Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Review: The Duke of Defiance

Bran Crowther was given the nickname "Duke of Defiance" by a group of women. As a teen, he left England and didn't go back until he had the title of Earl thrown on him. He returned with his daughter Evie. He soon meets Joanna "Jo" Shaw, a priest's widow and sister to a duchess. She accepts a job offer as Evie's governess only after a marriage proposal was turned down.

 I alway love when shows, cartoons or books have a father/daughter relationship as a major aspect to the story. The Duke of Defiance was no exception.

Aside from that, I really found the interaction between the dukes very entertaining.

 Rating: ☺☺☺☺☺

----- I voluntary read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book.

Blog Tour: The Duke of Defiance

Meet the Author:

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.
Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

Difficult and defiant as a child, Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton left England as a young man to pursue independence and adventure. He never expected to inherit the title and when duty calls him home, he still finds Society’s codes constricting and others’ expectations oppressive. Nevertheless, he needs a wife to be a mother to his young daughter, preferably a woman of intelligence and warmth who is, above all, immune to his idiosyncrasies—and to falling in love.
Widow Joanna Shaw isn’t interested in a second marriage, not after the loveless, passionless union she endured. She’d much rather dote on her young niece and nephew since they will likely be the only children in her life...until she meets a precocious girl, in desperate need of a mother. But her father, the so-called Duke of Defiance, is as peculiar as he is handsome, and Jo won’t take another risk with her heart. Their rules, however, are made to be broken, even when the consequences could destroy them both.
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 Check out the other books in  The Untouchables series:
AN EXCERPT
She sank into a curtsey. “Good morning, my lord. My sister wishes to convey her deepest apologies, but her son is ill, so she asked me to come in her stead.” Bran registered the tidy upsweep of her dark brown hair and the green-brown of her earnest eyes as well as the simplicity of her modest slate-gray gown. She was rather monochromatic, except for that hint of green in her eyes, and the tiny gold flecks that danced near the pupil. He recalled that she was widowed, which perhaps explained her somewhat dour appearance. Or maybe it was just that he was used to warmth and vibrancy and colors that defied possibility in England. Barbados seemed like an imaginary world now. “I see. Do you have children of your own?” he asked. Pale swaths of pink highlighted her cheeks. It was the barest bit of color, but he caught it. How could he not against the dull palette she provided? Dull? No, that wasn’t an apt description. Her attire was dull, her hair a bit too severe, but she possessed an attractive, feminine form. Indeed, her breasts were perhaps spectacular. And she was pretty, with long, dark lashes framing her eyes and rose-colored lips that were just a bit too full. Not too full, he amended. “I do not,” she said, drawing his attention back to his question about whether she had children. “Then how can you be qualified to help me with this endeavor?” “My sister sent a list of characteristics and requirements you should seek.” She straightened her shoulders and looked him in the eye. “She also sent me with her express confidence.” He liked her fortitude. “Well then, I suppose you will suffice. Come along.” Her nostrils flared slightly, and her eyes widened just the tiniest bit, the gold flecks seeming to brighten. As he turned to lead her to his office, he considered that he might have just offended her again. He had called her abilities into question, but why wouldn’t he? He strode toward the back corner of the house, where his office was located. It was a large chamber with a wall of bookshelves and windows that looked out to the garden. He moved behind the desk and indicated for her to take a chair on the opposite side. She slowly sat, her gaze wary and her mouth tight. He frowned. “My apologies if I insulted you.” “If you’d rather I didn’t stay, you have only to say so.” There was a steely set to her shoulders and a clipped edge to her tone as she spoke. “Nora wanted to help you, but I’ll understand if you decide I won’t suffice.” He dropped into his chair. She had cheek to go with her fortitude. He liked that too. He’d been prepared to deal with milksops and featherbrains when he’d returned to England—people like his mother and brothers. Not that they really were milksops or featherbrains, but they liked to put on as if they were, thinking it was somehow attractive. He supposed it wasn’t fair to assume an entire population shared the same characteristics as his family. “I’m afraid I must also apologize for the other day. I meant no offense. Sometimes… I speak without realizing how my words might sound.” One of her dark, slender brows arched. “Forgive me for saying so, but I’ve found that’s a trait shared by most men.”

