Renee Novelle: NA Romance Book Blast
Amazon: Crushed | Dance With Me | Latitudes
B&N: Crushed | Dance With Me | Latitudes
iTunes: Crushed | Dance With Me | Latitudes
Though she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication, summa cum laude, she considers herself a constant student of the written word. She’s an avid reader, an enthusiastic quote poster, and rarely takes “no” as a final answer. She has an unhealthy obsession for theater, dance, music and art, and strongly believes that wine is simultaneously the beginning of, and resolution to, all of life’s problems. She believes in following dreams, and that in the end, you always end up where you’re meant to be.
Love Honor and Hope: A Romance Anthology
Find out more at:
The Authors and their Stories
Aaron Calnan has seen enough of the horrors of war. Now, Aaron finds himself immersed in a world where humans work within the realms of the paranormal, where Werewolves and Vampires become friends and Fae like to kick your ass. One encounter changes everything and Aaron finds his life turned upside down. Will he finally find his own piece of heaven?
*All proceeds will benefit The United States War Veteran’s PTSD Foundation*
Unforgettable You: Guest Blog by Georgina Penney
Genre: Romance Print Length: 288 pages Publisher: e-penguin (May 14, 2014) Sold by: Amazon Digital Services Inc.
Unforgettable You
After months working on an oil rig in the Atlantic Ocean, engineer Jo Blaine can’t wait to get home. Her job is tough, and she is desperate for some long overdue girl time. The last thing Jo needs when she walks through her front door is to find a strange man staying in her house. When she learns that her uninvited guest is none other than Stephen Hardy, she’s tempted to head straight back out to sea.
Stephen has always felt guilty for the part he played in ruining Jo’s life years earlier and immediately jumps at the chance to make things up to her by looking after her apartment and her giant cranky cat. It takes some fast talking, but Jo is finally convinced to let him stay. And by the time she leaves for her next shift at work, they’re both eagerly anticipating her return. But as they grow closer, it soon becomes clear Jo is hiding something about her past that is coming back to haunt her. After a lifetime of taking care of herself and her sister Amy, Jo isn’t used to sharing her problems, especially when they involve her messy family history. But when threats start to escalate, Jo must decide whether to trust Stephen before her stubborn independence places them all at risk.
Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-You-Destiny-Georgina-Penney-ebook/dp/B00JM2BRQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399984071&sr=8-2&keywords=georgina+penney
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/Unforgettable-You-Destiny-Georgina-Penney-ebook/dp/B00JAX58R8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399984147&sr=8-2&keywords=Georgina+Penney
Or through iTunes, Kobo and other good e-tailers
I’d like to introduce Georgina Penney. We first met on Goodreads when she read and reviewed my holiday story, Merry Christmas, Henry. Thrilled with a stranger appreciating my work, I looked her up. I am now a fan of her writing as well. If you have not read Unforgettable You, it needs to be on your TBR list for the summer. I am honored to have her as a guest blogger today.
Well That’s Awkward: Character Names and New Friends
I have a confession to make. I’m relatively sure, in fact I’m almost positive, that my characters are sabotaging my life. Not in a vindictive come-out-of-the-TV-and-scare-the-widdle-out-of-you sort of sabotage. That kind of thing is terminal. Nope, this form of sneakiness is much more subtle. It has everything to do with names. Usually, about one or two months after finishing a manuscript, I will inevitably befriend a person in real life with the same name as my leading gentleman or lady. Why is this a problem, you ask? Well, when you’ve just invested a couple of months in creating a character and contorting them five ways sideways, putting them through all kinds of mayhem (and sometimes naughty stuff) it’s a little difficult to suggest that your new friend read your book, knowing that there’s a risk they’ll assume it’s all about them. Awkward, much? Massively so. I mean, I love a bit of dodginess. I think the people who know me would gladly agree that I’m stupendously dodgy, but there are just some things that are a little hard to come back from in a budding friendship. I wonder if crime fiction writers ever deal with this. They finish their novel, pack it off to the publishers for its slow and onerous journey through the editorial gristmill and woe and behold they make a dear friend out of someone who has the same name as the serial killer they knocked off gruesomely on page three hundred and twenty. What do you think they’d say? “I’m terribly sorry Ignatius, the serial killer I beheaded and then had impaled on an eight foot Christmas tree wasn’t you. Oh no, you weren’t even around when I wrote the scene, it just took a little while for the novel to get published… (insert nervous, strained laughter.)” Well, in my case, it’s a matter of “So sorry Dirk, the male hero, Dirk that I had make love to the heroine in the hot air balloon? The one who has dark hair like yours and just happens to like football too? Ahhh, nope wasn’t modelled on you. I didn’t even know you when I wrote the— oh bugger it, I give up, pour me a glass of wine and we’ll pretend this conversation didn’t happen.”
