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Beautiful Ties by Alicia Rae…Book Tour Stop & Excerpt

by Jilly

Title: Beautiful Ties (The Beautiful Series #4)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

While watching her brothers find their happily ever afters, Abbey dreams of falling in love. Smart, fun, and sexy, Abbey is also independent and works hard alongside her brother, Kyle. When Kyle joins his business ventures with his wife’s cousins, Jason and Damon, Abbey struggles with keeping things professional.

Jason is instantly enamored with Abbey, and he becomes determined to win her over. Although she does not want to mix business with pleasure, he uses his good looks and sweet charm to work his way into her heart. All the while, Abbey begins building a friendship with a neighborhood child, Pearl. Abbey’s heart warms to Pearl, and their friendship quickly blossoms into a loving relationship.

Can Abbey find a way balance her growing feelings for Jason and her need to take care of Pearl? Or will Abbey need to sacrifice one relationship for the sake of the other?

Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

Excerpt:

I swung the door open, and my eyes went wide at seeing Pearl standing on the other side with a backpack clutched to her chest. Her eyes peeked up at me, and at first, they were filled with sadness, then relief, and finally happiness as she seemed to slip her mask into place. Pearl had never been here this early in the morning.

As I noticed her holding her bag so close, I became overwhelmed with concern, and I lowered down to her. “Pearl, sweetie, are you okay?”

She nodded rapidly. Her eyes moistened with tears, but as fast as they had appeared, she blinked them away.

“Yep,” Pearl said in a wavering tone, shifting nervously on her feet. “Um…” she murmured. Her expression turned hopeful. “Do you mind if I hang out with you today?”

“Of course you can,” I answered without hesitation, regarding her.

She was once again dressed in worn clothes that were way too small for her body. Her eyes were slightly puffy as if she had been crying, and her hair looked like it hadn’t been brushed in days. Her appearance cut me deep. My gut told me something was wrong, really wrong, and I needed to get to the bottom of it, but I knew I needed to tread lightly.

When she didn’t respond, I motioned her inside. “Come on in, sweetie. I’m just about to start breakfast. Do you like pancakes?” I asked, shutting the door behind us.

We walked into the kitchen, and her eyes lit up. “I love pancakes!”

“Okay.” I smiled, wishing I had awesome cooking skills right about now. The pancake mix I had was the kind that only required water to be mixed in, so that would have to make do for today.

I pointed to the stool in front of the kitchen counter. “Why don’t you hop on up there, and you can watch me?”

Jason emerged from around the corner. He was dressed in his clothes from yesterday. His eyes were perplexed, and then they filled with understanding as he glanced back and forth between Pearl and me.

“Good morning,” he politely greeted the two of us.

“Hi!” Pearl said in delight. Then, she frowned. “Um…what’s your name again?”

“Jason,” he said, extending his hand out to her.

Pearl looked down and then back at him again, outstretching her hand to shake his. “Hi, Jason,” she said in a shy voice. “What are you doing here so early?”

Jason nervously met my stare, and then he saw the pancake box and mixing bowl. He returned his attention to Pearl. “I’m going to have pancakes,” he replied smoothly, but I could see that he was stifling his humor.

“Me, too!” Pearl exclaimed with excitement.

Laughing, I pulled out a pan and set it on the burner. Then, I prepared the batter in a bowl, sliced a banana, and peeled a few oranges.

“Would you like some help?” Jason offered.

“No, that’s okay. I’ve got it.” I smiled at him. “You go ahead and have a seat.”

He sat on the stool next to Pearl, and she immediately started firing off questions.

“Do you have a dog?” she asked him.

“No, but I want one,” he answered kindly.

I poured the pancake mix onto the hot pan, and then I started to pull plates, glasses, and silverware out of the cabinets. I peeked glances at the two of them conversing as I set each item on the kitchen counter. It was so cute to watch him interact with her. He had such a soft side.

“What kind?” she asked.

Jason leaned on his elbow, dropping his chin to rest on his palm. He seemed to enjoy talking with her. “Hmm…maybe a Siberian husky or a Great Dane,” he responded.

Pearl’s eyes widened. “Great Danes are huge!” she nearly shouted.

I flipped the pancakes with a spatula.

Then, Jason asked a question. “Do you have a dog?”

She frowned. “No, Diane won’t let me have one. She said they’re expensive and too much work. But when I grow up, I’m going to have three dogs.” She sighed dreamily.

“Three?” Jason chuckled.

“Yep,” Pearl answered. Then, she rested her head on her hand, mimicking Jason. “Maybe four.”

“I hope you have a big yard.” He laughed softly again.

“So, did you have a sleepover last night?” she asked.

Her question caught me off guard. Spatula in hand, I whipped around to face the two of them.

“Uh…” Jason mumbled, stalling for a response.

About the Author

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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April 2014 Book Tour

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Mad About You by Joan Kilby…Book Tour Stop & Spotlight

by Jilly

Mad About You

Author:Joan Kilby
Genre:Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Accountant Cassy Morris knows she’s putting her heart on the line when she agrees to move in with her best friend, multi-millionaire geek Scott Thornton while she manages his nanotechnology lab and finds an angel investor for his revolutionary new product. She’s loved him forever even though he’s only ever regarded her as a friend. But Cassy never could refuse Scott anything…

When Scott is named Seattle’s sexiest man, the attention from women threatens to get in the way of him finishing his pet project and putting it on the market. Cassy steps up once again and pretends to be his fiancé. A lifetime of repressed sexual tension explodes in a passionate affair. Soon Scott is wondering how he can convince Cassy to turn their fake engagement into reality…

Amazon | Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | View Authors Website

About The Author

When I’m not working on a book I can often be found sipping a latte at my local cafe and indulging my favourite past-time of people watching. Growing up in Vancouver, Canada, I always wanted to be a writer. In university I took a detour to study marine biology. I worked as an environmental biologist for many years until the birth of my first child.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

April 2014 Book Tour

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Immortal Hunter by Kait Ballenger…Blog Tour Stop, Review & Giveaway

by Jilly

Synopsis:

Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but at what price?

As an exorcist, David Aronowitz grew up the target of demonic assassins. Now he’s a member of the Execution Underground and hellspawn everywhere fear his name. But when a demon slips into the seductive body of the only woman he’s ever loved, David must confront the heartbreak of their past to save her.

The piece of her heart Allsún O’Hare gave to David so long ago left her trapped between two worlds: the Fae and the human. And when David comes to her rescue, fate reunites her with her greatest temptation—and her biggest mistake. Now, as they’re swept together into a wicked game with the demon who controls her, David must decide if saving Allsún’s life is worth sacrificing his own—and the future of humanity itself

My review:

Immortal Hunter is the second book in author Kait Ballenger’s Execution Underground Series and admittedly the first book I have read. First let me say that I wasn’t lost at all while reading even though I hadn’t read the first book. Second I have to say….I loved this book and will be reading all of the installments from here on out!

Exorcist and Execution Underground member David Aronowitz is used to seeing some pretty gruesome things. In his line of work he’s come across some of the most heinous demons imaginable and all sorts of things that go bump in the night. But the particular demon he just killed has him scared the most he’s ever been. Not because the demon was particularly terrifying but because the demon told David something that left his blood running cold….that other demons knew about Allsún and that she was the last fae in this world. She was valuable and vulnerable to the demon world and had remained hidden until now. Allsún, the love of David’s life. Once his fiancé, he would still do anything to protect her and right now she was in dire need of that. Right now she was in a hospital bed recovering from the last time he couldn’t protect her and there’s no way he’d let that happen again.

Suddenly awakened out of a drug induced coma and being pulled by an indescribable force, Allsún O’Hare knew something bad was happening in the demon world. She didn’t know what or where, exactly, just that she had to follow this feeling to where it led her and fight whatever evil lay ahead. She never expected to see David at the house her feelings led her to. It shouldn’t surprise her, really. He was an exorcist after all. But the horror that she encounters at the scene was truly a shock. This wasn’t like anything either of them had seen before and instantly they both know things are bad.

With Allsún in danger and David on the hunt for the most diabolical demon he’s ever encountered, they will be forced to work together to end this reign of terror. Of course spending time together after years of being apart is bound to bring up all of the feelings they once shared. Feelings that never truly went away.

Oh man, I loved this book! I think one of the things I loved most about this book, and the series, is that it takes a different approach. Yes, it’s paranormal and deals with demons and the underworld, but the rituals and weapons they use are different than others I have read. There is a lot of Judaism in the methods David uses to exorcise and I found that really refreshing. One of the other things I loved about this book was the love story between David and Allsún really took a front row seat instead of being on the back burner. I really enjoyed that. The have a whole lot to work through and I wouldn’t have been happy if their issues were resolved in a chapter or two. Luckily, Kait gave us plenty to read and time to understand the feelings fro both David and Allsún’s POVs. It made the connection to the characters so much stronger, which for the ending of this book was imperative. I was a nervous wreck for the last few chapters because I was so worried for David, Allsún and the whole Execution Underground crew! They have one hell of a fight on their hands (no pun intended) and I had no idea what the outcome was going to be. I loved that feeling!

I also loved getting a peek into Damon’s very guarded emotions in the end and I am really hoping we get to see his story soon! I can imagine it’s going to be gut wrenching.

Thank you, Kait, for your take on good vs. evil and for giving me a series to look forward to reading more from!

