Friday 31 August 2018

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: MISTRESS SPY by PAMELA MINGLE




A determined sister . . . Madeleine Vernon’s dreams should be filled with elegant gowns and marriageable men. Instead, she dreams of avenging her brother’s death. But when she’s captured by the queen’s men, she’s forced to become a spy by her mysterious yet undeniably attractive captor.

A rakish spy . . . After years of working for his father in Queen Elizabeth’s service, Nicholas Ryder is close to going his own way. But now he’s got a feisty beauty he must protect or risk her execution as a traitor to the crown. She’s a distraction he can’t afford, but he also can’t stop thinking about her.

A dangerous lie . . . It is Nicholas’s job to foil plots against Elizabeth, and he sends Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner what information she can. As the line between captor and prisoner blurs, deceit, betrayal, and desire become a perilous mix. Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart.

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In Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle, all Madeleine Vernon wants is revenge. Instead, she finds herself being forced to work for the Queen as a spy when she's caught by the Queen's men. Luckily, she has Nicholas Ryder on her side, otherwise things could be a lot worse for her in that she could have just as easily been executed for her crimes. Will Madeleine be able to get the information Nicholas needs her to get or will she find herself in too deep? 

This is the second book I've read by this author and I've got to say that Ms. Mingle absolutely impressed me with this historical romance, as it has a good dose of suspense towards the end; compelling dialogue that had me loving the growing relationship between the main characters and the journey these two take on their way to happy ever after; and incredible main characters that have interesting back stories.

The way this story started drew me in immediately and had me worried for the heroine, as things don't look good for her, especially since it seems she doesn't really have much of a choice but to accept the hero's terms to be a spy. Will she be able to get the intel he needs? How much danger will the heroine be in? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, driven and I liked how determined she is to carry out the assignment that she's been given, even though she knows nothing about being a spy. I also liked that she didn't give up until she could get all the information she needed to stop whatever was going to happen. Yet, I couldn't help but sympathize with her because of things that she learns along the way that make her feel as though the hero has betrayed her. Will Nicholas be able to get Madeleine to listen to reason as to why he keeps certain things to himself? Things that she needs to know.

While the hero, he's confident, driven, compassionate when it comes to the heroine's situation and I liked the relationship between him and his nephew, as the little boy has been through so much and needs Nicholas every bit as much as the hero needs the little boy. I also liked the decisions the hero makes when it comes to his life and how it isn't easy to do what he does for the Queen anymore. How can he deal with everything the Queen's men do when some of the men are so ruthless? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how he helps the heroine to deal with being a spy. 

Overall, Ms. Mingle has delivered an enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was delightful and had me loving that the heroine gave Nicholas a chance; and the ending took  me by surprise because of the things the hero was hiding from Madeleine and had me worried for the main characters because of what happens, but had me loving that they find their way back to each other because they're meant to be together. I would recommend Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle, if you enjoy Historical romance, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Anna Campbell, Stacy Reid, Mary Jo Putney and Jess Michaels. 






Maddy was musing on the purpose of this meeting when she heard muted hoof beats on the water-soaked ground. Stepping out to greet horse and rider, she was welcomed by a nicker from Raven, Ryder’s mount.

Ryder swiftly dismounted. “Next time be certain who you are greeting before you show yourself,” he said rather sternly.

“Had I not been expecting you, I would have.” He grasped her elbow, leading her back inside. Three walls were intact and helped block the wind. Maddy lowered the hood on her mantle and waited for him to speak.

His expression was grim. “I wished you to have this information at once. I have learned Thomas Vine’s true identity.”

Her heart jumped. “Oh?” she said, attempting to gather her wits. Maddy had remained undecided about exactly how much to confess when the time was right. If Ryder already knew Musgrave’s identity, conceivably he knew all.

He did not notice her unease, but went on speaking. “His name is John Musgrave. He’s a notorious border reiver, a brutal criminal and most likely a killer. I am considering removing you from Lanercost for your safety.”

