Monday, September 30, 2019

Review: RED HOT EARL by Darcy Burke


  4 of 5 stars
   
Lady Bianca Stafford had been friends with Ashton Rutledge, the new Earl of Buckleigh for years. Ash was always kind and fun to be with, but then he went off to school. Meeting him again years later at a house party, Bianca realizes that Ash has a deeply held secret and she's determined to find out what it is. Unfortunately, Ash's tormentors from Oxford continue to taunt him at the house party until he storms out. Bianca is mystified why those three men were so cruel and she sets out to check on Ash the next day. Can Ash reveal his secrets to Bianca and not drive her away?

This was a sweet short read. Ash suffers from a lifelong affliction that causes him to have shivers and tremors as well as shouting out curse words. I felt for Ash. It must have been hard to live with the censor of others especially his father. The more time Bianca spends with Ash, she realizes that his affliction is only one small part of the wonderful man Ash has become. There are a few obstacles in their way, but nothing that is too difficult to overcome. I didn't get a holiday feel for this story. It was more of how two people can look past imperfections and find love.

I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.


#Excerpt: CHASING BEVERLY by Ashlynn Cubbison


Chasing Beverly
Ashlynn Cubbison
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: September 29th 2019
Genres: Romance, Sports, Young Adult

Two people. One chance to let it all go.
Seeking redemption, Beverly Morgan has spent the last three years building an empire that was someone else’s dream. Devoted to her work, a handful of friends, and an array of charities, she’s been able to lock away her heart and convince herself it’s dead. After an unthinkable tragedy, Beverly should know by now that a single day can change everything.
She can’t run from love forever.
Gavin has it all, a thriving business, phenomenal family, supportive friends, but an hour with Beverly Morgan makes him question his entire life and his own happiness.
She could be exactly what he needs, if she’s brave enough to open up again.
--

EXCERPT:
I’m four days shy of my eighteenth birthday, sandwiched between two Olympic gold medalists, and preparing to race for a spot in the 2016 Summer Olympics for the 400-meter event.
How did I even make it to the finals?
Hot bile floods my throat. As sweat drips from my brow, I hear a crazy woman shouting over the crowd.
“Breathe, baby! Breathe!”
Peeking over at the gate to the right of me, our eyes connect. I realize she’s my crazy woman. With her huge smile and eyes blazing with pride, my mom always brings me comfort. My gaze slides from her encouraging face and lands on that of my boy¬friend. Patrick’s crooked smile has been the same since we were kids.
Just the sight of them, here by my side, reassures me. I gulp in a deep, cleansing breath and bow my head. This silences the deafening noise, and it helps me to forget my shortcomings.
“On your marks!” a stern voice—the voice I’ve been listening for—bellows over the loudspeaker.
I step in front of my tightly spaced starting blocks, jumping one last time into the air to activate my muscles. Then I crawl backwards into the blocks, my left foot positioned in the back. As I slide my feet in, a smirk creeps across my lips. I picture Coach Schwarz in the stands, scolding me like he does before every race.
“Morgan, switch your damn feet, and space out your blocks more!”
My left knee digs into the rubbery Tartan Track. I focus on the connection of my damp skin against the hot track below. I say a silent prayer, thanking it for supporting my feet and body race after race.
Then, one last breath. I position my fingers behind the white line and await my next command.
“Set!” booms the Starter’s robotic voice over the loudspeaker.
My hips shoot straight up. Fire replaces my blood, surging through my veins.
BANG!
The starting gun reverberates through me.
I push out of the blocks, careful not to go out too hard in the first 200 meters. Keeping my eyes glued straight ahead, I don’t allow my opponents to bait me. Instead, I wait for my time. I stick close to the pack until I see my sweet spot ahead.
“Kick. Kick. Kick.” The words play like a mantra in my head as I round the second curve of the track. My body is weightless. My brain needs no prompting as it propels my legs forward. My feet become lighter, and my spikes barely touch the track before shooting forward for my next stride.
My arms pump harder as I enter my part of the race. The part in which I shine, the part I relish. The finish line is just ahead. Movement on my right enters my peripheral vision. I feel Sammy closing in. She’s right on my tail.

Author Bio:
Ashlynn Cubbison is a goal-oriented, driven woman, who owns and operates four companies with her husband. They have two beautiful sons together, and although her life is chaotic, fun, full of love and never the same each day, somehow she finds room for writing as well.
Growing up Ashlynn struggled with reading. Then, in her sophomore year of high school, a small seed was planted. After acing a literary test, her teacher looked her square in the eye and said “you’ve been selling yourself short all year. I wonder what you could achieve with some effort.” After delving deeper into books, she discovered Pride and Prejudice, and has been an obsessive reader ever since.
Eventually her love of books translated into writing. She hopes to inspire others, especially children, to find their passion as she did.

GIVEAWAY!
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Friday, September 27, 2019

#SALE .99 THE UNEXPECTED WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth

Blurb:

Lady Elizabeth Tyndale has endured a string of bad dates. She’s not sure if sharing her opinions and business sense scared potential boyfriends away, but what’s the point of having an opinion if she never expresses it? When her brother and sister-in-law invite her to join them on a trip to San Diego, she reluctantly agrees. Besides, what does she have to lose? She’s certainly not burning up the dating scene in England.

Computer Programmer Jackson ‘Jack’ Stanfield doesn’t date much. He’d rather bury himself in code because computers are simple, but people are complicated. When his college buddy invites him to a BBQ, Jack reluctantly agrees to attend. He’s not prepared for his intense reaction when he meets Elizabeth Tyndale. Can the British beauty draw Jack out of his shell and open his heart to love?



