Category Archives: Blog Tour

The Spotlight Is On Love And Reservations by Dee Rollings @XpressoTours

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Love and Reservations
Dee Rollings
(The Pacifica Series, #2)
Publication date: May 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s her enemy… and her roommate.

Blake Thomas has no patience for weddings. As the general manager of a popular Santa Barbara resort, she sees far too many love-struck couples pass through her doors. She’d rather curl up with a book or go geocaching than try to find “the one”.

After an underhanded trick leaves Blake virtually homeless, she’s forced to move in with the one man she’d rather keep firmly tucked away in her past.

Sal is a talented chef with a big bank balance and an even bigger ego. He promises to take Blake in while she navigates the real estate market – on one condition – she’s got to pretend to be his girlfriend to impress his estranged parents.

Caught up in a tumultuous fake relationship and determined to avoid reawakening painful memories, Blake decides to focus on everything else she’s balancing: renovations at work, her best friend’s wedding, and an offer for a major promotion.

But as long-buried sparks begin to ignite beneath the surface, Blake and Sal begin to realize that their scheme is becoming all too real. However, Sal is hiding more secrets than she ever imagined…

Can Blake heal from her past and find the courage to open her heart? Or will her cynicism and distrust keep her from taking a chance at true love?

The second novel in The Pacifica Series, Love and Reservations will have your heart fluttering from beginning to end.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order


Author Bio:

Dee Rollings was born and raised in the big city, but her heart lives in the forest. She does her best writing on the porch of her tiny house in the woods when she’s not wrangling her kid and her dogs or having one-sided conversations with chipmunks. She has a gorgeous husband who resembles Paul Bunyan, builds the best campfires, and makes all her dreams come true.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


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Giveaway & Review – And The Trees Talked Back by Frederick J Burns @ireadbooktorus

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Book Details:

Book Title:  And the Trees Talked Back by Frederick J. Burns
Category:  Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 48 pages
Genre:  Children’s Book
Publisher:  Frederick J. Burns
Release date:   Nov 4, 2023
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

MY REVIEW

All I had to do was see the cover, read the title and know that I had to have this book. I love everything to do with trees, whether naked, clothed, or anything in between.

This oversized book, with wonderful illustrations, and a young girl who can talk to trees is sure to spark the young ones imaginations. Like seeing shapes in clouds, she sees faces in trees. I have seen things in trees too. Amanda has a huge heart and capacity for empathy. I smiled through the entire book and cannot imagine a child not enjoying this wonderful, magical adventure with Amanda.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars
Book Description:

Meet Amanda, an extraordinary child with a unique gift — she can talk to trees.

Living in a quaint village with a mystical forest, Amanda’s life takes an enchanting turn when she seeks out her inquisitive cat, Daisy. As the sun sets and the moonlight casts its glow, the duo embark on a thrilling night-time adventure.

As Amanda encounters ancient trees, she uncovers a world she never knew existed, where wisdom and acceptance coexist with fear and hatred. Amidst the rustling leaves and haunting shadows, she confronts the duality of nature, discovering the true meaning of good and evil. Her bonds with nature deepen and she learns to navigate the world where choices shape destinies.

And The Trees Talked Back is a heartwarming tale of wonder, friendship, and self-discover that will captivate readers of all ages.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Burns, always an artist on the inside, breaks through his trial attorney exterior at age 63, to write and illustrate his first children’s book, AND THE TREES TALKED BACK. Three years in the making, Burns strives to convey a world where commonalities are more important than differences, where empathy is more important than distain and where making friends is more important than creating enemies. With no formal art training, Burns enjoys working in and learning new mediums and styles. His art has won awards in juried competitions, been displayed on billboards, in government offices, the D’Amour Museum of Fine Art, and now graces the cover of Dave Brinnel’s second CD, ALONE. His detailed illustrations of trees using pen and ink with washes of watercolor have been compared to the fantastical illustrations of Arthur Rackham and Maurice Sendak. Burns lives in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Heather and two dogs, where he is developing ideas for his next book.

connect with author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:
AND THE TREES TALKED BACK by Frederick J. Burns Book Tour Giveaway



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    • Giveaway – The Wicked Knight by by Diana A Hicks @diana_hicks @xpressotours

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    Wicked Knight 2
    Diana A. Hicks
    (Knight Duet, #2)
    Publication date: November 7th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

    Maxim Belov is Papa’s favorite son.

    Like his father, Maxim is ruthless and always gets what he wants. He wants me.

    He doesn’t even care that our families are mortal enemies,
    or that I’ve never seen his face.

    Because of him, I’m forced into a marriage with a stranger.

    On our wedding night, when I finally come face to face with my worst enemy, my entire life is turned upside down.

    Authors Note: Wicked Knight is book two in the Knight Duet, set in The Society World. And it’s best enjoyed if you read book one first.

