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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year! :)


Just wanted to wish all of my readers a very safe and happy new year! :) 

2014 was good to me... here's hoping 2015 is even better! I'm looking forward to offering you some really exciting things next year! :) 

*On a side note... please excuse any random weirdness going on on the blog.  Reconstruction of the site is going on.  It's a slow work in progress! :)

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: The Faithful by S.M. Freedman



For Agent Josh Metcalf, memories are ghosts. They are blood-soaked backpacks and the smell of strawberry Chap Stick. Josh is haunted by a little girl who went missing his first summer on the force. Decades later his search has become an obsession, and he's pinned the photos of hundreds of missing children to his wall of tears. All the children had psychic abilities. All the cases went cold -- with no witnesses, no useful tips, and no children ever recovered. Until a woman gets injured trying to stop an abduction, and Josh comes face to face with his personal ghost.

For Rowan Wilson, a meteorite hunter for NASA's Spaceguard program, memories are lies. The childhood she thought she knew has been erased, leaving a black hole in its place. New recollections are flaring to life: men dressed like priests, a ranch in the mountains, mind control, and rape. Each new memory draws her closer to one of the other missing children, Sumner Macey; and to I Fidele, the underground organization for whom kidnapping is just the beginning.

For Sumner, memories have become weapons. He's sharpened each of his with surgical precision: the ranch, the doctrine, the mind-wash, and the murders. He's eager to slice at the black sludge pumping through I Fidele's heart, desperate to cripple those who stole his childhood.

To I Fidele, non-psychics are cockroaches in need of extermination, an inferior species destroying the earth. They're ready to enforce eugenics on a global scale. If they succeed, only those faithful to their doctrine will survive. Crossing several genres, The Faithful will appeal to anyone who enjoys supernatural mysteries; high-tech, edge-of-your-seat suspense flavored with paranormal elements; thrillers involving psychics, occult and high stakes action/adventure; tied up with a depth and humor usually reserved for works of literary fiction.




S.M. Freedman is a top-ranked Amazon author in the Mystery, Thriller and Suspense
categories, and a member of the WorldWiseWriters group. She lives in Vancouver with
her husband, two children and a giant orange cat.

She studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and spent
years as a private investigator and business owner.

Inspired by authors of many different genres (favorites include Sue Grafton, Diana
Gabaldon, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, Justin Cronin, Suzanne Collins and Lawrence Hill,
to name a few) she eventually turned back to her first love: writing.

The Faithful, a paperback and kindle Amazon Bestseller in both the US and the UK, and
a Quarter Finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, is her debut novel.
She's currently working on the sequel.


This book is fantastic!!!WOW. The characters are gritty and raw, the story is fast paced and exciting.  It's the kind of book that keeps you so engaged, that when you're forced to put the book down, it's all you can think about until you're able to pick it up again.  And even when you're finished, it's the kind of story that sticks with you.  

The author is incredibly talented.  She has definitely done her research, and it shows throughout the book.  I especially liked the "paranormal" aspect and how she wove it in to the storyline.  I am definitely looking forward to reading more thrilling stories from her!  

Rating: 5 stars 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All conclusions reached are my own.  

Monday, December 29, 2014

Tasty Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Return to Clan Sinclair (Clan Sinclair #3.5) by Karen Ranney



The stunning follow-up novella in New York Times bestselling author Karen Ranney's beloved Clan Sinclair series.

It's true love in the Scottish highlands. When Ceana Sinclair Mead married the youngest son of an Irish duke, she never dreamed that seven years later her beloved Peter would die. Her three brothers-in-law though she should be grateful to remain a proper widow. After three years of this, she's ready to scream. She escapes to Scotland, only to discover she's so much more than just the Widow Mead.

In Scotland, Ceana crosses paths with Bruce Preston, an American tasked with a dangerous mission by her brother, Macrath. Bruce is too attractive for her peace of mind, but she still finds him fascinating. Their one night together is more wonderful than Ceana could have imagined and she has never felt more alive.

But when the past reaches out in the form of an old foe, Ceana's life is in danger. Now Bruce fights to become her savior-and more-if she'll let him.



 Karen Ranney began writing when she was five. Her first published work was The Maple Leaf, read over he school intercom when she was in the first grade. In addition to wanting to be a violinist (her parents had a special violin crafted for her when she was seven), she wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and, most of all, a writer. Though the violin was discarded early, she still admits to a fascination with the law, and she volunteers as a teacher whenever needed. Writing, however, has remained the overwhelming love of her life.


July, 1880

Drumvagen, Scotland

Her driver slowed to a halt, no doubt getting an eyeful of Drumvagen and the Scottish coast. Ceana would wager a goodly sum that by the time the week was out, he would have posted a report of everything to her brothers-in-law. The same intransigent, annoying, and beloved brothers-in-law who were trying to render her as dead as her poor husband, Peter.

She'd been a widow for three years now, during which they'd been her guardians. She couldn't escape them. Wherever she went, one of the three brothers was there.

"Do you need anything, Ceana?"

"Can I fetch anything from town for you?"

"Shall we order something from London?"

"You're looking a little peaked, would you like to take the sun with me?"

They'd offered their arms, their interest, their help, and their eternal interference.

So she had done what any self-respecting Scot would do when faced with three Irish brothers-in-law: she'd run away from home.

She dismounted from the carriage, standing there staring in awe.

Granted, Iverclaire was a lovely place, an enchanted castle in Ireland, quite a forbidding yet beautiful structure. But Drumvagen, this had been created by her own brother.

They'd been so poor once upon a time, but Macrath had taken his dream and made it come true. Because of him, she'd had a season in London and had married the son of a duke.

Yet she always thought she had something to do with his happiness as well. Her friendship with Virginia had led them to be introduced at numerous events. When Virginia and Macrath were finally married after her first husband died, she wasn't the least surprised.

Nor was she the least surprised when Alistair, Virginia's first child, looked just like Macrath.

The seabirds called a greeting to her, swooping down on air currents blowing the scent of the sea to her.

For days, she'd been alone in the carriage, encased in a bubble of silence. Other than speaking to the driver first thing in the morning and when they stopped for a meal, she hadn't talked to another person.

At first she'd missed her daughters terribly. Then she realized the time was her own, to think, to mull, to remember. When she went home, she'd be a better mother to Darina and Nessa.

She stood at the base of the steps, staring upward. Virginia had told her about Drumvagen, but even her description failed to convey just how impressive the house was.

Built of gray brick sparkling in the sunlight, it was four stories tall with rows of windows reflecting both the sun and the sea to her right. But most impressive of all was the twin staircase beginning at the broad front doors and curving down and around like arms reaching out to enfold her. 

She took the right staircase and, with  her left hand gripping her skirt, placed her right on the broad stone banister, slowing ascending the steps.

At the top, she stopped and turned and looked at the ocean. Far off in the distance was the North Sea. Drumvagen and its neighboring village, Kinloch, was the perfect place for Macrath to live. From here he could simply sail away to anyplace in the world he wished to be.

She glanced down at the carriage and her driver, standing at the head of the horses with his cap in his hand. Thomas was a good man, but he was a today to all the Meads. He was going to tell them everything they wanted to know, which was a pity. The man had a good memory, and she'd no doubt already erred in some manner.

Her lips twitched at the brass knocker on one of the big broad doors. Macrath had evidently had the refrigeration machine's likeness made especially for Drumvagen. She picked it up and let it drop, hearing the echo in the foyer.

A moment later the door was flung open.  A body slammed into her, arms gripping her waist, pulling so tightly on her dress her train almost toppled in a flurry of fabric. She found herself falling, only righting herself by gripping the door frame.

"Save me! Please! Don't let her get me!"

Ceana stared down at her niece. The poor girl was trembling and she had splotchy color on her cheeks.

"Fiona?" She reached down, enfolding the girl in a hug. "What's wrong?"

"It's Brianag, I've done something terrible and she made the sign of evil over me just like a witch. I'm going to get sick and die, I know it."

Who was this Brianag who was tormenting the poor child?

"Aunt Ceana."

She looked up at the sound of the composed voice, blinking at her nephew. Alistair was only fourteen but already had the height of his father, not to mention his demeanor.

As she stood on the doorstep, he extended his hand to her.

"How nice to see you again Aunt Ceana," he said. He glanced down at his sister dismissively. "You must pardon Fiona. She's a silly little thing."

"I am not silly. I'll tell Brianag you broke her jar of spices."

To Ceana's great surprise, Alistair paled.

"That wouldn't be well done of you, Fiona. You know as well as I do it was your carelessness that made the jar fall. Father always says we have to deal with the consequences of our actions."

"Where are your parents?" Ceana asked. "Where are Macrath and Virginia?"

"They've gone to Edingurgh, they have," a voice said. "Leaving me to deal with their spawn."

She looked up past Alistair and - God help her! - took a step back toward the steep stairs.

Fiona was more correct than she had assumed.

Drumvagen did have a witch.


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Release Day Blitz: Sessions: The Sex Shrink of Seattle Chronicles #3 by Kailin Romance (Gow)

I'm Simon Mark Sessions, Dr. of Psychology, Sex Therapist and Former Mr. Body, also an entrepreneur who made millions from owning a health supplement company.  I have a practice in Seattle where I am a therapist. They call me the Sex Shrink of Seattle. My enemies call me The Eliminator. It is a reputation I have won the hard way, and there is definitely a past there that I have not yet confronted. Let's just say, I wasn't always the nice guy you see on television. Far from that, and the sooner my enemies see that, the farther away they should run. I don't have time for chit chat, nor to listen to your frustrations and lies, because when you meet The Eliminator, this is one session, you want to avoid at all costs...

