Colorimetry

#Excerpt on tour THE LIGHT FADES by @CatherineWest w/ @PrismBookTours #Giveaway #LightFadesTour

2019-10-16T08:34:00.004-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

As the Light Fades
By Catherine West
Women's Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 362 Pages
September 10th 2019 by KDP

Sometimes weâ€™re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.

Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. Sheâ€™s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, heâ€™ll let her be. Heâ€™s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.

Liz doesnâ€™t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her lifeâ€”secrets sheâ€™d hoped to keep buried forever, and heâ€™s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything sheâ€™s worked so hard for, and all sheâ€™s come to love.

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FREE on KindleUnlimited

CHAPTER ONE (CONTINUED)

“What in heaven’s name happened here?” Evy quickstepped it toward them in high heels, sequins on her teal blouse sparkling, a bright pink silk scarf flapping behind her.

“Elizabeth?” “Hi, Evy.” Liz pulled her cell phone from the pocket of her jeans. “I was walking the dogs and this . . . happened. We should call the police. She doesn’t have a license and the vehicle might be stolen.”

“No, please, no cops!” The girl’s eyes flared. “And it’s not stolen.”

Evy scanned the surrounding area and her garden, what was left of it, eyes widening at the sight of the crushed rose bushes. She took a slow breath and set a steely gaze on the girl. “Are you responsible for this tragedy, young lady?”

The girl stepped back a bit. “I guess.”

“You guess. Are you hurt?”

“No.”

“You, Elizabeth? She didn’t run you over along with my poor roses?” Evy’s thick eyelashes batted dramatically and Liz squelched a smile.

“Fortunately, I was on the other side of the street. She swerved to avoid a cat.”

“Really?”

“Yes!” The girl nodded vehemently. “I swear that’s what happened! I’m a good driver. I wouldn’t—”

“You can’t be a good driver if you don’t have a license!” Liz sputtered. She caught herself before totally going off on the girl. She could see the kid was shaken and a little scared, despite her bravado. “Do you even have a learner’s permit?”

“Uh . . .”

“Just as I thought. You know—”

“A moment, Elizabeth.” Evy held up a hand to Liz, then turned back to the girl. “Name?”

“Mia Stone.”

About the Author

Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary womenâ€™s fiction. When sheâ€™s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of Americaâ€™s Faith, Hope & Love Readerâ€™s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Where Hope Begins released May 2018, and her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.

Websiteâ”‚Goodreadsâ”‚Amazonâ”‚Facebookâ”‚Twitterâ”‚Pinterestâ”‚Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of The Things We Knew by Catherine West (print to US/CAN, ebook to INT)

Ends October 23, 2019

POST MATERIALS (10/7 - 10/18) for AS THE LIGHT FADES by CatherineWest Tressa @ Prism Book Tours Fri 10/4/2019 1:24 PM Hey! I hope you’re over being sick from a while back! Here’s your excerpt for this tour for October 16th. Let me know if you need to be not added to tours anymore if it’s too much. Otherwise, I’ll keep using you as fill in where needed and of course on all fantasy tours. Thanks, Tressa Prism Book Tours Inquire about us organizing a tour here. Become one of our tour hosts here. Become one of our reviewers here. Sign up to post for our Bookstagram tours here. From: Tressa @ Prism Book Tours Sent: Friday, October 4, 2019 1:11 PM Subject: POST MATERIALS (10/7 - 10/18) for AS THE LIGHT FADES by CatherineWest Hello Everyone, Thanks again for signing up to participate in the Book Tour AS THE LIGHT FADES by Catherine West! The hashtag to use for this tour (you can include it in your post title and on social media) is #LightFadesTour. The tour will officially launch at 12 am ET on Monday, October 7th, here. I’m including the schedule below in case you need a reminder as to when to post. Please email the link to your post once you have it. Posts should be up by 9 am ET. I’m attaching the general post materials in an MS Word doc and in HTML for Blogger and Wordpress. Each includes the same information, just in different formats. This includes the tour, book, author, and giveaway info to include in your post. Some of the purchase links are affiliate links. Feel free to replace with your own or with general links. Please use whichever format is easiest for you and then ADD YOUR EXCERPT (attached – please only grab the one labelled for your blog). General hashtags that can be used on social media: #giveaway #books #bookreview #booklover #booktour #newbooks #reading #read #readers #bookworms #booknerds #bookaholic TOUR SCHEDULE: October 7th: Launch Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt Jorie Loves A Story - Review (print) October 8th: I'm All About Books - Guest Post Andi's Book Reviews - Review (ebook) Paulette's Papers - Guest Post October 9th: Pause for Tales - Review (print) Christy's Cozy Corners - Guest Post October 10th: janicesbookreviews - Review (ebook) Splashes of Joy - Excerpt October 11th: Two points of interest - Review (print) Book Reviews & More by Kathy - Excerpt October 14th: Hallie Reads - Review (ebook) Paper Ink & Lizard - Review (print) October 15th: Wishful Endings - Guest Post Cover Lover Book Review - Review (print) October 16th: Tell Tale Book Reviews - Review (print) Colorimetry - Excerpt October 17th: All-of-a-kind Mom - Interview Reading On The Edge - Excerpt Locks, Hooks and Books - Guest Post October 18th: Red Headed Book Lady - Excerpt Heidi Reads... - Review (ebook) October 19th: Grand Finale If you have issues with the Rafflecopter giveaway, here is the info for that: Direct link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b9a55db3388/? HTML embed code: a Rafflecopter giveaway Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Tressa Prism Book Tours Inquire about us organizing a tour here. Become one of our tour hosts here. Become one of our reviewers here. Sign up to post for our Bookstagram tours here.

#GuestPost from Tia Perkin w/ HALL-O-WEEN! what are your favorite traditions? #HallPrism #Giveaway

2019-09-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Hall-O-Ween!

By Tia Perkin

Children's Picture Book

Paperback & ebook, 38 Pages

October 1st 2018

"Hall-O-Ween!" is a spooky little rhyming book about all the sweet bites and fun frights on Halloween day and night.

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreadsâ”‚Amazon

Guest Post: 10 Must-Do Halloween Traditions

I see myself as somewhat of a Halloween connoisseur. Over the years, I have collected Halloween traditions like my kids collect trick-or-treat candy. Here are my top ten Halloween musts:

1. Going to Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals

I live in Arizona so it's a bit of a scorcher even in October, but I still love getting lost in a good corn maze and going on a fall festival hayride.

2. Decorating the house.

At this very moment, there is a 7-foot tall werewolf in my front room just waiting for

the earliest acceptable day to haunt my front yard.

3. Baking (and eating) Halloween Funfetti Cupcakes

I don't know what they do to make this stuff so delicious, but I have been known to gobble one of these little beauties in my mouth for breakfast. If you do nothing else on this list, do this.

4. Watching old Halloween TV Specials

There are a lot of great Halloween specials out there, but “Garfield's Halloween Adventure” from 1985 is my absolute favorite. For any '80s babies out there, this is a must.

5. Carving Pumpkins, then roasting the seeds

The largest pumpkin I ever carved stood over 24” tall and was an absolute behemoth. We had seeds for days.

6. Making costumes

I'm not always faithful about this tradition, but I love it when I can make something creative rather than buy a costume in a store. I've been anything from an iPod Mini to Amy from the Big Bang Theory.

7. Doing Halloween crafts with the kids

When my kids started creating and hanging their own Halloween decorations around the house, I knew I had done something right.

8. Eating Candy Corn

A little goes a long way with candy corn, but I still have to have at least a handful every Halloween. I eat mine color at a time. How about you?

9. Going to a Haunted House

I have been fortunate enough to have a “Haunted” House in my very own neighborhood for the past five or six years. Walking down the street to see all of the lights and spooky decorations has became a nightly ritual in our household.

10. Reading ALL THE BOOKS.

Nothing is better on a cool(er) fall night than curling up on the couch in pajamas and reading all of our favorite Halloween picture books. Here are a list of our family favorites!

What about you? What are your families favorite Halloween traditions?

About the Author

Tia Perkin is a three-time Emmy-Nominated Graphic Artist turned stay-at-home mom and freelancer. Her first children's book, "Two!", was written for her now seven-year-old twin sons - partially as a gift and partially as a coping mechanism for a double-helping of toddler hijinx! She is continuing on the series and has most recently released "Hall-O-Ween!".

Amazonâ”‚Goodreadsâ”‚Facebookâ”‚Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Tote Bag filled with the following "Hall-O-Ween!" goodies (US only):

- "Hall-O-Ween!" Button

- "Hall-O-Ween!" Color & Activity Book

- Set of 10 Crayola Markers

- "Hall-O-Ween!" Sticker

- "Hall-O-Ween!" Bookmark

- "Hall-O-Ween!" Postcard

- "Hall-O-Ween!" Kid's T-Shirt (Size Small)

- Green and Black Striped Kid's Halloween Socks

Ends October 2, 2019

Grand Finale: SWEET MELODY by @HeidiMcCahan w/ @PrismBookTours #SweetMelTour #CleanRomance

2019-09-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Sweet Melody

By Heidi McCahan

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

. . . Sweet Melody is more than just a romance about a songwriter and a bakery owner. It’s also a story about failure, how we cope with unspeakable heartache, and what we do when our dreams don’t come true in the way we’d imagined or expected. Whatever you’re going through right now, I hope this novel inspires you, offers a temporary escape from your current reality, and reminds you of the hope that is found in walking with a God who loves you unconditionally.

Happy reading!
Heidi McCahan

Uplifting Reads - Review

"I was drawn to this book description right off the bat because it combines two of my favorite storylines - a bakery and a musician. . . . Watching the two of them grow together just made me feel happy inside. I may or may not have had misty eyes toward the end of the book. I want to be able to peek in on them later on, and have a feeling we'll be able to, as this is just the first book in the series. And I have a good guess as to who will be the focus in the second book. I'll be watching for it!"

Hallie Reads - Review

"Heidi McCahan’s Sweet Melody easily proves to be as sweet as the title and cover suggest. Focusing on dreams and failures and sweet, sweet romance, it’s a perfect read for contemporary romance fans. I recommend it and look forward to seeing more Seabrook stories, hopefully, in the future."

Pause for Tales - Review

"What a sweet love story this was. . . . This had just the right amount of romantic tension and a story line that kept me glued to the pages. I look forward to more stories by author McCahan."

Colorimetry - Guest Post

Lindsay Carmichael and Rhett Foster are the heroine and hero of Sweet Melody. This manuscript evolved through multiple re-writes, mentoring from Susan May Warren and the incredible editing insights shared by Kristin Avila. Here are a few key details that inspired the development of both Lindsay and Rhett. . .

Remembrancy - Review

'The charming Washington coastal town of Seabrook will have you planning your next vacation while the descriptions of the goodies Lindsay offers at her bakery will have you salivating. The attraction between Rhett and Lindsay is instantaneous and builds from their first meeting and left me anxious for more. . . . Hopefully, readers will get more of Seabrook and this group of friends in future books from McCahan (because I really want to learn more about Cat and Micah!).'

Faithfully Bookish - Interview

Share your inspiration behind Sweet Melody.

H: My family and I visited Seabrook over ten years ago and I was instantly smitten. I think it is a wonderful setting for a novel or possibly a whole series. As the book was launching, we were at Seabrook celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, which was a lovely full-circle moment.

B: How sweet! Congratulations to your parents!

The Power of Words - Review

"On the one hand, the plot is a familiar one – girl meets boy, attraction and friendship soon grow into something more, but certain facts are held back that could crush any chance for a positive outcome – yet the skill and execution of author Heidi McCahan elevates the story to so much more. It’s a fun, heartwarming, emotionally engaging read with compelling spiritual truths gently woven in. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed every minute spent with these characters."

I'm Into Books - Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

Scones are a popular treat at bakeries and coffee shops. In Sweet Melody, Lindsay serves scones at her bakery, Sugar Buzz, so I thought it would be fun to include a recipe for my favorite scone, the glazed cranberry orange. Sally’s Baking Addiction features a lot of fantastic recipes and I often visit this website when I need a fun dessert or special treat for our family.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Sweet Melody will have you booking a trip to the cozy coastal town of Seabrook, the real-life town coming alive under the author’s talented scene-setting. Layered and engaging characters become instant friends, and I’m looking forward to the stories still to come from this delightful mix of people. Faith, family, friendship, and chasing dreams combine with a sweet and swoony romance to give readers a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies or Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, you’ll want to grab a copy of Sweet Melody for yourself!"

Beauty in the Binding - Excerpt

The front door opened, and a twenty-something guy came in, wearing a tight-fitting black T-shirt, ripped jeans and black work boots. Huh. Definitely not a local. With his brown hair swooped upward and classic handsome features, he looked like a front man for a band. Or the cover model for a romance novel. His caramel-colored gaze found hers, so intense. A delicious tingle swept across her neck then danced around to her cheeks. She couldn’t look away even if she wanted to.

"Hi.” She squeaked out a greeting.

Quinn’s eyes widened. “Hey.” He moved closer, his gait easy and confident. “Do you know where I might find the owner or manager?”

Lindsay couldn’t stop a frown. Did she not look qualified to be in charge? Granted, she probably seemed younger than twenty-four, in jeans and frilly apron over her yellow T-shirt. Still, he didn’t have to jump to conclusions.

“I’m she. I mean, this is her.” Oh brother. Maybe she was too young. Or he was too good-looking.

Bookworm Lisa - Review & Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

My parents bought a lodge in Alaska when I was a baby, so I spent a lot of my childhood watching my parents and grandparents prepare food and serve it to our customers. It wasn’t safe for me to be near the oven and grill, but I was allowed to climb up on a stool and hang around my mom while she baked pies and cookies in the evenings after the lodge was closed. I have fond memories of “sneaking” chocolate chips from the Nestle Toll House bag while she prepared the cookie dough. . .

"This book is a "happily-ever-after" but there is a ton of story from the beginning to the end. At times I wondered how in the heck the two would work things out. What I got was a story that had depth and a great storyline. I am definitely glad that I took the opportunity to read this book."

Kathryn Cooper Writes - Excerpt

Mr. Perfect could be real trouble.

Not that he wasn’t qualified. He was more than qualified. He made the best vanilla latte she’d had in months, possibly ever. And he was telling the truth about his past—a simple Google search confirmed his story.

But serious amounts of time around that smile, those caramel eyes and the way his voice spilled out so effortlessly, doing crazy things to her insides … yeah, good thing it was a part-time temporary gig. She needed her full attention—

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"McCahan has a gentle style to her INSPY Contemporary Romances - she lets you drink in the world she is creating for you first, gives you time to find feet inside the story and grants you this lovely place where despite the fact there are moments of adversity, there is a willingness to seek out the unexpected and the good in order to overcome what is giving the characters the most stress and anxiety to overcome. . . . McCahan has definitely thought hard about how she wanted the Seabrook Romances to look, feel and taste to the reader and it is a delight to curl inside this entrance of the series to see where the foundation will not just begin but will give wings to where future installments could continue forward from here."

Library Lady's Kid Lit - Interview

In a library or a bookstore – what section do you head to first?

The new releases always grab my attention in a bookstore. Our library always has a clever display featured front and center and I usually stop there first. Basically I can’t walk past an interesting arrangement of books without stopping to explore my options.

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"Such a beautiful romance with a beautiful setting. . . . I recommend it for readers who enjoy a sweet, clean and light romance with inspiration and faith."

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

I decided to write a book featuring Seabrook as the setting because my family and I have enjoyed several wonderful vacations in this gorgeous coastal community. When you read Sweet Melody, I hope you’ll get a small taste of this amazing part of Washington State and maybe you’ll take the time to visit Seabrook too. . .

A Modern Day Fairy Tale - Review

"If you're looking for your next sweet romance... nothing could be sweeter than Sweet Melody, pun fully intended. Oh what a cute romance story this was. . . . Sweet Melody was a quick and fun read... I finished it in less than a day! It had a great flow that kept me intrigued right to the last page."

Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters - Interview

A lot of romances these days include food, as in a character owns a bakery or the like. What is it about this that makes these romances so appealing to readers?

My editor asked me to answer this question because she wanted me to show readers why Lindsay, the heroine in Sweet Melody, cared so much about her bakery and her motivation for launching a food truck. In my opinion, the kind of food one finds at a bakery, especially during a trip or a vacation, provokes happy thoughts and positive emotions. What’s not to love about a cake pop or a cupcake? Readers want to feel good and reading about yummy food recreates positive experiences and memories that also make the reading experience even more enjoyable.

Britt Reads Fiction - Review

"I really did love the way the attraction and romance brewed between these main characters (pun intended, as the hero was the barista). . . . I really enjoyed this book and the community that was introduced in it. I look forward to returning to Seabrook and reading future stories set there."

Among the Reads - Review

"Sweet Melody is delightful and filled with romance. . . . Sweet Melody was very enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet romantic fiction."

Woven From Words - Review

"I found Sweet Melody to be such a heartwarming read. The chemistry between Rhett and Lindsay was so charming and vibrant throughout the entire book. I also enjoyed the overall theme of resilience in the face of deep personal struggle."

Splashes of Joy - Review

"This was my first book by author Heidi McCahan, and I really enjoyed this story. The blend of characters throughout the story developed very well as they told their story. . . . the author pulls everything together so smoothly and gives readers the perfect ending to the story."

janicesbookreviews - Review

"This book is such a cute story. Lindsay was determined to make her business work. The characters were so much fun."

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

“There’s something about this beach—it will cure what ails you.” She moved past him and started down the stairs. “I joke all the time that the marketing people sneak out at night and inject a secret ingredient into the air. No one believes me, of course.”

“A complex hypothesis like that doesn’t get much support, huh? Shocking.”

She paused and fired a playful look over her shoulder. “Don’t mock me.”

He held up both palms and tried not to laugh. “No mockery here. I’m sure your top-secret injection theory is spot on.”

“You wait and see. Fifteen minutes in, and you’ll forget whatever was bothering you.” She pivoted and trotted down the next flight of stairs.

His smile faded. If only that were true.

My Devotional Thoughts - Review

"The characters were cleverly and realistically developed., and while there were no major surprises in the story, it was well-executed on every level. If you love old-time romance with food trucks, bakeries, and country music, this is for you!"

Jypsylynn - Review

"This is a feel good clean contemporary romance with quaint small town vibes and aromatic lattes. It's a very good read overall for fans of the genre. I recommend for something light, happy and a little bit spicy!"

Peaceful Pastime - Review

"It is purely delightful and so very sweet. The author is a new to me author and I loved her writing style and her characters are likeable which made reading this novel a pleasant weekend read. The coastal setting was perfect, the close friendships are such a nice touch because there is no jealousy between them and they want to help each other no matter what. . . . Grab a copy of this book and a cup off coffee and enjoy this heartwarming novel."

Batya's Bits - Review

"I really really enjoyed reading this book. It was such a comfortable and easy read. . . . The author’s writing style was awesome. Even though it was a romance novel, the book wasn’t swimming with heated scenes. It was very clean to read. I enjoyed it immensely. I hope to read more from this author."

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

Here in the South, pound cakes are a staple at family gatherings, church functions and any occasion that calls for a delightful sweet treat. We love our pound cake around here. There are probably hundreds of recipes and iterations available, but this one caught my eye because the author states her mother has been making this pound cake for more than thirty years. It’s apparently a crowd-pleaser and an award-winner. . .

Life Is What It's Called - Excerpt

That text message was burning a hole in his pocket.

Rhett grabbed a white ceramic mug from the stack nestled beside the bakery’s espresso machine and poured in a generous shot of hazelnut syrup. Brandi’s text filtered through his head while he pulled the shot of coffee.

I played our song for Paige Tyson. She loved it! Amazing, right? Her manager wants to know when we can finish it??

Ha! How about never? He added the coffee to the mug, then reached for the frothing pitcher full of milk. Empty.

Red Headed Book Lady - Review

"A sweet book that will make you drool throughout with a coastal backdrop as the setting. . . . I strongly recommend this book. Maybe you've been through mine and Rhetts situation in your life along the way. Have past hurts that need forgiven. Talk to the Lord my reader friends. He will point you the way. Forgive and love while that person is still there. You won't regret it."

Cover Lover Book Review - Review & Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

"I had so much fun reading this sweet story! Though Sweet Melody is light and fun, it still carries plenty of substance. . . . This is the first book I’ve read by Heidi McCahan, and I plan to seek out more of her work. Her writing style is easy to read, and her characters are well developed."

A shout out to the brilliant soul who created the cake pop! Cake on a stick? Yes, please. In real life, I listen to a podcast that features a woman who used to make cake pops for a living, but didn’t own a bakery. It was more of a side hustle that made her friends and family happy. That’s how cake pops ended up playing a supporting role in Sweet Melody, because I needed a treat that appealed to a wide variety of customers and symbolized the happiness and contentment Lindsay longs to offer her customers at Sugar Buzz. Like Lindsay says in Sweet Melody, “Who doesn’t love a cake pop?” . . .

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

From the first verse, the mood of the gathering shifted as Rhett’s tone dived deep and took on a mournful, seasoned quality—as though he’d lived every minute of the pain he crooned about.

Lindsay gripped the armrests of her chair, hanging on every note, captivated by the emotional journey of the songwriter. Captivated by Rhett. The chorus and subsequent verse told a powerful story of unrequited love, then came to an abrupt end as Rhett stopped playing.

“That’s all I’ve written so far.” He shifted in his chair. “Sorry.”

They were all staring with rapt attention. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one who wanted more.

"I’m just going to say it. I loved this book from the start. From the setting to the characters, to the plot and especially how I felt after reading it. Peeps this is a sweet contemporary romance with inspirational undertones to it. . . . I found that while reading the book, my heart opened and made me take stock in certain parts of my own life. . . . Do yourself a favor a pick up this gem of a book."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Sweet Melody
(Seabrook Romance #1)
By Heidi McCahan
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 242 Pages
August 1st 2019

When a struggling bakery owner is rescued by a wannabe songwriter with hidden culinary talents, they discover they can make sweet harmony … if they can only learn to work together.

Rhett Foster longs to change the world with his music, yet he can’t even finish writing one song. Battered by a string of failures and disillusioned, he returns home to Portland, Oregon. While he desperately wants to create a chart-topping hit, his dad mandates a new mission: move to coastal vacation hotspot Seabrook, Washington and expand the family’s successful restaurant chain.

In danger of destroying her late parents’ legacy if she doesn’t diversify her menu, Lindsay Carmichael will try anything to save her bakery. But with a tiny budget and an injured employee who can’t work, she has no choice but to sink the last of her savings into buying a dilapidated food truck and hiring Rhett as a part-time barista. What she doesn’t know is that the handsome songwriter has a secret … one that could destroy her business and her heart.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Other Retailers

About the Author

Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband Steve, then she dusted off her big dream of becoming a published author and launched her first contemporary romance into the world in 2014. A huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, Heidi currently lives in North Carolina with Steve, three active boys and one amazing Goldendoodle.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram

Bookstagram Tour

This has its own giveaway, so go check it out! Enter at each stop to double your chances.

September 9th:
@suziewaltner
@bringingupbooks
September 10th:
@_ebl_inc_
@bookishdelightz
September 11th:
@girlandherbooks
@inspirationalfictionreader
September 12th:
@openasabookworm
@heidireadsblog
September 13th:
@stackingmybookshelves
@all.the.lovely.pages

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed paperback with bookmark, $10 Amazon gift card, Sticky Fingers Strawberry Scone mix and a Seabrook Sea, Salt and Surf 100% soy wax candle from Hometown candle company.

US only

Ends September 18, 2019

#Excerpt on Tour WAYFARER by @JanalynVoigt w/ @PrismBookTours #Giveaway #WayfarerTour TALES OF FAERAVEN

2019-09-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Wayfarer
(Tales of Faeraven #2)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 296 Pages
January 3rd 2014 by Harbourlight Books

Trouble stirs between nations and rebellion threatens Faeraven.

When Kai returns with the supposed DawnKing, Lof Shraen Elcon cannot trust that the Elder youth truly is the prophesied deliverer. Driven to prove himself, Elcon banishes the boy and embarks on a peace-keeping campaign into the Elder lands, where he falls in love with an Elder princess betrothed to another.

Sometimes the deliverance of a nation comes only through the humility of one.

Declaring his love would shame the nations, but Elcon is torn. As war approaches, Elconâ€™s choices lead him on a journey of discovery that will either settle the lands or leave them mired in conflict. Can his kingdom ever be united, or will the consequences of his decisions forever tear asunder the fabric of Faeraven?

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│ChristianBook│Harbourlight/Pelican

Excerpt

[Note: In this scene, Elcon is riding with his childhood friend and prospective bride. The Fiann are smallfolk similar to fairies.]
The late summer sun, coming bold at this hour, glinted off the gold of Arillia’s hair and backlit her pale skin. Elcon’s laughter died. “You look stunning.”
Her smile gave way to a look of desire. Their eyes locked, and he bent to place a kiss upon her cheek. He meant only to brush her skin with his lips, but she turned her head and their lips met and clung. Elcon drew back, narrowed his eyes against the sun, and took a calming breath. She looked so luminous he wondered if, to enchant him, one of the Fiann had changed places with the Arillia he knew.
She fixed her pale gray eyes upon him. “Do you remember, Elcon, how in our early days we promised to marry one another?”
He tilted his head and looked at her, trying to connect a memory to her statement, but his mind went blank. “Yes?”
Her smile faltered. “Oh, that you would forget your promise to me.” Her voice changed, took on warmth. “I cherished it, you see.”
“Pray remind me.”
“I should let you suffer longer, but I’ll not. We only agreed to wed one another because our parents wished it and to protect ourselves from other suitors.”
“I remember something, now that you mention the matter.”
Her gray eyes took him in. “I think it, now, not so bad an idea.”
“Have you a suitor you despise?”
She chortled. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Then you have no other suitor? I shall take comfort in that knowledge, although I can scarce credit it.”
“I want no other suitor, Elcon. You are quite enough.”

Other Books in the Series

DawnSinger
(Tales of Faeraven #1)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
June 29, 2012 by Harbourlight Books

The High Queen is dying...

At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.

But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.

On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing and the salvation he offers into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│ChristianBook│Harbourlight/Pelican

About the Author

Janalyn Voigt is a writer and professional speaker with a photography habit and a passion for travel. Her unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and fantasy creates worlds of beauty and danger for readers. Tales of Faeraven, her epic fantasy series beginning with DawnSinger, carries readers into a land only imagined in dreams. She is represented by Sarah Joy Freese of Wordserve Literary.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│YouTube│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, a reader's journal, and a Tales of Faeraven bookmark (US only)

Ends September 25th, 2019

#Excerpt on tour! EVERMORE by @JodyHedlund w/ @PrismBookTours #EverTour #Giveaway

2019-09-11T14:04:00.001-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Always
(The Lost Princesses #0.5)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 136 Pages
August 13th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulfâ€™s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesnâ€™t need or want Lady Feliciaâ€™s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their livesâ€”and heartsâ€”forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreadsâ”‚Amazonâ”‚Barnes & Nobleâ”‚Book Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

Evermore
(The Lost Princesses #1)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 222 Pages
August 27th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known sheâ€™s an orphan. Little does she realize sheâ€™s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Merciaâ€™s throneâ€¦until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether sheâ€™s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulfâ€™s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his motherâ€™s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but sheâ€™s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaideâ€™s location, heâ€™ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreadsâ”‚Amazonâ”‚Barnes & Nobleâ”‚Book Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

EXCERPT ON THE TOUR!

However, the stakes of the tournament were higher this time. Not only did we need the purse of gold to pay the physician, but Lord Mortimer had also recently made known he had designs for me to become his next wife. He’d said as much to Mitchell during a recent hunting expedition.

As Lord Mortimer still mourned the loss of his first wife to childbirth, I hadn’t given the gossip much credence. Mitchell, on the other hand, had been uneasy ever since, speculating what the lord might do if he became serious about the matter.

“That monster will not have you,” Mitchell had declared viciously after the hunting party. “Though you would be harder to control than a wild coyote, I would sooner marry you myself.”

I’d laughed at Mitchell’s passionate declaration. Only months my elder, he wasn’t my cousin by blood or birth. In fact, we weren’t related in any way. But I saw him as none other than my true kin. We’d been inseparable growing up, and he was my steadfast friend.

Other Books in the Series

Coming late September and October. Pre-order now! (Affiliate links included.)

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When sheâ€™s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Websiteâ”‚Goodreadsâ”‚Facebookâ”‚Twitterâ”‚Pinterestâ”‚Instagramâ”‚BookBub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive the prequel and all three books in The Lost Princesses series (Always, Evermore, Foremost and Hereafter) in paperback or ebook (winner's choice, if winner is outside the US ebooks only)

Ends September 25, 2019

Weekly #Linkup for your fav New Releases FREE & Bargain Books Time to stock up! w/ @BeckValleyBooks

2019-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
Leels Loves Books
Tuesday
Ebook Addicts
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books

Thursday

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Sunday

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For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!
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Come back and check out the new selection every week x

On Tour! #CharacterSpotlights SWEET MELODY by @HeidiMcCahan w/ @PrismBookTours #SweetMelTour #giveaway

2019-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet Melody
(Seabrook Romance #1)
By Heidi McCahan
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 242 Pages
August 1st 2019

When a struggling bakery owner is rescued by a wannabe songwriter with hidden culinary talents, they discover they can make sweet harmony - if they can only learn to work together.

Rhett Foster longs to change the world with his music, yet he can't even finish writing one song. Battered by a string of failures and disillusioned, he returns home to Portland, Oregon. While he desperately wants to create a chart-topping hit, his dad mandates a new mission: move to coastal vacation hotspot Seabrook, Washington and expand the family's successful restaurant chain.

In danger of destroying her late parents' legacy if she doesn't diversify her menu, Lindsay Carmichael will try anything to save her bakery. But with a tiny budget and an injured employee who can't work, she has no choice but to sink the last of her savings into buying a dilapidated food truck and hiring Rhett as a part-time barista. What she doesn't know is that the handsome songwriter has a secret - one that could destroy her business and her heart.

Goodreads‚ Amazon‚ B&N‚ Book Depository‚ Other Retailers

Welcome to Colorimetry, Heidi!!

Character Spotlights

Lindsay Carmichael and Rhett Foster are the heroine and hero of Sweet Melody. This manuscript evolved through multiple re-writes, mentoring from Susan May Warren and the incredible editing insights shared by Kristin Avila. Here are a few key details that inspired the development of both Lindsay and Rhett.

Characteristics: Lindsay has green eyes, long auburn hair and a petite figure. She’s endured tremendous heartache so she’s wounded, yet very strong and fiercely determined. Her friends describe her as an eternal optimist.

Rhett is tall, with dark brown hair, brown eyes, an incredible smile and intriguing tattoo on his biceps. He’s discouraged, afraid of failing again, yet longs to write a song that makes a huge impact. The loss of his mother at a young age shaped his whole life and resulted in a difficult relationship with his father, stepmother and stepbrother.

Please see the images that inspired Rhett and Lindsay when I started writing this story more than three years ago.

If Lindsay had a playlist: lots of “girl power” songs by Kelly Clarkson, Shania Twain, Maren Morris, Alessia Cara, Carly Rae Jepsen, Taylor Swift

If Rhett had a playlist: everything from Zac Brown Band to Michael Bublè

Lindsay’s favorite childhood memory: learning to bake with her mother in their family’s diner

Rhett’s favorite childhood memory: writing a song with his mother

3 people Lindsay would love to have dinner with: her parents and Julia Child

3 people Rhett would love to have dinner with: his mother, Garth Brooks, Dallas Davidson (a successful songwriter)

Lindsay’s greatest fear: losing her business and destroying her parent’s legacy

Rhett’s greatest fear: never writing another song worthy of recording

One destination on Lindsay’s bucket list: France

One destination on Rhett’s bucket list: Ireland

About the Author

Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelorâ€™s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Masterâ€™s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband Steve, then she dusted off her big dream of becoming a published author and launched her first contemporary romance into the world in 2014. A huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, Heidi currently lives in North Carolina with Steve, three active boys and one amazing Goldendoodle.

Website‚ Goodreads‚ Facebook‚ Twitter‚ Instagram

Tour Schedule

Bookstagram Tour

Tour Giveaway

US only

Ends September 18, 2019

Welcome @AmarAHabib1 to Colorimetry! w/ his book THE LEGENDARY WOLF #adultthriller #TLWPrism @PrismBookTours #Giveaway #GuestPost

2019-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Legendary Wolf

By Ammar Habib

Adult Thriller

ebook, 226 Pages
July 12th 2019

From Bestselling & Award-Winning author Ammar Habib comes this brutal tale of redemption!

Men Die. Legends Don't.

Decades ago, Grayson Wolf locked away the demons inside him. Once a legendary assassin named after Mors, the Roman embodiment of death, Grayson is now a shadow of the man he was before. He suffers every waking hour, haunted by his past as he begs for death to end his torment.

However, Grayson is pulled back into the shadowy world of espionage when an old comrade shows up at his front door with a young girl he is trying to rescue from sinister men. Suddenly hunted by an army of deadly mercenaries, Grayson is left with no choice but to protect the girl. But deep inside, something happens. He finds a light in the darkness, a light he thought was dead. The demons Grayson chained up--the legendary Mors--will be unleashed. And anyone standing in his way will have hell to pay.

Goodreads‚ Amazon

And now some insight from the author himself...

Themes of The Legendary Wolf
The Legendary Wolf is a tale of one man’s redemption. It follows the story of Grayson Wolf, a man who was once the greatest assassin the world ever knew. However, after going AWOL on his government decades ago, he disappeared and has been living under the radar for years. He is an old man when the novel begins, one who has grown bitter toward the world and is filled with regret. Grayson simply exists day-to-day as he waits for the Grim Reaper to come and take his soul. But that all changes when he suddenly finds himself thrust into a situation where he is forced to protect a young girl from the dark forces pursuing her.

When writing this novel, there were several themes I used as a basis for the story. One of the biggest themes revolves around the basic internal struggle we all face. We all have two sides to ourselves, two wolves if you will. One encompasses everything good about humanity, while the other symbolizes everything dark about humankind. The one we follow is the one we feed the most. Grayson Wolf followed the “dark wolf” for almost all his life. It is what turned him into an assassin and killer. However, now he has the chance to break away from the self-made prison he created. He finally has a chance to follow the light.

Another major theme is what happens to us as we grow older. Grayson Wolf’s character is grounded in the reality of what occurs to many people when they enter their twilight years. They lose their loved ones and friends as they grow older and become isolated. It can often turn people bitter toward the world. This is exactly where Grayson is at in the beginning of the novel. He has lost his way and has no purpose. This is why he begs for God to send him to his death every night. Finding his purpose is a theme that is at the crux of this story.

A third theme in The Legendary Wolf is the ramifications for a life of violence. In a world where violence is glamorized and sensationalized by movies and television shows, this novel describes the true consequences of what happens when the violence ends. It becomes a chain that stays with people for a lifetime, like a blemish that won’t go away. And this blemish only grows as time passes.

There are other themes, but these three form the basic pillars for the novel. Grayson’s character arc is held up by them, and they remain the story’s guiding principles. Though the novel is a bit fantastical, following these pillars keeps it grounded in reality and allows the reader to bond with Grayson as a character and put themselves in his shoes in a way that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do.

And in this way, the reader is able to journey along with Grayson as he finds his purpose and overcomes the demons from his past. They can witness Grayson shed his guilt, rise back up, and become the Legendary Wolf one last time.

About the Author

Ammar Habib is a bestselling and award-winning author who was born in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1993. Ammar enjoys crafting stories that are not only entertaining but will also stay with the reader for a long time. Ammar presently resides in his hometown with his family, all of whom are his biggest fans. He draws his inspiration from his family, imagination, and the world around him.

Website‚ Blog‚ Goodreads‚ Facebook‚ Twitter‚ Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed copy of Habib's national award-winning novel, Memories of My Future (US only). Memories of My Future is an historical/inspirational novel that was published in 2016. It received several accolades after its release, including the Independent Press Award in May 2017.

Ends September 4, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yessss!! FRIDAY!! #LinkUp your weekly favs here! New Releases FREE & Bargain Books w/ @BeckValleyBooks

2019-08-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Come back and check out the new selection every week x

#Excerpt on tour! MIND OF MINE by @CFEBlack w/ @PrismBookTours #MOMPrism #Giveaway

2019-08-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Mind of Mine
By C. F. E. Black
Young Adult SciFi
Paperback & ebook, 302 Pages
August 7th 2019 by Illuminate YA

Raised to put science over self, V must link her brain with fifteen other people, making her one of the worldâ€™s smartest humans. With this privilege comes a life dedicated to continual research inside a secluded facility, a life devoid of freedom.

But V is losing her identity and unable to predict which face will peer back at her from the nearest mirror. Escaping this life will mean freedom to think for herselfâ€”and abandoning everything and everyone sheâ€™s known and loved.

When your thoughts and speech are no longer private, freedom comes at a price. But for V the price may be her life.

Goodreads‚ Amazon‚ Barnes & Noble‚ Book Depository

EXCERPT

Someone shuts the chamber doors and the lights above us dim. A man in a charcoal suit emerges from beneath us into a shaft of light on the stage. The Director. Daddy, as I like to call him. My teeth grind against each other.
“Thank you, Order members, for coming to this impromptu meeting.”
Like we had a choice.
“I have called you here to relate some crucial new information. The faculty Senate met during dinner, as you know, and we have made an amendment to our Codex, which we will send to your tablets after the conclusion of this meeting.” A noticeable ruffle in the audience. “It is now no longer appropriate to stream simultaneously with anyone outside of full-Order streams. We see that this creates room for an imbalance in memory representation among Order members. To whom much is given …”
“… Much is expected.” Each voice lifts the phrase into the air. The meeting is over, just like that.
I steal a glance at Marcus. His elbows rest on his knees, his eyes study the floor. Inside of me, things are bursting and flaming and whizzing and churning. I want to scratch something, rip something, or bite something. So they have found a way to bleach me bland again, suck the color out of me that Marcus adds. I snap my teeth together a few times, the noise lost in the general hum of whispered reactions. Daddy is gone, disappeared again beneath us.
Maxima is moving beside me, standing. I rise and follow, clenching my fists and biting my lips, an addict who knows her drug has just been stolen.

About the Author

If you're a teen, I work for you.
I write for you. I teach for you.

Seven days a week I seek to shine light into the world-darkened lives of young people, whether it be in a high school Spanish class, a youth group Sunday school class, or a coffee shop with my computer writing my next book.

I want my writing to be a bright spot on a dark shelf, a source of truth among many lies. You guys deserve books like this.

I live in north Alabama with my son, two droopy hound dogs, a cat named Sprinkles, and my superhero husband. No, really, he saved my life once. It's a cool story.

If you want to know more about me, my writing, or my escapades as a teacher, please visit my blog.

Mind of Mine is my first novel.

Website‚ Goodreads‚ Facebook‚ Twitter‚ Pinterest‚ Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a print copy of MIND OF MINE and a $25 Amazon gift card

US only

Ends September 4, 2019

Grand Finale: DAWNSINGER by @JanalynVoigt w/ @PrismBookTours #DSPrismTour #Giveaway #PrizePack Tales of Faeraven!

2019-08-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

DawnSinger

By Janalyn Voigt

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Dear Friends,

Welcome to this book tour of DawnSinger, an epic medieval fantasy adventure. Fantasy will always be my first love, although I’ve become a multi-genre author. That’s a fancy term for a storyteller. If I could turn the clock back to the Middle Ages, I’d be a bard. Author Linda Windsor, an endorser of DawnSinger, named the story bardic fiction. I consider that high praise indeed. . .

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Now for a stormy moment in flight...

A crosswind caught Kai’s wingabeast as lightning flared too near. Shrilling, the winged horse tilted in flight, and Kai’s stomach lurched. A gust snatched the hood from his head and roared in his ears. He blinked to clear the stinging rain that drove into his eyes. Thunder boomed like a timpani, shaking the air. Flecht shuddered beneath him, and Kai placed a calming hand on his wingabeast’s straining neck. He did not like this long flight through the wild night any better than did Flecht.

Paper Ink & Lizard - Review

"DawnSinger is an epic tale that unfurls in a world that is different, yet so familiar. A high fantasy world with flying horses, spirits, and mind magic, Janalyn Voight was able to create a world that is fresh and new in the fantasy genre. . . . Overall, DawnSinger is a satisfying read, and has a subtle message at the end that will leave the reader thinking afterwards."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Shae put up her hood and left the shelter of the stronghold to follow the graystone path. A chill wind rippled through the folds of her cloak, and she shivered. Overhead, clouds unfurled in a pearling sky. She passed into green scented shadow, where notes of damp moss and ripe humus met her.

She shouldn’t have yielded to temptation and escaped into nature unescorted. In earlier days, she had roamed the grounds in freedom with no one caring. She couldn’t get used to the strictures placed on her now that she’d grown older. When would she learn to be more like Katera? She couldn’t remember her winsome twin ever causing their mother concern.

Remembrancy - Review

"Jannalyn [Voigt] vividly paints a picture of her fantasy world with descriptive words and phrases. It’s not challenging to imagine this land filled with wondrous beauty and creatures as well as barren and desolate places. Shae, kai, and a handful of others undertake an epic quest to save their beloved people and king. I enjoyed both of these elements of the story. . . . Now that I’ve gotten the cadence of this mystical, magical world, I’m not ready to leave it yet."

Jessica Belmont - Review

"Epic Christian Fantasy? Yes, please. DawnSinger is an inventive novel with beautifully descriptive prose and dialogue. I absolutely love the imagery and symbolism woven through the book. . . . I highly recommend checking out this original and inspiring novel."

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

Flecht quivered under Kai’s hand. Shae must have communicated to the beast the tension he read in her face. Why did she stare at the naked branches of the small, white tree? He drew his brows together but didn’t speak. Her eyes, so green they reminded him of deep shadows in an old forest, told him nothing. As she settled the cloak upon her shoulders, burnished tangles cascaded down her back. She looked beautiful and far too grown.

Something had upset Shae—that much seemed obvious. Equally obvious was her desire for privacy in the matter. Well, he didn’t question such things. He already held enough secrets to quell any desire for more.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"The story is a war between good and evil. Shae is guided by the light of the God she worships. She has companions who will do anything to protect her and keep her from fulfilling an ancient prophecy. There is plenty of action and adventure that will thrill fantasy lovers. . . . I am now invested in the story and look forward to having good prevail."

Library Lady's Kid Lit - Review

"The plot shows the draw of evil and the difficulty even the good have of resisting its pull. Voight did an excellent job of creating an alternate universe and having things remain consistent within that world. The book does have a bit of a surprise ending and I look forward to seeing how that surprise plays out in future titles in the Tales of Faeraven series."

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

He smiled. “Your heart speaks truth. I am a wayfarer…and I am more.” He stroked the tears from her cheeks, feather-light, like the touch of a draft.

“Peace.” The whispered word brought infinite comfort.

Shae closed her eyes and breathed deep.

“Remember, Shae, you must look to the light.”

She opened her eyes, ready to ask how he knew her name.

She knelt alone in the Allerstaed.

JeanBookNerd - Guest Post

Funny how childhood memories embed themselves in your mind, but only parts of them. I can still feel the rough paper as I turned another page in a novel from my parent’s bookcase. A precocious reader, I’d advanced long ago into adult books. I don’t remember this one’s title, but the story followed the journeys of Sir Francis Drake, an early explorer. Specific phrases are lost to me, but the vivid imagery remains. I can still hear the ship’s creaking, bask in sunlight breaking through the clouds, and taste sea salt on my lips. . .

jypsylynn - Review

"I became invested in the outcome because I cared about the characters. I see their quest as allegorical to some biblical tales and symbolic of the eternal good vs. evil battle. . . . The plot is thrilling with action and drama at every turn leaving readers wanting more. Overall, Dawnsinger is a well written adventure steeped in thoughtfully planned fantasy that fans of the genre will surely enjoy."

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Review

"DawnSinger is the first book in the series and in true fantasy fashion there is an epic quest, terrible dangers, betrayal, a taste of forbidden love, and even more importantly the story gets darker as the conclusion draws nearer. . . . I enjoyed DawnSinger, its characters and strange creatures, and I look forward to returning to the land of Faeraven in the next book in the series..."

I'm Into Books - Excerpt

Shae landed in Flecht’s saddle with a thump as Kai deposited her with more speed than grace. He bent and then straightened, and she caught the glint of metal.

Kai pressed something into her palm, and her fingers curled around a knife’s hilt. “They’ll need to dismount to attack with swords. I’ll defend you, but if things go badly, take Flecht and follow the weild to the inn. You’ll see it just back from the banks. You can trust the innkeeper.”

Kai strode from her before she could point out that she had no idea how to fly a wingabeast. His sword rasped as he drew it from its sheath.

Teatime and Books - Review

"Oh wow, I really loved this book! . . . If you love a good fantasy with loads of adventure, then this is the book for you!"

Faithfully Bookish - Excerpt

“Only the cold and weariness that comes at such altitudes—and wind shears. But I know the passes well.”

He didn’t mention the possibility of encountering wingabeast riders bent on killing them, but she knew it existed. Even now, the dark riders might track them.

She closed her eyes to pray with zeal but soon fell into the languor of warmth and drowsiness. “My thanks,” she said, her tongue thick with sleep.

“Thanks?”

“You protected me this night.”

“Sleep, Shae.” She heard the smile in his voice. “Tomorrow’s journey will try our strength.”

The Caffeinated Bibliophile - Review

"The biggest factor in whether I like a Fantasy book is the world building. Janalyn gets it right. She creates such a beautiful and interesting world. She definitely made the world of Faeraven unique filled with interesting creatures and characters. . . . I really liked Shae and Kai’s characters. I felt that we could relate to them. . . . Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Suspense, murder, drama and action were just around the corner in every chapter. . . . I think this book would also be great for teens as it read more like a YA book. Great for adults and teens alike."

Reading On The Edge - Excerpt

“Kai.” A voice rasped from the carved bed that dominated the room. “You have brought her?”

Shae started. In a combination of weariness and awe of Torindan, she had all but forgotten the purpose of her visit.

The musician came away from the window, and light slanted across him to reveal a lithe figure and features of surpassing beauty. Vibrant hair of gold sprang above a well-formed brow. Fathomless eyes held her. Shae caught her breath, and her hand went out in a blind motion.

Jorie Loves A Story - Spotlight

J. L. Mbewe - Excerpt

A foul wind breathed over Shae, and the hair on the back of her neck raised in warning. A hissing from the broken stairway sent prickles walking over her skin. Eyes gleamed in the shadows, and long shudders traveled her spine.

Somewhere, something shrieked.

Shae stumbled on the stone stair suspended between a dark void and a wall of living stone. She called for Kai, but her voice made no sound. Where was he?

“Find the light and be saved…” The whispered words stirred the air.

Daughter of Increase - Review

"This was a beautifully written Christian fantasy. I enjoyed the bits of scripture thrown into the story, it really made them come alive in a more action-packed way. The writing was interesting and the characters kept me hooked. I also enjoyed the world and different places in the world. . . . Such a fantastic read and can't wait to read that sequel!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

DawnSinger
(Tales of Faeraven #1)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
June 29, 2012 by Harbourlight Books

The High Queen is dying...

At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.

But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.

On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing and the salvation he offers into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│ChristianBook│Harbourlight/Pelican

About the Author

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│YouTube│Instagram

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a fantasy-themed basket, hand-painted Pegasus mug, hand-crafted beaded votive candle bowl, dark chocolate bar, and a Tales of Faeraven bookmark (US only)

Ends August 28th, 2019

Yay for Friday!! #LinkUp your New Releases FREE & Bargain Books here! @BeckValleyBooks

2019-08-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Come back and check out the new selection every week x

#Excerpt on tour! DARK SUN RISING by @KMMartinezAuth w/ @RockstarBkTours #Giveaway

2019-08-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am stoked to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for DARK SUN RISING by K.M. Martinez! I have an excerpt from the book today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Book:

Title: DARK SUN RISING (The Continuous War, #1)

Author: K.M. Martinez

Pub. Date: August 2, 2019

Publisher: K.M. Martinez

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 272

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

FREE on KU!

Melanie Mendez of Clan Kale isn’t sure if she believes in angels, but she’s pretty sure she’s not a descendant of one.

Her grandmother, the Elder of Clan Kale, would beg to differ. Her brothers, Victor and Gabe, would tell her to shut up about it and just do what she's supposed to do: fight. Specifically, they want her to follow The Ways by participating in the Agora–the annual gathering where the seven clans compete for honor.

But Mel has never been one for competition, and the other clans have started to take notice. When she narrowly avoids being killed by a mysterious man the night before the Agora, she can't help but wonder if the other clans have judged her according to The Ways: as a traitor.

One way or another, this Agora is about to turn deadly.

Now on to the excerpt!

“You know, Mel,” Gabe said. He was six beers in and on his way to being sloppy drunk. Mel shoved his water toward him. She was pulling the plug. “Once, just once, I wish you would consider competing in Decerto. I’d love it if you’d put Cori O’Shea on her ass. Can you imagine, brotha?” He looked toward Victor. “All of Clan Ferus would go to bed weeping into their pillows.”

Mel rolled her eyes. There might’ve been a time when she and Cori O’Shea could’ve been friends—maybe even more than friends—but now they were at odds. Or rather, Cori was at odds with Mel for refusing to compete in the games.

“I’m sure Cori would love for me to compete,” she said, “but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I do anything for her benefit.”

“She insults you all the time,” Gabe said. “Don’t you want to shut her face?”

“Nope,” Mel said. But she did. She really did.

“You should just kiss her already,” said Victor. “It’ll cut the tension.”

Mel turned her whole body toward her older brother. Unlike Gabe, he had stopped drinking awhile back, and was sucking water out of a straw. “Shut up and drink your water,” she said angrily. “And mind your business.”

Her brothers snorted and laughed. They sounded like donkeys.

When they finally piled into Victor’s new truck—a birthday present he’d bought for himself—it was after midnight. They quickly decided they would sleep at Mel’s. Victor said he had his luggage in the back of the truck with everything he needed for the next two weeks, which pretty much confirmed to Mel that he and his wife had a major fight. Mel and Gabe again exchanged a look, but they refrained from asking questions.

The ride home was quiet. Gabe passed out in the back seat, and Mel and Victor felt no need to speak. Mel leaned back on the headrest, letting the drive lull her into a light doze. Before she knew it, Victor was pulling into her driveway.

Mel’s house was a simple three-bedroom on the west side, just outside of town. The neighborhood was quiet and dark; no one kept their porch light on.

But as soon as Mel opened the front door, she knew something was off. It was too dark, too quiet, like when the electricity cuts off at night. She felt, rather than heard, movement from behind the door, and she threw herself on the ground. There was yelling, and a scuffle.

“Someone get the goddamn lights!” Gabe yelled.

Mel jumped to her feet and slapped her hand on the switch.

Gabe had a man subdued against the wall; Victor was standing in front of the two of them. A dagger with an intricate handle lay at their feet, and Victor knelt beside it.

Mel felt heat explode through her body with a rush that had her sucking for air. Adrenaline, but mostly white rage, coursed through her. It pushed up against the thin wall of her control, pumping with each heartbeat. Not again.

The familiar heat spread through her chest and into her limbs, all the way to her fingertips and toes. For one terrible second, she felt like she was going to tear into the man and rip his skin clear off his bones.

She tried to tamp it down. Come on, get a grip. She placed her hand to her chest, feeling her pendant dig into her skin, and took a few calming breaths.

Breathe.

She had recovered enough to reach for her phone to call the police, when she felt an uncomfortable wetness on her neck. She reached back, brought her hand to her face, and saw blood. Just like that, her insides were burning again.

When Victor saw the blood on her fingers, his eyes turned to brown stone. He leapt to his feet. “You picked the wrong house tonight, bitch,” he said, jerking the man from the wall.

Then all Mel could hear was the savage crunch of Victor’s fist on cartilage.

She wished she had been the one to cause it.

About K.M.:

KM Martinez lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is a fan of books, sports, and movies/television. Her first novel, Dark Sun Rising, is set to be released in August 2019.

When she’s not writing book two she is busy with work, friends, family, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win an eBook of DARK SUN RISING, INTERNATIONAL.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/19/2019- Dorky Girl and Skeletor- Excerpt

8/19/2019- Wonderstruck- Spotlight

8/20/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Spotlight

8/20/2019- Country Road Reviews- Excerpt

8/21/2019- Book Sniffers Anonymous- Excerpt

8/21/2019- Jaime's World- Excerpt

8/22/2019- Parajunkee- Excerpt

8/22/2019- Colorimetry- Excerpt

8/23/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Excerpt

8/23/2019- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

Week Two:

8/26/2019- BookHounds- Interview

8/26/2019- Book Briefs- Review

8/27/2019- Cindy's Love of Books- Review

8/27/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

8/28/2019- Good Choice Reading- Excerpt

8/28/2019- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

8/29/2019- Jypsylynn- Review

8/29/2019- Daily Waffle- Spotlight

8/30/2019- the suburban lifestyle- Review

Grand Finale: FALLING FOR HER BODYGUARD by Amy Vastine @Vastine7 @PrismBookTours #Giveaway #GiftCard #HarlequinHeartwarming

2019-08-20T04:40:00.000-07:00

BLOGGER HTML

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Falling for Her Bodyguard

By Amy Vastine

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

. . . Falling for Her Bodyguard is a story about opening your heart even when your head has been telling you to keep the walls up. Enjoy the excerpts and reviews - I hope you fall in love with the newest members of the Grace Note family as much as I did!

xoxo,
Amy Vastine

Remembrancy - Review

"But what tipped the scales for me in this book were the characters. . . . Then add in Donovan’s troubled nephew and adorable, energetic niece, and Falling for Her Bodyguard becomes that much sweeter. I didn’t even mind that I had figured out who the stalker was fairly early on. Getting to spend time with Kelly, Donovan, Graham, Avery, and several of the radio crew more than made up for it."

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"I love Falling for Her Bodyguard. I am giving it four and a half stars. I highly recommend this fun, clean, heartwarming and sweet book. I would be interested in reading more books by Amy Vastine in the future."

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

A woman on her phone pushed open the door. “I understand you’re trying to protect me, but this is a little extreme don’t you think?” she said as she jogged down the steps and onto the sidewalk. Ending her call, she turned around and glanced up at Donovan. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her eyes were covered by aviator sunglasses. “Well, come on. He’s going to send you to the station regardless of what I have to say about it.”

This must be the niece. Dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt knotted at her hip, she didn’t give him many clues as to what she might have to do today. Donovan could see why Dillon told him Captain was protective. She was attractive, albeit a tad rude. She stormed ahead before coming to an abrupt stop.

Red Headed Book Lady - Review

"This is a new to me author and already I'm in love!!

The author has done a wonderful job in mixing this story with the right amount of mystery . . . . I really liked the story.

It kept me occupied until I realized what time it was!! I didn't even noticed the sun had begun to set tonight!!

I will be looking for more from this author!!!"

Pause for Tales - Review

"What a fun read this one was. I really enjoyed the give and take between the two leads, Kelly and Donovan. This being a stalker story the tension was always in the background giving a more forceful push for their relationship. . . . This was one story that was hard to put down for real life."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance with a strong family foundation, lots of emotion and a hint of intrigue. The characters were very well developed, the story line was endearing and the overall outcome very satisfying. Really enjoyed watching this happily ever after evolve!"

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

He scooted his chair closer to Kelly’s and reached for her hand. “What do you want to do today? I was thinking we could do a little self-defense training.”

“I need to find a new place to live.” She held his hand in both of hers.

“You’re serious about that?”

“I can’t go back there. My lease is almost up. I was thinking about actually buying a place once I signed my new contract at work. When you’re in radio, you run the risk of having to move from town to town. A new contract at K104 means I can put down some roots finally.”

Onemused - Review

"FALLING FOR HER BODYGUARD is a fantastic character-driven romantic suspense that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for something deeper yet still fun. I absolutely loved this read from the beginning that hooks you all the way to the satisfying conclusion."

janicesbookreviews - Review

"I always loved books with kids in it. . . . I loved reading about the different activities they had. Loved the family environment that Donovan’s had with his niece and nephew."

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

Donovan’s head hurt from trying to make sense of clues that added up to practically nothing. He only saw one solution to their problem. “I think we need to set a trap. I’ll have to coordinate with the other detectives, but I think we have you say something on the radio and you invite him somewhere to make amends. If he thinks you want to apologize, he could come into it without any thoughts of doing harm.”

Kelly cringed. “I don’t like that idea. Lying to trap this guy? I feel like that could backfire. What if he finds out I’m lying?”

Two Points of Interest - Review

"The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end. Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic. I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read."

EmpowerMoms - Review

"This was a really sweet story! Romance…drama…whats not to like?! . . . I haven’t read any of the other books in the “Grace Note Records” series-they can be read as stand alone novels. This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I highly recommend this easy, heartwarming, fun book!"

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

“I don’t believe you aren’t good at everything and you don’t believe I’m as bad as I claim. That’s funny.” Kelly’s cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. “Maybe you can show me how to make something I can’t mess up. If I manage to make something edible on my own, it will prove I’m right about you and you’re right about me. We would both have to admit that you are good at everything and I am not as bad as I think I am. If I bomb, then you are right about you and I am right about me.”

The space between his brows wrinkled. “The way your mind works both fascinates and scares me at the same time.”

“I think that’s the perfect way to find out who’s right about who.”

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"There was something wholesome and sweet about how this story resolves itself; as Vastine lets you take the adventure with Donovan and Kelly. In many instances, they were more caught inside the hours they spent with Avery and Graham; where they were laying down the foundation of a relationship but moreso to that, they were setting down a foundation for a family. Those hours were the most special of the story, as it is where you saw the barriers of grief and anguish starting to tumble down and where true healing could emerge. The kids needed someone as a mediator between themselves and their Uncle Donovan whereas where Kelly excelled at understanding what it was like to have a cop in the family, she also softened Donovan's heart to accept that sometimes life brings unexpected circumstances that are good for the soul."

