Review: A Grand Murder by Stacy Verdick Case

(A full length cozy mystery from Before the Fall Books)



When a prominent local businessman and friend of the chief of police is murdered on the front steps of his posh Grand Avenue Hill home, Catherine O'Brien a pithy, vertically challenged, St. Paul, Minnesota, homicide detective with a monstrous coffee habit and her partner Louise are given two days to find his killer.

They soon discover their victim had a list of people with motives to murder him, including his fashion designer ex-wife, his mistress’s husband, and the chief of police. The only evidence they have to go on is a missing cell phone, a stolen book, the victim’s letter opener, and an ugly pair of Alpaca wool mittens.



Catherine O'Brien, described as vertically-challenged and perpetually disheveled, is partnered with Louise Montgomery, a tall black woman who is always impeccably dressed—even after being up all night. This first book in a new series about this unlikely pairing begins when they have already been partnered for three years and have grown into friends. Catherine is short, but feisty; and as the first-person POV character in this story, we see all the action through her eyes. She's also very grumpy when she hasn't had enough sleep or coffee—which is how we first meet her. She's snarky and funny at the same time.

I don't want to give away an spoilers, but the mystery unfortunately was the weakest part of the book for me. The relationship of the characters was the strongest, and they were well-developed and interesting. That was the draw for me -- I really liked them and wanted to really like the book.

The big issue was one of editing. There were many places where phrases were repeated multiple times in the same paragraph, apostrophe s used for plural, misspelling, areas where the secondary characters' actions were not consistent, etc. The basic problems a professional editing should have picked up are the biggest reason I can only give this book only a three.

For a first book, it holds promise. This author is skilled and certainly creates memorable characters. As I said, I enjoyed the relationship between the characters; the story itself reads like a show you would see on television—I could see this plot carried out a la Cagney and Lacey. I'm certainly not sorry I read it, and look forward to seeing more from this author.

3/5 Flowers



FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Virtual Book Tour Review and Giveaway: Soul Mate by McKinzie S. Heart

(A short, historical erotic romance published by Rogue Phoenix Press)



This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. McKinzie is giving away a $20 Amazon GC to one lucky commenter during her tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!


It is 1882 Midwest North America and fiery Scottish lass Katlyn MacKenzie has inadvertently found herself working in a local saloon after her father’s death.

Handsome cowboy James Granger wants Kate more than he’s wanted any woman before so he is determined to make her his come hell or high-water. She is tempted by his heated, experienced touch but will she succumb to his charms or will another stake his claim? For, in steps a strange suitor that will not be denied in his own quest for Kate’s heart, body, and soul. His scorching kiss competes with James’s touch while they both pursue her. But who will she choose? Because though one offers passionate life and the other offers blissful death, only her Soul Mate can claim her.



I wasn't sure what to expect when reading this book ... or who to root for as the hero! It's hard to say much about the plot itself without giving away spoilers, so let me just state that McKinzie S. Heart has a fascinating idea here, unique and interesting. I'm an avid reader and can honestly say I've never read this particular plot before.

Though this is marketed as erotic romance, the sex is pretty vanilla. It's frequent and hot, but nothing outside the norm (unless you count outdoor sex and sex against a gravestone...), though interestingly enough in this story, the sex is absolutely required. There would be no story without it.

My only complaint is that things felt terribly rushed. I really appreciated the clever plot, so was frustrated at the breathless pace we were pushed through the story. I would have liked more information about the heroine's "sensitive" nature, would loved to have met the hero prior to his, hmmm... unfortunate circumstances. I just think it could have been so much deeper and complete with more pages. It might be a reflection of my interest in the storyline that I wanted more!

I did love the ending, though, as it was a HEA for all concerned and well executed. If this is a clue into the breadth of imagination of the author, then I'll be on the lookout for more!

For a unique and hot romance with a twist you wouldn't expect, I'd recommend Soul Mate, especially if you're short on time and want a quick snack instead of an entire meal.

3/5 Flowers



McKinzie S. Heart is a prolific author whose area of particular interest is in erotic romance delving in a variety of sub-genres. She's had various works published with The Reader's Retreat and later, became Senior Editor of The Reader's Retreat from 2004 to 2006. She also co-owned an ebook website. She's won numerous awards in the Writing.com community for pieces ranging from children's to adult works. Additionally, in 2008, her book Dark Moon Harvest won an award for Best Cover Art.

Soul Mate is published with Rogue Phoenix Press. Elemental Seduction #1 – The Dance and Elemental Seduction #2 – Requited by Fire are two books in an anthology of four published with Silver Publishing. Dark Moon Harvest is in rewrite. Her readers claim that her adult works are "wickedly entertaining" and that "I couldn't put the story down until I read the whole thing!" She hopes that you, too, enjoy one of her stories today!

Website: www.wix.com/mckinziesheart/mckinzie-s-heart
Facebook: McKinzie S. Heart
Twitter: twitter.com/McKinziesheart
Blog: http://www.Writing.Com/authors/mckinziesheart/blog
Email: mckinzies.heart@yahoo.com

FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest opinion.