    Goodreads / Amazon


    Author Bio:

    Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

    When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok / Amazon / Bookbub


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    Giveaway – Babies In Twinkle Falls by Freda Ann @XpressoTours

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    Babies in Twinkle Falls
    Freda Ann
    (Twinkle Falls, #4)
    Publication date: November 28th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

    Kylee Croft finds herself pregnant and alone as an only child of her deceased parents. Her father died soon after her birth, and her mother recently passed. With her grandparents also deceased, all that’s left of the family she’d known were photos…or so she thought.

    Uncovering the biggest secret of her mother’s life, Kylee leaves the idyllic town of Chantilly, France for Twinkle Falls, Vermont in hopes of finding the family she never knew existed.

    Soon after arriving, she becomes friends with her handsome co-worker, Trace Holberg, a single dad raising twin boys by himself.

    As Kylee and Trace’s relationship grows, she forges a friendship with Bridgette Dupont, the woman who gave her a job when she desperately needed one. She’s the same woman Kylee believes to be the sister she never knew about, and the daughter of a father who’s very much alive.

    Will Bridgette and her father accept the news Kylee believes to be the truth, or will her hopes and dreams of a new family be shattered?

    Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

    —

    EXCERPT:

    (Kylee and Bridgette)

    “I think all of this could be a product of your imagination working overtime.”

    “It’s not made up, Bridgette, I swear. Mummy gave me the first photo years ago, and it’s the only one I had of my father until—”

    “Quit saying that!” She huffs, “I don’t even know for sure if the man in that picture is my father. Though, let’s say it is. There’s no possible way you could be his daughter.”

    “Why? Am I not good enough to be a Dupont?”

    “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

    “Do I? We’re total opposites, Bridgette. You’re a successful baker who went to some prestigious culinary school, and I’m a struggling, knocked-up girl who takes any job she can to make ends meet.”

    “Stop that. It sounds like you’re trying to play on my sympathy so I’ll change my mind about that photo.”

    “Believe what you want.” I wince when my lower abdomen tightens. Reflexively rubbing it, I continue, “Like I said, she never talked about him. Mummy said they were only together a short time; however, he was in the Navy, and he died when I was just a baby.”

    “There you go…that proves my father cannot be yours, because mine is very much alive.”

    Still massaging my aching belly, I propose, “Well, maybe she lied about that part for some reason, I don’t know. Was your father ever in the Navy?”

    “That means nothing—a lot of men have been in the Navy.”

    “That sounds like a yes if you ask me.”

    “Well, I didn’t ask you.” Her eyes flutter when she turns and takes a few steps.

    “You’re avoiding the question.”

    She turns back around. “He was, though only for a short time. I’ll have you know, my parents have been happily married for thirty-nine years, so there’s no way anything like you’re insinuating ever could’ve happened.”


    Author Bio:

    Freda was born in southern New Jersey but grew up in Florida. She has loved writing her entire life. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, she knew it was time to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a published author.

    She’s the author of The Hawaii Series, proudly named from her love of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It’s a three-book series with all of them written as standalone books.

    Freda loves her large family, horses, dogs, cat, and close friends. She hosts monthly family dinners at her home in the country, which she shares with her husband.

    She loves baking (she owned and operated a cupcake business for years), cooking, yoga, crocheting, nature and traveling with the love of her life.

    What helps her write? Music makes her happy! If music doesn’t give her the right motivation, she puts on a romantic movie, usually from the Hallmark Channel, which she can’t get enough of!

    Freda speaks her mind and pushes perfection to its limit. She strives to be her best, most positive self she can be in life. With time, determination, and practice, she believes anything is possible.

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest


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    Giveaway – Knitmare On Beech Street by Peggy Ehrhart @dollycas

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    Knitmare on Beech Street (A Knit & Nibble Mystery)
    by Peggy Ehrhart

    About Knitmare on Beech Street


    Knitmare on Beech Street (A Knit & Nibble Mystery)
    Cozy Mystery
    10th in Series 
    Setting – Charming fictional town of Arborville, in northern New Jersey
    Kensington Cozies (November 28, 2023)
    Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
    ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496738861
    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496738868
    Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZBM8P55

    Knit and Nibble member Pamela Paterson, and her best friend, Bettina, stumble on a body in a once grand Victorian house when they join a group welcoming new residents to Arborville—and must figure out if old secrets killed the new neighbor . . .

    When Pamela, Bettina, and their friends show up at the Voorhees House to greet its new owner, they’re met with a most unwelcome sight: a dead body on the kitchen floor. Tassie Hunt just inherited the old Victorian, which had been occupied by a reclusive widow for many years and had a reputation for being haunted. But Tassie would have been unlikely to be spooked since her career involved debunking such paranormal phenomena.

    Her demise sets off a new flurry of gossip and ghostly speculation in the New Jersey town, of course—and it’s tempting to think spirits were indeed involved considering there’s zero evidence so far of foul play. A nosy neighbor reports strange lights and sounds, and a man obsessed with the Victorian era starts photographing the place from the street. But it won’t take long before Pamela and Bettina are moving in on a killer . . .

    Excerpt 

    Pamela led the way down the steps, down the narrow concrete path, and along the sidewalk, until they reached another concrete path. From this path, steps led up to another porch, smaller and with a plainer railing, onto which the back door opened.

    Saying “I’ll try again,” Marlene hefted the gift basket and headed up the steps. As she pressed the doorbell, the rest of the group joined her on the porch one by one.

    Marlene turned away after a few minutes and much enthusiastic pressing of the doorbell. “No answer,” she murmured. “And I was sure ANGWY was clear about the date and time.”

    She shrugged, edged past the others, and started down the steps. Bettina, however, stepped closer to the door and tipped her head to peer at the doorframe. “I’m not sure it’s closed all the way,” she said and gave the

    door a tentative push.

    The door swung open easily. After a shrug and a glance at the other women, Bettina raised a stylishly shod foot and stepped over the threshold.

    “Tassie?” Her voice rang out with a cheerful lilt. “Hello? It’s the ANGWY committee.”

    She disappeared inside, but a moment later she was back in the doorway. Her cheer had vanished, leaving her face a wan canvas that made her careful makeup appear garish.

    Ignoring her heart’s sudden lurch, Pamela took a few quick steps and joined her friend in the doorway. Bettina backed up against the door, anchoring it in a fully open position, and Pamela slipped past her into the kitchen.

    A woman lay sprawled on the ancient linoleum, a slender blonde woman wearing a light cotton robe printed with small flowers in shades of blue and lilac . . .

    About Peggy Ehrhart

    Peggy Ehrhart is a former English professor with a doctorate in Medieval Literature. Her Maxx Maxwell mysteries, Sweet Man Is Gone(2008) and Got No Friend Anyhow (2011), were published by Five Star/Gale/Cengage and feature a blues-singer sleuth.

    Peggy is currently writing the Knit & Nibble mysteries for Kensington Books. Her amateur sleuth, Pamela Paterson, is the founder and mainstay of the Arborville, New Jersey, knitting club, nicknamed Knit and Nibble. Knitmare on Beech Street is book #10 in the series. Peggy herself is an avid crafter, dating from her childhood as a member of the 4-H Club in rural Southern California.

    Peggy is a longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She regularly attends mystery-writing conferences and participates in conference panels. She also gives talks on mystery fiction at libraries and other venues in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

    Author Links

    Purchase Links – Amazon – Barnes & Noble     Bookshop.org      Kobo

    TOUR PARTICIPANTS

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
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    Giveaway – Christmas In The Crosshairs by Deena Alexander @dollycas DeenaAlexanderA

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    Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense)
    by Deena Alexander

    About Christmas in the Crosshairs


    Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense)
    Inspirational Romantic Suspense
    Setting – Seaport, Long Island, New York
    Love Inspired Suspense (November 28, 2023)
    Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
    ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335597794
    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335597793
    Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BTJ3BSJW

    A baby in need of protection—

    and a hitman in pursuit.

    After evading an attack, defense attorney Adam Spencer is on the run from a dangerous hitman. The killer’s wife is Adam’s only hope at apprehending the criminal—until she lands in the hospital. Now he must depend on her twin sister, Jaelyn Reed, to find the answers they need…all while protecting the baby niece Jaelyn didn’t know she had. But with threats at every turn, trust may be the deadliest trap…

    From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

    About Deena Alexander

    Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena’s love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

    Author Links

    Purchase Links  – Amazon   B&N    Kobo    Harlequin    Apple    Google Play 

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    Giveaway & Review – Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice @partnersincr1me

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    Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice Banner

    Lest She Forget

    by Lisa Malice

    November 20 – December 15, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

    https://amzn.to/3ubkluc

    MY REVIEW

    Wow…what an amazing cover. Look at it closely. I love it. And, I love books that have a severe weather event. We are on the road in Virginia and a blizzard is headed Kay’s way. She must get home. She will be better there. The headlights blaze through the rear view window, gaining on her, and…..

    She wakes with a name, Kay Smith, but no memory.

    I am cynical and immediately suspicious of everyone around her. The doctor, the nurses and the guy who visits the comatose woman in the bed next to hers. Lest She Forget is a romantic suspense novel, so….is he the villain or the hero? They chat, and seeing she is alone, he leaves her his number. I have a feeling she will be using it…soon.

    Kay could leave her past behind. Start over. But, we all know the past always catches up to us. Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean that people aren’t out to get you. She definitely needs to keep that paranoia alive. She is being hunted….again. By who? And why?

    As she does her research, a sympathetic hospital clerk shows her concern by sharing all the information she can find about ‘Erin Johnson’. Her research leads her to Nick Costa, the mysterious visitor.

    About halfway through, the tension rises and keeps building. The chase is on. The clock is ticking and the body count is rising. I have a revelation and why I didn’t see that coming, I don’t know. Was I so involved in the moment that I didn’t try to predict the outcome? I do love when an author can keep me in the moment.

    This is Lisa Malice’s debut novel. With the amazing job she did, the sky’s the limit and I hope to around for her next fabulous story.

    Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
    4 Stars

    Synopsis:

    Haunted by a forgotten past. Hunted by a ruthless killer. No one to save her but herself.

    After surviving a car crash, Kay Smith wakes from a coma with amnesia, a battered face, and no one to vouch for her identity. Her psychiatrist is convinced that her memory loss is connected to the horrific flashbacks and nightmares haunting her. As she digs for clues to her past, Kay uncovers a shady character following her every inquiry. Who is he? And what does he want from her?

    As Kay’s probes deepen, she realizes that everyone around her has deadly secrets to hide—even her. Emerging memories, guilty suspicions, and headline-screaming murders push Kay to come out of the shadows and choose: will she perpetuate a horrendous lie or risk her life to uncover the truth?

    Praise for Lest She Forget:

    “Lisa Malice’s debut, Lest She Forget, is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end!”
    ~ Debra Webb, USA Today Bestseller

    “Brimming with intrigue, Lest She Forget takes readers on a dark and twisted journey with surprises around every corner. It’s a thriller that grips you from the first page!”
    ~ Ellery Kane, award-winning author of the Doctors of Darkness series

    “This twisty thriller takes you deep into Kay’s psyche, even as she runs for her life. Whoever you think this woman is, whatever you think she’s seen or done, prepare to be surprised!”
    ~ Sarah Warburton, author of Once Two Sisters and You Can Never Tell

    “Lisa Malice’s psychological thriller Lest She Forget is a tense and twisty debut, an intricately plotted story that grows more and more complex with each new revelation. Don’t even try to guess how this novel ends; just put yourself in Malice’s capable hands and enjoy the ride!”
    ~ Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter and The Wicked Sister

    “Lisa Malice turns an amnesia story on its head in this twisty, unique tale of intrigue, suspense and unexpected turns. You won’t be able to predict the next chapter, much less the ending.”
    ~ Lisa Black, NYT bestselling author of the Gardiner & Renner and Locard Institute series

    Book Details:

    Genre: Psychological Thriller
    Published by: CamCat Books
    Publication Date: December 2023
    Number of Pages: 368
    ISBN: 9780744307153 (ISBN10: 0744307155)
    Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | CamCat Books

    Read an excerpt:

    The loud heavy beat of my heart echoes in my ears, pulsing in sync with the car’s wipers as they furiously slap at the snow alighting the windshield. The frantic rhythm draws me in as I stare ahead into the darkening night and the thick snowflakes swirling in the beams of the headlights. The effect is almost mesmerizing.

    My eyelids start to droop. I want nothing more than to sleep, let my mind shut off. Under slumber’s spell, the ache in my heart would subside, the guilt in my soul would vanish, and, if I was lucky, I’d wake up to find that the words I heard earlier today were just part of a gruesome dream, an awful nightmare.

    She’s dead.

    My chest tightens, my heart races as my thoughts are pulled toward our last moments together. Fraught with suspicion, accusations, anger. My eyes tear up.

    It’s your fault.

    The words reverberate in my ears as my head starts to throb. How could I have been so stupid and naïve to fall for that man’s lies, his manipulations? If I could go back in time and change everything, fix my mistakes, right a host of wrongs, I would. Things would have turned out differently. Two—no, three—people would still be alive. But there’s no going back. Worse, I see no path forward, at least not one I can live with.

    My gaze is drawn to a hazy pair of headlights reflected in the rearview mirror. A chill runs down my spine, even as a bead of sweat trickles down the side of my face. My fingers, clenched atop the steering wheel, go numb as my foot presses down on the accelerator.

    “Calm down,” I tell myself. I can’t let fear trick me into imagining what is not there.

    I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, then open them again and glance into the side mirror. They’re still there, those headlights, keeping pace with me. I focus on the road in front of me, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Get a grip,” I tell myself. “If he wanted me dead, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

    Staring ahead, a forest of tall pines engulfs the road, blocking out much of the remaining daylight and casting a gloom all around that grows blacker and grimmer with each fleeting moment. But I can’t go back. Not now. I’d have to face the truth, accept my own culpability, surrender myself, my life, my future. I’m not ready to do that.

    I turn on the radio and press the scan button, hoping for a distraction. Music pours through the speakers in short clips—Spanish, hard rock, country, polka—and then a soft, familiar melody, its words just on the tip of my tongue.

    “. . . I would surrender my soul, if it would bring back yours . . .”

    My gut twists with remorse. The pain is cut short as the radio scanner moves to the next station.

    “. . . Could you forgive me, if I made it to Heaven . . .”

    Tears well up in my eyes as the radio, again, moves on.

    “. . . My name won’t be on St. Peter’s list . . .”

    A mournful sob erupts from deep inside me. My hands, clutching the steering wheel, suddenly go weak and start to tremble. Those songs, their lyrics—words that never held any personal meaning—now haunt me. It’s as if some cosmic disc jockey knows what I’ve done and doesn’t want—no—won’t let me forget it.

    “Please, no more!” I shout.

    A woman’s voice pops over the speakers, a news program. “Finally, I sigh, poking the scan button to set the station.

    “. . . it’s time for a quick station break, after which we’ll go to a weather update with WCVA’s meteorologist, Alec Bohanan. Our weather team says this blizzard hitting Virginia and much of the East Coast, the first significant snow event of 2017, is a bad one. It could be a killer, so sit tight at home and keep your radio dial tuned to this station . . .”

    She’s right. The snow is coming down thicker and heavier with each passing mile. The roads will only get worse. But I need to press on. I must get home. I can think better there. Figure out what options I have left.

    My attention is pulled back to the voice on the radio. “When the last segment of The June Jeffries Show returns, we’ll join the Virginia State Police press conference with breaking news on the missing person case of—”

    It’s your fault.

    The words echo in my ears, pulsing louder and faster with each echo, drowning out the newscaster’s voice. I slam my fist down on the radio’s power button.

    Suddenly, flashes of light bounce off the windshield. The muscles in my jaw tighten. My neck stiffens. My hands, locked in a death grip on the steering wheel, grow cold, numb. My gaze darts to the rearview mirror. Unable to look away from the looming vehicle behind me, I throw my left arm up to block its intense beams.

    The steering wheel jerks to the right, pitching the passenger-side wheels off the road. I grasp the steering wheel with both hands and pull to the left, but overcorrect. The car careens across the snow-swept blacktop, skids beyond the center line.

    When I finally pull the car into the right lane, my heart is pounding, my body trembling, while my grip on the steering wheel goes weak.

    ***

    Excerpt from Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice. Copyright 2023 by Lisa Malice. Reproduced with permission from CamCat Books. All rights reserved.

     

     

    Author Bio:

    Lisa Malice

    Lisa Malice earned her B.S. in psychology at the University of Minnesota, her M.S. and Ph.D. at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her debut novel, Lest She Forget, a psychological thriller, was a finalist in five unpublished manuscript contests. Lisa is an active member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and the Authors Guild. A native of Minnesota, Lisa lived in the Atlanta area with her husband for nearly thirty years before moving to the Tampa area in 2019 to enjoy a life of sailing, fishing, and shelling on the Florida Gulf Coast. They have two adult children and a granddog.

    Catch Up With Lisa Malice:
    www.LisaMalice.com
    Goodreads
    Instagram – @LisaMaliceAuthor
    Twitter/X – @LisaWMalice
    Facebook – @LisaMaliceAuthor

     

     

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    Giveaway & Review – The Dolphin Dentist by Cheryl DaVeiga @ireadbooktours @BiffBamBooza 

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    Book Details:

    Book Title:  The Dolphin Dentist: No Sharks Allowed by Cheryl DaVeiga 
    Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  44 pages
    Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
    Publisher:  Waterhole Productions LLC
    Release date:   November, 2023
    Content Rating:  G. This children’s book is for everyone.

    MY REVIEW

    As soon as I saw The Dolphin Dentists by Cheryl DaVeiga, I had to have it. I love anything to do with marine life, oceans and seas. The illustrations are vibrant and amusing, sure to catch the eye of a child of any age. The characters are fun and endearing. Even a great white shark can be afraid of something. And who does like going to the dentist? Not me. What is the dentist afraid of? Sharks.

    It is poetically written, with a rhythm that is easy to read along to. I had a smile on my face all the way through. I cannot imagine a child not being enchanted by The Dolphin Dentist. I sure was. I loved it and it will help a child (or all of us) realize, we are all afraid of something, but to face it before it becomes an even bigger problem, is the best solution. I give it five shining stars.

    Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
    5 Stars
    Book Description:

    COMING SOON! A “Fin-tastic” adventure Like No Other!

    Fearless Flossy, a mighty great white shark, has a secret—she’s terrified of going to the dentist.  Dr. Dribble, the big-hearted dolphin dentist, has a jaw-dropping fear of his own, and a strict “No Sharks Allowed” policy.  When Fearless Flossy makes an unannounced visit to Dr. Dribble’s office, it’s the start of an underwater adventure like no other!  This ‘fin-tastic’ story is must-read for kids and parents alike. Young readers will be immersed in a tale of courage, compassion, and conquering fear, while giggling and cheering for these unlikely friends along the way.

    Dive in with a big Biff Bam Booza smile.
    Buy the Book
    Biff Bam Booza
    Amazon
    add to     goodreads

    Meet the Author:

    Cheryl DaVeiga is an award-winning children’s book author and singer/songwriter residing in New Jersey. After a career in business, Cheryl’s passion for music caught up with her, and she began writing and recording children’s songs as her alter ego, CADi Grace. She then moved on to adult songs, including an ASCAP award-winning veteran’s anthem, the featured song for the State of Alabama Bicentennial Celebration, the theme song to the philanthropic Where Angels Play Foundation, and a NJ Arts’ pick for top NJ summer songs. She’s also written songs for artists on critically acclaimed albums.

    You can find her books and animated sing-along song videos on her website for kids and kid-lovers– BiffBamBooza.com. 
     
    Biff Bam Booza books have received numerous awards and acclaim, including Mom’s Choice Gold, Purple Dragonfly, Eric Hoffer, and Literary Titan book awards, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star rating, and a Kirkus Review Magazine feature.
     
    Cheryl lives in Tucson, Arizona, and spends summers in her native New Jersey.  

    connect with the authors:  website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads
    Enter the Giveaway:

    THE DOLPHIN DENTIST: NO SHARKS ALLOWED Book Tour Giveaway




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    Giveaway – Fallen Raven Duet by Diana A Hicks @XpressoTours @diana_hicks

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    Fallen Raven Duet
    Diana A. Hicks
    Publication date: July 24th 2023
    Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

    Now a 2023 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Romance – Contemporary genre!

    “Diana A. Hicks painted a slow-burn romance balanced on the dark edge of danger…Fallen Raven will capture the minds of readers who enjoy Mafia political romances with plenty of action to entertain them.” – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer

    Both books in the Fallen Raven Duet included in one bundle.
    Fallen Raven, Book One

    Seventeen-year-old Aurora Vitali didn’t have the best life in Las Vegas, but it was a place to call home. When her father scores a win after so many fails, he abruptly moves the whole family to the Upper East Side in New York City. Aurora is quickly seduced by the glitz and glamour of her new world, where designer clothes, limos, and beach parties are the norm.

    Her first day at their elite school, she meets Enzo Alfera, one of the royals. He’s rich, gorgeous, and so dangerous. The magnetic pull she feels when he’s near is absolutely irresistible. She’s warned to stay away, and that’s exactly what she plans to do. Except every time their paths cross, neither one of them can deny their powerful attraction.

    Going against their parents’ wishes, they give into their burning desires. He’s dark and cunning. She’s sweet and innocent. Together, they are explosive.

    But their parents have plans of their own. The choices they make to get ahead threaten to pull Aurora and Enzo apart. Now the star-crossed lovers have to decide if their forbidden love is worth going against everything and everyone.

    Enzo knows what he wants. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep Aurora for himself. If he fails, it could destroy them both.

    Fallen Raven, Book Two
    I should’ve stayed dead.
    I should’ve run when he challenged the winning bid.
    I should’ve said no to his contract.

    But the ruthless Don Enzo Alfera gets what he wants.
    He wants revenge.
    More than anything, he wants me.

    A Note from Diana: Fallen Raven Duet is a standalone romance, featuring Enzo and Aurora, and is part of the Crime Society World. No cliffhangers. Complete Story. This modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling is about never letting go. Check TW
    This book features:
    He falls first
    Star-Crossed lovers
    Angst, family feud
    Forbidden love

    Goodreads / Amazon


    EXCERPT

    “You’re bleeding, Maxim. Let me look.” He gestured for Maxim to sit.

    Maxim raised his hand and stopped Anatoli in his tracks. “No. Let my wife tend to my wounds.”

    “Ooo-kay.” Anatoli looked as confused as I was.

    “Leave us.” Maxim braced his good arm on his knees and released a breath.

    “Everything you need is in the bathroom,” Anatoli said to me then turned to leave. He paused when he spotted the unhinged door. “I’ll get someone to fix that.”

    “Thanks.” I smiled at him.

    The wife in me wanted to tell my husband to go to hell. But the doctor in me was already thinking of all the things that could go wrong if I didn’t check on Maxim. He was tired because his body was working overtime, trying to heal itself. But also, because he just cracked open a heavy wooden door with his foot.

    Cursing under my breath, I strode to the bathroom and got all the essentials to wash out his wounds. When I returned, Maxim hadn’t moved an inch.

    “We should rinse your wounds twice a day, then cover them. They’ll heal faster that way.” I approached him tentatively, the way one would do with a wild animal because that was exactly what he was. My gaze swept from the splint and stained gauze to the blood seeping through his white dress shirt in two different places. “I need to take a look first.”

    He nodded. With a sigh, he undid all the buttons, then sat back to let me help him with it. I pulled the fabric up then pushed it over his shoulders. The soft hair on his chest bristled the skin on my arms and chest. To my surprise, the gentle exchange eased my nerves.

    “Getting out of bed today was a bad idea.” I picked at the gauze and removed it.

    “I had things to attend to.”

    “Right. You had that illegal wedding to go to.” I shot back.

    “Yes.” He chuckled. “I did.”

    “This shouldn’t hurt. It’s just water.” I squeezed the squirt bottle and rinsed his entire shoulder.

    Even if fear wasn’t a big part of the equation anymore, I still couldn’t get myself to look at him. Not even when he cocked his head to look at me. His hot breath left a warm trail that ran from my cheek all the way down to my hip. He gripped his thigh with long fingers as his inspection of me continued.

    “Little late for that, don’t you think?” I sneered.

    “What’s that?”

    “Buyer’s remorse.”

    “I didn’t pay for you.” He took a lock of my hair. “Your hair is shorter.”

    “I cut it after…” I’d cut it shortly after Luca left, but Maxim didn’t need to know that. I swallowed and bit my tongue for offering him intimate details of my life. “You were spying on me.”

    “Not for long.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “Your scent reminds me of something. But I can’t remember what?”

    “Probably your dungeon. I’ve showered six times since I left and I can’t seem to scrub the stench off me.” I shuffled back. “I need you to get up to get the other two sutures.”

    Slowly, as if he were trying not to scream in pain, he rose to his feet. When I stepped into his circle, he bent down to whisper in my ear, “You smell fine to me.”

    The jittery energy intensified and magnified my senses. I could feel the air between us shifting, his breath on my neck, and the sandalwood scent on his skin. Though I kept my head down, I could feel his eyes on me, regarding me with curiosity. He was the wounded one. But he watched me so intently, it reminded me of a predator spying on his prey.

    “Stop messing with your splint. Or your nose will not heal properly.” I pointed at the blood fingerprints on it.

    “It itches.” He grunted. “How long before I can take it off.”

    “How long has it been. It usually takes about two weeks.” I squirted his side.

    He flinched, reaching for my wrist. I froze, keeping my gaze on the stitches and the blood running down his side. And because my brain hates me, I thought of our impending wedding night. Though by now, I was sure that would not happen today. The man could barely move without wincing. As formidable as he was, and though he acted like a beast, he was still human.

    His fingers slid up my arm. “This one hurts the most.”

    “I bet. There was a lot of debris to clear out. I had to dig deep.” I freed my hand. “It is healing fine. I can give you something for the pain.”

    “Fuck.” He made to touch his wound then stuffed his hand in the pocket of his trousers. “I don’t know if I should risk taking more drugs from you. Will you poison me this time?”

    In his defense, I had considered the option. “Not tonight.”

    He scoffed. “If Anatoli hadn’t come to his senses, I’d still be unconscious.”

    So Anatoli was the one who foiled our plans. Coward. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I shrugged. “Maybe you too will come to your senses soon.”

    I strode to the bathroom and rummaged through the medical kit Anatoli had left for me. I went through a bunch of bottles until I found a strong pain killer. Something to knock Maxim out for the night. And every night after that, until I found a way out of this place.

    “For the pain.” I offered him two pills and a glass of water.

    “Am I so ugly, you can’t even look at me?” He took the meds and knocked them back. “My senses are fine, by the way.”

    “Right. Because kidnapping a woman for revenge is the epitome of mental health.” I turned to leave.

    He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me toward him. “You have no idea what your family is capable of.”

    “You’re wrong. I know exactly what they can do.” I jerked to free myself, but he held me tighter. I was no match for his strength. I exhaled. “One day my love will find me. He will make sure you pay.”

    “Your love?” He let out a dark chuckle.

    “Yes.” I panted a breath. “And when he does, he will chop you up and feed you to your dogs.”

    “He sounds violent.”

    Luca was an erudite, a distinguished professor despite all my efforts to corrupt him. He wasn’t a brute like Maxim, punching his way through doors. But regardless of their extreme opposites, Luca would find a way to save me. I knew he would. I just had to hang on a little longer.

    “He will come for me. You can be sure of that.”

    “The only thing I can be sure of, princess, is that it’s time for bed. And since Prince Charming isn’t here, I guess I would have to do.”

    Author Bio:

    Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

    When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok / Amazon / Bookbub


    GIVEAWAY!
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    —

    • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
    • You can see my Reviews HERE.
    • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
    • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
    • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
    • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
    • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

    Giveaway – Once Upon A Charming Bookshop by Heatherly Bell @XpressoTours

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    Once Upon a Charming Bookshop
    Heatherly Bell
    (Charming, Texas, #6)
    Published by: Harlequin Special Edition
    Publication date: November 28th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

    Time to rewrite their story?

    He’d always simply been her best friend. But when Noah Cahill moved back to town, bookstore owner Twyla Thompson knew something was different. Was it holiday memories of the loss they’d both shared or Noah’s surprising decision to reignite a dangerous career? Their solid friendship had been through so much, yet now Twyla grew breathless every time Noah was near. Why wasn’t Noah—handsome, fun, but never one to cross the line—showing any signs of stopping?

    From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

    Charming, Texas

    Book 1: Winning Mr. Charming
    Book 2: The Charming Checklist
    Book 3: A Charming Christmas Arrangement
    Book 4: A Charming Single Dad
    Book 5: A Charming Doorstep Baby
    Book 6: Once Upon a Charming Bookshop

    Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

    —

    EXCERPT:

    Then with little warning other than the sudden shine in his eyes, he hauled her by the neck to him and kissed her, square on the lips. It was a deep and long kiss that didn’t seem to have a beginning. Nor did it have an end. He pulled her tight and they were hip to hip, belly to belly. Even through the shock of the totally unexpected, she kissed him back. She sunk her fingers into his hair and kissed him with everything she had in her. With every last inch of longing wrapped up in her, saved over the years and packed away where the raw intensity of the emotion couldn’t destroy her.

    She fisted his shirt. She ran her hands up and down his back, feeling the muscles tense and bunch.

    It was over just as quickly and then they were both panting, staring at each other.

    “I’m sorry.” Noah took a step back, leaving a healthy distance between them. “Yeah, I shouldn’t have done that. That’s wrong.”

    Wrong?

    “It’s okay,” she stammered because she didn’t know what else to say in the moment.

    Yes, it was wonderful, please kiss me again, because I think maybe I’ve always loved you?

    “It’s just…that was wrong of me. I don’t feel that way about you.”

    Oh, God. There went her heart, pierced and sliced into tiny bits.

    I don’t feel that way about you.

    No, he was right. This was wrong. And if he had regrets then damn it, so did she.

    “Me, neither. I don’t feel that way about you.”

    “I know.”

    The certainty in his voice broke her heart a little. How could he be so sure she wasn’t straight out lying, trying to save her pride?

    She chewed on her lower lip. “So, let’s just forget it. Pretend the kiss never happened.”

    “But…we’re okay?”

    Worry and regret filled those dark puppy dog eyes. Not long ago, she would have understood. But now she knew what it was like to be kissed by Noah and her heart shattered to think it would never happen again.

    “We’re okay. You’re probably right, huh? Bad idea.”

    “Yeah, I just don’t want to…you know…” He ran a hand through his hair, looking desperately vulnerable, like a man searching for a lifeline.

    And what kind of friend would she be not to throw one to him?

    “It was just, well, okay, maybe we’re both lonely. And it’s after midnight. I…got um, confused.” She had no idea what she was saying but it sounded good, and he seemed to be receptive.

    “Yeah, so did I.”

    “And I’ve got a date tomorrow night so that could be awkward.”

    Now she’d lied to her best friend, but she’d also kissed him within an inch of his life, so either way she was in brand new territory here.

    He quirked a brow. “You have a date? Who is he?”

    “Some guy.”

    “Some guy? Does ‘some guy’ have a name?”

    “Of course he has a name, Noah. He’s some guy I just met.” She crossed her arms. “Weren’t you leaving?”

    He scowled. “Yeah. I have an early day tomorrow.”

    “Bye.” She closed the door before he could say another word.

    Now she was going to have to find herself a date.


    Author Bio:

    Bestselling author Heatherly Bell was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama but lost her accent by the time she was two. After leaving Alabama, Heatherly lived with her family in Puerto Rico and Maryland before being transplanted kicking and screaming to the California Bay Area. She now loves it here, she swears. Except the traffic.

    Over 200,000 copies of Heatherly’s books have been sold, many of them translated into two languages.

    Heatherly also writes sweet and wholesome books under the pen name of Maria Michaels. She is represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

    Luke’s unwavering loyalty to Lexi and her family gives this sweet romance unexpected integrity …Readers looking for a tender romance that leans more toward the emotional than the physical will find this very satisfying.” ~ Publishers Weekly/Booklife review on Country Gold.

    “Heatherly Bell writes romance that will capture your heart.” ~ Marina Adair, New York Times bestselling author.

    “What a thoroughly delightful story. I adored it.” ~ Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author on Lucky Cowboy.

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


    GIVEAWAY!
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    —

    • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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    • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
    • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
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