just couldn’t resist this book. So glad I didn’t too! 🙂

Emma Chadwick is the heroine of this story and can be easily described as one well smart (especially with numbers) proper lady. She is the oldest of 3 daughters (and believes herself to be over seasoned for marriage) and takes on the responsibility of her late father’s gambling debts. In hopes of securing good marriages and proper prospects for her sisters, Emma must take a walk on the wild side in order to pay these debts off. Having been brought up in polite society, taking on employment as a gambling hell’s book keeper certainly is not the future she had envisioned. Emma is a character that is really easy to adore as she just really grabs the bull by the horns, is really smart, innocent and sweet, but cunning and witty when needed to be. Her loyalty and determination shine very brightly throughout this story!

Roderick Bentley is the owner of this gambling establishment and also considered a bastard to the members of the ton. Not letting this define his character or his life, Roderick mixes well with the ton by establishing a lucrative place for these members to sin, drink and gamble (the hypocrisy of this always makes me laugh ..lol). Roderick is very handsome, certainly wealthy and despite his title of bastard, has pretty much turned all the odds in his favour with hard work and smarts.

These two were so well matched. They both are endearing and from the first intimate stolen moment to the agreement to be employer/employee, their blossoming romance was that “feel good right from your head to your toes”, “silly smiley grin on my face while reading”. It was REFRESHING! I am all about having a arrogant arse as a hero, but Roderick was anything but … if he was an arse there was a reason .. he is one of my fave book boyfriends of 2016 so far. These two had honesty, friendship, laughs, hot yummy you know what and “I got your back” moments.

My only complaint is it was a little slow to start! Once it took off though .. WHAM .. hello story! Sorry that is all I am going to give you, you have to read the book for more!

Can I just have a moment with you here .. can you just go and admire that gorgeous cover?? Right??? Ya, I loved it too! SIGH!

Well done Amy Sandas! I will most definitely be eagerly awaiting the next book (which maybe is the next sister??). Highly recommend this book to my fellow historical romance readers!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel T

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

 

Guest Post

What is your ideal way to spend a Saturday?

Easy! A Saturday where I didn’t have laundry to do and had someone else to do the cooking would be amazing.

I work a Monday through Friday job and have three kids that require a lot of attention in the evenings, so most, if not all, of my housework gets saved up for the weekend. Three kids can create an astounding amount of dirty laundry in a week! And then there’s my husband, a man who can fix just about anything and loves to do any sort of work outside. However, when it comes to the kitchen, he excels at making mac-n-cheese, but not much else.

It’s not that I don’t like to cook. I do, but I will also say that one of my favorite ways to treat myself is go out to eat, where I can sit and enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer while the food is being readied and I don’t have to worry about clean-up. Heaven!
Now, back to an ideal Saturday…

I would wake up early as I always do and get some writing time in before anyone else gets up. The earliest hours are quiet, dark, and perfectly suited to my muse. Writing would have to be a part of any ideal day, that’s a given. Once everyone else is up and about, I would venture from my office to make a big breakfast. Since weekday mornings are busy as everyone is getting ready for their day, breakfast tends to be quick and simple; usually cereal. When the weekend comes, I enjoy making a real breakfast and often get a little help from my son or my youngest. They both love to mix the pancake batter.

The rest of the day would depend on the time of year. I live in Wisconsin where the weather varies significantly from summer to winter. If we were talking a winter Saturday, I could see spending the day enjoying a family movie marathon, maybe Star Wars, or The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, or Back to the Future. Someone else would be in charge of making lunch, after which I’d have a chance to sit and read a good book. Uninterrupted. Then time to get dressed up (a rare occasion) and head out for a romantic dinner date with the husband.

For an ideal summer Saturday, we would all head out as a family, either on our bikes or for a long walk, to a park we like to go to that has trails through the woods and along the river where the kids can do a little nature exploration. Lunch would be a packed picnic before we head home again to hang out in the back yard. My husband and I can sit in our chairs under the maple tree while the kids splash in the pool. For dinner, we’d head somewhere we can eat outside so we don’t waste even a moment to enjoy the weather. (Summers are lovely in Wisconsin, but fleeting!) The evening would be spent around our backyard fire pit, making s’mores and listening to my husband play guitar.

I know it all probably sounds terribly mundane, but with our busy family, there is no doubt about it—Saturdays are precious. Getting to spend time together, without any interfering obligations, would be ideal in any season.

~~Amy~~

About The Author

Follow: Website / Twitter /Facebook / Goodreads

Amy SandasAmy Sandas’s love of romance began one summer when she stumbled across one of her mother’s Barbara Cartland books. Her affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She lives with her husband and children near Milwaukee.

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Amy’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of LUCK IS NO LADY 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.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from April 9-12, 2016

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Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flirting with FameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Elise Jameson is the secret author behind the bestselling, cult hit Viking Moon series. But when a stranger poses as Elise, the painfully shy, deaf nineteen-year-old starts to see how much she’s missing. Can she really hide in the shadows forever? This clever, coming-of-age debut is for anyone who has ever felt unsure in their own skin.

After a freak childhood accident leaves her deaf and physically scarred, nineteen-year-old Elise Jameson retreats into a world of vibrant characters she creates on her laptop. She is shocked when her coping mechanism turns into a career as a phenomenal bestselling novelist. Fans are obsessed with Elise’s Viking Moon series and its author—a striking girl with zero resemblance to Elise who appears on the back covers. Elise sent the randomly Googled photo to her editor following a minor panic attack. Now, horrified to learn she is expected on set of the television pilot based on her novels, Elise tracks down her anonymous stand-in. To Elise’s surprise, Veronica Wilde has been taking credit for Viking Moon for years. She eagerly agrees to keep up the charade if Elise will pose as her assistant.

It’s hard for Elise to watch a stranger take credit for her work and get all the perks she desires, including admiration from the show’s heartthrob star. Edged onto the sidelines of her own life, Elise reconsiders her choice to stay anonymous. Is she ready to come to terms with her true identity—and with the long-buried secrets that could cost her her career, her fans, and the few precious friendships she’s made?

 

 

Review:

Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce is her debut novel, which is a very good start to a bright career. Flirting with Fame is considered New Adult genre, but I felt this type of story fits for everyone, young and old. We meet our heroine, Elise Jameson, who is deaf, from a childhood accident. Elise is a very shy freshman at college; has anxiety around crowds, caused by a scar on her face, and her being deaf. This has caused Elise to not feel good about herself. We also learn that Elise has a big secret that only a friend and her family know: she is Aubrey Lynch, the author of the Viking Moon series, which has become a major bestseller and cult favorite. There will also TV series on Viking Moon. Elise, who is now 19, wrote the first book at the ripe age of 16, and even her agent doesn’t know who she really is, nor what she looks like.

Having been forced to submit a picture of herself, a couple of years ago, Elise pulled one off the internet of a pretty girl. But that is about to be blown up in her face, as Elise sees the girl she used is now masquerading as her. With the upcoming TV series, she is being told to help be on the set, and in panic investigates who the girl pretending to be her is. Elise will then offer Veronica money to continue to act as her.

Elise will be on the set acting as Veronica’s assistant to be able to answer questions. What follows is an interesting coming of age for Elise. Elise is a wonderful character, as you feel for her throughout, and root for her to gain confidence in herself. She will slowly come out of her shell, especially with a possible romance on the horizon.   What will help Elise are the friends she finds at college, such as Reggie, and Clint, as well as her old friend, Jin; who were great characters developed by Joyce. But it is the star of the TV show, Gavin, who will win her heart, and change everything . Gavin may be a star, but he finds himself falling for the sweet innocent and pretty Elise. Having had a sister with a hearing problem, Gavin knew sign language, and was able to communicate well with Elise. But as normal, there are obstacles in the way.

Veronica was a bitch, and we couldn’t wait for Elise to become more confident to stand up to her. Elise’s anxiety and fears were a major obstacle for both her telling the truth and any possible romance with Gavin. She must also face her friends , Gavin, her agent, editor, etc, when the truth is revealed.

Flirting with Fame was a nice and fun read, as well as a light sweet romance.   Very well done by Samantha Joyce.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Guest Post beige

Writing a Heroine

It’s funny because, when you hear the word heroine, the first image that usually pops into your head is a woman who kicks physical butt. Like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who is probably my favorite heroine off all time, it’s easy to imagine a heroine as someone who saves the world, and maybe even gets the boy while she’s at it.

But there are those women who hold their power internally, and whose strength will not win them any physical competitions, but it is what keeps them going in the face of adversity and is what pushes them to survive even the darkest of times.

Elise, in my book Flirting with Fame, is such a heroine. She’s overcome a lot in her life. She was deafened and scarred in an accident when she was younger, and thrust into a new world of silence and ridicule at thirteen. Her way of combatting this was to create a world where she felt safe and powerful—a Viking world in the novels that eventually get her best-seller status, titled Viking Moon. Elise finds a way to heal through her writing. As her Vikings battle it out on the pages of her books, she battles through a world where she is ostracized for the scars on her face.

The moment she’s forced into college by her parents, and her best friend leaves for his own school, her instinct is to run and hide in her dorm room. But her roommate will have none of that, and Elise has to visit the set of the TV show based on her books as part of her author deal. To make matters worse, she has to face the most perfect-looking man she’s even seen (and her celebrity crush) on set, Gavin Hartley.

Elise isn’t the most graceful of women, and she often makes poor decisions that land her in hot water. She frequently acts before thinking, and sometimes, as a result, just makes things worse for herself. But, as much as she wants to give up, she doesn’t. She still goes to classes, she still visits the Viking Moon set, and she still loses herself in her characters.

Writing a character like Elise, who is not an obvious heroine, was a challenge. She doesn’t get to throw punches and dropkick the bad guy (or bad girl, in this case). She must dig down and find what it is that makes her special and deserving of the same kind of love she believes everyone else is entitled to. When it comes to battling her own self-image, she is the only one who can give herself the acceptance she needs. In order to do that, she needs to make mistakes and take the wrong path once in a while, because it’s the only way she’ll be able to find her way back to herself. And she will carry what she learned with her like newly minted Viking armor.

The one thing I knew when writing this book was that Elise’s scars are not a symbol of her weakness, but of her strength. They are proof she survived something terrible, and that if she can survive that, she can survive anything.

And, in that way, she totally stands next to the Buffy’s of the world and kicks some butt of her own.

 

Giveaway beige

Samantha’s publisher is offering an e-copy of Flirting With Fame 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).

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8. Giveaway runs from March 14-17, 2016

 

 

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Flame’s Dawn by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flame’s Dawn by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flames DawnAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
The Vietnam War throws tough but vulnerable Specialist Jane Larson into the strong arms of cursed immortal Captain Barnaby Blackstone. As the world disintegrates around them, one night of passion ends with him shoving her onto a helicopter as a bomb explodes right where he stood.

Years later, Jane is neck deep in an undercover DEA operation gone horribly wrong. Kidnapped and then committed to an asylum, she has no hope of escape from the clutches of cult leader and narcotic trafficker, Tim Thompson. The only thing that sustains her through the pain is the image of a certain Captain’s handsome face. Now that she is broken in body and spirit, she has no future with any man, including Barnaby.

As cursed Indebted killer, Barnaby has spent several of his immortal years searching for the fierce and beautiful woman who had unlocked hope in his cold, hard soul. When he finds her near death in a hospital, he uses his Indebted strength to help her escape, but in the process attracts the attention of a maniac who is intent on revenge. To save Jane, he must reveal his deepest secret and risk her rejection.

 

Review

Flame’s Dawn by Jillian David is a prequel to her Hell to Pay series.
I have read the whole series, and loved it, so I inhaled the next chapter of this series.

This is about Barnaby. Having read this series so far, I know how this ends. And it’s a great story. We hear so much about Barnaby through the other books in the series, and how he interacts with the other characters, it was great to read his story. Only downside …… It wasn’t long enough 😉

For those who haven’t read the series (boy you need to read the series) indebted are immortal killers for their master Jerahmeel (like the devil) they kill using a special knife, it absorbs their soul and it feeds their master. They start as humans, but after an injustice, Jerahmeel may or may not hear their cries, he gets them to sign a contract, and they are eternally his. They can only escape once they have completed the special kill. No one knows how to end their contract.

We start Barnaby and Jane’s story in war torn Vietnam. Both have noticed each other for a while, but neither have acted on it.  This is where you think the story ends, but it doesn’t.

We jump to the future, Jane is now working for the DEA, going deep undercover to break a drug and cult ring, she is soon in over her head. Being forced to take drugs, poor Jane is broken, and to keep her quiet, she is placed in an asylum.

Barnaby is now sick of his life as an indebted, he searches for a loophole, a way to release himself and others from their servitude, but he has never forgotten Jane; always wondering where she ended up.

The couple are reunited when he finds her in the asylum, breaking her free, as they attempt to hide from the cult/drugs leader. As the drugs begin to leave Janes system, she begins to notice things. Barnaby heals really fast, can do things that shouldn’t be possible. And when confronting him, will she believe the things he will say to her ?

If you’ve read the other books, then this is a must, if you haven’t, then this is a good place to start.  It’s a prequel, but really, you can read it at the start of the series, or at the end. But I’m going to read it again, then go back to the other stories.

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Author

Guest Post beige

Heating Up the Pages

Steam factor. Swoon. Heat level. The tingly good feels.

Maybe it’s that moment when the hero and heroine’s eyes meet. Or the zing of sensation when a hand brushes against an arm or a shoulder. The way her mouth moves when she tells a story. The way he intently watches her walk across a room. Maybe it’s a simple smile. Or maybe it’s that promise to fulfill all those dark fantasies.

We all love some level of heat in our romances. Some readers enjoy just enough heat to make the tummy flutter and the heart skip a beat. Some readers want so much that they need supplemental oxygen and nitroglycerin tablets to make it through certain scenes.

On a scale, if you figure handholding falls at a 1 and wild monkey sex with whips and chains in zero gravity falls in at about a 10, then I like to write a heat level around a 6-8. Where my characters fall within this scale depends on their past, their belief systems, their fears, and how they respond to their partner.

I like to write to a heat level that’s enough to spice up the night and makes the encounter oh-so-satisfying, but still leaves some…depths…uncharted. But is the heat all about the act of sex itself – upping the kinkiness or sexual ante to creative heights? Or is heating up the pages about much, much more?

Gentle reader, you know the answer to that question. Heat levels totally depend on what comes before the actual sex. Chapters and pages well before the actual sex, in fact.

It’s really fun to write about the kind of heat builds and builds until it combusts like a match to a gasoline spill. I like the sexiness and steamy hot connection simmering for a long time before going into a full boil. Because when that flash point is reached. Wow.

Creating the heat is about everything BUT sex. Ok, it’s somewhat about sex, but the not-sex part is the most important part. How the fuel is mixed, how the accelerant is added, how the tinder is stacked, and finally, finally…striking that match. Giving that one tiny spark that – boom – flashes into Earth-shattering passion.

So how do you get to the kaboom? (Euphemistically speaking, of course!) It’s all about the little things.

The big O moment (whether that means Orgasm or Oh let’s be together forever) doesn’t happen without a bunch of little moments leading up to it – and I don’t mean foreplay in the bedroom beforehand. They say the woman’s erogenous zone is her mind, and I believe it. The intense gaze, the way he focuses on what she’s saying, his little touch in the small of her back – each action turns up the heat another few degrees. The way she brushes past his arm, or gets him to open up about his life, or tells a joke. Click, click, click – turn that knob. Increase the heat.

So heat isn’t about “Tab A into Slot B” details. Well, okay, maybe it is a >little< about the mechanics of kissing or petting or sex. But true heat is when there is meaning and history and longing infused into every movement of passion. That’s at least how I try to write the scenes. Turning up the heat is all about what got your characters to this moment that makes the moment mind-blowingly amazing. It’s about the things in the character’s past that has made him or her so vulnerable in the moment.

So, when that spark hits the fuel —

It bursts into flame.

 

Giveaway beige

Jillian is offering 2 e-copies of Immortal Flame (Book #1  of Hell to Pay series) to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

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8. Giveaway runs from February 28 to March 3, 2016

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