His Personal Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel {Review}

His Personal Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel

ebook, published January 2016 

Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

 

 

Kenadie Marshall has suffered the most public of humiliations, being left at the altar. Instead of wallowing in her misery, she makes it her mission to help others find true and lasting love, all while swearing off relationships for good. Between the software application she developed and a team of relationship managers, her brainchild, Binary Search, has an uncanny knack for choosing the perfect match almost every time.

Attractive and loveable Jason Hadley is taken with Kenadie Marshall from their first meeting. Determined to win her over, he does anything and everything he can think of, even if it means using her firm’s service and dating other women to stay close to her.

Will Kenadie realize she’s met her match before it’s too late? Or will Jason’s ploy go too far? Find out in His Personal Relationship Manager, a romantic comedy with an epic battle of wills.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars 

 
This one is my favorite of Jennifer Peel's to date! Kenadie has been burned and burned good. After she was jilted at the alter, relationships have a bad taste to them and she wants nothing to do with them. Seven years later, she and her best friend, Zander, are working at a company she created to help others find their one true love. She's only ever had success stories. But something like that can't last, can it?

Zander is the kind of best friend that ever girl needs and wants. He's a little inappropriate, but his heart is huge. He is great at building up self-esteem, listening, and distracting Kenadie from the depressing things in life. She can count on him for anything. They once tested things in high school to see how a relationship between them would go down, but it so wasn't happening.

Life changes when Zander introduces Kenadie to Jason, his former college roommate. Jason is a knight in shining armor. He's recently single from a bad breakup as well, and I loved it when it was mentioned that he has the patience of Job because that's what I was thinking for most of the book. He's kind, chivalrous, handsome, and will do whatever it takes to give Kenadie space, while still trying to woo her. He's the perfect hero for this story!

There were moments when I wanted to slap Kenadie. Really...7 years is a long time to be so bitter. It just goes to show how deeply she feels and how much she wants to protect herself from that heartache again. She is a little slow when it comes to hints and clues, but it's all worth it.

I loved the journeys and progress that's made. Kenadie has a wonderful family and support and they're all so patient with her. Jason and Zander each have their own secrets and journeys to go through as well. There's nothing more satisfying than a story with a great plot, strong characters, and a romance that makes me swoon. This story has it all and more! Zander is the best friend that every girls wants and needs; Jason is patient and persistent; and Kenadie is stubborn and protective, but when you mix them together with a dating site, fireworks, surprises, and magic happen...and I loved every minute of it!

Content: a few mild expletives; mild romance and innuendo. Clean!

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Buy Link:

About the Author:

I'm a Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream. I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books.

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Also by Jennifer Peel

 

 

COVER REVEAL and Giveaway for The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

Coming soon from USA Today Bestselling Author Rachael Anderson

The Fall of Lord Drayson

Who is he really? A high and mighty Lord, or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother have two months to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied.They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Mere hours later, Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. Grudgingly, she takes him into her home to tend to his wounds, but when he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach a much-needed lesson in humility. Pushing her own twinge of conscience aside, she informs the earl of Drayson that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out? 

Coming late-summer 2016

 

 

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

Cover Reveal Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash Ends 2/17/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen {Review}

My Fair Gentleman 

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Paperback, 256 pages

Published January 5th 2016 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review

 

 

In this Regency twist of My Fair Lady, Jack would rather be at sea than fixing the mistakes of his grandfather, the late Earl of Stansworth. Instead, he finds that inheriting his grandfather's wealth and title—and securing the welfare of his sister and mother—means joining the ranks of high society and living with the aristocracy. Luckily, Ivy Carlisle, the granddaughter of a dear friend of Jack's late grandmother, is willing to teach him etiquette and properly introduce him into society. Jack soon learns that his challenge isn't surviving his new lifestyle but surviving the conspiracies against him—as well as keeping himself from falling madly in love with his new tutor.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love a good Regency novel and when a twist on a classic favorite is added, I'm in heaven! Jack is a sailor who has no interest in becoming a part of the ton, but finds it more important to take care of his mother and sister, so he does just that. Lady Ivy's job is to teach him how to properly behave in society--which is not an easy task. Add a dash of mystery and some swoony moments and this story is the perfect recipe for a satisfying read. I also love how each chapter is headed with a bit of advice from Mistress Manners' Tips for Every-day Etiquette and had to smile at many of the headings.

 

Ivy has her own issues to deal with a a big secret to keep, but she's so delightful. I found her voice and personality to be so witty and fun. Jack seems bent on annoying her and bringing out the spitfire in her and those interactions are so sweet. Jack is a handsome man, one who wants to do things his way, but one who must conform for good reasons. He's charming, in his rough ways. 

 

I can't imagine living in a time when there are certain gender roles that aren't considered acceptable and enjoyed seeing the way this issue was handled in this particular story. The sweet, stolen moments are so tender and I learning little snippets into the secondary characters lives. I would love to see a story about Sophie and even little Pug! This book is a great addition to the Proper Romance Line.

 

Content: mild romance; mild violence/moments of peril (accidents, non-graphic blood, etc). Clean!

 

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Buy Links:

 

 

 

 About the Author:

 

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of 12 published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her Civil War series, Faith of our Fathers, won the Utah Best of State award in 2005 and two of her historicals featuring Isabelle Webb, Pinkerton spy, were finalists for the Whitney Award. Her newest Regency romance, My Fair Gentleman, will be released from Shadow Mountain January, 2016, and her steampunk novel, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, will be released also through Shadow Mountain later in 2016. She served on the 2015 LDStorymakers Conference Committee and currently serves as the marketing coordinator for The Teen Writers Confrerence. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

Her formal schooling includes a B.S. in Elementary Education from Weber State University and she has worked as a ghost writer and freelance editor, contributing to the recent release, We Knew Howard Hughes, by Jim Whetton.

Nancy served as the Teen Writers Conference chair in 2011 and 2012, and has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999 with Covenant Communications. Her agent is Pam Van Hylckama Vlieg of D4EO Literary Agency.

Nancy loves to read, write, travel and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah with her family and one very large Siberian Husky named Thor.  

Lost King by H.B. Moore {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

 

Lost King by H.B. Moore

Paperback, 338 pages

Published December 1st 2015 by Thomas & Mercer 

Source: I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Undercover agent Omar Zagouri has been ordered to Giza. A prominent Egyptologist was murdered, and a priceless artifact—the only complete version of the Book of the Dead—is missing. Omar is still reeling from the recent disappearance of his girlfriend, Mia Golding, but he puts his quest to find her on hold to track down the lost piece of history.

Omar’s mission is not just to locate the sacred book; he must also rescue the two archaeologists kidnapped and forced to translate its hieroglyphics under threat of death. Their kidnapper is determined to discover the text’s rumored explosive revelation: that Moses did not receive the Ten Commandments from God but instead copied them from the Egyptians. Though Omar’s need to find Mia grows more urgent, he must focus on finding the enemy who will stop at nothing to ignite a controversy that will change history, and the world, forever.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I really enjoyed Finding Sheba and was expecting a lot from this next installment. I wasn't disappointed one bit! This is fast-paced, intense, and very well done, with some fantastic romantic elements.

The story jumps back and forth between three different stories, one ancient and two modern. Omar, an undercover agent,  is once again on a mission. This time, he's supposed to find a missing artifact, but has his own agenda, as well--to locate his missing girlfriend, Mia. We also see the story of Kale and Farrah unfold. Farrah is a descendant of Egypt royalty and is now an expert on artifacts. I was quite amused as these two modern stories merged. The ancient story tells of Hapshepsut, a female Egyptian pharaoh, and Thut. I loved diving into each element of the story and was amazed at how well they were put together.

I absolutely love Omar!  He doesn't intend to be funny, but comes across that way at times. He always manages to come up with ingenious ways to get out of his scrapes and he's a magnet for danger and adventure. I couldn't help but swoon at the chemistry oozing off the pages between Farrah and Kale. There are some big mysteries surrounding them and I was very impatient waiting for them to be uncovered. As for Hapshepsut and Thut...what an intriguing, heartbreaking, and emotional element. Their story is told in a way that completely drew me in emotionally. I've wondered about historical events and places and reading about them really brought home what some of the issues in their day were and how some people might have really felt about their situations. It brought ancient Egypt alive in a new and unique way. I couldn't get enough of it!

