Thursday, April 29, 2021

#NEW Romance Release: THE SURPRISING WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth

 

This title will be released on May 18, 2021. You can pre-order at ONLY .99.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091FQGDLD

BLURB:
 
Edward Tyndale, brother to the Earl of Barrett, has sworn off marriage. His disastrous first marriage ended in tragedy and he's determined not to put his heart at risk again.

American artist Jade Stanfield travelled to Barrett Castle to attend her brother's wedding and fell in love with the estate. When the Earl offers her a chance to teach in the art internship program he sponsors, she readily accepts. It's been her dream for as long as she can remember to become an art teacher. Her joy is marred by the caustic remarks by Edward, but she's determined to ignore the tall, dark and handsome brother. Can they peacefully co-exist or will their growing attraction upset the stoic Edward into taking another chance on love? 
 
You can read all the books in the Loving a Billionaire series here:
 




 

#Review: HEIRESS IN RED SILK by Madeline Hunter

 

 

3 of 5 stars

Kevin Radnor is steaming mad that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half of his invention to a total stranger, Rosamund Jameson. It took a year to find the hat maker and the family had been looking foward to finally splitting up the money he left her. Ehen Kevin finds her by happenstance, he and the family are determined to prove she somehow tricked the late duke into making her a heiress. Rosamund, a tenant farmer's daughter, has no idea why the late duke left her such a vast fortune and when she finds out she's part-owner of Kevin's invention, it will take all of her resolve not to give in to his demands she give him back full ownership of the invention.

I really enjoyed the first book in this story in the series and was looking forward to reading about Kevin, but I came away with mixed feelings. The plot was unique as is Kevin although his family abhors him and only tolerates his company because Nicholas the current Duke of Hollinburgh befriends him. While there are many instances with Kevin thinking about his invention and how to bring it to life, I didn't feel any romance on his part when it came to Rosamund. It was more about lust for him. There were missed opportunities such as when Rosamund was being taught to dance for him to insert himself in the lesson and begin to fall in love with her. Even though I thought Rosamund's character was well-fleshed out, I got the impression she married Kevin for practical reasons. To be sure there was sexual chemistry between them, but the "falling in love" part just didn't connect the dots for me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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



Tuesday, April 27, 2021

#Review: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EARL by Amelia Grey

 

3.5 rounded to 4

 
This was an entertaining romance. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and the ending had a good twist. I did lose a little interest in the middle though and skimmed the chapters. I wasn't convinced that Zane Blacknight would know without a doubt he'd marry Brina Feld, a woman he briefly met her given his reputation as a rake so for him to agree to all her conditions seemed so out of character for him. But, this was a romance so all things are possible.

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


 

Monday, April 19, 2021

Interview with Katharine Sadler, HOW TO NAIL A STUD

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

How to Nail a Stud is the second book in my Vegas Billionaires series (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L5RKBTS). It’s about a single dad and his musician neighbor. They have a world of good reasons to keep their relationship platonic, but they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Their attraction and genuine respect for each other keeps pushing them together. Well, their attraction and an accidental kitchen fire.

 

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

I spent a lot of years aiming to be traditionally published. When I started, the advice was to get short stories published so I’d have credits to show agents. I spent a lot of years writing short stories, which only made it clear I’m never going to be a short story writer. I love creating characters and having a whole book to journey with them.

 

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

A big part of my decision was that I wanted to have control over every part of the creation and publication of my books. I love being able to choose the covers for my books and to choose where and how they’re marketed.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I have to have silence while I write. I’ve tried listening to music, but I just end up singing along, which is bad on two levels. One, I don’t get any writing done and two, I have a terrible singing voice that pains my family.

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I outline my stories, but my characters don’t always agree with my plans. I’m open to changing my outline when it makes sense for the characters and the story.

 

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

I’ve learned to manage my time well, because there’s always more to do than I have time for. That time management has forced me to learn what’s most important to me and to focus on that.

 

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale? 

The Vegas Billionaires series is only available at Amazon.

 

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena? 

One of the best things about self-publishing is the amazing community. There are so many people who’ve been where you are and are excited for you. Get on social media and make those connections.

 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions? 

I love to cook. I could spend all day in the kitchen if I didn’t have books to write.

 

What’s next for you? 

The next book I’ll have out is book five in the Catalpa Creek series (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MDCB5R1), The Poet in the RV which will be out this summer. It’s a fun road trip romance.

How to Nail a Stud
Katharine Sadler
Publication date: April 16th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Shel is tired of dating men who don’t appreciate her rock and roll wardrobe or her tomboy tendencies. She’s swearing off dating, and she is not going to give another moment’s thought to the hot single dad next door. She is not going to waste a single moment dwelling on his muscles or his eyes or the way he plays with his adorable six-year-old daughter.

Max has made mistakes, he’s been a terrible father, and he has no problem spending the rest of his life atoning by being the best, most devoted parent he can possibly be. A devoted father does not have wicked thoughts about his sexy neighbor, and he most certainly does not consider an actual relationship.

Except, he can’t stop thinking about Shel, and he’s not sure what to do about it.

Goodreads / Amazon


Author Bio:

Katharine Sadler lives with her husband in North Carolina. She’s been writing since she was ten and has wanted to be a writer even longer. When she’s not writing or otherwise gainfully occupied, she reads like it’s an addiction, exercises, skis whenever she gets the chance, and adds more books to her Amazon wish list.

Visit her on the web at www.KatharineSadler.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


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Sunday, April 18, 2021

#Review: THE TANTALIZING OF A SCANDALOUS RAKE by Samantha Holt


 

  4 of 5 stars

Lord Adam Moncrieff is bored being in the country and has spent time at every inn in the area gambling. He ends up at the inn with a famed beauty and he soon finds that the compliments about Rosie Seymour are true. He's never seen a more beautiful woman, but he's not interested in settling down. On his way out of the inn, he's attacked and it's Rosie who finds him and nurses him back to health. Rosie is tired of all the attention about her beauty. She knows beauty is fleeting and she's more than how's she looks. When she finds Adam injured and bleeding, she takes care of him and finds herself attracted to him. That was the first time she'd been interested in a man and she's not sure she wants to give up her independence. Can both of these independent souls come together and admit they each want a shared happily ever after.

I liked this novella better than the first one. Adam and Rosie have lots of interactions while she nurses him back to health. I prefer the slow burn of their feelings instead of the insta-love found in too many books. The mystery surrounding Adam and his 2 brothers is finally solved in a satisfying manner and I was glad that Adam and Rosie finally got their own HEA.


 

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

#Review: HOW TO CATCH A DUKE by Grace Burrowes

 

5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a Grace Burrowes book and this one did not disappoint. I was so happy to see this story was about Stephen Wentworth, the crippled younger brother and heir to the duke. Stephen is a brilliant inventor, but has been scarred since childhood when his cruel father breaks his leg, leaving Stephen with life-long pain and difficulty walking. He's bitter, but when he meets Abigail Abbott, he's intrigued and when she shows up on his doorstep asking him to kill her, he's determined to find out why she would take such a drastic step. Abigail has never felt good about herself--she is a big boned, nearly 6ft tall and no man has ever made her feel attractive. When Stephen offers an engagement of convenience, Abigail can't help but fall for him.

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. Stephen is such a complicated character and I was happy to see his character finally revealed. Ms. Burrowes teases out how the details about Stephen's early life and his complicated relationship with his older brother, Quinn. The Wentworths are a formidable family and they all rally around Stephen and Abigail trying to uncover the threat against Abigail. For all of Abigail's independence, it's Stephen who finally makes her understand her appeal to the opposite sex. I really liked that she was not a retiring miss and was responsible for her own household. While this might be a little more modern than some other period romances, I think anything less would not let Stephen and Abigail shine and come together for their HEA.

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

 


 

Monday, April 12, 2021

#Review: THE VIRGIN AND THE VISCOUNT by Robin DeHart

 

3 of 5 stars

Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook, never expected to inherit the title. Two years after his older brother's death, he returns to London only to find out he's now Glenbrook. His younger brother Thomas has been running things in his absence, but Sullivan isn't sure Thomas is looking out for the tenants as he should. Sullivan has  always had a tendre for Matilda Brooks and when he rescues her from a carriage accident and they are forced to share a room for the night, he finds out they've been seen coming out of the room together and he does the honorable things and offers for her. Matilda Brooks has nothing but disdain for her brother-in-law Sullivan, but feeling she has no choice, she agrees to marry him. Can they find some common ground and give their forced marriage a go?

This book started out great. There was angst, tension and things neither Sullivan or Tilly could foresee or control. I loved how independent Tilly is and how hard she tries to hold onto that. Sullivan finds Tilly irresistible, but he doesn't want to frighten her with the intensity of his desire so he doesn't sleep with her right away. That only adds to Tilly's insecurities. Sullivan was such an honorable character and Ms. DeHart does a great job of letting the reader into his thoughts. Most of the book is devoted to his suspicions surrounding his brother's death. While the writing is well done, I found the ending to be abrupt and the plot surrounding the villain was not resolved and just left hanging. I think an epilogue would have been helpful even if the villain has his own book coming. These two things dropped the book down from a 4 star rating.