Giveaway:

  • $25 Amazon Gift Card, Signed copy of The Duke of Daring and Swag
*If the chosen winner resides outside of the US, an eBook will be sent instead of the print book.* a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Blog Tour: Her Outback Cowboy

Meet the Author:

Annie Seaton lives on the edge of the South Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Australia She is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing and has been delighted to discover that readers love reading her stories as much as she loves writing them. Annie lives with her own hero of many years. Their two children are now grown up and married, and two beautiful grandchildren have arrived. Now they share their home with Toby, the naughtiest dog in the universe, and two white cats. When she is not writing she can be found in her garden or walking on the beach... or most likely on her deck overlooking the ocean, camera in hand as the sun sets. Each winter, Annie and her husband leave the beach to roam the remote areas of Australia for story ideas and research. In 2014 Annie was voted Author of the Year and in 2015 was voted Best Established Author in the AusRomToday.com Readers' Choice Awards. Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Face Book, Twitter and Instagram.
Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

The last thing advertising art director Lucy Bellamy wants is to go home to the Outback, but duty to family calls. At least there’s one bonus—her first love, sexy cowboy neighbour, Garth Mackenzie, is there and the attraction between them is still explosive. But Lucy has no intention of getting stuck in this two-bit town and she counts down the days until she can go back to her real life.
After an engineering degree and working in the mines of Western Australia, Garth has returned to the Outback and is home to stay. His goal is to settle down, start a family, and work his beloved land with the girl he’s always loved. But if it comes to Lucy choosing between the glamour of the city or making a home with him in the Outback—he’d lose, hands down.
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Giveaway:

  • $15 Amazon Gift Card
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Monday, June 12, 2017

Blog Tour: The Highlander's Viking Bride

Meet the Author:

Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course. You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!
* * *
DD MacRae enjoys bringing history to life and considers research one of the best things about writing a story! With more than 35 years of martial arts training, DD also brings breath-taking action to the tales. You can connect with DD through www.cathymacraeauthor.com. It’s always exciting to hear from readers!

About the Book:

Calder MacGerry, laird of an impoverished clan, has resolved to end the bitter feud between the MacGerry and Sinclairs. He jumps at Laird Sinclair’s offer of marriage to his only daughter, Katja, to seal the agreement between their clans—only to get more than he bargained for. Katja’s chance to escape her father’s harsh treatment appears to be too good to be true. But becoming Lady of a clan that despises her because she’s a Sinclair, doesn’t make life any easier. When the attacks turn deadly, she fights her way out, making a dangerous passage to the Shetland Isles for refuge with her Viking family. Calder and Katja’s marriage, built on mistrust, rushes quickly into disaster. As Calder seeks to repair the damage, Katja discovers not another enemy, but a husband who pledges a new beginning.
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Giveaway:

