Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Spotlight of "Mistress Grim" by Jane Redd (there's a giveaway on this one!)

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Mistress Grim
by Jane Redd
Upper YA Gothic Romance
Paperback & ebook, 180 pages
December 30th 2017 by Mirror Press
GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & Noble

From USA Today bestselling author Jane Redd, comes MISTRESS GRIM:

The Grim Reaper has been collecting souls of the dead for hundreds of years, but even the Master of Death has to pass on his reign. Unfortunately, his progeny is not quite ready to replace him.

Cora Grim, daughter of the Grim Reaper, is suddenly thrust into her father’s role. Leaving the Underworld on her own to bring back the dead souls, she discovers that the Master of Death neglected to tell her one thing. She can still fall in love.

Excerpt

Chapter One

I have known from the day of my seventh birthday that I was in training as the harbinger of death. For you see, my father is the Grim Reaper.

“Cora,” he told me when I was but a child of seven. “One day, you will rule the Underworld. One day, you will replace me.”

I stared up at him, my giant of a father with his broad shoulders, powerful arms, and elegant fingers with their black nails. He wore his long, dark hair tied back from his angular face so that his black, black eyes seemed like hollow things against his pale face.

How could I replace my father? In any task? He ruled the Underworld as king. He held the lives of all mortals in his grasp. He could take away the breath of the living with a single touch.

He was called Lord of Death, God of the Underworld, Hades, the Grim Reaper . . .

But to me, he was Father.

About the Author


Writing under Jane Redd, Heather B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women’s fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.


Book Blitz Giveaway


1 winner will receive a copy of SOLSTICE by Jane Redd (ebook or print - print to US only)
Open internationally
Ends February 2nd

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Valentine Countdown Blitz Day 2 ~ Donna Hatch's "Courting the Countess






Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award.

 A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). 

A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.



Connect with the Author here: 






When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married.

But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love. 

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?




~ AMAZON ~ AMAZON UK ~

AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~








Snippet:


Richard stopped pacing. “I’ll speak to Pemberton in the morning before matters get further out of hand.”

Tristan finally looked up. “What do you mean?”

“I hope to convince him to intercede.”

“No.” Tristan straightened, and a determined glint entered his eyes. “If Martindale wishes to issue the challenge, I will accept.”

“Don’t be an idiot. This is no time for misplaced heroism.”

“This is my problem. I’ll duel him.”

“Absolutely not. I don’t mean to stand by and watch you get shot, or stabbed by a rapier. Even though you deserve it.”

Tristan arose and stood remarkably erect considering the amount of brandy he’d just consumed. “You will not interfere. You’ve done that my entire life and I refuse to allow you to do it again. I can look after myself.”

“You aren’t responsible enough to look after yourself. This incident is further proof.”

“I’m not a child. I am fully capable of fighting—and winning—a duel. Stop meddling in my affairs.”

Meddling? Interfere? A dark and ugly force took hold of Richard. He cursed. How could his own brother turn on him? He’d looked after his brother all his life, bloodying noses of boys who bullied Tristan, taking the blame—and often the whippings—for Tristan’s pranks, and protecting his younger brother from himself. That Tristan viewed his protection as meddling twisted in Richard’s gut.

Richard made a sharp gesture. “Fine. Fight your duel. Get yourself killed. I’ll be rid of the headache of pulling you out of a new scrape every week.” Despite his angry words, the thought of his only brother facing such danger left him cold. Dark panic welled up.

Tristan’s eyes took on that cocky, invincible gleam Richard knew all too well. “I’m the best fencer in Angelo’s and I shoot better than the Duke of Suttenberg. I’ll win.”
“Then what? Are you prepared to kill her brother?”

Tristan’s gaze wavered and he wetted his lips. “Neither of us would risk being caught dueling. If we simply fight to first blood, the authorities will never know, and no one will die.”

