Friday, July 22, 2016

Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours: Once Upon A Soldier



Once a Soldier
by Mary Jo Putney

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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BLURB:


ROGUES REDEEMED

As heir to a title and great wealth, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead he went to war. Now, after perilous years fighting the French, he intends his current mission to be his last. But all his plans are forgotten when he arrives in the small mountain stronghold of San Gabriel and meets her.

Knowing herself to be too tall, strong, and unconventional to appeal to a man, Athena Markham has always gloried in her independence. But for the first time in her life, she finds a man who might be her match.

Two of a kind, too brave for their own good, Athena and Will vow to do whatever it takes to vanquish San Gabriel’s enemies. For neither will back down from death, and only together can they find happiness and a love deeper than any they'd dared imagine...





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Excerpt :


She stared at him. “You’re a most unusual man, Major Masterson.”

I’ve been told that before,” he said sadly. “It’s never a compliment.”

She had to smile. “Now I know you’re teasing.”

Possibly,” he agreed; his expression sober, but his eyes amused. “If I’m forgiven for the kiss, will you call me Will again? I prefer to be on first name terms with you.”

Very well, Will.” She preferred that as well. “For whatever time you’re here, we can be friends. After you leave . . .” She shrugged. “In my experience, men are not such good letter writers as women, and it’s a long way from San Gabriel to Oxfordshire.”

I’m a rather decent letter writer, actually.” His gaze intensified. “Friends. And who knows? Perhaps we can become more than friends.”

She felt as if the breath had been knocked out of her. He could not possibly mean what he seemed to be implying. Returning to irony, she said, “What are the relationship possibilities?” She held up her left hand and ticked off one finger. “Friendship is the broadest category and can range from mild acquaintance to deep, enduring loyalty. I think we are already mild friends?”

If we weren’t more than mild friends already, we wouldn’t be having this extremely interesting discussion,” he agreed.

She ticked off another finger. “We could become enemies.”

I will not allow that,” he said firmly. “I have had enough of enemies.”

One does not always have a choice.” She tapped her middle finger. “The opposite of love or hate, which is indifference.”

It is much too late for indifference,” Will said seriously. “I believe I mentioned my immediate interest in kissing you.”

Do you always want to kiss women who aim rifles at you?” she asked curiously.

No, you’re the only one,” he said. “Though if the truth be known, women seldom greet me with weaponry.”

I’m glad to hear that.” She studied her hand. “Two fingers left for listing relationships, and those remaining are deeply implausible.”

But these are the most interesting possibilities!” he exclaimed.

“‘Interesting’ doesn’t mean good.” She ticked her ring finger. “We could have an affair. That will not happen for any number of reasons, most of which you can imagine.”

Which leaves another possibility,” he said, his voice soft.

She closed her hand into a fist. “You can’t possibly be interested in marriage! You scarcely know me.”

That’s true, as is the reverse. If we get to know each other better, one or both of us might decide we’d never suit.”



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Mary Jo Putney is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written over 60 novels and novellas. A ten-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won the honor twice and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. In 2013 she was awarded the RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. Though most of her books have been historical romance, she has also published contemporary romances, historical fantasy, and young adult paranormal historicals. She lives in Maryland with her nearest and dearest, both two and four footed. Visit her at maryjoputney.com.


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Review:Mary Jo Putney is one of my favorite authors of regency era romances. In some ways it reminded me a bit of the most recent Stephanie Laurens novel I read. 

One of those reasons I say that is that because this book really had an adventure type feel and the romance really seemed to take a back burner. The only thing different between this book and the Laurens was this one was much more readable, and a normal length.

Athena is not your typical heroine. She's a tall and because of her upbringing much different from the average young lady of the time. (It would have been nice if Ms. Putney would have stopped telling us about how tall Athena was though. It was something that seemed to be remarked upon on every page, and it got old.) Athena's mother was an aristocrat that was wild and was pretty much a courtesan, called Lady Whore.

There was a great chemistry between Athena and Will. Will had to be the sweetest hero ever. But the best chemistry in this book had to be between Sofia and Will's best friend, Justin Ballard. I found their love affair to be more of what I'd expect from a romance.

Athena and Will had more tension. (I wouldn't say conflict). Athena was more concerned about how her illegitimate background would affect her life if she returned to England, as Will was a Lord.

Athena and Will work to get San Gabriel back on its feet and they fight to protect the small island country from French bandits trying to take it over.

I loved how Sofia was involved with getting Athena and Will together at the end, when he was injured.

It was a great read!

Rating: 4 stars



Mary Jo will be awarding a print copy of Once a Soldier (US/Canada only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.


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Thursday, July 14, 2016

Goddess Fish Promotions: A Simple Vow



A Simple Vow
by Charlotte Hubbard

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GENRE: Inspirational Romance ( Amish)

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BLURB:


Housed in a rustic red barn, the Simple Gifts crafts shop celebrates the talents of the Amish of Willow Ridge—and the faith that inspires them. For the acceptance of simplicity opens the path to love.

As far as Edith Riehl is concerned, the baby twins thrust suddenly into her arms are a heaven-sent gift. Unable to conceive, she longs to be a mother with a home of her own. She’s going to abide by her promise to handsome Asa Detweiler to take care of them while he looks for their real father. And even if her domineering dat Cornelius refuses to countenance Asa’s suit, she can only pray the bachelor’s honesty and persistence will uncover the truth—even as he’s kindled an impossible hope for a love of her own…

Asa can’t understand why anyone would think he would be so dishonorable as to father babies and then abandon them. He’s determined to clear his name—but Edith’s caring ways also inspire him to help heal her wounded spirit and earn her trust. In the face of heartbreaking deception, he and Edith must find the strength to understand, forgive…and claim their own hearts’ joy.



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EXCERPT:


As the middle-aged deacon put on his hat and strode toward the county highway, his two daughters shook their heads. “Dat doesn’t spend much time at weddings since our mamm passed on,” Rosalyn explained. “And Edith did get herself into quite a pickle this morning.”

Jah, we were ready to walk over here for church,” Loretta continued, “when we found her with a baby in each arm, telling us a mighty peculiar story about how their dat had dropped them off because their mamm had died—”

And meanwhile he was accusing another fellow of being the babies’ father,” Rosalyn added in an embarrassed whisper. “So it seems we’re to look after these two helpless wee ones until their dat returns.”

If he does—whichever man it is,” Loretta added with an exasperated shrug. “It’s another one of those long stories best left for another time.”

Oh, my,” Nora murmured as the folks around her began to whisper among themselves. “I was wondering why I didn’t see Edith sitting with you. She was so excited about helping at the wedding dinner.”

The little twins’ dinner—and dirty diapers—were a more immediate concern,” Loretta replied wryly. “We can’t fault Edith for her soft heart, but we’re wondering if she’s gotten herself into the middle of a messy situation. I’m sure Dat’s going to ask her some hard questions, and maybe insist that she return the babies to Will—the fellow who brought them here.”

It doesn’t help that Will was once engaged to Loretta, or that Dat made them break it off,” Rosalyn explained, smiling ruefully at her sister.

Sounds like a matter we need to hold up in prayer, for all of you Riehls and those babies, too,” Bishop Tom remarked. “The ladies here in town will help with clothes and supplies, so don’t hesitate to let us know what ya need.”

Tom and the Riehl sisters made their way outside. The other guests, eager to get to the Grill N Skillet, congratulated Nora and Luke in a steady stream that soon cleared the house. As her husband closed the door and clasped her hand, Nora chuckled. “Seems there’s more to our new neighbors than meets the eye,” she said. “The Riehl sisters are such nice girls—and they’ve mentioned that they make several different craft items, which I’d like to sell in my store. Apparently that Will fellow trusts them to look after his little twins.”

He’s probably so overwhelmed by the prospect of caring for them that he doesn’t know what else to do,” Luke replied. “If you had twins and then passed on, I’d be—well, I’m not sure I’d survive, Nora. You’re everything to me.”

Oh, Luke.” Nora stopped in the middle of the road to caress the brown beard he’d been growing since they’d married five months ago. The hitch in his voice had tugged hard at her heartstrings. “I’m healthy as a horse, and I plan to be pestering you for a long, long time. All right?”

I sure hope so.” A grin lit up his handsome face and he kissed her quickly. “Although I’m enjoying this extended visit with our family, I’m looking forward to when the relatives head back to Pennsylvania so we have the house to ourselves again. Hear what I’m saying?”

Nora felt heat prickle her cheeks as she smiled up at him. “Loud and clear, Mr. Hooley.”


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Review: I love Charlotte Hubbard. I think I've read almost all of her books. A Simple Vow is the first book in the Simple Gifts series. Its a bit of a continuation of her last series Seasons of the Heart, but this type of series is one where all the books are stand alone novels, you just get to revisit characters you've met before.

In this book Edith finds herself taking care of twins. The reason they are in her care is really bizarre and it starts the mystery that carries through the whole novel. That's part of why I love Charlotte's books, there's always a little more going on that meets the eye.

There are so many wonderful characters here, some new, and some that you've met before if you've read her previous book. This story felt like coming home to me because her stories make you feel like you are visiting with relatives and friends.

If you are fan of Amish fiction you really need to give Charlotte's books a try. You won't regret it.

RATING: 5 stars


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while she was still a school librarian—Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. This launched her into writing around seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. Over the course of her writing career, she has sold nearly 50 books—most recently, Amish romance series she’s written as Charlotte Hubbard or Naomi King.
Charlotte lived in Missouri for most of her life, so her Amish stories are set in imaginary Missouri towns. These days she lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Ramona.

WEBSITE www.CharlotteHubbard.com

Facebook www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

Click on these links to buy this book now!

Amazon.com •• Barnes & Noble •• The Book Depository •• B-A-M •• Chapters •• IndieBound •• Powell’s •• Kensington Books
Ebook: • Kindle •• Nook •• Kobo •• iBooks •• Google Play •• Kensington


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Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Goddess Fish Promotions Blurb Blitz: Friend of the Devil


Friend of the Devil
by Mark Spivak

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GENRE: Thriller

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BLURB:


In 1990 some critics believe that America’s most celebrated chef, Joseph Soderini di Avenzano, sold his soul to the Devil to achieve culinary greatness. Whether he is actually Bocuse or Beelzebub, Avenzano is approaching the 25th anniversary of his glittering Palm Beach restaurant, Chateau de la Mer, patterned after the Michelin-starred palaces of Europe.

Journalist David Fox arrives in Palm Beach to interview the chef for a story on the restaurant’s silver jubilee. He quickly becomes involved with Chateau de la Mer’s hostess, unwittingly transforming himself into a romantic rival of Avenzano. The chef invites Fox to winter in Florida and write his authorized biography. David gradually becomes sucked into the restaurant’s vortex: shipments of cocaine coming up from the Caribbean; the Mafia connections and unexplained murder of the chef’s original partner; the chef’s ravenous ex-wives, swirling in the background like a hidden coven. As his lover plots the demise of the chef, Fox tries to sort out hallucination and reality while Avenzano treats him like a feline’s catnip-stuffed toy.

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Excerpt:

He stepped down from the womb of the 727 onto the stubby metal stairway and descended slowly onto the asphalt of the old Palm Beach Airport, like a child sticking a toe into a hot bath.

The first thing he noticed was the light. By the time he reached the tarmac, it hurt his eyes. It was opaque and shining, milky white and brilliant.

As his feet touched the bottom, a coffee-colored hand plucked the bag from his grasp.

Mr. Fox?” The teeth were almost as bright as the light reflecting against the pavement.

Guilty.”

Welcome to Palm Beach. West Palm, to be precise.” The voice was cool and melodious, with a Jamaican lilt. “We gladly cross the river to welcome our distinguished guests and ferry them to the other shore.” He extended his hand toward the terminal, smiling broadly. “Come, sir. Your chariot awaits.”

The woman stood next to the limousine, sticking out of the asphalt like an exotic tree. She wore a black leather jacket, and a short, black leather skirt, cut on the bias to give her a schoolgirl look. She was smirking.

She has gorgeous skin, was his first thought, smooth enough to lick. Then there was her hair: jet black, cropped short, spiked liberally with mousse, standing straight up as if from an electrical charge. I am so beautiful that I can mutilate my hair and you will still crave me, she seemed to say. I can masquerade as Elvis Costello and you will still crawl across the runway to worship me.





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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Mark Spivak is an award-winning writer specializing in wine, spirits, food, restaurants and culinary travel. He was the wine writer for the Palm Beach Post from 1994-1999, and was honored by the Academy of Wine Communications for excellence in wine coverage “in a graceful and approachable style.” Since 2001 has been the Wine and Spirits Editor for the Palm Beach Media Group; his running commentary on the world of food, wine and spirits is available at the Global Gourmet blog on www.palmbeachillustrated.com. He is the holder of the Certificate and Advanced diplomas from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Mark’s work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Robb Report, Men’s Journal, Art & Antiques, the Continental and Ritz-Carlton magazines, Arizona Highways and Newsmax. He is the author of Iconic Spirits: An Intoxicating History (Lyons Press, 2012) and Moonshine Nation: The Art of Creating Cornbread in a Bottle (Lyons Press, 2014). His first novel, Friend of the Devil, is published by Black Opal Books.
Website: http://www.markspivakbooks.com




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