Book Blitz of Let's Not & Sleigh WeDid by J.P. Sterling (#Contests- Win a Gift Card)

Let’s Not and Sleigh We Did
J.P. Sterling
(Christmas Shenanigans)
Publication date: October 25th 2024
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Oh, oh, the mistletoe, hung where I did NOT see.
My brother’s friend waits for me and gets down on one knee—What is happening?

Somebody stop it, please!
Oh, those dreamy blue eyes batting at me, and all the words he dares to say.
This is bad.
Like really, really bad.
We’re now planning a wedding day.
But it’s all for a good reason, not love.
Oh, cough, cough, let’s not bust out the L-word.
It’s purely business.
It is a solid plan until it isn’t.
So maybe I love him, but we agreed not to do that . . . whoops!

Let’s Not and Sleigh We Did is a fake marriage of convenience, brother’s best friend, just-kisses-but-all-the-swoons romcom. Oh, yeah, there’s a fluffy cow too!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

A ring.

Not just any ring, a rose gold band.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, a little harshly, the ring pulsating in my peripheral vision.

“We talked about this, remember?” Luke’s voice drops, rasping.

“We talked about marriage.” I tilt my head to one side, as if I’m physically dividing this argument in half., “But not this, and not in front of them.”

“You’re being modest.” He laughs, tossing a look back at his parents. “I thought it would be nice to share this moment with them.”

“You did?” my voice squeaks, as I’m totally blindsided and wishing I had at least a heads- up. The arrangement had sounded so much more business casual than what’s going on right now. A proposal on one knee is not business casual. This is my heart in my throat, and I’m about to throw up. “Where did you get a ring?” I hiss.

“I bought it today.”

“Today?” I grapple for my throat, praying something gives before I pass out.

“Yeah, today when I was thinking about you.”

Doing a hard pause on the word, you, he’s still holding the ring awkwardly in his hand. I frantically search his face for signs of a prank, but he doesn’t have an ounce of humor curved into a smile.

He’s one-hundred-percent serious.

Quakes rumble against my rib cage. This is an act. I’m clearly about to blow our cover as I’m acting so confused, but this whole thing is blowing my mind. “This is happening so fast.”

“It’s okay. Better than okay.” He takes my hand in his, holding it in front of him. “Ten years ago, you kissed me on a dare. You didn’t know it at the time, but I was already falling in love with you. You were my first kiss, but I knew in that moment, I wanted you to be my last.”

I blink. Everything about his proposal sounds genuine.

My gaze floats to his mom; her hands clasp together in front of her, but her gaze is piercing in my direction. Luke’s dad has a that’s-my-boy grin laced on his lips.

And Luke!

Luke’s winning an Oscar for his acting. His gaze dials right into mine, like it’s boring a trail through my eyes right to my heart. I can’t even tell it’s a fake proposal, and I one-thousand- percent know it’s fake.

It is fake . . . right?

Author Bio:

J.P. Sterling grew up watching old reruns of Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore and fell in love with wholesome entertainment and slapstick comedy. She loves leaning into the over-the-top humor and full circle moments, especially if it means the underdog gets to shine.

Aside from writing, she's also a wife and homeschooling mom, a holistic dietitian, a former college professor and lover of all things dark chocolate.

*No swears. Just kisses. No Blasphemies.*

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Book Blitz of Vampires of The Black OAk by Marie-Claude Bourque (#Contests- Win a $25 Amazon gift card + the previous 3 books in a boxset)

Vampires of the Black Oak
Marie-Claude Bourque
(Vampires of the Black Oak, #1-3)
Publication date: October 22nd 2024
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Meet the vampires of the Black Oak: a powerful order of modern-day warrior fighting evil to protect the ones they love.
Three vampire romances now together in this third installment in the Order of the Black Oak – Collection

“… a nanural master of the slow-burn…”

Book 1: A VAMPIRE’S SPELL: A Witch-Vampire Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance

A guilt-ridden legacy vampire teams with a powerful witch to protect their city from a crazed scientist seeking immortality.

Book 2: A VAMPIRE’S SIN: An Enemies to Lovers Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance

An immortal Montreal vampire teams with an ambitious real estate tycoon to rescue her kid sister from a child-trafficking ring run by a pack of daemons.

Book 3: A VAMPIRE’S SOUL: A Friends to Lovers Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance

When a female vampire teams up with a faithful immortal friend to escape a vicious hunter set to kill her, the centuries-old friendship turns into so much more than she’d anticipated.

★★★★★ Fantastic series of action, magic and awesome romance. You will fall in love with the characters and feel you are right with them.

“Marie-Claude has such a marvelous way of making the characters come to life and put the reader smack in the middle sharing it all. These books are binge worthy”. ~ Goodreads Reviewer

Goodreads / Bookbub / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE – Valerian St-Amand

“So Valerian, tell me more about this witch you met this summer.” I watch him one cold December afternoon, sitting in a booth at the back the Serpent Maudit, his brother’s nightclub in Old-Montreal.

The immortal invited me here for the interview, so I don’t see the cursed vampires he has hidden in the crypt of his sanctuary while they learn to contain their extreme blood hunger so that they can function in the human world without hurting anyone.

Val shoots me a dark look. I see deep emotions raging in his gaze, quickly repressed.

He still wears his heavy outdoor wool-coat, the dark curls of his hair brushing the fox fur collar. Every one of his movement is measured, from the way he levels his chin to look at me casually, to the calm touch that lay on his dog, a hefty chocolate Labrador sleeping with his head on his master’s lap, the animal’s body stretched on the leather bench next to Valerian.

“Maisie Thibodeau,” he finally says, his voice hoarse.

“She’s a real witch?” I ask.

“Of the Coven of the White Holly. In the small town of Berwick Falls in Maine.”

“Your brother Magnovald said you were taken by her,” I pointed. “The first time you saw her.”

Valerian nodded then shrugged. “Maybe. But what does it matter?”

“She’s coming here, to Montreal.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“So, what will you do about that?”

“About her?” He let out a slow breath, his full lips a thin line. “Nothing. She’ll be here for Emmeline.”

“You’re ex-girlfriend?”

“The thorn in my side,” he said, lazily leaning back in his leather bench.

“You don’t love Emmeline anymore.”

He shakes his head, mixed emotions warring on his forehead. “I did once, I think. Over three hundred years ago, now.”

“But you don’t anymore.”

“She lost her soul. My fault.”

“You wanted her to be immortal, like you.”

“Yep.” He stretches his arm wider, pinning me under a smoldering gaze.

His intensity hits me full force, but I persist. I want to know. “So you did love her.”

“Look, Madame l’Auteur,” he shoots at me, as he leaned forcefully forward into the table between us. “Yes, I loved Emme, or at least I thought I did. I was eighteen. I turned her. And then she turned thousands. Vampires. There’s no stopping them. One mistake. And I now have to fix it.”

“For eternity,” I say. “You’ve been atoning for that one mistake for centuries.”

“I have.” He huffs and pats his dog’s flank with a calm and steady hand. The strong fingers dig into the deep brown fur while his dog raises trusty chocolate eyes at him.

“And what about Maisie Thibodeau?”

“I don’t know.” His gaze turns troubled. “I saw her only that one time at the parley between the Warlocks of the Black Oak, the Elders of the White Holly and us, Mont-Royal Immortals. She was on the fringe of the forest’s clearing, with the other witches.”

“You didn’t talk to her?”

“No. Just saw her. Couldn’t take my eyes of her. It’s like there was this strange connection between us. Seigneur! That flimsy summer dress she wore didn’t help either.”

“And now she’s coming here?”

“Yes. Diesel Stanford of the Warlocks wants Maisie to watch over Emme. To make sure she won’t hurt anyone. I have no choice. I don’t want an all-out war between the warlocks, the witches and the vampires.”

“So where does that leave you with Maisie?”

“There is no ‘with her ’happening. I’m not having another relationship. Too risky. And, she’s mortal.”

“I see. So how will you cope with her living at the Sanctuaire? Both of you under the same roof?”

“No idea.” He sneers. “I guess we’ll find out.”

Author Bio:

Marie-Claude Bourque is a Montreal-born Seattle-based author of slow-burn paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.

Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes.

Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed!

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Book Blitz of Where Eagles Nest by Helen F. Wand (#contests- Win a copy of the book)

Where Eagles Nest: The Second Wave of Pioneers
Helen F. Wand
Publication date: April 21st 2024
Genres: Adult, Historical

“Where Eagles Nest chronicles a young couple, Alex and Julianna Lampert, as they immigrate from Lichtenstein, in search of land where they can raise a family and participate in the American dream. The young newlyweds eventually settle in the rugged hills and pasturelands above the Sandy River in Oregon, where they forge a life of love and pursue their quest for prosperity in spite of the struggle in the wild terrain of the Pacific Northwest in the 1880s.”
—Sharon Nesbit, writer and historian, author of It Could’ve Been Carpdale.

“You will laugh, grieve, and rejoice with [Alex and Julianna] and their neighbors. Helen Wand’s brilliant research breathes life into the slice of local history that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.”
—Alice Lynn, author of Wrenn: Egypt House, Volunteers for Glory, and Scattered Pieces

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

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EXCERPT:

JULY 4, 1885

The fourth of July dawned sunny, promising a warm day. The wind came from the east, drying everything in its path. Julianna chose her prettiest blue church dress, a gingham with puffed sleeves. Might as well get some wear out of this, she thought, It’ll be awhile before we go to church again.

She watched Alex button his clean white shirt. “You look so handsome,” she said, kissing his newly shaven cheek. “I like you without whiskers.”

“No whiskers,” he said rubbing his face. “Don’t you want me to look like a mountain man?”

“No, I like you to look like you did when I met you, with just a bit of a rakish mustache.”

The families walked down the path to Taylors.

“I wish you’d waited for us to help you hook up the horses,” Alex said to the old man.

“No, no today is my treat,” Taylor said. “You young fellers help me all the time.”

It’s true, Julianna thought, Alex and Franz helped Taylor as much as he helped them.

The hot east wind dried the road enough to harden the mud, but not enough to be dusty, making the trip pleas- ant. Julianna noticed Taylor smiling as he listened to them chatter.

The horses strained as they plodded up the steep winding trail. There was a spring almost at the top of the hill where they stopped to water the horses and everyone got out and stretched their legs. Then one more short pull to the top where they hit the Wire Trail and turned east.

“In the summer, the east wind is hot and dry. By tomorrow it will be in the 90s, mark my words and that’s fire season,” Taylor chatted as they drove. “I encourage you young folks to cut timber down around your houses as a fire break and keep the dry grass down. Get a goat if nothing else to keep foliage under control.”

It was close to noon when they arrived at the city park in Latourell. Tables, already collecting huge platters of food, were set up under the shade trees. People were arriving from all directions. Musicians were busy setting up their chairs and stands in the pavilion

Julianna couldn’t believe her eyes. Here in the middle of the wilderness were people eager to dance and celebrate their independence.

“There must be a hundred people here,” Alex said.

“You bet. Everyone comes to this. It’s the biggest event of the year. It’s in the summer so people can get to it.” Taylor stopped the team so the group could disembark. He smiled and nodded to an older balding gentleman and his gray- haired companion. “That’s Fred Hicklin and his wife Sarah.”

“Must be where Hicklin Bottoms on the Sandy River got its name,” Alex said.

“Yup, they’re the ones. Been there before I came to this country and I came in ’66,” Taylor said as he climbed back up in the driver’s seat.

Author Bio:

Raised in Columbia River Gorge country in Oregon, Helen Wand graduated from Corbett High School and obtained her degree from Marylhurst University. Spending her early career as a medical technologist working in various hospital laboratories, she later founded the Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy program at Clackamas Community College, where she performed the duties of director and lead instructor.

All the while, she pursued her love of history, joining local historical societies and documenting early Oregon stories. Helen published her first historical novel, Where Eagles Nest, The Second Wave of Pioneers in 2013. Echoes of Forgotten Places continues the Lampert family saga in the early 1900s as they struggle to save their land and maintain their homestead in the wild, rugged terrain high above the Columbia River.

Now retired, Helen resides in Gresham, Oregon, where she gardens, writes, and volunteers at the Troutdale Historical Society, the Crown Point Country Historical Society, and the Northeast Multnomah County Pioneer Association.

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Review of A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell- A Breathtaking Mystery. (#Contest- 3 winners )

 

I want to welcome Marlene M. Bell to Books R US. Marlene is surfing the blogosphere with Partners in Crime Book Tours. Read my review and enter the giveaway below. Thanks for stopping by.

Book Details:

Genre: Amateur Sleuth/Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Published by: Ewephoric Publishing
Publication Date: October 1, 2024
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 979-8-9863409-6-8
Book Links: Amazon | Goodread

 

From the award-winning author of the ANNALISSE MYSTERY SERIES.

THE VISIT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Celebrity chef Laura Harris dwells on the horror of finding her mentor’s body in the groundskeepers disheveled bed—pillow and bedding half covering her open eyes—purple bruising around her mouth. A grisly snapshot in time revealing the Texas woman’s last moments during her attack. The elderly matriarch from the small town of Stenburg has left the physical world, and Laura is shattered.

She is catapulted headlong into the pursuit of a casual executioner, one bold enough to come and go from the crime scene with ease, dropping bizarre crumb trails designed to mock the deceased. But Laura herself doesn’t go unnoticed. As she digs deeper, she is followed and bombarded by warnings to leave the state.

When the victim’s attorney informs Laura that she’s to inherit the entire Stenburg fortune, the last act of kindness has made Laura the main person of interest in the investigation.

Message by message, Laura is methodically taunted by someone so deranged and driven they’ll do whatever it takes to dislodge Laura from Texas – permanently.

 

About the Author:

Marlene M. Bell has never met a sheep she didn’t like. As a personal touch for her readers, they often find these wooly creatures visiting her international romantic mysteries and children’s books as characters or subject matter. Marlene is an accomplished artist and photographer who takes pride in entertaining fans on multiple levels of her creativity.

Marlene’s award-winning Annalisse series boasts Best Mystery honors for all installments including these: IP Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, Global Award Best Mystery, and Chanticleer’s International Mystery and Mayhem shortlist for Copper Waters, the fourth mystery in the series.

She offers her children's picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! written primarily for younger kids based on true events from the Bell’s East Texas sheep ranch. The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of belonging and unconditional love between a little girl and her lamb.

Catch Up With Marlene M. Bell:

www.MarleneMBell.com
Goodreads - @dorsetghal
BookBub - @dorsetgalwrites
Instagram - @marlenemysteries
Twitter/X - @ewephoric
Facebook
Facebook - @marlenembell
Amazon Author Page

Purchase the Book on Amazon: 

My Thoughts:

 
"A Hush at Midnight" is a well-written, action-packed, and fast-paced book with believable characters who complement each other. The protagonist, Laura, her father Zane, and Brett, Hattie's estate lawyer, work together to solve the murder of Laura's mentor, Hattie. I stayed up late to finish the book because the author is a fantastic writer, and I couldn't put the book down. Throughout the book, there were twists and turns that kept me engaged. Usually, I can figure out who the killer is early in the book, but this one stumped me. I was on the edge of my seat until the end. Great job, Ms. Bell. I look forward to your next book.

Tour Participants:

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CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY  

 

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Marlene M. Bell. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review

Book Blitz of Bowling Bodies at Spare Lane Alley by Laura Hern (#contests- Win a Ecopy of the Book)

Bowling Bodies at Spare Lanes Alley
Laura Hern
(The Lainey Maynard Mystery Series, #5)
Publication date: August 20th 2023
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

“What a fun and exciting read! Humor and suspense kept me engaged, and it was hard to put down! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!” Bobbi

When planning a murder, practice makes perfect…or does it?

Super sleuth Lainey Maynard and the Whoopee group are preparing for the bowling tournament fundraiser to save Spare Lanes Bowling Alley. Until an envelope arrived during their practice game that caused more excitement than a scored card filled with strikes. Why hadn’t Gerry Hayward been more concerned?

Spare Lanes Alley had been the hot spot where local celebrity bowlers and newbies gathered. Even framed and signed photos of professional bowlers lined the trophy wall. Now, threats of foreclosure loomed over Gerald and Phoebe Hayward, the owners, and the entire bowling community. More than bowling balls are crossing the foul line.

Gerald and Phoebe Hayward purchased the alley to start fresh after the Professional Bowling Association banned him. Past suspicions of murder, accusations of impending revenge, and enormous gambling debts don’t exactly stop the gossip mongers ’embarrassing rumors.

Lainey and the Whoopee Pin-Slayers will need more than gutter bumpers, shoe covers, and shammy rags to solve the unfolding mysteries.

A fun and intriguing cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. You’ll love the delightful characters, and the twists will keep you turning the pages!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“What crazy weather! I’ve been running all over town in this icy rain!” Della shivered as she hurried through the door of Babe’s House of Caffeine and toward the Whoopee’s regular table.

“Mother Nature must think it’s March, not October.” Francy grinned and pulled out the chair between her and Lainey. “Sit down and dry out. Mom’s running a bit late, too.”

“Are you still trying to figure out a costume for the bowling fundraiser?” Lainey asked. “I think I’ve decided on mine!”

“Didn’t Francy tell you? We’re going as the Blues Brothers!” I’m Jake and she’s Elwood.” She leaned closer to Lainey and, looking at Francy, pretended to whisper. “She’s jealous of my dancing abilities!”

“Absolutely not!” Francy smirked. “I have dance moves that make Elwood look like a beginner!” She stood up, pushed her chair from the table, and began stomping her feet, shaking, and wiggling her body, waving her hands in the air while shouting ‘Hallelujah’!

Everyone in the cafe laughed. Some clapped and chanted, “Go Francy. Go Francy. Go Francy.” “Okay, okay! You can dance, but I’m still the lead singer,” Della chuckled.

Francy stopped, turned to the cafe patrons, and took a bow while they applauded. She pretended to blow kisses to thank them, then turned to sit down at the table again.

“Whew! That’s hard work. I should have done more of Mom’s ‘Sweating to the Oldies ’workout videos!” she said breathlessly. “I’m going to need a large Caramel Macchiato.”

Author Bio:

Laura Hern is an author who writes Cozy Mysteries and Romance novels.

She loves cats, charred brussel sprouts with bacon, and romantic murder mysteries!

Laura grew up in Texas and lives in Minnesota. She loves to ride motorcycles, and is an avid domino and card player. Music and traveling are her passions.

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Blog Tour of the Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead(Excerpt-#contests- Win an Amazon Gift Card)

 

 

I want to welcome Eliza Hampstead to Books R Us. She is touring the blogosphere with her fantasy, romance novel The Nephilim's Fate. The author has provided me with an excerpt for your reading pleasure. Enter below to win an Amazon gift card. Thanks for stopping by

 

The Nephilim’s Fate
Eliza Hampstead
(War of the Nephilim Series, #1)
Publication date: August 16th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

She will find a way, even if it leads to a war between Heaven and Hell.

In the heart of London, Alissia’s ordinary life takes a thrilling turn when she is attacked by bloodthirsty vampires. When Nate, the man she dreamed about for years, swoops in to save her, her reality shatters as she discovers a shocking truth: she’s a witch, and he’s a Nephilim. But their love is cursed, forbidden by ancient laws that threaten to tear their world apart.

As old rivalries resurface and dark secrets come to light, Alissia and Nate must confront their deepest fears and fight for their love, even if it means igniting a war between Heaven and Hell.

With unforgettable characters, steamy romance, and gripping plot twists, this captivating new fantasy series by award-winning author Eliza Hampstead delves into a world of angels and demons, forbidden love, and the inexorable power of fate.

If you crave the intensity of Shadowhunters with an added dose of spice, don’t miss out on this spellbinding series!

*Warning: strong language, steamy scenes, and graphic violence inside. Mention/Description of abduction, blood, death, rape, and torture.*

Goodreads / Amazon

 

Excerpt: 

Nate Meets His Father

“Marmaroth, your son is here. He wishes to speak with you.”

The other angel—my father—stood and walked towards us. He had dark, golden skin, black hair, and brown eyes. His features were like mine. It was like looking into a mirror. The only difference was that he had no beard and a white halo surrounded him. Although he was eternal, he seemed to be in his late twenties. Marmaroth looked me up and down. Then his gaze moved to Alissia, to her belly.

“I see. What is your name, son?”

I was twenty-eight years old, and the man who sired me didn’t even know my name. He knew nothing about me! Rage boiled in my veins, overwhelmed with hatred for the man who had given me life. He didn’t care about the children he thoughtlessly left behind on Earth. The women he had once professed to love were broken beyond repair due to his selfishness. How often had I cried out into the night sky, wishing for a father? Someone to counsel me and guide me through life? But this man, this angel, was an emotionless being whose only commitment was to himself.

“I’m not your son,” I hissed between my teeth. My fists were clenched. I wanted to hurt him badly but withheld myself.

“You clearly are. I have given you my features, so you were after my likeness.”

“You son of a bitch…” I took a step forward to hit him.

Alissia’s hand was on my arm. “Nate…” When I looked at her instead of that bastard, I saw the plea written on her face.

“Nathaniel. Gift of God. A good name. It suits you. What do you desire?”

This arrogant bloke needed a good beating. Although I knew it wouldn’t help our case, I couldn’t ignore all the suffering this being caused many humans and Nephilim.

“What do I desire? That you give a shit!” I yelled at him. “About your children that you left on Earth. Doomed to grow up without a father! Without a mother, because the women you left behind were suffering wrecks. How can one be so selfish?” I growled through my teeth.

“You came all the way to tell me this?” He raised an eyebrow, a move I did very often myself. This added to my rage. I inhaled to give this idiot a much-needed lecture when I sensed Alissia moving next to me.

 

Author Bio:

Award winning author Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she’s not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she’s always planning her next adventure.

Sign up for Eliza’s newsletter to get exclusive updates on new releases, behind-the-scenes author news, and exciting extras like character interviews, maps, playlists, and bonus chapters that bring the books even more to life!

https://subscribepage.io/Jsj7Dt

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