TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Camelot Kids

Author: Ben Zackheim
Title: The Camelot Kids
Publish Date: Aug 25, 2014
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: TLC Book Tours
Book Blurb:What would you do if an odd girl in a hooded cloak said, "You know you're a descendant of King Arthur's knight, Lancelot, right?" You'd probably do the same thing 14-year-old orphan Simon Sharp does: back away nice and slow. The difference is Simon's Camelot-obsessed parents recently died under mysterious circumstances.

But he learns the truth about their fate and his heritage after he's kidnapped by a drunk troll, rescued by a 7-foot elderly man named Merlin, and thrown into training with 149 other heirs of the Knights of the Round Table. Can Simon survive a prophecy that predicts the world will be saved through its destruction? Can he do it while clues keep popping up that his parents are alive?

The Camelot Kids is about one boy's struggle to solve a mystery and make it to tomorrow in a world both real and fantastic.

Review: If you have been waiting for a book that will take you back to the day when you first read Harry Potter, then your wait is over.

This is one of the first young adult/middle grade type books that I've read in a long time, but this book really pulled me in. It is also longer than most of my reads, topping in at nearly 500 pages. It also has some really fabulous illustrations. (though the cover isn't a good example)

The story is very fast paced and fun. You instantly love Simon and long for good things to happen to him.

I love the combination of magic and mystery.

Rating: 5 flowers

 

Great Escapes Book Tours Book Review: Flamenco, Flan & Fatalities

Flamenco, Flan, and Fatalities
(A Happy Hoofers Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (February 24, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1617733611
E-Book ASIN: B00M4ASU8S



Synopsis
Murder is nothing to tap at. . .
The high-kicking Happy Hoofers–Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary Louise, and Gini–have been booked to flaunt their fabulous flamenco footwork on a luxury train ride through northern Spain. But when a blowhard talk show host is found deader than four-day-old flan–with Gini as suspect numero uno–the feisty friends waste no time stepping into their sleuthing shoes to protect one of their own.

The dynamite dancers will have to step up their game before a clever killer brings the curtain down on one of them . . . for good!

Review: I think I've fallen in love with this series! No joke, how can you not love a cozy series with a group of dancers called the Happy Hoofers? Its impossible, I tell you. This is the second book in the series, so I only have to go back and read one book. Yay!

Oh and the cover is the cutest thing. (Just had to mention that)

I saw this story as a cozy modern spin on Murder On The Orient Express. It is a fast paced fun read, that you really won't want to miss! It is told from the point of view of Gini, a rather outspoken member of the troop.

I have to say, if you have conservative leanings, you might not enjoy this book as much. Bless her bleeding heart liberal heart. I found Shambless to remind me a bit of Newt Gingrich. He's the same kind of hateful blowhard.

I loved how Gini told him off at the restaurant, because he really was a vile pig.

The story really focused on Gini, Mary-Louise and Janice. The later two women had love interests o the trip, Janice kind of had two and the one really kept them in the thick of the investigation. Gini, really isn't quite suspect numero uno as the blurb would suggest though, but she sure helps the investigation move along.

I really enjoyed the story and the recipes included, though most are a bit too intricate for my cooking abilities.

Rating: 5 flowers

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Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: The Witch Hunter's Tale

Publication date: January 6, 2015
St. Martin’s Press
Formats: eBook, Hardcover
Pages: 320

Series: Book Three, The Midwife Mysteries Series
Genre: Historical Mystery

Sam Thomas takes readers back to Puritan England with midwife Bridget Hodgson, hailed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer as “one of the most fascinating detectives in contemporary mystery fiction.”

Winter has come to the city of York, and with it the threat of witchcraft. As women and children sicken and die, midwife Bridget Hodgson is pulled against her will into a full-scale witch-hunt that threatens to devour all in its path, guilty and innocent alike.

Bridget—accompanied once again by her deputy Martha Hawkins and her nephew Will Hodgson—finds herself playing a lethal game of cat and mouse against the most dangerous men in York, as well as her sworn enemy Rebecca Hooke. As the trials begin, and the noose begins to tighten around her neck, Bridget must answer the question: How far will she go to protect the people she loves?

Praise for the Midwife Mysteries Series

“Sam Thomas has created one of the most　fascinating detectives in contemporary mystery fiction—a crime-solving, wealthy, widowed midwife in embattled 17th-century York, England. . . . Bridget is as fascinating, fun and fierce as ever.” —Cleveland Plain Dealer on The Harlot’s Tale”Besides making his heroine a plausible sleuth, Thomas conveys the challenges of midwifery without clumsy exposition.” —Publishers Weekly (starred) on The Harlot’s Tale

“As pleasurable as his mystery is, the true thrill here is Thomas’s lively portrait of 1644 York and his unique heroine.” —Cleveland Plain Dealer on The Midwife’s Tale

“A briskly plotted historical mystery starring a pair of brave, tenacious, intelligent women who take no prisoners and make no apologies.” —Lyndsay Faye, author of Gods of Gotham

“Thomas is a historian by profession and it shows in the wealth of detail with which he recreates the city of York amid the turmoil of the English civil war.” —Rhys Bowen, author of the bestselling Royal Spyness series

“A heart-stopping page-turner coupled with a gritty and realistic portrayal of two strong and contrasting woman characters vividly depicted against the backdrop of the besieged city of York.” —Cora Harrison, author of I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend

“The gripping story, fascinating characters, and intriguing era make Thomas’s debut mystery a reader’s delight.” —Priscilla Royal, author of The Killing Season

“Thomas’s fiction debut is packed with fascinating information about a midwife’s skills and life during the English civil war. The ingenious, fast-paced mystery is a bonus.” —Kirkus Reviews on The Midwife’s Tale

“Everything rings true in historian Thomas’s superb first mystery. . . Authentic details of life in 17th-century York complement the whodunit’s intelligently concealed clues.” —Publishers Weekly (starred) on The Midwife’s Tale

Buy the Book

Amazon (Hardcover)
Amazon (Kindle)
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
IndieBound
Powell’s

About the Author

Sam Thomas is an assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has received research grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Newberry Library, and the British Academy. He has published articles on topics ranging from early modern Britain to colonial Africa. Thomas lives in Alabama with his wife and two children.

For more information please visit Sam Thomas’s website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

The Witch Hunter’s Tale Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 9
Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Spotlight at What Is that Book About

Tuesday, February 10
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Spotlight at The Lit Bitch

Wednesday, February 11
Review at Build a Bookshelf

Friday, February 13
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Monday, February 16
Review at Book Babe
Spotlight at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, February 17
Review at The Emerald City Book Review

Wednesday, February 18
Review & Interview at Back Porchervations

Friday, February 20
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Monday, February 23
Interview at Mina’s Bookshelf
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Obsession

Tuesday, February 24
Review at A Book Geek

Wednesday, February 25
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Thursday, February 26
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog
Spotlight at Brooke Blogs

Friday, February 27

Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Review: The beginning of the year seems to signal a new book in the Midwife Mystery series. This is a double edged sword, because it usually sets the standard for all of the other books I'll read this year. It sets the bar pretty high too.

The Witch Hunter's Tale is book three in the series and it is just as good as the first two. If you like historical mysteries, or books set in Puritan England. As you can guess from the title, the story deals with witch hunts and Bridget and Martha find themselves knee deep in it.

As always, Sam's attention to detail brings the period as well as the story to life.  The characters are very "human".  This isn't your cozy type of mystery. I think that's what I loved about Bridget from the first book. She's intelligent, maybe even more intelligent than most women are in this time period. So there's no bumbling here, and that's what makes you keep turning the pages.

A lot of this story deals with how far you'll go to protect those closest to you. Bridget definitely goes above and beyond what is necessary. (And I admire her more for it).

Another winner by Sam Thomas! I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series!

Rating: 5 flowers

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Spotlight: The Witch Of Painted Sorrows

Publication Date: March 17, 2015
Atria Books
Formats: Hardcover, Ebook
Pages: 384

Genre: Historical Mystery





READ AN EXCERPT.

Possession. Power. Passion. International bestselling novelist M.J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this erotic, gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome runs away to her grandmother’s Parisian mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insits it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.

Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten – her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love and witchery.

Praise for the novels of M.J. Rose

The Witch of Painted Sorrows

“Rose's new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle epoque Paris—a perfect match for the author's lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. A cliffhanger ending will leave readers hungry for the next volume. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“A haunting tale of possession.” (Publishers Weekly)

The Collector of Dying Breaths

"Breathtaking...combines fascinating history, torrid romance and a compelling mystery into a marvelous package that will entice fans of Anne Rice and Diana Gabaldon.” (Associated Press)

"A page-turning, alluring concoction of fiction infused with fantastical yet actual history. Readers will be charmed by her well-drawn and memorable characters, and they will be mesmerized by her enchanting narrative, which takes them on a mystical and magical journey." (Library Journal (starred))

"A terrific piece of entertainment." (CT Post)

"Wondrously original... elegantly written. Rose manages to utterly suspend our disbelief in a book that leaves us, appropriately enough, breathless." (Providence Journal)

"Mysterious, magical, and mythical…what a joy to read!" (Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants)

Seduction

"Atmospherically romantic and perfectly toned. Classy and elegant literary seduction of the highest measure. As wondrously crafted as it is original." (Providence Journal)

"Readers will be enchanted by M.J. Rose's supernaturally charged novel Seduction, inspired by Victor Hugo's self-imposed exile on the British island of Jersey in the 1850s." (USA Today)

“Has just about everything a thriller fan could wish for.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

“Full of well-researched history, the paranormal, and modern intrigue, this atmospheric tale of suspense is fully engrossing to those willing to suspend their disbelief.” (Library Journal (starred review))

The Book of Lost Fragrances

"A compelling page turner...Once you catch a whiff, you will be enchanted." (Associated Press)

"M.J. Rose is a bold, unflinching writer and her resolute honesty puts her in a class by herself." (Laura Lippman)

"The Book of Lost Fragrances resonates with spirit, blending myth with reality, tragedy with triumph, pain with joy. You'll find yourself questioning everything you believe--and wanting more." (Steve Berry)

“Provocative…a sweeping sense of romance [and] history.” (Cleveland Plain-Dealer)

Buy the Book

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

IndieBound

About the Author

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed.

She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the co-president and founding board member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut. Visit her online at MJRose.com.

Connect with M.J. Rose on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.

Sign up for M.J. Rose's newsletter and get information about new releases, free book downloads, contests, excerpts and more.

Book Review: Sullivan's Island

Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
Title: Sullivan's Island
Publisher: Penguin
Publish Date: Jan 1, 1999
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquisitely talented writer--and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth. Born and raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes navigated through her turbulent childhood with humor, spunk, and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes resentful teenage daughter, and a heart that aches with painful, poignant memories. And as Susan faces her uncertain future, she realizes she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her with open arms. To a place haunted by long-held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the only place she can truly call home...

Review: I've read one other book by Dorothea Benton Frank, and I really enjoyed it. I picked up Sullivan's Island at the YMCA lending library and I felt like I was reading the same book, or at least a variation on that book.

Strong middle aged female gets dumped by her husband of many years for a sweet young thing. There's a lot of rehashing of the past, which is the only thing that made the book worth reading. The 1960's south always makes for good reading. I adored Livvie and the fact that Susan's family, or rather her mom and dad weren't bigots and actually built a special bathroom for her, rather than making her use an outhouse was great. (If you read The Help or saw the movie, this will make a lot more sense)

Most of the book that takes place in the present, details Susan coming into her own, and coping with her divorce from Tom. And seriously, why does this woman give her cheating men cancer, and make them absolute twits too?

There were several times when I was reading about Tom and his sweet young thang, Karen, that I wanted to fling the book at a wall.

Not only that, I found myself wondering where in the hideeheck, the twins were during Christmas 1999, when all the Hamilton clan returned home. Maggie, Susan, Henry and Timmy were there, but what about the twins? WTF!

Overall, I enjoyed the book, even though it frustrated the hell out of me and the paranormal ending, which was sweet, also didn't fit with the rest of the story.

Rating: 3 flowers

Great Escapes Book Tours Book Review: Ladle To The Grave

Ladle to the Grave
(A Soup Lover’s Mystery)
4th in Series
Cozy Mystery
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (March 3, 2015)
ISBN-=-13: 978-0425273111
E-Book ASIN: B00LMGLY7E

By the Spoonful is Snowflake, Vermont’s most popular soup shop, but owner Lucky Jamieson doesn’t have any time to enjoy her success—she’s too busy trying to keep a lid on false accusations against her loved ones…

It’s almost May, and some of the local ladies have organized a pagan celebration in the woods to welcome spring. But the evening goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees winds up dead, apparently poisoned by an herbal concoction prepared by Lucky’s grandfather, Jack.

Lucky’s sure her grandfather could not have made such a tragic mistake. But before she can clear him of suspicion, her best friend, Sophie, is diverted from planning her wedding to By the Spoonful chef Sage DuBois when she finds a dead man floating in the creek on her property. Now it’s up to Lucky to get both Sophie and Jack out of hot water before a killer stirs up more trouble…

Review: I discovered this series last year with A Roux To Revenge, but don't worry if you haven't read that or the other books in the series, this is a cozy series you can jump into. Sort of test the waters to see if you like it, or the soup, in this case.



I love cozies that have recipes, and this is one of them.


There are two storylines going on in this story. There's the first death, of Agnes, that pulls Lucky's grandfather into the whole mystery, as the plants he picked could possibly have caused her death.


Jack is such a wonderful character and his PTSD will break you heart. You really want to shake anyone that thinks he would be capable of harming someone or incorrectly picking the wrong plants.


Then there's the discovery of the body by Sophie's mother's home.


Sophie's story seems to take over the main plotline, but really the two intertwine and make for a really fascinating mystery.  I loved learning more about Sophie and her family, even though her brother Rick was a bit frustrating.


I also love how her wedding was becoming a whole town affair. Her friendship with Lucky is the kind we all wish we had.  Lucky was such a good friend, who would do anything for her bff.


This was really a gripping cozy and I can't wait to try the Chicken pot pie soup!








Rating: 5 flowers

 

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Cover Reveal: Sight and Sinners

We are very excited to welcome Susan Mac Nicol with us today. Susan is debuting her newest book with us, Sight and Sinners (Men of London #2). We have the Book Cover Reveal, Book Blurb, a Video Trailer and an Author Bio about Susan.

Release Date:  February 23, 2015

THE MEN OF LONDON

From Charing Cross to Waterloo, there’s no escaping love.

SEEING THROUGH…

28-year-old Draven Samuels has a tragic past, but as an investigator with a high-profile London company he now gets what he wants. Tough, sarcastic, and sceptical, he has no patience for lies and even less for people who waste his time. Even if they’re as beautiful as the wild and dark-haired Taylor Abelard. Especially when they’re talking over the body of a murder victim.

THE DARKNESS

Psychic Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel the ghostly vibrations of people close to him who've passed on. It’s why he doesn't get too close to the living. But this time, against his better judgment, despite Draven’s mocking rejoinders, Taylor will get closer than ever before. The mystery surrounding a dead friend will lead the two men down a dark and seedy trail of blackmail and lies. Add in the heartbreak of a family tragedy, and events lead them straight into each other’s arms. By the end of this night, all their demons will have risen—and been banished with the dawn.

Susan Mac Nicol is a self confessed bookaholic, an avid watcher of videos of sexy pole dancing men, self confessed geek and nerd and in love with her Smartphone. This little treasure is called ‘the boyfriend’ by her long suffering husband, who says if it vibrated, there’d be no need for him. Susan hasn’t had the heart to tell him there’s an app for that…

She is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason.

She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.

Lover of walks in the forest, theatre productions, dabbling her toes in the cold North Sea and the vibrant city of London where you can experience all four seasons in a day , she is a hater of pantomime (so please don’t tar and feather her), duplicitous people, bigotry and self righteous idiots.

In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a little while, good things happen to good people.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | tsu

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Book Review: The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants

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Author: Ann Brashares
Title:  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publish Date: Sept 2011
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb:Carmen got the jeans at a thrift shop. They didn’t look all that great: they were worn, dirty, and speckled with bleach. On the night before she and her friends part for the summer, Carmen decides to toss them. But Tibby says they’re great. She'd love to have them. Lena and Bridget also think they’re fabulous. Lena decides that they should all try them on. Whoever they fit best will get them. Nobody knows why, but the pants fit everyone perfectly. Even Carmen (who never thinks she looks good in anything) thinks she looks good in the pants. Over a few bags of cheese puffs, they decide to form a sisterhood and take the vow of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . the next morning, they say good-bye. And then the journey of the pants — and the most memorable summer of their lives — begins.

Review: I've wanted to read this book for a long time.  I'm very selective when it comes to YA. I found I had a lot of mixed feelings when I finally finished this one. Not mixed in that I didn't like the story, but because the characters really made my emotions go all over the place in this book.

The sisterhood is Carmen, Tibby, Lena and Bridget, and the pants come from a thrift shop and travel with each of them through the summer.

I found that I liked Carmen and Tibby the best. They felt more like typical 15 year old girls. Carmen has issues with her father and his new family. Heck, if I were Carmen, I probably would have been as obnoxious and angry as she was.

Tibby has a summer job and through that she meets a younger girl, Bailey who has leukemia. To say that this story isn't going to tear your heart out at some time is an understatement. Seriously, you are going to cry. That's all I can say.

Lena spends the summer in Greece with her grandparents and Bridget is in Baja California at a soccer camp. Both girls screw up with guys. Lena by being standoffish and Bridget by being a bit of slut.

I didn't get very involved in these two girls stories. They seemed too unbelievable, be it a huge weird misunderstanding or a fling with an older guy. The pants empower them, helping through the hard times and putting things right.

Overall, it was a fun read and a great start to this series. I look forward to seeing where the girls and the pants go next.

Rating: 4 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: A Memory Of Violets

Author: Hazel Gaynor
Title: A Memory Of Violets
Publisher: William Morrow
Publish Date: Feb 3, 2015
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: 
"For little sister. . . . I will never stop looking for you."

1876. Among the filth and depravity of Covent Garden's flower markets, orphaned Irish sisters Flora and Rosie Flynn sell posies of violets and watercress to survive. It is a pitiful existence, made bearable only by each other's presence. When they become separated, the decision of a desperate woman sets their lives on very different paths.

1912. Twenty-one-year-old Tilly Harper leaves the peace and beauty of her native Lake District for London to become assistant housemother at one of Mr. Shaw's Training Homes for Watercress and Flower Girls. For years, the homes have cared for London's orphaned and crippled flower girls, getting them off the streets. For Tilly, the appointment is a fresh start, a chance to leave her troubled past behind.

Soon after she arrives at the home, Tilly finds a notebook belonging to Flora Flynn. Hidden between the pages she finds dried flowers and a heartbreaking tale of loss and separation as Flora's entries reveal how she never stopped looking for her lost sister. Tilly sets out to discover what happened to Rosie—but the search will not be easy. Full of twists and surprises, it leads the caring and determined young woman into unexpected places, including the depths of her own heart.

Review: There are some books out there that are meant to be savored and this is definitely one of those books. When you sit down to read it you really get lost in the two stories here, the story of Tilly and her life in London as a housemother, and the story of Florrie and Rosie and how they lost each other.

It is a book about sisters, and it is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time for everyone. Tilly and Florrie have some similarities as well as an unusual connection to each other. Florrie was an orphan and lived

I loved reading Florrie's story, even though it will break your heart. It is hard to imagine spending your life looking for someone that you've lost, not knowing if they are alive or dead. You also get to see what happened to Rosie. Her story isn't as sad, but rather touching. She is one of the lucky ones.

When you learn about the flower girls of London during the late 1800s and early 1900s you can't help but feel sorry for them all. It was such a hard life for these children and so many of them were suffering from afflictions.

Tilly is the string that binds the whole story together and yet her story might be the saddest of them all, and it involves her sister and mother. Her relationship with them is not good at all. But there's some intrigue there and a sibling rivalry too.

There is also a little bit of romance, but it isn't very important to the story. The story really is about bringing the flower girl sisters back together, even though one of them is dead. What makes this story so beautiful and powerful is how Tilly ultimately is tied to the Florrie and Rosie.

This was truly a beautiful book and one I won't soon forget. I highly recommend it!

Rating:  5 flowers

Book Spotlight: Andrea Cefalo - The Fairytale Keeper

Andrea Cefalo has a new book coming out but before you read that, check out the first book in the series, The Fairytale Keeper!

I reviewed this book a year ago and you can check out my review here

If you've already read the book, you can take a cool quiz to see which character from the book that you are!

To take that quiz, click here

Author: Andrea Cefalo
Title: The Fairytale Keeper: Avening The Queen
Publisher: Scarlet Primrose Press
Publish Date: May 26, 2012

E-copies of The Fairytale Keeper

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Kobo

E-copies of The Countess’ Captive

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

Kobo

Paperback Copies of The Fairytale Keeper

Amazon

Barnes and Noble (Not Yet Available)

Paperback Copies of The Countess’ Captive

Amazon (Not Yet Available)

Barnes and Noble (Not Yet Available)

Social Media

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Goodreads for The Fairytale Keeper

Goodreads for The Countess’ CaptiveMy Official Website

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Book Blurb: 

Adelaide’s mother, Katrina, was the finest storyteller in all of Airsbach, a borough in the great city of Cologne, but she left one story untold, that of her daughter, that of Snow White. Snow White was a pet name Adelaide’s mother had given her. It was a name Adelaide hated, until now. Now, she would give anything to hear her mother say it once more.

A rampant fever claimed Adelaide’s mother just like a thousand others in Cologne where the people die without last rites and the dead are dumped in a vast pit outside the city walls. In an effort to save Katrina’s soul, Adelaide’s father obtains a secret funeral for his wife by bribing the parish priest, Father Soren.

Soren commits an unforgivable atrocity, pushing Adelaide toward vengeance. When Adelaide realizes that the corruption in Cologne reaches far beyond Soren, the cost of settling scores quickly escalates. Avenging the mother she lost may cost Adelaide everything she has left: her father, her friends, her first love, and maybe even her life.

Seamlessly weaving historical events and Grimm’s fairy tales into a tale of corruption and devotion, The Fairytale Keeper, leaves the reader wondering where fact ends and fiction begins. The novel paints Medieval Cologne accurately and vividly. The story develops a set of dynamic characters, casting the famous villains, heroes, and damsels of Grimm’s fairy tales into believable medieval lives. Though historically set, The Fairytale Keeper brims with timeless themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for justice.

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Tasty Book Tours Book Blast & Review: Let Them Talk

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$25.00 eGift Card to choice Book Seller

Let Them Talk

Encounters

Susanna Carr

Releasing February 1st, 2015

Harlequin Blaze

A risqué book club inspires three women to be naughty… 

THE DIARY 

Sydney Tate is writing a fictional erotic diary inspired by the town's mouthwateringly hot mayor, Matthew Stone. Then her "diary" disappears and suddenly Matthew is bringing all of Sydney's secret fantasies to life! 

TALK OF THE TOWN 

Armed with a seduction how-to guide, librarian Isabel Bennett is pulling out every trick in the book to tempt Sean Hawkins. The oh-so-sexy businessman is about to find out just how bad this good girl can be… 

CRAVING YOU 

Laura Dawson is desperate to get her gorgeous neighbor, Connor Adams, into her bed. So she turns to an aphrodisiac cookbook to serve up the most tantalizing, irresistible dish Connor has ever seen herself.

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Amazon | Barnes | GooglePlay | iTunes | Kobo

There was something different in the way he looked at her today. His light blue eyes held a predatory gleam.

Impossible. The man had no interest in hunting her. It was wishful thinking on her part.

"Why are you here, Sean? I don't remember you coming into the library before." She tilted her head as she considered his lack of visits. "Do you have a library card?"

"I wanted to talk to you about your book club," he said. "I want in."

She blinked a few times. She couldn't possibly have heard that correctly. "Excuse me?"

"I want to join your book club."

He seemed serious. "Why?" The word dragged out of her mouth.

"Why do most people join a book club? To discuss books and read something out of their comfort zone."

Isabel frowned. "You only read e-mails and business magazines."

"True." Sean nodded. "Time to broaden my horizons, don't you think?"

"No. What are you up to, Sean?" She couldn't figure out what his angle could be.

"When's your next meeting?"

She straightened her shoulders. No, no, no. He wasn't going to invade her book club. She wasn't going to have him ask provocative questions or slice through her arguments. Okay, so that would be welcome in most book clubs, but she wasn't going to share her thoughts with him about these books. "It's by invitation only."

"Then invite me."

She shivered at his low and rough voice. "No."

"Why not?"

"You wouldn't understand." Their meetings were her safe place. A time to bounce ideas off her friends and ask questions. After plenty of Sunday dinners with Sean, she knew the book club's discussions would completely deteriorate into a battle of wills if he was there.

Sean rested his chin against his hand. "Are you worried that I would learn all your secrets? Find out all the tricks and tips from your readings?"

It was a concern. Knowledge was power. These books emboldened her and she was learning how to reach out and take what she wanted. But the bold side of her wasn't fully formed, and she couldn't discuss these subjects with him until it was.

"I want to join the book club," he said firmly.

"No." Never. Not going to happen.


Review: Let Them Talk reminded me of one of my favorite Blaze novels from a few years back, Stephanie Bonds Seduction By The Book. If you read that book, you will definitely love this one. Its both similar and different at the same time, if that makes any sense at all.

I love the idea of erotic fiction or even non-fiction inspiring a relationship. Don't we all? 

This book is comprised of three stories relating back to each of the girls, Sydney, Isabel and Laura. Each has a book that helps her get her man, one is an erotic diary, another is a self help book on seduction and the other is a cookbook. The books provide a lot of inspiration for the girls to get their guys.

Of the three stories, my favorite was the first one with Sydney and Matthew. I think it was the hottest of the three stories too, as Sydney's own diary, albeit a fake one, was the inspiration for the racy parts with Matthew.

Isabel and Laura's stories are the typical good girl wants to be bad and bad girl wants to be good sort of thing. With Isabel and Sean I would have liked to have seen her stand up to her father who was a little to "reputation" oriented and with Laura and Connor, well, I would have like a little more "bad."

There's something for everyone in this one. I always like the story within a story Blazes, especially around a holiday.

This is a great Blaze! And one for the keeper self!

Rating: 5 flowers

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Susanna Carr is an award-winning author known for her contemporary romances. Readers throughout the world find Susanna's stories a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy" and "a must read." When she isn't writing or spending time with her family in the Pacific Northwest, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online. 

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