Hallie Reads - Review

"I so enjoyed my time with these characters. Kelly and Donovan—plus the kids and the Nashville community—made reading Falling for Her Bodyguard such a delight. Any reader in need of a feel-good contemporary romance cannot go wrong with this book."

Teatime and Books - Review

"These are such well-developed characters that I feel many will be able to relate to. Also, the plot just flows beautifully and one can't help but feel a part of the community and world that Vastine creates. Impeccable writing and a very new-to-me author and one I will enjoy reading more from! If you love a sweet romance with a handsome yet deeply romantic and caring Hero, then this is the book for you!"

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

“I’m going to kiss you to prove there’s nothing going on,” he warned her, waiting for her to protest. She didn’t. Her lips slightly parted and she stared deep into his eyes, making it hard to breathe.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Softly, gently. Convincing himself that this made him feel nothing was hard to do when it made him feel so much. His whole body felt like it was on fire and she was both the flame and the balm that would take away all the pain. His hand cupped her cheek and he tilted her face upward so he could deepen the kiss just a bit. Her arms snaked around his neck and held him in place.

The whole world dropped away and there was nothing but Kelly and this feeling—this feeling he couldn’t begin to label. All he knew was he loved it and hated it at the same time. He wanted to push her away and pull her closer. Nothing made sense. Instead of giving him clarity, he felt more confused than ever.

"Buy the book. Read the book. Fall in love with Donovan and Kelly like I did. I dare you and come back to tell how much I was right. I can wait. Ms. Vastine has written another wonderful story about learning to trust, fall in love and believe in yourself."

Andi's Book Reviews - Review

"I loved this story. It was a hard one to put down to get a little bit of sleep. So don't start reading it right before bed. It's a great addition to the Harlequin Heartwarming Series. And like I said, I'm going to have to find more from this author and the Grace Note Records series now."

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Falling for Her Bodyguard is swoony and sweet with just enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and riveted to the story. Each of the primary characters (Kelly, Donovan, Avery and Graham) are solidly drawn and multi-dimensional, and you’ll fall in love with each one. This story is delightful from beginning to end – a must-read for fans of sweet contemporary romance!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

#Excerpt On Tour DAWNSINGER by @JanalynVoigt w/ @PrismBookTours #Giveaway

2019-08-19T04:49:00.003-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Goodreads ‚Amazon ‚Barnes & Noble ‚ChristianBook ‚Harbourlight/Pelican

Now for a stormy moment in flight...

A crosswind caught Kai’s wingabeast as lightning flared too near. Shrilling, the winged horse tilted in flight, and Kai’s stomach lurched. A gust snatched the hood from his head and roared in his ears. He blinked to clear the stinging rain that drove into his eyes. Thunder boomed like a timpani, shaking the air. Flecht shuddered beneath him, and Kai placed a calming hand on his wingabeast’s straining neck. He did not like this long flight through the wild night any better than did Flecht.

An image rose, unbidden—Lof Raelein Maeven, Faeraven’s High Queen, upon her deathbed, her seagreen eyes surging with life. As a guardian of Faeraven and as a friend, he would die to appease the hope that had flared in those eyes.

Wind howled and lightning flashed close enough to blind. Kai wondered if his own death neared. He would not—could not—halt his journey, although it took him into the teeth of danger. Necessity drove him as he pushed onward, past endurance. If he survived the storm, he would deliver Maeven’s last summons.

About the Author

Website ‚Goodreads ‚Facebook ‚Twitter ‚Pinterest ‚YouTube ‚Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a fantasy-themed basket, hand-painted Pegasus mug, hand-crafted beaded votive candle bowl, dark chocolate bar, and a Tales of Faeraven bookmark (US only)

Ends August 28th, 2019

Grand Finale! TRUSTING HER HEART by @TaraRandel w/ @PrismBookTours #Giveaway #PrizePack

2019-08-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Trusting Her Heart

By Tara Randel

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hello Readers! I’m so happy to be a part of this book tour featuring my newest Heartwarming novel, Trusting Her Heart, Book 3 in the Meet Me at the Altar series. The Matthews brothers are still hunting for information on the man their widowed mother is dating. They never expected their search would uncover so many secrets. . .

Andi's Book Reviews - Review

"You're on pins and needles while you're waiting for the big revelations to happen, because at the same time, you want Logan and Serena to be able to fall for each other in a big and honest way and to work things out. And I love the town of Golden. It sounds like a quaint place I wouldn't mind visiting one day. I am looking forward to more stories from here."

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

As they walked through town, it was all Logan could do not to take her hand in his. This wasn’t a date, he had to keep reminding himself. He suspected she had information about the man he’d been hired to investigate. He needed to keep his wits about him. Yes, Serena was beautiful, but she clearly had secrets he needed to ferret out.

As they passed the park, fireflies flitted about in the entrance. Serena laughed, clearly enchanted.

“Oh, my goodness.” She pulled her phone from her back pocket. “I have always wanted to do a series of cards featuring fireflies.” After snapping a few pictures, she scrolled through the gallery. “I can’t think of anything more beautiful than twinkling lights coming from these tiny creatures.”

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Trusting Her Heart is entertaining and endearing, with a town full of characters I can’t wait to spend more time with. The romance simmers with chemistry and tension, and the first kiss is hold-your-breath sweet. Randel weaves a theme of trust, belonging, friendship and family into a layered plot that will keep you absorbed in the story until you’ve reached the end. I look forward to more time with this series, the town, and the characters!"

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Serena pointed down. “Turned ankle.”

He kneeled down before her, his hand lightly grazing her skin as he examined the injured joint. An unwanted but undeniable shiver rushed over her. Good grief, he was only being a concerned citizen.

“I’m fine,” she told him, trying to shift away as his warm fingers palpated the bone.

“You should probably have it checked out,” he said, rising when he got the hint she didn’t want him in her personal space.

Red Headed Book Lady - Review

"I adored this story!!

Tara has done a wonderful job writing it. She has done an excellent job of bringing to life these wonderful characters and their feelings. Serena's especially. You could feel her fear of being found out oozing out of the book and hitting you head on. So you definitely know that there's going to be a great story here. . . . I strongly recommend this book."

Cover To Cover Cafe - Review

"Randel is absolutely awesome with her work. Her characters, both main and secondary are wonderfully chiseled and come to life within the pages. Her ability to make the reader feel a true part of the story is incredible and I recommend this heart warming, captivating, romantic read. . ."

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

“What’s got her upset?” Carrie asked as she walked into their circle.

“Green-eyed monster,” Heidi quipped.

Serena sputtered over a denial that didn’t quite reach her tongue.

Carrie peered at the guests, not having to be told the topic of the conversation was Logan. “He’s not interested in her.”

Despite herself, Serena asked, “How can you tell?”

“Because I sat across the table from you two and trust me, Logan only had eyes for you.”

Hallie Reads - Review

"Trusting Her Heart is a sweet story of family and friendship, home and hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to charming Golden, Georgia with Serena and Logan, and I think other readers of contemporary romance will, too. Add it to the TBR!"

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"What gives you the best joy of course is watching how Ms Randel knits her characters closer together at moments where they'd prefer to remain isolated, alone and single. She doesn't let them root there in their own self-pity, but rather attempts to push them towards the people who have unconditional love to share and friendship which will last longer than a rumour. This is a series that is about working through your problems, trusting in yourself to have the change to repair the past and finding a place as calm as Golden to renew your spirit as you redefine your path."

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

Kathryn Cooper Writes - Review

"If you enjoy Heartwarming Romance with family, friendships, and some good laughs then read this book. Some of life’s trials feel unbreakable. Some hard times have to be pushed through. Trusting Her Heart by Tara Randel is a wonderful read full of the ups and downs of life."

Locks, Hooks and Books - Excerpt

“I always loved Golden this time of year,” he said.

Grandmother turned in her chair to look at him. “You could love it again, you know.”

“I don’t see that happening.”

“Really? And what about Serena? Could she make you love living here again?”

He sent a sideways glance to his crafty grandmother. “Not very subtle.”

“I’m beyond subtle. I adore Serena. I see you two falling love.”

If only she knew he was halfway there.

Remembrancy - Review

"Family, friendship, and finding a place to truly call home (a place where you are surrounded by people who love you no matter what your past mistakes) are themes that run throughout Trusting Her Heart. The romance is sweet and intense, and Randel brings more characters onto the page who I hope to get to know better in future books."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

“Good night,” she said, slipping behind the wheel.

As she drove away, he was conscious of the prickly awareness he’d tried to dismiss ever since he’d met her. There was something about her he couldn’t ignore. An energy that drew him to her despite his good intentions to keep it purely professional between them. His instincts, however, told him she was going to be nothing but trouble.

Pause for Tales - Review

"I really enjoyed watching these two characters on their road to happily ever after and all the side characters just added that specialness: especially Grandmother. This was a sweet romance in a small town with a bit of family drama that made for a nice escape."

Splashes of Joy - Review

"There’s a lot going on in this book. Of course romance, but it was pretty light on the Romance, a little suspense added in, and the cozy little town where everyone knew everyone else. And they were ok with it. I really enjoyed this read, and I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did."

janicesbookreviews - Review

"I loved the grandmother in this book. She enjoyed playing matchmaker. Serena has a shop, and Logan grandmother works there. She is trying to play matchmaker between them."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

Logan’s gaze wandered to Blue Ridge Cottage of its own volition. He wondered if Serena was involved with the guild. Would she be at the tea party? If so, he could use the opportunity to question her some more.

Or simply enjoy her company.

Yeah, there was that.

Teatime and Books - Review

"Such an amazing book, with so much sweet passion and romance! . . . Her characterization is amazing and I really fell in love with Serena and Logan. If you love a really sweet romance, then this is the book for you!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Trusting Her Heart

(Meet Me at the Altar #3)
By Tara Randell

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can a love built on lies…

…survive the truth?

Serena Stanhope fears her dark past might ruin the life she’s built as a successful shop owner. Especially when handsome Logan Masterson suddenly arrives in town asking questions about her background. He seems to have his own secrets, but the pair share an instant connection and Serena finds herself falling for Logan. He could destroy everything—or he could be the chance at love she thought she’d never have…

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Tour Giveaway

Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman's Secret Vow, and Rival Hearts, tote bag, water bottle and $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends August 21, 2019

On Tour! RULES OF A REBOUND by @NinaCrespo21 w/ @RockstarBkTours #Giveaway @GiftCard

2019-08-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

I am stoked to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for RULES OF A REBOUND by Nina Crespo! I'm featuring the book today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Book:

Title: RULES OF A REBOUND

Author: Nina Crespo

Pub. Date: August 12, 2019

Publisher: Entangled: Brazen

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 200

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Natalie Winters thought she’d married the man of her dreams…but her marriage ended way too soon in a nightmarish divorce. She even has to share custody of the dog! The stress is killing her, so she decides to take a night off and attend the Breakup Bash—a private party for women celebrating their breakups—with her friends.

Former executive security specialist turned bartender Rome Collier is drawn to the woman easily trading sexy banter with him. And if she wants the “Do Me” condoms she accidentally throws across the counter at him, she’ll have to claim them…personally. Their flirtation turns into so much more, and every scintillating night they spend together is better than the last.

Strong, protective...and hot, Rome is everything Natalie ever wanted in a man. All she has to do is convince him he’s more than a rebound.

Each book in the Breakup Bash series is STANDALONE:

* The First Rule of Hook-Ups

* Rules of a Rebound

About Nina:

Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing.

Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel.

Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after.

Stay connected with Nina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or through her newsletter.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card, INTERNATIONAL.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/12/2019- Country Road Reviews- Excerpt

8/12/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

8/13/2019- Reese's Reviews- Review

8/13/2019- Jaime's World- Excerpt

8/14/2019- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

8/14/2019- Lisa Loves Literature- Spotlight

8/15/2019- Eli to the nth- Review

8/15/2019- BookHounds- Excerpt

8/16/2019- Becky on Books- Review

8/16/2019- Colorimetry- Excerpt

#Excerpt on Tour THE NANNY RULES by @MelyndaPrice1 w/ @RockstarBkTours #Giveaway

2019-08-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

I am stoked to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for THE NANNY RULES by Melynda Price! I'm featuring the book today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Book:

Title: THE NANNY RULES

Author: Melynda Price

Pub. Date: August 12, 2019

Publisher: Entangled: Brazen

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 200

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Don’t touch the nanny. It’s one rule I’m most certainly going to break.

Since becoming a single father, I have two things that keep me sane—my daughter Lily and playing football for the NFL. But when my meddling sister hires a nanny without my knowledge, I’m not thrilled to come home and find the woman has taken over my house. Our instant attraction is one more complication I don’t need in my life.

But my daughter loves Amelia, and I will do anything for that tiny munchkin. Even if it means walking around with blue balls most of the time. Why does the nanny have to be so sweet—and drop dead gorgeous? She’s driving me crazy. Never in my life have I wanted a woman more.

I just need to make it through this season. I can do that. Hands free, of course. But then there’s that moment, and I know she’s thinking what I’m thinking and, well, yeah. Screw the rules...

Tour Excerpt – The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price

It’s not great inside my head right now, and the least amount of time I spend in there, the better. Exhaling a sigh, I abandon my quest for sleep and head to the kitchen. I don’t usually drink in season, but I’m making an exception tonight. Anything to dull the thoughts ruminating in my mind. I shuffle into the kitchen; the full moon is filtering in just enough ambient glow that I’m not in total darkness. Heading for the cupboards, I pull out a glass and a bottle of whiskey. I pour a finger. What the hell, might as well make it two. Grabbing a can of Coke from the fridge, I pop the top. The sharp, hissing snick fills the room and I dump a splash into my glass to cut the whiskey’s bite.
“Can’t sleep either, huh?”
I jump and spill Coke over my hand. “Fuck, you scared the shit out of me,” I snap, craning my neck to find Amelia’s shadow at the kitchen table.
“Sorry. Bad dreams,” she explains.
I grab my glass and head to the table, surprised when I find myself asking, “Want to talk about it?” It’s not that I care as much as I could use the distraction. Talking about someone else’s problems might be better than agonizing over my own. Nonetheless, she seems surprised by my offer, but I’m more surprised by her response.
“Nope. Want to talk about why you’re up in the middle of the night drinking whiskey?”
“Nope,” I reply without hesitation, and take a long pull from the glass. The warmth coats my throat and settles in my stomach. It’s with great anticipation that I await the dullness to hit my brain.
I let my eyes rest on her, knowing I’m nothing more than a shadow, but from where I’m sitting, the moonlight illuminates her. She’s dressed in the same tank top and pajama shorts get-up she was wearing the day I met her. Her hair is piled on top of her head in a messy bun I find ridiculously sexy. She’s got this head of thick jet-black, wavy hair that seems to have a mind of its own. I occasionally catch her attempting to wrestle it into submission. Most days she loses the battle and lets it hang wild and free, accentuating her soft feminine features and those expressive dark brown eyes a man could get lost in. I’d be shocked if she was a speck over five-four. And those curves—ho-ly hell.
“I should let you be alone, then.”
Her chair scrapes against the tile as she stands, giving me a full-frontal shot of her barely contained breasts straining against her tank top and those sexy turtle-print shorts. Her waist is tiny, her hips femininely flared.
Against my will, my cock stirs. She has no idea what she does to me and I intend to keep it that way. I’m not thrilled I’m getting hard for my daughter’s nanny. I don’t need my life getting any more complicated than it already is, and revenge fucking Amelia to get back at my dead wife is just fucked up on so many levels.
“Yeah, you probably should.” My response comes out gruffer than I’d intended, and I feel like a prick when I see her flinch, a flash of hurt entering her eyes. But I drown my guilt by tipping back my glass and draining it. She says nothing else and neither do I as I watch her take her leave, eyes glued to that incredible ass. I’m such a douche bag…

About Melynda:

Melynda Price is a bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary romance. Her Against the Cage series has finaled in many awards such as the RONE, USA Today BBA, Golden Quill, National Readers’ Choice, and New England Readers’ Choice.

What Price enjoys most about writing is the chance to make her readers fall in love, over and over again. She cites the greatest challenge of writing is making the unbelievable believable, while taking her characters to the limit with stories full of passion and unique twists and turns. Salting stories with undertones of history whenever possible, Price adds immeasurable depth to her well-crafted books. She currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and two children where she has plenty of snow-filled days to curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua and a hot cup of coffee to write.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card, INTERNATIONAL.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/12/2019- BookHounds- Excerpt

8/12/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

8/13/2019- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

8/13/2019- Twirling Book Princess- Excerpt

8/14/2019- Becky on Books- Review

8/14/2019- Country Road Reviews- Excerpt

8/15/2019- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Review

8/15/2019- Colorimetry- Excerpt

8/16/2019- Jaime's World- Excerpt

8/16/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Spotlight

New Releases FREE & Bargain Books #LinkUp w/ @BeckValleyBooks - stock up now!

2019-08-09T02:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Come back and check out the new selection every week x

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On Tour CAIT LENNOX: FEMME FATALE series by @RoderickDonald #excerpt @RockstarBkTours

2019-08-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

I am stoked to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for THE CAIT LENNOX: FEMME FATALE Series by Roderick Donald! I have an excerpt from the prequel to share with you today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About the Books:

Title: THE AWAKENING (Cait Lennox: Femme Fatale Series Prequel)

Author: Roderick Donald

Pub. Date: July 7, 2019

Publisher: Roderick Donald

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 304

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD

A violent bashing; a life destroyed. But why has such an obscure occurrence touched so many lives?

When twenty-three-year-old Cait’s lover is brutally and randomly murdered, this violent assault has far-reaching effects not only for Cait, but also for her baby boomer parents, their close friends and business acquaintances, plus their millennial children.

In her darkest moments, Cait’s shamanic mother introduces her daughter to the Otherworld, a Druidic realm that parallels the world around us. Cait’s ancient bloodline whispers to her enticingly from the other side, bestowing amazing paranormal powers of insight and perception upon her—the power of The Gift.

But will Cait accept this strange multi-dimensional world? Or is it just New Age mumbo-jumbo?

The Awakening is a contemporary urban adventure peppered with a touch of the paranormal. It’s an insightful tale about family, friendship, love, sex, beliefs, and personal growth. It follows Cait’s personal journey, along with that of her family and close friends as they change, grow, and adapt to the challenges placed in front of them after this random and senseless attack.

This must-read tale is the scene setter for Cait's later exciting adventures as her amazing paranormal powers of insight and perception grow and develop.

Start reading the first book in this exciting series today!

Title: THE MIND CONTROLLER (Cait Lennox: Femme Fatale Series Book 1)

Author: Roderick Donald

Pub. Date: July 7, 2019

Publisher: Roderick Donald

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 302

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD

A lover brutally murdered; a violent kidnapping; a female scorned. And no closure. Insights from the Otherworld shed light on a case going nowhere.

When twenty-three-year-old Cait is violently kidnapped by her lover's murderers, her once-pleasant life is shattered. She's haunted by terrifying, evil nightmares-apparitions that are really a calling card from the Otherworld.

The cops are making zero headway locating the perpetrators, so she takes matters into her own hands. Cait demands payback.

But first she must overcome her scepticism. In the face of overwhelming odds, Cait unknowingly transforms into a dangerous femme fatale; a ruthless Otherworld being with the power to read minds and control the world around her.

Will this be enough to conquer the vile beast pursuing her in her prophetic visions?

If you love contemporary urban fiction, mystery and action, exotic Asian locales and paranormal forces you'll devour this second book in Roderick Donald's page-turning series.

Download The Mind Controller today!

Title: THE ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE (Cait Lennox: Femme Fatale Series Book 2)

Author: Roderick Donald

Pub. Date: August 2019

Publisher: Roderick Donald

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: ?

Find it: Links coming soon!

It’s time to panic. The Gatekeeper is about to cut you’re beating heart out and steal your soul . . .

When Cait’s younger brother Dec is mortally injured by a terrorist’s deadly car bomb during a chilled-out family holiday in Sicily, Italy, she is totally devastated. Distraught. And determined to chase down the perpetrators. But happy-go-lucky, congenial Cait is not a person to cross. Especially when it comes to family. They’re sacrosanct, and the line in the sand was crossed when the bomb exploded.

Cait demands payback. And retribution.

But how? She’s in a foreign land, the odds are totally stacked against her, and she’s on her own. Or is she?

Voices from the Otherworld—Cait’s ancient Shamanic grandmothers—are constantly in her ear as she wanders between this and the Otherworld, coaching her, guiding her, protecting her. An innocent fourteen boy who was ritually sacrificed, his soul then stolen by the evil Otherworld beast Soran, the Gatekeeper of Lost Souls, constantly haunts Cait as the child drifts aimlessly in an ethereal no-man’s land, half way between Heaven and Hell, searching for release and a life in the next dimension.

Then Sergeant Tony ‘Ice’ O’Donnell enters Cait’s world: terrorist hunter, trained killer, assassin. A fractured SAS soldier of fortune and an Australian Security Intelligence Organisation field agent who operates on the edges of legal. Together they stumble across a secretive and dangerous sect dating back to the Crusades: The Brethren of the True Believers. Ruthless tyrants and captains of commerce and industry who are under the control the Gatekeeper.

Somehow this is all inter-related. But how? Will Cait manage to locate the terrorists and extract the revenge that she so desperately wants to mete out? And will she beat the odds and save the next child to be ritually slaughtered?

Cait’s paranormal powers of insight and perception are pushed to the max. But will this be enough to survive the mayhem and onslaught?

Now on to the excerpt!

The Mind Controller
Since Asia, Cait was like a woman possessed: focused, intense, alert. She had cast off the aura of someone who was defeated and now she was out there, ready to take on the world. Her experiences in Laos had flipped her perception of reality totally on its head and replaced it with a reinvigorated sense of purpose.
How do I summon The Gift? Is it on demand, or will it just appear? What do I have to do? I need you now to help me interpret my mind map.
Since her visions in Laos and then her epiphany in Siem Reap, Cait was still all fingers and thumbs when it came to how to assimilate the Otherworld into her once-ordered and structured life. It was still a mystery to her, and the logic of it made no sense. The only way she could rationalize current events was that it felt like falling in love again.
I feel like I’m floating in a world of raw emotions, she told herself.
Cait was in a perpetual state of flux, both excited and nervous at the same time. Her previous cogent, familiar life was still there front and center, constantly dragging at her subconscious, still defining the boundaries of her very existence, her perceptions and her expectations, telling her what was possible and what was pure fantasy, but now she also found herself with an expanded view of the world around her. Like coming to grips with a newfound partner in her life, Cait had no real idea where this magical union would end up. All she knew was that she was riding on an experiential roller coaster that was about to take her on one hell of a ride.
Relax, a siren song seemed to be calling to her from an unseen place. Listen to your heart, Cait, a whisper drifted past, golden words momentarily hanging in the air, then slowly fading like a gentle ebbing tide. The answer is in the question. Ask and you shall find.
Cait blinked and the siren songs had gone, but she knew what she had to do: she had to find the question.

About Roderick Donald:

But first, call me Rick – all my friends do!

Rick is the creator of the breakout contemporary paranormal Urban Fiction series detailing Cait’s dramatic journey from a happy-go-lucky, 23-year old millennial to a powerful and ruthless femme fatale.

When Rick initially wrote The Awakening in 2011 it was a stand alone book. However, as soon as he finished it he sensed that there was an even bigger story wanting desperately to emerge, so he put the book aside to percolate and it was never published.

Then one day, in a blinding flash of the obvious seven years later, Cait started screaming at Rick from the pages of his novel: “Let me loose. I’ve got a journey to pursue”. Her remonstrations led to the second book in the series, The Mind Controller, being written over a three month period in 2018. To tie the two books together, The Awakening then required revisiting and totally rewriting. All up, it took a further four months for Rick to put the whole series together from nose to tail.

While the first two books were being prepared for publication, a third book in the series quickly followed as Cait had another adventure to embark on. The Assassin’s Apprentice is a nail-biting urban adventure where Cait’s powers of insight and perception are stretched to the max. as she travels the world, chasing down the murderous and illusive secret sect, Brethren of the True Believers.

Book number four is currently gelling in Rick’s head and will be out in early to mid 2020. Cait’s amazing paranormal powers continue to grow and mature as she seamlessly moves between current reality and the Otherworld. On the recommendation of fractured and secretive ex-SAS soldier of fortune, Tony ‘Ice’ O’Donnell, she is picked up by ASIO as a specialist undercover operative. Cait ends up their go-to person when all else has failed and they are at a dead end with a case going nowhere.

Rick is a bit of an adventurer, a sometimes adrenalin junky and a world traveller (67 countries and still counting). He’s into competitive bay sailing, ocean racing, road bike riding, scuba diving, natural health and keeping fit. Rick lives in Melbourne, Australia, with Sandi, his wife of many years, and is the proud father of two thirty-something millennial children. There are also two beautiful young grandchildren in the mix who Sandi and Rick spoil to excess!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive signed finished copies of their choice of book in the CAIT LENNOX:FEMME FATALE Series, US Only.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/29/2019- K.L Novitzke – Author- Excerpt

7/30/2019- My Creatively Random Life- Review

7/31/2019- Country Road Reviews- Excerpt

8/1/2019- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Review

8/2/2019- Jaime's World- Excerpt

Week Two:

8/5/2019- Parajunkee- Excerpt

8/6/2019- Colorimetry- Excerpt

8/7/2019- Mythical Books- Excerpt

8/8/2019- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

8/9/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Excerpt

Week 3:

8/26/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Excerpt

8/27/2019- Book Briefs- Review

8/28/2019- Cindy's Love of Books- Review

8/29/2019- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

8/30/2019- A Gingerly Review- Review

Week 4:

9/2/2019- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

9/3/2019- the suburban lifestyle- Review

9/4/2019- Daily Waffle- Review

9/5/2019- TBD

9/6/2019- TBD

Week 5:

9/9/2019- BookHounds- Interview

9/10/2019- The Tired Buyer- Guest Post

9/11/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

9/12/2019- Good Choice Reading- Excerpt

9/13/2019- TBD

Friday!! New Releases FREE & Bargain Books #Linkup here! @BeckValleyBooks

2019-08-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Come back and check out the new selection every week x

END OF HTML

#Excerpt from ECRIVAIN by Elizabeth Dunlap @edunlapnifty w/ @RockstarBkTours

2019-08-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

I am stoked to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for ECRIVAIN by Elizabeth Dunlap! I have an excerpt to share with you today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Book:

Title: ECRIVAIN (Ecrivain Academy Book 1)

Author: Elizabeth Dunlap

Pub. Date: July 21, 2019

Publisher: Elizabeth Dunlap

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 282

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

Read For Free on KU!

Welcome to Ecrivain Academy.

Here in these storied halls you will be trained to become one of the greatest writers the world has ever known.

There are poetry battles.

Friends. Enemies.

Is your story a romance?

Or is it something darker?

Explore all Ecrivain has to offer.

That is, if you can survive until graduation.

Now on to the excerpt!

TWO

One time my skirt got caught in my underwear and the entire school decided not to tell me, ensuring that they could all laugh at me for as long as possible. My humiliation was extreme when Blades whispered in my ear that my butt was showing. I ran to the bathroom, turning as red as a lobster, surrounded by laughter and jeering. It was the worst day of my life.

Until I opened my big fat mouth.

From the looks on my parents’ faces, you’d have thought I’d just said I was making money being a stripper on the weekends. Penny was grinning at me with his smug face. I knew what that meant.

PARENT OVERLOAD.

‘Why are you wasting your time when you should be doing schoolwork?’

‘Your grades will start slipping if you keep this kind of behavior up.’

‘We didn’t raise you to have lofty dreams.’ They didn’t say that, but I could tell it was there in subtext.

The conversation ended with me being grounded. Grounded. For entering a story contest. And they sent me to my room without dinner, like I was a bratty five year old.

My feet paced the plush carpet of my bedroom, my hands clenched into fists, and my mouth moving with unspoken words. Before it was out in the open, writing was something I wasn’t sure I wanted, but now that I had a very real threat of losing it, I realized just how special it was to me. If my parents ensured I could never write after this… I would never again feel the joy I felt when I finished my story.

I sank down onto my bed and the thought grew into my head until I collapsed into despair.

My parents never said how long I would be grounded for, and as one week turned into two, my punishment continued. I couldn’t go out, so seeing the movie with Kathryn didn’t happen, and they suspended my allowance.

Being grounded sucked, but what upset me more was that I hadn’t heard back from the writing contest. It was unrealistic to expect an answer so soon, and I knew that, but it didn’t stop me from being down in the dumps about the whole thing. Even Kathryn was starting to pester me to lighten up.

Another day coming home to sit in my room. I took off my shoes in the foyer and closed the front door behind me. Before I could even take another step, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find a mail person holding a certified envelope. I signed for it and took it inside with me.

The return address said ‘Ecrivain Academy’ in big golden letters and had France listed as the country of origin. Were my parents planning a vacation? It seemed unlikely that they would go sun tanning at a school though. My curiosity mounted and I briefly considered opening it, but it wasn’t addressed to me.

“That’s mine,” Mom said as she came up to me and swiped it from my hand.

“What is that?” I asked her, trying to peer over her shoulder.

She walked away as if I wasn’t even there. “Nothing. Go do your homework.”

Deflated, I climbed up the stairs and to my lonely existence. Phone-less, internet-less, and tv-less, my only redeemer was books. I was glad, at least, that my parents hadn’t taken them from me, even though I preferred them over prime time television. It never crossed a parents’ mind to take away books. Or I hoped it didn’t.

“You’re in truuuu-ble!” Penny’s muffled voice came from the air vent in my floor. He liked to lie on the hallway floor so he could tell me I was a booger face through the vents.

“Shut up, Penny!” I shouted back. He just snickered at me in his evil way. What did he know that I didn’t? Was the letter from France bad news? Was I being deported? I knew that was ridiculous, but I had spent many nights flirting with the idea that I was adopted and my real parents lived in an exciting place with servants and caviar. Having tried caviar, I don’t recommend it, but it sounds fancy. Or maybe my real parents were simplistic, living in a homey warm place where they made their own bread and never wore shoes. That sounded nice.

“I know something you don’t knowwww,” Penny taunted again. A loud bang came from the hall and I knew he’d retreated into his room to escape my questions.

Well, that was it. Something was going down tonight. Crap, the stress was already crawling all over me. I was going to break out in zits, I just knew it. I’d go to school tomorrow with a giant lurker on my nose, and everyone would call me Rudolph again. A quick glance into my desk mirror didn’t reassure me as my face was already bright pink. I grabbed some acne medicine and scrubbed it over my face to make sure I wouldn’t break out.

The front door opened and I heard Dad’s voice. My heart stopped, waiting for my name to be called so they could tell me either I was adopted (yay) or they were, I don’t know, sending me to army boot camp (not yay.) French army boot camp, no less. I didn’t speak French beyond ‘hello’ and ‘my little fish.’

Get a grip, Calliope. They’re not sending you to military school. My gym teacher was very specific when he told them my upper body strength was zero, and that’s why I was barely getting an A in his class.

“Calliope, can you come down?”

There it was. My doom. Goodbye, social life. Goodbye, boys. Goodbye, non-upper body strength. I took my time trudging down the stairs and found my parents sitting pretty on one of the sofas, waiting for me to join them. They looked fine, happy even. Mom motioned for me to sit on the adjacent couch. When I’d plunked down, she brought out the letter from France.

I broke like a glow stick.

“PLEASE DON’T SEND ME TO MILITARY SCHOOL!” I pleaded, my voice cracking with pent up emotion.

Dad sighed at me. “Calm down, Calliope. We’re not sending you to military school. But don’t think we didn’t consider it. All this writing nonsense. No, we’re sending you to boarding school. That should straighten you out.”

Mom handed me a pamphlet that had been in the envelope. Ecrivain Academy, where dreamers went to die. It didn’t say that, but I could see it clearly in my head. There were pictures of happy teenagers on the glossy paper, holding books, doing science experiments, and eating in a cafeteria. It looked nice, I had to admit, but all I could see was sadness, like a blue lens over my eyes.

“It’s a good school,” Mom encouraged with a non-comforting smile. “Year round classes, a strict schedule, curfews, and no extracurricular programs. We checked.”

What? What kind of school didn’t have extracurricular activities? No art class? No woodshop? No band? I put the pamphlet onto the coffee table like it was about to burn a hole in my hand.

Tears began to pool in my eyes. Why were they doing this to me? “Please, don’t make me.”

“This is no time to be a child, Calliope. You’re going, and that’s that. Go upstairs and start packing.”

“I’m leaving now? Today? Why so soon? It’s Wednesday, can’t I finish out the school week at least? Say goodbye?” If I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to Kathryn, I’d be sad forever.

Mom gave Dad a hesitant glance, affording me a small amount of hope. “The school year has already begun. If you left on Friday, you’d be traveling all weekend and have no energy to start school on Monday. This way you can get used to the school when you get there in two days, and make sure you’re fresh for classes next week.”

Gee. How thoughtfully planned out.

“And Kathryn? Can I call her?” This time I pleaded with Dad. He didn’t looked phased with his hands crossed over his sweater vest and his mouth turned down.

“What, call her and let her wild hippie mother come over to talk us out of it? I don’t think so. Upstairs now, young lady. Your mother will be up to help in a minute.”

Taking a deep breath, I stood and formed one hand into a fist amidst the folds of my dress where they couldn’t see. “No thank you. I can do it myself.” I stomped away with deliberate steps and slammed my bedroom door shut.

If I had enough time, maybe I could email Kathryn and tell her how unfair they were being. Dad was right, Kathryn’s Mom would advocate me all night if she had to. Maybe her Mom would adopt me and I could sleep on Kathryn’s floor. Or they’d get me my own bed. That would be nice. I’d love living with Kathryn, getting to see my best friend every day. Now I wouldn’t see her at all. My lip shook and I would’ve burst into tears if Mom hadn’t walked in.

“I brought one of my suitcases,” she said cheerfully. “Here, you can have your phone back. We upgraded it to an international plan so you can call anytime.” I took it and slipped it into my dress pocket. No chance to email or text now with my warden here. That’s probably why Dad had insisted on Mom helping me.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking the suitcase from her and laying it out on my bed. She helped me pack it with clothes, shoes, and other necessities. Naturally, I went to my bookshelf and started grabbing handfuls of books.

“No, not those,” she admonished gently, and tried to take them from me.

God, she wasn’t serious. They were taking everything from me, they couldn’t take my one retreat from life. The tears spilled over and I struggled to keep it together.

“Mom, please. Not my books. I’ll never write another word as long as I live, just let me have my books.” I saw her consider it and it was clear that this had been an agreed upon point when my parents discussed everything, that I couldn’t have my books.

Eventually, she gave in and sighed. “Alright. I’ll get another suitcase for them.” I wanted to hug her in thanks, but we weren’t that kind of family. A smile and a thank you were enough. Plus I was still mad at her. She didn’t deserve my hugs.

I carried the smaller suitcase with my books, while Mom got the larger less heavy one, and we met Dad in the foyer. He glanced over the bags, as if I could’ve slipped in some writing without him seeing, but he seemed to find everything okay. I rolled the heavy suitcase to the trunk of his car and heaved it inside.

“Shotgun!” Penny yelled as he raced past me, deliberately knocking into me. We piled into the car and took off down the street.

Sitting in the backseat with Mom was quiet. I wished we were alone. I played around with the idea that I could talk her out of this, though her behavior my entire life suggested otherwise. She was still my Mom, and I knew it couldn’t be entirely pre-conceived to think she wanted me to be unhappy.

The airport was a short drive away and it loomed over me when we parked and started rolling my bags towards it. Dad led us to the right gate like an excited tour guide and got my ticket. Not first class, as if I was surprised. He could’ve at least given me that as a parting gift. It’s not like he couldn’t afford it.

Mom took the ticket from him and slipped it into my passport before handing both to me. “Do your homework. Don’t make trouble. Try to make friends, okay?”

“She doesn’t need to make friends,” Dad grumbled, his arms back over his sweater vest. “Just keep your grades up.”

Penny’s parting words were, “Don’t worry, everyone will know you’re a butt face soon enough.”

They said good-bye and left me at the gate to get some food for Penny in the food court. Then I was alone, about to head off to a foreign country as punishment for having a dream. I felt like a balloon when you leave it hanging in your house, and slowly, over several days and weeks, it starts to sink towards the floor until the helium is gone and it lands on the carpet in a sad heap.

My shoulders slumped and my handmade bag fell off and landed on the floor. It was the one thing I made in Home-Ec before Dad made me drop the class, a bag dedicated to my favorite brand of tea: Lady Grey. It had the label on the front from an iron-on transfer, all bright yellows with flowers. It looked like warm sunshine, and I felt like cold raindrops.

I slipped my phone out of my pocket and hovered over calling Kathryn. Could I get her to bail me out? I had to try; I couldn’t let this happen to me.

“Hello, sweetie. Flying alone?” One of the airport attendants approached me and reached for my ticket, interrupting all thoughts of fleeing. “Ahh, trip to France? I’ve heard its lovely. Have you been?” I numbly shook my head. “Oh my, but you’re quite the traveler, aren’t you?” she commented when she saw the stamps in my passport, all from Canada, the place we went twice a year so my parents and Penny could ski. “Canada must be fun!”

“Kind of.” She didn’t notice my half-hearted comment, or she wanted to pretend I was as cheerful as she was, and she happily helped me get my passport stamped and sent me down the hallway to my flight.

I could feel my inner monologue raging up to tell me that this was going to be exciting in some small way at least. I’d be in France, the country of smelly cheese and smelly love. It wasn’t enough to cheer me up, especially when I sat down on the plane, clutched my Lady Grey tea bag to my chest and wished this wasn’t happening to me.

Well. It was. And nothing would be the same now. Au revoir, home. There, now I knew three French things.

My legs were aching by the time my flight landed for a layover in Paris, umpteenth hours later. I made myself call Kathryn when I found out I had to wait three hours for my next flight. She was so livid, I was afraid she would storm my parents’ house and be arrested for disturbing the peace.

“They can’t just send you away!” she screamed into my ear. “All you did was write a stupid story!”

Stupid story.

I stared down at my Mary Jane shoes and licked my finger to rub a scuff out of them. “They can. I’m not eighteen yet.”

“We’ll come get you, my mom and me. Stay in Paris and wait for us.” I heard her shuffling to pick something up, and then more sounds like she was moving around her house.

Tears formed in my eyes as I started regretting calling my best friend. She wanted to fix this and it couldn’t be fixed. Maybe it could, but not by her. “You don’t have the money. Don’t be ridiculous. Do you even have a passport?” She probably didn’t.

“Do you want to be stuck at boarding school for three years straight? Be honest with me, Cals.”

“I don’t…” I wiped my wet nose. “I don’t have a choice, Kathryn. I’ll call you later.”

“Cals, no, don’t you dare–”

My phone clicked when I hung up on her. I instantly put my phone into airplane mode and slipped it back into my pocket. The conversation played over and over in my head for the rest of the layover. On my second plane, I curled up into a ball and imagined all the different ways this could have gone. Every part of me was stiff and sore when we arrived at our destination.

I shuffled along the press of bodies eager to get through customs until the open airport spread out before me. Fresh air. I took a deep breath of it and almost smiled, despite everything. Then a strike of fear came when I realized I didn’t know where the school was. This was soon squelched when I saw someone standing near the entrance of the airport with a sign that read, ‘Ecrivain Academy.’

Wheeling my heavy bags behind me, I approached the figure, and saw it was a blonde woman with a flowery cap and a pinstripe outfit on that showed some of her stomach. She saw me and beamed with happiness.

“Calliope?” she said with a heavy French accent. I nodded to her, and she reached for one of my bags. “Suzette. Nice to meet you.” We went out the front door and into the city of Marseille, France. “Are you new to France?” She didn’t see me nodding as I struggled to keep up with her on the sidewalk. “This is the oldest city in France. You will find many things here to peak your interest. Se maintenir.” I didn’t know her words, but she looked back at me and snapped her fingers. Keep up.

Eventually, we got to a light blue convertible that had to be at least a few decades old and was beautifully preserved despite its age. She put my large suitcase into the back seat and reached for the heavy small one in my hands. She lifted it like it was a toy poodle.

“Books?” she asked with a laugh, and I nodded sheepishly. “That is good. Yes. We love books at Ecrivain. Entrer.” Her hands motioned to the front seat before she hopped over her side and slid into the driver’s seat. She flipped on the radio, waiting for me to get situated, and hummed along to some French music I didn’t recognize. “Tout bon?” Bon was good, I thought. I nodded, and we were off.

Marseille was a coastal city, full of boats and cities older than America by two-fold. Marveling at the ancient buildings took my mind off of everything, and I soaked up as much as I could. I wanted to explore every inch of the city. Long before I was ready, we disappeared away from the town and into a forest with tall trees so thick that the sunlight couldn’t get through.

Suzette turned the car onto a dirt road with no sign. Where was she taking me? Had I been kidnapped? Should I try to jump out? My anxiety levels rose higher and higher, and just before I was about to make a leap for it, the dirt path became a paved road, and a clearing opened out before us, revealing a hidden castle with a large perfectly green lawn in front.

Ecrivain Academy.

Kids played frisbee on the lawn while others were reading books, and …. Reciting poetry? A tall blonde haired boy was animatedly rehearsing something for a group of girls, and they giggled in that way that meant a popular boy was actually talking to them. I knew that behavior well. The girls blushed and tried to say something to him, but they stumbled over their words and settled for tucking hair behind their ears as he said charming things.

Suzette parked the car on a side path and lugged my suitcases out for me. The popular boy saw the car and his attention was captured for the moment at the sight of us, leaving the group of girls to pout from losing his attention. I didn’t stop my trek across the sidewalk under the boy’s gaze, and followed Suzette inside the large double entry doors.

The school was truly a castle. Marble floors, stone granite walls, and plenty of antiques tucked safely away in glass cases. On a large banner over a fireplace were eight watercolor cameos, depicting perhaps the people who had created the school, I guessed. Two were women, and the eighth wasn’t a portrait as I’d first thought. It was a giant question mark. Odd.

“Allons y,” Suzette snipped when I’d stopped walking. I followed in the wake of her clicking heels to what I assumed was the school office, populated by the office staff. A few people sat at desks typing away on their desktops, and one stood by a coffee machine trying to balance several cups at once in his hands. He had curly black hair and was wearing what I could only describe as a school uniform with no patch on the front. “Leave the bags here,” Suzette told me. “Jamie, please take them to dorm one, room 221.” The boy set all of the cups down and eagerly jumped to do something other than add different variants of cream and sugar to mugs.

Seeing the coffee machine made me wish I could make some tea to calm my nerves. Suzette didn’t seem like the type of person to slow down long enough for tea to steep. The black haired boy, Jamie, took my bags and left with them. The idea of my possessions leaving my sight made me wish even harder for tea as I struggled to maintain an outward appearance of chill. That became impossible when Suzette motioned for me to follow her to the very imposing principal’s office. What would the principal say? I was sure my parents had said some very strong words about my naughty writing habits when they enrolled me.

I mentally prepared myself for a lecture and stepped into the office.

If I’d thought my heart couldn’t take more before that moment, I certainly wasn’t prepared for who sat in the principal’s chair. It was the very famous, very bestselling, very millionaire author, Angel Worn. I had all of her books, even the ones for adults. People had grown up reading her children’s series about magic users, it was practically a religion.

And she was sitting in front of me.

Star-struck was a nice phrase, meaning I stood there like a drooling idiot staring at her. She had beautiful golden hair with naturally tanned skin, and a glorious red skirt suit. My feet stepped forward and my hand shot out by itself.

