Friday, October 30, 2015

Friday Freebie



Since everyone is showing off their spooky books this weekend, I thought I'd be different and highlight a free historical romance today!  It's The Captain of Her Heart by Anita Stansfield.

Here's the back copy:

The year is 1777. As the brooding mists of war settle over a stark American battlefield, Captain Ritcherd Buchanan yearns for his native England—and for Kyrah Payne, the woman he loves. Wounded and disheartened, he eventually returns home, only to have Kyrah torn cruelly away from him and deported for a crime she didn’t commit. Desperate to bring her home, he joins a band of privateers and finds himself embracing the American patriot cause—a cause he’d once sworn to defeat.

All alone in a country at war, Kyrah becomes a victim of the breach between her own impoverished circumstances and the aristocratic upbringing of the man she loves. They had been best friends and confidants for more than half her life, but now she wonders if Ritcherd will ever be able to find her—or if he’ll even try. And she fears that the chasm between their worlds can never be bridged.

A powerful and deeply moving saga, its intricate plot expertly woven and guaranteed to keep any reader turning its pages. The only disappointment is that the book ends!

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Last Days of Spooktacular Giveaway!

Just a heads up that the Spooktacular Giveaway ends at midnight tomorrow so don't forget to enter! 

I am giving away a Booklovers Bounty Gift Pack which is:

One extra large Julie Coulter Bellon tote bag 
Filled to the brim with:

three awesome print books,
one super soft new blanket to cuddle up with
and gourmet hot chocolate for those cool autumn nights.
($85 value)

Everything a book lover needs to start the season!

So, if you're feeling lucky and could use some awesome prizes, click here

(Come on, you know you want to! It's so easy!)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Great Book Deals And A Chance To Win $200 In Christmas Cash!


Every book featured below is on sale for .99 cents AND
you can enter to win $200 in Christmas Cash!
(Just scroll all the way down to enter!)
Now you can get all the books on your book lovers list and maybe a little bit of book money for yourself. Win/win for everyone!


Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology

Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

Amazon * iTunes * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Kobo * Goodreads


Ring Around the Rosie by Julie Coulter Bellon

As the ex-wife of a law enforcement officer, Sarah Reed has known loneliness and loss. In order to cope, she makes a life for herself that's full of routine while building a wall of ice around her heart. Everything about her is as predictable as she can make it until a tiny detour for her ex-husband, Ron, changes her life forever. Caught in a bomb crisis, Sarah is taken hostage by a man who wants Ron and everyone around him to suffer---and his idea of suffering is more terrible than Sarah had ever dreamed.

Captain Ron Reed has seen the worst of humanity in his job with the Hostage Negotiation Team, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance---literally. Aaron Starks, a criminal explosives expert, has stolen next-gen bomb technology. He uses it to force Ron to bargain for the lives of his team and his ex-wife, Sarah, the woman he still loves. But the situation escalates when Ron discovers that Starks has an even bigger objective in mind---using the bomb to show how vulnerable America and her people truly are.

Ron is willing to risk everything to save his country and those he loves, but when negotiations break down, will his sacrifice be too little too late?
Saving Grace by Michele Paige Holmes

From #2 Amazon Bestselling Historical Romance Author and Whitney Award Winner, Michele Paige Holmes, comes SAVING GRACE, a regency romance from the Hearthfire Romance series:

After the death of her grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace Thatcher wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. Her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing.

As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage.

Too late Grace regrets her rash actions when her father’s last choice, Mr. Samuel Preston, proves to be a gentleman and a friend. But Samuel is the sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, the man responsible for her “ruin.” Now instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda.

Other Hearthfire Romances: LOVING HELEN & MARRYING CHRISTOPHER


Picture Perfect by U.S.A. Today Bestseller Heather B. Moore

Gemma has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

Brownies & Betrayal by Heather Justesen

Pastry chef Tess Crawford thought moving from Chicago to quiet Silver Springs, Arizona would simplify her life. That was before she found the body of a woman with whom she had traded heated words the previous night, left her fingerprints on the murder weapon, and came under attack for trying to clear her name. When her cheating ex-fiance shows up, intent on convincing her to come back to work for him, Tess—armed with an extra batch of éclairs—decides to take control and solve the mystery herself, with the help of friends and frenemies alike.

