Tag Archives: romance

A Wonderful Surprise in Shakespeare Burning by Charisse Moritz #CharisseMoritz

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I was looking for more about Charisse Moritz because I loved this story, but it seems this is her debut novel and the only book I found…so far. I sure hope she is busy writing the next one, because I love this one!

Shakespeare Burning

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Charisse Moritz blew me away with her debut novel and I am eager to read more of her work. I hope she is busy writing.

High school. Do you remember those days? Were you one of the popular ones? Or did you march to your own drummer?

It took me a minute or two to get started, but as personalities began to emerge, it played like a movie in my mind.

He has fallen a long way from the varsity hockey captain he used to be. His grandma wastes no words, telling it like it is, but has him asking the question, “What do I need?” His name is Shake LeCasse. They call him Shakespeare. Ever since the accident, his life has went to hell. Survivor’s guilt keeps him paralyzed. I feel Cleo is going to shake him up good. I quickly grew to love her.

Cleo feels a kinship with him and it grows. She thinks he’s hot. She gets a taste of what she wants before common sense rears it ugly head and reins her in. Cleo is deep, soft and hard, feisty…she ‘borrows’ things, pops in and out like a fairy, Now you she her, now you don’t.

…I can hear his heart beat. Funny how they all sound the same. Even the broken ones.

We have some laughs along the way, along with all the teenage angst that high school entails.

The more I read, the more I loved watching the characters learn and grow, each filling a hole in the others lives that no one else can. I love the snarky, witty dialogue.

“I’m going to kill him. Then I’m going to revive his ass, just so I can kill him again.”

Well…Shakespeare Burning is not a book I would normally pick up to read, but I am so glad I did. Branching out from my normal reads paid off in spades! I am so glad Charisse Moritz reached out to me and after I read the fantastic blurb that tweaked my interest, I had to know more. Something about it talked to me.

The book, the story, the wonderful characters drew me deeper and deeper into a story of loss, grief, sorrow, need, faith, loyalty and love.

I voluntarily read an ARC of Shakespeare Burning by Charisse Moritz.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

He’s the boy who wants to disappear.

One mistake and seventeen-year-old Shake LeCasse lost everything. Now there’s no going back and no way to move forward. The once-popular Varsity hockey captain is living in the basement of a grandmother he barely knows, ditching school, avoiding friends and working hard on self-destruction.

She’s the girl nobody sees.

Cleo Lee survives however she can. Lie, cheat, steal, whatever it takes, and saving Mr. Popular isn’t part of the plan. Telling him the truth about the night that destroyed his life is downright dangerous. She needs to keep quiet, be smart and let the guy she’s been half in love with since middle school throw away a future she’d do anything to have. Too bad she sucks at playing it safe.

ABOUT CHARISSE MORTIZ (from Amazon)

Charisse Moritz

Emily Award Finalist and Melody Of Love Award Finalist, Charisse Moritz divides her life between upstate NY and northern Florida. When not barricaded inside her writing cave or enjoying every possible minute with her husband and three kids, you’ll find her listening to 60’s music, singing off key and looking for new reads.

Her debut book, Shakespeare Burning was released in July 2019 and is available in digital and print.

https://charissemoritz.com

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Giveaway – Blown Away by Charlene Johnson @shadowmoonplace @SDSXXTours

