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Friday, April 19, 2013

Blog Tour: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date of Publication:  March 2013

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. 
 
Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.


Highlander Most Wanted is the second in the Montgomery/Armstrong series.  While I enjoyed the first book, Never Seduce a Scot, I liked this one a bit more. This one is Bowen and Genevieve's story.  Genevieve was the woman who helped Graeme find his wife in the first book.  

Ms. Banks has given us a very emotional book.  My heart broke for Genevieve and the things she had to endure.  Any woman would have broken from the abuse, but she had the strength to become a survivor.  I loved Bowen and his tenderness toward Genevieve.  He sees beyond her scars to the woman she is underneath. I loved how he set out to woo her.    His patience with her as he shows her how it can be between a man and a woman was very sigh worthy! I have to say Ms. Banks can right a great love scene!  The sacrifice that he makes for her in the end was just heart wrenching.  But, it was worth it for their wonderful HEA.  

I can't wait for the next book in the series, Highland Ever After.  It looks like it is Brodie and Taliesan's story.  I was so hoping they would end with their own story!  I look forward to more of these two wonderful families!

About the author:


Maya Banks is the New York Times bestselling author of Highlander Most Wanted, Never Seduce a Scot, In Bed with a Highlander, Seduction of a Highland Lass, Never Love a Highlander, The Darkest Hour, No Place to Run, Hidden Away, Sweet Possession, Sweet Temptation, Colter’s Woman, and Colter’s Lady. She lives in Texas with her husband, three children, and an assortment of pets.
For more information on Maya and her work, please visit her website, mayabanks.com.
*Author photo by Ben Riley Johnson, Jr.
                                                                                  

Romance at Random Claim Me Giveaway Hop


Romance at Random is celebrating the upcoming release, Claim Me by Julie Kenner on April 23, 2012. The contest runs April 19- May 4.

They are giving away some fabulous prizes:



  • 10 print copies of CLAIM ME
  • 10 print copies of RELEASE ME
  • 5 eBook copies of A VAMPIRES SALVATION
  • One Claim Me Scarf!

 You can enter using the Rafflecopter below. Good Luck! Make sure to visit the the other participating blog for more chances to win!



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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Throwback Thursday: Tempestuous Eden by Heather Graham


Author: Heather Graham
First published in 1983 by Del Publishing Company .
Re-issued by Open Road Media April 23, 2013

After the untimely death of her husband, Blair Morgan leaves her privileged life—against the wishes of her father—to work with the poor in Central America. Focused on helping the people of this war-torn region, she’s uneasy when journalist Craig Taylor suddenly appears. Blair is determined to keep her true identity a secret, but finds herself confiding in brave and confident Craig. He has an agenda of his own, and when he finally puts his plans into action, both he and Claire must scramble to save their lives—and their hearts.


Tempestuous Eden is another early work by Heather Graham.  She really did write enjoyable contemporary romances back in the beginning.  Although it was originally written in the early 80s, I felt like the book stood the test of time.  Other than references to Vietnam, I never felt like it was out dated. 

The love story between Blair and Craig was very intense and steamy!  Blair, despite her reluctance to trust and open her heart, falls for Craig.  He also falls hard for her.  It's too bad Craig must "abduct" Blair and betray her trust.  The HEA was wonderful as both Blair and Craig ended up with a relationship that they both would be ultimately happy with.  I'm glad that Craig never gave up!

There was one thing about the story that annoyed me.  I felt frustrated at not knowing why Craig couldn't even give Blair a hint as to why he had to abduct her.  The reader doesn't even find out until Blair does.  While I know it was supposed to add a bit of suspense, I would have liked to have some inside knowledge.  Despite that, I enjoyed the story.  I think fans of Ms. Graham will enjoy it as well!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Review: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks

Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: Random House - Ballantine books
Date of publication: September 2012

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her dutyunprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.


I have been on a historical romance kick lately.  Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks was a great book.  I was sucked in right away.  Ms. Banks is a great writer. Her descriptions of Scotland  make me want to travel. I loved the characters.  Eveline and Graeme are both put into a situation that they are not happy with.  The King has forced them to marry in an attempt to create peace among their clans.  

I was all set to dislike Graeme.  It was rumored that Eveline was "touched" and I was ready for him to be mean at first.  Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.  Graeme shows her nothing but kindness, even before he learns she is only deaf and isn't "touched".  Eveline is a wonderful match for him. I had to admire her courage and strength.  I also loved that their fall into love was pretty effortless. I really enjoy watching big alpha males be brought to their knees by the love they find for a woman.  The ending was super sweet.   

The villain in the book was despicable and I was fully happy with the resolution in the end.  I was secretly applauding! It looks like the villain's clan plays some part in the next book. We will be part of a blog tour featuring the next book, Highlander Most Wanted on Friday (April 19). Make sure you come back to see my thoughts!   I definitely recommend this book to any lover of historical romance!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

That NIght on Thistle Lane by Carla Neggers

Author: Carla Neggers
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of Publication: January 2013

Librarian Phoebe O'Dunn deals in stories, but her passion for history has taught her that happy endings are rare. Her life in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, is safe and uneventful...until she discovers the hidden room. 

Among its secrets is a cache of vintage clothing, including a spectacular gown-perfect for a gala masquerade in Boston. In the guise of a princess, Phoebe is captivated by a handsome swashbuckler who's also adopted a more daring persona. Noah Kendrick's wealth has made him wary, especially of women: everybody wants something. 

That Night on Thistle Lane is the second book in the Knights Bridge series. I really loved the first book, Secrets of the Lost Summer and was looking forward to this one. I wasn't disappointed! We met Phoebe and Noah in the first book.  Although, they didn't meet in the first book, their chance meeting in this one sets off immediate sparks.  Their story is very sweet and so fun to read.  I loved them together.  I really like Noah from the first book and thought he really deserved his own shot at happiness. Phoebe has lived most of her life taking care of everyone.  She  has contented herself to never falling in love.  Noah really throws her for a loop.  I loved their HEA.


Along with Noah and Phoebe's story, there is more resolution to the problems in Maggie and Brandon's marriage.  I love his attempts at wooing Maggie back to him.  There was clearly a lack of communication between the two and they so obviously still love each other   The mystery of the dresses was interesting.  I liked how it tied in with the O'Dunn family. 

I have always enjoyed Ms. Neggers contemporary romances.  I hope that she will continue with Knights Bridge and treat us to more of residents of this sweet small town.


Book Release Day! A Privilege: The Angel Chronicles Book 3 by Amy Lignor


A Privilege:
The Angel Chronicles, Book 3

The beloved Angel/Warrior team face pure evil in their final climactic story!

The first time they were sent down, Irish lives were led. Emily, the angel, ended up embedded in murder and lost in the realm of true love. While Matthew, the warrior, took over a life that left blood on his hands and anger in his soul.

With their second coming, Emily found herself facing an oncoming war that brought her to the shores of America. While Matthew tried desperately to unveil the evil character of a young man who was intent on locking his partner in a ‘gilded’ cage.

Now...Emily and Matthew find that their lives are all their own. Yet, all the memories, hatred, longing and regret have come hand-in-hand with this newfound freedom.

In small town U.S.A., Matthew finds himself loving his new life. From his military school existence to a new, ‘odd’ friend who’s arrived in town, Matthew’s looking forward to graduation and heading off into a brilliant future with Emily by his side.

Emily wants nothing more than to hide. Although doing her best to fit in, she lives a life on the edge, wondering when her past love with reappear to either forgive or seek revenge on the angel who let him down. Battling the shadows that seem to be breaking her soul in two, Emily soon discovers that her small, quiet town has a secret that’s beyond dangerous...

As she and Matthew join forces to help a ‘haunted’ victim, they open the door on a mystery neither of them can believe. A true villain has returned from the past, and not even their heavenly family will be able to save them. This time they’re on their own, as they face a fight that could lead them straight to Hell…and end the angel/warrior team forever.



Excerpt

Without a word, Matthew reached out, took Emily by the hand and pulled her down beside him. He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I knew my Emily was still in there.”

Out of the blue, the room became incredibly hot, as if Gabriel had entered in order to give a lesson to his favorite students. “What?”

“That spark.” He pulled Emily’s face closer before she could push herself away. “You’ve been acting all this time like you’re just here to sit and wait it out until you’re lucky enough to go Home. But you’re still in there, Emily. You still have all that energy and belief in there and you want to do something. That’s the partner I know.”

Shaking her head, Emily listened to her own breathing intensify as she stared at his full lips and wondered why she felt so completely and utterly strange...vulnerable even. “I want to help this girl. This is a job, maybe my only job down here. She saw a ghost and she wants me to help her out, that’s all.”

“And you will.” Matthew captured Emily’s lips, and she could no longer feel the breath in her lungs. Completely different than the one kiss they’d shared up above so long ago, this one was far more demanding, as if Matthew was a young man determined to kiss his human love for the very first time.

Sitting back, Emily practically jumped off the bed.

“I’m sorry,” she heard him whisper behind her. “I guess I was just excited to see you again.”

Not trusting her voice, she remained silent.

“We have jobs, but we also have a life to live. Our own lives this time around. Maybe you should think about adding that into your angelic plans.” Matthew continued softly, “Jason isn’t here, Emily.”

The name being said out loud sent a chill down Emily’s spine. It reminded her of the vow she’d made a long time ago—a vow that an angel couldn’t break.

She cleared her throat. “It doesn’t matter if he’s here. We were sent to do a job, and maybe helping this little girl prove her story is what I need to begin.”

Standing up, Matthew looked as if he was a man who wanted nothing more than to turn back the clock and erase the name he’d spoken aloud. He walked to the open window. “Well, I hope the job goes well. Good luck with it.”

“Matthew,” Emily took a step toward him. “Don’t leave like this.”

He nodded at the book on the bed. “You have your mission, Emily...your job. Ghosts, goblins, lost souls—knock yourself out.” He took a deep breath. “I wonder when you’re going to figure out that the living souls around you would like some of your attention as well.”

Closing her eyes, Emily shed silent tears as she heard his feet hit the ground beneath her window. A friend, a partner, the one who actually listened, was now just an angry young man racing back to The Armory—a place where warriors reigned.

Emily sighed. She’d done it again. No matter how hard she tried to be good, her mouth always got her into trouble. She needed Matthew to understand. She’d made a promise to a young man a long time ago; a promise that was supposed to last for eternity. How was she to know at the time that their eternity would include death by her hand? Had the second time around broken their vow? Emily had no idea. But whatever happened she could not and would not offer Matthew her heart if payment was still due for her past sins. Above all, Matthew was the last person who deserved to be punished for her mistakes.


Author Amy Lignor

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.





Books 1 and 2 are now 99 cents on Kindle!
   




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Monday, April 15, 2013

Book Spotlight: Red is For Rage by Connie Corcoran Wilson


Author: Connie Corcoran Wilson
Publisher: Quad City Press
Date of publication: March, 2013
RED IS FOR RAGE is the second book in the award-winning THE COLOR OF EVIL series by Connie (Corcoran) Wilson. THE COLOR OF EVILwon the E-Lit Gold Medal for Horror (Jenkins Group) and the Silver Feather (IWPA).
In Book Two, we learn more about the exact nature of Tad’s paranormal power, Tetrachromatic Super Vision. Can this keen sight help Tad find Stevie Scranton? Will Tad suffer another breakdown from reliving the crimes of serial killer Michael Clay (aka, Pogo, the Killer Clown), as he did when only eight years old? Can Tad learn to harness his special sight to help his loved ones?
When Stevie Scranton goes missing, best friend Tad vows to do everything he can to find him. Even if Stevie is dead, Sally and Earl Scranton, (his parents), and Shannon, (Stevie’s older sister), crave closure. Tad enlists the help of retired policeman Charlie Chandler and a team of volunteers, including Charlie’s old partner, Evelyn Hoeflinger. This rag-tag team of detectives continues searching for Stevie Scranton, the runty misfit of Cedar Falls’ Sky High. In their search, they discover a monster every bit as dangerous as Pogo and must confront him in order to save Stevie.
Tad sees auras around others that tell him whether they are good or evil. The truly evil are surrounded by a khaki aura (THE COLOR OF EVIL). At night, Tad suffers vivid nightmares that depict the crimes of the evil-doers. Michael Clay (the serial killer Pogo) escapes custody. On the loose again,  Pogo’s actions restart the vicious cycle of violent nightmares. Pogo poses a threat to the entire town of Cedar Falls, but he is especially  a threat to Tad McGreevy.
Pogo has one main goal: kill Tad McGreevy so that Tad cannot disclose Clay’s location. Pogo doesn’t realize that, up until now, Tad has been unable to harness the paranormal ability he possesses. Now, Tad McGreevy must try to learn to use his unique gift.  Stevie Scranton’s fate hangs in the balance. Tad’s power, if precognitive, could save everyone he loves.
Jenny SanGiovanni returns from her father’s home in Boulder, Colorado, to finish her senior year with her old classmates. She brings home a new set of problems. Jeremy Gustaffsson, the fifth-year senior boyfriend in Jenny’s junior year, graduated. But Jeremy is still in town, still obsessed with Jenny, still dangerous.  When Jenny broke up with Jeremy, it made Jeremy mad. Bad things happen to good people when Jeremy Gustaffsson gets angry and  descends into a red rage.
All Jenny’s cheerleader friends from her junior year are back. Many, like Janice Kramer, Heather Crompton and Melody Harris, have problems of their own. Jenny deals with adolescent issues such as self-esteem and self-worth, problems that tax her soul.  But Jenny is not alone. Another Sky High student is driven to the brink. Will that individual plunge into the abyss of despair?
And what of the adults? What has the stress of Stevie’s nine-month ordeal done to Earl and Sally Scranton’s marriage? What problems confront the other adults in Cedar Falls as three evil-doers rise up to create chaos and do them harm?

Check out Connie's inteview on Blog Talk Radio
Listen to internet radio with Spirit Driven Events on Blog Talk Radio


About the author:


Connie (Corcoran) Wilson (MS + 30) graduated from the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University, with additional study at Northern Illinois, the University of California at Berkeley and the
University of Chicago. She taught writing at six Iowa/Illinois colleges and has written for five newspapers and seven blogs, including Associated Content (now owned by Yahoo) which named her its 2008 Content Producer of the Year . She is an active, voting member of HWA (Horror Writers Association) and also a member of ITW (International Thriller Writers) which awarded her its Silver Feather Award in 2012, MWA (Midwest Writers Association), AWP (American Writing Program) and MWC (Midwest Writing Center), which named her its Writer of the Year in 2010. She has won numerous E-Lit awards, a NABE Pinnacle award, an ALMA (American Literary Merit Award),and an IWPA Silver Feather.
Her stories and interviews with writers like David Morrell, Joe Hill, Kurt Vonnegut, Frederik Pohl, William F. Nolan,  Anne Perry, r. Barri Flowers and Jon Land have appeared online and in numerous journals. Her work has won prizes from “Whim’s Place Flash Fiction,” “Writer’s Digest” (Screenplay) and she will have 12 books out by the eSpotlightnd of the year. Connie reviewed film and books for the Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa) for 12 years and wrote humor columns and conducted interviews for the (Moline, Illinois) Daily Dispatch.  Connie was a presenter at the Spellbinders Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii over Labor Day.  She now blogs for 7 blogs, is a Featured Contributor to Yahoo, and comments on movies, television, politics, writing and anything else that interests her both on Yahoo and on her own blog, www.WeeklyWilson.com.
Connie lives in East Moline, Illinois with husband Craig and cat Lucy, and in Chicago, Illinois, where her son, Scott and daughter-in-law Jessica and their three-year-old twins Elise and Ava reside. Her daughter, Stacey, recently graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, as a Music Business graduate and is currently living and working in Australia.
She is NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner for Spring 2013. 

Sunday, April 14, 2013

The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston

by:  Paula Brackston
published by:  St. Martin's Press
publish date:  January 29, 2013

In her small Welsh town, there is no one quite like Morgana. She has never spoken, and her silence as well as the magic she can't quite control make her a mystery. Concerned for her safety, her mother quickly arranges a marriage with Cai Bevan, the widower from the far hills who knows nothing of the rumours that swirl around her. After their wedding, Morgana is heartbroken at leaving, but she soon falls in love with Cai’s farm and the rugged mountains that surround it, while slowly Cai himself begins to win her heart. It’s not long, however, before her strangeness begins to be remarked upon in her new village. A dark force is at work there—a person who will stop at nothing to turn the townspeople against Morgana, even at the expense of those closest to her. Forced to defend her home, her love, and herself from all comers, Morgana must learn to harness her power, or she will lose everything.
As I said yesterday, I loved Paula Brackston's first book The Witch's Daughter.  I was really excited that this book was available as well because as soon as I finished the first book, I started the second book.  It was equally as good and while it was about witches as well, it wasn't like reading the same book over again.  Some authors have a formula and they just insert different characters and situations into the outline, but this wasn't the case.

In The Winter Witch, Morgana moves to live with her new husband.  His property contains a magical cursing well.  As Morgana begins to learn about the well, she finds out that there is another witch in town that will stop at nothing to gain hold over the magic of the well.  Morgana must learn to how to fight against this evil witch and save her family

Again, I thought this book was great.  I liked it as much as The Witch's Daughter.  I think this book would have wide appeal to fans of women's literature. 

Saturday, April 13, 2013

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston

by:  Paula Brackston
published by:  Thomas Dunne Books
publish date:  Jan. 18, 2011

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn’t know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

There are some authors that write in such a way that you can't help falling in love with their books.  For me, Paula Brackston is one of those authors.  I've have The Witch's Daughter on my "To Read Someday" list just because I thought the cover was pretty awesome.  I finally got around to listening to the audiobook and I was blown away.  It was one of those books where I was really sad when it was over, because there was no story left.

The Witch's Daughter tells the story of Bess in alternating time periods.  It starts off in the present time, but it goes back and forth throughout her past lives.  It helps the reader to understand how old she really is and how much history she has witnessed.  Throughout all the recreations of her lives she has had to deal with Gideon Masters in all his forms coming after her. 

Fans of Kathleen Kent or lovers of the Physick Book of Deliverance Dane will enjoy this book.  If you haven't read those, I highly recommend them as well! 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Blog Tour: Bungalow Nights by Christie Ridgway

Author: Christie Ridgway
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of publication: February 2013

Crescent Cove, California, where the magic of summer can last forever...  Combat medic Vance Smith made a promise to a fallen officer: to treat the man's young daughter to an idyllic vacation at Beach House No. 9. One month, some sun and surf, a "helmet list" of activities to check off and Vance will move on. But the "little girl" he's expecting turns out to be a full-grown woman. With silky hair, big brown eyes and smelling sweetly of the cupcakes she makes for her mobile bakery, Layla Parker is irresistible. And Vance shouldn't lay a finger on her. Honor-and one heck of a scarred heart-says so. 

To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father's life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out....

Bungalow Nights is the second book in the Crescent Cove series by Ms. Ridgway.  If you are looking for a sexy and heartwarming story then Bungalow Nights is just the thing!  I started this book after reading a very disturbing horror novel.  Boy was this a soothing balm for my soul.  The story is not just a romance, it deals with healing, reconciliation, forgiveness and acceptance.  There is a lost packed into this sweet story!  I didn't want to put it down!

Not only do we get to watch Vance and Layla fall in love, we also are treated to Addy and Baxter's story.  I loved both couples and would have a hard time picking which one to choose as a favorite.  Even though this is the second in the series  I never felt like I was missing anything.  Characters from the first book, Beach House No. 9, do show up in this one, but only briefly.  I look forward to reading it as well as the third one, The Love Shack.  Ms. Riggway is a new to me author.  Her books will be showing up on my TBR Pile for sure!


About the author:

Christie Ridgway is a California native and author of over forty contemporary romances.  A five-time RITA finalist and USA Today bestselling author, she writes sexy, emotional reads starring determined heroines and the men who can’t help but love them.  Married to her college sweetheart, Christie lives in Southern California in a house filled with boys and pets.  She writes as an escape from sports equipment, football on TV, and dog hair.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Throwback Thursday: From This Day by Nora Roberts

 
Author: Nora Roberts
First published in 1983  by  Silhouette

When B. J. Clark, the young and pretty manager of the Lakeside Inn, met the new owner, Taylor Reynolds, she was fully prepared to dislike him. For she feared-with good reason-that he planned to transform her sleepy old hotel into a resort for jet-setters.

That sparks should fly between them was inevitable. But that these should be fanned by a mutual passion was no in her plans. Against all reason B.J. found herself torn between her professional antagonism and her growing attraction to the man she had sworn to despise.


What can I say about this early Nora Roberts book?  It shows that early on she knew how to write a fun romance with two characters who cause fireworks every time they are together.  Taylor is definitely a man who know what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it.  Some may think he is too much of an alpha, but I thought he was more amusing than anything.  To be fair, B.J. tends to fly off the handle and jump to conclusions very quickly.  She is also always on the defensive and I could see why this would cause Taylor to take charge.  The romance was sweet.  It is also a pretty clean romance. It's a little dated, but that only adds to the appeal.  This one is out on audio, so check it out if you missed it.