Blog Tour/Excerpt: Bury the Living by Jodi McIssac

October 16, 2016October 13, 201610 Comments

About the Book:

On the 100th anniversary of Ireland’s Easter Rising, join the adventures of one woman who might just change Irish history as we know it
Bury the Living
By Jodi McIsaac

“McIsaac puts plenty of history and a little fantasy and romance into this entertaining time travel tale. McIsaac has an undeniable talent for immersing the reader in the plight of the Irish in the 1920s, at the height of the Irish Civil War. Comparisons to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series are inevitable…”

—Publishers Weekly

Contemporary fantasy author Jodi McIsaac returns to shelves with her newest historical fiction novel, a poignant time travel tale that will take fans back to Ireland in 1923 in BURY THE LIVING

Rebellion has always been in the O’Reilly family’s blood. So when faced with the tragic death of her brother during Northern Ireland’s infamous Troubles, a teenage Nora joined the IRA to fight for her country’s freedom. Now, over a decade later, Nora is haunted by both her past and intense dreams of a man she has never met.
When she is given a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland, the mystical artifact transports her back to 1923—to the height of Ireland’s brutal civil war in. There she meets the fascinating stranger from her dreams, who has his own secrets—and an agenda. Ripped from her own time, Nora now has the chance to save the ones she loves… and to alter the entire future of Ireland.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Already an accomplished writer, Jodi McIsaac is the author of several novels, including A Cure for Madness and the Thin Veil Series. She grew up in New Brunswick, and after abandoning her Olympic speed skating dream, she wrote speeches for a politician, earned a graduate degree in global studies, spent a few years as a fundraising and marketing executive with non-profit organizations in Toronto and Vancouver, which then morphed into her own copywriting business.

You can visit her at: Twitter|Website

Excerpt from Bury the Living:

“Is there something wrong with you?” Nora said angrily. “All I asked was for you to help me identify this man, and now you’re messing me around with talk of time travel? I’m not an eejit.”
Mary closed her eyes. “I feared you might react this way. What sane person wouldn’t? But then I thought perhaps Brigid had appeared to you as well.”
“No. It wasn’t Brigid who told me to come here; it was Thomas, whoever the hell he is. I can guarantee you no saint has ever communicated with me, no matter how faithful I’ve been.”
“I can’t make you believe. But everything I’ve told you is true, no matter how it sounds. Just . . . try doing what she asks. If it doesn’t work, you can leave. But we’re all here for a reason, Nora. This was mine: to pass on this message to you. Don’t you want to find out what your reason is?”
Nora held Mary’s gaze for a heartbeat, then looked down at the relic in her hand. What was her reason for being in this world? For a while she’d thought it was to avenge her brother and help free Northern Ireland. And then she’d believed it was to relieve the suffering of others. But could there be something else?
“Fine, I’ll humor you. How does it work, then?” she asked.
“I don’t know exactly how it works, only that Brigid has power beyond our understanding. Her message was simple. Take the relic, which will give you the ability to travel back in time. Then you must find one of the Brigidine Sisters. You are to tell them that Brigid sent you and you are the bane of Aengus Óg.”
“The bane of Aengus Óg? What the hell does that mean?” She wanted answers, but there were only more riddles.
Mary shook her head. “I’m only the messenger. Aengus Óg was one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the old gods of Ireland. Perhaps Brigid sends you to triumph over paganism.”
“I doubt it. I’m not that holy,” Nora muttered.
“She knew you would be reluctant. There aren’t many people who are willing to risk themselves to help a complete stranger.”
“I’ve spent the last several years of my life helping complete strangers,” Nora pointed out.
“She also said that if you succeed in helping Thomas, you might be able to help others who are close to you.”
Nora took a step back, her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Who?”
“I don’t know. Are any of your friends or relatives in trouble? Anyone close to you who needs help?”
There’s no one close to me at all.
And that sealed it. What did she have to lose? If it worked—she couldn’t believe she was even considering this as a possibility—no one would miss her. No one would even know she was gone. Besides, she already had so many regrets in life. If she didn’t even try, perhaps she would regret this, too. I couldn’t help Eamon. Maybe I can do something for this Thomas.
“Brigid has chosen you,” Mary continued when Nora didn’t answer. “You only need to put your trust in her. She offers you a great gift.”
“This is mad.” Nora took a deep breath and stared at the box in her hand. “What am I supposed to do?”
“Hold the relic in your palm. Think hard about Thomas. Ask Brigid to guide you to him. And have faith.”
Fingers shaking slightly, Nora picked up the bone and closed her eyes. Christ, have mercy. She pictured Thomas as clearly as she could— not the man frozen in the picture but the man from her dream, sitting on the stone wall, speaking with her in his soft voice, pleading for her to come find him. I’m trying. Where are you?
Then she felt an overwhelming dizziness. She was falling, but when she tried to open her eyes, she couldn’t quite remember how. She threw out her arms to break the fall, and then there was darkness.

Tour Schedule:

10/3: The Irish Banana Review – Spotlight

10/4: Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Excerpt

10/5: That Artsy Reader Girl – Spotlight

10/6: The Hardcover Lover – Spotlight

10/7: Resch Reads & Reviews – Excerpt

10/8: Fiction Fare – Q&A

10/10: Mundie Moms: Grown Up Book Reviews – Spotlight

10/11: Avid Reader – Excerpt

10/12: Such A Novel Idea – Spotlight

10/13: Two Chicks On Books – Q&A

10/14: Take Me Away to a Great Read – Excerpt

10/15: Lisa Loves Literature – Guest Post

10/16: Novelgossip – Excerpt

10/17: Here’s to Happy Endings – Q&A

10/18: The Petite Book Blogger – Mood Board

10/19: Books, TV, and More … Oh My! – Q&A

10/20: Owl Always Be Reading – Spotlight

10/21: The Worn Bookmark – Review

10/22: The Book Return – Review

Giveaway: Three copies of Bury the Living US only

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Blog Tour/Guest Post: Shutter by Laurie Faria Stolarz

October 13, 20168 Comments

I’m so excited to be a stop for the blog tour for Shuttered by Laurie Faria Stolarz. Read on for info on the book and a fabulous guest post from Laurie.

ABOUT SHUTTER:

THE FACTS

• Julian Roman, age sixteen, is an escapee from the Fairmount County Juvenile Detention Facility.

• His parents, Michael Roman and Jennifer Roman, are dead.

• Julian is wanted for murder.
THE QUESTIONS

• Why is Julian Roman on the run?

• Just how dangerous is he?

• And who did kill Michael and Jennifer Roman, if not Julian?
Seventeen-year-old Day Baker views life through the lens of her camera, where perspective is everything. But photographs never tell the whole story. After Day crosses paths with Julian, the world she pictures and the truths she believes-neatly captured in black and white-begin to blur.
Julian is not the “armed and dangerous” escapee the police are searching for, but his alibis don’t quite add up, either. There is more to his story. This time, Day is determined to see the entire picture . . . whatever it reveals. Did he? Or didn’t he?
Day digs deeper into the case while Julian remains on the run. But the longer her list of facts becomes, the longer the list of questions becomes, too. It’s also getting harder to deny the chemistry she feels for him. Is it real? Or is she being manipulated?
Day is close to finding the crack in the case. She just needs time to focus before the shutter snaps shut.

Buy links: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

Guest Post:

10 things I didn’t know about being an author before I became one

1. I didn’t know how much of a good investment high quality coffee would be.

2. I knew that writing could be isolating, but I didn’t know the value and importance of connecting with other writers both in-person and online. Attend conferences, teach workshops, go on writing retreats, organize panels at bookstores, schedule meet-ups to work or talk shop, etc., etc.

3. I didn’t know how much of a pen snob I’d become. Writers need to invest in high-quality pens and notebooks (and keep them handy at all times). It makes a big difference when scribbling down ideas or working through plot.

4. I didn’t know how much my work would mean to certain readers. Over the years I’ve had readers tell me my work has gotten them to love reading, saved their lives, changed their philosophical and religious views, helped them escape, inspired them to write, given them hope, taught them about courage, and helped them face their biggest fears.

5. I didn’t know that coffee shops could provide some of the best office space.

6. I didn’t know what an impact I could make as an author. After I had a couple of books published, I started making periodic visits to an all girls’ residential treatment facility to talk about my work, writing, and perseverance. On one of my visits, I hit huge traffic and arrived thirty minutes late (and I’m never late for anything, so it was super stressful). When I finally got there, a girl was in tears simply because she didn’t think I’d come and I actually did. She was so used to being disappointed in life, she cried to think I’d actually pull through.

7. I didn’t know that sometimes the best writing happens away from the computer. I’m frequently thinking of character and plot throughout my day, which is why keeping that notebook and pen handy is essential.

8. I didn’t know how beneficial it was to get away from the screen to get inspired. Sometimes when you sit down at the computer, the words just aren’t there. Taking walks, exercising, being active in the community, getting out with others, teaching, learning, experiencing…it’s all essential for writing.

9. I didn’t know how much the industry would change – the birth of e-Readers and book blogs, the death of Borders. There are now more online opportunities for marketing, but less shelf space at stores to carry titles. There are more opportunities for people to be published, but less certainty as to where publishing houses and authors will get the biggest bang for their marketing/advertising buck.

10. I didn’t know how grateful I’d be for my marketing degree.

ABOUT LAURIE FARIA STOLARZ:

Laurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, MA, attended Merrimack College, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston.
Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.
Stolarz found sales success with her first novel, Blue is for Nightmares, and followed it up with three more titles in the series, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, and Red is for Remembrance, as well as a companion graphic novel, Black is for Beginnings. Stolarz is also the author of the Touch series (Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, and Deadly Little Lessons), as well as Bleed and Project 17. With more than two million books sold worldwide, Stolarz’s titles have been named on various awards list.

Website|Twitter|Facebook
Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

10/10: Pretty Deadly Reviews – Review

10/11: The Irish Banana Review – Q&A

10/12: A Writer Named Charley – Review

10/13: Novelgossip – Guest Post

10/14: The Worn Bookmark – Review
Week 2:

10/17: Tales of the Ravenous Reader – Review

10/18: Bibliobuli YA – Guest Post

10/19: That Artsy Reader Girl – Review

10/20: In Wonderland – Top 10

10/21: Stuck In Books – Review
Giveaway:

3 Finished Copies of SHUTTER (US Only)

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Blog Tour/Guest Post: Gamer Girl by Glynis Astie

October 11, 20162 Comments

Gamer Girl
By author: Glynis Astie
Release Date: May 31, 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Blurb:

Struck by tragedy at an early age, Meri Palmer escaped into the only world she understood. Within the virtual realm of online gaming, she lived a life filled with mythical creatures and thrilling adventures, where she was strong, powerful, clever, and beautiful—everything she believed she wasn’t in real life. As the years went by, her desire to cling to her cherished fantasyland only grew stronger.

But when Meri meets Morgan, equal parts gorgeous and goofball, she begins to wonder if the time has finally come to rejoin the so-called real world. Channeling the bravery of her fairy warrior alter ego, Meri slowly lets Morgan beyond the protective walls she’s built around her heart. Just as she finds a comfortable groove in an uncertain world, Morgan succumbs to insecurities of his own, leaving her lost and confused. Through her battle to regain her equilibrium, Meri will discover that even in reality, things aren’t always what they seem.

Will Meri win the battle raging in her heart and summon the will to rescue her knight in shining armor? Or will she give in to the fear and find her game over?

Buy the Book:

Amazon US
Amazon UK

About the Author:

Glynis Astie

Bio:

Glynis never expected in her wildest dreams to be a writer. After thirteen years in the Human Resources Industry, she decided to stay at home with her two amazing sons. Ever in search of a project, she was inspired to write the story of how, in only six short months, she met and married her wonderfully romantic French husband, Sebastien. The end result became her first novel, French Twist. As this was just the beginning of their epic love story, Glynis continued to chronicle their adventures in the sequel, French Toast, and the final installment in the series, French Fry. After she finished milking her life story for all it was worth, she decided to write straight-up fiction with Gamer Girl, which infuses her beloved chick lit with a hint of fantasy.

When Glynis is not writing, she is trying to keep the peace amongst the three men and two cats in her life, finding missing body parts (Lego pieces are small!), supervising a myriad of homework assignments and keeping a tenuous hold on her sanity by consuming whatever chocolate is in the vicinity.

Guest Post:

Gilmore Girls Gusto

The other day a friend posted this photo on my Facebook timeline and my first thought was how cool it would be to live your life channeling a little bit of each of these amazing characters from Gilmore Girls. (Okay, it wasn’t my first thought. My first thought was, “I have to buy this!” but close enough.) While I believe this mug captured memorable traits from each role, there were definitely a few essentials missing. Granted slapping this stuff on a mug requires brevity, but I’m a writer—and we tend to be wordy—so I thought I might share some of my own favorite things about this lovable cast.

Are you ready for the breakdown? Here we go!

Lorelai: I always had great appreciation for her wardrobe (nobody could rock high-heeled boots like her!), but she really captured my heart with her signature wit and her truly astounding ability to deliver an enormous amount of dialogue seemingly without drawing breath. She may have been impulsive and oh so impatient, but she balanced this nicely with her captivating smile and huge heart. Not to mention her capacity to put away copious amounts of junk food without any physical evidence. That being said, I want to dress, talk and eat like Lorelai.

Rory: Without a doubt the most well-read and smartest one on the list (she did beat out Paris for valedictorian after all), she also possessed the sweetest disposition known to man. Everyone—with the exception of Dean’s wife and an angry ballet dancer—loved Rory. She was also quite witty (inherited from her mother, natch), using her intellectual prowess to take her humor to a whole other level. If I had the chance, I would think, read and sparkle like Rory.

Emily: She clearly knew her way around a good cocktail, but she was also no slouch in the etiquette department. (Perhaps she felt the need to live up to good old Emily Post!) She may have been tough as nails, but she was graceful, determined and had amazing taste in jewelry. And that voice? So regal and imposing. I totally want to drink, take charge and enunciate like Emily.

Sookie: Though well known as the originator of the most delicious food in Stars Hollow and beyond (I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to reach through my TV to taste what she was making), it was her sunny demeanor that always stuck with me. From her infectious laugh to her hair-brained schemes, watching her on screen always made me smile. She was positively brimming with silliness, enthusiasm and love. If I could, I would love to cook, laugh and enthuse like Sookie.

Lane: The coolest chick around, she was adept at living a double life. Ever the dutiful daughter, she presented the perfect image to her domineering mother while she followed her love of rock, junk food and pop culture in private. She was dramatic, soulful and passionate about her music. It would be awesome to rock, feel and dream like Lane.

Paris: She was definitely no slouch in the dialogue department. Not only did she offer up some of the sauciest zingers ever written, she would make you cry with laughter from her deadpan delivery. She always overstepped, she gave an impeccable withering stare and she never took crap from anyone. She was, without a doubt, stark raving mad and absolutely hilarious. Given the opportunity, I would talk, stare and reduce people to puddles like Paris.

That does it for my take on these amazing Gilmore Girls personalities. Although, I do have one more thing for you. Here’s my take on a few other Stars Hollow favorites in convenient mug-sized descriptions. Enjoy!

GRUMBLE LIKE LUKE

MELT HEARTS LIKE DEAN

LOVE LIKE LOGAN

SMOLDER LIKE JESS

WORK LIKE KIRK

REASON LIKE RICHARD

WHINE LIKE MICHEL

ANNOY LIKE TAYLOR

INTIMIDATE LIKE MRS. KIM

SING LIKE PATTY

GOSSIP LIKE BABETTE

Find her here:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Check out the whole tour:

October 9th

BRMaycock’s Book Blog – Book Review

October 10th

Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
Sweet Little Pretties – Book Excerpt/Promo
Sylv All About Books and Films – Book Excerpt

October 11th

Novelgossip – Author Guest Post
ItaPixie’s Book Corner – Book Excerpt/Promo Post
Book Lover in Florida – Book Review/Excerpt

October 12th

Romantic Reads – A Guest Post
Steamy Book Momma – Book Promo
Authors & Readers Book Corner – Book Promo

October 13th

He Said Books or Me – Book Review
Hello…Chick Lit – Book Review/Guest Post

October 14th

Grass Monster – Book Review
Rae Reads – Book Review

October 15th

The Fiction Addiction – Book Review
These Words: A Blog – Book Excerpt

Book Tour Arranged By:

HCL Author Services

Blog Tour/Review: The Twits by Roald Dahl

October 1, 2016October 1, 201616 Comments

Goodreads|Amazon|Author Website
Release date: 1980

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Puffin

Goodreads blurb:

How do you outwit a Twit? Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the smelliest, ugliest people in the world. They hate everything — except playing mean jokes on each other, catching innocent birds to put in their Bird Pies, and making their caged monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, stand on their heads all day. But the Muggle-Wumps have had enough. They don’t just want out, they want revenge.

Review:

Oh how this book brought me back to my childhood! As a young reader I absolutely loved Roald Dahl and it’s been years since I’ve read one of his books. My oldest daughter, who is seven, read her first Dahl book last year at school. She read the BFG and ever since she talked to me about how much she loved it I’ve been wanting to reread one of his books to see if the magic I remember from my childhood is still there. (It totally is!) When I saw that The Irish Banana was organizing a book tour to celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday I knew I had to participate!

The Twits is classic Dahl filled with lots of silliness that any kid is sure to love. Mr. and Mrs. Twit are absolutely vile people who delight in being plain mean, especially to each other. They love to play evil pranks on each other and delight in the discomfort of others. Though they enjoy terrorizing each other, they are at their happiest when they team up to wreak havoc on the poor souls they choose to target. They torture their family of pet monkeys by making them stand on their heads for hours and they trap birds on tree branches using glue so they can make their favorite meal of bird pie. The illustrations in this book compliment the funny and outrageous plot and the wackiness never stops. I can’t wait to read this one with my daughters, I think they will be both horrified and tickled by the Twits antics.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to The Irish Banana for my review copy and for allowing me to participate in this amazingly fun blog tour!

About the Author:

About ROALD DAHL:

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, successful and beloved storytellers. He was born in Wales of Norwegian parents and spent much of his childhood in England. After establishing himself as a writer for adults with short story collections such as Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected, Roald Dahl began writing children’s stories in 1960 while living with his family in both the U.S. and in England. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated.

Roald Dahl’s first children’s story, The Gremlins, was a story about little creatures that were responsible for the various mechanical failures on airplanes. The Gremlins came to the attention of both First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who loved to read the story to her grandchildren, and Walt Disney, with whom Roald Dahl had discussions about the production of a movie.

Roald Dahl was inspired by American culture and by many of the most quintessential American landmarks to write some of his most memorable passages, such as the thrilling final scenes in James and the Giant Peach – when the peach lands on the Empire State Building! Upon the publication of James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl began work on the story that would later be published as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and today, Roald Dahl’s stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, have sold more than 200 million copies.

Roald Dahl also enjoyed great success for the screenplays he wrote for both the James Bond film You Only Live Twice in 1967 and for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, released one year later, which went on to become a beloved family film. Roald Dahl’s popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans.

Two charities have been founded in Roald Dahl’s memory: the first charity, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, created in 1991, focuses on making life better for seriously ill children through the funding of specialist nurses, innovative medical training, hospitals, and individual families across the UK.

The second charity, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – a unique cultural, literary and education hub – opened in June 2005 in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived and wrote many of his best-loved works. 10% of income from Roald Dahl books and adaptations are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities.

On September 13, 2006, the first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated, on what would have been the author’s 90th birthday. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually all over the world. September 13, 2016 is Roald Dahl 100, marking 100 years since the birth of the world’s number one storyteller. There will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and surprises for everyone.

Giveaway:

1 winner can pick 5 books from the Roald Dahl collection! US Only

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Blog Tour/Review: Dark Water by Sara Bailey

September 28, 20166 Comments

Goodreads|Amazon|Author Website
Release date: October 3, 2016

Publisher: Nightingale Editions

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Goodreads blurb:

Friendship doesn’t die, it waits…

A haunting and lyrical novel, Dark Water is a psychologically intense portrait of adolescent yearning and obsession.

When Helena returns to her childhood home in Orkney, she is forced to face memories that she has spent half a lifetime running from. Her best friend, the charismatic Anastasia, disappeared after a swimming incident. But what really happened that night by the wrecks?

Review:

Let me start by saying that I’m delighted to be a stop on the blog tour for Dark Water today! From the moment I read the blurb and saw this strikingly beautiful cover, I just knew that I had to read this book. Though its categorized as women’s fiction, it is much more than that. There is bits of different genres as well, including suspense, psychological thriller and even a tiny bit of romance. Though it is dark at times, I could even see this as being appropriate for mature YA readers.

This is such a hauntingly eerie atmospheric novel. Set in Orkney, Bailey writes of a place full of rugged and bold beauty. From the first page, she managed to make me feel like I was heading to Orkney right alongside Helena. Her descriptions are absolutely breathtaking and I was reminded of Tracy Buchanan who I love. She has a similar writing style, especially her use of stunning imagery and elegant prose that makes the reader totally transfixed.

Helena begrudgingly heads back home when her father falls ill. She adores her dad, but she knows the minute she steps foot back home she will be overwhelmed by memories of her best friend, Anastasia. She was lost at sea after a swimming incident and Helena has been tormented by the loss ever since it happened. Throughout the book, there are a series of flashbacks that take you back to when Helena and Anastasia were teenagers. These scenes are full of teenage angst, mostly surrounding boys. Bailey did a phenomenal job at capturing the feelings and emotions that teenagers have, especially as their town is small and tight knit, so naturally everyone is involved in each other’s business. To teenagers, this is the absolute worst and with people like Gloria living near them, they don’t stand a a chance at keeping real secrets. I rather liked Gloria, she was such a lovable busybody.

This isn’t my usual preferred lightening quick suspenseful and action packed sort of read. Rather it is far slower, but don’t let that put you off. Bailey diligently plotted this book and the wait was well worth it for the ending. She had me totally enraptured up to the final page. It was a simply perfect and well executed ending.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to Nightingale Editions for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt: Margaritas and Murder by CeCe Osgood

September 12, 2016September 10, 20163 Comments

Margaritas & Murder
September 10th – 17th, 2016

Margaritas & Murder.newcover brighter (2)
Margaritas & Murder
By author CeCe Osgood
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: September 9th 2016

Blurb:

Stephanie Plum meets Bridget Jones in this hilarious yet suspenseful cozy mystery featuring Sunny Truly, a brand-new apprentice private investigator in Austin, Texas.

When a long ago childhood friend is found dangling in a tree—with a dead man in her apartment—Sunny is hired to prove the friend innocent of murder. Frumpy, earnest and stubborn, Sunny goes undercover as a glam-girl to ferret out suspects at the club where her friend worked. With the aid of her wise-cracking boss, Cleve Haylock, and swoon-worthy police detective John Rock, Sunny uncovers an ugly secret with deadly consequences. Will Sunny be the next victim?

Buy the Book:

AmazonUS
AmazonUK

About the Author:

CeCe Osgood

Bio:

CeCe Osgood lives in Texas after many years in LA working in the film industry. Her writing career includes magazine articles and screenplays as well as being a freelance story analyst (main client HBO). She also has had two screenplays optioned.
Being a novelist has been her lifelong dream, and now it’s becoming her reality. She loves red wine and hates pretzels.

CeCe’s first novel, THE DIVORCED NOT DEAD WORKSHOP, a chick-lit romantic comedy was awarded a Crowned Heart by InD’tale magazine.

Find her here:

www.ceceosgood.weebly.com
Facebook
Twitter
GoodReads
Amazon Author Page

Check out all the stops on the Tour:

Sept 10th

Enrayn – Book Review
Hello…Chick Lit – Book Promo Post

Sept 11th

Cafinated Reads – Book Excerpt
Gin, books and blankets… – Book Reivew/Author Q&A

Sept 12th

Steamy Book Momma – Book Promo Post
Writing Pearls – Book Review
Novelgossip – Book Review/Excerpt

Sept 13th

Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
Sylv all about books and films – Book Promo Post
Christa Reads and Writes – Book Review/Guest Post

Sept 14th

Cynful Books To Read – Author Guest Post/Promo Post
He Said Books or Me – Book Review/Excerpt

Sept 15th

Grass Monster – Amazon/GoodReads Book Review
One More Chapter – Book Review

Sept 16th

BookLoverWormBlog – Book Review
Turning Another Page – Book Review/Author Q&A

Sept 17th

JenaBooks – Book Review/Excerpt
Book Lover in Florida – Book Review/Excerpt

Tour arranged by:

Excerpt

MARGARITAS & MURDER: The Sunny Truly Mystery Series – Book 1

The first thing I did when I entered the store was quell my hunger with a Kit Kat bar, then I located what I needed to jazz up my look. I didn’t need to worry about my eyes. I had naturally thick eyelashes and wore eyeliner too, but I normally only used a light balm for my lips. That wouldn’t do.

I bought a cherry red lipstick, nail polish, safety pins, a dozen silver glitter pens and three small silver bows. When I climbed back into my car, I peeled out of my blouse, unhooked my black bra and went to work

Thirty minutes later, as I stood in line waiting to get into The Celestial, I unbutton my gray blouse to reveal my black bra, now covered with silver swirls and the three bows, which I pinned into the v-shaped front.

I got a glimpse of myself in a store window. Red lips, red nails, and Cleopatra eyes. Not bad. Not me, but not bad, except, of course, I’d forgotten about my ponytail. I was undoing it when a stranger behind me oozed, “Leave it, babe. It’s got that sex-kitten girl-next-door vibe.”

Cringing at his creepy voice, I popped my blonde hair out of the ponytail.

“Aw, you ruined it, girlie,” Creepy griped and leaned in closer. “Tell you what. You put your hair back up, and I’ll buy ya a drink inside.”

I frowned at him. “No, thanks.”

“You got your nerve,” he sneered. “Why? You think you look hot? You don’t. Not in that turd ugly blouse.”

I skittered forward a few steps, trying to cut off any further attempts at conversation. Luckily, his cell beeped and he stepped out of the line to have a private conversation.

I glanced down at my blouse. Maybe Creepy had a point.

When I got closer to the door, I whipped off the blouse entirely and stood there in my black and silver bra, waiting for the bouncer’s approval.

If I thought too long about what I was doing, I’d blush from head to toe. The bouncer eyed me. I hefted the twins (modest Bs) with a grin to the bouncer. He grinned back, and I was in.

Inside, I slipped the gray blouse back on, but left it unbuttoned as I threaded my way through the crowd of dancing bodies.

The cavernous interior was dark, except for the star-shaped maroon, green and blue neon lights flashing on the ceiling and walls. Occasional spotlights skimmed the crowd. House music vibrated fast and furious from the speakers.

I remembered Sam telling me that the best thing to do in a new place was to first get your bearings. I scanned the space to see what was what. The dance floor ran the length of the building, starting near the entrance and ending by the stage, which was set up close to the back wall.

Not far from the stage, I spied an ornate, highly polished mahogany spiral staircase leading up to a rooftop lounge. It looking like it belonged to a different century. I figured that was the point. Ultra-modern mixed with the historic for an eclectic blend, echoing the city’s view of itself.

Several couples were standing near the top of the landing looking down on the stage where a five-piece band was covering an old hit by Justin Timberlake. On the dance floor, men and women, most of whom were young and gorgeous, rocked out.

On the right side of the club, I noticed a lounge area dotted with loveseats, club chairs and coffee tables. It was populated by men of various ages and young women with big hair and bigger boobs.

On the left side was an impressive brass and mahogany bar with five bartenders in attendance: four handsome young men clad in silver and black uniforms and a lone woman, her sleek dark ponytail perched high up on her head. She had on a long-sleeved black blouse and black trousers.

I decided to approach her.

Bad choice. She was all business, no time or inclination to chat.

I moved down the bar to one of the male barkeeps. His gaze swept over my glittery bra as he bustled over to me.

I was about to order a drink when I noticed Creepy coming my way, his lusty expression sending a chill from my crown to my toes. I had to do something fast.

Moving away from the bar to get out of his radar, I ran smack dab into a big man in a shiny, expensive three-piece suit.

“Whoa there,” he cooed to me, his hands looping around my waist. His florid face moved closer to mine like he was going to French me. I quickly turned away and his tongue licked my cheek. Yuck.

Cringing, I pulled out of his grasp. Then I recognized him. It was Conrad Hollister, aka Big Tex. He wasn’t wearing the white Stetson or the cowboy boots, but it was him.

Another face appeared over Hollister’s shoulder. Cool blue eyes pinned me, and a zing of surprise, and panic, prickled up my spine. Detective John Rock.

I almost called out to him, but stopped myself when I realized he might be here undercover.

Another thought countered the first one. Maybe this was a regular hangout for him. Yet how was that possible on a detective’s salary? The Celestial was one of the most upscale nightclubs in Austin.

Hollister squeezed my arm, bringing my attention back to the big man. “I’ve got business right now, little filly, but you stay put and I’ll come back around for you.” His lips curled into a smug smile and then he darted away, disappearing into the crowd.

I sighed, glad not to have to deal with Hollister when the detective was so nearby. I gave Rock a sidelong glance. He said nothing, nothing at all and turned to walk off. Hmm. Maybe he didn’t recognize me.

I watched him go over to the bar, passing by several empty stools until he reached the section where the female bartender with the sleek ponytail was busily mixing drinks. He slid onto a stool and waited.

Seconds later, she came over to him. They spoke. I was too far away to hear what was said. I gathered that he had ordered a drink because she stepped away and returned quickly to pour him a double.

Rock swiveled around on the barstool and scanned the club. Our eyes met momentarily. His expression remained neutral. Maybe I was right. He hadn’t recognized me.

I did look a lot different than when he saw me at my apartment with my bed head hair, broken glasses and Shrek pajamas. And later, at the hospital when I was there with Lila, I had on my usual “get thee to a nunnery” garb—black pants and a matching blazer.

Just then a cool brunette in a crotch-high mini-skirt sashayed by and Rock’s gaze shifted to her. I was certain then that he hadn’t recognized me.

The band segued into a pop tune, which drew more people to the dance floor. I wandered around and, after a few minutes, I spied Hollister leading two couples up the spiral staircase. I considered following him up to the rooftop lounge. I wasn’t sure if it was the smartest move to make, but the opportunity was there, so why not take it?

I had made it midway up the staircase when my attention was drawn to the lounge area where glamorous young women in strapless or backless cocktail dresses were chatting with men in suits.

One dark-haired beauty, perched on the edge of a sofa, threw her head back laughing, while her companion, a distinguished, silver-haired older man, signaled the waiter for more drinks.

A gasp seeped out of me. “Lila?”

What the…? What was she doing here? Too stunned to move, I watched my sister in full flirtation mode with a man who, I speculated, could be older than our father.

Once the shock lessened, I forced my body to move and hurried back down the staircase. I tried to cut across the dance floor, but the crowd was quickly expanding like fungus and barred my path.

Raging like a diva whose latte had grown cold, I elbowed my way through. By the time I got to the lounge, bad had gone to worse.

Lila, in a strapless purple cocktail dress, was still perched on the sofa, but now she was talking to Detective Rock.

I stalked up to them. “Lila!”

Her face blew up in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Me?” I snapped. “What are you doing here?”

Review:

Sometimes I need a break from reading dark and twisted thrillers and when I picked up Margaritas and Murder I was definitely in the mood for something on the lighter side. This book perfectly satisfied my need to settle down with a comfortable and cozy book and made for a delightfully fun read.

Sunny is the heroine and she reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones as she’s just a normal woman with some spunk. I loved that she had a real appetite and love of food and wasn’t afraid to show it. All to often romantic heroines are portrayed as flawlessly beautiful and stick thin, but she is a real woman, one who I would hang out with if given the chance. She continuously finds herself in comical situations and Osgood painted a picture of hilarity. The whole time I was reading this book I felt like I was watching a beloved romantic comedy.

Though this book isn’t scary or creepy, make no mistake, there is still a mystery that needs to be solved. One of my favorite things about this book is that almost every chapter ended on some sort of cliffhanger that urged me to keep on reading. Added to the mystery there was a colorful cast of characters that brought warmth and flirtatiousness to the table. From the sexy detective John Rock to Sunny’s boss Cleve to her sister Lila, and many more, there is something for everyone.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the author and Aimee at Hello Chick Lit for providing me with a review copy!

Blog Tour/Q & A/Giveaway: Show Me How by Molly McAdams

September 9, 2016September 9, 20163 Comments

I’m delighted to be the last stop for the blog tour for Show Me How by Molly McAdams.

Synopsis:

After her first love was ripped from her grasp four years earlier, Charlie Easton was sure she would never be able to trust anyone with the shattered pieces of her heart again. That is, until Deacon Carver forces himself into her life, and makes those pieces swirl in chaos. But Charlie doesn’t know how to let him in… until a stranger stumbles upon a notebook filled with her innermost secrets, and shows her how.

Deacon Carver is known for sleeping his way through the town of Thatch, as well as the surrounding cities—something he used to take pride in. But that persona has haunted Deacon ever since he decided to leave that life behind for the girl he wants more than anything: Charlie Easton.

But when another girl falls into Deacon’s life, allowing him to be himself without judgment for his past, will their conversations hinder his relationship with Charlie … even if he’s never seen her?

Show Me How is available now at the following retailers:

Amazon/Barnes & Noble/iBooks
Q & A

1. How did you get started writing? Was it something that you’ve always loved?

I actually just started writing out this dream that I’d had, because it was driving me crazy and taking up so much of my time. And then I kept thinking about what happened before the dream ever began, and what would’ve happened had I not woken up when I did. Next thing I knew, it was a full-length novel. But writing was definitely not something I had ever wanted to do, growing up. I actually hated reading, and had failed out of a creative writing course in college!

2. Who are your favorite writers/inspirations?

Oh my goodness, there are so many writers I absolutely love! A.L. Jackson is one of my all-time favorites, and biggest inspiration! Other favorites include Stephenie Meyer, Sarah J Maas, Mary E. Pearson, & Renee Ahdieh.

3. What’s the best compliment that you’ve received about your work?

When someone who has gone through that situation exactly—i.e. Taking Chances, From Ashes, Letting Go, To The Stars—has e-mailed me to let me know that they went through an identical situation, and my story helped them feel like they could move past it when they felt trapped in the past by what had happened.

4. Favorite character from one of your own novels?

It changes all the time. But over the last week, my readers and I have been talking about Trent Cruz from Deceiving Lies over, and over, and over again. It doesn’t help that his clone was in my house delivering furniture the other day. So for this week, we’ll say Trent Cruz.

5. Preferred method for readers to contact you?

Social media or e-mail! @mollysmcadams | facebook.com/mollymcadams | molly.mcadams@hotmail.com

About the Author:

ABOUT MOLLY MCADAMS:

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter, and fur babies. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and fried pickles, and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm … or under one in a bathtub if there are tornadoes. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

Molly’s social media:

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads/Google+/Tumblr

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour hosted by Irish Banana Tours

Week 1:

8/29: Bookish Lifestyle – Review

8/30: Addicted 2 Novels – Review

8/31: Stuck In Books – Review

9/1: What Sarah Read – Review

9/2: Who RU Blog – Q&A

Week 2:

9/5: Books, TV and More!– Q&A

9/6: BCS Reviews – Review

9/7: Rebel Mommy Book Blog – Review

9/8: Chapter By Chapter – Review

9/9: Novelgossip – Q&A

Book Tour/Guest Post:All Shook Up by Chelsey Krause

August 30, 2016August 26, 2016Leave a comment

All Shook Up
By Chelsey Krause

I am so excited to be hosting the blog tour for Chelsey Krause today! Read on for more information about her book and a hilarious guest post.

August 29th – September 2nd 2016

Blurb:

Natalie’s world is shaken to its core when she discovers an old photo of a woman who looks like her. Could this woman be related to her birth mother, who put Natalie up for adoption as a baby? When she tracks down the person who dumped the photo album at her thrift shop, she’s shaken again. Especially when the gorgeous fire-fighting guitarist offers to help her find the owner. They quickly become friends – which is all they’ll be, as far as Natalie’s concerned. Her rebellious youth turned her off cheating men, and the new Natalie is looking for true love and a family of her own – something Casey isn’t willing to provide. But how long can Natalie ignore her undeniable attraction to the man with the Irish accent and the broken-down ’57 Chevy?

In Chelsey Krause’s second novel, friends become lovers over a whirlwind summer of rockabilly rhythms, twirling skirts, and a mystery that takes them hilariously far out of their element.

Buy the Book:
Amazon | iTunes | Google Play

Real events from my life that made it into “All Shook Up”

As an author, I often wonder whether other writers use events from their real life as inspiration for their novels. Old jobs, bad dates, embarrassing moments, overheard conversations; these all make great scenes.

So, I’ll do this sometimes. I’ll take things that have actually happened either to me, or things I’ve heard about, and use them as a springboard for my book. I’ll change details, names, try to make it original. But, still, at the root of the scene, there is a kernel of real life to it.

I used to feel bad about doing this. I worried that perhaps I wasn’t a “real” writer because I didn’t invent everything out of thin air. I borrowed from my life and others, I borrowed from the jobs I’ve had, the movies I’ve watched, and so on.

That is, until I learned that every other writer does this. Even if you invent pure fantasy, your ideas come from somewhere.

So, I thought it would be fun to talk about 4 scenes from “All Shook Up” that were taken from my own life. (And it’s pretty hilarious.) Read on.

1) Guy with Snake Around His Neck

Natalie, the heroine of “All Shook Up” manages a thrift store. And though I LOVE buying second hand, I didn’t know a thing about how thrift stores are managed. So, I arranged a meeting with a local store. The manager gave me the grand tour, showed me the basement store rooms (I wish I could arrange private shopping tours down there), explained the day to day operations, etc.

And at some point during our visit, I asked her if she’d ever had any customers of note. And she told me about this guy who came in with a snake around his neck. He was young, maybe 17. Homeless. And looking for a fish tank for his snake. He had been keeping it in a cardboard box, but someone stole the box. She said they found him tank for his snake. She said he lit up, and seemed incredibly happy to finally have a space for his pet.

It was a bittersweet story that captured my imagination. I HAD to include it in this story, and you’ll find it in chapter 1.

2) Guy Stripping off His Shirt in the Middle of the Store

This really, truly did happen. I wouldn’t joke about half-naked men. Ok. I was walking through the mall one day, pushing my enormous double stroller along. And just as I passed one store (American Apparel, if you’re interested), out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy at the cash register whip his shirt off. It took me off guard (I mean, come on! You don’t normally see people stripping at the mall). It seemed that he wanted to try a shirt on before he bought it, and figured that the cashier would appreciate it more than the private change room.

This seemed pretty funny to me, and thus, Casey, the hero of “All Shook Up” tries a shirt on in the middle of a store (see chapter 21). I make a small cameo in this scene too. The mom who was briskly walking by with her stroller in the background and pauses to watch the ripped guy take his shirt off in the mall is TOTALLY me, lol

3) The Beet Massacre

OOH! This was a fun chapter to write. It’s from chapter 22, where Natalie is hosting a dinner party to celebrate her best friend’s 30th birthday. Natalie wants to impress her friend (who is a bit of a foodie), and decides to make all these complicated, Martha-Stewart type dishes. For the first course, she wants to make a beet-carrot soup. And it goes disastrously wrong.

I got the idea for this scene from my own baking disaster. I wanted to make red-velvet cupcakes, but didn’t want to use so much red food dye. And I knew that beets were a dark red/purple color. I figured that if I added beet puree to my cake mix, I’d have healthy cupcakes that were delicious and healthy and natural and everyone would love me and compliment me on my genius. Well, that was the theory, anyway.

I cooked an enormous quantity of beets. I pureed them. The color was intense, and beautiful, and I felt pretty good about this little creative project. And then, it all went to shite.

I (for reasons still unknown to me) walked the bowl of beet puree across the kitchen. And I dropped it.

Beet. Puree. Everywhere. It was on me. On my fridge. On my cupboards. On my floor. On my table and chairs. Up the wall. And spattered all across my kitchen ceiling. It looked like I had a vendetta against root vegetables, and had taken my revenge.

And beet puree (especially steaming hot beet puree) doesn’t clean up easily. No, it mostly smears around and elicits a lot of “f” bombs.

But after a while, things did start to look normal. Everything except my kitchen ceiling. It has a popcorn style finish, and when I tried to clean the beets off, it just smeared around, making everything a striking shade of pink. After much debate (and wondering how the hell I was going to explain this to my husband), I decided to let it dry a bit, and then touch it up with white paint.

I didn’t tell him about it until years later. He had NO idea! Of course, in this version of the story, Casey comes up with the idea to paint the ceiling, and they’re in cahoots with each other. Though I don’t really like getting into awkward situations like that, in some ways, I look forward to it. It makes great books.

And as a side note, the cupcakes were horrible. They had an earthy taste to them, exactly what I figure eating dirt would taste like.

4) Dirty Song Lyrics

In chapter 8, I briefly allude to Casey changing song lyrics to make them funnier (usually by adding dirty words). This is 100% my husband. I love driving with him, because I never know what he’s going to come up with.

So there you have it! I could list more examples of where my own life inspired the events in “All Shook Up” but these are the most fun ones.

I hope you enjoy reading my book! And if you have an award / embarrassing / hilarious story that you’d like to share, please message me!

Email: chelsey@chelseykrause.com

About the Author:

Chelsey Krause

Chelsey Krause has a thing for thrift stores and used bookshops. A nurse, wife, Starbucks addict, and mom to two children, she can often be found repurposing other people’s junk or considering whether the library would let her move in. The rest of the time, she’s reviewing for Chicklit Club or writing. All Shook Up is her second novel.

Find her here:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Book Tour Schedule:

August 29th

The Belgian Reviewer – Excerpt/Promo Post
Lady with a Quill – Book Review/Guest Post

August 30th

Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
Novelgossip – Promo Post/Guest Post
Hello…Chick Lit – Book Review

August 31st

He Said Books or Me – Excerpt/Guest Post
Book Lover in Florida – Excerpt/Promo Post
Yellow Brick Living – Book Review

September 1st

Read My Mind – Excerpt/Promo Post
Books and Warpaint – Book Review/Promo Post
Mystery Date With a Book – Book Review/Author Q&A
Between the Pages – Book Review/Promo Post

September 2nd

Serve Me Reviews – Book Review
Sylv all about books and films – Excerpt/Promo Post
HEA Romance With A Little Kick – Excerpt/Book Review

Tour Arranged By:

Blog tour/Review: Competing With the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager

August 23, 2016August 21, 20168 Comments

Competing with the Star
Krysten Lindsay Hager
(The Star Series, #2)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: March 22nd 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Hadley Daniels’s life seems perfect…

Before the beginning of sophomore year of high school, Hadley and her family move to a beautiful beach town, where she makes amazing new friends and lands the boyfriend of her dreams-Nick Jenkins. He’s the kind of guy every girl swoons over, and it isn’t long until Hadley discovers some are still swooning.

A famous ex-girlfriend makes matters more complicated…

After some time dating, Hadley and Nick form a deep bond. But insecurity sets in when Hadley discovers her boyfriend once had a huge crush on her friend-who just happens to be the beautiful former teen TV star, Simone Hendrickson.

The past is the past-or so they say…

Hadley confronts Nick, who confesses about his history with Simone. Though he claims to only have eyes for Hadley now, it’s hard to believe-especially when she’s blindsided with the news that Nick and Simone kissed after school.

Now Hadley must determine who is telling the truth. Love, betrayal, friendship…who needs soap opera drama when you’re busy competing with a star?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Review:

Hadley is a typical teenage girl dealing with typical teenage girl problems and issues. At the beginning of the book she’s just started dating Nick. She’s new to town and while she seems to be fitting in just fine, she’s still insecure and self conscious about her place in the world and especially her place in her new high school with her new friends. She’s a sweet, naïve girl who made me think about the person I was in high school. It’s such a hard time, trying to figure out where you fit in all the while trying to navigate high school cliques.

Hadley is a relatable young woman and I think young readers would especially connect with her character. Some of her so called friends tend to play games mean girls style. There’s a lot of drama between her and her group of girlfriends, it reads like a YA soap opera. I don’t say that in a bad way, I like a soap opera myself and high school is a lot like a soap opera at times.

This is the second book in a series and while it was apparent that I was missing some backstory, I wasn’t lost or confused. You can definitely read this as a standalone. This was a nice, clean YA novel with nothing inappropriate whatsoever. It’s the type of book that I would be totally comfortable letting my daughters read when they’re teenagers. It centers around the sweet and cute love story between Hadley and Nick while it coveys a good message about loving and accepting yourself.

It was a light and easy read that I finished in almost one sitting with a good message that wasn’t overpowering or too sophisticated for YA readers. I appreciated the fact that it wasn’t too mature they way some YA books tend to be today.

Overall rating: 3/5

Author Bio:

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a book addict who has worked as a journalist and humor essayist. She is the author of the LANDRY’s TRUE COLORS SERIES and the STAR SERIES. TRUE COLORS was her debut novel and the first book in the LANDRY’S TRUE COLORS series. BEST FRIENDS…FOREVER? (Book 2) was #1 in Amazon’s hot new releases in teen & young adult values and virtues fiction and #1 in Amazon’s hot new release in children’s books on values. Landry in Like (Book 3) was #3 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Girls & Women. Her work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Bellbrook Times, and on the talk show Living Dayton. Check out her YA novel, NEXT DOOR TO A STAR (book 1 in the STAR SERIES) and COMPETING WITH THE STAR: Book 2 in the STAR SERIES. You can follow her at: http://www.krystenlindsay.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!

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Book Tour: Searching For You by Nicole Evelina

August 15, 2016August 7, 2016Leave a comment

Been Searching For You Book Tour
August 14th – 20th, 2016

Blurb:

Annabeth is a hopeless romantic who believes in soul mates. In fact, she’s been writing to hers each year on her birthday since she was 16.

Now, at 34, she’s still holding out hope of finding Mr. Right even though he’d be fighting an uphill battle to gain her trust, thanks to a traumatic experience years before that’s left her unable to commit.

When Annabeth meets a handsome literature professor named Alex on her 34th birthday, she thinks her quest may finally be at an end. Things don’t quite go as planned, so Annabeth resolves to do everything she can over the next year to find the unknown recipient of her letters. But blind dates, Meetup events and online singles sites have nothing on what fate has in store for her when a co-worker unexpectedly quits and Annabeth finds herself working in close quarters with both Alex and her long ago ex, Nick. Fighting her attraction to one and loathing for the other, Annabeth is forced to face all of her old insecurities while keeping an eye on a scheming frienemy who may derail her hopes and dreams.

Written in the tradition of Bridget Jones’ Diary, Kim Gruenfelder’s A Total Waste of Makeup, and Melissa Pimental’s Love By The Book, it shows that love on the sweet side can exist for the modern girl, if only she’s willing to trust herself and search hard enough.

Been Searching for You was the winner of the 2015 Romance Writers of America Great Expectations and Golden Rose contests.

Excerpt:

Ever since I was a teenager and Angela Chase, the main character on the teen drama My So-Called Life, said she equated the ticking of the 60 Minutes clock to the end of the weekend, I’ve hated Sunday nights. But none quite so much as this one.

Not only was I facing the first morning of the new regime at work, but Alex was leaving for the conference too. I was so nervous that not even two glasses of wine could steady me. Alex, on the other hand, was the definition of calm and collected, watching TV as if this was any other night. It was driving me crazy. Finally, I kicked him gently in the ankle.

That got his attention. “Ow! What was that for?”

“How can you possibly be so calm? Your interview is tomorrow morning. Why aren’t you freaking out?”

“Because you’re doing that enough for both of us.” He grinned and pulled me down next to him, pinning my hands behind my back and covering my face in kisses.

By the time he came up for air, I couldn’t help but smile back.

“I was going to wait to give this to you, but it looks like you need it now.” He fished a long, thin rectangular block out of the pocket of his tan wool sweater and presented it to me.

When I looked closer, I realized it was one of those weekly pill boxes that older people keep their daily medications in so they know if they took them or not. “You’re giving me drugs?”

“No. I’ll leave it to you to medicate yourself. Open the one for today.”

I popped open the lid on the far left marked with a capital S for Sunday. A small folded piece of paper jumped out at me, leaving a bed of dark chocolate Mini Kisses behind. I opened the page and read. “‘This note entitles the bearer to a single wish fulfilled.’”

Alex leaned over and whispered a few racy suggestions in my ear.

My face flushed in response. “I’m up for that.”

He pried my fingers from around the pill box. “And that’s just the beginning. Each day has a little surprise in it to help you get through the week since I won’t be here to help you in person.”

I placed a hand on the side of his face and kissed him. “This has to be the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for me. How in the world did you think of it?”

“I could lie and say it was my own ingenuity, but I’m man enough to admit I found it on Pinterest.”

“I think it’s very sexy when a man is willing to admit to being crafty.”

“Oh, you’ve seen nothing yet. Just wait until Valentine’s Day. There’ll be crafty things all over this apartment.”

“Should I start calling you Mr. Stewart?” I giggled.

“Perhaps not, but that does conjure a lovely mental image of you in only an apron.”

Biting my lip to hide a grin, I waited until Alex turned back to the TV. Then I bounded to the kitchen, grabbed the apron that hung on the oven door, and shed my clothes. A moment later, he had his wish.

I crooked my finger at him. “About that desire you were going to fulfill?”

“I think I said ‘wish,’ but I won’t argue over semantics.” He wrapped his arms around me, palms resting on my bare rear end.

“Oh, this sounds like the plot to a romance novel,” I said, pulling his sweater up over his head. “The naughty cook who needs a lesson from the hot English professor.”

He gave me a wolfish grin. “I like the way you think.”

He carried me to the bedroom and made sure I didn’t have any time that night to worry about what the next day would bring.

That got his attention. “Ow! What was that for?”

“How can you possibly be so calm? Your interview is tomorrow morning. Why aren’t you freaking out?”

“Because you’re doing that enough for both of us.” He grinned and pulled me down next to him, pinning my hands behind my back and covering my face in kisses.

By the time he came up for air, I couldn’t help but smile back.

“I was going to wait to give this to you, but it looks like you need it now.” He fished a long, thin rectangular block out of the pocket of his tan wool sweater and presented it to me.

When I looked closer, I realized it was one of those weekly pill boxes that older people keep their daily medications in so they know if they took them or not. “You’re giving me drugs?”

“No. I’ll leave it to you to medicate yourself. Open the one for today.”

Alex leaned over and whispered a few racy suggestions in my ear.

My face flushed in response. “I’m up for that.”

I placed a hand on the side of his face and kissed him. “This has to be the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for me. How in the world did you think of it?”

“I could lie and say it was my own ingenuity, but I’m man enough to admit I found it on Pinterest.”

“I think it’s very sexy when a man is willing to admit to being crafty.”

“Oh, you’ve seen nothing yet. Just wait until Valentine’s Day. There’ll be crafty things all over this apartment.”

“Should I start calling you Mr. Stewart?” I giggled.

“Perhaps not, but that does conjure a lovely mental image of you in only an apron.”

I crooked my finger at him. “About that desire you were going to fulfill?”

“I think I said ‘wish,’ but I won’t argue over semantics.” He wrapped his arms around me, palms resting on my bare rear end.

“Oh, this sounds like the plot to a romance novel,” I said, pulling his sweater up over his head. “The naughty cook who needs a lesson from the hot English professor.”

He gave me a wolfish grin. “I like the way you think.”

He carried me to the bedroom and made sure I didn’t have any time that night to worry about what the next day would bring.

Buy the Book:

AmazonUS
AmazonUK

About the Author:

Nicole Evelina

Nicole Evelina is an award-winning historical fiction and romantic comedy writer. Her most recent novel, Been Searching for You, a romantic comedy, won the 2015 Romance Writers of America (RWA) Great Expectations and Golden Rose contests.

She also writes historical fiction. Her debut novel, Daughter of Destiny, the first book of an Arthurian legend trilogy that tells Guinevere’s life story from her point of view, was named Book of the Year by Chanticleer Reviews, took the Grand Prize in the 2015 Chatelaine Awards for Women’s Fiction/Romance, won a Gold Medal in the fantasy category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and was short-listed for the Chaucer Award for Historical Fiction. Later this year, she will release Madame Presidentess (July 25), a historical novel about Victoria Woodhull, America’s first female Presidential candidate, which was the first place winner in the Women’s US History category of the 2015 Chaucer Awards for Historical Fiction.

Nicole is one of only six authors who completed a week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness. Nicole has traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere’s Tale trilogy, where she consulted with internationally acclaimed author and historian Geoffrey Ashe, as well as Arthurian/Glastonbury expert Jaime George, the man who helped Marion Zimmer Bradley research The Mists of Avalon.

Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for The Historical Novel Society, and Sirens (a group supporting female fantasy authors), as well as a member of the Historical Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the St. Louis Writer’s Guild, Women Writing the West, Broad Universe (promoting women in fantasy, science fiction and horror), Alliance of Independent Authors and the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Find her here:

http://nicoleevelina.com
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Visit all the tour stops:

August 14th

Sylv all About Books and Films – Book Excerpt
Hello Chick Lit – Author Guest Post

August 15th

Pretty Little Book Reviews – Promo Post
Novelgossip – Book Excerpt

August 16th

Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
Book Lover in Florida – Book Promo

August 17th

Bookish Lifestyle – Book Review
Chick Lit Central – Author Guest Post

August 18th