Excerpt:
 “Probably around ten days this time, but you should come visit us in England sometime,” Keira said. “We’d love to have you and I’m sure you’d like the solitude.”
Jack gave her a nod. “Thanks. I just might take you up on your offer. Always wanted to spend some time in England. Now, what does a guy have to do to get a beer around here?”
Lea chuckled and pointed. “Over by the back door in the cooler. Help yourself.”
“Thanks. Be back in a minute.” Jack walked toward the back door. When he was almost there, he saw a vision—a stunning young woman with blonde curls cascading down her back. When she turned at his approach, the last rays of the sun enveloped her silhouette, giving her an ethereal dreamy quality. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and he felt the breath leave his body as he stood staring open-mouthed. He’d never had such a reaction to a woman before. It was new and an unnerving experience.
“Did you want something?” she asked.
Jack continued to stare, totally captivated by this woman and her beautiful cornflower blue eyes. He knew she was talking, but he didn’t hear a word, just a lyrical melody.
The young woman waved her hand in front of his face. “Hello, can I get you something?”
That broke his trance and Jack felt heat climb up his neck. “Huh? Oh god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to stare,” he stammered.
“It’s quite all right. Now do you want something, a beer perhaps?” she asked.
“You’re British?”
The young woman’s eyes traveled down to her feet and back up again before she looked at him. “Last time I looked, yes,” she chuckled.
What an asinine thing to say!
He inwardly cringed. For as long as he could remember, he’d been tongue-tied around beautiful women, and this young woman clearly put every single one he’d ever met to shame. She was perfection in his eyes, and he felt like a fly caught in her web unable to move or turn away.
“Shall we start again?” she asked. “I’m Elizabeth and you are?”
Jack gave himself a mental shake. “Oh, please forgive me. I’m not used to making a complete fool of myself before I’ve even uttered a single word. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth. I’m Jackson, um Jack, that is.”
“Well, Jackson um Jack, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, would you like a beer?”
He chuckled. “Yes, please. That would be good.”
Elizabeth reached into the cooler and passed a can of Coors Lite to him.
“Thanks,” he said, reaching for the beer. He racked his brain for something witty to say, but his mind was blank. He had to think of something fast before she walked away. “Did you eat already?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes. We’ve been here for a while, but please, don’t let me stop you from eating. The food is great.”
“I’m fine, thanks. I was late because I got caught up trying to fix some code.”
“Oh, you’re a programmer?”
Jack nodded. He saw no reason to elaborate the details about his profession. Most people understood programmers wrote some indecipherable code that was all mumbo jumbo to them. Telling people he was a programmer was usually enough explanation. Not many people had any interest beyond that. He’d learned to keep talk about his work to a minimum whenever possible to save himself from seeing those glassy-eyed looks folks got whenever he went into detail about his work. “Would you care to sit?”
“Sure.”
Jack led her over to a bench and waited for her to sit before joining her. “I take it Cade is your brother?”
“Right again. You’re very astute for a programmer,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
Jack chuckled. “Sometimes, I even surprise myself, but don’t count on it.”
That got a genuine laugh from her. “A sense of humor too. You’re a multi-talented guy, Jackson um Jack. So, how do you know Lea?”
His muscles started to relax now that his initial awkwardness was behind him. “Mike and I were college roommates. I was the one who introduced him to Lea and the rest is history.”
“Oh, that’s a lovely story.”
“They’re my one and only success story. I figured I might as well stop matchmaking with a perfect record.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Good idea.”
“Is this your first trip to the States?” Jack asked.
“Yes. Southern California is quite pleasant. It hasn’t rained once since we’ve been here,”
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t rain much here. We’ve been in a drought situation for a number of years now.”
“Wow, that’s distressing,” Elizabeth said, sweeping a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I thought we were having a lucky streak while we’ve been here. Back home, it rains quite a lot, most especially when you don’t want it to.”
This was the longest conversation Jack had had with a woman in a long time, and he was quite enjoying himself. After his initial guffaw, he found Elizabeth delightful to talk with. “How long are you staying?” Jack inwardly cringed. How lame. He had just asked Keira the same question.
Elizabeth shrugged. “I’m not sure, maybe a week or so. It all depends on Cade and how long he feels he can be away from Barrett Castle.”
He wanted to spend more time with Elizabeth before she went back to England. He hadn’t been on a date in a while, and he had no idea what she’d like to do, but he had to try.
It was now or never. Might as well give it a try.
He blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Would you care to go to the zoo with me tomorrow?”
Jack held his breath. It seemed a lifetime before Elizabeth answered. While he waited, his stomach did a series of flip-flops, and he was glad he hadn’t eaten earlier.  
“Yes, thank you. That would be delightful,” she said.
Jack slowly let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. The zoo? Geez, what kind of date is the zoo? He could only hope that Elizabeth enjoyed animals or it would be a total disaster. Maybe there was somewhere else she’d rather see. “We could do something else if you prefer. I’m open to suggestions.”
Elizabeth shook her head and golden strands of her hair floated around her face.
He’d never had such an urge to touch a woman’s hair as he did with Elizabeth. It looked as soft as silk.
“The zoo is fine. I’d like to see it.”
“Good. It’s a world-renowned zoo, so I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Once he had secured a date with her, the rest of the night went by in a pleasant blur. It was so easy to talk with Elizabeth, and he never made it back to Lea’s table. It seemed like he’d just arrived when he had to say goodbye to Elizabeth. “I had a wonderful time tonight.”
“I as well. I’m glad you were thirsty,” she said with a chuckle.
“Me too. Where are you staying?” he asked.
“At the Manchester Grand Hyatt, penthouse suite,” she said.
“Excellent. Shall I pick you up at eleven o’clock tomorrow?”
“That’s perfect. See you then,” Elizabeth said, giving his arm a quick squeeze. When her hand touched him, a delightful shiver traveled down his spine. He wondered if she felt it too. As Jack watched Elizabeth leave with Cade and Keira, Mike slapped him on the back.
“I see you’ve managed to talk with Elizabeth tonight. She’s quite a beauty.”
Jack turned toward Mike. “Not only that, but she’s agreed to go out with me tomorrow.”
Mike staggered backwards and threw up his hands. “What? You’re kidding? The reclusive Jackson Stanfield has a date? Have to say I didn’t see that one coming. Where are you taking her?”
“The zoo.”
Mike burst out laughing. “Oh boy.”
Jack frowned. “What? What’s wrong with the zoo?”
“Hmmm…”
“What can I say? I panicked and it was the first thing that popped into my head.”
Mike punched Jack in the arm. “Sorry, man. I’m just messing with you. Look, there’s nothing wrong with the zoo. Just make sure you take her someplace nice for dinner afterwards.”
Mike’s words did not instill any kind of confidence in Jack for tomorrow’s date. Now he wondered if he’d made a mistake by asking the British beauty out in the first place. A woman like her could have any man she wanted. Why would she want to go out with his geeky self? It didn’t help that Mike thought taking her to the zoo was not the best choice.
“Hey, don’t look so serious. I’m sure you guys will have a good time together. You seemed pretty in-sync tonight,” Mike said.
Jack nodded, but a frown marred his handsome face as a cloud of doubt pushed into his mind.


#Excerpt: WITCHES PROTECTION PROGRAM by Michael Okon


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michael Okon will be awarding a $50 Amazon Gift Card, then 5 signed copies of the book (US ONLY) to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


Wes Rockville, a disgraced law-enforcement agent, gets one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he’s reassigned to a 232-year-old secret government organization.

The Witches Protection Program.

His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company’s diabolical plan to use witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds. Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in witches…and believe in himself.

Filled with adventure and suspense, Michael Okon creates a rousing, tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern-day New York City.

Excerpt:

Clearly, Wu had a bit of an attitude this morning. Scarlett wouldn’t let her talk down to her. What would Scarlett do; what would Scarlett do? Morgan racked her brain. Swallowing, she replied, her voice cold as ice, “I’ll get them there when I get them there. Deal with it.”

“You’re such a—”

“A what, Wu?” Morgan taunted. “Don’t forget, I answer directly to Bernadette, and she doesn’t take kindly to disrespect.”

Wu turned to lean on the sink, coming face to face with Morgan. “High and mighty today, aren’t we? You aren’t the only one with influence.” Wu’s eyes narrowed into slits. She had elegant hands that ended with long, graceful nails. She swirled them in the air, creating an eddy of wind that ruffled Morgan’s hair.

Morgan reached out, grabbing Wu’s hand in a viselike grip. “Don’t toy with me, and don’t use magic.” She squeezed hard, feeling one of the nails break. Wu struggled to break free, but Morgan maintained the upper hand. They stood nose to nose, hatred emanating from them both. She heard Wu’s quick intake of breath and let her snatch her hand away.

“I won’t forget this, Red.”

Morgan sniffed. “Don’t call me Red.” She turned to leave the bathroom.

“This isn’t over, Scarlett,” Wu called after her.

Morgan laughed as she exited the bathroom, thinking payback was going to be a bitch for Scarlett.

About the Author:

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

Webpage: http://www.michaelokon.com
Amazon Purchase Page: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Protection-Program-Michael-Okon-ebook/dp/B07W7BWNQH
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Okon/e/B0752THRZV
Email: michaelokonbooks@gmail.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/IAmMichaelOkon
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iammichaelokon
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iammichaelokon
Snapchat: http://www.snapchat.com/add/iammichaelokon

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Thursday, September 26, 2019

#Review: ONCE A SPY by Mary Jo Putney


    3 of 5 stars

When he was young, Simon Duval struck up a friendship with his cousin’s French wife, Suzanne Duval, the Comtesse de Chambron. Years later he finds her eeking out a living as a seamstress in London. He proposes marriage and at first Suzanne refuses because of the abuse she had suffered first by her dead husband, then as a harem slave. She wants nothing to do with men, but there's something about Simon that she trusts. When he says they can have a marriage of friendship, she finally agrees. When the newlyweds travel to Brussels, Simon is once again asked by Duke Wellington to scout the countryside to find out what direction Napoleon will march his army.

I nearly gave up on this book because nothing really happens until the 80% mark. I understand Suzanne has a lot of fear to overcome being with a man again, but it was drawn out way too long in my opinion. Once the war segment of the book starts, the plot really picked up and I did enjoy the last 20% of the book. I did like Simon a lot. He was an honorable, kind and compassionate hero and Suzanne did grow on me toward the end as she gains her confidence again.

I voluntarily read a advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.





#Excerpt: LONE SURVIVOR by Anya Summers


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Anya will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly chosen winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


She needed a fresh start…

ICU Nurse Sadie Montgomery moved to New Orleans after her entire world fell apart. The idea was borne of desperation as she sank further into a depression so deep and dark, she had stopped feeling. It isn’t until she crosses paths with Ram that she finally feels a spark of life return. The only problem is, she doesn’t want to be dependent upon anyone. The pain of losing it all is still too fresh. Not to mention, in Ram’s world, the women submit themselves body and soul.

He wasn’t looking for love…


Former Army Ranger, Ramsey O’Malley, is not looking for a long-term commitment from a woman beyond a scene or two at Club Underworld. He doesn’t have the time nor the inclination to begin something he cannot finish, not as a single dad with a thriving psychology practice. Except, he is drawn to his newest patient. She’s forbidden, like the apple in the garden of Eden, and all he wants to do it take a bite.

But they could not deny their desire…


When Sadie makes a surprise appearance at Club Underworld looking to take a walk on the wild side, Ram knows he cannot let another man have her. He wants to be the one to introduce her to submission. But can he convince her to submit to his brand of lovemaking? And will just one night be enough?

Publisher’s Note: This steamy contemporary romance contains elements of power exchange.

Excerpt:

Later that afternoon, Ramsey was at home putting together a lasagna for dinner.

“Dad.” Rocky sat at the kitchen table, a pack of colored pencils beside him as he worked on his latest comic book sketch. His dirty blond hair had grown in the two months he had been in New Orleans. Ram added getting him to the barber to his mental to do list before taking him and his sister back to Dallas.

“Yeah?” He slid the pan into the oven and then turned, leaning against the counter to look at his teenage son. Jesus, how could he be thirteen already? Ram could still remember how tiny he’d been, and just how terrified he’d been of taking care of a toddler on his own after he and their mom had split when Rocky was two. It did something to him, staring at the boy on the cusp of manhood, and thinking back over the years. He would hit a growth spurt in the next year or so and be as tall as Ram.

“Do you think it’s possible that aliens exist?” Rocky asked, never looking up from his drawing. Ram had no idea how the kid came by his artistic talent. Certainly not from him. Although Rocky’s Aunt Becca, Ram’s baby sister, was an artist. So it was definitely there in the family tree.

“I think it’s a distinct possibility.” This planet had enough problems without adding aliens to the mix. Talk about throwing the world into a panic.

“Then why haven’t they come to Earth yet?” Rocky asked, lifting his face. It always filled Ram with wonder when he looked at Rocky and saw a younger version of himself in everything but eye color. Rocky’s eyes were a clear jade, just like his mom’s.

“And how do you know that they haven’t?” he teased his son.

“Because we would know. With technology the way it is, someone would have gotten a picture or video that proves their existence.”

“Have you considered the possibility that if they flew billions of lightyears to get here, it’s more likely that their technology is much more advanced than ours and they would be able to hide from detection?” Ram said with a smile hovering over his lips.

“Yeah, for all we know, the aliens left you with us at birth. It would explain a lot.” Hurricane Angela waltzed into the kitchen, her smartphone in her hand, and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket on the counter. Ram sighed. His daughter was fifteen going on twenty-five, with enough sass to outlast Satan.

“Then you should watch yourself. We like to suck out human souls at night. It would explain a lot about you,” Rocky countered.

Angela rolled her eyes. “You’re such a dork.”

“Ang, watch it. You can talk to your friends for an hour and then screen-time is done for the night,” Ram stated, hearing echoes of his own dad as he said it. Ram didn’t know how, but he had turned into his father. He’d like to think of himself as much cooler, down to earth, and more level headed. But yeah, it had happened. And the thing was, Ram loved being a dad—although the teenage years were going to give him a head full of gray hair.

About the Author: 

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Visit her website here: http://www.anyasummers.com
Visit her on social media here:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyabsummers
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyasummersauthor
Newsletter: https://anyasummers.com/newsletter/

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers!

Dungeon Fantasy Club Series

Her Highland Master, Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Master-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01E9UB8SO/
To Master and Defend, Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Defend-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01FNG23HI/
Two Doms for Kara, Book 3: https://www.amazon.com/Doms-Kara-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01GXGOAK0
His Driven Domme, Book 4: https://www.amazon.com/Driven-Domme-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01IIUY8Y2
Her Country Master, Book 5: https://goo.gl/YWhLqm
Love Me, Master Me, Book 6: https://goo.gl/QlTE9u
Submit To Me, Book 7: https://goo.gl/Or8pYr
Her Wired Dom, Book 8: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRJY9TF/

Pleasure Island Series

Her Master and Commander, Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Commander-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y5SVVB9/
Her Music Masters, Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711R9D1H/
Their Shy Submissive, Book 3: https://goo.gl/ufyJLn
Her Lawful Master, Book 4: https://www.amazon.com/Lawful-Master-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B073SRDNNT
Her Rockstar Dom, Book 5: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075VSGP8Q
Duets and Dominance, Book 6: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TG9RYC
Her Undercover Dom, Book 7: https://goo.gl/HKhVba
Ménage In Paradise, Book 8: https://goo.gl/qce2BD
Her Rodeo Masters, Book 9: https://goo.gl/HDZw6v

Cuffs and Spurs Series

His Scandalous Love: https://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B079GBB57Z
His Unexpected Love: https://www.amazon.com/His-Unexpected-Love-Carter-Beginning-ebook/dp/B07C2NBGLQ
His Wicked Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B661RP1
His Untamed Love: https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07D9ZDHMH
His Tempting Love: https://www.amazon.com/Tempting-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07HYT1GVQ
His Seductive Love: https://www.amazon.com/Seductive-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07KXP3MMF
His Secret Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKN5Y2S
His Cherished Love: https://www.amazon.com/Cherished-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07SBDTVMV

The Alcyran Chronicles

Taken by the Beast: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYNT21L
Claimed by the Beast: https://www.amazon.com/Claimed-Beast-Alcyran-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07Q3HNP26/
Loved by the Beast: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3QFLJW/ref=sr_1_1
Seduced by the Beast, Book 4 – Coming Soon
Chosen by the Beast, Book 5 – Coming Soon

Crescent City Kings

Lone Survivor, Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X4JN5DX
Far Reaching Consequences, Book 2 – Coming Soon
The Right To Remain Silent, Book 3 – Coming Soon
Bound To Protect, Book 4 – Coming Soon
Self Sacrifice, Book 5 – Coming Soon
Never Surrender, Book 6 – Coming Soon
Oath and Indenture, Book 7 – Coming Soon

Boxed Sets

The Dungeon Fantasy Club: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H6FPSFV
The Pleasure Island Collection: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N2NLY3L/

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Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Interview with Maggie Mae Gallagher, THE FIXER UPPER

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?


The Fixer Upper is the first book in my Echo Springs Series, where you will meet Abby. Now Abby just inherited her Great Aunt’s stately Victorian and she runs away from her life on the east coast, uncertain if the path she was on career wise was still what she wanted. Her first night her aunt’s house, she and Nate Barnes, have a rather awkward first meeting where sparks fly.  


Abby Callier is what I like to call an old soul and the black sheep of her family. She tried to fit in and be what they wanted her to be, but in the end decided she needed to be herself, which was quite at odds with what her parents wanted for her and from her. I love Abby’s resilience and courage to break with the mold of her upbringing to find a life that satisfies her. Or at least, she’s trying to do that. It’s how she ends up in Echo Springs living next door to one sexy Sheriff Barnes.  

Nate Barnes is the sheriff of Echo Springs. He was born and raised in Echo Springs. With the exception of going off to college and living in Denver for a few years, Echo Springs is home. He is steady, quietly rehabbing his home, and working to give back to the town. I’m such a sucker for Nate. He’s the guy that there’s no problem too big that can’t be solved, you just might need some elbow grease and some patience.

Do you have a favorite character?
I do. It’s Rufus. He is Nate’s furball companion—a one hundred and fifty pound, three-year-old Great Dane, who thinks he’s a lap dog.

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?
That would be Rufus again. I hadn’t expected to write him as a character. He bounded onto the page with his big goofy grin and nosed his way into scenes in the book.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
I received my first contract with a publisher in 2016. I wrote my first book in 2001.

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?
I’m contracted with a traditional publisher for the next few years. I have a publishing schedule that is rather hectic without a lot of time to spend on extra books.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
I’m very involved with the cover designs for my books. My publisher is very supporter and their cover artist does a great job.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I need silence to write. I even wear noise cancelling headphones. When I’m going into writing mode for the day, I joke that I’m going into my Batcave where no one is welcome. Unless you are bringing me coffee or food.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I construct a loose outline that typically by the middle of the book is useless. By that point my characters have taken over and tell me where the story is going.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I’m a huge geek and love going to comic cons. I love travelling and reading.

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?
Cats, I have two. It depends on what the chocolate or vanilla are in. Give me coffee or give me death. I would prefer to talk. I know, I’m old school. Night, I am not a morning person at all.

What’s next for you?
Up next is the second installment of the Echo Springs Series, Civil Disobedience. Plus, I also write hot spicy erotic romance under the name Anya Summers and have a new release, Lone Survivor, on September 24th. It’s the first book in my brand-new series the Crescent City Kings.



The Fixer Upper
Maggie Mae Gallagher
(Echo Springs, #1)
Published by: Blushing Books Publications
Publication date: September 6th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Abby Callier is more in love with Shakespearean heroes than any real man, and she’s beginning to wonder if there is life for her outside the pages of a book. It doesn’t help that her esteemed parents tend to view her as they would one of their science experiments gone wrong.
On the eve of finishing her dissertation, she escapes her staid existence to live in the house she inherited from her Great Aunt Evie in the small town of Echo Springs, Colorado. Because, let’s face it, when a woman starts comparing her life to horror films, it might be time for a break.
Sheriff Nate Barnes believes in law and order and carefully building the life you want. In his spare time, he has been remodeling his house in the hope that one day it will be filled with the family he makes. But Nate doesn’t like drama or complications and tends to avoid them at all costs. And yet, when Miss Abigail Callier, his newest neighbor, beans him with a nine iron, he can’t help but wonder if she might just be the complication he’s been searching for all along. It doesn’t hurt that he discovers a journal hidden away by the previous tenant and decides to use Old Man Turner’s advice to romance Abby into his life.
Abby never expected her next-door neighbor, the newly dubbed Sheriff Stud Muffin, to be just the distraction her world needed.
The problem is she doesn’t know whether she should make Echo Springs her home, or if this town is just a stopover point in her life’s trajectory. And she doesn’t want to tell Nate that she might not be sticking around—even though she should because it’s the right thing to do, the honest thing—because then all the scintillatingly hot kisses with the Sheriff will come to an abrupt halt. Did she mention that he’s a really great kisser?
Buy links:





Author Bio:
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres.
She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.


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#Excerpt: FIRE SONG by Tanya Anne Crosby


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tanya Anne Crosby will be awarding signed copies of the Daughters of Avalon series (3 books)(US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


Praised for her beauty and grace, deep down, Seren Pendragon fears a tempest rising inside her. Her mother is a witch, her sisters are in peril, and she has been promised to a beast of a man who's already murdered one king. When she and her youngest sister seize the opportunity for escape neither realizes how much their struggle will cost, and it will take a terrible tragedy to unleash Seren’s inner fire and true nature.

The Bastard of Warkworth is no stranger to misfortune. Everything he held dear vanished one night in a wisp of smoke and fire, and he has been scarred by his encounters with Seren's own mother, Morwen Pendragon. Even so, when one of the witch’s daughters finds herself in trouble, Wilhelm must find the champion within and ride to her rescue.

Excerpt:

If you have not guessed, my true name is Cerridwen. Creirwy, Morfran and Taliesin are all children of my blood. I took this body, thinking it might serve me, but I chose wrongly. I chose the sister, not the brother. Those two scarcely knew what mysteries they would reveal… but I thank them, nevertheless.

Emrys. Poor Emrys. Would he have lain with his sister had I not inhabited her body? I think not. And Morgan? How did she learn? Well, I suppose… a mother always knows.

Stealing over to the cauldron, I peer inside. Empty at the moment, but there lies residue and I reach down to taste the blend.

I need more coltsfoot, I think. And, of course, blood…

Mentally, I pore over the faces I saw in the tavern … a man and woman traveling together, a trader and a thief. These are my choices, and perhaps I should have them all…

Incidentally, do you how the fae were created?

They were cauldron borne to serve the Sylph.

So, you see… my daughters are gifted with fae blood, but I am born of the essence from which they draw. They are whispers of the wind from which I am formed. They are breeze-kissed whilst I am the storm. They are sparks, I am the flame. They are demigods, like the fae. But I… I am a Goddess, and once the light of this world has been extinguished like the flames of a thousand dying stars, and the hearts of men are stillborn in their cradle of night… here, I shall remain.

Fools.

Kill me?

I’d like to see you try.

About the Author:
Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times/USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including works of women’s fiction, suspense, historical romance and fantasy. Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, she is an award-winning author, and her stories have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews.

Tanya has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her stories have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel (Angel of Fire) was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where she was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book (Once Upon a Kiss) was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint. She and her writer husband currently split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanyaannecrosby/
Website: https://www.tanyaannecrosby.com/

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Daughters-Avalon-Tanya-Crosby/dp/1947204378
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fire-song-11
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-song-tanya-anne-crosby/1130052932

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