Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Until Summer Ends by Elana Johnson + giveaway


Until Summer Ends by Elana Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Sophie Newton is determined to prove herself to her father, who insists she could never run a successful business. She opens a beachside taco stand called The Sandy Tortilla and plans to make her own way, one burrito at a time.

When she loses her summer help, Sophie rushes to find somebody to help take orders. She finds that somebody in Montgomery Winters, a struggling actor from LA. Mont takes the job; the money's useful, though he finds that his curvy boss is what really keeps him around.

As Sophie and Mont work together, they discover an intense attraction between them. But when Mont's agent calls him about a career-making audition, he decides he must pursue the opportunity, even though he can't get Sophie out of his head. Now, Sophie must choose between chasing after the man she's falling in love with and the business she's fought so hard to build.


My thoughts: I love a good love story and this book fit that description. The book is basically about a woman, Sophie, who owns her own taco stand. Her stand is on the beach and caters to tourists. In need of hired help she turns to a man she finds on the beach. From the moment they meet, attraction and sparks fly between them.

I really liked the characters of Sophie and Mont. Both have insecurities from past relationships and their career path. Mont is a struggling actor looking for his big break and Sophie was told that she would not succeed in business. They are a perfect blend. They give each other strength and encouragement as friends until they allow themselves to move into something more. I liked the instant attraction and that the romance didn't feel rushed. I felt like it progressed at a good pace.

The book has a fade to black love scene. It also has them thinking and wishing for more intimacy. I felt fairly comfortable with the amount of steam.  I would recommend this to adults to read.



Where can you purchase a copy?


The book is currently only available in a digital format.
Paperback edition will be released May 9, 2017.

Elana Johnson
About the AuthorElana's work includes the young adult dystopian romance series Possession, Surrender, Abandon, and Regret, published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster). Her popular ebook, From the Query to the Call, is also available, as well as a young adult dystopian short story in the Possession world, Resist.

  
Her newest release is the beginning of a new adult fantasy series. ECHOES OF SILENCE came out with Amazon Publishing on May 3, 2016. See all of her books here.
  
Elana also writes inspirational western romances under the pen name Liz Isaacson. Check out all 5 books in the Amazon #1 Bestselling Three Rivers Ranch Romance series, and get ready for the rest of the series by the end of 2016.

Her newest release is UNTIL SUMMER ENDS, a contemporary romance novel from Cleis Press/Start Media.

Join her romance-only newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b9f1vv (get a free novella when you do!)

Tour Giveway: Elan is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite. Entry is at: http://elanajohnson.com/giveaways/paperwhite


Monday, August 29, 2016

Accidentally Me by Kim Karras ~ Blog Tour

Accidentally-Me-Blog-Tour

Accidentally Me
Accidentally Me by Kim Karras
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: REceived from Publisher to Review
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Book DescriptionWANTED: Pretend stalker. No experience required. Tall, dark, and quirky preferred. Sabrina is desperate to go to her dream college, but her parents want her to stay close to home. If she wants to maintain her perfect child image, Sabrina must break rules that even her rebel sister keeps . . .



My thoughts: Sabrina believes that her life is one big accident. She was an unplanned pregnancy, so she thinks that she was an unwelcome accident and that her parents don't care about her as much as her older brother and sister.

Sabrina has a goal in mind. She wants to go to CalTech. Her parents want her to stay close to home and go to school in Boise. In desperation she concocts a plan, she tells them she has a stalker and hopes that they will feel that she is unsafe in Idaho and let her go to California. She finds the perfect stalker on Facebook, a nerdy boy she knew in high school and pays him to "stalk" her.

Sabrina goes through a lot of growth in this book. She is very quirky, nerdy, insecure, and naive. She doesn't realize the consequences of her action. The book is told in a humorous tone of voice that helped me to like Sabrina and her less than perfect family.

I liked the realizations that Sabrina finally grasps. She learns about family, honest, love, and trust. Maybe the best things in life happen through an "accident".

This book is fairly clean with references to illegitimate children, dishonesty, and innuendo.



Find a copy at:


About the Author:  Kim Karras writes contemporary fiction for adults and teens. Follow her at kimkarras.blogspot.com for notes on life, writing, and motherhood..


Visit the tour stops:



The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson is being released! + tour giveaway

The Fall of Lord Drayson
  The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson Who is he really? A high and mighty lord or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother need to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied. They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Fate plays her hand when Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. When he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach the earl a much-needed lesson in humility and tells him that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out? amazon

Read an Excerpt 
********************

 He stared at her incredulously, as though she had escaped Bedlam. “Are you in your right mind, woman?”

 Lucy leaned forward and planted her palms on his bed so that her eyes were level with his. “My name is Lucy Beresford. I have lived in Askern all my life. I’m the sole daughter of a vicar and a seamstress who lived most happily despite their differences in station. When my father passed away, I came here, to this dower house. So yes, I am in my right mind. It is you who are not.”

 The earl’s jaw clenched, and Lucy took some pleasure at the sight. Perhaps he would come down off his high horse and show at least a small amount of kindness or respect.

 “I may not know who I am or where I came from,” he finally said, “but at least I do not feel the need to tell tales.”

 “Tell tales?” Lucy gaped at him. Was he accusing her of telling untruths? Her, of all people? What untruths? How dare he!

 Lord Drayson glanced down at his fingers, frowning when he spotted grime under his nails. He began to scrape it out as he spoke. “Claiming to be the daughter of a vicar and seamstress is all very romantic, but it cannot possibly be the truth.”

 “And why not?” she asked.

 His gaze returned to hers. “In my experience, the daughter of a vicar would behave with more decorum, would know how to make a palatable broth, and would never allow herself to be alone in a room with a man who is not her relative. If there is one thing I know with absolute certainty, it is that you are no relation of mine.”

 Lucy’s jaw clenched as she fought to control the rage building inside her. Ever so slowly, she pushed herself up to standing and glared down at the earl. “You are correct in thinking I am no ordinary vicar’s daughter. I do not love unconditionally. I show decorum only when I wish to. And I despise those who care for no one but themselves. But I do not tell tales.”

 He actually chuckled, but it was more of a scoff than a show of humor. “Did you learn those traits from your father?”

 “Do not speak of my father.”

 “I would prefer to speak of myself, but you do not seem to share that preference, so perhaps we should speak of your father instead. Where is he, by the by? I would very much like to meet him.”

 Lucy’s fingers became fists while her conscience became a battleground between all that was good and evil inside her. It was a short battle, with evil making a quick triumph.

 Ever so slowly, her body still trembling with anger, she lifted her chin. If he was going to accuse her of telling tales, then tell them she would. “Very well, Collins. If you must know, I am your employer. And though you may not remember me, or this house, or your position in it, or the fact that you are perfectly susceptible to coming off a horse, just like any other human, I still expect some kindness and respect from you.”

 “What on earth are you talking about? What position?”

 There was not a hint of hesitation in her voice when she answered. “You are a servant in this house.”

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


  add to goodreads new

 
RachaelAuthor Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.


  amazon or paypal
  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway 
 Ends 9/18/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Tour Grand Finale for Carousel Nights by Amie Denman + giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finalefor
Carousel Nights
By Amie Denman

We hope you enjoyed some amusement park magic and learning more about June and Mel's story. 


Don't forget to grab a copy of the first book in the series while it's on sale!

If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - The Starlight Point Stories

When I was a college student, I escaped textbooks and spent my summer days working at an amusement park. My experience four summers in a row became the inspiration for Starlight Point Stories published by Harlequin Heartwarming.

I Am A Reader - Summer Love

Have you ever fallen in love in the summer? I fall in love with summer every year, but I actually fell in love during summer when I worked at a seasonal resort and amusement park much like the fictional Starlight Point in my Harlequin Heartwarming series. In case you’re one of those people who likes to skip to the happy ending, I’ll let you off the hook right now. I’m still in love with the same man more than twenty years later.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Mel felt the air change the moment her gaze swung to him. He wasn’t foolish enough to think she brightened because of any reason except one: he was key to getting things done around Starlight Point. And she had a project in mind.

Hardcover Feedback - Review

"All in all, this was a great read. Perfect for a day at the beach, relaxing by the pool, or anytime really. I definitely recommend the book to any fan of contemporary romantic fiction."



Katie's Clean Book Collection - Sisters

If you have siblings, you know how much they contribute to shaping you as a person. I have three sisters with whom I’ve always been close, and I know that they have influenced me—almost always in a good way! The four of us even have a vague pact to end up in a bungalow in Key West together someday to raise a margarita glass to our gray hairs. My Starlight Point series focuses on romance, of course, but the relationship between the three siblings who inherit an amusement park is also close to my heart.

underneath the covers - Excerpt


"Mel’s familiar scent—Dial soap mixed with a little bit of sweat and motor oil—tingled her senses even with a hundred other distractions. Of course he was hard to ignore. He was standing so close their clothing touched."

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

Having a good partner made a difference the size of the peninsula Starlight Point sat on. June was light and graceful, her love for the movement clear in every step and sway. Leading her as a dance partner was like being behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The only way he could go wrong was if he lost control.

EskieMama Reads - Promo



Harlie's Books - Review

"All that makes for a great story. June and Mel were getting a second chance at love but some really big decisions needed to be made? Did I have my doubts? Nope, I knew that Ms. Denman wouldn’t do that to me. ðŸ˜‰ She wrote a heartwarming book that had the characters, emotional depth, and an amusement park. And dancing. ðŸ™‚"

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Carousel Nights is fun and sweet and swoonworthy with some really great kisses and a really great setting. The chemistry between Mel and June is one that comes from years of knowing each other, from years of being in love, and yet it feels new and electric. The tension of running an amusement park – the crackle of the radio signaling another breakdown or emergency – keeps the action high and the pace steady."

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"I love this story and these characters! There is so much life in this book. The romance develops quickly but not in an unrealistic way since June and Mel have known each other forever. You will love reading this story! It is so sweet and heartwarming. I highly recommend it!"

With Love for Books - Review

"Amie Denman has chosen a fantastic setting for her series. She brings Starlight Point to life with vivid descriptions of the park itself and the plans to make it successful again. I fell in love with the place straight away. Amie Denman's writing flows easily and it was fun to read about the rides and everyone's response to them. It feels like the main characters really belong in the amusement park, which is something I loved about Carousel Nights. I also liked the sweet romance very much and highly recommend this lovely book."

Bookworm Lisa - Starlight Point Amusement Park



In Carousel Nights, you’ll meet June Hamilton. She shares ownership of the family amusement park Starlight Point with her brother and her sister. Only twenty-five, she does not plan to settle in and devote her life to roller coasters, cotton candy, and the beach resort. She wants to keep dancing on Broadway, but she comes home for the summer to lend her talent to the live shows at Starlight Point.

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"5 STARS! Feels like a homecoming when you read a book that portrays such a sweet reunion!"

And don't forget to nominate Amie's book on KindleScout!

Carousel Nights (Starlight Point Stories)Carousel Nights
(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Every first love deserves a second chance

June Hamilton left home to pursue her dream of dancing on Broadway. Seven years later, she has one regret: Mel Preston, her teenage crush and onetime summer love. Now a single dad and the head of maintenance at Starlight Point, her family's amusement park, Mel's easy smile still makes her heart beat in triple time. But June came home with a plan. She would spend the summer revitalizing the park's aging theaters, then make a graceful exit back to the big city. Until Mel and his young son start making a powerful claim on her emotions, and June faces an impossible decision…

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequiniTunesKobo

Other Books in the Series

Under the BoardwalkUnder the Boardwalk
(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Everyone's counting on him

With the sudden death of his father, Jack Hamilton finds himself running the family amusement park, Starlight Point. His first job? Balance the books, and that means raising the rent for vendors like baker Augusta Murphy.

Gus won't accept the new contract…not without a fight. She rallies the other vendors and sets out to negotiate with Jack. At least, she tries. How do you play hardball with a man who's charming and kind and still grieving? Gus needs to figure it out fast, because the closer she gets to Jack, the more she risks losing everything.



Amie Denman lives in Ohio with her husband, sons, cats, and dog. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and playing outside. Born with an overdeveloped sense of curiosity, she's been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what's going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.

Tour Giveaway

10 copies of the first book in the series, Under the Boardwalk (print if US, ebook if outside the US)
Open internationally
Ends September 2nd
Grab Our Button!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean

Chasing Fireflies by Taylor DeanChasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love. 

She told me to search far and wide for him. 

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.



My thoughts: I am a fan of the Power of the Matchmaker series. Every single book has been fantastic, and this book just added to my respect and admiration for the author's involved with this project.

I have mentioned in other reviews of this series that it is several books that have one central character, Pearl. She is a Chinese Matchmaker and is perfect at and for her job. She is lovely and really wants to help others find their perfect match. She is magical and always knows where to be and what to say.

This book has US characters living in China. I loved the perspective of the culture of people seeing and living it for the first time. It helped me appreciate the people and their history.

Savanah is the main character. She is in China as an English teacher. She has searched far and wide to find "Paul". A name she was given by Pearl at the age of 11. Her quest is hard, she has had her feeling trampled on many times. She has also learned through experience that just because someone is named Paul it doesn't make him right for her. Some of the plot points are quite funny. But the path of her life has many disappointments. There are experiences mentioned that are a mystery most of the book but make the ending sweeter.

I loved this book. It has innuendo and kissing.



You can purchase a copy at:


Taylor Dean
About the Author:  Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you'll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in her line-up.

Visit her Website!


Friday, August 26, 2016

Book Spotlight ~ Carousel Nights by Amie Denman + tour giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Carousel Nights (Starlight Point Stories)Carousel Nights
(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Every first love deserves a second chance

June Hamilton left home to pursue her dream of dancing on Broadway. Seven years later, she has one regret: Mel Preston, her teenage crush and onetime summer love. Now a single dad and the head of maintenance at Starlight Point, her family's amusement park, Mel's easy smile still makes her heart beat in triple time. But June came home with a plan. She would spend the summer revitalizing the park's aging theaters, then make a graceful exit back to the big city. Until Mel and his young son start making a powerful claim on her emotions, and June faces an impossible decision…

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequiniTunesKobo


Guest Post
*********************
Starlight Point Amusement Park

In Carousel Nights, you’ll meet June Hamilton. She shares ownership of the family amusement park Starlight Point with her brother and her sister. Only twenty-five, she does not plan to settle in and devote her life to roller coasters, cotton candy, and the beach resort. She wants to keep dancing on Broadway, but she comes home for the summer to lend her talent to the live shows at Starlight Point. The summer love she left behind seven years ago, Mel Preston, is still there. He’s the chief of the maintenance department and the single father of an adorable five-year-old son.

One of my favorite scenes in this book is when June joins Mel and his son Ross to have fun at Starlight Point. They ride spinny rides, eat junk food, and put miles on their feet. It’s an experience any parent can empathize with! Here’s an excerpt from that scene:

They walked the Western Trail, heading slowly toward the junction where the marina exit gate would veer off. Mel carried Ross with one arm and the boy’s head had dropped lower and lower, giving away the fact that he’d fallen asleep somewhere near the frontier fort.

Want me to carry you, too?” Mel asked. “Still got one shoulder available and you’re not heavy.”

Tell that to my feet.”

Noticed you limping a little.”

No I wasn’t,” June said quickly.

Mel laughed. “Okay, you’ve been dancing since we got off the train at the Wonderful West platform.”

What made us think getting off the train would be a good idea?” June asked.

My fault. I remember saying something asinine about tiring Ross out so he’ll sleep tonight.”

Who knew you were such a genius?” June said, grateful that Mel carried a heavy burden so he wouldn’t notice her slow, small steps. The past month had allowed her to forget about her knee for the first time in almost a year. Exercises and stretching, lots of walking and limiting her dancing to almost zero had refreshed her body. Her immense physical well-being, despite long days, overshadowed her worry about the brief window of opportunity on the big stage.

However, on a night like this, when her body refused to play along, she wondered if that window had already closed.

How are you getting back?” Mel asked.

June’s head snapped up. Had he guessed her thoughts?

Home,” Mel said. “Did you walk like you usually do?”

She nodded. “Habit. Not much sense driving across the parking lot to the Old Road.”

Mel shifted the weight of his sleeping son to the other shoulder. “Come with me to the marina lot and I’ll drive you home. Save you a lot of walking.”

Don’t worry about it.”

I’m serious. My feet would never make it that far. And I owe you for riding the spinny rides with Ross.”

June laughed. “You do owe me, but you have to get Ross home. And if you don’t merge onto the Point road in the next twenty minutes, you’ll get caught in the closing traffic and sit for an hour.”

They came to a bench near the railroad crossing and a nacho stand. “I’m parking myself here with a cold drink. When security sweeps the trail in half an hour, I’ll bum a ride.”

Mel paused and looked hesitant. His T-shirt was creased, hair awry, five o’clock shadow visible even in the dim lighting on the trail. It was time for him to go home.

June plopped down on the bench. “I’m not moving another inch and you’re flirting with a traffic jam every minute you hang around.”

Mel shifted Ross a little higher and eyed the bench enviously.

Rather flirt with you.”

Rain check.”

That’s what I was thinking.” He paused, screams from the roller coasters breaking the silence. “Tomorrow night. A date?”

June swung both legs onto the bench, buying herself a moment before she answered.

Dinner and adult conversation. No spinny rides or queue lines,” he added, sweetening the deal. “And not at the Point. We’ll go somewhere. Wherever you want.”

Saying yes was tempting, but it was risky. Crossing a line.

Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked. “We’ve…uh…been down that road.”

Mel nodded. “I remember.”

And nothing has changed.”

If by nothing you mean you’re still leaving—again—at the end of the summer, I know,” he said.

What if we’re still too tired to move by tomorrow night?”

Say yes, June. We’ve known each other for twenty years and eaten a lot of meals together. I want to say thank you for giving my son a fun day.”

June lay full out on the bench. It was cold and hard but still a slice of heaven.

Yes. Now go away and let me die.”

Carefully supporting his sleeping son, Mel leaned way down and kissed June on the forehead. She closed her eyes, letting the heat from his lips breathe energy through her. More than energy, adrenaline spiked all the way to her toes.

Good night,” she said.

I’m calling security and reporting a vagrant on a bench by the Nacho Rocket Shop.”

Mention my name and you’ll get good service,” June said sleepily.

Tomorrow night,” Mel replied, walking away on unsteady legs.

— Amie



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

Other Books in the Series

Under the BoardwalkUnder the Boardwalk
(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Everyone's counting on him

With the sudden death of his father, Jack Hamilton finds himself running the family amusement park, Starlight Point. His first job? Balance the books, and that means raising the rent for vendors like baker Augusta Murphy.

Gus won't accept the new contract…not without a fight. She rallies the other vendors and sets out to negotiate with Jack. At least, she tries. How do you play hardball with a man who's charming and kind and still grieving? Gus needs to figure it out fast, because the closer she gets to Jack, the more she risks losing everything.





Amie Denman lives in Ohio with her husband, sons, cats, and dog. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and playing outside. Born with an overdeveloped sense of curiosity, she's been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what's going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.
10 copies of the first book in the series, Under the Boardwalk (print if US, ebook if outside the US)
Open internationally
Ends September 2nd
Grab Our Button!