Books and Needlepoint

About the Book: When Marlie agrees to attend a cadaver ball at Vanderbilt Medical School, she did not expect to actually see any cadavers. Or, that a strange apparition would issue her a chilling message.

Despite the cadaver’s warning, Marlie is married a year later to Tennessee State Senator, Daniel Cannon, and living in a plantation-style mansion with two step sons. Add to the mix her growing suspicion that something is amiss with the death of Daniel’s first wife, Gentry; and newlywed Marlie is definitely in over her pretty Yankee head.

What begins as an innocent inquiry into her new husband’s clouded past, ends with Marlie in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy.

A modern twist on the classic Gothic romance novels of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, Replacing Gentry follows Marlie’s precarious journey as she learns the truth about the man she married.

Purchase Links:

~Amazon~ ~Barnes & Noble~

My Thoughts: I did enjoy this book and read through it rather quickly. I liked Marlie, though she did sometimes seem a little more impulsive than was good for her at times. To me, Daniel didn't seem sincere and was easily manipulated by about everyone he came in contact with. He marries Marlie and then sort of abandons her at his house with his boys - without much guidance as to what she was to do with them, or with the house.

Strange things have been happening to Marlie since she met Daniel - cadavers talking to her, people giving her similar warnings and knowing things about her that they couldn't possibly know. About midway through the book the action starts to pick up and I started racing to get to the end. There were some weird twists and you really have to pay attention so that you don't miss the important clues.

If you are a fan of Gothic romance, you might want to give this one a try - it does have more of a modern feel though.

~I received a complimentary ebook of Replacing Gentry from Book Blasts and Blog Tours in exchange for my unbiased review.~

About the author: Julie N. Ford graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a Marriage & Family Counselor. She is the author of two women’s fiction novels, The Woman He Married and No Holly for Christmas, published in 2011. In addition, she wrote a romance/chick-lit novel, Count Down to Love, also published in 2011. Count Down to Love was a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. Her next novel, Replacing Gentry, is due for release April 9th, 2013.

Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one hedgehog.

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Covet Cover Reveals!

Shared by Kristi

Check out these beautiful covers from Covet, an Entangled Publishing Imprint.

If there’s one thing we know about paranormal romance at Entangled, it’s that it breaks rules. All kinds of rules. And that’s where the Covet imprint comes in. Covets are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules alike.

Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. With our launch this month, we’re bringing five titles to the forefront of this rule-breaking imprint. Greek gods, witches, demons, shifters, vampires … there’s something for everyone.

To find out more about our launch titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website(entangledpublishing.com), follow us on Twitter (@CovetBooks), and LIKE our Facebook page. We have lots of exciting events coming up, and Round Two of our launch in May!

Take a look at the first Covets, and start making your TBR list.

Deceiving the Witch Next Door

by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez

Storie Bell has a little secret—she’s a witch. But magic hasn’t exactly kept her life from being a complete mess—her love life is non-existent and the town thinks she’s a total nutter. Plus there’s her neighbor Reid Malone who runs hot one minute and cold the next.

Reid Malone can’t wait to escape Bloomington, Texas. Unfortunately, he’s stuck where he is unless he helps his father hide a very illegal secret. The only key to Reid’s freedom lies with the eccentric Storie…and he’ll do whatever it takes to get the information he needs from her.

But Reid’s holding something back. Something big. And if he’s not careful, he’ll find out exactly what happens when you try to deceive a witch…

The Awakening: Aidan

by Abby Niles

After years of counseling grieving shifters, psychiatrist and half-shifter, Dr. Jaylin Avgar has become jaded on shifter mating. She wants to marry a human and forget about the love for eternity crap. Then she meets Aidan O’Connell, an infuriatingly laid back shifter who represents everything she doesn’t want. Yet, the more he pursues her, the more she craves a future with him. Only one thing stands in her way: death. Can she overcome her fear of losing Aidan to the one guarantee in life?

Millionaire consultant, Aidan O’Connell knows he’ll one day meet a woman who’ll awaken an unrelenting mating instinct. Unfortunately, that woman is Jaylin, who has no qualms about telling him that he and his so-called eternity can shove it. When she pushes him away, he takes a drastic step so she can no longer escape. The close proximity throws the instinct into overdrive. Can he control the need engrained in him until he’s certain she will reciprocate the bond, or will a moment of weakness doom him to hell on earth?

Gone with the Wolf

by Kristin Miller

CEO and alpha werewolf Drake Wilder has given up the search for his one true love. When he discovers that she’s a secretary in his company, Drake’s primal instincts kick into overdrive.

What he wouldn’t give to have her fingers rake over his body instead of the keyboard…

Free-spirited bartender Emelia Hudson wants nothing more than to make her Seattle-based bar succeed. But when profits decline, she slips into a dress suit and secures a nine-to-five. After learning that her bar has become property of Wilder Financial, Emelia is determined to get some answers.

Two can play the ruthless business game. If only her attraction to the boss wasn’t so intense…

When Drake’s twin brother senses that Drake has found his match—and now inherits their father’s billion dollar estate—he hatches a plan to take Emelia out. Drake vows to protect her at all costs, but he might have to pay with his own life.

Tall, Dark and Divine

by Jenna Bennett

Eros, the Greek god of love, swore off the useless emotion after his ex ran off with some Viking godling. He's lost all interest in his matchmaking business, Made in Heaven, until he spots the sweet baker who works across the street. Before she stirs his sullen heart, he'll match her and get back to his ambrosia-laced wine in no time. Lonely baker Annie Landon has given up on finding Mr. Right. What she needs is Mr. Right Here, Right Now, and this so-called "Greek God" she's heard is on the rebound sounds exactly like the perfect kind of distraction. But picking up the bitter, workaholic is easier said than done...especially when he seems unreasonably determined to match her with someone else. Can a woman looking for love-and the matchmaking god who wants her to find it with someone else-have a shot at a happy ending? May the best god-or mortal-win.

The Demon's Song

by Kendra Leigh Castle

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. At least, that's how it seems to Sofia Rivera when her attempt to help a friend ends in a blood-soaked confrontation with creatures that aren't even supposed to exist. With a group of rogue vampires determined not to leave a single witness to their violence hot on her heels, Sofia finds herself saddled with an immortal bodyguard - Phenex, the fallen Angel of Song.

While the vampire king roots out the corruption threatening to take down his underworld kingdom, Sofia will have to deal with a fallen angel whose dark beauty is often at odds with his ornery nature. Slowly, Sofia and Phenex give in to the strange attraction neither can deny. And as the darkness closes in around them, Phenex begins to wonder whether even the wickedest Fallen might find his own happy ending. . . and his heart.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Book Blast: Moonlit by Jadie Jones (w/giveaway)

Shared by Kristi

Moonlit

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Goodreads

WiDo Publishing * Barnes & Noble

Praise

"Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying."

And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel!

~Author Julie Ford

Prologue

The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed.
I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.

Author Jadie Jones

Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went.
She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.

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Ends 5/5/13

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson (Review, Interview and Giveaway!)

Shared by Kristi

Virtual Book Tour of Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours.

Follow the tour & you could win your own copy:

April 1, 2013 Showcase by Catherine @ Lavender & Camomile Press

April 1, 2013 Showcase by Sapphyria @ Sapphyria's Book Reviews

April 1, 2013 Review by Tammy & Michelle @ The Nook Users Book Club

April 2, 2013 Guest Post by Cherie @ Cherie Reads

April 3, 2013 Showcase by Cheryl @ CMash Reads

April 4, 2013 Review by Ashley @ Dr. Pepper Diva

April 5, 2013 Guest Post & Review by Lori @ Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

April 8, 2013 Review by Steve @ True Media Solutions LLC

April 9, 2013 Review by Barbara @ Views from the Countryside

April 10, 2013 Review by JoyAnne @ Deco My Heart

April 11, 2013 Interview & Review by Janiera @ Books & Beauty

April 14, 2013 Review by Susan @ My Cozie Corner

April 15, 2013 Review by Victor @ Vic's Media Room

April 16, 2013 Interview & Review by Kristi @ Books and Needlepoint

April 17, 2013 Guest Post by Jo @ Writers and Authors

April 19, 2013 Review by Mason Canyon @ Thoughts in Progress

April 22, 2013 Review by Kayla @ I Read a Book Once

April 23, 2013 Review by Fenny @ Hotchpotch

April 24, 2013 Review by Athena @ TheStuff of Success

April 25, 2013 Review by Mary @ Mary's Cup of Tea

April 26, 2013 Guest Post by Laurie @ Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

April 29, 2013 Review by Carol Wong

April 30, 2013 Interview by Review Jodi @ Words by Webb

May 1, 2013 Showcase @ Omnimystery

May 6, 2013 Guest Post & Review by Kathleen @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews

May 7, 2013 Interview & Review by Vicky @ DealSharing Aunt

May 8, 2013 Review by Heather @ Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks

May 9, 2013 Interview & Review by Jean @ JeanBookNerd

May 20, 2013 Showcase @ Hott Books

May 21, 2013 Review by Joy @ Thoughts of Joy

May 22nd, 2013 Review by Sandy @ Mama Knows Books

May 24, 2013 Review by Ashna @ WantedReaders

May 25, 2013 Review by Brittany @ Book Nook

May 27, 2013 Interview & Review by Kate @ Read2 Review

May 30, 2013 Review by Tammy @ The Self-Taught Cook

Title: Dead Peasants

Author: Larry D. Thompson

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

About the Book: Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.

My Thoughts: This was a pretty good book. I had never heard the term Dead Peasants before and I liked the way it was incorporated into this story. The first 75 pages or so were kind of slow, but it laid out all the key characters and gave you a good foundation to build on. Then the murders started and the characters all started to mesh together.

The story unfolded and I found myself second guessing myself as to who could be behind everything. I really liked Jack Bryant as well as his friend Colby. Both of these people were loyal to a fault and very giving of themselves to others. I would love to be in a position where I could help people like Jack does in the book when he starts doing his pro bono work. What a great way to give back to the community where he grew up.

The book flowed easily and I loved the short chapters (90 chapters in a 292 page book). Sometimes I only have short bursts of time to read and so this style works well for me. I look forward to seeing if Jack Bryant is going to be spearheading any other cases in the future.

~I received a complimentary copy of Dead Peasants from PICT in exchange for my unbiased review.~

Excerpt:

The knock at the door of the RV was so soft that at first Jack thought it must have been the wind. It came again. He rose from his chair and opened the door. An elderly black lady who he recognized as June Davis stood at the bottom of the steps.

“Mrs. Davis, I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you at first. Please come in. It’s chilly out there for early May.” Jack went down a step and extended his hand to assist his visitor, then offered her something to drink.

June perched on the edge of the cushioned bench that circled the table. “Water would be nice,” she said in a soft voice.

Jack went to the refrigerator and returned with a bottle. He twisted the cap a half a turn and handed it to her. She twisted the cap the rest of the way, took a small sip, replaced the cap and set it on the table.

“How are you doing, Mrs. Davis? I mean since your husband died have you been managing okay?”

“I’m fine, Mr. Bryant. My house is paid for and I get a little social security check. Besides, my kids look after me.” She reached into her purse and retrieved an envelope which she slid across the table to Jack. “This came in the mail, addressed to me. I, I wasn’t sure what to do with it; so, I called Miss Colby. She said I should take it to you.”

Jack picked up the envelope. The return address was the United States Postal Service. He opened it and found another envelope, this one torn and mangled with the addressee illegible. The letter from the postal service read, Dear Mrs. Davis: One of our sorting machines jammed and mangled this letter. We apologize for the problem. Your name was the only one we could make out on the letter, and we were able to get your address. Please handle as you see fit. Very truly yours.

Jack looked at the mangled letter. It was from Euro Life Insurance Company, based on the Isle of Gibraltar. It stated that Euro had determined that one William Davis was married to June Davis. Under the terms of the policy, since it paid double indemnity in the event of an accidental death, the benefit was $400,000, payable to Allison Southwest. Jack looked through the documents a second time before he looked up.

“Did you know that they had insured Willie for $400,000?”

“Lawdy, no, Mr. Bryant. Willie only made $20,000 a year. Why would anyone insure him for that kind of money? Besides, he retired from Allison fifteen years ago.”

“Good question. Let me keep these papers and the check. I’ll get back to you in a couple of days.”

Author Bio:

Larry D. Thompson is a veteran trial lawyer and has drawn on decades of experience in the courtroom to produce riveting legal thrillers. Dead Peasants is is third After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law, Thompson founded the Houston trial firm where he still serves as managing partner. The proud father of three grown children, he lives and works in Texas but spends his summers in Colorado, where he crafts his novels and hikes the mountains surrounding Vail. His greatest inspiration came from Thomas Thompson, his brother, who wrote many best-selling true-crime books and novels.

Websites & Links:

Please enjoy this interview with Larry!

1. How do you typically write? Do you plot it all out beforehand or do you just let the story pour out?

I’m a plotter. I outline the story and the major characters before I begin writing. Of course, then the story takes on a life of its own and the characters do their own thing, which is always fun to observe. By the way, I put away the outline once I start writing and read again when the story is finished. I find that I come reasonably close to my outline…most of the time.

2. Do you have a favorite place to write or "must haves" while writing?

My wife and I spend summers in Vail, Colorado, and that is clearly my favorite place to write. Otherwise, I write in my home office with nothing but the house across the street for inspiration. As to “must haves”, there are none, other than a computer.

3. Do you have much say in the title or covers of your books?

My publisher, St. Martin’s Press, has the final say-so on the title and the cover. However, they will listen to me, particularly about the title. There was a big internal squabble about the title, Dead Peasants. I insisted on it and finally prevailed.

4. Is there anything that has surprised you about writing, publishing or touring with your books?

Boy, there are too many things to cover in response. However, I can eliminate any surprises about writing. When I started, I found I loved it. As to publishing, I became a writer in the age of confusion as we are still transitioning to ebooks. The publishers don’t know what to do; nor do the writers in the Amazon age. The publishers are reluctant to put any money in marketing. They will publish an author and then do nothing. Their mantra is the old one: Throw enough books out there and see which ones will sell on their own.

5. So you have a favorite author/book or one that you always recommend?

Actually, Blood and Money, written by my brother, Thomas Thompson, who died many years ago at a far too young age. It’s at the top of the heap when it comes to true crime non-fiction.

6. Was there anything (or anyone) while growing up which helped you decide you wanted to be a writer?

My mother was an English teacher. My brother was a world-class writer; so, at some time I knew I would start writing.

7. Do you have a job outside of being an author?

I’m still a full time trial lawyer, my profession for my entire adult life. I write between trials. Fortunately, all of that experience as a trial lawyer makes me a very good writer of legal thrillers.

8. What would you tell a beginning writer?

This is trite, but NEVERGIVEUP! Every rejection leads an author closer to an acceptance. And the more you write the better you get.

9. What were your favorite books growing up?

All of the Mark Twain Books

10 Do you have any books on your nightstand right now?

Black Box (Michael Connelly); One Shot (Lee Child);

11. If you could meet one person who has died, who would that be?

Mark Twain

12. If you could co-author a book with anyone, who would it be?

My Brother, Thomas Thompson

13 Do you have a favorite quote?

Never give up. A great motto for life and for a writer.

14. In one sentence, why should we read your book?

It’s the best legal thriller since Grisham’s “A Time To Kill.”

15. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Probably my age. I didn’t start writing until I was sixty. Fortunately, I come from long-lived stock and figure I have another fifteen or twenty novels in me.

16. What do you come up with first when creating your character -- the back story, the plot, the characteristics?

All of the above.

17 What do you do in your spare time?

What spare time? I’m a full time trial lawyer, have a wife and family and write. So, I suppose I can say that I write in my spare time.

18. What does a day in your life look like?

My life is still dictated by my work as a trial lawyer. I write when I’m not in trial. Fortunately, that is not as often these days. So, when I’m working on a novel, I can write a couple of hours in the morning and then go to my “day job.” On weekends I write for four or five hours each day.

19. What does a day look like in the life of your main character?

He’s a lawyer who made a fortune as a plaintiff lawyer. He tries to retire in his hometown in Fort Worth and quickly becomes bored. So he sets up a pro bono law office in a poor part of town, working five or six hours a day until he and his love interest have to start solving a series of serial murders.

20. How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

This is interesting. No one in my family reads fiction, except mine. They all read, criticize and enjoy my stories.

21. Is there anything else that you would like my readers to know?

That’s a question almost impossible to answer. Maybe the best response is that I write fiction like its real life. There’s no leap of faith. My readers almost always give me five stars. I’m proud of that response.

22. What time of day do you like to write?

Mornings. I’m a morning person and my creative juices flow freely then.

23 Where/when do you brainstorm the best?

At home in the evening while having a glass of wine with my wife.

24. How long do you think about a story before starting to write a book?

It varies. I delayed my first novel for six months because I couldn’t think of an ending. In Dead Peasants, it was only a matter of days.

25. What is the most you have written in one day?

Five thousand words. That was a chore, but the muse was with me and the words flowed.

26. What themes do you love to read or write about?

I love thrillers. History is interesting and even the occasional biography, but give me a well-written thriller any time.

27. What book fairs or events do you attend?

The International Thriller Writers Thrillerfest held in New York City each July. It’s a great place to hang out with and exchange ideas with other thriller writers.

28. What is your favorite way to promote a book?

I’ve tried all of the usual ways and have yet to figure out what works. Check with me next year.

Silly questions –

1. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Reading minds.

2. Do you have any hidden talents?

None that I care to talk about in public.

3. Night owl or early bird?

Definitely an early bird. I’m much more creative after a good night’s sleep.

4. Favorite season?

Summer, but only in the mountains around Vail, CO.

5. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

He Gave It His All!

6. Favorite sport?

Football

7. Favorite music?

Jimmy Buffet

8. Talk or text?

Text

9. Cat or dog?

Dog

10. Guilty pleasure TV show?

None

11. Sweet or salty snacks?

Salty

12. Favorite holiday destination?

Colorado Mountains

13. Do you have a literary crush?

Not really, but my current favorite author is Michael Connelly.

14. If you could live in a literary world -- what world would that be and why?

Current time in the United States. We have problems here, but it’s still the best.

15. Most embarrassing moment?

None that come to mind.

16. If you could travel forward or backward in time, where would you go and why?

The time of the American Revolution. I would like to be there while they discuss the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

17 If your book were made into a movie, who would play the main characters? What would the theme song be?

Hard to figure right now.

18. Most ________________ in High School?

Successful

Wow! Thank you for answering so many of my questions!

Now that you know everything there is to know about Larry Thompson - enter to win a copy of Dead Peasants!

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Thank you to Larry Thompson and Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for generously offering this book to me for review.
If you'd like to join in on an upcoming tour just stop by their sites and sign up today!

Release Day Blitz! - A Privilege (Book 3 - The Angel Chronicles) by Amy Lignor

Shared by Kristi

A Privilege:

The Angel Chronicles, Book 3

The beloved Angel/Warrior team face pure evil in their final climactic story!

The first time they were sent down, Irish lives were led. Emily, the angel, ended up embedded in murder and lost in the realm of true love. While Matthew, the warrior, took over a life that left blood on his hands and anger in his soul.

With their second coming, Emily found herself facing an oncoming war that brought her to the shores of America. While Matthew tried desperately to unveil the evil character of a young man who was intent on locking his partner in a ‘gilded’ cage.

Now...Emily and Matthew find that their lives are all their own. Yet, all the memories, hatred, longing and regret have come hand-in-hand with this newfound freedom.

In small town U.S.A., Matthew finds himself loving his new life. From his military school existence to a new, ‘odd’ friend who’s arrived in town, Matthew’s looking forward to graduation and heading off into a brilliant future with Emily by his side.

Emily wants nothing more than to hide. Although doing her best to fit in, she lives a life on the edge, wondering when her past love with reappear to either forgive or seek revenge on the angel who let him down. Battling the shadows that seem to be breaking her soul in two, Emily soon discovers that her small, quiet town has a secret that’s beyond dangerous...

As she and Matthew join forces to help a ‘haunted’ victim, they open the door on a mystery neither of them can believe. A true villain has returned from the past, and not even their heavenly family will be able to save them. This time they’re on their own, as they face a fight that could lead them straight to Hell…and end the angel/warrior team forever.

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Excerpt

Without a word, Matthew reached out, took Emily by the hand and pulled her down beside him. He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I knew my Emily was still in there.”

Out of the blue, the room became incredibly hot, as if Gabriel had entered in order to give a lesson to his favorite students. “What?”

“That spark.” He pulled Emily’s face closer before she could push herself away. “You’ve been acting all this time like you’re just here to sit and wait it out until you’re lucky enough to go Home. But you’re still in there, Emily. You still have all that energy and belief in there and you want to do something. That’s the partner I know.”

Shaking her head, Emily listened to her own breathing intensify as she stared at his full lips and wondered why she felt so completely and utterly strange...vulnerable even. “I want to help this girl. This is a job, maybe my only job down here. She saw a ghost and she wants me to help her out, that’s all.”

“And you will.” Matthew captured Emily’s lips, and she could no longer feel the breath in her lungs. Completely different than the one kiss they’d shared up above so long ago, this one was far more demanding, as if Matthew was a young man determined to kiss his human love for the very first time.

Sitting back, Emily practically jumped off the bed.

“I’m sorry,” she heard him whisper behind her. “I guess I was just excited to see you again.”

Not trusting her voice, she remained silent.

“We have jobs, but we also have a life to live. Our own lives this time around. Maybe you should think about adding that into your angelic plans.” Matthew continued softly, “Jason isn’t here, Emily.”

The name being said out loud sent a chill down Emily’s spine. It reminded her of the vow she’d made a long time ago—a vow that an angel couldn’t break.

She cleared her throat. “It doesn’t matter if he’s here. We were sent to do a job, and maybe helping this little girl prove her story is what I need to begin.”

Standing up, Matthew looked as if he was a man who wanted nothing more than to turn back the clock and erase the name he’d spoken aloud. He walked to the open window. “Well, I hope the job goes well. Good luck with it.”

“Matthew,” Emily took a step toward him. “Don’t leave like this.”

He nodded at the book on the bed. “You have your mission, Emily...your job. Ghosts, goblins, lost souls—knock yourself out.” He took a deep breath. “I wonder when you’re going to figure out that the living souls around you would like some of your attention as well.”

Closing her eyes, Emily shed silent tears as she heard his feet hit the ground beneath her window. A friend, a partner, the one who actually listened, was now just an angry young man racing back to The Armory—a place where warriors reigned.

Emily sighed. She’d done it again. No matter how hard she tried to be good, her mouth always got her into trouble. She needed Matthew to understand. She’d made a promise to a young man a long time ago; a promise that was supposed to last for eternity. How was she to know at the time that their eternity would include death by her hand?
Had the second time around broken their vow? Emily had no idea. But whatever happened she could not and would not offer Matthew her heart if payment was still due for her past sins. Above all, Matthew was the last person who deserved to be punished for her mistakes.

Author Amy Lignor

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

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Books 1 and 2 are now 99 cents on Kindle!

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Monday, April 15, 2013

GIVEAWAY! - A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester

Shared by Kristi

Enter to win the first book in a new trilogy coming to Regency!

A Wedding in Springtime

by Amanda Forester

Five minutes into Miss Eugenia Talbot's presentation at court, notorious rogue Mr. William Grant made her laugh, ruining her debut. To hush up the scandal, Eugenia's aunt hires a matchmaker to quickly find a suitor— anyone except the infamous William Grant—to help restore Eugenia's reputation. But amiable Eugenia shows a disturbing tendency to follow her heart, and is again caught in the company of notorious Grant. When a traitor creeps closer, threatening to ruin more than just Eugenia's reputation, her kindheartedness may be her ultimate undoing...

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Book Review and Giveaway: Just For the Summer by Jenna Rutland

Shared by Kristi

Blog tour for Just for the Summer by Jenna Rutland is brought to you by Entangled Publishing.

Tour Schedule

March 25 – Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews
March 27 – Book Ramblings
April 02 – Book Sniffers Anonymous
April 04 – Coffee & A Book Anytime
April 05 – I Heart Big Books
April 08 – Truly Simply Pink
April 08 – HEA Romances with a Little Kick
April 09 – Manga Maniac Cafe
April 09 – HEA Romances with a Little Kick
April 10 – Whispers at Moonlight
April 11 – Shortie Says
April 15 – Books and Needlepoint
April 17 – Book Reviews and More
April 18 – The Bookish Babe
April 19 – Hobbitsies

Title: Just for the Summer

Author: Jenna Rutland

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

About the Book: Dani Sullivan has come to Lake Bliss to write her latest cookbook and take a breather. After the year she’s had, she deserves a summer retreat to reevaluate priorities and make peace with past decisions. But from the moment single dad and sheriff Matt Reagan shows up, she has a hard time convincing herself that a life away from Lake Bliss could beat the life she might have here.

Recently divorced Matt is ready for a new relationship, but he doesn’t want short-term—his son needs permanence, and so does Matt’s heart. Unfortunately, it’s the smart-mouthed and sinfully sexy Ms. Sullivan who catches his eye. But when Matt learns Dani’s secrets, will he still want her to stay? Or will her chance for love last just for the summer?

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My thoughts: At times heartbreaking, and at times joyful - I really enjoyed reading this book. There was definite chemistry between Matt and Dani and their flirtatious scenes were a lot of fun to read. Sam, the little boy at the center of the story, is smitten with Dani as well. He is craving motherly attention as his adoptive mom, it turns out, didn't want to have children. He has picked up on that fact and doesn't really miss her.

Due to a medical emergency, Dani starts spending a lot of time with Matt and Sam, which pushes Matt and Dani even closer. They both keep pulling back though - for very different reasons.

This was a very quick read and I hope to read more about Lake Bliss. There could almost be a prequel written to this story covering Dani's past. (That would be a good book as well!) I am curious as to who the next book in the series will be about - Jack? Rachel? Guess I will just have to wait and see!

~I received a complimentary eCopy of Just for the Summer from Entangled Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review.~

About the author: Jenna Rutland lives in a small Michigan community with her husband, son and senior cat. Her daughter and son-in-law have recently given Jenna the awesome title of grandmother!

While her days are spent working as a medical transcriptionist, her nights are filled writing contemporary romance--stories of love, laughter and happily ever after. Guess which occupation is more fun?

She is a member of RWA and is active in her local chapter. After several years on the MVRWA board, she now chairs the group's annual fall brainstorming weekend as well as acts as food coordinator for several other events.

Jenna takes pleasure in spending time with her family. She also enjoys reading, gardening and loves the challenge of a new recipe.

Jenna welcomes the chance to connect with writers and readers. Visit her at www.jennarutland.com.

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