By Sea by Carly Fall - Book Review and Giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Carly will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

While fighting the War on Drugs in Latin America, Marine Brody Teller was involved in an accident that left him with a supernatural power: a deep connection to the sea and the ability to control it.

When the mysterious Joe Smith approaches him with an incredible job offer, Brody thinks it’s too good to be true. His life-saving need and his desire to be near the ocean while earning a living are rolled into one perfect job.

Rayna Lopez lives a quiet life as she tries to climb her way up the CIA ladder, always in fear the government will learn of her family lineage. When her father asks for help getting her famous and belligerent half-sister out of trouble, Rayna reluctantly agrees to travel with her and they board a yacht where they will be protected.

Brody and Rayna realizes they’ve met before, and despite a significant lack of trust between them, they face an attraction neither can deny. As they fight to keep Rayna’s sister alive, lies are revealed and secrets are told. They must both learn to trust each other, and—if they live through their voyage—figure out what to do about their whirlwind romance.

Read my review:

An intriguing concept brought nicely to life.  The author is a skilled wordsmith and her descriptions, characterizations and writing are nearly flawless. It was this ability that kept me reading when a few things really stretched my ability to believe.

Brody acquired supernatural powers in a government experiment, along with other members of his platoon.  I like that his powers are outside the norm, something I really haven't seen before (outside of Greek mythology).  I was intrigued, too, that he has to stay near the ocean or he becomes ill... a cool twist.  However, I couldn't understand why the government would imbue him with these powers and then just kick him to the curb. Why didn't they keep him in the service, train him, use these powers they've given him? It just doesn't make sense, and it's something I hope the author explains down the road in the series.

Rayna is a tough-as-nails yet still feminine CIA agent with a soft spot for her family, especially her father who just so happens to be a drug lord in South America.  I struggled to reconcile her need to be an instrument of justice as an agent, and her ability to know that her father regularly used his position to order the executions of others, never mind distributing drugs all over the world.  Additionally, she's worried the CIA will find out--and I really had a hard time believing they wouldn't already know.

Also, it was a bit frustrating that, aside from an incredibly brief meeting, Brody and Rayna spend the first 100 pages or so apart.  It really made it difficult for me to get into the story.  I think the author wanted to make sure her world-building was solid and that we understood the backstory, but had I not been reading this for review, I wouldn't have kept moving forward.

That said ... I'm actually quite glad I read this.  The characters were unique and interesting (though I really, really wanted to slap Rayna's sister who is beyond irritating).  Even the secondary characters were well drawn and individuals in their own right.  The relationship between Brody and Rayna, once it was finally allowed to develop, was loaded with the kind of tension that takes your breath away.  They have this incredible attraction, but there are so many reasons for them to not act on it.  It's incredibly well written and exactly the kind of sexual tension I love.  It makes the payoff that much sweeter.  And watching two tough folks with chips of astronomical size on their shoulders fall in love was just priceless.

Now that the groundwork on the backstory is set, I'm hoping the next books in the series start more quickly (and that the protagonists spend the majority of their books together).  It's a solid start to what should be a good series and I'm looking forward to finding out if my questions get answers.

3.5 Flowers - This was a good book!


Now enjoy an excerpt:

“Why are you up, Rayna?” he asked, his voice just above a whisper. “What’s keeping you awake? Is your bed uncomfortable?”


“No, it’s fine,” she said, finally breaking the stare and gazing out to the moonlight again. “I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Like what?”

You.

“Nothing,” she murmured. “Just . . . just my sister.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder, and she turned her head at his touch.

“And what if I thought something different was keeping you awake?”

“Like what?” she swallowed, her voice tight.

“Like you and me. Us. Together.”

She shut her eyes and turned her head back toward the window. Never would she admit it as she’d already been over all the reasons getting together with Brody was a bad idea.

“Maybe I’m wrong, but I’d thought I’d ask because that’s what’s been keeping me up tonight,” he said, his hand kneading her shoulder before it slipped away.

Rayna knew that if she said yes, things would go into a place anyone in their right mind would deem not advisable. However, the brief contact of his skin on hers brought out a deep, visceral ache that needed to be sated.

“You weren’t wrong,” she whispered, staring out into the night.

“Then look at me,” he growled.

She shut her eyes while gathering her nerve, reminding herself she wanted this as well. However, in her bones, she also felt this could be the biggest mistake of her life.

“Look at me, Rayna.”

She turned.

About the Author:

Carly Fall is a wife, a mother and a slave to the dog, Nicky. She loves to laugh, thinks chocolate and wine should be considered their own food group, and wishes Christmas happened twice a year. She is the author of the award winning and Amazon best selling series, The Six Saviors, as well as paranormal and contemporary romance.

By Sea is the first book in her new series, The Supernatural Renegades.

Buy the book at Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords, or Barnes and Noble.

Author info:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carlyfallpage
Twitter: @CarlyFall1
Website: http://www.Carlyfall.com

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The Chrysalis Series by Michel Prince - Review and Giveaway

This review is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michel will be awarding a Swag set including a T-shirt that says “My book boyfriend can beat up your book boyfriend” to a randomly drawn winner, and a Swag set including a 1st aid kit will be awarded to another randomly drawn winner, both prizes awarded via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In the annals of dysfunctional families, the Chisholm’s are working their way to the top. Drug abuse, an unwed mother with multiple fathers, and the questionable cash flow for the 'pretty one'. All this from a seemingly normal, two parent middle class family. But were the choices truly made of their free will? Bad choices are a Chisholm family trait, one that confounds the youngest child, Ellie, who's trying to separate herself by making smart decisions. And falling for Oscar Jeffreys, the hottest guy at school, would be number one on the list of Chisholm family disasters. Yet the crazy part is it’s not a one sided attraction.

Somehow Ellie has caught Oscar Jeffreys’ eye. Sure she could see the barriers between them. Race, age, popularity. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum. But a demon set to destroy her family? She can't see that. Oscar provides security and acceptance Ellie never imagined she deserved. As the passion of first love grows, Ellie honestly believes she has a chance to beat the odds and live a happy, normal life. Then her world collapses around her. With the help of a guardian angel, Ellie learns of a world that has unknowingly surrounded her for years. And she'll have to find strength buried deep inside to save not only her future, but flush out and stop the demon in her midst.

Ellie will have to learn that sometimes the hardest lesson about growing up is accepting that you're worth more.

