Semi Short chic: May 2015

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Book Blitz: No Better Man by Sara Richardson

About NO BETTER MAN
A Daring Proposition
When it comes to business, Avery King always comes out on top. So after a very public breakup, work is the perfect excuse to flee the Windy City for the gentle breezes of Aspen, Colorado. Her mission: acquire the land of a rundown mountain ranch. Avery expects an easy win . . . until she meets the rugged and irresistible rancher who won't give up his property without a fight. Bryce Walker is stunned by the stubborn beauty determined to get what she wants. But what she wants is his last connection to the life he used to have. Bryce has plans to return the ranch to its former glory and no way will he sell his family home. Yet the more time he spends with Avery, the more her sweet touch makes him forget his painful memories. Now Bryce must decide whether living in the past is worth losing his future . . .

About Sara Richardson
Sara Richardson grew up chasing adventure in Colorado's rugged mountains. She's climbed to the top of a 14,000-foot peak at midnight, swam through Class IV rapids, completed her wilderness first-aid certification, and spent seven days at a time tromping through the wilderness with a thirty-pound backpack strapped to her shoulders.
Eventually, Sara did the responsible thing and got an education in writing and journalism. After a brief stint in the corporate writing world, she stopped ignoring the voices in her head and started writing fiction. Now, she uses her experience as a mountain adventure guide to write stories that incorporate adventure with romance. Still indulging her adventurous spirit, Sara lives and plays in Colorado with her saint of a husband and two young sons.

Sara’s SM
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9862176.Sara_Richardson
http://facebook.com/sararichardsonbooks
http://www.sararichardson.net/
@SaraR_Books

And now for a quick excerpt:

“Are you listening to me?” She leaned over the console between them and got in his face, close enough that he could smell oranges, that he could trace the sexy curve of her upper lip with his tongue if he’d wanted to.

“Have you heard anything I’ve said?”

The throb started again, deep in his chest, invading his body until it occupied all of him.

“Seriously, Bryce this is—”

Screw it. He cupped his hand around the back of her head and roughly brought her lips to his, totally unprepared for the impact it would have. Shock waves coursed through him, unleashing a craving stronger than he’d ever felt.

Avery squeaked in surprise but he didn’t let up. Need thundered through him and it was a helluva lot louder than the logic he’d spent the last several hours beating into his thick skull. Her lips were soft and moist and everything he’d hungered for during the last three lonely years. He gentled a hand up into her hair. It felt like silk against his skin.

A small moan purred in her throat and her upper body relaxed, lips melding to his in a pulsating heat. She ran her hands up his chest, and that was all he needed. He bent forward, halfway over the console, gathering her closer, kissing her harder, deeper. If it wasn’t for that console, he’d pull her right into his lap…

“Wow. Just…wow,” she whispered against his lips.

He answered by parting her lips with his tongue. There. That’d take care of her chatting problem.

Avery gasped a sharp intake of air, her chest rising against his.

Taking it as an invitation, he commanded her with his lips, opening and closing them in a sensual rhythm. A dull ache resounded in his chest. God, he’d forgotten the depth of a kiss…

He shifted to get a better angle, more access, but that console…

She pulled back with a small smile, lips grazing his in a tease, then she pressed in again and proved that she could make out as well as she could talk.

A scratching sound scraped the window. Moose whined, then barked.

Great timing, as usual.

Buy links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QoauCo
B&N: http://bit.ly/1RedhQ6
iBooks: http://apple.co/1DSWZ4F
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1FQhyVB
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Eil2ux
BAM: http://bit.ly/1H07asU
Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1IPsfbJ

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Schedule of posts:

5/25
Southern Yankee Book Reviews
Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/26
Mary Gramlich Blogging Along With
Spotlight and Excerpt
5/26
Long and Short Reviews
Top 5 List
5/27
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
Spotlight and Excerpt
5/27
Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Review and giveaway
5/27
BookHounds Spotlight and Excerpt
5/27
Manga Maniac Cafe Spotlight and Excerpt
5/27
Rakes of Romance Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/27
abigail books addiction
Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/28
The Window Seat on a Rainy Day
Spotlight and Excerpt
5/28
Reading Between the Wines Book Club
Top 5 List
5/28
Rakes of Romance Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/28
Kaisy Daisy's Corner Spotlight and Excerpt
5/29
Life With Two Boys Review and giveaway
5/29
The Book Nuts Review and giveaway
5/29
A Bluestocking's Place
Spotlight and Excerpt
5/29
Nose Stuck in a Book Spotlight and Excerpt
5/29
Mary Gramlich Blogging Along With
Spotlight and Excerpt
5/29
MrsLeifsTwoFangsAboutIt Book Reviews
Review and giveaway
5/29
Acting Balanced Spotlight and Excerpt
5/29
Okie Dreams Book Reviews
Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/30
Babs Book Bistro Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/30
Read@Book Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/30
Semi Short Chic Spotlight and Excerpt, Review and giveaway
5/30
This Wacky Momma reads!
Review and giveaway
5/30
Sexy Book Reviews Review and giveaway
5/30
Romance Junkies Spotlight and Excerpt

Friday, May 29, 2015

Book Blitz: Somewhere With You by Britney King

Title: Somewhere With You

Author: Britney King

Book Blitz: May 27-29

Hosted by: SBB Promotions

This is the tale of first and last loves. And those that come in between…

Jack Harrison is a relentless overachiever who leaves little in the way of compromise. A businessman to the core—he’s hell-bent on being at the top of the food chain. After all, no one can trip you up if you’re on top, as he likes to say. The problem for Jack is there’s only one thing that continually trips him up—and that’s her.

Amelie Rose, with a name like poetry and a heart of gold, as her father always said, is a free-spirited photographer who has managed to land a job at one of the top travel magazines in the world. This is both a blessing and a curse since Amelie never stays in one place for long and has refused to commit to anything—ever.

It might seem to the casual observer that these two have almost nothing in common. But fate would disagree. The story chronicles Jack and Amelie’s lives from childhood into adulthood, beginning when they meet as then eight- and ten-year-olds at summer camp specifically designed for children who’ve lost too much.

As fate steps in, and that first summer seals the deal, they come to depend on each other in ways neither of them expected, with each summer bringing them closer than the last. As they come to terms with life and loss, with hanging on and letting go, they’ll teach each other that some bonds are meant to last. Together, they will travel the world, meeting in various places where they’ll come together, and fall apart, all the while struggling to discern if the other could possibly be the one.

This unlikely love story takes us on an adventure where two people come of age, fall in and out of love, and question the role timing plays in it all.

Their story is proof that neither time nor distance—perhaps not even death—can destroy what love creates.

So it seems the only question left to ask is whether love is enough?

My Dearest Jack,

If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably just had your heartbroken for the first time. Or at least it feels that way, anyway. But I want you to remember, son, that this isn’t the first time (nor will it likely be the last) that you’ve felt this way. You’ve been through so much already, and if you’re reading my letter, then obviously, you’ve survived thus far. And while it may not feel like it just now, you’ll survive this, too.

There are so many things I want to tell you about love, Jack. Oh, how I wish I were there to tell you this in person, to hug you, and hold your hand. Though,I’m guessing at this age, you might not like hand holding so much anymore. I try to picture you, what you look like now, where you are as you’re reading this, and it brings me so much joy to think of you all grown up. I looked in on you tonight as I’ve done every night since the day you were born, and as I watched you sleep, I pictured the man you’ll become. It’s hard not to feel a little bit bitter knowing I won’t be there to see it all. Oddly enough, though, it is with that sentiment that I want to tell you about love. If you are reading this and your heart is broken, you are lucky, Jack. I want you to pause a moment and let that really sink in. You are so damned lucky. Feeling this way, it means that you are living and more importantly—that you are loving. You cannot know how lucky you are to love until you’ve felt the immense pain of having to let that love go. It is a part of life. And as I am learning, it is also a part of death. Do not waste it. Do not play small. Lick your wounds, but then get back out there. Love harder next time. Most people don’t do that, you see. They get hurt once, and they hide behind it. They use it to excuse themselves into living guarded lives, never quite feeling the passion, the love that they are capable of. But not you, son. Don’t make that mistake. And I hope that if you consider taking that route, you’ll think of me and you’ll feel my love and know that even though I may have lost my battle, that I didn’t go down without a fight.

Neither will you, my love.

Neither will you.

I love you always,

Mom

P.S. Tips for healing a broken heart: time, above all else (don’t worry, you won’t feel this way forever), ice cream, and meaningful work. Now is the time to start a new project, Jack. Try something new, throw yourself into it, and let yourself get lost in it. You’ll come out all right in the end. You always have.

For those of you who prefer it straight up, no chaser: Mama to five. Writer. Juggler extraordinaire. That just about covers it...

The extended version and in third person no less ;): Britney is married to a man she adores (when he isn't driving her crazy) and is the mother of FIVE pretty amazing kids, who (surprise!) also have a habit of driving her crazy. Her best guess is that it's genetic. She is the author of two novels, Bedrock and Breaking Bedrock, with plans to release a third and fourth in 2014. In addition, she founded a local network for women in 2012, which has grown to over 1200 members. Currently, she occupies a job she enjoys--serving and running Austin Women's Network. To further prove that she may in fact be certifiably insane, she decided to pursue her dreams and published her debut novel in May of 2013. Then and only then, could she consider her training to be an expert (life) juggler complete.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Book Tour: Ara by B R Eddy

Ara
by B.R. Eddy
Release Date: Fall 2014
339 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Ara Vertrees is an advisor to the King in Jimalia, a thriving island nation in the middle of a vast ocean. Her macaws are trained to fly home to the palace to repeat confidential information. When their messages become more and more troubling, she finds herself in the middle of a crisis she never expected. Ara's story is full of adventure, friendship, mystery, love and loss. Join Ara and her companions as they fight pirates, uncover deception, find love and fight for Jimalia.

Buy Links:

Print Edition ★ Kindle Edition

About the Author

My name is Brit and I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My work with animals brought macaws into my life. They frightened me, moved me, hurt me, loved me and made me grow. I hope that my novel will help people understand these birds better! They are breathtaking and intelligent, but do not make good pets for most families. They require a lot of space and attention, can be very destructive and can easily outlive you. They can be incredible companions to the right people. Please keep all these things in mind when considering a macaw as a pet!"

Author Links:

photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png

Now check out this beautiful excerpt!!!

The next day they were supposed to be on their way to Rivan’s home island, Bastal, but by high noon the Prestige was still idling in Port Lira.

He watched from Tannos’ stall as passengers tried to argue with the captain about being let off the ship for lunch, but Mr. Lowery stepped between them and his captain to inform them bluntly that no passengers were disembarking and as soon as the Queen and her entourage were aboard they were shoving off.

A tow was already in place when valets were deployed to expedite the Queen from the council house. Rivan leaned on the stall door and closed his eyes, smiling. The sea breeze was glorious and kind. The sounds of the water lapping against the creaking hull and busy bay market were like home. He rubbed Tannos’ ear, he was eager to visit Bastal. He wondered if their time there would be shortened due to this delay.

Rivan watched the bustle for another hour or so before a six bellow carriage finally brought the Queen and her ladies. He stood attentively as they passed by, but only Rosalie glanced his way.

The mate boomed orders and sailors jumped to action, climbing the shrouds and untying from the dock. Someone waved a flag at the tow, whose rowers jumped up from their card circle to take the benches. The Prestige was hauled slowly but surely out of International Bay where she leaned south towards Bastal.

The enormous island was already in sight low in the distance. Bastal was the largest island in Jimalia. Most of Jimalia’s local food was grown there in huge fields. It was also the best place to find the hornless female bellows. Since the scent of them drove bucks wild, it was considered incredibly thoughtless to house female bellows anywhere near a neighbor’s stable. So it was in Bastal where the farms were well spread apart that the bellows were bred.

The Prestige was just too late to pull into port as the sun set over the ocean. The anchor was dropped off the coast and lanterns were strung up all over the ship. Sailors with dampened cloths sprinkled the rigging among the lanterns, presumably to act in the event of a lantern breaking or somehow catching fire to line or canvas. A fire could spread quickly and, if not addressed immediately, engulf an entire wooden ship such as the Prestige. Rivan wondered what she looked like from the beach, all lit up like a floating festival. The musicians were brought out on deck along with banquet tables and supper was served. The passengers, all dressed in their evening formal wear, mingled on the decks. Rivan decided to duck into the vacant stall to pull down his chest and change into his sailor’s livery. He could at least somewhat match the scenery. He kept near the stalls all night, staying attentive to the animals and cleaning up after them regularly so as not to offend anyone eating or drinking with the stench of animal waste.

He got a rare close up peek into the lives of those born to fortune. The dainty foods and crisp cloaks were foreign to him. He thought it must become tiresome, constantly concerning oneself with appearances, but he had to admit to himself that they looked great. He wouldn’t mind owning at least one nice pair of slacks and a tailored coat so he could get around certain wings of the palace without feeling like a derelict.

Lady Ara was there, lovely as ever. Although she was dressed as finely as the rest that evening, her hair was free from ribbons and tight curls which seemed so fashionable these days. It rested long and wavy over her shoulders and yielded gently to the wind. He wasn’t positive, but he thought he caught a glance at her bare feet under her long skirts, already sun kissed by the voyage. Somehow he couldn’t describe her as rebellious. Her behavior, which would be almost shocking from anyone else, seemed completely natural and fitting. As he was staring, her big blue parrot peeked one eye awkwardly over the roof of the stalls upon which he perched.

GIVEAWAY:

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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Book Tour: November Sky by Dannielle Wicks

November Sky (Hardest Mistakes #2)
by Dannielle Wicks
Release Date: 05/19/15
Limitless Publishing

Summary from Goodreads:

A heartbreaking loss.
A love that transcends mortality.
A struggle between holding on and letting go…
KRISTIAN REED is only seventeen years old when his girlfriend, JESSICA SCOTT, dies in a tragic accident. Devastated and burdened with guilt, he finds it impossible to move on.
Six years later, he’s not doing any better. He’s accepted a prestigious internship at a big city news station, but he’s still losing himself in alcohol and women to numb his pain.
Jessica might be dead, but she’s not gone—at least not anymore…
She is pulled from Purgatory, and thanks to the presence of a personal memento, Kristian can see and feel her. But how can the ghost of his first love expect to be a part of his future?
BAILEY NICHOLS is assertive and annoying, but something draws her and Kristian together. Her brother hates him, but Bailey is used to getting what she wants. She knows the pain of losing people you love, and she’s determined to break through Kristian’s emotional wall and prove they belong together.
Jessica is caught between worlds. She can’t let go of Kristian, but she’s not meant to be here, and her lingering is threatening everyone and everything around her as she begins to lose herself to the darkness.

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Book One: Fading Away

(linked to Goodreads)
Buy Links:
Amazon│Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Dannielle Wicks currently lives in the town of Kingaroy, Queensland in Australia. She is a TV show nerd and lover of cars. She’s always had a love for writing, even in school. She used to hide her writing notebook inside her textbooks just so the teacher wouldn’t notice what she was up to. She loves reading, especially paranormal romance. When she’s not writing or working, she competes in Speedway Sedan Racing across the state.

All of the books in the HARDEST MISTAKES series are based on a different main character, so you don't really need to read them in order, although all the characters link back to each other in some way...
(P.S. if you ever reference any of my books or myself on a social media site, be sure to use the ‪#‎HardestMistakes‬ hashtag or @DWicksAuthor)

Author Links:

Now check this out!

Book Playlist

Let Her Go – Jasmine Thompson
Until The End – Quitedrive
Ghost – Ella Henderson
Ever After – Marianas Trench
Uneven Odds – Sleeping At Last
Dead In The Water – Ellie Goulding
Sing It Out – Switchfoot
Latch – Kodaline
Ghost Lights – Woodkid
Forever and Always – Parachute
You and I – Paper Route
I Wont Give Up – Jason Mraz
The Memory – Mayday Parade
Not About Angels – Birdy
We Might Fall – Ryan Star
All Of Me – John Legend
Another Love – Tom Odell
Sunrise – Our Last Night
You Are Enough – Sleeping At Last

(All of the songs on my playlists are available on iTunes)

AND A SNIPPET!
I narrow my eyes. “Stop calling me that.”

“Never.” She laughs, doing her best to sound evil. The wet strands of her hair flop in front of her face. Without thinking, I reach out and brush them off her cheek. She goes completely still, her eyes wide as she gazes up at me.

I only just stop myself from backing away like a coward.

Before I can over-think it, I lean in and kiss her. She’s stunned at first, and then her lips come to life under mine. She’s so soft and warm. Her arms wrap around my neck, bringing her closer.

I pull away slowly, holding her bright blue gaze. I feel as if I can’t breathe, my hands are shaking. I don’t know what I was expecting, but that definitely wasn’t it. The kiss was short and quick, but it was different. I swallow and take a step back, turning my face away from her.

“I…”

She presses her finger to my lips, silencing me.

“Don’t, Kristian. You’ll ruin it.” She watches me for a moment longer and then takes a slow step back before spinning around and dashing away into the dark rain.
GIVEAWAY:

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Monday, May 25, 2015

Book Tour: Flintlock by Ashley Nixon

I'm thrilled to be bringing back this amazing author! Her first book in the Cutlass Trilogy was absolutely loved by our followers and we know that this book will be to! So first lets get to know a bit more about this Author:

Ashley was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren't used as much as she'd like. She has a Bachelor's in English Writing and a Master's in Library Science and Information Technology. When she's not writing she's either working out or pretending she's Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she's loved everything Fantasy--resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the 'geek' tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.

Links to social media:

Website

http://ashley-nixon.com

GoodReads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5199530.Ashley_Nixon Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ashleynixonauthor

Twitter

https://twitter.com/AshleymNixon

Blog

http://ashley-nixon.blogspot.com

Flintlock is the second book in the Cutlass Trilogy. It continues Barren and his crew's story.

Barren Reed hopes to protect the Orient from his tyrant uncle, but his plans to make the King’s life a living hell aren’t supported by the Elders of the pirate community. As it stands, Barren has earned the Elders’ disdain for his carelessness, and they threaten him into exile if he makes one more mistake.

Barren’s not the only one feeling the Elders’ wrath—they don’t trust Larkin either. Worse, Barren can’t comprehend Larkin’s wish to have a relationship with her father, and the secrets she’s forced to keep create a tension that may pull them apart forever.

When the Pirates of Silver Crest begin to die, bullets laced with dark magic are to blame. With more and more of these weapons infiltrating the Underground, discovering who’s behind the dissemination is no easy feat. As fear and tension mount among the people of the Orient, Barren and his crew find themselves in a race against time to stop the spread of dark magic before the world of Mariana spirals into collapse.

Links to where book is sold:

Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/Flintlock-Cutlass-Ashley-Nixon-ebook/dp/B00XTH3XMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432517931&sr=8-1&keywords=flintlock+by+ashley+nixon

Amazon Paperback:

http://www.amazon.com/Flintlock-Cutlass-Ashley-Nixon/dp/0991132335/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432517931&sr=8-2&keywords=flintlock+by+ashley+nixon

Amazon UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flintlock-Cutlass-Ashley-Nixon/dp/0991132335/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432518012&sr=8-2&keywords=flintlock+by+ashley+nixon

I reviewed Cutlass too, if you'd like to see. (*SPOILERS* It got 5 starts!)
EEEEK!!! Ashley Nixon did it again! Sequels can be torture, sometimes. Sadly, I've read many that fall flat, and leave me wishing I'd never read it, because the first was so good, and now it's tainted by a crappy sequel, BUT NOT THIS ONE!!! I absolutely love the growth that the main characters have achieved, and there are so many fabulous twists that MAKE SENSE!!! I still have about a chapter to go, so even if I wanted to post a spoiler I can't, but still... WOW! I highly recommend this book!

For the main character casting, I have to recommend you go check out the first list that Ashley Nixon came up with. I'm slightly biased, but seriously, go it out HERE! It's got Barren, Larkin, Cove, and William! Though these are some awesome images, you might like to see of the main folks.

First up, this fabulous dress that Larkin gets to wear:>>>>>>>>

And this perfect example of Cove's ambassador uniform:

<<<<<<<<

Then, there's Sara Rosamund, a much more prominent character in Flintlock. She's Cove's love interest. Picture her as this stunning lady...

>>>

but in this GORGEOUS out fit.

<<<

Em is up next--the assassin who once sailed with Barren's father. She's only ever been one person in Ashley's mind and that's Michelle Pfeiffer: >>>

Then, the new girl-on-scene is Aethea Moore. She's fierce, angry, and sorta evil. She could easily be played by Gemma Arterton:

<<<

Next, Ashley found this guy--I guess his name is Mario Blanco, but this pic conveys the creepiness of Prince Datherious Reed.
>>>

This picture reminded Ashley of Leaf, what do you think? Personally, it's crazy perfect!!!

And this really conveyed the 'spirit' of the Elves of Aurum--ya know, basic butt kickers:

And BECAUSE there is a FABULOUS masquerade in Flintlock of course Ashley sent us these fantastic pictures of inspiration!

And NOW a SNIPPET read by Ashley Nixon herself!!!