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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Blog Tour + #Giveaway: Legacy of the Mind by H.R. Moore @hr_moore @yaboundtourspr



Legacy of the Mind
by
 H.R. Moore
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
Release Date: January 2014

Summary from Goodreads:


Anita has never been ordinary, she’s stuck out like a sore thumb her entire life; not only can she see the energy of others, a rare skill, but she’s won every Body challenge she’s ever entered. So when the powerful, good looking Descendants, Marcus and Alexander, mysteriously arrive in Empire, her difference attracts and keeps their attention.

Once in Empire, the sudden death of ruling Body Descendant, Christiana, sets in motion a number of events; a quest for the treacherous Austin to find the girl Christiana had been looking for; a challenge where Anita stands out more vibrantly than ever before; a perilous dip in the world’s energy; and a dangerous belief among the people that they will never truly be free. Powerful factions soon form within the ruling elite and when a trusted friend and mentor reaches out to ask for Anita’s help, she has to make a choice; help her friend and betray the one she loves, or do nothing and watch the people starve.


Interview with H.R. Moore


What inspired you to write Legacy of the Mind?

I’d always wanted to write a book, just to see if I could, but never had time to do it.  However, I had to go to New York with work for three months in 2012, so suddenly had a lot of free time on my hands when I wasn’t in the office.  I would walk home across Central Park, thinking up book concepts and developing plot lines.

The inspiration for the energy theme came from some training I went on, where the feedback they gave me was that I had a lot of energy.  This sparked a train of thought about different kinds of energy, as I wouldn’t consider myself to be particularly physically energetic (although I love exercise once I’ve managed to convince myself to actually get off the sofa and do some!), however, I suppose I’m quite mentally energetic.  From this came the three different types of energy and the foundation for the whole book.

I also drew inspiration from the events of the world around us, from energy shortages, to how we use our natural resources, to dubious political motivations.  And, of course, I drew inspiration from all the other wonderful books I’ve read, particularly the YA variety, and especially those with a good smattering of romance.


Can you tell us a little bit about the next books in The Legacy Trilogy or what you have planned for the future?

Origin of the Body (book 2) and Design of the Spirit (book 3) are both out and available to buy on Amazon.  They continue the story of Anita, Marcus and Alexander as they try to find out about events of the past, and discover how to save the world from the energy crisis in which they’re now embroiled.

The books divulge more about Anita’s parents and the past activity of the Institution, as well as developing the love triangle between Anita, Alexander and Marcus.  However, the most important task for the characters is to find a way to keep the energy stable.  In book two, they think they find a way to do this, only to discover their plan doesn’t quite have the consequences they’d expected.  And in book three, they put together a plan to try and return the Relic once and for all.


Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Legacy of the Mind?

The main character, Anita, is a feisty twenty five year old who’s keen on anything active.  She’s very competitive.  She studies the energy in a place called the Observatory and lives with her grandmother Cordelia.  Her best friend Cleo is a terrible gossip, which Anita likes to know about, but doesn’t get too involved with, that is, until Marcus and Alexander come to town, at which point she becomes the focus of most of it.

Marcus, one of two male leads, is frivolous, charming, and classically good-looking in a clean-cut sort of way.  He loves anything interesting and new and is happy to use his powerful position in society to his advantage.  He wears his heart on his sleeve and lives life in a careless and carefree way.

Alexander, on the other hand (the second male lead), wears the weight of responsibility differently.  He’s more reserved, ruggedly handsome and takes the responsibility of his position more seriously.  He sees through the layers of the political society, whereas Marcus is totally oblivious to it, and so each holds a unique allure for Anita.


You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

SUCH A DIFFICULT QUESTION.  Probably George R R Martin currently. I’ve read a lot of Wilbur Smith and love most of his books.  Of course I love Harry Potter, so JK Rowling, but was also totally engrossed in the Hunger Games, so Suzanne Collins has to be in there too.


If you could time-travel would you travel to the future or the past? Where would you like to go and why would you like to visit this particular time period?

