Friday, December 12, 2014

Blog Tour - Idolizing In: Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown | Interview, Review, & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Kathy Fischer-Brown, who I interviewed about her novel "Winter Fire!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from December 5 - January 30, 2015]



My Q&A with Kathy Fischer-Brown :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Kathy : A product of the “Boomer” Age, I grew up on Long Island, but now call Central Connecticut home. I’m a wife, mother, and grandmother who’s been to Woodstock and traveled to a few other interesting places over the years. In college and grad school I majored in theater and taught for a while at a small all-girls college in the Midwest. But writing has always been my first love.

I write the sorts of books I like to read. When not writing, I take pleasure in reading the sorts of books I wish I’d written. I also enjoy an occasional romp in the yard (when it’s not too cold and snowy) with our dogs—Aimee, an ageless, adorable but bossy Cairn terrier, and Evie, a young rambunctious mutant springer spaniel. Cooking is one of my creative outlets, as is photography and transforming photos I’ve taken into paintings and greeting cards. I’m also an avid sports fan, especially New York teams and UConn women’s basketball.

Jess : Please describe Zara, from "Winter Fire," in one to two sentences.

Kathy : A young New York Dutch heiress—the product of two worlds, a part of both but accepted by neither.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Kathy : Rufus Grey, Zara’s uncle in "Winter Fire" is the least likely to receive an invitation to my table. He’s a drunken bully with a mean streak, who’d probably break my favorite dinner plates (not to mention our lovely Prague crystal). Second on my “do not invite” list would have to be Arthur Darvey from "Lord Esterleigh’s Daughter." Although he’s refined, well-educated, and a decent conversationalist, he’s a sociopath with a nasty agenda. As for those who’d be welcome, I think it would be amusing to seat Tony Granville (from "The Partisan’s Wife") next to Mercy Van Allen from the same book. Tony is a self-deprecating, self-destructive man from an aristocratic family, who’s endowed with a wry sense of humor and a penchant for card tricks. Mercy is an eccentric, but very caring woman whose love of animals and the downtrodden would make an entertaining dinner guest.

Jess : Please describe "Winter Fire" in 75 words or less.

Kathy : Against all odds, in a time of violence and prejudice, two lost souls discover a love that will help them survive...if only they can learn to compromise.

Jess : Are there any differences and/or similarities between Ethan from your "Winter Fire" novel and Peter from your Serpent’s Tooth Trilogy?

Kathy : Their similarities lie in the fact that both are in love with the heroines of the books, Zara and Anne. Other than that, they are quite different. First of all there’s their physical appearance. While Ethan is dark and brooding, Peter is fair and whimsical. Ethan is more experienced in life and jaded by his past. He’s a “loner,” while the reader of "Lord Esterleigh’s Daughter" first meets Peter as a young idealist who has yet to address his disappointments and find direction in his life. Peter is gregarious and irresponsible...a result of his youth and having opportunity served up on a platter. Both undergo changes when they become “involved” with the women in the stories. Ethan puts his life at risk when he rescues Zara and protects her from the mob intent on seeing her hanged for Rufus Grey’s murder. Peter’s transformation from a carefree boy to a man with a dangerous mission evolves over the course of three books, both independent of and reliant on his relationship with Anne.

Jess : What sparked the idea for "Winter Fire?"

Kathy : I can’t put my finger on any one thing. Watching the Daniel Day-Lewis movie, Last of the Mohicans probably helped solidify an idea that had been germinating for some time. Further research into 17th and 18th century “captive narratives” definitely ignited the flame.

Jess : What is the saddest thing one of your characters, from "Winter Fire," said or did?

Kathy : After waiting out the winter for Ethan’s return at the home of his sister’s family, Zara comes to the painful conclusion that she can’t stay with him. She realizes that the cultural differences between them—not to mention that she’s wanted for murder—are too much to impose upon him. Her feelings for Ethan are too deep and pure for her to wish anything but happiness on him. She feels he’d never be truly content having to compromise so much for her sake.

Jess : What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write in a novel and why?

Kathy : One of many, but this stands out. I enjoyed writing the scene in the mapling cabin in the woods between Zara and Ethan’s sister Ellen. It’s an enlightening moment for both women as each slowly discovers that, despite their differences, they share a lot in common. It was also fun to add a little lightness and laughter into this dark story.

Jess : In regards to "Winter Fire," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Kathy : Interesting... I don’t think I’d change anything. Maybe I wouldn’t include the two “graphic” love scenes. Some readers complained they weren’t necessary, but that kind of thing is subjective.

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within Winter Fire, do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Kathy : Bear, the dog...just because I love dogs. Abby, the little girl, Ethan’s niece and Bear’s best friend, was a change of pace to write. Being so young and impressionable, she presents a view of the other characters from a unique vantage point.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Kathy : I’ve written around ten over the years, but only four have been published. The others remain hidden away or on my hard drive or on various by-now-unreadable-disks, awaiting time for me to pull them out and dust them off. Of the published books, "The Partisan’s Wife" is probably my favorite for no other reason than having experienced deep feelings of loss, emptiness, and being “out of time” after I submitted the final edits to my publisher.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Kathy : Of course, there are the aforementioned books languishing on my computer and assorted disks. One in particular is a time travel, tentatively titled "From Time to Time." Every few years or so the characters begin chattering in my head and it’s all I can do to silence them. It’s a fun story, about a Revolutionary War era British officer who finds himself in the modern age, smack dab in the middle of a re-enactment of the battle from which he was mysteriously whisked away. The heroine is an American History professor and part-time town historian. When he realizes that somehow, history has been changing—ever so slowly, they must go back in time to get it back on the “right” track. My original idea had them involved in Benedict Arnold’s treason and one of its many convolutions, including a plot to capture George Washington. One of these days I hope to return to it.

Then there’s my “eternal” epic fantasy, "Sword of Names," which I hope to finish sooner than later. I’ve been writing it off and on for a number of years, as it continues to grow more and more epic. This is also a fun book, with pretty much everything one would expect of an epic fantasy: a cross-dressing heroine under a spell, a bumbling sorcerer, a young ne’er do well who finds purpose and friendship while on an impossible quest, a beautiful queen and her betrayed king, her enchanted son and his enchantress, some nasty bad guys…and a magical sword.

Jess : Do you have a favorite aspect of winter or tradition in your family during winter/Holiday season that you’d like to share with us?

Kathy : Actually no. It’s sad, but since both my parents are deceased and my sisters have their own families and we don’t live near each other, there haven’t been any “traditions” upheld around here in a long while. For the past couple of years, since my son and daughter-in-law bought their own place, we’ve been traveling up to Massachusetts to spend Thanksgiving with them. Christmas is quiet around here, although we do try to spend a few days out on Long Island with my husband’s almost 93-year old father, and the members of his family still living out there. Otherwise, I’m not a big fan of winter and prefer warmer weather.

Jess : What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy?

Kathy : Charlie Brown comes to mind ☺

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Kathy : I can’t see anyone wanting to undertake such a thankless and boring task. If so, I think it would be called, "A Great Waste of Time" ☺

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Kathy :



About the Author :

As a child Kathy wanted to be a writer when she grew up. She also wanted to act on the stage. After receiving an MFA in Acting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts and playing the part of starving young artist in New York, she taught theater classes at a small college in the Mid-West before returning home to the East Coast, where over the years, she and her husband raised two kids and an assortment of dogs. During stints in advertising, children’s media publishing, and education reform in the former Soviet Unions, she wrote whenever she could.

Her love of early American history has its roots in family vacations up and down the East Coast visiting old forts and battlefields and places such as Williamsburg, Mystic Sea Port, and Sturbridge Village. During this time, she daydreamed in high school history classes, imagining the everyday people behind all the dates and conflicts and how they lived.

Claiming her best ideas are born of dreams, Kathy has written a number of stories over the years. Her first published novel, "Winter Fire," a 1998 Golden Heart finalist in historical romance, was reissued in 2010 by Books We Love, Ltd., which also released "Lord Esterleigh’s Daughter," "Courting the Devil," and "The Partisan’s Wife."

When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, photography, playing “ball” with the dogs, and rooting on her favorite sports teams.




- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 294; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2980 KB | Expected Release Date: November 6, 2010 | Publisher: Books We Love Ltd. | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Winter Fire" by Kathy Fischer-Brown

Author's Book Description : When Ethan Caine pulled the unconscious woman from the half-frozen creek, he had no idea that his world was about to explode. Dressed in quilled doeskin of Iroquois design, she stirred up dark secrets from his past. At the same time, she was everything he desired. But she was more Indian than white, and on the run for murder. He needed to know the truth.

Banished by the Seneca Indians who had adopted and raised her, ostracized by the whites in the settlement, Zara Grey wanted only to be accepted. “Ethancaine” treated her with kindness and concern. It was easy to trust him. But her Indian ways disturbed him, and in her heart she would always be Seneca.

Newly Re-edited with a New Cover by Michelle Lee

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Born from the same world but raised differently due to circumstances beyond their control two lost souls find themselves drawn together and fight for what is right no matter the cost.

Wow! This touching, deeply moving historical romance throws its readers for a loop by sticking to what would have been true for that time period yet still keeping its "happily-ever-after" too. I liked how Zara (Jiiwi) & Ethan (Ethancaine) came into their romance and fell in love with each other. Also, while over the course of the novel they both make many compromises, neither compromise their beliefs and I liked how they respected each other for their beliefs too.

While I did love Zara & Ethan, this novel is full of POVs from its dynamic secondary characters as well. Those POVs leave you feeling an understanding from a majority of all "sides" in this novel so while you may hate some of the characters' choices (as I did) you can at least see where they are coming from in regards to their actions.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who like historical American romances.

Purchase This Book Here : Smashwords : Winter Fire | Alibris : Winter Fire


Author's Novel Extras : Winter Fire - Overview | A Few Lines from…Kathy Fischer-Brown | Freebits Friday | Friday FreeBits–Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown | Friday FreeBits–Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown | Friday FreeBits–Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown | Friday FreeBits–Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown | Friday FreeBits–Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
Not until he was nearly in sight of the opening did complete mindfulness overcome him. His heart leapt in a renewal of hope. It was all he could do to contain the urge to rush inside. He entered warily, rifle at the ready.
At the sound of his approach, someone—or some thing—had taken cover in the shadows of the entryway. He sensed a lurking presence, heard its shallow breaths amid the hissing crackle of the flames. “Zara…?” He spoke softly, his pulses racing.
Cautiously, the shadowy form stepped into the light, a club-like stick raised in its hands as if to strike.
“Ethancaine!” All at once, her look, a combination of resolution and fear, transformed into one of overwhelming delight. The stick slipped from her hands. With the impulsiveness of a child, she rushed toward him, and flung her arms about his neck.
Unprepared for such a spontaneous show of emotion, Ethan clumsily tried to rid himself of the bundle and his rifle. Before he could, she recovered herself and pulled away.
“So happy you come!” A shy smile fluttered over her mouth, pale in the wavering shadows as she averted her eyes. “I think maybe you are hurt. Maybe they find you.”
Despite her show of modesty and concern, the restrained emotions thrilling inside her gripped him with the intensity of their energy. Soft as it was, her voice could not hide it. Her eyes burned with it. Her entire being seemed to exude a force of bright light and its accompanying heat quivered around her.
It touched him as well, a fiery stirring deep inside him. Inspired by more than the simple joy of beholding her or relief that she was safe, the strength of her energy infused him with an overpowering urge to hold her close, to savor the lithe strength of her arms encircling him. ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Kathy, then please check out her website.



Book Excerpt :

The buzzing of voices had grown steadily into a boisterous clamor of laughter and friendly banter punctuated by the banging of tankards and table thumping. Only gradually did the din penetrate Ethan's thoughts, compelling him to tear his attention from the road and the image that had branded itself onto his thoughts.

When he turned once again and the room came harshly into focus, he saw that the little gathering by the hearth had been transformed into a minor celebration. Those who had been seated now stood, hoisting their mugs amid toasts and playful teasing.

Slouched against the hearthstones, young Jabez Grey looked pale and confused, his vacant smile giving off an appearance of mild enjoyment. His father had taken a place at the table between the McLaren brothers and swilled ale from two tankards at once, while the others laughed and urged him on. When he had finished, Rufus held the tankards triumphantly over his head, and, staggering slightly, his chin and shirt front glistening with spill, he bellowed for Engles to bring ale for all. Even Jabez was provided with a portion, as the next round of toasts and good wishes resounded from all sides of the table.

“To Jabez, and good fortune!”

“To the bride and groom!”

“Here's to Rufus's new mansion!” Levi Sparks playfully slapped Grey on the back, and they all laughed and drank, conversing loudly among themselves.

“To his coach and four!” another man teased.

‘To his servants! You'll be having servants then, won't you, Rufus?”

One of the men clapped Jabez on the shoulder. “So when's the joyous event, Jabez?” The boy smiled absently and shrugged.

Rufus Grey hoisted his mug. “To the old patroon! To Henry Van Gelder—may he rest in peace—for bequeathing his bounty. To my niece for making this possible. To General Sullivan for finding her when we'd given up hope, and for returning her safe and sound to her loving family. To General Washington for sending Sullivan on his glorious mission to deliver us from the heathen's hatchet. Here's to Zara Grey, gentlemen…my new daughter! My Jabez’s wife!”

Ethan's stomach squeezed into a knot. The woman was promised. To Jabez! He imagined that callow boy sharing her bed, touching her, feeling that silken hair upon his face. The image tore through him like a knife.

You've been living alone far too long, he thought, and he smiled in spite of himself. He swung his legs out from under the table.

“Caine! Ethan Caine!”

Rufus Grey's voice stopped him before he reached the door. He turned, even though his better judgment advised him to continue on. The men at the table fell silent, watching. The entire room pulsed with a strained silence.

“Ain't you going to join us, Caine? Offer your good wishes to my Jabez?” Grey smiled, but his voice held an edge, cold and sharp as an icicle.

Ethan considered Grey's words, and nodded with forced politeness. “I thank you for the invitation, but I've already stayed too long.” He called to Engles, “You'll deliver my goods, won't you, Samuel?” The man nodded grimly.

“Not jealous, are you?” Grey baited him, his voice tinged with a taunting inflection. “Or, can it be, gentlemen, that Mr. Caine is afraid to drink with us?”

Summoning his self-control, Ethan slowly turned back to the gathering. “Have I reason to be afraid?”

“Rumor has it that you're a coward.”

Ethan bristled. It took all his concentration to keep his hands from balling into fists at his sides. “A man of integrity should know better than to believe everything he hears.”

Rufus snorted. “Rumor has it you ain't got no integrity!”

A few of the men laughed uneasily.

Ethan forced a smile. “As I said, I do not subscribe to rumor.”

Grey stiffened, drawing himself up to his full height. “You calling me a liar, Caine?” With his broad shoulders, thick arms, and barrel chest, he presented a daunting sight.

“I'm saying you're misinformed.” Ethan fixed his gaze on Rufus's eyes. Rufus returned the look with an air of smug satisfaction.