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



Saturday, April 10, 2021

#Review: DUKE OF DISREPUTE by Alexa Aston

 

  5 of 5 stars

Weston Wallace, Duke of Treadwell, has spent years bedding one woman after another earning him the moniker of Duke of Disrepute. He does nothing to dissuade this until even he has had enough of his wanton ways. Withdrawing from Society, Weston works as a laborer for a local family and finally learns the meaning of love and family. While on her way back to her in-laws estate after attending her parent's funeral,  Lady Elise Ruthersby and her daughter Claire are caught in a terrifying storm near Weston's estate and they are offered sanctuary while they recover from injuries. Weston is immediately drawn to the lovely Elise and wants to do everything in his power to win her love. Can Elise let down her guard and face her own growing feelings for the Duke of Disrepute?

I have been looking forward to Weston's story since reading the Duke of Charm and was not disappointed. We finally find out what happened with Weston and his former fiancee that sent him in a tailspin of an unrepentant duke for years. When he finally decides to turn his life around, he has a long climb out of a hole of his own making. Ms. Aston does a great job of teasing out details for both Weston and Elise. I absolutely loved how Weston bonded with Claire and the Ruthersby boys. That was sweet and it was good to see Weston's true personality shine. There are a few twists and turns before they reach their HEA that will keep readers turning the pages to the end.

I received a copy of the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.


 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

.99 April Mini Event from N.N. Light's Book Heaven featuring THE ACCIDENTAL WEDDING

 

I'm very pleased to participate in this event with my romance, "The Accidental Wedding." There's a giveaway so be sure to enter to win a $30 Amazon gift card.

Blurb:

Has Keira made the worst mistake of her life?

 

Unemployed Keira Callahan decides to try her luck at the casino before delving back into job hunting. As she walks through the casino, she bumps into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. When he asks her to dinner, she doesn’t hesitate. As she learns Cade Tyndale’s story—he needs to wed or lose his British estate, her impulsive nature rears up and she agrees to marry him and move to England for one year. What does she have to lose except her heart to the impossibly handsome Earl of Barrett?

 


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744PNS1H/ref=twoen-20

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Wedding-Loving-Billionaire-Book/dp/1979722447/ref=twoen-20

 

Be sure to check out the authors that are participating:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/april-99c-sale-bookish-event

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-accidental-wedding-a99


Giveaway Info:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to win a $30 Amazon (US) gift card

Open Internationally.

Runs April 6 – April 12, 2021.

Winner will be drawn on April 15, 2021.

Interview with Sian Ceinwen, GABRIEL'S ALBUM

Gabriel’s Album
Sian Ceinwen
(Cruise Control Heroes, #1)
Publication date: March 14th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The rock star always gets the girl…

I’m living my dream. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a rock star. And now here I am, about to start my first big tour, when she comes along.

Ariana.

From the second we meet, she’s all I can think about.Asking her to come on tour with me is easy. But she’s shy, insecure, and the paparazzi scare her. We live in two completely different worlds.

I love her and I know that she’s worth fighting for. The problem is, I’m not sure if love is enough.

Gabriel’s Album is the first book in the Cruise Control Heroes series. It’s the companion novel to The Album. Fall in love with Gabriel and Ariana all over again as Cruise Control embarks on their first world tour.

Goodreads / Amazon 

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

Gabriel’s Album is the companion book to The Album, which is the first in a four-book series about the band members of Cruise Control. It tells the story of Gabriel and Ariana’s relationship through an album that Gabriel wrote where each song relates to an event in their relationship.

 

Do you have a favorite character?

Sebastian Fox. Hands down. He’s the lead guitarist and his character arc is absolutely my favorite. He is very much a misogynistic asshole in the beginning. Seeing him meet his match in Lita and him having to face the consequences of his behavior and reputation in The Baby was very satisfying.

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

The only one I can think of is Ally in The Wedding. She was just going to be helping Heather with her fashion show, but she ended up dating Hayden (the drummer) and becoming Heather’s close friend. It didn’t really change the direction of the novel (all four books have a specific story to tell both alone and within the series), but she was around for some pretty pivotal scenes in the end.

 

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

I’ll be honest, I was too scared to try traditional publishing. Fear of rejection. I’m basically a big wuss. I do love the control I have as a self-published author, though. As an example, each book in my series is being released on the band member’s birthday. That meant The Wedding came out the literal day the book started, which was really fun.

 

Being able to do things like that is almost certainly something I wouldn’t get to do as a traditionally published author. Not having to answer to anyone except my readers is definitely a bonus. Instead of having someone between us dictating what they think the readers want, I can engage directly with them and find out what they really do want.

 

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?

I absolutely adore my cover designer. For the Cruise Control series, I had a specific vision that I wanted. He took my ideas and made them a thousand times better. When it came time to do the Cruise Control Heroes series, I let him have free creative control. He’s amazing and his covers are all stunning.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

Music, definitely! I make a playlist for each book and listen to only that while I’m writing. Sometimes, I’ll turn off the repeat and let Spotify place music based on my playlist, then add songs that I feel fit the book to the playlist.

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I didn’t think I was a plotter until I met true pantsers! I do a basic outline in Excel, then just write and everything changes. I always know specific events that are going to happen in each book, but sometimes someone slaps a reporter and you get taken by surprise. 😉

 

Most recently, the characters were very much not meant to be talking about their feelings at all…next minute they’re having a deep and meaningful about why exactly he cares too much about her. It’s basically going to change how they interact with one another entirely from what I thought their relationship was going to be.

 

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

Yes. I have a friend who is basically a critique partner and hangs out in Google Docs with me while I write. She has a history in editing. From then, my book goes to a freelance editor that I work with. After that, it goes to my proofreader (who’s also my cover designer), and that is probably my favorite part of the publishing process. His feedback is amazing and he’s super funny and sarcastic, so I live for his comments when I get the manuscript back!

 

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

My word, yes! Because I am insane, I decided to publish each book on the band member’s birthday…which made for basically a stupid publishing schedule. I also have to finish each book 12 weeks out from the publishing date to allow time for editing and proofreading, so I’m always well into the headspace of the next book before the current book comes out.

 

What’s next for you?

I’m currently writing The Stalker, which is the final book in the Cruise Control series, then I’ll be writing Sebastian’s Baby, which is the third book in the Cruise Control Heroes series. I guess, technically, my next release is Harrison’s Wedding, but we don’t talk about that book. 

Author Bio:

Hi, I’m Sian Ceinwen and I live in Western Australia with my husband and two kids. I started writing this in the third person but it was just odd. A little bit about me, I’ve enjoyed writing all my life, getting the worlds and characters in my head down for other people to enjoy is my passion.

Writing a book wasn’t something I ever thought I could really do but inspired by a song, I aimed to do it. With a lot of coaxing from my friends for me to finish it so they could find out the ending.

I released Gabriel and Ariana’s story, The Album, on March 14th, 2020. Harrison and Heather’s story, The Wedding, came out on June 6th, 2020. Sebastian and Lita’s book, The Baby, was released on November 18th, 2020.

The first book in the companion series, Gabriel’s Album, is available for pre-order and will be released on March 14th, 2021. It’s Gabriel and Ariana’s story retold from Gabriel’s point of view.

I hope that you will fall in love with the Cruise Control world the same way that I have.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter


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Sunday, April 4, 2021

#Review: THE HEIR AND THE ENCHANTRESS by Paullett Golden

 

  4 of 5 stars

Hazel Trethow dreams of marrying for love, but when she's caught in a compromising position at a hunting party, both her father and the host's father arrange for a speedy marriage to baron's son Harold Hobbs to avoid scandal. Harold has only recently returned from India and had planned on playing a call on Ms. Trethow, his betrothed since childhood, but being forced to marry without getting to know Ms. Trethow isn't want he envisions for his marriage. Despite that, Harold is determined to make the most of the situation and plans to court his wife. Can Harold and Hazel learn to do more than just tolerate each other?

I've read all the books in this series and I loved Harold and Hazel. Harold was so honorable and didn't hesitate to marry Hazel, but it's his attempts to woo his wife for a deeper connection and possibly love that appealed to me. This is a slow burn romance with the intended results. Harold also had to grow up fast to stop his greedy father from bankrupting the barony and I liked how he went about that. There was another good twist in the book with the secondary characters that added to the storyline. Ms. Golden is a talented writer who teases out details about the characters that keep you turning the pages until the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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



Friday, April 2, 2021

Review: SCOUNDREL OF MY HEART by Lorraine Heath

 

  5 of 5 stars

As a second son, Lord Griffith Stanwick, has led a carefree life, but he's always loved Lady Kathryn Lambert. Unfortunately, Lady Kathryn must marry a titled peer to claim her inheritance from her grandmother. Griffith helps Kathryn come to the attention of a duke because he believes that is what she wants and he's willing to give her up for her to achieve this. In a blink of an eye, Griffith's life is turned upside down when his father is convicted of treason and he loses everything. Now that Kathryn has won the attentions of a duke, is her inheritance worth giving up the man she loves?

This was such an exciting story full of twists and turns. I loved Griff. He's so honorable and selfless as he struggles to protect his sister when they lose everything. When he finally comes face to face with Kathryn a year later, he expects she's a duchess, but much to his surprise she has yet to receive a proposal. Even after a year Kathryn has not fallen in love with the duke and seeing Griff again sends her heart beating faster. These two have a rocky path to a HEA and I enjoyed every moment of it.

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