Friday, March 30, 2018

Pre-Order Blitz + Giveaway: The Redemption of Lillie Rourke by Loree Lough

The Redemption of Lillie Rourke Tour Graphic
THE REDEMPTION OF LILLIE ROURKE
Bestselling Author Loree Lough
The Redemption of Lillie Rourke
Series: By Way of the Lighthouse Series Book 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication Date: April 1, 2018
She'd worked for that second chance, but will he believe she has changed?
When she fled Baltimore after a near-fatal accident that left her dependent on painkillers, Lillie Rourke lost everything. Now, physically and emotionally healed, she’s ready to make amends and start over. But Jase Yeager has moved on, and who can blame him? Yet Lillie isn’t giving up—on her--or them. Earning back Jase’s trust won’t be easy, but Lillie’s no stranger to challenges…

Book Excerpt

The kid who’d offered to help him earlier now pecked keys on the register. “This sheet music is on sale,” he said, running the book across the scanner screen. “Are you a kindergarten teacher or something?”
Lillie grinned. “No, nothing like that. I volunteer at Hopkins Children’s Oncology every couple of weeks, and my material is getting stale. Those kids are going through enough without me, adding boredom to their list of complaints. Not that they complain. They’re the bravest little souls I’ve ever met.”
Lillie tended to ramble when nervous, and he felt bad that his nearness made her feel that way.
“My cousin was in there a few years ago,” the kid said, sliding another songbook over the screen. “Leukemia won.”
Jase watched as Lillie, ever the caring comforter, lay a hand atop his.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “How old was he?”
“Fourteen.”
Her shoulders rose, then fell with a sympathetic sigh. How many times had he told her that her heart was bigger than her head? Too many times to count.
The cashier bagged her music, hit the register button to ring up her total. “It’s really nice, what you’re doing,” he said, handing her the receipt. “The thing Lance hated most about that place was how long the days were with nothing to do but watch TV and listen to his monitor beep.”
Jase had to agree…it was a nice thing she’d been doing.
She thanked the kid and turned to face Jase. “Well, it was a nice surprise, seeing you again.”
“Can you hang around a minute, just until I pay for this stuff?”
She looked surprised by his invitation. In truth, he’d surprised himself, extending it. But he couldn’t just let her leave.
“Okay,” she said. “I’ll wait for you over by the door.”
There was a time when, as she looked up at him that way, his heart had beat doubletime. But who was he kidding? It was happening, right now.
The kid made smalltalk with him, too, but Jase barely heard a word as he watched her from the corner of his eye. Silhouetted against the bright sunshine on the other side of the window, he couldn’t help but notice the way her chin-length hair curved and curled above her shoulders. She used to dress like a tomboy. Sneakers and jeans with comfy t-shirts, like she’d worn to plant flowers that day in her parents’ yard. But that little dress—
“All set,” the kid said, holding up Jase’s bag.
He thanked the boy and wasted no time, joining Lillie.
“You want to grab a cup of coffee?” He held open the door, hoping that slight frown didn’t mean she’d say no. “It’s only a short walk to Café Latte’da…”
“On Aliceanna Street. I remember.”
Of course she did, because before her addiction destroyed them they used to go there at least once a week to decide the order of the songs they’d sing at Three-Eyed Joe’s.
“So what do you say? I’ll treat you to a sandwich. Or pie. Or both.” Recalling her penchant for eating small portions, he added, “We could share…”
Her sweet, sad smile told him she, too, remembered all the meals they’d shared. And again, it made his heart beat a bit harder.
“I don’t have to be at work until six, so okay, pie and coffee it is.”
They were waiting for the light to change at Fleet and Aliceanna when she said, “This won’t upset Whitney, will it?”
“Why would it upset her?”
“I, well, that day at The Flower Basket, I got the impression she knows that we were a couple.”
“I haven’t been seeing her long, so I doubt she cares enough to be jealous.”
The image of that candlelit table flashed in his mind, proof that she cared. Clamping his jaw against a twinge of guilt, Jase said, “So how long have you had this Hopkins gig?”
“Couple months now.”
The light changed, and he pressed a hand to her back to guide her across the street. Not that she needed his assistance. Lillie had been walking to and from her folks’ inn to the restaurant and hotel for months. Still, it felt good, felt right, being this close to her again.
Inside Café Latte Da, Jase admitted that he’d skipped breakfast.
“The guy who’s forever reminding people it’s the most important meal of the day?” Lillie laughed. “Why!”
“Just got back from Florida, and didn’t have time to make a grocery run. My cupboards are as bare as Mother Hubbard’s.”
“I caught the last few minutes of the casserole demonstration. You were born to be a TV host.”
“Yeah, well… So I think I’ll get the chicken wrap. What about you? In the mood for something more substantial than pie?”
“Coffee’s plenty.”
“Thought I heard your belly growl earlier…”
Instinct made her press a palm to her stomach. “An espresso is plenty for now. I’ll whip up a sandwich or something before I clock in at the hotel.”
When she’d paid for the sheet music, Jase saw a lone ten dollar bill in her wallet. He knew her well enough to explain why she’d said no: Lillie had decided that until he could deposit every dime she’d borrowed, she wouldn’t take anything more from him. Unnecessary as that was, Jase respected her decision.
The sat at an empty table near the door—a rare occurrence on a Saturday afternoon—and settled in.
“Tell me about this volunteer work. When did you sign on for that?”
“A week or so after I got home, I gave in to a moment of self-pity.” She stared out the window. “It was time to stop focusing on me, and start focusing on others.” Eyes locked to his, she added, “Best—and worst—thing I have ever done.”
He didn’t get it, and said so.
“Life has put those kids through the wringer. Some of them are barely hanging on, but they’re hanging on. A person can’t help but admire the fight in them.” She sipped her espresso. “Hard to feel sorry for yourself after spending time with them.”
It made sense, considering how she’d always said that self-pity was the most dangerous of all human emotions.
“Must be tough, though, working that closely with them.”
“Only during the drive home.”
“Why?”
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Because I never know which of them won’t be there when I go back.”
And not because they’d gone home, healthy, he surmised.
She started talking about individual kids, the conditions that put them into Hopkins, the parents and siblings that supported them, and the staff that cared for and comforted them. Hands folded on the table, Lillie said, “And then there’s Jason, the sweetest, cutest ten year old boy you’ll ever meet. He told me the other day that he wants to marry one of the girls—Sally—because his mom’s biggest regret is that she’ll never see him walk down the aisle with the girl of his dreams.”
Wiping away a wayward tear, she added, “Then he asked me if I’d sing at their wedding, and help him make arrangements. Flowers. Streamers. Punch and a cake.”
And he knew that she’d agreed to everything. Jase wanted nothing more at that moment than to take her in his arms, tell her what a terrific person she was. But he sat back, instead, and said, “How can I help?”
“Help? You?”
“Hey. Quit looking so shocked. I do nice stuff once in a while, you know.”
“I know that better than almost anyone,” was her quiet reply.
“Maybe we can work up a couple of tunes, two or three of the things we’d sing at Three-Eyed Joe’s when people were celebrating anniversaries…”
It meant spending time with her, alone, and Jase hoped the offer hadn’t been a big mistake.
“I think the kids might like that.”
She thought the kids might like it? Why the hesitation? And then it hit him: She was as afraid of being so close, of reliving warm and wonderful moments as he was.
“Then let’s put our heads together, figure out… When is this ceremony, anyway?”
“In two weeks.” There wasn’t a trace of a smile on her face when she added, “If he makes it that long.”
“Keep a good thought, Lill. If the kid is half as determined to do this for his mom, he’ll make it. And who knows? Maybe it’s just what he needs to push him closer to a cure.”
She brought the espresso cup to her lips and, nodding, met his eyes.
His high school Lit teacher had made the class memorize what she’d termed “love poems.” It surprised him that, after all this time, he was able to zero in on a line from Sir Walter Scott’s “Lochinvar”: She’d look’d down to blush, and she’d look’d up to sigh, with a smile on her lips and a tear in her eye…”
Yet again, Jase had to fight the urge to draw her into a comforting hug.
He cleared his throat. Sat up straighter. Downed a gulp of his iced tea. “So where do you think we should get together? My place? We’d have plenty of quiet and privacy there.”
Too much, too soon, he realized when her eyes grew big and round.
“The acoustics are great in the inn’s turret. I’m sure Mom and Dad won’t mind. In fact, they were just asking about you the other day. I’m sure they’d love seeing you.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be home for a month, so my schedule is pretty flexible. You’re the one who’s clocking a hundred hours a week, so…”
“I’m happy to see you haven’t changed much,” she said, laughing. “Still exaggerating like crazy…one of the things that made me crazy about you.”
She gasped a little when that last line came out and, hands over her mouth, Lillie said, “Good grief. I’m sorry, Jase. That was really inappropriate. And bad timing.”
“It’s neither, and it’s okay. Nothing wrong with concentrating on the good times. We had plenty of those before…”
If he’d been standing, Jase might have kicked himself, because things had been going really well until he put his big foot in his mouth. Lillie shoved the espresso cup into the center of the table, her way of saying their meeting was over. She’d gathered her things and stood, and he did, too.
“So should I call you? Or would you rather call me? About a time when we can get together. To rehearse, I mean.”
Rambling again. And again, he felt bad for raising her stress level. “Do you have a pen?”
Like magic, she produced one from her purse.
Leaning over the table, he scribbled three phone numbers on a napkin. “Home, cell, and office,” he said, “in that order. You can always get me on my cell. Call any time.” Call soon, he thought. As he pressed the napkin into her hand, their fingers touched. Not for long—a blink in time, if that—but long enough to send a current of longing straight to his heart.
He’d been behaving like some guilt-ridden goofball who’d dumped his best girl, when in reality, Lillie had ended them by choosing booze and pills over their relationship.
It hit him like a punch to the gut: Suggesting that they get together, for any reason, had been a bad idea. But maybe luck was on his side, and she’d hesitated earlier because she felt the same way. Jase hoped she wouldn’t call. And he hoped she would. Why had she come back, just when he’d gotten himself back on track, and turn order into chaos again?
Feeling miserable and confused, Jase held open the café door.
A tiny frown furrowed her brow. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just remembered something I forgot to do.” Like…staying the heck away from her.
“Oh. Because you look…different.”
“Don’t mind me,” he said, leading the way across the street. “I’m a little annoyed with myself, is all, for forgetting…” He let his sentence trail off.
“I remember what a perfectionist you are, and how frustrated you get with yourself when you let something, no matter how trivial, slip through the cracks.”
Yeah, she knew him, all right. Their closeness is what allowed her to use him, time and again, to suit her I love drugs more than you needs.