I hope there's more coming in this series because I've loved it so much thus far. 

Content: mild language; mild-moderate violence (it IS an intense story with some shootings, kidnappings, beatings, attacks, etc, but nothing is graphic); moderate romantic elements (kissing, fade to black between a married couple, innuendo, descriptions of ancient Egypt dress--see thru clothes, breasts stained with henna, implied acts with harlots, etc). I would consider it clean for an older reader.

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Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Connect with the Author:

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7158653.H_B_Moore

Website my writer's lair

Twitter https://twitter.com/heatherbmoore

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/37783537691/

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Catnapped! Puppy Pirates #3) by Erin Soderberg {Review}

Catnapped! (Puppy Pirates #3) by  Erin Soderberg

Paperback, 96 pages

Publication: January 26th 2016 by Random House Books for Young Readers 

Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

 

 

Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for fun and adventure on a pirate ship full of puppies.

Fighting like cats and dogs? Exactly! The puppy pirates played a prank on the kitten pirates, and meow! The kittens sure are mad. Can the pups escape the kittens’ claws? It’s dog vs. cat, and may the best pirates win.

Two perennial kid favorites—dogs and pirates—combine in the new chapter book series perfect for fans of Rainbow Magic, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Paw Patrol.

 

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My Review: 4 Stars

 

I haven't read the other books in this series, but still had a lot of fun with this one. I have a daughter who is very into animals and any story with animals as the main characters, is a winner for her. We both read and enjoyed this book. I think cats and dogs have been enemies since the beginning of time and was a joy to see them portrayed as pirates!

 

The dogs are in a bit of trouble after pranking the cats and find themselves kidnapped, or rather, catnapped. There are many silly moments, including a bit of potty humor, as well as some adventurous scenes. The illustrations are engaging and spur the imagination. The animals have such unique personalities and we quickly found our favorites. I learned a lot about pirates--mostly through the lingo used and explained. Any child who loves these combinations will find himself enthralled with this book.

 

Creative, imaginative, and humorous, this is a great series for a young reader and parents alike!

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Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

 

ERIN SODERBERG has written many books for kids, tweens, and young adults, including THE QUIRKS and PUPPY PIRATES series.

Before turning to writing full time, Erin worked as a children’s book editor and marketer, spent a few months as a cookie inventor, and also worked for Nickelodeon. She lives, writes, and eats out in Minneapolis with her husband, three hilarious kids, and a mischievous goldendoodle named Wally.

Erin Soderberg also writes as Erin Downing. More information about her books can be found at: www.erinsoderberg.com

The Proving by Ken Brosky $50 Book Blast

The Proving by Ken Brosky

It's been 100 years since the Specters invaded Earth. Like ghosts they haunt the planet, devouring any human being foolish enough to venture outside of the last remaining protected cities. For some humans, venturing out isn't a choice--it's an opportunity to prove yourself to your clan. But when a coterie of New Adults undertaking a mission deep in Specter territory discover a terrible secret, they quickly find that everything they've learned may be wrong ... and Earth is in grave danger.

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Excerpt

Skye took a deep breath, held it, then forced it out quickly between her pursed lips. The loud whistle seemed ear-splitting, jolting her nerves — too late to change her mind now, she twisted her body, her boots digging into the gravel as she fell back and faced the farming contraptions. She lifted her rifle, seeing the Specter’s strange glow change, move, and then without warning its crocodile face emerged from the body of the large machine. Its mouth opened. Cleo fell back, screaming. A claw phased through, reaching out for Skye. She fired her rifle. The blue proton bullet tore through the creature’s arm, sending yellow sparks fluttering like butterflies into the air. The Specter’s mouth opened wide, revealing sharp, finger-length teeth, so close that Skye could see their serrated edges.

