Saturday, February 16, 2019

Book Tour Grand Finale: His Honor, Her Family by Tara Randel

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
His Honor, Her Family
By Tara Randel

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

Hello Readers! I’m so happy to be a part of the book tour featuring my newest Heartwarming novel, His Honor, Her Family, Book 2 in the Meet Me At The Altar series. The Matthews brothers are still hunting for information on the man their mother is dating. So when a lead brings Deke Matthews to Golden, Georgia, he tumbles into more excitement than he expects...


“So,” he said, “you’re a nurse, too?”

“No, but after years of working with vacation clients, I know first aid.”

“Makes sense.” He lifted the towel, glad to see the bleeding was minimal. “Let’s get the bandage on now.”

Grace unwrapped the butterfly and within seconds had it secure. Blood seeped around it.

“Still needs pressure.”

Grabbing a box of gauze, she unrolled a long length and wrapped it around his palm with enough pressure to stanch any more blood flow. She tied it off, then looked up at him, a smile of victory curving her lips.


“Mind if I drive?” he asked. “I do better with directions if I navigate myself.” 

“Sure.” She stopped short when she eyed the white vehicle he pointed to. “It doesn’t have any doors.” 

“Yeah. It’s a Wrangler.” 

He could almost see her brain calculating the distance from the ground to the seat. It was a bit of a climb to get in, but he had every faith she could manage it. Especially as she stared at the wide, silver side step, face etched with grim determination. Did she always approach life with such a take-all attitude? He and his brothers had been overly competitive growing up—still were today, truth be told—and he found himself wondering if she subscribed to the same philosophy. If so, this would make for a very interesting summer. 


"His Honor, Her Family is a well-written romance with lots of character depth, and I enjoyed it very much. This story stands alone, although there’s another book in the series that I’m eager to read. . . . Recommended."


John had no sooner said the word than he streaked right past her. She turned in panic, ready to give chase, when she saw him dash right into a pair of long legs. Which belonged to her new employee.

“Slow down there, champ.”

Her heart took a dizzy twirl when Deke waylaid her nephew. He smiled at the boy, revealing those dimples, which in turn made her chest squeeze tight. The sun caught the hidden highlights in his dark brown hair, and that woodsy scent of his tickled her nose. 

When his gaze met hers, well, she was nothing short of a goner.

This could be a problem.

Remembrancy - Review

"Randel draws readers in and invites them to settle in, enjoy the scenery, and grow with her characters. And she gives a little hint of what might be coming next with the last unattached Matthews brother."

Among the Reads - Excerpt

Deke fingered the ends of her hair, enjoying the soft silky strands sliding across his skin.

“So, is there a significant other in your life?” He had to ask. “Hiding out in Atlanta maybe?”

“Right. Between my family woes and my work hours, who has time to date?” She rested her head on his shoulder. “You?”

“No one serious.”

“What about that friend you talked about?”

His stomach jilted. Here was an opportunity to open up about what had happened, to ease his guilty conscience. Instead he went for easy. “Her name was Britt. We tried to date once, but were better off as friends. I actually introduced Britt to her future husband and they clicked in a way she and I never did.”


"In her usual, talented style, author Tara Randel once again caused the reader to feel connected to this enthralling list of characters... Some endearing and a few detestable. . . . This romance/suspense novel is a captivating story . . . . and is hard to put the book down."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

“What the—”

Hilarious laughter greeted him as he lost his footing and ended up floundering beside her. Righting himself, he wrapped an arm around her and they floated deeper into the cool, inviting waters.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“For convincing me to get into the canoe in the first place. I told you. I’m not outdoorsy.”


"His Honor, Her Family by Tara Randel is a great read near Valentine’s Day. It has a mystery to it, along with romance, and having to deal with family drama. Ms. Randel has a great writing style and she actually had me thinking that I was in Georgia during the summertime instead of at home in Montana during winter. It was a great read. This book is amazing and I couldn’t put it down for anything. I highly recommend this book to those who love romances."


"Randel brings together all the hearty emotional drama you would expect out of an intergener[a]tional saga - thereby, fusing the series with a heartfelt light of deciding what is most important to a person's life. . . . This is a story where you have people realising [they're] reaching crossroads in their lives and they need to find the courage to follow through with their plans..."


“Wow,” she said, voice jittery. “That was…”

“Life changing?”

“I don’t know if I’d go that far.” She playfully slapped his arm. “We have to stop.”

“Why?” He looked up. “There’s nothing I’d rather do than kiss you under the stars.”

“I mean it, Deke. With my life up in the air, I’m not sure of the direction I’m headed.”

Hallie Reads - Review

"As their story together unfolds, I had a delightful time seeing how Dante and Grace grow, sorting through the challenges set before them. It’s romantic, it’s sweet, it’s heartwarming (all with a touch of mystery, of course)—these characters charmed their way into my heart, and I wholly enjoyed their story."


"This vulnerable sweet romance swept me away to the small mountain town of Golden, Georgia. . . . Between family drama and a struggling business, this story has just the right amount of conflict to balance the romance factor and provide an authentic vibe for readers. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and certainly recommend it for fans of clean romance."

EmpowerMoms - Review

"I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance by author Tara Randell! I loved the small town setting of Golden Georgia and all the adventures (and complications!). . . . Sweet clean romance, sure to make you smile! I can’t wait to read more from this series!"

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Suddenly nervous, she hesitated. What if he wouldn’t hear her out? Had decided she was too much trouble? That he was much more suited for the solitary life? What would she do then?

He turned. Took a step, saw her and froze.

Taking a huge breath, she pressed a hand against her stomach and powered forward. It was now or never to change her future. Their future, if he’d listen.

A flash of surprise lit his eyes. “Grace. What’re you doing here?”

“I had to get out of Atlanta for a while.”

One dark brow arched. “Problems?”

“Clarity.”


"Heart-wrenchingly real depiction of family angst! With the next book in her Meet Me At the Altar series, Tara Randel brings us a beaten down heroine who carries the world on her shoulders. The characters are well developed and the story line is full of drama, heartache and the hopeful feeling of love saving all. . . . Really enjoyed!"


Jealous? Grace?

She waited for the smug expression to leave his ridiculously handsome face, but he continued grinning at her.

Drat. She was jealous.

“I’m not jealous.”

Except her tight chest said otherwise.

“Could have fooled me.”

How could she not be after their kiss at the lake yesterday? She’d have to be dead not to feel something, and last time she checked, her heart was still beating. Overtime, apparently, for this man.

And not just the kiss. He’d opened up to her. Even in the short time she’d come to know him, she understood how hard that had been for him. So, feelings for Deke? Big-time. But she’d never, ever, admit she was jealous.


"This is a great series for readers who love a clean and sweet romance that still has some sizzle. The continuing storyline from the first book carries well into this book – tantalizing us with tidbits of information while also leaving us dying to know more & easily catching readers up who haven’t yet read book #1. Tender & swoony, the plot, characters, and setting are set smoothly against the writer’s easy read flow."


"It's a roller coaster I did not see coming. At first I was sad that Deke's stuff got pushed aside, but love how the story turned out. I love books where I start out not sure about the characters and end up being sad the story is over."

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

His Honor, Her Family
(Meet Me at the Altar #2)
By Tara Randell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming Large Print

She could be The One

If he’ll let her in.

The rustic mountain town of Golden, Georgia, is the ideal place for crime scene investigator Deke Matthews to heal after a tragedy left him questioning everything. But there’s another reason he’s here, and moonlighting as an adventure guide provides the perfect cover. It doesn’t include falling for his boss. Attorney Grace Harper is back in Golden only long enough to save her family business. Just when Deke has found the woman to share his life with...

Other Books in the Series

The Lawman's Secret Vow
(Meet Me at the Altar #1)
By Tara Randell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

To have and to hold—

until the case is solved?

When an undercover assignment pairs laid-back Florida detective Dante Matthews with by-the-book cop Eloise Archer, he knows it won’t be easy. And not just because they’re competing for the same promotion. Now they’re living together under the same roof, and it’s getting harder to ignore his deepening feelings for his “wife.” Can he convince Eloise to partner up—for life?


About the Author


USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.


Tour Giveaway


Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman's Secret Vow, and Rival Hearts, a tote bag, and $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 20, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!




Book Tour Grand Finale for YA LOVE Event

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
YA LOVE

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the books featured, you
will find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, and the giveaway below:

February 11th: Launch

February 12th: Maggie Dallen - Love at First Fight - Excerpt


Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagramBookBubNewsletter
Find the Book: GoodreadsAmazon

Snippet from an excerpt from Love at First Fight (find the full post here):

When I met her gaze again she had her lips pressed together and her eyes were still narrowed but this time I got the sense that she was actively trying not to laugh.

As if she could read my mind she arched her brows and shook her head. “Nope. Not gonna happen. You might be able to fool everyone else in this school into thinking you’re some sort of white-hat-wearing hero but you cannot charm me, Jason Connolly.”

I let out a little snort of amusement at that description. “White hat, huh? I always thought I had more of a knight-in-shining-armor vibe going on.”

February 13th: Robin Daniels - Perfectly You - Excerpt


Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagramBookBubNewsletter
Find the Book: GoodreadsAmazon

Snippet from an excerpt from Perfectly You (find the full post here):

For a moment, I forgot what I was doing and leaned into him. Wow, he smelled unbelievably good. Like soap and dryer sheets and something a little sharper that I couldn't identify. I needed to ask him what cologne he wore, because it was incredible. I could smell him all day. Not to mention that his chest was a lot firmer than one would guess, since he hides it under baggy button-down shirts all the time.

Andy cleared his throat and I pulled away. He looked embarrassed again. He really needed to get over that, and I was going to help him, starting right now. "Sorry." I grinned. "You smell amazing. Your cologne is yummy enough to eat. I could sit here and sniff you for the rest of the class."

He choked on his spit and quickly put his fist over his mouth to stifle his laughter. "Please don't." He was trying to sound horrified, but his face gave him away. He appreciated the compliment.



Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagramBookBubNewsletter
Find SECRET GIRLFRIEND: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksKobo
Find SECRET LIFE: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksKobo

Snippet from an excerpt from Secret Girlfriend (find the full post here):

Seven lockers down Chris Kent was making out with Cheryl, the way-too-perky head cheerleader.

I tried not to stare, but when his hand slid past her waist and over her hip, I slammed my locker shut and stormed off in the opposite direction. Not that anyone noticed. The problem? Not only was I that gorgeous jock’s secret girlfriend—I also had a secret power.

I’m invisible.

Okay, not invisible invisible. But, in the not-so-mythical land of Highschoolia where blending in equals obscurity, I rated a negative seven JD on the Jane Doe to Lindsay Lohan Visibility Scale. I’d have been the first to tell you I didn’t mind. Well, typically.

February 15th: Kayla Tirrell - Courtside Crush - Guest Post


Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagramBookBubNewsletter
Find the Book: GoodreadsAmazon

Snippet from the fun facts guest post (find the full post here):

Courtside Crush is a Romeo and Juliet retelling, which means I drew heavily on the play for inspiration. 

Here are some fun facts about this new release:

—The prologue is a quote straight from Romeo and Juliet that was tweaked ever so slightly to make it fit the high school where Courtside Crush takes place. 

“Two teams, both alike in dignity
In fair Marlow Junction, where we lay our scene
From basketball grudge to new mutiny
Where rival love makes rival schools unclean”
-Probably not Shakespeare

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





Friday, February 15, 2019

Review: Heart of Red, Blood of Blue by Rebecca Belliston


Heidi Reads... Heart of Red, Blood of Blue by Rebecca Belliston

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

A girl on the run. A kingdom to save.

Princess Gisela of Steinland was born without color. Albino. To add to this curse, her betrothal to Prince Jerrik of Kronga ends in his death and starts a ten-year-war her father is determined to win, even if it means bringing her out of hiding to do it. Now the savage Krongon war commander, Bloodless Kristoff, seeks the hearts of the entire royal family, especially Gisela's.

Desperate, her father agrees to another alliance that involves her marrying an old brute of a king. Unwilling to be the sacrificial lamb, Gisela goes on the run. Thrown into the center of a battle between three kingdoms, she finds herself fighting for her life and the right to be truly loved.

Can the girl who started the war find a way to end it?


My Review

Epic, intense, full of adventure, deception, and character growth! I especially loved seeing Gisela discovering her flaws and rising to the challenges before her to realize her inner strength. The plot is strong with the politics and dynamics of kingdoms, greedy kings, evil assassins, commanders of armies, the commoners they either oppress or support, and the women who must stand strong despite the injustice running rampant. I was never confused or overwhelmed by the details, even when there is a bit of mystery or suspense because we are seeing things through Gisela's limited perspective only, which I enjoyed. I felt like there was a great balance between the relationships, the action, and revealing the big picture little by little. There is romance which of course I loved, and Gisela learns important but hard lessons about trust, loyalty, and the characteristics of genuine love. I was enthralled the entire time and was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns on Gisela's journey from an isolated and naive princess to a powerful force that directly influences the fate of the kingdoms and the outcome of the war. I know this will be one of my favorites of the year, and *highly* recommend!

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


Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: His Honor, Her Family by Tara Randell

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

His Honor, Her Family
(Meet Me at the Altar #2)
By Tara Randell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming Large Print

She could be The One

If he’ll let her in.

The rustic mountain town of Golden, Georgia, is the ideal place for crime scene investigator Deke Matthews to heal after a tragedy left him questioning everything. But there’s another reason he’s here, and moonlighting as an adventure guide provides the perfect cover. It doesn’t include falling for his boss. Attorney Grace Harper is back in Golden only long enough to save her family business. Just when Deke has found the woman to share his life with...


Excerpt


Suddenly nervous, she hesitated. What if he wouldn’t hear her out? Had decided she was too much trouble? That he was much more suited for the solitary life? What would she do then?

He turned. Took a step, saw her and froze.

Taking a huge breath, she pressed a hand against her stomach and powered forward. It was now or never to change her future. Their future, if he’d listen.

A flash of surprise lit his eyes. “Grace. What’re you doing here?”

“I had to get out of Atlanta for a while.”

One dark brow arched. “Problems?”

“Clarity.”

He pulled his hands from his pockets and crossed his arms over his chest, legs planted in a wide stance. “You’ll have to explain.”

She licked her lips. “Uncle Roy called. Told me you were leaving.”

Shrugging, he looked away. “There’s really nothing here for me now.”

“And that’s where you’re wrong.”

His eyes swung back and pierced hers. “Enlighten me.”

She took a step closer. Inhaled his familiar scent. Didn’t want to go a day without him in her life ever again. “I’ve been under the misguided impression that I’m in control of the universe. It took one brave man to point out how totally outlandish and mistaken I was.”

His lips curved just the slightest bit.

“Being at a big firm was the dream, Deke. Until I realized that some dreams are really excuses.” She paused, searching for the right words. “I needed an excuse to leave Golden because if I didn’t have one, I’d never go. I’d never try. I’d never see what was out there. It wasn’t about the job, although I do love my career. It was about being away from Golden, so that I could fully realize how much I’d miss it.”

“You miss Golden?”

“Every day.” She stepped around him and waved her hand in the air, the gesture encompassing the lake and mountains. “It didn’t click until you reminded me just how beautiful my home really is. How there’s a simplicity in being in tune with nature.” She turned to look at him. “You also made me see I’m not the boss of everyone, and to be truthful, I don’t want to be.”
Arms still crossed tight, he asked, “So what are you suggesting?”


Other Books in the Series

The Lawman's Secret Vow
(Meet Me at the Altar #1)
By Tara Randell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

To have and to hold—

until the case is solved?

When an undercover assignment pairs laid-back Florida detective Dante Matthews with by-the-book cop Eloise Archer, he knows it won’t be easy. And not just because they’re competing for the same promotion. Now they’re living together under the same roof, and it’s getting harder to ignore his deepening feelings for his “wife.” Can he convince Eloise to partner up—for life?


About the Author


USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway



Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman's Secret Vow, and Rival Hearts, a tote bag, and $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 20, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!