*[Blog Tour Review & Giveaway] Christmas Past by Susanna Fraser

 

 

Summary:

 

Time-traveling PhD student Sydney Dahlquist’s first mission sounded simple enough—spend two weeks in December 1810 collecting blood samples from the sick and wounded of Wellington’s army, then go home to modern-day Seattle and Christmas with her family. But when her time machine breaks, stranding her in the past, she must decide whether to sacrifice herself to protect the timeline or to build a new life—and embrace a new love—two centuries before her time.

Rifle captain Miles Griffin has been fascinated by the tall, beautiful "Mrs. Sydney" from the day he met her caring for wounded soldiers. When he stumbles upon her time travel secret on Christmas Eve, he vows to do whatever it takes to seduce her into making her home in his present—by his side.
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 48 pages (E-book)

Source: Review Copy

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date:  November 25th 2013 by Entangled: Ever After    

 

I've mentioned time and time again that I'm not a big novella or short story fan but I'll let you in on a little secret, the ones I'm almost always guaranteed to enjoy center around the holidays. Which is why I signed up for this tour.

 

I really liked this 48 page time travel Christmas romance (try saying that 10 times). I had a free half hour and was able to knock this one out quickly, and I was glad to give Susanna Fraser a try (finally) and thought that this little novella was  a great introduction to her writing style.

 

I love time travel romances and of course I love regency romances with dashing heroes so I really enjoyed reading Miles and Sydney's love story. I thought the way that Fraser mixed the time travel and romance bit together was very well done, especially given the length of the story and I was really impressed plus, I liked how the romance between the main characters developed.

 

Overall, for a short story, this one is one of the best ones I've read and I loved the Christmas element added into the storyline. I'm a sucker for a holiday romance and this one has me not only wanting to read more Christmas love stories, but more stories by Susanna Fraser.

 

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, well written time travel Christmas romances between a contemporary woman and a regency hero just in time for the holidays.

 

Giveaway:

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*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

Really Liked It!
★★★★

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Other editions

*[Blog Tour Review & Tour Wide Giveaway] Justice (Galilee Falls Trilogy #1) by Jennifer Harlow

 

 

Summary:

 

It’s hard being a regular police officer in Galilee Falls, a city with the highest concentration of superheroes and villains in the country. It’s even harder watching your best friend, the man you’re secretly in love with your whole life, planning to marry another woman. Detective Joanna Fallon has to contend with both. When the vilest supervillain in the city’s history, Alkaline, the former crime boss who can shoot acid from his wrists, escapes from the maximum security prison, the whole city is gripped by panic. Leading the pursuit is Captain Harry O’Hara, Joanna’s boss and secret lover, and the city’s champion superhero Justice, who caught the villain last time, much to Joanna’s chagrin. Before her father was murdered in a mugging twenty years earlier, Joanna worshiped the hero, but when he disappeared and failed to save her father, that adoration turned to contempt for all supers. After Alkaline attacks too close to home and targets Joanna as his next victim, tough-as-nail Joanna has to contend with her increasing fear while struggling to choose between her life-long crush and her new-found love.

At turns vulnerable and fierce, equally mordant and winsome, Joanna is an earnest yet emotionally damaged heroine, who despite the tough breaks of her childhood sees the good in people and vow to protect her beloved city at all costs. An ass-kicking petite firecracker with no superpowers of her own, she charges after supervillains unflinchingly, never losing her wit even when facing her toughest fight. With a coy blend of whimsy and vivid imagination, she delivers both humor and thrills in an action-packed and edgy blend of comic book cool, fantasy-noir, and bitter-sweet romance.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 284 pages (Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Publication Date: May 18th 2013 by Devil on the Left Books       

 

Justice is the second book that I've had the pleasure of  reading by Jennifer Harlow and the first in her new Galilee Falls trilogy and what a way to debut a new series it was.

 

Jennifer Harlow has a very unique writing style and her own unique sense of humour really does shine through in her writing and I think that is one of the best parts of reading one of her books. I expect to laugh my pants off and I always seem to end one of her books with a huge grin on my face excited to see what awesome stuff she'll come out with in her next book which is why I had to sign up for this tour.

 

I loved our heroine Joanna in this story. She was really complex and I loved that while she was vulnerable she wore it like an armour to protect herself at the same time. She was hilarious for some points but still made a serious character who was more than capable of kicking ass and taking names. I loved her determination and spirit. I'm really loving how many authors are now writing books from a strong female character's point of view. It's such a nice change to have books like this where the characters despite magic or in this case being superheroes still are pretty realistic.  

 

The superheroes and supervillians were handled awesomely and I loved how the whole them really went together. I've never been a mega fan of the superhero genre but I really loved this one and though that the way that the whole world and the characters were written were very well done and showed off just how talented the author really is because of her ability to diversify and break into a genre that is traditionally written about by male authors.

 

With lots of action, humour balanced with the perfect amount of seriousness and fast paced, engrossing writing it's no surprised that I absolutely love Justice by Jennifer Harlow and can't wait for her to come out with the next book in the trilogy. Until then I do believe I will content myself with reading her other books.

 

I would highly recommend this novel to any one and everyone. It's one of those books that can be read by both ladies and gents and still offer each of them a lot. If you haven't tried Jennifer's books before Justice is the absolute perfect place to start.

 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Loved It!
★★★★★

 

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Giveaway

 

 

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*[Blog Tour Review & Tour Wide Giveaway] Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series - Early Years #2) by Sky Purington

 

 

Summary:

 

Iosbail MacLomain will do whatever it takes to bring Laird Alexander Sinclair to his knees. Even if it means she has to travel through time to eleventh century Scotland and manipulate a king into marrying her off to the enemy.

What she doesn't anticipate is a bitter rivalry between King Edgar and Alexander Sinclair. It seems the man she just married is by birthright a threat to the throne. Her plans are suddenly hindered when she and her new husband are almost murdered.

Their lives on the line, Alexander and Iosbail are forced to flee across the country. Fraught with risk, adventure and wild, unexpected desire they struggle against overwhelming odds. Only on MacLomain land does justice stand a chance.

Will a true king find shelter so far from his homeland? Can a woman set out for vengeance forgive deeds done wrong?

Better yet, can enemies persuade one another to forgive and perhaps even love?

Find out in a powerful story that leaves no soul untouched... HIGHLAND PERSUASION.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 180 pages (E-book)

Source: Review Copy

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date: 2013

 

A Highland romance always brightens my mood. Historical romances are always my go to genre when I want a romance fix and rarely have I been disappointed and this is a nice example of how a Highland romance should be written.

 

Highland Persuasion was my first read by Sky Purington and it definitely made me want to read her other books. I really enjoyed her writing style and the way that she pieced Alexander and Iosbail's romance together in a relatively short novel since it's only 180 pages.

 

The characters were very well written. Isobail was pretty much everything I like in a heroine. She was a strong, independent and intelligent woman who knew what she wanted and was determined to get it at all costs. Alexander was the same way. I really enjoyed how alike the two characters were beneath the surface and I loved the passion that they had for each other.

 

The plot was good and I was glad that it was still a fun read but actually had more substance behind the actual story than I expected and I loved that it offered more than just a sexy romp in the highlands.

 

Overall, there was very little that I didn't like about Highland Persuasion and it was a good, quick read that really fit my mood at the time. The characters and the story were well developed and while this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone novel. After reading this book I am absolutely going to get my hands on book one and I hope to enjoy it as much as I did this one and I love the sense of adventure and the romance between the two characters a lot.

 

I would recommend this to all the historical romance fans who love their highlanders and strong heroines. This would be a perfect beach read or a book to read outside on a sunny afternoon and would be relatively easy to polish off in one sitting.

 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Really Liked It!
★★★★

To "Like" Sky on Facebook CLICK HERE

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To see the playlist for Highland Persausion CLICK HERE

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Author Bio

 

Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books. 

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? 

Visit Sky's Website, www.SkyPurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android.

 

 

  

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*[Blog Tour Review & Guest Post] Lost Amelia Jones Private Detective Series, Book 1 By Pandora Richardson

Summary:

Amelia Jones finds her world turned upside down after meeting a wealthy client who needs evidence of her husband’s infidelity. Even though Amelia's offered a lot of money to go undercover in order to catch him, the situation is more than she can handle and unlike anything the young, virginal detective has ever experienced. Deep down Amelia knows that she should not accept the case, but the allure of money is too hard to resist. Distracted by a series of mysterious events and delicious eye candy, Amelia is lost with choices that threaten to reveal secrets that should remain hidden.

Summary & Photo provided by Bewitching Book Tours

Genre: Mystery, Paranormal

ASIN: B00802VL80

Number of pages: 172

Source: Review Copy

Word Count: 61,000

Publication Date: May 4th 2012

Sorry for posting my stop on the tour late folks, last night I was like a zombie and couldn't post it then. Now on to the review!

Alright Pandora Richardson, I have a request for you. PLEASE release the next book in this series soon! Pretty please? Pretty please with a cherry on top? I really can't wait to read more about Amelia. Congratulations, you succeeded in gaining a new fan!

When I first got the invitation to host a stop on this book's blog tour I was immediately drawn to it because of the cover. I mean look at it, isn't it great? I love how dark and sinister it looks and it's probably one of my favourite covers of the year and it certainly fits in with the book.

While the book starts off a wee bit slow it doesn't take long for the story of Amelia, the virgin werewolf private detective. This is a theme I've been noticing showing up more and more in novels and let me tell you it's a nice change from the others where the characters are a little less virginal shall we say.

I loved learning about Amelia's back story I thought it was interesting and it certainly helped round out the whole story worked out well. There was enough mystery and danger in the novel so that I didn't find this to be a fluffy werewolf read but one that was strong enough to truly stand on its own. Plus the writing was pretty darn good, even though there were a couple of times in the book where there were spots where the timeline went a little fuzzy and all of a sudden I jumped ahead in the book due to rapid scene changes.

I think that this book was a strong debut by the author as she has her own unique writing style. The writing itself is strong and helps support the characters who were also well thought out. I thought the whole book worked out wonderfully and as you can probably tell I can't wait for the next one to be written.

I would recommend this one to lovers of paranormal novels with a mystery twist.

This title is FREE on AMAZON July 27th - 29th!

GUEST POST WITH PANDORA RICHARDSON

My Top Ten Stephen King Books that I’ve read so far…

I wanted to write a top ten books article, but the reality is that if I had tried such a feat, King would dominate the list. Therefore, I decided that a top ten King list would be more appropriate and fitting to any proper discussion as it relates to really good books. Stephen King in my opinion is who every writer wants to or should want to aspire to and who every reader can’t wait to hear from again. With so many books in the world King in my opinion stands out for his storytelling ability and his flexibility. He can go from writing about a weird girl in hand me down clothes whose telekinetic powers came into being during her first period to an engaging tale about a prison called Shawshank and never miss a beat.

Kings diverse portfolio and gift of crafting worlds through words surpasses anything I can hope to aspire to as an author and long for as a reader and fan. That said, if I were on a deserted island and could only take 10 King books with me from among those I have read my list would have to include, in no particular order the following:

The Drawing of the Three – This is one of my favorite in the Dark Tower series. Being introduced to characters as memorable as Eddie and my all-time favorite, Detta Walker makes this book one of the best.

The Stand – This book, makes most post apocalyptic books look like amateur hour. Deep, rich, and engaging this tale especially the complete uncut edition is long, but the story is so good, you never notice.

11.22.63 – A new entry into the King lexicon, 11.22.63 is the only King book that left me in tears at the end. I won’t ruin it for you, but if you haven’t read it, you definitely should. It’s not what you think it is.

It – I remember watching the mini series as a child and freaking out due to Tim Curry’s magnificent portrayal of Pennywise clown. I still don’t like clowns to this day thanks to him. The film was just a glimpse of the novel. The actual book will freak you out in ways the live production could only guess at.

Under The Dome – Funny and a pretty good ride until the very end by most accounts, if you forget the ending, one of the best in the King Collection.

Pet Sematary – Where It was able to induce a life long fear of clowns, this novel makes my a life long avoider of gray cats. This book is creepy through and through.

Misery – I hope I never have any number fans. I’m going to be forever scarred as a writer wondering if there are Annie’s in the world reading my books.

Rose Madder – I remember in the office we used to discuss who we thought were King’s most disturbing characters. Hand’s down, I believe Norman takes the cake. Don’t believe me, read it for your self. Yeah I know Junior in Under the Dome is freaking off the rails, however I believe that since his lunacy wasn’t innate it doesn’t count.

Wizard and Glass – Easily one of the most disturbing of the Dark Tower Books and at the same time the reason why I added it to my list. To this day I can still hear the phrase charyou tree!

The Long Walk – Granted, this isn’t even a full novel, but where it lacks in length, it more than makes up in the hebbie jebbie arena. The plot is over the top even for King and the disturbing nature of the story along with the drawn out feeling of dread it invokes, makes it a compelling read.

Now there are plenty of books I could have added and I know some will think this list insane, but I had to choose something didn’t I? Besides, I did warn that I haven’t read every King novel…yet.

- Pandora

Author Bio:

Pandora Richardson grew up in Northern New Jersey with a pen and a pad stuck in her hand. Throughout her childhood she was either writing the next great American Novel or painting the next Mona Lisa. She always imagined that she would be famous as a writer, an artist, or both. However, life eventually got in the way of her dreams and Pandora found herself working as a consultant in Washington, DC where she now resides with her canine familiar, Loki. The past several years have found Pandora once again committed to writing, this time with her fingers glued to a keyboard. When she’s not creating the next bestseller or engaged in the thrilling misadventures of the Rat Race, Pandora loves to curl up on her sofa reading the next Vampire, Shape-shifter, Wizard, Zombie or Romance novel from one of her favorite authors.

* I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review as part of a blog tour.

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Really Liked it!
★ ★ ★ ★

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*[Book Feature&Giveaway] The Blood Moon Chronicles by June Spears

Summary:

Three young warriors, one of them with royal blood, will be born into the human race as natural enemies. They must overcome their differences to unite and bring light back into darkness. For there is no light without darkness, and there is no darkness without light.
However, victory does not come without a price.
Summary and photo provided by Bewitching Blog Tours
Length: 127 pages
ASIN: B008H4OGBA
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Short Excerpt The Blood Moon Chronicles

A raven-haired teenager sat there, carefree , on the warm damp sand. She stared off across the water, her back to the forest. To the casual observer, she’d seem like a normal teenage girl.

To Everit, however, she was a rare diamond waiting to be polished.

The wind caressed her skin sending her hair blowing with its breeze, the scent of roses engulfed the forest. Everit closed his eyes and let the scent of her take him to a faraway place. He imagined her in a magical field, and the only thing that covered her were the black and red rose petals that fell all around her beautiful body. Her simple beauty was unlike anything he had seen in all his years.

Her body tensed, about to turn, so he dashed into the woods. He could not show himself to her. Not now. Not like this.

He was sent here to plant his seed, to fulfill the prophecy of the Dark Islands. He had not planned on falling in love, but the connection he felt was too strong to ignore. The imprint she left on his heart was stronger than his desire to remain indifferent could sustain.

Everit had watched her for weeks now. He knew his feelings for her complicated things, but he knew what he was sent here for. He could not fail his people. Loving her made leaving her behind that much harder.

He made an oath to himself to find a way to protect her at a distance, even if it meant his own death. 

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, June E Spears had spent her early years writing mostly poems and school songs. However, she could not escape the allure of storytelling and quickly began studying to become a novelist. She began by reading every chance she had. Mostly Fantasy and Romance novels, June's love of writing was uncontrollable. Once she began typing, she never stopped.


June is best known for her Fantasy Novelette Series "The Blood Moon Chronicles". She is a single mother to her only daughter Isabella Rose.

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