Blog Tour w/Review: Jackson

I am totally new to this series and this author, and count me in as a total convert! I absolutely loved the setting and the characters.

As always, you can get plot spoilers from the blurbs and other reviews. I want to talk about what really stood out to me in this book.

The camaraderie: The early scenes with the cousins (Jackson, Boone, and Tucker) had me chuckling from their first meeting up with each other. I liked how the author rolled out the stories as the cousins re-told them; instead of just telling the reader what happened, the reader got to reminisce right along with the guys (I’m thinking about why their great-aunt remembered them so well).

The interplay between cousins Celeste and Angelica (excellent names) is another example. Their totally opposite demeanors caused some friction, but when they worked off of each other, it was magical.

The author also hits on the small-town feel, from the secret list of contractors (and how carefully it’s guarded) to the support for the newly opened businesses, it is all accurate and endearing.

The setting: Her descriptions of Enchanted Canyon made me want to jump a plane and go find a place in Texas that was at least a little bit like what she was describing. (Kudos to the cover design for adding to that desire)

The literary allusions: The Last Chance Saloon is at the halfway mark on the road between the towns of Redemption and Ruin. C’mon, could it be any more Dante-ish? I loved the little references like this, as well as the naming of the Inn and other things (the Blessing cousins mentioned above). I appreciate the thought that went into the consistency of the names.

The overall story: It was natural and organic and everything made sense. The plot moved right along and didn’t waste time with superfluous events. Everything happened for a reason. I love when an author crafts a straightforward plot.

There was obviously a lot to like about this book. I, for one, cannot wait to dive into the previous books and get to know the McBrides better!

Jackson (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, #1)

Jackson by Emily March
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I hadn’t read any of the Eternity Springs series by this author, so all the characters were new to me, but that didn’t matter in the bigger scheme of things. There were times that it was apparent that there was backstory somewhere, but I never felt lost in the plot or like I was missing anything. I got caught up in the descriptions of Enchanted Canyon and its surrounding area. They were so vivid that I found myself wishing that I could go there on vacation. I love it when an author brings a region and its inhabitants to life like that. I liked Jackson’s description of his music as well (I could relate), and the romance part of the plot was charming. It was a soothing read, and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.

View all my reviews

Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the heartwarming Eternity Springs series. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Buy-Book Link:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250314918

June 28, 2019June 28, 2019

Blog Tour w/ Review: In Alexa’s Shoes

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this amazing book by Rochelle Alexandra.

Alexa’s story is harrowing, but then, anything involving the Nazis usually is. She and her mother are rounded up in Poland in September of 1940. What follows is an amazing journey through heartaches and hard times, triumphs and tribulations.

The story is told in a very straightforward manner, in a narrative style, so it is very easy to follow. I really don’t want to give away any plot points, because Alexa’s story is truly amazing.

From the moment the Nazis roll into Alexa’s hometown when she is 13, to her being sold into virtual slavery to a German couple connected to the Gestapo. From falling in love and marrying to telling her granddaughter her story decades later (not to mention the fantastic discovery at the end), this is ultimately story about human nature and choices that are made in dire situations – and whether or not human nature allows people to change over time.

Alexa’s journey is especially poignant when it comes to her post-war life. It is the perfect illustration of how sometimes the hardest lessons in life come in everyday decisions.

Although I think that this is a book that should be read at any time, as an American, I believe it is especially important now. When there are members of our Congress who have no idea of the horrors of the concentration camps and throw out frivolous analogies, it becomes imperative for a brutal history lesson.

I believe this book could be that history lesson for a great many people. And beyond being an amazing story, I think that is where its importance lies.

In Alexa’s Shoes by Rochelle Alexandra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic story that could not come at a more critical time! The story of a Polish teenager rounded up by Nazis and given to slavery to a Gestapo family is brutal and heartrending. The author did an excellent job of capturing both the horrors of the Nazis and the aftermath of trying to put one’s life back together after the fact. For me, it seemed as if Alexa’s post-war experiences shaped her almost as much as her teen years under Gestapo/Nazi rule. And that becomes a vital lesson in human nature and the resilience of faith. Alexa’s story is a parable for the ages from which many people can learn. Please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for further thoughts on the importance of Alexa’s story. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

View all my reviews

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-
ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B07SVR7H36&qid=1560244696&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-
ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=In+Alexa%27s+Shoes&qid=1560244667&s=gateway&
sr=8-1

June 27, 2019June 25, 2019

Blog Tour w/Review: Save the Date

I love a book that allows the reader to journey with the characters. And I love an author who takes the time to build the romance between the characters, instead of just jumping from one point to another in the characters’ relationship. Save the Date by Monica Murphy has both of these aspects, and that’s one reason I recommend this book.

I liked the “meet-cute-with-a-twist” set up worked very well. It did not come across as heavy-handed or manipulative. Caroline is genuine, and it shows in all of her interactions throughout the book. From hanging out with her friends to her dealings with Tiffany, I could see myself having the same thoughts as her. I do like when I can relate to a character that strongly.

As usual, I don’t want to reveal plot points here, so I can’t talk about a few events in detail. Suffice to say that I felt like one of the gals hanging out at brunch, and I loved the “Pretty Woman” vibe of the shopping spree scene. I also enjoyed the descriptions of another location, because my family and I recently visited there, and my son had some of the same reactions Caroline did to seeing places for the first time.

But it is the slow-building romance that kept me turning the pages of this book. As a reader of many romances, it is easy to get jaded and think “Oh, just get together already, would you?” Or know that the couple is destined to be together anyway (wouldn’t be romance otherwise, now, would it?)

That makes the journey to the HEA important. When an author can build it so that I get that same swoop in my stomach that the heroine gets when there is a first kiss or first touch? That’s romance magic, right there. And this book delivers on that, big time. Hearts and romance galore….

This is listed as the first in a series, and with the number of friends Caroline has, I will be happy to visit with them as they take their journeys. I do hope that we get to see more of Caroline and Alex’s story play out, if even in the background of the others.

Go get this one, guys, it’s a great summer read!

Save The Date by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Right off the top, the author had me at “Carmel-by-the-Sea,” which is one of my favorite places on Earth. I loved the descriptions of the real locations she included in the story because I was able to picture them as they looked when I visited there. But beyond that, the whole book was enjoyable. I liked Caroline’s periodic awkwardness – it was enough to make her realistic without being cartoonish or over the top. I also liked how the plot built; nothing was given away too early, which allowed the reader to journey with the characters. For more thoughts, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

View all my reviews

June 26, 2019June 26, 2019

Blog Tour: Total Surrender

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Total Surrender, the new release from Erika Wilde. Make sure to check out my review of this quick and sexy read, and then go pick it up for yourself! (P.S. It’s free in KU!)

Not all fairy tales are sweet. Some fairy tales are dirty, sexy, and completely untamed.

Total Surrender, an all-new steamy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Erika Wilde is available now!

How far would you go to make the man that destroyed your family pay?

Maddux Wilder is a man consumed, a beast in a three-piece suit. Rich and powerful, he built his empire with one thought in mind: revenge.

After years of patience and planning, the wait is finally over. Tonight, Maddux will finally watch Theodore Cole’s kingdom crumble. At a lavish ball in the New York City castle the Wilder siblings call home, the man that killed their parents will atone for his sins.

If only he’d planned for her.

Arabella Cole is Theodore’s only child; his cherished and sheltered daughter. She’s an innocent, captivating beauty that would do anything to save her loving father, including sacrificing herself.

With her freedom gone, she must surrender to a man she hates. A man that makes her want things she shouldn’t. A man that awakens deep, forbidden desires.

But everyone knows that roses don’t bloom in darkness.

Enter Maddux Wilder, a man that doesn’t believe in fairy tales.

Can the beauty tame the beast or will revenge cost them both everything that matters most?

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Amazon: https://amzn.to/2woUhKH Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TotalSurrender

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/30LgZeb

Excerpt:

Arabella turned toward Maddux with tears glimmering in her beautiful blue eyes.

“Maddux . . . please . . .” she implored, so softly and so kindly even though he’d just announced his intentions to desecrate her dad. “Whatever my father has done to earn your wrath, you can’t do this to him. He’ll never survive. He’s sick . . .” She took a step closer to his desk, brave and resolute despite the flicker of trepidation he saw in her gaze. “Take me instead.”

Shock jarred through Maddux, but as a man who’d spent years perfecting a mask of control, neither his expression or body language betrayed that emotion. This woman was willing to give up her own freedom for her father’s, and it was definitely an interesting turn of events he never saw coming.

“Arabella, no,” her father uttered in horror.

Ignoring her father’s objections, Arabella held Maddux’s gaze steadily. “In exchange for you leaving my father alone, I will do whatever it takes, and whatever you demand, to work off his debt.”

Maddux stared at the beautiful woman offering herself up to him, so sweet and naive in contrast to the dark, ruthless man he’d become. While he originally wanted to crush Theodore, Maddux also realized that taking Arabella in exchange—his only daughter he adored—would be equally devastating to the other man. How could Theodore live with himself knowing Arabella belonged to his greatest enemy solely because of his own weakness?

“And how do you propose you work off your father’s debt, Bella?” he asked, curious to hear her answer, especially when his own mind was already listing all the different ways he’d enjoy having her at his beck and call.

Bare shoulders held back, she swallowed hard, but her gaze remained bold and determined on his. “I will do anything you ask of me. I’m . . . I’m not afraid.” God, the woman was fucking fearless, he thought, and he was drawn to that courage despite himself. Unlike her father, or even Gavin, she was unwavering in her loyalty.

“For Christ’s sake, Arabella,” Gavin shouted angrily, his face contorted with rage. “He’s not going to ask you to cook and clean and wash his laundry for him! He will ruin you for any other man.”

Arabella turned her gaze to Gavin, her expression cool with resolve. “Then so be it. It’s my choice to make.”

Gavin clenched his jaw and shifted his hot, angry gaze to Maddux. “She clearly doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying, and what I’m doing,” she snapped at Gavin as she came to stand in front of him, poking her finger at his chest. “Unlike you, I’m willing to stand up and put my father’s life and welfare before my own. I’ll do whatever it takes to relieve him of this burden.”

When Gavin said nothing else, Arabella whirled around to face Maddux again, the skirt of her voluminous ball gown swirling around her legs. “I promise, you’ll have no trouble from me. I will work off his debt, in any way you demand, in exchange for his freedom. Just . . . let him go. Please.”

Maddux could have denied her request and forged full steam ahead with the original plan, but everything about Arabella intrigued and tempted him. He wanted her, desired her . . . plus there was the added bonus of Theodore thinking the worst was happening while his only daughter was under his care. The things the man would conjure in his mind would rip any decent father apart inside.

Determined to keep the upper hand, Maddux strolled around his desk until he was standing in front of Arabella and she tipped her head back to meet his gaze, hers with bold resolve. She’d clearly meant what she said when she’d told him she wasn’t afraid, and her tenacity made his dick twitch with the thought of taming that fiery attitude in the bedroom.

Not giving a shit that both Theodore and Gavin watched, he reached out and brushed the backs of his fingers across Arabella’s smooth, silken cheek, immensely pleased to see a heated awareness flicker in her gaze, proof that persuading her into his bed wasn’t going to be all that difficult. She might hate him for what he held over her father, but she wasn’t immune to the attraction between them.

“I’ll accept your offer, Bella,” he murmured, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, wanting this beautiful creature to look into his eyes and know exactly what he expected of her. Wanted to make sure there was no mistaking what she was about to trade. “Your father’s freedom, for your total surrender. That is the deal.”

Meet Erika Wilde Erika Wilde is a New York Times Bestselling author. She is best known for her super sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series, and has also co-written the Dirty Sexy Series and the Book Boyfriend Series with Carly Phillips, her best friend and writing buddy for the past twenty years. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit her website at www.erikawilde.com and sign up for her mailing list for updates and news!

Connect with Erika: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OLvHe9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikawilde1 BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Ply3lh GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2MsZBqj Friend Erika on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2PkVyKZ Visit her author page: http://bit.ly/2vVITpY Join her reader group: http://bit.ly/2OLuIut Stay up to date with Erika by joining her mailing list:http://bit.ly/2OJIsWE https://www.erikawilde.com

June 26, 2019June 26, 2019

Book Review: Total Surrender

The “Beauty and the Beast” trope is one that gets lots of action, especially in romance novels. Who doesn’t love a story where the bookish, nerdy gal tames the beastly, hunky guy, amiright? The problem is that it is SO popular, it becomes difficult to find a new way to use the trope.

Erika Wilde does an excellent job in Total Surrender, the first in her “Dirty Sexy Fairy Tales” series.

No plot spoilers here, but Arabella attends an annual charity ball put on by Maddux and his siblings. She’s excited to do something new; little does she know that her father was only invited so Maddux can settle an old score between him and Arabella’s father (and his sidekick Gavin, who is an awesome up-to-date version of Gaston).

I liked how the author continued the set-up between Arabella and Maddux, and how it wasn’t an instantaneous thing. The build of the story was well-paced. The struggle Maddux had with himself seemed real, and I loved Arabella’s attitude toward the whole situation. (Her conversations with the cameras had me giggling along with her).

I did think that the whole story wrapped up rather quickly, and I would have been happy to keep reading more about how Arabella charmed Maddux. And I really would have liked to have seen more repercussions for her father and Gavin (especially him, because he was slime). On the other hand, I appreciated that the author didn’t draw things out unnecessarily, and got right to the point.

A scene between Hunter (brother of Maddux) and Arabella reminded me a lot of the scene in “Pretty Woman” when the lawyer confronts Vivian about Edward’s attention. But it worked for the story here as well. I can’t wait for his story next, and I am really looking forward to Tempest’s story – mainly because I can’t quite figure out which fairy tale that one is going to be yet.

Oh, and the sexy times are super-sexy!

I definitely recommend this new series. It’s a quick read with interesting characters and a unique twist on a familiar theme. Looking forward to the rest of the series

Total Surrender (Dirty Sexy Fairy Tales Book 1)

Total Surrender by Erika Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the best “beauty and the beast” novels I have read in a long time. The characters were realistic, the set-up was plausible, and the action moved right along. I was drawn in especially by Arabella’s nature – even though she was the bookish “Bella,” she was still a strong female who knew herself. It was refreshing to see her go toe to toe with the beast (Maddux). I also enjoyed how the author set up the siblings’ stories and can’t wait to read Hunter’s, which looks to be “Cinderella” based. It was a quick read, but it kept me engaged the entire time. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

View all my reviews

June 25, 2019June 25, 2019

Release Blitz: Save the Date

Hey guys, you don’t want to miss this RomCom that is now available. My review is coming soon!

Save the Date, an all-new standalone contemporary romance in a new series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is LIVE!

Caroline Abbott loves her job—helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save the date cards and invitations for their dream wedding. Working at Noteworthy means she has to deal with the occasional bridezilla, but Caroline’s always up for the challenge.

Until one particular bridezilla walks into the stationery store who’s fiancé happens to be the boy Caroline shared her first kiss with. Alexander Wilder is all grown up now, helping run his family’s successful luxury hotel chain, and is somehow even better looking than she remembers.

When Caroline just happens to catch Alex’s fiancée half naked with another man well, of course she has to tell Alex. Of course, he breaks off his engagement.

And of course, the ex-bridezilla has gone completely bonkers.

At least Caroline has her friends to save her from crazy ex-fiancées. But she also has the sudden interest of…Alex? Caroline knows they share a connection, but is he on the rebound? Or after seeing her all these years later, does he really want something more?

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DAaa55

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SaveTheDate_MM

Apple Books: https://geni.us/STDApple

Nook: http://bit.ly/STDMMBN

June 25, 2019June 25, 2019

Release Blitz: Total Surrender

Not all fairy tales are sweet.

Some fairy tales are dirty, sexy, and completely untamed.

Total Surrender, an all-new steamy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Erika Wilde is available now!

How far would you go to make the man that destroyed your family pay?

Maddux Wilder is a man consumed, a beast in a three-piece suit. Rich and powerful, he built his empire with one thought in mind: revenge.

If only he’d planned for her.

With her freedom gone, she must surrender to a man she hates. A man that makes her want things she shouldn’t. A man that awakens deep, forbidden desires.

But everyone knows that roses don’t bloom in darkness.

Enter Maddux Wilder, a man that doesn’t believe in fairy tales.

Can the beauty tame the beast or will revenge cost them both everything that matters most?

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2woUhKH

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TotalSurrender

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/30LgZeb

Meet Erika Wilde

Erika Wilde is a New York Times Bestselling author. She is best known for her super sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series, and has also co-written the Dirty Sexy Series and the Book Boyfriend Series with Carly Phillips, her best friend and writing buddy for the past twenty years. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit her website at www.erikawilde.com and sign up for her mailing list for updates and news!

Connect with Erika:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OLvHe9

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikawilde1

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Ply3lh

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2MsZBqj Friend Erika on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2PkVyKZ

Visit her author page: http://bit.ly/2vVITpY

Join her reader group: http://bit.ly/2OLuIut

Stay up to date with Erika by joining her mailing list:http://bit.ly/2OJIsWE

https://www.erikawilde.com

June 24, 2019June 24, 2019

Cover Reveal: It’s a TwoFer!

The Billionaire Duet

Bodyguard to the Billionaire and The Billionaire’s Secret by Nana Malone

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publishing date: July 23, 2019

Cover Designer: Hang Le

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Model: Jacob Cooley

Bodyguard to the Billionaire

Derrick Arlington is one of the world’s most eligible billionaires. Voted Sexiest Man Alive—two years running.

And I just so happen to look exactly like him.

It’s never come in handy until I get offered an actual job out of it.

It was supposed to be so simple.

Go to the Winston Isles, stand in as his body double for a few weeks, go back to my life.

But when our carefully constructed plan goes awry and the billionaire goes missing, I have no choice but to take his place and hire a bodyguard. The best in the business: a smart-mouthed, tight-assed, lady bodyguard.

Zia Barnes is the LAST thing I want, even if I need her. She’s determined, smart, and has no idea I’m a total imposter.

Good thing I have no intention on falling for her, or I’d be royally screwed.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WZndUD

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BodyguardBillionaireNM

Apple: http://nanamal.one/bttbapple

Nook: http://nanamal.one/bttbnook

Kobo: http://nanamal.one/bttbkobo

Google Play: http://nanamal.one/bttbgoogle

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/BTTBNMGR

The Billionaire’s Secret, coming September 17, 2019

It was supposed to be a simple job. Go to the Winston Isles, stand in for my billionaire double for a few weeks.

But between the kidnapping attempt and accidentally falling in love with my bodyguard, things have been far from simple.

The good news, at least now the woman I love knows who I really am. The bad news is, no one else knows and someone is still trying to kill me.

I came to the Winston Isles to save my mother’s life, now I’ve got so much more than I bargained for. The trick will be to hold on to my brand new life and not get killed in the process.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XtDSnx

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BillionairesSecretNM

Apple: http://nanamal.one/tbsapple

Nook: http://nanamal.one/tbsnook

Kobo: http://nanamal.one/tbskobo

Google Play: http://nanamal.one/tbsgoogle

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/TBSNMGR

About Nana: USA Today Best Seller, Nana Malone’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

Connect with Nana:

Website: http://nanamaloneromance.net/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneFB

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneGR

Twitter: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneTwitter

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneAB

Instagram: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneIG

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wwz3t9

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneBB

June 22, 2019June 20, 2019

Now Available: Once Upon A Death

Title: Once Upon a Death

Author: Dzintra Sullivan

Amazon

US | UK | AU

Series: Days of Death; Book 1

Genre: Cozy Mystery

GOODREADS

Kaah Maah had been the reaper for over a millennia. The mundane repetition of collecting souls night after night from an ever-increasing population was beginning to grind on him. Kaah had witnessed an ocean of unique faces, all confronted with their final moments on earth. Though different in appearance they all showed one final emotion — fear.

Kaah wanted a change. He craved quiet serenity, where he could perfect his yoga poses while listening to his favorite singer Michael Buble. Kaah wanted nothing more than to retire and become a ‘no-one special’ in a ‘nowhere special’ town.

When strange things began happening in Deadend, Ohio, the question had to be asked.

You might be able to take the reaper away from death, but can you ever actually take death away from the reaper?

Follow the Author

About the Author

My name is Dzintra Sullivan and I am an international best selling author based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. I fell in love with books as a young girl, reading Judy Blume and Enid Blyton. Progressing onto loving the supernatural genre as a teenager and never left. I write paranormal romance, romantic comedy and cozy mysteries. I love to laugh and making my readers laughsnortfart is my primary goal. I won’t apologise for who I am, I was born to stand out.