REVIEW: Boundary Stone By Gail Avery Halverson

The Boundary Stone

The Stockbridge Series # 1

By- Gail Avery Halverson

Genre- Historical Fiction/Romance

Bound since childhood to an arranged marriage with the restless and irresponsible heir of Houghton Hall, Viscount Miles Houghton; Lady Catherine Abbott, now grown, finds herself torn between duty to her family and her smoldering ambitions. Possessed of a nimble, curious mind, a love of science and the natural world, and a singular talent for illustration, Catherine desperately longs to accomplish something before she resigns herself to a loveless marriage and the idle, aristocratic whirl of parties and social gatherings within the confines of the palatial Houghton Hall.

Banished before his final year of medical training for pushing harder on the boundaries of scientific knowledge than any student at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, the mysterious and driven Simon McKensie has blurred the lines between research and criminality and must now choose between exile to the rural country village of Wells, or the hangman’s noose.

When the terrifying Great Plague of 1665 spreads from London to Wells, the town’s very existence is threatened and Catherine must confront her fears, her place in the world – and the burning passions she has long held inside.

   

If you love historical romances you will absolutely adore this book.

It is full of twists and turns and plot Suprizes.

Catherine is a strong beautiful woman. Such an amazing character for sure. I feel for her and her internal struggle of doing the right thing and going through with the arranged marriage for her family. Or following her heart and her passions, and doing what her heart desires.

This author did a splendid job developing the characters and the story. 

I am personally a very avid thinker of man and woman should follow their heart so of course I was rooting for her to do what she wants and follow her passions.

4 stars

REVIEW: Behind the Door (An Erotic Series) By M. Clarke and Alexandrea Weis

After the love of her life walks out the door, Abby Simmons is depressed, run down, and overwhelmed. Working long days as an attorney in a busy firm is sucking the life out of her and Abby feels she is at the end of her rope. Then, a co-worker recommends a new type of spa called Paradise. He promises their therapies will shake off her lethargy and help her to regain her sparkle. Skeptical, but very curious, Abby decides to visit the establishment. At first, what she hears sounds too good to be true, but soon Abby uncovers a whole new world of pleasure that quickly becomes her undoing.

Step behind the door to embark on a journey where surrendering to desire is only the beginning. Welcome to Paradise.

Amazon US I Amazon UK

At first you think this "SPA" is going to be a run of the mill place for well off women wanting to de-stress. Oh no that is so not the case. This place is anything but innocent. Sexy, sultry, and will fulfill your every fantasy and desire yes but not INNOCENT by any means.

Abby is curious and want to know more and her curiosity pulls her into an amazing world. One that tempts her more than you can imagine. This taboo world turns this what seems like a good hard working girl into some wanting a taste for the bad.

I really enjoyed this novel. If you enjoy a good erotic story. This is one for you to read

4 stars

M. Clarke

International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Alexandrea Weis

Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.

REVIEW & AUTHOR Q AND A: Preferred Rewards By Michael Patrick Lewis

Troy has a problem: he likes a girl whose best friend likes him. Should he take the marshmallow in front of him, or wait for the Preferred Reward?

This was an amazingly well written novel. It was full of wonderful philosophical bits here and there. I enjoyed it so much I read it in a few days.

I love how it is in a man's persepective the entire book. Its definitely something new for a romance novel to have it in a mans point of view. 

Troy is the character i honestly feel horribly bad for. He struggles with what he has done and it tears him apart. Somehow he cant bring himself to hurt the one he loves with the truth. But the lies are killing him.

He makes some collasial mistakes but I still cant help but feel bad for him

Gina oh boy I definitely think she is just like me geeky and tomboyish with a bad temper. Hahah I love her character and how she does what she needs to when she finds out the truth about her boyfriend and best friend. 

How she walks away from the aweful situation even though you know its killing her to do so.

Then there is Carrie. Oh how I truly want to murder this girl. I despise her. She manipulated everybody from the begining of the book until the very bitter end.

The ending was so sad to me. I so wanted her to take him back and they could live happily together. I wanted Troy to get his happy ending. Hopes of a hopeless romantic.

All and all I loved this book. 

If you enjoy erotic romance novels with some drama this is a must read.

5 stars all the way

1.What made you write this specific kind of novel?

I found this publisher in romance/erotica, who was looking for authors. At the time, I had never even read romance or erotica before, so I had no idea what was supposed to go in it. It seemed like an interesting challenge, so I figured, 'why not?' 

2.Who are your favorite Authors?

George Orwell (most favorite), Maya Angelou, George RR Martin, Toni Morrison, Shakespeare, David Sedaris, see if you can find a pattern there.

3.What made you want to become an Author/writer?

I'm actually trying to cut down. I'm down to about four pages a day, you know, just trying to take it one day at a time, you know? 

I can quit any time I want.

4.What influences did you have that made you want to write an erotic romance like this?

It started with the constraint of an erotica of a given length. I absolutely did NOT want 'some plot thrown in to glue the sex together,' and so I thought about how I could use the depiction of sex to illustrate the condition of the relationship. 

5.Who do you feel for character wise out of this book?

All of them. Seriously. I put a piece of myself into all of my characters. That’s how I know what motivates them. 

6.What do you do outside of writing amazing novels?

I teach math. I also change diapers and clean peepee off the floor.

7.Will there be more in this series with these characters?

I have thought about it, and I don't think it would be fair to have her take him back. I think she might forgive him, but at the same time, loving someone often involves giving them room to learn from their mistakes. 

8.What is your favorite kind of books to read in your spare time?

Anything that grabs me. I'm a very finicky reader, too. If I don't like something within the first few pages, I don't pick it up again. 

9.What would you like to tell any of you avid readers?

Just wait until you see what I'm cooking up next ;)

10.Why did you choose such a sad heart wrenching ending?

It was the most natural conclusion to the story. I want to build my audience's expectations of my work such that the threat of a not-so-happy ending makes the happy endings a bazillion times sweeter.

11.What advice would you suggest to any aspiring author?

Still working on that. I can give you three rules that I have figured out, though:

1. Learn the difference between writing books and selling books. My first work barely sold enough to buy a cup of coffee. You have NO IDEA how much time and effort goes into getting your work out there, and it still might come to naught.

2. Improve your craft. You have to learn how to communicate with your audience. Fresh writers often think their stuff is just so amazing, and then are puzzled why the reader disagrees.

3. Respect the medium. Noobs often write as though they're watching a movie. It never works. You wouldn’t use oil techniques with water color, neither would you use water color techniques with oil. Movies and books are different mediums. If you're writing a book, think about the unique advantages of the medium, and use them.

12.How many novels have you written in total?

So far, I have two novellas: Preferred Rewards (which you just read), and Shines Before You, the first in a series that takes place in a future where global super-corporations pick at the carcass of society for the tasty bits. My other work is the epic-length Edge of God, a complex tale of redemption, of moving forward, and of finding the value of one's self. So far, that's it.

My next one is a struggle to keep your humanity in a world that punishes you for doing the right thing. 

13.I was very surprised by this novel and that it was written by a man.What made you write this type of novel?

I like to explore the human condition - this disease called life that we all seem to be inflicted with. Where is the balance between enjoying the pleasures that existence has to offer, and suffering from the consequences of that pleasure? 

14.What inspires you?

I see inspiration everywhere I go. Everything is a metaphor. Everything is connected, and anything can be expanded into a broader context.

The Golden Eagle is a magnificent bird. You look at one on paper, and it's pretty. By the numbers, it's large. But sitting in the mountains of California, listening to the wind while the cool breeze dips its delectable fingers into you amid the hot summer sun, and watching as this glorious, bronze animal sails merely a few feet over your head is an experience unto itself. 

Now write about what it feels like to experience something that no pictures or definitions can express.

COVER BLAST: Lies and Snow-Clad Graves By Tyffani Clark Kemp

                                    Title- Lies and Snow-Clad Graves

Series-  Blood and Shattered Glass Series Book # 2

By- Tyffani Clark Kemp

Genre- Adult Psychological Romantic Thriller

Expected Publication Date- February 16th, 2016

The bodies lost could not be found…

Kandace Callahan disappeared three years ago. Assuming her to be dead, her family buried an empty casket and moved on, but they didn’t give up finding out what had happened to her.

Beneath the lies and snow-clad graves…

On the outside, Kay Oliver is the perfect wife. She wears a gentle smile and never argues. She and her husband Steven are town heroes.

On the inside, Kay is angry and bitter and she doesn’t know why. That is, until an out-of-towner comes in and shows her the truth. She’s the product of an experiment gone wrong and he’s a private detective sent by her family to find her.

Cries the truth of what happened…

When Steven finds out that she knows the truth, he begins a plot to erase her memory and replace it with one that will suit him better. But with so many unknown variables, he can’t be aware of what will happen if he trusts the wrong person.

…at Harrow Haves.

The truth begins a frantic race to stay alive. Will she make it back to her family? Or will they want the woman she has become?

Links-

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24565771-lies-and-snow-clad-graves

Tyffani Clark Kemp might be the quietest person in the room, but that just means she’s probably the biggest freak too. She is a multi-genre author with a gift for the written word and a desire to help all Indies reach their full potential. In 2012, she and her best friend Kimberly Fudge started SideStreet Cookie Publishing for authors who want to remain independent, but don’t have the time or the knowledge to do it all themselves. From the age of eleven she dedicated her life to writing and making sure she was good at her craft. Now, she passes that knowledge on to others. Her friends would describe her as determined and giving. She may be quite, but she always has a story to tell.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6557179.Tyffani_Clark_Kemp

Blog/Website-http://tyffanickemp.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/authorclarkkemp

Twitter- https://twitter.com/TyffaniCKemp  

Pinterest- http://pinterest.com/moviestareyes/

Publisher- http://sidestreetcookiepublishing.com/

REVIEW:Enchantment of a Highlander (Book 3) By Madeline Martin

The sweeping historical romance that began with Deception of a Highlander, and continued with Possession of a Highlander, reaches its dazzling conclusion in this scorcher set on the Scottish plains.

Alec MacLean returns home after a decade to find his recently deceased father has let his inheritance fall to ruin. As the new laird, it’s Alec’s responsibility to rebuild the castle and restore the lands. He must also regain the people’s trust after having abandoned them so long ago, a feat not easily done when he fears he’s plagued with the same darkness as his father.

Celia escaped the North Berwick witch trials at a young age, surviving because of the sacrifice of her beloved caretaker. She’s made a life for herself in the wilds of Scotland where no laird rules, a life where she heals for coin, a life without love so she can never feel the hurt of loss again.

When the new laird comes back to claim his land, his determination to restore order threatens everything Celia has worked so hard to gain, especially with the undeniable attraction sizzling between them. Together, they will face all challenges, from the tangle of their own damaged pasts to the fire-fueled witch hunts sweeping the Isle of Mull. Together, they will find that the best way to overcome darkness and war is through the undeniable light of love. 

Book 3 in an absolutely amazing Scottish Romance Series. I was easily addicted to this novel and read it in a few days as I wasn't able to put it down.

Full of suprize, Plot turns, mixed with a taboo romance and a forbidden love.Darkness and the struggle within a man and a woman over what they want and what they should do. This was absolutely amazing.

I just fell in love with Alec, his hard headed feistyness, his manly sexiness,how he tries to save and protect Cecila at the risk of everything he has worked so hard for.Everything he does to win over Cecila. 

After reading these books I think I have gained a Scottish man interest. As they are written so wonderfully in this book. Ive gotten it in my head id love to meet one.

If you love historal romances with a supernatural twist and action to it you will love this and its definitely a must read for you.

I truly think this author should be on the best sellers list as she is an utterly amazing writer

5 stars

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

                      

 

Madeline Martin lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her two daughters (AKA OldestMinion and YoungestMinion) along with their two cats: SketchyCat who stares at walls and eats fuzz and LapCat who has a shoe fetish and enjoys Kung Pow peanuts. All shenanigans are detailed regularly on Twitter.

Madeline graduated from Flagler College with a degree in Business Administration and works for corporate America. Her hobbies include rock climbing, running, doing crazy races (like Mud Runs and Color Runs) and just about anything exciting she can do without getting nauseous. She's also a history fan (really more of a full on history dork) and loves to blog about random curiosities from her research.

After living in Europe for over a decade, Madeline enjoys traveling overseas whenever she can. Her favorite place to visit thus far: Scotland.

Writing has been a passion of hers since she was a child and now she finally gets to see her lifelong dream come true with her first book, Deception of a Highlander to be released April 28, 2015 followed by Possession of a Highlander on August 11, 2015.

(1)What made you want to become a writer?

I’ve always been an avid reader and have had always had stories running through my mind as a result. But not just the ones I read. At a young age, I remember running through a garden singing (badly) little songs I’d made up, living a life I had completely invented in my mind. The older I got, the more that imagination morphed into full on stories.

(2)Why did you decide to start a book series about Scotland/Scottish people?

I have Diana Gabaldon to thank for this one. I’ve always been fascinated by Gaelic history, but her Outlander series really just made the Highlands come to life in a way that made me fall in love hard and fast. It melded into my thoughts and spiraled into the stories I put to paper (er…well…computer).

(3)Who was your favorite male character to write?

Alec from Enchantment of a Highlander. He was so incredibly tortured. His pain ran so deep, I felt like it threaded through me and really pulled me into a tighter connection with him. I loved seeing him be able to overcome his fear and his pain through Celia’s love.

(4)Who was your favorite female character to write?

Mariel from Deception of a Highlander. She was a spy and totally badass. I actually took Krav Maga classes when I wrote the book so I could understand what it felt like to do the moves and how to fight. It was so fun to apply that knowledge to my fight scenes and just let her really shine.  

(5)What authors influenced you to become a writer?

I’m going WAY back for this one – Laura Ingalls Wilder. She was my hero when I was kid. I read her Little House series dozens of times over and really dreamed of someday writing like her when I grew up.

(6)What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?

You’re probably going to laugh, but aside from romance, I love zombie apocalypse and YA dystopian books. I love grit and strife.

(7)What did you do to research the environment, dialect and country for this book?

I went to Scotland! J It was the most incredible trip where I got to visit Caisteal Camus where Deception of a Highlander took place and Edzell Castle where Possession of a Highlander took place. I didn’t get to see the ruins of Duart Castle from Enchantment of a Highlander, but was near enough the area to get a good feel for it. I toured castles and museums and was THAT tourist who had a million and one questions. I think I wrote nonstop the entire flight back to America. It was so inspiring!

(8)Who are your favorite Authors and why?

I have tons of favorite authors!! In the romance genre, I’ve always looked up to Monica McCarty and Margaret Mallory for years when I first fell in love with Scottish historicals. But I also love DJ Molles for zombie apocalypse and Alexandra Bracken for her incredible YA dystopian.

(9)What do you do when you aren't writing amazing novels?

Thank you for that I stay pretty busy. I work a full time job with corporate America. I also have two daughters (known collectively as the minions) and we have a lot of fun going places and being silly. When I’m not doing any of those things, I’m usually working out and trying to train for one upcoming race or another. My latest one is a 15K in March called the Gate River Run. And, because I don’t have enough to do, I’m also an active member of the First Coast Romance Writers and took on being president this year.

(10)What would you tell or suggest to anybody wanting to become a writer?

Never give up and don’t ever pay attention to those who don’t believe in you. I think it’s sad how some people don’t receive the support they deserve. Writing is a beautiful endeavor with a lot of incredible rewards. In my experience, those who begrudge it are suffering from a severe lack of their own personal confidence.

(11)Are you planning on any future books in this series?

Not in this series. Enchantment of a Highlander was the last one. But I am doing another series now called the Broken Dolls about a group of noble women who fall from the good graces of English court and are swept into a Scottish organization of all female spies.

(12)Can you tell us anything about any future books you are writing?

I’m just wrapping up the first of the Broken Dolls series (the name of the book is still undetermined). The hero, Connor Grant, is the trainer for the Broken Dolls and also the king’s personal assassin. The heroine, Ariana Fitzroy, was an orphaned earl’s daughter who got caught cheating at cards. Together they fight to reclaim the land Connor lost when his father was murdered.

(13)Would you like to tell your avid readers anything else before we are done?

THANK YOU!!! My readers are hands down my absolute favorite thing about being an author. I’ve gotten to know so many through Facebook and Twitter and have found it all such a rewarding experience. So many readers have used their precious quiet time to read my books and have even taken the time to write out reviews and tell their friends about my books. I truly appreciate all of it so much. I'm including my social media information for anyone who would like to follow me or like my pages. I always love hearing from readers :) 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor

Twitter: @MadelineMMartin

E-mail: MadelineMartin@ymail.com

 Thank you so, so much again for doing this, Amber!! :) 

~Madeline Martin

Heating up the Highlands

http://www.madelinemartin.com/books/

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/biji1j