Showing posts with label Lucy McConnell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lucy McConnell. Show all posts

Monday, February 18, 2019

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Lucy McConnell & Giveaway

 

 
  


  

 Her Beast of a Billionaire Boss by Lucy McConnell 

When Bella Creer’s father has a heart attack and is unable to finish his contract for Adam Moreau, a ruthless lawyer based in Seattle, she steps in to take his place and save The Cove Phase II. 

Adam, a billionaire who lives in a secluded castle on a cliff, is gruff, demanding, brilliant, and injured. An acid attack left its mark on Adam’s face but it’s his heart wounds that Bella sees clearly. 

As she takes on the management of a multi-billion-dollar project, Bella’s confidence in herself strengthens and her attraction to Adam grows. But Adam didn’t become the best lawyer in the state by making friends and the wolves circle, ready to attack him at his weakest. Bella will have to be stronger than she’s ever been just to survive. And, before it’s too late, she’ll need to realize that her true power lies in her ability to love beyond measure. 

This clean romance will sweep you away to a castle where maids do your laundry, a cook makes lobster for dinner, and there's a beauty parlor in the basement.  

Welcome to The Cove 
 
With heavy iron gates, two security stations, and a groundskeeper's cottage, The Cove has everything a billionaire could ask for in a home. Dubbed Billionaire Bachelor Cove because of the resident's single status and income portfolios, The Cove is the perfect place to hide away from the world. But, as the residents soon find out, they can't hide from love.  

  




"I loved this story and the authors style of writing. The story flowed easily and held my attention. Good , clean with no sex or swear words. Would recommend to all ages." 

"Brilliantly scripted and a fun read! The characters are engaging and strong. They draw you in and have deep chemistry in this sweet and clean read. I didn't want this story to end though I was itching to see how the nicely crafted story concluded. I especially love that the story seemed to occur over a long time span and conversations/interactions were not superficial. Am glad it's part of a series and hopefully we'll encounter the characters again." 

"I really enjoyed the characters, the subtle plot twists, and the growth of the main characters' relationship. It was a fun read and hard to put down." 

  
 





  
 
Uncle Philip broke the silence and Adam’s concentration. “You remind me so much of your father.”

Adam slapped the folder shut. He had enough information to win the case. “I hope you mean that as a compliment, because it’s been said both ways many times.”

The lines around Philip’s eyes had softened. “Same noble brow. Same wavy blond hair. Though I think you’re an inch taller than him.”

“The old man just rolled over in his grave.” His father never gave him an inch in life; it was unlikely he’d give him one in death.

“I offered to take you, you know. After Alicia passed.” Philip ran his thumb over the swollen knuckle on his ring finger. “Your father had other ideas.”

Adam stared out the window as the early days of boarding school, the loneliness, and the emptiness of a child still mourning his mother washed over him like a soft Seattle drizzle. He took in the man across from him. A simple man with a simple life—a life that would have made Adam soft. “Thank goodness for that,” he muttered. At least his father had saved him from a small and unimportant life.

Uncle Philip sighed. “You have more in common with him than your looks.”

This time Adam understood that the words weren’t a compliment, though they were spoken with honesty. The realization unexpectedly stabbed, like a thorn in his flesh. No matter. He would shortly prove that being fierce was better than being … whatever it was Uncle Philip wished him to be. He lifted the folder. “This should only take a moment, and you’ll be on your way.”

The car stopped in front of King County Courthouse. The aged gray building was shaped like a letter H, with two columns of justice connected by a tunnel of office space. There were decorations on the exterior to recommend it as an architectural beauty.

Impatient, Adam threw open the door before his driver had a chance to open it for him and marched towards the entry. He was single-minded in his movements and didn’t notice the woman in the yellow dress until their hands touched on the door.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, a smile blossoming on her face.

Feeling a jolt up his arm, Adam gave her his full attention. Her brown hair was pulled back in a style reminiscent of the 1940s with a few thick, loose curls bouncing to her chin and framing her enchanting, heart-shaped face. She had large, doe-like brown eyes that dropped demurely as his cheeks colored.

He never blushed. The sensation was enough to knock him off his course. She smelled of lilacs and fresh rain.

“I’m so sorry. You go first,” she said. Her voice was strong and yet a caress that drew him near. He had the strangest feeling that he’d like to slay a dragon.

He thrust the door open and motioned for her to enter. “I insist.”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks dusted pink, and for the first time in his life, Adam was quite out of his mind over a woman. He couldn’t remember where he was going or why it was important.

“You look lovely,” he said, not even sure the words made it out of his mouth. He didn’t throw out compliments to strangers. Heck, he didn’t compliment anyone.

Her smile deepened. “Thank you. I’m meeting my fiancĂ© upstairs. We’re getting married today.” She nodded once, her smile lighting up the entire lobby and cracking through the plaster he’d applied to his heart long ago, and then she was off to the elevators and he was left feeling as though he’d missed the opportunity of a lifetime.



 


    

Author Lucy McConnell 
 

Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. After graduating from the University of Utah, she became an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, on a bike, in the kitchen, or on a horse. 

 





  

  

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/11/19 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 will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, 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 sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   





Wednesday, December 5, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Lucy McConnell & Giveaway

 

  

 Marrying Kiss Kringle: Frost 

Frost buried her face in her hands, feeling all the pressure to save Christmas. Neither Stella nor Robyn had the potential for love yet. They were starting from scratch. But she had more than potential; she had an invitation. It was up to her to find Tannon; get him to profess his love to her; and save her family, the North Pole, and Christmas for children all over the world. Oh, Tannon, I hope you're ready to love me. 

Frost Kringle broke one of the North Pole's rules the day she replied to a letter from Tannon Cebu; but, her Kringle-enhanced empathy wouldn't allow her to walk away from the anguish in his words. What began as a disobedient impulse grew into friendship and eventually love. If her secret romance is revealed, she'll be banished from her home and family. 

When the Kringles discover Christmas Magic is dangerously off balance, Frost musters up the courage to meet Tannon in person with the hope that they can marry and save Christmas. While she's away from her precious Letters Room, her secret is blown right open and she's exiled. In order to make it home for Christmas, Frost has to bring Christmas cheer to those who need it most. 

Tannon is tired of the corporate grind and wants out. He's decided to sell his paper mill and retire to a quiet corner where he can raise his son in peace. His announcement, right before the holidays, creates an uproar as employees wonder if they'll have a job in the New Year. No one in town feels like celebrating and they have little hope of a happy holiday. 

If Frost can get Tannon, and the town of Elderberry, to believe in Christmas once again, she'll make it home and save Santa's workshop from turning into a block of ice and ruining Christmas for children all over the world. Trouble arises when Tannon's interest turn to Frost more than to Christmas. She walks a tinsel-fine line between falling for him and failing in her Christmas quest. 

With her whole world out of balance, Frost must look deep inside herself to bring about a Christmas miracle--with a little help from her jolly family. 

  

Frost Kringle rubbed her arms. “It’s not my year. I’m the youngest. You two should find your husbands first,” she told her older, single sisters.

Robyn huffed. “Apparently, Christmas Magic doesn’t give a partridge in a pear tree about birth order. And I don’t, either. Come with us—just to get used to being south-er.”

Frost hesitated, searching for a polite way to tell them to jump out of a flying sleigh.

Stella took her hesitation as a silent agreement and forged on. “Perfect. Where should we go? I was thinking of heading back to Alaska.”

“No thanks.” Robyn popped another chocolate. “We need someplace new.”

Frost puzzled the question of where they should go. She puzzled it high and she puzzled it low. And while she puzzled, a strange thought came to be. A thought she thought just might be the key. She tried to hold it in, did her best to be good. But there was a part of Frost Kringle that never quite could.
“Oregon,” Frost whispered, staring off into space. “Elderberry, Oregon. That’s the place.”

Both her sisters stared at her. “Why there?” asked Stella.

Frost cleared her throat, breaking through the fog that had clouded her mind while at the same time giving herself clarity. She mentally stumbled to come up with an excuse that wouldn’t reveal her biggest and best-kept secret. “It’s got a large populate of single men. There’s a, um, paper company and mill and they make beautiful stationary.” Like cream envelopes with gold trim that bring the most wonderful letters.

Stella shrugged. “As long as it’s got men, I’m game.”

Robyn poked Stella in the arm. “That’s your problem—you need to be pickier.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

Frost held her breath. She’d dreamed and dreamed of going to Elderberry, of meeting Tannon, of finally seeing the man whose words had captured her heart. If she was a romantic, it was because each mail delivery included a little bit of romance just for her.

“No,” admitted Robyn.

“Okay, then.” Stella slapped her hand on the table. “Meeting adjourned. We’re going to Elderberry the day after tomorrow. Have your bags packed.”

Frost threaded her fingers together under the table, holding her hands tight, tight, tight in an effort to hold in her excitement as her sisters left the room. She was going to meet Tannon.

“I’m going to meet Tannon,” she said out loud. With a squeal, she threw her hands in the air.

This trip may be the best thing that ever happened to her, or it may be the ending of a long and special friendship. Either way, the time had come to meet her crush face-to-face.

   

https://amzn.to/2SuHOOz


I have loved all of Lucy McConnell's books, and this one definitely lived up to my expectations. 

 I love the other books in this series and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable story that kept me reading late into the night. I can’t wait for next installment! 

I found Marrying Miss Kringle to be a fun and lovely read. It is light in nature with a feeling of watching one of those Lifetime Christmas movies, but only in book form. 

     
    
 

Author Lucy McConnell 


Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. After graduating from the University of Utah, she became an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, on a bike, in the kitchen, or on a horse.
  
 
   
https://amzn.to/2E48KAM

     



Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/1/19 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 I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   





Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Review: Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Lucy McConnell


Heidi Reads... Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Lucy McConnell

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

Pick up this collection of four sweet contemporary romances based in the small town of Echo Ridge in Upstate New York from award-winning author Lucy McConnell and escape into the fun, flirting, and happy ever afters.


While You Were Skiing

Mia Davis’s new job in guest relations at Ruby Mountain Ski Resort gets complicated when the gorgeous Ryder Montgomery falls off the ski lift, tells everyone they are engaged, and then loses consciousness.
 

Worried about a head injury, Mia plays along, making him lunch, kissing in the front entryway and planning a future together; a future Mia wants with all of her heart.
 

Things become all the more complicated when Ryder’s estranged family gets involved. Caught up in the fantasy and romance, Mia has to tell the truth or risk losing a part of herself and the man she loves forever.

 

Brand New Second Chance
 

With a broken heart and an unsure future, Abigail Martin moves home to Echo Ridge to capture the parts of her teenage years she missed out on because she'd had a steady boyfriend. Kissing a random guy, flirting with strangers, hanging out at Fay's after a football game - all of it. 

Carter Montgomery offers his help, because he's a helpful kind of guy, and she quickly falls for his quiet humor, kindness, and heated kisses. Fearing that she hasn't lived enough of life to settle down, Abigail must decide if she's going to break Carter's heart or give love a new second chance.

 


The Lion, the Witch & the Library
 

Jennifer Solomon's birthday wish is for the one thing she's been too shy to go after: Kirke Staples, Echo Ridge’s resident playwright, an avid mountain biker, and her best friend.
 

Friend, as in don’t kiss, don’t covet, and don’t under any circumstances fall in love with the man.
 

But it’s too late—she’s already fallen in love. Hoping for a birthday kiss that will change everything, she arranges an "accidental" meeting with the handsomest man on the library board. Her carefully laid plans are thrown off track when the beautiful Bay Barington sweeps into town and casts a spell over Kirke. In her efforts to win Kirke’s heart, Jennifer is forced to take a look at her inner self and decide what type of woman she wants to be, a lion or witch.


The Candy Counter Heiress

Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's Department Store; but someday can't come fast enough when Kenworth's manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. With her ailing grandmother stressing her parents, Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her family from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company.
 

Her deception deepens as she ropes the handsome computer guru, Andy Edwards, into helping her expand the business through an online retail site. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it all together until after the Christmas orders are filled, then she can reveal her successful online company to her family and finally act on her feelings for Andy.
 

Unfortunately for Reese, she can't mold life like she can a chocolate Santa. Between a fire in the department store that destroys their stock and Andy discovering her deception, Reese stands to lose everything she's been working for. With a prayer in her heart, she reaches for her own Christmas miracle.

My Review

This is the first time I've read any books from the Echo Ridge series, which I discovered is actually four separate anthologies with stories by several different authors. This collection that I read contains the four stories that were author Lucy McConnell's contribution to the anthologies. They are connected in that the characters are from the same community and know each other as friends or acquaintances, so the stories can be read in any order. (The only exception is that I think While You Were Skiing should be read before Brand New Second Chance, since the male lead in each are brothers and there is a bit of an inside joke from the older brother's story that makes an appearance in the next story. It's explained, but would be more meaningful having read the first story already).

I loved reading each of these novellas. They actually seemed a bit longer than novellas, but are short enough to be read in 1-2 sittings. They each have a full story arc, great characters, and a lovely small town setting in the mountains. The plots were interesting and entertaining, and I loved the sweet romance each couple found. There was enough depth to satisfy me and prevent them from being fluffy or too chick-lit. I connected with the emotions of the characters and it was so great to have one happy ending after another as I read through the collection. I'm looking forward to checking out the stories of the other authors in the Echo Ridge series, and definitely plan to read more from this author!

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


Friday, December 15, 2017

12 Days of Romance: Author Lucy McConnell & Giveaway!

   

http://amzn.to/2o1OxW0

Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux by Lucy McConnell  

Christmas Magic is changing and the Kringle Family scrambles to keep up in this fun and entertaining, sweet Christmas romance from Author Lucy McConnell. 

A normal electrical substation takes two years to build; but, Lux has 365 days to install one at the North Pole or Christmas Magic will overload the factory and send them back to the Dark Ages. The one man on the planet with the know-how, the education, and the time to help Lux finish the substation before her Noel deadline, is also the one man who sends sparks through her heart and surges through the power system. If Lux kisses Matthew Quik—again!—she could blow up Santa’s workshop before she has a chance to save it. If she doesn't kiss him, she may lose him forever.

      

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  Praise for the book: 

"For getting me in the mood for Christmas, and the romantic aspect of this holiday even before Thanksgiving, I’m happy to give Ms. McConnell the 5 STARS I’ve given her book." 

"Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux is a funny, tender, magical adventure into the sparkles of Christmas Magic and the sparks of human love." 

  

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Lux’s cheeks dusted pink. With her red hair and fair skin, she should have flushed bright red, but only this sprinkling of pink appeared, like she’d been dusted with pink powdered sugar. Why did this woman bring to mind sweet things like powdered sugar and chocolate and kisses at sunset? He gave his head a mighty shake. “You fell in the water.” “I know.” At least, he thought he knew. Everything had happened so fast. He’d fallen asleep and woken up when the ice cracked. He plopped his feet to the floor only to have them land in several inches of water. His stove had tipped over and the hot metal had melted clear through the ice. There must have been a crack in the ice nearby. “We pulled you out.” “We?” Quik adjusted the blankets over his arms. He could only imagine Lux and Ginger and Frost tearing his clothes off. Lux made to adjust her glasses, but they weren’t there. She looked around like they’d fallen off and she didn’t know how. So he wasn’t the only one thrown off by all this. Quik’s eyes traveled lower to find her bare shoulders and her skintight tank top. He jerked his eyes back up to her face, hoping she hadn’t caught his wandering eye. “Me and Dunder.” She chewed her lip. “My reindeer.” “Of course.” The situation was going up in weirdness. Having used up all his ability to care about propriety, Quik leaned back against the seat. He was in the bottom of a fancy velvet-lined sled. Yep. Weird. His eyes dropped shut. “You cut my pants?” he asked. “I’ll get you new ones,” offered Lux. “Did you cut my shirt too?” “No!” She was offended. That was kind of cute. “Too bad. I needed a new shirt.” He half smiled.   

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Author Lucy McConnell 

Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. She started out as an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, in a boat, in the kitchen, or on a horse. 

 
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Also by Lucy McConnell


 
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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/30/17
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 will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.