Definitely the future.  I love change and can’t wait to see what the future holds, so I’d probably go ten or twenty years in the future to see how similar or different life is by then.  If you think how much our lives have changed in the last twenty years in terms of smart phones, the internet and the general pace of living, I’m really intrigued to see if another transformation happens in the next couple of decades.  Who knows, by then, maybe we’ll all be travelling around in driverless cars, robots will be a common house help and Elon Musk will have made it to Mars…


Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

Not at the moment but it’s DEFINITELY on the cards as both my husband and I grew up with animals.  I’m a dog (or horse) person and my daughter loves all animals, so we’re going to have to get one soon.  I think we might go for a miniature schnauzer as they’re totally adorable, neither too big nor too small and get on really well with children.  My parents in law have four dogs (three springer spaniels and one Jack Russel), three horses, and chickens, so it’s great when we go to see them.  I’d love a springer spaniel too, but they need SO much exercise and I’m about to have another baby, so not sure I’ll have the energy for a few years!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us today.



About the Author

Harriet was born in Germany in 1987, the family returning to the UK, to Dorset shortly afterwards. She lived there until she was 5, her grandfather teaching her the basics of cheating at cards and swindling chocolate, her mother starting to instil a (some would argue) unhealthy relationship with cake, and the neighbours demonstrating that some people don't understand cherry blossom is there to be picked, mixed with mint and water and sold as perfume.

Then there was Scotland; stealthy guinea pig breeding, riding horses, advanced cards, more cake, then to Devon and school in Exeter. She loved maths in the early years, but by the time she got to A Level, Sociology was her favourite subject, opening her eyes to things she'd never before considered, namely, nobody is really right, nobody is really normal and primary socialisation has a lot to answer for.

At the age of about 12, Harriet started rowing for Exeter Rowing Club. This quickly took over her life and before too long she was clad in lycra, training 6 days a week and competing at events around the country.

After finishing her A Levels, Harriet went to university in St Andrews, studying Philosophy for two years, then switching to Management. She was particularly interested in the 'people' elements of her course and especially the areas concerning how people create and react to change. After four very civilised years by the sea, she ventured to London, to foray into the strange world of insurance (surprisingly, more interesting than you might think). She worked as a Project Manager on large change programmes before founding her own consultancy in 2015.

Harriet now lives in Hertfordshire with her husband Chris and daughter Atia. When she isn't, writing, editing, eating, running around after her toddler, or imagining how much better life would be with the addition of a springer spaniel, she occasionally finds the time to make hats.

Author Links:

Blog Tour Organized by:

Release Tour + #Giveaway: The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by Christina McKnight @CMcKnightWriter @Barclay_P




Courtship was never so scandalous


Out Feb 21st – Regency Romance, The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by Christina McKnight, book two in the Craven House series.



Follow the tour and #enter to #win one of 5 paperback copies of The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One)


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Title: The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis
Series: Craven House (Book Two)
Author: Christina McKnight
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Release Date: February 21, 2017

COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUS

The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry—except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.

Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side—until now. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.

But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins—and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?


Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks


Haven’t started the series yet?
The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One) is on sale for just 99cents!



Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks




Author Bio:

Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

You can visit her online at the following places: Website Facebook | Twitter Goodreads | Amazon


Follow the tour and #enter to #win one of 5 paperback copies of The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One)








Book Tour + #Giveaway: Dream Catchers by Sandy Lo @SandyLoMedia @SDSXXTours


Dream Catchers
Dream Catchers Series Book 1
By Sandy Lo
Genre: Rock Star Romance


Dreams come true only if you believe in them...Haley Foster never bothered to believe in herself or find her dream. Growing up with a silver spoon in her mouth, her parents gave her everything she needed except freedom. Fate steps in at the bus station when Haley bumps into Jordan Walsh, literally. His unpolished manners and rock star attitude rile her, though she is oddly drawn to him. Haley and Jordan's opposing personalities clash while on the bus-before they wind up stranded together! Haley finds herself in quite a predicament with no way to get home. Jordan challenges her to escape her wealthy conformity and go with him to New York, despite their disgust for one another. Haley is enthralled with the carefree, in control and gorgeous Jordan, yet he remains a stranger to her in many ways. With his help, Haley begins to discover who she is and what she wants. She finds herself at a crossroads: go back to her old life where she merely exists or take a stand and chase her dreams.
The DREAM CATCHERS series is not just a rock star romance, but it's about taking chances, chasing dreams, and finding yourself.


Breaking the Moon
Dream Catchers Series Book 2

BREAKING THE MOON is the tumultuous tale of heartache and love, and how sometimes it’s just not enough.
A follow up to 2010′s DREAM CATCHERS, Sandy Lo continues Haley’s journey of self-discovery as she is faced with new obstacles all while trying to understand the tormented past of her boyfriend, Jordan.
In the beginning, love is as easy as breathing. After almost two years of dating, Haley and Jordan are the perfect couple. They’re young, carefree and on the brink of their dream careers. Life is perfect until their world is turned upside down by unexpected news: Haley is pregnant. The couple struggle with the news as well as Jordan’s demons and concepts on family. Will they be able to pick up the pieces after their world shatters?


