Bookish News

Giveaways

Release Day Blitz: The Watcher by Louise James

Posted on Oct 31, 2017 with No comments

Oct 31, 2017



A classic struggle between good vs. evil! 




The Watcher
(The Ent Chronicles Series, Bk 1)
by Louise James

Blurb:

Long ago a powerful coalition of wizards and witches—The Seven—began a quest to recover hallowed grounds in the Earthling Realm. The day had arrived to claim Hailstone Hamlet! A Dark Wizard, Lord Haydron expects no one to survive the destruction, but he was wrong.

An apprentice Healer miraculously survives with no memory of what occurred but, why was she spared?

Unexpectedly, her locket opens as if by magik, and a cheery old woman speaking in a funny accent appears.

“Come for ye have I. Away from here ye must stay.
Troubles come with darkness of night; The Watcher protects and The Lantern lights.” 

Ewallea assures her that she will remain by her side as they seek answers. Overwhelmed and injured, Amellea passes out only to wake in the arms of a handsome young man, riding upon the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. The Hunter believes she was spared for a purpose and their destinies are entwined. He pledges to help her locate friends and family. 

The feisty beauty and her new companions find themselves on a journey of unexpected adventures to reach an enchanted forest, filled with mischievous fantastical creatures.


Available for purchase at 



Join the Halloween Release Day Party!!
Click here to celebrate the release and have lots fun!






