Thursday, July 30, 2015

#REVIEW and #GIVEAWAY: A Time For Everything by Mysti Parker


Historical Romance
Date Published: July 7, 2015



After losing her husband and only child to the ravages of the Civil War, twenty-five-year-old Portia McAllister is drowning in grief. When she sees an ad for a live-in tutor in another town, she leaves everything behind in hopes of making a fresh start. But as a Confederate widow in a Union household, she is met with resentment from her new charge and her employer, war veteran Beau Stanford. 

Despite their differences, she and Beau find common ground and the stirrings of a second chance at love—until his late wife’s cousin, Lydia, arrives with her sights set on him. Burdened with a farm on the brink of bankruptcy, Beau is tempted by Lydia’s hefty dowry, though Portia has captured his heart. 

In another time and another place, his choice would be easy. But love seems impossible amid the simmering chaos of Reconstruction that could boil over at any moment into an all-out battle for survival. Will Beau and Portia find their way into each other’s arms, or will they be swept away by raging forces beyond their control? 

My Rating: 4 1/2 stars

My review:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts out with a bang. I couldn't stop reading it after that. The characters, especially Portia, were engaging and believable. The story's setting is right after the Civil War, a time where we would like to think that everything went back to some semblance of normalcy, but in reality, was a nightmare. No one was immune to the ravages of this war. This book shows it very well, from the widows left behind, to the ravages of typhoid fever afterwards, and the greed of the "carpetbaggers", not to mention the abject poverty people found themselves in after the war. Southerners found themselves struggling with the blatant, often violent, racism that followed, the freed slaves found themselves victims of lynching or indentured " employees ".
This book shows all of this, in a heartbreaking but not overwhelmingly so, way.
If you like historical Romance, you have to give this book a try, it is amazing!


Mysti Parker is a wife, mom, author, and shameless chocoholic. She is the author of the Tallenmere standalone fantasy romance series and The Roche Hotel romantic comedy series. Her short writings have appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. Her award-winning historical romance, A Time for Everything, will be published this summer by EsKape Press.



Other writing pursuits include serving as a class mentor in Writers Village University's seven week online course, F2K. She has published two children's books (Quentin's Problem & Fuzzy Buzzy's Treasure) as Misty Baker.

When she's not writing fiction,Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.

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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

#BLAST and #GIVEAWAY: Sin and Honey by Taryn Scarlett

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ToughofBetrayal For fans of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent comes the second novella in the scintillating SIN & HONEY series featuring the Bible's most powerful and seductive women... So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength.”—Judges 16:6 Delilah would do anything to escape her past. Falling for Samson only got in the way. Taryn Scarlett’s lush reimagining of Samson and Delilah uncovers the hidden truth behind the girl who became the most infamous seductress in history. Delilah has come to the quiet valley of Sorek to start a new life, but when a man blackmails her with a devastating secret, she learns that not all sins can be buried in the past. In a dangerous bargain for her freedom, she agrees to seduce Samson, a notorious killer threatening the region—and if she can’t uncover the secret to his strength, she’ll forfeit her life. But Samson is different than any man she has ever met before: godlike in his strength but guarding a passionate vulnerability that draws Delilah to him. Will she betray the man she has begun to fall for—or will she betray her own heart for freedom?
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Taryn ScarlettAbout the author:

Taryn Scarlett holds a B.A. in Theater and English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Her weaknesses are chocolate, floral sundresses, soapy TV dramas, and anything purple. SIN AND HONEY is her first series. You can visit Taryn at www.TarynScarlett.com.
Find the author on:
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Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of The Touch Of Betrayal. Giveaway ends August 14th, 11:59 pm EST.
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Saturday, July 25, 2015

#PRODUCT #REVIEW: Health Shield Essential Oil by Healing Solutions

Manufacturer: Healing Solutions

Product Name: Premium Health Shield Essential Oil 

Blend information: Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Rosemary 


Rating: 5 stars

My Review: I have asthma. Most of the time, 95% of the time, it's under control. The other 5%....I get a cold, or my allergies start acting up, and it goes into my chest. In the past, I've taken cough syrup (Robitussin, Delsym, you name the cough medicine and I have taken it) and inevitably the same ending always occurs. I end up in the ER after a month of a hacking cough, with asthmatic bronchitis, being put on multiple breathing treatments and sent home with antibiotics.
I hate getting colds because I know that is what will happen if it goes into my chest.
Two weeks ago, I came down with a summer cold. Last week, I could feel it going into my chest, so I took a day off of to stay in bed and hopefully rest enough where it would go away. No such luck.
Two days ago, I received Healing Solutions' Premium Health Shield Essential Oil in the mail. I thought I may as well try it, it couldn't do any harm. I googled how to use it. I started putting two drops on the soles of my feet, and two drops on my chest.
So far my cough isn't completely gone but it is 100% better, and this is ALL I am using. No cough medicine, nothing. 
If this keeps me out of the ER this time around, this traditional medicine girl is sold!