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Blown Away
The Crimes of Passion Series Book 2
by Charlene Johnson
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Zack Daniels grew up in a rundown apartment complex off the Las Vegas Strip. At an early age, he learned to protect and support his mother and sister with determination and grit. After his sister is raped by the son of a local Russian mobster and commits suicide, he joins the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to seek justice for her and to protect the public.
When a high-profile executive is murdered in his best friend’s hotel, Zack is assigned to track down the killer. The sole witness to the murder is a beautiful high-priced escort. He must let go of his vendetta against his sister’s rapist to work the case.
Sonnet Banks goes to the wrong hotel room and witnesses a murder. She is stunned. She knows the killer. He’s someone from her past. Someone she hoped to never see again.
During her police interview, Sonnet tells Zack she doesn’t recognize the killer, but Zack is convinced she’s lying. Zack needs the lovely, evasive woman to tell him what she knows and is willing to use seduction to get it. Yet, was it still seduction when all he could do was think about her?
Zack Daniels is so hot he makes Sonnet’s knees weak. He checks every box for her. Every box. But even if he wasn’t her protector, she can’t risk getting close to him or anyone. And she can’t tell him the truth.
After a bold attempt on Sonnet’s life, Zack enlists the help of two close friends and someone completely unexpected to protect her. The countdown to an all-out war looms before them. Would they all survive? Time was running out.
Charlene is a Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native. She went to Waynesburg High School and graduated Cum Laude from Waynesburg College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Currently lives in Sacramento, California where she spent the last 33 years working at Northrop Grumman.
Books have always been her passion. She started reading at an early age and progressed to full-length books by age nine. The first supernatural book series she read was Dark Shadows, and it sparked her interest in all things paranormal, with a spicy touch of romance mixed in for good measure. She also started writing poetry in grade school and continues to do so today.
Being an avid reader, the consummate daydreamer and an incurable romantic with a Cinderella complex, she started creating her own characters and storylines because she realized she had her own stories to tell.
She is married and has a son, a daughter, and four beautiful grandchildren.
Besides reading and writing, she also enjoys photography, travel, music, and great movies.
Four $10.00 Amazon Gift Cards.
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Giveaway – Blood Bound by R J @rj_blain @XpressoTours

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Blood Bound: A Lowrance Vampires Novel
R.J. Blain
Publication date: January 28th 2020
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

After waking in a shallow grave and clawing her way to freedom, Penelope Francis hunts for the rogue who stole her life and transformed her into a vampire. Despite being corrupted into a feared preternatural, she clings to her humanity and refuses to prey on innocents, instead slaking her thirst on other miscreant vampires.

In exchange for a chance at revenge, she joins forces with the charismatic master of the Lowrance brood, a choice that may spell the salvation—or destruction—of humanity as she knows it.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

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EXCERPT:

Another night, another vampire, another double-dead end. If I didn’t get lucky soon, I’d run out of miscreants to drain, stake, decapitate, and decorate with holy wafers. In reality, I only needed to stake the toothy bastards, but I figured if I was going to kill every damned unclaimed vampire in New York City, I’d do so with style and get a free meal out of the deal at the same time.

In life, I’d done well for myself; I’d become my father’s perfect daughter, dedicating every waking moment to my budding career as a corporate lawyer on a mission to protect his business interests. In death, or undeath as it was, I’d become a big nothing. I couldn’t even claim I’d become a big fat nothing, as I kept losing weight instead of gaining it, no matter how many of my kind I tagged, bagged, drained, and tossed out with the trash.

Penelope Francis was dead and gone to everyone who mattered, even me.

My stomach reminded me of my neglect with a displeased gurgle. Grunting my dismay over having completely drained another vampire without slaking my hunger, I checked his pockets for cash and found nothing but lint, not even a wallet, ID, or pocket change.

If he’d had food hidden in his pockets, I might’ve been tempted to try my luck. If I ever ditched the relentless hunger, I’d never take food for granted again. I resented my maker’s decision to abandon me in a shallow grave, forcing me to fend for myself. The bastard could’ve left a damned note with a few clues, especially in the feeding department. A manual about life as a vampire would’ve been appreciated. I still wasn’t sure what I could eat. Shortly after I’d risen, I’d tried a slice of pizza once and only once. It hadn’t ended well. I dodged food, afraid I’d throw it up along with my literal guts.

Just to be sure, I rechecked my victim’s body to confirm his lack of cash, ID, or food.

Nothing. Color me not surprised.

I hated killing those as destitute as I, but I refused to harbor guilt over ridding the world of a vampire who hunted homeless teens struggling to survive New York’s harshest streets. While I hoped the kids would survive, I had my doubts.

Miscreants—unclaimed, rogues, or whatever society called the illegal vampires lurking on the streets—couldn’t afford to let their prey live to tell the tale. When found, humans and preternatural alike hunted us to ensure we never bothered anyone again.

Living on borrowed time sucked, as did homelessness. When I found the vampire who’d turned me, I’d take my time draining him. I’d enjoy every swallow. I’d turn his last moments into a masterpiece of brutality.

All I knew was that my maker had been a man, and he’d left some dark mark on me, something that tainted my soul. I could still feel his corrupting influence deep within, a pressure on my heart.