Expressions
Dream Catchers Series Book 3

EXPRESSIONS is the third installment to Sandy Lo’s DREAM CATCHERS SERIES. The book is a series of vignettes written from the point-of-view of various characters throughout the book series. From letters to blog entries to song lyrics, EXPRESSIONS delves deeper into the minds of the characters. Sandy hopes fans of the series will enjoy this 52-page companion book.


Take Me Home
Dream Catchers Series Book 4

All Cami Woods has ever known was a hard work ethic and an unhealthy marriage that leaves her a single mother of her brand new baby. The story unfolds when Cami takes a vacation to visit friends in Florida and winds up having a hot and steamy affair with a major league baseball player.
That famous baseball player isn’t a stranger, however. He’s Cami's ex-boyfriend, Jordan's little brother, Drew Ashton. With leftover feelings for gorgeous rock star Jordan, Cami finds herself in quite a predicament as his equally irresistible baby brother starts to steal her attention more than just bases.
TAKE ME HOME is a story of loss, loneliness, renewal and true love, making it a wonderful addition to the romantic book series!


The Reunion
Dream Catchers Series Book 5

THE REUNION is the 5th part in the DREAM CATCHERS SERIES. It acts as a direct sequel to “Take Me Home“, following the storyline of music mogul Cami Woods and Yankee short-stop Drew Ashton.
Three years have passed and famed music manager Cami Woods finds herself engaged to the man of her dreams, New York Yankee captain Drew Ashton. While they struggle to balance their busy, high-profile careers, the couple are still smitten with one another and hope to have a baby by the time they marry.
With the pressure of conceiving, Drew’s college reunion approaching, and the confession of leftover feelings from her ex-husband, Cami finds herself once again reevaluating love, but this time, it’s not her feelings she’s concerned with, but rather both her fiance’s and ex-husband’s.
While Drew is pondering the path he has taken in life, which led him away from his first love, Katie, he finds himself pulling away from Cami, the one person who filled the hole in his heart. Drew feels Cami is too independent to be the wife he always imagined.
Faced with the realization she might lose Drew after he sees Katie again, Cami contemplates falling into old habits, like the temporary comfort in the arms of Danny, her ex.
THE REUNION is a journey through the ugly feelings of jealousy, suspicion, guilt and living in the past, but ultimately, it’s about learning from old mistakes and taking hold of your future before it’s too late.


Spotlight
Dream Catchers Series Book 6

Aylin Ashton always had a voracious heart and is fiercely loyal to the ones she loves. At twenty-one, she wants more than the celebrity lifestyle her family is known for—she wants an identity of her own with friends who care about who she is and not her last name.
Most of all, Aylin wants the love story her parents have. In a world full of divorce, and a society that has made it hard for her to be “normal”, she is not sure if true love can be her reality.
She finds herself struggling to grow romantically and keeps hitting a dead-end with men. From the egotistical pop-rocker Rad Trick to hipster music critic Mike, Aylin is not particularly gaga for either of them, and can’t help to pine for too-old-for-her, Colin Houlihan, who happens to be her father’s tour manager.
The impetuous Aylin can’t help but make passes at the flirty, always doting on her Colin, and when he actually admits an attraction to her, the two are on dangerous ground.
The experience leaves Aylin wounded, but ultimately sends her on a journey to find out who she is and what she really wants, and maybe to the special someone she had hoped for.
*"Spotlight" is the 6th book in the "Dream Catchers" Series and is from the perspective of photographer Haley Foster and rock star Jordan Walsh's daughter, Aylin.*
**Releases March 1st, 2017!!**


Sandy Lo's personal story is inspiring. She started, StarShine Magazine, an online publication in 2001, at the age of 18. She wrote her first novel in 2009, "Lost In You," followed by the "Dream Catchers" Series. She was the first person ever to professionally interview Taylor Swift and has received personal endorsements for her books from members of boy bands Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees. Recently, she has been seeing some tremendous momentum in book sales on Kindle. She has been included on the "50 Writers You Should Be Reading" list by The Authors Show, and recently, both "Dream Catchers" and "Breaking The Moon" reached the Top 100 Best Selling Coming of Age novels in Amazon's Kindle Store. What makes this even more unique, is that Sandy relocated from NY to Nashville in order to write "The Watch Dog," which is set in a fictional town outside of Music City. She has true dedication to her craft!





















Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Only a Duke Will Do by Tamara Gill @Tamara_Gill @XpressoTours


Only a Duke Will Do
Tamara Gill
(To Marry a Rogue #2)
Published by: Entangled Publishing
Publication date: February 20th 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

Without a Season, Lady Isolde Worthingham captured the Duke of Moore’s heart at a country dance. But on the eve of her wedding, a scandal that rocked the ton and sent her fleeing to Scotland alone and unwed, leaves her perfectly planned future in a tangle of disgrace and heartbreak.

Merrick Mountshaw, the Duke of Moore loathes the pitiful existence he hides from the ton. With a scandalous wife he never wanted, who flaunts her many indiscretions, life is a never-ending parade of hell. When the one woman he loved and lost returns to London, he knows he can no longer live without her.

But vows and past hurts are not easily forgotten. Love may not win against the ton when a too proper Lord and Lady play by the rules.



EXCERPT:

“I’m sorry you feel that way, but you cannot stop Isolde from marrying. She will marry one day. It may not be me, but it will be someone. And if the reports around London are correct, she is looking for a husband.”

“Damn you to hell.” Merrick left Wardoor, grabbed a half-filled bottle of whisky from the pavilion, and started toward the Italian Walk. He found a secluded grassy spot within the trees. The sweet-smelling scent floating on the breeze did little to lesson his ire.

Merrick clung to the tree branch above his head and fought not to snap it off, imagining it as Wardoor’s neck. He flung back a good portion of the whisky and welcomed the burn to his throat.
How could his closest friend do this to him?

The thought of Isolde welcoming his attentions was like a physical blow.

Damn them. Damn him.

“Moore!”

It had always boded trouble when Isolde called him by his title. He turned, wanting and yet not wanting her here right at this moment. “My lady.”

She came up to him, standing but a few feet from his person, close enough to reach out and touch, to pull close and take what he desperately sought. And wished for.

“What do you think you’re doing, running off Wardoor from courting me?”

“He told you?” Merrick made a note to choke the bastard to death the next time he was in range to do so.

“Yes, he told me. After seeing you two trying to kill each other, in front of everyone, I might add, I asked him what you were about. Demanded to know, in fact.” She placed her hands on her hips, her perfect brow marred with a slight frown. Hell, she was beautiful. More beautiful than when he had met her at Cranleigh. “Now answer the question.”

“He’s my friend.”

She stood staring at him a while, before she slouched, as if gauging his meaning. “Merrick, you keep forgetting you married someone else. You have to let me go, if this is your struggle.”

It was his struggle. A constant gnawing on his soul that would never leave. “What if I do not want to?”




Author Bio:
Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. So much so, she made her darling husband travel to the UK for their honeymoon, where she dragged him from one historical monument and castle to another. 
A mother of three, her two little gentleman in the making, a future lady (she hopes) and a part-time job keep her busy in the real world, but whenever she gets a moment's peace she loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval and paranormal. 
Tamara loves hearing from readers and writers alike. You can contact her through her website, and sign up to follow her blog or newsletter. 

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Blurb Blitz + #Giveaway: February Lyrical Press Romances @Gail_Chianese @GoddessFish



Love Runs Deep
by Gail Chianese
GENRE: Contemporary Romance


BLURB:

Active duty is no time for romance, but when two naval officers find themselves in truly close quarters on the USS California, the temptation to fraternize is hard to resist. Can two ambitious sailors follow orders long enough to see if love is on the horizon when they’re finally above water?

Lieutenant Nic Riley is the only girl in a long-time Navy family, and she’s determined to prove she’s just as seaworthy as her brothers. When she aces training for submarine duty, it calls for a celebration—and one incredibly hot guy is happy to party with her all night long. But when Nic boards the sub and finds herself face to face with her hunky fling, the idea of spending six months underwater takes on a whole new meaning . . .

Having a girl in every port was Lieutenant Kyle Hutchinson’s style—until the explosive night he spent with Nic. Dating onboard is firmly off limits, but Kyle can’t get her off his mind much less out of his vicinity—until a junior seaman’s devastating stunt puts Nic’s career in danger. Kyle won’t let her take the heat alone, even when it means risking his own reputation, but fighting for a future together will be a whole new battle . . .


EXCERPT:

“We have one last order of business before you can get back to work. As you all know, Lieutenant West was in a serious accident last week. He’s been upgraded to stable and the docs believe he’ll be released in the next couple of days to rehab. The spouses group has pulled together and has been and will continue to be a big help to Cecilia West and the kids while he makes his recovery. With that said, we’re short a supply officer. Or were until this morning.”

The CO paused and set down his mug, but didn’t release it.

Kyle tilted his head toward Mace. “What’s up with the Captain? He doesn’t’ usually stand during these things,” he whispered.

“No clue. He’s been in rare form all day.”

The CO looked up and met Kyle’s gaze. With hands relaxed on his hips, Commander Holloway glanced at all of the men before continuing.

“There weren’t a lot of options on such short notice, but PERS did present me with an interesting option. One that will put the California in the history books. We’re stealing one of the Trident’s female officers.”

The room broke out into cheers. There was nothing a fast-attack crew liked more than to stick it to a Trident sub. The CO broke out into a smile and let his guys get their good-natured comments out before continuing.

He used his hands to quiet the room back down. “Okay, settle down. Obviously, with such short notice, we’ve got some shifting to do to accommodate everyone Gatlin, you’re in with Hutchinson and Havers.”

Bryant groaned. “They snore.”

“That’s what earplugs are for,” one of the junior officers teased.

“Master Chief Ronquillo will work out a schedule for the aft head for showers. I want it stressed to each and every man under you that when the “Women Only” sign is up, they respect it. I will not have this boat be the center of scandal because some young pup got a wild hair. Am I understood?

“Yes, sir,” came from all in the room.

“Some of you may recognize the name, Lieutenant Lily Riley. For those of you who don’t, she’s the daughter of Vice Admiral Riley. The last thing I need is SUBLANT breathing down my neck.”

Instead of more applause or cheering, the CO’s announcement was met with pure silence. They had stolen the Golden Goose, at least according to Kyle’s buddy Tom, the weapons officer on the USS Alaska. As far as Kyle was concerned the Tridents could have her. Having the only daughter on the man who ran the entire Atlantic submarine force on board was asking for a headache. Sure, if the mission went well and baby girl reported back to Daddy good things, then no problem. They might even get an extra medal out of it. If things didn’t go so well?

The Commanding Officer could kiss his career goodbye, and so could every other officer and the Chief of the Boat.

The rest of the wardroom broke into various small conversations while the CO and COB consulted on the schedule.

Bryant leaned over to look at him and Mace. “Either of you met the Rileys?”

Kyle shook his head and looked at Mace.

“Served with Liam, the oldest of the three kids. Decent guy. Big guy. Should have played linebacker. I think he’s out best, Bangor or San Diego. Never met the others, but Liam mentioned her a few times.”

Which told Kyle squat about the woman herself, only that she was protected by her family.

“Lieutenant Hutchinson, I’m assigning you as Riley’s sponsor. Make sure she gets settled in. Between you and the COB, I expect her to feel like one of the crew. Get her through her quals. You know the drill.”

“Yes, sir.” AS her sponsor she’d practically be in his pocket until she got settled in. He really hoped she was a fast learner.

The XO, Christopher Ward, who was the exact opposite of the CO, stepped through the door and every eye turned in his direction. Kyle’s heart slammed against his rib cage twice and then failed to start again as he looked at the woman peeking around than man. A petite woman, with dark, almond-shaped eyes, a scattering of freckles and silky hair that he’d been dreaming of for days.

“Sir, gentlemen. Our new supply officer, Lieutenant Lily Riley.”

Her eyes locked on to Kyle’s. Images of her screaming his name pierced his brain.


It’s going to be a long six months, he thought. 


AUTHOR BIO:

Gail Chianese's love of reading began at the tender age of three, when she'd make her grandpa read Fourteen Country Rabbits over and over and over again (and correct him when he skipped parts). While she's branched out over the years by reading mystery, women’s fiction, and urban fantasy, she always circles back to romance in the end. That's probably because she's married to her real life hero. Her wonderful hubby has served in the US Navy for the past twenty two years and he’s done things he can’t tell her about. But it doesn’t stop her from being extremely proud of him and the sacrifices he makes for her, his family, and his country. He’s also uber-supportive of her dreams and of their three children. Living in Mystic, CT and a member of Connecticut Romance Writers of America, Gail loves to hear from readers.

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