“Do you have any idea how many minor wounds can turn fatal? Father’s wound wasn’t much worse than what one might receive from first blood.”
Tristan strode to the dark windows. After resting his hand on the panes a moment, he turned back, his shoulders squared. “I refuse to live in fear of what might be. Do not speak to the duke, do not speak to the marquis, do not intervene in any way. I mean to see this through.”

At least Tristan was taking this seriously. For a change. A part of Richard admired the pup’s willingness to take the consequences of his actions. But this was not the time. The stakes were too high.





To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



I LOVE #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson (Read and Excerpt and enter the giveaway)





  #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson


 “You’ve done better.”

 With one uncharacteristically sassy tweet to her longtime celebrity crush, Zoe Miller’s life turns upside down. Ultrahot A-lister Chase Covington doesn’t just respond to Zoe’s tweet, he does the unthinkable: he messages Zoe directly. Now she must decide between walking away or meeting her crush in person.

 Chase knows better than to trust anyone from the Internet, but Zoe’s saucy challenge has totally caught his interest—and her girl-next-door personality is keeping it. He’s been burned enough to know he needs to keep his heart close. But his feelings for Zoe might be a lot more than just an online flirtation. He just has to convince her…

 When the press gets wind of Zoe and Chase’s secret relationship, their romance turns into tabloid headlines. Will they be able to hold on to their Hollywood love story?


 

I have read and reviewed this book and given it 5 stars!   See my review HERE.


Read an EXCERPT 

*********************
 A few beats passed before he said, “I make you nervous, don’t I?” 

 Uh, understatement of the year. But his movie star ego didn’t need to hear it. “I’m…I’m not nervous.”

 He started moving fractionally closer to me, one small movement with each loud, slow thud of my heart. “I don’t normally make girls nervous. Excited, yes. Overwhelmed. Shocked. Up for anything, usually. But not nervous.” This time he did touch me, his fingers tucking back some stray hairs behind my ears. I closed my eyes and dragged in a sharp breath. All those sensations…I totally got the overwhelmed reaction. And the excited and shocked thing. 

 And possibly even the up for anything impulse.

 I opened my eyes and tried to deny it, but now Chase stood directly in front of me, his heat warming me, pulling me in. He put his hands against the counter, on either side of me. 

 He’d trapped me. 

 “I think I know why I make you nervous.” 

 “I told you, I’m not nervous.”

 A playful smile lit up his entire face. “Like I said, you’re a terrible liar.” He focused his gaze on my lips. His head ducked down toward mine. We were almost touching. So close, but not enough. I put my right hand on his chest, but whether it was to stop him or pull him closer, I didn’t know.

 It was like a scene out of my favorite movie, complete with my favorite movie star. 

 His lips hovered above mine, his slow, steady breaths a huge contrast to my short, shallow ones as they washed over my face. “Zoe.” Chase whispered my name, and it sounded both like a question and a promise. It made my knees buckle, my stomach tighten and my pulse explode.

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






Author Sariah Wilson Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane or climbed Mount Everest, and she is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romances like The Royals of Monterra series. After growing up in Southern California as the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children, she graduated from Brigham Young University with a semiuseless degree in history. She currently lives with the aforementioned soul mate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster who is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).






    Blog Tour Schedule


 January 22nd I Am A Reader - Review   BookHounds - Spotlight
Margay Leah Justice - Spotlight Stacking My Book Shelves! - Spotlight

 January 23rd books are love - Spotlight the Teeny Tiny à Tout Faire - Spotlight

 January 24th Queen of All She Reads - Spotlight A Writer's Life - Spotlight Books and tea - Review 

January 25th The Rustic Reading Gal - Spotlight CBY Book Club - Spotlight Diana's Book Reviews - Spotlight January

 28th The Avid Reader - Spotlight January

29th Paulette's Papers - Spotlight Wishful Endings - Spotlight Kindle and Me - Review

 January 30th Kerrific Online - Spotlight Bookworm Lisa - Spotlight Joy in the Moments - Review 

