Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Review: A Bear River Christmas

A Bear River Christmas A Bear River Christmas by Shevawn Michelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What could be better than a Christmas romance?
How about you add a rockstar to the mix!
A Bear River Christmas is a quick read, I binged on it this afternoon, it's the story of two lost souls looking for something.
That something though is not obvious to them.
Two weeks is all the time they have together and that's all it takes to show them what they need to feel complete.
This is a sweet romance, one that while it's told over a short period of time, the characters feelings are allowed to mature, to build into something real. This story will warm the coldest of hearts!


View all my reviews

Celtic Fire by Liz Gavin - Release Day Blitz

celtic-fire-promo-banner
celtic_fire_cover_2When ancient gods ruled and Druids kept Faith alive, the Celts thrived as a democratic, matriarchal society. Then savage Roman soldiers swept across Europe, killing and enslaving. The Celts did not succumb without a fight. Their Old Ways survived centuries of ruthless domain until another menace loomed: a tortured god worshiped in cold stone buildings. The sacred shores of Avalon began to drift away, the mists threatened to hide the island from mortal eyes forever.
Against the bleak backdrop of war, the gorgeous Scottish Highlands stood tall, sheltering its inhabitants from greedy invaders. Yet the reach of the eagle banners was long and the highlanders turned to the Goddess for protection. However, the sacred groves felt silent and grim as Avalon faded away. Once sad, pealing bells began to sound strangely comforting while the high walls of monasteries offered an alluring barrier from violence. Caught in the middle of this centuries-old war, a young High Priestess might be Avalon’s last chance.
Wise beyond her years and powerful like no other Priestess in her lifetime, Rowen had served the Goddess faithfully, forsaking her family and the company of her soulmate. When the Lady of the Lake asks for another sacrifice, it might be one too many for her scarred heart. How could she obey the Goddess without betraying Caddaric? Could she trust Eochaid, who embodied everything she despised and hated? Would she be able to fulfill her duties without losing her soul?
Caddaric had been Rowen’s companion in countless lives; but, now, they existed in different realms. Beautiful Rowen lived in the mortal world while sweet Caddaric remained in the sacred isle of Avalon, watching over her. Could he step aside to allow another man – a flesh and blood man – to become her protector?
Eochaid had sworn to protect the Old Ways. The rude warrior never quite understood his faith yet his loyal heart belonged to the Goddess. A gorgeous, fiery High Priestess was not in his plans. He would risk his life to protect Rowen; but, would the Goddess safeguard his heart? Could he defend the bewitching maiden from himself?
When stakes were so high that a simple mistake could cost their very world, a priestess, a Druid, and a warrior must learn to trust one another and the mysterious ways of the Goddess. Their success would save Avalon. Their failure would tear the island from the human realm forever, condemning it to oblivion.
Failure was not an option.
This is a standalone, historical/paranormal romance. Its mature themes - sexual violence, religion, and pagan rituals - might not be appropriate for audiences under 18.

About the Book

Celtic Fire
by Liz Gavin
Series
Highland Celts #1
Genre
Adult
Historical Romance
Paranormal Romance
Publisher
Elessar Books LLC
Publication Date
January 31, 2017
df2b8-goodreads-button amazon-KU-free-button2

About Liz Gavin

liz-gavinWhen Liz Gavin was in Second Grade - just a couple of years ago, really - her teacher told her mother the little girl should start a diary because she needed an outlet for her active and vivid imagination. She was a talkative child who would disrupt the class by engaging her colleagues in endless conversations. She loved telling them the stories her grandfather used to tell her.
Apparently, the teacher wasn’t a big fan of those stories, and Liz’s mother bought her a diary. She happily wrote on it for a couple of months. Unable to see the appeal of writing for her own enjoyment only, she gave up on it. She missed the audience her friends provided her in class. She went back to disturbing her dear teacher’s class.
Since then, she has become a hungry reader. She will read anything and everything she can get her hands on – from the classics to erotica. That’s how she has become a writer of erotica and romance, as well.
As a young adult, she participated in a student exchange program and lived in New Orleans for six months. She fell in love with the city and its wonderful inhabitants. NOLA will always hold a special spot in Liz Gavin’s heart. Nowadays, living in Brazil, Liz’s creativity has improved many times because it’s such a vibrant, gorgeous and sexy country.
Welcome to her world of hot Alpha males and naughty, independent women. Add a touch of the paranormal in the presence of some wicked souls and you’ll get the picture.