Excerpt

Chapter Six – Haydron Castle


. . . At dusk, they saw Haydron Castle on the horizon.
      “I want a fresh start before I report, so we make camp here tonight. We meet Lord Haydron in the morning. Send a messenger announcing our arrival tomorrow at sunrise.” The Chief Hunter dismounted Que and wearily stretched his aching frame. Soon after everyone had dismounted and began to construct a make-shift camp, haunting song filled the copse of trees surrounding the grounds of the camp. Que trumpeted the day’s benediction signaling the herd to feed and rest, but the Elk Song meant much more than the close of the day. The entire herd bowed their heads in unison at the end of the haunting melody. She was also thanking them for their service to all, great and small. Que heard stories and witnessed her mother following this tradition. Que honored her parents in this way at the close of each day while on a mission. Maleek bowed in deference to the CrownHead of the RealmWalkers, to show his respect for her as she ruled with grace in the tradition of her parents.
      “Que, I need rest and fast. I have burned my candle at both ends and twice in the middle.”
      “That is not possible unless you break the candle, your royal hinny-ness!” teased the Great QueMayReign.
      “What about my rear?” Maleek looked over his shoulder, checking to make sure it looked okay. “What? I do’na take your meaning, Que.”
Maleek walked over to the fresh, clear pond, sampling the cool spring water flowing from the falls. He removed his leather shirt over his broad shoulders, stretching to relieve the aching muscles. Tiredness had begun to paralyze those tense muscles. He glanced over his shoulder amused, remembering Que teasing him.
      Maleek stripped out of his leathers and plunged into the brisk water. As he bathed and relaxed his mind, Maleek drifted away, thinking of a beautiful sunset-red-haired lass. Were their destinies entwined as QueMayReign and Ewallea conveyed to him? What defines his destiny?
Just as he started to drift off, floating in the cool water, Maleek thought he heard a voice in the distance. Startled, he stood and listened more closely but could not catch the sound again. Something sounded very familiar about that voice, but he could not remember. It was a gut feeling; Maleek usually acted on those feelings because they were important.
“Aye! Ye feel it too, my beauty. Magik mischief is near.”
“Yes, I do, but I am more worried about you catching your death of cold right now! Que sensed it too, impatiently snorting a warning her Hunter knew well. Maleek, get into some dry clothes! The night air is brisk, and autumn is but a few days away. Put these Elven-woven garments upon your tired body and sleep for a while. I will wake thee in time to prepare for your meeting with Lord Haydron,” Que chattered quickly while advising her Hunter.
      “Ye fuss too much, Que, like my ‘mam. I take my leave of ye now until then, Que.”
Que watched her Hunter with amusement, as if knowing a secret. Maleek rested on a grassy spot near a log and finally allowed the weariness of the past event-filled hours to take him into a restless sleep.
In his fitful slumber, visions of Trolls, meddling Nymphs, and dangerous TreeHoppers filled his dreams as he battled Ents of all kinds. Somewhere in the chaos, he could hear a melody hummed by the sweetest voice he had ever heard.
Wondering away from the chaos, Maleek walked toward the sweet sound, and his distress seemed to melt away. He stepped into a clearing and saw the source of the song—a beautiful maiden combing her sunset-red hair as she sang a Siren’s song.
He carefully watched from a distance until the maiden’s song ended. She stood and turned, making eye contact with Maleek.
      “Amellea, I did ’na ’no ye were a Siren!”
      “I am no Siren! I was just a singin’ and enjoyin’ a bath. I needed a good wash to remove the ash and grime.” Amellea nervously adjusted the robe she wore to cover her shoulder as the couple cautiously approached each other. “And pray tell, when did you return to the Ewa’s home?” the beauty stopped walking to question Maleek once more.
      “‘Tis but a dream, Amellea. I am not there in the Enchanted Forest. I am sleeping. ‘Tis my dream, ye are visitin,’ slowly understanding himself how all this could be happening. Aye! I heard the song, ye were singin’. I am near Haydron Castle; I must report to Lord Haydron at sunrise. ‘Tis required of the Chief Hunter, after each fortnight. I also have prisoners to interrogate. Much has happened, too, most of which is not favorable. Unfortunately for me, Lord Haydron will not be happy with the report.”
Maleek noticed he tweaked Amellea’s curiosity when he mentioned prisoners. 
      “Who are the prisoners? Could they be from Hailstone Hamlet?” hopeful that her family might be among the prisoners.
      “Aye, yer quick minded lass! I do’na ‘no anything yet because I have not interrogated them.”
      “So, I am in your dream, laddie, or are you in mine? Amellea teased.
      “I venture to say ye have intruded in my dream with your Siren song, dearest. Aye! It is quite pleasant to be here alone with ye at last, for I have wanted to speak freely to thee for many a fortnight.” A flustered Amellea stepped backward and sweetly smiled, but she became leery and guarded.
      “And why did you want to talk to a, a simple peasant girl, a Healer’s Apprentice? I am nothing special.”
The Hunter walked closer at a brisk pace, grabbing her by the shoulders. “I will ‘na hear ye speak of yourself in such a way ever, dearest. Lass, ye skin is as fair as a dove’s wing; eyes the color of the sky…. ‘Bonnie hair…hair the color of sunset, just as SilverTongueTee described.” Maleek reached to touch her cheek and stopped short to touch a lock of her hair instead. He gently rolled the lock between his fingers, enjoying its soft corn-silk feel.
      “Who is SilverTongueTee?” Amellea looked up into Maleek’s vivid silver eyes and nearly swooned.
Amellea quickly moved away from Maleek as he leaned in to fully kiss her pink lips. Maleek did not give up that easily, walking to stand behind her.
Amellea was clearly overcome, desperately trying to control herself. Whirling around to ask another question, she was caught in his strong arms. She quickly put her hands on his broad chest.
      “What are you wearing? It’s so soft and thin. What is that heady smell? I…I can’t place….” Maleek took her face in his hands and inched closer, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
Swaying, Amellea melted and bit her lower lip, stunned but enjoying the attention. Before she knew what happened, Maleek placed another heated kiss on her mouth, and she willingly opened to deepen it.
She was suddenly so hot—suffocating hot!
Firmly pushing away from Maleek, Amellea came to her senses.
      “I did not give you permission to kiss me, Hunter! And what is that smell? Do you smell it?”
      “Lass, do’na ye think ye should be callin’ me Maleek now? I mean, since we know each other much better.” The Hunter stepped closer to Amellea again, touching his nose to her soft hair, breathing in her scent of spring rain, sunshine and lavender. He cradled Amellea gently in his arms as though she were as fragile as a newborn. She snuggled into his embrace, forgetting her objections.
      “It’s you Ma–Mah–Maleek, is it? You smell of leather, cedar wood, and cinnamon. Hmm….” Amellea shook her head slightly, realizing she had to get control of herself, but she did not want to let go of Maleek once he had her in his arms. She felt safe…and hot…and bothered!

Something unexplainable was happening to her. Something deep inside her core clenched every time Maleek was near. And that smell… It drove her crazy!





About The Author


 I am a creative, loquacious Southern artist who has always liked to tell a good story. After I retired as a public and collegiate art educator, I needed to reinvent myself.  Thanks to the encouragement of professionals, friends and family, and God’s amazing grace, I have found a new passion—writing fantasy and paranormal stories.
I have always been a mental traveler, reading books and physically traveling across much of the USA and Canada. I have been actively writing for three years, publishing late in 2017. It is my hope that my novels reach across generations, entertaining multiple audiences. I want my readers to escape through fantasy to mentally travel to other worlds and to find a smile, friend or foe written between the pages of the stories I write. It is my sincere hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing! –lj





You can connect with Louise James at






Presented by 

READ MORE

Early Review: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson #12) by Darynda Jones

Posted on Oct 30, 2017 with No comments

Oct 30, 2017


Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the twelfth installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series.



Ever since Reyes escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley accidently trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.


Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture—the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford—out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican’s inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it’s time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she’s loved for centuries. So the question becomes, can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she’s worked so hard to protect?



5 STARS

 

Oh, Reyes! How I've missed you! You too, Charley! Twelfth delivers delirious and passionate as only Jones can. Be prepare as Cookie enchants you with her infinite wisdom. True to form, Jones wields another transcendental mystery, speckled with the sensual, the unknown, and a breathless ending. Left hanging by our nails at the end of Twelfth Grave, we have questions. Jones' uncanny ability to hide answers to long awaited questions were ingeniously veiled. Jones plays her cards close. Never giving away too much before her final Charley Davidson hurray. The yearning for all things Reyes ways palpable. There will never be enough scenes to appease those with a thirst for Reyes Farrow. He as well as Charley are the embodiment of the series. An HEA will be the only ending this fan can foresee. How Jones will deliver is a mystery in itself. Although I yearn for the next book in the series, it will come with a heavy price for this reader. It means saying goodbye to a beloved series, and the characters that have become my friends. Saying hello in passing will never be the same as embracing them. A must read book and series, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave shines.



Available for purchase at





Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: October 

This Title was Accepted via


READ MORE

Early Review: The Bride Who Got Lucky by Janna MacGregor

Posted on with No comments

He would do anything to protect her. Even marry her…

The son of a cold-hearted duke, Nicholas St. Mauer isn’t one to involve himself in society…or open his own heart to anyone. But driven by honor, the reclusive Earl of Somerton feels obliged to keep a watchful eye on Lady Emma Cavensham. She possesses a penchant for passions unbecoming a woman that finds Nick in constant peril of losing his well-structured solitude. She even dared kiss Nick once—an utterly unladylike, and delightful, lapse…
Emma can’t deny the appeal of the earl’s attention, and occasional affection, but she has no need for a man. There are worse fates than spinsterhood, as Emma knows too well. She still mourns the loss of her dear friend Lena, and is determined to prove Lena’s husband responsible for her death before he lures another innocent woman into a brutal marriage. But as Emma pursues her prey, a compromising moment upends all her plans. Now, with gossip swirling and her reputation in tatters, Nick may be the only man brave enough to join in Emma’s cause. . .and fight for her heart.
The Bride Who Got Lucky is a sweeping Regency romance from Janna MacGregor in her Cavensham Heiresses series.




5 STARS

 

Charming!  The Bride Who Got Lucky will captivate you.  MacGregor adds just the right amount of romantic detail to each aspect of her stories. Witty storytelling, brings to life daring characters that steal our hearts. Emma and Nicholas sear the pages with their passion.  An enticing read, The Bride Who Got Lucky is a keeper. I can't wait to read The Luck of the Bride coming in May!