Friday, July 24, 2015

#FREE BOOK: Summer of Love by Debra Elizabeth

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SummerofLoveSMJune 25 was supposed to be the best day of Jessica Blackstone's life, but a family accident sends her perfect life into a tailspin. Trying to cope with the tragedy, she retreats to the family beach cottage for some much needed solace. John Smith has been burnt by love, and is not interested in another relationship, that is, until he meets the beautiful and fragile Jessica. Can these two lost souls find love and heal their fractured hearts?

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

#PROMO and #GIVEAWAY: Acquiring Hearts by S Donahue


Title: Acquiring Hearts
Series: A Heart Series Novel
Author: S. Donahue
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 20, 2015


Have you ever met someone and just knew that they were the one that you were supposed to spend the rest of your life with? In S. Donahue’s Contemporary Romance novel, Acquiring Hearts, Bradley Roberts accidentally meets Giavonna Coppi, his secretary's sister. He immediately has an attraction to her, but she is not like any of the women that he has dated before. 
Gia is an independent, hardworking lawyer who's been hurt in the past. She invested all of her time into establishing her career. When she meets Bradley, she senses the connection but is afraid to give him her all.
As Bradley finds himself wanting to spend more time with Gia, many dilemmas begin to surface. When their romance is tested, can they see past the obstacles that are standing in their way? Are they meant to be together or is it just easier for them to be apart? There’s only one way to find out…check out this heartfelt fairytale full of emotion, devotion and passion.


 










S. Donahue is a romance author who resides in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, with her husband and their four-year-old son. She has two book series titled The Heart Series and The Boston Kirkpatricks, and a holiday romance titled One For The Holiday. She is currently working on several novels to be released, including the highly anticipated Provoked.
When she is not writing, Donahue loves shopping, reading, and spending time with family. She loves to connect with her readers, so feel free to find her on Facebook or visit her blog at https://shannshops.wordpress.com/





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#TOUR and #GIVEAWAY: Walkin' on the Sun by Paul DeLisle

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Who hasn't rocked out to the music of Smash Mouth?! Now you can go behind the music with a band that carried the spirit of a generation in Walkin' on the Sun; The Official Smash Mouth Biography.
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Hello. My name is Paul DeLisle. I’m the guy who wrote this book. You've probably never heard of me. That's okay. Most people wouldn't know me from Adam. But, unless you've been living in a cloistered monastery for the last fifteen years, you have heard of my band.

         
 So begins the memoir of the creation, rise, and current state of the multi-platinum recording artist Smash Mouth as told by bassist Paul DeLisle. Well known for their hits “All Star,” “Walking on the Sun,” “Then the Morning Comes,” “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby,” and “I’m a Believer,” the band carried the spirit of a generation, but didn't stop there. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look from Paul’s unique, there from the start, insider’s view.

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Excerpt:
There's an episode of Cheers where washed-up ball player Sam Malone, frustrated with either Diane or Rebecca, proclaims, "Y'know, most people don't know this ... but I’m famous!"
I love that line. I can totally relate. You see, I am a founding and continued member of the band Smash Mouth. Yet I am, proudly and alas, the bass player. I’m not famous. My band is.
From the beginning, Smash Mouth was set up as a democracy between four musicians and a manager, each player having an equal voice on band matters. Yet we were all fully aware and accepting of the fact that, as lead singer/frontman, Steve Harwell would be getting a disproportionate amount of attention. Seeing as he is the face and mouthpiece of Smash Mouth, you may be a little disappointed he didn't write this book.
But stay with me here. Because as you'll see, I have a unique vantage point: as one of only four original constituents, I’ve been involved in every aspect of the band since day one. Only Steve and I have trod every step of this Smash Mouth journey. Also, while traditionally under-recognized, the bass player himself sees everything. Plus I went to college. Who better to write a book about Smash Mouth?
That said, keep in mind this book is solely from my point of view. Steve, Greg, Kevin, and Robert would obviously have different takes on certain events. However, this book is simply intended as a comprehensive account of our rise to fame and continued success.
So without further ado ... here’s what happened:
     
EEP!!! How awesome is that! Pick up your copy of Walkin' on the Sun today and get your own "backstage pass" to the world of Smash Mouth!
Buy Links:

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Giveaway ends August 7th at 11:59 pm EST.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

#Blitz and #GIVEAWAY: The Forlorned by Angela J Townsend

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Title:  The Forlorned
Author:   Angela J. Townsend
Published: July 21st, 2015
Publisher:  Crimson Tree Publishing
Genre:  Horror
Content Warning:  Violence
Recommended Age:  13+
Synopsis:  When Tom Doherty first laid eyes on the lighthouse he knew it was damned.
An advertisement lured him to the island, offering a job renovating the old lighthouse and ramshackle buildings. What he didn’t know was that he was the only applicant. None of the locals wanted the job – no one dared.
Isolated and alone, Tom soon discovers why. Messages from disembodied voices; ghostly visitations and escalating horrors draw Tom deeper into the island’s evil past—a darkness that forces Tom to unbury the truth and bring demons of his own into the light.
The Forlorned upcoming movie release information can be found on IMDb at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4294968/?

Excerpt from The Forlorned by Angela J. Townsend:
The trap stood in the entryway of the kitchen, smeared with a thick glob of Peanut Butter. Tom sat in the living room and waited for it to spring. He’d take the rat to the opposite side of the island and release it. At midnight, he gave up and climbed into the chair by the fire. The tightness in his body relaxed and sleep overtook him.
Tom was awakened by his shivering only an hour after dozing off. He peered outside his frosted window. There must be a cold front moving in.
He added more wood to the fire and shivered under the quilt. The temperature continued to drop. He could see his own breath come in puffs of steam with every exhale. Exhausted and still shivering, Tom finally dozed again.
Deep asleep in the middle of the night Tom struggled, fought to move, but couldn’t. His eyes refused to open.
A sinister presence loomed over him, trapping him under like a heavy fish net, constricting his every movement, only inches from his face. Icy breath pelted his forehead.
Tom’s eyes snapped open. His chest seized with panic. He was no longer in the chair. He struggled to hold himself upright. Cold, fog-laden night burned his lungs with each gasping breath. His bare feet froze onto cold, wet wood. The crash of thunder and flash of lightning took turns adding to the torment of the night.
As if waking up from a bad dream, Tom stood on the deck of a strange ship. The massive vessel leaned forward and back, driving hard through the waves. Wailing winds and icy sleet tore at her ravaged sails, creating an eerie flapping noise. Tom’s heart pounded. Muffled voices of men shouted over the storm.
A shot rang past his head.
He struggled to wake himself from the nightmare but couldn’t.
Somewhere in the dark a man yelled, “Hold tight!” The sea rose and a wave washed over the ship.
Wrenched off his feet, he landed hard on the deck. He slid to the opposite side of the ship and grasped the edge of a rail just in time to avoid being washed overboard. A hot flash of pain seared in his back.
Tom rolled over and saw the men loading grape and canister shot into cannons lined up along the deck. Scrambling to his feet, he bolted to a man busy loading another round into one of the large guns.
“Who are you?” Tom shouted.
The man looked directly at him but didn’t seem to hear. Angry at being ignored, Tom shouted again, “What’s going on?”
The man looked past him.
Tom ran to the other side of the ship to avoid the salt-stiff rigging as it crashed to the deck. He realized the crew couldn’t see him.
A flash of lightning struck near the rear of the ship and he saw the pursuer, a massive frigate. Her great prow sliced through boiling black waters. An English flag boldly whipped back and forth atop her mast. Daggers of ice hung from her gun ports.
Someone grabbed his arm. He tried to wrench it away, but the hand held fast. He looked into the eyes of a young mast-hand.
“What ship is this? Where am I?” Tom yelled.
Lightning struck again, and the young man turned into a bloated corpse. The flesh fell away from his raw bones. A grape shot wound appeared in his forehead.
“It was hell, Tom. Don’t forget us. Come find us, Tom. Come find us.” 


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About the Author: Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana. As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places. Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specializing in Celtic mythology. Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full time career in historical research and writing. A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars. Currently, Angela divides her time between writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle, and Irish dancing.
Angela resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant.
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Crimson Tree Publishing Links:
(An adult division of Clean Teen)
Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
  • A bookmark swag pack and winner’s choice of any Clean Teen Publishing eBook.

Giveaway is International.
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#REVIEW: Tainted Kiss by Sharon Kay

Title: Tainted Kiss
Series: Watchers Kiss #1
Author:  Sharon Kay
Published Date: July 21, 2015
Publisher: self-published by author
Format: ebook
Pages: 298
ISBN: 9781310462245
Genre: paranormal romance
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Synopsis: Tactical, lethal, resolute.
Haunted by a centuries-old tragedy, there’s no room in Arawn’s life for softness. Every action he takes is for the betterment of his race and the good of the realm. He leads his elite band of warriors the same way he lives his life: full on, without compromise, determined. Except for one sexy female who happens to be his subordinate.

Tenacious, passionate, tough-as-steel. 
Ria relishes the duties Arawn assigns her as much as she respects the deadly combatants on her team. And she has a secret: her formidable boss is also her deepest fantasy. Years of working under his authority haven’t dulled the spark she feels, yet her passion is tempered by the hints of loss she gathers about him. His dark and sexy moodiness draws her, but he’s a hard man to approach as he keeps the world at emotional arm’s length.

Secrets laced in blood burn his battle-hardened soul.
When Ria is gravely injured in the line of duty, Arawn can no longer fight his own long-simmering feelings. But a secret, more heinous and ugly than anyone could imagine, prevents him from surrendering his heart. Despite his intentions, he and Ria forge a connection both fiery and unexpectedly tender. Yet every day brings them closer to shocking facts. Evil stirs in his blood, and hiding the truth from her will be the ultimate betrayal.

My Review: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This series is a spin off of the author’s previous Solsti Prophecy series, which I read, devoured, and adored. At first, when agreeing to read and review this book, I was unaware that it was a spin-off. I just knew that this was an author I truly enjoyed reading, and was eager to see what other worlds she had conjured up.
The night after I received it, I decided to glance at the first page to see how it was. When I saw the words “Arawn” and “Lash Demon”, I couldn’t put it down. If you look at my review of the last book of the Solsti Prophecy series, I was so happy that the world would be continued. As with her previous books, I was hooked into reading it in the very first page.
In the previous series I liked Arawn, he was a strong leader of his entire race, and yet compassionate. In this book, we really get to delve deeply into him as a person, instead of as the leader. The author does a superb job of showing us him as a strong alpha male, and yet equally humble, loving and hurt by his past. We also get to see one of the few, if not the only, female of the elite force of Watchers, Ria. We see into her as a person as well, her tenaciousness, drive to excel in a male-dominated field. This fiery spirit is what makes her Arawn’s equal, and what makes her the perfect complement to his alpha complex.

It was so good to be able to go back into the world of Torth once more. I can’t wait to see what is next.

Monday, July 20, 2015

#COVER REVEAL: The No Bad Boy Rule by Ashley Erin

Title: The No Bad Boy Rule
Series: Rule Series #2
Author: Ashley Erin
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: TBD

Six years ago, a positive pregnancy test destroyed Ava. Her goals, her relationship, the entire way she viewed her future. 
From the rubble, a rule was created: No bad boys. 
In their wake is chaos and destruction, something she could no longer risk. 
Ava has been happy with this rule, until now.
The bad boy across the hall makes her want to abandon it. Those hazel eyes piercing her, as though they can read her mind. That gentle smile as he interacts with her son. Dax awakens something in her that she’s never felt before.
Will she regret opening her heart to another bad boy? 
Dax is determined to earn back the respect he lost for himself years ago and create a future he can be proud of. He’s spent his life breaking rules and now he has a rigid set of rules to live by. 
Ava is a distraction he doesn’t need.
Nothing like the women from his past, everything about her from her adorable son to the paint constantly covering her hands reminds him of why he needs to focus. He knows the look in her eyes, he fights the urge to give in to that look. He doesn’t deserve it, at least not yet.
Will Dax ever feel like he’s earned it, or will a call from his past cause him to push her away for good?
Rules are meant to be broken. 


Ashley has a degree in Psychology and has worked in the Human Services field for five years. She loves reading romance, new adult, paranormal and fantasy novels. 
She lives in Spruce Grove, Alberta with her boyfriend, two dogs and four cats. She also has a horse she loves with all her heart. When she is not working with the horses, reading and writing, you can find her on social media.



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