Saturday, March 30, 2019

Cover Reveal - "Devil's Queen" by Avelyn Paige


COVER REVEAL


Photographer: FuriousFotog
Models: Joe and Erica Worden
Cover Designer: The Final Wrap


His Little Girl.
The Zulu Kings MC’s beloved little princess.
Until it all ends with a bullet to the brain.

Remington Laveau's life with her father's club was one she couldn’t afford to lose. But her father’s death, sends her life spiraling out of control. She and her mother find themselves cast out, as outsiders by her father’s former motorcycle club, before his body is even cold in the ground. Remington is thrust into a world of endless betrayal, corruption, and darkness with nothing. That is until her father’s last request and legacy becomes her own. 

Now, Remington is in the fight of her life to keep the business, her father left to her, and her heart protected from the one man who has always held the keys to it. The man who now sits on her father’s throne of lies. The coil of corruption runs deep within their ranks, and Remington will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even if she has to lose everything in the process, including her heart.


Releasing June 14th, 2019





Avelyn Paige is a born and raised Indiana girl. While she may be a Hoosier by birth, she is a Boilermaker by choice. Boiler Up! She resides in a sleepy little town in Indiana with her husband and three crazy pets. Avelyn spends her days working as a cancer research scientist and her nights sipping moonshine while writing and book reviewing.

Avelyn loves everything paranormal, Cajun culture, and wants to try tornado chasing as a hobby when she finally grows up. She just has to get over that pesky fear of thunderstorms first. Avelyn also enjoys collecting voodoo dolls from her trips to New Orleans.


Join Avelyn's Mailing List

     


HOSTED BY:

Friday, March 29, 2019

#BookReview – “Firelight” by Kristen Callihan



Blurb

Once the flames are ignited . . . 

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Review

In book one in the Darkest London series, Miranda Ellis’s crooked father lost the family fortune, so she has no choice but to steal in order to survive. Then her father forces her into a marriage with Lord Archer, a wealthy man rumored to have a violent temper. Miranda can create fire from just thinking about it, and though she’s determined to never let Archer know about it, she’s prepared to use it to protect herself if need be.
Benjamin Archer hides his face behind a mask due to a mysterious accident from years earlier. People shun him, believing he’s a monster and a murderer, and he prefers that fear and scorn to pity. He marries Miranda, believing she’s the one person capable of accepting and understanding him for whom he truly is, but he still refuses to show her his face and share his secrets with her.
Wow. This couple just downright refused to communicate. Both of them had huge secrets, and neither of them trusted the other well enough to share those secrets. This became really tiresome after a while. Though they formed a strong friendship and genuinely liked one another, their romance felt forced because of the lies and tension constantly wedging between them. The one and only sex scene is at the end of the book, and I would’ve preferred more.
The plot itself was very entertaining, but the pacing was a little slow. A masked villain is parading around London, killing noblemen, and shifting the blame on Archer.
The secondary characters were fun. I’m very interested in Miranda’s sisters, in particular Poppy and her husband Winston.
There were some typos, but nothing major. I enjoyed Ms. Callihan’s voice and smooth, lyrical writing style. I also enjoyed the world building, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this book from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Pre-Order Blog Tour - "Expecting Ty's Baby" by Empi Baryeh #Giveaway



Author: Empi Baryeh
Series: From Ghana With Love #2
Stand-Alone: yes
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Multicultural
Heat Level: Sensual
Cover Artist: Kim Killion
Release Date: March 30, 2019
#WTMOETB






Abandoned by her father at a young age, beauty therapist, Patricia Owusu, has learned the hard way that men can’t be relied on. She’s determined to make it on her own without falling into the cultural trappings of marriage. However, when she finds herself pregnant after a torrid love affair with African-American financial consultant, Ty Webber, she discovers one man’s resolve to stick around.
When Ty discovers Patricia is carrying his baby, he offers marriage; because real men take responsibility for their actions. He isn’t prepared for Patricia’s stubborn determination to make it on her own. But nothing will prevent him from claiming his child or the woman he considers his.

Can Ty convince Patricia to take a chance on him to help provide a loving home for their baby, or will Patricia’s mistrust lead her to miss out on true love and rob her child of the type of father she never had?


PRE-ORDER



EXPECTING TY'S BABY © Empi Baryeh 2019


“I don’t need taking care of, you know,” Patricia said when they stepped outside. Her voice came out low, a whisper, which nonetheless projected in the still warmth of the night.
After several seconds without a response from him, she turned sideways. He stared ahead, his profile stoic. Finally, she heard his deep intake of breath.
He looked at her, and thunder might as well have struck after the flash of…annoyance? Impatience? Incredulity?
“Are you always on the defensive?”
Aggravation. Despite the balmy, breezeless air, Patricia shivered. Perhaps she should have been scared, but she wasn’t. Somehow, Ty didn’t strike her as the kind of man whose patience wore thin as easily as wind blew away flakes of cotton. Yet, she also realized she’d pushed a button or two between yesterday and today.
She began to say something, but her response staggered as she realized she didn’t know how to answer his question. She sighed. “It’s always been just me and my mum. I guess I’m simply used to having to stick up for myself.”
His look softened. “Trish, I know you’re a strong woman. Hell, it’s one of the things I admire about you. But did it occur to you I only wanted some alone time with you?”
She couldn’t help it. She giggled. “You could have just said so.”
“In that case, how about this?”
He faced her fully, subjecting her to a powerful blast of his magnetism. Electricity jolted through her, and she realized he’d touched her; warmth infused her body where his hands bracketed her waist.
The next instant, she was plastered against him, her soft abdomen privy to the state of his desire. His heated breath wafted over her face, a mix of him and the whiskey he’d had at dinner. An avalanche of sensations, fierce and unrelenting hit her in the gut.
Then the worst thing happened. The most embarrassing moment of her life.
She threw up.
On him.
For several seconds, she could only stare in horror at her dinner, now a less than palatable concoction splattered on Ty’s clothes and shoes.
He still held her as she doubled over, one hand on her shoulder, the other rubbing her back.
“Trish, what’s going on?” He pushed back a few strands of her braids hanging loose from the confines of her up do.
“I am so sorry,” she said.
“We need to get you to a hospital.”
Crap! Her stomach lurched again, and she figured out what had triggered the emesis. Thankfully, what came out the second time was minimal. She took in a deep breath, exhaling through her mouth. It seemed to help.
Ty held up the bottle of water he’d taken with him from dinner. “Here—”
“Please stop talking,” she gasped, turning away from him. “I need a minute.”
“This could be food poisoning. You need a doctor.”
“I don’t, and it’s not food poisoning. It’s the alcohol.”
“You didn’t drink.”
“No, but you did.”
His features assumed a frown, his confusion absolute. “You’re sick because I drank?”
“I’m not sick. I’m—”
She stopped abruptly, tossing different possible explanations in her head, all of them partial truths. No matter what anyone said, keeping quiet and outright lying were not the same. She wasn’t prepared to do the latter, but she’d spoilt her chances of doing the former.
“I’m…uh.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re what?”
“I’m…”
Shiiit.
She couldn’t believe she was going to tell him. “I’m pregnant, Ty.”





"Well written, enchanting, and heart-warming, this is one romance fans should love." - TAYLOR JONES (Reviewer)

"Poignant, charming, and full of wonderful characters, Expecting Ty’s Baby will warm your heart right down to your toes. A wonderful love story and a worthy addition to the series." REGAN MURPHY (Reviewer)



GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon GC.



Missed Book 1 in the series? 
Grab it in ebook, paperback or audiobook formats

(+ meet Ty and Patricia from book 2):


Book 1: Chancing Faith

He didn’t do short-term relationships…
American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn’t date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he’s at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it’s too late?
Until he met her!
Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and others, that she’s more than wife and mother material. To do so, she’s prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?
Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?
ABOUT EMPI BARYEH


Empi Baryeh is the award-winning author of Most Eligible Bachelor (Book of the year, 2017 Ufere Awards). She writes sweet and sensual African, multicultural and interracial romance, which happens to be her favourite genres of romance to read. Her interest in writing started around the age of thirteen after she stumbled upon a YA story her sister had started and abandoned. The story fascinated her so much that, when she discovered it was unfinished, she knew she had to complete it. Somehow the rest of the story began to take shape in her mind and she's been writing ever since. 

She lives in Accra, Ghana, with her husband and their two lovely kids.

CONNECT WITH EMPI
LINKS 


Sunday, March 24, 2019

#BookReview – “Soul of the Storm” by Jean Grant



Blurb

Will love help her summit one more peak?

Charlotte MacGregor lost the thrill of conquering mountains five years ago when her sister disappeared on a hiking adventure without her. Still guilt-ridden, Charlotte heads for a vacation to rustic Vermont with a friend—where she's surrounded by reminders of her devastating loss and plagued with unanswered questions.

Matiu Christiansen is an outdoors buff. He works multiple jobs to save for his dream of owning an outfitter in New Zealand. He's never quite felt at home in the United States and he yearns for his Maori roots, but his attraction to Charlotte puts a kink in his plans to move home later this year.

Thrown together by coincidence, Charlotte and Matiu form a kindred bond through their shared love of the outdoors. Can Charlotte surmount her demons to assist Matiu on a rescue when a late-season snowstorm hits? And can Matiu help Charlotte heal from the pain of the past?

Review 

In book 6 in the Deerbourne Inn series, high school teacher Charlotte MacGregor is in Willow Springs, Vermont for spring break. She used to be adventurous, but now she’s withdrawn after the disappearance of her beloved sister, Julie.
New Zealander Matiu Christiansen has been living in the US for several years, but he’s ready to go home and be with his family. Then he meets Charlotte, and she’s different from most of the tourists he deals with everyday.
Charlotte and Matiu are interesting, wonderful characters. She’s trapped in an endless cycle of grief and pain, and he’s determined to make life better for himself and his family. As they get to know one another, he helps her heal and come to terms with the past, and she presents the “forever” that he’s been searching for. Romance bloomed from friendship, and it was very heartwarming.
Ms. Grant really did her homework when writing this story. She did a wonderfully detailed job describing the mountains, snow, hiking, mud, search and rescue (SAR) procedures, Maori speech and customs, etc. I learned a lot.
I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more books by Ms. Grant.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Friday, March 22, 2019

#BookSpotlight - "D'Reaper's Destiny" by CeeRee Fields


Blurb

What would you sacrifice to meet the man of your dreams?

Zroya lives a sheltered life within the Southern Installation. Protected from the 'contamination' that brought humanity to the brink of extinction, she's terrified to leave the safety of the known for the unknown. Even though women are treated like cattle within the Installation, it's still familiar. However, it's now Zroya's time to become a breeder, she balks and is imprisoned.

Slaughter D'Reaper has been free from Installation control for sixteen years and thanks the Creator every day for that privilege. Now, he and his brothers are hunting for Zroya, to give her that same choice. How does he know about Zroya? From dreams that have been sent to him since he was fourteen. His obsession knows no bounds as he tears apart the country of Amelorica searching for the woman he's come to love.

But is it true love? Or only a dream?

This story is a cross between sleeping beauty mixed with Dr. Jekyll and Miss Hyde.


Excerpt

Draper had given her an apple. No one had ever thought of her well being before. In the Installation Zroya had always fended for herself, she could never depend on anyone for anything. That precious gesture warmed a place deep inside. She knew he'd meant both apples for himself. And instead he'd made do with only the one, so she'd be fed. Her thoughts circled her as she released the bolts from her crossbows.

"Zroya, you ready to wrap it up?" Sara asked from across the pavilion.
"One more round?" Zroya snagged the bolts, reloaded her weapon and set the string.
"Okay."
As she sighted the target, Zroya thought about how Draper didn't criticize her technique or stance. He'd shown her where she could practice and left her to it. Tears sheened her eyes, he was so different from anyone she'd ever met before. And she'd acted like a scared rabbit rushing to put Sara between them to not feel crowded. Swiping her face with her shoulder, she pulled the trigger and the bolts hit the center one after the other.
Damnable things. she had come to hate the weapons she'd been given as a mocking send off by her father. The only woman to have them her father claimed it'd give her value in the Western Installation. Instead, the things had been used against her by the Commander, held against her and her mother's head in a teasing game that had enraged her on the trip to trade her to the Western Installation.
Refusing to allow the bastards to win, Zroya had forced herself to place the crossbows into their loops before she left her room this morning. When she gripped the weapons, her breath hitched as memories shredded her sanity.
It took over an hour before she could hit the center mass with her shaking hands. But her perseverance paid off as her memories receded and the weapons began to feel like hers again. Satisfied with how well she did, Zroya took the bolts from the bale of hay for the last time and loped to where Sara waited.
"Did you get to watch Draper train?"
Zroya's face flooded with heat.
"I'll take that as a yes." Sara opened up a bottle and took a gulp. Swallowing, she recapped it. "I'm going to tell you. That man is smoking with a capital 'S'."
Confused, Zroya looked at Sara. "Smoking? He smokes?"
Sara laughed. "No. It means he's really attractive. They don't have that saying where you're from?"
"No, and yes," a smile spread across her face. "Draper is smoking."
Sara nudged Zroya's shoulder. "You sound so proper when you say it. But don't worry Birch and I will get you caught up on all the appropriate slang."
She chuckled, delighted after hearing about Birch from Sara, Zroya was curious about this other warrior woman. Another thing to thank Draper for was the opportunity to have friends.
"Thinking about him again?" Sara plopped down on the bench.
"Yes." Zroya toyed with the hem of her shirt. "I don't know what to do."
"Don't do anything. It's still early. This was the first time you've even seen him without him being passed out." Sara leaned her elbows on her knees. "It's odd, Draper has never shown an interest in any other female."
"None? Why?" Zroya couldn't imagine the handsome man not having a large following.
Sara hummed. "I asked him once, but he was so sad when he answered I never broached the subject again."
"What did he say?"
"He said that his woman could only be found in his dreams."
Zroya's heart raced and her eyes focused on her fingers as they worried her shirt.
"Did you two share dreams by chance?" Sara asked.
What could she say that was safe? Was it even her place to answer for Draper? Most of Draper's dreams were her mother's doing. She took a deep breath. "I've only shared a few dreams. But my mother had to be the conduit." Sighing Zroya explained. "It was my mother sending him her visions that he probably remembers the most."
"Honey, I don't think it was your mother Draper was drooling over this morning."
"Really?" Zroya's head jerked up. She had been looking at how his dark gray shirt molded to his muscled chest and the black combat pants lovingly hugged his rear. Conflicting emotions roiled in her, on the one hand Draper drew her to him. Whether because of the dreams or if it was something else, she didn't know. And on the other, he terrified her. What were his expectations?



Buy Link:


Author Bio:

CeeRee Fields currently lives in Groningen, the Netherlands with her husband and cat. Since she was born in Alabama and moved to the Netherlands, Dutch is not her first language which gets her into mischief in various stores around town when she tries to speak it.

She loves writing, building worlds that her characters can explore and break if they feel the need. Action, adventure and love are her favorite things. And when stuff gets blown up who says the guy is the only one who gets to do it?

She can be found at: