Saturday, September 23, 2017

Cover Reveal ~ Heart of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden




Title: Heart of a Cowboy
Series: Elk Heights Ranch #1
Author: Kristin Vayden
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp
Genre: Western Romance
Cover Design: Cora Bignardi
Release Date: December 19, 2017



Blurb

A stubborn cowboy has sworn never to forgive or forget—but one special woman may find a way to change his mind . . .
 
Hospice nurse Laken Garlington helps people face the end with peace and dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. But the son of her new patient didn’t come home to reunite with his dad. So why is Cyler Myer back in horse country? It’s clear the sexy, six-three hunk with the steely eyes has a score to settle, and Laken doesn’t plan on being collateral damage . . . no matter how irresistible she finds the prodigal cowboy.

Dying is too good for the father Cyler will never forgive—not in this lifetime.
Showing up at his family’s Washington State ranch is the first step in his plan. But revenge takes a back seat to desire when Cyler meets a bossy beauty who arouses feelings he isn’t ready to face. As they work together to save an ailing mare, Cyler realizes he must decide where his true destiny lies. With darkness . . . or with the woman who offers the promise of redemption with every kiss.





Pre-order Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU






Author Bio

Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! Life is full—of blessings and adventure! Needless to say she’s a big fan of coffee and wine…and living in Washington she’s within walking distance of both!



Author Links

Friday, September 15, 2017

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett Blog Tour


 
  The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson 
When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?
Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it.

Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.
 
  ~EXCERPT~
Harriett looked at what remained of the cake. Appar-ently, he didn’t intend to finish it off after all, so she collected their forks and stood. “Forgive me for saying so, but you look quite done in, Chris. If you do not go up to bed now, you will probably fall asleep here. Only imagine what Mrs. Caddy might say if she discovers you here with the mostly-eaten cake. For your own sake, you ought to retire. I will do my best to tidy things up.”

Before she could move away from him, he grabbed her hand and guided her to sit back down, keeping hold of her fingers. “Not so fast, my lady. I meant it when I said that I’m in desperate need of the distraction that only you can provide. Thus far, all I have done is burden you with my troubles.”

“I do not feel at all burdened, sir.” Indeed, Harriett suddenly felt breathless and somewhat giddy. The effect this man had on her was something of a wonder.

“Sir?” he asked. “I thought we were beyond that.”

“I thought so as well, but you only just called me ‘my lady.’”

He frowned and blinked as though he hadn’t realized he had. “Forgive me, Harry. I fear my exhaustion has muddled my thinking.”

This time, she did not let the name slide. She snatched her hand free and frowned at him. “Obviously it has.”
He laughed—not a tired attempt at a laugh, but a real one filled with the richness that warmed her straight through. Only this time, it did not bother her at all. In fact, it felt wonderful, almost like a compliment.

“I knew you’d come through for me,” he said, leaning close enough to touch shoulders with her. “You have no idea how much I needed to laugh or how good that felt. I could honestly kiss you right now.”

Harriett tried her best not to blush or appear astonished by the suggestion—he had obviously made the comment in jest—but when his smile widened into a devilish grin, she knew she’d failed. He leaned in closer, and his gaze wandered briefly to her mouth before returning to her eyes. She could smell vanilla and lemon and a hint of something else—leather perhaps? A delightful pulse whipped down her arm, and she was hard-pressed not to shiver.

“Admit it,” he said. “You have missed me.”


  Jewelz Review~
I loved reading this book. Such a fun read. Lady Harriett is anything but ordinary and she certainly has met her match in Lieutenant Jamison. I couldn't help but fall in love with them. As I read each scene seemed to leap from the page anatomy imagination and I couldn't help but anticipate each coming encounter. The "games" they play, along with their "pursuit" of each other is just the beginning of this engaging historical romance.

I love that Ms Anderson writes such vivid characters and stories that allow me to easily get carried away into another time and place. Such a fun escape from the day to day grind. The Pursuit of Lady Harriett is a delightful addition to Ms Anderson's works.

Honest disclosure~ I received a review copy
FYI~ clean read
  Rachael
Author Rachael Anderson 
 A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway 
 Ends 10/1/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 8, 2017

Review ~ Romancing Daphne by Sarah M Eden


As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

"Sarah M. Eden" has a knack for just the right pacing in her books while endearing the characters to us and showcasing a more universal human dilemma."

Meridian Magazine

Eden is truly a master of creating personalities for her books that draw readers into the story and make them feel at home.

—Deseret News

Chellz Review~
I love the story of Daphne!!  She is the second youngest of the Lancaster girls.  Her story is about a shy girl who has undergone many challenges.  Ms. Eden had me hooked from the beginning.  I love how Daphne is smart, knowledgeable and a kind person.  James is a wonderful suitor for Daphne.  His father is quite the schemer and maybe a little inspired regarding this match.  I wonder if Jame's father's tactics were different if the match would have taken place?

If you want a proper romance for your summer reading list please pick up Sarah Eden's newest release and continuation of the Lancaster sisters' story.  I loved it so much I stayed up until my eyes hurt so bad I had to go to bed.  Yes, I bought this book because I love Sarah Eden's stories!

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Perfectly You Blog Tour

   
Perfectly You by Robin Daniels 
Ivy Nixon is the student body Vice President at Franklin High School. Each year, the school holds a date auction to raise funds for the senior class graduation party, and this year, Ivy’s in charge. Planning the event is a huge task and Ivy is determined to prove she can get the job done right. Unfortunately, she’s still one participant short and her deadline is looming.

Andy Walker, her cute but socially reclusive art class table mate, is her last resort. He may not be popular, but he’s funny, talented, and full of surprises. With a makeover and some major social marketing, Ivy is sure he could fetch a decent price at the auction.

Andy reluctantly agrees to help, but the more time Ivy spends with him, the more her feelings shift from professional to romantic in nature. To top it off, she’s done her marketing so well, that other girls are starting to notice Andy too. Come auction time, will Ivy be able to let him go to the highest bidder? Or will she find a way to keep him for herself…

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, and crude humor, some steamy kissing, a party scene where underage drinking is taking place, and a brief but tasteful conversation about sex. The author has attempted to write characters who make good choices in questionable situations, in effort to keep the content appropriate for teens. This book contains no sex, written or implied, and no explicit language. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
   
~EXCERPT~
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you." I lunged forward in an exaggerated show of gratitude and threw my arms around his waist, embracing him tightly. He flinched and tensed up for a moment. I'd caught him off guard. Eventually he relaxed and put one arm around me, awkwardly patting my back in some semblance of a hug.
For a moment, I forgot what I was doing and leaned into him. Wow, he smelled unbelievably good. Like soap and dryer sheets and something a little sharper that I couldn't identify. I needed to ask him what cologne he wore, because it was incredible. I could smell him all day. Not to mention that his chest was a lot firmer than one would guess, since he hides it under baggy button-down shirts all the time.
Andy cleared his throat and I pulled away. He looked embarrassed again. He really needed to get over that, and I was going to help him, starting right now. "Sorry." I grinned. "You smell amazing. Your cologne is yummy enough to eat. I could sit here and sniff you for the rest of the class."
He choked on his spit and quickly put his fist over his mouth to stifle his laughter. "Please don't." He was trying to sound horrified, but his face gave him away. He appreciated the compliment.
"Ok." I threw my hands up in surrender. "But fair warning...if I'm having a bad day, I may lean over and smell your neck to induce a calming effect. When that happens, don't punch me."
Andy shook his head, bewildered by the turn our conversation had taken. "I'll try not to punch you, if you decide to randomly press your face against my neck."
"When you say it like that, I sound like a psycho stalker."
"Psycho and stalker are your words, not mine. But, if the shoe fits..." He trailed off, and I smacked him on the arm.
"Ouch!" Andy rubbed the place I'd just hit. "I'm only kidding. I don't think you're a psycho stalker. I've never seen any indication that you're a stalker. You're more likely a plain old psycho." He was grinning nice and big now, and I couldn't help but grin back.

Jewelz Review~
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Perfectly You over the weekend. It was a great little escape from my daily grind. While definitely a YA contemporary, this mom of teenagers still enjoyed the delightful tale of young love.

Ivy suffers from the typical female ailment of trying to change Andy. She has the best of intentions, and she truly does like him just the way he is, but nonetheless it ends up causing problems. 

Andy is delightfully quirky - one might even describe him as a teenage Bob Ross at heart, but with the perfect male physique hidden beneath his cargo pants and baseball cap. You can't help but fall in love with the guy.

Definitely a book I'll return to for a fun, light hearted romance when I need a quick pick-me-up or escape from reality.

FYI ~ clean read
Honest disclosure ~ I received a review copy in connection with this blog tour. 
Author Robin Daniels Robin Daniels is a wife, mother of five and avid consumer of books. She loves reading SO much that she was actually grounded from it as a twelve year old. No Joking! Her mom caught her reading when she was supposed to be cleaning, which was a common occurrence. At that point mom took the books and instructed her to go watch TV or play outside like a normal kid. Robin is a sucker for home design shows and magazines, watches way too much Netflix and has a very codependent relationship with with a certain diet soda who’s brand shall not be named. (Though anyone with a similar problem could probably guess which one.)
   
  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 9/25/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 1, 2017

Review ~ The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S Kilpack


One is his first love.
The other is his best love.
Which will be Walter’s true love?

Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul.

Though Mina shares Walter’s love of literature and romantic temperament, it’s hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?

But as every poet knows, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and on a windy morning in the lake country, Walter meets Charlotte.

At twenty-six, Charlotte Carpenter believes she will never find love. After all, she is a Catholic-born Frenchwoman living in London with a family history shadowed by scandal. Though quiet, practical, and determined to live a life of independence, her heart longs for someone to love her and a place to call home.

Passion and promises collide as Walter, Mina, and Charlotte must each decide the course for their futures. What are they each willing to risk to find love and be loved in return?


Chellz Review~
I actually won this book at a Deseret Book Lady's night drawing.  My mother-in-law was a huge fan of Ms Kilpack's The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series.  Previously I had read one of her books from the mystery series but I was not a devoted follower like my mother-in-law.  

I enjoyed the story, The Lady of the Lakes.  This is a historical romance based on the true story of Sir Walter Scott.  I found myself eager to return to the story to find out if love at first sight would mean that Walter was going to marry Mina.  I did not go through Ms Kilpack's notes of what was fact and what was her creative story telling.  I loved this book and recommend that if you need a good summer read that you add this to your list.