Books and Holidays Guest Post By Charlotte Foreman

Today I am so happy to welcome Charlotte Foreman from Best Chick Lit with her Books and Holidays Guest Post.

What Is The Perfect Holiday Read?

By Charlotte Foreman, BestChickLit

When embarking on a summer holiday, a good book is sure to be found in the majority of people’s suitcases. Some are chronic bookworms and will shoehorn acollection of the latest must-reads into their bag, while others display heroic levels of self-control by saving anovel they’ve been dying to read all year just for their trip.

Whatever the motivation, a holiday is universally known as a time to kick back, relax and, if you’re that way inclined, read bucket loads– whether you’re sunbathing on a mile-long stretch of white sand or slumming it in the wilderness. But, and for me this is a big but, is there a perfect genre of book to take with you? I realiseeveryone’s reading tastes differ massively but should holiday-goers forgo their day-to-day favourites in thequest for R and R reading perfection?

I’d say the most obvious choice of holiday reading material for most would be the big author summerbonkbuster. Filled with love, laughter and plenty of sex, the bonkbuster is pretty much guaranteed to give you, or your imagination at least, a good time while whittling away the hours. I’d also say, the same applies to romance reads and all the subgenres i.e. paranormal romance, historical romance, etc.

How about a good old-fashioned thriller or horror? These genres wouldn’t be my personal choice to unwind with (I am a total wimp, btw) but I know lots of people who consider an emotionally flawed detective on the trail of a twisted serial killer to be a good time. Could it be that slipping into a world so far away from the norm, even if it is rather gruesome, is what helps people let go of their everyday stresses and strains and thus makes for the perfect getaway genre?

Grouping together the Classics, I think these would also rank rather highly. Jane Eyre, Little Women, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet, everyone has read a classic piece of literature, no matter if by choice or through school/uni. People love to reminisce on past reads, especially if it helped them discover of love of reading, so why wouldn’t they use some free time to indulge in an old favourite?

I don’t know, I may be talking a load of old rubbish here, but I’ve always wondered what makes the perfect holiday read. Is it simply down to the traveller’s mood, location and companions? Is there a scientific formula that could answer my question? Or it is just the book? If it’s the latter, I know more than a few people who will take longer to decide which book(s) to pack than where to actually go on holiday!  

Twitter: @BestChickLit

My Sort of Kind of Hero by Emily Harper

Blog Tour: My Sort-of Kind-of Hero - Emily Harper + Kate Spade Giveaway!

 

Emily Harper is back! The popular chick lit author is bringing fans another of her quirky rom-coms in the form of My Sort-of Kind-of Hero. Celebrating the publication with a blog tour, Emily will be hitting some top book blogs for reviews, a couple of guest posts and a fabulous giveaway, including a Kate Spade organiser! 

 

What they say: 

'Etty Lawrence is a bestselling romance author. At least− she would be if she could just get someone to read her books. Apparently, Amazon doesn’t consider the 500 books purchased by your mother to be ‘bestseller’ material.

When Etty’s given some simple advice from a friend − write what you know − she takes it to heart. But she’s never been in love before, and she doesn’t really have time to fall in love and write a novel at the same time. So, she convinces her slightly unwilling lifelong friend, Travis, to let her follow him around and witness real love, first hand. A third person memoir, if you will. Travis is the perfect hero for her story: he’s funny, smart, and good looking; only there’s one problem. He says all the wrong things. Does any girl really want to talk about the NHL trades? And his jokes would make a kindergarten class roll their eyes.

But the worst part is, Travis’s dates laugh at his corny jokes; the jokes he told Etty first. They touch his sweater; the sweater Etty bought him. And the way these women swoon and gush over him…they obviously aren’t leading lady material.

Now Etty has to take this love thing into her own hands if she has any hope of writing a bestseller that people other than her mother will buy.'

What I Say: 

I would like to thank Charlotte at BestChickLit, CandleLit Tours and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When we first meet Etty she is at a coffee shop working on her latest historical romance offering, but she is suffering from writers block and things go from bad to worse at a book signing when no one wants to buy her books.

Her friend advises that she should write about something that she knows about, Etty hits on the idea to write about someone falling in love like on a reality TV show.  Etty convinces Travis to help her out but using a favour he owes her from long ago.

Unfortunately, Etty isn’t too keen on any of Travis’s dates and really does show him up on one of them, as she is jealous.  In a lot of ways Etty is immature and all though her heart is in the right place goes over the top in the things she does.

Travis for his part is gorgeous and I could see from page one that he adored Etty, even if she couldn’t see it herself.

All in all this is fun lighthearted take on romance and worth reading, I would recommend to anyone who likes chicklit.

4 out of 5 stars

Click Here To Buy This Book - UK

Click Here To Buy This Book - US

About The Author

 

Emily Harper has a passion for writing humorous romance stories where the heroine is not your typical damsel in distress.  Throughout her novels you will find love, laughter, and the unexpected!

Originally from England,  she currently lives in Canada with her wonderful husband, beautiful daughter, mischievous son,  and a very naughty dog.

Emily is also the author of the funny and charming novels White Lies and Checking Inn.

 

Follow Emily

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

***GIVEAWAY***

1st Prize Kate Spade Organiser, Batman Lego Keychain and signed paperbacks of My Sort-of Kind-of Hero, White Lies and Checking Inn

2nd Prize

Signed paperback of My Sort-of Kind-of Hero

3rd Prize E-copy of my Sort-of Kind-of Hero

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Giveaway is international. Emily Harper and CandleLit Author Services reserve the right to cancel or amend giveaway details at anytime and without prior notification.

Cover Reveal The Deal

Title: The Deal(#1)

Author: Z. Elizabeth

Genre: Erotic Romance

Release Date: December 1, 2014

What They Say:

One feud. Two families. One secret. What happens when you fall for the enemy? 

Thanks to their fathers' feud, Nicole and Craig have been enemies since the moment they were born. But six years ago they fell in love... They just never told each other.

Motivated by their grandparents' money, they agree to a simple deal: Stay married for a year and unravel the secrets and lies surrounding their fathers. Bound together, they must figure out why the two former best friends have spent the last thirty years ignoring one another and prohibited any contact between Nicole and Craig.

Craig is more than happy to uncover their fathers' past if it means he gets Nicole for real.

Nicole wants to keep the past exactly where it is and she will fight Craig every step of the way.

With only limited time together, delving into their family history could be the mistake that will break both their hearts.

What happens when secrets and lies are revealed? Can Nicole and Craig live their Happily Ever After after waiting six long years to be together? Or will one secret be enough to break them apart, just like their fathers?

'I'm doing this for us, Nic' 

*THE DEAL is suitable for 17+ due to graphic sex scenes and language*

*This is a STANDALONE novel. Book two is a companion novel.

Excerpt

Craig has me backed against the wall, his hands either side of my head and his face is within inches of mine. I can feel his hot breath spurt on my face and his eyes are burning with anger. He look like he wants to punch everything in sight. Okay, so maybe I went a bit too far, but fuck him. I wanted a reaction from him and I sure as hell got one.                 

I plaster myself to the wall. I know he would never touch me in a million years, but something primal is in front of me and between being scared of Craig, I am getting turned on by this too. We have yet to have angry make-up sex and right now, as much as I want my bath, sex would not go amiss.                 

“Are you trying to fuck me up, Nic? Trying to turn me into a jealous fucker because I damn well am right now.” He spits out. His eyes are all over my face, from my lips to my eyes to my lips again. “I nearly punched the shit out of your little work buddy earlier. You fucking LEFT ME in bed this morning after our fight last night and then I see you all fucking happy as Larry with dickwad. Do you know how that made me feel?                

I shake my head and go to push him off me, but that only spurs him on and his body becomes flush with mine. I have to bite back a groan at the contact. He wraps his hands in my hair and brings my face even closer to his. I can literally taste the beer on his lips and all I want to do is taste it on his tongue. But I need to stand my ground and not let him get one over on me.               

  “Well maybe you should stop trying to dig into the past, Craig, leave it the fuck alone. I've already told you I feel fucking bad for this morning but you're a big boy, you should have learned how to set an alarm by now.” I bite back, “And I didn't bring Jamie along to make you jealous, you wanker, I brought him along to meet you all. But no, you turned it into a pissing contest. I am no ones okay? I am not yours so calm your fucking jealousy.”                 

He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. He unravels one hand from my hair and punches the wall next to me. I jump at the thud his fist makes and he falls forward, his face resting on my shoulder. I stand still, wondering what he is doing and I feel him wrap both hands around my waist. My hands are still idle at my waist, not wanting to touch him.               

“Nic, you are mine. No matter what the hell happens. You. Are. Mine.” He murmurs into my ear and plants a kiss on my neck.

“Yeah, yours for 8ish more months.” I say and feel him shake his head and tighten his grip on me.                  

“No.” is all I hear from him. His words are confusing me and unless he cannot count how long we have left, he's going insane.   

“Yes.”                

 “No.” and with that he lifts himself back up and slams his lips onto mine. I falter back into the wall and Craig moves with me. His lips are hard and rough against my own and I try to keep up his pace. I wrap my arms around his neck, wanting to be closer to him, needing him closer. Our tongues are battling against each other, I can taste the beer and a moan escapes from the back of my throat. I feel Craig's hands move down towards my arse and one hand grabs a cheek while the other grips my thigh and he hoists me up so my legs are wrapped around his waist. He pushes up further into the wall, so he can hold me in place and I can mould myself to his body; all the while our lips never parting. His kisses are like my next breath. I crave them all day and when I do get them upon mine, its like everything is put into place, I can breathe and let out everything I have been holding in all day.                  

Craig moans into my mouth when I take over dominance and bite his lip, sucking it between my teeth before running my tongue to sooth it. My hands pull at his hair, his hands are gripping my arse and I am writhing against him. I can feel him pulsating through his jeans and I can feel the hardness of his dick pushing into my own jeans and each time I move it causes friction for both of us and guttural groans escape us both.                 

Craig rips his mouth from mine and begins to attack my neck. He bites, sucks, licks and all I can do is roll my head to the side to grant him more access while I purr with need and want for this man in front of me.                

 “Craig, I need you to fuck me.” I whisper while he's biting my pressure point. I swallow hard and suddenly we are on the move towards the bedroom. His lips don't leave my neck until he throws me down on the bed and right there, that very second I can see just how jealous and angry and pissed off my husband is, but I can also see the passion and the need and want for me, and fucking too right, I am going to be another statistic to prove just how fucking awesome angry make-up sex is.  

About The Author

 Z. Elizabeth is a debut author who grew up in Wales, UK and wishes she knew how to speak fluent Welsh. Bore da (Good morning), Wedi Bleno (tired) and Ydw (yes) just don't cut it.

Reading has always been a part of her life since she was a young kid and writing came quickly after she discovered her love for studying English Language and writing fiction. Since graduating with a degree in BA Journalism, writing is embedded into her everyday working and personal life. At 15, she finished a full length novel and thought nothing of it until now. The Deal is loosely based upon that story and it's one that she is hugely proud of writing and re-writing and re-writing...

When she isn't slaving away at her day job, you can find her daydreaming about her book boyfriends, reading the next hot book out or binge eating with her friends, continually shocking them with the filth that flies out of her mouth. 

Z. Elizabeth hopes that her characters end up on your book boyfriend/girlfriend lists and her book ends up on your favourite list, maybe even your bookshelf.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Avian by Nicole Conway

Title: Avian (The Dragonrider Chronicles #2)

Publication date: August 26, 2014

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Author: Nicole Conway

What They Say:

What kind of power is lurking inside him?

After a year of training to become a dragonrider, Jaevid Broadfeather has been sent home to rest during a three-month interlude. But when he returns to find the king drake has chosen Beckah Derrick as his new rider, Jaevid realizes something big is about to happen. Every fiber of his being is pushed to the breaking point as Jaevid battles through his avian year, preparing for the final graduation test of the battle scenario. But there is more standing in his way than a few pushups and fancy sword moves.

Jaevid must face a new fear as he is tormented by a gruesome nightmare of a mysterious gray elf warrior murdering the royal family of Maldobar. It seems obvious to him that this is some kind of message about how the war started long ago—until Felix assures him the king is very much alive. With his strange powers growing stronger by the day, and that violent dream replaying in his mind every night, Jaevid no longer wonders if he will pass his avian year or not . . . he wonders if he will even survive it.

The truth will soon be set loose.

Interview with the Author

Hi Nicole

Welcome to Comet Babe’s Books.

Can you tell us about Avian (The Dragonrider Chronicles #2)?

Avian is officially my favorite thing I’ve ever written. It was a blast from beginning to finish. I just hope my readers enjoy it as much as I did. It follows the second year of Jaevid’s training to become a dragonrider for the king’s army. He’s put through more intensive training, and tested to the very limits of his sanity. But beyond that, the readers will see him beginning to transform from a scared child into a war-hardened soldier ready to face the ugliness of war. They’ll also learn more about his friends, who are going through some interesting changes of their own. There are sad moments, frightening moments, tender moments, and hilarious ones, too. This book has a lot to offer, and I can only hope the last one in the series will be as great a pleasure to work on.

The Dragonrider Chronicles are aimed at children, but many young adults/adults are reading these books. Does that make you happy?

Of course! If people are enjoying these books, I’m happy—regardless of their age! I’d only ask my older readers to remember that this is a series written for children and “younger” young adults, so naturally I’m going to omit material that isn’t appropriate or unnecessary.

Can you tell us your inspiration behind the books?

My husband and his career as a fighter pilot were my inspiration. I already had the concept in mind, I was just looking for a unique approach to it. So by melding some of his experiences and the strong bonds of brotherhood I saw forming between these young men who go through pilot training, I found the inspiration I needed to make this series special.

Would you consider writing a fantasy book for adults?

Oh, definitely. I plan on it, actually. I’ve already begun drafting a novel more geared towards adults. That’s not to say that it will be filled with graphic violence and sexual content – that’s just not my style.

Can you share a sneak peak at what you're working on at the moment?

I’ve got four different books in the works right now, but I’ll share some about two of them. . .

Firstly, I am working on the last novel in The Dragonrider Chronicles, which will be titled TRAITOR. I’m on chapter 4 (I think?) and already I can tell you that this book is going to push me to my limits. It’s definitely an epic finish. All the strands, some of which have remained less obvious than others, will be tied together in a final battle that will decide the fate of Maldobar and Luntharda. Can Jaevid really save both kingdoms from destroying each other? We’ll soon find out!

Secondly, since you already asked about adult fantasy novels, I’ll tell you some about that one. The story revolves around a young man named Jon’Dhular on a quest to save himself from a terrible fate. Having lived his whole life in the icy mountains with the rest of his kin – a race of “Nordic” mountains elves called Ulfkai – he knows little of the world beyond the frozen forests of the north. But his journey to cure himself of a magical curse that is sure to claim his life will take him far from his homeland and into a battle between sorcerers.

Have you ever heard a strange/different story that you thought would be great in a book? 

Oh yeah. Totally. I’m determined to do a story someday that revolves around the whole Mothman incident in West Virginia. That is just far too interesting to pass up!

Do you have a favourite place you like to write and why?

We have a picnic table on our screened in back porch, overlooking the backyard. That’s become my writing sanctuary lately, since I’ve got too much stuff piled on my desk now to spread out all my materials. And it’s nice to be outside, anyway. I like to watch our dog running around chasing dragonflies.

What inspired you to take up writing?

My mother homeschooled me until I was in the 6thgrade, and she always emphasized the importance of learning to write. She also made a point to read to me every single day, so I grew up with a love for books. Hearing those stories is what inspired me to create worlds and characters of my own.

Do you like it quiet when you're writing or do you need background noise?(music or TV) 

I must have background noise. I usually listen to music – the same songs over and over again without realizing it. It drives my husband nuts if he can hear it. He’ll finally get to where he can’t take it anymore and comes over to inform me I’ve been listening to “It’s Gonna Be Me” by *NSYNC for the past hour. Whoops!

Non book questions

Favourite holiday place?

Chattanooga, Tennessee is my favorite place to go. I love the mountains, and that has got to be one of the most beautiful places in America. There’s a wonderful bed and breakfast there where we like to stay when we visit, and so many delicious local restaurants!

Favourite food?

That’s a tough one because I love to eat, and I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to trying new cuisines. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten was while my husband and I were on vacation in Asia, we stopped to see some friends who are stationed in South Korea, and had kimchi fries at a place called Vatos Urban Tacos. They. Were. Amazing!!

What kind of music do you listen to?

All kinds! When I’m writing, I like listening to old pop or rock music from my high school days, or movie soundtracks. I’m a pretty big Maroon 5 fan, I guess. I usually like their songs. But I also like Breaking Benjamin, Jennifer Lopez, Van Halen, Skillet, . . . you get the idea. My musical tastes are all over the place.

Favourite film?

The 5th Element. Don’t even get me started on all the reasons I LOVE that movie. I’ve probably watched it a hundred times, and it never gets old!

Favourite Chocolate?

I’m not actually a chocolate fan. I like salty snacks, rather than sweets. But if I have to pick, dark chocolate is okay.

Favourite drink?

Oolong Tea! Or coffee.

Thanks Nicole for taking the time to chat.

Jo xx

ABOUT NICOLE CONWAY:

Nicole is the author of the children’s fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, about a young boy’s journey into manhood as he trains to become a dragonrider. She has completed the first two books in the series, and is now working on the third and final book.

Originally from a small town in North Alabama, Nicole moves frequently due to her husband’s career as a pilot for the United States Air Force. She received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Classics from Auburn University, and will soon attend graduate school.

She has previously worked as a freelance and graphic artist for promotional companies, but has now embraced writing as a full-time occupation.

Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves watching children’s movies and collecting books. She lives at home with her husband, two cats, and dog.

Author Links:  Website | Twitter | Facebook

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21525968-avian?ac=1

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD |IndieBound | iBooks

Giveaway Information:  Winner will be drawn September 26, 2014

·         Four (4) winners will receive a digital copy of Avian by Nicole Conway (INT)

·         One (1) winner will receive a digital copy of Avian by Nicole Conway AND a $10 Amazon Gift Card or B&N Gift Card – Winner’s Choice (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Mill River Redemption by Darcie Chan

What They Say:

Two estranged sisters. Their mother’s final wish. A life-changing discovery. A captivating tale of family, love and forgiveness, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy and Erica James.

Having unexpectedly lost her husband and lacking the means to support herself, Josie DiSanti and her two daughters take refuge in the small town of Mill River, to live with Josie's aunt, Ivy. The sisters, Rose and Emily, are inseparable growing up - until a shocking tragedy tears them apart.

Years later, Rose and Emily return to Mill River for the reading of their mother's will, where they learn that Josie would do anything to force their reconciliation: the sisters must move into neighbouring houses for the summer and work together to locate the key to Josie's safe deposit box, which contains their inheritance. And so, left with no choice, Rose and Emily reluctantly begin their search. But in a place known for its magic and miracles, little do they know that an even greater treasure awaits them . . .

What I Say:

I would like to thank Clara from Little Brown Book Company for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When Clara asked me to review this book I was unaware there was a previous book, that never took anything away from The Mill River Redemption but I would love to read the first one to.  This could be read as a standalone or as a follow up to The Mill River Recluse.

When we first meet Josie in 1983, she is travelling to Mill River with her Aunty Ivy who she hardly knows, in the prologue there is a hint at the tragedy surrounding Josie’s husband Tony.

Skip forward 30 years and it is Josie’s funeral, Darcie hints that Rose and Emily are no longer on speaking terms and even at the funeral stand at different ends of a room.

As part of Josie’s will, Rose and Emily need to move to Mill River and  work together to find a key to a safety deposit box in order for them to receive their inheritance, this isn’t easy when you have fallen out with someone.

I loved how the chapters skipped between 1983 and 2013, this kept the story flowing with Darcie weaving a story that has you glued from page one, teasing you and only hinting at what was to come.  I loved how she had Rose and Emily working side by side even though they didn't want to.

There are so many wonderful characters in this book and I hope to read more about them, I have read there will be a third Mill River book and I can't wait to read it.

The book is heart-warming read that really does keep you interested to the last page.

5 out of 5 stars

About The Author

Darcie Chan is the New York Times bestselling author of The Mill River Recluse. Her second novel, The Mill River Redemption, is also set in the fictional town of Mill River. Darcie has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, andThe Wall Street Journal. She writes fiction full-time and lives just north of New York City with her husband and son.

Follow her on twitter @DarcieChan

The Star Catcher by Stephanie Keyes

What They Say:

Magick and destiny intertwine as he fights to save his kingdom and the goddess he loves.

Her kiss…the feel of her skin…the beat of her heart…For seventeen-year-old Kellen St. James, each memory is marred by a single sentence on a lone strip of paper.

Cali has been taken…

Armed with an amulet that channels the ultimate power of Faerie, Kellen searches for his love. However, control of the amulet’s energy comes with a price, and Kellen soon learns that Cali’s captor has plans for the stone. With the threat of the Star Catcher’s evil looming above Kellen and his kingdom, he’ll have to free the Heart of Faerie and break the curse the binds the Children of Danu to the darkness. But before that, he has to find his real father, the king. No pressure, right?

Kellen and Cali will battle bewitched armies and unknown foes as they fight to stay together. Will Kellen embrace his immortal destiny? Or will his world, and the man he is fated to become, be destroyed by The Star Catcher?

What I Say

I would like thank LAHE for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review (at least I think it was LAHE who sent this to me).

Cover!

I love all the covers in this series, this one is just as gorgeous. 

Book!

Having read the 1st two books I couldn't wait to read this one too.

I love this series of books and I'm sad that it has ended or has it?

In this book we see the story from Kellens, Cali's and Gabe's point of view and this added another brilliant aspect to the story, I think Gabe is brilliant.

There's so much happens in this book but it is all told brilliantly and ties in with being told from the different POV's.

We also have new characters, some evil and some good, I love Gabe's new love interest Singer.

Stephanie had me guessing how things would turn out and would Kellen finally find his really father and complete his destiny, I really wasn't disappointed with the ending as I have been with so many other books.

5 out of 5 stars

About The Author

Stephanie Keyes grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and spent years traveling and working as a Corporate Trainer before she made the decision to pen her first novel. 

As a teen, her family always accused her of having an “overactive imagination.” Now, she’s encouraged to keep her head in the clouds and share her world with readers. 

  

Still a resident of the ‘Burgh, Steph is now Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible rockstar of a husband. She is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), as well as a featured author for Love a Happy Ending Lifestyle e-magazine.

Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child, After Faerie, The Fallen Stars, and The Star Catcher, all from by Inkspell Publishing. The Fallen Stars was a 2013 semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Awards. The Star Child has topped the Amazon best-seller list several times since its 2012 release. Steph writes YA novels because she’s a hopeless romantic who lives to believe that Magick truly does exist. She is hard at work on a new YA novel.

Website: www.stephaniekeyes.com 

Facebook:www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Keye...