My Review:

This book starts out as an average teen story-- insecure girl notices hot jock, who in turn has been noticing her, and beyond all odds the two get together and live happily ever after. Only, in Ellie's case, it doesn't quite work out that way. Turns out she has a guardian angel and that she lives in a world where all is not as it seems. All the bad choices her sisters and brothers have made--yeah, they were caused by a demon and now Ellie has to learn to stop him before he destroys the rest of her family and her relationship with Oscar.

Michel Prince has a way of pulling her readers into the story and allowing them to feel the confusion, the anger, the sadness--everything that her characters are feeling. This first book in Ellie and Oscar's story is full of action --especially the last half. Just when I had decided I only thought this was a paranormal book, the whole paranormal world came crushing down on me and I was.. WOW.

The relationship between Ellie and Oscar is very sweet--they are each incredibly attracted to the other, but they both want to make the right decisions. Ellie has seen her sisters make too many bad decisions as it is. I was a bit surprised that her parents were so blind to what was going on, but where demons are concerned all bets are off.

I'm glad this is characterized as New Adult instead of as YA--even though the characters are young (a senior and sophomore in high school) the situations they are in and the direction their relationship goes would have left me hesitant to recommend this book to a younger YA reader. However, I do recommend it to 17+ strictly because of the sexual situations. Good job, Ms. Prince. 4 flowers.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.-Corinthians 13:11

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must put aside their childish ways. In the past year, Ellie Chisholm has fallen into the security of her relationship with Oscar Jeffreys, emerging with a stronger sense of herself. But now Ellie's mother has started inserting herself into Ellie’s life, treating her as if she were a child even though Ellie has begun to make very adult decisions for her future. Having finally consummated her relationship with Oscar, Ellie learns the powers inside of her stretch further than vaporizing demons.

Maria, the demon bent on revenge, has been reigned in by God but that doesn’t stop her from disrupting and threatening those around Ellie and Oscar. Ellie becomes off balance as Maria switches strategy and attempts to destroy Ellie from the outside. Now the gauntlet has been thrown down. Ellie must help her family achieve positive change and finally break the tie between her mother and Gaap or risk losing everyone she loves.

Can Ellie maintain her sanity while walking the last steps as a child?

My Review:

It's a year later and Ellie is working hard to graduate early so she can be in college with Oscar. There's a lot more action in this second book as the demons up their attacks on the people who Oscar and Ellie love.

My main issue with the book is Ellie herself. I wanted to pick her up and shake her sometimes because of her jealousy and her insecurities, but it's only  because I've found myself in similar situations.  I grew to care so much for the characters that I just want them to get along and stop creating issues for themselves.


This book is, in many ways, a natural progression of the first.  This book is not as linear as the first and so is not as easy to follow. It's more episodic with flashbacks-- even one on Kelly's part sharing how she became a guardian angel.

That does not take away from the enjoyment of the book, however.  I do believe that readers should definitely read book one in the series before they read book two. Although Ms. Prince does share things from the first book, I'm afraid that anyone who reads the books out of order might be too confused to enjoy the book.  3.5 flowers.

About the Author:

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling "It's my turn damn it!!!" She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press in 2013, the service award for her local RWA chapter Midwest Fiction Writers and is a Pro member of RWA. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, cat and new puppy.

Website-Michel Prince Books: http://www.michelprincebooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelPrinceBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelPrince1

Buy the books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance eBooks, Smashwords, or Kobo.

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The Count's Lair by Stephanie Burkhart - Review and Giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Stephanie will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner via the rafflecopter at the end of this post. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Count Anton Varga is haunted by the curse of the moon. It tugs on his emotions, ravishing his soul. Anton abhors the beast he must learn to tame if he is to find peace.

Lady Amelia Andrassy is an accomplished pianist, but her life in Budapest has been filled with heartache. When Amelia faints in the Duma's bookstore, it's Anton's strong arms that cradle her fall. His unusual eyes spark with hers, replacing their individual loneliness with the promise of feral passion.

After a two-month separation, Anton is ready to walk into Amelia's life again, but is Amelia ready to fan the spark they shared into a flame?


My Revivew:

This is book two in the Budapest Moon series. I haven't read book one, and I did feel like I missed a bit of the story. I was able to catch on, but I think I would recommend that readers start with book one to get the full experience of the story.

The message of this story is all about trust. Both our hero and heroine suffer from trust issues. Unfortunately, Anton has a secret he's loathe to share with Amelia, lest he lose her forever, and she suspects he's hiding something so really struggles with their relationship. There is no denying the physical attraction between them, but both want more. It's two steps forward, one back for many chapters.

The author does a wonderful job with her description of Hungary, its people, setting and many traditions. The setting also made this book have a pretty dark feel, which was a bit atypical of the usual romance. I've read other books by this author, and have always admired her writing skill. This book was a departure from the other in terms of tone. I also suspect this may be one of her first published works as the writing and plot weren't as tight or well created as some of her others. I still enjoyed this, and she certainly did a bang up job with the characters who were so real and clear.

The last portion of the book moved much more quickly than the start, when Amelia finds herself in great danger. I wish the whole book had been more like this! I think it would have made a more "un-put-downable" read.

That said, I liked the book. The setting was a character all its own, and the rest of the ensemble kept me interested. I'm glad I had a chance to read this book and look forward to more from the author.

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

Here's an excerpt:

"Amelia, to be honest about my intentions, I want to court you."

"Court me?" She stepped back.

He grabbed her wrist, as if desperate to keep her near him. His eyes impaled her, making her breathless. Was it too soon to think of always and forever with him? Had he really changed? Her heart believed so. Now, she just had to convince her head.

"I have no one to ask for permission, but you. Search your heart. I care for you deeply. I want to explore this, Amelia, but only if you do. I swear I'm ready for this."

Her lips trembled as she stepped forward, moved by the conviction in his voice. Dare she fall in love again? The chance was worth it. "Yes."

"Thank you." He wrapped his arms around her, infusing her with his warmth. She melted against the length of his body, savoring the contact. It felt right.

He parted from her, placed his hands on her upper arms, and looked at her. "The feelings I have when I'm near you are nothing like I've had before, but--"

"Go on." She prompted when he delayed too long.

"But I have a secret, too -- a secret that chokes me when I think of telling you."

"Anton--" A secret?

He held up his hand. "Let me finish. I promise to tell you, but I can't right now. I can only give you clues." "Really?"

"You must accept this, Amelia. I know it may be unusual, but it's the only way I can think of to be honest with you."

Taken off guard, she faced him. Anton's full lips and smoldering eyes riveted her to him. In fact, his looks were everything she was attracted to in a man, but it all came down to trust. Could she trust him? If she said yes to him right now, then she was giving him her trust, which included his secret.

"How many clues do you have?"

"Three. Once you know my secret, if you want to break our courtship, you can. I'll understand."

Her body shivered. Was his secret dangerous? Even if it was, did she care? A part of her just wanted to throw herself into his arms and let come what may. Another part of her told her to keep her feet firmly on the ground.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. She served 11 years in the US Army and currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate and is addicted to coffee. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Counts-Lair-Budapest-Moon-Book-ebook/dp/B004LLIEMK

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-two-the-counts-lair-stephanie-burkhart/1029218357?ean=9781612529509


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Unintentional by M.K. Harkins - Review and Giveaway

This review is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN gift card.

Cade, the gorgeous song man, has every reason to steer clear of commitment and train his soulful eyes, killer dimples, and sexy voice on every beauty swaying to his band. So why is it that he finds himself truly, deeply and unintentionally, fixed on the one woman who is not so easily swept away?

The sequel to Intentional, the debut romantic novel by MK Harkins, Unintentional is the heart-racing new work that follows the tangled thread of Cade in the aftermath of his heartbreak in losing the one woman he thought was his soul mate. After taking a hiatus from his job as an engineer, as well as his role in the band as lead singer, Cade reemerges in the Seattle music scene. Enter Laurel, the tenacious and determined music agent. Laurel is determined to sign him, no matter how clearly reluctant he is. Though they try to resist one another romantically, the magnetism is as immediate as it is powerful.

Unintentional offers readers an intricate, riveting story about the fraught paces of love, while also offering strains of heartwarming humor. With rich detail, authentic characters, and plenty of blood-pumping romance, Unintentional is a moving and multilayered look at how love can slip through our fingers, only to be pulled back again at the most surprising, stirring moments.

Read the review:

This is the second book of a series, but can be read as a standalone. However, I think that if you read the first book, you'll gain a deeper understanding into the characters and what makes them who they are in this book.

I'm not a huge fan of books written in first person present tense. It takes a while for the book to read comfortably to me. Add to that the fact that you have more than one first person narrator and it took me a while for this reader to get into the flow of the book.

Saying that, I'm glad I did. I liked the characters and the way they interacted. They seemed like real people you might want to go have a drink with or hang out with. I particularly liked one of the secondary characters, Sophie. She's a hoot and would like to see more of her, perhaps in a future book.

It took Cade a while to get over Mattie, which lead to the realism of the book. But, I'm glad he found out that there can be more than one love in a person's life.

All in all, this is a relatively short, pleasant read with fun people. 3.5 flowers.

Enjoy an excerpt:

I scan the room, taking in the atmosphere, when I notice the fourth member of the band jump onto the stage. Oh! My jaw drops as I look at him. This couldn’t be the lead singer. He’s, he’s…almost unreal. I rifle through my notes with shaking hands. Sophie prepared a bio on each one, but didn’t include pictures. Maybe if I had some warning, I wouldn’t be sitting here like some idiot with my mouth gaping open.

What the hell is wrong with me? It’s that guy, Cade, or whatever his name is. I’m so flustered, I can’t keep the pages in order. He is absolutely gorgeous! What is my problem? I’m a professional. I see good looking men all the time.

I look back over at Cade as he smiles at someone across the bar. Oh my God, he has dimples. Could he be any better looking? Nope. I think I just turned into a groupie. Well, maybe I’m not that far gone yet, but I’m close. I have to get control of myself. I take a deep breath in, hoping my heart will return its normal rate, exhale out. It didn’t work, so I try again.

I’m in the process of calming myself when Sophie asks, “Laurel, you feeling okay?”

I look back at her. “Have you seen the lead singer yet? Sophie, that man should not be legal.”

Sophie looks up at the stage, and her expression turns to shock.

She laughs at me. “I’d be willing to get arrested for that one!”

Good, it’s not just me. This should be an interesting night. I’m fanning myself, trying to order my body to calm down. I look over at Sophie, she’s grinning at me.

What?” I ask.

She laughs. “Oh, Laurel, this is rich! I’ve never seen you in such a state. Why don’t you go up and introduce yourself before they start?”

“No, I want to see how they perform first. Don’t you remember? We’re going to check them out first. We don’t want to waste their time or ours if they don’t cut it.”

Sophie shrugs. “I don’t think it would be a waste. Look at them, Laurel. I know Cade is super-hot, but did you see the other one? I think his name is Ayden. Can’t we just meet them anyway? Even if they aren’t what we’re looking for, they might be in another area. You know what I mean?” She winks at me.

About the Author:

MK Harkins is the author of the romantic novel Intentional. An avid reader, she began writing fiction when she ran out of reading selections on her Kindle. Her new novel, Unintentional, is a sequel to her first work and is based on the life of the character Cade. A business owner, Harkins spends her free time traveling, watching movies, reading voraciously, in addition to creating her own fiction. The author currently lives in Mercer Island, Washington.

Website: www.mkharkins.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mk-harkins/534181436623433
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22050125-unintentional
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mk_harkins

Buy Intentional (Book One in Series) at Amazon
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A Gentleman and a Rogue by Stephanie Burkhart - Review and Giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Stephanie will award a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Lady Keira Russell is destined to bring compressed natural gas to Britain. Her inner courage and mental toughness rarely falter – except when Prince Edmund Windsor is involved.

Edmund of Wales is from the future. His last jaunt through history muffed up the time line. Now, he's here to set it straight and win Keira's heart.

For Keira, if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Queen Victoria has sponsored a competition to find a cleaner fuel source than coal. Keira's father is trying to build a windmill and the Ridgecrofts are working with gasoline. Then there's Edmund, whose sensual kisses and heated stares distract her down to her bones.

Keira has a choice: trust Edmund's notorious mischief-making or put her faith in Queen Victoria to make the right decision, but if Keira makes the wrong choice, the future of Great Britain will be changed forever.

My review:

This is the second installment in the adventures of the Windsor cousins. The review of the first book is here.

Their last foray into the past had managed to change their present, so they go back to try to change things back. Only this time, they aren't alone.

Edmund's brother, Richard, has followed them back in time to bring them home--you see, they had been forbidden to go back again. But, along with needing to repair the time line (which, of course, their family doesn't believe has been changed), for Edmund there's the little matter of the love of his life being in Victorian England. Richard is not the only extra, though, Jonas has also gone back for purposes of his own.

I definitely recommend reading this series is order. So much of what happens in this second book depends on book one. Not only the relationship between Keira and Edmund, but the entire situation surrounding the competition. New people are introduced to us who will play an important part in the upcoming book three.

Once again, Ms. Burkhart has given us just a fun quick read involving very likable people and an engaging storyline--not to mention in this particular volume quite the ending.

3.5 flowers.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Richard pursed his lips. "All right, then. I have orders to take you, Alice, Grayson, and Jonas back immediately."

"That ought to be fun -- especially Jonas. He's helping Keira's father build a windmill."

"Petrol and electricity are the future."

Edmund grimaced. "No, they aren't. Alice and I tried to tell you -- Keira's compressed natural gas powers our future." His voice filled with conviction.

"Ever since we were children--"

"History changed when Grayson came with Alice. He's here to fix it now."

Keira held up her hands. "Now, boys, let's not raise our voices. I have a feeling you've had this conversation before and came to no resolution."

"That's true," Edmund conceded.

Richard nodded.

Edmund glared at his brother. "I'm not leaving. Alice and I have every intention of setting history straight." Richard sighed.

"Besides, the only way to get back to the future is for us to warm our coin necklaces in our hands. You can't do that for us."

"Ever heard of an override switch?"

"No." Edmund's eyes narrowed. He didn't like the sound of that.

"Professor Byron gave me one."

A sinking feeling descended into the pit of his stomach. "What other tricks do you have up your sleeve?"

"That's telling."

Exasperated, Edmund raked a hand through his hair. "Think this through, Richard. No, better yet -- listen to your instincts."

His brother chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"I had an interesting conversation about instincts today with Jocelyn."

Keira tilted her head slightly, a curious expression crossing her face. "Do you know Jocelyn well?"

"I'm staying with the Dunkirks."

"I can't imagine Lord Ridgecroft meeting the suitable test with his goggles and cigars," said Edmund.

"Actually, I find Jocelyn and her father very refreshing."

"So, Richard, what are you going to do?" Edmund asked.

About the Author:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks. She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Buy the book at Desert Breeze Publishing, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.

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Victorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart - Review and Giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Stephanie will be awarding a $25.00 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.

It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over from the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Edmund of Wales, back to 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition.

Alice soon finds herself over her head in trouble. Edmund is determined to help Prince Albert build a dirigible and the prime minister appears intent in preventing her from stopping Edmund. Alice knows it's too early for the massive flying machine to take to the air. Complicating matters is the passionate Grayson Kentfield, Earl of Swinton. Alice can't stop her pulse from pounding when she's near him.

Can Alice give her heart to a man from the past while working to stop Edmund from changing history?

My review:

What a fun read. Stephanie Burkhart has brought us a time travel romance that combines elements of steampunk (love the idea of scent-mail). It's not a long book and is an easy evening's read.

The main characters, Alice and Edmund, are cousins who are actually more like brother and sister. When Alice discovers Edmund going back in time, she follows him to try and keep him out of trouble, because where Edmund goes, trouble seems to follow. And, she finds out that what Edmund is attempting could very well change the future/their present so Alice has to try and stop him. Add to that the complication that both Alice and Edmund fall in love durint their time in the 1850s and you have the essence of the story.

There were some very neat elements of steampunk scattered through the story-- the Victorian age Alice and Edmund find themselves in is just a little different from what historical England not to mention the current time for Alice and Edmund where things are powered by compressed natural gas and glasses exist to help dyslexia.

I was hoping for a little more characterization -- I liked the characters, but I didn't feel like I connected with these characters as much as I have with other characters the author has penned. It was more like reading about what was happening to them rather than being drawn into and becoming a part of it myself. However, this is just the first book of a series, so hopefully we will see the characters grow and develop in the future books.

I could easily see this book as a series--it reminded me in tone a bit of the original Wild Wild West--fun banter between the main characters, some interesting inventions, and a problem to solve. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. 3.5 flower rating: This was a good book. I liked it.

Enjoy an excerpt:

She nibbled on her lower lip, a curious habit she had. When she was indecisive, perhaps? Then she drew the necklace over her head, giving it to him. He placed the coin flat in the palm of his hand, and let the chain dangle through his fingers. It was bronze or brass, with a strange sequence of numbers and letters. He furrowed his brow. Alice bent over and used her finger to push her glasses firmly back onto the bridge of her nose.

"It's some type of alpha-numeric code," Grayson mused out loud.

Alice looked on, a murky expression on her face. "Perhaps."

Grayson looked up. "I've seen a similar code on the datamancers they introduced in Parliament."

"What's a datamancer?" she asked.

He tried not to get lost in those soulful cerulean eyes of hers. "You don't know what a datamancer is?"

"No."

"It thinks for itself--"

"Grayson, what's in your hand?"

Grayson and Alice turned in the direction of the door. Sir John briskly walked toward them escorted by a soldier and another gentleman Grayson recognized as the prince's secretary.

About the Author:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks. She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

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The Zoastra Affair by Victoria Pinder - Book Review and Giveaway

(Science Fiction Romance)

This review is done in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Victoria will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

A hundred years from now, Earth has trading partners with alien beings, mostly humanoid. However, going into space brought forth an unknown enemy who attacks Earth at will.

The Zoastra is part of the Earthseekers, an organization originally designed to go into space. Its new mission is to find Earth’s enemies.

Ariel is stuck on a Victorian planet and steals Grace’s body and life to get off the planet. Grace must get her body back before Ariel bonds with Grace’s husband, Peter. Then there is Cross, the man on a mission to find those who killed his family. Ariel is attracted to Cross, but she’s stolen someone’s life.

My Review:

The Zoastra Affair concerns a small group of Earthseekers who are on a mission to find earth's enemies--because Earth has been attacked and they really don't know who the enemies are. The destruction on Earth plays a pivotal part in one of the main character's life--Major Cross. He lost his entire family and now is determined to avenge their deaths--cutting himself off from any personal contact in the meantime.

The story starts off right in the action with Ariel making up her mind to get off the planet she's been stranded on the past several years. And, when Grace, a member of the landing crew, comes along and is treated to a massage, the opportunity presents itself.

I've always enjoyed shows where one character swaps places with another. It works very well in movies and I could see The Zoastra Affair being made into such a show. There were little things that Ariel did that sent up warning flares that something was not quite right--and I give kudos to Peter for not being deceived for long.

There are two main couples involved in this love story..and it's much more of a romance than it is a science fiction tale. It reminds me of some of the Star Trek shows--with the emphasis on the characters. It would be interesting to see these same characters in another book. I actually want to know more about these enemies of earth and find out if there is a way to destroy them.

3.5 Flowers: This was a good book. I liked it.



About the Author:

Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.

During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.

When she woke up to what she wanted, the dream of writing became so obvious. She dreams of writing professionally, where her barista can make her coffee and a walk on the beach, can motivate her tales. Contemporary romances are just fun to write. She’s always thinking whose getting hurt and whose story is next on the list to fall in love. Victoria’s love of writing has kept her centered and focused through her many phases, and she’s motivated to write many stories.

Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, and in Savvy Authors.

Visit Victoria online at:

Authors Website: http://www.victoriapinder.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Pinder-also-writing-as-Greta-Buckle/294685373900979
Twitter: http://twitter.com/victoriapinder
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Google+ https://plus.google.com/105161432419802350109/posts/p/pub

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What's it To You by Judy Irwin - Review and Giveaway

(Middle Grade Fiction)

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter will win a $25 Amazon/BN GC.

What if nothing was the worst thing you could do?

For 13-year old Tim Stockdale, it's all about keeping his head down and fitting in with the friends he's managed to make at his new school. His older brother, Eli, is the opposite. He's trying to set up a Gay-Straight Alliance at his high school, where he's a junior. Even though the school board is against it, Eli’s not afraid of what the fallout might be.

So when Tim's new friends start to bully a kid they think is gay, Tim's torn - he doesn't want to do anything to risk being cast out of the crew. But when Eli is hurt in a protest, Tim's own failure to do anything starts to get under his skin. Will he find his way at his new middle school, and figure out what's really worth standing up for?

MY REVIEW:  This short book by Judy Irwin is about a young boy trying to fit in at a new school--one that is very different from the school he is familiar with. He finally meets some friends, but the problem is these "friends" are bullies--something he is not familiar with and he doesn't know how to handle them or what he should do when they start bullying another classmate.

There is a strong familial relationship between the parents and sons, and one thing he learns through the course of the book is that even when you think people won't like you if you take a stand, you might not be as alone as you think.

I did have one issue with this book and that's the fact that it is so short. With more length, this could have gone from being a good book to being a great book. With a longer book, the characterizations could have been deeper. There were many issues that, because of the shortness of the book, were just lightly touched on instead of getting to any real depth with them.

However, it's written on a level that young middle grade students, around 8-9 years old, can easily understand and not be overwhelmed with and perhaps the length works really well for that age group.  It certainly has a worthwhile message that needs to be shared.

3.5 stars - This was a good book. I liked it.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

Tim is out on the driveway, playing around with the basketball. So far, he's bounced it hard off the garage door, twice, and each time his mom sticks her head out the side door and shouts, "Keep it down!" at him.

When he bounces it off the metal garage door for the third time, he keeps an eye on the side door, expecting his mom to pop out, really mad this time. But nothing happens.

Tim dribbles the ball up and down the driveway, he's moving fast enough so that he's breathing hard. Every time he comes up to the top of the driveway, near the hoop, he takes a throw. The first four times it goes right in, but on the fifth throw it goes really wild and bounces off onto the lawn.

As he jogs over to grab the ball, Tim hears the side door open. He turns to face his mom. "Sor-ry," he drawls, with a grin. "Didn't mean to - Mom, what is it? What's wrong?"

Tim stares at his mother.

Her face is blotchy, and her nose is red. She's holding her purse in one hand, and car keys and a tissue in the other. She brings the hand with the tissue and keys up to her face, and rubs at her nose with the tissue.

"Tim, it's bad. It's Eli, and it's bad," she says, wiping at her eyes. "I have to get over to the hospital. I can't go into all the details, I just have to go." She unlocks the car door, and throws her purse onto the passenger seat.

"What - what happened?" says Tim. "Is he OK?"

Author Judy Irwin's books are about kids dealing with everyday stuff, like parents and divorce, friendships and bullies, and figuring out how to handle different situations and circumstances. She lives in Toronto with a dog, a cat, and a hamster, plus her husband and two children, ages 11 and 14. Judy always wanted to be a writer, and wrote her first book in fourth grade. It was about a boy named Japan, who lived in Japan. She studied English Literature at the University of Toronto, and some of her favorite authors are Judy Blume, Laurie Halse Anderson, Beverly Cleary, Edward Eager and Andrew Clements, and especially F. Scott Fitzgerald.

'What Did You Say?', Judy's first book, is about 12-year-old Tash. The book takes place at a trailer park up north. 'We're Done', Judy's second book, takes place in a middle school. It's about Luke, who first appears in 'What Did You Say?' Tash and Jon, from the first book, are also characters in this one. In 'What's It To You?', Judy's third book, 13-year-old Tim Stockdale (who first appeared as Luke's classmate in 'We're Done'), is figuring out where he fits in at Carlyle.

For Judy, the middle school years are especially interesting since they can be some of the most challenging for kids. It's a time when kids are faced with new issues, and bigger problems, than many have experienced before. As they figure out how they feel, and decide how to respond, they're also figuring out who they are, and shaping the nature of the person they will grow into.

Links: www.judyirwin.com

www.amazon.com/author/judyirwin

Review: Once and Forever anthology

Once and Forever - An anthology

By Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Emelle Gamble, Lavinia Kent and introducing Evie Owens From five compelling authors, five original novellas which will make you laugh and cry, and believe in a love that once found will last forever. Meet a duke, a psychic, a bodyguard and a professor…and one "guardian fairy" in absorbing stories ranging from regency and contemporary romance to paranormal and women's fiction.

Playing for Keeps by Mary Blayney

Actress Kendall Marshall is determined to get an autograph for her sick sister from famous TV personality Mike O’Hara, the Oprah Winfrey of sports. In the process she meets his brother, security consultant Steve Marshall, lands a job on O’Hara’s show and gets in the way of a man set on causing big trouble. As the stalkers attacks escalate, Steve and Kendall are thrown together and find it impossible to ignore the chemistry between them.

The Princess & the Pinot by Elaine Fox

When a beautiful woman shows up at the Vineyard Inn, wine manager Kim is certain she’s been sent by fate for the inn’s owner, Cooper. Self-effacing to a fault, Kim knows she can’t hold a candle to Principessa Bella, who also seems to know even more about wine than Kim herself, but her heart has belonged to Cooper since they shared one kiss as teenagers.

While Prin sweeps easily into the job of sommelier at the renowned inn, Kim is afraid Prin will sweep just as surely into Cooper’s arms if she doesn’t do something about it. Can she tell Cooper how she feels without losing even his friendship?

Kim is willing to try except for one problem: she’s almost certainly losing her mind. Or is that belching, swearing, smoking, farting fairy – who claims to be trying to help her – real?

Duets by Emelle Gamble

Duets offers alternating looks into the lives of two women who would seem to have little or nothing in common.

Screen star Molly Harper is on the verge of marrying a man who has swept her off her feet, thought perhaps hasn’t swept all her feelings for her first love away. Anne Sullivan, happily married for twenty-five years, is fighting to hold onto the man she loves, and hold off a confrontation that could shatter her family’s image of what they are.

Duets confronts a past secret that ties these two women’s lives together, just as chance events turn Molly and Anne’s worlds upside down.

Never and Forever by Lavinia Kent

Never and Forever is the beginning of the love story of two people who shouldn’t belong together. Molly, Miss Wilkes, runs an employment agency helping women of quality find positions perfected suited to their characters. Although her father held the title of Earl for just over a week before his death, Molly has never wanted to be a lady. She knows her place in this world – and it is not at the center of society.

The Duke of Radford also knows his place in this world – and it’s above everybody else’s. He cannot imagine a world without all the privilege and power that comes from being Radford. He’s had foreign princesses and heiresses dangled before him for years. Why would he ever have interest in a simple woman who doesn’t even understand that she should want to be a duchess?

Can these two overcome the obstacles of their own beliefs and realize that love can make all things possible?

Never and forever are both a very long time. Where will their love fit?

The Psychic Detective by Evie Owens

Psychic Martin Sterling doesn't trust cops--and the feeling is mutual. Detective Erin Healy needs more than a ghost story to save her job and reputation. Her partner is dead, a million dollars in drugs and money is missing, and all the evidence points to her.

Can a sexy psychic and a by the book cop, trapped between the living and the dead, unearth the truth? Or will a cold-blooded killer get away with it all...

My review:  Overall I had considerable mixed feelings about this anthology.  Some stories I loved, some I wasn't as enamoured with, but overall it was certainly a worthwhile read and a great way to find out about some new authors (whose books I'll be buying for sure!).

I enjoyed Playing For Keeps quite a lot.  I loved the author's voice and style, and the characters were fun and interesting. I do wish the story had been long enough to really get to know both sets of siblings better ... we only get a taste of the two who aren't the primary H/H, but it looks as if they may have their own story and I'm going to hunt that sucker down.  The story itself was cute, if a bit predictable and the heroine, Kendall, was a hoot. She certainly kept Steve on his toes.  This rates as one of the my favorite selections of the book.

I had a love/hate relationship with The Princess & the Pinot.  I loved the hero and heroine and most of the storyline, but I did not love the fairy.  I think the author was touching on the Princess and the Pea with Prin as well, and I honestly wish the time spent with the fairy had been spent on more character development.  I could see so much potential, and I think the conflict and premise of the story would have stood on its own without the addition of that element and would have given her more space to create a stronger story.  I wonder, too, if Prin is going to have her own story someday.

Duets was an anomaly in this anthology.  The other stories were clearly romances, but Duets was not.  It is womens fiction pure and simple, so was a bit of a disappointment to this romance reader.  That said, however, the author is clearly talented.  Her writing is well done, concise and interesting and her characters well developed.  If she wrote in a genre I enjoyed more, I'd be a steadfast fan. If you're a fan of womens fiction, you could do worse than reading Emelle Gamble.

Never and Forever was both annoying and frustrating, but also did its job well -- I'm sold on Lavinia Kent.  She made her characters so real, and the story incredibly interesting. What was annoying? That it was more a "moment in time" story with no real ending, than an actual complete story. When I came to the end, I sat in shock when I realized there was no more to the story and had to restrain myself from tossing my ereader at the wall.  I was so angry!  I wanted a resolution, I wanted satisfaction ... I wanted more. Kudos to the author for making this a story and characters I cared about so much.  This couple had BETTER show up again and finish their story, or I will find the author and shake her.

My favorite story of the anthology was The Psychic Detective.  Complete (and after Never and Forever, this was a HUGE plus), fun and unique, it made me want to start over and read it again as soon as I was done.  It had adorable, interesting characters that mattered to me and a plot that was intriguing and fun.  I've never read this author before, but I'm definitely adding her to the list of ones to watch.  If she can entertain me this much again, she'll have a hardcore fan.

Again, overall this was a neat set of stories in a plethora of genres which allowed me to get a taste of authors I'd never read before.  None were wall-bangers and I'd say that I enjoyed the writing style and voice of every author in the collection.  If you're looking for a sampler, and to add some new authors to your list of ones to buy, I'd recommend this as a good place to start.

3.5 Flowers -  It was a good book. I liked it!

Intent to Kill by Ryshia Kennie - Review tour and giveaway

This review is done in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Leave a comment, or ask the author a question, for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A ruthless band of smugglers will stop at nothing to strip Cambodia of its priceless ancient artifacts, even if it means using and killing female tourists. Journalist Claire Linton knows she’s on to the story of a lifetime. But for Claire, it’s personal too: long before her “Uncle Jack” came to the U.S., he was held captive in the nightmarish killing fields of Cambodia, and Claire senses there might be a connection between that long-ago bloody history and the dark crimes plaguing the country today.

Simon Trent is a burnt-out Interpol agent who disappeared after his last case turned fatal. But with the resurgence in smuggling and all signs pointing to the man who once escaped his grasp, he comes out of hiding to finish the job that’s haunted him for years. What he doesn’t see coming is Claire, the beautiful and headstrong reporter who may be a threat to his case—and to his heart.

As Claire and Simon reluctantly join forces to unravel a mystery that reaches deep into her family history and may be his only chance at redemption, they must fight to stay one step ahead of a brutal killer—and one step away from the dangerous feelings building between them.

My review:  Intent to Kill starts off with a bang -- hooking me right away, but then slows down immediately following the first chapter. I have to admit, if I hadn't been reading this book for a review, I might have stopped reading... and that would have been a mistake.

We spend the next few chapters setting up the dominoes for the rest of the book. We meet the players, Claire, Simon and our villain and we delve into the country of Cambodia.  I admit to being a bit frustrated that Simon and Claire spent next to no time together for quite a bit of the beginning -- when I read romantic suspense, I'm looking for the romance to start almost immediately.  Again, though, I'm glad I stuck it out because holy smokes, once the ball gets rolling, it's a fantastic story.

I understand why things started as they did, as things needed to be set up in order to work. It's a pretty complicated story with a lot going on, and most of the characters have some pretty significant skeletons in their closets.  It makes for an intriguing read.  Thankfully, once Claire and Simon do start spending time together, the romantic in me was plenty satisfied.

I've never read a book set in Cambodia before, and knew little about its history, so I was edified along with entertained. 

If you're a fan of romantic suspense, I can recommend this book -- just be patient at the beginning because the payoff is well worth it.

3.5 Flowers - This was a good book. I liked it.

The Canadian prairies are where Ryshia Kennie makes her home with her husband and one opinionated and slightly geriatric, Irish Terrier. The winner of her city’s Writing Award in 2011, her novels have taken her characters from the depression era prairies in her first book “From the Dust” to the ancient stones of Angkor Wat in her latest book, “Intent to Kill”. There’s never a lack of places to set a story as the too long prairie winters occasionally find her with travel journal in hand seeking adventure on foreign shores. While facing off a Monitor Lizard before breakfast or running through the Kasbah chased by an enraged Water Carrier aren’t normal travel experiences and might never find a place in one of her stories, they do make great travel stories. But it’s the memories of those exotic worlds, the smell of the spices, the words of a stranger, the furtive look one man gives another, that often become the catalyst for a suspenseful story with a deadly villain and an intrepid hero and heroine who must battle for their right to love or even their right to live, in a place that neither may call home. For more, visit her website at http://www.ryshiakennie.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ryshia-Kennie/135659506621696?ref=hl

Website: http://www.ryshiakennie.com/

Blog: http://ryshia.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/1400598.Ryshia_Kennie
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Intent-to-Kill-ebook/dp/B00FXXYXC0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1382032743&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/intent-to-kill-ryshia-kennie/1117165254?ean=2940148404996

The Complete Lily Lansing by Bastian Caldwell - Review and Giveaway

(Women's Contemporary Fiction)

This review is posted in conjunction with the author's virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $10 Wild Child gift certificate to a randomly drawn commenter. Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.




Lilike Avrill Lansing is damaged. She is also unemployed, barely surviving a loveless marriage, and hiding a secret so painful that it’s eating her alive.

The damage began when, as a student, Lily, inhabited a unique and dangerous world: Whitman College. Located in a small city with big murder and crime rates, it is nothing like the suburb she was raised in. But the harsh city is not nearly as dangerous as the predators that roam the Whitman campus, preying on innocence and leaving a trail of ravaged souls in their wake.

The damage culminates ten years later at a dinner party where in the span of an evening Lily destroys her marriage and alienates her friends. She finally realizes that she must tell everyone the truth about what really happened during her years at Whitman. But can her marriage, her friendships, survive the truth?

The Complete Lily Lansing takes you on an emotional and often humorous journey as Lily struggles to make peace with the past and embrace the present. Along for the ride are Erica, Lily’s movie buff best friend, and Petra, the girl in college who was known more for her bad reputation then her grade point average.

The novel touches lightly on contemporary issues like feminism, anorexia, relationships and sex, while conveying the positive message that honesty, laughter, friends, and watching the movie Gone With The Wind can fix anything.



Though a very well written book, The Complete Lily Lansing is not an easy read.

The heroine is difficult to empathize with.  I suppose she's a typical young adult... more than a little thoughtless and selfish, but more than once I wanted to smack her upside her head.  She keeps returning to a destructive relationship that's only about sex (at least on the boy's end -- and, honestly, I couldn't understand what Lily saw in Seth other than the fact he was cute and, I assume, good in bed), and is frequently blind to the good things right in front of her.

Admittedly, she goes through difficult times, and didn't have the most loving of parents. Bad things happen to her, more than once, and she internalizes most of it, figuring it's all her fault which leads to other problems. Granted, her poor decisions lead to some of those things, but she still doesn't deserve to have them happen.

Before you think she's not a nice person, she really is. She's a good friend, and eventually tries to be a good wife, but she has so much baggage, she's unable to really just let go and love.  And ultimately, that's what this book is about: letting go of the past and moving forward.  And this is what makes the read worthwhile and the ending of the book a sigh of relief after her exhausting and emotionally draining journey.

I loved her friends, Erica and Petra. They're unique and well drawn.  They have their own issues, but loyalty isn't one of them.  Her husband and other secondary characters contribute nicely to the book as well.  It's interesting to watch them all move past their college selves and into real lives where they're nice, good, responsible people (but not boring in the least!).

The biggest recommendation for this book for me was the artistry of the writing and the top quality editing.  The author has a strong voice and her writing is descriptive and clear.  It's this talent that will keep people reading this, and other books she write.

If you love a book which puts the leading lady through a pressure cooker, but she comes out a diamond in the end then I can recommend The Complete Lily Lansing.

3.5 Flowers - This was a good book. I liked it.

Enjoy this excerpt:

Lily was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Petra enter her room, even though Petra’s stilettos cracked like hammers on the bare wood floor. A tight black miniskirt stretched to cover Petra’s ample derrière, worn with a shiny pink blouse and enormous gold hoop earrings.

“I can’t believe you’re not ready!” Petra said with a toss of her thick auburn hair.

Lily rose from the bed and went to look at herself in the mirror. “I’m ready. I just need to brush my teeth.”

“Didn’t you wear that outfit to school today?” Petra sized up Lily’s jeans, blouse, and loafers.

“So? It’s still clean.”

“I thought you might want to wear something a little more sexy. We’re going to a frat party, not the library.”

Lily took in Petra’s outfit, which seemed more appropriate for a street corner.

“I’m not trying to impress anyone,” Lily said.

“Not even Seth?”

Lily frowned, drawing her brows together as if she were in sudden pain; she had been hoping to see Seth at the party, but would never admit it to Petra. “I don’t have anything like what you’re wearing,” Lily said, and suddenly wished that she did.

“Well I don’t feel like waiting around for you to fix your face, and there’s not much we can do with your hair. What other shoes do you have?”

“I have black sneakers and tan cowboy boots.”

Petra touched three red-tipped fingers to her forehead as if it were all too much to bear.

“And sandals,” Lily added in an apologetic voice.

“That’ll work. Here, give me your brush.”

Petra wet the brush with hairspray and made a deep side part in Lily’s flaxen hair, coaxing each strand into place. “Keep this side tucked behind your ear, and let the rest fall into your eyes. That’s sexy.”

Bastian is living her dream life at the beach with her family and her poodles.

The Complete Lily Lansing is her first novel.

Website: http://bastiancaldwell.weebly.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BastianCaldwell
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/bastian.caldwell
Facebook Novel Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Complete-Lily-Lansing/196192900514986

Audra by Amanda L.V. Shalaby -- Review Tour and Giveaway

(Historical Mystery Romance)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Amanda will be awarding a free eBook of her previous novel, Rhianna to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment here today for your chance to win! Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Audra Kingsley, a wealthy heiress, may not have seen much of the world, but she knows exactly how she wants her future to play out - and a coming out ball held at her country estate, Kingsley Manor, would suit her just fine. Her father’s wish that she be presented at St. James in London seems silly since she is to marry her neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Lord Crispin Brighton, but she obliges him.

Audra travels to London with her patroness, the eccentric Lady Sutherland, intending to return home as soon as she has curtseyed to the Queen. Unknown to her, Lady Sutherland is in no rush to leave London before the Season is over and intends to show Audra she has more options in the suitor department than Lord Crispin, a second son.

Audra finds herself surrounded by few friends and is forced to attend parties, balls, and operas - all while becoming the object of a secret admirer’s obsession. As Audra struggles to make her way home to her beloved, plans to compromise her into an unwanted marriage are underway.



Looking for a sweet, touching historical romance?  Audra might be exactly what you need.  Different in many ways, not the least of which is that the hero and heroine are already madly in love and promised to each other ... at least until fate (or an underhanded patroness) steps in.

 Audra reluctantly agrees to a brief season, unwilling to leave her home in the country and her beloved Crispin, but she knows certain formalities must be met before she can be wed to him.  When her patroness, Lady Sutherland, decides they will stay in London for the season, and thrusts the unhappy Audra into the whirl of parties and balls, it's clear she has something up her sleeve.

I enjoyed reading this story. While a bit unremarkable, it's enjoyable and well-written.  The main characters are delightful, and it was refreshing to see how devoted they were to each other.  Their love was never in doubt, at least not to us (though Crispin begins to believe Audra may have opted to select a new suitor).  The whirl of the ballrooms, the mores of the times all make for an interesting historical read.  Though not entirely shocking, since the conflict is mentioned in the blurb to the story, it still was an interesting twist.

The author has a strong ability with her words, and that was the main reason I kept turning pages. The characters were well developed, the descriptions crisp and clear. Really, that's what took this story from the mundane to the enjoyable.  I'd happily pick up another story by the author and recommend this to fans of historical romance.

3.5 Flowers - This was a good book. I liked it.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

Audra soon discovered that any suggestion of being denied acceptance to Almack’s threw Lady Sutherland into hysterics, and she was forced to keep the vulgar thoughts to herself. Audra, for her part, was already several days into her London excursion, and despite the charms of riding in Hyde Park, the fun of shopping on Bond and Regent Streets, the joys of the operas of Covent Garden, and the pleasurable company of Embeth DeBlock and her mother, she was quite ready to go home. As it was, her coming out ball at Almack’s was the final matter standing between her and Crispin, and Audra easily decided in her heart that, should the six reigning lady patronesses reject her application, she would not be at all disappointed.

On Monday, however, Lady Sutherland was released of her anxiety over the matter. The Countess of Jersey, the Marchioness of Londonderry, Lady Cowper, the Countess of Brownlow, Lady Willoughby D’Eresby, and the Countess of Euston, all of them familiar with Audra’s father, Guilford, Lord Kingsley, embraced Audra with open arms. Lady Sutherland was not a particular favorite of theirs, but since she was a previous member of Almack’s, and a willing subject of ridicule for them, they consented to her presence as Audra’s patroness. Lady Sutherland positively glowed as a voucher for a full subscription was provided to her by Almack’s owner, Mr. Willis.

On Wednesday, Almack’s doors opened at ten o’clock in the evening, and the commotion was unlike anything Audra could have envisioned. Even the most elaborate of Kingsley Manor’s balls that she had watched from afar had not seen the like, as an attendance of over five hundred made their way to the unassuming Palladian building on King’s Street. When Audra had stepped down from her carriage, she caught a brief glimpse of the others lining up behind her, and she started at the hallooing of coachmen and footmen who were doing their best to maintain order and keep the crowds in motion. She had never been surrounded by so many people in all her life, and the excitement that exuded from them was infectious. As she and Lady Sutherland were ushered through the doors, a little thrill found its way through her body.

At eleven o’clock, John Weippert struck up his band on the orchestra balcony of Almack’s large room. At once, the debutantes swirled along the polished, roped-off dance floor, a collective sea of corkscrew curls and braided buns. Girls freshly introduced to society danced the waltz and gallopade with square-shouldered gentleman who twirled their ladies gracefully while sneaking sideways glances at girls prettier than their partners.

The excitement and newness of the experience lasted only a short while for Audra until the flushed faces, the wide smiles, and the eagerness in the expressions of the girls around her struck a sharp chord. Hearts impatient to fall in love filled the crowd, and despite any thrill she had felt upon first entering the establishment, an overwhelming sensation of isolation now came over her. It was so sudden it stopped her breath, and the realization she did not belong sat heavy upon her breast.

Amanda L. V. Shalaby's passion for all things Jane Austen was inspired by her mother and grandmother. She now writes her own English historical romances, and is the author of Rhianna and Audra.

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