Wednesday, May 31, 2023

What Dreams May Come by Dana LeCheminant

 


What Dreams May ComeWhat Dreams May Come by Dana LeCheminant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Historical Romance

Book Description:  In a bid to escape the incessant attentions of a man she does not love, governess Lucy Hayes embarks on a journey to begin a new post. But when she’s stranded in a storm, her plans go shockingly awry. Desperate times call for desperate against her better judgment, she agrees to a foolhardy scheme presented by a handsome stranger, known to her as only William. But when her mysterious benefactor falls ill, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into his family home in a case of mistaken they believe she is William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother. Simon is suspicious of his lovely future sister-in-law, a woman who seems completely unsuited to his self-important brother. As they wait for William to awake, Simon and Lucy are drawn ever closer together. But danger draws closer too, in the form of her unwanted suitor. Lucy knows that when Simon discovers the truth, he will despise her. Now she must find a way to keep herself safe . . . and avoid falling hopelessly in love with a man she can never have.



My thoughts: Just what I needed.

There are times when I feel overwhelmed and struggle to perform my usual tasks. Reading "What Dreams May Come" reminded me of the joy that comes from reading.

Lucy and Simon started off on the wrong foot. They met while she was living surrounded by falsehood. Simon's family believed that she was the fiancee of Simon's brother. Circumstances forced her to let his family believe this untruth, she needed to hide from a man intent on marrying her. A man who scared her.

This book may remind you of the movie 'While You Were Sleeping ". It has a few of the same ideas, but I love this book more.

I loved the characters. I loved the time period and I loved the banter. This is a sweet story. One that took me past my troubles and brought hours of enjoyment.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.


 


Online Purchase Links:




About the Author: Dana LeCheminant has been telling stories since she was old enough to know what stories were. After spending most of her childhood reading everything she could get her hands on, she eventually realized she could write her own books, and since then she always has plots brewing and characters clamoring to be next to have their stories told. A lover of all things outdoors, she finds inspiration while hiking the remote Utah backcountry and cruising down rivers. Until her endless imagination runs dry, she will always have another story to tell.

Visit her WEBPAGE!



Friday, May 12, 2023

No Matter What by K.M. Frost

 



I'm excited to share an except with you from No Matter What by K.M. Frost.  She is a new to me author and I will be watching for her books.  This one and any she may write in the future.


Book Description: Mason’s life is far from perfect, but it turns out it can get worse. When his mom ends up in prison, he’s shipped off to the middle of nowhere. Apparently he’s got grandparents—parents of the father he knows nothing about. Mason’s not interested in bonding with these newfound grandparents. He just wants to survive until his eighteenth birthday so he can escape this backwater town and finally be free.


Emily is struggling to keep what’s left of her family from falling apart after a horrible accident stole her mom. She has enough on her plate with mothering her younger siblings and protecting a secret that could destroy everything, when she runs into Mason—literally. Her life doesn’t need more complications, and this distractingly attractive, clearly damaged boy promises nothing but trouble. Still, she can’t help but be drawn to him.


Mason and Emily are opposites in nearly every way, but neither can deny the attraction between them. Mason knows he isn’t good enough for her, and Emily knows she should stay away, but that doesn’t stop the pull they feel toward each other. Their tentative relationship is threatened when Mason is put in the crosshairs of the local gang and the town sheriff. Mason and Emily will have to decide what they really want—and if they’re willing to fight for it.



********************

EMILY (POV)

Mason stood on the sidewalk in front of the library, scowling at his phone. 

Without letting myself overthink it, I closed my car door and crossed to where he stood.

“Hey, are you okay?”

He looked up, surprise sparking in his deep blue eyes, confirming my deduction that he

could hear just fine, even with those earbuds in place. “Yeah.” He frowned back at his

phone, then slipped it into his pocket. “My grandpa can’t get away from the farm, so I guess

I’m chilling here for a while.”

“Do you need a ride?”

He blinked. “Uh, I’m good. He said he’ll be here as soon as he can.”