The silence rippled with a palpable tension as Grey stepped out slowly from behind the table and approached Ethan with a swaggering gait. A few of his party began to murmur among themselves in discomfort.

“The Coward of Clarkson’s Mill. That's what they call you, Caine. Said you refused to fight. Said you cried like a baby and ran.”

Grey’s words struck Ethan like a fist to his middle, depriving him of breath. The massacre at Clarkson's Mill had happened fifteen years ago, but its very mention triggered off a lightning train of images in his mind. The smell of burning lodges, the acrid odor of sulphur smoke and blood in the snow, overcame him in a wave of nausea. The night of horror was upon him again, ringing in his ears with the screams of the dying.

Ethan pushed back the images, pushed back the nausea and met Rufus's smirking smile with a hard stare. “Whatever you say, Rufus. Now let me be.” At that, Ethan turned on his heel and made a move toward the door. Grey was upon him in an instant, whirling him back around with a large hand to the shoulder, reversing their positions. Grey now stood between Ethan and the door.

“They said you ran, Caine….”

Ethan straightened himself up so that his eyes were level with Grey’s. His muscles tensed. “I never ran from anyone.”

“…like you're running now!”

“You're drunk, Rufus. Get out of my way.”

“Coward. Traitor.”

“I don't want to fight you. Now, let me pass.”

Hands on his hips, Rufus glanced back over his shoulder at the other men. “He says he don’t want to fight!’

“I have no reason to fight you.”

“No. You're too spineless, Caine. I wouldn't waste my time with you anyway.”

Rufus stepped aside, leaving the path clear to the door. With a mocking gesture, he waved Ethan out with a flourish.

Ethan continued to hold him fast with his gaze. “Don't push me, Grey,” he whispered so the others could not hear. “One of these days you'll go too far.”

“Is that a threat, Caine?” Rufus bellowed with laughter. “You threatening me? I believe this coward's threatening me!”

“I don't make threats,” Ethan said softly. “And I never make promises I can't keep.”



Giveaway!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Kathy Fischer-Brown :

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Blog Tour - Moonlight in Winter Park by Samantha Chase | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Samantha Chase author of "Moonlight in Winter Park!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run on December 11, 2014]



"Moonlight in Winter Park"
by Samantha Chase

Author's Book Description :
    "Moonlight in Winter Park" - A modern-day Beauty and the Beast style Christmas.

    All Hope Cooper needed this year was to have the kind of Christmas her family always cherished. But with her parents gone and her only brother having to work, it doesn't look like it's going to work out for her. There's nothing she can do about her parents, but she most certainly can voice her annoyance at her brother's boss for making him work out of town all through the holidays.

    Beckett James hates the holidays and everything that goes with them. They were important at one time, but now the only thing that mattered was his company and it's continued growth and anyone who worked for him better feel the same way. If not, then they could find employment elsewhere and good riddance. With a major expansion deal on the line, Beckett needs to focus. What he doesn't need is Hope to come barging into his mountain retreat demanding that her brother come home immediately due to an emergency.

    Suddenly it's two alone in a snowstorm. Two alone for Christmas. And two alone to fight an attraction that had been there all along. Hope soon begins to realize she may have misjudged Beckett while he comes to see that there really is something special and magical about Christmas. But once they leave their private winter wonderland and return to their normal lives, will the magic still be there?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, "Jordan's Return," in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40's to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she's not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, blogging, playing way too many games of Scrabble on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. For more information visit her website at www.chasing-romance.com.




Book Excerpt :

Hope couldn’t believe it, but she readily reached out and put her hand in his. “Then I guess this place is aptly named.”

Beckett carefully pulled her to her feet. “What do you mean?”

“I saw some of the signs as I was walking down the driveway earlier. This place used to be called Winter Park. If the view is how you described, I’m just saying that name is fitting.”

Beckett didn’t respond, but he did pull her in close. “You scared the hell out of me earlier, you know that right?” His arms slowly slid around her waist.

Hope’s breath caught in her throat. “I didn’t mean to scare you,” she said softly, looking up into his dark eyes.

“I know. You meant to piss me off,” he chuckled softly as one hand came up to caress her cheek. “I’m glad I found you.”

“Me too. I can’t even being to think what would have happened if you hadn’t come when you did.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he said quietly, and bent his head toward hers.

“Beckett...”

And then his lips touched hers and silenced her. Hope was too surprised to react at first. It was everything that she remembered – soft, exciting and very arousing. The man certainly knew how to kiss. As if they had a mind of their own, her arms came up and rested on Beckett’s broad shoulders. They were pressed together from head to toe.

His lips were slowly sipping from hers as if he was giving her time to say no or to push him away. Hope knew this instinctively and raked a hand up into his hair and pulled him closer-making sure he couldn’t misinterpret her decision.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Samantha Chase :

Monday, December 8, 2014

Blog Tour - How to Beguile a Duke by Ally Broadfield | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Ally Broadfield author of "How to Beguile a Duke!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run on December 8, 2014 -- Giveaway will run from December 8 - 11, 2014]



"How to Beguile a Duke"
by Ally Broadfield

Author's Book Description :
    The spirited Catherine Malboeuf has just arrived in England to reclaim her ancestral home, Walsley Manor, and a valuable missing heirloom. Nicholas Adair, the attractive and frustratingly inflexible Duke of Boulstridge, however, is quite unwilling to sell the estate back to Catherine. Unless, of course, she accepts a small wager...

    Nick will sell Walsley Manor if--and only if--Catherine secures an offer of marriage from an eligible member of the ton before the end of the London season.

    Of course, Nick is certain he'll win. After all, no proper gentleman would ever marry a woman who conceals a cutlass in her skirts. Yet something about Catherine's unconventional disposition seems to ignite a need deep inside him. A need that won't just cost him the wager, but the very heart he swore to never give away...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Kobo (e-Book) | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Author's Book Trailer :



About the Author :

Ally lives in Texas and is convinced her house is shrinking, possibly because she shares it with three kids, four dogs, a cat, a rabbit, and several reptiles. Oh, and her husband. She likes to curse in Russian and spends most of her spare time letting dogs in and out of the house and shuttling kids around. She writes historical romance set in Regency England and Imperial Russia.

She loves to hear from readers and you can find Ally on her website, Facebook, and Twitter, though she makes no claims of using any of them properly.




Book Excerpt :

As the musicians warmed up, Catherine struggled to maintain a smile and keep her shoulders from slumping. So far no one had come to seek an introduction. That meant her options for a dance partner were Lord Cavanaugh, who was already engaged for the first dance, and the Duke of Boulstridge, who, in light of their bet, was unlikely to dance with her at all.

Catherine took a discrete step toward Lady Hartley, hoping she would not be the only eligible lady of marriageable age who had not been asked to participate in the opening dance. The musicians were in position. She ran the pad of her thumb over the diamonds at her throat.

“Miss Malboeuf.” The duke approached from behind her. She whirled to face him. “Would you care to dance?”

His nearness left her breathless. She hadn’t expected him, of all people, to come to her rescue. Carefully schooling her features, she said, “I would be delighted, Your Grace.” Lady Hartley smiled her approval.

He took her hand, sending a shiver of awareness through her, and led her toward the other dancers. Though they stood several inches apart, linked only by their hands, heat emanated from him. He suddenly seemed much larger than she remembered.

“How are you enjoying your first London ball, Miss Malboeuf?” he asked.

“Very much, Your Grace.” The quadrille air of L’Horatia began and they moved all round to the right, then to the left. The duke flashed her a wry smile as he took his turn performing the balancez and turned Catherine around with both hands. His touch sent a jolt through her.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET away on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Ally Broadfield :

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Feasted On: Kiss My Ash by Reneé George

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 222 KB | Release Date: November 26, 2014 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Kiss My Ash" by Reneé George

Author's Book Description : A werewolf who’s hairless in full shift.

A water sprite who can’t hold his shape at the slightest touch of water.

An ash-tree nymph with a black thumb who kills every bit of flora in her vicinity.

That’s Fortunate, Missouri, in a nutshell—the town for abnormal paranormals. Nymph Romy, however, can one-up them all—her particular flaw is killing her. But thanks to a possible love spell, the wolf and the water sprite could be Romy’s key to cheating death. And the three misfits may find that even imperfect creatures can still create a sexy, loving, perfect union.

Inside Scoop : Sol, Romy and Lucien love each other—emotionally, spiritually and physically. Which means both ménage and male/male action. You lucky reader, you.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Three people move to Fortunate in hopes of finding better lives for themselves (ones where they won’t be the outcasts anymore) and end up saving each other in surprising ways. But are their feelings for one another based on true love or spell?

Can everyone join in together and just say, AWWWWWWW!! This novel was that sweetly erotic! While the sex scenes were very hot, it was the intense plotline and the dynamic characters that kept me wanting more from this novel. What Romy, Lucien, and Sol have is an instant connection that ties them together even when they doubt themselves. I enjoyed reading about how they come into their relationship and the funny little pixies who “help” them.

I recommend this novel to those who like erotic paranormal/fantasy romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Kiss My Ash Inspirations | New Release: Kiss My Ash by Renee George + $20 GC giveaway!

Book Teaser(s) :
“Shut the fuck up.”
“Nice.” He raised a brow. “Bitchy much?”
Even though she was certain Sol was gay, it didn’t stop her from having some wicked fantasies about him. After all, the man was hot-hot and knew how to dress. “Takes one to know one.”
“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the oak this morning.” Sol scooped a handful of topsoil and pitched it at her.
“Oh no you didn’t.” In retaliation, Romy grabbed a nearby hose and squeezed the nozzle trigger, dowsing Sol where he stood.
“Stop!” Lucien yelled.
Too late. At Lucien’s shout, Romy turned, the spray of water slapping across the man’s face—and Lucien instantly melted into a clear puddle on the greenhouse floor.
Mortified, she dropped the hose. “Oh no!” She shook her head and stumbled forward. “What have I done?” Not only was she a plant killer, apparently she was a man killer as well. ~ within Chapter 1
“What the hell?”
“It’s a pixy.” Mathias walked toward the window and stepped up on yet another stool for a closer look. Sol followed.
The pixy’s face was red as he beat his wings and sword against the pane. Sol tapped on the glass. “Hey, I recognize this little guy.”
Mathias seemed mesmerized as he stroked the window. “Oh, where from?”
“Let’s just say we had a close encounter and leave it at that.” Sol wasn’t about to tell Mathias about the sweaty, naked sex with Romy that had led to the pixy incident. “Maybe we should pull out the pesticide.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Pixies are good luck, boy.”
“Hasn’t been my experience.” After all, the damn thing had interrupted him and Romy right when he’d been warming up.
“Nonsense.” Mathias reached up, turned the latch on the frame and tilted the window open. The pixy flew inside.
“It’s about freaking time, you backside of a banshee!”
Out of the side of his mouth, Mathias whispered, “Maybe I spoke too hastily about the pesticide.”
Before Sol could say, “I told you so,” the pixy was off on a rambling tirade. ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Reneé, then please check out her website.

Made the Grade: New Year's Resolution: Romance! by Christie Ridgway, Leslie Kelly, & Tanya Michaels

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 320; Kindle Edition - File Size: 481 KB | Expected Release Date: January 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Feature : Anthologies | Obtained: NetGalley

"New Year's Resolution: Romance!" by Christie Ridgway, Leslie Kelly (aka Leslie A. Kelly), & Tanya Michaels

Authors' Book Description : Midnight, January 1: time for a big change. Time to make a New Year's resolution to find romance or else!

Say Yes by Christie Ridgway

Cautious florist Ashley Walker is excited to embark on her "Year of Yes" no matter what happens. But accepting a surprise job offer leads to an awkward discovery: she's hot for her millionaire boss, Chase Bradley!

No More Bad Girls by Leslie Kelly

Scorched by a string of nightmare ex-girlfriends, Lex Rollins resolves to date only nice women then is lured by siren Lia before midnight! But Lia is really Amelia, a good girl playing naughty for a night. Can a blind date as their real selves uncover their true desires?

Just a Fling by Tanya Michaels

Shy, insecure Erin Cross makes two bold resolutions: (A) get on a plane, and (B) have a fling. In pursuit of Option A, she's mistaken for a key witness in a mob trial and whisked away by a sexy FBI agent! Which just leaves Option B



"Say Yes" [New Year's Resolution: Romance! Anthology, Novella 1] by Christie Ridgway

Author's Story Description : Cautious florist Ashley Walker is excited to embark on her "Year of Yes" no matter what happens. But accepting a surprise job offer leads to an awkward discovery: she's hot for her millionaire boss, Chase Bradley!

My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this sweet novella about a woman committing to a year of saying yes to almost any opportunity that comes her way and on New Year’s Eve she agrees to assist a house party for its owner. However, while being there she never imagined opening her heart again to the one man who might make her risk everything she holds dear...

Chase & Ashley are an entertaining duo! I enjoyed how they fell into a relationship while assisting Chase’s guests. Yet, I mostly liked how their feelings for one another was slow building and thrust on them. Very charming with some captivating banter thrown in.

I recommend this novella to anyone who likes contemporary romances!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Crush on You

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Crush On You | The Monday Update [September 13, 2010]

Story Teaser :
"You should dance with me," he said.
She appeared not to hear him. "It's worse because of Moose."
"She has a moose?"
"Moose is a man. She asked him to be my date tonight."
"You'd date a man named Moose?" ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Christie, then please check out her website.



"No More Bad Girls" [New Year's Resolution: Romance! Anthology, Novella 2] by Leslie Kelly (aka Leslie A. Kelly)

Author's Story Description : Scorched by a string of nightmare ex-girlfriends, Lex Rollins resolves to date only nice women then is lured by siren Lia before midnight! But Lia is really Amelia, a good girl playing naughty for a night. Can a blind date as their real selves uncover their true desires?

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars. One good girl tries to break out of her image into something new meets a man whose New Year’s resolution is to date no more bad girls. They find themselves in one big misunderstanding trying to discover the truth about who they are deep down and who they want to be with from now on...

Amelia (Lia) & Alexander (Lex) are an adventurous couple. I liked reading about how their relationship grows from their meeting to how they learn the truth about each other to finding something a whole lot more between each other. Humorously sweet!

I just wish I could have been partial to how their relationship comes together after everything between them comes out. When Lex backtracks a bit I wish it wasn’t so abrupt and could have been smoother.

Nevertheless, I do recommend this novella to those who like contemporary romances that span through a few different holidays.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Slow Hands | Overexposed

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: No More Bad Girls

Story Teaser :
"So, Lia," he said in that throaty, husky voice that made her tingle right down to her toes, "what do you do when you're not being grabbed by strangers on crowded dance floors?"
She did not reply that she owned a craft store, was a yarn expert and taught knitting classes. She loved what she did, and supported herself rather well, if simply. But the crafty girl never got the man. The sexy, mysterious temptress did.
"Oh, this and that," she replied, hoping she sounded vague and enigmatic. She wasn't exactly lying, since her shop, located a few blocks from here, was called This 'n' That. "You?"
His eyes gleamed. "This and that."
So he was being mysterious, too. Tonight, that suited her fine. ~ within Chapter 1
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Leslie, then please check out her website.



"Just a Fling" [New Year's Resolution: Romance! Anthology, Novella 3] by Tanya Michaels

Author's Story Description : Shy, insecure Erin Cross makes two bold resolutions: (A) get on a plane, and (B) have a fling. In pursuit of Option A, she's mistaken for a key witness in a mob trial and whisked away by a sexy FBI agent! Which just leaves Option B

My Story Review : NA - DNF. A case of mistaken identity causes Erin & Campbell’s (Foster) lives to be thrown together, which happens to be all for the better for them. Now if they can put the thugs behind bars they’d be all set!

I thought the beginning was very cute, funny, and thrilling. For a time I was enraptured by their romance, since the buildup is that good.

Yet, for me, once they get to Foster’s apartment it seemed that every part of their relationship got so stretched out that it wasn’t holding my attention anymore. However, I am not typically a suspenseful fiction lover, so I wasn’t surprised this happened.

Overall, I recommend it only to those who like suspenseful romances that includes cop heroes!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Texan's Christmas

Story Teaser :
"You think I'm a babe?"
He snorted. "Women. Men are trying to kill you, and you're worried about what you look like. No wonder I never got married."
She resented the implication that she was shallow. "Or maybe you never got married because no woman would put up with you."
"A strong possibility," he admitted. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Tanya, then please check out her website.



My Book Review : For the full book I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars (rating not including my not finishing "Just a Fling"). I liked these sweet romances. All of them will keep you on your toes and make you think about your own New Year's Resolution(s).

I recommend this book to everyone who likes holiday contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book Here : KOBO : New Year's Resolution: Romance!


Feasted On: Fang Chronicles Series, Book 6

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 207; Kindle Edition - File Size: 3476 KB | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: Bad Luck Publishing / Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Ivan" [Fang Chronicles Series, Book 6] by D’Elen McClain (aka Holly S. Roberts & Suzie Ivy)

Author's Book Description : The loss of Ivan’s mate, Alba, left him broken and turned his inner beast inside out. With the war between the wolves and enemy cats, who killed his mate, all but over his anger has no focus. His new clan consists of two vampires, three cats, and his lone wolf.

Talya ran from her clan after losing a challenge against her friend for the love of Dmitri, the vampire leader of the bear clan. She’s young and impulsive with the weight of her shameful past on her shoulders. Can two humans help her mature into the alpha female she’s destined to be? Or will she endanger them both to the point of no return?

Ivan needs a mate worthy of taking on his angry beast and Talya needs a mate strong enough to tame her erratic impulses. Can sworn enemies overcome their pasts and fight for a chance at eternal love?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Two lost souls find themselves mated to each other...

Wow! Not what I expected, with its humor, moving plot lines, and feisty characters I could not get enough of this novel. Ivan and Talya are both struggling to get over the past heartaches and mistakes before they meet each other. Once they are together everything comes to a head and they are forced to decide if they're willing to fight fate or not for each other. I enjoyed reading about their pairing mostly because even though they originally have issues with one another they force themselves to make it work out---better for them and their pack. It was hard to deny that they were perfect for each other but it was fun watching them try!

If-and-when Rondy gets his own novel I'll be interested to see how he does.

In truth, the only thing that I wish was a bit smoother/more romantic was the ending. I say that even though I enjoyed how everything was wrapped up.

I recommend this novel to those who are fans of this series and/or if you like paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords : Amy’s Story (Book I) | Alibris : Amy’s Story (Book I) | Smashwords : Emily’s Story (Book II) | Kobo : Emily’s Story (Book II) | Smashwords : Zenya’s Story (Book III) | Kobo : Zenya’s Story (Book III) | Alibris : Zenya’s Story (Book III) | Smashwords : Mandy’s Story (Book IV) | Kobo : Mandy’s Story (Book IV) | Alibris : Mandy’s Story (Book IV) | Kobo : of Fur & Fangs: A Paranormal Romance Boxed Set (6 Book Bundle) [it has Mandy’s Story (Book IV)] | Smashwords : Dmitri (Book V) | Kobo : Dmitri (Book V) | Alibris : Dmitri (Book V) | Smashwords : Ivan (Book VI) | Kobo : Ivan (Book VI) | Alibris : Ivan (Book VI)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Dragons Don't Cry

Author's Novel Extras : Dragons Don’t Cry Happy Dance | Ivan’s Story: Update | Exciting Fang News


Author's Series Extras : Fang Chronicles Series - Overview | World of Fang Chronicles | The Fang Chronicles Book I | Fang Chronicles: Chapter One | The Trouble with Fangs | Fang Chronicles Book I has published! | Fang Chronicle: Emily’s Story Book II | Killing Off Mom | It’s All About Fang II | *Breaking News* Zenya’s Story | I Swear I’m Writing | Fang Interview | Mandy’s Story Cover Reveal | Fang Update: Mandy’s Story | Dmitri Released Early!


Book Teaser(s) :
"We need to get out of here."
"Put the damn bandage on my leg and I'll drag the men back here."
He rolled his eye. "Just sit on it and I'll move them in here before someone sees and calls the cops."
I had no idea what he meant. What was I supposed to sit on? I watched him stumble past the man at the entrance to the alley and go to the guy in the street. He grunted and groaned, but managed to drag him into the alley. Using my one arm, I half lifted the other man and tossed him about ten feet.
"Fuck me."
I looked the boy up and down---skinny and way too young. "No, thank you. Bandage?" ~ within Chapter 1 - titled 'Talya'
"Did Cecily stay out of trouble after I left?"
Humor laced through his words, "Of course not. She wanted to see the vampire drink blood, but he drew the line and told her she should have better manners at her age."
"I bet that went over well."
Now he laughed softly. "Surprised the hell out of me because she apologized."
I was close to having a giggling fit. "She always does the unexpected." ~ within Chapter 25 - titled 'Talya'
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by D’Elen, then please check out her website.

Blog Tour - The Fairyland Murders by J. A. Kazimer | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to J. A. Kazimer author of "The Fairyland Murders," which is first book in her Deadly After Ever Mystery Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run on December 3, 2014 -- Giveaway will run from December 3 - 4, 2014]



"The Fairyland Murders"
[Deadly After Ever Mystery Series, Book 1] by J. A. Kazimer

Author's Book Description :
    Blue Reynolds knows the darker side of New Never City--the side that's hopped-up on fairy dust and doesn't care if your house gets blown down. Rent's due and his PI business is all but make believe. But even Blue shudders at having to chase after Isabella Davis, a freckle-nosed redhead five feet tall on her tip-toes...if you don't count the pretty pink wings.

    Izzy is tough, and sneaky, and not too thrilled with the idea of being the new tooth fairy. The last six have been most gruesomely extracted. But Blue has a feeling that whoever is killing the tooth fairies is worse than your standard big bad psycho. The fairy council is hiding something. The Shadows are moving out into the light. And Blue is saddled with a shocking power that could take out half of New Never City...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (Kindle) | Amazon.com (Paperback) | Kobo (e-Book) | Barnes & Noble (Nook & Paperback)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

J. A. Kazimer is a writer living in Denver, CO. Books include "The Junkie Tales," "The Body Dwellers," "CURSES! A F***ed-Up Fairy Tale," "Holy Socks & Dirtier Demons," "Dope Sick: A Love Story," "SHANK," "Froggy Style," "The Assassin’s Heart" and "The Fairyland Murders: A Deadly Ever After Mystery." Forthcoming novels include, "The Assassin’s Kiss" & Book 2 in A Deadly Ever After Series.

When J. A. Kazimer isn't looking for the perfect place to hide the bodies, she spends her time surrounded by cats with attitude and a little puppy named 'Killer'. Other hobbies include murdering houseplants, kayaking, snowboarding, reading, and theater.

After years of slacking she received a master’s degree in forensic psychology in 2007. In addition to studying the criminal mind, she spent a few years spilling drinks on people as a bartender and then wasted another few years stalking people while working as a private investigator in the Denver area.

Cheaters, drunks, deadbeats and family hold a special place in her heart, as well as a few pages in her novels.




Book Excerpt :

Of all the fey PI firms, in all the kingdoms, in all the lands, these twin hairless fairies had to walk into mine.

Of course I knew why they were here.

“My rent’s not due for two days,” I said, propping my feet on top of my worn desk. It groaned under the weight. Not that another forty-eight hours would matter in the scheme of things. I’d still be a few hundred short of meeting my monthly office space rent.

The PI biz wasn’t what it used to be.

And it used to be pretty damn bad.

Hell, I only had one case in the last month and I’d yet to see a penny from it. Of course, I hadn’t quite solved it either. But I would. Blue Reynolds, PI, always gets the job done. Eventually.

"Blue,” Peyton, the taller of the two fairies, said as he hefted his tiny pants. They rose an inch, showing off a pair of green and white kids’ socks. “We ain’t here for the rent. We want you to do a job for us.”

I leaned back further in my chair. “Nope.”

Frowning, Peyton consulted with his twin brother, Clayton, in a hushed whisper. They argued for a second, finally nodding in apparent agreement before facing me again. In unison they shot me equally creepy and earnest smiles.

A lesser man might’ve found their pixie-shaped faces and wistful plea cute. Not me. I’d dealt with fairies too many times to fall for their adorable act. In general, fairies were winged devils; these two were in particular.

“Please,” they said. “For us?”

Again I shook my head. This time with greater emphasis, so much so that the bones in my neck popped. I tilted my head back and forth working out the kinks as the twins regrouped.

“Come on, Blue,” said Clayton, the shorter brother. Shorter was relative since neither he nor his twin stood more than two feet tall. “It’ll be a piece of cake.”

“You said that about the last job.” I kicked off my combat boot and wiggled four toes through the hole in my sock. “I still haven’t found my toe.”

Peyton winced, but Clayton, true to his demonic nature, giggled. “Guess he didn’t go running wee wee wee all the way home like we figured.”



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET away on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find J. A. Kazimer :

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Teaser Tuesday: Tempting the Governess


"Tempting the Governess" by Vivienne Westlake -- MY REVIEW

Book Teaser:
This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/