Friday, May 10, 2019

Guest Post & Giveaway: Cathy McDavid, author of The Cowboy's Perfect Match

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2VEsvs5The Cowboy's Perfect Match
(The Sweetheart Ranch #2)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He may not be perfect…

But he’s perfect for her!

Ryan DeMere is definitely enjoying the perks of being Sweetheart Ranch’s new wrangler—the best is working with head chef Bridget O’Malley. He’s fallen head over spurs for the talented and determined beauty. There’s just one hiccup. Bridget is holding out for Mr. Right—and Ryan doesn’t quite meet her requirements. But he’s determined to win Bridget over, because Ryan may not be perfect…but maybe their love could be.



Guest Post from Author Cathy McDavid


What Makes Sweetheart Ranch Special?

THE COWBOY’S PERFECT MATCH is book two in my series, The Sweetheart Ranch (two more books are for sure following and possibly more).  I personally have never been to a place like it. Right now, the ranch only exists in my head and on the pages of my books :)

But, seriously, wouldn’t it be nice to visit a western-themed wedding venue and B&B? Yeah, I agree. Let me take you on an imaginary tour.

Picture a sprawling, country ranch house with a veranda that runs the entire length of the house. Don’t forget the charming porch swing for whiling away a lazy spring afternoon.

Through the front door is the foyer where an antique desk serves as a registration counter. To the left is the parlor where receptions are held and beyond that, the kitchen. Also off the parlor is the library which, in book four, has been converted into a wedding boutique.

To the right of the foyer is the wedding chapel, complete with an altar and pews. During the holidays, the chapel, along with the entire ranch, inside and out, is decorated from top to bottom.

Behind the main house is the clubhouse and pool. Beside the pool is a Jacuzzi.  Inside the clubhouse visitors will find a ping pong table, dart board, shuffleboard table, and card table. Pool party anyone?

Take a walk up the dirt road behind the clubhouse and pool to the six honeymoon cabins, each built to resemble the main house. Each cabin has a walkway leading up to it, a private patio outback, and a small front porch with comfortable chairs for taking in the beautiful Arizona sunsets.

The cabins’ interiors are a honeymooning couple’s dream. First is the quaint front room with a fieldstone fireplace and cozy couch for snuggling. The two-person dinette set in the small kitchen is the perfect place to linger over a specialty honeymoon breakfast prepared by the head chef. Of course, the bedroom has a king-size bed and every cabin bathroom comes equipped with a spa-tub big enough for two!

Except during the summer months when it’s too hot, the ranch hosts monthly hayrides followed by a cookout dinner, and square dance. But Sweetheart Ranch’s signature amenity is their carriage ride for honeymooning couples the day after the wedding. The white Cinderella-style carriage is drawn by two horses and travels through town, taking in the local sights as well as the spectacular mountain views.

Nothing could be more romantic. But, then, what else would you expect from a stay at place called Sweetheart Ranch?




Other Books in the Series

https://amzn.to/2V3HdEoA Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
(The Sweetheart Ranch #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

At a magical time of year…

Can a cowboy help falling in love?

For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…


About the Author

As a sophomore in high school, NY TimesUSA Today, and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid won a local writing competition with her self-illustrated children’s book. Who knew that small triumph would eventually lead to a career writing contemporary romances with over 1.3 million books sold? With forty-seven titles to date, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins recently married her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world four years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking men who ride the range or fight fires or hunt creatures all while sweeping the girl off her feet. It’s a tough job but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive:
  • $10 Amazon gift card
  • Author swag
  • A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal and The Bull Rider’s Valentine (print to US winner only, Kindle copies to US or international)
Ends May 22, 2019

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Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Sing a New Song by Candee Fick


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2GTZ4tSSing a New Song
(The Wardrobe Series #3)
By Candee Fick
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 275 Pages
May 1st 2019 by Bling! Romance

The pampered diva is about to meet her match

Songbird Gloria Houghton has always needed to be the center of attention, but the spotlight has shifted. Seeking fame and a fresh start, she finds a new stage in Branson, Missouri…only to risk being replaced by a manipulative rival. If Gloria can’t be the star, who is she?

Jack-of-all-trades Nick Sherwood is just one leaf on a vast family tree that includes a restaurant chef, hotel owners, and even the headline act at a family-owned theater. He’s seen how fame can blind a person with jealousy and is more than content to stay in the background thank you very much. If only he wasn’t so fascinated--and irritated--by the newest addition to the staff.

After a disaster of a first impression and financial difficulties land Gloria in the humblest of jobs—with Nick as her boss—it might be time for her to learn to sing a new song.


Excerpt


Tyler paced the front of the room. “Now for the fun stuff.”

Gavin chimed in, “It’s about time.” He moved around the piano and pulled out some sheet music. 

“I’m in charge of the music, and Tyler’s over the choreography.”

“Mostly. We are lining up a live band to handle the actual shows, but for today you’re stuck with my brother plinking the keys.” He dodged a fake punch from his twin. “And we’ll try to keep our artistic differences outside.”

Good-natured chuckles rippled through the group again, except for a Betty Boop giggle from the front row. Seriously? Who thought that was cute?

Blondie giggled again. “Does anyone have name tags? I can’t wait to get to know y’all better, but I don’t know anyone’s name, except for Tyler’s and Gavin’s, of course.”

Gloria barely suppressed a sarcastic eye roll. Way to pander to the bosses and make it seem like she was a team player.

Gavin exchanged a glance with his brother, who then apologized. “We had everyone’s headshots and audition tapes, so it feels like we already know y’all. I don’t have any name tags, but why don’t we do a quick round-robin to introduce yourselves and your main specialty when it comes to show business?”

Over the next few minutes, Gloria learned that Betty Boop’s real name was Brittany and she’d spent a year singing backup in Nashville. Two of the guys—Brogan and Caleb—were already singing with a few different shows around town on other nights. However, the mini-golf girls—named Amber and Tiffany—were rookies. And based on their earlier financial talk, they might be good options for sharing an apartment with later as well as allies against brownnosing Brittany.

“Now that we’ve finished the introductions, leave your stuff where it is and rearrange yourselves up front. Sopranos here.” Gavin gestured to his right. “Then altos, tenors, and basses. The plan today is to run through the music from the top with a focus on blending and checking for memorization.”
She stood, leaving her damp purse on the chair with her wet shirt draped over its back.

“As we get started, just ignore Tyler as he wanders in and around. He’ll be listening to create the duets and trios we need for specific numbers. We’ll move to the stage tomorrow to start on the choreography and later add in the live music, once the band has a chance to rehearse on its own.”

At the front of the room, Gloria took a place next to Brittany, who wrinkled her nose at Nick’s monogrammed shirt.

Brittany leaned closer. “Just so you know, there’s only room for one Carrie Underwood look-alike here.”

“I’m not really a fan of country music.”

“And you’re hoping to make it in Branson? Good luck with that.”



Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Candee Fick is a multipublished, award-winning author. She is also the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy writing, editing, or coaching other authors, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

In addition to writing clean faith-based romance novels and inspirational non-fiction, Candee coaches other authors with their marketing plans and offers content editing to aspiring novelists. She is a member of both American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network. Her fiction has semi-finaled, finaled, and won the ACFW Genesis Contest and Selah Awards.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One 1st prize winner will receive: the complete set of The Wardrobe Series (ebook only if international winner, otherwise print copies) plus a $25 Amazon gift card
One 2nd prize winner will receive: Copy of Sing a New Song (ebook only if international winner, US winner can choose ebook or print) plus a $10 Amazon gift card
- Ends May 15, 2019

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Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Review: Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van


https://amzn.to/2Ld3KiE

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

Lady Jane Everard cannot abide the new Earl of Hadley. The unmannered Scot is a menace to genteel ladies everywhere, what with his booming laugh and swishing kilt and endless supply of ‘ochs’ and ‘ayes.’ Jane wishes Lord Hadley would behave as an earl should and adhere to English rules of polite conduct.

Andrew Langston, the new Earl of Hadley, knows that the English aristocracy think poorly of his lowly Scottish upbringing. This is hardly new. History is littered with the English assuming the worst about Scotland. By living up to their lowest expectations, he is simply fulfilling his civic duty as a Scotsman.

Jane sees Andrew as an unmannered eejit. Andrew considers Jane to be a haughty English lady. But, as the saying goes, . . . opposites attract.

And what if beneath his boisterous behavior and her chilly reserve, Andrew and Jane are not nearly as different as they suppose? Can Scotland and England reach a harmonious union at last?


My Review

If a book can make me both laugh out loud and later shed a tear or two- it's automatically a 5 star read for me! This was such an enjoyable book to read. I loved how the characters and dynamics between them are complex. Jane especially had many layers that she had to break through as she is faced with the choice to be herself or live up to others' expectations. Andrew shows her that her true nature is not something to be squashed, but embraced. Their friendship develops naturally as they give each other a chance and discover their common ground. He and his friends took a great deal of pleasure in exposing his distant relatives to the full Scottish experience, and it was highly entertaining! The humor and romance is balanced by the darker thread that runs through the story- the tragic events of Andrew's past that ties him to his friends in a brotherhood, and the mystery of who was behind the disaster and why. So many great scenes and a romance that grows with a slow burn and then suddenly ignites with chemistry- highly recommend!

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


Monday, May 6, 2019

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Kissing A Billionaire by Taylor Hart, Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers, Annette Lyon, Danyelle Ferguson, Sarah M. Eden


https://amzn.to/2V5a7c4

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

Money doesn't equal happiness. But sometimes it paves the way . . .

THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE by Taylor Hart
When billionaire, Mia Jagger, goes to Casper, Wyoming to covertly evaluate a ranch in foreclosure for her father’s company, she never anticipates falling and hitting her head. When she wakes up and doesn’t remember who she is, admittedly, she’s afraid, and all she wants is that blue-eyed man who held her hand in the hospital. Ross Charm doesn’t want to take a woman who can’t remember anything back to his ranch, but she keeps insisting on going with him and what is he supposed to do—leave her with no one to help her? When her family shows up and they both learn the truth, they must make a choice: let the past keep them apart or let true love have its’ happily ever after.

BE MY PLUS ONE by Heather B. Moore
Amanda Wurst has been preparing for months to meet with a group of venture capitalists and get funding for her app, but twenty minutes into the meeting, she’s both humiliated and embarrassed. Quickly packing up her things, she takes off for the elevator, only to be joined by Jeremy Lode, the president. He apologizes and offers her a partnership for her new app product. At first, Amanda wants to turn him down out of pride, but his offer is too good to refuse. Besides, Jeremy Lode is an intriguing man in more ways than one.

TO HIDE AND TO HOLD by Sophia Summers
Lake Tahoe never looked as good as it did the day Chad meets Grace. Her mysterious effort to keep her life a secret only intrigues him more. When his own life spirals into crazy with his parents trying to set him up with a woman to further their business goals, he’s happy to keep things on a first name basis with Grace. Brilee Grace Townsend loves her eggshell camper, her simple campground, and her Huskie named Bear. Hiding out while she writes the story of her experiences working with a Senator and then walking out on her parents and fortune, seemed like the best part of her Spring until she met Chad. When Chad discovers Grace is the very girl both their parents hoped he would date, he couldn’t be happier. When Grace finds out, she never wants to speak to him again.

BOW TIE OR THE BILLIONAIRE by Annette Lyon
Lauren has built a cosmetics empire and now lives a great life in Europe with a thriving company, more money than she could spend in a lifetime, and a cottage of her own off the coast of Helsinki. But business life has taken a toll; she yearns to return to the laboratory, where she can invent and experiment. She’s decided to partner with another company that can pick up some of her workload. Carmichael Enterprises has a great track record, and she’s eager to negotiate a partnership. But when she meets the head of the company, Carmichael himself, it’s clear that he has no intention of continuing her annual charitable donations. Worse, he wants to move the headquarters, which would mean laying off her entire staff. Too bad she can’t partner with Carmichael’s assistant, Eric. He’s smart, funny, and kind. He even visits sick children in hospitals as Bow Tie the Clown. Lauren finds herself falling for Eric, but chances are slim of that anything can come of it, not when she’s about to cut off negotiations with his billionaire boss.

HOW TO WOO A BILLIONAIRE IN TEN DAYS by Danyelle Ferguson
Love is the last thing on billionaire Penny's mind, but when her grandparents dangle a seat on the Wessex Resorts board of directors in exchange for her entering the dating scene, Penny takes the challenge. Mac is at the resort for a hockey player's bachelor party. When one of the rich players flirts with Penny and gets rejected, he bets run-of-the-mill Mac can't get a date with her. With every date, Mac's bet fund for his business grows, but so do his feelings for Penny. As time runs out, he'll have to choose between wooing the billionaire for money or for love.

THE BILLIONAIRE ABROAD by Sarah M. Eden
When bachelor billionaire Sterling Westcott hires Keighley Ainsworth to plan an important event in Dublin, she jumps at the opportunity. Time alone with her budding crush in a city she’s always wanted to visit? Yes, please! But local event planner Brogan Malone soon weaves a spell of his own, making her begin to question everything she thinks her heart wants.


My Review

A billionaire main character isn't my favorite trope, but I'm glad I read this collection anyway. The authors did a great job bringing the characters to life and creating entertaining plots with just the right amount of romance. I prefer the billionaires that are not high maintenance, but more down-to-earth. There's something intriguing about the lifestyle and power that comes with that kind of money, and by the time I finished the collection I definitely had to reorient myself back to my more humble, non-materialistic circumstances ;) It's a fun read and one I'll probably pick up again in between longer books.

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