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Friday, August 23, 2019

Blog Tour: Review of Eye of the Storm by Amy McKinley


Author: Amy McKinley
(Gray Ghost #2)
Publication date: March 6th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense


Deep in the untamed wilderness of the notorious Darien Gap, a soldier wakes. Injured, he has no memory of who he is or why he is there until a beautiful woman tells him his name. But can he trust her?

When Mari Dias stumbles upon Chris Shaw in the jungle—a place many risk but few survive—she enlists his help to escape a country ruled by the very family who hunts her.


Purchase:
Amazon  B&N  iBooks  Kobo

Eye of the Storm is the second book in the Gray Ghost Series.  I thought it worked very well as a stand alone.  I haven't read the first book, but am intrigued enough to go back and read it.  This is Chris and Mari's story.  The thing I that I enjoyed about this book was the pacing.  From the first page, you hit the ground running with no rest. It made for a fast read. While I'm not a fan of lying about relationships, I could understand Mari's motivation.  The chemistry between the two was off the charts.  I enjoyed that waterfall scene immensely.  This is a fast paced, intense romantic suspense and one I do recommend.



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AUTHOR BIO:

Amy McKinley is the romantic suspense thriller author of the Gray Ghost Novels, the Five Fates paranormal romance series, and several standalone books. Her edge of your seat books are filled with surprising twists and just the right amount of heat and danger. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two daughters, two sons, and three mischievous cats. You can find her at www.AmyMcKinley.com

Author links:



Thursday, August 22, 2019

Blog Tour: Review of The Beginner's Guide to Winning an Election by Michael R. French


Author: Michael R. French
Publisher: Moot Point Productions
Publication Date: November 2018

Brit Kitridge’s plan was just to get her high school diploma and head to college and med school, but nobody can escape from fate, or is it history? The Beginner’s Guide To Winning an Election reveals our main character’s love for history, and after a summer reading books that fuel her passion for politics, Brit decides to join TM (Team Mathew), a fourteen-member group that has helped Mathew Boltanski win every election he’s ever entered. Now he’s going for the big one—student body president. By orchestrating brilliant campaigns one after the other, TM has made Matthew a national young star and promising politician who could even run for higher office in Washington. When Brit is accused of sabotaging the team, she realizes that Hawthorn High has its secrets, and someone needs to shed some light on them. The story is set in a world six years ahead of our time. Security is a constant issue. Politics isn’t black-and-white, it’s not even gray anymore. Inflation is out of control and the educational system is in crisis. But what happens when you find out what’s really going on? What do you do with secrets no one but you wants to hold up to the light?

Purchase Links

The Beginner's Guide to Winning an Election features Brit, a high school senior, who gets involved in student politics at her high school.  After being accused of being a political spy, she decides to run for student body president herself.  I really wanted to love this book.   Sadly, I didn't love it.  It is set in a high school.  Having two high school aged kids myself, I felt the story was a bit unbelievable.  The teens in this book didn't come across as realistic and felt like cliches. The story was a bit slow and I found myself skimming to get to the end.

I will say that I did like Brit's character.  She was probably the best part about the book.  I liked her conviction and drive to achieve her goals.  I definitely think there is an audience for this story, I just wasn't the right one. So check it out and see for yourself.


About Michael R. French

National best selling author Michael French is a graduate of Stanford University and Northwestern University. He is a businessman and author who divides his time between Santa Barbara, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is an avid mountain trekker, likes to visit developing countries, and with his wife, Patricia, started a 501(c) 3, Dollars4Schools, to support public school teachers in Santa Fe.

He has published twenty four books, including fiction, young adult fiction, biographies, and art criticism. His novel, Abingdon’s, was a bestseller and a Literary Guild Alternate Selection. His young adult novel, Pursuit, was awarded the California Young Reader Medal.

Connect with Michael

Michael R. French’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Monday, August 12th: Teachers Who Read
Tuesday, August 13th: Run Wright
Tuesday, August 13th: Storied Adventures and @storied.adventures
Wednesday, August 14th: @princess_leia_grace
Thursday, August 15th: Stranded in Chaos
Friday, August 16th: Books and Cats and Coffee
Monday, August 19th: Bookworm for Kids
Tuesday, August 20th: ReadWonder
Wednesday, August 21st: @hollyslittlebookreviews
Wednesday, August 21st: Write Read Life
Thursday, August 22nd: From the TBR Pile
Friday, August 23rd: Not in Jersey
Monday, August 26th: Read Eat Repeat
Tuesday, August 27th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Wednesday, August 28th: Seaside Book Nook


Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Review: The Winter Sister by Megan Collins

Author: Megan Collins
Publisher: Touchstone
Date of publication: February 2019

Sixteen years ago, Sylvie’s sister Persephone never came home. Out too late with the boyfriend she was forbidden to see, Persephone was missing for three days before her body was found—and years later, her murder remains unsolved.

