The Key to All Things by Cindy Lynn Speer

 

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Cindy Lynn Speer will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Five Things You Might Not Know About Cindy Lynn Speer

Let’s see…five things about me.

My father was a blacksmith, but I still have a horrible time remembering much about metallurgy, which is OK, until I have to remember if carbon steel is great or a no-no when it comes to swords. (Answer…carbon steel is great for keeping a blade sharp but awful if you want something that is not brittle when you are fencing.)

My first paying job was as a cemetery caretaker…which meant I mowed the lawn while my boss would pour gas into hornet’s nests and light them off. Fun times. I was always sure someone would come back in the form of a singed zombie or belligerent ghost to complain, but sadly, no one ever did.

I adore gardening but am very bad at it, mostly, because I am very allergic to the outdoors. I do well with orchids, though. And my basil is about to become self-aware, I just know it.

I love road trips. Getting in the car and just seeing the world is wonderful. But I’ve not gone anywhere for a bit…so the big reset button in my head hasn’t been hit, and I think it is wearing on me. I better get going somewhere soon! With the pandemic, though, it is hard. (But if that is my biggest problem, I should admit I am very lucky and shush.)

I have a love of foxes, currently, which means that every time something with a cute fox appears (for while Wal Mart was making book because they put out so many fox printed pajamas) it must be mine.

Every day, Lady Avriel hears the bards sing about the greatest love story of all times, a heartbreaking romance between a human nobleman, Captain Edward de Vere, and the beautiful Queen of the Fae, who shattered his heart when she abandoned him to accept her throne. Avriel secretly longs for the sad and romantic captain as she works as a double agent, serving at both human and fae courts to keep the peace between the two kingdoms.

But for three hours every night she remembers a completely different world, where the greatest love story is a lie, and Edward belongs to her. She believes this reality to be the true one, even if no one else does. The world has fallen under a spell, and it is up to Avriel to find its source and undo it.

To set things right, Avriel must face the all-powerful Elder Fae and confront the darkest powers that rule her destiny – only to learn that if she proceeds, her actions will bring chaos and open her kingdom to destruction. Is this a choice she is willing to make to bring her love back?

Read an Excerpt:

Avriel blinked. Blood rushed into her head, and suddenly there was too much of everything – too much sound, too much scent, too many visions clouding her head. It pulled her in like a wave, all cacophony and fear of being overwhelmed. And then silence, abrupt and complete, before her senses started to work again.

She had to school her features, to look calm while the turmoil sorted itself.

Nine o’clock. The Remembering Time. For the next three hours, she would remember a completely different world, a different reality.

“What is it?” Northram asked sharply, staring into her face. Jervis had the grace to look worried, Charlotte was studying her fingernails.

“Just this awful headache all the sudden.” She took a deep breath, and held it as the world clicked back into place.

She did not want to meet Northram’s gaze, fearing that he would see the truth – that she was a different person sitting here, staring back at him. She wondered for the thousandth time how he did not remember the truth of things. The spell, whatever it was, was strong indeed; for when she finally looked into his eyes, she could find no warmth, no concern. She was just one of his puppets… if he knew her as anything else, his expression did not give it away.

“Very well, then,” he said. “You may go.”

Jervis helped her up and walked with her. Charlotte stayed behind, as usual.

“Do you need a doctor?” Jervis asked.

“No.” Avriel forced herself to keep a hand on his arm. With her recovered memory, she now knew how she despised his cowardice, how cruel he could be. Her skin crawled at his touch. But since the Avriel of a few moments ago did not remember Jervis in such a fashion, she was forced to submit.

Fortunately, her room was not far. “Thank you for your help.”

Jervis searched her face, much like Northram had a moment ago. “Avriel, what is it?”

“Pain. Just lots of pain. I will take some headache powder and take to my bed.”

She closed the door quickly before he could say anything else. Some nights the truth wanted to come pouring out in a torrent. She wanted to punish people like Jervis for sins they doubtless didn’t even remember.

About the Author:

Cindy is the author of the Amazon bestselling The Chocolatier’s Wife, and it’s sequel, The Chocolatier’s Ghost, among others, including the brand new Key to All Things. She loves reading, taking road trips, hiking, pretending to garden (really, I need to feed my poor tomatoes) and sword fighting.

Website: http://www.cindylynnspeer.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindylynnspeer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cindylynnspeer

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Key-Things-Cindy-Lynn-Speer-ebook/dp/B088HHD3WX

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Together Always by Mimi Barbour - Book Review and Giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Mimi will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and an eCopy of Together Always to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

A new body, a new life…

Because of a facial disfigurement, Nurse Grace Joye has never felt beautiful, and when she’s told a brain tumor will end her life within a matter of weeks, she’s devastated.

Grace’s friend, psychiatrist Dr. Tobias Andrews has been experimenting with spirit travel. He suggests that Grace transfers her spirit to the body of his newest patient—Mrs. Vanessa Knight, a gorgeous-looking woman who is soon to be released from life-support. Grace doesn’t take much convincing to take this drastic step: she will live on and realize her two dreams: to be a mother, and be loved by a man….Only to hear her soon-to-be husband’s whispered words just before the life-support is switched off: “Good-bye, darling. I'm glad I’ll never have to see you again.”

Lucas Knight has been contentedly preparing for Vanessa’s death when the plug is pulled and the ventilators turned off. Throughout their marriage, this volatile woman had become increasingly vicious towards him and their young son. Therefore, he’s appalled and traumatized when, miraculously, she comes out of her coma. Strangely, this girl isn’t anything like the witch he’d said goodbye to. He could love this gentle angel. But, could he trust her to stay this way?

My Review:

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and had to read to find out what happened.

We meet Grace right off and know what an awesome person she is, so can certainly understand when she's offered the chance to live in another body, the body of a woman declared brain dead.  However, as it turns out, things aren't exactly as they seem.

I loved Grace, Tobias and Lucas quite a bit. Who I did not love was Vanessa.  I think I was supposed to feel sorry for her once I discovered her background, but I didn't.  I really wish either she'd actually not been part of this book. I honestly think there would have been enough conflict without her, and she truly colored my enjoyment of what might have otherwise been a really amazing romance.  Watching Grace and Lucas fall for each other was wonderful.

So, while I'm glad I read this book, and I'm especially glad I found this author because I completely enjoyed her writing style and voice, because of Vanessa, this book wasn't one of my favorite reads.

3 flowers - This was a good book. I liked it.



Enjoy an excerpt:

“Oh, Mother! I'm sorry I was such a bad boy. You were so ang-angry with me that you got into an ac-accident. It was my fault, wasn't it? You weren't looking where you were going ‘cause I made you lose your temper.”

The sobs grew louder and Grace became fearful that the little guy would never stop. Hiccups wrenched his body and the wails broke her heart into smithereens. Suddenly, she experienced a tremendous welling of emotion from within and it overpowered her to where she felt she'd lose consciousness. Afraid, staggering under the double onslaught, she reached her hand toward the man whose eyes were brimming over.

He came closer, gingerly sitting on the bed next to them and rubbed his large hand gently over the boy's back. It seemed to soothe Sam and his cries quieted while he lay with his head nestled on her chest.

Lucas spoke softly. “Take it easy, Samuel. Don't cry so. Everything is okay now.”

The boy refused to look up and burrowed even harder into Grace's embrace. “Sammy, please, you must stop or you'll be sick. Listen, baby, the road was slippery, and I wasn't being careful. It was my fault the car went off the road, not yours. I didn't want to have to admit this but here's the truth: your mum's a rotten driver.”

“You are?” Hope lit up globby eyes of green glass, and sniffles replaced the bawling from seconds earlier. His body relaxed and he leaned away from her so he could stare into her face.

Grace had always had a soft spot for children, but since they tended to shy away from her birthmark, she’d never had the pleasure of any up-close relationships with them until they were sick and needed a nurse. Then she'd been in her element.

Having this precious little guy stare at her with such adoration brimming out of his gorgeous eyes filled her heart. Love, such as she’d never before experienced, overflowed and oozed into every pore and cell until she belonged to him. From that moment on, she knew he’d be her first consideration in the same way that a dog knows its own pup.

She swallowed and prayed her voice wouldn’t break. “I'm afraid so, Sammy-son. Actually, I'm really quite awful.”

“Is that why you'd never take me anywhere with you?”

Sickened by the actions of the woman's body she now controlled, she shook off her anger and stared into his questioning, glistening eyes, then nodded. “Uh huh! I'd never want anything to happen to you, baby…ever!” She dropped a kiss on his soft blond hair. “But I promise you one thing. From now on I'll not go anywhere in a car until I've gotten lessons so I can learn how to drive better.”

“Then you could take me with you.”

She looked up at Lucas, a question blazing. His nod was hesitant but finally forthcoming.

She smiled at the boy. “I would like that very much.”

The indecision the boy fought before he kissed her cheek was telling and, oh so sad. She leaned forward ever so slightly, encouragingly, and felt his warm lips caress the one area on her body that needed the tender touch. She knew before falling asleep, and every night afterward, she would relive that moment over and over again.