 

Blog Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/15/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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A Princess Story by Jaci Wightman {Review}

Tour Schedule

A Princess Story by Jaci Wightman

Paperback, 208 pages

Published January 12th 2016 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review



Discover your own personal princess story. This inspiring book helps you see your divine potential, recognize your inner princess, and learn how the plan of happiness is just like a fairy tale. Perfect for young women, moms, leaders, and princesses of all ages, this is an enchanting read that will guide you on the path to your own happily ever after.

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My Review: 4 Stars

I've always been a sucker for a princess story and I loved the way this author tied in a classic fairy tale formula with real life and our divine potential. Each chapter is set up as an element of a fairy tale and really brought things home for me. I learn well with metaphors and comparisons and this book does a good job of relating life to a typical girl's hopes and dreams in a way that, for me, is understandable.

As I read through, I could see things in a new way, but I will admit, the things I saw didn't always make me happy. Who wants to hear that you're not as good as you thought you were? I sure don't! I attend my religious meetings, I try to be kind, I do my best to give service and to go through the motions of what I'm "supposed" to do, but there are still miles worth of improvement! And that's not something I wanted to hear. For example, if I've had a bad day, I'm a little depressed, I'm overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged, where do I turn? Oh, yeah, straight to a hard run, a carton of Ben & Jerry's, or some good upbeat (or sometimes depressing--depending) music. Where should I turn? To the scriptures, to the Lord, to the gospel. Yikes. What makes me feel good about myself? Losing weight, looking good, and feeling liked by others. Does that really matter? Uh, no. That's not what it's about and that really pierced me to the core. I'm doing things all wrong!

I enjoyed the layout of the story and the way scriptures, quotes, and stories are tied in. I also like how each chapter has a small section for additional study to delve deeper into the subject. This is a good book to read if you have a teen, or to have her read, or to even just read yourself, especially if a good discussion is involved and each chapter is savored.

Content: this is specific to the LDS faith and views are relevant to that religion, but good points can be drawn for anyone Christian.

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

Jaci Green Wightman (pronounced JAY-see) was raised in five different states before meeting her husband, Greg, during her freshman year of college. Together, they’re enjoying the daunting task of raising seven children born in just eight years. In 2012, Jaci finally graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in University Studies, 21 years after postponing her schooling to start a family. Underneath all her outward busyness, however, Jaci is simply an ordinary woman who discovered an extraordinary Savior. Her greatest joy lies in teaching and testifying of the One who not only changed her heart, but radically transformed her entire life.  

http://www.jaciwightman.com

COVER REVEAL: First Light by Michele Paige Holmes

Cover reveal for Michele Paige Holmes' new fantasy novel  

First Light in the Forever After Series.

Release Date: February 25, 2015
Pre-order on Amazon
Add to your Goodreads list

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About FIRST LIGHT:

Seventeen-year-old Adrielle doesn’t believe in magic; she merely possesses it, though no one has ever mentioned that her unusual gifts—exceptional speed, a flair for fire, and an intimate knowledge of flora—aren’t things she was born with. When Adrielle starts a fire that burns down the family home, she must deal with both her grief and her siblings’ hurtful rejection.

While journeying to far away Tallinyne, in search of her older, estranged sister—the only relative who might take her in—Adrielle is separated from her escort when the carriage is beset by thieves. Alone, she is thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where she encounters fairies and gypsies, a wild boar, a drunk cook, and an evil queen whose curse is sweeping death across the land. Adrielle also finds love, falling hard for a kind, funny, handsome—and completely unavailable prince.

From the glowing pearls tucked beneath her mattress and keeping her awake at night, to Queen Nadamaris’s curse that seems to thwart Adrielle’s every effort, Adrielle struggles to navigate a world of magic she never imagined, where people she knows and loves are not always what they appear to be. With the glowing pearls—and her fondest desire—within her grasp, she is forced to make a choice no girl should ever have to—satisfying her own heart or saving the kingdom.

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And now...here's the cover! Isn't it gorgeous?

