Thursday, December 4, 2014

No Ghouls Allowed: A Ghost Hunter Mystery by Victoria Laurie - RELEASE DATE: January 6, 2015







Description on the back of book:


On a trip to Georgia to see her father, M. J. Holliday finds herself trapped in a haunted mansion and discovers...


THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN—FROM THE DEAD


M.J. has had a distant relationship with her father since her mother died more than two decades ago. But when M.J., her boyfriend, Heath, and BFF, Gilley, take a break from their show, Ghoul Getters, and visit her family home in Valdosta, Georgia, they find Montgomery Holliday a changed man. The source of his happiness seems to be his new fiancée, the charming Christine Bigelow.
But despite the blush of new love, Montgomery and Christine are dealing with a big problem in the form of the antebellum mansion she is having renovated. After a series of strange accidents, the work crew is convinced the place is cursed, and the contractor has walked off the job. At Christine’s request, M.J. and her pals agree to find out if they’re really dealing with some spirited saboteurs and a possessed plantation home.




Link to review on Fresh Fiction:   http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=49102


Received copy of the book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, September 29, 2014

He's So Fine by Jill Shalvis - Release date: September 30, 2014

 
 
Book Summary:
For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It's the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she's rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she's ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to "save" him. In fact, he'd like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He's just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole's heart, or will it be the end of Olivia's days in little Lucky Harbor

 
Book review posted on Fresh Fiction:  http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=47307
 
Jill's Bio:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

You can learn more about Jill at:
JillShalvis.com
Twitter @jillshalvis
Facebook.com/jillshalvis
 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tall, Dark and Paranormal romance set with stories by Terry Spear, Lori Handeland, Laura Kaye, Caridad Pineiro, Stephanie Julian, Opal Carew, Randi Alexander, Paige Tyler, Sara Humphreys, & Judi Fennell

CRESCENT MOON by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Lori Handeland…
A cryptozoologist travels to New Orleans to investigate whispers of a wolf in the Honey Island Swamp.
 
FOREVER FREED by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Laura Kaye…
A reclusive, empathic vampire falls in love with a woman he planned to kill, and must fight his ancient guilt, bloodlust, and an old vampire rival who threatens everything he holds dear.
 
SINS OF THE FLESH by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Caridad Pineiro… 
Mick Carrera is a mercenary hired to eliminate problems, but the genetically engineered woman with the superhuman powers is nothing like what he expected.
 
SPELLBOUND by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Opal Carew… 
What is Lucinda, a tenth level wizard, to do when Destiny pairs her with a man who is utterly domineering, overwhelmingly masculine, incredibly irresistible and, according to her most trusted friend, extremely dangerous?
 
SPELL BOUND by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Stephanie Julian… 
A warrior born to defend. A young witch in need of protection. A dangerous desire neither of them expected.
 
HAUNTING A COWBOY - Brand New from USA Today Bestselling Author Randi Alexander…
When a ranch foreman hires a ghost whisperer to handle the spirit that’s haunting him, the attraction between them is…supernatural
 
HUNTRESS FOR HIRE by USA Today Bestselling Author Terry Spear… 
He's bound to get her killed, so why does the huntress desire the vampire-turned hunter more than life itself?
 
DEAD SEXY by USA Today Bestselling Author Paige Tyler 
Can her love save him from a curse worse than death?
 
ASMODEUS: DEMON OF LUST by Bestselling Author Sara Humphreys… 
When Kai Kelly discovers an unusual ring in the attic it leads to much more than she bargained for. She may not realize what she has in her possession, but the boys in Hell sure got the message.
 
BEAUTY AND THE BEST by Bestselling Author Judi Fennell…
Reclusive artist Todd Best hasn't produced anything since the death of his wife…until aspiring romance novelist Jolie Gardener enters his life and turns it upside down.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Shatter by Erin McCarthy - Release Date: September 2, 2014


Description on back of book:


Kylie Warner prides herself on being optimistic, but after finding her best friend in bed with her boyfriend and flunking chemistry, her upbeat attitude has taken a dive. Even an impromptu hook-up with her sexy new chemistry tutor only brightens her mood slightly. After all, it’s not like she’ll ever see the tattooed scholar again…

While he’s a whiz at complex equations, Jonathon Kadisch has trouble when it comes to figuring out women. So when Kylie tells him that she’s pregnant after their night of passion, he’s at a complete loss. He’s prepared to be a good father—unlike his own deadbeat dad—but he’s less prepared to fall for the genuine and alluring blonde bearing his child.

With emotions running high, Kylie wonders if Jonathon’s devotion is out of growing love or looming obligation. And when heartbreak threatens to tear them apart, Jonathon will have to fight for the only girl who’s ever made him feel whole…


Review posted on Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=45734

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

*Interview and Giveaway with Kara Griffin - author of A Highlander In Peril*



Author Kara Griffin answers some questions and offers a great giveaway in connection with her latest release - A Highlander In Peril:

Can you start off by telling us a little about yourself? 
Writers tend to be introverts and when it comes to my craft, I suppose I am reserved. Some interesting things about me: I've been married for 25 years to my teenage sweetheart, I love Doritos and eat them without guilt, I'm a Gemini and a romantic. My dream is to visit Europe, especially Scotland and Wales, and if I have time some places in England. I have three grown daughters whose lives I meddle in on occasion. I work a full-time day job and happily manage to write my stories. Life is pretty good.

What inspired you to write your first book? 
I had been an avid reader since the age of sixteen and one day this couple came to my thoughts. Their story was intrusive and I had to write it down. I did so for my own sanity and decided others might enjoy it too.

How many books have you written? 
I have been writing since 1999 and have published ten books in three series (two medieval and one futuristic) and a few novellas.

Do you have a favorite book or character that you've written – other than your latest release, of course?
I love the Gunn Guardsman series, but ultimately my favorite book is from The Pith Trilogy, Claimed By A Charmer. I just love that book. Isabel, the heroine, is someone I wish I could be. She's so courageous and can handle a Highlander. She has such spirit and is a perfect match for Douglas, the hero.

What is your next project? 
I'm working on the last book in the Gunn Guardsman series right now. And then it is on to the next series, untitled right now, but it takes place during Robert the Bruce's time and is the story of four men who have honor and meet with unfortunate circumstances. I cannot wait to start writing it. That time period was so tumultuous.

Do you have plans to write books for any of the supporting characters in A Highlander In Peril? 
The last book in the Gunn Guardsman series is entitled 'In Love With A Warrior' and is the story of James Gunn, who you meet in A Highlander In Peril. I think of all the Gunn Guardsman he is the most dreamy and chivalrous. I'm sure readers will be swooning over him, much like I am.

Give us a brief overview of A Highlander In Peril: 
This story is is about two people who have no choice but to accept each other, and once they do, the sparks between them lead to a love that can overcome even the most dastardly villain. 

What draws you to writing books with a “highlander” theme? 
From about 1100's to 1400's, in my opinion, was one of the most difficult eras to have lived in. There was so much danger and yet people managed to live their lives. I can only imagine the fear and despair many women faced back then, when knaves came and plundered their villages and homes. Being a romantic, I imagine there were some men (Highlanders) who, no matter what the consequence, rescued ladies in distress and protected them no matter what the cost. 

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
Originally the Gunn Guardsman series was intended to be only one book - One & Only, but then another story came, and then another. I think readers enjoy the continuation of characters in subsequent books. It's like visiting old friends.  

Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about. 
Being a self published author, I am extremely selective of my covers. As a reader, the cover is what always got my attention. So I wanted to make sure my covers go with the story. I will not be happy until it does. There's nothing worse than looking back at a cover and it not having any connection to the story. I'm fortunate to have Sheri McGathy who does most of my covers. She's wonderful and such a perfectionist. I cannot wait until readers see the In Love With A Warrior cover. It is really fabulous. I'm smiling as I write this because it's the best one yet!

What book are you reading now? 
Blushing, I have a few erotics that I'm reading. Red Phoenix's Brie series. Very hot. I have a loaded Kindle and try to read at least a book a month, but usually I fail at that goal. 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I truly hope readers enjoy the stories I've written. They're all written from my heart and often have a hidden message in them. For example, in Claimed By A Charmer, the symbolism is definitely friendship and trying to be what your love wants of you (Douglas wanted a demure woman and so Isabel tried to be what he wanted - ultimately though he had to accept who she was). 

In the book I'm writing now, In Love With A Warrior, the symbolism is really affecting me as I write it. It's underlying symbolism is following your heart, doing what pleases you, and not conforming to everyone's will just because. I hope readers take these themes with them when they've finished reading the stories. And of course, I thank readers so much for taking an interest in my books. I really appreciate it. It means so very much.
 
Thanks to Kara Griffin for stopping by!  :)
 
Kara is offering a great prize for one lucky commenter: A download of any of the Gunn Guardsman series (reader chooses which one) or a signed print copy.
 
In order to enter the giveaway, commenter must reply to this post with their email address ( can be entered like "john AT Hotmail DOT com). This giveaway is only open to US and Canada residents. I will pick a winner on August 29th. Winners will have until September 2nd to get back to me or else I will select a new winner. Good luck!


How to connect with Kara and learn more about her books -
 

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Live For Me by Erin McCarthy



LIVE FOR ME is Book 2 in Erin McCarthy’s “Blurred Lines” series in which she re-imagines classic romances for a modern setting. LIVE FOR ME is a re-envisioned Jane Eyre. I don’t feel like it’s necessary to have read the previous book in this series to enjoy LIVE FOR ME.

I was a little skeptical at first, just because Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite love stories. I figure – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. I don’t feel like the author bastardized a classic. I feel like it was just inspired by, but it doesn’t try to be a carbon copy of a beloved classic just in a modern setting. Gone are some of the gothic elements from the classic. There is no crazy wife hidden in the attic. There is a crazy ex sending creepy dolls and generally acting psycho. The essential things that made Jane Eyre great are still there. Tiffany is a young woman who was lacking in natural family affection and many creature comforts but, like Jane Eyre, she has a spine of steel and self-respect. Devin Gold – music producer extraordinaire – may be no Mr. Rochester, but he is a man with a troubled past, finding sanctuary and peace with an intelligent, strong women he respects.

There are some sweet, poignant moments, some super sexy moments, and some hugely cheesy intimate moments that make for an interesting story with two complex main characters. As with any Erin McCarthy book, the dialogue is great and makes for a good window into the characters.
If you get this book looking for a word-for-word copy of Jane Eyre, you will be disappointed. However, if you go into reading this book with an open mind, you will be pleasantly surprised how strangely familiar these characters and these themes seem.

I look forward to more books in this series as well as more from this author.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Q & A with author Cheryl Brooks and giveaway of her latest book Rebel

I was lucky enough to interview author Cheryl Brooks about her newest installment in her fabulous sci fi/fantasy romance Cat Star Chronicles series. The book is called Rebel and, as  fan of this series and having recently read an advance copy, I can honestly say that it's smoking hot & a great bit of story-telling.out





Can you start off by telling us a little about yourself?

Hi Miranda! Thanks for allowing me to guest post here on Miranda’s Library!

I was born in Louisville, KY, and graduated from the Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1976. I went on to earn a BSN from Indiana University in 1986. Horse crazy from the time I knew what a horse was, my family and I moved to rural Indiana in 1989. Since then, I've managed to accumulate a number of animal friends, but I’m currently holding at two horses, four cats, and one crazy little dog named Peaches.

I have been married to the same wonderful man (aka Budley) for thirty-five years, and we have two grown sons, Mike & Sam. I worked full-time as a critical care nurse for thirty-five years before resigning in 2012 to allow more time for my writing. I'm a member of RWA and the Indiana RWA chapter. My other interests include cooking, gardening, singing, and guitar playing.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Basically, I got tired of reading books that closed the door on sex and had heroes I would rather slap than fall in love with. I wanted sexy details and guys that were truly lovable! I love a good laugh, and I adore sci fi, but it never had enough romance for me. Slave wasn’t my first book by any means, but it was the book I’d always wanted to read —a super-sexy sci-fi/adventure with a dash of humor.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite – other than your latest release, of course?

I’m not sure how many I’ve actually written, but I currently have published sixteen full-length novels, eight novellas, and two short stories. I have another two books and one novella that will be published next year. I love my Zetithian cats, and I think Rebel is the best book I’ve ever written, but I got such a kick out of writing a novella for Siren called The Boys in the Band, which is part of the Sextet’s Dirty Dancing anthology. I loved the characters and had an absolute blast writing it.

You create such wonderfully detailed, engaging characters like Captain Jack (my personal favorite), Lerotan, Waroun, and the lizard voyeurs on Darconia – do you have favorite characters or locations that you’ve created and like to revisit?

You gotta love those Norludians! They may be ugly, but they make the best sidekicks in the galaxy and they are always good for a laugh. With absolutely no filter on what they say, they are very outspoken, and for them, nearly everything has some sort of sexual connotation.

What are you working on at the minute? What is your next project?

Right now, I’m working on the second book in an erotic contemporary cowboy series that Sourcebooks will publish next year. After that, I’ll be going back to the romantic suspense series I had to shelve in order to write the cowboy books. I also have plans for a spin-off series to the Cat Star Chronicles about the Avian clones that are introduced in Rebel. Both of those projects will probably be self-published unless someone makes me an offer I can’t refuse.

Give us a brief overview of Rebel:

Having made a fortune selling his services in the Zetithian Palace brothel for the past ten years, Onca has finally decided to retire. A refugee of the destruction of the planet Zetith, he has no family, no surname, and no woman has ever touched his heart—until he rescues a homeless young Zetithian woman from a Herpatronian kidnapper.

Kimcasha Shrovenach has lived on the streets of Damenk since the age of ten when Nedwuts wiped out her entire family. She has had to steal in order to survive, which makes her reluctant to notify the police when three of her friends vanish. Her plan to use herself as bait to discover her friends’ fate goes awry when Onca intervenes.

Kim’s initial distrust evaporates when Onca offers her food and shelter as well as his help in locating her missing friends. The attraction between Kim and Onca is immediate and intense, but Onca considers himself to be too jaded and used for such an innocent young woman. Kim has never met a man she can love and soon realizes that Onca is the one she’s been waiting for.

Together with a gang comprised of cooks, prostitutes, and street urchins, Onca and Kim attempt to bring down the conspiracy behind a string of brothels filled with homeless orphans kidnapped from the streets of Damenk for use as sex slaves. Kim fully intends to spend the rest of her life loving Onca. But first, she must find her missing friends —and rescue him.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I have always been a fan of Mary Stewart. I grew up reading her romantic suspense novels, and for me, her first person voice never gets old.

What book are you reading now?

I just finished reading Carolyn Brown’s The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee. Still chuckling…

It’s sometimes difficult to describe this series when people ask me about it and always want to know what genre it is. I love the Cat Star Chronicles because it has a little of everything: fantasy, sci-fi, romance, erotica, action & humor that makes me laugh out loud - What genre are your books, or how would you best describe them?

LOL! I think you’ve got it covered. I’ve been told many times that this series is so unique, it’s a genre in itself. Even I don’t know what to call it, but futuristic erotic romance comes close.

What draws you to this genre?

I love being able to invent new planets and species. It requires very little research while allowing me to stretch my imagination.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?

Writing a series can be tough. Yes, the world has already been created, but you have to introduce new readers to that world with each installment without boring those who are more familiar with the series. Another problem is writing from a first person point of view. The first three Cat Star books are written that way; therefore the writing is in each heroine’s voice. Those who liked (or hated) Jack in book one may not give the rest of the series a chance if her voice irritated them. By the same token, people who started off loving Jack may be disappointed that the rest of the series isn’t written in the same voice and style. Switching to third person (in books 4-10) made it much easier for me to continue the series.

Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.

Hmm… Not sure I had much input in the beginning, other than to point out that the man on the advance copy of Slave didn’t look anything like a Zetithian! Since then, I’ve done my best to avoid the headless torsos and get them to at least show the models from the nose down. Unfortunately, the guy they chose for Stud was too pretty, so they chopped off his head. *shakes head* I knew I should’ve said something…

Who designed the covers?

Anne Cain has been doing my covers since the series first began, and what she can do with a stock photograph is pretty amazing. Not long ago, I learned that the font for my titles was specifically created for my series, which is pretty cool!

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

The biggest advantage to traditional publishing is getting the book into bookstores. However, shelf space is shrinking, and the loss of Borders hurt a lot of authors and publishers. Other big chain bookstores are still with us, but even they are carrying fewer romance titles than they did a few years ago. Other outlets are even more selective. A book has to make a bestseller list before drugstores and groceries will carry it. Even the big box stores are very choosy about what they sell. They want proven sellers, which, while perfectly understandable, doesn’t allow for much variety.

Marketing is another advantage to traditional publishing, although the mid-list author doesn’t get the kind of push that a big name author does. Much of the promo is left up to the author, and there aren’t many of us who are good at that sort of thing. I’m still learning!

Self publishing allows an author control over the entire publishing process. That control can be exhausting and time-consuming, but is ultimately very rewarding. The author is the one who writes the blurbs and approves the cover art and is solely responsible for the content. For some, that amount of control is a dream come true. For others, it’s a little scary.

Again, marketing is an issue, and it’s a given that the author will have to foot the bill for any advertising and promotional items. Although self-published authors don’t receive an advance, the money from sales is received more quickly, which is nice because some of those earnings must be spent on promotion.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

Thank you so much for your support! I’m glad there are people out there who enjoy reading what I write as much as I enjoy writing it! 

For one lucky person the publisher is giving away a copy of Rebel. All you have to do to be entered in this giveaway is leave a comment with your email address. A winner will be drawn on Thursday, July 3rd.

Review of Rebel on the website Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=44116

Website: http://cherylbrooksonline.com/Blog: http://cherylbrooksauthor.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.brooks.963 Twitter: https://twitter.com/CherylCatMaster Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cbcatmaster/Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Brooks/e/B001JS6XN0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CherylBrooks55 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/752898.Cheryl_Brooks Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/search/books? Keywords=Cheryl%20Brooks

Monday, May 5, 2014

You Make Me by Erin McCarthy review



You Make Me by Erin McCarthy  
Release Date: April 16, 2014


Link to review on Fresh Fiction website:  



Book description:
The guy she wants…

Growing up on the coast of Maine with a revolving door of foster siblings, Caitlyn Michaud spent one intense and passionate year falling in love with her foster brother, Heath. Then he left without a word.

Isn’t the guy she needs…

Determined to move on, in college Caitlyn has risen above her small town impoverished roots and has joined a sorority, reinvented her appearance, and landed the right boyfriend in frat president Ethan.

But the perfect world she tried so hard to attain is ripped apart when Heath appears one night out of nowhere. Out of the military, Heath is as brooding and intense as ever, and he is determined not only to win her back, but to exact revenge on everyone who kept him from her…

And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Killer Physique by G.A. McKevett

 

 

Book review on the Fresh Fiction website:  http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=42679

 

SUMMARY

Plus-sized P.I. Savannah Reid gets a taste of the high life when she attends a Hollywood premiere on the arm of husband Dirk Coulter. Savannah may be a newlywed, but even she gets weak in the knees when she meets celebrity athlete-turned- movie-star Jason Tyrone. So imagine how she feels when the star's rock-hard body is found rock-hard dead...Though the autopsy reveals Jason may have gotten his killer body through doping, no one wants to believe the beloved athlete is a fraud, least of all Savannah. Soon she's deeply immersed in the dark world of body enhancing drugs, and wondering if the world-class gym where Jason worked out is really just a front for a lucrative drug ring. Was Jason's death the price he paid for threatening to expose other celebrities caught in the clutch of keeping a flawless image? Or was everyone's favourite hero a victim of his own desire to always be at the top of his game? No stranger to society's obsession with image, Savannah is determined to get to the truth. And for the voluptuous investigator, this time it's personal...