Unwrapping a Spotlight Stop on THE TROUBLE WITH VAMPIRES, an Argeneau novel by Lynsay Sands Blog Tour with #excerpt and #giveaway

THE TROUBLE WITH VAMPIRES
Argeneau Series, Book 29

Lynsay Sands

Available Now from Avon Books at

Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Kobo

Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

Irresistible desire and thrilling suspense combine in this electrifying new Argeneau novel from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands.

For close to three thousand years the imposing, impossibly handsome Santo Notte has fought in armies across the world and battled his own, more personal enemies. Of all the places he might expect to encounter his life mate, a quiet corner of upstate New York doesn’t seem likely. But as soon as he makes contact with history professor Petronella Stone, while hunting down a suspected rogue immortal, he knows that she will be the greatest adventure of his eternal life.

He expects her to be surprised, confused, even overwhelmed. What he doesn’t expect is that Pet has a secret history of her own. There’s no mistaking the mind-blowing, mutual pleasure they share. But as Pet struggles to protect her nephew from a danger lurking too close to home, Santo realizes there’s another threat to her safety—him. And claiming their passionate future will be impossible until he leaves his past behind, forever…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt:

Prologue

“911. What’s your emergency?”

“Hi . . . um . . . I’m not sure if I should be calling you or the police.”

“Is this an emergency?”

“It might be. I’m not sure . . .”

“Just tell me what’s happening, son. Is someone there sick or injured?” When the boy didn’t respond at once, the operator asked, “Are your parents arguing and it’s scaring you? Are they getting violent?”

“No! No. It’s our neighbor. Well, not really our neighbor, but his cousin who’s visiting. He . . . er . . . he’s sick . . . I think.”

“You think?”

“No. He is. He’s sick. And I think he may be dangerous. I’m afraid he’ll hurt Mr. Purdy.”

“Mr. Purdy?”

“My neighbor.”

“Right. And you think this cousin who is visiting him is sick and dangerous?” the operator asked, doubt obvious in her voice. “If so, why hasn’t this Mr. Purdy called instead of you?”

“I’m worried maybe his cousin won’t let him.”

There was a long pause, and then the operator sighed and asked, “What kind of sick is dangerous, son?”

“He . . . er . . . I think he might be suffering from Renfield syndrome.”

“From what?”

“Renfield syndrome,” the young voice repeated reluctantly.

“What’s that?”

“It’s . . . er . . .” The boy paused, and when he continued, there was a grimace in his voice. “It’s a sort of vampire personality disorder. The—”

“Vampire!” the 911 operator squawked. “You think your neighbor’s a vampire?”

“No! No, I think his visiting cousin thinks he’s a vampire. That’s what Renfield syndrome is and—”

“Honey, there is no such thing as vampires,” the 911 operator said over the boy’s explanation.

“But he—”

“There’re no buts here, kiddo. You need to cut the nonsense and get off the phone. You can get in a lot of trouble for crank calling 911. There are real people out there who need help and calls like this might prevent them getting through. Someone could be dying while you’re wasting our time with this prank.”

“This isn’t a prank,” the boy said earnestly. “I really think he thinks he’s a vampire. He has fangs and—”

“And I really think you need to stop watching horror movies and take yourself to bed. I’m writing down your number, boy, and if you call again, the police will be dispatched to your house and they could arrest you for this. Don’t call again.”

A sharp click sounded. It was followed by a dial tone.

About the Author:

 

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of THE TROUBLE WITH VAMPIRES by Lynsay Sands, we’re giving away a paperback copy of Vampires Like It Hot!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Vampires Like It Hot by Lynsay Sands.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 5/5/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Also available in print, hardback, and audio versions.

Unwrapping a Cover Reveal for THE SACRIFICES OF LIFE, a Working Girl novel by K.L. Humphreys

THE SACRIFICES OF LIFE

The Working Girl Series, Book 3

K.L. Humphreys

Coming May 23, 2019

Available for pre-order now at

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Sacrifices: we never know how much we'll have to give up.

Katy Akers dreams of college and a shiny future were ripped away when her brother was stabbed to death.

Drowning in despair since her family was destroyed and her life turned upside down, she takes the only job she can—she becomes a stripper.

Amidst the turmoil, a beacon of light shines through her dark world—Owen Hughes.

But when Katy finds out about Owen's past, the light she desires flickers right before her eyes.

Now she’ll have to make the decision of her life; will she fight for her happiness or fall back into the darkness?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the Author:

K.L. Humphreys was born in London, England but now lives in Ireland with the love of her life and her baby girl. In a way, the world has him to thank for her Debut Novel Deadly Hunt. After years of thinking about writing the story that had been dying to get out of her head, she finally confided in her other half. He gave her all the encouragement she needed to get the story out, he has been with her every step of the way.

Other books in the series:

      

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Unwrapping a Guest Review of TO LOVE AND BE LOVED BY HIM, a Seekers of the Past novel by Amy Valentini

Greetings 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 in 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!

Today, I am presenting you with a guest review near and dear to my heart…

May I present to you a guest review of TO LOVE AND BE LOVED BY HIM, a Seekers of the Past novel by Amy Valentini, published April 16, 2019. Thank you, Connie.

Blurb for TO LOVE AND BE LOVED BY HIM:

Continue the Journey to Where the Past Meets the Present

 and Love Lives Forever

Emma’s investigation of the past leads her to Emily Embry. But will it lead her and Sam to the origins of the gold? He’s beginning to believe she’s experiencing something amazing while reading the young girl’s journal, but is it real? What might they learn as they continue seeking the past?

Sent to England to marry a man she’s never met, Emily Embry is determined to quit the contract made by her parents. When tragedy strikes her ship along the way, she encounters a handsome captain who captures her heart making her destiny even less desirable, even as she wishes he was the man she was marrying.

Beau Hawkings is a man of the sea and has no desire to settle down on land or with a wife. When he rescues the woman his grandfather contracted him to marry, he finds her desirable but his desire for freedom is greater—until she begins to claim his heart. Now his deception might be the very thing which drives her away. While both protect their hearts, they grow ever closer as fate voyages them home to where they belong—in love and loved.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Emma and Sam Martinelli are reading the journal of Emma's ancestor, Emily Embry. They have been working together trying to learn more about Emily and how it all relates to Emma and the home she has inherited. As they read on, they learn the story of Emily and Beau Hawkings, two lovers from the past.

1805

Beau Hawkings is captain of the ship, Belle Femme. He has recently become the new Earl of Parkhurst when his grandfather passed away. After much consideration, Beau has decided to carry on with his life as a ship’s captain. Thus, he will not be marrying the woman his grandfather had chosen for him, nor will he be taking on the mantle of the Earldom. Instead, he has passed it on to his cousin.

Sailing on his ship, the Belle Femme, back to Louisiana, he intercepts a French ship firing on a British vessel. His own ship begins firing on the French ship, crippling it. He then rescues passengers of the British vessel, including Emily Embry, age 19, and her Aunt Isadora, with whom she is traveling to England. Now, Beau must return to England as his ship is too heavy to continue on.

Emily shows her displeasure with Beau for allowing her ship, the Eagle, to sink. Her fury is expressed by her foul mouth. As Beau calms her, she finally apologies and introduces herself. Shocked, he cannot believe that this is the same young woman his grandfather had wanted him to marry.

The story follows Emily and Beau as they reach England where Emily is married to Beau’s cousin, yet he is so handsome all dressed up and looks so much like Beau, who seems to have stolen her heart. But her new husband is so rude to her, she cannot take it and runs away. And that, Readers, is when the cat and mouse game begins.

This is a great saga of two very strong characters who want one another but just cannot seem to get along because their personalities are so alike. The character of Michel, Beau’s best friend, is very well written as well. Come along for a voyage of discovery between Beau and Emily. You might find it beats that cruise you want to take.

Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

TO LOVE AND BE LOVED BY HIM, a Seekers of the Past novel by Amy Valentini, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobobooks, iTunes, and Smashwords.

Unwrapping a Spotlight on ANYTHING BUT A DUKE, a Duke's Den novel by Christy Carlyle

ANYTHING BUT A DUKE

The Duke’s Den Series #2

Christy Carlyle

Coming April 30, 2019 from Avon Books

Available for pre-order now at

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Avon Romance

Self-made man Aidan Iverson has seen more closed doors in his thirty years than he’s ever cared to count. As a member of the elite Duke’s Den, he has all the money he could possibly need but the one thing he can’t purchase is true power. If roguish Aidan can’t buy his way into society’s hallowed halls, he’ll resort to a more extreme measure: marriage.

Brought up to be a proper lady, the only thing Diana Ashby desires is to be left alone to the creation of her own devices. But when her dreams are crushed, she must find another way to secure the future of her invention. Knowing his desire to enter her world, Diana strikes a deal to arrange Aidan’s marriage to the perfect lady—as long as that lady isn’t her. She doesn’t need any distractions from her work, particularly of the sinfully handsome variety.

As Diana and Aidan set out to find him an aristocratic match, neither are prepared for the passion that ignites between them or the love they can’t ignore.

In the Duke’s Den, can happiness ever be a winning prospect?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What’s being said about this upcoming romance:

New York Times bestselling author Kelly Bowen has said, “Christy Carlyle writes poignant, genuine characters who will melt your heart and keep you turning pages long past your bedtime.”

Publishers Weekly: “Fans of historical romance with strong, intelligent heroines will adore this novel, in which emotionally vulnerable, highly motivated characters complete the sensuous story.”

Kirkus Reviews: “Mature, interesting, and romantic protagonists elevate a familiar story.”

About the Author:

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings. For information please visit: http://christycarlyle.com/

Other books in the series:

A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING (Book One)

In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

     

Available in print and audiobooks too.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE GOVERNESS OF PENWYTHE HALL, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd

Greetings 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 in 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!