 

About the Author:

Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children’s literature.
Her first novel, Counting Stars (Covenant Communications 2007), won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. Her companion novel, a romantic suspense titled, All the Stars in Heaven (Covenant 2009), was a Whitney finalist, as was her first historical romance, Captive Heart (Covenant 2011). My Lucky Stars (Covenant 2012) completed the Stars series.
After having a novella published in A Timeless Romance Anthology European Collection (Mirror Press, 2013), Michele decided to focus on historical romance and began Hearthfire Historicals, with the debut novel Saving Grace. A companion novella, Loving Helen will be released February 2015.
Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fourteen years and feels privileged to meet with fellow authors Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, LuAnn Staheli, Sarah M. Eden, J. Scott Savage, and Robison Wells. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.
When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shih-tzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains.

Author Links: 

Website  ||  Twitter

Grand Finale: Tevanon and Kensic: Turlot by Tyson Clarke {with Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Tevanon and Kensic: Turlot

By Tyson Clarke

Did you enjoy visiting this fantastical land as bloggers shared reviews and excerpts? If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Interview

1. What is your motivation behind Tevanon and Kensic: Turlot? Why did you want to write it?

I wrote a short story about these characters when I was in college, back in 1995, and then converted it to a short (film) screenplay. Tevanon and Kensic were adults in those versions, but I always thought it would make a cool young adult adventure if the brothers were younger. And so, nearly twenty years later I rewrote it into a novel in that vision. I may be somewhat bias, but I think I was right; it does make for a cool young adult adventure!

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

Tevanon barged into the hut, his long brown hair swaying over his burgundy tunic that hung below the waist of his goat hide pants. He was big for thirteen, already taller than most grown men and easily as strong. Tevanon was molded after his father who was a huge man with great physical strength. “Uncle Yelob!” he shouted. “Can we practice sword fighting?”

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Excerpt

Many things caused Tevanon’s temper to flare. Cheating was one of those things, and so was a slandering comment about one of his family members. Ecrom knew this and did it on purpose. He was rather devious and malicious when it came to getting Tevanon into trouble, and mostly because he was jealous of the younger boy’s size and abilities. One of those abilities was hand-to-hand combat; Tevanon grabbed Ecrom and hurled him haphazardly. Ecrom crashed down at the feet of his father and looked up. “Tevanon has lost his temper again, father!”

Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima - Excerpt

Avor, Wix and Hedik surveyed the dead brigands in hopes of finding one of them alive so as they could question him. As they meandered through the scattered bodies, they found men from every nation, men of light skin and dark, short of stature and tall, and the weapons they carried were equally assorted. The question, of course, was what brought together this reckless collection of thugs and criminals? What was their purpose?

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"The characters are easy to visualize. The various scenes are portrayed well. The Book Cover is attractive, depicting the crux of the story, and the title fits very well."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Deep within the haunted caverns of Dezvil, well beyond the jurisdiction of men, there was said to be the sacred place of the sorcerers who ruled the land thousands of years ago. No living person dared journey to this place, not without the protection of a powerful spell cast by a powerful sorcerer. But all of the powerful sorcerers had vanished, either killed or too old to live, and not one of them had yet found the pathway back to the living. Or so was thought, until now.

Singing Librarian Books - Review

"The exploit in this story is fun, as well as has many engaging and like-able characters. This story has a bit of violence, but is not overly graphic, but I would recommend it older teen readers."

Life as Leels - Review

"Being an adult who read it, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and would recommend it! It would be a great book for young male readers and I think female readers can enjoy it as well!"

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt

Tevanon drew his sword at the man’s first word. He could see the vague outline of a person sitting against one of the twisted trees. He didn’t appear threatening, but Tevanon was taught to error on the side of caution.

Mel's Shelves - Excerpt

Tevanon shrugged as a woman darted out from the darkness. Her dress was torn and tattered, her hair unbound and tangled, and mud was splattered across her legs and bare feet. She met eyes with Tevanon. “Help me, please!” Her cry was desperate.

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

Both Tevanon and Kensic knew what that meant. It meant the members of the Elite Guard of Detoa had been hijacked and the jewel stolen. Disappointed by this unexpected news, the brothers found a nearby inn where they could stay for the night. The main entry led to a dimly lit common area with various tables set around a large circular hearth. It was a place for eating and drinking and being merry. On this afternoon, though, being merry was not part of anyone’s demeanor.

Tevanon and Kensic: Turlot

by Tyson Clarke
MG/YA Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 304 pages
October 19th 2015

Upon the shores of the Laughley Sea, in the shadows of the jagged Northland Mountains and not so far south as the blistering Aronee Desert, there exists a land of lush forests and golden plains. This land is known as Lynsid, a once great nation that has suffered through more than a decade of demoralizing wars. The brothers Tevanon and Kensic were born to Lynsid like their parents and grandparents before them. They know no other life and have never been outside the borders of their homeland. Lynsid, however, is on the verge of collapse and rumors of a Vlagen invasion spur a mass migration. At first, the brothers have no intention of leaving their birthplace, but soon enough they have no choice and find themselves on the trail to a land called Turlot where their Great Uncle Welksley resides.

At just thirteen-years-old, Tevanon is already highly skilled in swordsmanship, and his nine-year-old brother Kensic is mentally gifted. These attributes are useful, but the journey to Turlot will test not only their brawn and brains, but also their faith and tactfulness. The brothers learn quickly the world is filled with endless adversity. Treachery is in plain sight, evil sorcery is silently stirring, and an immortal army is lying in wait! If the brothers wish to survive, they must be vigilant, they must be brave, and they must believe in themselves.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords

Tyson Clarke attended San Jose State University where he studied creative writing and film production. Post graduation, he found success as a technical writer then pursued other interests before rediscovering his passion for writing stories with encouragement from his wife and biggest fan.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Print copy of Tevanon and Kensic: Turlot (US only)
ebook of Tevanon and Kensic: Turlot (open internationally)
Ends January 30th

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Dante's Gift (A Chicago Christmas Book 1) by Aubrey Wynne {Review}

Dante's Gift (A Chicago Christmas Book 1) by Aubrey Wynne

ebook, 102 pages

Published October 6th 2015 by Plato Pubishing 

Source: I received a copy through ebooksforreview.com in exchange for an honest review

 

 

Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams—and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him. 

Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong—until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman will be under their roof.
When Antonia’s sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the states. An Italian wartime bride from the ‘40s, she knows how precious love can be. Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas?

 

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

Katie is ready for an engagement ring from her Italian boyfriend and is thrown for a loop when he announces that he's going to Italy for his great-aunt's funeral and to bring his Nonna (grandma) home. It's not just that we share a name, but I could kind of relate to Katie's feelings on the matter. She wasn't close to her parents growing up and Dominic has a very tight relationship with his Nonna. The fear of not being good enough, being replaced, and being placed in a situation she knows nothing about is very prominent. I feel a little squiggly when placed in those unknown situations too. 

 

Antonia (Nonna) is nothing like what Kate expects. It's through her own love story, set in WWII, that Katie really comes to know and understand her. I'll always have a tender place in my heart for stories that take place during WWII, since my grandpa served in the war and it was shortly after when all of my grandparents met and fell in love. I loved those tender moments of learning both history and life lessons, and the parallels between both Antonia's and Katie's stories is very charming.

 

Content: some mild language; mild romance and some innuendo. Clean!

 

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and received Best Short Romance in the Preditors & Editors Reader's Choice of 2013. Wynne's humorous shorts Pete's Mighty Purty Privies ( Best Short in the Preditors & Editors Reader's Choice of 2014 and Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List on Goodreads) and To Cast A Cliché are published with AlfieFiction.com and consistently make the best-selling list on the UK site.

Aubrey's first love is historical romance and her recent medieval fantasy novella, Rolf's Quest, will be released in 2016 as a full-length novel. Aubrey's latest Christmas story, Dante's Gift, is part of the boxset Christmas Pets and Kisses and sold as a single.

Her humorous shorts can be found at http://alfiedog.com/products-page/aubrey-wynne/

Keep in touch with Aubrey:

Signup for her monthly newsletter and giveaway: https://madmimi.com/signups/122105/iframe
Website: http://aubreywynneauthor.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aubreywynne51
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubrey.wynne.7
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17695894-aubrey-wynne
Youtube trailer for Merry Christmas, Henry: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC8bXDhC3yk
Youtube trailer for Love Least Expected: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ZAPJCBubw