January 31st Among the Reads - Review The Book Drealms - Review Mel's Shelves - Review 

February 1st Stacy Juba's Characters at a Crossroads - Spotlight A Leisure Moment - Review Mom With a Reading Problem - Review

 February 2nd Books Are Sanity!!! - Review Mylissa's Reviews and Book Thoughts - Review Coffee Addicts Books - Spotlight


  $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 2/8/18 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

Monday, January 29, 2018

Finding Beauty in the Beast by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee



Finding Beauty in the Beast by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
My rating: 4,5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Fairy-Tale Retelling with a twist

Book Description:  Princess Rose's fiery temper has kept every potential suitor away...until now. After being spurned and humiliated for the last time, the princes forces every eligible man to present a gift to her under pain of death. The man who brings her the best gift will be chosen as her husband. 

When Corbin presents his gift, he hopes that his simple offering will keep him safely overlooked. All he wants is to return to his quiet life as a blacksmith away from forbidding castles and beastly princesses. But love works in mysterious ways, and it all starts with a rose...


My thoughts: There are times when you finish reading a book, and you just smile. Then you remember that it's over and long for more time with the story and characters. This is what "Finding Beauty in the Beast" was for me.

How could a reader not fall in love with Corbin. He is a true gentleman. He has a trait of finding the good in the bad. He rescues the Princess. Rose is not truly the beast that everyone thinks she is. Sometimes it takes a little patience and kindness to bring out the good in the most difficult people.

This book is a journey. It is a journey of two troubled people who learn to be better. It is a sweet story with a few "thorns". I loved learning why roses have thorns and the noble traits of a rose. Sometimes when life is hard, thorns make people stronger and their inner beauty shines forth. That is what I see in this book.

This is a re-telling, but the beast is a Princess and she is "tamed" by a blacksmith. There is an evil character (one of the thorns) who helped the characters fight for each other. Seriously, you just need to read the book. It is well written and fun to read.

The book contains mild violence, talk of an unwed mother, and a brief kiss. I think is is suitable for teens on up.



Online Purchase Links:



Read an Excerpt:

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

“A beast. That was what they called her.
When she was in a good temper, Princess Rose’s face was deceptively sweet, even beautiful. Her large emerald eyes could appear tender, her rosebud lips touched with softness. There was a time, some would say, that her voice was warm and full of life and, though no one believed it, that she used to laugh.
But today, there was no hint of softness, no trace of tenderness. Her eyes blazed like green fire and she pursed her lips until they became indistinguishable from her pale skin. The freckles she painstakingly tried to hide glared angrily across her nose and cheeks—cheeks deep crimson from humiliation. No tears would escape her eyes, no quivering would touch her lips. She sat—cold and aloof—her gaze fixed straight ahead, glaring at the opposite wall of the swaying carriage.”
********************

Jessilyn Stewart PeasleeAbout the  Author:  Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee was born the fourth of seven children into a family of avid readers, music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Jessilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. She loves going on dates with her husband and playing with her five adorable, rambunctious boys. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful high desert of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be. Current Residence: Saratoga Springs, UT





The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine ~Valentine Countdown Blitz ~ 12 Days of Clean Romance









"All Penny Merrill wants to do is run her own bakery shop, but her money-thirsty mother and conniving stepfather are making it nearly impossible to keep her dream alive. When Penny finds a clipping advertising a Valentine's Day contest for Arizona's cutest couple, with the winnings being enough for her to hold on to her floundering business, she comes up with an idea that might just work--if she can find the right man for the job.

Commercial contractor Preston Ames is starting to develop feelings for Penny, and even though he's been through enough heartache to know that he should avoid her at all costs, he can't keep himself from visiting her sweet shop everyday. When Penny asks him to participate in a crazy scheme so that she can overturn her stepfather's underhanded business ploy, Preston is tempted to run the other way. But one look into her soulful blue eyes and he's a goner. Little does he know that his calm, orderly world is about to unravel--and that just one picture will turn Penny into his sweet valentine! "




~ AmazonAmazon UK
~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~



Laura L. Walker grew up in a large family in the beautiful Gila Valley of southern Arizona. From the time Laura was young, she spent hours drawing characters on paper and fantasizing about their adventures. Life became more serious, however, when Laura met her own hero and they eventually became the parents of six children. In between spurts of grocery shopping, sewing costumes or quilts, transporting kids to practices, and making dinner, Laura still enjoys putting her imagination to good use. She is the author of four contemporary romances.

Connect with the Author here: 




Snippet:
   
    "If I'm gonna make this video with you, it has to feel more natural to me." Which turned out to be footage of them—what else?—baking cookies together in Penny’s apartment. Her small kitchen was actually perfect for the occasion.

    He had to squeeze behind her to pull the butter out of the fridge. She had to reach over him for the sugar. When their arms got tangled up with each other, Preston forgot all about the state of Penny’s kitchen. Allie had already set up Penny’s kitchen so that it had proper lighting and she held her Canon video camera was at the ready. "Oh, that's great!"

     "You know," Preston whispered in Penny's ear, enjoying the feel of the soft skin along her lobe against his lips as he held her in his arms, "if I didn't feel like a fish in a fishbowl right now, I'd be tempted to kiss you."


     Penny's eyes widened as she turned her head to meet his gaze more fully. Now what had possessed him to admit that? A tiny, almost secretive smile formed on those luscious lips, and she said so quietly that only he could hear, "You know you can always pretend she's not here, right?"




To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann HunterAn Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher to review.
Genre: Christian Regency Romance

Book Description:  Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, so he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. While he's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, she is strangely elusive, and he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, she has no choice but to agree to a bargain that puts her at odds with all her romantic hopes--as well as her conscience. And the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she regrets the unpleasant obligation that prevents her from any dream of a future with him.

As all Griffith's and Isabella's long-held expectations are shaken to the core, can they set aside their pride and fear long enough to claim a happily-ever-after?
 



My thoughts: I am very sad that this is the last book of the "Hawthorne House" series. I have come to love reading about this family!

This book lived up to my expectations, and they were high. Kristi Ann Hunter always delivers a book with great characters and is fun to read.

In this story, the eldest son, and the Duke, is learning what it is like to love. He always appears put together and intimidating. He takes his role and Duke and head of the family seriously and does it well. He "thinks" that he can logically pick a bride and that all will be well, but that is not the way that love works. His thoughts and world are turned upside down when the beautiful Isabella Breckenridge has her first season.

I enjoyed the history in the book. This book takes place at the end of the War with Napoleon. Isabella's uncle is trying to force through legislation and uses others as pawns to sway the vote. The political manuring is fascinating.

This book is a perfect ending to a wonderful series. It can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend all of the books. You won't want to miss any time with this family. It's a clean book with kissing and Christian themes.



Online Purchase Links:


Kristi Ann HunterAbout the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

The Tour Grand Finale for "His One and Only Bride" by Tara Randel (+giveaway)

H
On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
His One and Only Bride
By Tara Randel

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Greetings everyone! I hope you’re settling into the new year. It’s a great time of expectation, hope and looking forward to the surprises and adventures 2018 will bring. I’m excited about the release of my newest Harlequin Heartwarming book, His One and Only Bride. If ever there was a story about fresh starts, this is it.

. . . Hopefully, you’ll enjoy Mitch and Zoe’s journey as they discover what is really important in life.

Happy reading!

— Tara


“Do you remember where our lockers were?” Mitch asked, thankfully changing the subject.

“I haven’t thought about high school in years.” She looked around to get her bearings. “Down this hallway?”

“Looks right.”

She ran her fingers over the cold metal of the lockers, could still make out the numbers on the doors despite the limited light. “Twenty-three, twenty-four…Here we go. Twenty-five. My old number.”

“Wonder if the combination is the same.”

“Who even recalls those numbers?”

“I do. Yours was ten-fourteen-one.”

She stared at him, incredulous. “How, after all this time, can you rattle off my combination?”

“Certain things are imprinted on my memory.”

It's All About the Romance - Your Wedding Day…and the Photographer


In His One and Only Bride, Mitch is an injured photojournalist back in the small town where he started his career. He reluctantly embraces the role as the town photographer, covering weddings, family events and studio shots. He quickly discovers he loves weddings and soon becomes the go-to guy in town.

An important and memorable aspect to the overall wedding experience are the pictures commemorating the event. A photographer’s job is to catch the overall joy of the ceremony and the fun of the reception. Much weight is placed on the photographer to catch all these special moments. So as a wedding professional, what are some of the tips of the trade? . . .

Becky on Books - Review

"Finally, an HEA for Zoe! . . .

Though it was frustrating at times to read about the walls these two put up between themselves, both before and during the novel, it did serve to make their ending that much sweeter. A heartwarming side romance between secondary characters and Zoe and Mitch’s absolutely adorable one-year-old son really added to the experience."


Mitch expected his wife’s surprise. After all, to her, he’d risen from the dead.

His hand gripped the cane that had become his lifeline. He wanted to heave it over the railing, but that meant lifting an arm that still needed rehab to function properly. Instead of cataloging his injuries, he focused on his shell-shocked wife.

“I don’t understand. We were told…I thought you were…”

“Dead?”

She reached out to place her palms on the deck railing.

“The report was mistaken.”

“But…How…Why?”


"This is a very predictable story but very well-written in a smooth, flowing manor. The characters are easily connected with and the scenes easily visualized.

There were a few twists." - LAWonder10

"I really enjoyed reading this book. It has suspense, romance and a lot of other fun happenings. . .

I would highly recommend this book to other readers." - Vickie

Book Lover in Florida - Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer


The wedding day can be stressful, but if you plan in advance and cover your bases, the day can go off without a hitch. Here are some tips when hiring a photographer.

The Search

Start your search by getting a list of local photographers and reading reviews from recent newlyweds. Review websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they’ve shot, which will give you an idea of their style. Visit their social media pages. Look for feedback from previous clients. . . .


"This was such a fun story to read. . . . But in this story, there was so much more to their separation, not just his job. And that is what makes this story so great. . .

There’s a tenderness you start to see between Zoe and Mitch as the story moves on, and it really does give the reader hope that even amongst the greatest conflict in our lives, there really is a chance to make it all okay. I think romance readers will want to dive right in and see how these characters come together."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Come see your son.”

Leaning on the cane, he made his legs move forward. When he came to the side of the crib, he gazed down at the sleeping boy, who had one thumb brushed up against his lips. Mitch’s breath caught and completely left him for a moment.

Zoe moved to give him better access. He stepped closer. Leo’s chest rose as he inhaled and exhaled. Mitch stared, then began taking inventory, like he imagined a father would upon the delivery of his child. Ten fingers and toes. Light colored hair, standing on end. Chunky little legs. Rosy skin. Spiky eyelashes caressing his cheek.

A longing, unlike any he’d ever experienced before in his life, pummeled him. This was his son. His flesh and blood. A miracle.


"His One and Only Bride is part of The Business of Weddings series and my first introduction to Tara Randel’s writing. I thought it was pretty good. It is full of drama and sweetness, with a little bit of mystery. I loved seeing Mitch and Zoe together and kept wondering what would happen next. Such a good heartwarming story."

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"I enjoyed the emotions in the book. I felt like it captured the characters thoughts and the angst of their relationship. . .

. . . The book has mystery! That is a wonderful bonus for a reader.

If you love second chance romance with a bit of mystery you should pick this one up."


“So, what do you think?” she asked.

“I think I can’t wait to get to know him.”

The frown again.

“What?”

“I just can’t picture you staying in Cypress Pointe long enough for any quality time with Leo.”

“My priorities will change.”

“Really?” Disbelief tinged her voice. “For how long?”

Remembrancy - Review

"My second favorite trope in the romance genre (just behind the friends to more theme) is second chance at love. And boy, oh boy, does His One and Only Bride hit that nail on the head. . .

Though this book is the finale of a series, it’s the first one I’ve read and, while I was curious about the supporting cast, I was never taken out of Zoe and Mitch’s search for their true HEA."


"I quite literally moved through this novel with all the emotions stitched inside it - you even get a jolt of an alert realising there is a dearly dangerous 'suspense' element lingering just out of sight for you to grasp and hold a breath to see how it will resolve! Meanwhile, the solidarity of the friendships, the humbleness of the character's journey towards redemption, forgiveness and a second chance at starting over their lives is what grounds you into the background. You want to rally behind these characters because of how earnestly their attempting to right the wrongs of the past whilst owning to the realities of their futures. This is what makes Contemporary Rom engaging as it feels more like a slice of our reality knitted into the foreground of a modern fictional setting."

I Am A Reader - It All Leads Up To a Day


Weddings are a beautiful event. The dress. The flowers. The reception. But it doesn’t just materialize out of nowhere. So what goes in to planning a wedding? . . .


"His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel is beautifully written with a sweet message & layered characters. Zoe’s hesitancy to welcome Mitch back with open arms is believable and sincere, as is Mitch’s struggle to adjust to life back home with a host of injuries and regret. If you want to renew your belief in the power of love and authentic forgiveness, this is a great choice for your TBR pile!"


Zoe glanced at Mitch’s handsome face. Despite the paleness and general look of exhaustion, she saw real humor light his eyes for the first time since he’d been home.

“I always imagined I’d have to keep an eye on you two. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of don’t-tell-Mom moments in my future.”

“Does that mean you won’t fight me about being active in Leo’s life?”

“Not unless something happens to warrant it.”

Zoe reached out to touch his arm, then pulled back. Touching probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Not yet.


"There’s a little mystery, a lot of romance and a precious baby named, Leo that made this an enjoyable read. This is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Randel and I was impressed with her writing. I look forward to reading more of her work. This is a clean romance that can be read in a short time."


"A presumed dead resurrection is always a drama-filled subject that we don’t get to read all that often, so the turmoil it brought forth in this latest book in the Business of Weddings series really packed a punch.

. . . Overall, an emotional read with relatable characters and a strong storyline!"

The Bookworm Chronicles - The Big Event-The History of Weddings


How did this special day of joining yourself to the love of your life come about? Today, we see huge weddings on televisions and in magazines, but how did many of the traditions we love today come about? . . .

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

They’d taken a few steps when Mitch stopped.

“Something wrong?”

“This is the place we shared our first kiss.”

Her stomach fluttered. He was right.

With the life-altering events of the past week and watching Mitch’s near-meltdown just a short while ago, Zoe had forgotten. How could she have failed to recall such a momentous event?

“It was junior year.” Mitch grinned at her. “We’d been flirting and I was determined to make us a couple. When I suggested it here, you got all teary, said yes and then I kissed you.”

Okay, if she were truthful, maybe she didn’t want to remember that night. The sweet memory brought a pinch of pain in the vicinity of her heart.

“That was a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t make it any less memorable.”


"The emotional turmoil of this book had me from the first chapter. I had to know what happened next. Mitch and Zoe have been through so much. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The depth of this book is so unreal. The mindset of these characters will take your breath away."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...


His One and Only Bride
(The Business of Weddings #5)
Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He never thought he’d see her again!

After being reported missing, presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife, Zoe, again. Yet here he is back in their coastal Florida town, where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.

Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there…

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.


Tour Giveaway


- US PRIZE PACK: Signed copies of Rival HeartsThe Bridal Bouquet and The Wedding March, a Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag, a 2018 appointment planner and a $25 Amazon gift card
- US residents only
- Ends January 31st

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