The Adventurous One (A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance) by Jeanette Lewis {Review}

The Adventurous One (A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance) by Jeanette Lewis

Kindle Edition

Published October 2nd 2016 by Elidryn Productions 

Taylor Medlin may have taken the billionaire bride pact when she was a teenager at Camp Wallakee, but she wasn’t thinking about that when she married the man of her dreams several years later. And she certainly wasn’t thinking about the pact when she signed the divorce papers after only eighteen months.

Once burned, twice shy, Taylor has sworn off romance until a family emergency pulls her home to Sioux Falls and into the arms of old friend, Lane Carter. But Lane has his own demons and he and Taylor must decide whether the past will bring them together, or tear them apart.  

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My Review: 4 Stars

I absolutely adore this Billionaire Bride Pact series! Each story can stand alone and I love it when the other girls make appearances in their friends stories.

This book treats the reader to Taylor's story. As a teenager at camp, the girls made pacts to marry billionaires--or suffer the embarrassing consequences. Taylor jumps at the chance to do just that and finds herself burned. She's an adventurous soul and has traveled the world, finding new adventures to escape in, but when she returns home for her grandma, she reunites with her old college adventure buddy, Lane. Lane has some issues of his own that he's dealing with.

I was almost jealous of Taylor. I'm too chicken to be adventurous, but I wish that could be more like her. I love to travel, but she's so impulsive, brave, and comfortable in her own skin--and so different from me. I love the relationship she has with her grandma. Lane's bravery and strength astounded me, but he's a little leery of people and their intentions. I loved watching him learn and grow even more.

I love that Taylor and Lane have a connection that only gets stronger as they get to know each other once again. The way they're able to help each other in a mutual way is so sweet. There are some emotional and physical mountains for this couple to conquer. This is a great series and I love how each girl's personality leaps off of the pages--their voices are each so unique. The covers are also very specific to each girl and I love them all.

Content: mild romance; mild, disturbing incident. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Link:

About the Author:

 

Jeanette Lewis is a bestselling author of young adult adventure and clean romance novels. Dreaming up stories has always been one of Jeanette's favorite things. Other favorites include her family, good friends, crisp Autumn days, decadent desserts,and having adventures.

Cole & Jillian (Pianos & Promises Book 3) by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Cole & Jillian (Pianos & Promises Book 3)
by Jennifer Peel
ebook, 143 pages
Published October 4, 2016



Can a few hours really change your life?

Jillian Jones knows a thing or two about the country music scene, and she wants no part of it after divorcing her country singer ex-husband. But as fate would have it, she’s seated next to country legend Cole Pendleton on a red-eye flight home to Nashville from Las Vegas. Between her emotional state, her fear of flying, and maybe a little vodka, she finds herself taking comfort in Cole’s arms and lips during their four-hour flight.

Cole Pendleton’s life changes the night he wakes up to his beautiful seatmate, Jillian. He doesn’t know what it is about her, but he’s drawn to her like no one before. As the night wears on he’s determined to do whatever it takes to get to know her better. He finds himself promising her he’ll come looking for her once they’re both ready to move forward with a relationship. But he has two problems, his profession and his past.

Jillian finds herself wanting to believe him, but can she trust his midnight promises? Or will the piano man be like her ex-husband and let his promises fade away in the light of day? 

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My Review: 5 Stars

It's so easy to judge--especially when life has given you good reasons to believe certain things about a type of person. Jillian is coming off a bad divorce from a country music star and finds herself sitting next to another country music star on a flight across the country. According to the tabloids, he's not much different from her ex, so why should she give him a chance, even though there is obvious chemistry between them? That flight--phew--let's just talk about some swoony sparks flying right along with that plane. Cole has changed. He's learned from his past and is moving on towards a better future, one that he wants to have Jillian be a part of. Trust issues cause a lot of problems for these two and only time will tell if they can both move on.

Jillian obviously has issues and for good reason, but I still really like her. I could feel her hesitation and I felt myself wearing down by Cole's constant wooing. The way she is written is very realistic and it's easy to empathize with her. Cole is persistent and so swoon-worthy. I love that he's got a past and is striving diligently to overcome his mistakes. He's not perfect by any means, which makes him human, and not on pedestal. 

I never would have guessed that this book is a novella. There is a full-circle of emotions throughout and the story is fleshed out very nicely. The characters have depth and resolution and it's fun to see the characters from the previous novellas in this series make appearances. The song towards the end is my favorite thing ever! I loved it all!

Content: talk of past mistakes (cheating, divorce, drinking); mild, swoony romance; some innuendo; some mild language. Clean for an older reader.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Buy Link:

 About the Author:



Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

Monster Mash Book Blitz Countdown Event Day 2: The Phantom Trilogy by Ann Swann

Ann lives in Texas with her husband and rescue pets. She taught reading and other subjects for a number of years before leaving to devote more time to her first love—writing. Reading with children was always her favorite part of teaching.

Cool Well Press published her ghostly series for the young at heart, Stevie-girl and the Phantom Pilot, Stevie-girl and The Phantom Student, and Stevie-girl and The Phantom of Crybaby Bridge.

Her adult novels—All For Love, women’s fiction, and the suspense trilogy Stutter Creek, Lilac Lane, and Copper Lake, are all published by 5 Prince Publishing.

Takers, Ann’s foray into speculative fiction, was released earlier this year.

She has won several awards for fiction since her college days and has had short stories and essays published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, The Binnacle, Timeless, an anthology, Seasonal Sweet, and Suspenseful, an anthology, Jitter Press, Fictionterrifica, The Rusty Nail, The Sandstorm, Reflections, an anthology, and Blue Mountain Review.  

Q&A With the Author:

1.  Describe yourself in 50 words or less.

              I live in Texas with my husband and our rescue pets, happily surrounded by our children and grandchildren. I adore libraries and bookstores and I own two different e-readers just for fun. My to-be-read list has grown so large I call it Herman.

2. What do you love most in the world?

              My husband, kids, grandkids, and my one remaining vice, chocolate

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~
~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

Book 1 - Stevie Girl and the Phantom Pilot

When a small planes crashes behind Jase's rural home, strange things begin to happen. But no one believes him. After all, there's no such thing as a ghost, right? Then he sees his pretty, quiet schoolmate, Stevie-girl, about to enter the legendary haunted house, and he knows if anyone can help him solve the mystery, she's the one. 

Book 2 - Stevie Girl and the Phantom Student

Stevie asks Jase to help her find out why the ghost of a girl keeps appearing in her mirror. They think it has something to do with the new student at their school, a boy who has Tourette syndrome. Both the new kid and the new phantom seem to need some kind of help. When the new kid falls prey to the school bullies, Stevie knows they must act. But will they be too late, or will a tragic moment in their school's history be repeated on Halloween night?

Book 3 - Stevie-Girl and the Phantom of Crybaby Bridge

The summer his parents treat them to a camping trip in New Mexico, the two friends can’t wait to visit the legendary Crybaby Bridge. Right away, they hear the crying baby. Is it a phantom, or is someone playing tricks on them?

~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ 

~ Smashwords ~ iTunes ~ Audible ~

Snippet:

Foreword from Stevie-girl and the Phantom Pilot (book one)

It was the late 60s. The Beatles had washed across America like a British tsunami, Vietnam was a grainy, green and black dose of unreality on the evening news, a bunch of hippies had taken over San Francisco, and there was a heck of a rainstorm pouring down on Woodstock, NY. But I didn’t know all that then.

I was a little bit lost, looking for something. I swear I didn’t go looking for a ghost...well, okay, maybe I did. But I didn’t expect to find one. Heck, I was just a kid. I didn’t expect much of anything. 

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Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston {Review}

Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston

Kindle Edition

Published September 18th 2016 (first published May 5th 2009)  

 

 

 

Shannon's perfect life is turned on end when she discovers her boyfriend, Mark, is not what he seems. Fearing for her safety, she enlists the FBI, who puts its best man on the job Rick Holden, who dons a dress and goes undercover as Shannon's roommate. For a while it seems that life is safe again, until Mark kidnaps Shannon's best friend. Shannon realizes the only way to save her friend and herself is to send Rick, her only protection, away. Agent in Old Lace is a thrilling combination of action, suspense, and romance that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

 

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My Review: 4 Stars

Shannon's life seems to be perfect, but when her boyfriend, Mark, surprises her with a gun, instead of a ring, her life drastically changes. Since Mark is relentless in his quest to get her, she gets a bodyguard/roommate--Rick, an undercover agent.

This story is thrilling and face-paced, but I had things figured out pretty quickly, and I wanted a good surprise. Shannon is a normal, every-day girl and I just can't imagine the fear she felt. Her character is written in a way that really plays that up. Rick is a real trooper to do what he has to do to keep Shannon safe. He takes his job seriously and works hard to crack the case. Mark is crazy! I couldn't figure out why he didn't just give up and disappear and his appearances are pretty creepy.

I wanted a little more depth with the characters at times--to feel their connections on a more emotional level, especially at the climax.

Since I did have things figured out, I enjoyed watching the characters put the pieces together. I was rooting for them to put an end to things and was cheering them on with each page. It's a great suspense and one that I really couldn't put down.

Content: mild violence; mild romance. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links

 

 

About the Author

 

I'm a historical/contemporary fiction author, stay-at-home mom, homeschooler, freelance editor, and the owner of Trifecta Books.

 

Monster Mash Book Blitz Countdown Event Day 1: Tutankhamen Speaks by Cheryl Carpinello

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

Q&A With the Author:

1.  Describe yourself in 50 words or less.

A retired high school English teacher, I devoured books growing up. Teaching introduced me to writings and authors from the Ancient & Medieval times, and I fell in love with them. I now write to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart through my Tales & Legends for Reluctant Readers.

2. What do you love most in the world?

My family which is my immediate and my extended family.

3. What do you fear most?

Not being able to say goodbye to those I loved. It has happened too often.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~ Blog ~
~ Twitter ~ Google+ ~ Pintrest ~
~ Goodreads ~ Freado ~

Long ago the old texts of ancient Egypt alluded to scrolls in which King Tut spoke to the people from beyond the tomb. Many archaeologists put this down to an incorrect translation of the ancient Egyptian texts. Others swore to the accuracy of the translation. But, Tutankhamen Speaks isn't a story about the lost scrolls. It's about the story written down on those ancient scrolls: Tutankhamen's story.

2014 EVVY Merit Award for Historical Fiction from CIPA (Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc.) 

Reviews:

“A delightful way to bring history to children.”

“We are using this as resource for world cultures for home school.”

“What I liked about this book was that it gives a glimpse into the everyday life of Tut, before and after his rise to Pharaoh. It was like a fly on the wall peek at his life without it just being part of a much larger plot.”

“And what a tale it is! King Tut tells us his entire life story from when he was a boy and not yet acknowledged as heir to the throne of Egypt, through his father’s death and his own ascension to the throne; we learn of his love for Ankhesenpaaten, whom he married, the sadness they experienced at the loss of a child, and the politics and hierarchy of ancient Egypt with its court intrigue.”

~ Amazon ~ iTunes ~ Amazon UK ~ 

~ Amazon CA ~ B&N ~ Smashwords ~
~ Goodreads ~

Snippet:

Sailing toy boats

When I was small, palace carpenters made me toy boats. Sometimes these were made to resemble the barges that would carry crops and animals down and up the Nile from one settlement to another. Some were fully outfitted royal barges complete with sails and the poles used when the barge was moving up river. I started playing with these in the palace pools. Later, as I got better at loading them and maneuvering them, I would find a place near the palace where the Nile ran slower. There I would dig out canals for the boats to float in. Sometimes Ankhesenpaaten would help me. One time we had so many canals built that it took all afternoon for our crop barges and the royal barges to enter into the canal system and then sail through and re-enter the Nile. I loved those days with Ankhesenpaaten by the Nile.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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The Requiem Red by Brynn Champman Book Blitz and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

We're celebrating the hardcover release of

The Requiem Red

By Brynn Chapman

Historically, no matter the area, when an unexplainable phenomenon occurred, people were either jailed, incarcerated, accused of witchcraft or hung. No burning of witches, at least not in Salem. That was Europe’s deal, lol.

So….Jane is brilliant, misunderstood and incomprehensibly lonely. Until a new orderly arrives...to change her life forever.

Please, walk alongside her...down frozen corridors, and through horrible treatments--flee from the Soothing Hills Monster, and root for her to win.

Win the orderly’s heart, win back her mind, and her freedom.

Chapter One

1894, SOOTHING HILLS SANATORIUM
PHILADELPHIA, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

“Jane! Jane, where are you? There has been an accident!”

Nurse Sally’s tremulous voice echoes down the sanatorium’s hallway, ricocheting off the walls like mad bats in flight. I close my eyes, press my lips tight, and keep silent.

“Patient Twenty-Nine!”

I flinch at the use of my patient number and slide from the hidden window seat, snapping my book closed to bound down the corridor. The nurse’s cry came from the direction of my room.

“Twenty-niiiine … ” a male, sing-song voice calls out through the bars. I swerve and dart out of his way, narrowly missing those yellowed, grasping fingernails. My heartbeat doubles as I spin and run faster.

What has she done now?

My roommate Lily is truly disturbed. I spend most of my time out of the room, out of her way, because of her howling, because of her—

I round the corner and skid to a halt, instantaneously shaking.

Lily’s long blond hair spreads out on her cot like a coquette’s fan. Her eyes are closed. Her chest appears … still.

“Nurse?”

“Jane, go for help. Now. Run to Ward 4 and fetch Dr. Grayjoy!”

I stand staring, blood frozen in my veins, feet frozen to the floor. Lily’s head gives a violent jerk, and I gasp.

“For the love of heaven, now, you imbecile!”

I run. But not before I see the wall. Not before I see the message scrawled above her bed.

Help me. I know not what I do.

Welcome, to Requiem Red.

— Brynn

The Requiem Red

by Brynn Chapman

YA Historical Urban Fantasy

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 300 Pages
April 5th 2016 by Month9Books

Patient Twenty-nine.

A monster roams the halls of Soothing Hills Asylum. Three girls dead. 29 is endowed with the curse…or gift of perception. She hears messages in music, sees lyrics in paintings. And the corn. A lifetime asylum resident, the orchestral corn music is the only constant in her life.

Mason, a new, kind orderly, sees 29 as a woman, not a lunatic. And as his belief in her grows, so does her self- confidence. That perhaps she might escape, might see the outside world.

But the monster has other plans. The missing girl's share one common thread...each was twenty-nine's cell mate.

Will she be next?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Target

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Other Books by the Author

 

  

Blitz Giveaway

Hardcover of THE REQUIEM RED & $10 Amazon Gift Card
US only

Ends October 7th

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That Thing Formerly Known As My Life by Sally Johnson {Review}

That Thing Formerly Known As My Life
by Sally Johnson

Paperback, 211 pages

Published July 1st 2016

 

 

A cross-country move wasn’t exactly what McKinley had in mind for her senior trip, but leave it to her parents to up and move to Rhode Island. Her senior year was supposed to be awesome, but when she ticks off popular cheerleader Taylor, it goes from bad to worse.

The only good thing about moving is the mysterious, Camaro-driving, all-around-likeable Nick Phelan. But that mysterious thing that makes him so likeable is also making McKinley suspicious.

Nick hides secrets. McKinley harbors doubts. Taylor bares her teeth. But dealing with moving and Taylor is nothing compared to the biggest secret of all.

 

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

A move across the country leaves McKinley struggling during her senior year of high school. The queen bee of the school, Taylor, has it out for McKinley, which makes things worse. There's nothing worse than bullies at school and somehow, Taylor always gets away with it. The only thing that makes it all bearable is her new PE partner and friend--Nick. Although she hates PE, he's a saving grace and takes their friendship outside of the track. The mystery and secrets surrounding Nick are what takes this book to a slightly different level from the ordinary coming-of-age novel.   

 

McKinley is a pretty typical and likable girl. She has her insecurities and strengths, which makes her each to understand and relate to. I love watching her eventually figure herself out and handle the blows that come her way. I love the friendships she develops, although few, and the way she starts looking outward. Nick is pretty dreamy. The mystery surrounding him is very attractive and he has a very mature personality with a lot of words-of-wisdom to offer.

 

This story is frustratingly romantic. When it's obvious that two people like each other, but there's an invisible roadblock, it's a little aggravating. That element really propels the story--it sure kept me reading! I couldn't wait to find out what exactly was going on. Both the romance and mystery are subtle enough to complement each other as the plot unfolds into a very charming tale.

 

Content: mild romance; talk of drug and alcohol use (parties). Clean!

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

 

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Buy Link:

 

 

About the Author:

  

I grew up in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I went to college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I suffered a bad case of culture shock that first year. But I survived and went on to earn my Bachelor's Degree in English. While at college, I met and married my husband, Steve, and then we relocated to Las Vegas. I have lived in Las Vegas ever since and love it! Except for the hot summers, so I'm really thankful for AC. We have added four children and a dog to our family.

I have wanted to write books since I was twelve years old. It's a good way to put my over-active imagination to use. Now that it's *ahem* many years later, my dream has come true and I am a published author. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.