I tilted my head and smiled a little. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you haven’t spent

much time on a farm, have you?”

“No.” His dark eyebrows tugged together. “Why?”

“Let’s just say there are no quick jobs on a farm. Everything takes a long time—if you do it

right, that is. And if I know anything, it’s that George Peterson doesn’t cut corners.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. A streak of white paint had dried on his forearm and

momentarily distracted me. “What’s your point?”

“My point is you could be stuck here for hours.” I shrugged. “Or you could let me drive you

home.”

I watched him process that and consider my offer. His lips pressed together, threatening to

reopen the angry cut on the lower one. My eyes skipped from his split lip to his black eye. They

hadn’t slowed him down today—in fact, he hadn’t seemed to notice the bruises at all. I’d wanted

to ask him about the fight he’d been in, but there were enough rumors swirling around town I

figured he was pretty sick of our curiosity.

“You’ll be safer in my car,” I said, to break the silence and keep my unsolicited questions inside.

He raised a single dark eyebrow in question.

I grinned. “I can’t run you over if you’re in my car.”

A short chuckle escaped his lips, both a surprise and a victory. “I’m sure you could find a way.”

I let out a little laugh, too, then swung my keys in the air. “Are you coming?”

He heaved a long-suffering sigh, but amusement still lit his eyes. “You won’t drop this, will

you?”

“Nope. I can be very stubborn.”

That I believe.” He dug his phone out of his pocket and typed a quick message, presumably to

his grandpa. Then he gestured for me to lead the way. I did so with a smug grin.

We got into my car, and I immediately rolled the windows down. “The AC’s on the fritz,” I

explained a bit sheepishly. Honestly, I was glad for an excuse to have the windows open. For

some reason, the car felt too small with him sitting next to me.

He shrugged and set his elbow on the window’s frame, his fingers resting against the top of the

opening. “It’s fine.” Sunlight caught on the band of braided dark leather around his wrist, and I

had to force myself to look away and not stare like a creeper.

I headed south on Main Street and automatically turned up the volume on the radio. I froze with

my fingers on the knob. “Are you okay with country?” It was a stupid question, since he still

had his earbuds in. But it did make me wonder . . . “Are you actually listening to music, or do

you just wear those things so people won’t talk to you?”

He seemed startled by the question. “Yes, I’m listening to music.” His voice was stiff, and I

mentally kicked myself for making things awkward. Then the corner of his mouth lifted.

“People not talking to me is just a bonus.”

Was that a hint? Did he want me to stop talking to him?

His deep blue eyes met mine, and I realized I’d been staring. I jerked my attention back to the

road, which was thankfully clear.

“Country’s fine,” he said, though I’m pretty sure he rolled his eyes. “It’s kind of the soundtrack

for this place, isn’t it?”

I took a chance and teased, “It’s the law, yes. All farmers must listen to country music.” I almost

made it through without cracking a smile.

He shook his head, though that hint of a smile still hovered at the edge of his lips. “You can

listen to whatever.”

“Really? Whatever?” Taking up the challenge, I flipped to 106.3 and welcomed Elvis through

my speakers.

This time, he definitely rolled his eyes. “Seriously?”

“You don’t like Elvis?” I asked innocently, upping the volume just a little.

“Does anyone actually like Elvis?”

“He’s the king of rock and roll. That has to count for something.” I winked, and he looked like

he was barely resisting another eye roll. “All right, what kind of music do you like?”

“Not Elvis.”

“Obviously.” I took pity on him and turned down the radio a bit, but not all the way—I wasn’t

feeling that much pity. I glanced at his black t-shirt and read the faded letters. “Red. Is that a

band?”

“Yeah.” He waited almost expectantly, then added, “‘Already Over’? ‘Darkest Part’?” When I

didn’t recognize the titles, he shook his head. “It’s kind of a crime you don’t know what I’m

talking about.”

“Well, maybe you could introduce me—I always like discovering new music.”

“I have a feeling they’re not really your style.” The song on the radio changed, and he raised his

eyebrows meaningfully. “Case in point.”

Beneath my tires, the road changed from concrete to packed dirt as we left the main road.

“What’s wrong with John Denver?”

“Nothing. I just thought all John Denver fans were in nursing homes by now.”

*******************


Online purchase links:


Amazon * Goodreads * BookBub




Pre-order NO MATTER WHAT and fill out the form linked below to receive a signed bookmark!

https://forms.gle/a8oesLjVHbbxXYnD8





About the Author:  K.M. Frost was brought up surrounded by books, and has loved stories of all kinds her whole life. Romance, comedy, and fantasy are some of her favorite genres to write, read, and watch. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and graphic design.

K.M. Frost lives in Northern Utah, and is the author of the YA sweet contemporary romance, No Matter What, and the YA dystopian trilogy, Reality Dreamers.


Visit her online:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Royal Rebel by Heather Frost * Book Tour and Excerpt!

 


Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Series: Fate of Eyrinthia Book 4

Release Date: April 21, 2023


Book Description:

A PRINCE fighting to save a princess

A SERJAH torn between duty and desire

A PRINCESS willing to sacrifice everything

A DECOY with nothing to lose

A WORLD about to be torn apart


After his father’s latest punishment, Grayson isn’t at his full strength. Trapped in Ryden and surrounded by enemies, he knows escaping with Mia will be more complicated than anticipated. Tyrell is determined to claim Mia for himself, and Henri’s plans for the rest of Eyrinthia are more horrific than Grayson ever imagined. Despite the increased danger, he and Mia must return to Mortise and warn Desfan of what’s coming—even though it may already be too late.


In Mortise, the palace is still reeling from the brutal attack that left many dead and even more wounded. Regardless of the chaos, Desfan is determined to continue with his coronation. As serjan, he hopes to bring stability to his country and solidify the peace with Devendra. But things in Eyrinthia are always complicated. When Prince Liam reveals they may be facing dangers from old enemies, Desfan will have to decide what kind of ruler he will be.


Devastating news from home has left Clare broken. Despite her heartache, she must once again be Serene’s decoy when a terrifying report sends the princess on an unexpected mission to Zennor. Left at the palace, Clare helps Desfan build trust with the elite in Mortise while guarding a treasonous secret. Because as her grief transforms into a burning desire for vengeance, she is finally ready to embrace a new role—rebel.


Eyrinthia is consumed by uncertainty. Duty. Desire. Sacrifice. Every rebellion has its cost.


My thoughts: Eyrinthia, a fictional land that has captured my mind and imagination.


Heather Frost has a wonderful writing style. Royal Rebel is written from several points of view. Somehow she keeps the story flowing and easy to follow. The storylines make for one cohesive whole. War is coming. All of the characters are working for the same goal, to keep themselves out of the grasp of the King of Ryden. (The King is one of my least favorite characters.)

 

To keep the story straight I highly recommend starting with Royal Decoy. The books need to be read in order.


I love the fictional world of Eyrinthia. It is an intriguing place to pass the time.


Source: I received a complimentary ebook. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.


Rating:. 4.5 of 5 stars




Online Purchase Links:

Kindle * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Indie Bound * Goodreads




Read an Excerpt!

*********************

Imara eyed Serene. “How does Desfan seem? Is he all right?”

“Yes. He actually seemed quite happy today.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

Something about her tone was wrong. Serene frowned. “Are you all right?”

Imara took a slow breath, not looking at her as she released her hand. Looking at the quilt in her lap, she said, “I

kissed him.”

Serene blinked. “What?”

Imara blushed, but she managed to peek over at Serene. “Last night, when we hid in the pantry, I . . . well, he

kissed me. But I kissed him back. I think. Or maybe I didn’t, and I just didn’t stop him. It all happened so fast, I’m

not sure.”

Serene stared, unsure of what to think—what to feel.

Imara bit her lower lip, waiting.

Serene kept staring.

Her cousin’s mouth pressed into a line. “Desfan,” she said pointedly. “I’m talking about Desfan. Your betrothed?

The man who just became serjan—”

“I know who you meant, I’m just . . . surprised.” But maybe she shouldn’t have been. Imara and Desfan had

become friends quickly. She’d seen how at ease they were with each other, how frequently they exchanged

smiles and confidences. She just hadn’t realized her cousin had developed feelings for him, but it was clear she

had. And—obviously—Desfan felt something, too.

“I’m so blind,” she breathed.

“It didn’t mean anything,” Imara said in a rush. “Fates, how could it? It was just the moment. Both of us nearly

died. Our emotions were high. He just leaned in and kissed me, and I—I really do think I may have kissed him

back. But we were interrupted by Karim and Razan.” She threw up her free hand in a staying gesture. “I promise,

they didn’t see anything. This will stay between us. There won’t be any scandal—”

“Imara, I’m not mad,” she said, interrupting the frantic spill of words.

Now it was Imara’s turn to stare. “You’re . . . not?”

“No.” She wasn’t sure why she was unbothered. Maybe because she didn’t love Desfan. Or maybe it was

because she loved Imara, and she wanted her cousin to be happy. It could have also been the fact that she’d

kissed Cardon the night before her engagement to Desfan had become official—and, even now, she was

desperate to kiss Cardon again.

She fiddled with the silver bracelet on her wrist. It was the hidden garrote Cardon had given to her for her

fourteenth birthday, mere weeks after they’d saved each other’s lives during a hunting trip that had taken a

dangerous turn. Even though she’d been young, she’d started to fall in love with him that day.

Imara released a slow, tense breath, pulling Serene from her thoughts. “You’re really not mad?” Imara asked,

obviously disbelieving. 

“No,” Serene assured her. 

Imara’s eyes narrowed. “If I were engaged to marry Desfan Cassian and you kissed him, I’d probably slap you.”

********************




About the Author: Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon bestselling author who writes magical stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy, the Fate of Eyrinthia series, and Esperance. Her books have been Whitney Award and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com.

Pre-order Gift Details:

Pre-order Royal Rebel and get your exclusive Fate of Eyrinthia short story: The Princess and the New Bodyguard!


About the Story:

Serene knows things have been strained between her parents since the civil war ended. She hopes a trip to Lambern Lake will bring her family back together. What she doesn’t expect is to grow closer to her new bodyguard, Cardon. Serene is about to learn that one day can irrevocably change the course of a life.


How to Claim Your Gift:

Simply pre-order Royal Rebel in any format, take a screenshot of your receipt and fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/M3CPw3Y6RaLLChdw6







New to Eyrinthia? You can start this romantasy series now for .99! Royal Decoy is on sale April 17-21 (US and UK Kindle stores)

Kindle: https://mybook.to/lvabZJ




Clare made a mistake when she saved the princess’s life . . .


In one horrible night, Clare is forced to give up her life as a kitchen maid to become the princess’s decoy. Thrust into a dangerous new world of royals and deadly politics, she must learn how to be the princess’s perfect double to ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince. Desperate to survive, Clare throws herself into self-defense training, taught by her distractingly attractive bodyguard, Bennick. The spark between them is undeniable, though a relationship is forbidden. When a ruthless assassin begins stalking her, it becomes frighteningly clear that some will stop at nothing to end the tenuous peace—and Clare’s life.


Across the northern mountains, Prince Grayson is his father’s ultimate weapon. His name inspires fear in all who hear it, but no one knows his heavily guarded secret. He carries out every brutal order only because his father holds power over the one person he cares about. Grayson’s silent obedience is tested, however, when his father reveals plans to exploit the marriage alliance between two of their greatest enemies. If Grayson submits, the blood of thousands will spill. If he resists, the girl who means everything to him will die.


The fate of Eyrinthia hangs in the balance. Some want peace. Some want war. All will be thrown into chaos.


Royal Decoy is book 1 in the Fate of Eyrinthia YA fantasy romance series told from multiple POVs. If you like swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and non-stop action with epic twists, then you’ll love the captivating world of Eyrinthia.