Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

Paperback, 328 pages

Publication: June 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications, Inc.

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

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My Review: 5 Stars

Through no fault of her own, Daphne doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. She feels like an outcast even in her family, as she's more reserved and not as blond and pretty as the rest of them. When a childhood crush, James, comes knocking at her door, her dreams for her future grow. I absolutely adore James! Although he's manipulated into a situation that he really doesn't want to be a part of, his sense of duty and loyalty take over and he does what must be done. He is a true gentleman and unknowingly builds up a broken heart. The outcome is unexpected and tugged at my heart, especially watching Daphne's confidence grow when she focuses on her strengths.

I love this family! I enjoyed seeing more of "The Dangerous Duke," Adam, in this story and love the way his gruff exterior gives way to a very sweet and caring man--at least where his family is concerned. The banter between characters and the nuances of each different relationship completely captivated me. There's a vile villain, dashing heroes, adorable heroines, and more in this delightful Regency romance.

Content: mild romance

*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not influence my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

 

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski. 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Schedule: 

*June 5th: 

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/,  

http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, 

http://www.kindleandme.com/, 

https://atransparentmom.com/, 

http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/,   

http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ 

*June 6th:  

http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, 

http://readingismysuperpower.org/, 

https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, 

http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/,  

http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

*June 7th: 

http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, 

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/,

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/,  

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, 

http://www.iamareader.com/

*June 8th: 

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/,  

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/,  

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com,  

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, 

http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*June 9th:
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/,
http://thethingsilovemost.com/,
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/,
http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/,

 http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, 

http://www.iamareader.com/,  

http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/

Still Falling by Crystal Walton {Review}

Still Falling by Crystal Walton

Kindle Edition

Published May 17th 2017 by Impact Editions, LLC 

 

 

She’s trying to uproot the past. He’s trying to safeguard the future. But neither’s ready for the assignment about to jeopardize both.

Landing a prominent chair in the Philharmonic Orchestra is part of Bree Ramirez’s determined plans to avoid her old life. Falling smack into her ex-fiancé’s path again? Nowhere close. But with a gang hit targeting her and her brother as loose ends, the pressure to get them out of Queens ushers her straight into the very arms she’s spent the last four years pretending aren’t still home.

On the brink of finally making detective and tackling his parents’ cold case, NYPD Officer Josh D’Angelo is prepared for just about anything. Except playing it cool with the only girl he’s ever loved. Then again, if being assigned Bree’s security detail opens the doors to winning her back, he’ll risk whatever the job requires. Including his heart.

But when Josh’s investigation brings him to a choice he promised Bree he’d never have to make, this unsolicited reunion may cost them their only shot at a second chance.

Categories/Themes:
Contemporary Christian Romance
Second Chance Romance
Sweet Summer Romance
Best Friends Romance
Police Romance

Each book in the Home In You Series is a standalone and can be read separately. But I recommend reading the books in order if you want to follow the overall timeline:
Still Falling – A Novella
Write Me Home – Book One
Begin Again – Book Two

 

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My Review: 4 Stars

 

I don't know if I was tired when I started this book or what, but I felt a little lost at first. I felt like I should have known more about these characters and what was going on than I did, but once I got into the story, I felt better about things. This is a great story and doesn't feel like a novella at all.

 

Gangs terrify me and Bree and Josh are in the heart of NYC and each have a close connection with gangs. There are many intense moments and times when I had to question Bree's sanity. If a gang has a hit out for you, you follow the rules to stay safe! At least, that's what I would do because I'm kind of a chicken. 

 

Bree is a violinist and trying her hardest to make a better life for her family. Her ex-fiance, now a cop, is her protector, which makes things a tad bit awkward at first. Isn't it interesting to realize that those old flames didn't die, but have been left smoldering over the years? Well, I found it interesting and it sure captured my heart.

 

These are tough characters, who endure a lot throughout the story and previously. I love the way they each gradually come to terms with their feelings and situations in this romantic suspense.

 

Content: mild romance (kissing, some light innuendo); mild+ violence (gangs, shootings, etc).

 

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*

 

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Buy Link:

 

About the Author:

Crystal writes modern clean romances with humor, broken characters, and emotional plots full of grace and hope. When not working her accounting day job, she's delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes & singing eighties songs with her husband.

Crystal's giving away exclusive bonuses, including:
-A free devotional
-Bonus scenes from the heart-melting stories you love
-Author giveaways
-Sneak peeks into upcoming releases
-Exclusive invites to receive free books, swag, and more

Visit crystal-walton.com to get your free content.

Also, join her on Facebook at facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites for fun giveaways, chats, and more.

And be sure to come hang out with fellow fans of modern inspirational romance at facebook.com/groups/1719581438360824/

  

 

Sweet Illusions by Jeanette Lewis {Review}

Sweet Illusions (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Book 4)

by Jeanette Lewis

Eva Malone was very young when her mother forced the family to join a violent doomsday cult, but she remembers a little about how normal life used to be. As a young woman, she escapes the cult with the help of an aid organization and relocates to Indigo Bay, South Carolina to pursue her dream of peaceful anonymity.

After several tumultuous years as a policeman in Atlanta, Ben Andrews has had enough. He returns home to Indigo Bay and joins the Indigo Bay PD, where the most exciting part of the job is getting a kitten out of a tree or rescuing tourists who lose their keys at the beach.

Eva and Ben are immediately drawn to each other. But as the prophesied date of the apocalypse draws near and the cult steps up its efforts to find her, Eva realizes she can’t maintain her sweet illusion forever.

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My Review: 4 Stars

I can't even imagine growing up in a way as terrifying as Eva did. Escaping a cult wouldn't be easy and adjusting to the "real world" would be daunting. Yet Eva is very sweet and hard working, and a little skittish, especially towards Ben. Speaking of Ben, he's always been the type to be a hero and to save the day for those around him and he can't help but to be drawn to Eva. 

I love the hesitant way this couple comes together. Both Ben and Eva have issues from their past to overcome and they are each strong in some ways and weak in others, which makes them seem realistic. Discovering the roots to their issues really brings out their characters, especially as the mysteries surrounding each other unfolds.

I love this setting and how each author is able to bring a new light to Indigo Bay, yet maintaining it's small town, beach charm. I love to see familiar characters pop up and enjoy watching new couples find love. This one took me by surprise with it's sense of danger and suspense, but it's still sweet and enjoyable.

Content: mild violence (vague mentions of rape/attempted rape, death, etc); mild romance (kissing, some implied innuendo).

*I received a complimentary copy, which did not influence my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

   

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. Contact: AuthorJeanetteLewis at gmail dot com

Girl in the Spotlight by Virginia McCullough {Blog Tour Spotlight/Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Girl in the Spotlight

by Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The daughter they never knew

When Miles Jenkins sees the graceful young figure skater on TV, he can't believe how much she resembles Lark McGee, the girl he dated briefly in college. Could this aspiring star be the child Lark gave up for adoption eighteen years ago? He has to find out.

Locating Lark ignites conflicting emotions in Miles—including regrets for what might have been and romantic feelings that take the two single parents by surprise. As they prepare to meet their daughter, this deeper connection between the two just might be the chance at love they never got.

Advanced Praise

Mesmerized by the real world of characters--brought to life beautifully, I found myself entranced by this thoughtful, delightful, sad, and joyous, novel about second chances and all forms of love. The situation, characters, and consequences left me shedding happy tears at the ending. — Casey Clifford, award-winning author

A compelling love story crafted with characters you'll fall in love with. Miles and Lark's journey to be reunited with their child captured my heart, as did their blossoming romance. The best book I have read this year! —Lily Silver, author of Dark Hero

McCullough is always adept at creating suspense on multiple levels. In Girl in the Spotlight, the intrigue builds from page one and doesn’t let up until the end. But she understands that readers need relief from tension, and through her masterful storytelling and perfect pacing, McCullough delivers satisfying outcomes along that way. The relationships she’s developed are complex and realistic, and their evolution is deeply satisfying. — Lynda McDaniel, author of A Life for a Life

Girl in the Spotlight swept me away to Wisconsin's Lake Michigan shore and reminded me of loves left behind. McCullough invokes deep emotions through her writing, which will pull at your heart. More than a romantic love story, it is a love story of parents for their children. A must read."  — Anne Parent, author/reviewer

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Guest Post:

Who are Lark and Miles?

When Miles and Lark met as college students both confided their big career dreams. It was such a
pleasure to portray a guy who early in life chose to become a professional speaker/consultant. I’m
familiar with that life, so I know how much time speakers spend in airports and hotel rooms, with phones and laptops as their only companions.