Sit back, fire up your Kindle and enjoy the ride!

Liz's Links

website facebook twitter goodreads Amazon icon

Blog Tour ~ Paw Prints on Her Heart by Lori King

Paw Prints on Her Heart by Lori King

Crawley Creek Book 7

ppohh-3d

Blurb

Payton Storm served her country with honor and loyalty, until an IED ended her career and scarred her for life. Struggling to overcome PTSD and find her purpose in life again, she agrees to a long-term stay at Crawley Creek Ranch under the care of a PTSD specialist. She’s surrounded by happy people who have no comprehension of the nightmares she battles, and a four legged furry friend who’s supposed to be her lifeline to recovery. What could possibly go wrong?
 
paw-prints-7-5  

Single father, Luke Gillian, has been the Montford veterinarian for most of his adult life. In fact, he’s barely left the town he grew up in. Arguments with his belligerent teenage son, and the pressure of a down economy have left Luke in a dark place. Until a ray of sunshine appears in his life with her injured service dog. Could Payton be the change his life needs? Two people with too many problems to open their hearts, but fate won’t take no for an answer.
 
1a100-addtogoodreads 

All buy links: https://lorikingbooks.wordpress.com/pawprints/ Individual Links: 

Excerpt

Moving as quickly as she dared, she followed him to the kitchen with her plate in her hand. “I can wash the dishes if you want to put them away.” “You don’t have to do that. You’re my guest,” he protested.

 paw-prints-8-5 

“Think of it as my way of repaying you for your medical services today.” Payton went to step sideways around him to reach the sink and stumbled on Chinook who was still patiently following her around. Her knee twisted and buckled under her, but instead of hitting the floor this time, she landed against Luke’s rock solid chest, his arms wrapping tightly around her. Her nose pressed against his collar bone, and her lungs filled with his scent. Damn, she really wanted to lick him right there where his pulse fluttered beneath his scent. “Are you okay?” His concern drew her attention away from her horny musings. “Yeah.” Her voice sounded hoarse, and she cleared her throat. “I just moved too quickly I think. This dog seems to be everywhere all at once.” “You two will find a rhythm soon enough. He’ll learn to anticipate where you’re going, and you’ll start sensing where he’s at. Then you won’t stumble over each other so much.” Luke held her still, and she was debating pulling away from him when his hand came up to cup the back of her head, his nails scraping lightly across her scalp. “Payton…” She tipped her face up, and caught sight of the fire in his brown eyes before his mouth captured hers in a passionate kiss. The tingles started at their joined lips and traveled throughout her body centering on her nipples and the now dripping slit between her thighs. She sighed with pleasure when he pressed closer, his tongue dipping into her mouth and tangling with hers. Good lord, the man knew how to kiss. He was masterful, his large hands supporting her as if she’d become and extension of himself, and his mouth making love to hers. She’d never experienced a kiss like this one, and she knew she’d never forget it until the day she died. When they broke apart, panting heavily, he rested his forehead against hers. “I didn’t plan that, but I’m not sorry.” Payton’s eyes fluttered, and she looked up at him warily. “You’re not? I mean, I didn’t plan it either; it just sort of happened. We can forget it ever happened, okay?”

 paw-prints-5-5

paw-prints-6-5 

“No, not okay.” Luke was frowning now, “Why would I want to forget it? That was incredible. There’s fire between us Payton.” “It’s probably just because it’s been so long since I was kissed. I mean, I was overseas with my unit and then in the hospital for months on end, and—” Luke actually took a small step backwards now. “So you’re saying you’re just horny then? It could have been anyone?” She shook her head, fighting to control the rising panic in her chest, “No, I just… Look, I’m not in the right headspace for a fling, or a boyfriend, or a lover, or anything.” Luke’s visage grew even more firm, and he released her completely. “Your situation is duly noted; however, I’m not going to apologize for being attracted to you. In fact, I’m not going to hide it from you either. You can pretend you’re not feeling the buzz from that kiss, but you and I both know you are.” “I don’t know what I’m feeling right now.” She spoke softly, dropping her eyes to the ground. “I just know I’m not ready for it, whatever it is.”

Review

  Paw Prints on Her Heart tells the story of a wounded veteran and her struggles with PTSD as well as the physical damage.
She's not open at all, she has no interest in anything other than trying to prove through rehab that she can be the woman she was before. She comes from a military background, raised by her father and 5 older brothers, the Marine Corp is all she really knows and that allows her to add more pressure to herself to get back what she lost.

Luke Gillian is the town veterinarian. He's a single dad with a heart of gold.
From the first time he met Payton he knew she was it for him but she wants nothing to do with him outside of his taking care of her service dog Chinook.
But Luke won't take no for an answer, he refuses to let her crawl inside herself and shut everyone and everything that could be good in her life out just because she's insecure.
Slowly he helps her realize she's not quite as broken as she thinks she is, she just needed to get out of her head, overcome her insecurities and find a new purpose in life.
That's a lot to take in but when you have a cheerleader like Luke on your side it can make anything seem possible.
But as with anyone suffering from PTSD, there are hidden scars, small things that can set you way back. Payton has more than the physical scars to overcome and she pushes Luke away.
She's a strong woman, one who doesn't make excuses and doesn't like to accept help. She's also afraid, she's dealing with something so much bigger than her and she's not certain it's something she can overcome.

If you aren't familiar with this author or the Crawley Creek series your missing out on something amazing. The family ties, the friendships, the romance and suspense merge into stories that warm your heart and raise your blood pressure.

About the Author

lking-headshot 
Lori King is the author of more than twenty-five Amazon best-selling romance novels, as well as a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart. With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her. Find out more about her current projects at http://lorikingbooks.com, or look her up on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoriKingBooks or Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriKingBooks. [vimeo 201041621 w=640 h=360]

Facebook Party

January 31st 4:00 to 10:00 pm Central Standard Time https://www.facebook.com/events/584371551759307/?active_tab=discussion

  capture

Follow Lori King

newsletter 
 googletwitter emailfacebookpinterest instagram

More Author links:

Crawley Creek Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/crawleycreek  

Release Blitz - Reunited by Felice Stevens




Title: Reunited
Series: Rescued Hearts #2
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2017



Blurb

Ryder Daniels and Jason Mallory seem to have it all but even the most loving marriage takes work. Ryder's past leads him to remain silent yet resentful in the face of conflict while Jason strives to prove he can take care of his family without Ryder's wealth, even if it costs him precious time with his husband and daughter.

When a devastating illness leaves them shaken and helpless, Ryder is forced to face the one person he never thought to see again with a life or death request that even he isn't sure will be granted, but his decisions have far-reaching consequences. Believing he and Ryder have no secrets, Jason is distraught to discover otherwise, revealing yet another crack in their once-perfect relationship.

Adrift and uncertain, both struggle to hold onto a love previously thought unshakable. A forbidden past is exposed, shocking Ryder to the core, but it means little without Jason by his side. Marriage is a true partnership and both men must learn that only by working through their pain and heartbreak together can they achieve a lifetime of love.







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
KOBO / iBOOKS





Excerpt

“Daddy!”

Four-year-old Gemma’s plaintive cry split the night. Ryder squinted at the glowing numbers on the digital clock next to his bed. Three a.m. Shit. Nothing good ever happened at this hour of the night, or morning, if he wanted to get technical. Maybe it was a bad dream, even though Gemma rarely woke up at night anymore.

He settled down beneath the warmth of the comforter, preparing to fall back asleep. Jason moved closer to him, and Ryder slid his foot down Jason’s calf, relishing the scrape of his hairy leg. As long as he was up, it shouldn’t be a total loss. Ryder kissed Jason’s naked shoulder and licked up his strong neck, the steady pulse of life quickening beneath his lips. Jason’s sighs spurred him on, and Ryder smiled to himself, unsure whether his husband was fully awake, but that didn’t stop him from palming Jason’s ass and giving it a hard squeeze.

“Daddy, please. Come.”

Damn. No use. Fully awake now, Ryder slid out of bed, immediately missing Jason’s solid heat. Longingly he gazed back down at him splayed out in the center of the bed and shook his head with dismay. The man worked too damn hard. Jason had collapsed after they put Gemma to sleep the night before, barely able to stifle his yawns long enough to eat dinner. Mallory Brothers Construction had taken off in the past few years, and though Jason and Liam had hired several other architects and construction engineers to help alleviate the load of work they took on, Jason still tried to be as hands-on as possible. He and Ryder had numerous discussions about his long hours and how they kept him from being home with Gemma, but Jason insisted his presence was necessary, and Ryder backed off, unwilling to argue about it.

The past few weeks, Ryder tried to push dinner later and later, but Gemma had fallen asleep at the dinner table too many times for that to remain feasible. He loved the quiet times at night when they’d sit together and he’d read her a bedtime story, but Ryder missed having Jason beside him, sharing those special moments. The last thing Ryder wanted was for Jason to work so hard he missed Gemma’s childhood; his own father had missed his and Landon’s childhoods by burying himself in his work. Ryder wouldn’t allow Jason to do that, but he had to find a way to tell Jason without him getting upset.

“What’s wrong?” Jason mumbled, his face buried in the pillow. “I had a dream someone was copping a feel.” He turned his cheek on the pillow and mustered a tired smile. “Thought I was gonna get lucky.”

“You were about to, but Gemma woke up before I could make your dreams come true. Go back to sleep, babe.” Ryder leaned down to kiss Jason’s stubble-rough cheek. “She probably had a bad dream.”

“Mmm. Well, hurry back. I was dreaming of the beach, and you were my hot cabana boy.” He wiggled his ass. “I’m ready for my massage.”

Ryder snorted and rolled his eyes. “You’re insane.” But he couldn’t help kissing Jason’s smooth shoulder again. “Be right back,” he whispered against Jason’s skin, but all he received was an answering sleepy sigh.



Also Available


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
KOBO / iBOOKS



 Author Bio

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, my characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.



Author Links

FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK READER GROUP
PINTEREST
TWITTER


Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz - Gutted by A.F. Crowell




Title: Gutted
Series: Torn #5
Author: A.F. Crowell
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date: January 31, 2017



Blurb

KILLING THE LIE

Barb and Viper had an explosive relationship from the moment they met. She looked past his MC affiliation and saw through his rough and possessive exterior. Then she fell. Hard. Just as she let down the wall around her heart, he was gone. It's taken her nearly two years to feel human again, and she's barely recovered.

Cole Ellett, road name Viper, is back. But his lies remain. Never a member of an outlaw MC. Never murdered. Undercover for the Department of Homeland Security, his job forced him to disappear. But now he's back for Barb, who is everything he’s ever desired. No matter that his life is still in danger and that their relationship was like a house built on sand. No matter that she’s locked her heart away for good. He will reignite her spark and bring back the fire that burns only for him. Theirs is a love that will never die.








Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK





Excerpt

“Right. Remind me to ask about that later. I’m gonna go try to talk to Barb,” I said as I practically leaped from the chair and bounded up the first and second flight of wooden stairs.

“Good luck,” Jaxon muttered on my way out.

I was going to need all the luck I could get.

Once I reached the master bedroom on the third floor, I looked across the room at the closed white door leading to the bathroom. My heavy boots betrayed my attempt at being quiet. As I stilled, I could hear a low, deep growl coming from the other side of the door.

Fuck. He was in there with her.

“Who’s out there?” She asked through the wooden door.

“Babe, it’s me,” I replied and the growling got a little louder.

“I told Lei I didn’t want to see you. Leave. Me. Alone.”

“You know I’m not gonna do that. I’ve waited almost two years to see you. Hold you. Feel your hair between my fingers. I need you to at least let me try to explain. Please, baby.” Yeah, I was groveling. I would have gotten down on my knees and kissed her feet if that’s what it took. Anything for a chance.

“Leave Cole. There’s nothing you could say to me right now that’ll make me change my mind,” she sobbed and the rift in my chest widened a little more.

“Please, Barbara. I’ll stay out here and explain. You don’t have to see me, just give me a chance. I didn’t have a choice. I was under orders.”

“No, you’re not listening. You don’t get a chance to explain why you left me, or a chance to explain why you allowed me to think that you were dead. You don’t get a fucking chance to tell me why you let me grieve you for a year and eight months. Fuck you, Cole. You don’t get a chance. Now leave me the fuck alone or so help me God, I’ll open this damn door and let the dog out.” The fire in her voice shot straight to my cock. Fuck me, she was hot when she was pissed.

I was quiet for minute and waited for her anger to fade. My girl would get mad fast then soften a little. I knew she was trying to cover.

Even though I couldn’t see the hurt, I could hear it. Her cries and gasps for air damn near killed me. Maybe she did need more time than I was willing to give her.

“I know you’re still there, Cole. Please,” she sniffled as her breath hitched, “please just leave. I can’t deal with you right now.”

Her words were like a sharpened Ka-Bar to the heart. They opened me up and drained every drop of blood coursing through my veins.

In all of my preparation for this day, I never imagined it would be this awful.

She fucking hated me.



Also Available


AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK
B&N / SMASHWORDS



Author Bio


A.F. Crowell lives in Charleston, SC with her husband and two sons. They have two dogs, Diesel, a German Shepherd rescue and Dez, a black Labrador Retriever. She shares her love of books with her children, who have a head start on becoming life-long readers.

Romance fiction hit her radar when her husband forced her to watch Twilight one weekend when they were snowed in. That was it! From there her love grew; Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, YA and Dystopian are her preferred reads.



Author Links

TWITTER




Giveaway

Release Blitz - Fatal Harmony by Anne Malcom




Title: Fatal Harmony
Series: The Vein Chronicles #1
Author: Anne Malcom
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2017



Blurb

I may be the villain of the story, but at least I get a leading role.
Evil is a term thrown around history and literature as if it's something so easily definable. A concept to fight against.
Evil doesn’t exist.
Neither does ‘good.’
Vampires do, though.
I just happen to be one.
I’ve cruised through the centuries managing to avoid all the wars, supernatural and human, but still going to all the best parties.
I would say I avoided bloodshed, but it’s kind of part of the whole ‘vampire’ thing.
I’ve lived on the fringes of a society that considered cruelty and sadism favorable character traits for almost five hundred years. Now I'm in the middle of a war that might just put my nonbeating heart in a lot of danger.
Battles, I can handle.
The impossible attraction between me and the vampire slayer, not to mention the penetrating gaze of the king of our race, on the other hand?
I might not get out undead.








Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS






Author Bio

Anne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth; then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.

Raised in small town New Zealand, Anne had a truly special childhood, growing up in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. She has backpacked across Europe, ridden camels in the Sahara, eaten her way through Italy, and had all sorts of crazy adventures. For now, she's back at home in New Zealand and quite happy. But who knows when the travel bug will bite her again?



Author Links

Release Day Blitz - Billionaire Unknown by Author J.S. Scot

Billionaire Unknown - Author J.S. Scott 

Harper
I was perfectly content with my life. My career was booming. I traveled. I did as much charity work as I possibly could for the homeless, and I was perfectly happy with the choices I'd made.
At least...I was--until my sister, Dani, came up missing. As an international correspondent, she traveled to war-torn countries, and she'd stepped a little too far over the line. With my sibling kidnapped and running out of time, I had no option except to approach Marcus Colter for help.
Seeing Marcus again after having him break my heart over a decade ago wasn't easy, but to my relief, the old feelings I thought I might still harbor for him were completely gone. He was like a stranger to me. After meeting with him, my only emotion was gratitude that he was going to try to rescue my sister.
Before I could relax about feeling nothing for Marcus, I met Blake Colter, and realized every emotion I thought I'd have for Marcus was suddenly present for the gorgeous US senator.
It was ridiculous. I hadn't seen Blake since we were kids.
How could I have given myself to Marcus so many years ago, yet have these feelings for his twin brother, Blake?
The more time I spent with Blake, waiting for my sister to be rescued, the more confused I became about my attraction to him.
Then, my entire world came crashing down when I found out that everything I thought was true for over a decade wasn't the truth at all.
What happens when a woman finds out that a man she'd both loved and hated for over a decade never really existed at all?









J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way! 

https://www.facebook.com/authorjsscott
http://authorjsscott.com
 https://twitter.com/AuthorJSScott