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway with Theresa Meyers

Today we're welcoming author Theresa Meyers to the blog on her tour with Bewitching Book Tours for her Steampunk Romance, "The Slayer".
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The author is giving away an Advanced Reader Copy of her second book in her Legend Chronicles steampunk romance series, THE SLAYER, along with an autographed cover flat and an antique china cup (cups will vary) accompanied by an assortment of teas and decadent Bliss chocolate!

Just enter to win by using the Rafflecopter widget below her post -- sorry folks, the widget isn't working. Go HERE to enter. Good luck! And, now, I'll turn the blog over to our guest. Take it away!



Why Rain Makes the Best Writers
By Theresa Meyers

Since I’m here today at It’s Raining Books, I thought it only appropriate to talk about why rain makes the best writers. I live in Washington, so we get plenty of opportunity to test the theory. But if you look at the writer’s groups locally, there’s a plethora of fantastic writers. I blame the rain. Seriously.

When I lived in Arizona, there were days you looked out at the cloudless blue sky in the morning and wished for some kind of cloud or weather disturbance, just to break the monotony. Having spent a good part of my teens in the Pacific Northwest, I had this inexplicable urge to be working outside whenever the sun was out. It’ was like a mandate from Mother Nature, which conversely meant that I didn’t get a whole lot of writing done unless it was pen on paper and I detest writing in long-hand because I can’t keep up with my own story in my head. Now it might have been having two teeny people in diapers and nursing at the same time, but I like to think I could have worked on stories even then.

But when we moved back to the Pacific Northwest after about a decade a wonderful thing happened: rainy days. When it’s raining outside, there is no compulsion to get out of your desk chair, away from your computer and work outside. You know it’s ridiculous so you don’t even try. It’s far more tempting to settle in with a nice hot cup of tea at the keyboard and let the imagination soar.

That’s one reason I think rain makes better writers.

The second is because once you’re housebound, you don’t have much choice but to deal with the stir-crazy stories in your head. Writers are a little different than most people. One of the questions I often get, especially when I talk to groups of young writers, is “Where do you get your ideas from?” I try to explain that it’s not so much a process of going out and searching for the ideas as siphoning them off of my brain so that my head doesn’t explode with the sheer volume of them crowded up in my cranium. Writers see stories everywhere. They materialize just when we’re the busiest, on deadline, trying to juggle dinner, homework and the checkbook, or when we are doing the most mundane things like washing dishes or walking the dog.

That’s why I think the rain helps. In Arizona, when the rain comes it pours down in buckets and sheets like someone unzipped the sky and let it all drain out in one big slosh of water. In Washington, it’s more of this constant. It might be a drizzle that you feel like an idiot taking out an umbrella for, but you’ll get soaked if you don’t. Or it might be this steady pelting that goes on for months. But because it is somewhat of a constant (except for those glorious few weeks of summer and a few nice days in mid-winter) it becomes mundane, like walking the dog. It somehow lulls the brain into a state of creativity.

Of course, it’s also far easier to imagine the Victorian streets in their misty haze, when our weather in Washington isn’t much different than London’s. Which makes writing steampunk, like my latest release THE SLAYER, so much easier. It’s not like I had to go that far to know what being soaked to the skin in a hazy drizzle feels like.

The third reason rain makes better writers is because of the old saying “April showers bring May flowers.” The rain allows us to be creative for long stretches, but it also allows us to appreciate so much more the end result. It’s like a sunny day here in Washington. When it comes, you revel in it. Those spots and momentary celebrations are exactly how a writer’s life goes. Work for long stretches, more of it dreary than not, and in the end you get a brief moment of euphoria. It’s enough to keep you going because that moment is so brilliant and bright.

So say what you will, but I think the rain makes us better writers.

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million IndieBound
ebook: Kindle

Brothers Winchester, Remington and Colt know the legends—they were trained from childhood to destroy demon predators, wielding the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It’s a devil of a job. But sometimes your fate chooses you...

CHASING TROUBLE

Winn Jackson isn’t interested in hunting nightmares across the Wild West—even if it’s the family business. Unlike his rakehell brothers, Winn believes in rules. As sheriff of Bodie, California, he only shoots actual law breakers. That’s what he’s doing when he rescues the Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter, a lady with all the elegance of the Old World—grace, beauty and class. And then he sees her fangs.

Alexandra isn’t just some bloodsucking damsel in distress, though. She’s on a mission to save her people—and she’s dead certain that Winn’s family legacy is the only way. Luckily, aside from grace and class, she also has a stubborn streak a mile wide. So like it or not, Winn is going to come back with her to the mountains of Transylvania, and while he’s at it, change his opinions about vampires, demon-hunting, and who exactly deserves shooting. And if she has her way, he’s going to do his darnedest to save the world.

About Theresa Meyers:

Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993.

In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, three cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd puppy, several rabbits, a dozen chickens and an out-of-control herb garden.

You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook, at her Web site or blogging with the other Lolitas of STEAMED!

http://www.theresameyers.com/

http://www.theresameyers.com/blog/

http://twitter.com/Theresa_Meyers

http://www.facebook.com/TheresaMeyersAuthor

http://www.ageofsteam.wordpress.com/

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Karen Mueller Bryson

Today we're welcoming author Karen Mueller Bryson to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her contemporary romantic comedies, "One Last Class" and "Twyla's Last Trip" (we reviewed this last one here).

The author is giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Karen was kind enough to answer all my questions... thanks, Karen!

