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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Review: Palace Secrets by Ravyn Rayne @BlushingRavyn








Palace Secrets By Ravyn Rayne


Love comes in many forms and always at a price.


At twenty-three, Princess Isabella must settle down for the sake of her kingdom. Caught up in a secret affair with her lady-in-waiting, Hannah, the princess knows it can only last for so long.

When Prince Alexander arrives to court her, he confides that his father is on his death bed, and he will be crowned king soon. Isabella hastily agrees to the proposal, desiring to be queen, knowing little about her soon to be husband.

Murder, secrets, and lies combine with menage, spanking, and erotic encounters in this steamy medieval romance. 




Excerpt:

"Make a sound and you'll get another spanking," Alexander says. His tone is firm but light. Unlike the last time, he doesn't sound angry or disappointed with me. Is this how our lovemaking will be?

I'm both aroused and craving more of Alexander's affection. I bury my face into the pillow, trying my best not to make any noise. I moan quietly as his lashings grow harder, burning against my skin, making me wet. I'm glad Alexander's attention is on me. There's something about his power and control that fires me up inside. Is he doing this to teach me a lesson for being naughty or to arouse me?

"No, Hannah." Alexander's answer is both quick and abrupt. "I'm the only one in charge.
Maybe I should spank you both regularly for sneaking around the castle, behind my back. Would that make sure it doesn't happen again?" Alexander lets his hand land hard on my bottom. The sting grows fierce and I whimper in protest. When will his spankings turn to sex? He offered it to me the last time and I rejected him. It had been the only amount of control that I'd been given. Tonight, I would give him everything, and if he asked me to beg, I would.




Character Interview w/Prince Alexander

1. What was your first thought upon meeting Princess Isabella?
Her beauty blinded me, until she opened her mouth. Which quickly reminded me why I was really there, to secure a wife and the future of my kingdom. She was a handful then and is no less of one now.
2. Is Isabella the first woman you’ve spanked?
Now that’s quite a personal question! I’ve had a few women court me, but none as bold or troublesome as Isabella. Figure the answer out for yourself.
3. Do you worry about the growing tensions between kingdoms?
Terribly but it’s not something I wish to discuss. I assure you our guards are always on patrol and so long as I’m on the throne, you are safe.

My Review:
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.


At the age of twenty-three it is time for Princess Isabella to get married. She is not too thrilled about the idea of marriage to anyone much less someone she doesn't even know. But she is the princess and must do what a princess must do for her family and her kingdom. So if she must marry then Isabella has decided that she will marry Prince Alexander. His father is on his death bed so therefore Prince Alexander will become the King of his kingdom real soon. Princess Isabella figures if she is to be married then she must choose the Prince that will make her a Queen soon. She doesn't want to wait until she is an old woman and can’t enjoy being a Queen.

Isabella and Alexander are both use to getting what they want with both of them being a Princess and a Prince. So when they get married and move to Prince Alexander's castle Isabella sneaks off a lot from the prince and gets herself into lots of trouble with the prince. When he finally catches her he punishes her for disobeying him. He spanks her and promises that there will be more where that came from if she doesn't learn to do as she is told. Isabella lives in a time where the woman has to obey the man and hope she lucks up and gets a good man; one that doesn't hurt her. 


When Isabella first moves to Prince Alexander's home she thinks that she has maybe made the right choice in picking her man. But after she has been there awhile things start to turn around on her. She witnesses a murder and she is being spanked herself. She is not sure that she can stay there and ever be happy. She begins to wonder if she might need to leave the prince. But leaving ones husband in her time period is not as easy as it sounds. One reason being is that most people don't marry for love they marry for convenience or arranged marriages.  


Palace Secrets is one of those books that will keep you on your toes or the Princes herself will. You feel as if you are following her around and watching her and always trying to figure out what she is going to do next. Ravyn keeps you in suspense trying to figure out if the Prince is a good person or not. With Ravyn behind the wheel/story you never know what is going to pop up next. And she will make you love all of her characters no matter if they are bad or good. They will always be doing something that will keep you wanting to turn them pages so fast that you will end up your fingers smoking. Oh but that is no problem as the Prince is smoking hot too. If you love the historical novels and that time period then you are going to love Ravyn's Palace Secrets. Palace Secrets is so hot that I can't wait for the next book in the series. If you haven't read it then you need to get your hands on a copy ASAP!

About the Author
Ravyn Rayne


Ravyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can't wait for her next vacation, wherever it might be.

Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don't make her choose between the two, she loves them equally.

She has been published professionally since 2013. Prefer less steamy novels? Try her out here.



Promo Tour: Blood and Scales: An Anthology @GHBTours






Blood and Scales: An Anthology
By- E.C. Hibbs, Jacinta Maree, Victoria Escobar, Susan Burdorf, Luke McCallin, C.L. Matthews, Ruthi Kight, J.K. Radalyac, Bobbie Palmer and Heather Clawson
Genre- Mature YA/NA Fantasy

Dragons are a race of mythical creatures shrouded in magic and mystery. Whether good or evil, countless stories have been written detailing their majesty. For centuries, mankind has searched for the facts regarding the true nature of these fantastic beasts.  

Today, another quest for knowledge has struck our attention; a cure for diabetes. In this dragon themed anthology, ten authors have come together to create this collection of short stories to benefit the American Diabetes Association.



     


Check out the trailer!

                


And Now Let's Shine The Spotlight On Author Victoria Escobar!


Please tell us about yourself using 3 adjectives, 1 quirk and a pop culture addiction

Adjectives: *headdesk* Just three? Absentminded, creative, loyal.
Quirk? I listen to Final Fantasy or Disney soundtracks while editing.
Pop Culture Addition: BSB. Yes. I went there.


Top 3 Pet Peeves

1.    No turning signal. Ask anyone, I turn into a monster if you don’t signal when you cut me off.
2.    Editing. It’s a necessary evil.
3.    My pencils go missing. Like, ALL THE TIME. And don’t return. O_o.


Who do you consider the most swoon-worthy man/woman in the literary world? How about on tv/in the movies?

Hm… Literary. I’m assuming character wise? Jem Carstairs. In TV or Movies? Let’s see…. Does he have to be alive or can he have passed? I’m going with Heath Ledger for deceased and Chris Evans as my living fantasy--I mean swoon worthy male.

Top 5 Favorite Things


In general?
1.    Books
2.    Tacos
3.    Video Games
4.    Soundtracks
5.    Disney


What are your thoughts on book covers- in your opinion do they make or break a book?

Absolutely, they make or break a book. I speak as an avid reader myself. There are so many books out there it’s hard to decide what to read and then I read all genres so that makes it worse. I narrow my choices down by cover appearance. How professional it looks, the colors, does it tell part of the story, etc. Since I know that’s how I select a book to read, I know there are probably others just like me when it comes to book selection. This makes a good cover crucial for the visual readers.


What’s the last song you listened to?

Currently listening to the Spirited Away Title track. ^_^ I love soundtracks. See above.


How do you come up with character names?

They tell me their names for the most part. Sometimes I’ll get a whiff of a name like I’ll know it has to start with a certain letter or mean a certain thing or be a certain style. It varies from character to character.
How do you come up with novel titles?

My books go through about twenty incarnations of titles before I decide on one. If I can’t decide I get my critique group together to help. ^_^



Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Write. Every day. Yes. EVERY DAY. And read everything you can get your hands on. Even if it has nothing to do with what you want to write. Knowledge is power. And as Jacqueline Carey would say, “All knowledge is worth having.”


This or That-

*Morning or Night? Night

*Vanilla or Chocolate? Chocolate

*Summer or Winter? Summer

*Ebook or Paperback? Both


*Fantasy or Paranormal? Paranormal


The Authors: 

C.L. Matthews resides in Utah, the state with the best snow on earth. She is not a fan of the snow but loves her state just the same. She is known for her swag business and creative pieces. C.L. Matthews is a college student, swag maker, and new author, it isn't an easy task but she wants to succeed in many things. Her hobbies consist of crafting, drinking coffee until she can't consume any more, and reading until she falls asleep with books in her lap. C.L. Matthews is married to her childhood best friend, she got her happily ever after.


Links-


Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but with the ability to claim eight states as home; Victoria Escobar writes fiction from her current home in New York. She writes whatever comes to mind and because of such has a variety of genres written including Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, and Contemporary Fiction.


In spare time if not with family, and friends Victoria enjoys curling up with a book from a favorite author with music playing. If not reading or writing she spends time drawing, sketching, crocheting, or some other random art project. She enjoys staying busy, but most of all enjoys staying creative.


Links-


Self confessed chocaholic, Jacinta Maree was born and raised in Melbourne Australia with her loving family of five. Even as a child Jacinta had an itch to write. Writing was the one constant hobby she clung to, also trying her hand at piano, flute, tennis, horseback riding and drama.


Jacinta works full time in the family business and spends her afternoons either playing basketball, reading, writing or hanging out with friends. She is always happy to try something new; getting her real estate license, practicing ninjitshu, Zumba and parkour to name a few.


For her future, Jacinta sees herself writing. It is a large part of her identity and something she hopes to continue. Aside from her love of stories she loves Japan and its unique and beautiful culture and history. From their delicious sushi dishes right down to their wooden sandals and kimonos. She is also a huge cat person and loves to snuggle up in front of the fire for a good movie or book. Her favorite genres are paranormal and fantasy but she also loves anything written by thriller writer, Stephen King.


Links-


E. C. Hibbs has lived all her life in Cheshire, north-west England. A lover of stories from an early age, she wrote her first 'book' when she was five, and throughout school was a frequent visitor to the younger classes to read her tales to the children.


Living so near the coast, she loves anything to do with the sea. She studied Animal Behaviour at university and longs to work with marine mammals in the future. As well as nature and animals, she also has a soft spot for history, and loves paying visits to castles, cathedrals and museums.


There are many things she could be without, but writing isn't one of them. She carries a pen everywhere, in case an idea appears, and takes pride in still seeing the world as brimming with magic. Besides writing, she reads obsessively, her favourite genres being the classics and all kinds of fantasy. She also enjoys Disney and horror films, practising Shotokan karate, drawing, archery, and playing with her very cheeky kitten.


Links-


Luke McCallin was born in England, grew up in Africa, was educated around the world, and has worked with the UN as a humanitarian relief worker and peacekeeper in the Caucasus, the Sahel, and the Balkans. His experiences have driven his writing, in which he explores what happens to normal people put under abnormal pressures, inspiring a historical mystery series built around an unlikely protagonist, Gregor Reinhardt, a German intelligence officer and a former Berlin detective chased out of the police by the Nazis. THE MAN FROM BERLIN was published in 2013, followed by a sequel, THE PALE HOUSE, in 2014.


Luke was surprised as anyone that his first book was an historical detective novel, seeing as he'd grown up with Tolkein, Donaldson and CS Lewis and Anne McCaffrey! A dragon story is just the ticket to get back to what he always thought he would write!


Links-


J.K. Radalyac lives with her awesome hubby and son in Northern California. Lunch lady by day and blogger by night, she fills the in between times with reading and scribbling down stories. She loves Harry Potter and is a huge advocate of indie authors and never tires of helping them in their endeavors.


Links-
Bobbie Palmer lives in Delaware and is very involved with NaNaWriMo and the local writing community.  She writes anything from Paranormal to Historical Fiction to kids books.


Links-
Susan Burdorf is a lover of all things sparkly and can often be found spreading glitter everywhere in hopes the fairies will find her. She grew up reading about the Dragon Riders of Pern and does not understand why she cannot have one of her own. Some day, she is sure, they will find her and then you will hear her laughter in your dreams as she flies overhead. Residing near Nashville TN she spends her days at her normal job, or walking her dog, or stalking the animals at the Zoo in hopes of finding a fantastical creature or two looking for a new home. She asks that you contact her if you find any.


Links-
Facebook ~ Twitter- @susanburdorfauthor

Ruthi Kight, author of Knotted Roots and Burn Out, is excited to announce her involvement with the upcoming anthology Blood and Scales. The proceeds of which are being donated to the American Diabetes Association. She currently lives in South Carolina with her fiancé and two children, aged 7 and 10 months. After being away from the writing world for a while, she is happy to be back and ready for action. As long as it's before 8 pm. Once the kids are in bed, all bets are off. The best way to reach her is through projecting mental images while she sleeps…otherwise she will most likely miss your message/text and have to apologize profusely for days. Don't worry, she loves to hear from readers and friends, but don't be surprised if you catch her sleeping on the job occasionally.


Links-
Heather Clawson is an incognito Valkyrie who's been known to defy belief, imagination, gravity, death, and, on occasion, her mother. A big believer in knowing how to do the same things her characters know how to do, she can speak knowledgeably on the subjects of Tae Kwon Do, falconry, sniper shooting, swinging a sword, being chased by geese, creative swearing, motorcycling, origami, and baking.


An aspiring novelist and book reviewer for the San Francisco / Sacramento Book Review, Heather lives on the east coast with her long-suffering husband and two fluffy, mostly-obedient dogs.



http://www.girlsheartbookstours.com

Blog Tour: Suspicion at Sea by Amie Nichols @Amie_Nichols_ @HotTreePromos #Giveaway





 Ellie and Justin will soon learn everything can change in the blink of an eye.

Title:  Suspicion at Sea
Author:  Amie Nichols
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Cover Designer:  Sara Eirew
Release Date:  June 2, 2015

 Add to Goodreads



When FBI Agent Ellie Marks goes on vacation to Bailey Island in Maine, she plans on having a relaxing few weeks to reset her mind. After an extreme undercover mission and being shot, she needs some time to forget everything horrible that has happened in her life.

She doesn't plan, however, on meeting Justin Bennett, an ex Navy Seal. An instant attraction forms like neither have ever experienced, bonding them.

A mysterious disappearance of three of the island's residents begins a chain reaction of secrets that changes everything they thought they knew.

The only thing Justin knows for sure is that he doesn't plan on letting anything get in the way of his and Ellie's happiness. 













I've have met some amazing woman on my journey so far, and have learned so much. (Sometimes the hard way.) I've been like a sponge soaking up all the information I can on how the publishing world works. It's been a rollercoaster ride with its ups and its downs. 

No matter what, I will never regret anything I've done. You can't succeed if you don't try, and if you don't try you won't succeed. One of my favorite quotes "If the dream is big enough the facts don't matter".
Some other info about me, I love my family, friends, wine and anything caffeinated. I also love writing HEA. For the same reason I won't watch a movie that I know will make me cry, (with the exception of Steel Magnolias) I will never write a book without a HEA. There might be a few twists and turns, a cliffhanger or two. But ultimately my stories will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. For me, reading is entertainment, a way to escape this crazy insane world. If a book leaves me feeling sad, mad or gut wrenched, it is not for me. There is enough gut-wrenching sadness in this world, I don't need to read about it too. 

I started writing four years ago, and have no plans on stopping. So keep your eye on me because with the help of some amazing people and my wonderful fans, this girl is going to be on the New York Times bestselling list someday.








Book Release Blast: Tea and Madness By C. Streetlights @CStreetlights @GHBTours







Tea and Madness
By- C. Streetlights
Publication Date- June 29th, 2015
Published By- Booktrope Publishing

"And when it falls into silence again the void it echoes fills me with wonder. Wonder only because I no longer remember if this small entity isn't real or if it whispers the truth."
-Moonlight

C. Streetlight's memoir, Tea & Madness, is a collection of prose and poetry separated into the seasons of her life. Each season is inspired by her experiences: grieving a lost baby, understanding depression, anger, betrayal, surviving rape and the acceptance that she cannot forgive. Balanced somehow within the darkness is the wonder in motherhood and empathetic relationships. As her seasons change, she continues trying to find the balance of existing between normalcy and madness.

   

Release Blitz: A Midsummer Night's Kiss @st_reid @LilyMaxton @NicolaMDavidson @abroadfield @HotTreePromos




A Midsummer Night's Kiss: 

Four wonderful, scandalous, and emotionally-charged 

Regency Romances!

ON SALE FOR ONLY 99 CENTS

 Title: A Midsummer Night's Kiss
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June 29th 2015
Cover Designer: AuthorsDesigns



BLURBS


THE MARQUESS AND I
Stacy Reid

Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son. Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.


MIDNIGHT WISH
Lily Maxton

Heiress Jane Cartwright wants a suitor who likes her instead of her dowry. Her parents want a titled son-in-law. When a stranger falls out of a tree and lands at her feet at the Midsummer Ball, she's intrigued with this charmingly awkward, science-minded man. She thinks her deepest wish has been answered when she finds out he's titled. But Jane learns that wishes can be fickle, and her whirlwind romance might just be too good to be true...


ONCE UPON A PROMISE
Nicola Davidson

Long abandoned by her aristocratic soldier husband, Emma Montclair craves a formal separation. To forget the man who pulled her into his glittering, stifling world, introduced
her to sizzling passion, then broke her heart. 

Home at last, Major Caleb Montclair offers the wife he never stopped loving a counter-bargain: Grant him the six weeks until Midsummer Night to win her back. But even as old
tenderness rekindles, lost time and shocking secrets threaten their second chance...


AND THEN THE MOON
Ally Broadfield

After unexpectedly inheriting a viscountcy, Duncan Newfield must join society. He seems to be the only one not enjoying the Midsummer Night's Ball - until he discovers Lady Madalene Parish hiding in the garden. Her father, Lord Gilmanton, has ordered her to accept a marriage proposal, any marriage proposal, by the end of the season. A bargain is struck and they enter into a fake engagement, but once they realize they might be perfect for one another, unexpected complications arise that may prevent them from having a future together.

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