Redemption by Traci Hunter Abramson #blogtour #giveaway #suspense

 

Redemption by Traci Hunter Abramson
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Source: Recieved to Review

Genre: Contemporary Suspense

Book Description:  Gage Stewart has spent five years trying to overcome his past. Once an abused and troubled teenager, he has worked tirelessly to move beyond the fateful day he was manipulated into holding a group of teenagers hostage. Now, with a new identity and a college degree in criminal psychology, he accepts an unlikely job teaching others what to do during mass shootings.

At the hotel where his class is held, Gage is immediately drawn to Skyler Prescott, the daughter of the wealthy hotel owner. Gage and Skyler quickly discover a shared desire for normalcy, and their easy friendship soon develops into something more. But after a night out ends in horror when a gunman opens fire in the crowded venue, they make an alarming discovery that threatens more than their relationship. The attack was little more than a publicity stunt to draw out the real target: presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore. Unwilling to become someone’s scapegoat, Gage must now work in tandem with the very men who ended his own life of crime before it began—the Saint Squad.

My thoughts: There are some book series that you can read the books back to back multiple times and never get tired of them. The Saint Squad falls in that category for me.

In this edition, we get to meet Gage. He held a class hostage as a teenager and is not working to get move forward in spite of his past. Everything comes full circle for him when he takes a job to help prevent mass shootings. This brings him into proximity of Skyler, who is fighting demons of her own.

The book has the perfect title. Gage is working on righting the wrongs from his past. He has a new name and doesn't willingly let others in. He holds his past tightly and struggles to glue the pieces of his life together into one whole person. Skyler is part of the process for him. She accepts the person that he is and doesn't pry his past from him. She gives him hope for a happy future. That is until his past and present collide and his life starts to fall break back into pieces.

This book is part of a series but can be read by itself. The characters are amazing no matter the order the books are read. The Saint Squad is a cohesive unit, their strengths shine in crisis, but you don't need their back story to enjoy this one.

Traci Hunter Abramson is an author that I will buy her books even if I don't know what they are about. I enjoy every single book of hers that I have read. I highly recommend this one.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

About the Author: Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a seven-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than thirty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson

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A Christmas Kiss: Regency Christmas by Jen Geigle Johnson

 

A Christmas Kiss: Regency Christmas by Jen Geigle Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Regency Romance

Source:  Receive to Review

Book Description: Hiding poignant heartbreak behind garish clothing and outlandish fashion, Eva hopes to never marry. Oscar is happy to never propose, but the two of them find a casual friendship growing into a strength of feeling that challenges even the most deeply rooted stubborn intentions or fears.

When her presence is requested at a house party of a distant relative, she does what any outlandish woman who has stopped caring about her reputation would do: She invites Oscar to go with her.

Oscar is ready to live on his own, but he needs the means to do so. When Edward has stretched his last ounce of patience, Oscar decides to spend as much time from home as possible. In that moment, he receives an invitation from his most outlandish and garish friend inviting him to attend a house party.

Enjoy a sweet regency romance full of charm and lovely holiday traditions. The other books in An Easton Family Christmas include

Snow and Mistletoe
A Christmas Kiss
Wishing on a Christmas Star

My thoughts: Oh my good-ness. Eva is a hoot. She does not want attention from the gentlemen, so she dresses outlandishly to try to repel them. Imagine a turban falling off while dancing? That is the kind of story that you get from this book.

Oscar is perfect for Eva. Their relationship starts off as friends, which is the best way to start a relationship in my opinion. They both have vulnerabilities that enhance their characters. There are many moments that made me laugh. A few times I felt as if a few scenes dragged on a little bit. Overall it is a solid four-star rating.

I started this story on Amazon Vella, but I have a hard time with that platform. I am grateful that Jen Geigle Johnson added it to Kindle Unlimited and to purchase.

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

Online Purchase Link:

(This book is part of the Kindle Unlimited program or to purchase for $3.99)

Amazon 

About the Author:   An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Spotlighting "Heir of Elriyon" by K. Michele Moseley #excerpt #blogour #giveaway

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Heir of Elriyon

By K. Michele Moseley

Young Adult Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 301 Pages

August 20, 2021 by Uncommon Universes Press

Aenya's destiny could cost her freedom.

After years of compulsory training to become an elite warrior, sixteen-year-old Aenya plans to run away with her friend Lewin. However, her plans crumble when she is chosen to be Elriyon’s new figurehead and wife to the future ruler, Rieve.

But Aenya has a secret: she is a Darcara—one chosen by elusive dragon-like beings, the Dargun, to receive the wisdom that once governed her people.

When the current rulers decide to stop a growing rebellion by killing the remaining Dargun, Aenya flees to Elriyon’s mysterious interior. Still, the Dargun’s words burn into her mind. They have a new task for her: return to her people and speak the truth, no matter the cost.

With escape close at hand, Aenya must choose between a dangerous calling or finally being free.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Read an Excerpt!

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

Still, I sigh, “Mami, you’re wrong. They’re wrong. This is all wrong. I can’t be a part of it.”

“You already are, Sweet. You are part of Elriyon. The true Elriyon. Don’t trust yourself. Trust the—the part of you that is greater than all of this.”

I can gather her meaning from the fear in her voice. Even now she won’t say the word “Dargun” in the house.

“Maybe I don’t want to be greater. Mami, I feel like a falcon on a tether.”

Her face falls, but her voice stays resolute. “I know you will choose well.”

“Choose what?” I don’t mean to shout.

She winces. “The choice,” she says, determined. “To grasp what you have been offered. Lewin told you to make them see you for what you are. He’s right.”

I hear footsteps approaching and speak lower. “This has never been a choice.”

“It is now.” Her eyes are steady, intense, but they’re directed at the floor, not at me. “You have been chosen for something, Aenya, many things. So much has fallen on you, but you do have the choice to take it on or to walk away. Like I did.”

Excerpted from Heir of Elriyon by K. Michele Moseley, Copyright © 2021 by K. Michele Moseley. Published by Uncommon Universes Press.

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

About the Author

K. Michele Moseley found her love for storytelling on a Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the third grade. Though she struggled with dyslexia, her passion for stories allowed her to overcome the challenges that came with telling them. While she writes in many genres, what she likes best is creating stories for young adults that place real-life obstacles into fantastic worlds. When not inventing new realms, she spends her time chasing after her two sons and playing "Netflix Roulette" with her husband.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


Paperback of Heir of Elriyon by K. Michele Moseley, a set of two loose-leaf teas, a set of character art, and a bookmark (US Only)

Ends September 29, 2021

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A Seaside Summer ~ A Timeless Romance Collection #giveaway #RegencyRomance #TimelessRomanceSeries

 

A Seaside Summer by Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, Heather B. Moore
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Source:  Received to Review

Genre: Regency Romance Collection

Book Description: Summer on the seaside . . . a perfect place for romance.

Join us for three novellas in one collection:

The New Countess by Josi S. Kilpack
Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

Mishaps and Memories by Martha Keyes
Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

Moonlight Summer by Heather B. Moore
Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

My thoughts: I have said it before and I'll say it again that I love the Timeless Romance collections. I have yet to read one that I didn't like.

A Seaside Summer is made up of three novellas that all take place by the sea. They are very distinct in story and style.

The New Countess
A marriage of convenience stories has always intrigued me. I can't imagine marrying someone to both attain a goal of some sort. Both Diane and the Earl are single parents who need each other for security and to provide a parent for their children. She has two and he has one. The kids in the story are adorable. They have adjusted to new siblings better than the parents to have a new spouse. The coming together and the inconvenience they both experience, when they share a summer by the sea, was a learning curve. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can lead to something better.

Mishaps and Memories
Mishaps and Memories had me giggling in many areas. A wayward comment leads to a young woman's ruin. Now she gets her revenge when the gentleman in question washes up on shore with amnesia. Turn about is fair play, right?

Moonlight Summer
Moonlight Summer is another story about a ruined reputation. This time it is the gentleman who has been ostracized by the ton. Miss Atkinson has a delightful step-sister who loses a hat at sea. This leads to a great friendship and attraction that left me very satisfied as a reader. What can be better than a forbidden romance and thwarting a new step-father? It was a fun story to read.

I recieved a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble 

AUTHOR BIOS

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance, Timeless Romance series, and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Martha Keyes is a Whitney Award winning author born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can by traveling the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.

Word crafting has always fascinated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She's lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at each stop on the tour. 

To qualify, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book. 

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all! 

Aug 23 Austenprose (Review)

Aug 24 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt) 

Aug 24 Getting Your Read On (Review)

Aug 25 The Bibliophile Files (Review)

Aug 26 Heidi Reads (Review) 

Aug 27 Our Book Confessions (Review) 

Aug 30 The Lit Bitch (Spotlight)

Aug 30 Wishful Endings (Review) 

Sept 01 The Book Diva Reads (Spotlight)

Sept 01 Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)

Sept 02 Laura's Reviews (Review) 

Sept 04 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Excerpt) 

Sept 07 Probably at the Library (Review) 

Sept 08 Gwendalyn's Books (Review) 

Sept 09 Books and Socks Rock (Spotlight)

Sept 10 Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review) 

Sept 11 Storeybook Reviews (Excerpt) 

Sept 13 From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Sept 13 My Bookish Bliss (Review) 

Sept 14 Bookworm Lisa (Review) 

Sept 15 Relz Reviewz (Spotlight)

Sept 15 Reading with Emily (Review) 

Sept 16 Lu Reviews Books (Review) 

Sept 17 Greenish Bookshelf (Spotlight)

Sept 17 Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Sept 17 Bringing Up Books (Review)

Sept 18 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Sept 19 Eli's Novel Reviews (Review)

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen #VictorianRomance #BookReview #BookTour #HistoricalMystery

 

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source:  Received to Review

Genre: Victorian Mystery/Romance

Book Description:  London, 1885

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple's blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe―a grieving widower and a member of Amelie's book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman's body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman's husband―Harold Radcliffe―of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe's innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

My thoughts: Nancy Campbell Allen is a very versatile writer. This book is set in the Victorian Era. I have read books she has written that are steampunk, Historical (Civil War), Regency, and time travel. She excels at all of the genres.

This book is more of a murder mystery. Amelie Hampton and Michael Baker are on the case to solve the murder of Mrs. Radcliffe. The main suspect is her husband, who has also set his cap for Amelie. Can Amelie prove that Mr. Radcliffe is not the murderer or will Michael prove that he is?

The best part of the story is what happens between the beginning and the end! (I know, that is a very broad statement.) This story is character and mystery-driven. I loved getting to know the main characters. There are a few amazing secondary characters that I would love to read more about in future books. (Hint, hint) Amelie wants to prove that she can be an independent woman while Michael does not see a family in his future because of the precarious nature of his career.

Romance is a part of the book, but it is not the primary emphasis. I enjoyed the investigative process and how everything comes together.

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

Online Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP 

| GOODREADS

About the Author: Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of fifteen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction.  In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Advanced Praise:

"Allen pairs a matchmaker and a detective in this charming Victorian romance. Allen expertly combines mystery and romance into a fast-paced tale complete with plenty of surprises and a central relationship founded on mutual admiration and respect. Readers are sure to appreciate the strong, well-shaded heroine and twisty plot." —Publishers Weekly

"Allen's chaste tale of Victorian romantic suspense will also appeal to historical mystery readers, and it would be great for mother-and-daughter reads. This has great appeal for teens who like historical fiction laced with mystery and romance." —Booklist

“I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of the romance.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine