Friday, December 28, 2018

Barclay Book Tours Book Spotlight: Harder Than Steel



A sexy movie star, a desperate photographer, and the secrets that could destroy them both. Contemporary Romance author Jane Galaxy shines in this steamy debut title which fans of Sariah Wilson's #Starstruck will swoon over.

Rafflecopter for Harder Than Steel Sale Alert Book Blast Giveaway:

In celebration of the sale for Jane Galaxy’s Harder Than Steel Eventide Press is offering one lucky winner a $50 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:


Direct Link:


About Harder Than Steel:

Title: Harder Than Steel
Author: Jane Galaxy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 4, 2018
Publisher: Eventide Press
Series: Super Stars #1
Format: Digital eBook
Digital ISBN: B07DJ42L7S

Synopsis:

A SEXY MOVIE STAR, A DESPERATE PHOTOGRAPHER, AND THE SECRETS THAT COULD DESTROY THEM BOTH...

Henry Jackson (Jax) Butler is Hollywood's hottest bad boy. Ever since the release of STEEL KNIGHT, his first movie in the world-famous Defender superhero film franchise, he's been able to land any girl he wants, even his co-star's sexy model girlfriend. But this dream job comes with downsides—like feeling completely typecast and unable to move on artistically. That and the paparazzi. The evil, privacy-invading scum who tail his every step, smearing his name and reputation just for having some innocent fun. And one pap in particular has become his worst enemy...

Vanessa Reyes would give anything to be a real photographer, shooting for investigative journalism pieces that could make a difference in the world. But with her sister's medical bills to pay, she's stuck tailing Hollywood's latest bad boy Jax Butler through New York, cashing in on every one of his plentiful hookups. She might not love her job, but she feels no remorse about exposing Jax for the heartless heartbreaker he is. Why shouldn't she cash in on his dirty dealing?

But when Jax is ordered to clean up his public image, he can think of no better media contact to approach for help than his rival. Keep your friends close and your enemies... Well, you know the rest. As for Vanessa, her boss has ordered her to find him newer, dirtier dirt on Jax. What better way to worm her way into his good graces than by accepting his offer to write some fluff pieces about him?

Yet the more time the two enemies spend in one another's company, the more they begin to see different sides to one another. Is Jax really the ruthless hookup artist he seems? Is Vanessa just another shady pap out for his blood? Or do they both have another, deeper self? One that only shines when they're together...

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

!!!!NOW ON SALE FOR $0.99 thru January 2, 2019!!!!
Available: Amazon

Excerpt:

Copyright © 2018 Harder Than Steel
Jane Galaxy

Jax stayed where he was at the foot of the bed. There was still time, but maybe not as much as he’d counted on. Wardrobe tended to show up early. He brushed his fingertips together lightly.
They are going to be here soon,” he enunciated clearly. “And I am afraid, my dear,” he leaned over to grasp her foot and playfully pull her toward him to soften the blow, “That you have to make yourself scarce.”
You said we’d spend an afternoon together!” She pulled herself up to run her hands over his biceps. “You promised me, Jax.”
Yes, but you were naked at the time, and it doesn’t really seem fair to hold me to a promise in circumstances like that,” he pointed out. She swatted him lightly across the arm, then caressed him. “Besides, I have interviews, and there’s that dual press junket next week. Maybe I’ll see you there.”
Georgina was looking at him more acutely now. When she dropped the sex kitten act, there was a resilience to her that he found encouraging, like hearing about someone small and strong winning against all odds. He leaned in and pressed his lips against her forehead.
It’s not the same in public,” she said with a sigh, and went to get fully dressed. Jax wandered over to the windows to notice that his view had changed yet again. New York was in real flux these days—going up next door were either luxury condos or an office complex. The sun glinted off glass on the street below. When he’d left for Los Angeles, there had been the rubble of a warehouse that had probably once made pickle jar lids; now there were sidewalk sheds and signs with fantasy graphics of completed structures. Light flickered at him again, and Jax squinted carefully down to the street.
Someone with a very large camera was photographing him from the sidewalk.
Oh shitting fuck Christ,” he whispered, and looked around to see if Georgina had heard him. She was smiling down into her phone, one index finger playing across her lips in an aesthetically-pleasing pose. “You need to leave,” he said, and gathered up her purse.
Wha—”
Now, preferably. We need to get moving.”
What the hell, Jax?!”
Listen to me,” he said. Georgina curled her lip and looked down her nose at where he’d set his palms on her shoulders. “There’s paparazzi downstairs.”
Her face twitched into eager surprise, disgust forgotten. “How many?”
Just one. But they give off a pheromone, and soon it’ll attract others,” he said. She made to move over to the windows, but he held her wrist. “They’ve already seen me.” He felt his hand tug. “Georgina.” That seemed to bring her around to slightly-disappointed sanity.
Ugh, fine. I can call a car if you tell me where the back door to this place is.”
There isn’t one. And don’t call a car,” he said, pushing her phone out of her face to look at her. “That’s like a pap magnet.”
Which is why you take a back way. There’s always a celebrity exit—loading dock, alley entrance, anything?”
I’d bet good money on the alley door being blocked because of the construction.” The landlords on places like these were more concerned about getting the right color light from Edison bulbs than basic safety regulations. He shook his head in disbelief. “But you need to go now, before there’s a crowd. Walk just a block, or take a taxi.”
God, you’re no fun when you’re jetlagged, you know that? I know how papping works.” She rolled her eyes.
I’d like to go light with the tabloids this week.” Jax looked at her significantly.
You know, there’s no such thing as bad press,” Georgina told him on the service elevator, once they were dressed and had managed to get down the hallway to the service elevator without meeting anyone. “You’re lucky you get this kind of attention, people wanting to know what you’re doing every minute. As if you couldn’t just take a picture of yourself. It’s gotta be this huge production—someone has to actually get in a car or ride the subway to go to your location and report back on what you’re doing. It’s almost vintage, isn’t it?”
He pushed open the metal doors onto the stretch of asphalt between buildings. No one was passing on the distant sidewalk except the usual dog walkers and flocks of tourists in screen-printed t-shirt uniforms, and for a moment Jax felt foolish for an abundance of paranoia. They came up nearly to the street and stood in the shade of a sidewalk shed.
Maybe it’ll be—”
Through the jolt of pneumatic screw guns and a low grinding hum of heavy equipment, Jax distinctly heard with a chill the horrifying sound of a shutter clicking on a digital SLR.
Hey, Henry!”
Fuuuuuuck. Fuck.
Henry Jackson “Jax” Butler closed his eyes for just a moment, hoping Georgina had dosed him with LSD. Or peyote. But not ayahuasca, he hoped. Worst Comic-Con ever. The cloying sing-song voice sounded like a delighted friend seeing him for the first time in a while, and Georgina turned to face it.
Do you know her?”
Jax turned and raised both fists out in front of him, middle fingers jutting up nonchalantly. The woman with the camera bent her knee slightly to get a better shot of him flipping her off.
Aww, it’s you!” he said in a mock-enthusiastic voice as he recognized her face—olive skin, dark eyes, hair pulled back into a ponytail. The one girl who could find him anywhere and always create a shitty way to get him into the tabloids. “My least favorite pap of them all! Having a good summer? How’s the life-ruining business going? You know, maybe it’s just me—I feel like our connection is so one-sided, we never talk, does that ever worry you?”
The paparazz—well, it was probably paparazza, now that he thought about it, not that anyone would ever use that word, but there were very few women paparazzi out there, it was one of those markets men seemed to dominate—she lowered the camera to her side and cocked her hip, scrunching up her mouth and looking wickedly thoughtful.
Nah, my conscience is pretty clean. Mostly because I’m not an accomplice to... whatever this is.” The girl waggled her finger at them and cocked her head to one side, gazing at Georgina’s face intently to try to place her.
Ah, shit.
Go,” said Jax, and gave Georgina a light push. The camera whipped back up to capture his hand on her shoulder blade.
Isn’t that your co-star’s girlfriend?”
Only then did Georgina seem to remember that she was Jax’s co-star’s girlfriend, and disappeared along the building.
Still the worst, Reyes, you know that?” he called out to her. She focused the camera again, and caught him looking overhead suddenly, squinting at something near the fire escapes. “Is that—?” He pointed to it, floating upward on a breeze like a lost balloon. “Is that your clean little conscience?” His hand reached out to grasp empty air. “Oh, it’s getting away, there it goes. Say goodbye, Reyes, better make it a full break. No regrets.”
She was ignoring him, briskly clicking through the images on her viewscreen, just casually scrolling through her power over the situation, over him, over the money to be made off other people’s lives. He started toward her, not entirely sure of what he was about to do, when a screeching thud turned end over end on itself, sounding like a semi jackknifing through traffic. Jax saw it before he heard construction workers hollering at each other.
One of the steel beams had come loose and was coming down.
He took a running start off of nothing and threw himself headlong, tackling Reyes in a dive. The girder slammed onto a flatbed trailer parked next to where she’d been standing, crumpling the cab.
Jax’s head rang. He’d rolled at the last second to avoid throwing his whole weight onto her, and now Reyes was twisting around underneath him to get loose. She had more muscles than her loose, nondescript clothing suggested, hard and compact, but still curving where she ought to. Jax wished she’d give him just a minute, for the dust to clear, and finally stood, breathing hard. Reyes came up to her feet, and he saw why she’d been squirming—she wanted to make sure her camera had survived being pressed between the two of them.
The Butler Did It—Jax Assaults Photographer After Alley Affair Shocker, the headline would read, and the Steel Knight toy marketing executives would haul him into their offices for another lecture.
Jesus Christ,” he said to her. She was inspecting the lens and hadn’t even bothered to check herself for damage. Or him. “Really? Now?”
Reyes frowned down at her camera, but instead of lining up another shot, she gingerly twisted the focus to feel for damage.
I can’t believe you managed to do that without breaking it,” she said. “Or me.” He could hear construction workers shouting to one another, footsteps in the distance.
They stared at each other for several moments, and she let the camera drop to the strap on her neck.
Um,” said Reyes. “Should I—How can I—Thanks? You?”
How can you thanks me?” said Jax. Reyes’ mouth opened and closed several times, and her eyes shut for a moment, only to open on Jax holding out his palm.
By deleting those photos.” When she didn’t move, he flexed his hand. “Come on, lemme see it.”
Reyes drew the strap from around her neck carefully, as if it were heavy.
I’m only interested in the ones of me,” he said, quiet, but her strange expression didn’t change. Jax went into the image review and removed every shot involving him, even the one of his apartment building rising up to loom over the street. He paused and moved his thumb off the delete button on the picture before that: a plump older woman striding through a zebra crossing with one arm flung out as if to welcome or guide, looking directly into the lens. Jax flicked the power off and handed the device back to Reyes.
She stood for a moment as distant sirens echoed off the buildings, and they looked at one another.
You okay?”
Yeah.” Her dark eyes flicked back and forth across the pavement in front of him, and her throat moved when she swallowed. “You okay?”
Uh… yeah. Sure.”
Reyes nodded.
Okay,” said Jax. “I have to go be on TV now.” He turned and went back into the apartment building through the metal doors.


Other Books in the Super Stars series:

Colder Than Ice (Super Stars #2)

SOPHIE MARKES just landed the ultimate writing gig--turning her award-winning superhero comic 'Shadows of the Imperium' into a screenplay for Card One Studios.

TRISTAN ECCLESTON just landed the ultimate acting role--playing the icy, brooding Lucius in Card One Studios' newest blockbuster.

Sophie's dream job quickly becomes a nightmare. Card One has completely changed her story, rendering it unrecognizable. Salvaging the script means plenty of on-set time... particularly with one unbearably gorgeous British actor.

Tristan's dream role is more precarious than ever. His father, British acting royalty, and his scheming ex-girlfriend are determined to sabotage his "frivolous" gig. Avoiding them and their snobbish expectations means spending more and more time with the quiet, nerdy, and irresistible Sophie.

But when Sophie learns the truth behind her butchered script--when Tristan learns the truth behind Sophie's icy facade--it'll take more than the might of the Imperium to thaw their hearts.

Releasing January 15, 2019!


About Jane Galaxy:

Jane Galaxy has the heart of a romantic and a brain full of pop culture knowledge. She loves to escape into the world of super-powered heroes and heroines with awesome abs who punch stuff, but putting them through their paces when it comes to the hard work of emotions and true love is even better.
You can usually find her pining over gifs from ComicCon and coming up with the perfect song for a hot guy to play in the background of his latest angst-riddled workout session.



Please add Barclay Publicity’s button at the bottom of your post and/or on the side column of your blog and link it back to http://www.barclaypublicity.com:

http://www.barclaypublicity.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMbNAby4kOsRY84XBNK5ZD1_3307DR__6S_FlM8t552X4SCKZjESSDoNPE-xbsfu4yg2KU311QhACkYoOlxi9hyphenhyphenVTCJtp5p8pSUzPr200DtuxGaRoEds2EXZtdQGrsV9CXYzl4-RhkRU/s320/Button_Basic.png
" width="150" height="150" border="0" />

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Tony's Wife

About Tony's Wife


Love, ambition, and the consequences of both lie at the heart of this spellbinding epic of two working-class kids who become a successful singing act during the big band era of the 1940s.

Chi Chi Donatelli and Saverio Armandonada meet one summer on the Jersey shore before World War II. Chi Chi is a talented and ambitious singer-songwriter working in a local blouse factory looking for her big break, while Saverio, a singer already on the rise, is fronting a touring band and has the good looks and smooth vocals that make success seem assured. It isn’t long before Saverio becomes Tony Arma and  he and Chi Chi form a duo; together they navigate the glamorous worlds of nightclubs, radio, and television. Soon they’re married and all goes well until it becomes clear that they must make a choice: Which of them will put ambition aside to build a family and which will pursue a career? What compromises will they make to achieve their dreams? And on the road to fame and fortune, how will they cope with the impact these compromises have on their marriage, family, and themselves?

From the Jersey shore to Hollywood, New York City to Las Vegas, the hills of northern Italy and the exuberant hayride of the big band circuit in between: Tony’s Wife tells the story of the twentieth century in song, as Tony & Chi Chi make studio recordings and promote them with appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. As they juggle the demands of their public lives, secrets are revealed, promises are broken, and loyalty is tested as the Armas attempt to keep the music playing and their family together.

Tony’s Wife is a richly layered novel that explores how a traditional Italian-American family grapples with the seismic shifts they face in a rapidly changing world. Replete with a pageant of vivid, complex characters, this deeply human saga of love and sacrifice showcases Adriana Trigiani’s gifts as a captivating storyteller and reveals her understanding that there are many different kinds of families: that over time love can evolve in ways that nobody can predict, especially when the hearts involved are open to forgiveness, the sweet reprise of redemption.



Purchase Links


HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Review: Adriana Trigiani is one of my favorite authors. I love her books and she's definitely on my list of must read authors.

Chi Chi and Tony are a musical couple and this is a story that spans the decades from the 30s through the 2000s.

You get to live through the decades and the entertainment that was popular at the time.

I adored the strong willed Chi Chi. She is a heroine that you have to love and Tony though not the most likable guy, is tolerable enough that you won't be annoyed by him. In fact, by the end of the book, he's grown on you.

This was a fabulous read!

Rating: 5 flowers

About Adriana Trigiani


Adriana Trigiani is the bestselling author of 17 books, which have been published in 36 countries around the world. She is a playwright, television writer/producer and filmmaker. She wrote and directed the film version of her novel Big Stone Gap, which was shot entirely on location in her Virginia hometown. She is co-founder of the Origin Project, an in-school writing program that serves more than a thousand students in Appalachia. She lives in Greenwich Village with her family.

Find out more about Adriana at her website, and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Goddess Fish Promotions Book Blast: What A Widow Wants


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jenna Jaxon will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter.

Widowed by the Battle of Waterloo, the ladies of Lyttlefield Park are returning to London society—with their futures in their own hands . . .

The widowed Lady Stephen Tarkington, Fanny to her friends, has finished mourning her cad of a husband and is ready to enjoy her freedom. The kind of freedom neither a gently bred miss nor a close-watched wife is permitted: dressing up as Aphrodite for a masquerade, drawing gentlemen away from the party, and hinting at late-night assignations with her dance partners. All is going pleasurably according to plan—until the Roman god Fanny kisses during a masquerade turns out to be Matthew, Lord Lathbury, whose proposal she refused years ago . . .

Lathbury is charming, passionate, inventive, everything Fanny wants in a lover—but unfortunately, he’s on the hunt for a wife. He’s more than willing to use all his wicked skills to persuade her back to the altar, but he can’t wait forever. And now Fanny’s position is more precarious than she once thought. If the tongues of the ton set to wagging, it’s possible no offer in the world will save her from ruin. But does she want to be saved? . . .

Read an Excerpt:

Heart pounding, Fanny ran on tiptoes in an effort to keep up with him. This was madness. Wherever was he taking her? And what on earth did he have in mind? Oh, but she knew what that was. That deep desire in his eyes told her exactly where his intentions lay. Would she allow him to have his way with her? She didn’t quite recognize him; the mask hid just enough of his face. Still he reminded her of someone. Someone who had been most dear to her what seemed a lifetime ago. But that man had left London, swearing never to return to the ton years before. He’d retreated to his country estate and had not been seen in Town for seven years.

They raced down the corridor, Pollux still in the lead, Castor right behind her. That gave her some comfort. Pollux wouldn’t ravish her in front of his brother, or friend rather. Still, the urgency of his headlong flight, dodging wide-eyed guests left and right, persuaded her that this man would stop at nothing to get her alone.

He turned a corner into a deserted hall and slowed finally. Stopping at a door on the far end, he glanced around then put his hand on the latch. “Keep watch, Cas. No one enters.”

Castor grinned. “Not a soul, Pol. My word as a gentleman.”

Pollux pushed down the latch, opened the door into a shadowy room, and drew her inside.

The flickering fireplace across the room gave the only light. Fanny’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the dimness. A moment in which Pollux pulled her hard against him, crushing her breasts against his unyielding chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pinning her to him, and sank his mouth onto hers.

About the Author:
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical romance in all time periods because, she says, “passion is timeless.” She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She’s a theatre director when she’s not writing and lives in Gloucester, Virginia with her family, including two very vocal cats and one silent one.

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as an active member of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. She has four series currently available: The House of Pleasure, set in Georgian England, Handful of Hearts, set in Regency England, and Time Enough to Love, set in medieval England and France, and The Widows’ Club series, also set in Regency England and available from Kensington Publishing in both print and digital.

She currently writes to support her chocolate habit.

Find Jenna Jaxon online:

BLOG: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Jaxon/e/B005CHPBD2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1

Buy the book at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1516103297/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i6
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-a-widow-wants-jenna-jaxon/1128297334

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, December 17, 2018

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: From Across The Room



From Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan

Publication Date: September 15, 2016

Five Star Publications

Hardcover & eBook; 271 Pages

Genre: Historical/Epistolary






Self-indulgent young writer Thomas Gadwell has traveled from Boston to the new Hotel Del Coronado in California to at last finish his novel when he meets the clever and headstrong Miss Mary Harting. At once Thomas tosses aside his literary pursuits for a charmed summer of romance that ends with the happy couple making future plans. However, Mary Harting is the only unmarried daughter of notorious railroad tycoon Charles Harting, and he has no intention of letting a useless wordsmith derail his own critical plans for Mary. The couple must continue a clandestine courtship, but Thomas' ingenuity has unexpected repercussions and he unwittingly uncovers a sinister plot of deception, greed, and blackmail. Guided by mentor Henry James, to win Mary, Thomas must step from the pages of the world he creates to explore his own insecurities, battle against worldly corruption, and expose family demons.

Told through a series of clever, heartfelt, and engaging letters, From Across the Room is a voyeuristic escapade that delights at every twist. Reflecting back to a time when letters were saved in the imagination of the reader, the lost art of letter writing brings to life the opulent Gilded Age and unfolds the universal passions of love, ambition, and the resilient bonds of family.


Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Chapters | IndieBound


Praise for From Across the Room

"A passionate love story set in a brilliantly recreated Gilded Age, this intimate epistolary novel takes the reader from a wide-open California to the salons of literary and industrial New York. Colorful and indelible characters stride across the pages of this exceptionally vivid historical novel that brings the past stirringly to life." -Diana Birchall, Bestselling Author of Mr. Darcy's Dilemma


"Gina Mulligan's impeccable prose, engaging characters, and original style reminds us all why we love to read." -Reza Kahlili, 2010 National Best Books winner for A Time to Betray




"The characters have richly defined voices and fascinating lives that sparkle against a transcontinental history of America at the beginning of the twentieth century." -Jessica Klein, Award-winning Writer/Producer of Northern Exposure, Beverly Hills 90210, Gabriel's Fire and other popular TV series.

Review:  This was a stunning book. It was written in the form of letters. I haven't read a book written in such a way since I read Les Liasions Dangereuses.

Thomas is a writer and Mary is the daughter of a railway man. Her father has other plans for his daughter and marrying a writer is not one of them.

The letters go between Mary and his agent and his mentor who is none other than Henry James.

This book was so much more than just letters. It was romance. It was mystery. It was an overall stunning read.

Rating: 5 flowers


About the Author
Gina L. Mulligan is a veteran freelance journalist for numerous national magazines and the author of the award-winning novel, REMEMBER THE LADIES and FROM ACROSS THE ROOM. After her own diagnosis, Gina founded Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects handwritten letters of encouragement for women with breast cancer. She was honored for her charitable work on the nationally syndicated television talk show The Steve Harvey Show, People.com, and TODAY.com.


Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, November 26
Review at Creating Herstory
Excerpt at Spellbound by History

Tuesday, November 27
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, November 28
Review at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, November 29
Review at Tar Heel Reader
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Friday, November 30
Review at A Holland Reads

Saturday, December 1
Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All

Monday, December 3
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 4
Review at CelticLady's Reviews
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, December 5
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, December 6
Review at Peppermint Ph.D.

Friday, December 7
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Monday, December 10
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, December 11
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, December 12
Review at Laura's Interests

Friday, December 14
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Monday, December 17
Review & Excerpt at Locks, Hooks and Books

Tuesday, December 18
Feature at Broken Teepee

Wednesday, December 19
Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, December 20
Review at Bri's Book Nook

Friday, December 21
Review at The Book Mind
Guest Post and Excerpt at Confessions of an Avid Reader


Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 3 copies of From Across the Room & Stationary! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

From Across the Room




Saturday, December 15, 2018

Reviews By Crystal Book Tour: The Christmas Ballet





The Christmas Ballet
By Constance Bretes
Constance has 2 $10 gift certificates to Paparazzi Accessories to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win one of the prize packages. You may find the tour locations here https://goo.gl/taJJDH.

About The Christmas Ballet:

Laura Hemmingway cut herself off from men and her family when the man she loved married her sister. She moved across the country and was doing just fine until she received a devastating call to return to New York. She had to face the death of her sister, her sister’s little girl, Maria, and Maria’s father, Stefan—the man she had once loved. She figured she would pay her respects and leave as soon as possible. She never anticipated on the beautiful little girl stealing her heart. And she never expected that seeing Stefan again after twelve years would stir up old feelings.
Stefan’s life was complete. He had a successful career as an attorney, a beautiful wife and an adorable six-year-old daughter. Although he and his wife had been married in name only for the past several years, he cared for her deeply. Then her unexpected death brought him face-to-face with his former lover, and the guilt he’d carried for years.
Stefan is still in love with Laura and wants to give her everything she deserves. He and Maria are racing against time to convince Laura to stay with them in New York.
Can a little girl’s love, and the true magic of Christmas, help Stefan convince Laura to stay and give their relationship another chance?
Content Warning: contains some sexual content
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Heat Level - Hot

  • Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2qPPQWB


  • Excerpt from The Christmas Ballet:

    He smiled as he thought about the look on her face when he’d stroked her. Maybe she was more interested in him than she either believed or cared to be.
    Then he thought of something. “One more thing, Laura,” he called out to her, and she stopped at the door and turned around.
    “On the nineteenth, the law firm is hosting the annual Christmas party. It’s quite grand and lasts all evening long.”
    “You want me to be sure to be available to babysit Maria,” Laura said.
    “No. I want you to plan to come with me.”
    “What?”
    “Remember that beautiful, green, velvet dress we saw at Macy’s? I want you to get that dress, and the accessories to go with it, and attend the party with me.”
    “Stefan, really. You know I don’t go to those types of events, and I don’t wear those kinds of clothes. I’m not comfortable with either of those things.”
    “You need to get comfortable.” He smiled.
    “This is not a part of a job for the nanny and teacher. It’s out of the range of the job description. You need to get Ginger to go with you. I’m not going.” She gave him a defiant look.
    “Laura, I want to take you to this event. I’m not taking no for an answer. I will arrange for Rhonda to take you shopping to help you get what you need. You will charge all the purchases to a credit card I will give you that’s for your use only. This is the first of many social parties you will be attending.”
    He watched her as she clenched her hands into fists and released them.
    “Who do you think you will get to care for Maria on these…occasions?”
    “Usually Lillian is available.”
    “Stefan, it’s my job to care for Maria, not be your date to your parties. I don’t like being told what I will or won’t do. I don’t like social parties, and I don’t like wearing expensive clothes. It’s not me, and you’re not going to change me.”
    “I don’t want to change you. I want you to attend an event by my side. It won’t hurt you to have some beautiful clothing to show your feminine side. I want the world to see the beauty I see. Be glad I want to show you off. Some men might decide they don’t want others to see what they see.”
    “Flattery doesn’t work with me. You can tell me what to do as far as Maria is concerned, but my personal life is off limits to you.”
    “That’s good to know. At least I know you won’t get carried away and escape my grasp by someone making flattering remarks to you. Your personal life interests me.”
    “Stefan, you just don’t get it. I am not going to this party,” she said, enunciating each word slowly and carefully. “Besides, your mother would be horrified to see me walk in with you.” Her face hardened as she stared at him.
    “Look at it this way—you’d be doing me a big favor.”
    “How?” She raised an eyebrow.
    “I’m not interested in the other women that come to this social party looking for an eligible bachelor. With you on my arm, it would send a clear message to all the others that I’m taken.”
    “God, you’re impossible. Ginger is more than capable of providing you that kind of service.”
    “I don’t want Ginger. You have the grace, quiet beauty, and finesse I want in a date, and I will not take no for an answer. After Maria’s recital, you and Rhonda will set a shopping date. And one more thing. When you get your hair done, I’d like you to wear it down.” He smiled at her.
    “This is not going to happen.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.
    “It will. I’ll just have Maria work on you.” He eyed her.
    “What?”
    Stefan grinned. “You heard me. You’d never turn down anything from Maria.”
    “Grrrr.” She growled and stomped up the stairs.
    He laced his hands and put them behind his head. Oh yeah, it’ll be a night she’ll never forget.

    About the Author:
    Constance Bretes is an author of contemporary romance and suspense. Her romance books are often set in different parts of the country, but her favorite site is Montana. She retired from the State of Michigan after 38-plus years of service and now writes and researches full time. She is married to her best friend and has recently moved from Montana to Alabama. Her hobbies include basket weaving, sapphire digging, and checking out old ghost towns.

    Constance's Social Links:


    • Email: bretesc@gmail.com

    • Instagram: #constancebretesauthor






    • Friday, December 14, 2018

      Barclay Book Tours: Return of the Lycan King



      he biggest fight for the new Lycan King is convincing his Queen that he is committed to her forever. Darren has already fought to convince Cass to give him a chance, but a new Monarchy is just the beginning of the changes to the Lycan Kingdom. But as secrets and challenges to Darren's crown emerge, his inner circle must close ranks to protect their Kingdom, and to make sure the newly-returned Lycan King keeps his crown. Candace Blackburn returns to the world of the Lycan King in this epic, edge of your seat third installment!

      Rafflecopter for Return of the Lycan King: Book 3: Darren and Cassandra Blog Tour Giveaway:

      Candace is offering two lucky winners their choice of either a $25 Amazon Gift Card of $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:


      Direct Link:


      About Return of the Lycan King: Book 3 Darren and Cassandra:

      Title: Return of the Lycan King: Book 3 Darren and Cassandra
      Author: Candace Blackburn
      Genre: Paranormal Romance
      Release Date: December 11, 2018
      Publisher: Candace Blackburn
      Series: Return of the Lycan King #3
      Format: Digital eBook
      Digital ISBN: 1-7328151-0-0

      Synopsis:

      Darren chases Cass to Ireland, determined to make up for his mistakes. When they return to North Carolina to build their lives together, nothing is the same. Darren has already fought to convince Cass to give him a chance, but a new Monarchy is just the beginning of the changes to the Lycan Kingdom. Secrets and challenges to Darren's crown emerge, and his inner circle closes ranks, to protect their Kingdom, and to make sure the newly-returned Lycan King keeps his crown.
      Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads


      Excerpt:

      Copyright © 2018 Return of the Lycan King: Book 3 Darren and Cassandra
      Candace Blackburn

      Chapter One

      Liam's completion of flight training had rather fortuitous timing. Liam was one of the members of Lex's security team before Darren moved in. Darren snagged the other Lycan on the way to the airport with the subtle threat to "move your ass and don't breathe a word to anyone." Darren looked out the window of the Konstantine jet and didn't see ocean, but he didn't know how close they were to Dublin Airport.
      Reading Liam's thoughts would have been easy enough, if Darren hadn't happily discovered that he could block that ability. So, he hadn't been subjected to the "have you lost your fucking mind" lecture that Liam likely received from Lex. Or the "you let anything happen to him, I'll kill you, myself" that undoubtedly followed said lecture.
      Darren spent the entirety of the flight thinking of his mate. The pain in her voice, on her face, and the tears in her eyes, all as a result of Darren not claiming her. Pain, he had his own. Not claiming her was a physical, mental hell--it was pain from head to toe. But, he had reasoned that he'd rather live with that pain, than put Cass through one second of his impressive--or not--collection of screw-ups. Not to mention, all the bullshit that came with being King.
      I'd rather cut off my own head than cause her pain like I saw that day.
      Which is why they were over European airspace, because Cass was in Ireland. She left to escape him.
      Because seeing me hurt her.
      "Darren, we're ten minutes out from Dublin."
      Liam's voice cleared his guilt-filled thoughts. He ran his hands through his hair and realized he needed to go splash some water on his face. "Thanks."
      "No problem."
      A minute later, he stood in front of the mirror and frowned. One of his buddies in college looked like he was in a perpetual hangover. Darren's roommate used to tease the guy, telling him that he looked like he'd been ridden hard and put away wet. That saying pretty much summed up the reflection in the mirror.
      Maybe I should stop off and get a haircut, buy a new shirt and jeans.
      He probably would do that, if it didn't take much time. His primary objective was to find Cass and get them back to the plane as soon as possible. Hell, he might as well tell Liam to file a return flight plan for, what, five hours from now? Yeah, that should do it. He hated the thought of claiming his mate in the bedroom on the plane, but damned if he was going to wait to get back to Raleigh. And, they wouldn't be in Ireland for very long. Oh no. In and out, that was his plan. They'd be back in no time.

      ***

      Liam kept up with Darren's footsteps, barely.
      "Still don't understand why you wouldn't want another beer. That may have been the best I've ever had. We should take a European beer tasting trip, just for comparison, though. German ales are pretty damned good." They'd only gone in the last bar because Darren caught Cass's scent.
      "Not interested." Glancing around the crowded Temple Bar section of Dublin, Darren wondered why Cass would be there. She was private, definitely not the type to hang out in tourist spots.
      "Or we could just stay here and sample whiskey. All the whiskey."
      Technically, that didn't sound like too bad of a plan, if he weren't searching for his missing mate. "You should get on your knees and thank God that you can't get cirrhosis."
      Liam snorted just as Darren thought he'd, again, picked up on Cass's scent. He froze mid stride and almost took out a group of people. Peering inside the closest bar, he inhaled deeply and looked for her glossy black hair. Nada.
      Shit.
      Darren turned, making a complete circle so he could visualize everything around him. His frustration was growing. Cass was so close, and he needed to see her. Feel her. Wrap her in his arms. Drop to his knees and apologize for being a colossal ass. Spend the next century begging her forgiveness. Then spend the rest of his life making her happy.
      The sounds of barf splattering the pavement shook him out of his thoughts.
      "This"--he pointed down at the moaning human in front of him--"is what all the whiskey gets you."
      Liam glanced down with disdain as they stepped around the human. "Not me." He waved a negligent hand. "Higher tolerance and all that."
      "Mmm hmm." Looking around, again, Darren barely restrained a growl. Cass's scent grew fainter, and he was no damned closer to finding her.
      Going to lose my motherfucking mind.
      Material brushed his arm, and Darren snarled as his head snapped around. "Hey, do you mind holding my jacket while I tie my shoe?"
      What the fuck? Darren snatched the jacket and Liam bent, after casting a pointed glare toward Darren's hands. Claws had already punched through the tips, and if he were a betting person, he'd put money on his eyes glowing. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he slipped on his polarized Ray Bans, covered both fists with the jacket and willed himself to calm.
      "No problem."
      Biggest white lie ever. If Darren spent two more seconds out there without Liam's assistance, he'd likely have shifted and torn a bloody path through the Temple Bar district.
      They needed to get out of public, check into a room and Darren needed to sleep off any jet lag. Then come sunrise, he'd try again.
      Liam stood and cast a worried glance at Darren. "Okay?"
      Not in the slightest. "Fine. Let's get something to eat, go find a room, and search again tomorrow."
      Liam almost seemed to slouch in relief. "Sounds good. We'll hit the roads in the morning."
      He confirmed that with a small nod. And I'll spend another sleepless night without her.


      Other Books in the Return of the Lycan King Trilogy:

      Return of the Lycan King: Book 1 Nicholas and Kristen

      One life, one mate. Nicholas Konstantine has been waiting over a thousand years for his mate. But when he finds her, she's completely unaware of her Lycan biology, and she's battling her own personal demons.

      Kristen O'Connor is a recovering addict, with some major trust issues. By not letting anyone get close, she won't get hurt. Yet after one meetiing with Nicholas, her walls are crumbling, and she wants more with this man.

      But Nicholas reveals his Lycan side, and hers as well. In addition, ghosts from both of their pasts come back to haunt them. Will they face everything together, or will Kristen's fears be stronger than her love?

      Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Goodreads


      Return of the Lycan King: Book 2 Lex and Elizabeth

      Lex thought he'd lost her, but Elizabeth is back and she is his mate. But between her getting used to life as a Lycan, threats from dangerous elements looming over their heads and very odd changes in the Lycan kingdom happening all around them, nothing will be easy. Lex and Elizabeth's love has to be the strength to pull them through.

      Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads





      About Candace Blackburn:

      Candace makes her home in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart husband and their two sons. She's an indie author who has published two previous romances (with a bit of fantasy in each), Tristan's Redemption and Nate's Forgiveness. Her current works are all paranormal romance (her favorite genre to read!) and are set in her home state. She loves coffee, cold weather, the Boston Red Sox, the Carolina Panthers, and hearing from fans.

      Connect with Candace: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon




       
      Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs using images from the Tea Time kit and the Saturday Night kit by MK-Designs