Available for purchase at



Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: October 31, 2017

This Title was Accepted via









READ MORE

Early Review: The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake

Posted on Oct 29, 2017 with No comments

Oct 29, 2017




Scandal begins with just one kiss. . .

Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season—until a scandalous mistake ruined her.Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell.

Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years—a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her—and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?

The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake is a sweeping Regency romance you won't be able to put down!


5 STARS

 

The Scandalous Flirt shines! Drake drew me in with her storytelling finesse.  The characters are strong and have the ability to capture your attention from the very first moment.  I fell in love with Luca. His character is exactly what you want in a hero.  His strong, self assured,  personality and the ghost of his past enrich the story. Rory and Luca are a true match in this fun Cinderellaesque series.  The Scandalous Flirt will have you guessing until the very end.  A must read!







Available for purchase at

  


Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: October 31, 2017

This Title was Accepted via







READ MORE

Early Review: The Sea King by C.L. Wilson

Posted on Oct 28, 2017 with No comments

Oct 28, 2017



From the New York Times bestselling author of The Winter King comes a breathtaking new tale of love and adventure set in the mystical land of Mystral...

He wasn't supposed to choose her...

Seafaring prince Dilys Merimydion has been invited to court the three magical princesses of Summerlea. To eradicate the pirates threatening Calberna and to secure the power of the Sea Throne, Dilys vows to return home with a fierce warrior-queen as his bride. But politics has nothing to do with unexpected temptation.


She didn't dare wed him...

A weathermage like her sisters, Gabriella Coruscate's gentleness exemplifies the qualities of her season name, Summer. Yet her quiet poise conceals dangerous powers she cannot begin to wield. Better to live without excitement, she reasons, than risk her heart and lose control— until an irresistible Sealord jolts her awake with a thunderclap of raw desire.

Until evil threatens everything they hold dear...

When pirates kidnap Summer and her sisters, Dilys is in a desperate quest to save the woman he loves. Only by combining his command of the seas with the unleashed fury of Summer's formidable gifts can they defeat their brutal enemies and claim the most priceless victory of all: true love.


4 STARS


Marvelous lore! The Sea King by C. L. Wilson delivers steamy fantasy. Summer and Dilys are very unique characters.  Although I found the ins and out of the courtship to weigh down the story, I found the characters and the plot to be very engaging.  When Summer finally allows Dilys and the Sealords to learn of her powers the story takes on an entirely new vibe. I am captivated by the creativity in Wilson's world.  Such an refreshing romance.  If you are interested seeing more of the world, Wilson has a wonderful map of Mystral on her site. I can't wait to read the next story in the series, The Jaguar King . I have to find out how the sisters survive.






Available for purchase at

Publisher: Avon
Pub Date: October 31, 2017

This Title was Accepted via






READ MORE

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Haunting Magic By Neely Powell

Posted on Oct 27, 2017 with No comments

Oct 27, 2017



The highly anticipated second book of The Witches of New Mourne Series, HAUNTING MAGIC is now available! 




Haunting Magic
(The Witches of New Mourne, book 2)
by Neely Powell

Blurb:

Fiona Burns is a witch who sees dead people. Bailey Powers sees her as the next cable star—and a fake. Even so, she’s tempted by the dynamic producer in more ways than one.
But she has a big distraction—a vicious curse on her family coven.

The ghosts of New Mourne warn of the return of the Woman in White, a vengeful spirit who claims the life of a Connelly witch from every generation. In fighting back, Fiona unwittingly fuels the demonic forces, and black magic brings death and heartbreak to her family.

Initially a skeptic, Bailey is soon caught up in her supernatural battle with forces of evil. He’s also beginning to think Fiona can help him escape his haunting past. 

With magic and mayhem at war and survival on the line, the Witches of New Mourne face a new challenge from their ancient foe. Will another generation fall? Or does the curse end here?


Available for purchase at 


Excerpt


Overgrown weeds covered the back of cemetery. In the deepening gloom, Fiona stumbled over a stump. The baby’s screams filled her head. She had to help this child.

The grave markers in the back of the cemetery were the oldest ones. Some of them were so weathered it was impossible to read the names and dates on them. When they reached the back corner, Fiona knelt. All she could hear was the baby’s cry.

She dug through the weeds and scruff in front of her, ignoring the sting of thorns on her hands. Bailey dug with her, and soon she touched the cool stone of a broken grave marker.
“Baby MacCuindliss” was carved in uneven letters deep in the stone.

“This is the Woman in White’s baby.” Fiona traced the name on the marker with tender fingers. “Please don’t cry,” she whispered. “I’ll try to find your mother, I promise.”

The baby’s cry faded to a whimper. The mist blew away, leaving Fiona and Bailey under a canopy of threatening clouds.

“MacCuindliss,” Fiona breathed. “The Woman’s name.”

Lightning streaked over the mountains, and the ominous stink of sulfur infused the air. 


The Witches of New Mourne Series


Awakening Magic
Bk #1


Purchase at 




About The Author


Neely Powell is the pseudonym for co-writers Leigh Neely and Jan Hamilton Powell. Long-time friends, they’re the authors of “The Witches of New Mourne” a paranormal series about a family coven, a centuries’ old curse and an enchanted town. AWAKENING MAGIC is available from The Wild Rose Press, and now HAUNTING MAGIC continues the story. Their first paranormal novel, TRUE NATURE, is also available from The Wild Rose Press.



Giveaway







Presented by 



READ MORE

Early Review: Nailed It by Cindi Madsen

Posted on Oct 18, 2017 with No comments

Oct 18, 2017


I'm Ivy Clarke. Bartender, best friend, and disbeliever in love.
And now I'm in over my head, trying to flip a house all by myself.
Thanks, HGTV.
I'm not too proud to admit I need some help. Too bad the only one who can help me is the same man I want to throw out this house's second-story window.
Jackson Gamble and I can't be in the same room together for more than a minute without devolving into a sparring match.
Except for that one time…
But enough about that. Jackson's looking for forever, and I don't believe in love, remember?
Get in. Renovate. Get out. Keep my heart firmly in tact.
Because it's much easier to fix up a house than a broken heart.
Full of humor and dripping with delicious tension, Nailed It proves that every heart can be ready for a little rehabilitation, if only you're willing to open it up.


  3.5-4 STARS


Ivy Clarke has watched her mom go through relationship after relationship, never finding “Mr. Right”, and seeing the pain that goes along with that. Add to that, her own failed relationships. Ivy is done with all of that. She figures if you don’t get too close and don’t let emotions get involved, then you can’t get hurt. Except there’s one man, Jackson Gamble (her best friend’s brother) who can get to her like no other. They almost had something in the past, but Ivy put up her walls and wouldn’t let him get any closer. Now they’re working together on fixing up a house to sell that held many childhood memories for Ivy. If these two can be in the same room together though without insults and trying to fight off the attraction, it will be a miracle. Ivy is determined to keep Jackson at arm’s length, but as the two spend more time together working on the house, it gets harder and harder.

She’s got a plan though. What’s a little fun and no attachment fling between them while they finish up the house going to hurt? When the project is done, they’ll go their separate ways. Jackson can be with a woman who wants the whole white-picket fence and HEA ending and Ivy can continue being on her own and taking care of herself and not let any chance of a broken heart come into play. Sounds good, right? But as they say, the best-laid plans…

I loved the bantering and the chemistry between Jackson and Ivy. While there were times I was a little frustrated with Ivy’s character, I was still rooting for this couple. I loved how Jackson wouldn’t give up on her. A fun, sweet and sexy read. Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you like enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance and the best friend’s brother tropes, this one has it all!




https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36303439-nailed-it


Available for purchase at

http://amzn.to/2zksmep     https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nailed-it-cindi-madsen/1127143120?ean=9781640631960    https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nailed-it/id1289279058?mt=11    https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nailed-it     
    





Publisher: Entangled Publishing: Amara Imprint
Pub Date: October 23, 2017

This Title was Accepted via










READ MORE

Search This Blog

Footer Links

Blog Archive