But will that be enough to save her when she gets too close and the killer decides it’s safer to get her out of the way?


Simplify & Savor the Season by Connie E. Sokol

Ready to enjoy the holidays again? Use this two-part holiday organizer to help you savor the celebrations. In the first half of the book, brainstorm the Big Four; then, detail the To Dos including menu, gift-planning, etc. with success tips on how to eliminate the unnecessary and focus on the essential. Wrap up with "5 Holiday Juicers" to make life joyful. Keep your notes handy in the companion Simplify & Savor Take-along Planner.

With the second half of the book. curl up with a cup of cocoa and read "Savory Suggestions and Stories," a collection of laugh-out-loud anecdotal stories including "Let Go of the Cookie Cutter Christmas" and "Thankful for Turkey Warbling". Make this holiday season one you remember and enjoy!


Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success—until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. Adri must race to uncover the secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before she becomes the next victim.

With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things will keep you turning pages long into the night.


A Baker's Dozen by Lucy McConnell

Tempt your sweet tooth with 13 delicious, easy, and beautiful dessert recipes. Each recipe has been time-tested and found irresistible. You’ll horde the Lemon Brownies but you might be willing to share the Rock and Roll Cake—with a good friend.

Recipes include: Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies, Pumpkin Bunt Cake, S’mores Cheesecake, No-Fail Lemon Bars

Impress your coworkers, family, friends, and even the guys at the car repair shop with these recipes. They’re sure to become favorites in your recipe box, lunch box, and ice box. 


The Colony by Cami Checketts

To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.

Lance, Brinlee's attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.
While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.


Torn Canvas by Donna K. Weaver

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Up-and-coming talk show host Olivia Howard wants an interview. She, like the rest of the press, expects a hero, but Jori knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

In seclusion and evading the press, Jori struggles to make a new life as an artist. But he can’t hide from himself; more than his face is damaged. How can Jori possibly make amends for all that he’s broken? When Olivia finally tracks him down, he must decide if he can trust her. Could this unlikely woman be a key to freeing his heart and healing the beast?
The audiobook is only $1.99 with the purchase of the ebook.


Son of War Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison

Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for people with the signs: greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents' fears as quirks-things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn's mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can't stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she's been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she's prepared or not.



Endless Modern Cinderella by Jaclyn Weist
Sydney lives her nightmares every night. While other teenagers are dreaming of boys or traveling to exotic places, she must run a staircase with no beginning or no end, or a terrible debt will never be paid.

Just before her seventeenth birthday, the dreams change. She is no longer alone. But her nightmares don’t end when she wakes up. Her stepmother and stepsisters threaten to ruin everything she holds dear. She must protect the secret that both she and her father have magic or they will use it to their advantage.

As Sydney learns to control her magic, what seemed impossible before—escaping her stepmother and those ever-present stairs—is now at her fingertips. When she learns the ultimate plan of her evil captor, Sydney must stop her at all costs, or she will forever be trapped inside her nightmares. 

Cookie Girl Christmas by Christene Houston

Molly Hayes has one more job before Christmas and then she can put her plans for a storefront bakery of her own in motion. What she doesn't bargain for is the handsome young Scrooge who insults her cookies and makes her blood boil. Toss in a heaping helping of snowstorm and a pinch of romantic old Inn and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a not-so-silent-night.



And Something Blue by Paige Timothy

Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends all her time helping others prepare for the most special day of their lives. Logan Reese is easily the most irritating man on the planet, and for some reason, he's made annoying Laurie his mission in life. Will true love ever come Laurie's way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after while she sits on the sidelines?



Six Days of Christmas by Kaylee  Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children who seem to be multiplying, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother—someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted. 





Yesterday by Amanda Tru

Her yesterday was five years ago. What will her tomorrow bring?
When Hannah Kraeger saves a family injured in a car accident, she has no idea she has changed events in the past. Waking the next morning, Hannah discovers her yesterday was really five years ago.

Each trip Hannah takes through time changes the timeline and her own life. With help from Dr. Seth McAllister, Hannah must unravel the mystery of why she time travels and who she actually is before the strange ability costs her future, the man she loves, and even her life.

YESTERDAY is a thrilling Christian Romantic Suspense filled with unexpected twists, mystery, and romance. 

