Books are food for my soul! Pull up a beach chair and stick your toes in the sand as the Jersey surf rolls in and out, now open your book and let your imagination take you away.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sophie's Encore by Nicky Wells (Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with author Nicky Wells, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book launch tour event for Sophie's Encore, Book 3 in The Rock Star Romance Trilogy!







It's time to Rock And Roll in earnest!

Yes,Nicky Wells is here to celebrate the upcoming launch of Sophie’s Encore. Three cheers for the third book in her Rock Star Romance Trilogy!!!

Says Nicky, “I’m so excited to share with you, finally, this third installment in Sophie and Dan’s epic romance! Thank you for coming to celebrate with me.

Read on for:
The book blurb!
Jersey Girl Book Review's Sophie's Encore Book Review.
Nicky's Author Guest Post.
The fantabulous giveaway!

But most of all, enjoy yourself and party hard! Are you ready?”





Sophie's Encore by Nicky Wells
Book 3: The Rock Star Romance Trilogy
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Publication Date: September 2, 2013
Format: Paperback - 406 pages / Kindle - 575 KB / Nook - 638 KB
ISBN: 1938404653
ASIN: B00EXXDVF6
Genre: Contemporary Romance


BUY THE BOOK: Sophie's Encore



BUY THE TRILOGY: The Rock Star Romance Trilogy
Book 1: Sophie's Turn
Book 2: Sophie's Run
Book 3: Sophie's Encore


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in the virtual book launch tour event hosted by author Nicky Wells.


Book Description:

Her rock star is waiting in the wings, but will he get a second chance?

It’s all change for Sophie Jones—only this time, there is more at stake than just her happiness.

Rock star extraordinaire, Dan Hunter, has been her patient and caring friend through the highs and lows since her wedding day, but now he figures it is time for her to start over. By stealth, the rock singer draws Sophie into the behind-the-scenes work for his band’s latest album. Through the days and weeks spent together at the mixing desk, Sophie discovers whole new horizons for her life, yet before she can even begin to explore them, she faces the very real threat of losing her rock star for good.

Join Sophie and Dan in Sophie’s Encore to find out how their journey will end…


Book Excerpt:


My bedroom door opened slowly and Dan crept in. All thought of sleep forgotten, I flicked the light back on and was met by an astonishing sight. There was Dan, the rock star, legend for his antics on and off stage, clad in a demure pair of checked pajamas with a button-up top and a mismatched, stripy dressing gown. His feet were stuffed into fluffy slippers, and he clutched a bottle and two glasses in his hands.

“Come on,” he whispered. “Dinner is served.”

I giggled and left my bed, grabbing my own stripy dressing gown and a pair of thick socks.

“What are you doing?” I breathed into his ear, but he simply took my hand and pulled me down the dark corridor toward the open-plan lounge.

“Have a seat,” he invited me and gestured at the dining table, which was once again laid, although only for two, complete with candles and napkins.

He set down the bottle and glasses and scurried off to shut the lounge door. While he busied himself in the kitchen, I basked in the heat from the fire which Dan had re-stoked, and observed my rock star with some degree of amusement.

Within a few minutes, he brought a dish of smoked salmon bites to the table, followed by olive bread, a cheese board, various cold meats, olives, pickled anchovies, and prawns with some sort of aioli dip. He popped the cork on the bottle of champagne, poured two glasses, and sat down, satisfied at last.

“Now we can eat,” he announced. “Tapas. What do you think?”

I raised my glass. “Cheers,” I giggled. “So that’s what you meant earlier. I think it’s amazing. It’s like a midnight feast. I’m just waiting for matron to discover us and give us detention. Why all the secrecy?”

Dan speared a prawn and pointed it at me. “Well, for one, as you say, matron will certainly come and give us detention. Peter is very strict on my sleep regimen, you see.” He dipped the prawn into the aioli before popping it into his mouth. The beatific look on his face and his scrunched up eyes suggested he was enjoying this humble treat far more than was warranted.

He swallowed and cleared his throat. “And for another, I’m on a strict diet. Every last bit of cheese gets weighed, the carbohydrates counted, the sugar added up. It’s really tedious.” He grimaced.

I helped myself to some bread and salmon. “Tedious indeed, I can see that. But why? I thought you were supposed to eat lots and get better.” I chewed greedily, my tummy having given an impressive rumble.

Dan speared another prawn and added a mountain of cheese and bread to his place. “Bliss,” he murmured before explaining further. “I’m supposed to eat healthy, not lots. So Peter has taken it upon himself to reform the bad eating habits of a lifetime. Bless him, it’s what he’s paid to do. I’ve been going along with it, and I have to admit, I’m feeling pretty good. But…”

He grinned his school-boy grin, took a big mouthful of food, washed it down with a large gulp of champagne, and finished his thought. “Well, it gets boring. And I wanted to do something special with you. On my own.”

I burst out laughing, but quieted down when I saw the alarm on Dan’s face.

“Sorry,” I whispered.

“Peter’s bedroom is right next door there,” Dan whispered back. “And he’s a light sleeper.” He pointed his finger, and we sat in silence for a minute, straining to hear.

“I think we’re okay,” Dan finally concluded and resumed eating.

I giggled softly. “Naughty, naughty, us.”

“Ha, we’re not naughty yet,” Dan shot back, speaking softly as well. “I was working up to that part.”

He winked, and my heart skipped and jumped. He didn’t mean—he couldn’t mean what I thought he meant?

“What do you mean?” I bumbled, hoping for clarification, but Dan was enjoying himself.

“All in good time,” he teased. “Let’s finish our meal first.”


My Book Review:

Welcome back to Sophie's world! In the long awaited conclusion to the Rock Star Romance Trilogy, author Nicky Wells pulls out all the stops in Sophie's Encore, and rocks her readers' world with an emotional finale that leaves the reader completely spent and satisfied.

In this thoroughly entertaining trilogy, the reader has gotten to know Sophie Jones, and has followed her adventures and trials and tribulations that she has encountered in her life. In Sophie's Turn, the reader watched as Sophie had to make a decision of which guy would win her heart when two men proposed to her. Then the reader caught up with Sophie in Sophie's Run, when Sophie had to deal with dramatic trials and tribulations that caused her life to fall apart, but our Sophie bounced back with a happy ending ... a wedding and a surprise announcement! Now in Sophie's Encore, the final installment of Sophie's life adventures, the reader catches up with Sophie a few years later. Sophie's life has changed so much that the reader is at first shocked at what her life has become, only to get swept back into Sophie's dramatic world that includes one mainstay, her complicated relationship with best friend, rock star Dan Hunter. This time when Sophie's life has gone awry and she is struggling to cope with it all, it's Dan who pulls our girl back up by her bootstraps, teaching her the behind the scenes music production technique of mixing music, while encouraging Sophie to move on with her life and a second chance at finding love. In this captivating finale, Sophie's world has come full circle, and author Nicky Wells holds nothing back making sure that the readers have enjoyed the wild emotional roller coaster ride that is Sophie and Dan's story!

There is not enough words to say how much I loved author Nicky Wells' Rock Star Romance Trilogy. She captivated my interest and took me on an emotional journey as she weaved a sassy tale of romance and rock-n-roll with each book in the series, easily transporting me into Sophie and Dan's world. I loved the dramatic and complicated relationship that Sophie and Dan shared. As you read each book in the trilogy, the reader has a front row seat watching as their relationship grew, changed, and came full circle.

With a great cast of characters who are realistic, engaging, with flaws and issues, and who are easy to relate to; witty dialogue and sassy interactions; richly descriptive and detailed settings; more passionate romance scenes; and a thoroughly entertaining storyline that author Nicky Wells has saved the best for last, Sophie's Encore gives the reader one hell of a finale!

The Rock Star Romance Trilogy evokes the full gamut of emotions: love, loss, pain, hate, sadness, hope and happiness. Needless to say, author Nicky Wells takes her readers on a rocking roller coaster ride of a lifetime when they read this trilogy. While each book can be a stand alone read as the author provides flashbacks in each book, I would recommend that the reader reads the books in sequential order as this trilogy is a must read, you won't be disappointed!

Job well done Nicky, Rock On!


RATING: 5 STARS *****



Author Guest Post

The Three-Fold Cover Story

Never judge a book by its cover, or so they say. I think that’s a highly debatable position! Book covers matter. Here’s my cover story!

Authors and publishers alike expend considerable effort on creating eye-catchy covers that zzzzing! Evidently, I’m no exception. Each cover for the three books in my Rock Star Romance Trilogy was carefully designed. Individually, they’re awesome! But in their togetherness… WOW!




I have to confess, I’m a little in love with how they work side by side. (Okay, a lot in love then. I admit it.) They show Sophie’s story in a nutshell. There’s a progression there, an evolution, that is quite deliberate.

Consider this. In the first book, Sophie’s Turn, Sophie still very much finds herself drawn to the glitz and glamor surrounding that rock star of hers, the dangerous and delectable Dan Hunter. But throughout the book, Sophie gets to know him—and herself!—much better than she’d ever dared dream, and this produces the ‘turn’ at the end.

In book two, Sophie’s Run, Dan becomes Sophie’s friend while she’s in pursuit of someone else. Quite unexpectedly, Dan finds himself in a position of unrequited love. He has to think up ways to keep their friendship alive. Their joint recording of his duet right there in his home studio is one of the key moments in the novel and eventually builds a bridge right into book three. So the sound recording equipment on the cover says, hey, look, there are rock starry things being done here! Yet it hints at the ‘detour’ Sophie’s life is taking and lays the foundations for the final book.

Enter the cover for Sophie’s Encore. There he is, Dan, right on the cover, toned bare arms and all, singing his heart out in all his delicious rock-star glory. The title promises us another go, an encore—but what will it mean, and how will it work? Will Dan and Sophie get a second chance? And what will Dan have to do to make that happen? Between you and me, Sophie’s Encore might equally have been titled, Dan’s Encore, for this book is about the both of them and whether they can bring their romance to a happy ending.

And there you have it! See what I mean about the Cover Story? What do you think?

Rock on!



About The Author



Nicky Wells is your ultimate rock chick author. Signed to US Publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing, Nicky writes Romance That Rocks Your World, featuring the rock star and the girl next door.

Nicky’s books offer glitzy, glamorous contemporary romance with a rock theme ~ imagine Bridget Jones ROCKS Notting Hill!

Born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993 and currently lives in Lincoln. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in London and Washington, D.C. Like her leading lady, Sophie, Nicky loves listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor to The Midweek Drive show on Lincoln’s Siren 107.3 FM. Rock on!





Party Time - The ENCORE PARTY!!


Join in the release day fun!! Come on and party with Nicky 
On her blog 
On Facebook 
On Twitter — #SophiesEncore 

Moreover! In honor of the launch, the first two books in the Rock Star Romance Trilogy are available on Kindle for only $0.99/£0.77 for a limited time only! 

If you haven’t already got them, go get them here:

 Sophie’s TURN: AMAZON.CO.UK | AMAZON.COM 
Sophie’s RUN: AMAZON.CO.UK | AMAZON.COM 

If you’ve already read them, share the joy and spread the word! 

 Party Time — The GIVEAWAY!!!





1 x signed Sophie’s Encore Poster 
2 x Sophie’s Encore Mugs 
1 x Sophie’s Run Mug 
1 x $10 Amazon Gift Voucher (or equivalent currency) 
2 x Sophie’s Encore Key Ring 
1 x Sophie’s Run Key Ring 
2 x “Swag Pack” featuring 2 postcards (1 signed) each for all three Rock Star Romance books, and 2 bookmarks each for Sophie’s Turn and Sophie’s Run



a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway closes 30 September at 12 midnight BST.
Entrants must be 18 or over. Giveaway is open internationally.





*Nicky waves*

Whoa! What a party! I hope you enjoyed yourself. Thank you again for stopping by Jersey Girl Book Reviews today to help me celebrate. Happy reading and rock on! And don’t forget to say ‘hi’, I’d love to hear from you and I will come back to chat later!

Rock On!




Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Riverstar by Tess Thompson (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Riverstar by author Tess Thompson!








Book Review



Riverstar by Tess Thompson
Book 3: The River Valley Collection
Publisher: Booktrope
Publication Date: August 28, 2013
Format: Paperback - 242 pages / Kindle - 515 KB / Nook - 908 KB
ISBN: 1620151464
ASIN: B00CY22D84
Genre: Romantic Suspense


BUY THE BOOK: Riverstar




BUY THE COLLECTION: The River Valley Collection
Book 1: Riversong
Book 2: Riverbend
Book 3: Riverstar


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.


Book Description:

After ending a dysfunctional affair with a powerful movie producer, feisty Hollywood makeup artist Bella Webber finds herself back in the quaint Oregon town of River Valley, the location of a famous director’s latest film. Despite trying to distract herself with work, Bella is unnerved by the proximity of Benjamin Fleck – a man she fell instantly in love with during a chance encounter at her brother’s home. Unfortunately, he sees her as nothing more than a heartbreak waiting to happen.

When an actress is found murdered after she’s seen leaving the restaurant Riversong with Ben, he is accused of the crime and arrested. Convinced of his innocence, the River Valley friends band together to find the real killer, and Bella must face her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.

Romantic, suspenseful, and engaging, bestselling author Tess Thompson’s third novel in the River Valley Collection delivers another tribute to the power of community and the bonds of friendship.


Book Excerpt:


Later, Bella sat on the wooden swing under the oak with a piece of cake. It was handmade by Billy, Annie’s assistant chef at Riversong, and was white with raspberry filling and butter cream frosting, the bride’s favorite. Bella ate it slowly, savoring the creamy frosting, especially. She was finishing the last crumb when she looked up to see Ben striding across the yard toward her, carrying two flutes of champagne. He’d taken off his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his button-down shirt, revealing his ropy forearms. She stood, her high-heeled sandals sinking slightly in the soft lawn, holding onto the rope handles of the swing in one hand, her empty plate in the other.

“Annie said you might want this.” He handed her a glass.

“Thanks.” She met his gaze for a moment before taking a sip. His eyes were the same color as the pale tufts of new grass at her feet. When she’d met him two months ago, he’d seemed always on the verge of laughing. Now, his face was set, guarded, unreadable. She’d done this to him, she thought, filling with regret. Why hadn’t she handled their parting better?

“Only you could wear a tight red dress to a wedding and get away with it.” He gestured toward her body with his champagne glass.

She smiled, letting her eyes twinkle at him. “Is that a compliment, Benjamin Fleck?”

He shrugged, his eyes cold. “Sure. I guess.”

How different he was than their first meeting, when he’d flirted with her without hesitation, teasing her about wearing her bikini on the deck of Drake’s house.

“How you been?” he asked. Uncharacteristically nonchalant, she thought.

She matched his tone. “Fine. Busy with work.”

“Yeah. Me too. The building’s almost done. They put it up in record time.” Ben’s company, Hylink, had sent him to River Valley to open a new call center. According to Drake, it would bring hundreds of new jobs to the town.

“Just finished a shoot in Los Angeles. High budget thriller with Stefan Spencer.”

“Big fan of his.”

“I remember.”

“You between gigs, then?” He took a sip of his champagne, his gaze constant on her face, unflinching, but there was something else, too. Distrust?

“For a few days. I have a film starting next week back in Los Angeles. And then I’m coming up here in October. I don’t know if Annie told you but Graham chose River Valley for the film’s location.”

“She told me. Yes.” His expression was dark. He shoved his free hand into the pocket of his slacks.

“It’s a love triangle set in a logging town, so this place is perfect.” It sounded cheesy to Bella but what did she know? She just painted the actors’ and actresses’ faces to be as pretty as possible despite the harshness of HD film. “Gennie’s starring in it so I couldn’t say no.”

“Genevieve Banks. Movie star by day. Bella Webber’s best friend by night.”

She smiled. “You remember?”

“I remember everything.” His eyes pierced into her.

“Me too.” She said this softly, peering into her champagne glass. “Stefan Spencer’s the male lead in it. He and Gennie have never worked together so I’m excited.”

“It’s still weird you know these people.”

“That’s what Annie says too.” She shifted her weight to one leg, lifting the toes of her left foot out of her sandal and letting it dangle for a second or two, before turning her gaze to his face, wanting nothing more than to look upon him for the remainder of the evening as she slipped her foot back into place. “How are your nieces?”

His eyes lit up for a moment. “They’re good. Both just had their birthdays. Seven and ten now. Hard to believe.”

“Did your older brother find a new job yet?”

“Yeah. Like a month ago.”

“Oh, good. So they’re fine?”

“Is Gennie the only reason you couldn’t say no?” asked Ben, his voice sounding pinched and as if he hadn’t heard her last question.

She looked up, aggravated in an instant, knowing his implication, but wanting him to say it. “What do you mean?”

“Graham’s the producer of the film. Which means he’ll be here. Isn’t that right?”

She flushed and turned her gaze back to the glass in her hands. “Unfortunately, that’s right. He doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. That’s the truth, Ben.”

“Okay.”

She took a sip of her drink, watching him over the rim of the glass. “I’ll be staying here at Drake’s.”

“I figured.” His eyes widened slightly.

She smiled and used her saucy voice. “You can’t get away from me even if you try.” Damn him, anyway. There was no reason she couldn’t flirt. Make him remember how hot it had been between them.

“Oh, is that how it’s going to be?” He grimaced, rubbing under his eye with a circular motion.

“What?”

“All flirty and tempting before you disappear again with no warning?”

She took a step backward, gripping the side of the glass with her now damp palm. “Is that what you think I did?”

“Bella, it is what you did. And in the words of Maya Angelou, ‘when people show you who they are, believe them the first time.’”

Her voice went higher, defensive. “That isn’t who I am. I had some unfinished business.”

“Yep. I get it. You weren’t available. Too busy giving it all up for a married man. Brilliant move.”

His anger surprised her but she felt it too, hot in her chest. What gave him the right to judge her? “Glass houses, huh, Ben? Must be nice to be so morally superior. If I remember right, you weren’t exactly holding back that night in your pursuit of me. And you didn’t exactly ask my situation.”

“Guess I figured you were free when you fell into bed without pause. Especially given everything else we talked about that night. You know, our dreams for the future, your business idea, my love of fly-fishing. The difficult relationship I have with my distant yet controlling father. My flaky younger brother who smokes too much pot. My engagement that ended abruptly. Your grief over your niece and sister-in-law. How much you still miss your mom. Your fear of heights. Jesus, Bella, you told me every detail about your idiot father hanging you over the side of a building when you were three but you couldn’t tell me about the long affair you’d just ended with a married man? It’s not like we just talked about frivolous, meaningless stuff, Bella. I thought it meant something to you. I thought you were free.”

She stared at him, the anger in her throat now. “It did. I was. Free that is. Crap, Ben, it was complicated. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I should have. I see that now.”

His question came fast, like he was spewing without thought. “Bella, what were you doing with him? Three years?”

“It was a mistake.”

“A long one.” His face was pink. He pulled at the collar of his shirt.

“I’ve beaten myself up enough over this. No need for you to do it, too.” Her voice caught; a lump had formed at the back of her throat.

“I have a low tolerance for cheaters. And you deserve better,” he added, softer.

“I know that.”

“Do you?” He cocked his head to the side, staring at her with what could only be described as skepticism. “Will you remember that while you’re seeing him every day on set?”

“I’ve been doing the work, Ben.”

“The work?”

“Therapy.”

“Good for you.”

He sounded so bitter, she almost gasped. “It’s no coincidence I fell for Graham three months after Chloe and Esther were killed. I’m sure you can imagine how this might happen.”

“Yes,” he said, his face transforming into something less shielded but more pained.

Neither said anything for a long moment. The light was fading now and a breeze had come to the mountain, bringing the scent of Drake’s late September roses. The scent of roses had been there the first time Ben had kissed her. Did he remember? “Where’s your date?” asked Bella, both as a way to break the silence and to keep herself from asking him about the roses.

“In the house.” He leaned against the tree, taking another swallow of his champagne. “She’s not really a date.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m not dating her. She’s just my date here. For the wedding,” he added, as if that weren’t implied.

“How old is she, anyway?”

He smiled for the first time. “That bugging you? You hate it because you’re not the most attractive woman at the party?” Despite the smile, there was more than just a hint of spite.

“Wow. That wasn’t nice,” she said, fighting tears as she swallowed the last of her champagne. She needed another glass. Pronto. And it was true. The girl was pretty, even though she looked remarkably like a Barbie doll, and it bothered Bella. A lot.

His face softened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.” His voice sounded husky and tender now, like the night they’d spent together. “Anyway, you are the prettiest girl at this party. At any party.”

Like she’d just been wrapped in a soft blanket, she went warm with pleasure. Have the courage to tell the truth, she instructed herself. “Ben, I’m finished with Graham. Have been since the moment I went back to Los Angeles. The truth is, you got under my skin. Big time. And I’m sorry for how we left things. It was my fault. Totally my fault. I was confused and, well, it was just bad timing. I’d love to try again.” She paused, watching the bubbles in his glass of champagne. Even his hands were sexy: close cropped nails, thin tufts of dark blond hair on his wrists and knuckles. She shivered, remembering the way he’d moved his hands over her body, the way he’d gripped her hips, how lightly he’d touched her breasts. “I’m going to be here. Working on the film. We could start over.” She moved her gaze to his face, hoping to see a clue to his thoughts, but he was looking toward the house with the same veiled look in his green eyes. “There was a real connection between us. Right? You felt it too?”

“I did.” His voice was muffled, subdued. “Like nothing I’d felt before.”

She filled with hope. Perhaps there was a chance. Annie was right. Just be open, tell him the truth. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you.”

He met her gaze then, reaching out and touching her bare arm with the tips of his fingers. There it was, the undeniable spark, like something alive between them. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you either.” He withdrew his hand, looking up at the sky and then back at her. “But Bella, you’re bad news—a heartbreak waiting to happen. And I can’t go through another one. I won’t survive.”

“Because of what happened with your fiancé?”

“Yes.” He rolled his glass between his hands and spoke as if relaying someone else’s story instead of his own. “I was engaged to her for three years. A week before the wedding I found out seh was in love with my cousin, who was like a brother to me. We grew up together. Close. It wrecked my world. I couldn’t function. Almost lost my job. If it hadn’t been for your brother’s grace I would’ve. I cannot possibly go through something like that again. I had a little taste of it that morning you left. Took me weeks to get past it and start breathing again. So, no, Bella. Just no.” * With that he turned and strode across the grass to the deck.


My Book Review:

In Riverstar, the third book in The River Valley Collection, author Tess Thompson once again weaves an entertaining tale that transports the readers back to the small town of River Valley, Oregon, where they revisit with the unforgettable townsfolk and follow the story of Bella Webber and Benjamin Fleck.

The reader was introduced to Bella and Ben in the second book of the collection, Riverbend, now in Riverstar, their drama filled relationship continues, but they have started to find their way back to each other, giving their love a second chance. As they learn to grow as a couple, their path has obstacles to overcome: their individual past baggage, trust issues, and a murder of an actress, that has Ben being accused of murder. Bella and Ben struggle to keep their relationship alive as they try to figure out who is framing Ben, and fight to prove his innocence, while also trying to find the real murderer in River Valley.

With a continuity of memorable characters (old and new) and subtle revisiting of the storyline from the first two books in the collection, the author weaves an intriguing story filled with captivating twists and turns, and enough secrets, danger, suspense and romance that keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages.

Once again author Tess Thompson has written another heartwarming story full of romance, secrets, drama and suspense that keeps the reader wanting more. Riverstar is a wonderful story of community, friendship, hope, love, second chances, and the ability to overcome even the most traumatic of life experiences.

The River Valley Collection is a collection of stories that is a must read. While the books can be a stand alone read, do yourself a favor and read them in sequential order, the easy flow and continuity of the stories will leave you wanting more!


RATING: 4 STARS ****



About The Author



Tess Thompson is a novelist and playwright with a BFA in Drama from the University of Southern California. In 2011, she released her first novel, Riversong, which subsequently became a bestseller. Like the characters in the River Valley collection, Tess is from a small town in Oregon. She currently lives in a suburb of Seattle, Washington with her two young daughters, Emerson and Ella, where she is inspired daily by the view of the Cascade Mountains from her home office window.


AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS
Riverstar by Tess Thompson ~ Virtual Book Tour Page: Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours




Virtual Book Tour Schedule



Tour Schedule:

September 2 – Keep Calm and Blog On – Review
September 3 – Authors to Watch – Review
September 4 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review
September 4 – Ai Love Books – Review
September 5 – A Novel Review – Review 
September 6 – Forget the Housework I’m Reading – Review 
September 9 – Mommasez – Review
September 9 – Chick Lit Plus – Review



Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost by Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan & Dorothy Thompson (Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book cover reveal event for Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost by authors Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan & Dorothy Thompson!












Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost by Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan & Dorothy Thompson
Book 1: The Spirit Seekers Series
Publication Release Date: October 2013


Book Description:

Eccentric tobacco tycoon Rodger Hawthorne III can have anything his heart desires except his dead wife, Sarah. Feeling responsible for the car crash that killed her twenty years earlier, he offers one million dollars to anyone who can find her spirit and bring it to him within one week or the money is forfeited. Six spiritually-challenged—but highly intuitive—women find his ad over the Internet and accept his challenge only to embark on a journey they didn’t quite expect that covers astral traveling, past life regressions and spiritual encounters of the unworldly kind. While this book is lightly based on a true story of a real man who is offering one million dollars to anyone who can prove that spirits exist, this story is purely fictional. Or is it?





About The Authors


HEIDE AW KAMINSKI is the mom of three very successful children, and she lives in southeast Michigan with her partner, her son and her stepson.

 She teaches English in a high school for juvenile delinquent boys, as well as co-directs the Sunday school program for an Interfaith Center. She is also the editor-in-chief for the Interfaith Center’s monthly 16-page newsletter.

She is currently the author of five books, ADHD and ME , Get Smart Through Art, The Ability Gang (a novel for upper elementary readers), Von Riesiggross bis Klitzeklein (a German children's book), and South of Eden (a not so serious novel about life in Heaven). She has also published stories in 15 anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Divorced Soul.

Kaminski was born and raised in Germany, and after spending a year as an exchange student in the USA, she ended up marrying an American and has been a permanent resident in the U.S. since 1984, as well as a citizen of the U.S. since 2007. After dedicating many years to being there for her children first, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in English communications at the ripe age of 50 and her English teaching certificate two years later.

***

Pam Ryan is a writer and professional psychic from Northwestern Ohio. She is the mother of two and has been a widow for the last five years. Her writing career began back in high school where she wrote a column for the Sylvania Sentinel Newspaper in Sylvania, Ohio. Pam was also the first page editor of the high school newspaper as well as doing the public relations for the high school musicals At the University of Toledo she helped to create the Public Relations Department for the Department of Theatre and Speech, worked as a reporter for the college paper, The Collegian, and was assistant to the Public Relation Director of a local Toledo, Ohio, theatre group, Lynro Productions. After college Pam went to work for the United States Government and part of her duties were to write, and publisher a newspaper for the Migrant Opportunity Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Back in Ohio she lent her talents to the local Muscular Dystrophy Association, Make A Wish of Northwestern Ohio, worked on newsletters for Grace Lutheran Church and Christ the King Church, both in Toledo, and did public relations for the Parent Organization of Lake Elementary School. Pamela Ryan, as she is known professionally, began her professional psychic career in 1990. She presently does private readings and parties, and is also available at Lite the Way,Lambertville, Michigan, and The Healing Oasis in Clay Center, Ohio. Pam has recently completed classes and become a Certified Hypnotherapist and has completed the Master’s level for hypnotherapists.

Publication is tentatively set for 2013, for her book, My Dearest Children, channeled by Mary Magdalene, and is presently working on a biography of world renowned journalist, Ruth Montgomery and a series of books about a fictional psychic medium. The first one is called, The Macrame Cross.

***

Dorothy Thompson is the owner/founder of Pump Up Your Book, an innovative public relations firm specializing in online book promotion and social media marketing for authors. Pump Up Your Book was voted #1 in the Preditor's and Editor's Readers Poll in 2012.

She is also the co-author/compiler of Romancing the Soul, an anthology which proves soul mates exist and has appeared in USA Today, Chicago Times and other publications. Dorothy loves the paranormal and is spatial clairsentient. She lives on the beautiful island of Chincoteague, Virginia.

***

Together, they make the writing team of Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost.
Visit the official book blog at www.RomancingMillionDollarGhost.com
Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RomancingTheMillionDollarGhost.





Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event
Contest Giveaway

Heide, Pam & Dorothy are giving away fabulous prizes!


One Halloween party kit (valued at $49) or Paypal Cash! 




***

Two $25 Amazon Gift Cards or Paypal Cash! 





***

One FREE psychic phone reading from one of the authors, Pam Ryan! 
and 
One Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost ebook gifted from Amazon Kindle Store! 



Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a Halloween Party Pack for 18, an eBook copy of Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost gifted via Amazon only, one psychic phone reading from Pam Ryan and two winners will be chosen to receive $25 Amazon Gift Cards (or Paypal Cash)!

This giveaway begins September 2 and ends September 27.

Winner will be contacted via email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. EST September 27 2013.

Winner has 24 hours to reply.

Each blogger who participates in this promotion is eligible to win.

Visit each “stop” daily for more entries.







Virtual Book Cover Reveal Schedule



Monday, September 2 – Mom with a Kindle
Monday, September 2 – Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts & Reviews
Monday, September 2 – Close Encounters with the Night Kind
Monday, September 2 – Blooming with Books
Monday, September 2 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf
Monday, September 2 – My Book Addiction and More
Tuesday, September 3 – Books R Us
Tuesday, September 3 – Freda’s Voice
Tuesday, September 3 – Margay Leah Justice
Tuesday, September 3 – Books and Needlepoint
Wednesday, September 4 – In Shadows
Wednesday, September 4 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Wednesday, September 4 – Jody’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, September 4 – Midnight Thrillers
Thursday, September 5 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
Thursday, September 5 – Read 2 Review
Thursday, September 5 – Gina’s Library
Thursday, September 5 – Books Books the Magical Fruit
Friday, September 6 – Inside BJ’s Head
Friday, September 6 – Bibliophilia Please
Friday, September 6 – Shhh…Not While I’m Reading
Monday, September 9 – The Book Connection
Monday, September 9 – Rainy Days and PJ’s
Monday, September 9 – Queen of All She Reads
Monday, September 9 – Deal Sharing Aunt
Tuesday, September 10 – The Top Shelf
Tuesday, September 10 – Moonlight Reader
Tuesday, September 10 – Alana Munro
Wednesday, September 11 – The Writer’s Life
Wednesday, September 11 – The Dark Phantom
Wednesday, September 11 – Authors & Readers Book Corner
Wednesday, September 11 – You Gotta Read Reviews
Wednesday, September 11 – The Dark Phantom
Thursday, September 12 – Paranormal Book Club
Thursday, September 12 – Literal Exposure
Thursday, September 12 – Community Bookstop
Friday, September 13 – The Busy Mom’s Daily
Friday, September 13 – Miki’s Hope
Friday, September 13 – Snarky Mom Reads
Saturday, September 14 – Melissa’s Midnight Musings
Monday, September 16 – Culture Shock
Monday, September 16 – Literary Winner
Tuesday, September 17 – Reading Lark After Dark
Tuesday, September 17 – My Reading Table
Wednesday, September 18 – Bibliophilic Book Blog
Wednesday, September 18 – Mary’s Cup of Tea
Thursday, September 19 – Peeking Between the Pages
Thursday, September 19 – So Little Time…So Much to Read
Thursday, September 19 – Book Reviews by Dee
Friday, September 20 – Thoughts in Progress
Friday, September 20 – Review From Here
Friday, September 20 – Literarily Speaking
Monday, September 23 – The Road to Here
Monday, September 23 – The Phantom Paragrapher
Monday, September 23 – I’m Shelf-ish
Tuesday, September 24 – Bless Their Hearts Mom
Tuesday, September 24 – Cheryl’s Book Nook
Tuesday, September 24 – Beyond the Books
Wednesday, September 25 – Socrates Reviews
Wednesday, September 25 – Bibliotica
Thursday, September 26 – Melina’s Book Blog
Thursday, September 26 – My Cozy Corner
Friday, September 27 – Celtic Lady’s Reviews
Friday, September 27 – Cindy’s Love of Books
Friday, September 27 – As the Pages Turn




Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Zoe & The Moment Of Zen by Cat Lavoie (Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event)

In association with author Cat Lavoie, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book cover reveal event for Zoe & The Moment Of Zen!





Zoe & The Moment Of Zen by Cat Lavoie
Publisher: Marching Ink 
Publication Date: October 2013
Cover Design: Scarlett Rugers


Book Description:

When coffee shop owner Zoey Everwood takes her obsession with ex-boyfriend Braden too far, everyone—except Zoey—is convinced a bit of fun in the sun at the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort will help her get over him once and for all. 

But Zoey's relaxing vacation turns out to be anything but peaceful when she meets Shane Lawson, a resort guest who bears a striking resemblance to Braden. And things get even more complicated when the resort's owner starts spilling secrets about Zoey’s aunt Nessa, the woman who raised her. Add a snarky Wellness Coordinator and Nate Holmes—Shane's grumpy friend—to the mix, and you've got the recipe for a perfect tropical storm. 

When Zoey comes back home with a new husband instead of tacky souvenirs, she must convince everyone she hasn't completely lost her mind. As Zoey and Shane struggle to keep the magic alive outside the resort, Zoey discovers that she isn't the only one having trouble letting go of the past. And when Nate drops a bombshell that changes everything, Zoey must decide if the old saying is true—what happens at the Moment of Zen stays at the Moment of Zen.



About The Author



Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, Breaking the Rules, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. If Cat isn't reading or writing, she's most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London.


AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS

Monday, September 2, 2013

Working It Out by Rachael Anderson (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with I Am A Reader, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Working It Out by author Rachael Anderson!








Book Review




Working It Out by Rachael Anderson
Publisher: HEA Publishing
Publication Date: July 15, 2013
Format: Paperback - 262 pages / Kindle - 823 KB
ISBN: 1490986375
ASIN: B00DYFWZQ0
Genre: Chick Lit / Contemporary Romance


BUY THE BOOK: Working It Out 
Amazon
Blog Tour Special Price Drop!
Grab a copy of Working it Out for just $2.99!
price drop working


Disclaimer:I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader.


Book Description:

A chance encounter . . .

Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .

Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.  


Book Excerpt:


Her eyes continued to search his face—well, more like probe—as though she could see into his mind and thoughts. She held up the brochure she carried, showing Seth the face of the bachelor he’d just bid twenty grand for. He took it from her to get a closer look.

“What do you plan to do about the incredibly expensive date you won?” she asked.

Seth scanned through Cameron’s bio, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He returned the brochure back to her and tapped the page. “Experience an unforgettable day of high adventure, apparently. Sorry if I, uh, took that away from you.”

She looked completely unfazed, as though this strange situation happened all the time. “You know he’s not gay, right?”

“I made that assumption, yes,” Seth said, wondering what was going through that pretty head of hers. “Why? Are you hoping I’ll hand the date off to you since I’m clearly not gay either?”

“Aren’t you?”

The way she said it made Seth’s jaw work back and forth. She looked so confident, so unshakable, reminding him of someone who got under his skin on a regular basis—Lanna. Except the two women looked nothing alike. Lanna was petite and fair, whereas this woman was taller, with darker hair and a darker complexion. But that expression—that impassivity—exactly the same. Maybe Lanna had given her lessons.

Yet for whatever reason, it bothered Seth that this woman might think he preferred men to women. “No, I’m not.”

“Then you won’t mind if I do borrow that date from you. I’m sure Cameron would prefer me over you anyway.”

If she didn’t look so sure of herself, Seth would have said, “Have it, it’s yours.” But something in the way she said it made Seth bristle. “Yes, I would mind, actually. I happen to like ziplining, parasailing, and . . . romantic horseback rides.” “And Cameron, apparently.”

Seth took a step forward, leaning close so his eyes were only inches from hers. “Like I told you, I’m not gay.”

“Oh yeah? Prove it. Give me the da—”

Seth immediately dipped his head slightly and covered her mouth with his. Her lips were warm and soft, and she smelled faintly of citrus. For a second, it seemed like she responded, but then she planted her palms against his chest and shoved him away.



My Book Review:


What happens when a chance meeting between opposites occurs and sparks of attraction ensues?

Grace Warren is one of Seattle's top physical therapists. She's a strong independent woman who plays it safe and follows the rules.

Seth Tuttle is a wealthy website consultant for start-up internet companies. He is outgoing and lives life to the fullest, he enjoys taking risks and participating in extreme sport adventures.

When a chance meeting at a charity bachelor auction ends with an expected kiss between strangers, what are the chances that their paths would cross again? Flash forward a few weeks later, their paths cross a second time when Seth is recuperating from a knee operation after a heli-skiing accident in Alaska and Grace becomes his physical therapist. With humorous banter, drama, sizzling chemistry and mutual attraction, can opposites work it out and take a chance on love?

Working It Out is a thoroughly enjoyable and clean romance story that made me smile from start to finish. Author Rachael Anderson weaves a fun romantic tale that has a great mixture of humor and drama, an engaging cast of characters, witty dialogue, and a positive upbeat storyline that has a lot of depth to it.

I love stories that features when two opposite people attract, and this story did not disappoint me. From their awkward beginning filled with humorous banter, to a growing attraction that develops into a sizzling chemistry, I enjoyed following the progression of Grace and Seth's relationship. I loved the humor, wit and flirting that occurs between these two lovable characters, their growing friendship brought out the best in each other, and their ability to compromise and take a chance on love was realistic and believable. And if that wasn't enough to keep me captivated, the author weaves in a dramatic subplot filled with emotional ties between Grace and her brother Alec, and Seth and his dead best friend's wife Lanna that simply tugged at my heartstrings.

Working It Out is a sweet romance story about family, friendship and love that is filled with drama, passion, emotion and humor, it is an entertaining story that will leave the reader smiling.


RATING: 4 STARS ****



About The Author





Rachael Anderson is the author of five novels (Working It Out, The Reluctant Bachelorette, Minor Adjustments, Luck of the Draw, and Divinely Designed) and two novellas (Twist of Fate, from the All I Want anthology and The Meltdown Match from The Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection).

She's the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.


Author Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads




Virtual Blog Tour Giveaway

Win A $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 9/10/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway