Best of 2014 - A Year In Review

It's time for Ashley's Best of 2014 Post.

So as we begin this journey keep in mind, this year has been crazy wild and loads of things have happened. So keeping it simple might be a bit hard. But I'm up for the challenge, are you? 

Remember ... everything posted on this bog I experienced in 2014, which means it may not have originated in 2014. Just making sure we are all on the same page. And remember they are in no particular order

Ready ... Set .... GO!

BEST BOOKS OF 2014

The Immortal Crown

Richelle Mead is just wow ... this book is the second in the Age of X series and it had me hooked from page one. This book pulls you in and takes your mind completely out of reality. I really can't say enough wonderful things about Richelle Mead and this series. If you love a great adventure full of twists and turns, then pick up this book! Richelle Mead has been on my list of favorite authors for a long time and she keeps holding strong the more and more she writes with this series!

After The Execution

James Raven - wow. He is just, wow. I am not sure where to begin when I think about all of the crazy things that happened in this book. And I don't mean crazy as in plot I mean crazy as in, terrible things happening to the characters. The way he brings them out on the page is a true talent. I live near where his plots take place, I went to school in Huntsville, where executions happen. I still can't believe he lives in the United Kingdom. The way he captures Texas perfect is amazing. Love his novels and seriously say you need to go pick up his books.

Murder In Paradise

This is really a series spot. Deborah Brown writes fun, exciting, and murderous mysteries. She makes you turn the pages so fast you don't even realize you are 200 pages into the book until you look up and see two hours have passed by. I read three of her books in two and a half days. Three full length novels. I couldn't put them down! I first found Ms. Brown when she was a guest on my blog because someone asked me to review her book. Now I am a die hard fan and LOVE her stuff. If you love happy, fun and light mysteries ... GO READ THIS SERIES!!!!

The Sowing

As I am sure you all know by now, Steven Dos Santos is one of my best finds of 2013 author wise. He is so brilliant. I am nipping my nails by the bits waiting on book three of the Torch Keeper Series. He really needs to write faster! I hound him every few months asking if he is done yet. WHY CAN'T HE WRITE FASTER! Anyway .. this book is like the first one and takes place in a end of the world type setting. It's like the Hunger Games, but better!

Son Of No One

Now Sherrilyn Kenyon has been on my list of top authors ever since 2009 when I read her for the first time. This book did something that the others haven't in quit a long time. Not only was it just amazingly easy and fun to read, it made me LOVE the Dark Hunter world again. While Styxx was an amazing book last year it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and a lot of emotional confusion regarding the world. Son Of No One fixed that for me because it felt like SK went back to her roots. My Author Goddess SK is back! In this novel. It is over 400 pages, took me about 4 hours to read, and it left me wanting more. Doesn't get much better than that does it?

BEST MOVIES OF 2014

X-Men, Days of Future Past

First off of COURSE I love an movie with Hugh Jackman. But even if he wasn't in this movie it would be on this list. It was truly well written and the cast was great. I cried at the end. When Wolverine woke up, I knew what was about to happen. The tears started before the screen moved to the next scene. That's the sign of a fantastic movie. And, well, Hugh's muscles weren't to shabby to look at either!

Veronica Mars

I was a HUGE VM fan when the TV series was out. Such a huge fan that I am sure you know I stood in line for HOURS to meet one of the cast member's at Comic Palooza in 2010. So maybe that helped me love this movie more that I had met 3 of the cast members that were in this movie and it made me smile thinking back on how nice everyone was when I got their autographs. But the plot was solid. The scrip well written. Robb Thomas should be pleased with his KickStarter movie doing so well. I could continue to watch this movie again and again. But hopefully they will make a sequel!

Captain America the Winter Soldier

So when I see fight scenes in movies I always judge them hard because of my martial arts training. I hate seeing the fakeness. Well this movie takes the cake for the BEST fight scene ever in a movie. In this movie Evans is fighting Georges St. Pierre and that scene will blow your mind away. I mean seriously. It was such a beautiful dance of rhythm and moves that it made me jump inside with joy seeing true talent.

Lego Movie

"Everything is Awesome" is constantly stuck playing over and over inside my head. This movie is just so fantastic and leaves you feeling well, awesome. This is my favorite Will Ferrel movie, and I never thought I would include any movie with him cast as a lead as a 'favorite.' But this one stole a slot. This isn't just a kids movie. It is a child of ALL ages type movie. Because deep down we are all children at heart. Or at least the ones of us worth anything fun are. Go out and see it, but be ready to smile because that's all that you will be doing in the end.

Guardians of the Galaxy

I have seen this movie about a dozen times since it has come out in 2014. The music is phenomenal, the cast is to die for, and the script is killer. Seriously the only thing this movie is missing is well, Hugh Jackman lol. I loved Chris Pratt, not only is he a great dancer but he holds the screen and lead of this movie to top notches. I have watched so many movies with more seasoned actors and they can't hold a candle to Pratt's performance. Seriously is amazing. I wish that all movies were this good. I cried at the beginning and then at the end, but only because it was over. I love this movie. I love the soundtrack, and I think everyone should go see it!

BIGGEST LET DOWN OF THE YEAR

Missing out on interviewing Jason Muse at Comic Palooza. My husband stepped up and he did a freaking amazing job at the interview for me but I was so heartbroken I wasn't able to conduct it myself. But I was totally stoked that he even agreed to let me interview him at all!

BEST MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Interviewing Tami Hoag. She has been my all time favorite author since like 1999 and when she responded to my Facebook inbox and then answered all the questions I emailed her. That was truly a wonderful day for not only me, but Memories in a Box blog!

WHAT I LOOKED FORWARD TO THE MOST

This is a hard one! I think what I looked forward to the most was NaNoWriMo. Even though I didn't 'win' it this year a lot was accomplished. Something you just have to accept when you're writing is real life does get in the way and sometimes takes up most of your time. Your writing has to be able to work around those real life irritations. That's what I am learning about this year.

WHAT CHANGED ME THE MOST

Finding out that I just shouldn't get pregnant ever again and my father in law passing away. Such grief and anger piled into both events. But what came from that wreckage hopefully will be something beautiful that those emotions brought to life.

MOST UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Holding my baby nephew for the first time. When my brother called to tell me that the newest baby Nemer had been born tears instantly soaked my eyes. I rushed over to the hospital to meet the little man. And what I saw was the most amazing and special gift God could give to our family. Hearing his little lungs crying out, seeing his eyes open, feeling him in my arms. Seeing my brother and his wife holding their son. Nothing will ever take that moment away from my mind. It is an image that I will cherish.

So that is the 2014 wrap up. Hopefully next year I will have a few new authors to introduce you too. I see some repeats from last year on this list. Hey you can't help what you love!

Have a safe and happy New Years Eve and always remember to Live, Laugh and Love, like today is your last!

HEA Book Tours Presents: Cover Reveal: Keeping King by Anne Jolin

COVER REVEAL

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KEEPING KING

Author: Anne Jolin

Genre: Erotic Romance

Series: Rock Falls #4 

~ SYNOPSIS ~

***Can be read as a standalone or as part of the Rock Falls series.***

Peyton Callaghan is a fighter, a survivor, a warrior. When it was kill or be killed, she didn’t hesitate. Now, she’s the only one left standing, haunted by the ghost of a dead man and plagued with the guilt of having taken another person’s life. The upheaval of her life to start over in Rock Falls has been rocky at best, her worst nightmares and wildest desires colliding with each other. Terror tortures her nightly, breeding fear inside her dreams, and in every waking moment, she fights against the lust that threatens to drown her. 

Jayden King harbors secrets beneath his outward playboy demeanor. The women who warm his bed lay claim to nothing—you can’t lay claim to someone who doesn’t have a heart. His wit and charm are exquisite means of deflection and distraction from the turmoil roaring inside him. He’s hidden in plain sight, a mask of humor keeping the sadness at bay. The only real reflections of his soul are in the artwork he creates, pieces of him muraled on the skin of others. If tattoo artists could have a calling card, the etch of pain and suffering in each design would be his. Because when the lights go out and the women he’s satisfied have gone home, he’s alone with every fear he refuses to face.

