Sunday, February 22, 2015

#NewRelease Dariel Raye with giveaway




“Dai’s Dark Valentine” by Dariel Raye
Blurb
What happens when a sheltered cat-shifter and a dark fey come together?

Three-hundred years is a long time, but left to its own devices, what began as the vendetta of one man can grow to encompass even more formidable hatred.

Daitre Salons is a beautiful but naïve heiress whose true heritage has been kept secret even from her. Now, her abilities are emerging and her father’s enemies want her dead, but what bothers her most is that her new husband “in name only” insists on treating her like a child.

Joban Beaucoup, professional guard to the Salons family, and dark fey (alternate spelling from Vodouin origin), has chosen to leave the quaint yet suffocating French town of his orphan-childhood and venture to the Americas, but he needs one thing he cannot concoct, despite his magical abilities – a wife.

When Joban agrees to marry Daitre and take her to the Americas with him, he carries her three-thousand miles away, then whisks her three-hundred years into the future to assure her safety, but while Daitre struggles to adjust to this strange new world, manage her newfound powers, and make peace with her feelings for Joban, Joban learns that even here, their enemies have followed them, now more deadly than ever.

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Kobo




Excerpt

Daitre stepped into the bedroom bath and dashed cold water on her face to keep from crying, Auriel’s words running through her mind. The fear of being captured, poked and prodded by her father’s enemies haunted her.

She hit the light switch, stepping out of the bathroom with every intention of going straight to her bed for a much needed nap, but as she passed his make-shift bed, she couldn’t help stopping. Daitre sat, tentative at first, but the deafening silence in the room urged her on.

She lifted his pillow to her face and rested her cheek against it, his cinnamon and woods scent prompting her to inhale deeply, eyes closed. The mere scent of him triggered a reaction in her body, causing her to stretch, savoring the pleasant tingle zinging straight to her clit and flashing outward again, a delicious warmth infusing her body - arousal.

She dropped the pillow and jumped up, eyes wide. Joban stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable until his mouth covered hers. She knew he’d used his time-bending ability because she hadn’t seen him move. One moment he watched her embarrassing display from the doorway, the next he was on her, his huge arms wrapped around her waist, lips claiming hers.

Her mind raced but her body responded on instinct, clinging to him, writhing to be free of every and anything separating her from him. As if he heard her plea, Joban released her long enough to respond in his usual dictatorial manner.

“Take these off.” He used his eyes to stress his meaning, stoking her fire with a head to toe gaze, stormy gray depths offering a glimpse of yet another side of him she longed to explore further.



About the Author  

Dariel Raye writes powerful IR/MC (Interracial/Multi-cultural) paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy with alpha male heroes to die for, and strong heroines with hearts worth winning. Her stories tell of shifters, vamps, angels, demons, and fey (the Vodouin variety).
For more about Dariel, follow her blog or website. She also publishes a new
release newsletter and daily newspaper. You can contact her on TwitterFacebook,  Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Stay with us for the entire launch tour. Click the link below to join the Facebook party and view the tour calendar!






Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 20, 2015

#BookReview - Fear of Striking Out - Romance

TITLE: Fear of Striking Out
AUTHOR: Lyssa Layne
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RATING: 5 stars


Shortstop Tate James has been traded from the all-American town of Milwaukee to the trendy City of Angels. 

Pink hair, manscaping, dogs in purses... not his thing. This ball player is less than excited about his new hometown. That is until he crosses paths with beautiful Mia Tomko. She lets him know that not all L.A. women are just after fame and fortune.

As Tate and Mia find that their interest in each other isn't the only thing they have in common, neither are prepared for what their future holds. 

When someone from both of their pasts arrives, will it tear them apart or make them closer?

~~My Review~~

I was happy to get to read the continuation of Layne’s baseball books. I think this second book is even better than the first. Mia and Tate are a couple I really enjoyed reading. While Mia is running from a bad past and Tate should be focused on his position on the new team, there is something that keeps drawing them together. Even with the long distances that separate them at times, this slow burn romance makes you want things to work out for the pair.

One thing that impressed me the most was Mia and how strong she really was. Sure, she’d had a rough life and a past that is hard to handle, but she is a strong heroine and someone to admire.

It was also nice to have Collie and Grant get in on some of the action in this book, like revisiting old friends.

This author continues to improve and I enjoyed this story.

~~Book Links~~

Thursday, February 19, 2015

#NewRelease - Fear of Striking Out

TITLE: Fear of Striking Out
AUTHOR: Lyssa Layne
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: February 19, 2015
COVER DESIGN: E.J. Kellan
LENGTH: 54,000+
CONTENT WARNING: Adult Content

Synopsis

Shortstop Tate James has been traded from the all-American town of Milwaukee to the trendy City of Angels. 

Pink hair, manscaping, dogs in purses... not his thing. This ball player is less than excited about his new hometown. That is until he crosses paths with beautiful Mia Tomko. She lets him know that not all L.A. women are just after fame and fortune.

As Tate and Mia find that their interest in each other isn't the only thing they have in common, neither are prepared for what their future holds. 

When someone from both of their pasts arrives, will it tear them apart or make them closer?

Book Links


Excerpt


Waves crash in the darkness of the night. The moon peeks behind a few clouds as I lean against Mia’s deck sipping whiskey. Once again, the thought of moving to L.A. doesn’t seem so bad, especially when I feel her hand slide over my back pockets. Her breath is warm on my ear as both hands run over my backside. I feel her smile against my cheek. She lightly kisses it and whispers while she gives me a squeeze, “I can’t wait to see you in baseball pants this season.”

Laughing, I turn around to face her and pull her body against mine. She moves her arms around my neck and we exchange a powerful kiss. My whole body shakes inside and I don’t ever want to stop kissing her. What is this woman doing to me? I’m not the kind of man that wants to settle down. Back in Milwaukee, I had a few lady friends that I would get together with from time to time, but I’ve never seen a woman the way I see Mia Tomko. She breaks the kiss, but I don’t let go.

“Good, you started the fire,” she says nodding toward the fire pit. “I brought out the fixings for s’mores; hope you like them.”

Chuckling, I nod my head as I let go of her and she walks over to the table. “They’re actually my favorite.”

I watch her open the box of graham crackers. Damn, even in torn-up jeans and a baggy Stanford sweatshirt she looks good. Reaching for another bag to busy myself, I stop and look at Mia. “Reese’s?”

She nods with a grin. “Trust me, it’s way better than a Hershey bar. It’s pure ecstasy.”

Leaning forward, I kiss her neck, making her giggle. “Nah, I think this is pure ecstasy.”

Walking to the fire pit with roasters in hand, I stand behind her so I can nibble on her neck as we toast the ‘mallows. She tilts her head, giving me full access to her soft skin. A few turns of the roaster and she holds the s’more in front of my mouth. My teeth clamp down over the treat as I lock eyes with her. “Mmm… ” I moan. She’s right, the Reese’s are delicious.

Grinning, she pulls the s’more back and takes a bite herself. Chocolate smears on her lip. I lean forward and run my tongue over it then close my mouth and suck her lip to get every last bit off. As she slips her tongue over mine, I can feel myself start to get hard and I moan into her mouth. Mumbling with my lips still against hers, I utter, “You’re right… ecstasy.”

Additional Books
If you love Fear of Striking Out then you don't want to miss Tate & Mia's friends story in The Right Pitch.

About the Author


Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor. 

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

Author Links


Facebook Party

You won't want to miss the Fear of Striking Out Release Day Party on Facebook tonight from 7-10PM CT. There will be giveaways, games, and tons of fun! Hosts include: Beth Jones, Traci Hayden, William Scott, Linda Armstrong, Toshia Slade, and of course, Lyssa Layne! See you there!

Giveaway

Be sure to enter this Rafflecopter for a chance to win an ebook from Lyssa Layne, jewelry from Baseball Wishes, and a free cover from E.J. Kellan! Rafflecopter will be open until 2/22/15.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

#BookReview - Playing Without Rules

3677102_6x9-without-rules copy
Book Blurb
A ballplayer's girlfriend hides his daughter from him because she fears he's like his abusive father. Marcia Powers wants nothing to do with ballplayer Brock Carter, especially after she told him to go away and pursue his dreams. She has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister. Brock Carter's back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he's not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret. Brock's already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?

Playing Without Rules is available on Amazon (Read Free with Kindle Unlimited)

My Review
Wonderful, heart-tugging story of second chances, romance, mistakes, and family love. Marcia is a wonderful mother who would do anything to protect her daughter, including keeping her from the man Marcia is not so sure she can trust. Brock has had a rough life. All he’s ever longed for is a family, but he’s afraid of what he might be capable of as well, so it’s easier to just deny himself love and a complete life.


Whether fighting or loving, the chemistry between these two is great! Brock is a real man’s man, but also has a sweet side that will have you swooning! I like that he’s not perfect, he has issues and makes mistakes. But under it all, he really does want to make the right choices and be the man who deserves Marcia’s love.

Marcia is hardworking and passionate about her family. The only problem is, her heart has never stopped loving Brock after their breakup five years earlier. I could feel her pain and anguish as she tried to do what was best for all involved, sometimes doing the complete wrong thing out of a misplaced sense of duty for her daughter.

Hard issues of domestic violence and what survivors deal with in the aftermath are also addressed in this story. It isn’t so much fluff and light subject, but it is a story that shows the best things in life are worth working for. Great book! 5 stars

Author Info
Clare_Ayala
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope. Subscribe to her mailing list for upcoming books and giveaways: http://eepurl.com/lR5kv and find her books at online retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple iBookstore, and more. Fiction: Michal’s Window, Broken Build, Hidden Under Her Heart, Chance for Love Boxed Set, Knowing Vera, Taming Romeo, Whole Latte Love, Played by Love, Playing the Rookie, A Father for Christmas, Claiming Carlos, Roaring Hot, Playing Without Rules, Christmas Stray (upcoming)

Want to Contact Rachelle? Facebook Reader’s Club *~* Aim to Love Romances Website *~* Blog *~* Google+ *~* Facebook *~* Twitter *~* Goodreads *~* Pinterest 

Review Tour Schedule
Tour Participant Blog Name Tour Date
Amber McCallister http://thewonderingsofoneperson.wordpress.com Tuesday, February 17
Lyssa Layne http://www.authorlyssalayne.blogspot.com Tuesday, February 17
Shandi K Dews http://mamadewsreviews.blogspot.com Wednesday, February 18
Chantel Rhondeau http://www.chantelrhondeau.com Wednesday, February 18
Jamie Fredrickson http://www.youhadmeatfreebook.blogspot.com Thursday, February 19
Cheryl Bavaro http://bavarofamilyreviews.blogspot.com Friday, February 20
Debbie Rosa http://adivareviews.com Saturday, February 21
Liza Cochico http://mlizcochico.blogspot.com/ Sunday, February 22
Raquel Leite http://readingssunshine.wordpress.com Monday, February 23
Kaitlyn Sigler http://kaitmar.blogspot.com/ Tuesday, February 24
Nadene Reynolds http://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com Wednesday, February 25
Paige Boggs http://electivelypaige.com Thursday, February 26
Jessica Cali http://calibookreviews.com Friday, February 27
Krista Bainbridge http://www.savorysavings.com Saturday, February 28
Jessica Cassidy http://www.jessicacassidy.com Sunday, March 01
Marie Dee http://www.marieclara.com Monday, March 02
Rachelle Ayala http://www.rachelleayala.com/ Monday, March 02

Tour Giveaway Rachelle Ayala is generously giving away a $10 gift card (Paypal or Amazon) and a key chain (US and Canada only). a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, February 14, 2015

#NewRelease for Valentine's Day - The Promise of Tomorrow

Title: The Promise of Tomorrow
Author: Sandy Loyd
Genre: Contemporary, Military, Valentine's Romance

War is hell, especially for those left behind. When an IED explosion devastates the lives of Roberto ‘Cam’ Camareno and Nicole Murphy, both believe their promise of tomorrow has been shattered.

Field medic Cam helplessly watches his fatally wounded friend die in his arms, wishing he could take his place. Cam is the one who should have died, not his friend with a fiancée waiting back home. Instead of getting his wish, Cam promises to watch over Nicole. How on earth can he do that when survivor guilt paralyzes him?

After losing the love of her life and having her future blown away with his death, Nicole fears her broken heart will never heal. Even now, a year later, she still grieves. Then she meets Cam and her life changes for the better. Love has the ability to heal, but only if the heart is open to accepting love.

As these two struggle to come to grips with the past, can they find the promise of tomorrow with each other?

Buy it now on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SLI8492


~~About the Author~~
Award-winning author Sandy Loyd is an empty-nester residing in Kentucky with her husband, two cats and Labrador retriever. Besides writing fun stories, Sandy loves to travel and spend her free time at a cabin on the lake. The peaceful setting is the perfect place to write. 


Website: www.sandyloyd.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sloydwrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sloydwrites

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

#CoverReveal - Fallen Idol




Title: Fallen Idol 
Series: Love and Music in Texas
Book number: 4
Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense 
Release Date: March 31, 2015



Blurb: 

What goes up must come down... 

Kyra Sanders had a promising career in country music in her teen years. She gained popularity and fame, riding high atop the the charts. Then one deadly accident changed things, sending her spiraling downward to the point she went into a hiatus from music. 

Six years later, Kyra's making her return to the music scene. With an album in the works and a new song on the radio, her career is back on track, until a call from Texas with news of an accident forces her to halt her plans. 

Matt Greer is working through the aftermath of his ex-wife's abandonment when she chose to leave him and their fourteen year old son to pursue her own musical dreams. He's had enough of troubled musicians and the havoc they bring to his life Kyra surprises him in a good way, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with a singer who comes to town with trouble on her trail. 

It's hard to avoid each other in a small town, especially when their families are close. Matt should stay away from the woman who could lead danger right to their town, and it's possible she already has, but he can't help how drawn he becomes to her. 

The sparks ignite, but danger lurks in the distance, only getting closer as time goes on. For two people who want different things out of life, it's possible to find healing together...


This is the fourth book in the Love and Music in Texas series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. 


Preorder on Amazon for a special Intro price of 99 cents. Fallen Idol will go up to regular price of $3.99 one week after release. 







Fallen Idol stands on its on, but you can get can begin the series with Baby Stetson. It's currently free on all outlets.  









About the Author:



I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

Places to find me on the web:
wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com

FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark

Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/

Nikki's Book Stormers: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/

Twitter: @Stormgoddess925

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett


Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com
I love to hear from readers!

Monday, February 2, 2015

2015 Writing madness... Yep, I'm crazy!

Hello readers! 

I know it's been an awful long time since I blogged anything personal or, well, my blog has been really neglected lately even with posting new releases and such. I've been so busy, I'm not sure I know which end is up most days. 

2014 was an excellent year for me, personally and professionally. I wrote more than I thought possible, participated in three boxed sets, and sales have been picking up! On the personal side, my kids are both doing great! My son graduated from college and is now on the hunt for a job as a police officer. My daughter took a break from school and has a fantastic job right now and her own apartment. When her lease is up this summer, she's going to move out of state and head back to college. Yes, I'm a proud mama. Love those kids. This month, I'm finally marrying my love. We decided 16-1/2 years together was long enough, and it was time to tie the knot! It'll be a small ceremony, but I'm really excited. 

As far as writing... I don't know what I'm thinking. Last year, I joined a class by Author Rachelle Ayala on writing a romance in a month. A month before the class started, I had a dream about the characters of Murderous Lies, and knew I had to write it before the class. So, I wrote it that month. Then the class started, and I completed my first contemporary romance, Happy Endings (McCallister's Paradise - 1). I want to publish the first three books of this series all at the same time, so I put them on the back burner (releasing April 7th and available for preorder now). Then, I was invited into all the boxed sets. Thankfully, one was for an already-written book for Killer Romances, but then I had to write a Christmas story (Season For Love in Romancing Christmas set) and a hot hero story (Blazing Love in Heroes To Swoon For set) all before the end of the year. That was hectic, and I thought probably plenty, but this year I've really challenged myself. Here's my schedule: 

McCallister’s Paradise 2-5 need written (finish by May)



Diving Into Love - Book (finished last week)
For Love or Charity - Book 3 (current WIP)
Love's Ride - Book 4
Cooking Up Love - Book 5







Then, I have all these boxed sets I planned to go into for 2015:
Dangerous Encounters – Putting in Murderous Lies (already published)
Score One for Love – Serving Up Love - August publication













Sweet Christmas Pet boxed set – Unexpected Gift September publication













Steamy Christmas Set – Loving Lucy - October publication












As if that weren't enough, I decided to join one more set, one about heroes (cops, fireman, etc.) and To Serve and Protect set will be coming out either the end of the year or early next year. Luckily, if I don't have time to write another book for this set, they said I can include Crime & Passion, since Donovan is an awesome police officer, but I'd really like to revisit my people from Blazing Love and write Frankie Hernandez's story.

What else am I hoping to accomplish but have made no promises to anyone about?  Here is what I'll work on to close out the year: 

Love & Compromise (Agents in Love - Book 3)
Start on Lovers in Paradise 5-book series 

Basically, I want to write a book a month. Luckily, some of those are novellas, which will help, but I'm pretty sure I've lost my mind! Here's to a productive, happy year. I hope you all have big goals too! Aim high, and let's do everything we can this year!!

All my best!!

~~Chantel~~