Thursday, July 30, 2020

Book Tour/Giveaway - Our Friendship Matters by Kimberley B Jones






Our Friendship Matters
by Kimberley B. Jones

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GENRE: Young Adult

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BLURB:

Leah and Sasha are 17-year-old friends who had been close to one another since elementary school, but as the summer approaches they find their friendship tested in ways they never anticipated.

Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.

But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.

As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies. Can they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints? Or is their long friendship finished for good?

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Excerpt:

Going home wasn’t an option, and Ricardo had been making this so easy for me. I missed his friendship so much. We laughed and talked about things I liked to talk about, and so much more. Yes, we flirted, but we didn’t overstep any boundaries. Leo and I were no more, so technically I wasn’t cheating on anyone.

“I apologize for running out of the meeting the other day, but it was too much information for me to process. I went on a scavenger hunt on the Internet to find out more of what happened to Mitchell.”

“This really has your attention.”

“Yeah, at Chester the kids are different. Either the kids have cars or we aren’t allowed to walk home for safety reasons. But literally almost everyone has their own car.”

“Why did you stop coming over to play when we were kids?”

I hesitated; when me and Leah became friends, I made her my focus.

“I guess things changed for me, but I do miss our friendship. We grew apart because of the different schools we attended.”

I missed out on so much throughout the years. I threw our friendship away, but fate brought us together again.

“I should be headed home because it’s almost time for dinner, so I’ll see you later.”

“Why don’t you take my number, just in case you want to call me some time,” he said.

“Sure.”

I walked home, dragging my legs from Ricardo’s house. I couldn’t get my mind off of him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kimberley is a professional early childhood educator. She was born in the small town of Saint George, South Carolina, on September 12, 1982. Graduated from Woodland High School in 2000, Benedict College in 2004 with B.S., Child & Family Development, and from Ashford University in 2013 with a Masters in Early Childhood Education.

After receiving her education and being a military spouse, she held several jobs as a preschool teacher and a preschool director, but she wanted to her education to use by writing children’s books. She wrote her first book in college for her children’s literature course. She has self-published several children books on Amazon.

Currently, she is branching off into writing fiction YA, NA, and A novels on issues in society. She loves writing and would not change it for nothing in this world She is now published by Rhetoric Askew. Kimberley is the author of Our Friendship Matters.

https://www.kimberleybjones.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimberleyBJones
https://www.instagram.com/historyforpreschool/
https://twitter.com/KimberlyBJones1
http://amazon.com/author/kimberlyboydjones.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-boyd-jones-88454a56/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAtYkf97rt4IcvPGQDrwlAA
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/628634226


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Kimberley B. Jones will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Please use this rafflecopter code on your post:

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Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Book Review/Giveaway - Dark Energy by Addison Brae






Dark Energy
by Addison Brae

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GENRE: romantic suspense, adult/new adult

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BLURB:

Cybercrime doesn’t talk. It creeps in and destroys lives right under Gillian’s nose when a cryptojacking scheme lands her boss, Pinkie, in jail. Gillian had just started over with a new career, boyfriend, and confidence after escaping a vicious murder investigation that shattered her ability to trust. Then Pinkie’s arrest leaves her struggling to run his two bars while also unraveling the conspiracy.

Gillian will not let her mentor and friend go down for something he didn’t do. Neither will Jon, the most talented musician on the bar’s stage and the perfect boyfriend...until his good fortune sends her reeling. Gillian forces herself to trust the cops, people who hurt her, and known criminals. Will it be enough to free Pinkie and save her life?

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Excerpt:

Chapter 21 excerpt

Six months ago, I slipped away from Boston for a few days for job interviews in Dallas. My ex never knew. The trip was only a month away from my finals and also the last time he could threaten me, in person at least.

I’ve come so far since then. Taking the bartending job was a blessing and a curse. It’s how I met Jon but also where I saw Bobby die. It led me to Pinkie and my new career but almost got me killed. It’s been difficult, especially when things got so dark. I never meant to get in so deep, trying to find Bobby’s murderer.

Karma’s been on my side the whole way.


Chapter 21 excerpt
“Gillian, please listen carefully. He said this guy’s in some bad stuff. Way worse than Kyle or Bobby or even the guy who snatched you from the parking garage before they nailed Kyle for Bobby’s murder. He says this guy will do anything to get what he wants.”

I gulp down what feels like a grapefruit. It’s déjà vu from before with the heat cranked up from hot to scorching. Didn’t I learn last time?

My Thoughts: My first book from this author and I think this series will be a winner! I immediately adored Gillian and love her character! The storyline was engaging and something that peaked my interest and I felt the author did a great job with it as it was a fast paced moving read which I enjoy very much!



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters and short stories. She continues today with articles, video scripts and other content as an independent marketing consultant.

When she’s not writing, Addison spends her time traveling the world, collecting interesting cocktail recipes and hosting parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy.
Addison writes new adult and adult romantic suspense and young adult contemporary fiction. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Romance Writers of America, RWA Kiss of Death chapter, Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Writers’ League of Texas.

Website: https://addisonbrae.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddisonBrae1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addisonbraeauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddisonBraeAuthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Addison-Brae/e/B07B443K8P/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Energy-Return-Becker-Circle-ebook/dp/B088FWVLB5/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-energy-addison-brae/1137002173
The book will be $0.99.
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Addison Brae will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Please use this rafflecopter code on your post:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Book Tour/Giveaway - Full Tilt Boogie by Leslie Scott




Full Tilt Boogie
by Leslie Scott

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GENRE: New Adult Romance

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BLURB:

Breanna Casey has only ever wanted two things in life: to race and to get the hell out of Arkadia, Texas. Stifled beneath her family's turbo-charged reputation, she's got her thumb firmly on the self-destruct button. A night of hyper-driven racing and rebellion leads to a one night stand with the one guy who knows how to press all her buttons: Noah McKay.

Torn apart by the toll of his high-intensity enlistment in the Marines and guilt-ridden by what he's seen, Noah McKay left the military to find peace. A chance encounter sends him working for the parents of a raven-haired Amazon goddess with a tongue that cuts sharper than any knife. Quiet is the last thing he'll get.

Finally, she gets her chance. Calloway Racing wants her to drive for them. But that's not all they want. A good friend of her father's, Calloway insists she take Noah along for the ride. Suddenly, her dreams are feeling more like a nightmare. Will they be able to help each other, maybe even find love, when living life full tilt boogie?

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Excerpt:

The tent was suddenly far too small and suffocating. Abruptly the song changed again. Silently I thanked the DJ for offering me a reprieve. To keep from smothering in Vic’s good intentions, I pulled away and sought refuge with what was left of my cake.

Let’s face it, going back to the table was an epic mistake.

With Vic and Cara on the dance floor and Isaac MIA, that left a surly Noah McKay as the only

occupant. And I’d walked straight to him, ready for a fight.

“What’s your deal?” I shot as I tucked my purple skirt beneath my ass and sat down—hard.

He opened his mouth and his tongue slipped out and across his bottom lip, then he took seduction a step further and pulled the shiny, succulent flesh between his teeth.

“Sweet baby Jesus.” I pushed the cake away and let my forehead drop to the table. I couldn’t live like this. I was vastly inexperienced in such things—no matter

how much swagger I put on.

He laughed. “My deal? I don’t know whether to throttle you or kiss you.”


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Award nominated author of Two Hearts, One Stone and the Arkadia Fast Series, Leslie Scott has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. The happier the ending, the better. Currently, she lives and writes amidst her own happily ever after with her soul mate, son, and domestic zoo.

Author Links:
Website: http://lesliescottromance.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/df0G45
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leslie-scott
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliescottwrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leslieSwrites


Buy Links
Amazon: https://amzn.to/316cgpZ
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/2CogIG7

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Leslie Scott will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Please use this rafflecopter code on your post:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, July 27, 2020

Book Review/Giveaway - Stormed by Paula Quinene





STORMED
by Paula Quinene

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

A medical doctor educated in the United States, passionate and fierce Liz Taimanglo must now fulfill her promise and return to her island home. Liz makes the long flight across the US and the North Pacific Ocean to Guam, uncertain of what her future holds. Heading into the epicenter of her family and prime typhoon season for the Mariana Islands chain, the disquiet of her heart threatens to do more damage than any typhoon might inflict on Guam. Little does Liz know, the man featured in the newspaper would indeed unleash delicious torment rivaling even a Category 5 super typhoon.

Manny Artero is adamant about fighting for his island, his culture, and the rights of Guam’s Chamorro people, after having been fired from his teaching job. That is, until Liz walks up to him with her machete-wielding eyes and her undying respect for the American military. Manny had vowed never to risk his heart again and to become a more vocal activist, but this woman threatens to challenge all his intentions about love and life on Guam. Brushing off the safer choice, he plots a series of surprises to change her mind.

For Liz, becoming a doctor of medicine was supposed to be the right path, but her universe imploded when her training failed to save the life of the most important person in her world. Though a former US Marine, Manny could no longer accept the loss of land, rights, and freedom that Chamorros continue to suffer in their own homeland. Helpless against the strengthening attraction between them, Liz and Manny must face not only their opposing political views, but the storms stirring in their hearts and the very land upon which they stand.

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Excerpt:

Liz stared at his hand as he held it out. His laughter fueled her desire. He was standing close enough that all she needed to do was take one step toward him. I want to kiss you. The ache between her thighs surged. She’d been fighting it off all day. And now that they were alone. What’s wrong with me?

“Elizabeth.”

He had moved even closer. I haven’t had sex in forever, that’s what’s wrong. He was too close. Her forearms rested on his pecs, and the rhythm of his chest rising and falling glued her against him. His arousal grew on her belly. Lips. Lips were so close she could see . . . Ah. He tasted of burnt sugar. Coconut. Smelled of barbecue. The strength of his hands seared through her T-shirt. Reserved yet wanting. His tongue, giving and taking. Manny’s breath was as erratic as her own. Lord help me. The nipping of his teeth on her lips. His arms flexing tighter around her rib cage and shoulder. Just this once. I want this. I need this. No, no. You can’t. He won’t . . . Naughty and nice struggled within her. The dance of their tongues, the heat of their arousals, the tensing of their muscles. He didn’t seem to mind. The memories resurfaced. Of distaste. Confusion. Rejection. Of him. Stop. The disgust in his eyes, even years past, was so visible. She pushed against Manny’s chest and untangled her tongue from his.

“I’m sorry,” Liz said, standing a foot from him, trying to tame that side of her. “I shouldn’t have kissed you. I was overwhelmed with this place.” She gestured with both hands in midair. “It’s beautiful, and romantic. This isn’t like me.” Liar.


My Thoughts: First off that cover is to die for amazing! And Oh I loved Stormed! The setting was described so beautifully I almost could just reach out and experience the culture for myself while the romance was a bit complicated just as I had imagined it would be. I used to would have shied away from historical type romances but now am lured to them. I guess my tastes just keep evolving which is a great thing because I would have hated to of missed out on this gem!

I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Born and raised on Guam, Paula Quinene continues to take pride in her Chamorro heritage. The Chamorros are the native people of Guam and the Mariana Islands. Paula, like many of her fellow islanders, left home to pursue a higher education. A resident of North Carolina since 2000, Paula’s homesickness has resulted in her Guam cookbooks, A Taste of Guam and Remember Guam, and her Guam romance novels, Conquered and Stormed.

Follow Paula’s Guam food and romance novel antics here:

Website Paulaq.com: https://www.paulaq.com/index.html
Facebook Paula Quinene Guam Author: https://www.facebook.com/pquinene
YouTube Guam Mama Cooks: https://www.youtube.com/user/ceps92/videos



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$15 Amazon/BN GC

Please use the following Rafflecopter code:

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Sunday, July 26, 2020

Book Tour/Giveaway - QUICHE OF DEATH by Mary Lee Ashford


Quiche of Death (A Sugar  Spice Mystery)
by Mary Lee Ashford

About Quiche of Death


Quiche of Death (A Sugar & Spice Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Lyrical Press (July 21, 2020)
Print Length: ~254 pages
ASIN: B0855Q9JFW

When editor Sugar Calloway and baker Dixie Spicer went into business creating cookbooks, they found a sideline as amateur sleuths. Now a bitter family grudge could leave a fatal aftertaste…

At Sugar & Spice Community Cookbooks, the friends and business partners have secured a tasty new commission: producing a cookbook for the Arbor family. The Arbors have made their fortune in quiches, and Sugar and Spice have been invited to a weekend gathering where all the siblings, along with crusty matriarch Marta, will be in attendance. But it’s soon clear that this trip will come with a hefty slice of drama.

Theo, the only grandson, arrives with his flaky fiancée, Collette, who quickly stirs up trouble . . . and is found dead the next day. As the investigation unfolds, secrets—and recipes—are shared, and Sugar and Spice realize just how messy and murderous the situation may be. As another family member falls ill, can they solve the case without getting egg on their faces . . .and a target on their backs?
* Includes delicious recipes! *
Excerpt
“Quiche me, you fool.”
The demand was followed by hoots of laughter as the sister—Jezzie, I think her name was—leaned into her spouse for a smooch. He hesitated but obliged.
I smiled at the boisterous group who clearly shared some inside joke about quiche and kissing. The warmth of the table and the sibling love melted my heart like butter on a biscuit. Taking a sip of water, I glanced over at Dixie, who sat across from me at the huge oak table.
She rolled her eyes.
“What?” I mouthed.
Dixie shrugged. Jezzie had perhaps a teensy bit too much wine, but still: When did my best friend and business partner get so darn stuffy? Maybe it was the inside-joke part that she found off-putting.
But we did know quiche was the family’s stock-in-trade, so it wasn’t that much of a stretch to figure out the expression had something to do with the Arbor family’s food business. After all, that was why we were here.

About Mary Lee Ashford


Mary Lee Ashford is a lifelong bibliophile, and avid reader, and supporter of public libraries.
In addition to writing the Sugar and Spice series for Kensington Books, she also writes as half of the writing team of Sparkle Abbey, author of the national bestselling Pampered Pets mystery series from Bell Bridge Books.
Prior to publishing Mary Lee won first place in the Daphne du Maurier contest, sponsored by the Kiss of Death chapter of RWA, and was a finalist in Murder in the Grove’s mystery contest, as well as Killer Nashville’s Claymore Dagger contest.
She is the founding president of Sisters in Crime – Iowa and a past board member of the Mystery Writers of America Midwest chapter, as well as a member of Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death the RWA Mystery Suspense chapter, Sisters in Crime, and the SinC internet group Guppies. She loves encouraging other writers and is a frequent presenter for writers’ groups.
Mary Lee has a passionate interest in creativity and teaches a university-level course in Creative Management to MPA candidates, as well as presenting workshops and blogging about creativity.
She currently resides in the midwest with her husband, Tim, and cat, Zoey. Her delights are reading and enjoying her two sons and daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.
Author Links

Website - https://maryleeashford.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maryleeashford1

Twitter - https://twitter.com/maryleeashford

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mary_lee_ashford/

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-lee-ashford

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/maryleeashford/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/maryleeashford

Purchase Links - Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - Google Books - Apple Books

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 21 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST

July 21 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW

July 22 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

July 24 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 24 – Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT

July 25 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

July 26 – Christy's Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

July 26 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 27 – The Book Decoder - REVIEW

July 27 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

July 28 – Mysteries with Character - AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 28 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT

July 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW

July 29 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

July 30 – Ascroft, eh? - CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 30 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

July 31 - Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 1 - Literary Gold - CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 1 - Diane Reviews Books – GUEST POST

August 2 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

August 3 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW



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