About The Author
Georgina Penney first discovered romance novels when she was eleven and has been a fan of the genre ever since. It took her another eighteen years to finally sit in front of a keyboard and get something down on the page but that’s alright, she was busy doing other things until then. Today she lives with her wonderful husband, Tony in a wooden stilt house on the edge of the Bornean jungle along with a contrary stray cat named Milli Vanilli. Connect with Georgina:
Website: http://www.georginapenney.com
Blog: http://www.steamypuddings.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Georgina-Penney/e/B00I967F5A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7828210.Georgina_Penney
Twitter: https://twitter.com/georginapenney
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgina.penney.37
Other Books by Georgina Penney:
Irrepressible You
You don’t become a notorious British celebrity without rubbing a few people the wrong way, which is why writer and comedian Ben Martindale has decamped to Australia until the latest media frenzy dies down. When he meets Amy Blaine, a perky blonde who dresses like a 1950s pin-up girl, he knows he’s hit the satirical jackpot. He begins to fill his weekly London column with snarky observations about her life, clothes, and even their most intimate moments. It doesn’t occur to him that Amy, who is letting her guard down for the first time in her adult life, might be upset – after all, it’s hilarious, and his readers love her! It isn’t until Amy discovers the extent of his betrayal that Ben begins to realise just how badly he’s cocked up the best thing that ever happened to him. But is it too late?
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/Irrepressible-You-Destiny-Georgina-Penney-ebook/dp/B00I7KWZNK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391732202&sr=8-1&keywords=irrepressible+you
Or through iTunes, Kobo and other good e-tailers
Nicolette Andrew’s: Diviner’s Fate Cover Reveal
Other books in the series designed by Nadica Boskovska
Diviner’s Prophecy, Book One, is FREE on Amazon and B&N!
Review: Amore and Pinot Grigio by Veronica Bell
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Bookstrand
When Sigrid O’Herlihy and Sandro Totti meet a short time before Christmas—with the help of an injured cat and a pink Vespa—the last thing either wants is love. Sigrid can’t forget the betrayal of her ex-fiance, and Sandro can’t forget the Italian beauty who broke his heart. But the attraction between Sigrid and Sandro is sizzling, so they decide to give lust a try. Love, after all, is for the naive and Sigrid and Sandro, both in their thirties and both determined to avoid future pain, take a more practical approach. With the Eternal City as their playground, the pair enjoy their Vespas—and occasionally Sandro’s fancy Italian sports car—fine wine, and helping homeless animals. A holiday visit to Sandro’s family in Tuscany, however, threatens their no-strings agreement and forces the pair to face their feelings and their fears. Will a little Christmas spirit be enough to bring about a leap of faith?”
Buy links:
Excerpt:
“Time to face her, Sandro thought grimly, walking towards the bedroom with two cups of coffee in hand. She was sitting up in bed, having put her panties and shirt back on. She was checking her phone for messages. “Buongiorno,” he said, giving her a kiss on the nose, as though she were an annoying young friend entrusted to his care, not an equal, not a lover. He handed her a cup of piping hot black coffee.
“I didn’t know how you took it, so if you want milk or sugar, I can go get those for you.”
“No, no, black is fine. No calories.” She smiled. Awkward, she thought.
“You are slim. You could stand to take some kilos.”
“Women love hearing that,” she said. “And I am sure my remaining weeks in Italy will help in that regard.” Goodness, I sound so stilted, she thought. My remaining weeks in Italy will help me in that regard? I sound like a visiting public official. Such passion with this man last night and now we’re all weird and formal with each other. “The food here is amazing. But I try to be careful, now that I’m over thirty. Weight doesn’t come off easily as one gets older.”
“You look like a kid. I couldn’t believe it last night when you said you were over thirty.”
Finally! “Thanks, yes, I’ll be thirty-two in March.”
“And not married?”
“No,” she said indignantly. “But neither are you and you are how old?”
“I haven’t said.”
“I know, but how old are you?”
“I’ll be thirty-four in May. But it’s different for men.”
Sigrid rolled her eyes. “Of course it is. Have you heard from the vet?” Best to change the topic, she told herself, than embark on a never-ending argument about double standards.
“For once you don’t want to fight with me,” he smiled.
“No, I don’t. How is Pinot? Have you heard anything yet?”
“The bad news is that he will have to have his front right leg amputated. The good news is that he can live well like that, provided he is cared for safely indoors, and the even better news is that the staff at the hospital say he is much less of a street cat than we realized. He is friendlier now that he has been fed and given some flea treatments and is feeling more trusting.”
“So what are you saying?”
“I am saying that he needn’t be euthanized. I know that you were against that and I only thought it was an option when I believed he was a very feral cat who could never live indoors.”
“We have to find a home for him, though. I can take him, of course, and I will if needs be, but it would be better to find someone in Rome. I mean, if he comes to Canada with me he’ll have to learn to speak English, just for starters, though, of course, there is a big Italian community in Toronto.”
Sandro laughed. “For a moment I thought you were serious. You can really be quite funny when you aren’t being difficult.”
“Well, thank you, I think. But I wasn’t fully kidding. I mean, he would have to learn English in Canada.”
“Yes, well, in fact, that won’t be a problem. We don’t have to find a home for him. I have been informed that one of the young veterinary technicians at the animal hospital has already fallen in love with him and is determined to adopt him and take him into her home once his surgery has been successfully completed. I can’t think of a better match, for she will know all the proper care he might need as a cat with a disability. And of course, he will have to be neutered, as well.” Sandro winced and put his hand protectively between his legs as he said the word.
Sigrid laughed. “It’s not you being neutered!” And what a tragedy that would be.
“Well, I know, but I feel for him.”
“Believe me when I tell you, it’s better for him to be neutered, for myriad reasons.”
“Certo. My father will be happy to hear this outcome—he was worried about the little fellow yesterday. And the Totti family will be happy to pick up the cost of the surgeries and recovery time in the hospital for Pinot.”
Sigrid gasped. She had gotten so carried away the night before she hadn’t even realized that Sandro’s father might have been right down the hall the whole time. “Your father? Is he here? Does he know that I’m here?”
“No, no, don’t worry. He went to Tuscany late yesterday afternoon. We are alone here. Now, can I get you some breakfast? Would you like to take a shower? I don’t mean to rush you but I have some meetings starting in about an hour.” It was a lie. He had no meetings, at least not that morning.
Sigrid felt a figurative jackboot in the gut. Any woman who had been single long enough could recognize what was happening. Something had changed. Sandro wanted her out of there and he wanted her out of there fast. No post-sex cuddling or cooing and billing. He was distancing himself, drawing lines. It was the apparently inevitable “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” moment.”
REVIEW
BY AUBREY WYNNE
Aubrey Wynne is a member of the Coffee Talk Writers and a guest reviewer. This review was originally published on June 12 on http://coffeetalkwriters.com
Amore and Pinot-Grigio is a classic love story. Both main characters came out of relationships that left them sour on romance. Sigrid O’Herlihy is a Canadian determined to tackle Rome with enthusiasm and independence. (I would not manuever those narrow streets and raucous drivers on a pink moped.) Deceived by her fiancee, she is on a mission to forget men and love. Sandro Totti is haunted by another Italian beauty who broke his heart. When they meet, sparks fly but both decide they will proceed with a ‘no-strings attached’ attitude. The scenes are steamy but do not border erotica.
This practical relationship works perfectly until Sandro decides to take Sigrid to his family’s house in Tuscany. (Again, travel lovers will eat up the details. No pun intended!) Things start to unravel from here. Do you run the other way when true feelings of passion come to the forefront? Do you take a chance and trust someone one more time?
What starts out as a typical ‘boy meets ‘girl’ formula quickly turns into a warm and entertaining holiday romance with the necessary misunderstandings and memorable secondary characters. Ms. Bell creates an adorable accomplice in Guido (cats and animals in general brought the pair together). The story also included the magic of Christmas and a mysterious man, Niccoli, who offers advice and guidance. But will the two scorned lovers listen and allow love to heal their scarred hearts?
As a past tourist in Italy, this took me back and made me appreciate the Eternal City all over again. It brings me back to spectacular vacation packed with wonderful wine, food and lovely people. Those who have not visited will want to book a ticket after closing this book. I am also a humane investigator so the animal rescue theme made me smile and appreciate both characters even more. Love, Christmas, cute furry rescues–what more do you want? I give this story a hearty four mugs.
Hot, strong, and addicting!
Characters: 13/15
Plot and pacing: 12/15
Setting/s: 10/10
Technique and Editing: 9/10
Total: 44/50
About The Author
Veronica Bell grew up in British Columbia, Canada. She loves wine, travel, reading, writing, her handsome husband and her adorable pets…and not in that order. ‘Amore and Pinot Grigio: A Guido la Vespa Christmas Tale’ is her first book and she is working on a sequel which will allow Guido la Vespa to make some more mischief.
Keep in Touch With Veronica:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Veronic93398537
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7472009.Veronica_Bell
Shirleen Davies’ Western Romance: Wilder Than The Rest
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | Smashwords
Other books in the series
For The Love of Westerns
By Aubrey Wynne
I was raised on old westerns. High Noon with Gary Cooper, Who Shot Liberty Valance with Jimmy Stewart and anything with John Wayne. My family gathered around the television to watch Bonanza and Gunsmoke every week. I read Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. Fortunately, the Western is alive and well: Dances With Wolves, Open Range, Lonesome Dove and the many authors who continue to pay tribute to the Wild West. And now the modern western maintains the tradition of the rugged cowboy for a whole new generation. Leave us a comment and share your favorite movie or novel.
Shirleen Davies Top 10 Western Movies/Shows
1. Winchester ’73 with James Stewart
2. The Searches with John Wayne
3. Dances with Wolves with Kevin Costner
4. Lonesome Dove with Robert Duvall
5. High Noon with Gary Cooper
6. The Outlaw Josey Wales with Clint Eastwood
7. Stagecoach with John Wayne
8. Red River with John Wayne
9. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with James Stewart
10. Will Penny with Charleston Heston
Awesome Giveaway!
June Kindle Giveaway: Stop in for great prizes.
Summer Kindle Fire Giveaway!!
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HD 7″.
Kindle Fire HD 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)
Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)
Rafflecopter Code
Also giving away copies of Pete’s Might Purty Privies. Click on the book for a chance to win.
Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List on Goodreads.
Pete McNutt needs customers for his new business. Spring has arrived and it’s prime time Privy Season. After much consideration, her refines his sales pitch and heads to the monthly meeting of the Women’s Library Association. Published by AlfieDogFiction.com
Now, click on the June Sponsor List, visit the participating and enter as often as you like. Have a great summer.
June Sponsor List
June Sponsors
I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Bella Street’s Weird Romance
Bonnie Blythe’s Pure Romance
Lori’s Reading Corner
Author M.A. George
CBY Book Club
Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader
Christian Bookmobile
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Kindle and Me
Author Inger Iversen
A. Wrighton, Author
Author Kim Cresswell-Trapped Inside My Head
The YA Buzz
Jenna Does Books
Addicted Readers
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl
BookHounds YA
Every Free Chance Book Reviews
Author Wendi Sotis
Taylor Dean Books
Heather Gray (Author)
Author Cindy C Bennett
More Than a Review
The Reporter and The Girl
Author Anna Kyss
Owl Always Be Reading
Laurie Here
Romance Under Fire
Author Jennifer Laurens
BookReviewsAndGiveaways
Paranormal book Club (PBC)
The Late Bloomers Book Blog
Reviews from a Bookworm
Jennifer Faye, Author
Free Bookster
Making it Happen
Extaordinaryreads
MyLadyWeb: Women’s History & Women Authors
Author Claudia Burgoa
Crystal Donahue, Author
SMIBookClub
Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer
Author Rosanne Rivers
YA Author – Ellisa Barr
Lynda Raymond
Brenda Maxfield
Fic Central
Author Barbara Silkstone
Aubrey Wynne: Historical Romance
Author Georgina Young-Ellis
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:
Cait Jarrod’s Latest Release: Entangled Love
The Long Awaited Release of
Entangled Love
In the questions of love and death, where does the truth lie?
Emma James is on a mission to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. When her childhood friend offers an innocent getaway to Santa Monica, she accepts thinking fun in the sun will be a great way to start fresh.
Retired professional skateboarder, Ryan Cross is a gorgeous, lovable, ladies’ man. With two skateboard parks and a fat bank account, he’s on top of his game. What could make him happier?
The love of his childhood friend.
Chaos and life-threatening obstacles have Ryan investigating Emma’s husband’s death. When he discovers handwritten notes made by her late husband, he learns some friends can’t be trusted. They will stop at nothing to get what they want, including putting Emma’s life in danger.
Buy Links:
Print: The Wild Rose Press
Ebook: Amazon
Giveaways:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/75a42f26/
EMMA JAMES’ QUANDARY THAT NIGHT TWO YEARS BEFORE ENTANGLED LOVE:
I love my husband, adore him. Yet, he isn’t the one who checks on me every night, holds my hand when I cry. I’m being so unfair. My husband has a demanding job. He saves lives, puts his own life on the line, all in the name of protection. I gaze out our window in suburban, California. I love my house, the yard. Eric makes enough money so I don’t have to work, yet…I think I would like to. The charity work I do is important, but I need something more, something for me. He says since we’re planning to have a baby soon, there’s no sense in going to work now. He’s right. The baby would need me and I’d hate to leave our baby with a sitter.
My best friend, Ryan, says I should do whatever makes me happy. I’m not sure what that is.
I flopped down on the couch. I can’t ever sleep after Eric gets a call to leave in the middle of the night. Tonight, my angst is worse than usual. My skin crawls. I have an ache in my chest. What is my problem?
The doorbell rings, my cell chimes. Ryan’s name flashes on the screen.
I peek out the window beside the door. A police car is in my driveway. Nothing unusual, except Eric’s not here to greet them.
My breath catches. A piercing numb-feeling races through my veins.
My hand shakes as I put the phone to my ear and open the door. “Hello.” I say. Two uniformed policemen gaze at me, their faces solemn.
“Em,” Ryan says.
One word, nothing more, every sound, every person blurs. My heart plummets to my feet. “No-o-o!”
Excerpt:
Emma cleared her throat. “Well, if she’s your fiancée, then she has certain rights.”
He stared at her as if she’d grown two heads. “I’m not engaged to her.”
“Oh…uh, it takes time getting used to a broken engagement.” Her voice faded from the disappointment that he not only was engaged, but he lied to her.
Ryan closed the distance between them, spun her on the bar stool, and placed a hand on each side of her face. “I’m not engaged to her or anyone, never have been. I certainly wouldn’t be able to do this, if I were.” His words broke off as his lips found hers.
This time, the kiss didn’t catch her off guard. As freaked out as the situation made her, she responded and sucked on his lower lip. His tongue traced her lips and she parted for him to slip inside. He felt good, more than good. The man knew how to kiss.
About The Author
As a child, I entertained myself for hours playing pretend, but not with dolls and such. I created stories and pictured them in my mind, sometimes even acted them out, my well preserved secret until now. I spent years after leaving school trying to figure out my niche. Not being a literary enthusiast, I never thought my childhood pastime would lead in this direction.
In life, one door closes and another opens, so I’m told. This was true for me. I lost my mother, my best friend, to cancer. After a year without her, I picked up her favorite hobby…reading. After one book, a romantic suspense, I was hooked. In the past, I’d fall asleep after a few minutes of reading. Now, books rank up there with a good red wine. It didn’t take long for my childhood muse to come back in adult version urging me to put the scenes in my head on paper.
I hope I have provided you with the escape similar to the ones I conjured in childhood and rediscovered as an adult, and I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I have loved creating them.
Cait lives in Virginia with her husband and three daughters.
Contact or follow Cait Jarrod:
Website: caitjarrod.com
Email: cait.jarod@aol.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cait-Jarrod-Author/500705936640529?ref=hl
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaitJarrod
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/caitjarrod/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6966274.Cait_Jarrod
Google+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CaitJarrod/posts/p/pub
Other Books by Cait Jarrod
Sarah J. Pepper’s The Death of The Mad Hatter
If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.
Heads would Roll…
Hearts would Break…
In the end, would it matter who Reigned?
BUY LINKS :)
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYGE7U8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GYGE7U8
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-of-the-mad-hatter-sarah-j-pepper/1117528909?ean=9781492823919
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/363029
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/death-of-the-mad-hatter
Excerpt:
There were the types of girls who dressed for guys, the type who still played dress-up, the type who lived in sweatpants, and then there was an entirely different breed who wore mismatched socks with pride. This chick fell into the last category. Why anyone could possibly think bright orange and blue would go together, unless they were a Boise State fan, was beyond my thought process. Her shoes were quite possibly handcrafted a hundred years ago, and her tattered skirt looked as though she found it in a dusty box tucked away in an attic. However, the zebra patterned gloves actually appeared to be from this decade.
“Well, it’s rather fortunate that you didn’t dribble. Mr. Ruth would have a fit if he became familiar with the underside of your pet-soaked shoe,” the girl said, petting the stuffed animal’s head. Her accent was none that I’d heard before—and I’d lived in a lot of different places. She sounded like a British gal impersonating a southern bell. “It’d be quite regrettable if anything happened to him on the first day of school. He must have fallen out of his hidey-hole.”
“You named your stuffed rabbit, Mr. Ruth?”
She covered the bunny’s ears. “Rutherford is his real name, but he hates it and makes all the other rumperbabbits call him by his nickname.”
“Rumperbabbits?”
“Bunnies, rabbits, hares—rumperbabbits. Same thing,” she said with a wink. She had the most volatile light-blue eyes that were so electrifying I couldn’t look away.
Time out—just for reference, I didn’t believe in juvenile notions, like love at first sight. In my book, time didn’t cease to move forward when two people fell in love. As a matter-of-fact, I’d have to be drunk (not on love) for such an irrational thought to enter my mind.
But, there was something magical about her. A mischievous charm. I wouldn’t have said that I necessarily liked it, but it was intriguing. She was intriguing… and new. For a town whose newspaper’s biggest story was the harvest report, having a new girl in school would most likely be headlined on The Gossiper’s front page.
About The Author
Sarah J. Pepper specializes in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn’t only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. Sometimes prince-charming isn’t always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn’t mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says eTrue-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. very shoe is the perfect fit?
Keep in Touch With Sarah:
@sarahjpepper
https://www.facebook.com/sarahjpepper.author
35 HUMUNGOUS Reasons why you should stop whatever STRESSFUL thing you’re doing, find some deLIGHTful candies, a cuP OF teA, a comFY BLANkeT, and welcome the MADneSs that is the “Death of the Mad Hatter!” But don’t take my word for it, because I’m already quite mad *and biased* so take theirs! (obtained from Goodreads/Amazon reviews)
- You are totally missing out if you don’t TBR right now!!! One of the greatest books of 2013!
- With random wit and phrases I dare say Sarah J. Pepper’s young Alice is better than the original.
- Stop!!! This is not your mother Alice in Wonderland!!! I want you to close your eyes and remember the first time you read or hear the story about Alice, then forget it, because Alice Mae give crazy a whole new meaning.
- Alice in Wonderland had been done, and remade a few times and lastly being with Johnny Depp, but they cannot hold a candle to this story.
- Alice Mae and Ryley are a captivating couple, and their first kiss is mesmerizing.
- I was BLOWN AWAY. I had no freaking clue how the author would turn this into something that didn’t feel like a total copy-cat novel. It was flippin’ amazing!
- I really liked the ending. Sarah J. Pepper has a wonderful sense of humor and (I can’t say it enough) a great imagination.
- It’s something to make up a new world entirely but to write your own version of an already internationally well-known fairy take is something else and an incredibly brave thing to do. I’m sure there is always this fear that you won’t pull it off but Sarah absolutely did.
- It is a fine tribute to Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”.
- I must admit that I was so completely drawn into this distinctive story that I needed to know if Alice Mae and/or Ryley would fulfill the prophecy.
- All the evil guys and gals were done perfectly, there was never a moment I didn’t love to hate them!
- I devoured this book in a single day because I couldn’t put it down.
- Sarah J Pepper will not let you down with this book. Its full of action, a believable romance & twists that will blow your mind.
- Everything from the wacky prophecies, to Alice Mae’s crazy make-up, I loved and couldn’t get enough of the superb and splendiferous weirdness!
- The vibrancy of which Pepper describes each and every detail brings to life the people and creatures of Wonderland so well that you want to meet each and every character.
- The uniqueness of Pepper’s tale comes from her integration of the power of candy (say it with me now, “Mmmm, candy…”), the snarky politics, an unwitting heir, and the mysterious-malicious-lying-liar-fated-lover girl with a boy’s name. And don’t even get me started on the delightful yet headache-inducing riddles (can you believe the little buggers waited to unravel themselves until the very end?!?!)! Pepper’s writing style was quirky and bizarre – and after gaining a tenuous grasp of the ever changing ebb and flow, I realized it was the perfect fit for this tale, and I loved it!
- This book is a book that I can keep reading over and over!!
- Prepare to stay alert and on the edge of your seat as you can’t wait to turn to the next page.
- If you’re a fan of the classic tale, be ready for something completely different, and completely wonderful! Sarah J. Pepper has really outdone herself with this one! Do yourself a favor, and get lost in Wonderland!
- That first page sucks you right in without letting you go. It’s just like falling down a rabbit hole, endless and inescapable.
- I think that Ryley and Alice Mae’s interactions were beautifully written. I loved that Ryley simultaneously wanted to strangle and kiss Alice Mae at the same time.
- I loved the ending of this novel because everything was resolved in the right way IMO.
- The story is fast-paced and a page turner and don’t worry there are major differences between this book and the classic one and you can’t even imagine who much more you’ll get from this story. So get ready for the huge surprise. Enjoy, folks!
- I don’t think I have ever read a take on Wonderland that was quite so amusing, disturbing, confusing and wonderful all at the same time!
- This is a wildly imaginative book filled with rich quirky descriptions, strong characters and a believable romance line.
- The story is the part that really blew me away. Whatever you know about the original Wonderland put it aside because wow this is such an original take and such an amazing telling of this story. It was so WELL DONE!!
- This compelling, heart-racing yet romantic novel leaves you on edge until the very end, rooting for all the right characters and in awe of Sarah’s incredible imagination.
- I wanted to snarl at anyone who dared interrupt my reading.
- I can only say that the imagination of Sarah J. Pepper is a twisted, magical place. One I’m pretty sure I want would like to vacation in…maybe…
- From the beginning it draws you in and keeps you going!
- I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story, but what I got surpassed anything I could have imagined! There are many takes and twists of this age-old classic. One never knows what they will get into with any of them.
- I couldn’t put this book down. I was sucked into the vortex of this complex, yet simple story.
- Alice in Wonderland gets a makeover and I approve!
- The author masterfully tells this story in first person voice through both the eyes of Alice Mae Liddell and Ryley Edward Edgar. Along with the alternating points of view, Pepper creatively weaves flashbacks of previous visits to Wonderland further transporting you into this intoxicating story.
- It was one of the best Alice in Wonderland adaptations that I have read. I was witty, fun and just plain brilliant.
Guest Blog: JoAnne Meyers Author of Murder Most Foul
Guest Blog: JoAnne Meyers
Author of Murder Most Foul
NEVER GIVE UP
by JoAnne Myers
For as long as I can remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting, sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not take her advise and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and family of my own. I put my love for writing and painting on hold for years. I unfortunately married a man who like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first love-art. I got a late start, but always encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors. I now have six books under contract with two publishing houses. So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from enjoying your natural talents. You might need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up.
“Murder Most Foul” a detective/mystery
When two dismembered torsos wash up on the banks of the local river in the small industrial town of Pleasant Valley, residents are horrified. Between contradicting statements, police ineptitude, lust, lies, manipulation, incest, the motorcycle gang The Devil’s Disciples, crooked cops, and a botched crime scene, everyone becomes a suspect.
The young beautiful Jackie Reeves, a registered nurse, believes the killer is a man from her past. She contacts the dangerously handsome FBI Agent Walker Harmon. An arrest is made, but Harmon and Jackie believe an innocent man is being railroaded by local cops. Determined to find the truth, before anymore killings, Agent Harmon and Jackie are forced to run a gauntlet of deep trouble and turmoil, which marks them for death.
Buy Links:
www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/MMF.html
LULU Paperback:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/joanne-myers/murder-most-foul/paperback/product-21183493.html
B&N PAPERBACK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-most-foul-joanne-myers/1102906264?ean=9781612357201
5***** Review
The author recreates the scenes with dramatic fashion, adding characters that are so realistic; it feels like you’re living the moment right along with them. She is a wonderful storyteller, paying attention to every intricate detail and leaving you hanging onto every word. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, this book will definately not disappoint!
BTS Magazine-December 2013 Issue 17- Reviewer Marie Haney
EXCERPT:
Undaunted and short on patience, the agent stared at the fat jerk sitting before him gleefully puffing on a cigar, most likely homegrown in Detroit, Michigan, not Cuba. “I attend the Kingdom Hall on occasion,” he said.
“Well most of us like Malloy. He’s helped rid this town of criminals. He was a volunteer firefighter, and his wife cooks for the annual policeman’s ball. Hell, Malloy even coached volleyball for the kids when he wuz younger. Now a person who does that ain’t all bad,” the chief declared.
Barstow’s sudden burst of energy to safeguard his fishy friend, picqued Harmon’s interest. What had Malloy done? He decided he wasn’t leaving until he had the full, sordid story.
“So you and Malloy are pals, and he did something he couldn’t get out of, and you tried to salvage his job, but the big shots said, ‘No!’ Is that how it went?” Harmon asked.
“Yeah, Malloy did somethin’ real stupid.”
“I’m listening,” Harmon replied.
“The rumors of Malloy allowin’ his friends and family members to snoop through the cornfield, and photograph the area after the victims were removed, was true. Everyone is curious about this crime. Nothin’ this big ever happened in this town before, and the pictures were for souvenirs, you know. Then after the limbs were removed, he brought in a back hoe, and tore up the whole damned crime scene, involving Thomas.” The chief growled in disgust.
“Yeah, that was stupid,” Harmon said. “So Malloy’s unethical conduct was the reason the disciplinary board was in session?”
“Yep, they made their decision this mornin’,” the chief said. “He’s out. There was nothin’ I could do for him.”
“You’d think a cop with over twenty years’ experience would demonstrate better reasoning then destroy evidence. Unless he’s covering his own tracks,” Harmon said realizing what he was implying. “Do you believe Malloy committed the murders?”
“Now, I didn’t say that. A lot of officers were on this case, so a lot of mistakes happened. We never dealt with this type crime before. Many might have made the same mistakes Malloy did.”
Dismissing the chief’s excuses for Malloy’s incompetence, Harmon demanded an answer. He was tired of being duped by the local cops and wanted the truth, and wanted it now. Standing and placing both palms on the chief’s shiny desk, the agent looked the chief square in his squinty brown eyes and said, “Cough it up, Chief! There’s more to it then that. If there were numerous mistakes made by officers other then Malloy, why was he the only one kicked off the force? Now spit it out! What the hell did Malloy do?”
“All right, all right!” the chief whined, “Malloy screwed the dead girl three weeks before she was killed–and got caught!”
The Agent was speechless. Walking to the window overlooking Main Street, he stared vacantly. Hadn’t one of our witnesses suggested something like that? But–with the crisp wind howling, the citizens dining in the local cafés, others window shopping for Christmas or starting their shift at the town’s businesses–this seems unreal. How can such a seemingly sweet country town be so full of bad apples, savage murders, police misconduct and corruption, evidence tampering? This town is certainly no Mayberry, thought Harmon.
Author Bio:
I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paints.
When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/
Keep in touch with JoAnne:
http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/joanne.myers.927
Other books by JoAnne Myers:
“WICKED INTENTIONS” a paranormal/mystery anthology
“LOVES’, MYTHS’ AND MONSTERS’,” a fantasy anthology
“THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY,” a biography true-crime
“POEMS ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN”
Other books soon available:
“TWISTED LOVE,” a true-crime anthology
“FLAGITIOUS,” a crime and paranormal novella collection
E & P Reader’s Choice: Best Short Romance 2013
Merry Christmas, Henry on Goodreads
Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies
Another humorous short with Alfie Dog Fiction
The Coffee Talk Writers: my favorite group of authors.
BOOK REVIEWER
Coffee Talk Shelf
Aubrey's bookshelf: coffee-talk-books
Share book reviews and ratings with Aubrey, and even join a book club on Goodreads.