This is a Kailin Romance book that is recommended for 18 and up due to mature subject matter and adult content. Kailin Romance books are new adult, adult or erotica fiction by Kailin Gow.


*This is the third book in a serial that will be consistently releasing every month or so but could be read first before reading Book 1 and 2 or in the order of Book 1, 2, and 3. 

Kailin Gow's life is sometimes more fascinating and stranger than fiction, which is being chronicled in a feature film based on a treatment optioned and in development for a release date of 2018.  Her true life experiences as a world traveler where she has traveled to over 25 countries, logging hundreds of thousands of miles, absorbing the cultures and collecting stories relating to places and the romance of the land, and incidents in her personal life, has inspired her to write and publish over 170 books with over 30 series. 

She is noted as an indie pioneer, as one of the first to publish in 2001. Breaking stereotypes, her books has crossed traditional and indie lines, gaining recognition in schools and libraries, as well as the indie community. Her action adventure young adult fantasy series, The Frost Series, an ALA YALSA Reader's Choice Nominated book series - had been optioned by an international film company and is currently in development as a game and a film.  Five of her fantasy/action adventure series have been optioned to be made into worldwide games.

Kailin Gow has been known in The World Journal, an international newspaper, to be a phenomenon. She was profiled on the homepage of Amazon.com as an Author Success Story who overcame personal obstacles to become a bestselling author, appeared as one of Amazon's top authors for the Kindle Fire launch release, and is one of the earliest indie authors who have sold over a million books. She writes for Fast Company as a publishing expert, had appeared on a major network Television News as a bestselling author who writes fiction and non-fiction with a social conscious, and has made speeches and appearances across the U.S. and on top 15 national radio regarding self-esteem and issues relating to women. Kailin Gow was an invited speaker and signing author at Book Expo America (BEA) 2014. 

Having experienced bullying firsthand and slander as a woman, Kailin Gow is an active advocate against bullying in the workplace and in schools. She has written Shy Girls Social Club Handbook Against Bullying and has helped launch Stories for Amanda where all proceeds go towards the Amanda Todd Foundation against bullying. She has written several books with the theme of abuse towards women and children, especially the steamy international bestselling The Protege Series, which launched a book club initiative in battered women's shelters and won the Indie Excellence Awards at NIEA for Erotica in 2014.

She holds a Masters Degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California, and degrees in Drama and Social Ecology.

She resides in the American West with her husband and daughter, but had lived for a decade in Texas, and briefly in England. Besides being a full-time author, she volunteers for many organizations, is active in church helping build homes for the homeless and visit orphanages. A voracious reader, when she is not writing, she loves reading an entire series in one sitting! She spends way too much time on Facebook than she is supposed to, but loves meeting new people from all walks of life. 



Friday, December 26, 2014

Cover Re-Reveal & Giveaway: Binds That Tie by Kate Moretti


Binds That Tie
by Kate Moretti
Genre: Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Release Date: March 2014



Love ties. Murder binds.

Maggie never felt as though she belonged until Chris Stevens showed her what true happiness meant. Ten years into their marriage, miscarriages and infidelities have scarred them both. Despite their perfect-couple image, Maggie can’t look at Chris with anything but resentment. When a charismatic stranger offers the opportunity for a little harmless flirtation, she jumps into the game.

But charm soon turns to malice, and a deadly split-second decision forces Maggie and Chris onto a dangerous path fraught with secrets, lies, and guilt. With no one else to turn to—no one she dares trust—Maggie will ultimately learn just how binding marital ties can be.



to read an excerpt from Binds That Tie




New York Times Bestselling Author Kate Moretti lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and a dog. She’s worked in the pharmaceutical industry for ten years as a scientist, and has been an avid fiction reader her entire life.

She enjoys traveling and cooking, although with two kids, a day job, and writing, she doesn't get to do those things as much as she’d like.

Her lifelong dream is to buy an old house with a secret passageway.







Monday, December 22, 2014

Book Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Lost Until You (Lost Until You #1) by J.R. Grant



They had it all.

There wasn't anything they could do to make their lives better. Their relationship was thriving. Their daughter was perfect. The adoration they had for one another was indescribable. They were surrounded by family and friends who loved them unconditionally.

There wasn't a time Brax and Jazz lived with any regret, until Jazz started digging into her past. And now the happy life they once shared, has crumbled before their eyes, forcing their family through a whirlwind of emotions and pain.