Until I breathed my last for the second time, I’d spend every night seeking him out so I could end his miserable existence. I still wasn’t sure why I’d been targeted or how I’d survived the transition from human to vampire without help. My desire for revenge confirmed one unassailable truth: I was no better than the filth I hunted.


Author Bio:

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until satisfied.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


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Cover Reveal – Arrogant Bastards by Jennifer Dawson @JenDawsonAuthor @CaffeinatedPR

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Today we are sharing the cover reveal for Arrogant Bastard by Jennifer Dawson. Arrogant Bastard is the second standalone novel in the Bastard series and will be available May 5, 2020. You won’t want to miss the sizzling chemistry and banter between Cat and Caden. Check out the cover, excerpt and giveaway then pre-order your copy!

Arrogant Bastard

I’m Cat McKay, and I’m in desperate need of a man. My farm manager deserted me six weeks before our grand opening that will help put my family’s business on the map. Now I need to find a replacement, because I’m not about to be the reason we fail. Unfortunately, Caden Landry— whose arrogance, evasions and good looks rub me the wrong way—is my only option on a list of zero candidates. So, as much as it pains me to admit it, I need him to step in and save the day. Yeah, I hate it too. I’m Caden Landry, and I have a self-destructive streak a mile wide. One thing is clear, I need to stay the hell away from my new boss, Cat McKay. Not an easy task, considering she’s the kind of woman I find irresistible. But I’m tired of running, tired of living paycheck to paycheck with nothing but a flatbed to my name. I’m determined this time I’m going to get my life together. So, I’m not about to screw a golden opportunity because I can’t keep my hands off the woman in charge. This time, self-preservation will prevail. *second book in the Bastards series, each book is a standalone and has its own HEA.

Excerpt

I point to the empty seat at the end of the counter. “Did you not hear me say I want to be alone.” “I did.” He points to the shot glass. “You gonna let me do a shot all by myself?” “You would have been doing it all by yourself if I wasn’t here.” “But you are here,” he points out, oh so helpfully. I contemplate irrationally throwing the tequila in his face but that seems a bit too dramatic and wouldn’t really work in my favor. Not only does it show my cards, but it wastes perfectly good alcohol. Doesn’t mean I can’t work out a deal. I tilt my head. “If I do a shot with you will you leave me alone?” “Probably not.” He grins. I think he intends it to be all good-natured and disarming, but it doesn’t come across like that at all. Heat kicks up low in my belly. I shake my head. “You know, I kinda hate you.” “Oh, I know you do.” He laughs, and it hardens my nipples under the thin cotton of my tank top. “I find you annoying.” I straighten my spine, feeling all justified. Which is probably the liquor. But isn’t that the point in drinking? To justify your actions while you’re in the headspace to not give a shit about the consequences. “You don’t say.” He drinks his beer before placing it on the bar and shifting toward me. “What else?” “You’re infuriating.” “Not the first time I’ve heard that.” I wrinkle my nose. “You think you know everything.” “Not everything, but most things.” I’m on a roll now and it feels good to let loose of the reins a little, I’ve been strung too tight for too long. I need to snap a little to find some balance. “I hate how everyone likes you.” He flashes that smile at me. “That is frustrating.” I roll my eyes at him. “Oh my god, stop it.” “I’m just listening to your list of grievances.” “Well, stop it.” He picks up his glass and tilts it in my direction. “About that shot.” © Arrogant Bastard, Jennifer Dawson 

Bastard Series

About the Author

Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later they’re married living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog. Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history. These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.

Giveaway

Open Internationally. The author is giving one lucky winner an eBook copy of Cold Hearted Bastard and a $25.00 Amazon gift card. Giveaway ends February 12, 11:59 pm (EDT). Winner will be notified via email within 24 hours. a Rafflecopter giveaway
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SciFi – Alien Vows by Carmen Webster Buxton @CarmenWBuxton

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Carmen Webster Buxton approached me, asking if I would like to read her Wakanreo series. I have read some of her other work and enjoyed it, so I said yes. She sent me the lovely books and I put them near the top of my reading list. Aliens Vows is Book II in the series.

Alien Vows (Wakanreo Book 2)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I accidentally read Alien Vows out of order in the series, but the story is Yulayan Bellaire’s life so I feel the books could stand alone. Each book is one character’s story, but I immediately picked up Book I, Alien Bonds to learn her mother’s story and how Yulayan came to be.

We start out with familiar problems, racism of the alien kind, wanting to keep one race separate from the other. Just goes to show how much everyone has in common. We all want the same things…sorta.

She is mixed race, part Terran (human) and part Wakanrean. She is also divine and I looked forward to seeing what that meant. She is alone, unapproachable, because of her status…until Kamuhi Hailoaka, a Terran (he is half human and half Wakanrean) physicist. He quickly becomes enamored by her. He isn’t counting on shahgunrah, he is going to woo her.

Wakanreans find their mate through a biological process called shahgunrah. It’s like imprinting is for werewolves.

Their courtship and interactions are frank, sweet, and innocent.

It took me a while to get the hang of the alien words, meanings, and names, but I put my own spin on them, making them my own and easier to pronounce.

I quickly became immersed in their world, which Carmen Webster Buxton did an awesome job of creating. I love the unique characters and got lost in their romance. Yulayan is brave, adventuresome and willing to do whatever is necessary to be with the one she loves.

It was funny and sweet, as she tried to figure out her feelings, which were not only new to her, but…well, I don’t want to spoil anything, so you will need to find out for yourself.

As I read along, the world opened up to me and the characters came to life. Alien Vows was so much more than I expected and I can hardly wait to read Book III, Aliens Skies, which I will begin shortly, after going back to read Book I, Alien Bonds. I am sooooo loving this series. They are out of this world.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Alien Vows by Carmen Webster Buxtonn.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Yulayan Bellaire has grown up knowing she’s different. Her mother is human but her father is Wakanrean. No matter how Wakanrean she looks, no matter how much she tries to blend into Wakanrean society, her human half is still there. Still, Yulayan expects to mate as all Wakanreans mate, totally by chance, as soon as she comes near a man with compatible pheromones. And then one day she meets Kamuhi Hailoaka, a physicist from Terra who finds her unique genetic combination appealing, and she discovers that her human half is more in control than she had thought possible.

ABOUT CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON

Carmen Webster Buxton

Carmen Webster Buxton spent her youth reading every book published by Ursula LeGuin, Robert Heinlein and Georgette Heyer. This combination of far-future worlds, alien cultures, and old-fashioned courting customs influenced her writing, especially in her ThreeCon series.

Carmen was born in Hawaii and experienced a childhood on the move, as her father was in the US Navy. Having raised two wonderful children, she now lives in Maryland with her husband Charlie, and a beagle named Cosmo. She writes science fiction and romance, mostly set in the far future, and the occasional fantasy.

She has published several books, including THE SIXTH DISCIPLINE and its sequel NO SAFE HAVEN. TRIBES, SHADES OF EMPIRE, and THE NOSTALGIA GAMBIT are in her ThreeCon series; these books are set in a shared universe but do not share any characters. WHERE MAGIC RULES (a novella) is her only published fantasy. KING OF TREES crosses genres, as it is a time travel/alternate history/science fiction novel with fantasy overtones. SARONNA’S GIFT is her first book to be available as a paperback as well as an ebook, and the first overt romance. TURNABOUT is young adult dystopian science fiction that starts in the real world. ALIEN BONDS is another science fiction romance, the first book in a planned trilogy. The second book is ALIEN VOWS. The third book ALIEN SKIES will come out in 2019.

Carmen often blogs about ereaders, digital publishing, writing, and speculative fiction. Visit her blog to see what’s coming out next! To send her feedback on her books, send email to carmen.webster.buxton (at) gmail.com.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON REVIEWS

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Giveaway – Spring at the Little Duck Cafe @Rosie_Green1988 @GoddessFish

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Welcome to my tour stop for Spring at the Little Duck Pond Cafe. I hope you enjoy learning about this cute read. “Readers will be able to read the whole series on Kindle Unlimited”

Spring at the Little Duck Cafe by Rosie Green

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB

Fleeing from a romance gone wrong, Ellie Farmer arrives in the pretty village of Sunnybrook, hoping for a brand new start that most definitely does not include love!

Following an unscheduled soak in the village duck pond, she meets Sylvia, who runs the Little Duck Pond Cafe. Renting the flat above the cafe seems like the answer to Ellie’s prayers. It’s only for six months, which will give her time to sort out her life, far away from cheating boyfriend Richard.

But is running away from your past ever really the answer?

Clashing with the mysterious and brooding Zak Chamberlain, an author with a bad case of writer’s block, is definitely not what Ellie needs right now. And then there’s Sylvia, who’s clinging so hard to her past, she’s in danger of losing the quaint but run-down cafe altogether.

Can Ellie find the answers she desperately needs in Sunnybrook? And will she be able to help save Sylvia’s Little Duck Pond Cafe from closure?

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EXCERPT

I have never climbed a tree in my life.

But I suppose there’s a first time for everything.

It’s a gaspingly cold mid-January morning with an ice-blue sky overhead – not exactly the ideal conditions in which to be lurking on the pavement outside a stranger’s house, nervously eyeing up the oak tree in their garden.

Camera gripped in my freezing hands, I stamp my feet and blow out misty breath as I psyche myself up to be bold. I’ve driven sixty miles from Newtown, where I live, to the pretty, chocolate-box village of Sunnybrook in Surrey – with the ultimate goal of climbing this very tree and taking photos of the view from up there.

The tree is almost exactly how I pictured it in my imagination – old and gnarled with broad, evenly-spaced branches. My eye homes in on one branch in particular. It reaches out to the left, a little over six feet from the ground; the perfect place to sit and gaze out over the village green and the duck pond. (As I knew it would be.)

Tears fill my eyes. But I’m smiling, too.

It’s all in a good cause.

Stop dithering and just do it!

When I push it open, the garden gate swings inwards without creaking and the windows remain blank. I drop my bag by the gate and head for the tree.

It’s amazing how fear can give you almost super-human powers. Under normal circumstances, I’d need someone to give me a bunk-up into this tree. But today, with adrenalin pumping through my system, I manage to swing myself up there with no problems at all . . .

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger at all – unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Spring at the Little Duck Pond Café is the first in Rosie’s brand new series of novellas centred around life in a village café. Each novella is a ‘stand-alone’ read.

You can connect with Rosie Green on Twitter: @Rosie_Green1988

Amazon purchase link: https://amzn.to/2W8uXF7

NOTE: Book is free

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Rosie-Green/e/B07CZYV7DW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

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Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Follow the tour HERE.

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Giveaway – What Are Friends For by Sarah Sutton @SarahMaeSutton @XpressoTours

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What Are Friends For?
Sarah Sutton
Publication date: January 14th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

FALLING IN LOVE ISN’T COMPLICATED…UNLESS IT’S WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND.

A close, easygoing friendship can all change with just one kiss. Seventeen-year-old Remi Beaufort learns this the hard way when she plays a blindfolded kissing game at a party.

She thinks she’s kissing Jeremy, the totally hot basketball player she’s been crushing on. And the kiss…it’s amazing. Heart-stopping, world-changing, toe-curling. The kiss makes her forget about her overbearing mother, the next-door neighbor’s drama, and the probability that she’ll fail her senior year. The best kiss of her life makes all that fall away.

Until her blindfold falls off, and she realizes that instead of kissing her crush, she’s kissing Elijah, her best friend since third grade.

Though she manages to convince Elijah that he was kissing his girlfriend, Remi can’t get the thought of his lips on hers out of her head. As things between them grow more and more complicated—because it turns out her fantasizing about his mouth is more of a problem than it sounds—Remi has to make a choice: does she live the rest of her life loving her best friend in secret? Or does she tell the truth and risk ruining their friendship forever?

Heart-melting and romantic, What Are Friends For? is a swoon-worthy best-friends-to-lovers story that will leave you crushing hard.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

There were times between us that felt totally normal—like, almost the entire time we’d been cutting out snowflakes, things had felt normal. I hadn’t been staring at his mouth or imagining his body heat enveloping me into a hug. We joked like normal, laughed like normal. But the quiet moments between us had my heart aching, wanting.

“See you tomorrow,” Elijah said, and I saw from the corner of my eye the shadow of him rising to his feet. He pressed his hand once against the spot between my shoulder blades before walking off, his socks silent on the wooden floors. I counted each of my breaths as I waited for the sound of the door to open.

It took seven slow inhales and exhales and then Elijah was gone, leaving me with a torrent of thoughts and a hurting heart.


Author Bio:

Sarah Sutton is a YA Romance author, bringing you stories about teenagers falling in love (sometimes with magic)She spends her days dreaming up ideas with her two adorable puppies by her side being cheerleaders (and mega distractions).

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter


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Cursed Key by Miranda Brock & Rebecca Hamilton @Miranda_Brock1 @InkMuse @XpressoTours

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The Cursed Key
Miranda Brock & Rebecca Hamilton
(The Cursed Key Trilogy #1)
Published by: Evershade Publishing
Publication date: January 14th 2020
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy

A forgotten past, a dark mage, and an unyielding curse.

Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she’s left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding other priceless artifacts. Her reward? A mysterious key she has no idea is cursed. Soon, Olivia realizes she’s brought home more than just an ancient rarity.

Malevolent visions begin to plague her. Unnerved by what they reveal, she casts away the key…unknowingly placing it into the waiting hands of a dark mage bent on destruction. Only when a shifter agent from the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization arrives searching for the key does Olivia realize what a huge mistake she’s made.

Forced to team up with the ill-tempered shifter, her journey to reclaim the cursed key leads down a twisting path of dark histories, dangerous magic, and deadly obstacles. But Olivia’s efforts to take back the ancient relic before the dark mage can destroy the lives of humans, shifters, witches, and fae alike are thwarted by her own dark past…and a price steeper than what she’s willing to pay.

Fans of Tomb Raider and Ilona Andrews will love the blend of urban fantasy, magical adventure, and paranormal romance in THE CURSED KEY from Miranda Brock and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play


EXCERPT

A quick glance over my shoulder showed the doorway was half the size it had been. Despite the chill in the air, sweat beaded on my forehead, and I swiped it away impatiently. Then, it clicked. I had been too caught up in searching for the similarities that I hadn’t realized the answer was in the differences. Placed throughout the runes were symbols that held none of the same angles, lines, or curves.

I twisted the outer circle, matching up symbols that held no relation. Even with this discovery, there could be any number of combinations, but I had to try. The grinding stone behind me told me I was rapidly running out of time. I paired the symbols, closed my eyes, and sent a silent prayer up to every corner of the universe. With tense muscles, I pushed and nearly cried when the lid gave way.

Not wasting a breath, I snatched a cloth-wrapped item from inside. It was like someone struck me in the chest as my I clutched it in my fist, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I started up the steep path as the stone door descended above. The moisture in these walls and stones had been no accident of nature. It was just one more safeguard to keep the unwanted from getting a treasure that was not meant to leave these depths.

Gritting my teeth, I used one hand to scrabble at the wall on the left to help pull me up. My muscles burned as I drew in quick breaths, struggling, eyes locked on the shrinking gap. A cry left my lips as a foot slid out from under me, earning me a sharp crack on the knee. Ignoring the pain, I tapped into a reserve of strength deep within me, pushing my legs until they felt like they would snap from the pressure.

I wasn’t going to make it. 

Author Bio:

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Harlequin, Baste Lübbe, and Evershade. A book addict, registered bone marrow donor, and indian food enthusiast, she often takes to fictional worlds to see what perilous situations her characters will find themselves in next.

Represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA, Rebecca has been published internationally, in three languages: English, German, and Hungarian.

Author links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter

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From an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn’t live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses. What started out as writing poetry grew into short stories and eventually led to her first novel, Souls Discovered. Miranda lives in the country where she finds inspiration in the simplicity and beauty around her. With the help of a ridiculous amount of coffee and some good music she writes whenever she gets a chance.

Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


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Bulwark Anthology #9 – The Devil and Dayna Dalton by Brit Lunden @britlunden

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The Devil and Dayna Dalton by Brit Lunden is my fourth story in the Bulwark Anthology. This cover really caught my ‘eye’ and I was excited to return to the small town of Bulwark, George and get the lowdown on Dayna.

Cover Art by OTO-Design. What do you think?

The Devil and Dayna Dalton (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

WOW, The Devil and Dayna Dalton by Brit Lunden is the best of the Bulwark Anthology…so far.

Dayna Dalton is a small town reporter in love with someone she can never have. She is considered white trash, just like her mother. She is relegated to writing fluff stories for the paper but dreams of that big story that has some meat on its bones.

I love when she ripped off the T shirt….LOL And that was at 10%, so I am really looking forward to reading on.

Don’t tell her not to do something, because that only makes her more determined to do it.

Hmmm…who is that caped man?

Mrs Sweetpea, well I have a weird feeling about her.

There are strange happening in this small town, but no one is sharing the secrets. It’s all hush hush, so when Dayna hears someone calling her, luring her into the woods, she follows. Now…that can’t be bad, can it?

I love Dayna Dalton. I feel she has been treated unfairly and now that some of my questions are answered everything starts to come together and I can see some happiness on the horizon.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Devil and Dayna Dalton by Brit Lunden.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Reporter Dayna Dalton’s reputation has been ruined since birth. The daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother’s footsteps; never given a chance to prove she’s different. Dana’s been in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He’s happily married and unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character. Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept a greater love?

ABOUT BRIT LUNDEN

Brit Lunden

Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

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MY BRIT LUNDEN REVIEWS (she also writes as Carole P Roman)

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By Design Series by J Boykin Baker #JBoykinBaker @CaffeinatedPR

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The By Design series written by J Boykin Baker and narrated by Hallie Ricardo, offers a sweet, southern romance sharing the ups and downs of Anne and Brad’s relationship that is guaranteed to warm your heart. Check out the audiobooks, listen to a sound bite and check out one of the recipes you’ll find in the stories

By Design Audiobook Series

Anne is a young, Southern professional with just the right connections and a privileged point of view. Confident in her innate value, she has complete faith in her power to control her own future. After all, even with the challenges that come with working at a high-profile interior design firm located in the heart of Atlanta, she knows exactly where she’s headed. What she doesn’t expect is Dr. Brad Young, Jr. Sparks immediately fly between the handsome young doctor and Anne when she’s assigned to troubleshoot for his surgical practice, but chemistry can only get you so far. As their relationship develops, so too does a burgeoning conflict and confusion over the uncommon roles their mothers play in their lives. Over the course of an emotional weekend and the exposure of a secret lurking in his past, Brad is forced to make a life-changing adjustment as Anne discovers the devastating betrayal of a trusted plan. By Design is an emotional romance guaranteed to warm the hearts of anyone who has ever experienced the breathtaking intensity of new love.
Anne and Brad’s love for one another continues to blossom in By Design II. The young Southern designer inspires a depth of new emotions in the handsome doctor as he finds her love for everyone in her path a magnetic force he cannot resist. But . . . can he overcome his frustrations with her independent ways? Anne on the other hand, finds Brad’s loving attentions and boyish Southern charm irresistible as she takes on the challenge of his somewhat spoiled nature. One has to ask . . . will their life together withstand professional demands, daily challenges and the possibility of trust issues as they see their worlds so differently? By Design II: Matters of the Heart will resonate soundly with the majority of readers who find it challenging to balance life in the turmoil of our modern culture. But take heart, it may just be possible!
The third and last novel of the By Design trilogy continues the journey of Anne and Brad as they make their way through the many complications, heartaches, and joys of life. Inevitably, they begin to think of their own mortality as the years move forward. Anne thinks of her mother a lot these days. Even though Gretchen’s life had ended way too soon, she had managed to pre­pare her daughter well-she left a legacy to be envied. Now, after so many years, that legacy has the daunting task of seeing Anne through. Will life be gentle with Anne? Or will it present a costly bill? Her mother’s promise from so long may be her only hope.
Audible | iTunes 

About the Author

J Boykin Baker grew up in the small town of Wilson, North Carolina. She knew from the age of seven, after seeing the old movie “Pillow Talk,” that the only career for her was interior design. After college, marriage, and babies, her dream of being an interior designer came true with the start of her own design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. As timing would have it, she just happened to be in the right place – at the right time – with the right look and ended up designing hospitals, corporate offices, and high-end residential projects across the nation. During her years as President of Baker Interiors, Inc. she had the privilege of working with countless women. Due to a caring nature, she was led to mentor young women through familiar struggles of a recurring nature. Eventually, she carried her love for women and children even further when she founded a non-profit, Widow’s Mite Experience, Inc, to provide emergency water relief for families in the United States and around the world. With the help of hundreds of women volunteers, this ministry is now active in 32 countries.

By Design shares some delicious southern recipes that play a part in this charming southern story. Estelle’s Tea Cakes are ones we hope you enjoy.

Estelle’s Tea Cakes

Giveaway

Enter to win signed copies of the By Design trilogy by author J. Boykin Baker. (INT winner will receive unsigned copies from Book Depository) 
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  • 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.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!