After suffering from a brutal attack at the hands of her roommate’s stalker, Peyton is forced to live with the object of her affection. Without intention, she breathes love into his starved heart, and although the mere thought of that terrifies him, Jayden would burn the city down to keep her safe, causalities be damned. 

Some people you have. Some people you hold. 

She can have him. She can hold him. But can she keep King? Or is it impossible for Callaghan to keep something that was never really hers to begin with?

~ COVER DESIGNER ~

MG Book Covers

https://www.facebook.com/MGbookcovers

~ COVER MODEL ~

Micah Truitt

~ COVER PHOTOGRAPHER ~

Scott Hoover

~ RELEASE DATE ~

March 4th

~ The Rock Falls Series ~

CHASING RHODES

Author: Anne Jolin

Genre:  Romance | Erotica

Series: Rock Falls Series #1

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Hannah Rhodes has just gotten out of a long term relationship, and she isn't looking for a new man in her life. But after a night out with the girls and one too many tequila shots, her plans to stay man free are blown all to hell. She finds herself in bed with the smoldering stranger from a party six months back and immediately knows she's in trouble, big trouble. And the last thing Hannah needs is more trouble.

Her last relationship took her out like an emotional freight train, and she’s trying to piece back the stability her life once had.

Greyson Holt’s biggest fear in life is to end up like his father, like the man who left him as a child, and broke his mother’s heart. He vowed to never be responsible for that kind of carnage. Men could be cruel and that kind of brutality was in his blood. He never allows himself to get too close to anyone, until he meets Hannah.

Something about her makes him want to try, but a man can’t change overnight.

Will Holt be able to catch Rhodes every time he lets her go? Or will their chase end in heartbreak?

~ PURCHASE ~

Amazon 

CHOOSING HENLEY

Author: Anne Jolin

Series: Book Two in the Rock Falls Series

Genre: Romance | Erotica 

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Lennon Montgomery is scared. Absolutely scared shitless of love.

When the floor fell out from underneath her perfect childhood, it shattered her ability to trust. The one man in her life who was genetically programmed to love her left her. Since then, she’s allowed men into her bed and even into her life, but never into her heart. 

Until him. 

Jamison Henley has never wanted a woman for longer than it takes him to make a guitar. He’s content living his life and loving only three things: making guitars, cooking great food, and Martha, his black pit bull. He never chases women, and he’s never had to. 

Until her.

One night together changes everything. There’s no going back to the way it was before. 

She doesn’t want to want him, but she does. 

He knows he wants her, but he can’t have her. 

Will Montgomery take the leap of faith in choosing Henley? Or will her fear cripple their chance at a happily ever after?

~ PURCHASE ~

Amazon

BREAKING BENNETT 

Author: Anne Jolin 

Genre: Romance/Erotica

Series: Rock Falls Series, Book 3 

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Beth Rhodes has always had a game plan. Go to college. Get the perfect job. Get the perfect guy. Get the happily ever after she's always wanted. It is just her luck that everything falls into its precise place in her life. At least it seems that way until her blueprints go up in smoke. She loses the job she loves and her price charming is turning out to be the villain of her fairytale instead. With failures and mistakes piling up on her doorstep, she knows something has to give—or she could very well end up paying for those mistakes with her life.

Braxton Bennett is lethal, both in the courtroom and in the ring. Two sides of him constantly wage war against one another, and to keep the internal bloodshed at bay, he allows himself to indulge in his violent vice. Suit by day and brawler by night aren’t easy dual lives to manage for a man of his status. The only way to do so is by following a strict set of rules—rules he won’t break for anyone. But what if he already has?

On a summer night in the depths of the city, a chance encounter will turn both of their perfectly constructed worlds upside down.

Will they battle together against all odds to break Bennett’s rules? Or will Rhodes tap out to save herself before the fight is over?

~ PURCHASE ~ 

Amazon

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

Anne Jolin

I’m twenty four years old. I was born and raised in Ladner, a small farm town just outside of Vancouver, Canada. I grew up riding horses, shooting guns and riding in trucks. I’ve been married to my handsome redneck husband for a year and we are parents to our chocolate fur baby, Bear. No kiddo’s yet! I am completely and utterly obsessed with country music, you will constantly find me stalking iTunes. If you don’t find me on iTunes, you’ll find me on Netflix because I am a self proclaimed movie junkie. Yes, that means that I quote them constantly in daily conversation and my characters do too! You couldn’t keep me away from a good action movie if you tried. I’m also a planning nut. I love to plan parties, events, trips – you name it! I don’t know if that’s considered a real hobby, but it is for me. 

We were fortunate enough to travel a lot as a family growing up, and I think that helped spark my love of reading. I’m half Viking, my mom is Danish, and her entire side of the family still lives in Denmark. We’d visit them almost once a year, every year and it’s a nine hour flight. That’s a lot of uninterrupted time to read (or in my parent’s case, entertain four children – Yikes!). Somewhere along the way my love of reading, became a love of writing. I wrote short stories when I was younger, and although I majored in Business Management at college, I took as many English electives I could get my hands on. 

During the day I work at my family construction company wearing a variety of different hats and at night, I write! I had never thought about writing books before, but after a few suggestions that I should try, I decided to give it a go. I loved it instantly! Having always been a creative person, it felt amazing to harness all that energy and use it to tell a story. Now, quite frankly it’s all I can think about, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful to have developed my love of reading into a passion for writing. You’ll be seeing many more books from me in the future!

Fire & Ice Book Tours Presents: Giveaway: Smolder on a Slow Burn by Lynda J. Cox

Blurb:

When your life has been stolen from you and the man responsible wants you dead, where do you run? Who do you trust?

Allison Webster dreams of having an adventure like the characters in the books she loves. But there is no romance in being pursued by a man who wants her dead for educating the children of former slaves. Unlike the heroines she reads about she doesn’t have a trusty companion to rescue her…until she literally runs into A.J. Adams, a former Confederate cavalry officer. Now, she just has to convince A.J. he really is the honorable man and hero depicted in the dime novel she is reading.

When everything you fought for was stripped away, even your honor, what is left to fight for other than revenge?

Branded a “traitor” for more than ten years, scarred by harsh treatment in an inhumane prisoner of war camp, A.J. Adams wants revenge. Allison Webster’s arrival into his life provides the bait to destroy the men who murdered his wife and daughters and kidnapped his little brother. The men pursuing Allison are the very same men he has sworn to kill. Falling in love and admitting he might actually be a hero means surrendering his need for vengeance. Surrender is not part of A.J.’s battle strategy.

See the book trailer on Youtube 

Excerpt:

A.J. watched her make her way from the boxcar with as much dignity as it appeared she could muster. The memory of that tiny waist in his hands and the slightness of her build had startled him. The barrier of that shapeless dark green sedge skirt vanished the moment his hands closed around her waist, and he could envision long, lithe limbs. He didn’t make it a habit to imagine any woman undressed, but this one knocked every bit of his equilibrium out from under him and he didn’t have the slightest idea why she did.

When she met his eyes, he’d been taken back. Slender, feathered brows lifted and eyes the color of melted chocolate widened—widened enough he was sure she saw all the way into the black abyss that was once his soul. Bright color flooded her cheeks when he told her to have a seat on the hay bale. Her slight Georgia drawl, hidden under layers of what sounded to be years of formal education, knifed into his chest.

He had watched her discreetly tuck several strands of walnut hair back under that ridiculous hat perched on her head. Realizing he had been staring at her, A.J. turned his back, letting the rapidly moving landscape occupy his gaze. She was lovely, he had to admit that. Walnut hair kissed with warm gold, high cheekbones that curved just enough to give her an elfin cast, a pert little nose, and the darkest chocolate eyes he’d ever seen combined into a rather alluring image. It had been a very long time since he had looked at a woman and not compared her to Cathy. He had sworn, as he knelt at Cathy’s grave that there would never be another. Now, a little slip of a thing had gotten in past his carefully constructed battlements and stirred something in him he could have sworn an oath to be long dead and buried beneath a live oak in Kentucky.

She was right, he was no gentleman. Sliding the door shut in her face hadn’t been the most gentlemanly thing he could have done, but he had long ago given up being anything that might even resemble a gentleman. He’d given that up sometime during his tenure in a veritable hell on earth called Camp Infernum. If he’d harbored hopes of regaining anything that came close to gallantry after watching men fight one another like animals for a scrap of moldy bread, all hope died on a warm spring afternoon when he collapsed to his knees at Clayborne at the graves of his wife and daughters and learned his younger brother had been taken by a band of roving deserters. A.J. knew his veneer of civility was just that—a veneer hiding a wounded, dangerous animal.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Wild Rose Press

Barnes and Noble 

About the Author:

Lynda J. Cox will tell anyone who will listen that she was born at least one hundred and fifty years too late, and most definitely in the wrong part of the country. She holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing from Indiana State University after earning her BA from the same university as a non-traditional student. (Think being old enough to be mom to 90% of the students in her freshman cadre.) She’s kept busy with two spoiled rotten house cats, a 30 plus year old Arabian gelding who has been nicknamed “Lazarus” for his ability in the later years of his life to escape death, and quite a few champion collies. When she isn’t writing, she can be found on the road, travelling to the next dog show. She loves to chat about books, the writing life, and the insanity which is called a “dog show” and can be reached through her Facebook page.

Connect With The Author:

Facebook

Blog

Twitter

Website 

Giveaway:

Enter to win an ebook copy of Smolder on a Slow Burn! This giveaway will run 12/9/14 – 1/6/15. Open worldwide! Enter through Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Review: The Immortal Crown (Age of X#2) by Richelle Mead

Title THE IMMORTAL CROWN, AGE OF X #2
Author RICHELLE MEAD
Source Purchase from Amazon
Purchase Link AMAZON

Blurb

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

Review

"Holy Effing Shit Batman!" That was my first reaction to this book. I can't even believe the twists and turns and adventures this story took and, wow, the ending!

First off, I still do not understand the readers who don't like this series from Richelle Mead. She has taken so many leaps and bounds of exciting adventures.

I am not sure about Arcadia. I mean, I get the world after two two books but I really don't get that world or any of this world at all. What kind of people turn into these creatures? Which is part of what I love about this novel is I love when I HATE people. The Government is just, ugh, BIG BROTHER! I really can't take how much control they have and I am so grateful that this world is simply on paper and not in reality.

Justin and Mae ... sighs ... I can't go on about them or I'll give spoilers and I just can't....

I seriously recommend this book to everyone. This series. This author. She is so amazing and I love that she keeps making these fantastic worlds.


5 Stars ... if I had an option for 6 She'd get 7!

Sage Blog Tours Presents: Sensual Intelligence by Natalie Geld

SENSUAL INTELLIGENCE

An Introduction To Your Body’s Language

Author: Natalie Geld

Genre: Nonfiction, Self-empowerment

Book Summary

Are you AWARE of the language your body expresses, and how it affects your RELATIONSHIPS and experience? How can you develop the INTIMACY you crave when you are dissociated from YOUR OWN BODY?

When you touch behind your knee, or touch your belly – you touch your heart, and your entire life’s experience. Your flesh and blood is your diary, recording emotional events on its cells. Your body talks in subtle and profound ways; often out of alignment with the words you speak. To be effective in your life, the quality of this communication matters!

Sensual Intelligence draws from innovative research to show you how to experience your body from within to heal pain, feel more pleasure and love, a fully embodied spiritual life, and greater joy, empathy and confidence. You’ll explore the skin you’re in with an exquisite and UNIQUE HANDS-ON TOUR from head to toe. You’ll think about your body differently, even with daily activities like sitting.

• Release painful holding patterns to unlock vital energy using surprising and fun sensory experiences

• Feel the power of loving touch to immediately relax your nervous system so you feel connected and whole

Feel good in this skin you’re in. Don’t wait for love... CREATE.

A must read for anyone with a body!

Author Bio

Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Natalie Geld cares deeply about human evolution and improving our experience of living. To integrate frontier science with medical and clinical communities, she co-founded the Society for Mind Brain Sciences and is producer/ director of the PBS series and university curriculum “The Feeling Brain: Exploring the Science of Emotions.” A passionate explorer of the integral nature of energy, Natalie spends hundreds of hands-on hours in the human anatomy lab, and is co-author, with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Bernard Baars of a book about our brain’s interactivity by Oxford University Press.

Natalie lifts the skirt of consciousness for 212 countries in her blog, WhyAreWeWhispering.com

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR, NATALIE GELD

Sign up for Nat’s newsletter:

NatalieGeld.com

Connect with her on:

Facebook.com/NatalieGeld

Twitter.com/NatalieGeld

GoodReads.com/Natalie_Geld

LINKS TO SENSUAL INTELLIGENCE

Touch your ears and you touch your heart. Everything’s connected.

Sensual Intelligence on Audible – Audio Book

Narrated by Author, Natalie Geld $6.95

bit.ly/SensualiqonAudible

Audio Book also available on iTunes

Sensual Intelligence on Amazon – Kindle Edition $3.99

http://bit.ly/SensualiqKindle

Sensual Intelligence on Barnes & Noble – NOOK Edition $4.49

http://bit.ly/SensualiqNOOK

eBook Edition also available on iBOOKS and additional Amazon sites worldwide.

Fire & Ice Book Tour Presents: Giveaway: New Orleans Lover by Lush Jones

Blurb:

Mary Jane has given up on men when she reluctantly travels to New Orleans for a weekend getaway with girlfriends. Stubborn and determined to steer clear of trouble, she’s sealed her sensuality under lock and key. Fate intervenes, however, with a chance to rediscover her sexual self. She will encounter three spirits – each one with an erotic test that will compel her to confront deeply held inhibitions and fears. She accepts the challenge and embarks on a decadent, daring, and unforgettable journey into paranormal pleasure.

 

Excerpt:

Mary Jane gulped. Placing the strap of her purse firmly over her shoulder, she inhaled a hefty draft of cool air into her lungs. Here goes nothing. Then she walked up the sidewalk, toward the front door of the book shop.

An unseen bell jangled as she opened the door and quickly looked around. The shop was jammed with shelves, but there wasn’t another person in sight. Not even an employee came forward as she stepped inside and strolled cautiously down an aisle. The air welcomed her, though, with the deliciously familiar scent of paper and ink.

Books.

The smell was comfortingly consistent; just like the public library or the Barnes and Noble near her house, and to Mary Jane’s nose, more enticing than freshly baked cookies. She let her fingers trail down a neatly arranged row of novels, the perfectly straight spines smooth to her touch. Passing a display of cookbooks, she turned down another aisle.

Ghosts of New Orleans read the spidery silver script on an oval-shaped purple cardboard sign. She stopped, glancing at the titles. Glossy and unspoiled, the book jackets begged to be picked up and read. She stroked one cover, a black and white photograph of the French Quarter from the 1920s, but she didn’t remove it from the shelf. She read the words Historical Hauntings from another, the bold crimson printing catching her eyes. Then she saw a small black clothbound book, jacketless. Ghost Lover, the ornate embossed gold lettering in the worn cover proclaimed. She reached out her right hand, intending flip through a few pages.

“Excellent taste, young lady,” The voice made Mary Jane jump. She dropped her hand and whirled around.

He was tall and sandy-haired, with hawk-like eyebrows that dominated his almond-shaped brown eyes, tiny crows’ feet fanning out from the corners. Well-shaped lips curled in amusement at her shock. “Did I surprise you?” he asked in a flawlessly articulated English accent, sounding rather like the headmaster of an expensive private school.

“Yes,” Mary Jane answered defensively, her fingers itching as if the impulse to touch the book had burned her.

“Go ahead,” the man urged. “Pick it up, it’s an intriguing story.”

Mary Jane glanced back at the book, small and faded, so nondescript. Yet she had an overwhelming desire to shove it in her purse and run out of the bookshop.

“Books have that effect on people, don’t they? The urge to escape into fiction can be rather overwhelming.” His voice was rich, like a heavy drizzle of caramel, and Mary Jane couldn’t help but look up at him again. He narrowed his eyes even as he smiled, and proffered his hand. “Barrett Stone, at your service.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Stone.”

His eyes flickered as he looked her up and down. “No need to be so formal, Mary Jane. You can call me Barrett.”

Oh shit. “Are you…? Are you one of the…?” She let her voice trail into a whisper, to his very visible amusement. “Are you one of the spirits?”

He nodded slowly and with one large hand, he plucked the book from the shelf and handed it to Mary Jane. “Here, this is yours to keep. Now,” he offered her his elbow, “I hope you’ll do me the honor of accompanying me.” It was not a question.

Mary Jane accepted the book and slid it inside her purse before placing her hand on his arm, deceptively strong beneath the elegant tailoring of his suit coat. “Where are we going?” She was almost afraid to ask, but Driver’s words reverberated in her head. Don’t be afraid to be scared.

She hoped his advice was right.

 

Buy Link:

Amazon

 

About the Author:

Lush Jones is a Texas writer of erotica, fantasy, and anything in between. She wrote her first racy story at the tender age of 14, although the details were somewhat lacking. Fortunately, her imagination has improved since then. She loves New Orleans, red wine, and men who love ballsy women.

 

Connect With The Author:

Website

Blog

Pinterest

Twitter

 

Giveaway:

Enter to win one of three $25 Amazon gift cards on the New Orleans Lover Tour & Giveaway! Open WW, this giveaway will run 11/26/14 – 12/24/14. Enter through Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: The Paragraph Ranch by Kay Ellington & Barbara Brannon

Title THE PARAGRAPH RANCH
Author Kay Ellington & Barbara Brannon
Source Received from authors in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON

Blurb

Every writer knows you can’t go home again. But that’s just what is required of West Texas expatriate Dee Bennett-Kaufmann when her mother is badly injured in a mysterious car accident.

Single-again “Dr. Dee” has never been on the "A-team" in her trendy East Coast MFA program. When a prestigious summer fellowship gives her the chance to finally finish her book, salvage her career, and spend some quality time with her college-age daughter, Dee’s certain her luck is about to change. Returning to care for her irascible, widowed mother threatens all of that.

With so much at stake, Dee engineers a series of unorthodox strategies and creative tradeoffs to keep her options in play—and despite herself finds friendship, love, and the power of words in the unlikeliest of places.


Review

This was quite a different book. I think the title is kind of cute, after having read the book. Because the best parts of this book were when the characters were in the writing classes on the ranch. There were a couple of scenes with Dr. Dee and her mom that made me laugh. Like with the rattler snake. And I enjoyed when Dee's daughter showed up. I liked her.

But overall this book just seemed very average. The story line didn't have a very 'obvious' issue to overcome, other than her mom being ill and in need of help. I would have enjoyed it more if there was some conflict other than that I think. Because I mean, after a while, we get what it is like to be a caretaker of someone who is older than ourselves and should be able to fend for themselves.

All in all I would say that if you like books that are very easy to read and not super hard to follow along if you need a lazy read kind of book then you might like this. I listened to it on my way to and from work in the car and it was easy to keep up even though my attention was obviously focused on the road.

I did feel like part of the time the authors 'voice' shifted, it made me think there were multiple authors. At the time I had that thought I hadn't realized this book did have multiple authors. So that threw me a little because it pulled me out of the story when the 'voice' shifted.

Overall 3 stars. Good book just some issues I couldn't get over.

About the Author

Kay Ellington, a native West Texan, has worked in newspapers from New York to California to the Carolinas—and back again to Texas.
Barbara Brannon formerly led the Publishing Laboratory at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, but got to Texas as soon as she could.

Website    www.ParagraphRanch.com
Facebook    www.facebook.com/TheParagraphRanch
www.facebook.com/ParagraphRanch refers to the writers’ retreat
Twitter    @ParagraphRanch    www.twitter.com/ParagraphRanch
Goodreads    www.goodreads.com/book/show/23198108-the-paragraph-ranch

Fire & Ice Book Tours Presents: Giveaway: Tempered by Lucy Varna

Blurb:

Among the People, Hawthorne the Chronicler is well-known for two things: Her faithful rendition of their history and her inclination to behead those who betray her. To mortals, Hawthorne is better known as Al C. Hawthorne, a fantasy writer with a stellar imagination and a knack for complex stories. It is in this guise that she must track down the sources of comic book illustrator Aaron Kesselman’s modernized tales of Rebecca the Blade.

Hawthorne’s blunt words and lithe grace intrigue Aaron, enough for him to take her up on the offer of sharing her bed. Before he knows it, his heart begins the fall into love, a fall he’s willing to take if only he can persuade Hawthorne that she isn’t a two thousand year old immortal descended from one of the most ruthless warriors in British history.

The past isn’t the only obstacle standing in the way of true love. The Eternal Order is on the move, targeting key members of the People in their never-ending quest to extinguish the Light. Hawthorne soon learns that a strong arm and a sharp blade aren’t always the best weapons in a Daughter’s arsenal, especially when her heart is involved.

Excerpt:

Aaron rose slowly and all but pushed her into her bed, pulling the covers up to her shoulders before he kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, Hawthorne.”

She raised herself onto her elbows and considered the resolve in his expression, and the unmistakable arousal pushing against the fly of his jeans. “You are leaving me?”

“I am. Get some rest.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and regarded her solemnly. “We’ll talk in the morning.”

He truly intended to leave her, though he was aroused and ready and adored her. She sniffed delicately, caught the faint aroma of his pheromones, and in that moment, lowered herself to the manipulations of a common human. “Perhaps I need the comfort of a friend this night, after the pushing you did.”

He winced and glanced away, and if she had been capable of feeling shame for her own actions, she would have then.

Fortunately, shame had been burned out of her system centuries ago.

“That’s a really bad idea,” he said. “Really.”

She turned down the covers on the opposite side of the bed and patted the mattress. “I insist. You would not wish me to cry again, would you?”

His eyebrows snapped together and he whirled, muttering God’s gonna strike me dead for this under his breath as he snapped off the overhead light and closed the door to her bedroom. She shimmied out of her camisole and panties and dropped them on the floor while he undressed and climbed into bed. He met her in the middle, and she wrapped herself around his long, fit body.

His hands cupped her bare hip and his breath hissed. “You took off your underclothes.”

She buried her face in the crook of his shoulder and slid her hands under his t-shirt, scratching his skin lightly with her nails. It was as she remembered it, warm, firm, beautiful. “Yes.”

“And you expect me to hold you all night like that?”

“If that is what you desire.” She ignored his constrained laugh and skimmed a hand around his ribs, exploring the muscled plane of his back. “Have you not missed our time together?”

“I have, so much.” He slid a muscled thigh between hers and sighed. “I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”

“Then do not.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

“It is as simple as you wish it to be. I did not cry from a harm you inflicted, but from a joy you withheld.”

“That’s…not exactly clear.”

“When you kissed me this evening,” she explained, “I believed you desired me.”

“I did.” His arm tightened across her back where he held her. “I do.”

“Yet, you refused to speak on the way home, refused to touch me or share your gaze with me. Should I not have taken your distance as rejection?”

“No, Hawthorne. Not just no, but hell no. I want you so much it hurts, inside and out, all day and night. Especially the nights. Dreaming of you, the way you smell and taste, like sunshine and woman and everything I’ve ever needed, and the way you feel when I’m in you, so tight and hot and good it takes my breath. I’ve waited so long to have you again, I was afraid my control would snap and I’d take you in the car.” His voice dropped to a low murmur against her ear. “So, no, I wasn’t rejecting you, sweetheart. I was trying not to jump you.”

Her own breath caught in her lungs, refusing to move, choked by the power of his words, the taut need in his voice. “I would not mind this jumping thing so much, if it means having you the way you described. Perhaps you would care to demonstrate.”

His laugh was low and male and scraped across her skin, exposing the billowing desire heating her blood. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Buy Links:

Amazon

About the Author:

Lucy Varna lives in Georgia, surrounded by her large, extended family. She’s a voracious reader and enjoys nothing more than losing herself between the pages of a good book. Her writing draws extensively on her background in genealogy, history, and archaeology, as well as on her eternal love of Science Fiction, Fantasy, the paranormal, and suspense.

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Giveaway:

Grand Prize on the Tempered by Lucy Varna Book Tour:

Print/Autographed Copies of: The Prophecy (Book 1), Light’s Bane (Book 2), The Enemy Within (Book 3).

A $25 Amazon gift card

One winner. This giveaway will run 12/15/14 – 12/22/14. USA only residents, please! Enter through Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway