Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Review: Hitching the Pitcher by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore


Heidi Reads... Hitching the Pitcher by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Sawyer Bennett has a secret. A risky thing, being one of the popular Belltown Six Pack, a group of six guys from the same college baseball team, all of whom got drafted and now play in the Major Leagues. Between the media frenzy over them and his bond with the guys, his secret has to stay carefully hidden if he wants it to stay that way. He needs to focus on his pitching and let everything else fall away.

Running into his former college girlfriend wasn’t supposed to happen. Falling for her again wasn’t supposed to happen. Confessing his secret to her was definitely not supposed to happen. But the harder he falls for Erica Moore, the more important his secret—and she—becomes.


My Review

This was a fun introduction to a new series! Even though the main character is Sawyer, we get to know all the members of the Six Pack, some more than others. I'm looking forward to reading each of their stories! I really liked Erica, but Sawyer was such a head case! He definitely provided the drama and angst with some self-defeating behaviors as he struggles and works through some issues. Erica had the patience of a saint! I was proud of her for giving Sawyer the space he needed and knowing when to leave the ball in his court (or field). :) My husband coaches high school baseball and after reading this book we had an insightful conversation about the mental game that is also played and can prevent a perfectly talented and skilled player from succeeding. Overall, I enjoyed the dynamics of the ball player characters and the chemistry between Erica and Sawyer. Can't wait for the next book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third


Join the Facebook Group for updates, fun extras, and interacting with the authors!







E-book Sale & Giveaway: The Blindsided Groom by Heather Horrocks

 

The Blindsided Groom by Heather Horrocks 

A football player who refuses to let his guard down. The woman who just might slip past his defenses. Knox Reid, nicknamed Fort Knox by the media, knew this masquerade ball was going to be emotional. No one wants to lose a brother, but that’s what’s happening. What he didn’t expect was to find himself dancing with the woman who is filling his brother’s head with false hope. The feisty and beautiful Amy Kingsley needs two weeks to prove her cutting-edge therapy can help post-concussion victims. Her newest patient is a famous, retired football player. What she didn’t expect was his conceited, arrogant brother, Knox, to accuse her of being a fraud. Things get really interesting when he demands she be his fake girlfriend in order to save his brother’s marriage. It doesn’t take long for Amy to see through Knox’s façade where she finds an overly concerned brother who’s just trying to help. It doesn’t hurt that when he kisses her, her knees go weak and the world fades away. When Knox’s past blindsides him and threatens their relationship, they have to make a choice: defend their hearts or let love slip through. 

  

"I'm not a sports fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the spunky heroine and her sense of humor, as well as the loyal, sweet, sometimes clueless brother. It's a nice, light read without sex scenes, bad language or violence, which I always appreciate."

"This book is fun, witty, romantic and full of joy. It is a quick read, bound to out any reader in a good mood. The characters are real, relatable and mischievous. I highly recommend this book."

"A fun, clean, quick read full of heart. Enjoyable characters, enough real life to be believable but enough happily ever after to keep me happy. Great read!"

    


Author Heather Horrocks 
 
USA Today bestselling author Heather Horrocks writes inspirational romances and cozy mysteries that are funny, flirty, and feel good in multiple series (Moonchuckle Bay, Chick Flick Clique, Christmas Street, and Who-Dun-Him Inn). She loves making readers laugh, fall in love, and feel lighter at heart. 







 

Giveaway Details $20 Amazon Gift Code or $20 in PayPal Cash Ends 3/6/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





Cover Reveal: Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie



From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie, comes BENEATH AN ITALIAN SKY, An American Heiress novel.

Cover Reveal: Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

1908

American heiress Clare Herschel made what she hoped was a love match when she married the handsome, witty Emmett Markham, the Earl of Linwood. A little over a year into her marriage, though, Clare finds herself wintering in Sicily—alone. She is sure the mild climate is the answer to avoiding another miscarriage and Emmett’s apparent indifference, so she’s determined to remain in Italy as long as possible. The last person she expects to show up at the villa is her husband, especially when Emmett confesses he’s there to convince her to return to England.

As the only surviving son of a marquess, Emmett has done everything his father has asked of him—even agreeing to run for a seat in the House of Commons. However, this latest task comes with a nearly impossible caveat. He must convince his wife Clare to come back to England with him in order for them to appear to be a happy couple for his political campaigning. Emmett isn’t confident Clare will agree to the plan, though, not when she seems to want nothing to do with him or the life they’d begun building before she abruptly left him for Italy.

When a massive earthquake strikes Messina, Sicily, claiming the lives of thousands, Clare and Emmett must set aside their mutual misgivings about their marriage in order to survive and lend a helping hand to others. But in the wake of the destruction, they begin to realize they’ve been given a chance to decide if their love is stronger than the upheavals of the past.

 

AMERICAN HEIRESS SERIES:
Night at the Opera
Beneath an Italian Sky (April 2019)
Among Sand and Sunrise (October 2019)

Other books by Stacy Henrie:
 

LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICAL books
A Cowboy of Convenience
The Rancher’s Temporary Engagement
The Outlaw’s Secret
The Renegade’s Redemption
Lady Outlaw
The Express Rider’s Lady

Their Wyoming Courtship Agreement

OF LOVE AND WAR series
Hope at Dawn
Hope Rising
A Hope Remembered
A Christmas Hope





Monday, February 11, 2019

Book Tour Launch for YA LOVE & Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Launch for
YA LOVE

We're excited to be sharing books from four contemporary young
adult authors with you this week along with a fabulous giveaway...

Tour Schedule
(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

February 16th: Grand Finale

Books on Tour


Tour Giveaway


GIVEAWAY PRIZES:
- 1 winner will receive a $15 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- 1 winner will receive a paperback copy of LOVE AT FIRST FIGHT by Maggie Dallen (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a signed paperback copy of PERFECTLY YOU by Robin Daniels (US only)
- 1 winner will receive copies of SECRET GIRLFRIEND & SECRET LIFE by Bria Quinlan (if in the US: choice between the 2 paperbacks or the ebundle, if outside the US, the ebundle)
1 winner will receive a paperback copy of COURTSIDE CRUSH by Kayla Tirrell (US only)

Ends February 20, 2019





Book Tour Grand Finale: Winning the Cowboy's Heart by Karen Rock


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Winning the Cowboy's Heart
By Karen Rock

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

The Cade and Loveland family drama continues with the fifth book in my Rocky Mountain Cowboys series! The Cade and Loveland ranching families, neighbors who’ve been feuding for over a hundred years, are full of such interesting and complicated characters who face, and overcome, personal challenges in unique and inspiring ways to find true love and happiness. . . . I hope you enjoy this long awaited love story where opposites truly attract and learning to love yourself is the first step to truly loving another.

— Karen


"This is an entertaining tale of two "sworn enemy" families who were forced to look "deep within themselves and in others". This story is somewhat predictable, yet, keeps the reader interested until the very end.

This will surely inspire all who read it. The characters are very realistic and the scenes easily visualized."


"What a great story! This book is part of a series, yet I had no trouble jumping in and understanding some of the backstory between the two main families that was established in previous novels.


I really liked Heath and Jewel and wanted things to work out for them. They had such great chemistry . . . . I really liked this story and hope to read future books in this series."

Hallie Reads - Review

"Another delightful cowboy story from Karen Rock, Winning the Cowboy’s Heart puts Jewel Cade and Heath Loveland at the forefront of the action. Their families may be feuding, but the chemistry and attraction they share is undeniable—and seeing their romance unfold is well worth the read. . . . If you love cowboy romances, definitely check out Winning the Cowboy’s Heart. It reads well on its own, so don’t worry if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet (but those books are wonderful, too!)."


"Winning the Cowboy’s Heart is an excellent story, as is the whole Rocky Mountain Cowboys series. It’s well written, highly entertaining, almost impossible to put down, engages the emotions, and is clean. . . . Woven throughout this story is the off-the-charts chemistry between Heath and Jewel, with some kissing scenes guaranteed to leave you weak at the knees, but there’s also tons of atmosphere, character depth and relational drama. . . . I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this series and hope for more stories to come. Highly recommended."


"This has been such a fun series so far. I am loving it. Finally we get to Jewel, one of the rare women in the midst of this family of mostly men. . . . I really loved Jewel. . . . One thing I love about this book was Heath's perspective. . . . The family dynamics continue to play a large role in the book as with all the other books in this series. The bigger story is playing out and shifting with each of the main characters from previous books contributing their part. I love the ongoing feeling of family and, well, the drama that only family can bring.

I can't wait for the next book which is coming soon!"


"Karen Rock does a fantastic job of portraying her character's feelings with vivid imagery that completely sings to my soul. . . . I thoroughly enjoyed the small-town, cowboy feel to the story and loved the grit and determination of both Heath and Jewel, as they work hard to prove themselves and to follow their individual dreams. . . . The chemistry simmers from the start and the gradual release was well worth the wait. I think this one is my favorite of the set so far! I loved every juicy minute of this book and I can't wait for more."


"The beauty of this installment is not just keeping the continuity in tact for the Loveland/Cade adverse relationship stemming from water rights but for giving us a glimpse into how hard it is to recognise needing the time to learn "who you are' before you can consider becoming a 'partner' with someone else. . . . Rock hasn't disappointed me - she's crafted together a wicked lovely fifth installment of a series that is enduring as it is nurturing . . . its a series that once it grabs your emotional bookish hearts, your not going to want to 'let it go' until you get the chance to read the next story!"


"This is a great book inspired by Romeo and Juliet. It has the arts in it (music) and it has a family rivalry. . . . Even though their families are feuding, they are thrown together. As they work side by side they start to fall for each other. . . . I am giving this book a 5/5."


"This is a great book for readers who enjoy clean romance, big families, ranching, music, and happily ever afters. Although I’m sure the previous books in this series are equally enjoyable, this story can be read independently and I definitely recommend it!"

Remembrancy - Review

"With the pull of attraction getting stronger between Heath and Jewell, a looming lawsuit between the families, and discovering what’s most important in their lives, Karen Rock gives readers another thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling story. Winning the Cowboy’s Heart one is the best in the series yet!"

onemused - Review

"#WinningTheCowboysHeart is a Romeo and Juliet style cowboy romance. . . . Heath and Jewel are a great, complimentary couple. Notably, as a heartwarming book, you won't find more than a kiss in the book- but boy, are there some kisses! I highly recommend!"

EmpowerMoms - Review

"This story was really fun to read! I enjoyed the characters, family dynamics and reading about daily life on the ranch. I can’t wait to read more books in this “Rocky Mountain Cowboys” series! . . . Highly recommend this book and series-it’s a lot of fun to read!"

Harlie's Books - Review

"Okay, I still haven’t told you why I loved the book. Simple. Ms. Rock wrote it and I love the Cades and Lovelands, warts and all. With this story, my emotions and reactions were all over the place and I love her for it. She made me stop and think about it. I’m writing this review the night before its due and I finished the book over a week ago. Yes, I’m still thinking about it and my emotions are still strong."


"Since I read the first book in the series and then ones after that I have looked forward to Jewel’s story. This book did not disappoint. . . . I am enjoying this series. They can be read as a stand alone but I recommend the whole series, they are all great."


"This has been a fun series so far and I have to admit that I’ve been anxiously waiting to read, Winning the Cowboy’s Heart. . . . Ms. Rock certainly made the wait worthwhile by focusing on Heath and Jewell. I absolutely loved the banter between them . . . I love novels that focus on family, friends and hard work something the author covers so well throughout this series. . . . It’s a fast-paced story filled with sweet and loveable characters, Although this is the 5th book in the series it can be read as a standalone but I recommend you read them in order so that you can follow the families and their history."


"I loved Winning the Cowboy’s Heart. Heath and Jewell were fun together. The chemistry between the two was undeniable. I never knew what would happen with them and had to keep turning the pages to find out. . . . I highly recommend it for readers who love a well written, clean and heartwarming romance. "


"It’s like coming home again! Every time I open the latest book in Karen Rock’s Rocky Mountain Cowboy’s series, it’s like being among family. . . . I loved the complexity of their situation, and getting to catch up with news from how our favorite past couples are doing. Great characters, compelling drama and a sweet happily ever after … loved Jewel & Heath!"


"This is a story of learning to trust yourself and to do things that will benefit yourself rather than striving always to please others. It is an exploration of how expectations and dreams can be revised, especially when you discover what your thought were facts really aren’t. . . . I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. They probably work well as standalones but they are about the same families and relate to events in chronological order – I highly recommend them all and can’t wait for the next one, A Rancher to Remember, to be released in April!"


"Winning The Cowboy's Heart by Karen Rock is absolutely amazing. I don't know how but Rock always makes me feel like I am right there with her characters as I am reading. . . . I hope you are ready for a modern day Romeo and Juliet."


"I have been waiting for Jewel and Heath’s story since book one and boy howdy it did not disappoint. With one party already in full crush mode and the other party pretty much oblivious at first, it makes for some interesting tension in close quarters. But whew – once Heath figures things out he’s a man on mission. And since some of that mission involves sizzling kisses, you know I’m on board!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

https://amzn.to/2DtryrmWinning the Cowboy's Heart
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #5)
By Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 379 Pages
February 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Jewel Cade wants two things—

One is Heath Loveland

The Rocky Mountain cowgirl has her heart set on becoming range boss of the Cade ranch. But first she has to accompany the son of her family’s longtime enemy—and her off-limits secret crush—on a cattle drive across Colorado. Discovering Heath shares her attraction only makes for a rockier road. Because Jewel has a sneaking suspicion that if she drops her guard, the cowboy might ride off with her heart.


Other Books in the Series


And coming in April 2019...

About the Author

Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card - Open Internationally
1 winner will receive signed, print copies of the first four books in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series (Christmas at Cade Ranch, Falling for a Cowboy, Bad Boy Rancher & A Cowboy's Pride) - US Only
- Ends February 13, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Friday, February 8, 2019

Spotlight, Excerpt, Sale & Giveaway: The Ever After Groom by Carly Morgan

 

The Ever After Groom by Carly Morgan  

A Valentine's bet and the man trying to slip past her defenses! 

Nate Decker, offensive tackle for the Denver Storm and affectionately called Captain handsome by the media, doesn't want to attend a masquerade ball. But he's surprised when he's tricked into a bet for charity, and finds himself asking the prettiest woman in the room to dance. He never expected to be staring into the beautiful eyes of the woman who slipped away from him two years ago and he really isn't expecting all the old feelings to instantly come back. 

The kind and talented doctor, Hazel Marten, only attended the masquerade ball to represent Denver Hospital in support of the fundraiser for ALS. When she finds herself dancing with the man she divorced, she's more than stunned--she's struck by memories of the past--including the one of losing her little boy. But her heart instantly remembers his goodness, and the same attraction that's always been between them seems to sizzle instantly back to life. When she gets a call that her sister's in the hospital in Ever After, Montana--somehow it just feels right to have Nate swoop in and fly her there on his plane. But it shouldn't, right? She divorced him. 

When Nate offers to stay in Ever After and help her save her sister's cookie shop, they find themselves up to their elbows in thirty dozen sugar cookies for a wedding, uncovering clues to figure out who hurt her sister, and trying to resist this incessant need to kiss each other. 

When they stumble into a world of trouble tracking down her sister's assailant, they have to make a choice--face the past and forgive each other or walk away from the only true love they've ever known. 

https://amzn.to/2HYwnyk    

Praise for The Ever After Groom 

This was a great book. Carly keeps you in her book from page one until the end. 

This is the first book I’ve read by Carly Morgan, but it won’t be my last. I loved this second chance story about Nate and Hazel. 

This is a sweet and beautiful love story with endearing and charming characters that will have you enjoying each and every moment of this journey towards happily ever after and family.

     

Author Carly Morgan 


Carly Morgan is RaShelle Workman's pen name as she writes sweet, contemporary romance novels with a hint of mystery as well as cozy mysteries filled with heart. She enjoys chocolate, dancing, and reading a good book, not to mention kissing her husband, and jogging the trails behind her house.

   

Giveaway Details $20 Amazon Gift Code or $20 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/27/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





Blog Blitz & Giveaway: The Sewing Sisters' Society by Ruth Logan Herne


sewing sisters society blog blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for The Sewing Sisters' Society, a collection of historical novellas by Ruth Logan Herne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sewing Sisters Cover 2 (4) Title: The Sewing Sisters' Society  
Author: Ruth Logan Herne  
Genre: Historical/Western Romance novellas
Release Date: January 22, 2019

Hattie McGillicuddy might not look like your typical matchmaker, but Hattie makes things happen in the little town of Second Chance, South Dakota. With the arrival of the railroad and official statehood, Hattie’s determined to bring brides west, and not just any brides. Brides who need the wide open prairie as much as the prairie- and the prairie men- need them! Three pioneer stories of unlikely love are woven around a little town full of homespun characters that take us back to another place and another time but with the same faith, hope and love we cherish today.

The Pastor Takes a Wife
Macy can’t sew a lick, and she’s come to town with a sacrifice and a secret, but when Hattie’s first apprentice is attracted to the pastor of the only church in town—the man raising her illegitimate son— will the truth set her free? Or make her leave the town and her son behind?

Second Chance Christmas
Unjustly accused, Nellie comes west to escape the law. She has a way with tucks and gathers, and every Western town could use more tucks and gathers. She’s determined to improve the drab look of the prairie and manages to brighten hearts as well. But will her quick speech and firm ideas of women’s suffrage draw Levi Eichas closer or send the somber carriage maker running?

Second Chance at Love
Grief has robbed Ann Hazel, but when her aunt pushes her to go west and help an ailing Hattie McGillicuddy turn hems, Ann’s shamed into it. She’s managed to avoid life for awhile, but when Sol Eichas’s nanny comes down sick, Ann reluctantly agrees to help. As she winds her way around Sol’s heart and home, can the two troubled souls leave the past behind to embrace a future together?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
 
...and COMING MARCH 2019!

A Most Inconvenient Love - Front Cover

A Most Inconvenient Love - Ruthy's first full-length historical novel! 
Set in Second Chance, South Dakota (like The Sewing Sisters' Society)


EXCERPT 
from Second Chance Christmas


He swept her plain dress a look and frowned. “I’d still like to pay for your ruined gown, Miss.”

“Not if it makes you grumpy.”

To her surprise, he smiled softly. “Well, there’s that.” He lifted his shoulders. “I should try and do better, there’s no joy in grouchiness. Whereas in our brief meetings, you seem well-equipped to turn things around as needed.”

“I cannot fret about what can’t be changed, but in my head I see ways to change so much, and that’s reason enough to be happy.”

“A simplistic reasoning for a complicated woman.”

His words struck her, and then she followed his gaze to her plain dress and understood the comparison. “Liking pretty clothing doesn’t make me complicated. It makes me feel good about being me. And when your work is with fabric and trim and lace, the best advertising is to wear something that looks good. Something I made.”

“You don’t see that as showing off?”

She laughed and pointed out the door. “You have a spit-polished buckboard in the bay of your shop. Does it do you well to make it plainer than it needs to be, or does it speak well of your work for it to gleam in the sunlight? For the leather seat to be soft, and cushioned?”

“I almost don’t like that you make sense.” He glanced down the street, then back to her. “Of course a wagon must deal with a great deal of stress.”

“As does every woman I know.”



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ruth2blogan2bherne

Best-selling, multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of nearly fifty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. And yet… they don’t. With over a million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.

She lives on a pumpkin farm in Western New York where they grow all kinds of cool things for fall from sumptuous squashes and veggies to gorgeous stacking pumpkins. Ruthy’s farm is quickly becoming the place to be every September and October!  

CONNECT WITH RUTHY: website | Facebook | Twitter

Sewing Sisters blitz giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a 'books and chocolate' prize pack from the author (US only), including at least:
  • (1) print copy of The Sewing Sisters' Society
  • (1) print copy of Christmas on the Frontier
  • chocolate!
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 6, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm February 13, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops
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