Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Book Review: CHARMING THE DUKE by Holly Bush || #Giveaway



1849 . . . Matilda Sheldon, the middle daughter of the sixth Earl of Bisset, has never been interested in the fashionable society events that so preoccupy her parents and siblings. Her loving, albeit, daft family cannot understand why. But Matilda has little use for silly rules and dramas. She would rather occupy her time with a worthwhile cause such as opening The Sheldon Home for Orphans, much to the chagrin of her mother and grandmother. They are quite certain a venture of this nature will discourage suitors. Matilda is quite certain that if suitors are discouraged it is because she is clever, plain, a bit clumsy, and inevitably compared to her beautiful sisters.

The Duke of Thornsby is in tight spot. After receiving the title on the death of his father, he discovers the inheritance is to be gifted elsewhere if he does not marry before his thirtieth birthday. Unfortunately, our man-about-town is embroiled in a scandal, not of his own making, and the marriage mamas won’t let any eligible misses anywhere near him. What’s a Duke to do? Get invited to a house party hosted by the notoriously absent-minded Earl of Bisset, who just happens to be Papa to some young ladies of marriageable age!

Thornsby finds himself fascinated, not with the two Sheldon debutantes actively seeking a husband, but rather with the ‘brown wren’ he first mistakes for a servant. Matilda is counting the hours until the house party ends when the necessity of conversing with the guests will be over, and ridiculously handsome men go far away. Can a worldly Duke convince a sensible girl to accept his court? Find out in Charming the Duke.

Buy links:
Amazon


Review by Melissa Snark:

Much like its title, CHARMING THE DUKE is a thoroughly charming historical romance. I have a weakness for Regency Romances, although this one may be slightly later than is typical, and I loved every single word. Holly Bush crafts quick, witty dialogue, constructs clever characters, and weaves an enchanting story. The heroine, Matilda, is quirky and smart, and I admired her independance in an era when women were encouraged to conform. The Duke of Thornsby is handsome and compelling but a bit distant. He bellows too often but his soft spot for orphans helped make him approachable. As I'm writing this, I'm realizing that I cannot actually recall Thornsby's first name. He's referred to as Thornsby throughout the story but I feel the title use was a bit overdone. I'd liked to have seen more use of his first name, at least for the reader's sake.  Secondary characters are vibrant and interesting. I laughed at the exploits of the heroine's dingy sisters and mother. I also very much enjoyed the secondary romance of Athena and Andrew. This is a great story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Holly will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR Bio and Links: 
Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, and former vice-president of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Links:


Twitter - @hollybushbooks



Excerpt:

Chicken Enchilada or Chicken Taco (Like) Casserole

  • 3 pounds cooked chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 cans black olives, sliced
  • 1 large can green chilis, chopped
  • 5 ears of corn, cut from the cob
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed
  • 2 to 3 (10-ounce) jars of salsa, to taste
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag blue corn corn tortilla chips, crushed
  1. Combine all ingredients in a dutch oven. 
  2. Mix thoroughly. 
  3. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 45 minutes.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Free on Amazon: Romance Novels from The Wild Rose Press: April 29 - May 2

Nobody knows how special Ugly Creek is, except the people who live there and guard its secrets. 

Staying professional is a challenge when the patient has charm and personality.

She made a mistake when she left him at the altar. Now is it too late? 

A defense attorney and a local sheriff.  Who is right? Who is wrong? And will love win out in the end? 

Fiancé by Fate by Jennifer Shirk || #Giveaway




Their fake relationship is a twist of fate.

Sabrina Cassidy believes in fate. So when her fiancé breaks off their engagement, she’s convinced they’ll get back together eventually. But fate was not on her side when it brought Jack Brenner into her life—and work. Frustrating, gorgeous, and cocky, Jack has an offer that Sabrina can't refuse. Not if it means getting the life she’s always imagined.

Despite being one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, Jack has a reputation that’s working against him. He has to convince his father—and his company’s board—that he’s ready to settle down if he wants a promotion. But convincing Sabrina to be his fake girlfriend turns out to be the easiest part. What he didn’t count on was their intense attraction and how easily their lie would escalate.

Sabrina’s still hung up on her ex, and Jack will never settle down.

But fate has other ideas…

Jennifer will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N GC plus an ebook of first Bliss romance book: Kissing Kendall to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B&N GC to a randomly drawn host.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Samhain Publishing, Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC's Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME. Recently, her novel SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM won the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for Best Traditional Romance.

Lately she's been on a serious exercise kick. But don't hold that against her.

Feel free to follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/jennifershirk) or become a friend on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Shirk/100000745044647)




Excerpt:

Monday, April 28, 2014

Hypnotized by Lacey Wolfe || #Giveaway



Genre: New Adult Romance
Paisley 
I’m discovering who I am in this world. Venturing out on my own, away from my parents, and finding out what life is really all about. College isn’t as easy as I thought it would be, especially with my best friend Evan becoming someone I hardly recognize.

But then I met Gabe. He changed everything. My life will never be the same.
Gabe
I lived my life day to day, waiting for something great to happen.


Then she walked into the coffee house, with her long legs and killer smile. I had to know her. Nothing was going to stop me. She hypnotized me from the moment I laid eyes on her.


And after the first kiss, my fate was sealed to Paisley.
 Content Warning: This book is recommended for ages 17 and up. Adult situations, including sex, underage drinking, and drugs will be found within these pages.

Buy Links:  Amazon    Barnes & Noble   All Romance eBooks    Print
~About the Author~
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.
Author Links:  Site    Twitter    Facebook
~Giveaway~
Lacey is giving away two $5.00 Amazon gift cards during her tour.
For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Excerpt~

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Paging: Dr. Bear

Miss Bear turned 4 this week. We had her party at the park with bubbles and a child-sized hamster ball. She received many neat toys, including a Just Play Doc McStuffins kit. Since then, Dr. Bear has treated all of her dolls and the cats.

This afternoon, Dr. Bear walked up to her daddy, carrying her new toy.

Mr. Snark: "What are you doing?"
Dr. Bear:  "Looking for patients."
Mr. Snark: "Go find your brother. I heard he's not feeling well."
Dr. Bear: "Thanks!" ((scampers off))

Release Date: THE MATING GAME by Melissa Snark

To be released from The Wild Rose Press on June 20, 2014.

Two males…two friends…a competition for the right to claim The Heart of the Iron Stone Pack.

An alpha female at her core, Theresa Sanchez struggles to protect her young daughter, but rivalries and politics create volatility in the pack. As Theresa comes into heat, lust and need rule her body. Her pack demands only the most virile male have her. How can she choose only one mate when her body craves two—the virile beta and the man she loves?

Zachary Hunter will do anything to take Theresa as his mate, even if it means killing his best friend. However, Robert Blane is just as determined to ascend to Alpha. Both their beasts howl to mark her flesh, but only one can survive to claim her.

But with enemies circling, they must fight…for the pack, for Theresa, and for a future together. 

Exclusive excerpt (Chapter One):

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Scene Spotlight: LOVE'S SORROW (A Means of Mercy novel) by Terri Rochenski



Hired as a nanny for her cousin’s children, Anne Tearle finds security and a loving family. The children are a dream, but London society is a world of its own, one where a displaced farm girl has no business being. But, wealthy rake, Gavin MacKay, helps her to see associating with the upper class might not be as horrid as she first assumed.

Like all things worthwhile, love comes at a price, and the cost soon bestows more anguish than joy. Lost, but not undone, Anne must find the courage to begin life anew, or succumb to sorrow's unrelenting waves of grief.

Publisher: Roane Publishing
Date Publishers: April 21, 2014
Genre: Sweet Historical Romance
Word Count: Approx 80k
Buy links:

The Scene:

The sound of the front door closing and male voices drifted through the drawing room’s open entryway.
“It sounds as though the Scot has finally arrived,” Samuel said.
Joanna had shared little about her husband’s friend other than he was beyond affluent. In my vivid imagination, I envisioned him an older, stuffy man who looked down upon those less fortunate than him. Upon meeting Mr. Hall and Mr. Dixon, I expected Mr. MacKay would be unsightly as well. Perhaps a wart on his bulbous nose—maybe bulging eyes. At least a bald head covered with beads of sweat. Certainly, his girth would match his height.
“Mr. MacKay,” Wells announced to the room.
Standing with the other ladies, I turned.
With self-assurance and confidence in every step, the black-haired gentleman I dreamed of strode through the door. The blood drained from my face, but hastened to return and flush my cheeks. My heart abandoned its desire to beat within the constraints of my tight corset and my mind melted into nothingness.
He bid greeting to everyone in turn, shaking the men’s hands and kissing the women’s. It seemed an eternity before his chiselled face moved towards me.
My knees knocked as I turned dumb as a washtub.
“Mr. MacKay, I’d like to introduce to you my cousin, Miss Anne Tearle, just arrived from the Black Country.”
I barely heard Joanna’s voice through the ringing in my ears as recognition lit within his eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Tearle.” Thick lashed black eyes looked into my soul and right down to my toes.
All ten of them tingled.
“H-How do you do?” I managed to squeak out.
He took my gloved hand and touched it to his lips. My gulp sounded loud in my own ears, and heat coursed through me.
“I am pleasantly surprised,” he murmured, his warm gaze—one I didn’t comprehend—searching my face. A sudden smile flashed perfect white teeth, and he pivoted away to join the men.


Casting Call:

Image hosted on Wikipedia
Name: Anne Tearle
·         Physical Description: Early 20s, tall, dark-haired, blue eyes.
·         Short bio:  Orphaned, Anne Tearle was raised by her aunt and uncle. When the opportunity or employment outside her abusive aunt’s home arrives, Anne slips away unnoticed for the city of London.
·         3 Positive Personality Traits: Innocent, compassionate, and loving
·         3 Negative Personality Traits: Trusting, nervous, door-mat mentality

Played by: Alexis Bledel would make a good Anne Tearle – if her hair was darker. I like her fresh-faced innocence. It’s a perfect portrayal of Anne.




Image hosted on Wikipedia
Name: Gavin MacKay
·         Physical Description: Late 30s, tall, dark-haired, dark eyes.
·         Short bio:  Spoiled only son of a wealthy Scot, Gavin MacKay is used to getting what—and who—he wants.
·         3 Positive Personality Traits: Hard working, Persuasive, Confident
·         3 Negative Personality Traits: Temper, Spoiled, Selfish

Played by:  Henry Cavill is the perfect Gavin MacKay – if his eyes were black instead of that gorgeous blue! Why? His face is perfection.






The Setting:

Drawing Room:
Image hosted on Wikipedia

Vienna Fashions of the Day:
Image hosted on Wikipedia
The earliest draft of the polished scene above:
 
The sound of the front door closing and male voices drifted through the drawing room’s open entryway.
“The ‘Scot’ has finally arrived,” Samuel said.
Joanna had shared little about her husband’s friend other than the fact he was beyond affluent. In my vivid imagination, I envisioned him an older, stuffy man who looked down upon those less fortunate than he. Upon meeting Mr. Hall and Mr. Dixon, I expected Mr. MacKay would be unsightly as well. Perhaps a wart on his bulbous nose—maybe bulging eyes. At least a baldhead, covered with beads of sweat. Certainly his girth would match his height.
Standing with the other ladies, I turned.
With self-assurance and confidence in every step, the black-haired gentleman I dreamed of strode through the door. The blood drained from my face, but hastened to return and flush my cheeks. My heart abandoned its desire to beat within the constraints of my tight corset and my mind melted into nothingness..
He bid greeting to everyone in turn, shaking the men’s hands and kissing the women’s. It seemed an eternity before his chiseled face turned toward me. Dumb as a washtub, my knees knocked.
“Mr. MacKay, I’d like to introduce to you my cousin, Miss Anne Tearle, just arrived from Welborough.” I barely heard Joanna’s voice through the ringing in my ears as recognition lit within his eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Tearle,” he said while thickly lashed black eyes looked into my soul and right down to my toes. All ten of them tingled.
“H-how do you do?” I managed to squeak out.
He took my gloved hand and touched it to his lips. My gulp sounded loud in my own ears, and heat coursed through me. “I am pleasantly surprised,” he murmured, his warm gaze—one I didn’t comprehend—searching my face. A sudden smile flashed perfect white teeth, and he turned away to join the men.

Terri talks about the scene:

The first meeting between the two characters destined for love is always full of tension and giddiness. What makes this scene especially fun, is that Anne had seen Gavin on a London street a few days earlier, and spun away after only making eye contact for a brief second. Thoughts of him – dreams – had haunted her, and I couldn’t wait for that recognition / real meeting to occur.

What inspired the scene?

The day dreams of a teenage Terri seeing a handsome stranger on the street, only to unexpectedly find him again later.

Or do your own thing...


AUTHOR BIO:  

Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.