Friday, March 1, 2019

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Jenifer Griffith & Giveaway

 




   

The Bookish Billionaire by Jennifer Griffith 

One wedding party, two jilted lovers, and three ill-behaved dogs. Can they add up to love?

Numbers guy and best man Price Robertson finds himself drawn to the maid of honor as they dance at a wedding. Always brain-bound, he hasn’t made time for a relationship since he was rejected by the one girl he ever loved years ago. Now, he’s only in Getaway Bay for a single day, so making a connection with this fascinating girl is a mistake. So what if Annika gets his bookish ways and is the best non-small-talker who has ever put him at ease? He’ll never see her again after this wedding dance.

As maid of honor, Jane-of-all-trades Annika Dearborn is anxious to get back to her studies the second her wedding responsibilities are finished. She’s gotten hopelessly behind in her business classes and could really use a tutor with a business mind like Price’s to help her catch up. Too bad he’s leaving. Especially because she’s been out of school (and love) ever since she dropped out years ago in hopes of marrying Mr. Right—who turned out to be Mr. Oh-So-Wrong. Because he was already married.

When Price learns he’s not flying out of Getaway Bay tonight after all—or for the foreseeable future, thanks to an upsetting call from the government—he has nowhere to stay while he lies low and figures out his next move.

Meanwhile, Annika owes a debt to the groom’s parents, and finds herself agreeing to tend the worst-behaved dogs on earth. She learns this task includes an enormous St. Bernard with a bark like an earthquake. Asking Price for help seems logical on the surface, but it puts her heart at risk of opening up, when she should never allow it to again.

Will Price and Annika let go of their failed past loves and see the chance that barks right at their heels?

 





  

"I devoured this novel faster than my box of See's chocolates Valentine's candies and I'm hoping, praying, and crossing my fingers for more. My advice before reading this one? Clear your schedule and be prepared to swoon!" --Katie's Clean Book Collection 

"This is a fun, romantic story that was interesting and upbeat! I highly recommend this book and her other books as well! " --Amy, Goodreads 

"This is clean, light and enjoyable, with unique characters. " --Ballet in AK, Goodreads   


  


  

The music trailed off. The crowd clapped for them, and then couples flooded the dancing area. Price should have let his clasp on Annika’s hand drop. Their obligation to be on display had ended.

“It’s over.” She came up on tiptoes to tell him this. She didn’t seem to be letting go of Price, either. “But I still want to know what happened with your lost love,” she said. Not with pity. Not with judgment. Just a simple request for further understanding.

“She got away.” There. Pure and simple. It didn’t sting so much telling her this thing he’d kept bottled up so long.

The music rose again, and they were taken up into the whirl of couples.

Interesting. Somehow with this Annika Dearborn woman, he hadn’t been pressured—not externally, anyway. More internal pressure, a truth trying to escape him and make its way toward her.

She is where you need to keep your secrets.

Uh, no. Nope. Now the strings were going too far. In a flash, Price climbed inside himself and stomped around ready to smash the instruments all to bits.

Come on. This trip to Getaway Bay ended at midnight when the red eye flight departed. The last thing he needed to do was start forging psychological bonds with a woman he’d be leaving on an island in the middle of the Pacific within mere hours, like a buried treasure that would be lost to time.

“I get it.” Annika recaptured his attention. “I get it about your one-who-got-away thing.” Clues to why she got it floated in her gaze, but Price had never become fluent in the language of gazes.

Luckily, she offered a hint. “I was in love once. A sweeping, terrible love.”
 




   

Author Jennifer Griffith 


Jennifer Griffith writes light, sweet romances she calls Cotton Candy for the Soul. Her Legally in Love Collection stems from the fact she fell in love with a handsome law school student who now serves as a judge--as well as her muse. She also writes the Billionaire Makeover Romance series, billionaires and makeovers being some things with which she has less experience. Jennifer loves old cars, landscape paintings, fresh bread with raspberry jam, and reading. She lived in Japan during college, where she once ate a cricket on a dare. She also traveled through Europe, where she slept a night in a castle on the Rhine. Jennifer worked summers in a cookie factory, and she spent a few years working for the U.S. Congress before becoming a wife, a mom and an author. 






  

   




  

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/22/19 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.   





Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2GRSnK1A Desperate Hope
(Empire State #3)
By Elizabeth Camden
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.


Excerpt



A niggle of dread cut through Alex’s exhilaration at seeing her again. “Are you with these people?” he asked.

“I’m here as an accountant,” she said coolly. “I’ll be setting the values for the condemned buildings in town.”

His confusion vanished, replaced by a searing sense of betrayal. “You’re working for the state?”

“Yes, I’m working for the state,” she said. “I’m also working on behalf of Duval Springs to ensure its citizens are fairly compensated for their inconvenience.”

“‘Inconvenience,’” he snapped. “Is that the word the state is using for throwing thousands of people off their own land?”

She lifted her chin. “It is for the betterment of all citizens in New York. The fact that a few people will be inconvenienced can’t be avoided.”

It was only his army training that kept his standing erect after this appalling blow. The old Eloise was gone. The woman before him looked like her but was a stranger.

“I wanted such wonderful things for you,” he said in an aching voice. “I thought you’d be a great pianist or a poet or something grand. Not an accountant. Not working for the state.”

“Another fine reason not to stay in this town,” Claude groused. “We gave it our best, Miss Drake, but why should we stay in a place that doesn’t want us, lacks all form of common courtesy, and doesn’t even have running water or electricity? We’ll be better off in Kingston, regardless of the expense.”

“Did you expect us to throw rose petals in your path?” Alex directed the question to the surly leader, but Eloise answered.

“As the mayor of this town, I expected you to be sensible and help us,” she said. “We are working toward the same goal, even if you find that goal abhorrent.”

That scolding tone of hers was starting to grate. She turned to leave the tavern, the three men following, but Alex wasn’t going to let her get away. Not again. He darted after the group as they made their way outside.

“I doubt we’ll be able to find four rooms on short notice in Kingston,” Eloise was telling the other men. “My guardian lives only a few miles from here and has plenty of space.”

“You’re staying with Garrett?” Alex asked incredulously as he pulled alongside the group.

“Why shouldn’t I?” she replied calmly. “He has always been loyal to me.”

“Maybe because he had me pounded to a bloody pulp when he found out what we’d been up to behind that old cider mill.” He pointed to the crook in his nose. “See that? It’s what a broken nose looks like. It has Garrett’s signature on it.”

She sent a fleeting glance to her coworkers before stepping closer to speak in a furious whisper. 

“Perhaps you could lower your voice so the entire valley doesn’t learn our business.”

She was right. The men she came with were already heading back toward their carriage, but a handful of people loitered outside the tavern, listening to every word. Maybe she could control herself and talk like the queen of England, but he actually had a beating heart and a pulse. Eloise hadn’t come back to the valley for him. She came because she was bitter and vindictive.

“Is this fun for you? Showing up to help wipe us off the map?” Alex asked.

“Believe it or not, I have a meaningful career entirely free of personal vendettas. Good day, Mayor Duval.” She headed toward a carriage across the street, her back stiff with anger, but he couldn’t let it go at that.

“Eloise, wait.” He grasped her arm, and she looked down at it as though a bug was crawling on her. 

He let go, dumbfounded. “What’s happened to you?” he whispered.

“I grew up. I no longer run around behind people’s backs. I don’t break the rules. I’m sorry that seems to be a disappointment to you.”



Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Elizabeth Camden is the author of twelve historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.



Tour Schedule


Bookstagram Tour


Check out the Bookstagram Tour:
February 17th (launch): @prismbooktours
February 18th: @heidireadsblog
February 19th: @suziewaltner
February 20th: @girlandherbooks
February 21st: @singinglibrarianbooks
February 22nd: @betherin02
February 23rd: @all.the.lovely.pages
February 24th: @christenkrumm

Tour Giveaway


One Grand Prize winner will receive print copies of all three books in the Empire State series: A Dangerous Legacy, A Daring Venture, and A Desperate Hope
Two additional winners will receive a print copy of A Desperate Hope
- US only
- Ends March 1, 2019

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Release Blitz: In the Doctor's Arms by Carol Ross

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
In the Doctor's Arms
By Carol Ross

https://amzn.to/2H8qBIgIn the Doctor's Arms
(Seasons of Alaska #6)
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
March 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can he stop the one who got away—

from getting away again?

Everyone in her Alaskan town hopes Iris James is back for good. Including Dr. Flynn Ramsey, who stole her heart when they were awkward teenagers. She realizes he’s planning an encore, but a prestigious job in Washington, DC, is calling to her. Only, ever since their kiss at her brother’s wedding, Iris isn’t sure about anything. Except her reignited feelings for Flynn…


Excerpt

With Flynn’s hand branding Iris’s bare back, he led her to the dance floor. Gentle notes of a popular love song filled the air, so Flynn gathered her in his embrace and made dancing seem as easy as everything else he did. The satisfied smile playing on his lips caused Iris’s heart to execute a slow cartwheel inside her chest. She should be used to this, to him, by now.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, she said, “Thank you for that. I owe you one. It was probably a little over-the-top, but I appreciate your dramatic flair. I’m sure they’re still talking about it.”

He dipped his head, and whispered near her ear, “I could not possibly care any less than I do about Faith or Ashley. And I only care about Todd in that I don’t want you singing any duets with him.”

“I hadn’t planned to but...” Her throat went dry because his hand had returned to her back, where his thumb caressed the skin along the edge of her dress. “What are you doing?”

“Dancing. Is there something going on between you and Cricket?”

“What?” she answered, alarmed by the subject change. Did he know about the flying lessons? She wasn’t ready for anyone to know about that yet. “Like what? What do you mean by ‘something’?”

Eyes narrowed and assessing, he clarified, “Are you two romantically involved?”

“Oh.” She laughed, and then paused to process the question. She didn’t want to tell him the truth, but she also didn’t want him thinking that. “That’s not what’s going on,” she said, and then realized that she’d inferred that something was.

“What is going on, then?”

“Nothing. I mean, he is helping me with something. But we’re just friends. He’s practically like a brother to me, you know that.”

“I do, I was just confirming it before I did something.”

“What?”

Tightening his hold, he twirled her around. She said, “Oh, I get it. They’re still watching, right?”

Flynn chuckled softly, shifting his focus to meet her gaze again. His brown eyes seemed to burn into hers. “No, I don’t think you do get it,” he murmured. “But then again, I didn’t really get it, either.”

“Get what? Flynn, what are you...?” Her question trailed off because he was staring at her mouth. The heat from her cheeks was apparently burning through to her brain because she could not think straight. Much less talk.

“Maybe this will help.”

Then his mouth brushed against hers in the sweetest, most perfect caress. Flynn was kissing her? Yes, he sure was, and his lips were velvety soft and completely perfect, and she couldn’t—she wouldn’t—think past that. Instead, she kissed him back, pressing her mouth more firmly to his. One hand came up to grip his shoulder. Before she could do more than that, his soft lips were gone.

“Iris,” he whispered, “I’m...” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers for a second before slipping a hand around the back of her neck. He pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead and tucked her in close again. “Give me a second.”

Iris focused on trying to move air in and out of her lungs, but with her cheek pressed against his chest, every breath was Flynn-scented with hints of spicy soap and cedar boughs. Flynn had just kissed her. What did that mean? What did she do now? Panic welled inside of her because it couldn’t mean anything.

A chuckle vibrated through him. “That should give everyone something to talk about, huh?”

Of course, she realized, he’d kissed her for her, to help her. Thank goodness, he’d broken it off before she’d said, or done, something truly embarrassing. Her cheeks ignited with heat as she imagined herself clinging to him like a spider monkey on the dance floor.

Other Books in the Series

https://amzn.to/2VtjE8S

About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.


Blitz Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of In the Doctor's Arms (open internationally)
- 2 additional winners will receive a copy of In the Doctor's Arms (ebook if outside the US, signed print if in the US)

Ends March 5, 2019

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Thursday, February 28, 2019

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Aubrey Wynne & Giveaway

 


  


   

A Wicked Earl's Widow by Aubrey Wynne 

Eliza is forced into marriage with no idea her life will change for the better. Married less than a year, her unwilling rake of a husband is surprisingly kind to her—until his sudden death. The widowed Countess of Sunderland remains under her in-laws’ protection to raise her newborn daughter. But her abusive father is on the brink of financial ruin and has plans for another wedding. Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, gains his title at the age of 12. His kindly but shrewd estate manager becomes father and mentor, instilling in the boy an astute sense of responsibility and compassion for his tenants. Fifteen years later, his family urges him to visit London and seek a wife. The ideal doesn’t appeal to him, but his sense of duty tells him it is the next logical step. Lord Pendleton stumbles upon Eliza on the road, defending an elderly woman against ruffians. After rescuing the exquisite damsel in distress, he finds himself smitten. But Nate soon realizes he must discover the dark secrets of her past to truly save the woman he loves.

   





“Another beautiful historical romance gem from Aubrey Wynne.” N.N. Light Book Reviews 

“Well-crafted,engaging tale of loss and love.” Verified 5 star review 

“A sweet, historical romance to brighten any heart. By the end, I was teary-eyed and touched by the story.” Goodreads Review 


  


 

April 1818
Falsbury Estates
Northern England


Eliza rubbed the polished marble set in the stone wall, one gloved hand tracing her husband’s name. A tear rolled down her cheek as Althea clutched at her skirts, the toddler pulling and fidgeting in the quiet mausoleum.

Here lies the body of
Carson Roker, Earl of Sunderland
Son of Allan Roker, Marquess of Falsbury
16 June 1815
Aged 31 years
The Lord hath given him rest from all his enemies. 11 Samuel 7:1

“Oh, Carson, I miss your laughter and strength. I envy the fact your demon no longer chases you, but mine is close on our heels.” The chill of the surrounding limestone seeped into her bones. “How shall I keep him at bay?”

She sniffled and bent down to touch her daughter’s plump cheeks. The tiny face turned up, two matching dimples peeking out from the corners of her mouth as she smiled.

“Can you see how beautiful your little girl grows each day? Your mother says she has your coloring and my eyes, your boundless energy and my common sense. A perfect combination, don’t you think?”

Althea tugged impatiently at her skirts again. “Mama, go now.” One chubby finger pointed toward the small garden behind the mausoleum. The stained glass at the end of the building shed a pastel rainbow over the budding flowers and short rock wall.

“Yes, my sweet, you may play.”

The girl ran toward the back exit then stopped. Her small feet hopped on the reflecting kaleidoscope of colors, the sun’s rays gleaming through the painted glass.

“Yellow,” she said and hopped again. “Gween.” Another hop. “Blue.”

“Very good. Only two, and you know all your colors.” She brushed back the glossy midnight curls that rebelled against the confinements of hat and ribbons. The lacey plum bonnet matched the girl’s sparkling eyes.

“Pick flowers.”

“Yes, go pick some flowers. Not too many and only those that have bloomed.”

Eliza sat heavily on the bench across from Carson’s epitaph. Althea squealed in delight at the yellow blossoms clinging to the locked gate. One of these days, the enclosure would not be tall enough to hold her precocious daughter.

The monthly visits were a comforting ritual. At first, she’d come to be alone and grieve. To mourn the death of her husband taken after a year of marriage, leaving behind a pregnant widow. To mourn the affection she’d dreamed of all her young life, only to have it snatched away so quickly. To mourn the father who would never hold his child, and the child who would never know the man her father had become.

Theirs had been an arranged marriage. A duty for Carson, the Earl of Sunderland, a twin who had tried to pass his responsibilities on to his brother. An escape for Lady Eliza, daughter of the Marquess of Landonshire, from a brutal father and a lonely childhood. Her father had not cared about the roguish character of his future son-in-law. His priority was increasing his wealth and improving the family connection.

Carson’s reputation as a rake had not been exaggerated. Yet Eliza had sensed a generous but vulnerable heart in her husband, cleverly disguised by sarcasm and alcohol. The wedding night had been brief and perfunctory. The groom had been gentle but distant. She had seen little of her husband during the days following until…

She smiled, remembering the first gift he’d given her. A bouquet of flowers he’d picked at dawn as he stumbled home after one month of marriage. He had knocked at her door, one hand behind his back, smelling of alcohol and the clubs. After a mumbling an apology for missing the previous night’s obligations, he’d handed her a bouquet of crushed violets.

“I thought they matched your eyes.”

She had gazed from the mangled petals to the contrite man intensely interested in his dusty boots. As she put the flowers to her nose, the sweet scent was her undoing. The tears had come unbidden and swift as Eliza clutched the first gift she’d ever received from a man. It had also been the earl’s undoing when she gave him a brilliant watery smile.

“By Christ, woman, if you weep over wilted flowers, you’ll flood the Thames when I give you jewels.”

She’d only nodded her head and sniffled. Carson had pulled out a handkerchief and awkwardly dried her cheeks. As she looked up at him, their eyes met and held. Something passed between them at that moment. Two lost souls finding the same purchase in a storm they’d battled all their lives. He’d kissed her then. His lips gentle and sweet. It had been a different kind of kiss from her wedding night. Not polite and careful but questioning and heavy with need. Her first taste of passion.


 


   

Author Aubrey Wynne 


Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she will launch the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. 

 



    

 




  

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/21/19 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.