About Loree Lough

Loree Lough
Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. Her 115th book, 50 Hours, is her most personal to date, and released in June. More recently, The Man She Knew, book #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series (Harlequin Heartwarming) and Bringing Rosie Home. Next, #3 in the series, The Redemption of Lillie Rourke…and additional surprises for 2018, 2019, and beyond….
Official website: http://www.loreelough.com
Connect with Loree Lough on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Giveaway

WIN ONE OF FIVE FREE EBOOKS
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Prizes up for grabs:
Five (5) eBook Copies of The Redemption of Lillie Rourke
Contest runs from March 29 - April 4, 2018.

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Saturday, March 24, 2018

Book Review: The Spitting Post by Jason R. Barden

Note: This is my review on the book The Spitting Post. I have posted more details about the book here.

Review

Rating: 5 Stars
"Find me at the spitting post. The Purple Swan knows the way."
This cryptic instruction probably sums up the mysterious and intriguing nature on everything about The Spitting Post - from the title itself to each of the sections in the book. Yet thru it all this, I find the book quite an entertaining read. I can't help but wonder if ever The Spitting Post were to be made into a movie, it may even turn out to be a blockbuster!
The story focuses on Vincent who, after getting into an accident, starts an incredulous adventure through the blue forest into what seems to be a magical world. It certainly doesn't feel real, though it was very much the reality for Vincent. He meets quite a number of people -- Vincent the Original, Vincent Number 2, Vincent Number 3 and so on. Apparently, he's Vincent Number 5, and he must figure out a way out of this magical realm or be trapped forever. His adventure also takes him to The Green Maiden and with the magical quote above, he sets out on a few missions to rescue the damsel in distress and claim his prize.
As incredulous as the story sounded, I actually had an enjoyable afternoon reading this story. The original and unique storyline was definitely refreshing. I also find the author's writing style clean and easy to follow. The use of the first person point of view makes what's happening to Vincent more immediate and as we can see when we come to the end, it's a stroke of genius. I love the twists and turns in this story and the surprising revelation at the end is worth every penny.
Overall, I highly recommend this. You won't regret it.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Book Review + Giveaway: Immortal Reckoning by Tara Fox Hall

Note: This is my review on the book Immortal Reckoning. I have posted more details about the book here.

Review

Rating: 5 Stars
I have been fascinated with Tara Fox Hall's books ever since I read and posted her fun facts a few days ago. I'm so pleased to be able to subsequently read and review her latest tile, Immortal Reckoning.
For starters, Immortal Reckoning is Book 18 in the Promise Me series, but it's perfectly okay to start reading here. Believe me, it's my first book in this series, but I wasn't lost or anything at all. In fact, I found myself immersed in Danial's life and his journey to becoming a vampire. Though he's born a bastard, Danial didn't waste time feeling sorry for himself, and I like that. He did what he could to survive and I cheered for him when breaks came his way. It's really too bad that life had both ups and downs, but perhaps it's because of the downs that we're able to appreciate and treasure the ups.
The author's writing style didn't disappoint for me either. I find the story easy to read and follow, and Danial's narrative voice is engaging and sucked me into the story right from the first page. I'll certainly be on reading more works by the author.
Overall, Danial's story is intriguing enough to go in search of the other books in the series. Though I haven't read the first books in the series, I believe Immortal Reckoning is a great addition to the series, and supports Danial's character.

Ongoing Giveaway

WIN $77.70 AMAZON GIFT CARD
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Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

New Release + Giveaway: Daughter of the King by Ashley York

A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder. The uniting of two powerful clans.
Daughter of the King Tour Graphic
DAUGHTER OF THE KING
Award Winning Author Ashley York
Daughter of the King
Series: The Derbfine Series Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication Date: March 17, 2018
A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder. Was it self-defense? Or Regicide?
Trained as a warrior, Brighit of Clan Cruadhlaoch despises the trappings and demands of womanhood…
Selfish dreams need to be set aside for the good of the clan, but a shocking murder only causes more turmoil. Especially as she stands accused. With no one else to turn to, can Brighit find escape in the arms of her new husband or will he require she reveal her inner most secrets?
Darragh of Clan MacNaughton is expected to follow his father into kingship but has little desire for the coveted title…
His willful wife is another matter. He has great desire for her. Despite her denial, he sees her womanly virtues and it sets him afire to know her, both body and soul. Will she resist his overwhelming need to possess all of her?

PURCHASE LINKS

Excerpt

“That’s the problem with prevarication.”
“Prevarication? When did I ever lie to ye?”
“When ye fluttered yer lashes and begged me not to tell yer father.”
“It works for the other lasses, why not me? They get whatever they want. All the lads begging at their feet, telling them how beautiful they are—” She averted her gaze. “—and they’re not so very beautiful.”
Darragh managed to subdue his grin.
When she finally turned back, her expression had softened. “I do not normally prevaricate.”
He crossed his arms about his chest. “If ye say so.”
“I do say so. Ugh!” She blew an irritated breath. “I canna convince ye when ye won’t believe what I say.”
Brighit’s nose flared in irritation just before she shook her head in a most defeated way. The idea came to him in a flash, and Darragh smiled at his own thought before sharing it.
“A kiss. A kiss will convince me.” He half expected her to slap his face for even suggesting such a thing.
Only she didn’t. Her eyes widened, and she glanced at his lips before wetting her own. She was excited by the idea. Could it be she’d never been kissed before? He’d bet his favorite horse she had not, not with Sean as her father.
“Ye are willing then?” Her look told him she was not only willing but eager. With the slightest movement, he slipped his hands beneath the mantle to graze his open palms up her arms until they rested on her shoulders. Her lips glistened and the vein in her neck throbbed. With a low voice, he asked, “Would ye seal our agreement with a kiss?”
The sharpest tip of her head, barely a nod at all, but Darragh would not quibble. He slid a hand from beneath the heavy material to tunnel it under her thick, silky hair and cup her neck, the skin there still cool from her swim.
She leaned in, meeting him halfway. His mouth slanted across hers, a gentle caress, before he slipped his tongue between her parted lips. She gave as good as she got, deepening the kiss to where he was no longer certain who was doing the kissing. He was glad he hadn’t wagered his horse on her inexperience, though mayhap she was simply an extremely fast learner.
Without warning, she released him and backed out of his hold, wiping the back of her hand over her mouth. Her heaving chest matched his own.
He reached for her. “Brighit, I—”
She raised a hand, shaking her head, and put more distance between them. It was a long time before she spoke again. “We will wait the fortnight.”

About Ashley York

Ashley York
Award-winning author Ashley York writes historical romance full of passion and intrigue set in 11th and 12th century Ireland, Scotland, and England where life was wild and survival was never guaranteed.
Whether it's in the mysterious ring forts of Éire, the Scottish Highlands, or the battle fields of Hastings her characters fight hard and play hard. Good or evil, primary or secondary, they all evoke strong emotional responses.
Passionate about history and research, York may tweak some historical facts (like the location of the Baron's Rebellion), but the flavor of the time is undeniable. With heroes and heroines you'll want to read about again and again, her stories are fresh and unpredictable but still finish with a satisfying HEA.
Join Ashley York's Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/p0z9z5
Social media links: Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

WIN $10 GIFT CARD AND MORE
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Prizes up for grabs:
1. $10 Amazon Gift Card
2. One set of The Derbfine Series (3 eBooks)
Contest runs from March 17 - 23, 2018.

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Friday, March 9, 2018

Featured Book + Giveaway: Love of Finished Years by Gregory Erich Phillips

Love of Finished Years Tour Graphic
LOVE OF FINISHED YEARS
Award-winning author Gregory Erich Phillips
Love of Finished Years
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Publisher: SillanPaceBrown
Publication Date: January 3, 2018
An Immigrant Girl's Powerful Journey of Aspiration and Love in Early Twentieth Century New York
Pre World War One, Elsa came to America with her eyes wide open, realizing it was up to her to make a life for herself. Surviving a sweat shop in lower Manhattan, a chance job with a Long Island elite family opens up her world. Invited in up to a point, she unwittingly, albeit precariously, crosses the social divide with her now open heart, which puts all she had worked for in jeopardy.
Grand Prize Winner
Chanticleer International Book Awards and Chaucer Historical Fiction Book Awards
A wonderfully satisfying reads.
- Chanticleer Reviews
"What a truly wonderful story! I've read it three times, and with each reading I find myself caring about the fabulous characters and their lives even more."
- P.J. Alderman, New York Times Bestselling Author
"I do hope the author has a sequel in the works...a beautiful novel that is set in a fascinating time in our nation's history."
- Linda S., Boulder, Colorado

PURCHASE LINKS

About Gregory Erich Phillips

Gregory Erich Phillips
This moving debut novel by Gregory Erich Phillips won the grand prize in the Chanticleer Reviews International Writing Competition. From a prolific literary family, Gregory tells aspirational stories through strong, relatable characters that transcend time and place. Living in Seattle, Washington, he is also an accomplished tango dancer and musician.
Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter

Tour Schedule

Follow the Book Tour: February 26 - March 17, 2018.
Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more!
Love of Finished Years Tour Graphic
To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Love of Finished Years Book Page at Book Unleashed.

Giveaway

WIN $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD
Love of Finished Years Giveaway Graphic
Contest runs from February 26 - March 17, 2018.
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Thursday, March 8, 2018

Book Review: The Siege by Marilyn Baron

Review

Entertaining and Enlightening Rating: 4 Stars
The Siege is a wonderful, historical read, especially about this little known fact about the Jews in Crete. This to me was the highlight of the story; a well crafted story that will open the eye of readers on the plight of Jews in Crete. I love how Marilyn Baron wrote it, how it could've gone down during that time, and the bittersweet love story between Theo and Eleni.
Theia, the main female lead, had a mission on her trip to Italy and Greece -- to look for answers about her grandfather after seeing letters from her grandmother. She didn't want to be distracted, but she wasn't expecting to meet Wade during the trip either. She eventually found herself attracted to Wade and his persistence and patience must've convinced her to give them a chance. What unfolded was a fascinating journey into the past as well as how it affected Theia in the present.
The Siege started off with a promising and intriguing scenario -- a chance meeting between Theia and Wade and an unbelievable hotel hostage had all the makings of a wonderful storyline. I honestly was surprised this initial tension quickly abated, and then the real story unfolded. It was a nice surprise nevertheless. There were a few moments where I felt the pace of the story slowed down a little, but overall I find it a nice evening read.