My One and Only by Shannon Guymon

Meredith Jensen has seen her share of ups and downs. She’s found love twice already and lost it in spectacularly traumatic ways. Now? She just wants a peaceful life, free from love and drama. Meredith’s plans for the future center around planning other people’s weddings and her new online dating website. Just because she works to help other people find love doesn’t mean she wants any part of it though. Unfortunately for Meredith’s plans, Asher Murphy is determined to get her to give love another chance. But then again, so is Pule Matafeo. Meredith has never denied that she’s stubborn and feisty so it might take the combined forces of all their friends in Fircrest to get her heart back on track in time for Valentine’s Day. 

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh

WRITER’S BLOCK, NIBBLED NAILS, PLAGIARISM, OH MY! AND DID I MENTION ROMANCE?

Life for Adda Sinclaire, New York Times best-selling author and historical romance writer extraordinaire, reads more like a country song than a breathless, bodice-bursting affair. For starters, she has no romance in her own life. That might have something to do with the fact that her husband—correction, ex-husband—ran off with Stick Woman, whom everyone knew would never be more than a mid-list author anyway. To add insult to injury (and another verse to the country song), her ex not only took their dog but gave it to Stick Woman. If that isn't enough, Adda has come down with a horrible case of writer's block, finds herself gifted with a Bible that is determined to speak to her, and is the unwitting target of a romance cover model's misdirected advances. Just when she catches her breath—and quite possibly the eye of a certain fabulously good-looking man (ahem…her new editor)—her arch-nemesis gives the pot one final stir.

Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum

After watching her parents’ marriage crash and burn, CIA operative Talia Reynolds doesn’t believe in “happily ever afters.” Besides, her job entails eighty-hour weeks, juggling a dozen covers and disguises, and tracking down a dangerous Russian spy ring. She hardly has time for romantic entanglements, even if she could let her guard down enough to get close to anyone.But all the rules she lives by could be broken when she meets aerospace engineer Danny Fluker.

Danny moved to Canada for a great job — and a chance to start over after a bad breakup. Dating definitely isn’t in his plans . . . until beautiful and enigmatic Talia throws a perfect storm right in his flight path. When he catches a glimpse of the real woman behind her façade, he has to get to know her better.

Talia has to find a Russian spymaster before he figures out she’s not who she claims, and failing to keep her two lives separate in the process could mean the death of more than just her budding relationship. Danny has to decide if a future with Talia — and facing the past — is worth the risk of getting hurt again. If they can break through the barriers keeping them apart (and avoid a major international catastrophe), they just might have a chance at being happy together.



An Unexpected Proposal by Annette Lyon
While working at a wood camp in the Logan canyon during the winter of 1880, Caroline Simpson is forced to thwart the aggressive advances of Mr. Butch Larson, and in the process discovers that her long-time friend James has genuine affection for her. But as stubborn as Caroline is, she minimizes the emotions James has awakened in her, and it takes almost losing him to admit her true feelings.
 An Unexpected Proposal was introduced in the first volume of the bestselling and award-winning Timeless Romance Anthology series, Winter Collection:
Amazon #1 Bestselling *New Release* in Clean Romance, Top 10 in Regency Romance, Top 5 in Victorian Romance

Paris Cravings by Amazon #1 Best Selling Author for Clean Romance, Kimberley Montpetit

Can life really turn on a dime, a missed bus—or a stuck pastry shop door?
Chloe Dillard's life has always been complicated. Her mother is a neurotic romance novelist and her boyfriend, Mathew, has been pressuring her to go "all the way".

But after The Worst Night of Her Life, Chloe escapes on her Senior Class trip to the swoon-worthy city of Paris which takes her mind off her troubles—temporarily. On the final leg of her dream trip, Chloe squeezes in one final run for a last-minute box of decadent pastries. Add a broken shop door, subtract a broken four-inch heel from her cute strappy sandals, and Chloe ends up one stuck girl on the bakery shop floor with a sprained ankle.

Rescued by the shop owner’s dreamy son with chocolate-syrup eyes, the beautiful city of Paris suddenly becomes Chloe’s personal secret adventure. What’s a girl to do in the most romantic city in the world? Easy Pastry Recipe in the back of the book!

Vocal Crush by Lisa Swinton
Can you ever out run a broken heart?
Lexi Court spent seven years traveling the world, living the nomadic Broadway life, in an attempt to outrun the broken heart Nick Rivers gave her. Now, there’s nowhere left to go.
When she accepted a position as a high school drama teacher in Las Vegas, Lexi hoped to get over Nick, find a nice guy, and settle down. But what should be a quiet summer gets turned upside down when Lexi's best friend, Taffy, drafts her to be an emergency replacement coach on a televised vocal competition.
Feeling out of her league among the other three celebrity coaches, Lexi fights for the most promising contestants to be on her team. One note from a single voice shatters her summer. Nick unexpectedly auditions and joins Lexi's team. With her vocal crush on him raging as strong as ever, she has nowhere to run from Nick’s dreamy looks or siren voice.
Lexi has no doubt that Nick can win the competition. The question is does he want to win her heart as well or will he damage it beyond repair?
Think television reality show The Voice meets Jane Austen’s Persuasion.


Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Ring Around the Rosie Is On Sale!




My novel, Ring Around the Rosie, (the one that introduces Jake Williams, the main character in my new novel, The Captive) is on sale for only .99 cents for a very limited time!

Download your copy here:

Here's the back copy:

Revenge is a dish best served cold . . .

As the ex-wife of a law enforcement officer, Sarah Reed has known loneliness and loss. In order to cope, she makes a life for herself that’s full of routine while building a wall of ice around her heart. Everything about her is as predictable as she can make it until a tiny detour for her ex-husband, Ron, changes her life forever. Caught in a bomb crisis, Sarah is taken hostage by a man who wants Ron and everyone around him to suffer---and his idea of suffering is more terrible than Sarah had ever dreamed.

Captain Ron Reed has seen the worst of humanity in his job with the Hostage Negotiation Team, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance---literally. Aaron Starks, a criminal explosives expert, has stolen next-gen bomb technology and uses it to force Ron to bargain for the lives of his team and his ex-wife, Sarah, the woman he still loves. But the situation escalates when Ron discovers that Starks has an even bigger objective in mind---using the bomb to show how vulnerable America and her people truly are.

Ron is willing to risk everything to save his country and those he loves, but when negotiations break down, will his sacrifice be too little too late?

Monday, October 26, 2015

Book Review: Under the Mistletoe Collection





As you all know, I was invited to be part of the Timeless Romance Anthology Under the Mistletoe Collection. I was so excited to be in an anthology with some of my favorite authors. Their romantic Christmas stories in Under the Mistletoe will warm your heart and curl your toes. (And my novella isn't half bad if I do say so myself!)

The first one is by Cindy Anderson, Forgotten Kisses, where a costume designer comes face to face with her college sweetheart---and he's now a famous movie star.  Last time his career came between them, but when her feelings for him are still there, can they have their second chance? Such a fun story.

Annette Lyon introduces us to a couple on the verge of divorce in  The Last Christmas.  Meredith just wants her almost ex-husband to play nice and give their girls one last family Christmas before they announce the divorce. But can they rekindle the romance before it's too late? Sweet and poignant for sure.

In Truth or Dare, Julie Coulter Bellon shows us that it's never too late to come home. Jonah has been injured in Afghanistan and comes home to finish his recovery, but can his old friends accept him for who he was? When his high school crush comes looking for her dog, she'll test his resolve to keep everyone at arm's length. Five stars for this one.  (Because I'm a bit prejudiced.)

The Holiday Bucket List was so cute. Neighbors, Celeste and Mike, who have been longtime single parents and friends cope with being alone for the holidays. But when Celeste's teenage daughter has some trouble at school, they come together to help her. Can there ever be more between them? A little suspense in this one that I loved!

Christmas Every Day had me turning pages as fast as I could to see how it would all turn out! Heather Moore weaves a story of how Monica is saved from a humiliating situation with her boyfriend, then paired as Mrs. Claus to the man who saved her! He has a complicated past to deal with, but she can't help but be attracted to him. Can they find a way to be together?

The last story by Jennifer Griffith, First and Last Christmas Date is so funny about a horrible first date and how ten years later, the second date is something to remember. I think I had a smile the entire time I read this one! A great voice for our heroine.

So, if you're in the mood to get the holidays started, get a fire going in the fireplace and pour a mug of hot chocolate. These stories are perfect for a sweet holiday read. I couldn't choose a favorite and I dare you to try!

You can get your copy here for $4.99.

Here's the back copy:

Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe Collection. Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

In the enchanting novella FORGOTTEN KISSES by Cindy Roland Anderson, costume designer Madison Taylor has no love lost when the male lead playing Sir Lancelot in a TV series is fired. She couldn’t stand working with him anyway. But when she discovers who his replacement is, her heart nearly stops. Caleb Matthews is one of the hottest male actors ever… and not to mention Madison’s former boyfriend. When things got too serious between them, everything fell apart. And now, Madison must play nice or lose her job. She just has to forget all of the reasons she’d fallen for him in the first place.

In THE LAST CHRISTMAS, a sweet romance novella by Annette Lyon, Meredith only has to make it through the Christmas holiday pretending that she and her husband Eric aren’t on the verge of divorce. She doesn’t want to ruin the holiday for her two grown daughters and their boyfriends. But when Eric hurries home after weeks of living in a motel to unpack before their daughters arrive, he starts pressing Meredith with questions about why she filed for divorce. The last thing Meredith wants to do it give Eric a second chance, but it seems that Eric is not willing to let her go without trying to win her back.

In Julie Coulter Bellon’s captivating novella TRUTH OR DARE After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Cami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Cami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a Christmas miracle for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

In the charming novella HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST by Sarah M. Eden, Celeste Lagorio has officially given up on Christmas. A single mother, with her children grown and unable to return for the holiday, Celeste determines to take a break from everything. When her single neighbor and almost-best-friend, Mike Durham, discovers her non-plans, they discuss things they’ve always wanted to do, but never had time. Mike and Celeste put together a friendly competition of checking off the things on their bucket list, all the while drawing closer and discovering they have more in common than they thought.

In CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY, a delightful novella by Heather B. Moore, Monica is on the verge of buying her dream store, but when she tells her boyfriend, he turns it into an embarrassing public argument. Heartbroken, but determined to follow her dream, she goes to her employer’s Christmas party to play Mrs. Claus, only to be paired with someone unexpected. A young Mr. Claus who is the complete opposite of her ex-boyfriend in all the most important ways. Yet, Monica is not sure she can risk opening her heart again.

In Jennifer Griffith’s exciting novella FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE, pilot Juliet Law has been in a holding pattern, dating the wrong guy, until she gets a holiday shake-up: old flame Tag McClintock e-mails her to ask for second date—after ten years. Their first date, back in high school, had been an unmitigated disaster culminating with Pepto Bismol and the police. Still, Juliet would have gone out with Tag again the next day—and the next—had he asked. So now that he’s finally popping up in her in-box again, Juliet must decide whether to say yes to the date, even if it puts her at risk of another decade of carrying a torch for Tag McClintock. Will their second date be their last?

Friday, October 23, 2015

Today's Friday Freebie Is A Tense Suspense



Gingerbread Man by Lee Strauss looks like a thrill ride for sure! Since I'm such a baby, though, I probably won't read it at night. *shiver*


Here's the back copy:

College girl meets boy online.
A killer targets girls like her.
She's next on the list.
The boy wants to save her.
She thinks it's him.


It's worse than they both think.

Marlow's just a regular geeky freshman with little to no experience with girls, so when he has a semi-flirtatious chat with a cute girl online, it's almost more than his nerves can handle.

Then the girl is brutally murdered.

Or is she?

Marlow finds himself teamed up with intelligent and savvy Sage Farrell, a girl so far out of his league he feels blinded in her presence - literally - damned glasses! Together they work to find the identity of @gingerbreadman. Can they stop the killer before he strikes in more worlds than one?

***

FRINGE meets CASTLE in this Science Fiction Mystery Romantic Suspense by Amazon best-selling author Lee Strauss.


You can download your free Kindle copy here

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Bonus Review: Eleanor and the Iron King



I haven't read any books by Julie Daines before and was pleasantly surprised by Eleanor and the Iron King.  

Eleanor de Lacy's father has given her in marriage to the family's worst enemy so they can keep the peace. Eleanor is heartbroken to leave her homeland and the people she loves behind, but does her duty. She goes to the Welsh King Brach Goch, is formally betrothed to him, and moves into his castle, but almost immediately weird things start happening to her. She sees a ghost woman that no one else can see and she has bloody notes left on her table.  She's trying to get her bearings with her new station and way of life and that certainly doesn't help anything.  Eleanor definitely has a lot on her plate.

Brach is a great hero and was my favorite character in the whole book. He's kind and understanding and does his best to deal with Eleanor's immaturity and general disagreeableness. I felt sorry for him after a while with having to deal with her shenanigans.  But he stayed strong and true and really did try to make her see his honorable nature. He is the consummate hero with the heart of gold. He's also been through a lot of sadness in his life, though, which added some nice dimension to him.

I thought the setting was great and the hero was amazing. The heroine was more difficult to relate to and seemed really young most of the time. But their romance had some good moments, so I'll give a pass on that. For paranormal fans, the spine-tingling ghost aspect will have you turning pages to see how that mess all turns out.

A fun Halloween Historical for the upcoming Halloween season!

You can buy your copy herefor $10.49

Here's the back copy:

Eleanor de Lacy has been bartered: her hand in marriage in exchange for a truce with her father's sworn enemy. Now the headstrong beauty must leave her ancestral home and the man she secretly loves to become the wife of the infamous Welsh King Brach Goch. Tales of this cruel leader paint a chilling picture of a ruthless warrior—all Eleanor knows for certain is that he is the villain responsible for the vicious attacks on her people and the death of her beloved brother. Though she must marry against her will, she vows Brach Goch will never possess her heart.

Her arrival at the inhospitable castle Bryn Du confirms her worst fears—a ghost walks the halls of the castle, and Eleanor receives an ominous warning from the uneasy spirit: Brach is not to be trusted. Though resigned to a life of misery, Eleanor soon realizes all is not as it seems, for Brach is not the monster she dreaded but is a handsome and charming man whose gentle ways soon undermine his bride's resolve to lock her heart. Clinging desperately to her pride, Eleanor finds herself trapped in a web of murder and deceit. And as the lines between good and evil become blurred, Eleanor must decide for herself who is to be trusted—and loved.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Writer Goal Wednesday

photo credit: plnaugle via photopin cc 


It has been a super busy week, but I thought I'd check in with my goal progress.

I did not finish the current draft of my work-in-progress.

I DID reveal The Captive cover.

I did not finish the final edits on The Captive but I'm close! I couldn't help myself. I'm editing this to death. Sigh. Hopefully it makes it a stronger book and not . . . you know . . . a lamer book.

This is the last pass, though. I promise.  (I need an Editors Anonymous Support group. Seriously. Hi, I'm Julie Bellon and I have a hard time letting my projects go because I edit them to death.)




But, my new novella Truth or Dare that is in the Under the Mistletoe collection is out and doing very well. And I'm teaching at a conference this weekend so I'm really happy about that. So, you know, balance in all things. (You can buy it here for $4.99)

How did your week go? Any goals you're working on?

(And have you entered the Spooktacular Giveaway? You totally should! Click on the image in the sidebar.)

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Nose Knows--Castle

Last night's Castle had some really funny moments! Of course, there's still the gut-punch of the Caskett mess, but at least we had some laughs, too.

We start out with a woman driving through a parking garage. She sees a weird guy standing there with a silver briefcase, but she drives by and parks. Just as she's pressing the elevator button, she hears two gunshots and quickly gets inside. Only the shooter in a ski mask does, too.

The team gets called to the scene and find it odd that the murdered man has a bulletproof car with a hidden compartment in it. It makes sense that he would be in security of some sort. Ryan and Esposito are waiting to hear the results of their sergeant's exam. Castle has bought some celebratory champagne and goes down to give it to them, but has to quickly pawn off one bottle on another officer when Ryan finds out he didn't pass, but Espo did. So sad for Ryan. Why they gotta mess with the bromance?

Kate interviews the murdered man's brother who has nothing useful to add except that his brother helped pay for all of his expenses.  They find out who the anonymous caller was that called in the shooting and Ryan and Espo head to her house. She won't let them in, however, and is quite eccentric. They take her down to the station, but it doesn't go well. Ryan asks Beckett to interview her since she said he smelled like dirty diapers and Espo's cologne smelled like Satan's sweat. Haha! She has hyperosmia, which is a heightened sense of smell. Beckett doesn't really get a lot out of her either, except a generic description of the killer. As she's leaving Castle talks to Beckett for a minute and she tells him she needs to come over later to get the rest of her stuff. Yeah, gut punch. The look on Castle's face! Ugh. He follows Mia to the elevator and she tells him Beckett's pheremones were off the charts when she was talking to Castle. He proposes using her to get Beckett back, just having her tell him when he's being charming for Beckett and when he's being annoying. She declines, but he gets more information out of her about the killer, so he calls Beckett with it.

No one seems inclined to believe her really, until she tells him she smelled an oil painting in the briefcase. That jives with what Hayley the bounty hunter told them---that the murdered guy was transporting a multi-million dollar Van Gogh. She wants it back for the insurance company and tells the team what they want to know if they'll let her in on the investigation.  Esposito gets some ATM footage of a possible suspect named Starks and they bring him in for a "smell" ID. It's so funny to see Mia sniffing these guys. But he's not the killer. The killer smelled like nail polish remover.

Kate tells their suspect, Starks, that he had been ID'd and he confesses that he was at the parking garage, but when he got there, the guy was already dead. The interesting thing is he was hired by the same guy who supposedly hired the dead guy to transport the painting. The boys go to talk to him. The boss says that the dead guy, Justin, jumped the job and took it from Liam because it was a six figure payout. So Espo and Ryan go to talk to Liam, but he runs. They chase him into a building and separate to catch him, but Ryan ends up accidentally shooting Espo. In the butt. (He's fine, it's just a flesh wound, but he does become the "butt" of a lot of jokes throughout the rest of the episode.)

They put an APB out on the Rolls Royce Liam was driving and Castle goes to a car place with Mia that just happens to have the wanted Rolls Royce. Liam catches Castle opening the trunk, (Mia is in the driver's seat) and pulls a gun. Mia expertly backs up the car and knocks Liam in the trunk. She's so happy to have helped! It is really cute how Castle gets her back to the land of the living, and looking at her hyperosmia as a talent and not a curse. (He does resort to a juvenile fart joke to get Mia out of her apartment, but my teens found that funny.)

All the evidence is pointing to Liam, but Mia tells them the painting in that briefcase is a forgery. They check into that while Castle takes Mia to his loft for a bland dinner cooked by Martha. Mia loves Martha and saw her in a play years ago. It was a great scene with the two of them. I love Martha. But a gunman breaks up the party, a guy from the original family that owned the Van Gogh. He's desperate to get it back, but Castle disarms him and accidentally breaks Mia's nose. Beckett arrives at the scene to hug him and ask if he's okay, but she pauses outside the loft and that sort of ruined it for me. I wish she would have just rushed in.

Well, the desperate guy didn't kill Justin either, but he does give them the clue they need. He was Justin's partner and they were going to switch the real Van Gogh with the forgery and then split the money from selling it. Castle and Beckett go back to the parking garage to reenact the crime and search for clues. They find a hair on the air conditioning unit (which standing near it would make the killer smell like nail polish remover). They do a DNA test and it matches to Justin's brother. Apparently he had a gambling problem and didn't mean to kill his brother, he just needed the money. Oy.

The boys are trying to get through the angst of Espo passing and Ryan not. They hug it out, but Ryan knocks out Espo's cane and things are not resolved. Beckett suggests counseling might be an option. That could be funny if handled right.

Castle brings Mia paper flowers to apologize for breaking her nose and she thanks him for helping her live again. She also does a nice voiceover of how she helps perfume industries bottle love and passion and hope, but Beckett and Castle have the real thing. (I wish Kate's actions showed that a little more, but whatever). They do show Castle and Beckett sniffing each other's shirts and smiling. Because, the nose knows.

Did you watch? What did you think?

Monday, October 19, 2015

Book Review: Storm



Today's review is Storm by Kate Palmer. It's the second book in her Western Hearts series and even though I hadn't read the first one, I had no issues following the stories or the characters.

In this book we meet Storm, a woman who is trying to run a ranch with her Uncle Boots. (I have no idea why they call him Boots, but every time I read it, it reminded me a bit of the sidekick named Boots on the children's show Dora. But the character of Uncle Boots was really well-written in the book. I loved how warm he was and sweet.)

Unfortunately for Uncle Boots and Storm, some of their cattle have been stolen and their part-time ranch hand has disappeared under suspicious circumstances.  Not to mention, the ranch payment is due, but without those cattle to sell, they're up a creek.  I have to say the author really shines in the setting department.  I enjoyed how realistic the ranch and surrounding area was, and it was easy to lose myself in the descriptions and how real Storm's concerns were as she worked to save the only place that ever felt like home to her.

The story goes on to introduce us to our hero, Dak.  (I'm sorry, but I didn't like his name at all. It's never explained why he would have such an odd name and every time I read it, it made me think of that gooey substance Gak that my kids have.) Anyway, Dak is a fairly judgmental jerk in the beginning and makes some assumptions about Storm, which would be bad enough, but he tries to tell their pastor she doesn't deserve to teach Sunday School either. I had such a hard time getting over the fact that he jumped to such a huge conclusion, didn't ask Storm about it, and then decided to try to ruin her teaching job behind her back. Storm forgives him pretty easily, but I hated how underhanded and sneaky that felt and it took me quite a while to warm up to him as a hero after that. They do have some good moments as a couple, (the cave scenes come to mind which were really sweet!) and he does do some heroic things that justify him being the hero later on, but it's a journey, that's for sure. He does have a point in his favor, though, because Uncle Boots likes him.

But the best part of the whole book was the suspense as Storm tries to unravel who killed her part-time ranch hand, Connor. There are great clues and some twists and turns that were really good. While I was able to figure out who the bad guy was pretty quickly, I thought the author had some very tense scenes as our heroine gets herself in over her head trying to solve the mystery. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book and thought it was well-written.

So, for me, Storm had a great setting, a strong heroine, and a twisty turny mystery which made this book a fun afternoon read.   

You can get your copy here for only .99 cents!

Here's the back copy:

A woman rancher struggles to save her ranch, but it’s her heart she’s most in danger of losing.

Storm’s ranch is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy after cattle rustlers strike. When her part-time ranch hand dies under suspicious circumstances, two neighboring ranchers step in to help. In jeopardy of losing the only place that’s ever felt like home, who can she trust with her heart?

Friday, October 16, 2015

Freebie Friday Is A Must Have Suspense




Today's Freebie Friday is an amazing romantic suspense Cold River by Liz Adair. This was a book that has unforgettable characters, a mystery that will keep you guessing, and a nice little romance rounding out the trifecta of goodness.

You can see my review of it here

You can download your free Kindle copy here

And here's the back copy:

Mandy Steenburg thinks her doctorate in education has prepared her to run any school district - until she tangles with the backwoods residents of a tiny district in Pacific Northwest timber country. She's determined to make a difference, but the local populace still looks to the former superintendent for leadership. When Mandy lands in the middle of an old feud and someone keeps trying to kill her, instinct tells her to run. With the river rising, will she find a reason to stay and chance the odds?

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Bonus Book Review: Always Will





So, I started reading Always Will by Melanie Jacobson just before my kids got up for the day thinking I'd get a chapter in and, you know, start the day off right.  The problem was, I was hooked from the very beginning! So hooked that I served my kids breakfast with one hand so I could hold my book in the other! I read in fits and starts all day and was finally able to finish it that night.  It was the kind of story that I couldn't put down! So much fun and yet compelling at the same time.

Hannah Becker's world comes crashing down around her when the guy she's had a crush on since her teen years announces that he's going to find a wife and settle down.  (The guy's twenty-eight, so you know, it's not a bad idea or anything.) But all he sees when he looks at Hannah is his best friend's little sister which frustrates Hannah to no end. She does everything she can to help him see her as a grown woman and not the girl he's supposed to keep an eye on for his best friend, but Will doesn't really seem to be getting with Hannah's program.  But it does provide a lot of laughs for the reader.

It's not all fun and games, though, when hearts become involved and Hannah has to make some tough choices.  Even if they don't end up together, Hannah doesn't want to lose Will's friendship, but that's exactly what might happen if they both can't figure out where their relationship is truly headed.

I loved the snappy dialogue, the fun characters who grow and change and who the reader really cares about, and I could not wait to see how it all turned out. This one definitely goes on my keeper shelf.

You can get your copy here for $9.99

Here's the back copy:

Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate.

Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can't help but wonder if it's time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She's ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren't suddenly changing the rules of the game... And how can Hannah move on when Will just won't let her forget?