I would imagine writing romantic comedy can be difficult. Why did you choose the genre?

I write in several different genres but romantic comedy is one of my favorites and it seems to come most naturally to me. I like entertaining people and making them laugh. I also enjoy creating humorous characters and placing them in funny situations. I also try to find the humor in most life situations, when possible.

Do you have any habits or rituals to get you in the mood to write?

Because I work full time as a university professor, I use most of my free time for writing. I don’t often have the luxury of writing rituals to “get me in the mood.” I have to use what little time I have to put words on the page! One thing I must have when writing is silence. I don’t like listening to music when I write and I don’t like to be distracted by any noise, if possible.

Do you have any interesting writing quirks?

My best ideas for stories and characters usually come when I’m in the shower or in the car and I don’t have the ability to write my ideas down! I have to memorize them until I’m out of the shower or I pull over (when driving). I’m always grateful for ideas whenever they come but they never seem to come that quickly and easily when I have a pad and pen handy.

What's a typical day for you?

I have an unusual work schedule at my full time job, so days are not typical. When I teach in the evenings, I try to spend time in the morning writing and marketing my work. When I’m not teaching at night, I do my writing and marketing in the evenings. I generally get more writing done on the weekends, when I have blocks of free time available to write.

Who is your favorite character in literature? Why?

I have two literary favorites, Alice (from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) and Dorothy (from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz). Both are strong female characters, who have become cultural icons, and both take journeys in which they meet a host of interesting characters. My first two romantic comedies, Hey Dorothy You’re Not in Kansas Anymore and Where is Wonderland Anyway, were inspired by Dorothy’s and Alice’s incredible adventures.

Anything new coming up you'd like to share?

My company, Short on Time Books, fast-paced and fun novels for readers on the go, will be releasing its first Young Adult romantic comedy called Retro Geeks, and I’m incredibly excited about it! I have also been hired to write a biography of sports legend, Cindy McCoy, who was a Rookie Roller Derby Queen. That’s what’s on my plate for the next few months!

Anything you'd like to ask our readers?

I would love to know what some of their favorite romantic comedies are and why they like them so much.

In the romantic comedy, Twyla’s Last Trip, twenty eight-year old, Lucinda Starr is an uptight research psychologist, whose deadline to complete her doctoral dissertation is completely derailed by her estranged mother, Twyla Starr's sudden death. Lucinda must take her mother's ashes on a road trip on Route 66, in order to fulfill the requirements of her will and inherit her fortune. To make matters worse, Lucinda finds herself forced to travel across the country with her mother's easygoing country lawyer, T.J. Yates, who drives her crazy, and his drooling bloodhound, Dakota, who Lucinda finds revolting.

In the romantic comedy, One Last Class, thirty-two year old, Zak Spencer, is a washed-up teen idol, who decides to rebuild his life by returning to college in Arizona. Trouble ensues when Zak falls in love with the young professor, Amy Campbell, who teaches the one class he needs to complete his degree.

Karen Mueller Bryson is an award-winning screenwriter, produced playwright and published novelist. She has been writing since she learned to read and fell in love with books! Karen is thhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife creator of Short on Time Books, a series of fast-paced and fun novels for readers on the go. When she’s not at her computer creating new stories, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.

Website: http://www.ahorsewithnoname.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenmuellerbryson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/karenmbryson
Blog: http://shortontimebooks.tumblr.com/
Short on Time Books: http://www.shortontimebooks.com

Review: Twyla's Last Trip by Karen Mueller Bryson

(A short contemporary romantic comedy from Short On Time Books)

In the romantic comedy, Twyla’s Last Trip, twenty eight-year old, Lucinda Starr is an uptight research psychologist, whose deadline to complete her doctoral dissertation is completely derailed by her estranged mother, Twyla Starr's sudden death. Lucinda must take her mother's ashes on a road trip on Route 66, in order to fulfill the requirements of her will and inherit her fortune. To make matters worse, Lucinda finds herself forced to travel across the country with her mother's easygoing country lawyer, T.J. Yates, who drives her crazy, and his drooling bloodhound, Dakota, who Lucinda finds revolting.


This is a really fun short story. This would be great company for you on your lunch break or in a waiting room. This story is about very uptight, rigid, unlikeable Lucinda. In order to inherit her mother’s millions, she must take an eight day trip on Route 66. This trip is made with laid-back, funny, A.J., her mother’s attorney, along with his drooling bloodhound, Dakota.

Lucinda refers to this trip as a trip from utter hell. A.J. refers to it as the most exciting adventure of his life. In addition to everything else, she is rock and roll, and he is country. You can only imagine the fun this causes on the trip.
There is much confusion, relationship problems and unexpected happenings as they visit the places on the list her mother has laid out.

The author doesn't miss a chance to make her readers laugh. I smiled and giggled through this entire story. It's fun and sweet and very readable with a sigh-worthy, very Happy Every After. I loved it.

4.5/5 Flowers



FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this story from the author and Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest opinion.

Booking Through Thursday: What a Character!

Okay ... today's questions number two. The first, for me, is simple. The second not so much.

Are there any fictional characters whom you have emulated (or tried to)? Who and why?

Both my answers took place when I was a tween/teen.

The first was Eilonwy from "The Chronicles of Prydain" which was one of my favorite all time books as a kid. I just loved her -- all flash and fire and temper, but beautiful and smart. I really wanted to BE her. It was also the first time I'd really been affected by romance in a book. The ending of The High King made me sigh.

Then, I decided I *had* have a fire lizard (from the Dragonriders series by Anne McCaffrey). So, while I didn't exactly emulate a specific character (though I loved both Lessa and Menolly), I had a friend of mine who was an artist, make me a life-sized cardboard cutout of a fire lizard, and I carried that sucker around with me. Somewhere I have a picture of me with it.

Oh... this same friend and I used to roleplay as middle school kids when we were on recess from the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. She was Dororthy and and I was Ozma.

Boy, looking back on that, I was kinda odd... lol!

What literary character do you feel is most like you personality-wise (explain)?

This one I don't have an answer to. I can't ever remember reading something and thinking, "Gee, she's just like me."

Who's loyal with a sarcastic sense of humor, reasonably intelligent, but has been known to fall up stairs, has a deep love for all God's creatures, prefers to be alone and has a few very good friends instead of hundreds of acquaintances?

That's me.

Review: Edge of Midnight by Leslie Tentler

The writer becomes the story when crime reporter Mia Hale is discovered on a Jacksonville beach—bloodied and disoriented, but alive. She remembers nothing, but her wounds bear the signature of a sadistic serial killer. After years lying dormant, The Collector has resumed his grim hobby: abducting women and taking gruesome souvenirs before dumping their bodies. But none of his victims has ever escaped—and he wants Mia back, more than he ever wanted any of the others.

FBI agent Eric MacFarlane has pursued The Collector for a long time. The case runs deep in his veins, bordering on obsession…and Mia holds the key. She'll risk everything to recover her memory and bring the madman to justice, and Eric swears to protect this fierce, fragile survivor. But The Collector will not be denied. In his mind, he knows just how their story ends.


We hosted Leslie Tentler on our blog during her tour for this book, and I'll admit -- I'd never heard of her until that day. But I was intrigued by the blurb and decided to grab a copy of the book once I saw that she'd reassured our commenters that they didn't have to be read in order. I'm so glad I did (and SO very glad I discovered her -- I've since gotten the other two books in the series).

Edge of Midnight features a truly deranged villain. You know, the kind that keeps you up at night or invades your nightmares when you sleep. He does terrible things to the women he kidnaps and murders and enjoys every bit of the torture he inflicts.

Enter our tortured hero, Eric. His wife was one of the victims of The Collector, chosen specifically because she was married to him. Now, Eric is determined to find this serial killer no matter what he has to do.

I loved that Eric had such deep feelings about everything. He didn't really shut himself off after his wife was murdered, though he certainly had reservations about ever getting involved again. Of course, when he met Mia, those reservations were tested.

Mia is such a strong woman. She survives being taken by The Collector, and then undergoes so much in order to regain her memory so they might find him. She's the perfect foil to Eric. She did do a couple of things that might be considered TSTL (that's "too stupid to live"), but I still admired her.

This was a book I didn't want to put down. I thought about it when I wasn't reading it, I made a point to find time to read even with my crazy busy schedule. I had to know how everything would work out. It was a perfect balance of nail-biting suspense and romantic love story. I highly recommend this story to all romantic suspense lovers out there.

Ms. Tentler, I'm so glad I found you! I can't wait to dive into your other two books.

4/5



FTC Disclaimer: This book is from my personal library.

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Educating Ethan by Jennifer Lynne

Today we're welcoming author Jennifer Lynne to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her contemporary erotic romance, "Educating Ethan".

The author is giving away a $20 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

I asked the author to share some things we'd never guess about her .... take it away, Jennifer!

Thank you for having me here at It's Raining Books for my tour stop today. Here are ten things that I don't think you'd ever guess about me (though there's quite a bit out there on the net if you know where to look!):

1. When I was a child I visited the beach with my family, and went exploring in a cave while the tide was out. I poked my head up through a hole in the low cave roof and found I was right next to where the family was picnicking. After surprising them all, and sharing a good laugh, I went to duck back down and found myself stuck. I remember screaming madly for a snorkel while my parents tried to manouveur my head back through the hole, wondering when the tide would be back in and how long I could hold my breath. Funny now, but a nightmare at the time!

2. My favorite flower is a gerbera. I think they look like happy flowers, and I love the brightly colored ones – especially orange.

3. I played softball for many years as a child and young teenager. Short stop and first base were my usual positions, and I have a couple of little trophies that still sit on one of the shelves in my study.

4. I'm afraid of storms, especially thunder and lightning. I think it may stem from a storm I lived through as a child, when a large eucalypt tree fell on our house, while we were in it (the house, not the tree!). The tree landed across my parents' bed and demolished the front corner of our home. Luckily we were cowering in the back half at the time. What a mess. But afterwards it was very exciting to be the centre of attention when all the neighbors came out and saw what had happened. But I am very nervous during a storm even now - we had one today, actually, and the cat and I were as jumpy as each other. She hid under the coffee table. I wasn't quite that undignified!

5. I don't like chocolate. There, I said it! I will occasionally have some dark chocolate, but can certainly live without it. I'd much rather have cheese, dip, nuts and potato crisps to nibble on.

6. I worked for one night as a flower seller visiting restaurants. That job only lasted one night because the third place I went to, some guy picked me up and put me over his shoulder and said he'd buy me instead. I was seventeen at the time, and too meek to grab his balls and twist those suckers, which is what I'd do if someone tried that now! I finished my shift, got picked up by my mother (we don't get our driver's license until the age of 18 where I live) and promptly burst into tears. Quitting was a huge relief.

7. My first car was a 1973 Toyota Corolla coupe – mustang yellow. It was old and I practically had to help carry it up hills, but I loved that little car.

8. I did macrame as a teenager. I cannot believe I am admitting that on the internet, but yep, I did. Made lots of hanging basket holders for my long-suffering family.

9. My aunt, who lived in England before her passing, was invited to Sean Connery's BAFTA after-party and I happened to be in England at the time. She asked me to come shopping with her so we could pick out a dress for her to wear. That was fun, but I wish I'd been able to tag along to the party!

10. Lucky last – green is my favorite color.

Giveaway Question:

I've bared some of my deepest secrets today! Now I'd love to hear from you about a childhood memory, or anything else you'd like to share. Don't forget that all comments on my post here at It's Raining Books will go in the draw to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card. Winner will be announced at the end of my blog tour on Mar 30th.

If you'd like to follow my tour, next stop will be my author interview on Mar 28th at http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com

Thank you again for having me visit today!

Ida Deloraine intends to build herself a new life and a new career in catering, after a painful divorce. When the much younger Ethan Holt moves in across the street, an innocent flirtation quickly becomes serious when the two realise their age difference is no barrier to all-consuming passion.

But Ethan is the exact opposite of what Ida is looking for in a sexual partner. He is young and vibrant, with his life and his dreams still ahead of him, whereas hers are all in the past. Can Ethan, who is fighting his own demons in the form of a car accident, failed marriage and forced career change, convince Ida to overcome the past and live for the moment?

And just who is educating who in this cougar encounter?

Jennifer Lynne is a multi-published author who writes sensual and erotic romance from her home in Melbourne, Australia. She has two novellas published with Red Sage, including Seducing Serena in Secrets Volume 28 Sensual Cravings, and Pandora's Gift. Her first sensual romance with Breathless Press, Educating Ethan, will be out in February. Jen lives in hope that readers will continue to enjoy her novella-length tales of love and lust!

Find Jennifer on the web at:

http://www.jenniferlynne.com.au/blog
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniLynnAuthor
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Lynne-Romance-Author/297504180262670
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3228070.Jennifer_Lynne
Buy Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/educating-ethan

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Safari Moon by Ann Christine

Today we're welcoming author Christine Young writing as Ann Christine to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the contemporary romance, Safari Moon. We loved the book, and posted a review here.

Christine is giving away:

Ann Christine will be giving away the following prizes:

* A Safari Moon bookmark to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop.
* ebook copy of The Gift (part of A Valentine Anthology) and Star Crossed (part of St. Patricks Day anthology) to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
* One commenter during the tour will win the right to have a character named for them in her next release--either Ghost Dance (a western historical romance) or Rebel Heart (science-fiction romance)
* Two randomly drawn commenters during the tour will each win a $25.00 GC to Starbucks
* The host with the most comments (excluding the author's and the host's) will win a $15 GC to Starbucks

So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

I asked Christine to share five things we wouldn't guess about her. Take it away!

Wow! This is a really hard question. I am pretty much an open book. My bio really has most of what is important to me and my life, and the interviews I have completed have uncovered many secret quirky things about me: lifting weights while I'm trying to think of the right word or the best sentence and my habit of playing games like Cityville. I tell myself these things help me think. Maybe they do…maybe they don't. So here goes.

1. I have always been an avid swimmer and started swimming competitively at the age of six. I loved this but eventually burned out. As a teenager I wanted to do more with my life than spend it in chlorinated water and trying to get the ever present green out of my hair. In high school, though, I did swim on the team. My specialty then was the 200 yard freestyle event. My junior year I qualified in this event for state but did not make the finals. However my team's 200 yd. freestyle relay did make the finals and placed 6th. By accident when I received my medal for this event, I received the 6th place medal for the 200 free. I always thought this was kind of eerie.

Although most of my books have a swimming scene such as a lake, a river, or hot springs, in Safari Moon I don't have a swimming scene, but there is a pretty hot, steamy shower scene. Nyssa and Solo were caught in a wild Alaskan storm and raced to the hot shower to avoid hypothermia. And boy did they avoid it. Don't leave this to your imagination, read it.

2. I love art, no surprise here because I've included some of this in my other interviews. Originally I was an art major at Oregon State University. At that time OSU now OS was considered an engineering school and called the "cow college" because of it's agricultural program. When my children were approximately 2, 6, and 10 years of age I did colored pencil portraits of each one. They are still hanging on my walls. Hmm… I think I should do portraits of my granddaughters. My artistic nature was incorporated into Solo's characterization. My high school boyfriend was the photographer for the school yearbook. While his adventures in photography didn't take him to the Alaska, I did tag along on most of his photo shoots.

In Safari Moon Nyssa may have a little more of my personality than I had thought. However, I always wanted to be the one taking the pictures not the one sorting and cataloging.

3. One summer when I was about 20 while I was riding my bicycle, I was stopped by a traffic policeman. I was in a hurry, biking on my ten speed and on my way to work at the local pool. I had to make a right on a one way street. Well, there were no cars coming so I didn't stop. And then I saw it, the patrol car. I didn't receive a ticket and I was a lot more careful after that. Before I zipped through the stop signs, I really made sure there were no police cars around. Even when I owned a car I often rode my bike to work—just for fun.

In Safari Moon, Nyssa owns a bicycle shop and takes people on bicycle tours all over the world. The tours last about a week to ten days and they travel an average of 50 to 80 miles a day depending on the terrain. One of the reasons I talk about the bike tour to Athens that Nyssa is planning is because my parents took a bicycle tour in Greece. Greece was one of the many places they toured on their bikes. Nyssa's second job as a tour guide was created because of my parent's wonderful experiences. A bicycle tour has been on my to do list for a very long time.

4. My husband and I recently bought a timeshare in Manhattan. It is about 10 short blocks from Times Square. We spent a week in Manhattan last fall and would very much like to go back in December to see all the Christmas lights.

Nyssa's first career choice was an investment broker on Wall Street. She was extremely successful but eventually decided she did not like the pressure, the greed and the hunger for power. I have family who live in New York, Brooklyn to be exact, although they are hoping to move back to Oregon. I also have extended family who live in Athens, Greece and Albania.

5. My friends and family know that my husband grew up in Bend, Oregon. His father was county commissioner there for many years. I always liked to visit and enjoyed the summer weather, hating the winters of snow and ice. After a few visits I knew I would never want to live there.

Safari Moon begins in Bend, actually Sisters, Oregon. Sisters is a small town west of Bend in the mountains. Solo has a secluded cabin in Sisters and is able to easily commute to Bend. When his add in the local paper for an assistant backfires and reads that Solo is looking for a "willing, eager, and able woman" to help him with his photo shoot in Alaska he wakes to find a half naked woman in his cabin and a pet skunk.

I'd like to thank it's raining books for hosting my Safari Moon tour. Please leave a comment. Oh, and don't forget to buy Safari Moon. (just a little shameless self promotion)

Solo St. John, a wildlife photographer, is preparing for a trip to Alaska. Suddenly, Solo finds women of all sorts invading his privacy, his home and his office, all cooing nonsense words and blatantly throwing themselves at him. Solo doesn't know why, and he has no idea how to rid himself of the persistent women. He finally decides to beg a favor of his best buddy Nyssa Harrington.

In love with Solo for the past ten years and knowing he doesn't return her feelings Nyssa doesn't want to talk to Solo. She knows if she accepts his phone call, she will not be able to resist the temptation to hope again.

About the author: Born in Medford, Oregon, novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling. Now the long, hot days of summer provide the perfect setting for creating romance. She sold her first book, Dakota's Bride, the summer of 1998 and her second book, My Angel to Kensington. Her teaching and writing careers have intertwined with raising three children. Christine's newest venture is the creation of Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem, Oregon.

Website: http://christineyoung-romancewriter.blogspot.com/
Rogues Angels blog: http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Young/350132315013316
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/achristay
Publisher: http://shop.roguephoenixpress.ieasysite.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=SAFARIMOON

Review: Safari Moon by Ann Christine

(A full length contemporary romance published by Rogue Phoenix Press)


Solo St. John, a wildlife photographer, is preparing for a trip to Alaska. Suddenly, Solo finds women of all sorts invading his privacy, his home and his office, all cooing nonsense words and blatantly throwing themselves at him. Solo doesn't know why, and he has no idea how to rid himself of the persistent women. He finally decides to beg a favor of his best buddy Nyssa Harrington.

In love with Solo for the past ten years and knowing he doesn't return her feelings Nyssa doesn't want to talk to Solo. She knows if she accepts his phone call, she will not be able to resist the temptation to hope again.


Imagine, if you can, our hero, sound asleep and dreaming a delightful, erotic dream. Suddenly he is awakened by an almost naked, sexy woman, walking into his bedroom accompanied by her pet skunk.

And that is how Safari Moon begins. I chuckled to myself as I continued reading. It seemed that he, a wild life photographer, put an ad in the paper for an assistant, but somehow his Grandfather changed the ad and it now stated that he was desperately in need of a wife. Immediately our handsome, confirmed bachelor is surrounded by a bevy of giggling, panting, eager women wanting to marry him.

How he plans his escape from all the desperate women involves an old friend he gets to help him. Since the friend is presently engaged to someone else and doesn’t really want to get involved, it's more than a little complicated. They arrive in Alaska, planning on pretending they are an item. Then Grandfather and Grandmother arrive. The story continues with much laughing on my part, and many misunderstandings, especially when the fiancé shows up.

The story is funny and complicated due to the fact that each of the two main characters are trying to pretend that they really don’t care about each other. And since neither is able to keep his or her hands off the other, the story becomes hilarious.

Safari Moon is not your typical romance, and I really loved it.

5/5



FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest opinion.

Virtual Book Tour: The Familial Witch by Bri Clark

Today we're welcoming author Bri Clark to the blog on her tour with Bewitching Book Tours for her paranormal romance, "The Familial Witch". You can follow the rest of her tour here.

Now... here's Bri!

Sometimes you simply need to check out. Authors, artists, musicians, and even you need to recluse yourself from the world at times. There are multiple reasons for self-induced seclusion. A person may need a break from stress, emotional turmoil or certain people in their lives. Artists may hide themselves away in a studio creating their latest piece of soulful inspiration. The next club stomping hit may be mixing away now as we speak by a musician within the confines of their studio.

Then there is the author, the writer, the blogger and the poet, whatever you call them, they are all creators. Recently, I launched my own company called Belle Consulting where I do literary strategy. It immediately took off and I couldn’t be more thrilled…or stressed.

Did you know that Public Relations is the 3rd most stressful job in the US—only coming in behind airline pilots and air traffic controllers? Reason being is you can work your butt off and still not have results. And you’re paid to produce success.
So can you imagine trying to write a novel under all that constant worry?

With that said, my lovely, amazing, couldn’t be more husband has sent me away for 3 days and 2 nights to finish The Eternal Witch. I was 3/4s of the way through it and I’m now going to finish.

As we speak, I’m at a lovely cabin on a lake in the mountains away from my business, family and life. And I am bound and determined to finish this novel and get started in the next if I’m lucky.

Lucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals is faced with the ultimate betrayal. His second in command for two centuries has not only created the most grievous of offenses but also commissioned the creation of liquid silver. When poisoned by this toxin, an immortal suffers a fate much worse than death, frozen in an internal prison. After being wounded when found spying, he hides deep within the eerie woods that encircle the Triad Mountains. Desperate and in pain, he prays to an offended mother goddess for help. Her answer: a woman, but not just any woman. A witch.

After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It’s there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien his…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?

Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen’s ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

You can choose love but you can’t choose destiny.

Amazon Buy Link
Barnes and Noble Buy Link
Publisher Buy Link

Bri Clark is a real example of redemption and renewal. Growing penniless in the South, Bri learned street smarts while caring for her brother in a broken home. She watched her mother work several jobs to care for their small family. Once her brother could fend for himself, Bri moved on to a series of bad choices including leaving school and living on her own.

Rebelliousness was a strong understatement to describe those formative years. As a teenager, her wakeup call came from a fight with brass knuckles and a judge that gave her a choice of shaping up or spending time in jail. She took that opportunity and found a way to moved up from the streets. She ended up co-owning an extremely successful construction business. She lived the high life until the real estate crash when she lost everything.

She moved west and found herself living with her husband and 4 kids in a 900 square foot apartment. She now fills her time, writing, blogging, leading a group of frugal shoppers and sharing her southern culture. Her unique background gives her writing a raw sensibility. She understands what it takes to overcome life’s obstacles. She often tells friends, “I can do poor. I’m good at poor. It’s prosperity that I’m not used to.”

Bri and her husband Chris live in Boise. Bri is known as the Belle of Boise for her true southern accent, bold demeanor and hospitable nature.

Bri boasts several positions in the publishing industry. An author, professional reviewer, blogger, and literary strategist she enjoys all aspects of her career from the creation of story to the branding and marketing needed to make her books successful.

Twitter, Facebook, G+, Goodreads, Blog

Virtual Tour and Giveaway: Return of the Legacy by K. H. LeMoyne

Today we're welcoming author KH LeMoyne to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her paranormal romance, "Return of the Legacy".

The author is giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Additionally, she'll choose two randomly drawn winners of the Dragon Rider’s Gift eBook (A Portal Tale), due for release May 1, 2012. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

I asked the author to share some things we'd never guess about her .... take it away, Kate!

FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NEVER GUESS ABOUT ME

I’d like to thank you for hosting me on It’s Raining Books. It’s really a pleasure to be here and talk about the secret me. Just kidding on the secrets, but there are a few things that I think most people wouldn’t expect from me.

First, I’m a tarot card collector. I own about forty sets of tarot cards. These run the gamut from the more commonly known Rider-Waite to a fun Dragon Tarot pack. The Shapeshifter Tarot actually provided some inspiration for a story I wrote. While I understand the basics behind the suits and cards, it’s the artwork and my fascination with the tiny sets that holds my interest. Several of the accompanying books are rather good, especially those that evolve outside the standard for tarot readings. Most people may not realize that tarot cards didn’t actually come into popularity until after the fourteenth century and while many of the current sets cards are fairly new there are cards from almost every corner of the world. A number of the packs have incredible design and artwork and, like books, many are put out through publishers. As a writer, I enjoy using visuals to stimulate new ideas and extend creativity. These are great fun.

Second, I’ve researched and grown herbs for many years. Granted, my garden has fairly typical and recognizable culinary herbs. While there are many esoteric herbs, the ancient uses for some herbs you might recognize like Foxglove (originally the basis for the digitalis used in heart medications, though I believe this is no longer the case), Feverfew (having obvious links to reducing fevers but linked to treatments for migraines and headaches as well), and Frankincense (not surprisingly, has its roots in religious purification, protection, and exorcism) might be of interest. I do not use these herbs and would caution against that. But I do create scenes based on their history or presumed magical properties. There are a number of sites now for information on the Internet but I usually go to Gerard’s Herbal, The Earthwise Herbal, and several other sources to add details for stories. As a writer, this expands a scene with layers and symbolism as well as authenticity.

Third, I’m a corgi lover. My husband and I have owned three Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Merlin, Lady, and now our third, Bella, the Diva that rules the household. I considered including a corgi in a story, due to their mythic history as use for fairy steeds, but I held back. I’ve collected a number of corgi memorabilia over the years as well.

Fourth, I cook international dishes to relieve stress. I enjoy cooking but writing doesn’t usually allow time for complicated recipes. When I get to the end of a book or have a break while a manuscript is with an editor, I like to try new things. It’s cathartic and since new recipes require my entire attention, I can’t drift off worrying about a story. Or at least that’s what I like to pretend. Not to mention that my husband loves to try anything new. Most recently, I tried a wonderful recipe for Cuban pork roast. This was a two-day marinated leg of pork in spices and mojo sauce that cooks at a low heat slowly for several hours. Yes, mojo is a real sauce –there are several purchasable varieties. I highly recommend them for pork, chicken, and beef. This particular recipe went very nicely with black beans and rice. For a short while I was on an Indian menu kick. Very fun but a little time consuming: grilled tandoori chicken, Machali Ke Tikke (marinated salmon), Kofta in Yogurt (spicy meatballs), basmati rice, Masaledar (spicy green beans), Pool Gobi Aur Aloo Ki Bhaji (cauliflower with potatoes), and cucumber raita…among other dishes. This was a wonderful way to experience new flavors and aromas, though sometimes they do linger for a few days in the house. I apologize if I butchered any of these names because, truly, they were wonderful dishes!

Last, and perhaps this is easy to guess, house cleaning is the last thing on my to-do list. Ever. I choose writing over everything else so the dust bunnies and cobwebs in my house can almost claim their own paranormal series. And while some people are organized enough that they can raise the kids, work ten hours a day, write, and clean the house—I’m not one of them. The truth is, I have no interest. I used to work ten hours a day in a technology field, commute, and raise a child. The house didn’t rank then either. I like to think I’m consistent!

Three magical dimensions…Two mystical bloodlines…One undeniable destiny.

Born a magical empath, Logan MacKenzie has spent his life protecting his family from discovery. Evil has found them anyway. What begins as Logan’s search for answers on Earth becomes a race for survival in the magical dimension of Loci.

The battle to save those he cares about will reveal his true lineage—the bloodline of the Makir, one half of a pair of sentinels chosen to guard the mystical portals between dimensions. The price of his acceptance: a love he never imagined possible and a heartbreaking choice.

Her family attacked, her home destroyed, and now stranded on Loci, Briallen of Tir Thar, descendant of a magical race, has only to summon the power within her to return to her own dimension—or so she had hoped. Unfortunately, her powers aren’t cooperating, and the sorcerer bent on her family’s destruction will stop at nothing to possess her.

Raised without knowledge of the portals, the Makir guardians, or her own destiny, Bri takes a leap of faith in an alliance with Logan. Embracing an uncertain power and accepting his goals as hers offers her the only way home. If they fail, the consequences of allowing the portals to fall to evil are unthinkable—the destruction of every magical dimension throughout space.

Warning: This is a fantasy romance, containing magic, love, and courage. The omission of vampires and shapeshifters is intentional.

A former technology specialist, KH LeMoyne now writes romance fulltime with series in urban fantasy, high fantasy, and scifi/futuristic. She lives in Maryland with her wonderful husband and corgi. Much to her dismay, she rarely encounters supernatural beings other than on paper.

Visit her website: http://www.khlemoyne.com/
blog: http://fantasypoweredbylove.com/
Links:
Purchase locations - Available in ebook & paperback from: Black Opals Books, Amazon, B&N, All Romance/OmniLit, Smashwords
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kh.lemoyne
twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/khlemoyne or @khlemoyne

Virtual Book Tour Review and Giveaway: The Reluctant Marquess by Maggi Andersen

(A full length, historical romance published by Knox Robinson Publishing)



This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Maggi is giving away a $10 Amazon GC to one lucky commenter during her tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!



Charity Barlow wished to marry for love.

The rakish Lord Robert wishes only to tuck her away in the country once an heir is produced.



This story is about an impoverished young woman who has been orphaned and left to the guardianship and care of a Marquess, a friend of her father. Upon arriving on his doorsteps, she finds that he has died, and she has been left in the care of his nephew, the new Marquess.

Upon being informed that the previous Marquess has left a will stating that she and the nephew must marry, in order for him to obtain his inheritance, she reluctantly agrees.

The Reluctant Marquess follows the results of this quick decision and is fun to read. She is new to London society and has much to learn. He isn’t much help at the beginning. There are, of course, many misunderstandings, strong feelings, and trouble. There are also many sweet portions to the story.

The author's vivid way with words clearly shows a London as it really was in those days with chamber pots emptied out of windows, beggars on almost every corner and prostitutes giving men the eye. Ms. Andersen really put us right in the story with her description of the setting and the people.

The hero has many personal problems to resolve and the heroine has to learn how to understand him. They both have very strong personalities and there are many ups and downs in the relationship. In the beginning there are more downs than ups. They have to learn to give and take before they can really know each other and solve the problems in their relationship before there can possibly be a HEA. This was a different sort of historical romance that I enjoyed reading.

3/5 Flowers



FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest opinion.