Synopsis

A journey of self-discovery leads to love and passion in the search for a family’s hidden past…
Artist Theia Constas receives a tour of Italy from her grandmother as a college graduation present. Before she departs, her ya-ya’s deathbed revelation of a cache of WW II photographs and love letters extends Theia’s itinerary to Crete in search of her unknown grandfather, a promising artist who studied under Chagall but didn’t survive the war.
Wade Bingham, an actuary who always follows the rules and calculates the odds, finds himself alone on his honeymoon trip, wondering why his fiancée jilted him at the last minute.
In the wrong place at the wrong time when their hotel in Florence, Italy, is besieged by terrorists, the two strangers find themselves thrust together in Wade’s honeymoon suite. Immediately attracted to each other, Wade conducts a siege of his own to win Theia’s heart.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Featured Book + Fun Facts and Giveaway: Immortal Reckoning by Tara Fox Hall

Immortal Reckoning Tour Graphic
IMMORTAL RECKONING
Tara Fox Hall
Immortal Reckoning
Series: Promise Me Series Book 18 (Origin Story)
Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Through the love and loss of the ages, immortality brings only one certainty: vengeance.
Disinherited and poverty stricken, bastard Danial clutches at the slim chance to earn a living as a guard, until a night attack leaves both him and his half-brother Devlin vampires. After finding true love with the aristocrat Lacey, Danial comes to the attention of James, the devious Vampire Lord of France. Enslaved by James, his love murdered, Danial plots to escape, his complex plan of years finally succeeding only to result in all of Europe’s demonic forces on the hunt for him.
After a reunion and subsequent falling out with Devlin, Danial travels to the new world of America in pursuit of a new life. Settling in the west, Danial forms alliances with native vampire Valerian and the witch Cheyenne to survive a game of cat and mouse with Devlin and protect his new love Kathryn amid his rapidly changing world. Triumphant yet nursing a broken heart, an undeterred Danial protects his friends and thwarts his enemies, determined to find a life of peace…until unexpected news comes of James’s presence, the one man on whom Danial has waited centuries to get revenge.
About the Series: In the Promise Me series, Sarelle, a mortal woman, encounters a wounded (and sexy and handsome) vampire, Danial. Without knowing who he really is (a murderer for hire, for one), Sarelle begins a romantic relationship with him a little too fast. Interestingly, Sarelle also finds herself attracted to Danial's best friend, the werecougar, Theo. What will happen to Sarelle's relationship with Danial? Where does Theo fit in? Amidst new obstacles and relationship problems, Sarelle has to decide where her future lies.

Fun Facts

Be sure to check out these fun and interesting fun facts from Tara Fox Hall:
  • I have a huge ice phallus in the front yard. Someone (likely me) left the faucet open just the tiniest bit this past fall. My hubby discovered it a week ago, and I removed the frozen drip, which reached from the faucet to the ground. The more it melts, the more it resembles a well-endowed example of male anatomy.
  • I have been sewing catnip mats that I donate to a cat rescue; they sell these at booths at various events throughout the year. Instead of cutting these out one at a time, I got a whole roll of batting and yards of material and cut out fifty or so, to be efficient. But I haven’t had time to sew them. So I have cat mats piled in the tub (no luxurious soaks for a while now), and piled high enough on the dresser I can’t see the mirror.
  • I had two chairs in the room with the woodstove, so my hubby and I could sit together and enjoy the warmth. When the kittens arrived, we moved one chair into their room so they could sleep off the floor, and the dog bed that was in there into the woodstove room. So if my hubby and I want to enjoy warmth together now, I use a folding lawn chair.
  • I had a new hire a few weeks ago (I am a safety trainer at a machine plant) to whom I was showing safety videos of actual workplace injuries and accidents. After a few pics, he exclaimed, “These are gross!” I told him that he needed to be careful working, that we showed these videos because we’d had some bad accidents. He was quiet for a minute, then asked,” Has anyone ever quit after you showed them these videos?”
  • I was working on these facts so hard today that I was late to the movies, and ended up going to see The Greatest Showman in my pajama bottoms. Maybe I’ll start a trend, lol!
  • We rescued a puppy last January, and the rescue told us she would be a large dog, between 50-60lbs, maybe more. She stopped growing that April and weighs in at 30lbs, and is the smallest dog we ever owned.
  • Hubby just told me that we are missing 2 of 4 large spoons that we purchased as part of a silverware set when we first got married. Dishes break, glasses break, sure, but what the heck happened to our spoons? We still have all the forks and the knives!
  • I bought my new kittens about 25 different toys this summer. Their favorite things to play with are:
    1. THE BOX: an Amazon cardboard box complete with brown packaging paper that we replace when it gets to clawed and bitten
    2. Crumpled up scraps of paper they carry to THE BOX and stash inside.
    3. Old, empty cat treat bags they take out of the recycling bin and hide inside THE BOX to gnaw on.

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the Tour: March 1 - 21, 2018
Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more!
To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Immortal Reckoning Book Page at Book Unleashed.

About Tara Fox Hall

Tara Fox Hall
Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, erotica, horror, suspense, action-adventure, children’s stories, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal fantasy Lash series, the paranormal romantic suspense Unhallowed Love series and the paranormal romantic drama Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice. All of her published children’s stories to date are free reads on www.childrens-stories.net.
Tara Fox Hall's Email: tarafoxhall@gmail.com
Official website: http://www.tarafoxhall.com

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Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

New Release + Giveaway: Beast by Measha Stone

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BEAST
International Bestselling Author Measha Stone
Beast
Series: Ever After Book 1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Orzell Publishing
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
No debts are forgiven
Wouldn't you give up everything for the one you love?
When Ellie's father is taken by a group of thugs planning to take his life in exchange for his debts, it’s no surprise she goes running straight into the beast’s lair. After all, Ellie Stevens has been her father’s keeper for as long as she can remember.
However, Ashland Titon isn’t a man of mercy. If you owe, you pay. End of story. His unrelenting control has built his empire, and he’s not going to give over that power now. But when Ellie charges into his life with her demands and possibilities of sweet surrender, her offer proves too tempting to pass up.
Yet there’s more at play here than just working off a debt. There are secrets buried in the shadows, and dangerous desires to be explored. While the two of them dance to an erotic beat, outside forces threaten Ashland's empire and Ellie must decide where her heart truly lies - and what she's truly willing to risk for love.

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Excerpt

Releasing her shoulder, he ran his knuckle across her jaw until he reached her mouth. He ran the tip of one finger over her bottom lip then her chin, her neck, until reaching her chest. He didn’t stop, and she made no move to make him. She sensed a test at play, and how well she performed would determine his willingness to accept her offer.
Her father yelled again for Ashland to leave her alone, but no one paid him any mind.
Ashland’s finger trailed along her breastbone, into the dip of her T-shirt, and into the valley between her breasts. Her breath picked up, her lips parted—to beg him to stop?
He moved from her chest to the elastic band of her skirt. Instincts took over, and she put her hands on his, stilling him. It only took a raised brow to make her release him. If she stopped him now, he wouldn’t consider her offer.
Unchallenged once more, he continued his descent, slipping inside the band then beneath the cotton of her panties and lower still until he tickled the narrow trail of hair there.
“Spread your legs,” he whispered. She scooted her feet out, just enough to give him room to continue. Her face heated, and tears welled, but she wouldn’t tug away, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. She had to make this deal in order to keep her father safe and alive. Ash could touch her body, but he wouldn’t get gratification of seeing her unease.
“You’re wet,” he accused softly. The ends of his lips curled. “Danger turns you on.” He kept his gaze locked with hers and pushed a digit into her entrance. She gasped, not having expected him to go so far. Her body stretching around him was only slightly uncomfortable. He pumped in and out half a dozen times before he pulled out and rested his finger against her clit. Humiliation over what he’d just done washed over her, stealing her breath and heated her face.
Keeping the tears back took more strength than she could have ever imagined possessing. Managing to stay upright and conceal the shaking of her insides, a damn miracle.
“You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.” Fatality resounded in the words he spoke, amplified by his solemn tone.”

About Measha Stone

Measha Stone
Measha Stone is an international bestselling author of erotic romance. She’s had #1 top-selling books in BDSM, and suspense. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband and children, who are just as creative and crazy as her. Her vanilla writing has been published in numerous literary magazines, but she’s found her passion in erotic romance.
Official website: http://www.meashastone.com
Social media links: Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

WIN $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD
Beast Giveaway Graphic
Contest runs from March 1 - 7, 2018.

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