In the present day, Sylvie returns home to care for her estranged mother, Annie, as she undergoes treatment for cancer. Prone to unexplained “Dark Days” even before Persephone’s death, Annie’s once-close bond with Sylvie dissolved in the weeks after their loss, making for an uncomfortable reunion all these years later. Worse, Persephone’s former boyfriend, Ben, is now a nurse at the cancer center where Annie is being treated. Sylvie’s always believed Ben was responsible for the murder—but she carries her own guilt about that night, guilt that traps her in the past while the world goes on around her.

As she navigates the complicated relationship with her mother, Sylvie begins to uncover the secrets that fill their house—and what really happened the night Persephone died. As it turns out, the truth really will set you free, once you can bear to look at it.

The Winter Sister is a mesmerizing portrayal of the complex bond between sisters, between mothers and daughters alike, and forces us to ask ourselves—how well do we really know the people we love most?


The Winter Sister ended up being an OK novel for me.  I was hoping to end my search for a good suspense/thriller with this one.  I finsihed it a while ago and I had to go back to read the synopsis to remind myself what it was about.  It was kind of forgettable and predictable.  

The premise of the story is that Sylvie comes back home to take care of her sick mother and ends up trying to figure out what really happened to her sister all those years ago.  If you pay enough attention, you can figure out what really happened about halfway through the book. The reveal wasn't very shocking and I called it very early. I also called the big secret that Annie had regarding Persephone.  This is a debut and I feel like the bare bones were there for a good story.  The exection fell short however.  I would try another book by this author in the future.  It's not a bad story, it just wasn't great.


Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Blog Tour: Revew of Call Her Mine by Melissa Foster


NEW RELEASE........
Fall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. 

If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love. A sweet and sexy spin-off of Melissa’s beloved Sugar Lake series.

Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He’s been in love with his best friend—saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark—forever. But Ben’s a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own—to a different town.

Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she’s crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she’ll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on.

But when a baby is left on Ben’s front porch—a baby that is presumably his—Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after . . . just not one either of them expects.

Available to buy from...
**FREE in KU

My thoughts:
 Call Her mine is the first in a new series taking place in Harmony Pointe.  This is Ben and Aurelia's story.  If you love friends to lovers stories, then you will love this one.  Ben and Aurelia's history made for great banter, especially when the baby showed up. I loved them together. Ben's melting over "B" was so adorable.  But the truth of who "B"'s mother was so heartbreaking.  I'll admit to tearing up a bit.  The rest of the characters were fun, especially Ben's family.  My favorite was Aurelia's grandmother.  I definitely recommend this one.  I also look forward to more romance in Harmony Pointe!






About the author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites....





NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!
Win Finding My Girl (Love Like Ours Companion Booklet) ebook
Two Winners!!
Ending on Sunday 1st September at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

Monday, August 19, 2019

Spotlight: Knowing Nichelle by Tinsley Sellers


Author: Tinsley Sellers
Publication date: August 16th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She’s just met the man of her dreams…but he’s not who he said he was. Neither is she. Until they get a second chance to make a first impression.

Is he a sophisticated big-city lawyer, or an easygoing small-town woodworker? And if she’s not a career-driven high-powered attorney, then who is she? Hiding behind their masks is second nature until circumstances force them to see beneath the surface and realize just how alike—and in love—they really are.
He’s only got one rule: no lawyers. She’s a lawyer.

Burned by experience, Buck’s got a rule for a reason. After walking away from a lucrative legal position, he found his peace in Beckley. Life on the farm is simple, and his woodworking business is thriving. He’s not interested in trading his work boots for wingtips and rejoining the rat race. So what if she’s the most compelling woman he’s ever met?

She’s only got one requirement: no a**holes. He’s an a**hole.

After a disastrous encounter in a trendy bar, Nichelle’s convinced that he’s an over-muscled a**hole. She’s got a sleek car, luxurious condo, and elegant designer clothes. Family comes first, and her legal career is on the fastest track. She’s never met a problem she couldn’t solve on her own. So what if he can see beneath her carefully constructed façade?

They’re perfect together. They just don’t know it yet.

  
Purchase:


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AUTHOR BIO:

Tinsley Sellers grew up in Chicago, spending her summers with her grandparents in a tiny town a lot like Beckley, Michigan. Life took her to Arizona, Washington, and Idaho before she finally found her home in Arkansas. She is married to an amazing, supportive (and handsome!) man, with whom she has rescued three dogs and two cats. When she’s not writing, she teaches physics and engineering at the local university. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s probably trying new recipes. She enjoys fast cars, loud music, fine whisky, and big books. In no particular order.

Author links:


Sunday, August 18, 2019

Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall


Author: Dianne Duvall
Immortal Guardians Book #9
Releasing August 20, 2019

Delve into the most eagerly anticipated book in New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall’s “utterly addictive” (RT Book Reviews), “fast-paced and humorous” (Publishers Weekly) Immortal Guardians series.

Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.

Death of Darkness is the ninth book in the Immortal Guardians series.  It's also the one I have been waiting for since the beginning.  Seth is the leader of the Immortal Guardians and is the one who needs some love in his life the most.  This book was everything I wanted for Seth's story!  I literally read this 500 page book on my flight from Phoenix to Boston.  I couldn't put it down.  Being the ninth book, I don't really want to talk plot because it would give away a lot of back story.  This book does kind of assume you have read from the beginning. 

 I will say that I giggled, I swooned and I teared up several times.  I held my breath through several scenes only to let it out in relief.  I loved Leah for Seth.  Talk about a slow burn romance!  The rest of the characters who I have loved from the start start are all in this one.  Ethan was one of my favorites, but I love him so much more in this one.  You'll have to read to find out why. There is so much revealed in this story that I'm still processing it all.  Basically, I love this series.  I know this will be in my top ten again this year. I highly recommend this one (It's out on August 20!) as well  as the entire series.  The book ends with a cliffhanger.  I need the next book now!
Enjoy this sneak peek:

Adira squirmed in Leah’s arms, wanting down.

Leah lowered her until her little sneaker-clad feet touched the floor.

Adira toddled away, patting the garments that brushed her head and shoulders.
Straightening, Leah watched her for a moment, then turned back to Seth. “I guess I’ll get back to work.”

Was that disappointment he felt upon hearing her words? He really was enjoying her company.

Adira turned around and toddled back. Grasping Leah’s fingers, she reached out, took Seth’s hand, and placed Leah’s in it.

Seth instinctively curled his fingers around Leah’s.

Satisfied, Adira turned and toddled off once more.

“Oh,” Leah said with a surprised chuckle. “Well. Maybe not.”

Seth was surprised, too. What was Adira thinking?

He glanced at Leah. Should he apologize? “Sorry about that.”

“No worries,” she said with another charming smile. Raising their clasped hands, she turned them so his was on top and slid her free hand over it. “Oooh. Look how big your hand is.”

How many times had he heard Tracy or one of the other mortal women he frequently encountered think Oooh. Look how big his hands are. You know what they say: big hands, big feet, big package in much the same tone as Leah’s.

Seth couldn’t help it. He barked out a laugh.

Leah’s eyes widened. “Wait. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“It sounded as if you like that my hands are so big.”

She flushed. “I do, but I didn’t mean it like you think.”

“How do I think you meant it?” he asked with exaggerated innocence.

Face red, she laughed. “Stop making me blush. I just meant I like that you’re so big. Not just your hands. But all over.” Again her eyes widened. “I mean, not all over, but—”

Laughing, he took pity on her. “It’s all right. I understood what you meant the first time.”

Smiling, she squinted up at him. “You like to tease, don’t you?”

“Guilty as charged.” Many immortals did. It helped lighten what could otherwise be a dark existence.

She caressed his hand again, sending little tingles through it. “My hand actually looks small in yours. That’s so cool.”

It did. And the sensations her soft touch inspired unnerved him a bit. His pulse even picked up.

Seth eyed her curiously. “You really dislike your size so much?” He thought it a shame. She was a beautiful woman.

Shrugging, she released his hand and let hers fall to her sides. “When someone gives you a complex in high school, it tends to stick with you.”

Adira reappeared as if by magic. Taking Leah’s hand, she again placed it in Seth’s, then moved away.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Leah nodded after Adira. “Maybe she’s hoping I’ll distract you so she can take her time looking over the toys she plans to coax you into buying before you leave.”

Seth winked. “Or maybe she just heard you say you like my big hands.”

She laughed.

 Available for pre-order:


SPECIAL PRE-ORDER EBOOK PRICE—$5.99 (Save $1)

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The Immortal Guardians Series:
Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1) — http://amzn.to/2uevzhd
Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2) — http://amzn.to/2t0Co5K
Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians, #3) —  http://amzn.to/2v8LABy
In Still Darkness (Immortal Guardians, #3.5) — http://amzn.to/2t9V26z
Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, #4) — http://amzn.to/2u4AW1V
Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5) — http://amzn.to/2ueeJiB
Phantom Embrace (Immortal Guardians, #5.5) http://amzn.to/2u4BlkX
Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians, #6) — http://amzn.to/2sLOSd9
Blade of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book #7) —  http://amzn.to/2t9OTXZ
Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book #8) — https://amzn.to/2IIb02y


About the Author

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and"wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews,and/or Night Owl Reviews. 

