Pages

Monday, April 30, 2018

Book Blast: A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne

 
A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne 

Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing, but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric Crestwood family for good...

Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband, and she isn’t even sure she wants one. Her father is a gossip, her mother has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall.

When Sophie's sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives and distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean more than anyone could ever suspect.

   

Praise:

There have been only a handful of times when a book truly blows me away. This is one of those times. It's full of emotions from laughter to tears and all in between. There are heroes and villains. There's mystery, humor, danger, and romance all contained within its pages. As I read, I became fully engaged with the characters. ~D. Pearson

This sweet romance will give you all the feels and keep you turning pages. Romance, mystery and a little humor made this an engaging and satisfying read. ~F. Brown
   

Excerpt:

She imagined the dark silhouette would take the shape of a specter, perhaps with a sickle in its grip; instead, the man appeared to be a gentleman, although not an altogether cheerful looking one. Other than his hat, he was rather too brown and rumpled.

The horse snorted and turned its head to look. The rider studied her, too. Sophie pushed off the wall and stepped forward.

''You are from Leatherbury?'' he assumed in a flat tone.

''Miss Crestwood of Leatherbury,'' she informed him, trying to maintain her poise. Her attempt was foiled by an examining gaze with eyes so pale she could not tell their color. She couldn't look at him without glancing away and back again.

''Then, Miss Crestwood of Leatherbury, I recommend you and your family reacquaint yourselves with the boundaries of your estate.''

Her mouth dropped open at the ill-mannered admonition. Sophie stared up at the horseman from beneath the brim of her bonnet, aware she was mussed and the hem of her skirt damp with morning dew. One of her ribbons, frayed at the end, fluttered up in her face, but she did not shoo it away. ''I am looking for my brother,'' she said, trying to gather up enough dismay to feel slighted. ''I assure you I am within the boundaries of my home.''

The man gazed off into the distance behind her. ''I beg your pardon,'' he said with a slight apologetic cough, ''but your boundaries are the low-lying stream several yards beyond the grove, to where I suspect I've just chased your brother from my orchard.''

"Please accept my apologies then.'' Sophie kept her tone stiff.

She whirled away toward the stile to escape his censure, wondering why she did not debate with him that the wall had been the boundary for ages. Everyone knew it, even the cows. She was a Crestwood from Leatherbury, and she knew it. Who was he to tell her differently?

She pivoted back on her heel. ''And you are?'' She inclined her head and raised her chin, just like Lady Mary did when she questioned some poor, culpable soul.

The man shifted in his saddle like he might slide off the horse, and the animal whinnied and stamped its feet. ''Captain Edward Murdock of St. Kitts, and still you are trespassing on my property.''


About the Author:

Danielle Thorne is the author of a dozen books, including five-star classic romance and adventure in several genres. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she has edited for both Solstice and Desert Breeze Publishing and participated in writing organizations and contests over the years picking up awards and recognition for her work. When not researching or writing fiction, Danielle freelances as a historical non-fiction author for young adults from her home in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves to hear from romance readers through her website and appreciates feedback and reviews. Her next adventure, The Story of Queen Victoria 200 Years After Her Birth, is coming 2018 with Atlantic Publishing.


   

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway:

Ends 5/17/18

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 27, 2018

Blog Tour: Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold

Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold

Book Description:

Lucy Abbot longs to return to the country estate where she spent the best days of her childhood with her cousins and their charming neighbor Nicholas. Her protective parents, however, have other plans for her. When she finally dares to escape, her carriage is besieged by highwaymen with a familiar man leading them. Could this mysterious outlaw be exactly the person Lucy has been searching for?

Rorie's Review:

I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading this book. I wasn't expecting the journey to Rosewood to take up so much of the story, but I'm glad it did, as that was probably my favorite part of the book. Lucy was hard to read - completely head-over-heels with Nicholas one minute, then not trusting him or wanting to get close to him the next. She kind of made me dizzy, to be honest. It was nice that she could see the good in him, but it would have been better if she had taken a step back and found out some answers to her many questions first.

After Lucy made it to Rosewood, her dreams of the perfect place she remembered from her childhood quickly turned into almost a nightmare. Nothing was as she remembered it, and she spent her days miserable and lonely. Throughout the book I kept wondering why she didn't just leave...although that would have made for a really short and not at all interesting story, so I'm glad she has more perseverance than I apparently do.

I like how the story ended, but the climax was a bit much. It seems like everything was just thrown at us all at once. There wasn't much of a build-up to it, something that would have made it less overwhelming.

I did enjoy how this book is a little bit of a companion novel to Lies and Letters, since that is one of my favorite books from this author. I hope that we'll see all of these characters again in future novels.

Andrea's Review:

I've really enjoyed the books I've read by Ashtyn Newbold, so I was very excited to read her latest novel, Road to Rosewood.

Lucy was quite entertaining to follow. She'd really been struggling, and wasn't getting the support she felt she needed. She thought she could only be happy again if she was able to go back to Rosewood, and it was a very bold move to set off on her own like she did. I suppose I could relate to her feeling that she'd be happy once she got to Rosewood, but life experience has taught me that true happiness has to come from within-not being in a certain place. And, the grass really does look greener on the other side.

Nicholas was a bit of a puzzle. As his story unfolds, you are able to understand him so much better. I'm not sure that I really connected with him. He definitely had good qualities, but his familial situation was somewhat over the top so it was hard to relate to him.

The pace of the story during the travel portion moved along fairly quickly, and then once Lucy arrived at Rosewood the story dragged a bit.

Road to Rosewood has a bit of a different feel from Newbold's other books. It's still clean with some good characters, but sadly it's not as captivating as her other novels. However, I would definitely read more from this author.

Tarah's Review:

I was pulled into this story right away, I mean, who writes stories about highway men with them being the main character? It's not something I've read before anyway. I was surprised at the reasonings and I had in my head a different way the story could have gone. When I got to this part I called my sister (who had read the book already) and presented what I thought was going to happen. She told me I was wrong, and that seriously made me sad. Honestly, I liked my version better.

All that being said, I liked the plot and the characters. I read it rather quickly, so not only was I pulled in right away, but my attention span was kept. It also made me want to go back and reread Newbold's previous novels. I liked how she brought those characters back into this story. If you haven't read the previous novels you'll be okay reading this one. It's a stand alone, but I like having the bigger picture laid out for me and reconnecting with old friends. If you are looking at reading some more of her work I would suggest Mischief and Manors. That was a fun read.

Tour Schedule:





April 28-Heidi Reads…

April 29-
April 30-Mel’s Shelves
May 5-
 About the Author:


Ashtyn Newbold was introduced to the Regency period early on, and the writing soon followed. Fascinated by the society, scenery, and chivalry, she wrote her first novel, Mischief and Manors, receiving a publishing offer before high school graduation. Ashtyn is currently attending college with plans to obtain a degree that will help her improve in writing and creativity. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, singing, spoiling her dog, spending time with friends and family, and dreaming of the day she’ll travel to England.




Road to Rosewood

Title:  Road to Rosewood
Author: Ashtyn Newbold
Publisher: Sweet Water Books
Published: April 2018
ISBN: 1462121829
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon 

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Blog Tour: Tripwire by Traci Hunter Abramson

Tripwire by Traci Hunter Abramson

Book Description:

Jane Napierski is back at work at the job she loves—being a personal assistant to her friend Sienna Blake, a rising star actress. The duo is on location in Virginia Beach to film Sienna's new TV series, along with costar Reed Forrester—the man with whom the world thinks Sienna is in love. Wrong.

Sienna's heart actually belongs to her fiancĂ©, Craig, a Navy Seal with the Saint Squad. Craig must fly under the radar if he is to keep Sienna safe from his world of terrorists and toxic bombs. And Reed has no problem pretending to date his old friend Sienna simply because it means he can spend time learning more about Jane. Making a TV series is grueling work but not nearly as difficult as the treacherous adventure that is about to begin with a simple photo taken in the wrong place at the wrong time—an image worth killing for.

When Craig returns to the United States to spend time with Sienna, he's not expecting to spend that time protecting her and Jane. Frightening incidents targeting the two women rapidly escalate, and as Craig and his Saint Squad investigate a tangled conspiracy, they find themselves tracking, here at home, the terrorists they have searched for across the globe. But can they shut the terrorists down in time to save Jane, Reed, and Sienna?

Rorie's Review:

While each of Traci's books are good as stand-alone novels, I really think it would be helpful to read each series from the start, just so you can get to know each of the characters. I have read a few of her books in the past, but not all of the Saint Squad series yet. It got a little confusing at times keeping all of the guys in the squad and their wives straight.

That being said, I really enjoyed this story. I'm going to go completely against what I normally feel and say that I do think there was a little too much time spent on the romance and not quite enough on the action part of it. Crazy, I know. I don't normally feel that way, but this story seemed to drag a bit in the middle and I kept wondering what happened to the bad guys and why they weren't showing up very much. When the climax happened near the end of the book though, it really had me on the edge of my seat. I find when I really get into intense scenes in stories, I tense up all of my muscles, like I'm getting ready to run or fight or...I don't really know. It's kind of amusing. At any rate, that definitely happened while I was reading this book.

Reed and Jane were great characters, but I found that I liked Craig and his part in the story more. I think one thing I like about the Saint Squad series is that all of them show up in each book, so you feel like you get to know them all even better than before.

Another thing I like about this book is that their religion is part of their lives. The author doesn't make a huge deal about it, but it is just there. They go to church, they pray together, things like that. I like that it isn't hidden in the background and only brought out on occasion.

I look forward to reading more from this author as well as going back and reading all of the Saint Squad novels.

Andrea's Review:

Tripwire is an entertaining story, with a suspenseful beginning and ending, and clean romance in between. I haven't read all of the books in Abramson's Saint Squad series, but enough of them to be familiar with the characters. If you enjoy this series, I think you'll like this latest addition.

I was intrigued by the suspenseful situation Jane and Sienna found themselves in at the beginning of Tripwire. As the story moved on, the focus shifted to the budding romance between Reed and Jane. The pace of the story slowed quite a bit during this, and I wondered where the suspense was. Thankfully, the action picked back up at the end.

I’ve never loved the name Saint Squad. I like the guys on the squad, and their wives and families, but the name drives me nuts. I do appreciate that the guys on the squad are good human beings though, and that their faith helps them get through their missions.

I don't see myself reading this one again, but would say it's worth the read if you have the time.

Tarah's Review:

I'm a huge Saint Squad fan, so I was really excited when I saw this book was coming out. Here's my hang-up with series that follow the same people though. I tend to think that once you got your story, the author needs to move on to a different character. Sure, bring them back as secondary characters and create that family feel, but honestly, I was a little disappointed in this story.  I wanted more from Reed and Jane, and instead Craig and Sienna got another story. I understand why they needed to be in the story, but I feel like Reed and Jane were a side-note, and I wanted them to be the main attraction. Because they were more of a side-note I felt like their romance wasn't as developed as much as it could have been. He's kissing her before they even go out on one single date. Where's the development? The tension? The...I don't know, anything but insta-romance.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the story, and have already read/listened to it twice. It's a great addition to the series. I was just hoping for the story to go places it wasn't taken.

Tour Dates:



Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/9149BKTg4gL.jpg
Title:  Tripwire
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: April 2018
ISBN: 1524405353
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Book Review: A Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon

 A Highlander's Hidden Heart
Book Description:

From the Timeless Romance Singles line comes the new novella A HIGHLANDER'S HIDDEN HEART by Julie Coulter Bellon:

Despite being the daughter of a duke, shy Elizabeth Barrington becomes a target for the cruel whisperings of the ton. She would rather stay at home with her sketchbook indefinitely than give them more to gossip about, but when a dashing new earl arrives, everything changes. His Scottish brogue and easy acceptance draw her in and she finds herself falling in love. Before she can act on her feelings, however, her father promises her to a man who hides his cruel behavior behind a mask of civility. With her future at stake, Elizabeth must make a choice—do her duty or choose a love that could cost her everything.

Alec Ramsay never expected to inherit an earldom or settle in England, but he leaves behind his life in the Scottish Highlands and comes to London. After meeting his new neighbor, the beautiful and soft-spoken Lady Elizabeth, Alec can’t wait to further their acquaintance. It doesn’t take long in her company, however, for Alec to see he’s in danger of losing his heart. But when long-held prejudices rear their ugly head, Alec is caught between doing what is right and his new role as an English gentleman. Has he finally found the love he’s waited his whole life for, only to lose her in the web of unfair judgments and proper English traditions? 


Rorie's Review:

This story drew me in quickly, which is a good thing since it was so short (as in, finish it in a few hours kind of short.)

First off, the British sure had a hard time getting along with their neighbors, didn't they? For whatever reason, being Scottish was almost the kiss of death to some English people in the Regency era. Thankfully, Elizabeth was not so narrow-minded as all that. From the moment she met Alec in a very unconventional way in London, the two of them had a great rapport, and enjoyed being in each other's company. Alec's mom was an enjoyable person to get to know as well. 

My only complaint with this story was how quickly everything was resolved. It almost seemed like the author ran out of room or time and turned the climax into a two-page "hurry up and get this over with" kind of story. I suppose that's kind of how things are with novellas, but I liked the rest of the story so much that I really would have liked that part to be extended more. 

Tarah's Review:

 Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a good quick short story. This novella hit the spot for me. No, it wasn't anything that will change my life, but it was an enjoyable read. I even see myself reading it again on occasion.

Alec and Elizabeth are well written I even enjoyed the dog in the story :) I was surprised by Elizabeth's parents and how they react to certain information. The bad guy was also written in such a way that I wanted to give him a good slap.

Without giving any spoilers, I will say my favorite part was when Alec went all Scottish. It made for an entertaining picture in my head.

A Highlander's Hidden Heart

Title: A Highlander's Hidden Heart

Author: Julie Coulter Bellon
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: April 2018
ISBN: 
Source: I received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Love in Bloom – Becky Monson

 
Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace by Becky Monson  

Speak Now is the latest hit from the author of the hit Spinster Series, Becky Monson. In this Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner (Bronze Medal) novel, Bridgette Reynolds needs to stop a wedding, but can she do it? 

If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup. 

Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance. 

Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all. 

Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace? 

 

After some channel surfing, and a vain attempt to catch up with The Young and the Restless (I couldn’t watch the Ian and Heather and Jessica drama—a bit too close to home), I decide to drag myself upstairs to Margie’s place where Gram and the girls are playing bridge. I need something to get my mind off everything. I doubt it will work, but it’s worth a try. 

“Is Gram here?” I ask Margie when she answers the door. 

“Sure is,” she says, opening the door wide. She ushers me in with a sweep of her hand. 

I walk into Margie’s apartment, which is set up a lot like Gram’s. And just as old-fashioned as well. But, like Gram’s place, it has a homey feel to it. I will say that there are doilies. Lots of doilies. 

“Look who’s here, ladies,” Margie says as we walk into the living room. 

Gram and two other ladies, Evelyn and Barbara, all turn to see who it is. Once they see me they all start talking in unison. Saying hello and asking me question after question. I try to field each query, but they keep talking over each other. 

“Well, Bridgette, what brings you here?” Gram asks, after the chatter has settled. She looks slightly concerned. She wasn’t expecting me. Likewise, I was not expecting to come up here, but here I am. 

“I thought I would come and see what you ladies are doing.” I knew they were playing cards, so that was kind of a dumb comment. “And also to check up on Gram,” I say, pointing to the wine glass sitting to her left. That was not something I was expecting to find, but I’m glad I did. 

She looks down at the glass and then back up at me, a sheepish just-been-caught look on her face. 

“Oh, that’s mine,” Evelyn declares, and I roll my eyes. Evelyn isn’t even sitting next to Gram. 

“Gram, you’ve got to be kidding. Does she drink every time she’s playing cards with you?” I ask, looking around the room. 

“Not all the time,” Barbara pipes in. “Just . . . most of the time.” 

 

"Speak Now grabbed me from the beginning! This is the perfect escape/beach read - light and fun, amusing with some tearful moments." -Reviewing in Chaos 

"By the end of the book I felt like Bridgette was a real life friend of mine and I was actually sad when the book ended." -Divine Books Blog 

"Can I give this book a 10? It was so fantastic!" -Taking Time for Mommy 

 
Author Becky Monson 

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. An award-winning* author, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.   

 

 

Giveaway Details 

Ends 5/16/18 

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