She hugged Sam once more, and like little boys do, he settled down beside her and curled up in her arms. With a loud sigh, his eyelids began to droop. Sifting her fingers through his blond curls worked the magic as he released one last quivering sound and then went limp.

Lucas shifted and drew her attention. Still pale from watching his son suffer, he rubbed at his cheek one side and then the other, his hand finally covering his mouth as he leaned his chin onto it and stared at her with his head angled to the left.

Mesmerized, his grey eyes compelling, she couldn't look away, not even a little. His held her prisoner, and having no talent or skills in concealing her feelings, she knew her emotions were open to him like a picture on a television screen. God, don't hurt me, she worried, her skin flushing hot and cold—terrified.

Before she knew what he would do next, he leaned over and kissed the same cheek his son had moments earlier. When the little boy lips had touched her skin, love had resulted. When the man's lips touched the same place, she thought she'd swoon. Never in her life had a moment been so beautiful.

His hand reached up and caressed the opposite side of her face and he leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “We both know you’re a terrific driver, Vanessa. Get better soon. I want you to come home.”

About the Author:

Author of five series: The Vicarage Bench, Angels with Attitudes, Vegas, Elvis and the brand new sizzling romantic suspense series called Undercover FBI. Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island and writes her romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye. “If I can steal a booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”

My website: http://www.mimibarbour.com
My blogspot: http://mimibarbour.blogspot.com
Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/MimiBarbour
Or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mimibarbour

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, or Smashwords.
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Virtual Book Tour Review and Giveaway: Golden Chariot by Chris Karlsen

(A contemporary romantic suspense novel, self-published )

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Chris is giving away  a $75 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn 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!

The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War.

Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft...after they murder her.

The mere mention of the Trojan War intrigued me.  I knew I needed to read this book with such a unique premise and I'm glad I did.  The plot was solid, the suspense good, the ending satisfying. 

Charlotte is a strong woman ... occasionally stronger than I would have expected, but her steel spine gets her through some difficult times.  Admittedly, it gets her in trouble a bit too.  And, while I knew Atakan was our hero, it took a while for both Charlotte and I to warm up to him--but he turns out to be quite the hero!

The story begins quickly, with a shipwreck and mayhem.  I felt a bit lost at first, with characters being thrown at me from every direction... it was difficult to know who was who, and which persons were friends with whom.  Still, it definitely hooked me, and made me want to continue reading.  This is very much a plot-driven story, with details galore.  The characters may not have been as easy to get to know as I would have liked, at least not at the beginning.  The story was the focus, and the characters necessary to move the plot forward, but they weren't fully fleshed out right off.

Over time, however, they shared their secrets with me, and I came to care about them, enough that I worried terribly for Charlotte several times, especially at the very exciting ending!  I've not turned pages that quickly in a long time.  I had to know if she'd be okay...

If you like a solid action/suspense story with romantic elements and a solid plot, with heart-pounding excitement and question after question posed (and eventually answered) with an ending that will make your heart sigh, then this is the book for you. 

3.5/5 Flowers

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.

http://www.chriskarlsen.com/index.html
 http://www.facebook.com/#!/chriskarlsenwriter

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: 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.

Review: New York to Dallas by J. D. Robb

New York to Dallas by J. D. Robb
(a spicy, full length futuristic romantic suspense published by Penguin Group)



The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.



The reading world was thrown into a dither when J. D. Robb announced this book -- and it wasn't titled "... In Death". I admit, I was puzzled, too, but this book's title difference made more sense once I'd read the book.

The fact is, this book is less about the mystery and more about Eve facing her past. Yes, she's done a lot of facing her past in the previous books, but this book was a real turning point. For me, it made the book both better in some ways and worse in some ways than the others in the series.

I enjoyed watching the emotional struggles Eve faced. She's such a strong character so to see her brought low here, to show both weaknesses and needs, was fascinating. However, it really slowed the action, and it took me significantly longer to finish this book than others in the series.

Still, the author's skill is undeniable, and this is a worthy addition to the ongoing love story of Eve and Roarke. I missed the rest of the crew, Peabody, McNabb, Mavis (especially Mavis!) and Feeney. They showed for a moment or two, but this was really the "Eve and Roarke" show. This may have contributed to my slight apathy as well, since the entire set of characters, both primary and secondary, contribute greatly to these stories, and it felt as though something was missing.

Overall, however, I enjoyed this book. While it may not have been my favorite in the series, it was still quite good and I look forward to Eve's return to New York for the next "In Death" book.



FTC Disclaimer: This book is from my personal library.