What do you do if your marriage gets hit with the one thing you'd never expect? Can you stand the test of time and move forward as one? Or would you throw away everything you've spent years building, because it's the moral thing to do?

Relationships are handed different obstacles to face, but in this case, two people are left pondering what society says is correct.

If you love someone with your whole heart, more than anything in the world, they become worth the fight.

They are lost until you.

***Contains sexual content and strong language. Mature readers age 18+***



"Sit down, baby. I'm going to show you in a second."

Jazz took a seat, anxiously waiting while I ripped off the gauze and tape. Once the first strip peeled off, it took a few seconds for the others since they were embedded in my chest hair.

"You always said you wanted us to get tats one day that meant something for the both of us. Something that symbolized our love. Well, I stopped by here earlier this afternoon and had Jay draw mine up. He had an opening tonight, so I told him I'd bring you back to get yours. That's why we’re here."

She put her feet back on the ground, resting her hands on my stomach, bringing her face in closer to see the tattoo on my left.

"It's a star," Jazz mumbled, her eyes filling up with tears. She tilted her head back and looked at me in shock. "You did this for me?"

"Who else would it be for?"

She swatted my ass, giggling.

I had two stars, one on each side, tattooed on the top of my chest, sitting directly in front of each shoulder.

The stars symbolized guidance-bringing you back to the one you love. I moved Jazz back against the table, resting my hands on each side of her body. Then I looked in her eyes, explaining why I chose those particular tattoos.

"They're there for you baby. Only you," I wiped her tears away. "What they mean is that no matter how near or far the two of us are, our love will always carry us through and bring us back together." I lift my finger to the star on the right. "This one's a little different. Can you see why?"

Jazz looked closely at the tattoo on my right, dropping her jaw. I pulled her up, setting her down on the table, then crashed my lips against hers. She opened her mouth willingly, deepening the kiss, showing me how thankful she was.

"My...my name," she cried. "I can't believe you had my name put in the star."

Throwing her arms back around my neck, we sat there, holding on to one another, until Jay came back in the room.

"I love you, baby."

I felt her smile against my chest. "I love you too."



JR Grant is an avid reader, a fictional writer, and a photography junkie. When she's not plotting her next story, you can catch her on the beach with her kindle in hand, soaking up the sun. 

For more information, visit her social media sites: 




 
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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Nix & Scotlyn - The Wedding by Tess Oliver


The Custom Culture guys, Nix, Clutch, Dray and Rett, are back for one final novel, and you're invited!

Nix Pierce has been in love with Scotlyn James since long before he met her, and now he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.  But is Scotlyn ready?


I write romance for young adult, new adult and those of us past the 'new' stage. My stories take place anywhere from 19th century England to 21st century California. And you can count on a super alpha in each book.

Tess Oliver is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Custom Culture Series. She lives in sunny California with her husband, kids and a herd of spoiled pets.



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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Tasty Tour: Review & Giveaway: Running Hot (Bad Boys Undercover #0.5) by HelenKay Dimon



HelenKay Dimon kicks off her hot new romantic suspense series, Bad Boys Undercover, featuring the fierce men of Alliance—and the only women capable of taming their hearts.



Camped out at a resort bar in Fiji, CIA operative Ward Bennett may look like he’s on vacation but he’s really deep undercover, hunting a dictator on the run. Ward may be on the job, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for the sexy female bartender. That is, until she drugs him.



When Tasha Gregory discovers the hottie on the barstool isn’t who he pretends to be, her MI6 training kicks into gear, and she has no choice but to take him out. Problem is, Ward’s not an easy man to put down for long. More than once, his interference almost blows her surveillance operation—and her ability to keep her heart to herself.


As the situation heats up, these two must decide whether they can trust one another—and quick. Working together might just make everyone safer, but getting close enough for comfort … might just get them killed.



HelenKay Dimon is a former divorce attorney turned full-time romance author. Odd transition, right? She has sold over thirty novels, novellas and shorts to numerous publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin and Penguin, Samhain, Carina Press, and HarperCollins. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named "Red-Hot Reads" and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. But the best part of the job is never having to wear pantyhose.


This fast-paced, exciting book is steamy and thrilling.  Ward and Tasha are wonderful characters with fantastic chemistry.  Their story reads like a Hollywood script and it's superb!  Their banter is tantalizing and the situations that they find themselves in keep your heart beating fast... for several reasons :)  And the suspense will have you turning the pages quickly - a desperate need to know what happens next! 

I've always been a fan of Ms. Dimon.  She is an incredible writer that knows exactly how to create electrifying romances.  Her characters are always written with such thought that you become engrossed in their lives.  They become less characters in a book and more like people you've known forever.  

If this book is any indication of how this series is going to be, I can't wait to read more!  

Rating: 4.5 stars 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All conclusions reached are my own.  

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