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog — dianneduvall.blogspot.com
Facebook — facebook.com/DianneDuvallAuthor
Twitter — twitter.com/DianneDuvall
YouTube — youtube.com/channel/UCVcJ9xnm_i2ZKV7jM8dqAgA?feature=mhee
Pinterest — pinterest.com/dianneduvall
Goodreads — goodreads.com/Dianne_Duvall
Google Plus — plus.google.com/106122556514705041683

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Review: Feral by Holly Schindler

Author: Holly Schindler
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: August 2014

It’s too late for you. You’re dead. Those words continue to haunt Claire Cain months after she barely survived a brutal beating in Chicago. So when her father is offered a job in another state, Claire is hopeful that getting out will offer her a way to start anew.

But when she arrives in Peculiar, Missouri, Claire feels an overwhelming sense of danger, and her fears are confirmed when she discovers the body of a popular high school student in the icy woods behind the school, surrounded by the town’s feral cats. While everyone is quick to say it was an accident, Claire knows there’s more to it, and vows to learn the truth about what happened.

But the closer she gets to uncovering the mystery, the closer she also gets to realizing a frightening reality about herself and the damage she truly sustained in that Chicago alley….
 

I've had Feral on my TBR for a while and I finally sat down to read it while on summer vacation.  I was really intrigued by the synopsis.  The story involves Claire, who moves with her father to Peculiar, Missouri after she was viciously attacked by a group of men in Chicago.  She arrives just as a young girl goes missing. Claire begins to think the death of the girl was more than an accident. 

I have mixed feelings about this book.  On one hand, I did like it.  It had a good foundation for a good YA thriller.  I did like Claire's character.  Her clear PTSD from her assault came across as genuine.  She was also kind of an unreliable narrator.  I spent most of the book not knowing if she was crazy or if the things she was seeing were really happening.  

What I didn't love was the rest of the story.  I found the scenes where Claire thinks she is seeing the dead  girl's ghost were kind of convoluted and unclear.  Maybe that was the point?  To make the reader feel as crazy as Clarie did? I'm not sure.  I did guess who the killer was pretty early on.  It wasn't too hard.  The rest of the characters were kind of forgettable, except maybe Rich.  I was kind of glad there was no romance there between him and Claire.  It would have felt forced and kind of cliche.

Overall, it's not a bad YA story.  I would recommend trying it out.  I would like to read more from this author in the future.


Friday, August 16, 2019

Release Blitz: Review of Playing for Keep by Kendall Ryan


Author: Kendall Ryan
Release Day: August 13th

I've never been so stupid in my entire life.

Elise Parrish, my teammate's incredibly sweet and gorgeous younger sister, should have been off-limits, but my hockey stick didn't get the memo.

After our team won the championship, our flirting turned physical, and I took her to bed. Then shame sent her running the next morning from our catastrophic mistake.

She thinks I don't remember that night - but every detail is burned into my brain so deeply, I'll never forget. The feel of her in my arms, the soft whimpers of pleasure I coaxed from her perfect lips....

And now I've spent three months trying to get her out of my head, but I'm starting to understand she's the only girl I'll ever want. 

I have one shot to show her I can be exactly what she needs, but Elise won't be easily convinced. 

That's okay, because I'm good under pressure, and this time, I'm playing for keeps.

Playing for Keeps is the first in a fun new series about pro-hockey players finding love.  This is Elise and Justin's story.  It is also one of my favorite tropes. They have been life long friends and have both hidden feelings for each other.  They were great characters.  I loved Justin.  There is nothing like an alpha male who doesn't think he is worthy of love finally finding the love he deserves.  I'm not usually a big fan of the best friend not wanting the main character to date his little sister.  I was happy there wasn't too much angst in that area. 

The other characters in the story were also fun.  Although, I have to admit to not loving the amount of "one and done" nights going around with the other players because...gross. It just seemed a bit excessive.  But, then I'm not a single pro-sports player.  I am looking forward to Owen and Becca's story next.  I do recommend this one!


Get ready to meet your new favorite hot jocks in an all new series of stand-alone novels. If you like sexy, confident men who know how to handle a stick (on and off the ice), and smart women who are strong enough to keep all those big egos in check, this series of athlete romances is perfect for you!
Goodreads http://bit.ly/2GS72Ug
Paperback https://amzn.to/2XURaWx



About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.
Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 70 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

Subscriber to the newsletter: http://www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter/