tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553427182860937222024-03-14T05:31:23.403-04:00Unwrapping RomanceUnwrapping The World of Romance, Romance Novels, and Their Authors Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.comBlogger862125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-43195478997786943182024-03-04T16:22:00.004-05:002024-03-04T16:34:38.487-05:00Review of the upcoming psychological thriller, THE WIDOW BRIDE by Carey Baldwin<p><i style="text-align: justify;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWawGJB1V_ImczcSB7yGsWtx9Mb-ke-NhudpNOLpJEKEnfxGrK9l-tOvYrJ-6sVAMcQZhbsXQr3EivgbQZQGirYYEroHwd_r00MjFauJoFuQarJCWn276LEM5B8DNSD9VM5TLX0TcAps3Yi7mr1IG30yf_isJZ7i8zqTQ4ZJdYN3T_moy_oHaTbPQLzyRu/s914/The%20Widow%20Bride%20by%20Carey%20Baldwin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWawGJB1V_ImczcSB7yGsWtx9Mb-ke-NhudpNOLpJEKEnfxGrK9l-tOvYrJ-6sVAMcQZhbsXQr3EivgbQZQGirYYEroHwd_r00MjFauJoFuQarJCWn276LEM5B8DNSD9VM5TLX0TcAps3Yi7mr1IG30yf_isJZ7i8zqTQ4ZJdYN3T_moy_oHaTbPQLzyRu/w420-h640/The%20Widow%20Bride%20by%20Carey%20Baldwin.png" width="420" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><br /></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Coming Soon! March 11, 2024</span></b></span></span></p><p><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As
I look down to the beautiful arch set up on the beach for our wedding, I have
to stop myself running into Blake’s arms. It’s so soon after my first husband
passed away—but Blake and I are meant to be... aren’t we? There are no family
or friends beaming at me this time, but everything is perfect… isn’t it?</span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Since
I lost my first husband, Blake has been there for me, showering me with gifts
and affection, holding my hand as I go back into the world. He’s the only one
who truly understands what I’ve been through. How hard it’s been on me. So,
when Blake insisted we keep our elopement a secret, I agreed. But, now, it
feels wrong to walk down the aisle between empty chairs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As
I step in front of the officiant with my husband-to-be, I think back to my last
conversation with my first husband’s sister. Should I have listened when she
tried to warn me about Blake’s past?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maybe
it’s just wedding day nerves… But when I meet Blake’s brown eyes, there’s
something dark in them I’ve never seen before. He grips my wrist to put the
ring on my finger, and a shiver runs down my spine when he says, “Finally,
you’re mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I
remember my sister-in-law’s warning and I tremble. But it’s too late to turn
back now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Marrying
him is the only option because I have secrets of my own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Blake
may think he knows me, but he has no idea who he’s really dealing with…<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A
completely gripping psychological thriller which will have you reading late
into the night until you reach the final shocking twist. Perfect for fans of
Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Perfect Marriage.</span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>****</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Love.
Betrayal. Forgiveness.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Love comes in all forms—family,
spouses, and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Betrayal can destroy love in an
instant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As for forgiveness, it can be
difficult and doesn’t always come, but sometimes forgiving yourself is all
that’s needed.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Widow </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Bride</b> <b>by Carey
Baldwin</b> is a psychological thriller about all three. A new exciting and
addicting read from the amazing author of psychological thrillers, Carey
Baldwin will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will keep you guessing and
rethinking your guesses until the very end, and then the end will flip you
upside down. I can’t tell you any more than that without giving away spoilers, so
I’m not. I’m just going to tell you that if you love a good tale of mystery and suspense, and enjoy the need to know what happens next and who the bad guy is and who
isn’t, read The Widow Bride. You won’t regret it!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I highly recommend The Widow Bride, a
new psychological thriller by Carey Baldwin, if you’re a fan of
edge-of-the-seat thrillers that keep you reading late into the night—just make
sure you leave some time for sleep or you’ll end up doing a long day on only two
hours of sleep like I did. Pre-Order your copy now! Releasing on March 11, 2024,
and available in digital, audiobook, and print at </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Widow-Bride-addictive-psychological-heart-pounding-ebook/dp/B0CNHHZYPN/"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, and print at
</span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-widow-bride-carey-baldwin/1144899930"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Barnes and
Noble</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Reading Everyone!</span></span></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-14748226369266362132023-10-25T15:21:00.000-04:002023-10-25T15:21:35.405-04:00New Release! Elysian Shifter Tall, Dark and Deadly, bk 8 in the Elysian Realm series by Amy Valentini<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7wXxDGiGm0ZtZ2naxwhvcrxnew0YvDk4hrGAsG_WI8th5ng2cyCVSp4N9B564RiXKt_4WQEYx1moRKdtYeGSjrfnYua0o-HbS8ndAQWgfMsqYDWY1FiysrtqBSgbFbJCol4O5Mvr0N5bq7AyHoDcjwPcJx5Xq4IzEVcb66fxM1hps8ni03au7I4WBVn9/s2400/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Shifter%20Tall%20Dark%20and%20Deadly%20_1500%20x%202400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7wXxDGiGm0ZtZ2naxwhvcrxnew0YvDk4hrGAsG_WI8th5ng2cyCVSp4N9B564RiXKt_4WQEYx1moRKdtYeGSjrfnYua0o-HbS8ndAQWgfMsqYDWY1FiysrtqBSgbFbJCol4O5Mvr0N5bq7AyHoDcjwPcJx5Xq4IzEVcb66fxM1hps8ni03au7I4WBVn9/w400-h640/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Shifter%20Tall%20Dark%20and%20Deadly%20_1500%20x%202400.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Available now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLLL7T4L" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and Kindle Unlimited</p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Hasen
Balderson and Julieta Moreno live very different lives but when fate brings
them together, their lives will never be the same.</b> Hasen is a wolf
shifter, plagued by a painful past and a rebellious streak. Julieta is a
detective with a dark secret and an inability to trust. When they team up to
unravel a mystery, she discovers a hidden world she never knew existed.
Dangerous shifters lurking in the shadows put them both in danger even as they
struggle to control the powerful desire they feel for each other. But when her
secret is revealed, she discovers where she truly belongs. Will they be able to
protect the Realm from a new enemy and find their happily ever after, or will
they be torn apart forever?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Elysian Shifter
Tall, Dark and Deadly is the eighth book in the thrilling Elysian Realm
paranormal romance series. If you enjoyed the electrifying chemistry between
the characters in the previous books of the series, you’ll be captivated by the
fated connection between Hasen and Julieta. </span><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Buy it today and continue the next generation of Elysians’ journey as
they search for eternal love in a world where the gods of mythology are real!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvgVHwl1Rz54JiwQBqQNrQgidX3Tnx5eX5F5iWsevkDBSlvMLbWuDfqWCpHJNUPuVaUQylN04YZv4R_YlGyPRklzYkNT9OuJGBvNSUQXMATQbnhZdV9j8vxUG1-mLP2vV6KP3f0NrWzoEPhgjrdSRV6eNkd3UfaSvqnc_wq2TlBRCy9FNWmEJTOt8SdkH/s2000/3D%20Promo%20Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2000" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvgVHwl1Rz54JiwQBqQNrQgidX3Tnx5eX5F5iWsevkDBSlvMLbWuDfqWCpHJNUPuVaUQylN04YZv4R_YlGyPRklzYkNT9OuJGBvNSUQXMATQbnhZdV9j8vxUG1-mLP2vV6KP3f0NrWzoEPhgjrdSRV6eNkd3UfaSvqnc_wq2TlBRCy9FNWmEJTOt8SdkH/w640-h368/3D%20Promo%20Image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you haven't indulged in this exciting paranormal romance series yet, you can get started by reading the first four books in an exclusive box set available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57W9VF4" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and at Kindle Unlimited and then continue the exciting adventure in the following books with more to come. Happy Reading! </span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QlfD9sbSOfnXKOfOuIcSyf7ExnFnxUJfIhC5pWTM71li3gPPyyx-XHuJJNj2UZpRVeJMiNGssy67Iq0e_m8B7RxewL9A_mFWUFq6qCfO_T6q_VsRQhe01RJ9rAUNDsMQGHfJdQdjbLyDGJU88ypsUO5YTMjyuDunpvJ2NPM89Hyvk_wV4iTHMXiNgVgl/s2400/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202192.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2192" data-original-width="2400" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QlfD9sbSOfnXKOfOuIcSyf7ExnFnxUJfIhC5pWTM71li3gPPyyx-XHuJJNj2UZpRVeJMiNGssy67Iq0e_m8B7RxewL9A_mFWUFq6qCfO_T6q_VsRQhe01RJ9rAUNDsMQGHfJdQdjbLyDGJU88ypsUO5YTMjyuDunpvJ2NPM89Hyvk_wV4iTHMXiNgVgl/w400-h365/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202192.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-75631269067743892132023-05-21T20:07:00.000-04:002023-05-21T20:07:09.298-04:00New Release! Faded Forget-Me-Nots, a forever love suspense romance standalone by Amy Valentini<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz-6mVskAIIxdHbHxfPmx4aF_uqXb3hUACC4Zqys7D89bfkTH5vjEIbT2Nx77x75BqHW94t9dCHCZs3zaCUBEVkTnPtCZqa3FUo6fT5u9nvJsVfsAQOyhRP1TRf5x0Za4BYlqudF76OVeluKzTPUCiGjw_z4MiM91L-J41g3ZPDskww5sFsOL0oVFgA/s2400/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Faded%20Forget%20Me%20Nots_1500%20x%202400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz-6mVskAIIxdHbHxfPmx4aF_uqXb3hUACC4Zqys7D89bfkTH5vjEIbT2Nx77x75BqHW94t9dCHCZs3zaCUBEVkTnPtCZqa3FUo6fT5u9nvJsVfsAQOyhRP1TRf5x0Za4BYlqudF76OVeluKzTPUCiGjw_z4MiM91L-J41g3ZPDskww5sFsOL0oVFgA/w400-h640/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Faded%20Forget%20Me%20Nots_1500%20x%202400.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5Q2T67N" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Available now in digital and print at Amazon and Kindle Unlimited</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">She was young and jaded. She didn’t know if she could trust him. Was her heart in danger as well as her life?</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">In a time long ago and a place far away, Claire Daniels fell in love, experienced real passion, had her heart broken, and nearly died. It’s a never forgotten memory from the past that changed her life. Now she fears she may be the only one who remembers it.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The wonderful man she married no longer knows her and without him, her future looks dreadfully forlorn. For the first time in almost sixty years, she will have to live apart from her loving husband. While preparing for that day, she finds a journal from the past that she thought lost long ago.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">While reading her words on the pages, they take her back to an incredible summer weekend that left her life changed forever. A time when she discovered she could fall in love and be destroyed by it just as fast.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Now she worries that just as that girl has faded into the old woman she sees in the mirror, her treasured memory might fade away just like the crumbling forget-me-nots tucked inside the pages preserving it. Do memories survive even when seemingly lost forever?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fans of lifetime love will love Faded Forget-Me-Nots. A story of love forged in the past but threatens to fade away under the ravages of time. </span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Buy this standalone romantic suspense today and grab a box of tissues just in case.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;"><br /></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAwCmL14RPB3vFHVJkgLyIhwgmj7EWvV2KXnlzqhiRVRzj69-eUc9NzBI2y6KU5mWBsXSeIQSHTMEXrQWW4dLtUSUD_XqOVau63b86szPmGa2l9oQ8kSPAjQ66j9e1iRsnE8Pd62zUxkj1BMYIaP2k8BKc8gxuUyGJ6h2RW7BKCQTaYR9mkzO4bqpAQ/s3285/Full%20Cover_Faded%20Forget-Me-Nots_5%20x%208.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3285" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAwCmL14RPB3vFHVJkgLyIhwgmj7EWvV2KXnlzqhiRVRzj69-eUc9NzBI2y6KU5mWBsXSeIQSHTMEXrQWW4dLtUSUD_XqOVau63b86szPmGa2l9oQ8kSPAjQ66j9e1iRsnE8Pd62zUxkj1BMYIaP2k8BKc8gxuUyGJ6h2RW7BKCQTaYR9mkzO4bqpAQ/w640-h496/Full%20Cover_Faded%20Forget-Me-Nots_5%20x%208.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-15392283181744820072022-11-14T09:45:00.001-05:002022-11-14T09:45:37.631-05:00New Release! Elysian Shifter Bad Blood, book 7 in the Elysian Realm #PNR series by Amy Valentini<p><span style="text-align: justify;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EIc0Elit5lGbvSaXio_AWETDPnNEg9CSkxdPqrhuI6pum1nze842PNNqGI7syoILd1ehbH_Zbbv59vhEtW8j5efFMECr98XfnR2vLsVWndqPjMR0oXUw7HXOrFEbU-A0JXTZI1Nl3yiKVTXl3tVZD5kpUBkLiBB3kABAZhrxsC-Xld7DZQ_giHdYmg/s2400/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Shifter%20Bad%20Blood_2_1500%20x%202400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EIc0Elit5lGbvSaXio_AWETDPnNEg9CSkxdPqrhuI6pum1nze842PNNqGI7syoILd1ehbH_Zbbv59vhEtW8j5efFMECr98XfnR2vLsVWndqPjMR0oXUw7HXOrFEbU-A0JXTZI1Nl3yiKVTXl3tVZD5kpUBkLiBB3kABAZhrxsC-Xld7DZQ_giHdYmg/w400-h640/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Shifter%20Bad%20Blood_2_1500%20x%202400.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif";"><b>Available Now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM8M4QWP" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and #free to read at #KindleUnlimited</b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><i style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Different from everyone around her, Astrid wants to find
where she belongs in the Realm…</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Having lived a life as a lone wolf, Luis concentrates on his
purpose in the community instead of life…</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">When Luis meets a beautiful and unusual woman, who dislikes
him from the moment of their first encounter, his desire for her and her
approval consumes him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sent on a mission together, Astrid and Luis continue trying
to deny their attraction and what it could mean. Now, they are confronted with
a hatred for shifters that puts them and their team in great danger. When Luis
is taken captive, Astrid fears she will lose him before she can be sure he is
her true mate.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Will she be able to save him before he succumbs to a fate
worse than death?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">You will love this next generation paranormal romance
because everyone wants to believe love really is eternal. Get the newest book
in the riveting Elysian Realm series now and discover that the gods of
mythology are real and their descendants live among us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you haven't read this amazing paranormal romance series yet, the first four books are still available in the boxset, The Elysian Realm Series at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57W9VF4" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Indulge now and experience the world where the gods of mythology are real and their descendants live among us.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK09mYJlH9goK7dl2q8eBhEzgk3K2DVcM6FEnT4nQWKXdeLDBEvZmptkrmFoi7L-ax5zRaBqXaZZ26F8ZPtIosTpfCMFnRM3f91fhqBI3BcvfAD8vL1Aa1hS0FG6fNnHsh9777hbTcavO04fjCvifEdl2wZl9dmKr_j1XKNEGB5whij293vV4VjOqdPw/s2400/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202154.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2154" data-original-width="2400" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK09mYJlH9goK7dl2q8eBhEzgk3K2DVcM6FEnT4nQWKXdeLDBEvZmptkrmFoi7L-ax5zRaBqXaZZ26F8ZPtIosTpfCMFnRM3f91fhqBI3BcvfAD8vL1Aa1hS0FG6fNnHsh9777hbTcavO04fjCvifEdl2wZl9dmKr_j1XKNEGB5whij293vV4VjOqdPw/w400-h359/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202154.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Happy Reading Everyone!</span></div><br /><i style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-3831689748554621942022-09-12T19:00:00.000-04:002022-09-12T19:00:25.755-04:00#NewRelease! Elysian Retribution, book six in the Elysian Realm PNR series by Amy Valentini is now live in digital and print.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg7vXqzehmAw2gfYtZkm5Ix_ZH-Eim8Dw-WfVclvCQWZlNFkZMbRtrV0MrUzu83b7EIuX5K37q17jd-_Qy6qIled5o-NhRblBty-ab97Dq-LSmqBwkKdgTi8yBlQwozA9xpPRGdzrIkfoXhe-ydmkQ7W3bsJHurh_prFpy-O1bCffJAbKvxJ8WJKuhg/s2000/3%20D%20promo%20image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2000" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg7vXqzehmAw2gfYtZkm5Ix_ZH-Eim8Dw-WfVclvCQWZlNFkZMbRtrV0MrUzu83b7EIuX5K37q17jd-_Qy6qIled5o-NhRblBty-ab97Dq-LSmqBwkKdgTi8yBlQwozA9xpPRGdzrIkfoXhe-ydmkQ7W3bsJHurh_prFpy-O1bCffJAbKvxJ8WJKuhg/w640-h368/3%20D%20promo%20image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDY2KR8D" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and #Free to read at #KindleUnlimited</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>The
gods of mythology are real and their descendants live among us.</b> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>Forever
alone.</i>
Salana has encountered it all—good and bad, but one thing has always eluded
him. <i>Passion.</i> When his cat catches
the scent of a beautiful red-haired Asgardian woman with topaz eyes, more than
a purr tells him his time has come.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>He
fascinates her.</i>
Alina long ago reconciled to being alone only when a mesmerizing and alluring
shifter enters her life, passion and desire fill her thoughts but fear over
what others might think holds her back. The distraction of desire becomes her
enemy while working to counter the evil undermining the Realm and putting
everyone at risk. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After discovering
a dark world of human enslavement and facing some of the most powerful
Elysians, Alina and Salana lead the way to what may be the Realm’s greatest
battle. When confronted with adversaries that only know how to dole out cruelty
and pain, Salana discovers he owes one for his blindness. He and his cat desire
revenge. But when Alina falls prey to the evildoers, and the fate of captive
Elysians hangs in the balance, he and his cat must surrender to necessity
rather than vengeance, but will he lose the love he waited so long for as a
result?</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HXaQmYEE05zvSxxASEEiQE53UefkfkQB12PW-qF9_4lhBoVRDaJTW7L8YLTEnO-HVp_-uwHncmudsjyGiMbH2LHBTHC57PJ60MpPE1JQ8OTBLN_5d6fq2JNdDV-ryz5wOnaDISC-ltIh5uGK4aqD5anZEagL5ZoDB351XbbHY7vl4_0K-e6aQpa4nw/s2400/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="2400" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HXaQmYEE05zvSxxASEEiQE53UefkfkQB12PW-qF9_4lhBoVRDaJTW7L8YLTEnO-HVp_-uwHncmudsjyGiMbH2LHBTHC57PJ60MpPE1JQ8OTBLN_5d6fq2JNdDV-ryz5wOnaDISC-ltIh5uGK4aqD5anZEagL5ZoDB351XbbHY7vl4_0K-e6aQpa4nw/w400-h348/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you want to catch up on the first four books, the Elysian Realm box set is available through September 25th at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57W9VF4" target="_blank">Amazon</a> #free to read at #KindleUnlimited as is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GS2WDX" target="_blank">Elysian Reunited</a> and now Elysian Retribution. More is coming in this exciting PNR series so get addicted now. Happy Reading!</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you have any of the books in this exciting series or plan to, I hope you will leave a review as it assists the author and helps other readers find this amazing series. Thank you and Happy Reading!</span></p></div>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-87701875556368873722022-09-02T20:39:00.000-04:002022-09-02T20:39:05.420-04:00#Cover Reveal for Book Six in the Elysian Realm PNR series - Elysian Retribution by Amy Valentini<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Coming September 12, 2022</b></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh32-fv23tfHhQt35qLLvBob92G6jsPxSFbgKsHkEESGPP4gZBmVGfIimCStuX5OND2wY7MxhsWxnqgP4G2S0MXVEQwFo5syNYbgYSHckO-Dmm9pEZvBTfHgHP2p6SI6e-_-LzPgZeaAsTeTTGFlmi2u4vSv6L7cOiywCy1k1KRuX4oPm1rLzNKocE5w/s2400/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Retribution_1500%20x%202400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh32-fv23tfHhQt35qLLvBob92G6jsPxSFbgKsHkEESGPP4gZBmVGfIimCStuX5OND2wY7MxhsWxnqgP4G2S0MXVEQwFo5syNYbgYSHckO-Dmm9pEZvBTfHgHP2p6SI6e-_-LzPgZeaAsTeTTGFlmi2u4vSv6L7cOiywCy1k1KRuX4oPm1rLzNKocE5w/w400-h640/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Retribution_1500%20x%202400.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Book Six in the Elysian Realm Paranormal Romance Series</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>The Battle to Save the Realm is About to Begin!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The
gods of mythology are real and their descendants live among us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Forever
alone.</i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">
Salana has encountered it all—good and bad, but one thing has always eluded
him. </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Passion.</i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> When his cat catches
the scent of a beautiful red-haired Asgardian woman with topaz eyes, more than
a purr tells him his time has come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He
fascinates her.</i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">
Alina long ago reconciled to being alone only when a mesmerizing and alluring
shifter enters her life, passion and desire fill her thoughts but fear over
what others might think holds her back. The distraction of desire becomes her
enemy while working to counter the evil undermining the Realm and putting
everyone at risk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">After discovering
a dark world of human enslavement and facing some of the most powerful
Elysians, Alina and Salana lead the way to what may be the Realm’s greatest
battle. When confronted with adversaries that only know how to dole out cruelty
and pain, Salana discovers he owes one for his blindness. He and his cat desire
revenge. But when Alina falls prey to the evildoers, and the fate of captive
Elysians hangs in the balance, he and his cat must surrender to necessity
rather than vengeance, but will he lose the love he waited so long for as a
result?</span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Get ready for the Elysians to halt the evil that threatens to overthrow the relationship between Elysians, Elysian Shifters, and humans.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you haven't read this exciting series, you still have a chance to catch up by reading the first four books in The Elysian Realm box set which is available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57W9VF4" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for one low price and #free to read at #KindleUnlimited but time is running out because it's coming down on September 25, 2022.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCRZbXSgVuj4whSIH6fm9DKRWwIHuCR6BOmU1O2Cne5adg2d2SXwhBkrRk-1w-ZaygO2WqxSXeuo2fR_cMrkXfJx04nu-DAnNKogajS1GT6610qGH3CvkyfSD4Ue1v6HWVqDOOmz6CBCH2P4n73l_flNztnPf0eENx3-TeH8_uQtpnR05pdFrhPopyQ/s2400/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="2400" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCRZbXSgVuj4whSIH6fm9DKRWwIHuCR6BOmU1O2Cne5adg2d2SXwhBkrRk-1w-ZaygO2WqxSXeuo2fR_cMrkXfJx04nu-DAnNKogajS1GT6610qGH3CvkyfSD4Ue1v6HWVqDOOmz6CBCH2P4n73l_flNztnPf0eENx3-TeH8_uQtpnR05pdFrhPopyQ/w400-h348/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">The gods of mythology are real and their descendants live among us.</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Elysians came to Earth in search of a new home. The human inhabitants welcomed them as gods. Their relationship grew and sustained both species until it became dangerous for Elysians to be open with their non-human abilities. They continued to work together, care for each other, and seek out their eternal true mates within both species.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But now there are those who threaten their co-existence. Evolution in any species continues until extinction claims its end. Some will embrace the changes, while others will resist. When those who resist act to prevent or control the changes, they become dangerous to all species.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Welcome to the Elysian Realm, where the descendants of alien visitors live among humans as friends and protectors. When those with corrupt and evil intent attempt to change the world for Elysians and enslave humans, will those who wish to maintain the balance be able to save the world for the sake of all?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Delve into the Elysian Realm with the first four books in the series in a limited collection. The fifth book in the series, Elysian Reunited, is available now but this collection will disappear soon so indulge in the Realm now before the battle to save both humans and Elysians begins in Elysian Retribution – coming soon.</span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And Elysian Retribution isn't the end of the exciting adventures in this series. There is more to come so catch up and stay tuned. Happy Reading.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-63411385188455213962022-07-17T03:10:00.001-04:002022-07-17T03:10:38.919-04:00New Book Trailer for THE ELYSIAN REALM First Four Book Exclusive Boxset by Amy Valentini<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The gods of mythology are real and their children
live among us. </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Enter the Elysian Realm, where love is eternal and evil attempts
to destroy it all.</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6VCMQwAG0Nn2GjLTFlycruGWTp_GHBtZBpQZMEyZEcsoAdMyHgj-hSs4kMpURFfCqgHdrk4HZLG6jbKKGPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1IF7CaOfd3OzybAir_rU4GHFTBVobGkzKofNhfnvJSiSq1-qhC1eiscOxabxmJA_z140uTt0rkF7L0Te6Lh8VojfIhJHISspGs1znXzjBd6v8SpEG6Tz6EQ9zP0co6gSawLW77DVcsg0XnKqVVVbv3Ji9xJUR0u_dbNZ2DbF1wF5WQoZ3g8Qqd3peQ/s2400/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="2400" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1IF7CaOfd3OzybAir_rU4GHFTBVobGkzKofNhfnvJSiSq1-qhC1eiscOxabxmJA_z140uTt0rkF7L0Te6Lh8VojfIhJHISspGs1znXzjBd6v8SpEG6Tz6EQ9zP0co6gSawLW77DVcsg0XnKqVVVbv3Ji9xJUR0u_dbNZ2DbF1wF5WQoZ3g8Qqd3peQ/w400-h348/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" width="400" /></a></b></div><b style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Available now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57W9VF4" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and to read FREE at Kindle Unlimited.</span></b></div></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Elysians came
to Earth in search of a new home. The human inhabitants welcomed them as gods.
The relationship grew and sustained both species until it became dangerous for
Elysians to be open with their non-human abilities. Still, they work together,
care for each other, and seek out their eternal true mates within both species.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But now there
are those who threaten their co-existence once more. Evolution in any species
continues until extinction claims its end. Some will embrace the changes, while
others will resist. When those who resist act to prevent or control the
changes, they become dangerous to the entire species.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome to the
Elysian Realm, where the descendants of alien visitors live among humans as
friends and protectors. When those with corrupt and evil intent attempt to
change the world for Elysians and enslave humans, will those who wish to
maintain the balance be able to save the world for the sake of all?</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Delve into the
Elysian Realm with the first four books in the series in a limited collection.
The fifth book in the series, <i>Elysian
Reunited</i>, is available now so indulge in the Realm now before the battle to
save both humans and Elysians begins in <i>Elysian
Retribution</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Get Your Copy Now and Catch Up as the battle to protect the Elysian Realm and humans ignites in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GS2WDX" target="_blank">ELYSIAN REUNITED</a> - available now - and continues in ELYSIAN RETRIBUTION - coming soon!</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Happy Reading Everyone! </span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Also, if you sign up for my very rarely distributed author <a href="https://BookHip.com/XKKBCRF" target="_blank">newsletter</a>, you will receive a FREE GIFT. Thanks, Amy </span></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-38090463599767065072022-07-14T16:49:00.001-04:002022-07-14T16:50:19.433-04:00New Release! ELYSIAN REUNITED by Amy Valentini, book 5 of the Elysian Realm PNR series<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_lyx9tfFeptRf9-QAyP7OyV0izAzhV0j5V-3sOxubvh2Mp6pyFY6MyXdInHaKbyxYaVyIbYNAtaZsvF7llNe3Heb1tJmNXyNZpwF64U3UWAVYRucuURTdFA2Lc1o18Beq4wd2JiXEbD5PTlaupelmSxjrjUqR14Sd9CGfsGHiYc0TUOXqTXmpRy1bg/s2400/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Reunited_1500%20x%202400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_lyx9tfFeptRf9-QAyP7OyV0izAzhV0j5V-3sOxubvh2Mp6pyFY6MyXdInHaKbyxYaVyIbYNAtaZsvF7llNe3Heb1tJmNXyNZpwF64U3UWAVYRucuURTdFA2Lc1o18Beq4wd2JiXEbD5PTlaupelmSxjrjUqR14Sd9CGfsGHiYc0TUOXqTXmpRy1bg/w400-h640/Digital%20Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Reunited_1500%20x%202400.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Available now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GS2WDX" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and FREE to read at KindleUnlimited</span></div><p></p><h3 class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: #d7e3f3; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5e0722; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 2.8rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-top: 0.375em; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">The son of Apollo faces quite possibly his greatest nemesis – his true mate – in the latest adventure in this exciting paranormal romance series.</h3><div><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The gods of mythology are real and
their descendants live among us.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fate.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The gods are out to get the son of Apollo. After waiting nearly another century
for his true mate, Christian Delos refuses to believe this spoiled brat could
be her. Beautiful but willful, obstinate, and rebellious, she is in desperate
need of a spanking—one he is most willing to provide.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Freedom</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Kiko Balderson wants freedom, not commands. When her father
sends a handsome stranger to bring her home, she refuses to go without a deal—a
deal she does not plan to honor.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even after he helps her star-crossed lover friends, Kiko
refuses Christian. Now, he is ready to drag her home and say good riddance. But
when the evil he is trying to protect her from finds them, he knows he will die
before he allows her harm even as she continues to deny him as her true mate. Will
she ever accept him or must he face the rest of this life alone?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get your copy now of this exciting new installment of the Elysian Realm paranormal romance series. Each can be read as a stand-alone but they are best read from the beginning. If you haven't delved into this amazing series yet, the first four full books are available in an exclusive boxset, the Elysian Realm series, and available for a low price at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57W9VF4" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and ready to read for FREE at Kindle Unlimited. Delve into this series now because I don't know how long the boxset will be available. Happy Reading Everyone!</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZA8HRc6WHt1iuLoWdsFzOU9Q7fpuq25jZHgwywUSnX_JCAUX7SPBMU984z-ZKUpHDGVrlQd3p32WQdRfvN__HBZ9gMENiSXmH6RDepSbgyKhvMrm6HqMquwqIs-TCnxYVzZishefsH9KIwkDktRz-KT3xALxnMk-3OwxiwVhHFHkhr3JKvJA6wmyYQ/s2400/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="2400" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZA8HRc6WHt1iuLoWdsFzOU9Q7fpuq25jZHgwywUSnX_JCAUX7SPBMU984z-ZKUpHDGVrlQd3p32WQdRfvN__HBZ9gMENiSXmH6RDepSbgyKhvMrm6HqMquwqIs-TCnxYVzZishefsH9KIwkDktRz-KT3xALxnMk-3OwxiwVhHFHkhr3JKvJA6wmyYQ/w400-h348/Cover%20for%20Elysian%20Realm%20Boxset_2400%20x%202085.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p></div>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-59049582160530920582021-12-22T00:01:00.003-05:002021-12-22T00:22:04.972-05:00EDGEPLAY by Annabel Allan #eroticromance on sale for 99¢<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglZR1fxzVmmDQtkxcDACWhY20p7Qdzz5NB46_9j8uzgDYFQfY_JNFsMg-WENQZkixpDN1V6GgiP5Oso-en_9q45n6GCyPb-WrjSM3Cy2Uj-kG7pQVam4DwjcXQWtCVv5wwyR17KTinCfOWPS30_Onm4UEj146O3Bdvdd60u9nYQM6yDnyhMr07nrgTmQ=s336" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="336" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglZR1fxzVmmDQtkxcDACWhY20p7Qdzz5NB46_9j8uzgDYFQfY_JNFsMg-WENQZkixpDN1V6GgiP5Oso-en_9q45n6GCyPb-WrjSM3Cy2Uj-kG7pQVam4DwjcXQWtCVv5wwyR17KTinCfOWPS30_Onm4UEj146O3Bdvdd60u9nYQM6yDnyhMr07nrgTmQ=w640-h533" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/edgeplaygp01" target="_blank">EDGEPLAY by Annabel Allan</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Available for a limited time </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">December 20 through December 31st at 99¢</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljhOq0jZpiZRyc3y3VJo3t5f63PE72xOiaWhdAhH24R5L-J6tWmgdZXZJAHNa2TZ_i3xqc0R1kETzcq5lr9wCU2JLSEyeyMilAhoZ3U9peaR83zm-iVpyan4a-DcNQs1cqr479JqCLZwS/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="353" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljhOq0jZpiZRyc3y3VJo3t5f63PE72xOiaWhdAhH24R5L-J6tWmgdZXZJAHNa2TZ_i3xqc0R1kETzcq5lr9wCU2JLSEyeyMilAhoZ3U9peaR83zm-iVpyan4a-DcNQs1cqr479JqCLZwS/w427-h640/image.png" width="427" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">By day, Ava Goode is in the insurance game, getting her work done and being a model employee. But by night, she retreats to her secret world where she Dominates those that seek to submit to her.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i>This private world gets turned upside down the moment she meets Gabriel Burton; a man who is not only successful, but works for her father—and dating men in her father’s office is a big no-no. But, it’s hard to resist your deepest desires, especially when they kneel before you and kiss your feet, like a good boy.</i></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Get your <a href="https://books2read.com/edgeplaygp01" target="_blank">copy</a> now wherever ebooks are sold! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-88944362018627233032021-09-17T22:09:00.000-04:002021-09-17T22:09:18.111-04:00Seekers of the Past, the Complete Romance Series Boxset by Amy Valentini<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5bAAB0FqfHxc-2Y9LVfRhwDXW4ygM_FO6CESwX8vEAZPokUhjetD-YI22U9poyCvxcQdLFt1H11BHIQm4DzvHXHxOI7j-kKA1vYrQtP1jlzslMcwywdhHvlnVsNv0eX1A1BknkRxx4fW/s2048/Cover+for+Seekers+of+the+Past+Boxset_3500+x+2500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5bAAB0FqfHxc-2Y9LVfRhwDXW4ygM_FO6CESwX8vEAZPokUhjetD-YI22U9poyCvxcQdLFt1H11BHIQm4DzvHXHxOI7j-kKA1vYrQtP1jlzslMcwywdhHvlnVsNv0eX1A1BknkRxx4fW/w640-h458/Cover+for+Seekers+of+the+Past+Boxset_3500+x+2500.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Seekers of the Past, the Complete Romance Series by Amy Valentini</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G29QYTX" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amazon</span></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">J</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">ourney to Where the Past Meets the Present and Love Lives Forever…Emma Wells and Sam Martinelli search for lost treasure then embark on a magical journey through a journal written at the turn of the nineteenth century that takes them back in time to an era of honor, adventure, pirates, dangers on the high seas, and the origins of family and family gold.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Seekers of the Past series is now available in a digital boxset at Amazon for $5.99 - that's all 6 full-length books for the same price as the longest one at 490 pages. Get your copy now for hours of adventurous reading. Also available in </span><span style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/kindleunlimited?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZX5nn52GOGnFuBUsfAfk4Y2VnxnrFloa9LxcAAApG1H0DBdojZo6fTMfXWptCRICGMWhL4Fo83BWZ3U0cR3udhfjL3ow4cFdpLk_bPaIgYCN9Q5YcKoAa9o3uN4mJjHaIbvWt3SxMVKQHv_r1gxQENHyO01_ky3GUtCXxSBtPcfHQ&__tn__=*NK-y-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none !important; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="0">#KindleUnlimited</a></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Seekers of the
Past – book one</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">After
five years apart, Emma and Sam come together in search of treasure. They work
through the clues but then the adventure turns dangerous, and then deadly. Emma
begins to question who she can trust at all. When the truth about things past
and present becomes known, she fears more than the loss of treasure. Will she
lose Sam forever?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For the Sake of
Honor – book two</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Set
in post-revolutionary Virginia…heartbroken when the only man she ever loved
returns from England with a fiancée, Anna Pelt feels betrayed and discarded. When
Joshua Embry claims to love her even as honor forces him to marry another
woman, Anna questions his intentions. Can she choose love without honor?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In the Arms of
Her Angel – book three</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Travel
from Charleston to New Orleans in 1802, when Daniel Embry discovers the boy who
stole into his room is a beautiful woman and she needs his help. With only a
strange riddle to guide them, Ginny Blackwood partners with him to solve it but
can she trust him with the truth of her past—as well as her heart?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To Love and Be
Loved By Him – book four</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Travel
on an adventurous journey by sea in 1805…Captain Beau Hawkings enjoys his
freedom with no need for a wife or inherited title but when he rescues the
woman contracted to marry him, he desires her but desires his freedom more. Emily
Embry wants nothing to do with marriage to an unknown aristocrat but when his
seafaring cousin captures her desires, her disdain increases. When each sets a
plan in motion to escape the other, fate intervenes. Can the heart change the
mind of even the most love resistant?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Pirate’s One
and Only - book five</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Escape
to Jamaica at the turn of the 19th Century…for Capitán Tomás Alvarez, it is
nearly love at first sight after rescuing a woman from unwanted advances. For
disfigured Gabrielle Hawkings, his attention is enough but when his kiss
awakens a desire unknown to her she wishes for more. When Tomás does what he
must to protect Gabrielle so neither of them meets the hangman’s noose, he must
also decide if his need for revenge is worth losing the woman he loves?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Where Love Lives
Forever – book six</span></b></p><p>
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the present and still in love, Emma and Sam travel
to New Orleans in search of more answers and any remaining gold, only to
discover someone else will stop at nothing to get at it first. When hidden
secrets cause increased tension between them, Sam realizes if he does not
reconcile with his past, he might not have any future at all with Emma. W</span><span style="text-align: justify;">hen
things take a dangerous turn, will he lose everyone he loves?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Happy Reading Everyone!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-62144799163359634932021-09-08T23:49:00.000-04:002021-09-08T23:49:05.240-04:00Book Trailer for Pure Fire, a romantic suspense novel by Amy Valentini<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyUeYh-e3nPM34Ii2ii0kBMEiNY3Q5uxbUuUx9qisWWl4crhWElVUYIrX8UemfbsHlXYPhtBQRrJmumlvFZlA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is said it
cleans and purifies.</i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">Death
has come to Faith O’Reilly’s corner of the world. She worries for her friends
as well as her business. Even with the return of her sexy absentee tenant after
an unexplained absence, more than her libido jumpstarts…her suspicious nature
comes to life too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">Detective
Ryan Davies is used to going undercover but when the disappearance of
prostitutes citywide lands him where he lives, his assignment causes him deep
conflict. Lying to his beautiful landlord is not on his list of things he
fantasizes doing with her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
one of her employees dies and another disappears, Faith begins to look at
everyone around her, including Ryan. She needs to know the truth if she can
ever trust him but when the truth becomes known, Ryan knows it might do more
than drive a wedge between them—it might put her directly in the path of
danger. When Faith falls prey to the killer, can Ryan keep her from being the
next victim?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FRTWRKL" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amazon</span></a> in digital, print, and at Kindle Unlimited. </span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9dEAzhx5MKjj8ezEmr6EaNewYucTtvYTsQQAx-icorK_QF0ZqDvmr6q7WYKBzJvZNa5bfMj5uMLWRAWTkETyjW6ki5uXz4ovFT1QPwuf3qESVRUlDQn8-XfAgVhc4ttUxqUtU42GIpby/s2000/3D+dual+covers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2000" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9dEAzhx5MKjj8ezEmr6EaNewYucTtvYTsQQAx-icorK_QF0ZqDvmr6q7WYKBzJvZNa5bfMj5uMLWRAWTkETyjW6ki5uXz4ovFT1QPwuf3qESVRUlDQn8-XfAgVhc4ttUxqUtU42GIpby/w640-h368/3D+dual+covers.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">If you'd like to receive my very occasional newsletter, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">please visit my <a href="https://romancingeditorially.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">website</span></a> to sign up and to see what other good reading I have for you. Thank you and Happy Reading Everyone. </span></div><p></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-67685708904306406982020-11-02T00:02:00.001-05:002020-11-02T00:02:00.470-05:00Unwrapping a Spotlight/Guest Post for JOSHUA, a Risking Love novel by Callie Carmen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVBNB_RyoxpIig49aiqpGWLSahVh_QnV_qSThyJMx6-dZ283H0IDxmNUlDJ6nOM8Y4mxth3fcP093R8qFwU5BNgwvJiecRZLWNNF0mG2S9u0W_a9vqcHu1WKlrdl3lOA3BEUUFcKNQWV-/s2048/JoshuaFULL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="2048" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVBNB_RyoxpIig49aiqpGWLSahVh_QnV_qSThyJMx6-dZ283H0IDxmNUlDJ6nOM8Y4mxth3fcP093R8qFwU5BNgwvJiecRZLWNNF0mG2S9u0W_a9vqcHu1WKlrdl3lOA3BEUUFcKNQWV-/w640-h467/JoshuaFULL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">H</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">i to all my lovely
readers, I hope you’re all well and staying safe. Today, I’m thrilled to
spotlight a new book coming from Callie Carmen, author of the Risking Love
series. JOSHUA (book 5) is now available for Pre-Order and will be officially
releasing on December 1, 2020. You can pre-order it now for 99¢!</span></div></span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2THgMGn"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amazon</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for JOSHUA:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bella
spent the last year with a man that barely touched her. It was high time that
she got some hot, passionate sex. The only problem was it couldn’t be with just
anybody. It had to be with someone special.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Should she
choose the gorgeous club owner? Or the mysterious, sexy businessman? Which of
them would let her explore a secret desire for a little non-vanilla passion in
and out of the bedroom?</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the meantime, I’m turning the blog over to Callie so she can tell you a bit
more about the book and what inspired the setting for JOSHUA, as well as share
an excerpt with you. Enjoy! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Callie,
welcome to Unwrapping Romance. It’s a delight to have you here and I wish you
much success with JOSHUA and your ongoing series.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hi
Amy,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thank
you for having me on your wonderful blog today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bella
brought Joshua to her family’s cottage on the lake for their second date. She
wanted some alone time with him before he left for the United Kingdom.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbUAC56iNduc30csPRyiNf-_XLjvhckNjrDiPvD5ZCL0YrJ4Y_GSSXgLqcf4WPqr1wMv3FNYYFJ6g8UX5te17gjkTBG5EXlv9z11GhWGz1j8jjnp-M7KplNEFPfZh0pNiclvgfPqw0p5b/s1920/island-2482200_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbUAC56iNduc30csPRyiNf-_XLjvhckNjrDiPvD5ZCL0YrJ4Y_GSSXgLqcf4WPqr1wMv3FNYYFJ6g8UX5te17gjkTBG5EXlv9z11GhWGz1j8jjnp-M7KplNEFPfZh0pNiclvgfPqw0p5b/s320/island-2482200_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">When
I researched the horse ranches of Kentucky, I found this lovely Winfield Ranch.
It is much like the Winfield family farm where Josh grew up. If you are
interested in starting your own horse ranch this one is on sale for only $2,900,000.
Get those checkbooks out!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSzLAcIi5Uxb4e28YqYrGE5nxjd9F9WeMMMZ6LVhgNhOspSPy6HBTYskSbyEtzQYWdR6FIkdvCOCZMBARuMqe3FGrBmbKLK4S89LO3WpO8Snt0PpRpcgrXD3D-2WU6pPHT_ubXYOMHF18/s631/Estate+Home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="631" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSzLAcIi5Uxb4e28YqYrGE5nxjd9F9WeMMMZ6LVhgNhOspSPy6HBTYskSbyEtzQYWdR6FIkdvCOCZMBARuMqe3FGrBmbKLK4S89LO3WpO8Snt0PpRpcgrXD3D-2WU6pPHT_ubXYOMHF18/s320/Estate+Home.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">Josh
has two women in his life and because of a family emergency he finds himself
having to bring both home with him at the same time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vwMSqL-qQNlm6t99U_2vQT7EUtiWM53maJ2trROVNvlBOjSJpsla9Z4XFwqNX-uKvVNxmc4kVg5AH8-7gvlL33HNT-WR-NQnp2LsF8WPRm2HkPXpH6uwKx1AJlKcw6Sif7zy1XsvBeAf/s621/Screen+Shot+2020-10-31+at+11.30.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vwMSqL-qQNlm6t99U_2vQT7EUtiWM53maJ2trROVNvlBOjSJpsla9Z4XFwqNX-uKvVNxmc4kVg5AH8-7gvlL33HNT-WR-NQnp2LsF8WPRm2HkPXpH6uwKx1AJlKcw6Sif7zy1XsvBeAf/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-10-31+at+11.30.34+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div></div></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Click the link to see a video of the Three Chimney’s Farm which was home to
Seattle Slew. <a href="http://www.threechimneys.com/">http://www.threechimneys.com/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
is similar to the Winfield’s farm where Josh learned to ride and care for their
thoroughbred horses. It was worth watching to see how beautifully these horses
are cared for.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
case, you haven’t seen enough this site has a video of the gorgeous Claiborne Farm
which had been home to Secretariat. <a href="https://claibornefarm.com/visit/">https://claibornefarm.com/visit/</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Scroll
down the website page to find the video.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Excerpt from JOSHUA:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bella</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">Ava got out of the truck
and hugged Josh. It felt like a slap to my face.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She peeked around his
shoulder and looked at me like I had two heads. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Who’s this?” She didn’t
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Josh introduced us. Not
as my girlfriend Bella. Just Bell. I had to admit that was my fault. After all,
I had told him I was going to date while he was away. He didn’t introduce her
as his girlfriend, Ava. Just Ava.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“It was nice to meet
you, Bella. I hope you understand, but Josh and I have to hit the road. We’ve
got a plane to catch.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She climbed into the
driver’s seat, and he looked at me and winced. He put out his hand to help me
into the truck. I didn’t take it. There was no way I was sitting next to her. I
shook my head, and he took the hint and climbed into the middle seat. As I
climbed in, I heard him tell blondie I was coming. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“What? Is she taking the
truck back home for you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“No, I’m taking her home
with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I reached for my
seatbelt looked up and saw her eyes had rounded and her hand squeezed his
forearm. She pulled away when she saw me watching. She wanted nothing to do
with me going on this trip. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYceC7hbT7gVZR75_LHCVg3DD5ke32m5JvvuQMJ9pyM9Y8Nipxb9H8zRFyTlgqA6JLlWNY4rhtZDJj-sZY3gRWDXj1sZMhAUg7i7rbqIQYgKu40YA4wcG5YHgjsL00HV_yXH4OQDndSWS/s1600/sale+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYceC7hbT7gVZR75_LHCVg3DD5ke32m5JvvuQMJ9pyM9Y8Nipxb9H8zRFyTlgqA6JLlWNY4rhtZDJj-sZY3gRWDXj1sZMhAUg7i7rbqIQYgKu40YA4wcG5YHgjsL00HV_yXH4OQDndSWS/w640-h360/sale+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PROMOTIONAL SALE FROM BLACK VELVET SEDUCTIONS
FOR THE RISKING LOVE SERIES TO CELEBRATE THE PUBLICATION OF </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">JOSHUA BY CALLIE
CARMEN<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEODRYVYs6qRzUaMY6e-n0AcfjwI6wf5wngagphbIJBu5fK0c6RXQ5pOofsS1m9Fh5UZAzXQjMOJgoQO51Knwnzssau5OZtK9uAnEz5QSn54j0UawOhXb_fJJDtPvRIk7Jalme535MufG/s1500/Book+Launch+Promo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEODRYVYs6qRzUaMY6e-n0AcfjwI6wf5wngagphbIJBu5fK0c6RXQ5pOofsS1m9Fh5UZAzXQjMOJgoQO51Knwnzssau5OZtK9uAnEz5QSn54j0UawOhXb_fJJDtPvRIk7Jalme535MufG/w640-h214/Book+Launch+Promo.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">JOSHUA
(Risking Love Book 5)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2THgMGn"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pre-Order</span></a> Available Now for the </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\.SFNSText-Regular";">ebook—only .99c for a limited time <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\.SFNSText-Regular";">Paperback Coming Soon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\.SFNSText-Regular";"><br />
PATRICK (Risking Love Book 1) </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>Jaq had no
interest in a serious relationship because life at an early age had taught her
that men weren’t to be trusted. But she met Patrick who soon had her thinking
about risking her heart. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>For
Patrick the time for Jaq dating other men had ended. He wanted her all to
himself. But would she stay if she knew the secrets of his past? Patrick wasn’t
the only man who wanted Jaq, and the other man was willing to kill to have
her. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2D2BJFF">Patrick (Risking Love Book 1) </a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Risking
Love Box Set (eBooks 1-4) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Take
a risk on the Risking Love novels about six friends that are always there for
each other. The Risking Love books are an emotionally charged exploration of
the search for love and truth—in their relationships, their careers, and their
hearts. These romantic stories will have you laughing, crying, and your heart
racing.</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk5041265"></a><a href="https://amzn.to/2NXMDz9"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk5041265;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Risking Love Box Set</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk5041265;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk5041265;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk5041265;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\.SFNSText-Regular";">Box Set (eBooks 1-4) 50% off only
$5.98 through 12/31—regularly $11.96<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\.SFNSText-Regular";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\.SFNSText-Regular";">Read all Risking Love novels as
standalone books or as part of the series.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Feel
free to stalk CALLIE CARMEN at:</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011326206882"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Facebook</span></a> | <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CallieCarmenAuthor/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Facebook Author Page</span></a> </span>| <a href="https://twitter.com/Callie_Carmen"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorcalliecarmen/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Instagram</span></a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17829431.Callie_Carmen"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Goodreads</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/calliecarmennovel/boards/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pinterest</span></a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-carmen-72ba98156/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LinkedIn</span></a> | <a href="https://mewe.com/i/calliecarmen"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MeWe</span></a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/callie-carmen"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BookBub</span></a> | <a href="https://www.calliecarmen.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Her Website</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBODCG9ByvsqydICs-F5cCo8y1R7CfY37JADA93WXUmoij1NKQ8jZpjbGCAJdvrDLIOhxuaNM6gY-uCpFlJ3jPK43hiuvuoqAcw9IYOB_SD1EPXtUPABliPXjJiqaraI9Cc-Fv7uATeryK/s2048/JOSHUA+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBODCG9ByvsqydICs-F5cCo8y1R7CfY37JADA93WXUmoij1NKQ8jZpjbGCAJdvrDLIOhxuaNM6gY-uCpFlJ3jPK43hiuvuoqAcw9IYOB_SD1EPXtUPABliPXjJiqaraI9Cc-Fv7uATeryK/s320/JOSHUA+front+cover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3mTv03N" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Order Your Copy Now for Only 99¢</span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-9845385867372405142020-08-05T00:02:00.000-04:002020-08-05T00:02:00.737-04:00Unwrapping an Interview with Annabel Allan, author of RIGGED, a Goode Pain novel with #excerpt<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdlRmWo7bZGw8uSmFtfPOhEAj3dz5lpgqfvDjxep3b9PXBUvatOFX0IE5AZFoJoDmMLtD9xJ10hYDyXlDds14oAeHH63KfVB1Yuynz35HxIldKZSLFbIeQku_VFf8z0YD7beOuutOT2WX/s822/Best+RIGGED+by+Annabel+Allan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdlRmWo7bZGw8uSmFtfPOhEAj3dz5lpgqfvDjxep3b9PXBUvatOFX0IE5AZFoJoDmMLtD9xJ10hYDyXlDds14oAeHH63KfVB1Yuynz35HxIldKZSLFbIeQku_VFf8z0YD7beOuutOT2WX/w287-h410/Best+RIGGED+by+Annabel+Allan.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">H</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">i everyone! I’m so glad
you’re with us today because I’ve got a special guest visiting - Annabel Allan,
author of the Goode Pain series from Black Velvet Seductions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">She has a new
release coming soon, RIGGED, book 3 of the Goode Pain series, an erotic
romance. RIGGED is releasing August 13, 2020. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Available
for pre-order at <a href="https://amzn.to/33tX72G"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amazon</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">You
can find other vendors at <a href="https://books2read.com/u/mdlwjy"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Books2Read</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Blurb for RIGGED:</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ava Goode’s life is getting into a normal groove, entering
the spring and over a month after her run in with the mob. She’s ready to throw
away the past and embrace the future, which seems to come with the mysterious,
albeit sexy, Gideon Shaw, a known rigger and Rope Bunny’s dream man. Little
does she know that he has more in store for her than just tying her up and
making her submit to him, a blackmailer entering the picture—who is Gideon
Shaw, really?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: 0in;">T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">oday also happens to be
Annabel’s birthday so feel free to wish her a Happy Birthday. Now, without too much
fanfare, please join me in welcoming Annabel Allan, author of RIGGED, to
Unwrapping Romance … </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Welcome Annabel, it's an absolute delight to
have you here with us today, and I'd like to thank you for taking time out
of your busy day to join us.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Thank you so much! I’m so happy to be
here. I appreciate it when blogs take the time to interview me.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> We love having authors visit us. Perhaps you'd
like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Sure! I’m a full-time indie author
under a few pen names—Annabel Allan, R. M. Draven, and my birth name of
Stephanie Douglas. Annabel Allan writes my sexy romances, starting in vanilla
with the Smoke Chaser series and branching into BDSM when I got into the
lifestyle with Goode Pain and the first book, EDGEPLAY.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> How wonderful! So, my lovely readers, there is
a lot to choose from this amazing author. Here at Unwrapping Romance, authors
are rock stars, which is why I can get kind of nosy when I get a chance to talk
to them. I’m always interested in what lures someone to be a writer. You have
been writing for many years, but was there someone or something that inspired
you to write and why did you choose romance, especially erotic romance?<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Annabel Allan:</span></b>
I would say what lured me into writing was my going to film school. I wanted to
get into directing, but I found out by my fourth term that I just wasn’t very
good at it. I knew I enjoyed writing and got into writing my first novel on a
stormy July day. For some reason, romance came easily to me; I just knew I
wanted to write love stories. The erotica came later, when I wanted to try writing
something that would appeal to publishers and readers—cause sex sells, you
know? I just ended up really enjoying writing it!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> You’re very right, Annabel, sex does sell – in
books as well as movies. Directing is creative but nothing beats creating the
world for someone else to direct. RIGGED is book 3 of the series, did you have
all the books planned out from the start and how many do you see the series
having when complete?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I knew there would definitely be a
series, but I didn’t have them planned out until I finished writing HARD LIMITS.
I kind of knew where I wanted to go with it after that and then planned out the
remaining installments. Of course, in regards to how many installments there
will be, I don’t know. I’m hoping for an Anita Blake (by Laurell K. Hamilton)
type of deal; just keep going as long as a good story is there.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Totally understand that, Annabel. Sometimes we
have to do what our characters tell us to do. Speaking of your characters, what
was your inspiration for the Goode Pain series, and where do your character
inspirations come from?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> In the beginning, EDGEPLAY was actually
titled The Wilder Side & was a male Dominant and female submissive. I
submitted it to Black Velvet Seductions, but it really wasn’t very good, and I
was rejected. I was going to abandon the project, but a friend of mine wanted
me to write short stories for his BDSM business and I had just gotten into the
lifestyle. I was asked to write about a Domme. So, I sat down and thought about
what I could possibly do as a story. Then the song “Thrills In The Night” by
KISS came on. It asks, “Do they really know her?” and it just made my head spin
with an idea of a Dominatrix that was working in an office by day. So, all that
put together conceived EDGEPLAY to what it is now. A series just seemed to make
sense because I wanted to see more of Ava and what trouble she’d get into!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Love it when inspiration comes out of the blue!
What do you have planned next beyond the Goode Pain series?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I have several installments that are
within the Goode Pain universe, but Ava will not make an appearance. It’s
secondary characters that I found too interesting to let go unnoticed and
wanted to tell their stories. I’m also writing a standalone D/s story on
Wattpad, titled Submissive Tendencies. It's my first that’s exploring a female
submissive with a male Dominant.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Wonderful. I agree that secondary characters
sometimes endear themselves to both the author and the readers so much that
they just need to have their stories told too. <br />
Readers, if you’d like to check out Annabel’s story at Wattpad, SUBMISSIVE
TENDENCIES, you can find it by clicking <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/922242659-submissive-tendencies-prologue"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">HERE</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel, if you're like
every other writer (myself included), I have no doubt you're also a prolific
reader. Who are your favorite authors and have any inspired your writing?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I’m a BIG Anne Rice fan—anything she
writes, I read. I actually started out in paranormal romance and that’s what R.
M. Draven writes. But I do love reading the steamier stuff too! Shayla Black is
a favourite, her Wicked Lovers series. I cannot put those books down! I’m also
becoming a huge fan of fellow BVS author, Patricia Elliot! Her writing is so
relatable and makes me actually laugh out loud. I’m starting on Her Lovers Face
this weekend.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Love paranormal! I will definitely have to
check out your books under R.M. Draven as I’m sure my paranormal readers will
do too. My last question for you, and my personal favorite – if you could be
ANY character in ANY book, not necessarily your own - who would it be and
why?<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Annabel Allan:</span></b>
I think if I could be any character, I would probably choose Sookie Stackhouse
from Charlene Harris’ Southern Vampires. I relate to her so much and she has
those sexy men! And vampires, of course, vampires are kinda my thing!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Love it! Just think of the adventures to be
had. Wink! Wink!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">Thank you again for
joining us today, Annabel, and I hope your new release brings you much success.
You’re always welcome back at Unwrapping Romance.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Reminder, readers,
RIGGED is releasing on August 13<sup>th</sup> but is available for pre-order
now at <a href="https://amzn.to/33tX72G"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amazon</span></a> and also today is Annabel’s
birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Excerpt from RIGGED:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> I strutted over to the
spot where the demo was held, all the submissives and their Dominants, as well
as a few solos, started to scatter. I walked up, seeing Gideon’s girl for the
evening, Ruby, packing up his stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I was confused, a gruff
sexy voice coming from behind me. “You missed it tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I turned, seeing Gideon,
who was clean shaven, like usual. The grey spots in his short-clipped hair was
a little more obvious in the lighting, but it was a sexy grey. I knew he was
forty, but that seemed a little young for grey hair. It didn’t matter. It made
me think of him as an animal, a wolf; he was definitely wild and unknown to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Oh,” I said, trying to
keep my cool, though I could feel the warmth spreading in my thighs as I
thought of being his willing submissive. “I guess there’s always next week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “I could do a private
show for you,” he said with a shrug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Oh, that would be nice,
but I don’t think I could afford you,” I said with a laugh. It wasn’t true, I
could afford it. I just didn’t want that private show…well, not true, I wanted
it pretty bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Free of charge,” he
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Oh…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He eyed me with his
smoky blue eyes. “Can’t think of a way out of that one, huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I frowned. “Gideon—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Why not give me a
chance to show you your submissive side, Ava?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Because I don’t have
one,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Bullshit,” he said.
“You know it as well as I do. It’s there, under the surface. Let me awaken
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He walked closer to me,
his cologne circling around me. I could feel my heart pick up speed, my
breathing intensifying, the smell of his cologne making me feel dizzy. It was
woodsy, strong, and pure male. He was so close, but he hadn’t touched me,
though my body craved him. It was intense, the heat from the closeness of his
body making my knees weak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “I’ll admit I’m curious,
but I don’t think I can handle it,” I said, pushing him back gently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Let me try,” he said,
taking my hand, our first real touch. It was electric, making me almost swoon.
“You’ll have a safe word. I honor your safe word.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “I have a boyfriend
though,” I said, pulling my hand away as I realized the affect he had on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “But also a secondary
slave,” he said. “Your boyfriend obviously has no problem with him. You’re
making excuses. What are you afraid of?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I thought about it,
getting angry, but it melted away when I looked into his soft blue eyes. “I
guess losing myself,” I said, finding myself being incredibly honest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Or maybe you’re more
frightened of what you’ll find,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Maybe,” I said with a
nod. I took a deep breath. “I can’t. It’s not me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “You don’t know that,”
he said passionately. “You could be so much more. Don’t you want to experience
subspace? I know you haven’t experienced the euphoria of Dominating someone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> My brow furrowed. “How
would you know?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Because you do your job
well, Ava, but you’re missing a piece of yourself. I promise that if you let me
train you, let me be your Dom, I can bring you both to subspace and top space.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I pursed my lips
together, unsure of what to say or do. I shook my head. “I’ll…I’ll think about
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He nodded. “That’s all I
can ask.”</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumue7H2QpQp3Gi9Oa1wOnEEZQvWVSrpeIrc9j7nI7NA5WLVVVNytcLjXQhkAP3bQmKg-EqeZzA3VafUbI9OZ3HzTsBDN7xkZvd2RTz-ctCbB4NpPYUi1vEZf3YYz6LQYHVlC3I3s7z6Xs/s320/Annabel+Allan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumue7H2QpQp3Gi9Oa1wOnEEZQvWVSrpeIrc9j7nI7NA5WLVVVNytcLjXQhkAP3bQmKg-EqeZzA3VafUbI9OZ3HzTsBDN7xkZvd2RTz-ctCbB4NpPYUi1vEZf3YYz6LQYHVlC3I3s7z6Xs/s0/Annabel+Allan.jpg" /></a><b style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">About the Author:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Annabel Allan is the pen
name of author Stephanie Douglas.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her SMOKE CHASER series
is now available through Headline Accent!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her GOODE PAIN series,
books one & two (EDGEPLAY and HARD LIMITS) are also now available from
Black Velvet Seductions!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">Don’t forget to check
out the other books in this series, and if you’d like to learn more about Annabel
and her books, feel free to visit her at:</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.annabelallan.com/">Website</a></span> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/annabelallanauthor"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Facebook</span></a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/annabelallan"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="https://books2read.com/u/mdlwjy"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Books2Read</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CRM37QM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=7d67bcc7e17d98a4d823d798a16fa139&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08CRM37QM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B08CRM37QM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XLN65WQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=571344908b7e57922f7fba48c7c50caf&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07XLN65WQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07XLN65WQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084RSM739/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=47e71450653a18d1005c357c5176752a&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B084RSM739&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B084RSM739" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-75458378883012598722020-07-27T00:43:00.001-04:002020-07-27T00:43:39.768-04:00Unwrapping a Cover Reveal for BAND OF SISTERS by Lauren Willig<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uMUMZpLqWChdKnDAsTTJ2bVK-dxGoRoJiEIa_8AKej-TmcOFOi8PqMYB1IrSI0PYvX3LlSqSZxRXi8okiEJkxnd3zWqN7csjKOfXp1gpb8gnBNqMr90twnYiRWvve9LurecZKCMrm9qO/s1600/Band+of+Sisters_HC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uMUMZpLqWChdKnDAsTTJ2bVK-dxGoRoJiEIa_8AKej-TmcOFOi8PqMYB1IrSI0PYvX3LlSqSZxRXi8okiEJkxnd3zWqN7csjKOfXp1gpb8gnBNqMr90twnYiRWvve9LurecZKCMrm9qO/s640/Band+of+Sisters_HC.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 36.0pt;">BAND OF SISTERS</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">by<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">New York Times Bestselling Author<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 40.0pt;">Lauren Willig<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Releasing March 2, 2021 from William Morrow<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/band-of-sisters-lauren-willig"><span style="color: blue;">Pre-order</span></a>
your hardback copy now!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the
height of World War I in this sweeping novel based on a true story—a skillful
blend of Call the Midwife and The Alice Network—from New York Times bestselling
author Lauren Willig.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
scholarship girl from Brooklyn, Kate Moran thought she found a place among
Smith’s Mayflower descendants, only to have her illusions dashed the summer
after graduation. When charismatic alumna Betsy Rutherford delivers a rousing
speech at the Smith College Club in April of 1917, looking for volunteers to
help French civilians decimated by the German war machine, Kate is too busy
earning her living to even think of taking up the call. But when her former
best friend Emmeline Van Alden reaches out and begs her to take the place of a
girl who had to drop out, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College
Relief Unit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Four
months later, Kate and seventeen other Smithies, including two trailblazing
female doctors, set sail for France. The volunteers are armed with money,
supplies, and good intentions—all of which immediately go astray. The chateau
that was to be their headquarters is a half-burnt ruin. The villagers they meet
are in desperate straits: women and children huddling in damp cellars, their
crops destroyed and their wells poisoned.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite
constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being
ousted by the British army, the Smith volunteers bring welcome aid—and hope—to
the region. But can they survive their own differences? As they cope with the
hardships and terrors of the war, Kate and her colleagues find themselves
navigating old rivalries and new betrayals which threaten the very existence of
the Unit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">With
the Germans threatening to break through the lines, can the Smith Unit pull
together and be truly a band of sisters? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">About
the Author:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03c2KVTUcWrARXgecLLUHHzO_QTsV0Fzv1VnzTaJBDlCYCNLTP0iwDhqtAiOVmwDbYEuk7VuAQQ4LUqHXs-oTxQPOKvJ3NwvIp-Ms35hwRbBJwSncow-m0xzKROGPPCjptE37kUZCE0nP/s1600/Lauren-Willig_683x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03c2KVTUcWrARXgecLLUHHzO_QTsV0Fzv1VnzTaJBDlCYCNLTP0iwDhqtAiOVmwDbYEuk7VuAQQ4LUqHXs-oTxQPOKvJ3NwvIp-Ms35hwRbBJwSncow-m0xzKROGPPCjptE37kUZCE0nP/s200/Lauren-Willig_683x1024.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lauren
Willig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty novels,
including The Summer Country, The Ashford Affair, and The English Wife, as well
as the RITA Award-winning Pink Carnation series. An alumna of Yale University,
she has a graduate degree in history from Harvard and a JD from Harvard Law
School. She lives in New York City with her husband, kindergartner, toddler,
and vast quantities of coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-89623527970302889772020-07-17T00:02:00.000-04:002020-07-17T00:19:18.843-04:00Unwrapping an Interview with Debut Author, Estelle Pettersen plus an #Excerpt from LESSONS ON SEDUCTION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x3G1Ii-b48ZkUaqF5a415mtQnxWeVPl65PECOolIj9AVOqKoVCJi6-9tzpI8pIy9RmmjWjzFcXOJMJ54VU0gXJOs54aloFXgUm4pDi732IkHXq4lkNwvYPRMXU9ggNHwtftm3c9s6Ewp/s1600/Best+LESSONS+ON+SEDUCTION+by+Estelle+Pettersen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x3G1Ii-b48ZkUaqF5a415mtQnxWeVPl65PECOolIj9AVOqKoVCJi6-9tzpI8pIy9RmmjWjzFcXOJMJ54VU0gXJOs54aloFXgUm4pDi732IkHXq4lkNwvYPRMXU9ggNHwtftm3c9s6Ewp/s400/Best+LESSONS+ON+SEDUCTION+by+Estelle+Pettersen.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; text-indent: 0in;">H</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">i Everyone! I’m so glad
you’re with us today because I’ve got a special guest visiting, Estelle
Pettersen, debut author of LESSONS ON SEDUCTION, a soon to be released erotic
romance novel, published by Black Velvet Seductions. Release date is set for
July 30, 2020 and it’s available now for pre-order at <a href="https://amzn.to/2WnpsUj">Amazon</a>.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for LESSONS ON SEDUCTION</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When college student Sapphire Blake finds herself fresh out
of a breakup, she is ready to embark on a new journey in her life. A dark,
sensual journey.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Freeing herself from the expectations set by her family,
friends, and church, an innocent and unworldly Sapphire begins experimenting
with her new casual lover, Vera Richland.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Vera’s brother, Julian, is ridiculously handsome, smart, and
intimidating. This university professor finds himself enthralled in a sensual
relationship with a woman willing to pay top money for his time in the bedroom.
To pay off his debts and continue leading his lavish lifestyle, Julian
discovers the world filled with sex, drugs, and lies may not be for him as he
first thought. With his contract almost up, Julian has his sights set on
a new endeavor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When Vera introduces Sapphire to Julian, sparks are ignited
as Julian sees past the conservative stigma Sapphire believes the world has
placed on her. Instead, he sees a sexy vixen– and he can’t help but admit he
wants her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As the couple begins a dangerous, passionate relationship,
secrets become exposed and lives are threatened. Will Julian be able to save
his relationship with Sapphire and rekindle the fiery flame they share? Or,
will fate have another ending in store?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So without too much fanfare, please join me in welcoming Estelle
Pettersen, debut author of LESSONS ON SEDUCTION, to Unwrapping Romance
… <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Welcome Estelle, it's an absolute delight to
have you with us today, and I'd like to thank you for taking time out of
your busy day to join us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Thank you so much
for having me. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I adore talking with debut authors. You’re
experiencing a first that rivals most any other you experience over your
lifetime. Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those
who don't know you yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I’m Estelle Pettersen
and I’m an Australian married to a Norwegian and living in Norway. I love the
simple things in life, such as coffee and going for walks in nature. I’m an
animal lover and I feel at home when I’m near the ocean. I started my passion
for reading and writing at a young age, and I’ve been an avid romance reader
since I was fifteen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I tested my fiction
writing on a writers’ platform called Wattpad in 2019 and found my voice there,
thanks to the support of other readers and writers. I plucked up the courage to
submit the manuscript of my erotic romance novel, LESSONS ON SEDUCTION, to
Black Velvet Seductions, and was thrilled when they accepted my work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Estelle, congratulations on being signed by
Black Velvet Seductions. Wattpad is a wonderful writer’s platform for getting
feedback and encouragement. Here at Unwrapping Romance, authors are rock stars,
which is why I can get kind of nosy. I’m always interested in what lures
someone to be a writer. What, or who, inspired you and why did you choose the romance
genre and in particular, erotic romance?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> My mother and my high
school English teacher are two people who inspired me to become a writer. My
mum was incredibly tough with grammar and spelling when I was in school, and
tested me if I understood the stories I read. Being an introvert, I spent many
lunch breaks in the library to get away from the ‘noise’ and escape to the
world of books—I remember my friends finding me there and pulling me away from
the books. My English teacher encouraged me to pursue a career in writing,
which was why I studied journalism later on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I chose the romance
genre because I’m a big romantic at heart. I adore love stories, especially
when the protagonist has a strong voice. As for erotic romances, a few people
challenged me to write something on the steamy side, so I dared and pushed the
boundaries with my writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> As a former English teacher, I’m delighted to
hear yours had such encouragement for you. I had an English teacher who did the
same for me and I’m so grateful to her. It’s extra nice to have your mom in
your corner. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
Your friends are obviously very supportive and you’re awesome for taking such a
challenge. <br />
What was your inspiration for LESSONS ON SEDUCTION, and <span style="color: black;">where does inspiration come from for your characters?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I wanted to read a
steamy romance novel where the protagonist dared to step away from her comfort zone
and project her strong voice. At the same time, I wanted the protagonist’s
lover to be smart and sexy, yet strong and masculine. I was tired of reading
stories about a possessive alpha male character and submissive female
character, which I didn’t think portrayed healthy relationships, so I wrote LESSONS
ON SEDUCTION. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The protagonist,
Sapphire breaks away from societal expectations to find her strength, and to
have courage both in and out of the bedroom. Her lover, Julian gives her both
independence and empowerment, and their relationship is a balanced one. All in
all, I was inspired by the concepts of freedom, equality, and empowerment; both
Sapphire and Julian personify that in their own ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> They sound like a wonderful couple and have the
type of relationship I think we all seek, especially in romance stories. What
do you have planned next? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m working on a short
story, an Australian cowboy romance for Black Velvet Seductions. After that,
I’ll continue working on book two in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seduction</i>
series, which is Julian’s sister Vera’s story. She is also Sapphire’s best
friend (and love interest early on) in LESSONS ON SEDUCTION. My beta readers
cheered for her, asking if I could write her story, so I decided to do it.
She’s sassy, daring, and more outspoken than her brother, Julian, who is an
introvert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Sounds like fun. We love sassy heroines. An
Australian cowboy sounds especially intriguing. Estelle, if you're like every
other writer (myself included), I have no doubt then that you're also a
prolific reader. Who are your favorite authors and have any inspired your
writing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I love literature,
especially the classics. One of my favorite books is Wuthering Heights by Emily
Brontë; in my teen years, I had a crush on Heathcliff, who gave me some
inspiration for my male character Julian in LESSONS ON SEDUCTION. I’m a fan of
the poets W.B. Yeats and Sylvia Plath—I love poetry and experiment with
literary tropes such as metaphors and allegories in my writing. My taste
varies: one day I could be reading The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius and another
day it would be Violin by Anne Rice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’ve just finished
reading Mystic Desire, an anthology of supernatural romance stories published
by Black Velvet Seductions. I’m a big fan of the authors at Black Velvet
Seductions, who have been my rock of support. As a romance reader, I was
already familiar with some of the authors’ previous work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Ahh…the classics…I totally understand your love
for them. Your eclectic taste in reading makes me a huge fan. I believe we can
learn so much from both past and present authors. Storytelling has been
happening since the caveman and I hope it will continue far into the future.
Books are our greatest means for time travel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My last question for you
and my personal favorite – this is one I ask every author when I get the
chance. If you could be ANY character in ANY book, not necessarily your own but
any book at all - who would it be and why? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I would love to be in
Nick Carraway’s shoes just for one night in The Great Gatsby; to be at one of
Jay’s decadent parties. Plus, I like Nick—he comes across as relatable and
intelligent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What a wonderful answer, Estelle. I think you
might be the first to choose a male character and such an interesting one too.
That would be a fun night indeed. Thank you so very much for spending some time
with us. I am very excited about your upcoming release, LESSONS ON SEDUCTION,
as well as your future projects. I wish you great success and a long career
writing wonderful stories. <br />
<br />
If you’d like to sample a steamy bit of LESSONS ON SEDUCTION, Estelle has graciously
shared an excerpt from her upcoming erotic romance. I hope you’ll enjoy it and
pre-order your own copy which is available at <a href="https://amzn.to/2WnpsUj">Amazon</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Excerpt from LESSONS ON SEDUCTION by Estelle Pettersen:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
turned left, headed toward the direction of bedrooms, and stopped when I
reached the main en suite bedroom. This must be Julian’s room. Curiosity may
have killed the cat, but it wouldn’t get the better of me, so I dared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
dropped my bag on the floor and walked into the master suite, which featured
two dimly lit lamps and a king-size bed with a charcoal duvet and matching
pillows. The unmade bed was the only untidy element in this otherwise clean
home, indicative of either his most recent sexual activity or his forgetfulness
to make the bed up. I doubted that it was the latter. As I walked past the bed,
I noticed leather handcuffs on the crumpled duvet. The soothing sound of water
running in the shower caught my attention, enticing me to take a sneak peek in
the bathroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
bathroom door was left open at a forty-five-degree angle, and the pull of
temptation gravitated me toward it. I was curious. I usually did not pry into
the privacy of others, but I had never seen a naked man in real life, and I was
ready to find out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Oh,
my lord! There he was in the shower, a beautiful man in all his splendor and
glory. Julian was wet and naked, reminding me of the marble statue of the
biblical, nude David by Michelangelo. Droplets of water ran down his hard,
taut, body, all the way to the curve of his muscular back and firm buttocks,
then along his sturdy legs. He rinsed the soap off his broad shoulders, chest
and slim waist. His body tapered down like a perfect V, and delicate veins ran
along his muscular forearms. His penis was thick and admirable, even in its
relaxed state, and his testicles hung below. Eyes closed, he lifted his head to
absorb the streaming water, and ran his long fingers through his hair, washing
out the remaining shampoo foam, which flowed downward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
heavenly sight of Julian in his nakedness, together with the fresh scent of the
citrus body wash, triggered my nipples to harden and the inner walls of my
vagina to clench, eliciting a wetness that coated my labia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Julian’s
eyes opened and fluttered rapidly, making direct contact with mine. “OH, FUCK!”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Oh
shit, I’m so sorry! I was looking for a spare toothbrush and didn’t realize you
were here!” I babbled in a flustered state. I was a bad liar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
turned off the shower faucet, grabbed a towel, and started to dry himself
slowly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Did
you enjoy the show, Sapphire?” Julian smiled smugly, emphasizing my name when
he spoke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I,
uh, I’m staying over with Vera tonight, as we’re heading out for a girls’
night. I hope that’s okay with y-you,” I stammered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Oh,
it’s more than okay with me, love. However, you haven’t answered my question.”
Julian’s mischievous eyes dangerously twinkled with devilish delight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I
like what I see,” I admitted, gazing at the towel, which he now wrapped neatly
around his firm torso. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Good.
Now, come here, baby. Touch me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
took one step closer to Julian and stroked the blade of his left shoulder with
my right hand. My fingers traveled down his chest and stomach, drawing him to
release a groan of pleasure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“That’s
it. Lower.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Lower?”
I gasped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Yes.
Further down south, if you get my drift.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My
fingers traveled below his navel and down to where the towel met his skin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Stop.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Stop?”
I raised my eyebrows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Yes,
stop,” he commanded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Julian’s
hands swiftly reached around my neck and untied my halterneck top, exposing my
bare breasts to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“You’re
exquisite.” His long, dark lashes lowered as he gazed at my topless body. I
sucked in the citrus-flavored air as he began rubbing my nipples in circular
motions with his rough thumbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzz-7wI176SGk0K-Wmo3-Oynq_ERBWelo1RPiB_7qZE3-Nire2gRAV4mrtbgYMcb1nYmXtoSXoRwMlsglHuYvplfu82AzodUL8yhKZhg6FK0SkqO5s7llcGoFrg1nxwTnriKU8h-_EPyw/s1600/Estelle+Pettersen_new_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzz-7wI176SGk0K-Wmo3-Oynq_ERBWelo1RPiB_7qZE3-Nire2gRAV4mrtbgYMcb1nYmXtoSXoRwMlsglHuYvplfu82AzodUL8yhKZhg6FK0SkqO5s7llcGoFrg1nxwTnriKU8h-_EPyw/s320/Estelle+Pettersen_new_3.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estelle Pettersen is an
Australian author and former journalist whose romance stories explore
empowerment, freedom, and finding one’s strength. She has a Bachelor of Arts
degree, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, from the University of
Queensland, Australia. Her second degree is an MBA from Queensland University
of Technology, Australia. She is a member of Romance Writers of Australia and
is passionate about history, languages, cultures, traveling, food, and wine.
She is happily married and living in Norway these days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you’d like to learn
more about Estelle and her debut romance, feel free to visit her at the
following:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://elusiveromance.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Website</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/elusiveromance"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/elusive_6788"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/94753616-e-pettersen"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://amz.run/3Ld2"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://elusiveromance.com/blog/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blog</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/elusive_6788"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Instagram</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://mewe.com/i/estellepettersen"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">MeWe</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://pinterest.com/estellepettersen"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-pettersen-3716741b1/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LinkedIn</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Seduction-Estelle-Pettersen/dp/1912768879/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1594880267&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=90484893ce7490930b1a4f28cb15f38f&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1912768879&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1912768879" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_vMLi8Po4CHBtUo-f7C48NsASW6VwD-_j-XLLc_eBImSgpYK3-wq1IsbS8nHCobS-HYQ5uWAmST9MgstR84rAg9Jebv4SlFLVE1CaYjZQaJNczgQJKLe-pZstnarP0tFNnMed6BBWBva/s320/Lessons+on+Seduction+full+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3fyt5Ox" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-67994833074247242122020-07-06T00:02:00.000-04:002020-07-06T00:02:08.841-04:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS by Rhys Bowen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HgFLLY5pkXzNI2YMKnCdcFgdwtCy8KK1Id0wDDXOrWZXT53YPkibI_6s-RPDr0K3Mz2r1Y1_aFynTexV2PpwdM2n5GkkwiVBsI1_AXkoSawZlaZ8057w9ZFx0oo0vkjp9Hn9vK73Po48/s1600/Best+ABOVE+THE+BAY+OF+ANGELS+by+Rhys+Bowen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HgFLLY5pkXzNI2YMKnCdcFgdwtCy8KK1Id0wDDXOrWZXT53YPkibI_6s-RPDr0K3Mz2r1Y1_aFynTexV2PpwdM2n5GkkwiVBsI1_AXkoSawZlaZ8057w9ZFx0oo0vkjp9Hn9vK73Po48/s400/Best+ABOVE+THE+BAY+OF+ANGELS+by+Rhys+Bowen.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I present to you a guest review of ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS
by Rhys Bowen, published February 11, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb for
ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A single
twist of fate puts a servant girl to work in Queen Victoria’s royal kitchen,
setting off a suspenseful, historical mystery by the New York Times bestselling
author of </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Tuscan Child<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> and </i>The
Victory Garden<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Isabella
Waverly only means to comfort the woman felled on a London street. In her final
dying moments, she thrusts a letter into Bella’s hand. It’s an offer of
employment in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, and everything the budding
young chef desperately wants: an escape from the constrictions of her life as a
lowly servant. In the stranger’s stead, Bella can spread her wings.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Arriving
as Helen Barton from Yorkshire, she pursues her passion for creating culinary
delights, served to the delighted Queen Victoria herself. Best of all, she’s
been chosen to accompany the queen to Nice. What fortune! Until the threat of
blackmail shadows Bella to the Riviera, and a member of the queen’s retinue
falls ill and dies.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Having
prepared the royal guest’s last meal, Bella is suspected of the poisonous
crime. An investigation is sure to follow. Her charade will be over. And her
new life will come crashing down—if it doesn’t send her to the gallows.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">London - 1896<br />
<br />
Bella's father is a congenial man and worked for years at the Savoy until he
took a liking to drink. This well-paying job enabled Bella and her sister,
Louisa, to have a good education. Eventually though, her father’s drinking led
to him losing his job, leaving him an embittered man. So, at age 15, Bella is
forced to take a job as a servant in a large house. While her employers have
some wealth, they are crude and ostentatious. As Bella has always loved food,
she enjoys helping the cook and serving as assistant cook.<br />
<br />
When an opportunity opens up for her to grab a better job, she takes it. She is
now a cook in the kitchens of Queen Victoria’s, Buckingham Palace and goes by
the name of Helen Barton.<br />
<br />
As she strives hard to learn everything she can, including reading and studying
cookbooks, she soon excels at her craft. So when Queen Victoria decides to
spend the winter in the south of France, Helen becomes part of the kitchen crew
that will accompany the Queen.<br />
<br />
In France, Helen is fascinated with different French foods and their
preparation. Some of her dishes catch the Queen’s eye and she is the only one
to prepare them for the woman. However, life is not without intrigue and a
thirst for power that Helen fights to stay away from but with great difficulty.<br />
<br />
This book was written for me! So many wonderful things here. I am a huge
foodie, and love to cook. I lived in France for many years and am familiar with
French foods and the preparation thereof. The gorgeous vistas of southern
France are beautifully described here which took me back to this exquisite
area. Rhys Bowen has long been a favorite of mine and I have read nearly all of
her books. I loved this book from the first page to the last. What a treat!
Don’t miss it!!<br />
<br />
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS by Rhys Bowen, Lake
Union Publishing, available now in ebook, print, audiobook, and available on
Kindle Unlimited at <a href="https://amzn.to/2BRbsLa"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Above-Bay-Angels-Rhys-Bowen/dp/1542008255/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=efaa1c9e85c6dfa2194f784d5fc6a20f&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1542008255&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1542008255" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-41496008116123015172020-07-02T00:02:00.000-04:002020-07-02T00:02:00.401-04:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND by Julie Klassen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfcjKHj5_089ApJoYEJup_v4U6Hk3axuZD5_A18pJSzkY0Ss8wFEtlm1TPfCC7mcVWtj3LlwHgm2MwiT8on6nEIvNplPLJNepHs-ThGUuUbxWFqe1J8DJ7i7wiK1n3XNCv5o9_iJKeeQs/s1600/Best+THE+BRIDGE+TO+BELLE+ISLAND+by+Julie+Klassen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfcjKHj5_089ApJoYEJup_v4U6Hk3axuZD5_A18pJSzkY0Ss8wFEtlm1TPfCC7mcVWtj3LlwHgm2MwiT8on6nEIvNplPLJNepHs-ThGUuUbxWFqe1J8DJ7i7wiK1n3XNCv5o9_iJKeeQs/s400/Best+THE+BRIDGE+TO+BELLE+ISLAND+by+Julie+Klassen.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I present to you a guest review of THE BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND by
Julie Klassen, published December 3, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb for THE BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">After a humiliating
mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful
woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with
Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London
for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the
Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds
himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the
island in ten years. But should he trust her?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">On Belle Island,
Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped
there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London,
Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream
about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but
she never intended...this.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When a second person
dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to
trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the
island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind?
While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #990000;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">1819 -
London<br />
<br />
Benjamin Booker, age 31, and an attorney. is humiliated at having lost a case
when he was taken in by a beautiful woman. He had believed her story and now
finds she had lied to him. Afterward, he and the head of his firm learn of the
murder of an old firm member who has been acting as the trustee of the Wilder
family and living at their home in London. The man was not liked by the family
nor the servants. He was tight fisted with the family money and a drunkard.
Benjamin is then asked by the head of the firm to visit the Wilder family’s
home in Berkshire called Belle Island.<br />
<br />
Upon arrival, Benjamin meets Isabelle Wilder, age 30, who along with her niece
Rose, age 19, are the two heirs to the Wilder money. Rose is preparing to be
married soon. Isabelle is a lovely woman who has not left the island in many
years. Having lost many family members who had left the island, some feel it is
cursed and she feels safer staying there.<br />
<br />
As Benjamin gets to know Isabelle, he realizes she is a very strong woman and
admires everything that she does to keep the local people employed and cared
for. The members of her family and other people in the area are well described
as they each fit into her world. But there is murder and mystery afoot which
tends to point right at Isabelle. Benjamin knows this lovely woman could not be
guilty of such, but then again, he has been fooled before by a beautiful woman.
Will it happen again?<br />
<br />
A really good book written by a favorite author of mine and I believe it is her
best one to date. I highly recommend it to all readers. Nice and clean too.
Don’t miss it.<br />
<br />
Copy provided by Goodreads and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for a
fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND by Julie Klassen, Bethany
House, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at <a href="https://amzn.to/3g5rnnN">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bridge-to-belle-island-julie-klassen/1130543143?ean=9781493420308"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-bridge-to-belle-island"><span style="color: blue;">Kobobooks</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klassen/dp/0764218190/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=cab8a03d2e2d128e2e0c44c61e7d8e68&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0764218190&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0764218190" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-89917417773271786502020-06-30T00:02:00.000-04:002020-06-30T00:02:08.737-04:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of CARTIER'S HOPE by M. J. Rose<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI_qA89ie_CFQl1TjhJwkv5918H_AsSpyLf9nax4L72caZP43RMjFKpskLOTl_QZSLhjkY_LMharrHNRwQd7olkCgg9wVjaRDqWBvhJWtvPz3WH78vnTCX3BkQSnV40NbUlC-d-oJTcic/s905/Best+CARTIER%2527S+HOPE+by+M.+J.+Rose.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI_qA89ie_CFQl1TjhJwkv5918H_AsSpyLf9nax4L72caZP43RMjFKpskLOTl_QZSLhjkY_LMharrHNRwQd7olkCgg9wVjaRDqWBvhJWtvPz3WH78vnTCX3BkQSnV40NbUlC-d-oJTcic/w265-h400/Best+CARTIER%2527S+HOPE+by+M.+J.+Rose.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I present to you a guest review of CARTIER’S HOPE by M.J.
Rose, published January 28, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb for
CARTIER’S HOPE:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">From
the New York Times bestselling author of the “lush, romantic historical
mystery” (Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale)
Tiffany Blues, a gorgeously wrought novel following an intrepid female
journalist in Gilded Age New York as she chases the story of the Hope Diamond.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">New
York, 1910: A city of magnificent skyscrapers and winding subways, where poor
immigrants are crammed into tenements while millionaires thrive in Fifth Avenue
mansions. Vera Garland is a thirty-two-year-old journalist, fighting alongside hundreds
of women for a place in society, only to meet hurdles around every turn. Most
female journalists are delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages but like
her hero, Nellie Bly, Vera is a fighter.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When
news of the Hope Diamond—a jewel whose infamous legends and curses have
captured the world’s attention—arrives in the city, Vera is fast on its trail.
She’s certain the fabulous jewel will help jumpstart her career but she’s
determined to seek revenge against her current employer, a magazine owner whose
greed and blackmailing schemes led to the death of her beloved father.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Set
against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and grit, this enchanting historical
novel explores the very human desire for truth, equality, and retribution.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #d52c1f;">~</span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #d52c1f;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #d52c1f;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">New York City – 1911<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Vera Garland, 32, is the daughter of the wealthy owners of a
large department store. Vera’s father, whom she loved dearly, has recently
passed away. Vera now resides in her father’s lush apartment above the store.
Her mother has always wanted her to take her place as part of elite society,
but that is now what she wants to do. After Vera graduates from Radcliffe, she
is intent on becoming a reporter, exposing how many charities are being run by
crooked people. As her family is well known, she adopts the name Vee Swann and
wears a disguise. Soon, she has a job writing an anonymous weekly gossip
column.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the same time that the Hope Diamond just sold for
$250,000 to someone in New York. It is the largest known blue diamond and has a
long history of ownership, including numerous curses. Louis Cartier, an elite
French jeweler, has just opened a branch in New York City and the Hope Diamond
resides in his store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">As Vera
cleans out some of her father’s possessions, she uncovers a secret that shocks
her and could tear apart the family’s standing in society.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Can she
continue to dedicate her life to journalism and ignore any private life or love
for herself?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I think we
all owe a debt of gratitude to all of the women of this era who worked so hard
to make changes for all women.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">This is good
story that covers a number of situations. I admit that I became angry with Vera
at times, but one has to admire her strength and determination. Once again, M.
J. Rose has written a stunning novel. Don’t miss it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Copy provided
by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">CARTIER’S HOPE by M. J. Rose, Atria Books, available
now in ebook, print, and audiobook at <a href="https://amzn.to/2YE1O7s">Amazon</a>,
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cartiers-hope-m-j-rose/1132008802?ean=9781501173653"><span style="color: #000dff;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cartier-s-hope"><span style="color: #0d00ff;">Kobobooks</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cartiers-Hope-M-J-Rose/dp/1501173634/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=03cdcc454c11d7d76ca46140f6340152&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1501173634&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1501173634" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-25775111226382564792020-03-23T00:02:00.000-04:002020-03-23T00:02:03.939-04:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of WILD, WILD RAKE, a Cavensham Heiress novel by Janna MacGregor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWxa6W0zCVnclJfEeGB5fTPIGbYJovdaXAWWBFO3TRmVdxErdCiA7KIWvLO52Wc1MM4XNoSbDmFlRZveEF3ydeqRj8CRpR_9HfzsQf70lSn69txAKtGhcZaVoGE28ypd1zgQPVlAJ99r8/s1600/Best+WILD+WILD+RAKE+by+Janna+MacGregor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWxa6W0zCVnclJfEeGB5fTPIGbYJovdaXAWWBFO3TRmVdxErdCiA7KIWvLO52Wc1MM4XNoSbDmFlRZveEF3ydeqRj8CRpR_9HfzsQf70lSn69txAKtGhcZaVoGE28ypd1zgQPVlAJ99r8/s400/Best+WILD+WILD+RAKE+by+Janna+MacGregor.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I present to
you a guest review of WILD, WILD RAKE, a Cavensham Heiress novel by Janna
MacGregor, published February 25, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for WILD, WILD RAKE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Her first
marriage was an epic failure.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lady Avalon Warwyck
never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when
she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can
live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become
businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry―that
is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Can he
convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Devan Farris―charming
vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian―is reluctantly
sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to
meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and
keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with vicar with a wild
reputation―even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only
he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside―a good, true
soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and
care for her. . .until death do they part?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">London -
1805<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Avalon, the
Marchioness of Warwyk, is due to have a baby in a few months. Her marriage to
her husband was pushed upon her and him by her parents. Thus, they cannot stand
one another. He is very ugly, brutish, and demeaning to her. But when he dies,
she is so relieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">1815<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Avalon lives
with her son, Thane Pearce, age 10, in the village of Thistledown. Gavin
Farris, the Earl of Larkton, is the guardian and conservator of Avalon’s son,
Thane, and the estate. Gavin thinks that Avalon may be using funds from the
estate to help support her projects to build housing to rehabilitate
prostitutes and their children. However, that is not the case as she is using
her own funds. Therefore, Gavin decides to send his brother, Devan, a vicar, to
become the new vicar of Thistledown. This does not set well with either Devan
or Avalon as there as always been animosity between them. He calls her the
Marquess of Warlock and she calls him the Vicar of Vermin. So, they start off
on the wrong foot as she tries to thwart any authority he might have and he
gives it right back to her. However, Thane proves to be the mediator between
them as Devan helps to tutor the boy in Latin and teaches him to play chess. He
wants to prepare him for Eton. Thane and Devan bond well and enjoy being
together. But Avalon continues to resent him being there. What can be done
especially when their animosity turns to attraction? Is there a way that these
two opposites can come together?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">An enemies
to lovers book that is very sweet. Lots of chuckles as each of them learns to
see the other for the really good person that they are. I truly enjoyed this
book and Janna MacGregor has quickly become a favorite author of mine. Well
done! Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Copy
provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">WILD, WILD RAKE, a Cavensham Heiress novel by
Janna MacGregor, Stm Martin’s Paperbacks, available now in ebook, print, and
audiobook at <a href="https://amzn.to/2WCvaT0"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-wild-rake-janna-macgregor/1134437937?ean=9781250296023"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/wild-wild-rake"><span style="color: blue;">Kobobooks</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Rake-Cavensham-Heiresses/dp/1250296013/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1584906848&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=63eeb21adf0ffa15f6dbaa681052b43b&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1250296013&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1250296013" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-54430818442169279862020-03-14T00:02:00.000-04:002020-03-14T00:02:04.378-04:00Unwrapping a Special Guest & Guest Post: Callie Carmen, author of the Risking Love series and the upcoming new novel, ANTHONY w/#excerpt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsPLuvR2cWVfGvWxBEdCxKrdeXSfoJSwovVR6wLVy2iKv_NbkliwMNjfvUR8Lrfti2S9eL0g5q_xNNHDHgp5AN1SjLX5D5E3exEaAMwX17Eh9Tiv9asF1yigjARLIRiIHgawimRHZ6HUX/s1600/Full+Cover+Anthony+by+Callie+Carmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="916" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsPLuvR2cWVfGvWxBEdCxKrdeXSfoJSwovVR6wLVy2iKv_NbkliwMNjfvUR8Lrfti2S9eL0g5q_xNNHDHgp5AN1SjLX5D5E3exEaAMwX17Eh9Tiv9asF1yigjARLIRiIHgawimRHZ6HUX/s640/Full+Cover+Anthony+by+Callie+Carmen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coming April 1, 2020 - Pre-Order available now!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">oday,
I have a special guest visiting Unwrapping Romance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It’s been a long while
since we’ve had a visitor so I’m most excited. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Today’s guest is a fellow author,
Callie Carmen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I hope everyone will join me in making her feel very welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Welcome to Unwrapping
Romance, Callie…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Callie:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Thank you for having me
as a guest on your wonderful blog today.<br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Unwrapping Romance:</b> It’s a pleasure
to have you here. I understand you have a new book coming out soon in your
Risking Love series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Callie:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I do. This is an
exciting time for me as a writer. My book Anthony (Risking Love Book Four) just
became available for pre-order and the ebook is only <span style="color: red;">99¢</span>
until the publication date, April 1. The paperback will be available soon if
not already by the time this blog comes out. Here’s a little excerpt from
Anthony and some information that I found helpful on show-don’t-tell. I hope
you enjoy them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5ESw04Ffg4fgMMY-eDK92X35Fpl5JhyaB5jMo1GhlsPKMBEUH3T7z2g8XyIoPwBmbbKFYGlT1_TqhAEiBHaBAA6ImmnrCGpgmsVPVH8uV76n7GxeTmEfL96MmNtjRnaefIlfEXqua6VZ/s1600/Anthony+Teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="501" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5ESw04Ffg4fgMMY-eDK92X35Fpl5JhyaB5jMo1GhlsPKMBEUH3T7z2g8XyIoPwBmbbKFYGlT1_TqhAEiBHaBAA6ImmnrCGpgmsVPVH8uV76n7GxeTmEfL96MmNtjRnaefIlfEXqua6VZ/s400/Anthony+Teaser.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">EXCERPT from ANTHONY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">By Callie Carmen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Anthony <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Late
that afternoon, I entered the accounting firm. It was so quiet without James at
the reception desk. I felt my racing pulse in my eardrums. This would be the
first time I’d seen Tessa since I’d walked out on her at the wedding. My
stomach was in knots. I looked down the hallway and saw that there was only one
light on, and it was coming from her office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">God,
if she was here alone I’d be tempted to pull her out of her chair, lift her
into my arms, and kiss her until she couldn’t breathe. Then I’d lay her across
the desk, lift her dress, take off her panties, and taste her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
decided to skip warning her that I was there. I wanted to see her reaction when
I entered her office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tessa
hopped up from behind her desk as soon as I walked in. Her hands shook, and I
could tell that she was as nervous as I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“H–hello,
Tony, how are you?” Damn it, even her voice was shaky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
shoved my hands in my pockets and felt a heaviness on my shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Hey,
Tessa. You’re looking beautiful as ever.” I looked her up and down as she put
her hand across her desk for a business handshake, but her pupils were dilated
and she looked full of hope or possibility. I wasn’t quite sure which, but I
liked it. Maybe I could salvage the mess I’d made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">SETTING SIGHTS ON
IMPROVING ALL THE TIME<br />
by Callie Carmen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
a writer, I’m committed to improving my craft daily. I find so many ways to do
that with articles, books on the subject, and blogs that authors have written.
My editor, Laurie Sanders, is a wealth of information. She even teaches classes
on how to become a better writer. My publisher, Richard Savage of Black Velvet
Seductions always has helpful ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
then there’s Google. It sometimes feels like a close intimate friend. One that
I can ask just about anything. And believe me I do. If I showed my Google
research history to any of my friends, they’d think someone that looks like me
had replaced me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Today,
I was working on JOSHUA (Risking Love Book Five). I wanted a new way to
describe puppy-dog-eyes. So I Googled it. I was pleasantly surprised to find
this facial cheat sheet blog with pictures put together by Nicholas C. Rossis.
It didn’t give pleading as an example, but I found these seven emotions shown
as show-don’t-tell helpful. I thought you might too.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 30pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #958201; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 22.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Show-don’t-tell
cheat sheet: facial expressions<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="post-meta" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="published"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #336699; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; padding: 0in;">Mar 9, 2014</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: #336699; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="color: #336699; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">|<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><a href="https://nicholasrossis.me/category/blog-hops-tours-reblogs/"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; padding: 0in;">Blog
hops tours & reblogs</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #336699; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><a href="https://nicholasrossis.me/category/writing/"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; padding: 0in;">Writing</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #336699; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif";">Authors often
struggle with depictions of emotions. We’re supposed to show them, describe
them. For example, “she was surprised by this” is a big no-no, and considered
lazy writing. “Her eyes widened and her mouth slacked”, on the other
hand, gives us the very image of surprise, without ever mentioning the word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , "sans-serif";">As you can imagine,
this can be tough. But fear not, for thirty years ago, Paul Ekman did
cross-cultural research and identified seven basic human emotions. He
identified the seven basic emotions through facial expressions. No matter where
in the world, what culture, class, race, gender, or lighting, these seven
facial expressions were identified across the board:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unwrapping Romance:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Thank you so very
much for the fun insight into expressions, Callie, and wishing you the best of
luck with Anthony. Come back again, you're always welcome.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone will check out Anthony as well as the other sexy men in the
Risking Love series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Happy
Reading Everyone! </span><br />
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<div align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.6pt; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">FIND
OUT MORE AT ABOUT CALLIE CARMEN and her Books</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.6pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Where to buy her books:</span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.6pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">PATRICK </span></strong><a href="https://t.co/rD3XHsgvUX"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">books2read.com/u/3krqEW</span></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.6pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">NICOLAS </span></strong><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://books2read.com/u/mqVGQv?fbclid=IwAR2QzI5hQufQS_9ReHMRAPFAn6GsjCFBkworD2NhfYxz9HzR4A-W4YZmq48"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">http://books2read.com/u/mqVGQv</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.6pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">JOSEPH</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/3npADB?fbclid=IwAR0QMXm-C2OnlCnEKS0DqHRTEuZ-6BQzy01DQ7rVmumudOuFxG8m3fmN4xA" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">https://books2read.com/u/3npADB</span></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">ANTHONY </span></b><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bx81ze?fbclid=IwAR0aILSI8Be4IzAYNHXb0CpoYtC4ENzS9n338HH91Kq-3EElpW-iW2XuVGI" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: ".sfnstext-regular";"><span style="color: blue;">https://books2read.com/u/bx81ze</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Where to follow Callie on Social Media:</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-67731076401047915252020-03-09T00:02:00.000-04:002020-03-09T00:02:07.148-04:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I present to
you a guest review of THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E.
Ladd, published January 7, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In Regency
England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. Julia knows Matthew
Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she
should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his
younger brother, Isaac?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cornwall, England, 1818<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Julia Twethewey needs a
diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn
Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s
mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s
not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s
ancient halls.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As a respected mine
owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy
alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In
order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers
approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local
industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his
brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac
knows his place.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When tragedy strikes,
mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled
together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to
bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tregarthen
Hall, Cornwall - 1808<br />
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Isaac Blake’s twin brother, Matthew, is a few minutes older than he is and is set
to inherit Tregarthen Hall and the family’s working mine. Isaac will inherit a
small home and another mine that has been closed,<br />
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Cornwall - 1818<br />
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Julia Twethewey, age 19, and of Penwythe Hall, is on her way to be a companion
to her cousin, Jane at Lanwyn Hall, when she is held up by outlaws at an inn.
It is believed to be a result of the unrest among people of the area because
her uncle, William Lambourne, has recently closed one of the mines which affect
everyone in the area. Isaac Blake is there and steps in to protect her.<br />
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At the Hall, home of her uncle William and Beatrice Lambourne, Julia is happy
to be with her cousin, Jane, who is having a difficult pregnancy. She also
enjoys the company of her other cousin, Caroline. Julia is getting over a broken
heart and hopes that being with Jane will help her heart to heal. She learns
that there are supposed to be ghosts at the Hall and someone has been stealing
items. In addition, there is a curse that no child born in the Hall has lived
to grow up. There is rumored to be a treasure built into the stones of the
house, but it has yet to be found.<br />
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Julia meets many of the townspeople and learns more about the mining business.
Matthew shows her attention which is encouraged by her aunt and uncle, but it
is Isaac to whom she is attracted. But mischief occurs and people are put in
danger. Will Julia and Isaac be strong enough to find out who is causing this
and perhaps find a road to a life together?<br />
<br />
I liked this book but found that the beginning seemed to drag somewhat.
However, I realized that it was to enable the author to introduce the
characters so we could find empathy for the hardships the town has been
experiencing. Sarah E. Ladd has long been a favorite author of mine and I hope
that other readers will discover her sweet, clean romances.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a
fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR, a Cornwall novel by
Sarah E. Ladd, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at <a href="https://amzn.to/2v5FQyj"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thief-of-lanwyn-manor-sarah-e-ladd/1130949140?ean=9780785223269"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-thief-of-lanwyn-manor"><span style="color: blue;">Kobobooks</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thief-Lanwyn-Manor-Cornwall-Novels/dp/0785223185/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1583696253&sr=8-1-spons&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=18c851924e69b10dd0025f9c203525fd&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0785223185&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0785223185" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-81717565601296184082020-03-01T15:08:00.001-05:002020-03-01T15:08:11.465-05:00Unwrapping a New Release - A PIRATE'S ONE AND ONLY, a Seekers of the Past novel by Amy Valentini w/#excerpt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTl9aLZf_NNQIKh3GBvkXQERqFMIJ277ND56oC7c5ClmnV-l8zveAHEhE0qqnGgCDGK5-lgFbXg4Nl9zUgLIm6k2GhgSspjWU5Bm8tEoZQNjAnkpuO6wYQ3ijG-dWiMnt14dCv_XzMSS4/s1600/Cover+for+A+Pirate%2527s+One+and+Only_1800+x+2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTl9aLZf_NNQIKh3GBvkXQERqFMIJ277ND56oC7c5ClmnV-l8zveAHEhE0qqnGgCDGK5-lgFbXg4Nl9zUgLIm6k2GhgSspjWU5Bm8tEoZQNjAnkpuO6wYQ3ijG-dWiMnt14dCv_XzMSS4/s640/Cover+for+A+Pirate%2527s+One+and+Only_1800+x+2700.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 48.0pt;">A PIRATE’S ONE <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 48.0pt;">AND ONLY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Book 5 of the Seekers of
the Past series<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 28.0pt;">Amy Valentini<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Available now at <a href="https://amzn.to/2TsYeJv" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">and Free to read at
KindleUnlimited<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Continue
the Journey to Where the Past Meets the Present<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">and
Love Lives Forever<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Having survived a
devastating fire that left her scarred and alone in the world, Gabrielle
Hawkings seeks to make her own way. Suffering the horrible remarks and stares,
and believing no man will ever love her, she is surprised when a handsome
stranger not only shows her kindness but attention quite foreign to her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Capitán Tomás Alvarez is
by his own admission a pirate and a wanted man but is innocent of the crime for
which the British seek him. Visiting Kingston is dangerous at best but he will
risk it all to see the beautiful Gabrielle again. When the authorities use her
as bait, he must do what is necessary to protect her so neither of them ends up
at the end of a noose.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Join Emma and Sam as
they search for the origin of the mystery gold. And thrill in the love that
grows between two people who carry scars on their skin as well as their souls
and heal each other in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">*** Each book in this
series can be read as a standalone historical romance with the first and sixth
books set in the present.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Excerpt:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Tomás</span><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Alvarez deplored the manhandling of any woman so when he saw the
drunken oaf clutching the young woman and slobbering all over her while she
screamed for him to release her, he knew he had to halt the assault. Had he not
been standing in the middle of the town and not wishing to draw attention to
his presence, he would have snapped the man’s neck and left him lying in his
own filth. Any man who assaults a woman was lower than low in his mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now he was
looking down into bright sky blue eyes in an angelic beautiful face surrounded
by silky blonde hair the color of spun gold. A pert little nose, cherub mouth,
and smooth skin rounded out the beauty of this little woman. Smoothing a strand
of wayward hair from the side of her cheek, he noticed scarring on her neck. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who did this to her?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Before he could
react in any fashion, she stiffened in his arms, her hand came up to push his
hand away, and she demanded to be released. Not one to deny her, he assisted
her to an upright position but when she pushed off his lap to stand, she
wobbled as if her legs would not support her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Please, little
one, let me,” he implored her as he scooted to the side and helped her take a
seat alongside him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I am sorry. My
scarf—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He noticed how
she tucked her chin and pulled her hair in close around her face. Suddenly, he
understood. Her scars embarrassed her. This saddened him for she was a
beautiful woman and her scars were nothing. He wanted to soothe her ego and
tell her to hold her head high, to be proud but he knew how such a thing could
plague one’s thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Glancing around,
he saw a piece of brightly colored cloth lying on the ground nearby. He stood,
moved to it, retrieving it then he shook it out and brought it to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Tis yours?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She glanced up at
him, nodded then took the cloth, and looked away. Wrapping the scarf around her
neck, he knew she wore it to cover her scars. It was then he noticed she wore
long sleeves even though the temperatures were far too high to warrant them.
Had she more scars?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Thank you. You
have been most kind…” She peeked out at him from under smoky dark lashes, the
color of which fascinated him since her hair was like captured sunshine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“C</span><span lang="ES" style="color: #212121; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">apitán </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Tomás</span><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Alvarez, at your service,” he said with a slight bow of his head then
glanced around to make sure no one overheard him giving his name. “And who do I
have the pleasure of addressing, mi linda?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Me—no, my name
is not Linda,” she said, her delicate brows which matched the color of her
lashes knitting together in confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He laughed making
her frown harder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“No, no, mi linda
means my pretty one,” he said smiling at her and receiving a chuckle and grin
in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Oh! My mistake…my
name is Gabrielle,” she said once again averting her eyes and tucking her chin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This time </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Tomás was not going to allow her to hide so he
tucked two fingers under her chin and gently lifted until her eyes met his.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“My
honor to meet you, Gabrielle and yes, you are very pretty…beautiful,” he said
in a low voice as his gaze dropped to her lips and he wondered if they tasted
as sweet as they looked.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Once
more she reacted by pulling away. His hand dropped and his heart ached for her
pain and desire to hide even as his mind pushed back fury at whomever or
whatever caused it.</span><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your
assistance,” she said looking around as if looking for something or someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“If you are looking for the beast who attacked
you, he has been dealt with and is in the hands of the authorities,” he told
her. “May I see you home safe, Gabrielle?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As if he had just proposed something wholly
inappropriate, she jumped to her feet with her hands fluttering around her
scarf then tugging at her shawl to cover her further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“That is quite all right, sir, I am here for
shopping and wish not to return home yet. I shall be fine. Thank you again.”
She turned to leave but he caught her hand, stilling her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Might I accompany you, in case you feel ill at
ease on your feet again?” he asked still holding her hand and surprised she was
allowing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Gabrielle slowly removed her hand, her fingers
trailing along the tips of his and he swore the sensation traveled straight
down his spine and ignited a fire in his loins which had him wishing he could
sweep her off her feet, return to his ship and sail away before anyone stopped
him. He did not know what it was about this innocent-looking young woman but
she enchanted him the moment she opened her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I suppose it would be all right,” she remarked
looking around them. “As long as we are in full view of others, that is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He was about to comment on her not trusting him
when she gave him a smile which told him she just might and was teasing him.
Then it was gone and she tucked her chin once more. He wished he could explain
she had no need to do so for he found nothing unattractive about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Standing, he gave her a quick bow and waved her
to start. He joined her walking just one pace behind her and to the side to
allow her to lead while he followed. His action must have surprised her for she
kept peeking at him over her shoulder as if to see if he was still there. He
grinned watching her. She was a delight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When they reached a small shop with hats in the
window, Gabrielle stopped and looked at the items then glanced at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“You shall probably not enjoy this shop,” she
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“If you enjoy it, I shall,” he told her with a
grin then opened the door and waved her inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The quiet chatter of women inside told him he
was probably going to be quite a surprise to them. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Tomás chuckled and stepped inside to the sound of a
collective gasp.</span><em><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><b><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~*~</span></b></em><em><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Gabrielle
did not know what to make of this handsome and charming man. There was a kind
gentleness to him but somehow, she knew there was an underlying dangerous side
as well. Perhaps it was his swagger, his commanding demeanor, or simply the
small gold hoop earring he wore in his left ear. He made her nervous but not in
a scared way. No, it was something she had never experienced before. It was something
rather thrilling, which made her insides quiver when he touched her. Something
which had her wishing her scars gone more than ever before and made her palms dampen
as if in anticipation of something exciting.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She
watched him enter the small shop filled with ladies’ items of clothing and
accessories and grin when the women inside gasped as they turned to look at him.
She had no doubt they had not noticed her.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Greetings,
sir, may I assist you,” one of the women exclaimed as she hurried over to him.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She
was an older woman, probably the owner of the shop. Gabrielle nearly laughed
aloud at the way she was fluttering her hands in front of her breasts and
blushing like a schoolgirl.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Not
me, madam, but my lovely friend here,” Tomás remarked as he turned slightly,
placing his hand on her elbow and drawing her forward. “I believe she requires
your assistance in making a purchase.”</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
woman’s gaze shifted to Gabrielle and as she did, her smile waned.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Ah
yes, welcome, madam,” she said, her gaze narrowing on where her scars peeked
out from under her scarf near her jawline.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Under
her scrutiny, she immediately wished to retreat and began to step backward but
Tomás did not allow her. His grip tightened slightly on her elbow and he pulled
her closer.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Madam,
you shall show my friend anything she wishes,” he said in that particular voice
which held so much command Gabrielle thought even the King of England would do
as he ordered.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Of
course, sir. Is there anything in particular you wish to see, my dear?”</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She
knew the woman was only turning her attention on her because of Tomás but she
did not care. There was something about him, which gave her increasing confidence.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Yes,
please, there was a scarf in the window last week which I wish to purchase as a
gift,” she told the woman turning to peruse the display. “It had colors of
green and gold.”</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Ah
yes, I have some, in the back here. If you will follow me,” the woman said
indicating a table toward the back against the wall.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Gabrielle
stepped up to follow her expecting Tomás to stay near the door but he surprised
her by placing his hand near the middle of her back and walking along with her,
pushing past tightly set displays including one of undergarments. She heard the
other women giggle behind her when one of them remarked how she would not mind
modeling anything at all for him. She smiled thinking how they must think she
belongs with him. It was a powerful feeling having other women being jealous of
her for a change.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Not
wishing to dawdle or take up any more of the captain</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">’s time than necessary, she
quickly made her purchase, and foregoing a perusal for her own pleasure concluded
her business, and headed for the door. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tomás
caught up to her, holding the door and allowing her to precede him in exiting
the shop while bidding the women good day.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“So
where to next, Gabrielle,” he asked once they were outside on the street again.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I
have taken up quite enough of your time, Captain</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Alvarez—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Please, say not my name quite so loud,” he
interrupted her in a low voice while glancing around them over her head. Since
he stood over a head taller than she, it was not difficult for him to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Why ever not?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Well…perhaps I shall just say the authorities
here might not be pleased I am in port,” </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tomás said with a sly grin and a naughty wink.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She
gasped in response. Perhaps he <i>was</i> just as dangerous as she had thought…perhaps
even one of the notorious pirates she had heard whispered sometimes frequent
the port of Kingston.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Ah,
now I have worried you, Gabrielle. Please, trust me, I would never allow any
harm to come to you because of me,” he said in a low voice near her cheek which
sent a shiver over her.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Not a
shiver of fear, however…no, it was something else she did not recognize. The
sensation intrigued her. He intrigued her.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I
must finish up my shopping and return home now,” she said turning to head in
the direction of the McGillicuddy’s home, but his hand on her arm halted her.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Turning
to look at him, she looked up into dark eyes shaded by thick dark lashes
beneath dark brows furled together.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Do I
frighten you, Gabrielle, for tis not my intention?”</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tucking
her chin, she shook her head.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“No, C</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">aptain, I simply must
return for I have duties and responsibilities,” she told him, not wanting to
admit he made her nervous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She knew not why he was so attentive but she was
enjoying it very much. Most men ran from the sight of her scars yet he had
called his pretty one. What did he want from her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Then I shall see you to your home,” </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tomás announced standing tall and extending his arm
for her to take as if they were about to walk a promenade.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
sudden nervous laugh erupted from her before she could stop it causing him to
frown and drop his arm.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“You
do not wish my company anymore, Gabrielle?” he asked looking dejected.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Before
she had a chance to answer, a ragtag looking young man ran up to Captain</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Alvarez and whispered
in his ear. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tomás looked around with sudden and
obvious nervousness having descended on him. He looked down at her and gave her
a quick smile.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I
fear I must take your leave, my beautiful Gabrielle,” he said taking her hand
and lifting it toward his lips as he bent. “We shall meet again, my sweet. Tis
a promise and I always keep my word.”</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Tomás</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Alvarez pressed a kiss
to the palm of her hand, which sent fire and ice over her skin while causing
her insides to quiver with nervous energy so strong she gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Adios—for now,” he said and then he was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Gabrielle stood there, her hand out as if he
still held it, his lips caressing it even as he disappeared into the milling
crowd. Had she only imagined him? Was the entirety of the afternoon simply a
manifestation of the heat and attack by the drunken man? She <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> felt faint earlier. Perhaps she had
only imagined the attentions of such a handsome and charming stranger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Happy Reading and please, if you do read it, I’d
greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review. xox<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0858S5N53/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=26653400ed8cb0d6e37a5426ddc3c0ba&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0858S5N53&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0858S5N53" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div>
<br />Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-46810925351123257032020-02-17T00:02:00.000-05:002020-02-17T00:02:06.476-05:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of MY DARLING DUKE, a Sinful Wallflowers novel by Stacy Reid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfS-ev_YrDz2A6A_kNHGVrHS7bI9oq33PPJpuINdRpzqNS6QYcux59lNLYrFPqkxZ3iGOT0E6X40x7fIhZKf1eS2AsthWzQNfN5kWxHFy_3CBq7o7KSOjKoEz6h3O9ILBc_EpGBYTKix3/s1600/Best+MY+DARLING+DUKE+by+Stacy+Reid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfS-ev_YrDz2A6A_kNHGVrHS7bI9oq33PPJpuINdRpzqNS6QYcux59lNLYrFPqkxZ3iGOT0E6X40x7fIhZKf1eS2AsthWzQNfN5kWxHFy_3CBq7o7KSOjKoEz6h3O9ILBc_EpGBYTKix3/s400/Best+MY+DARLING+DUKE+by+Stacy+Reid.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I present to
you a guest review of MY DARLING DUKE, a Sinful Wallflowers novel by Stacy Reid,
published December 31, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for MY DARLING DUKE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Miss
Katherine Danvers has always been a wallflower. But now, with her family on the
brink of financial ruin, she finds herself a desperate wallflower. To
save her family, she'll do anything. Luckily, she has the perfect plan...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She’ll
impress the ton by simply announcing she is engaged to the reclusive
and mysterious Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, and secure strong matches
for her sisters. No one has heard from the duke in years. Surely he’ll never
find out before her sisters’ weddings, and she can go back to her own quiet
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Soon,
though, everything is out of control. At first, it’s just a few new ball gowns
on the duke’s accounts. Then, it’s interviews with reporters eager for gossip.
Before she knows it, Katherine has transformed herself into Kitty Danvers,
charming and clever belle of the ton—with everyone eager to meet her
thankfully absent fiancé.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
when the enigmatic Alexander Masters suddenly arrives in the city, dashing and
oh so angry, he demands retribution. Except not in the way Katherine expected…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Brampton Manor, Hertfordshire<br />
<br />
Katherine (Kitty) Danvers, age 22, is part of a group of 6 young women who call
themselves the Sinful Wallflowers. While they have each had more than one
season, they have yet to attract a husband.<br />
<br />
When Kitty’s father passed away, their estate went to a cousin leaving Kitty,
her sisters, and their mother with very little funds to support themselves.
Thus, Kitty is desperate to find a husband to help support her family.<br />
<br />
When a gossip sheet prints a story saying the Duke of Thornton is looking for a
bride, Kitty sends the publisher a letter saying she is the man’s fiancee. She
hopes this will open doors for her to help find husbands for her sisters and
see them settled. She knows that the duke lives in a remote area of Scotland
and not been seen in many years so she hopes he will never learn of this.<br />
<br />
Perthshire, Scotland, McMullen Castle<br />
<br />
Alexander Masters, the Duke of Thornton, is a lonely man who bears scars on his
face, neck, and other areas of his body which he was burned in a fire trying to
save his family. His lives with his spirited sister, Penny, and knows it is
time that she was introduced to society. When his lawyer visits and
congratulates him on his betrothal, he is surprised and rather amused at what
Kitty has done. Intrigued to meet this brazen woman, he travels to meet her.<br />
<br />
When they meet, she is nervous and apologizes for what she has done and tells
him it is only to help her sisters. He then tells her that she alone must
return with him to his Castle for two weeks. She finally agrees. When Kitty and
Alexander spend time together at the Castle, they learn so much about one
another. Kitty is a very strong, sensitive, and loving woman. Alexander is also
very strong, but quite damaged. Is there hope for them to be together as a
couple and find love?<br />
<br />
Oh wow! What a beautifully romantic story. I am so impressed at how well the
author created these two perfect characters. Her descriptions were wonderfully
crafted and she shows she is a truly talented author. Well done! Do read this
book. It’s a keeper and one that you wish you could award 6 stars.<br />
<br />
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">MY DARLING DUKE, a Sinful Wallflowers novel by
Stacy Reid, Entangled: Amara, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at <a href="https://amzn.to/2uPjQYf"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-darling-duke-stacy-reid/1130016218?ean=9781640637467#/"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/my-darling-duke"><span style="color: blue;">Kobobooks</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Darling-Duke-Stacy-Reid/dp/1640637451/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1581882784&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=u0568-20&linkId=7feb4838b24ba8a58d85e4c77ed839ff&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1640637451&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=u0568-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=u0568-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1640637451" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div>
Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-41473495034916793012020-02-03T00:02:00.000-05:002020-02-03T00:02:01.508-05:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of FOREVER MY DUKE, an Unlikely Duchesses novel by Olivia Drake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNN3IeQit9VZkXewF-pTgcpik51kqJAE7dQJfYvCh82_KYjhJWUYqdbSdQZze-z0TKEFLMOSW2SsRMaL3hyphenhyphendSsCVb7nLjeBFbQgOUDy27tpeH2jIisyYV25Z1rDMhtvxlbvgr4s_7Kyug/s1600/Best+FOREVER+MY+DUKE+by+Olivia+Drake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNN3IeQit9VZkXewF-pTgcpik51kqJAE7dQJfYvCh82_KYjhJWUYqdbSdQZze-z0TKEFLMOSW2SsRMaL3hyphenhyphendSsCVb7nLjeBFbQgOUDy27tpeH2jIisyYV25Z1rDMhtvxlbvgr4s_7Kyug/s400/Best+FOREVER+MY+DUKE+by+Olivia+Drake.jpg" width="243" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I present to
you a guest review of FOREVER MY DUKE, an Unlikely Duchesses novel by Olivia
Drake, published December 31, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for FOREVER MY DUKE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I find
Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming—for an American.”—The Prince Regent<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hadrian Ames, the Duke
of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is,
until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite
of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American
who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But Natalie doesn’t have
time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled
scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about
Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to
attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a
busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old
orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign
to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to
love him…despite his being a duke?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hadrian
Ames, age 29 and the eighth Duke of Clayton, has been delayed by bad weather as
he travels to have dinner with the family of his prospective bride, Lady Ellen
Godwin, age 18. When his father died, Hadrian was just 6-years-old and at the
behest of his late father, went to live with the Earl of Godwin, the man’s
cousin. His mother was furious as she only got to see her son a couple times a
year. His father and Lord Godwin had made a contract years ago that Hadrian
would marry Godwin’s daughter, Ellen, and he has decided it is time to honor
his father’s request. His mother is against the match because she feels that
while they grew up together, there is no love between them. This does not
bother Hadrian as he feels that Ellen would be a good duchess.<br />
<br />
At the inn where he staying overnight, Hadrian meets a beautiful young woman
caring for a young boy named Leo. Natalie Farshawe, age 26, has brought the boy
from America to live with his grandfather now that his parents have passed
away. Since Leo tends to be a rascal running off and such, Hadrian ends up
helping Natalie to find him. It turns out that the grandfather is Lord Godwin.
At the man’s house, he is reluctant to recognize Leo as he had disowned his
daughter when she married a minister and moved to America. While they wait for
proof from Lord Godwin’s solicitor that Leo is actually his grandson, Natalie
stays there and she and Hadrian enjoy getting to know one another. Even though
Natalie is unused to the respect given the English aristocracy, she soon learns
what it all means. Natalie is the daughter of the late senator from
Pennsylvania in America and was used to entertaining many people in America’s
government. In addition, there are hints that she may have even higher ranked
relatives.<br />
<br />
Is there a way for Natalie to remain in England and not have to leave Leo?
Could she and Hadrian have a future together?<br />
<br />
Totally delightful book! I loved the creation of the plot and the characters
and all quite real and intriguing. There is romance and intrigue both in this
book so enjoy!! Both Natalie and Hadrian are strong people and I think they
would make a perfect couple.<br />
<br />
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">FOREVER MY DUKE, an Unlikely Duchesses novel by
Olivia Drake, St. Martin’s Press, available now in ebook and print at <a href="https://amzn.to/36NXymv"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-my-duke-olivia-drake/1132015980?ean=9781250174406#/"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/forever-my-duke"><span style="color: blue;">Kobobooks</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955342718286093722.post-22802436714097588892020-01-27T00:02:00.000-05:002020-01-27T00:02:00.621-05:00Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR2KLIvMWoCTJGq9zM5wD5QDLbj6CWMYMY6ZP_3O0L6DbDbe1IS0wIO0o1dkYvxWHNh5j2lLxyBKnwf1Nrv_bqCxVd9eYHtA0H6LtEMl3bMzUvV6xC06iJZbykjYTYDZqljki79F1-YlA/s1600/Best+THE+INCONVENIENT+ELMSWOOD+MARRIAGE+by+Marguerite+Kay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR2KLIvMWoCTJGq9zM5wD5QDLbj6CWMYMY6ZP_3O0L6DbDbe1IS0wIO0o1dkYvxWHNh5j2lLxyBKnwf1Nrv_bqCxVd9eYHtA0H6LtEMl3bMzUvV6xC06iJZbykjYTYDZqljki79F1-YlA/s400/Best+THE+INCONVENIENT+ELMSWOOD+MARRIAGE+by+Marguerite+Kay.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">reetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been
remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize.
Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried
to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve
given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest
reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the
meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide
you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I present to you a guest review of THE
INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by
Marguerite Kaye, published December 26, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb for THE INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Their
marriage was a solution…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Until passion turns it
into a problem!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lord and Lady Elmswood’s
convenient marriage has allowed them to live separate lives for years. Until
larger-than-life Daniel almost dies and Kate must nurse the husband she barely
knows back to health…and discover how maddeningly attractive he is! With the
clock ticking on his departure, they disagree on everything – except the
impossibility of resisting each other!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">*~*~*~*~*~*~</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie’s
Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Elmswood
Manor, Shropshire - 1820<br />
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Kate Wilson, 22, is the daughter of the estate manager for the Manor, but she
has been managing everything since the illness of her father. She grew up on
the estate and knows everything about it.<br />
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Daniel Fairfax, 28, is the new Lord Elmswood and is arriving at the Manor to
discuss business matters for the estate. He is surprised to find that for the
last months Kate has taken over the duties of running the estate. While
surprised, he is willing to let the arrangement stand. He has no interest in
living at the Manor and prefers that it just be kept up for his young nephew to
inherit one day. Spending time together, Kate realizes that the fondness she
has always had for Daniel is real and knowing he is leaving, she asks him to
marry her so she can legally live at the Manor and run it. He agrees and they
marry before he leaves again.<br />
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1831<br />
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After their marriage, Kate has spent years caring for Daniel’s nieces They are
Eloise who is married and has a child, and Phoebe who owns a restaurant in
London and has just married.<br />
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Daniel has been living in another country for 11 years. He has returned and is
ill with a fever he caught and is still recuperating. As soon as he is better,
he plans to leave again. Daniel is impressed when he sees how well-run and
well-maintained the estate is and is amazed at how well Kate raised his nieces while taking total responsibility for the estate. During his healing time, he
begins to see the beauty and lure of the Manor and why Kate loves it so much.
He also sees her beauty and their attraction deepens. Yet he is still
determined to leave again and Kate prepares herself for this inevitability. Is
there some way the two of them can have a future together?<br />
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Yet another well-written, heartfelt story about real people and the things they
have faced in life that have made them who they are. Ms. Kaye has a real knack
for creating these characters. I think readers will enjoy this book and I
encourage them to read it.<br />
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Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">THE INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE, a Penniless
Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, Mills & Boon Historical, available
now in ebook and print at <a href="https://amzn.to/2Gq1AH8"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-inconvenient-elmswood-marriage-marguerite-kaye/1132109067?ean=9781488063664"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes
& Noble</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-inconvenient-elmswood-marriage"><span style="color: blue;">Kobobooks</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Amy Valentinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725078863607000204noreply@blogger.com0