Saturday, May 10, 2014

Blog Tour: Break Free by Amber Garza - Excerpt, Review & Giveaway




Break Free

Amber Garza

Contemporary Romance
April 18, 2014

Amazon



Jade Mathews is on the run. Running from an addiction that almost destroyed her, and a man who wants her dead.

Kyler James is a writer, a recluse locked in a prison of his own making.

When Jade and Kyler meet they find solace in one another and start to heal. Until Jade stumbles upon Kyler’s latest manuscript and is shocked to find that it is her story. One he couldn’t know. Jade fears she’s trusted the wrong person once again, and this time it may be her undoing.

Is the past destined to destroy them or will they finally break free?


Excerpt
“Good thing you’re not a vampire,” I said in a shaky voice. Even though I was trying to act nonchalant on the outside, nothing inside of me felt calm at all. Not with him standing this close. “Between the nosebleed and me cutting my hand open, you would have so bitten my neck by now.”
He froze, his gaze dropping to my neck. With his free hand, he reached up and touched it gingerly as if by my mere mention of it, I had made it impossible not to. My pulse throbbed, and I sucked in a breath.
A nervous laugh escaped. “Is this the part of the story where you tell me I’ve figured out your secret and that you are indeed a vampire?”
“No, this is the part of the story where I tell you that I would never bite you. I would never hurt you at all.” His fingers ran along my neckline, at the trail of bruises Heath had left. I was immobilized, unable to move and hardly able to breathe. When he drew his hand away, I finally exhaled.

My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Break Free manages to be both heart-wrenching and heart-warming in one story.The very first scene is truly disturbing, as are all of Jade's flashbacks. I liked the message in this story, the strength Jade shows when she finally decides to stand up for herself and change her life.
Jade is running from an abusive relationship and a meth addiction. She's truly an amazing character. To recover from one or the other would be extremely difficult, and yet she has to deal with both. Fortune smiles on her when she finds shelter in Kyler's barn. Over time she begins to learn to trust again. Unfortunately for Jade, she discovers she may have trusted the wrong man.
Kyler is also suffering. He is a loner, a recluse in his farmhouse. A writer by trade, Kyler convinces Jade to stay with him and be his assistant. Frankly he comes across almost too good to be true. He's so sweet and understanding to Jade. The reason becomes clear at the end, but you'll have to read it yourself to find out.
Jade was an easy character to like. From the moment she was introduced, I wanted to give her a place to stay and protect her from the abuse she'd experienced. Kyler also was wonderful. He seemed to always know just how to treat Jade to make her feel safe in his presence. I appreciated how the story ended, found it quite satisfying.

About the Author

Writer of romantic fiction. Singer. Reader. Wife. Mother. Wine enthusiast. Candy addict. Lover of Jesus.

Links-










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Book Blast: I'm With You by Taylor Dean - Giveaway

I'm with youI'm With You
Taylor Dean

Can three little words irrevocably change your life? When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever. She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged. Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby. One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time. I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.

Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief. The emotions are real, and sometimes dark. If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.





 


Praise for I'M WITH YOU:

Taylor Dean creates a beautiful story of loss, grief, and love.
~Jana (Book Reviewer)

Chloe’s story of grief, growth and healing is poignant and had me wanting to shed tears one moment, and then smiling as hope took root and bloomed in her heart.
~Charissa of Joy in the Moments

It's amazing how these tragic moments in our lives shape our futures, and this wonderful grandson of Ms. Dean's gave her the strength, courage and words to let others know about grief as well as Trisomy 18.
~Katherine (Book Reviewer)

Excerpt from I'm With You:

Jack turned and looked at her, his eyes wet with tears. “I’m sorry you had to go through it alone.”

“If I could have, maybe I would’ve left too. I didn’t have that option. I don’t blame Mark, I really don’t. Who wouldn’t want to escape? It was a horrific experience.”

“I don’t think it was,” Jack stated quietly.

Startled by his words, Chloe said, “Excuse me?”

“I don’t believe you.”

Chloe felt surprised by his perceptiveness. Her breath caught in her throat as she said, “You’re right. Losing him was horrific. But the experience was one of the most precious times of my life. I’ve never felt so full of love for another individual. It consumed me. I loved him with an intensity I’ve never felt before. He’s the greatest blessing I’ve ever received in my life and I don’t regret a single moment. Maybe I never actually heard him speak, but he said more to me in his short life than anyone has ever said to me in my lifetime. He spoke to my heart in ways that are unfathomable. He changed me and left an imprint on my life that I will never forget. He taught me the true meaning of love and what it’s like to love someone else more than yourself.”

Jack shook his head, fighting emotion. “I can see that, I can feel that. This room is a testament to that love. I can feel your overwhelming love for your child just by glancing in here. That’s how strong it is.”

“Not everyone would agree with you. Mark hates this room. It represents loss to him.”

Jack took a step closer, his eyes blazing. “It represents love, completely unselfish love that few people in this world will ever understand or experience. I’m amazed by you, Chloe.”


A word about I'm With You:

Baby loss is a difficult subject. The accompanying grief is complicated and heartbreaking. In December of 2011, my daughter lost a baby at eight months gestation to Trisomy 18. If you don't know what that is, I didn't either, until it happened to us. (You will learn all about this devastating condition during the course of the book.) I'm With You is a romance novel that includes my daughter's Trisomy 18 story. I knew I wanted to write about the experience one day, but it took me awhile to emotionally prepare myself to actually do it. It has been highly therapeutic. My daughter granted me permission to share her Trisomy 18 story with the hope that it will help others who are dealing with baby loss grief. There is a song written for and dedicated to the families of Trisomy 18 and 13 babies. It is beautiful and deeply expresses the love parents feel for these special babies.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep




Taylor DeanAuthor Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you'll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in her line-up.







book blast buttonBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/31/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Friday, May 9, 2014

Book Spotlight: Worth the Effort by Kai Strand - Excerpt & Giveaway

Worth the Effort ~ Ella's Story
Kai Strand

Ella Jones is a coward. There is a teen boy living in the alley behind her work and she is terrified of him.

Desperate to leave behind the stereotypical and judgmental world she was raised in, Ella forces herself to make a true connection with seventeen-year-old Ayden Worth. As their friendship grows Ayden’s quiet, gentle ways teach her true courage.

But there’s more to Ayden’s story than Ella knows. When their worlds collide in the most unexpected place, Ella feels betrayed. Will she find the courage to learn who Ayden really is, or will she determine he’s not worth the effort?




Excerpt:

I jog from the parking lot to the back door of the restaurant the next morning, heart pumping, panting, but not out of fear this time. I had a difficult time waking up, and I don’t want to be late.
I shove the key into the lock.
“Ella.”
I jump and squeal. Ayden is standing next to me, looking like he just woke up. He’s wearing a black hooded sweatshirt under his green army jacket. He must have washed it because I would have smelled him. He’s standing so close.
“Ayden. When did you get here?”
My question catches him by surprise. He cocks his head and opens his mouth, but I cut him off.
“I’m sorry, I can’t talk today. I’m late.”
He nods. All expression erased from his face.
“You’re on break from school, right?” he asks.
Turning the key, I frown at his unexpected question and nod.
“What time do you get off work?”
I pause with the door open. He’s never asked anything like that before, and it kick-starts this crazy emotion inside me. Excitement maybe?
“Ten.”
His smile is almost shy and very playful. “Coffee?”
I can’t help myself. I laugh. “You buying?”
He laughs too. “Uh…”
“I’m kidding. I’ll bring some with me. Where should I meet you?”
“How about the library?”
“It’s a date.” I say with a grin. The spark in his eyes fans that strange emotion, making me laugh again. “Now I’m really late.”
Inside, I slide the deadbolt back into place and pause long enough to press my palm against the door, picturing Ayden on the other side. A sense of rightness fills me. I whisper, “I have a date with a homeless boy.”



About the author:

When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.


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Thursday, May 8, 2014

V-Log Tour: My Clarity by M. Clarke



Check out the Tour Page >>HERE<< for more chances to win!

Welcome to day two on the My Clarity V-Log Tour! 



My Clarity
By: M. Clarke (Mary Ting)
Available May 12, 2014 for ONLY $.99!!

** This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**

Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she had imagined.

Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.

An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love—will it be enough?





May 8th - Video Two







You could win a Kindle Paperwhite, or a $100 Gift Card to either Amazon or B&N! Winner's choice!

2nd place winner will win a beautiful bracelet made by Mary Ting/M. Clarke herself!

If you are international you will automatically win a $100 gift card.

Make sure to check back every day! New entries will be added daily!

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Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.



Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Instagram † Pinterest 



Mary Ting is also a featured author at Chapter by Chapter Book Rave happening in NY on September 20th! 100+ authors will be signing! There will be YA BOWLING, BILLIARDS PARTY, and more!



Tickets available today! www.cbcevent.com



Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Blog Tour: Broken Arrows by Chelsey Butler - Review & Giveaway



Broken Arrows
The Cupid Chronicles #1

Chelsey Butler

Adult Fantasy Romance
February 6, 2014
174 pages



Cari Harris lives what should be a charmed life. She owns a quaint bed and breakfast in a charming southern town, is surrounded by loving friends and family, and possesses magical powers. Most of the residents in Fable, GA, are descended from mythical creatures straight out of fairy tales, and Cari is no exception. As a descendent of Cupid, she has the ability to see when two people are soul mates and the power to make sure they fall in love. However, this power is sometimes more of a curse than a blessing, because Cari is also the town screw up.

While hosting a murder mystery weekend at her inn, she tries to match a young couple and makes a huge mistake. Now she must fix her mistake before the guests leave at the end of the weekend, all while making a bigger mess of things along the way, in her typical fashion.


As if Cari didn’t have enough to worry about already, her old boyfriend just moved back to town. Years ago, she forced herself to stop thinking about Mike, but now that he’s back, there is no avoiding him. It’s a small town and she keeps running in to him, no matter how much she hopes to avoid it. When she stumbles across some unexpected secrets, and Mike helps her with her current matchmaking dilemma, all of her feelings from the past come flooding back.

My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Broken Arrows is a cute, fun fantasy story with adorable, quirky characters. It takes place in a small town called Fable, GA in which most residents are descended from supernatural beings such as elves, fairies, and even Cupid. The story just flies by, and I was done before I knew it. My only real beef was that I didn't want it to end.

Cari is a direct descendant of Cupid and can see a couple's auras when they are soul mates and ready to be together. She crafts all sorts of love potions in order to help the process along. Running an inn, she has lots of folks coming and going and that keeps her pretty busy. Unfortunately she's a bit clumsy when it comes to her Cupid duties. It makes for some funny scenes and Cari's utter mortification.

I really liked the characters in this novel. Best friend Roxy is descended from the Tooth Fairy and works as a dentist. Roxy is a really fun character and I'd love to learn more about her. Old flame Mike I'm not so sure about yet. We never get the complete story about what went wrong in the past with Cari. 

Like I said earlier, my major disappointment was that it seemed to end to abruptly. I know this is part of a series, but so many questions were left unanswered. It was a bit frustrating. That said, I think this will be an interesting series to read. I can't wait to read more about all of the interesting characters residing in Fable. Broken Arrows is a lighthearted, quick fantasy with just a touch of romance, some intentional, some accidental. All in all it was quite enjoyable.

About the Author

Chelsey Butler was born and raised near Fort Worth, Texas. She still lives in north Texas with her husband and four daughters, but she rebels against the Texan stereotype. She loves God, her family, and all things involving books, and is a self-proclaimed nerd, a history buff, and vintage enthusiast. She also writes young adult fantasy under the name S.G. Tillery. Chelsey loves hearing from her fans and encourages them to find her on Facebook.
  









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$10 Gift Card (INT)
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This tour was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Harlequin Presents Project Reveal - Giveaway




The Chatsfield

* Harlequin, has launched The Chatsfield, a “first of its kind” digital series from Mills & Boon on 6th May.

* Set in the luxury hotel “The Chatsfield”, this digital series provides an extra journey for the reader to continue engaging with the characters of a book and series beyond what is just on the page, thereby extending the life of the story.

* The Chatsfield is a digital journey that blends fiction and reality and comes across multiple mediums including print (The Chatsfield Presents books), video (YouTube), digital (blogs and the main Chatsfield website) and social (twitter, Facebook).

To be a part of the digital journey, you can explore here:
The Chatsfield opened its doors on 6th May at www.thechatsfield.com

Other important links:

Hashtags

#TheChatsfield – wherever possible

Trailer: This is the trailer for the Chatsfield webisodes, called The Loedown: http://youtu.be/1AEBSteF1Mc

Coming May 2014

Sheikh’s Scandal

Lucy Monroe

Sheikh Sayed of Zeena Sarha and his harem of beautiful women are staying at the exclusive, opulent Chatsfield Hotel, London, for the last stop on his worldwide tour before his wedding. But when his engagement is unceremoniously broken, Sayed sets his sights on his sexy chambermaid! 
Liyah Amari only took the position as chambermaid to find the truth about her birth father. But her search ends in heartache, leaving Liyah vulnerable to this powerful Sheikh's desires. Now their one night of passion could result in a scandalous consequence for the proud Sheikh! 
Welcome to The Chatsfield, London!


Coming June 2014
Playboy’s Lesson
Melanie Milburne

Lucca Chatsfield has one simple motto: no rings, no strings. Adored wherever he goes, he has yet to meet a woman who can resist him. Until he's sent to the small principality of Preitalle and meets his greatest challenge ever…. 
Poised and polished, princess Charlotte does not do drama. The very last person she needs interfering in her life is this reckless playboy! Lottie is determined to resist Lucca's seduction, but his charm is potent, and practically perfect Lottie finds herself risking everything for just one more touch….









Coming July 2014

Socialite's Gamble

Michelle Condor

As the darling of London's party scene, Cara Chatsfield isn't surprised when her father's CEO sends her to Las Vegas to host The Chatsfield's world-famous poker tournament. And if behind the glitz and glamour there's a girl hurt by her past? She'll never tell.  
Aidan Kelly detests women like Cara, but when his biggest rival includes Cara in the stakes, Aidan must win—and not just for her protection! But getting to know the stunning socialite, he discovers a beautiful, vulnerable young woman awoken by his own personal brand of passion!  
Welcome to The Chatsfield, Las Vegas!


About the Authors
Lucy Monroe
Award-winning and bestselling author Lucy Monroe lives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, surrounded by a plethora of pets and children (her own, the neighbors, her sisters…). She finds inspiration for her stories everywhere as she is an avid people-watcher. So much so that she disconcerted her husband upon first meeting him when she watched the other dancers as much as she watched him. He thought she wasn't interested…silly man.
She believes there is no stronger emotion than love; that it truly can overcome pain, past rejection and the challenge of finding happiness despite the hardest things life has to offer. She believes in the victorious conclusions found in today's romance. To her, the passionately sensual romance novel is a beautiful expression of the reality of love, packaged in a fantasy readers can enjoy.
When she's not writing, Lucy likes to read—big surprise, that. She can't tell you the latest show going on television, but she loves romantic movies, action adventure and the theater. She adores her family, and is a smatterer when it comes to hobbies…a little of this, a little of that.
Since selling her first book to the Harlequin Presents line in September of 2002, she has sold more than thirty books to three publishers and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future.
Visit her web site to read about all of her books and see flash movies for select releases, including her Harlequin Presents title. She truly loves to hear from readers, and can be reached at lucymonroe@lucymonroe.com.
Melanie Milburne
It was while she was supposed to be studying for her final high school exams that Melanie Milburne read her first Mills & Boon novel. She was 17 and decided right then and there she would continue reading romance novels, and not only that, she would settle for no less than a tall dark handsome hero as her future husband. Well, she's not only still reading romance but writing it as well! And the tall dark handsome hero, you ask? She fell in love with him on the second date and was secretly engaged to him within six weeks.
They moved to Scotland so he could work and study for his M.D. in surgery, and two sons later, arrived in Hobart, Tasmania—the jewel in the Australian crown. Once their boys were safely at school, Melanie went back to university and upgraded her teaching qualifications to a bachelor's and then master's degree.
As part of her final assessment she conducted a tutorial in literary theory concentrating on the romance genre. She had the tutorial room decked out with hearts and champagne and roses and was standing at the front of the room reading a paragraph from the novel of a prominent Harlequin Mills & Boon author when the door suddenly burst open. The husband that she thought was safely tucked away in an operating theater doing what surgeons are supposed to do was actually standing there dressed in a tuxedo, his dark brown compelling gaze centered on her startled blue one. He strode purposefully across the room, hauled Melanie into his arms and kissed her deeply and passionately before setting her back down and leaving without a single word. The lecturer gave Melanie a High Distinction and her fellow students gave her jealous glares! You can see by now her pilgrimage into romance writing was more or less set!
As well as writing full-time, Melanie is also a keen athlete. She enjoys long-distance running and is a nationally ranked top-10 master's swimmer in Australia, holding several individual state records. She learned to swim as an adult, so for anyone out there who thinks they can't do something—you can! Her motto is "Don't say I can't; say I CAN TRY."
Melanie loves the pace and passion of the Harlequin Mills & Boon Presents series and hopes fans enjoy reading her stories as much as she loves writing them.
Michelle Conder
After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Michelle Conder took a variety of jobs before packing her bags and traveling and working overseas. When none of the career opportunities she encountered grabbed her she returned to Australia, and after more study decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.
Michelle now lives in Melbourne with her husband and three children; when she isn't writing, she loves to visit faraway places and spend time with her family and friends.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Evolution: Sage by S.A. Huchton



Evolution: Sage
The Evolution Series (#2)

S.A. Huchton

Adult Superhero Romance
Self Published
May 6, 2014
Edition/Formats: eBook & Print


Blurb/Synopsis:

Devastated by her choices, Candace Bristol is on the brink of losing it all: her mind, her hope, everything she thought she was.

But from the ruins rises new purpose. An enemy has emerged and it will take everything to combat this new threat. Broken as she is, picking up the pieces and carrying on might be the hardest battle to win, but it's either fight, or lose what little she has left.

Amongst the wreckage, hope still burns. The flicker of a flame kindles something within her she thought was dead.

Love can break you.

So, too, can it bring you back to life.

About the Author

A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. Her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread was released as a full cast audiobook podcast, becoming a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. After releasing short fiction of steampunk, noir fantasy, and other varieties, she released the first three books of the Sci-Fi Romance Endure series in 2013. All three books of the Evolution series will be released in 2014, as well as a Steampunk Fantasy novel, Master of Myth (the Antigone’s Wrath series, book 1), which was the first place winner of the Crested Butte Writers’ contest, The Sandy, in 2012.

When not writing, Starla trains three Minions, a black lab, and a military husband whilst designing book covers for independent authors and publishers at Designed by Starla.

Places to find Starla

Monday, May 5, 2014

Book Blast: Goddess Series Bundle Special by M.W. Muse - Giveaway




Goddess Series Bundle Special:
Books 1-4 in the Bestselling Teen Romance Series Plus a Bonus Story Special

Print Length: 842 pages
Publisher: Penning Princess
Publication Date:  April 7, 2014
ASIN: B00JK2JOZQ

*Get the first FOUR books in the #1 Bestselling Teen Romance series for one incredibly low price starting April 21, 2014! PLUS, a never before released bonus story as a special thank-you for all the readers who've expressed their love of this series! This limited time special includes the following:

Goddess Legacy: Legacy Kore believes she's just an average seventeen year old with your basic insane crush on the hottest guy in school, Adin Shepard, until she learns her mother is a Greek Goddess and that Legacy is changing into one, too! When Adin asks Legacy out on a date, she is thrilled her fantasy is becoming a reality, regardless of the Greek Goddess nonsense, but when she meets a new guy in town, River, she discovers everything isn't always as it seems, and the legacy she wants just might not be the legacy she is destined to have.

Goddess Secret: Legacy only thought she had this goddess thing under control. Well, as much as any other chick could have given the crazy circumstances. But when she learns the truth about her abilities, she is forced to keep a secret so powerful that she and the people closest to her could get hurt if it falls into the wrong hands.

Goddess Sacrifice: Legacy wouldn't let a little thing like changing into a goddess distract her from the joys of her senior year in high school, hanging with her friends, or getting closer to Adin. She's ready to take their relationship to the next level, regardless of any bonds they have with other people. But the prophecy is still there, lurking in the background. And while Legacy is wrapped up with living her life in the now, forces are at work solidifying her future.

Goddess Revenge: Hell hath no fury like a goddess scorned... at least that's the way Legacy sees it. Her dreams collide into a message she did not want to acknowledge, but the implication ignites within her hotter than the knowledge of the betrayal itself. The only thing to do to cure getting mad? Getting even. Legacy dives into a betrayal of her own making as she teaches her lesson. But can she deliver her punishment without loosing her true self in the process, or will the bitter feeling of keeping her enemy close backfire and propel her down a road she never dreamed she'd travel? One thing's for certain--revenge doesn't come without a price.

Goddess Dream (Bonus Special): Legacy's sacrifice hasn't gone unnoticed by others of her kind. Morpheus visits her, allowing her to relive a specific day with another outcome. It isn't real, but the reunion is just as sweet.


SPECIAL SALE PRICE OF $0.99 BEGINNING 
4/21 THROUGH 5/5

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * iTunes


About the Author


M.W. Muse is the bestselling author of the Goddess Series with book one, Goddess Legacy, reaching number one in Teen Romance. Her alter-ego, Mandy Harbin, is not only bestselling but award-winning, writing in adult genres for multiple publishers, but her love of younger stories made her seek a new outlet for those characters swimming around in her head. She still spends most of her time living in her other reality, but enjoys spending more time focusing on the younger side of love.

Website: www.mwmuse.com


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Tour Finale: The Weather Girl by Amy Vastine - Tour Links & Giveaway

To post this Grand Finale and add your Social Media to the Rafflecopter, 
email us at PrismBookTours(at)gmail.com with "April Showers GF" in the subject line.

A themed tour with Prism Book Tours

It's the GRAND FINALE for the April Showers Book Tour for
The Weather Girl
by Amy Vastine

Did you enjoy getting to know more about Summer and Travis and their story? 
If you missed any of the tour stops, you can go back and check them out now...

4/21 - Tour Launch - Interview
What do you hope readers will take with them when they read your book?
I hope people walk away with the idea that love doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice who you are for someone else. When you follow your heart and your dreams, everything else will fall into place.

4/22
Copywrite1985 - Weather Research
Summer tends to rattle off some pretty obscure weather facts when she’s nervous, so finding interesting tidbits took some time but made me a fan of Mother Nature. The photographs I saw while researching this story blew me away! From Texas hail the size of baseballs to lightning storms in Venezuela, there are some amazing stories out there.

“Summer Raines.” She left off her usual “pleasure to meet you.” She was madder than a wet hen but was determined to maintain her composure.

“Summer Raines, the weather girl,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s a good one. Who came up with that name?”

“My parents,” she replied flatly, turning her attention back to the suffering butterfly population. “And my title is meteorologist. Not weather girl.”

What would you have done differently if you were the main character of your book?
Well, I have to say I love football, so I probably would have been one of those people who were fawning all over Travis in the beginning. In the book, Summer is also into lots of extreme sports. She bungee jumps out of a hot-air balloon. I can tell you I would never in a million years jump out of a perfectly good hot-air balloon if I didn't have to. I hate the feeling that comes with free falling!

4/23
Mel's Shelves - Review
"This is a fun, clean read!...I haven't read a Harlequin in years, but this is now the second book I've read in the Harlequin Heartwarming line in the last couple of months and it won't be the last. I love this clean line of romances and look forward to reading more!"

The Bookish Fairy - Character Description: Summer
What I love about Summer is the amazing way her brain works. She has so much information in her head related to the weather, she can spout of facts at any given time. Of course, she sometimes sees it more as a curse than a blessing. Until Travis Lockwood comes to town. Travis is the first person to show some interest in what she has to say. No wonder she falls for him - who doesn’t love a guy who actually listens to you?
 
4/24
Kelly P's Blog - Interview
What are you working on right now?
I just submitted my second manuscript and am working on my third. These are two of three books I have been contracted to write for Harlequin Heartwarming . They're part of series set in Chicago about three sisters, who each find love in the most unexpected places. THE BETTER MAN is set for release in September. THE BETTER PLAN is scheduled for February 2015 and THE BETTER FIGHT is due sometime in fall of 2015.

"There sure are plenty of bumps along the way. Like I said before, I love Travis. He is the one that made this book great for me. This was a fun, romantic read. A kick back and relax sort of book."

Cherry Mischievous - Excerpt
“I don’t control the weather, I just predict it.” She turned her attention back to her monitor. Her soft-looking curls fell down like a curtain, shielding her face from him. He wanted to reach out and push them behind her ear so he could see those cheeks, those eyes. Her eyes really were amazing. They were big and blue like the Texas sky...

4/25
Brooke Blogs - Character Description: Travis
What I love about Travis is his pure heart. There isn’t a mean bone in this guy’s body. He’s been fortunate and lived a charmed life up until now but still has a wonderful humbleness about him. In fact, sometimes he can be darn right self-deprecating. But he’s strong physically and emotionally. Strong enough to make the tough choices when he needs to.

4/27
Tressa's Wishful Endings - Review
"Overall, this was pretty much a perfect romance. It's light and heavy in all the right places. There's tension and some sweet kisses and some difficult choices that these characters had to make. It all comes together in the end and left me with that happy-ever-after feeling that I love. I would definitely recommend it to romance lovers everywhere!"

"With clever characterization, relevant conflicts, and an ending that is adorable and absolutely perfect for the story, The Weather Girl is a sunny read for a rainy day. Harlequin Heartwarming at its finest!"

4/28
Kindle and Me - Excerpt
Summer sat up on her elbows. Just then, water shot out of the in-ground sprinkler, hitting her with a force she couldn’t have expected.

They both jumped up as the entire field came to life, showering the dried-up grass and the two friends with shockingly cold water. Travis protected his camera and ran for the track. The old groundskeeper shouted at the younger man, who must have accidentally turned the system on. He was now oblivious because of the music being pumped into his ears.

Instead of running, Summer stood in the middle of the field and laughed. Once she got used to it, the cool water felt nice. She lifted her arms and tilted her face up to the sky. She closed her eyes and spun around as if dancing in the rain like when she was little...

Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf - The Book Cover
Since this is an April showers book blog tour and rain makes me think of umbrellas, I thought it would be fun to talk about the cover of the book. First, you should know that Harlequin authors don’t have too much say in what their cover will look like. We provide information to the art department regarding characters, setting, and some key scenes. However, it is the talented group over there then takes that info and creates the cover art.

"She’s perky and driven. He’s broken and sexy. And there are not many writers that can pull off giving me heart fail and swelly hearts and steamy scenes without one ounce of sex in their story. Amy is one of those who can. She doesn’t need it either. The banter between these two is just one of the things I love about it. Their tender moments as they get to know each other are another."

4/29
"Naturally, this was the perfect story for me. I love a clean romance that tells the tale of how two people meet and their course to falling in love. It isn't easy; it isn't always pleasant; there can be a lot of misunderstandings and assumptions that stand in the way. Take this sweet romance and add weather and it's the perfect combination."

When they were alone and she had no menu to hide behind, Travis continued, with his dimples in full effect. “I think you’ve finally stopped hating me.”

“I never hated you. I tried to hate you, but you’re too likable.” He liked that answer. He liked that answer a lot. “I am, am I?” “Less and less by the minute.”

He wasn’t buying it. “Admit it. You like me.”

“I don’t know. You never return the things you borrow, you drive a pretentious car. The list of reasons not to like you goes on and on.”

“Your umbrella is sitting right by my front door. I never remember it because it hasn’t rained in weeks.”

“Don’t make me come get it,” she warned.

He laughed. “You arent as scary as you used to be, Weather Girl.”

The Written Adventure - Interview
1) What is your favorite thing about writing?
What I love most about writing is seeing an idea come to life. Sometimes the original idea is just this one scene or this one character that I love. To be able to take that one piece of the puzzle and put it all together into something rich and full is very satisfying.

4/30
The only thing I don’t like, that my heroine in The Weather Girl had the ability to predict thanks to a sort of sixth sense, is rain. I don’t really enjoy grey skies or wet, soggy grass. We have a dog who always finds the mud, no matter how hard we try to keep her away from it. And my weather girl may find tornados thrilling, but I only fear the damage they can do. I will admit that there are some very impressive pictures of tornados out there that I will happily look at from the safety of my computer.

“I should go inside,” Summer said for the twentieth time. She kept saying it, but never actually got out of the car. Not that he minded. He was waiting for the perfect moment to kiss her goodbye. He’d have to initiate this time, but he couldn’t help being smug that she had kissed him first, as he had predicted.

“Thanks for driving,” she said.

“You’re welcome.” He reached out and squeezed her hand, afraid they were getting close to really saying goodbye. His thumbs brushed the soft skin on the back of her hand as he tried to remind himself it would be wrong to kidnap her from her grandparents’ driveway.

“I should go,” she said again. He didn’t want her to go. He wanted to keep her forever...

5/1
The Wonderings of One Person - Top Ten Weather/Football Movies
I thought since the book is about a weather girl and a former football quarterback, it would be fun to share my list of the top ten weather-related/football movies with everyone. Maybe you’ll find something you can rent for next Friday night!

"This is such a sweet story of finding friendship that can turn to true love. Those are my favorite kinds of love stories. I enjoy when there is more to the relationship than the “insta” love. Travis and Summer connected as friends before they truly allowed themselves to be connected in a real relationship."

I Am A Reader - How Amy Became an Author
I have been dabbling in writing as a hobby for about nine years. It started as a way for me to organize my thoughts and daydreams. I am a dreamer. I can entertain myself for hours by telling myself stories in my head. Music inspires me and drives a lot of the plots in there.

5/2
Lola's Reviews - Review
"The Weather Girl is a sweet story and I really enjoyed it. Once I picked it up I didn’t want to stop reading, it was addictive and I just wanted to read more about the two awesome characters. Ir’s a sweet and heartwarming story about finding love and finding your dream."

Deal Sharing Aunt - Excerpt
“Summer, we love you,” Mimi said, taking hold of her hands. “We want you to be happy. Tell me this job with Ryan won’t make you happy.”

“It will and it won’t.” She couldn’t ignore the way her heart ached when she imagined telling Travis about the other job. It would have been hard enough to leave her grandparents, but Summer had to go and fall in love with a man who had broken down all of her walls so effortlessly.

“Any of this indecision have to do with that mighty fine looking man who’s walking your dog with Big D right now?”

Summer shrugged, unable to speak around the lump in her throat. Maybe it had more to do with Travis than she wanted to admit.


The Weather Girl
The Weather Girl
by Amy Vastine

Clean Adult Contemporary Romance
January 1st 2014 by Harlequin



Turbulence is in their forecast.

Summer Raines knows when it's going to rain. She can feel it. That's why the local weather girl's so good at her job. Too bad she couldn't have foreseen the tumultuous arrival of Travis Lockwood, everybody's favorite star NFL quarterback. Make that former star NFL quarterback. Sidelined back to Texas after an injury, the golden boy is trying to steal her precious on-air time. Summer is reduced to reporting from…football games. It's enough to make her quit and become a storm-chaser like her parents. She's stuck with a career that's going nowhere and a man who delights in her refusal to be charmed. Falling in love isn't nearly as easy as predicting the weather.



Amy VastineAmy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read.

In September of 2012, she saw a tweet about Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write contest. She entered, hoping for nothing more than a little feedback from some people in the business. Amazingly, The Weather Girl made it into the semi-finals, thanks to the many wonderful voters out there! The manuscript didn't make it to the finals, but the editors over Harlequin were still interested. A few revisions later and The Weather Girl was contacted for publication with Harlequin Heartwarming - a dream come true!

Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.

Tour-Wide Giveaway


- Grand Prize: $25 Amazon gift card, red umbrella, signed copy of THE WEATHER GIRL, umbrella bookmark, and decorative box (US Only)
- 5 ebooks of The Weather Girl (INT)
- April 21 - May 11

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