“HI, I’M CALLIOPE,” I shouted. I awkwardly took my hand back before she could shake it and froze like the tin man in Wizard of Oz as my face turned redder than it had when I’d showed the entire school my butt cheek.

“Hello, Calliope, I’m Principal Worn. Are you familiar with my work?” She smiled warmly at me, and I ruined it with a donkey bray laugh.

Am I familiar with your work. That was like asking me if I enjoyed tea, or if I had breasts. Well. That was debatable.

I played it cool, as cool as I could while meeting a celebrity, and after braying loudly. “Oh, a little bit. Nothing obsessive. Do you do signings? Can you sign my copy of Northern Magic? It’s my favorite book of yours, and I’ve read all … Some. Some of them. Nothing obsessive.” I awkwardly cleared my throat and focused on a spot in the crown molding.

Principal Worn didn’t appear phased by my fangirling. On the contrary, she looked pleased. “Please, take a seat, Miss Grey.” The cushy chair in front of her desk swallowed me up. It took some core strength to sit upright, of which I had none as aforementioned. Suzette sat in the other chair and grabbed a chocolate from a dish on Principal Worn’s desk. “I’m sure you have many questions, Calliope. First off, I want you to know that we’re aware of your home situation. When your parents enrolled you, they made it very clear that sending you here was a punishment, something about you entering a story contest. I was lectured for half an hour about crushing any thoughts you had of continuing this nonsense.”

Hearing that from Angel Worn was worse than seeing the look on my parents’ face at the awkward dinner where I ruined my life. I deflated again, like a three week old balloon.

Principal Worn instantly responded to my sadness, reaching out to hand me a tissue in case I needed it. “No, no dear. Please don’t be sad. You didn’t let me finish. That is why they sent you here, yes. That is not why we accepted you.”

I sniffled and looked at her in confusion. “What?”

“We accepted you because of this.” She reached into a drawer and pulled out a spiral bound manuscript entitled ‘Friends in High Places.’ My manuscript. The very one that had started all of this. I reached a hand out to touch the slippery plastic cover, still unsure why, and how, it was here. As an answer, Principal Worn handed me a pamphlet that looked almost exactly like the one my parents had, with a few extreme differences.

Ecrivain, it read. The school for writers.

“The writer part of our school is kept secret,” she explained. “Now that you’re here, it’s time you learned what you’ll be doing for the next three years.”

Even more confused, I read over the pamphlet, every so often glancing up at Principal Worn’s face to make sure she wasn’t trying to trick me. Her and her tailored red suit of lies. My trust of adults only went so far at that point in time. However, the overlying theme of the pamphlet spoke of a place where writers were free to grow and learn.

“So…” I chewed on my lip and flipped the pamphlet over. The back had the watercolor cameos I’d seen above the fireplace in the entrance of the administration building. Each was attached to a very famous, and very dead writer, and a genre. Shakespeare, playwright and poetry. Austen, romance. Doyle, mystery and crime. The list was comprised of authors everyone had heard of but hardly anyone had actually read, especially someone my age. I was guilty of not reading any of their works. I’d seen a few of the movies, but I doubted that was the same. “So, this is a writer’s school?” She nodded. “How did you find my story? And why keep this all a secret?”

Her eyes flicked to Suzette, who got up and started making some tea in one corner of the large office where an electric kettle sat. The room had a bay window behind Principal Worn’s desk and let in enough sunlight to burn a vampire to a crisp. Outside the window was a flower garden, and I longed to go explore all the flora there. It looked like a nice spot to sit and read.

Suzette passed me a tea cup filled with what smelled like red tea with hints of vanilla. Red tea had a deep floral scent, and I enjoyed it almost as much as Lady Grey. Taking a deep sniff, I sipped my tea, the rich flavor and warmth covering me from head to toe. I let out a sigh and smiled, despite the unsure situation I was still in.
Principal Worn was also enjoying her cup of red vanilla. I briefly remembered her mother was British, and although she’d spent most of her life there, she didn’t have an accent. It was a pity. I enjoyed a good accent.
“Now then,” Worn said once her cup was empty. “This school was founded over four hundred years ago. At the time, knowledge was forbidden, or at the very least frowned upon, especially where girls were involved. That was a time when women could barely read, let alone write a novel. As time progressed, our secrecy allowed us to pluck potential students from any place, and all walks of life. Eventually knowledge became a good thing, and we considered coming out into the open, finally, after centuries of fearing discovery.”
She got up and poured herself more tea. “The Principal at the time hedged the idea to a few prominent people, but the feedback he got was not comforting. They wanted to control a school like ours, making it available to anyone with a large wallet, no matter their skills. Not to mention they wanted to curb any talks of unsuitable religions. We’ve enjoyed centuries of freedom of ideas, only to have the suggestion that some topics were off limits. It was monstrous.”
She took my cup and poured me more tea, then sat back down and adjusted her red jacket. “Of course, we try every so often to see if the world is ready to know we exist in such a capacity, but I fear it will never be the right time. My last attempt to the public, a very wealthy man wanted his son to attend for the prestige, but had no intention of his son learning how to write, and instead suggested we hire a ghost writer to make his son famous. You can imagine how much that set us back.”
Her china clinked and I took another sip of my tea. “As to how we found your story, we monitor most of the writing contests online. It’s how we recruit new students. That particular contest you entered is sponsored by the school itself, meaning we were able to recruit you much faster than other students.” Her soft face turned serious, almost enough where I felt scolded. “If you attend this school, you will be bound by secrecy. Under no circumstances will you reveal the true nature of your studies here to anyone outside the school. We will not tolerate a breach of trust. Everything we’ve built can only exist in secret, and its very existence is quintessential to academic progression. Do you understand?”
I nodded so hard I thought my head would pop off. “I want to go here. Please. I didn’t know that writing was so important to me until my parents tried to take it away. Now it’s all I want. I’ll sign any form, I’ll take a vow, I don’t care.”
She giggled at my enthusiasm. “Very well, then. I have the forms you’ll need to sign. One is a non-disclosure agreement, as is necessary.” I grabbed a pen from the porcelain mug on her desk and wiggled it in front of her. As an answer, she brought out a thick envelope and showed me all the places to sign. There were dozens. “It’s very bad legal advice to make you sign what you haven’t read, so if you want to take the time to…” She stopped because I was already signing my name on every single paper in the stack. My hand began cramping half-way through, but I soldiered on until I got to the last page. It said something about being Undetermined in the school houses.
“Is Undetermined bad?” I asked her, suddenly worried.
She waved an unconcerned hand at me. “Absolutely not. It just means that the story you sent to the contest didn’t show any particulars relating to the set genres here. You’ll shop around the different houses for two of your three years, and once you find one you fit in, you’ll be assigned to that house. The curriculum will be enough where you won’t be behind when the assignment happens, and if you find one you start to shine in before the two years are up, you can be assigned early. There’s no need to worry, you’re in good hands now.”
Once I’d finished signing, she took the stack and placed it back in her desk, then she stood up and put her hand out.
“Calliope Grey, welcome to Ecrivain.”

About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth Dunlap is the author of several fantasy books, including the Born Vampire series. She's never wanted to be anything else in her life, except maybe a vampire. She lives in Texas with her boyfriend, their daughter, and a very sleepy chihuahua named Deyna.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a finished copy of ECRIVAIN & Swag, US Only.

Ends August 13^th, midnight EST.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/29/2019- Country Road Reviews- Review

7/29/2019- My Creatively Random Life- Excerpt

7/30/2019- Jrsbookreviews- Review

7/30/2019- Jaime's World- Excerpt

7/31/2019- Turning the Pages- Review

7/31/2019- BookHounds YA- Interview

8/1/2019- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review

8/1/2019- Colorimetry- Excerpt

8/2/2019- Wonder Struck- Review

8/2/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:

8/5/2019- The Phantom Paragrapher- Review

8/5/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Guest Post

8/6/2019- Jypsylynn- Review

8/6/2019- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

8/7/2019- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Review

8/7/2019- Wishful Endings- Guest Post

8/8/2019- Book Briefs - Review

8/8/2019- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

8/9/2019- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

8/9/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Spotlight

Grand Finale: LOVE'S REMAINS by Jacqueline Simon Gunn @DrJSimonGunn @PrismBookTours #GiftCard #Giveaway

2019-07-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Love's Remains

By Jacqueline Simon Gunn

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope that readers will find something of themselves, something relatable within each character that will offer insight into their own relationships and choices and/or the possibility to think about their relationships differently. So many people find themselves in difficult relationships, holding on when it’s painful, staying when they want to go, being pulled toward the wrong people, not loving those who love them. The answers to these questions are complicated and not the same for everyone. That’s why I chose a fictional format as opposed to non-fiction. Instead of telling readers what they should do or advising, I wanted to give them the opportunity to see various relationship situations in action and then show “why,” show the motivation for the characters’ actions. I hoped by revealing the psychology through the characters, readers would find their own answers upon reflection. But the book is filled with drama and tension and like any other fiction writer, I hope my readers will enjoy the story.

underneath the covers - Guest Post

What does Alex learn from moving on?

Sometimes when we love we give so much of ourselves that when the relationship isn’t working it’s very hard to let go; our sense of self is invested and embedded in the relationship. We create illusions and hold on to them to make staying make sense. We create narratives to excuse behavior towards us that makes us feel bad. . .

E-Romance News - Excerpt

I pulled her against me as we walked. We had taken our shoes off and were strolling along the edge of the ocean, the water washing in and out splashing against our feet. She loved the ocean at night, same as I do.

“Let’s go in,” she said.

“We are a little overdressed.” I raised my brow. She was always full of surprises. As self-conscious as she said she felt, she did things that reflected her freedom or her desire for it. Just like me. It was intoxicating to be with a woman who I didn’t feel like I’d be tied down by. Someone I could want to be with all the time, not feel like I had to be with.

Colorimetry - Guest Post

Do we love people forever?

Since Love’s Remains explores what’s left between two people after the relationship is gone, people have written in and asked me if I think we ever truly get over someone. Love’s Remains addresses this theme in both romantic and non-romantic relationships. So, for example, Will has an estranged relationship with his father and new issues arise for him in the context of this relationship. The story shows that although he barely talks to his dad, there are ‘remains’ of that relationship within him that affect him in ways that he might not have even realized until he’s confronted with the unresolved emotions. . .

From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews - Interview

Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s), story or the idea for the novel?

Jacqueline : Before I even begin writing a book, I usually have a vague sense of the story and the underlying themes I’d like to explore. When I actually start pounding the keyboard, I begin with the development of my main characters, holding the story in the back of my mind, but letting the characters sort of take over the direction. It’s like being a passenger. I’m there, but I’m not driving once we get going.

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

Why do we love, love stories?

If you think about any movie or book, even those that aren’t in the romance genre, there’s often a subplot that involves a romance or teases us with the possibility of one. When people come into therapy, no matter what the presenting complaint is, relationships inevitably become a central topic. . .

Paulette's Papers - Guest Post

Why do you usually write from multiple points of view?

Most of my fiction books have at least three points of view. I do this because I want to understand what’s motivating each character, and I want my readers to see that choices do not happen in a vacuum. Every decision made has an impact on those close to us and then those close to them and so on. In this way, there are always webs between groups of people even when the connections are not obvious and/or the relationships are remote. . .

I'm All About Books - Guest Post

What does the relationship between Alex and Cecilia reveal?

The unfolding of the friendship between Alex and Cecilia was unexpected. At first, Cecilia was meant to be a secondary character, but the deeper I got into the story the more fascinated I became with her psychological make-up, her background and her decisions. Her unpredictability had me captivated. . .

Reading On The Edge - Excerpt

“You’ve ruined my life.”

“I thought we were waaaay past this.”

“That’s easy for you to say. I didn’t hurt you over and over and over.”

“I hurt myself by hurting you.” His face wore a look of compassion. I hated that look, because it reminded me that he was a good person, that he had tried over and over to apologize. He unwittingly brought out the part of me that I hated, and I projected that hate onto him, because it was easier to hate someone else than to hate myself. Tears poured out of my eyes. And he wrapped his arms around me, holding me as wept.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Love's Remains
(Where You'll Land #2)
By Jacqueline Simon Gunn
Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 250 Pages
June 4th 2019

The second year of graduate school started out as a new beginning. I felt stronger. My heart had stitched itself up. I had finally healed enough on the inside to let love flourish once again. But an ever-present ex-boyfriend made the unresolved emotions between us impossible to ignore.

Then new complications emerged: Said ex-boyfriend began dating Cecilia, who just happened to be the ex-girlfriend of my new love interest. I should have hated her. I wanted to hate her. But, I have to admit, I liked her.

As the semester progressed, the tangled web between us deepened in ways I never could have anticipated, and it spread to those closest to us. We had the same classes, the same friends, the same interests. Then, of course, there were all the secrets, some of which could ruin the love I believed I wanted, I deserved.

Once again, I got pulled into the dizzying vortex of all that remained unfinished. And doubt crept in. Had I really healed enough to make myself vulnerable again? Had I made the right choices?

But the big question is: Can we ever really leave past relationships behind?

This is the second book in the Where You'll Land series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Goodreads│LibraryThing│Amazon

Other Books in the Series

Where You'll Land

(Where You'll Land #1)

By Jacqueline Simon Gunn

Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 408 Pages

January 8th 2019

After a bad breakup, I packed up my life and moved to Miami to study for my doctorate in psychology. I made one promise to myself: Do not get romantically involved while I was in school. I needed to heal. And then Will Easton came into my life. He was warm and sweet and intelligent. And he got me. What I didn’t know was that Will was running from a tragedy of his own.

When you try to escape your past without confronting your emotions, you repeat those same past patterns over and over. And that’s just what happened to Will and me, along with a few others who got swept up into the storm that was our relationship. Then came the awful secret. The one that changed everything.

Sometimes the most painful relationships are the ones that help us grow into who we are and to find the love we had been searching for all along.

Which begs the question: Can we choose who we love?

Goodreads│LibraryThing│Amazon

About the Author

Jacqueline Simon Gunn is a Manhattan-based clinical psychologist and writer. She has authored two non-fiction books, and co-authored two others. She has published many articles, both scholarly and mainstream, and currently works as a freelance writer. With her academic and clinical experience in psychology, Gunn is now writing psychological fiction. Her Close Enough to Kill series, explores the delicate line between passion and obsession, love and hate, and offers readers an elaborate look into the mind of a murderer.

In addition to her clinical work and writing, Gunn is an avid runner and reader. She is currently working on multiple writing projects, including three romance novels.

Website│Goodreads│LibraryThing│BookBub│Amazon│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive:

A Kindle Copy of Where You'll Land
A Kindle Copy of Love's Remains
A $10 Amazon Gift Card

Open to Kindle users

Ends July 31, 2019