Fit and tall, with dark hair and eyes, Miles is 39, and looks great in his work clothes, a suit and tie. On his best days, he’s with Brooke, his 8-year old daughter. He and his ex-wife Andi (hint—I tell her
story in Book 3 of my Two Moon Bay series) share custody of Brooke and he does his best to co-parent and give his little girl what she needs. It so happens Miles is a pretty good dancer. Lark remembers that.

Lark was drawn to Miles because he knew what he wanted—and so did she. When she got sidetracked, her dream of becoming a journalist went by the wayside, but not for long. Focused and
serious, Lark is an expert at keeping secrets, even from her best friend Dawn (hint—I tell Dawn’s story in book 2), and she’s stubborn enough to go her own way, too. Contrary to a lot of unasked for advice, she chose to buy a small cottage on Lake Michigan, where her desk offers a view of sunrises and the moon rising over the lake.

When they were young, Miles admired Lark’s light brown hair and bright blue eyes and wide smile—he still does. To him, she’s barely changed at all. Emotional and intensely private, Lark credits a trip out of the country with helping her steer her life back on track, but she’s not truly made peace with the past. Until now.

Reconnecting opens Lark and Miles to possibilities and second chances they never imagined
possible.

About the Author

A writer all her adult life, Virginia McCullough has had the opportunity to write the stories of her heart in her novels, including Girl in the Spotlight, the first book in her Two Moon Bay series for Harlequin Heartwarming. (Book 2 is scheduled for release in January 2018). Her award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include The Jacks of Her Heart, Amber Light, Greta’s Grace, The Chapels on the Hill, and Island Healing.

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Tour Schedule

June 5th: Launch

June 6th:
Hardcover Feedback
Katie's Clean Book Collection
RANDIE2436
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
June 7th:
Book Lover in Florida
Reading Is My SuperPower
Nicole's Book Musings
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
Becky on Books
June 8th:
Rockin' Book Review
Mel's Shelves
A Baker's Perspective
Harlie's Books
June 9th:
It's All About the Romance
Hearts & Scribbles
The Bookworm Chronicles
June 11th:
I Am A Reader
Valerie J. Clarizio, Romance Author
Thoughts of a Blonde
Sylv.net
June 12th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1st Prize (US only): Tea & Contemplation, a collection of favorite things, starts with an uplifting message from “Seize the Day” Pop Open Cards. Fill a ceramic thermal mug to sip Lavender Chamomile Tea while you contemplate your ideas and dreams. Write your thoughts in a journal, whose guiding words are: When Your Heart Speaks... take good notes! A Wish pen is included. Finally, pick a place to display a large piece of gemmy rose quartz, a stone long linked to matters of the heart. It’s said when rose quartz is nearby, love (of all kinds) comes along to keep it company. These items will be arranged in a “keeper box” and delivered to your door.

2nd Prize (open internationally): You will receive a $35.00 Amazon eGift Card, and a digital copy of GIRL IN THE SPOTLIGHT, plus one digital copy of another of Virginia’s five award-winning novels—it’s your choice.

Ends June 16th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Man She Knew by Loree Lough {Blog Tour Spotlight/Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Man She Knew

(By Way of the Lighthouse, #1)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Don't they both deserve a second chance?

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn't convinced.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Introduction to the series

“By Way of the Lighthouse” features heroes and heroines separated by hurt, anger, and disagreements. Will they find their way back to one another, and renew the love they once shared? Or are the scars too deep, promising a future of heartache and regret?

Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. The Man She Knew, #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series, her 3rd for Harlequin Heartwarming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

June 3rd: Launch

June 4th:

Rockin' Book Reviws

deal sharing aunt

Booklove

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

June 5th:

Hearts & Scribbles

Janice's Book Review

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Falling Leaves

June 6th:

Brooke Blogs

Reading Is My SuperPower

Cinnamon Cindy's Book Blog

Becky on Books

June 7th:

Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford

It's All About the Romance

Bookworm Lisa

Heidi Reads...

Hardcover Feedback

June 8th:

Nicole's Book Musings

Getting Your Read On

Thoughts of a Blonde

underneath the covers

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader

June 9th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- Two winners will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- Two winners will receive an ebook of THE MAN SHE KNEW (open internationally)

- Two winners will receive a print copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW (US only)
- Ends June 13th

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Cancun Getaway by Cami Checketts {Review}

Cancun Getaway (Billionaire Beach Romance)

by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition

Published May 3rd 2017 by Birch River Publishing 

 

 

Moriah Jackson arrives in Cancun expecting a relaxed beach vacation with her son. She doesn't plan on meeting a charming, blond Adonis who's intent on sweeping her off her feet. And she certainly doesn't expect to be targeted by human traffickers. Fighting the urge to be drawn in by Jace's kindness, Moriah must let go of her past or she'll jeopardize more than just her own future.
Jace Browning lost his former love to the obnoxious and arrogant Brooks Hoffman. He buries himself in work until his brothers force him to meet them at an all-inclusive Cancun resort. He never dreamed he'd meet a dark-haired beauty who captures him with her dancing, positive attitude, and love for everyone. Now that he's found her, he's not going to let her go without a fight, but her son's biological father might ruin both of their futures.

Cancun Getaway is the fourth book in the Billionaire Beach Romances. It is a stand-alone book but has characters from Cozumel Escape and The Faithful One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance.

 

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My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love the beach and I love romance, so what's better than mixing the two together? Not much, I tell you. It was fun to see some side characters from previous books come to life in this one. I must get back to a beach to experience what came to life for me in this setting.

 

Moriah is such a fun, sassy character! I loved her in The Faithful One and adored getting to know her even better in this story. I feel like a dancer trapped in a klutzy body, but Moriah lets her dancing come out--all of the time. She's my opposite, as she's outgoing, spunky, and plays hard to get. But she's fiercely loyal to her young son and that plants her character right in the middle of my heart. Jace is too good-looking for his own good, but he's not cocky at all. I love the way he treats Moriah and Turk right from the start and that rooted him to my heart. Nothing is better than a kind, generous man who loves kids.

 

I love that each character is dealing with issues from past relationships and their strengths unknowingly help each other work through these problems. I also love that these characters, although supernaturally gorgeous, are flawed. 

 

This author is strong in romantic suspense and I thought for a minute the suspense would be absent from this one. Fortunately, it showed up and as always, she does a great job of weaving it in. I am one happy reader because I got to sit back and enjoy this swoony story, escaping to a tropical paradise for a time. 

 

Content: mild+ romance (swoony kisses); mild violence.

 

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Buy Link:

 

Planet of the Red Dust by N. Tolman Rudolph {Review}

Planet of the Red Dust by N. Tolman Rudolph

Paperback, 264 pages

Publication: May 21st 2017 by WiDo Publishing

Jared Adams is the sole survivor of the space ship Wayfarer, wrecked on a dead planet, alone in this barren world. Until he sees two humans arrive at the crash site.

Aaronia, daughter of the king, and her uncle Porto are in awe of this strange man who speaks babble and yet appears God-like. He rescues her uncle from a deadly beast by throwing lightning from his hand, then takes them back to their camp in a miraculous cart that runs on its own power.

Though their languages are different, Aaronia and Jared are drawn to each other. Despite Aaronia’s pleas, her father the king is in fear of how Jared’s advanced technology might adversely affect their world. Jared is imprisoned and sentenced to death.

Aaronia must somehow prevent Jared’s execution. And the two of them must find a way to save the people of Sionon from their forced execution by a dying planet.

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My Review: 4 Stars

I've always said, there's something about royalty that touches me and this story brings to life a tale like no other. When Jared crash lands on a new planet, he's not really expecting to find other humans. Aaronia and her uncle are surprised to find someone so foreign, yet his ways are necessary to help save their dying planet. 

Through the adventures of this people, the reader is told a powerful tale of survival and different, yet similar, customs that span across the universe. I loved watching strengths unfold in ways that could really benefit others, as well as seeing prophecies come to pass. There are some subtle parallels to Christian beliefs and I found myself once again wondering--is there life on other planets?

I was entertained by these characters and found the setting very interesting. I wanted to know how it would all end, although there were a few surprises. I like to be shown how relationships develop because I become very emotionally invested, but the telling way of this book was fine and felt comfortable.

Content: mild+ talk of religious matters/prophecies/Bible stories; mild romance, kissing and some innuendo.

*I received a copy from the author, which did not affect my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*

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Buy Link: