Friday, October 2, 2015

#Book #Review - Glorious by Bernice L. McFadden

GloriousGlorious by Bernice L. McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bernice McFadden writes the kind of fiction I enjoy--stories full of love, loss, and life. I found this book impossible to put down and felt the words on the pages come to life as I read. I am adding this book to my list of favorites and am so glad I spent a few hours with Easter and company. This book, for me, was more than a good read, it was an experience, an event. Highly recommend!

Adrienne Thompson
Author of Summertime (A Novella)

View all my reviews

Thursday, October 1, 2015

#Book Blast - The Plumber and Women Who Love Him: A BWWM Interracial Romance



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Presented by:

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Title: The Plumber and the Women Who Love Him
Vol or Book #: 1
Author: Mz. Jae
Audience: Adult 18+
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Women
Format: E-book and Paperback
Publisher: Cole Hart Presents
Editor: Karen Perkins, Lionheart Publishing LLC
Date Published: 09/29/2015






blurb

Sean Flynn is a man with an appetite for fine women. This key element happens to be his greatest downfall. Flynn has always been loved, even worshipped by women from all walks of life. He's had his share of wealthy southern belles, princesses, a spoiled heiress, sensual intellectual types and most recently, a powerful professional diva. Though having very little in common with these women that crave this blue collar, tattooed Irishman, Flynn's been able to secure their affections. In many ways, he is living a life that most men would sell their souls for. But don't be fooled. Being desired by the best of women comes at a price, especially when these women are meant to be untouchable. Of all the men in the world, only Sean Flynn has been capable of setting them straight, and laying the pipe just right.

After consistently finding himself in trouble with the law, even having served time for lack of control, Flynn looks to make a change. But since he's already set the stage for the wrong types of relations, how can he so easily walk away?

As Flynn continues down this self-destructive path, he finds solace in an unlikely savior, yet another woman. Judge Lauryn Lomax is thrust into his life. Though she's attached, connected and indebted to career criminals, Lauryn refuses to give up on this man she barely knows.
Flynn has never relied on luck, in fact, it's consistently played against his favor. But when the right woman comes along, one that is willing to brave hell for his sake even as her own life hangs in the balance, can he believe that all things are possible?
 


excerpt

“What should I call you?” I ask as he takes a seat directly in front of my desk. I remove my robe. After placing it one side, I half sit-half lean against the edge of the desk. My gaze rests on his hands, mainly the way his fists flex while he draws his fingers inward and out.
“Under normal circumstances,” I begin, unsure of why I'm so compelled to proceed, yet needing to make sure he is and will always be okay. Though it's a treat to have him come before my bench, it might not always be my bench and he certainly wouldn’t always be this lucky. “Under normal circumstances, you would call me Judge Lomax or Your Honor. For now however, I’d like to set aside all formalities. Call me Lauryn.”
I smirk when his eyebrows shoot up. And when his tongue trails out from between his lips, I stand up and walk off towards the window. With that move of his, I'm bound to straddle his lap and forget myself altogether.
“This is a dangerous game, Lauryn,” Flynn warns from out of left field. I face him, finding it necessary to secure several inches, maybe even feet between us. He's still seated, but instead of sitting on the edge leans back into the chair. “Are you looking to step into the dark side? If so, that’s not me. But Lauryn, you appear to be innocent enough-“
Innocent? I almost want to laugh. Sure I'm capable of presenting an air of innocence, but that's a whole other story. “I’m only looking to help you out, Mr-“
“Just Flynn, that’s all,” he scolds, then gives me permission to proceed with a nod.
“I’m only looking to help you get back on track, Flynn.” I pace amongst the sunlight from the window, then finally move to the shades, slowly sauntering closer to where he remains.
“Why Lauryn?” he squints, taking one leg, bending the knee and resting the ankle of his boots over the other side knee. He wreaks of arrogance, even in the simplistic gestures. Without actually asking, without any type of force, I feel a pull to do whatever it takes to set him straight. When he asks why, I honestly can't give an answer, only that it's a done deal.
How can I convince him that it's just something I'm compelled to do? Other than the fact that he's sparked areas in and throughout my body, I can't come up with a feasible explanation. For someone that had flown through grade school like it was a kiddie race, and tackled undergrad and law school before their peers could blink, I am at a loss. Moreover, this isn't a want. This is a need to do whatever it takes to help him. So instead of answering the question and breaking the silence, I reach around my desk for my card. When I return back around to face him, Flynn has finally gotten up from the chair. He's within breathing distance, by breathing I mean to the point where we're literally exchanging air directly.
Two inches…just two inches separate us.
Neither one of us move. For more than ten seconds, we exist not as judge and criminal, or Flynn and Lauryn. We're man and woman. My neck is strained as I look up into his gorgeous face. His pupils examine me with a hint of curiosity; as for mine, I can only imagine. My heartbeat pulsates everywhere, and all at once. He's large enough and wide enough to take me into his arms; while I'm presently weak enough to let him. I'm set to collapse at any moment..
“Are you okay?” Flynn asks, showing a gentler side.
And I consider playing the innocent, vulnerable damsel in distress. For a second I toy with the idea of having him carry me over to one of the sofas. Totally inappropriate. And then I get a vision of Dmitri. Oh yes, the man I'm supposed to marry. “I’m fine, Flynn. Here’s my card. Reach out on Friday, please."
He takes the card, and leaves without another word.
I rush to the door, bracing my forehead against it. With palms pressed against my chest, I try to soothe the scorching of raw desire. I scold my thudding heart and try to refocus on the man I had already swore to love for life.


about the author
Mz. Jae is a loving mother, sister, daughter and friend. She is devoted to feeding into others whenever possible. The author prides herself on being bold enough to write with conviction, yet unpretentious enough to respect the craft. She enjoys writing in several different genres, with an ultimate goal of simply providing literature that readers can escape with whenever need be.


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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Finding Gabriel #Book Blitz and #Giveaway!!




Historical Romance
Date Published: eBook - August 27, 2015 / Paperback - September 24, 2015

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Colonel Gabriel de Laurent departed for the war intending to die.

After a decade of bloodstained battlegrounds while fighting in Napoleon's army, Gabriel returns to the streets of Paris a shattered and haunted soul. Plagued by inner demons, he swallows the barrel of his flintlock pistol and pulls the trigger.

But fate has a different plan.

Ariah Larochelle is a survivor. Orphaned at twelve and victim to a devastating crime, she has learned to keep her back to walls and to trust no one. But when she finds a gravely injured soldier washed up on the River Seine, she's moved by compassion. In spite of her reservations, she rescues him from the icy water and brings him into her home.

Now scarred inside and out, Gabriel discovers a kindred spirit in Ariah—and feelings he imagined lost forever reawaken as he observes her strength in the face of adversity. But when Ariah's own lethal secrets unfold, their new love is threatened by ancient ghosts. Can Gabriel and Ariah find hope in the wreckage of their pasts—or will the cycle of history repeat again?

Perfect for fans of Gaelen Foley's Lord of Ice and Judith James's Broken Wing, Finding Gabriel features all the dark romance, searing passion, and historical intrigue of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.
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EXCERPT

“Look at me. Look at what you have saved.”

Gabriel released Ariah’s chin and tore away the bandage in a harsh movement. As his eyes bore into her own, pale moonlight fell upon the deformity, illuminating the twisted flesh and grotesque welts. The sight reminded her of a beautiful chateau . . . a stunning fortress situated along the coastline . . . one that had fallen into ruin and neglect. The skin was concave, destroyed, cavernous – a remnant of former glory. And the surrounding features – his burning eyes, the right side of his face, his powerful body – dwarfed the disfigurement with a striking beauty.

“Look at the monster you have created. Look upon my face, Ariah.”

She shivered at the sound of her name; slightly muffled from the injury to his mouth, it slid from his tongue with equal parts venom and hunger. “I was supposed to die that night . . .” The last of his words ended in a choked whisper. His face fell forward in despair until his forehead was pressed against her own. He was impossibly close. And he appeared every gram a flesh-and-blood warrior – coarse and ruthlessly untamed. Sweltering heat radiated from his body and engulfed all five of her senses. She was suffocating. Visions of that long-ago night echoed in her mind until she could perceive nothing else. Ariah gave a shallow cry as she struggled to free herself once more.

“Don’t. Don’t leave me. Please.”




About the Author


Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of eleven years. She enjoys writing dark, poignant romances that challenge the reader's emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.

Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been Rachel's passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mother would record them for her. She holds a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, she ensures every character is given a soul.

Rachel endeavors to defy conventions by blending elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.

Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.


Contact Links



Purchase Links




GIVEAWAY
 $5 Amazon gift card and 3 signed "The Frost of Springtime bookmark


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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

#Book Blast and #Giveaway - Captured

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Author is giving away One (1) autograph copies of Captured, a magnet and a bookmark.



Book Title: Captured 
ASIN: B015DTKUX4 
Publication Date: September 22, 2015 
Genre: Christian Fiction/Romantic Suspense 
Author: Terri Haynes



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FBI agent Will Anderson is working his last human trafficking case before he leaves his painful past. Social activist Savannah Elliott thinks she has escaped hers by helping human trafficking victims regain their freedom. When a case unites them, can they overcome their scars and find love.




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 Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives. Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly. Terri holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, a Master's degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill of their favorite characters.



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Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com
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Contest ends: October 9, 2015 11:59 pm Open: Internationally Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Terri J. Haynes and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com 

Monday, September 28, 2015

#MondayMotivation

“It is by sitting down to write every morning that one becomes a writer.”
—Gerald Brenan

Friday, September 25, 2015

#Book Tour - I’M LOSING YOU by Chicki Brown



BLURB:

Dr. Vic Stafford has an enviable career, a gorgeous wife, and two handsome, well-behaved sons. He travels extensively without his family, but after twelve years of marriage, former beauty queen wife, Ramona has become cold and distant. He suspects all isn’t as it seems and sets out to discover what is behind her attitude change.

Ramona Stafford has lived a privileged life since her marriage to Vic. She spends her time doing charity work and making her husband, who is now the chief of surgery at the largest hospital in the south, look good. Mona has everything most women would kill for, but it’s not enough. She wants more, and Vic seems unable to give it to her.



PURCHASE LINK:




EXCERPT:


A few days later, Vic sat behind his desk engrossed in preparing for a meeting with the staff surgeons when Marv knocked on his door.
“Have you seen this?” he asked, holding a magazine.
He looked up. “No. What is it?”
“This month’s issue of Jezebel.”
“Not exactly my preferred reading, man, but Mona reads it sometimes.”
“I don’t think she’s anxious to show you this issue.”
Vic removed his glasses and closed the file he was reading. “Why?”
Marv crossed the office and put the open magazine atop the folder in the center of the desk. “Do you know this guy?”
He glanced down at the picture of a tall, dark-skinned man with his arm around Mona’s waist. In another shot, the man, who appeared to be in his twenties, was leaning against her so their shoulders touched, and he appeared to be whispering in her ear. Vic studied the photos, and it took a few moments for him to come up with a response. After he swallowed and took a deep breath, he closed the magazine and slid it back toward his friend as though he wasn’t in the least bit curious. “Nah, never seen him before, but Mona knows a lot of people I don’t, because she goes to so many of these events.” He gritted his teeth and kept his expression blank.
Who the hell is this guy with his hands on my wife? Vic wanted to hit something, but kept his fists balled up beneath the desk. Obviously, Mona and her companion hadn’t posed for these shots. The photographer had captured them unaware for these candid moments. He gritted his teeth and smiled at his friend and colleague. “I’ll need to swing by the store on the way home and pick up a copy for her.”
Marv picked up the magazine and frowned as though Vic had sprouted a third eye. “Okay, I’m headed out for lunch. Can you afford to leave for an hour?”


****Chicki Brown will gift an electronic copy of this book to one person who leaves a comment below. Be sure to include your email address!!!***



AUTHOR CONTACT INFORMATION:


Amazon Central Author Page: http://amzn.to/l2kjXQ 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

#Book #Review - When Women Become Business Owners

When Women Become Business Owners (A Stepping Into Victory Compilation, #1)When Women Become Business Owners by Tyora Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was fortunate enough to receive this book as a prize during an online event and I am so very thankful that I did! This wonderful book is chock-full of wisdom, information, and inspiration. It was motivational and in many ways a feel-good read. As a woman and an entrepreneur, it was truly a blessing for me to read the words of like-minded women. If you are a business owner, an aspiring business owner, or a dreamer in general, BUY THIS BOOK!! You will not be disappointed!! I have already recommended it to several women and pray that they will grab a copy and be blessed as I was.

Adrienne Thompson
Author of Seven Days of Change (A Flash Devotional)

View all my reviews