  • $20 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway Katja reluctantly heeded her father’s summons to the great hall. She much preferred taking meals in her chamber, as constant criticism and scorn from her father made for poor company. Her only regret was not spending the time with her brothers. She remembered the days before her amma died when mealtimes were pleasant, even enjoyable. She did not remember the days when her ma was alive. Everyone in the keep knew guests had arrived—rumored to be the hated MacGerrys. Her father would likely use the opportunity to dangle her as bait again for some sort of alliance, her hand in marriage as part of the bargain. She grimaced. The MacGerry laird was as old as her sire—as were all the men her da had presented as prospective husbands. “I willnae marry a man thrice my age. Why does he keep bringing such old relics about, Freki? Has the man not made the acquaintance of anyone younger than two score?” Her companion did not answer. Katja hurried to the great hall with Freki at her side. If she allowed her sire to wait too long, he would add to her humiliation by displaying her like a freshly caught trout in front of his guests. Much as she disliked appeasing him, flaunting her disdain was far worse. When they reached the door to the hall, she raised a hand, whispering a command for her companion to wait outside the door as she perused the people seated in the great hall. Pale auras of color surrounded each man, giving the room a festive look were it not for the unsettling tale each told her. The reds of anger and lust, the brown of dishonesty, gray and sulphur of dark thoughts and pain. From long practice, she ignored the pale green of pity she knew were aimed at her. Skirting the red auras, Katja moved silently into the room, attracting no attention. Years of avoiding her father gave her the skill to move about the castle like a ghost, finding tremendous value in being invisible when the need called for it. It wasn’t until she stood near the foot of the lower tables that anyone noticed her. Laird Sinclair’s eyes gleamed. “Ah, here is my daughter. Katja, meet the new MacGerry Laird.” The sight of a young man instead of the old laird she expected startled Katja. Tall, lean of muscle with dark brown hair and fair skin, his deep blue eyes were the color of sapphires or perhaps the ocean on a calm day. A high forehead, strong jaw and full lips made for a very handsome face. Lips which curved into a kind smile at her. His eager blue eyes stared at her, as if caught in a pleasant dream. Katja’s stomach twisted in a way she’d not experienced before. Heat scorched its way from her head to her shoulders, tingling along her breasts and descending lower. She didn’t recognize or understand the strange awareness. Her breathing picked up its pace as her heart beat tripled. How could one look from a man inspire such a reaction? She averted her gaze in an effort to wrestle her body and emotions under control. Inhaling deeply, she raised her eyes again only to find the same sensations slamming into her anew. She needed a distraction. Use the sight. It doesnae lie. Looking past her normal ability to see, she glanced first at her father. The darkening gray aura surrounding him reflected his greed, his nature growing more corrupt with time. A band of deep brown layered on top of the gray was new today. She knew it as a sign of deceit and wondered what he was up to. Scanning the rest of the table, the light blue surrounding her brothers Bjorn, Christer and Patrik reflected confusion. Whatever her father contrived with the MacGerry, they knew nothing of it.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Blog Tour: Taming the CEO

Meet the Author:

I love Princess Bride, Young and the Restless, Days of our Lives – the drama is deliciously addictive. Big Bang Theory but will take Wolowitz over Cooper. Star Trek not Star Wars. Undercover Boss, Secret Millionaire – any story that shows the little guy making it. I follow the Buffalo Bills like a religion. I am spellbound by showjumping and equestrian eventing. I love curling up and reading all books – no genre is off-topic. I like ironing, I hate peas, love donkeys, I play a killer game of Scrabble. I will often be heading towards the fridge for another Diet Coke. I eat nothing with legs and believe wine goes with everything, oh and I’m an expert at finding new and inventive ways to avoid exercise. I live in the sparkly beachside suburb of Redondo Beach in California with my infuriating shoe-dropping husband and my two boys who speak in mystifying grunts.
Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book: 

To save her family’s business, fledging CEO Daisy Cater must win the bid on a resort on St. Maarten. There’s a small catch, though. The seller insists all bidders visit the island and experience the singles retreat firsthand. This wouldn’t be so bad…if only rule-maker Daisy weren’t paired with her bitter rival, the hot and broody Alexander Gillard. Keeping her enemy close just became a whole lot harder 
Alexander “Zan” Gillard didn't expect to be partnered with gorgeous Daisy at the idyllic singles retreat. A challenge that has them cuffed together ignites an explosive chemistry, and soon Zan wants more than four days with this bewitching woman who is nothing like he expected her to be. 
re Er r div Interview Did you use any of your own experience as inspiration? I think a little bit of me slips into all my books. In Wife in Name Only, I’d been to a small outlining island in the Kingdom of Tonga. In Winning the Boss’s heart, I lived in a small town in New Zealand, so the community getting together for the show was real. In Bound to the Bounty Hunter, I thought how cool to be a female private detective in a male dominated industry and in Taming the CEO, I’ve been a personal assistant to a CEO, so a little of my experience slipped in there. On average, how long does the writing process take? Some days I’d rather clean the oven and make up excuses not to write. Wait! Look at that driveway, it needs cement poured now. I wonder if there are cute kittens on YouTube – there are just quietly, millions of them. Other days the words flow like honey. I have a book set in Scotland coming out that roared out of me. I loved it, same with Taming the CEO. I have deadlines and always try and come in early. I can feel my editor’s eye roll. I generally do a dirty draft then go back and back until I think I’m done. When did you realize you wanted a career in writing? I’ve always worked and wrote in the evenings. It was a dream, but one I didn’t think would come true. I landed an agent, and my first book Wife in Name Only was picked up by Entangled, and it was a lightbulb moment. Maybe I could do this. With the help of a patient husband and kids, I write every day. If you weren't an author, what other career paths would you have taken? I come from a family of scientists and engineers, and then there was me. 😊 If I could go back (isn’t hindsight awesome…not) I’d have loved to be a paramedic. Out of the characters that you created, who is your favorite? Noooooo. That’s like asking which child I prefer. All the characters I’ve written have touched me in some way. What advice would you give to someone looking to be a writer? Don’t give up and grow a thick skin. I can’t tell you the number of times I’d wanted to throw it all in and go and live in a cave. Rejection letters suck, (I could wallpaper a room with mine), getting one star reviews hurt, but keep going. Learn your craft, buy books, do tutorials and keep those fingers on the keyboard. What kind of research (if any) was required for any of your books? Hours and hours of research. What did we do before the internet? If my book is set in an actual town and I can’t physically get there, I buy Lonely Planet books, stalk travel blogs, learn how to swear in a foreign language. How long after you finish a book do you start another one? Depending on my schedule. I’ve got a lot to write. The Scottish Book (I am so in love with Delilah the goat I’m thinking of stashing one in my back yard. I am writing a hot Italian book now (swoon). Bound Two and I’d really like to write the brothers and sisters stories in Taming the CEO. In between being a half-decent wife, a terrible cook and working part-time, it’s going to be busy. Thank you so much for having me here today. It has been such a pleasure and a blast. Love, Hayson

Monday, June 5, 2017

Blog Tour: How to Ruin Your  Reputation in 10 Days

Meet the Author:

Harmony Williams has been living vicariously in Regency-era England since she discovered Jane Austen. Since time machines don’t yet exist, she’s had to make do with books—fictional and non-fictional. On the rare occasion she doesn’t have her nose stuck in a book, she likes to drink tea and spend time with her 90-lb lapdog. A feminist, she writes stories about strong women and the men who support them as equals.
Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads  

About the Book:

In 1814 London, England, a lady is defined as a demure, delicate flower. Miss Francine Annesley is not that lady. If men were like plants, she would have a garden of admirers to choose from instead of the thorn in her side since childhood, Julian Beckwith. But she would make an even worse nun than she does a lady, which will be her fate if she can't dig up a husband before the Season ends. However, Julian is not an option.
With only ten short days left in the Season, Francine doesn't have time to waste on petty squabbles or knee-weakening kisses, even if Julian's offer to fulfill her every wish rouses her curiosity. It seems men are more complicated than plants. Too bad love bloomed at the most inconvenient of times...
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Giveaway:

  • Print copy of How to Play the Game of Love - US shipping ONLY. A digital copy will be sent if winner is International
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Friday, June 2, 2017

Romance Between the Pages' Weekly Podcast Interview - June 2, 2017

Ever wondered about the personalities behind your favorite books? Victoria Danann's new podcast with Riley J. Ford has an incredible lineup of authors booked through the spring. No question is out of bounds. Check it out!

THIS WEEK'S BEST SELLING AUTHOR...
LOUISE BAY!

USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful (not currently on sale as undergoing maintenance!), Hopeful, The Empire State Series, The Nights Series (a series of standalones alone books each following different characters) and King of Wall Street.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, The West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Release Tour: The Bingo Hall Mystery

THE MOMMY DETECTIVES AND THE BINGO HALL MYSTERY
The Mommy Detectives series, book 1
by Alathia Paris Morgan