I present to you a guest review of THE GOVERNESS OF PENWYTHE HALL, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd, published April 16, 2019.

Blurb for THE GOVERNESS OF PENWYTHE:

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Winter - 1808 - Cornwall, England

Cordelia (Delia) Greythorne is preparing to depart Greythorne House during a fierce and freezing storm. Delia is now a widow after 3 years of marriage to Robert. Her mother-in-law is furious at her saying she betrayed them all.

Easten Park - Yorkshire - 1811

Delia has been governess for the Twetheway family for 3 years. During that time, the children’s mother passed away and their father, Randall, is fighting for his life after a riding accident. With him is his man of business, Mr. Steerhead, an arrogant man. Randall calls Delia, governess to the 3 girls and Mr. Simon, tutor to the 2 boys to his bedside. He tells them that he will be leaving the children under the care of his brother, Jac Twetheway, of Penwythe Hall in Cornwall. He wants Mr. Simon and Delia to accompany the children there and remain as their educators. Mr. Steerhead will oversee the funds and the inheritances for the children.

Penwythe Hall - Cornwall

When the children, Delia, and Mr. Simon arrive at Penwythe Hall, Jac is surprised to see them because he had not received a letter from Mr. Steerhead telling him they were coming. However, Jac is very welcoming and is happy to take over raising the children. Unfortunately, Jac’s father had left him with little funds as he had gambled it away. Now, he is planting apple orchards and will have a cider mill hoping this will bring in much needed money to keep the estate running.

The story follows the children as they settle in and learn to enjoy Penwythe Hall. But there are secrets that Mr. Simon is keeping and Delia is also hiding some terrible things from her past. Before long, things come to a head placing them in danger.

This is another good story from Sarah E. Ladd. I have read everything I can of her books and find her to be a favorite author. However, this story left me a bit disappointed in Delia’s character. I found that she took some foolish chances that put her in great danger. Jac is a terrific character and a very strong man. As always, I am sure readers will enjoy this new story from this very talented author.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE GOVERNESS OF PENWYTHE HALL, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd, Thomas Nelson available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE, a Cornish Tales novel by Victoria Cornwall

Greetings 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 in 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!

I present to you a guest review of DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE, a Cornish Tales novel by Victoria Cornwall, published April 16, 2019.

Blurb for DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE:

Evelyn Pendragon is spirited but lonely, and largely ignored by her parents whose attentions are taken up with her brother, Nicholas: the expected heir to the family’s Cornish estate and the one who will carry on the Pendragon name.

Stifled by her aristocratic existence, Evelyn finds companionship in an unlikely place when she befriends Drake Vennor, an apprentice gardener on the estate.

But When Evelyn’s life is thrown into turmoil by a tragedy, she realises just how much she has come to rely on Drake. Will family expectations and the burden of the Pendragon name mean she must turn her back on him when she needs him the most?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Cedar Lodge, Cornwall, England - 1870

Cedar Lodge, home of Howard Pendragon, is a fine country home yet somewhat smaller than Carrack House, owned by Howard’s older twin brother, Sir Robert Pendragon, seventh Baronet of Carrack House. There is no love between the brothers. Today, Howard is desperately hoping that his laboring wife will give birth to a boy. When the arrogant doctor arrives, he does something very evil. However, the maid sees what he did. The man wants to make a name for himself and will stop at nothing to achieve this.

Now, Robert, the Baronet, has called for the doctor’s services as he thinks his own wife is with child. She is Robert’s second wife and as there has been no child to date, he is desperate for an heir.

Cornwall - 1886

Evelyn and her brother Nicholas, two years older than she is, are the children of Sir Robert. When she can, Evelyn likes to escape from her governess to go out into the garden which is her father’s pride and joy. Today, she sees Timmons, the head gardener, interviewing a young lad, Drake Vennor, who wants to become his apprentice. After reminding Drake of the long hours, hard work and many years of training, he is hired.

Nicholas had a bout of Rheumatic Fever a years or so ago that left him weakened. Now, it appears that his heart may have been damaged by the fever and he is quite ill. When Nicholas does pass away, Howard Pendragon is ready to have his son, Mawgan, come in and learn to be the next head of the estate. But Robert declares that Evelyn will be the head of the estate and will now begin her training to take on the responsibilities.

Evelyn is next faced with dealing with the evil tutor, Mr. Burrow, and after that the equally evil, Dr. Birch. Both of these men are pompous with overinflated egos. Life for Evelyn is very difficult that tests her mettle as far as it can. Her father has no sympathy for her and her mother is a mouse.

Years later, Evelyn and Drake cross paths again and realize that their love for one another has only grown stronger. But, will society and Evelyn’s arrogant and strong-willed father keep them apart?

This is a very powerful story of enduring and unending love. The characters are crafted beautifully and their interwoven lives have been perfectly written by the author. I highly recommend this book and can assure readers that they will remember this book for a very long time to come.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE, a Cornish Tale novel by Victoria Cornwall, ChocLit, available now in ebook and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.