Five Loves

Book links:

IH on Amazon | IH on Barnes and Noble

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Kait Ballenger is a full-time paranormal romance author, wife, professional bellydancer, and graduate student. She lives in Central Florida with her husband, their doggie-daughter Sookie (like Charlainne Harris’ character), and two kittens, Elliot and Olivia (like the SVU characters). Kait believes anything is possible, and one day, she hopes people name their pets after her characters, too.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Book Tour Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Paranormal

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Lie by Night by Cathy Marlowe…Book Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

Lie by Night

by: Cathy Marlowe

Release Date: 3/24/14

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis:

When Emma Bailey’s brother disappears, leaving her in possession of dangerous information, there’s no one she can turn to for help. Her desperate search for her brother leads her to a remote island where she discovers the one man who can help her is a man she can’t trust.

Cole Stevens is on a mission to bring down the drug mastermind who threatens to destroy the lives of his family. His plans take an unexpected turn when Emma runs head first into his investigation. Not only is she a danger to his heart, but her brother is one of his key suspects.

Cole and Emma reluctantly join forces to unravel a web of deceit that reaches deeper into their lives than either had imagined. As the lies unravel they will be forced to choose between fear of betrayal and their willingness to put their emotions on the line in order to save the people they love.

My review:

Lie by Night is an Out of Darkness novel by author Cathy Marlowe and the first of her work that I have read. The cover alone had my attention and the story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Emma Bailey was used to not knowing where her brother was, what type of mission he was off doing, or how long he would be gone for but one thing she always knew was that he would call her every Sunday. After all, they only had each other as family. So it was extremely unnerving when she didn’t get that Sunday phone call. Even more unnerving was the package she received from her brother for her birthday a couple of days later. Enclosed in the package was a cryptic note telling her not to trust anyone along with some important looking information. Without a doubt she knew he was in danger and she knew she was the only one that could save him. So she did what any sister would do…packed her bag and went in search for him.

Right in the middle of his top-secret investigation into one of the most dangerous operations headed by one of the most devious men, the last person Cole Stevens expected to see was Emma Bailey. But here she was in a very dangerous spot…literally. After saving her from her precarious position, he now realizes there is no was she is leaving his side. For too many reasons to count. One being she needs help finding her brother, the brother he has a suspicion may be a part of the operation he’s trying to squash. The operation that has already hurt too many people. Cole wanted to make sure no one else had to suffer…especially Emma.

Each with reservations about working jointly, Emma and Cole decide that maybe working together could actually be beneficial to taking down an operation that time and time again has proved to be infallible. But as time passes, and they spend more and more time together, their relationship threatens to grow from old acquaintances to so much more.

The story line in Lie by Night was intricate and weaved with deceit, drugs, danger, disloyalty, and murder. It was also weaved with love and compassion. All of that created a great balance and it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. There were a lot of players in the plot that I was unsure of and that kept me guessing and I really enjoy that aspect of a romantic suspense. Cole and Emma were well matched and were equally stubborn and yielding when it mattered. Overall, I was pleased with all facets of this story and the last few chapters had me almost speed-reading because I was so nervous! My lips are sealed but know that it was intense and, ultimately, very satisfying.

Thank you, Cathy, for a fantastic and suspenseful read!

Four Loves

Book links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | EP Link

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Cathy lives in Missouri with a huge chocolate lab whose crazy antics occasionally appear in her books. She’s blessed with a supportive husband and three wonderful children. When not writing, she coaches soccer and works to create a safe world for children. She loves dark chocolate mint M&Ms accompanied by a steaming mug of coffee, and smart stories that touch the heart while making you laugh, cry and stay up all night turning pages.

When her children were young, she wrote stories for them. Her daughter encouraged her to pursue publication, presenting her with a card that read “God is cheering for you and so am I.” This sign of support has been a source of inspiration for her throughout her writing career.

She believes in the power of each of us to change the world, by word and by deed, in big ways and small.

Her first published novel, Lie by Night, was a winner in the Entangled Smackdown Competition held during National Novel Writer’s Month. A romantic thriller, Lie by Night will be available in March 2014.

Email: cathy@commonpurpose.biz | Website | Twitter: @Cathy_Marlowe | Facebook | Goodreads

April 2014 Book Tour Four Loves New Releases New Reviews Romantic Suspense

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You Again by Ashlee Mallory…Book Tour & Spotlight

by Jilly

You Again

by: Ashlee Mallory

Release Date: 3/24/14

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis:

A hopeless crush…

Back in high school, Allie McBride thought the sun set around Sam Fratto’s smiles, even if they were only friends. Now she’s older, wiser, hotter, and teaching at the same school they grew up in. When Sam joins the faculty, she has a chance to make good on the crush that got away. But when a dead body turns up on school grounds, they realize there might be a murderer in their midst. The heat keeps getting hotter between Allie and Sam, but more might be in danger than their hearts…

The cute kid from high school is all grown up…

A family crisis brings true-crime writer Sam Fratto back to town after more than a decade’s absence. Teaching at his alma mater seems like a good way to pass the time—especially when he sees that Allie, the geeky, sweet-mannered girl from high school, has blossomed into the saucy teacher in the classroom next door. Too bad finding a dead body transforms his return into one of his true-crime books come to life. And when it seems the killer might be after Allie next, it’s up to him to keep her safe…

A killer determined to keep the past buried at any price

As if dealing with the return of one ghost from her past wasn’t enough, it looks like the killer might be the person they least suspected. Someone from the past. Someone with something to hide. Someone who thinks Allie and Sam are getting a little too close to the truth. If Allie and Sam are going to get out of this alive, these two friends to lovers will have to work together…or die together…

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Entangled

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Ashlee lives with her husband, two kids, a dog, and cat surrounded by the majestic mountains of her hometown of Salt Lake.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, she always wanted to know what it was like to live on the other side of the mountains. In college, she interned a semester in DC and later attended law school in Syracuse, New York, where she also ventured to Israel for a summer semester. After graduating law school with a taste of what it’s like living in the bigger world, she moved back home to Salt Lake and took the Utah Bar Exam, got married, and settled in with her hubby and two wonderful kids. After a few more years in the legal realm, she grew restless and turned her pen to one of her first loves—writing stories.

Currently, when she’s not working the day job as in-house counsel, she spends her time with the family and squeezing in writing time—anything to avoid the housekeeping. Just kidding, honey! 😉

She writes with romance and humor at the heart of every story—and a healthy dash of mystery and suspense.

Hopefully she pulls it off.

Email: Ashleemallory7@gmail.com

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Book Spotlight Book Tour March 2014 New Reviews

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Shadows on the Mirror by Frances Fyfield…Book Tour Stop

by Jilly

Title: Shadows on the Mirror (Sarah Fortune Mystery #1)
Author: Frances Fyfield
Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller
Publish Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Witness Impulse, an imprint of HarperCollins

Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.

~ Book Synopsis ~

Sarah Fortune is bored to death – but few know, and less would guess, how the beautiful and successful lawyer escapes the stultifying tedium of her career. Since the death of her unfaithful husband, she has been moonlighting as a generous mistress, offering intimate company to lonely men. Sarah is satisfied with her routine. But then she meets Charles Tysall, an important client of the firm, whose charisma and enormous wealth conceal an implacable will and a misogynist’s mad aggression. Soon Sarah finds herself implicated in a murder when a decaying body is found of the coast. Inexorably, Sarah is hurdling towards a confrontation where there will be no escape from the shadows, no turning from the face of lethal obsession…

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Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE MYSTERY GENRE, OR DID IT CHOOSE YOU?

The mystery genre chose me rather than the other way round. Always wanted to write from the days of composing gloomy, teenage poetry and winning the essay prize in school, but it took a while to know what to write about. I became a criminal lawyer, with a wild ambition to write romance as an antidote to the daily diet of homicide, theft and lives of quiet desperation.

I came to write mystery fiction because I wanted to explore the unfinished, incomplete stories that unfold in a court room, where no one knows more than half of what really went on. Storytelling, the use of compassionate imagination, penetrates the darkness and squares the circle of half truth like nothing else.

It also allows for wit, humour, irony and romance, and you can always include the enduring power of love, in which I heartily believe. This genre is the best. What better to write about than Crime and Redemption?

About the Author

I grew up in rural Derbyshire, but my adult life has been spent mostly in London, with long intervals in Norfolk and Deal, all inspiring places. I was educated mostly in convent schools; then studied English and went on to qualify as a solicitor, working for what is now the Crown Prosecution Service, thus learning a bit about murder at second hand. Years later, writing became the real vocation, although the law and its ramifications still haunt me and inform many of my novels.

I’m a novelist, short story writer for magazines and radio, sometime Radio 4 contributor, (Front Row, Quote Unquote, Night Waves,) and presenter of Tales from the Stave. When I’m not working (which is as often as possible), I can be found in the nearest junk/charity shop or auction, looking for the kind of paintings which enhance my life. Otherwise, with a bit of luck, I’m relaxing by the sea with a bottle of wine and a friend or two.

Connect with the Author: Website | Goodreads

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Book Tour February 2014

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Mike’s Way Back by Amy Gregory…Book Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the Mike’s Way Back by Amy Gregory Book Tour!

Please enjoy my review below and as a treat during the tour Mike’s Way Back is on sale for .99! Yay!

Title: Mike’s Way Back (Finding Perfect #1)

Author: Amy Gregory

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: September 30, 2013

Cover Designed By: Davis Snodgrass

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis:

Detective Mike Sterling walked away from his dream job telling himself it was to honor the promise he’d made his mother, while lying in a Chicago emergency room. A year later, he’s still fighting the demons that followed him back to his boyhood town.

Taryn Watts is an award-winning designer, going from project to project, living from a suitcase. Her plan for Renlend Kansas was the same as always. Go in, get the job done and get out, just the way she likes it. Growing up as a cop’s daughter, her every move was controlled. When she escaped to college she vowed to never fall in love with a cop –ever. Until she found herself sitting across from the ruggedly handsome stranger. Looking into Mike’s ice blue eyes they pulled her, called to her, but there was a haunting in them she knew too well.

Mike is drawn to Taryn, her passion for her work and her stunning beauty left him breathless, but what surprises him most is the peace he feels when he’s near her. Maybe it’s because Taryn is a temporary addition to his town and his secret is safe, or maybe it’s because she makes him feel safe. Mike knows he can’t keep up this charade and when Taryn moves to Renlend for an extended stay he can’t hide the truth any longer.

Can Taryn forget he’s a cop and give him her heart, or will his demons drive them apart?

My Review:

Mike’s Way Back is the first book in author Amy Gregory’s Finding Perfect Series and was an enjoyable kick-off!

Detective Mike Sterling is back in his hometown after leaving the police force in Detroit. Now, if he could just leave the horrible memories that went along with it. He’s settling into life with a quieter pace even if the nightmares haunt him at night. Things are looking up and start looking even better when a beautiful stranger shows up at his favorite pub. Determined to find out more about her, he shares a meal with her and is thrilled at the prospect that she may be spending a bit of time here and with any luck, he’ll be spending that time with her….

Designer Taryn Watts is at the top of her field and loves every minute of her success. She has worked damn hard to get here and is finally at a good place in her life. It’s this award-winning career that has brought her to this charming little town and into this charming local pub. Another charming thing about this town is the gorgeous blond detective sharing her table with her. Yep, she could really learn to like this place. It’s a crying shame she didn’t call this place her home because a gal could really get used to this town and this guy….

Mike’s Way Back was a sweet and beautiful romance with a very real feel to it. Taryn is smart and talented with a fantastic job and some amazing friends. She was an enjoyable character to read with reservations that are very relatable. The uncertainty of new feelings and what it could mean for the life she’s worked hard for. Mike is a delicious, smart and respectable man also with a great career and a close knit family. He is also very real and thoughtful with his relationship with Taryn. I think that’s one of the things I enjoyed most about this book….that Mike and Taryn are more adult in how they proceed with their feelings and ultimately their relationship. The secondary cast of characters is also terrific. Taryn’s business partners and close friends are the best! A fabulous addition to the story, indeed.

Overall this was a great true-blue romance with an ending that I adored. Thank you, Amy!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

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Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs. The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”. She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions. Because she sits so much, she always carries a notebook with her at all times.

She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years. And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make others laugh as well. At least she’s grateful most of the time! Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Book Tour December 2013 New Reviews

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Piper Day’s Ultimate Guide to Avoiding George Clooney by Vanessa Fewings and Christina Cannarella….Book Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the Piper Day’s Ultimate Guide to Avoiding George Clooney by Vanessa Fewings and Christina Cannarella Book Tour!

I hope you enjoy my review and thanks for stopping by!

Book links:

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble

Genre: Chick – LIt

Publication Date: December 3rd, 2013

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis:

Finding romance in the world’s most glamorous city isn’t easy.

For Piper Day, fresh in town to work as a studio nurse on one of Hollywood’s busiest backlots, finding love seems impossible. Two men who couldn’t be more different vie for her affection: a wildly wealthy actor who gleefully bathes in the adoration of his public and a sweet, humble teacher who works at the on-lot childcare center.

Throw in the task of having to avoid one of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities or risk losing her job, Piper’s life is anything but smooth sailing.

On any given day, Piper can be helping a patient on the dusty set of a western or on the futuristic bridge of a starship or in the plush office of a studio executive. She never knows where a nurse will be needed once she enters the legendary gates of Gemstone Studios.

These are the adventures of Piper Day, a life where reality and fantasy tango in the dream-soaked world of Tinseltown.

My review:

This is the work of collaboration between authors Vanessa Fewings, whose The Stone Masters Vampire Series I love, and debut author Christina Cannarella. All I can say is that I hope these gals team up for more because this book was awesome!

Piper Day realizes she’s hit the jackpot when she was hired for her new job as a nurse at Gemstone Studios in Hollywood. I mean who wouldn’t want to practice nursing at one of the biggest studios, rubbing elbows with movie stars and seeing the amazing work that goes into putting movies and TV shows together? The only problem is that she was avoiding one of the biggest stars there was: George Clooney. It all started when she was on a junk food mission while having a break-up cry fest with her BFF and ended up running into George. In pajamas. With a cart full of George Clooney merchandise. And with chocolate smeared on her face. She’s convinced if he sees her on the lot, he will put her in the stalker category and she will lose this dream job. And so, Operation: Avoid The Clooney begins. Who would have thought that in her mission to avoid George she would end up catching the eye of two very different, very handsome, bachelors? How much more can a gal juggle?

Talk about a laugh out loud book! Piper Day goes down as one of the funniest, most adorable, kindhearted book gals in history. I adore her! Her antics and adventures ranged from hilarious to solemn and had every range in-between. She is an optimistic gal with a big heart and a fantastic sense of humor. There were more than a few of her avoidance scenes that had me crying with laughter. I couldn’t blame her for never wanting to show her face to George again after the chocolate-faced disaster! The people Piper meets along the way are almost as amazing as she is. Her two co-workers welcome her with open arms and become fast friends she is lucky to have found. There’s also a special man she meets in the beginning…but not in the sense you’re thinking. A very unassuming and kind older gentleman who turns out to be someone she never would have guessed. Almost a fairy godfather in a way. As for the two gents vying for her attention, well, I don’t envy Piper one bit in having to choose between the two! Very different guys but equally attractive, I do believe she chose wisely in the end *dreamy sigh* As for her best friend, I must admit I have a love/hate view on her. A few of the conversations Piper had with her left me a tad annoyed but luckily in the end, she came through for Piper.

I hope we get to see more of Piper in the future and I highly recommend this book if you want a fun, light hearted and entertaining read! Thank you, Vanessa and Christina, for teaming up and giving us Piper!

Four Loves

About the authors:

Vanessa Fewings (aka V.M.K. Fewings) is the award-winning author of The Stone Masters Vampire Series. Her first erotic novel, Enthrall, will be released later this summer. Prior to publishing, Vanessa worked as a registered nurse and midwife. She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. She has travelled extensively throughout the world and has lived in Germany, Hong Kong, and Cyprus. Born and raised in England, Vanessa now proudly calls herself an American and resides in California with her husband.

Vanessa has been invited as a special guest to attend the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club’s Annual Ball and Undead Con in New Orleans this Halloween. Alongside some of the most distinguished authors, including Anne Rice herself, Vanessa will be a guest on writer panels and at the author meet and greet where fans will get the chance to chat with her personally about her new vampire novel Bohemian.

Vanessa Fewings is repped by management firm IPG.

Connect with the Author: Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook| Twitter

Christina Cannarella is a Los Angeles-based creative writer, actor and medical consultant for tv shows and films. She fused her nursing career with Hollywood when she began working in the entertainment industry, both behind and in front of the camera over a decade ago. Some of the shows included in her resume are Parks and Recreation, Masters of Sex, Private Practice, Revenge and Parenthood.

Her first original sitcom script, “On the Boulevard”, was chosen as one of the winners of an FX Competition for “the next great half-hour comedy show.”

Christina grew up in an Italian family from Wisconsin, intermingling her midwestern values with her quick wit, she adds a sprinkle of this in all of her creative endeavors.

She is very excited to be releasing her first novel, Piper Day’s Ultimate Guide to Avoiding George Clooney in collaboration with Vanessa Fewings.

Connect with the Author Goodreads

Book Tour December 2013 New Reviews

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Theatricks by Eleanor Gwyn-Jones…Book Tour

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the Theatricks by Eleanor Gwyn-Jones Book Tour! My stop today includes the playlist for Theatricks as well as information on the tour-wide giveaway.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

Title: Theatricks

Author: Eleanor Gwyn-Jones

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: December 3, 2013

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Enna Petersen has never been good at making personal decisions, particularly when she has to choose between her passions. As a theater director, the stage is her world, the spotlight her vitamin D, the waft of greasepaint her oxygen. However, when her handsome American businessman boyfriend proposes and paints the picture of a luxurious life in Pennsylvania, she has to tear her heart in two and give up on her theatrical dreams.

But as she navigates the visa gauntlet at the US embassy in England, she meets Will, a charismatic, erudite actor who encourages her to not give up on her dilapidated and much beloved theater. She is torn, tormented by the thought that her departure will certainly lead to Ashtead Theatre’s demise, but she follows her heart, says goodbye to her homeland, and begins her new role as Cole’s fiancée in America.

However, homesickness soon strikes. Enna longs for the English countryside, her theater, and the passion that Will has inspired in her. After her American dreams fall apart, she is reunited with all three back in the UK, and with Will’s help, she soon finds her theater more successful than she ever thought possible. She has everything she’s ever wanted, including a gorgeous man in her bed to share it with, so why is it she can’t stop thinking about Cole?

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Purchase Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Playlist:

About the Author:

Eleanor Gwyn-Jones lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but originally hails from Surrey, England. Huzzah! She studied biology at Southampton University before taking to the stage as an actress, agent and administrator of a touring theatre company. She performed in theatres, studios, schools and festivals across the British Isles before moving to the States. It was whilst visa-dangling and unable to take on acting work that she started to write and decided she far preferred it to anything else in the world! In 2008, Eleanor started her own ‘at home’ business to afford her more time to be with her ‘book babies.’ Now she spends her time writing by day and teaching ladies to look fabulous at night. She is a travel junkie—it’s research, darling, research!—a gourmand, a yogi, a sometime blogger and she adores her family and friends beyond all measure. She is currently putting the finishing key strokes to the sequel to Theatricks, due for release in 2014.

If she weren’t writing, she’d like to think you’d find her in Downton, The Paradise, or having a goblet of wine with Tyrion in King’s Landing.

Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Tour December 2013 New Releases

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Book Tour & Review…..Divinity by Patricia Leever

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the Divinity by Patricia Leever Book Tour!

My review of Divinity is below and you can also find the rafflecopter to the tour-wide giveaway below. Up for grabs are five (5) ePacks of Divinity and the prequel short, Clarity.

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy!

Add to Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Demons.

They’re everywhere, hiding in plain sight. Chances are, you’ve interacted with one or two of them in your lifetime without even realizing it…

Demon hunter Evelyn Brighton saves unsuspecting humans from the malevolent creatures masquerading around them every day. Working under the Lebriga Corporation’s direction, she never fails to bring her A-game with her keen skill, fiercely independent spirit, and the best weapon in her arsenal: the Divinity blade.

Evelyn’s world is turned on its ear, however, when she is ordered to train cocky new recruit Daniel Summers. They both feel an instinctive pull drawing them to one another, the ancient spells tattooed into their skin illuminating whenever the two hunters come into contact. But with evil looming over the city of Los Angeles, Evelyn and Daniel’s mutual competitiveness and sense of duty to Lebriga and all humankind forces them to hold back their desires. Will their restraint be enough to keep them focused and save southern California, or will the dark forces prevail?

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Divinity is an action-filled, fast-paced marriage of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Edgy, witty, and sexy, it will bind you in its spell.

My review:

Divinity is the first book in author Patricia Leever’s Divinity Series and kicks off this series with a fantastic start! I am totally hooked on this series!

Evelyn Brighton has been seeing demons for as long as she can remember. She always noticed the evil nature hidden under the mask of a human. Evie also realized at a young age that she was the only one who seemed to notice these creatures. It was that sense that brought her to the attention of the Lebriga Corporation and it’s there she has worked for the last one hundred plus years. Slaying demons and the things that go bump in the night with her magic and her charmed Divinity blade by her side. She’s one of the company’s best hunters and it’s being the best that lands her in charge of their newest recruit, Daniel Summers. To say she’s annoyed would be a gross understatement. She didn’t have time for the young, arrogant newbie and has no idea why they higher-ups would have put her in charge of his training. Even more of an annoyance is the twitching of her one specific tattoo. The tattoo specifically designed to act up in the presence of a worthy mate. No way could the arrogant and annoying, albeit really freaking hot, Daniel be her possible mate…..

Daniel Summers still can’t believe he was transferred to the LA office of the Lebriga Corporation. Hell, if he’s being honest, he still can’t believe seeing all the weird and evil stuff through his life had actually meant something and he wasn’t crazy. Now he’s here and after meeting the delicious woman in charge of training him, he is thanking his lucky stars for that ability. The minute he meets Evie, he is totally enthralled. She’s a real tough ass, but stunningly beautiful and he is determined to get her to think of him as more than her student. Surely he isn’t totally wrong when he notices her attraction toward him, even if she is trying to pretend it isn’t there.

Daniel and Evelyn have much more than their love/hate relationship to deal with. While Evie tries to deny her attraction to Daniel and while Daniel tries to get Evie to admit it, things around the demon world are a bit off lately and have reached a bit of a fevered pitch. Now they must work together to save humanity….and hopefully live through their latest assignment.

I’ve read more than a few series involving demons and demon slayers and sometimes they’re really awesome, and sometimes they are really not awesome. This is one of the awesome ones. Not only is the whole premise behind the story a great one, but also the characters are kick ass. Evelyn has perfected her craft over the years and excels at what she does. What she doesn’t excel at is the relationship department. Bottom line? She’s scared to let someone in. She’s been around long enough to have seen what happens when a loved one is killed in the line of duty, and it’s nothing she ever wants to endure. So she’s tough and hard and keeps guys at arm’s length. I totally get that. Daniel is adorable. I loved his sense of wonder when it came to learning all of the magic and battle skills needed to be not just a good slayer, but a great one. I also loved how he handled Evie. He figured her out pretty quickly and knew she needed time and a bit of convincing. I won’t ruin anything, but I will say the slow build in their relationship is done deliciously well. Their push and pull and the sexual tension between them is palpable.

Patricia really pulled me in with this story. I want to know what happens next with all of the Lebriga and what evil has in store for them in the next books in the series. Yep, I’m a fan! Thank you, Patricia, for a series I am totally addicted to…I can’t wait to read more!

Four Loves

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Patricia Leever is a wife, stay-at-home mom of four and owner of one dog and one really old cat. On the average school day she runs about town like a lunatic picking up and dropping off kids and trying to find a moment of quiet to write down a word or two.

She’s a sci-fi geek that loves to dress up like a zombie and participate in the local zombie march down Main St. and laugh as much as possible; laughter frees the mind and heals the soul.

Live. Breathe. Write.

Connect with the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Tour New Reviews November 2013

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Book Tour, Giveaway & Excerpt….My Beautiful by Alicia Rae

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the My Beautiful by Alicia Rae Book Tour!

I have a fantastic excerpt to share with you as well as the rafflecopter for the tour-wide giveaway. Prizes include a KINDLE and two signed paperback copies of Beautiful Chances!

Thanks so much for stoping by and ENJOY!

Title: My Beautiful (The Beautiful #2)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Cover Designed By: Okay Creations

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Still trying to recover from a tragic loss, Lily’s worst fear is falling in love. Distancing herself from everyone is the only way she can keep heartache away.

Deep down though, Lily realizes that living without Kyle is too painful. She finds strength in Kyle’s arms, and he gives her the courage to face her past. With every step forward, Lily continues to nurture and mend her damaged heart.

Just when Lily feels closure within her grasp, secrets from the past finally catch up with her, and Lily will discover that more than her heart is on the line.

Will love be enough to save Lily?

Excerpt:

My fingers dug into his hair, and brought his lips closer. His mouth was warm and soft and inviting. Deepening the kiss, one of his hands held my behind easily while the other was placed around my neck.

I moaned into his mouth as he kissed with crazy fervor. Sparks ignited deep in my belly from simply touching him. He pulled back, breaking our kiss. His eyes were dark with need, and our breathing was completely erratic.

“Jesus, Lily.” His tone was husky as he tried to steady his voice. “Just kissing you makes me want to strip you naked and make love to you again.”

“Ditto,” I murmured shyly, feeling a blush warm my cheeks.

Our chemistry was always there, it was untamable.

He raised his hand to brush the backs of his fingers along my cheek. “Damn, it has only been a couple of days since I last saw that blush, and I fucking missed it.”

I put my hands on his shoulders and kissed his lips softly.

“So, how are we getting dirty today?” Kyle asked, elated.

I pointed in the direction of the mudroom. “You’ll have to go see.”

He pushed off the counter, and I expected him to put me down, but he carried me in the direction of the back door. He eyed me questioningly as we stopped in the middle of the room. Then, he realized there was another door in the mudroom. Kyle opened the door and then stared in complete disbelief. His eyes filled with boyish excitement. He set me down and took a few measured steps into the five-car garage.

The first two car spaces no longer had vehicles in them. The third car spot had six Polaris four-wheelers—a pink one, a blue one, two black ones, and two white ones with blue stripes—parked in two perfectly aligned rows. Three of them were clean with only dust on them, and the other three looked as if they had been ridden fairly recently. The fourth and fifth car spaces each had a trailer that held four snowmobiles. Three dirt bikes were carefully placed along the front wall with just enough walking room around them.

“Wow.” Kyle drooled like a teenage boy as he stared at all the toys.

I chuckled at his amazement.

He turned to face me. “You’ve been holding out on me, beautiful girl.”

I shrugged. “I’m a tomboy at heart.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “I guess so. Though, I need a bit more proof,” he challenged.

“You’re on.” I grinned.

Purchase Links

Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Giveaway:

Tour-Wide Giveaway (US Residents Only)

3 Winners ~ Kindle, 2 signed paperbacks of Beautiful Chances

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Tour November 2013

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Book Promotion & Review

Synopsis

Excerpt:

About the Author

Mad About You

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My review:

Five Loves

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Lie by Night

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Four Loves

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You Again

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Three-and-a-Half Loves

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Four Loves

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Four Loves

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