And return me to Carlisle Castle? “Oh, pray do not! This is my only chance to save myself.” And to redeem herself. What would happen to her if Ryder carried out this plan? If his father had any say in the matter, which he most assuredly would, she would soon be sleeping on straw again. “Nicholas, I beg you!” Before thinking the better of it, Maddy grabbed hold of his doublet and yanked.

Ryder said nothing, only kept a probing gaze on her. How had she dared to lay her hands on him? Reaching out, he captured them with his own, his sage green eyes searching her face. “Do you still fear I could not protect you? I would keep you from harm, Maddy. You have become very important to me.”

And then he bent his head and kissed her. A gentle, exploring kiss. With a soft moan, she leaned into him. His arms came around her, gathering her close, kissing her more urgently. The tantalizing pressure of his tongue seeking hers made Maddy forget everything but the here and now. Nicholas smelled as clean and fresh as morning dew. The soft rustle of Raven’s grazing, the wind soughing, the rain drip-dropping off the wall, yes, she was aware of all those sounds. But nothing mattered except the warmth of his embrace and the sensual press of his lips. A fever possessed her, and when he stepped away, she wanted to lure him back. He tasted like twilight: deep, sensual, and a little mysterious.

They laughed, both of them breathless. He continued to hold her arms. “I would very much like to kiss you the night through, but I must tell you the rest.”

She nodded. “Go ahead.” Maddy hoped she could comprehend it; her senses were still attuned to other things.

All seriousness now, he said, “Musgrave is an outlaw, drafted into service by Cecil as a double agent. In the past year, he was hauled before the Council of the North because of his raiding. He got off with a warning, since they had no proof, as is often the case with these men. Their steel helms cover their faces, and of course they ride mainly at night.”

Maddy pulled away from Nicholas. “Which is why he could not be present when Sussex came to Lanercost. He would have recognized Musgrave and exposed him.”

“Precisely.”

“What is his purpose there?”

“He’s been sent to gauge the loyalty of the Protestant Dacres.”

“But that is what I am doing. Why must there be two of us?” How she wished Musgrave might be removed.

“It seems Lady Jane Dacre and her son may have differing loyalties. They want Musgrave primarily to keep an eye, jaded as it is, on Dacre.”

“Has my mission changed?”

Nicholas shook his head. “Nay. ’Tis unclear to me why Cecil needs two spies at Lanercost, but your duty will remain unchanged. Watch and observe Lady Dacre and take note of questionable behavior on the part of anybody else.”

Questionable behavior. Did her suspicions of Musgrave in Cath’s disappearance count? When Maddy thought about Cath, she was convinced his ruthlessness knew no bounds. “I found out today that the young serving girl who spurned him is missing. I’m frightened for her, Nicholas, and quite certain it’s Musgrave’s doing.” She explained what little she knew. “Can you do anything to help find her?”

“I’ll put some men on it, have them be on the lookout for her—or her body.” Nicholas gripped her shoulders. “In the meantime, you must stay away from him as much as possible.”

Trembling, she broke away from Nicholas. Now was the time to tell him, yet still she hesitated. What would he think of her? But if there was to be trust between them, there must first be truth. It was up to Maddy to convey it. She drew in a deep breath and said, “Musgrave was no stranger to me.”

A questioning brow arched. “I do not understand.”

It would be easier said if she were not facing him straight on, so she began to pace. “I was introduced to him in Carlisle, during a Midsummer celebration. It will seem difficult to believe, but back then he cut a dashing figure.” She paused and glanced at Nicholas, whose face had frozen. “He was tall, handsome, and seduced me with flattery. I was an innocent girl of nineteen years, completely taken in by it.”

“He seduced you? Did he—?”

“Bed me?” Maddy looked at him over her shoulder, wondering if her expression reflected the shame and regret she felt. “Aye.”

“God’s wounds, Madeleine! It is beyond belief that you lay with that man.” Even when he’d questioned her, she did not recall him raising his voice. Not like this.




Pamela Mingle is a former teacher and librarian who was fortunate enough to choose writing as a third career. Or maybe it chose her. :) She loves to create romantic tales that play out against historical events and always includes some humor in her books. Pam and her husband enjoy walking in the UK--even though she's done her share of whining on those fifteen-mile days. The walking trips have been an ideal way to discover new settings for her books. Pam loves to hear from readers. Go to her website, http://www.pammingle.com/ to sign up for her newsletter. Subscribers learn first about giveaways and exclusive-to-subscriber content. You can also contact her via her website. 

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: REWRITE THE STARS by JULIEANN DOVE



Rewrite the Stars
By Julieann Dove
Releasing August 23rd, 2018
Self-Published

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For ten summers Claire and her mother had been guests at the Prescott’s beach house at Kelly’s Cove. And for ten years she played with Mallory and her twin brother, Colin. But it wasn’t until she returned after college graduation for her last summer there, that she realized Colin had grown into a guy who made her knees knock just by smiling at her. Being from different worlds, she knew nothing would come from her attraction to him.

Having returned to the states from studying abroad for four years, the last person Colin thought he’d find staying in his bedroom was Claire Ashton. Lanky and awkward during her adolescent years, he had to look twice to make sure this was the same girl. After a week together it was obvious he’d overlooked something before, because he felt things for her he’d never experienced before. There was only one problem—his last name and all that came with it would never permit him to be with her.

In the end, it’s either love or prestige that will win in the game of love.


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In Rewrite the Stars by Julieann Dove, Claire and Colin couldn't be more different. He's from a powerful family, rich and expected to take over the family business while Claire is barely surviving after having lost her only family member and about to start a new job. Still, she accepts the invitation to spend a week at the Colin's family beach house. Will Colin walk away from his family legacy for the woman he's fallen in love with or will Claire walk away from her shot at happy ever after before she gets hurt?

This was an interesting, enchanting, fast-paced read with a wonderful plot twist that had me reading quickly, determined to discover what was going on with the heroine and whether things would work out for this pair, considering the huge obstacles they face to be together including the secrets Claire learns about the family that could tear a family apart. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really gets interesting, as the hero gets lucky when it comes to Claire being there for the family get together. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why Colin is jealous of Claire's life in the way she doesn't have to answer to anyone when it comes to what she wants for her future. Will Colin tell his dad that he wants nothing to do with the family company? Moreover, both the main characters are relatable, likeable and I liked how they were willing to fight for their future together, even though it isn't easy. Really, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to prove she's good enough for Colin. I also liked the moments where Claire speaks her mind and isn't worried about the repercussions, even though she cares so much about Colin that she would walk away to keep him from making hard decisions when it comes to family. While the hero, he has some tough decisions to make, especially when it comes to what he wants life to hold for him. Will he pursue his dreams or be miserable for the rest of his life? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was the close relationship he shared with his sister and the encouragement he gave her when it came to both their futures.

Overall, Ms. Dove has delivered a really good read in this book where the main characters kept me entertained from start to finish; the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and shows how right these two are for each other; and the ending took me by surprise, but had me loving the decision the heroine makes because fighting for her future with Colin is important. No way will she allow anyone to keep them apart. I would recommend Rewrite the Stars by Julieann Dove, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Kelly Seller, Claire Kingsley, Stephanie Rose and Erin Swann.





“Colin, where are you taking me?” Claire saw he’d taken a right at the intersection, rather than the left that led downtown.

“I hooked us up with a private flight around the island. The instructor told me I can even take the controls to feel what it’s like to pilot the plane by myself.” His eyes became as large as fifty cent pieces, just like the little boy who’d gotten excited when his mother brought home a model plane for him to drive remotely around the side field of the house. Mallory and Claire saw very little of him that summer.

Claire’s anxiety level began to soar, higher than she ever wanted to experience from the air. “I’m not so good in planes, Colin. And that’s usually the commercial ones, with two hundred or so seats and a locked cockpit where I’m unable to see the pilot and all the buttons it takes to lift off into the clouds and stay lifted. I’m not so sure I can do two-seater tin-can models.”

“Do it for me?” He took her hand in his and pleaded, trying to stay on his side of the road.

She took a deep breath, teetering on thoughts of plummeting into the earth’s atmosphere and touching again on soil with all body parts intact. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint Colin. His father did enough of that already, and he looked so happy. His foot was tapping to the song playing on the radio and his smile was completely infectious. “All right, but the first time I’m scared, you’ll tell the pilot it’s time to come back?”

“Promise.” He crossed his heart.

“All right then. Let’s go earn you some wings!” she yelled.

He pulled into the parking space and grabbed her face for a quick kiss. “I love you.”

She opened her eyes quickly right before the contact of lip on lip. What did he just say? He must have caught that slipup, too. Instead of following through with the kiss, he was doing somewhat of a staring-off contest, and neither one was blinking.

“Did you just—”

“I did. It wasn’t planned, I promise, and if it freaked you out…” He didn’t finish his sentence.

She didn’t know what to think. She thought of her mother instantly, and what advice she’d give her. Stop being so guarded, more than likely. Claire had a problem with letting people get close to her. Especially now that she knew how completely lost she was without her mother. But she knew if she was ever going to find love, she’d have to open herself for the possibility of having her heart broken, too.

“Aren’t we still in the trying out period?” She eased back a few inches from his beautiful intense blue eyes. Not that she hadn’t already fallen madly in love with him. But she was waiting it out, for him to figure whether it was something he wanted, too. Guys usually didn’t figure it out until years into a relationship. This was sudden and completely a pinch-me moment for her.

“I mean, did you mean what you said, or was it just sheer excitement and adrenaline over being able to fly a plane and me agreeing to go with you? Risking life and limb.”

His eyes didn’t waver with his answer. They stared at her, to the very core of her, and his words rang inside her ears. “I meant it. I do love you.”

Her heart leapt with joy. A thousand fireworks exploded inside her, setting off tinier ones for the smaller parts, like her pinky fingers and piggy toes. “I love you, too.” She tried her best not to sound fourteen when she said it.

There it was—spoken to the universe. Like a corked bottle finally getting release. Lightning could strike her if it was untrue. But it was true. And a secret. Like the ones Frieda told her the house held. A secret that had been burning inside her since high school. It was in those years after Colin had grown out of a little boy playing pranks and into a young man who was hell-bent on spending his time challenging Claire to swim out to the first beacon. Although both wore the guise of feeling indifferent, inside she wanted him to want her as much as she wanted him. The mask was now off and it felt wonderful to say it out loud.

He moved forward to kiss her again. This time slower, with a hundred percent more passion. His tongue fought to get at her. His chest heaved in and out, as he touched her breasts, straddling across the center console to do so.

“Colin, are you going to be late?” She backed away slightly, wiping her lips. “Not that I’m not enjoying this immensely and maybe hoping a little tiny bit,” she held up two fingers, “that the flight will get canceled and we can return to the guesthouse. But I don’t want you to miss this opportunity.”

“You’re right.” He adjusted his shirt from riding his neckline. “We’re supposed to be in there now. Thanks again, Claire, for coming with me.” He jumped out and ran to her side and escorted her to the tarmac.




 






Julieann lives in Virginia, where she loves collecting houseplants, sewing cute little quilts, and writing about messy love. She fell in love with reading at a young age, after following Nancy Drew in solving the mysteries of the world. This carries on today, as crime shows are among her favorite to watch. Well those and the Hallmark channel love stories and mysteries. Keeping busy with soon-to-be six children, she needs time to unwind!






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Thursday 30 August 2018

COVER REVEAL: SEDUCE ME by KELLY ELLIOTT


FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER KELLY ELLIOTT COMES A BRAND NEW NOVEL SEDUCE ME, THE FIRST BOOK IN A NEW SERIES COMING NOVEMBER 6TH!

 

     

Seduce Me
Austin Singles #1
By Kelly Elliott
Releasing November 6th, 2018
Self-Published





What happens when you’re forced to seduce the one person you vowed never to love? You get screwed … in more than one way. I walked out of Tucker Middleton’s bedroom seven years ago, leaving him hurt and angry. Now I need his help; the only way I can get it, is to make him think I want him back. The only problem is we have silently vowed to hate one another for the rest of our lives. In order to get Tucker to help me—I have to seduce him. Easy right? Hell yes! I’m the CEO of CMI Consulting. If I set my mind to something, I make it happen. Charleston Monroe is playing me for a fool. If she believes for one second I’m going to let her walk into my life to help her save the very job that ripped her away from me, she’s got another thing coming. She thinks she can seduce me, and I let her believe she can. After all, I’m getting what I’ve always wanted. Her. Caution: This story contains crazy hot sex, and one shaved pussy.   

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Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few. Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012. Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings. To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website. www.kellyelliottauthor.com 

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Wednesday 29 August 2018

COVER REVEAL: #1 MUSE by T. GEPHART



Today we are sharing the cover reveal of #1 MUSE by T. Gephart! This is a contemporary romance, standalone title that you won't want to miss! This novel is part of T. Gephart's #1 Series, and #1 MUSE releases on October 4th. Pre-order links can be found below.

 

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# 1 Muse
#1 Series #5
By T. Gephart
Releasing October 4th, 2018
Self-Published



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Landing a writing gig in Hollywood was just as difficult as becoming an actor, and something Claire Becker had learned the hard way.

Sure, she didn’t have to conform to ridiculous beauty standards and give up her love for raw cookie dough, but the sting of rejection burned all the same. The only things that kept her sane were her two amazing roommates and her guilty pleasure—writing fan-fiction. 

Getting lost in her own world, she’d forget that she had yet to land her dream job, and instead spent time with her dream man—Nick Larsson. Well, at least in the literary sense. Too bad he wasn’t aware or an active participant—her fictional love life, outstanding.

Tall, good-looking and sexy beyond comprehension, Nick Larsson not only had a famous last name—and four equally smoldering brothers—but was talented beyond belief. A star on the rise with a critically acclaimed series, his body and face were what fantasy scripts—and dreams—were made of. Made for some pretty steamy writing opportunities too.

And yes, it was probably “wrong” for Claire to objectify him, but it wasn’t like anyone knew about it. Just her, and her two amazing, supportive roommates.
Or at least they were amazing and supportive, and bound to be missed after Claire killed them.

In a moment of unexplained insanity, one of them —or both, each as bad as the other—sent her latest installments to the man himself.

Cue panic of epic proportions.

All Claire needed to do was sneak into his apartment and retrieve the misappropriated story before Nick, or anyone else, read it and mistook her for a creepy stalker. Although, breaking and entering probably wouldn’t convince anyone to the contrary either.

Claire was going to get the best material of her life, or end up with a restraining order. Either way, the story was getting a hell of lot more interesting.





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#1 CRUSH

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#1 PLAYER

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#1 LIE

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

 


T Gephart is a USA Today and International bestselling author from Melbourne, Australia.

With an approach to life that is somewhat unconventional, she prefers to fly by the seat of her pants rather than adhere to some rigid roadmap. Her lack of "plan" has resulted in a rather interesting and eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history. She'd tell you all about it, but the statute of limitations hasn't expired yet. But all those crazy twists and turns have led her to a career she loves—writing romantic comedy.

When she isn't filling pages with sassy and sexy characters with attitude, she's living her own reality show in the 'burbs of Melbourne with her American husband, two teenage children, and her fur child—Woodley.

She loves adventure, to laugh, travel, and strives to live her life to the fullest.


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