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.

Monday, June 8, 2015

The Blow Off by Mickey J. Corrigan (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for The Blow Off by Author Mickey J. Corrigan!






Book Review



The Blow Off by Mickey J. Corrigan
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: April 22, 2015
Format: Paperback - 198 pages
               Kindle - 336 KB
               Nook - 215 KB
ISBN: 978-1509201037
ASIN: B00VKBUR7E
BNID: 2940151495158
Genre: Romantic Dark Comedy


Buy The Book:



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:

One long, hard night of working the streets is more than enough for twenty-five-year-old Shea O'Grady, a Boston-based grad student. She just doesn't have the stomach for it. Or the lips. So she comes up with a better way to use her youthful sexiness to pay off her debts. When she shares her plan to seduce and rob johns with her nasty tempered pimp, he agrees to fence her take for a generous cut. So Shea puts together a team of girls to work with her and convinces her downstairs neighbor, a hunky Rastafarian dealer dude, to help with the knockout drugs. But picking up rich guys and relieving them of their excess bling is not as easy as it seems. Sometimes it's even more dangerous than a job on the street.

The Blow Off is a cautionary tale, a romantic black comedy, and a satirical look at student debt, prostitution, woman on man crime, and the things we do for love.



My Book Review:

What's a girl to do when her ex-Boyfriend bails and she is stuck with large college debts? Why resort to the oldest profession of course!

The Blow Off is a fascinating tale that follows the seedy adventures of twenty-five year old Boston grad student Shea O'Grady, when she turns the oldest profession into a crazy plan to form a girl crew who seduces and robs rich men.

Author Mickey J. Corrigan weaves an entertaining tale based loosely on the exploits of a group of South Florida girls.

The Blow Off is written in the first person narrative that easily draws the reader into Shea's gritty attempt to pay off her college debts. Shea is an edgy and ballsy type of girl who tried to make ends meet by being a prostitute, but after one night she knew she sucked at it. So she turns her failed attempt at hooking into a business plan where she forms a sexy girl crew to seduce, drug, and rob rich men. With the backing of her ex-pimp Cedrick7Z and apartment building manager / drug dealer Buck Bearman, and taking the stage name of Heaven Scent, Shea "handles" her girl crew named after Gilligan's Island: Ginger, Mary-Ann, and Skipper ... as they scour the clubs and streets of Boston in search of easy marks, unsuspecting wealthy men. But their woman on man crime activities is anything but easy ... and their well-laid plans don't go as expected!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this crazy good story. I really liked Shea, she's a straight-talking, street smart girl who easily draws the reader into her story with an edgy dark sense of humor. I loved the spin on prostitution that the author weaves, there is a sense of reality to the girls crime crew that kept me wanting to see what would happen as they put their plan into action. I loved the balance of humor and drama that is interwoven in the story, it keeps you engaged, and the unexpected twists and turns makes this story that much more thrilling a read that leaves you wanting more.

The Blow Off is a graphic and sexy cautionary tale that is a blast to read!


RATING: 4 STARS 






About The Author




Originally from Boston, Mickey J. Corrigan lives and writes and gets into trouble in South Florida, where the men run guns and the women run after them. The tropics provide a lush, steamy setting for hot Florida pulp. Books include the edgy novellas in The Hard Stuff series from the Wild Rose Press (Whiskey Sour Noir, Vodka Warrior, Tequila Dirty, and Real Life Rum); the spoofy Geekus Interruptus and F*ck Normal from Australia's Bottom Drawer Publications; and the thriller Sugar Babies from Champagne Books. Her urban crime novel, Songs of the Maniacs, is new from Salt Publications in the UK.


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Virtual Book Tour



Tour Schedule:

June 1 - Polishedand Bubbly
June 2- ThisSide of Paradise Books
June 3 - FlameResistant Undies Romance Reviews
June 4 - Chick Lit Plus
June 8 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews




The Trouble With St. John by Katie Bloomstrom (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for The Trouble With St. John by Author Katie Bloomstrom!






Book Review



The Trouble With St. John by Katie Bloomstrom
Book 1: A Samantha Stone Mystery Series
Publisher:  RKB Legacy
Publication Date: January 11, 2015
Format: Paperback - 266 pages
               Kindle - 1475 KB
ISBN: 978-1506025049
ASIN: B00S5J5S96
Genre: Chick Lit - Mystery


Buy The Book:


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:

From breakthrough author Katie Bloomstrom comes the world's unlikeliest super-sleuth...

"After all that work and sleuthing and investment in my great detective notebook, I had nothing. In fact, the only successful thing I've done since stepping foot on this island was successfully believe all the lies everyone told me. Oh, I've also successfully been kidnapped, successfully almost drowned, and successfully eaten more Xanax than I've ever eaten before in my life. And in two days I’m supposed to just leave and pretend none of this ever happened. If I can even leave after being framed for murder."

When shy, medium-looking Samantha Stone winds up on the romantic tropical island of St. John after getting dumped at the altar, she’s faced with two options: (1) sit in her sweaty villa and cry over her un-marriage to her idiot ex-fiancĂ© while watching Love Actually on repeat and mass-eating Oreos and Xanax, or (2) pursue a hot vacation sexcapade with the gorgeous travel god she meets at baggage claim. Really, what’s a girl to do?

But, after losing both her super spendy non-diamond engagement ring and her mysterious tropical island fling candidate in the same drunken night, Sam quickly learns that St. John isn't quite what she bargained for. In fact, she'll be lucky if she can make it back home alive.

Join breakthrough author Katie Bloomstrom as she takes you on a journey into a picture perfect paradise filled with men, money, and mystery where nothing – and no one – is quite what it seems.



My Book Review:

What's a girl to do when she gets jilted at the altar? Go on her un-honeymoon to the tropical island of St. John and lick her wounds of course!

The Trouble With St. John is an entertaining chick lit mystery that follows the crazy journey of Samantha Stone as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life after being jilted at the altar.

Set in the romantic tropical island of St. John, Samantha's hilarious story is told in the first person narrative via daily blog journal entries on her iPad. This shy, wine loving, Xanax taking, Oreo binge eating, un-bride turns into a amateur sleuth when she investigates the case of her missing diamond engagement ring. With a lot of drama, humor, crazy trials and tribulations, and unexpected twists and turns, Samantha soon finds out that this romantic tropical island has a bit of trouble and danger brewing that could get her caught in the middle!

Author Katie Bloomstrom weaves an enjoyable chick lit mystery that is fun and fast paced, it easily draws the reader into Samantha's story with clever blog entries, drama, romance, and crazy antics that Samantha encounters on her amateur sleuth island adventure. There is a nice balance between the humorous blog entries, Samantha's amateur sleuthing, and the unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader turning the pages and wanting more. I can't wait to see what Samantha's next adventure will be!

The Trouble With St. John is the first book in the Samantha Stone Mystery Series.


RATING: 4 STARS 






About The Author




Katie Bloomstrom is the author of the Samantha Stone mystery novels. When she's not writing, Katie enjoys reading all the books she can get her hands on. She's also an avid walker, wanderluster, gardener, day trader, and Netflix-watcher. Katie holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in Psychology from St. Mary's University. She is on the Board of Directors of her local natural foods co-op and is the founder of Free By 45 - a website dedicated to achieving financial independence. Katie lives in Minnesota with her husband and is looking forward to early retirement.


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Virtual Book Tour



Tour Schedule:

June 2 - Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
June 4 - Living Life With Joy
June 5 - Kelly’sNerdy Obsession
June 8 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews
June 8- Curling Up With aGood Book



Saturday, June 6, 2015

Summer in Snow Valley - Romance Anthology Boxed Set (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with I Am A Reader Book Blasts and Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Summer in Snow - Romance Anthology Boxed Set!



Summer in Snow Valley


 

Book Review


Summer in Snow Valley




Summer in Snow Valley Romance Anthology Boxed Set  by Cami Checketts, Cindy Roland Anderson, Jeanette Lewis, Kimberley Montpetit, Lucy McConnell
Publisher: Birch River Publishing
Publication Date: PB: May 4, 2015 / eBook: June 1, 2015
Format: Paperback - 538 pages
               Kindle - 4441 KB
               Nook - 2 MB
ISBN: 978-1512043419
ASIN: B00X67KDUG
BNID: 2940152142686
Genre: Christian / Inspirational / Contemporary Romance


Buy The Boxed Set: Grab your copy for just 99 cents!
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Summer in Snow Valley Graphic 99 cents



Disclaimer: I received a copy of the boxed set from the authors / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by I Am A Reader Book Blasts and Blog Tours.


Boxed Set Description:

#1 Bestselling Amazon Authors of Christmas in Snow Valley, have teamed up again with six wonderful summer novellas that are sure to make your summer sweet and sassy!


Catching Caytie by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland Anderson

On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.

Tin Foil Tiaras by Amazon Top Seller Jeanette Lewis

Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

A Touch of Love by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts

Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up.

First Love; Love First by Amazon Top Seller Taylor Hart

Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet's not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.

Romancing Rebecca by Amazon Top Seller, Kimberley Montpetit

Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austin and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty fireman with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

Love in Light and Shadow by Amazon Top Seller Lucy McConnell

Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.


My Book Review:

Summer in Snow Valley is an enjoyable Inspirational romance anthology collection that will tug at the heartstrings. Set in the small town of Snow Valley, Montana, the reader is easily swept away by these six lighthearted novellas that features hunky guys, sweet girls, and clean romance.

I really enjoyed reading Christmas in Snow Valley, the first anthology collection, so I was pleased to see that Summer in Snow Valley brings the readers up-to-date on the characters featured in the first collection, plus adding new characters and new romantic stories to enjoy. What I enjoyed most about this anthology collection is that these delightful stories flowed easily from one to another, the continuity kept me engaged and turning the pages.

Summer in Snow Valley is the perfect romantic anthology collection that the reader can enjoy reading on a lazy summer day.


RATING; 4 STARS 






Contest Giveaway


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Blog Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/25/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Click on the above link for the schedule of tour participants.


Summer in Snow Valley

Friday, June 5, 2015

Rock Star's Girl by Jennifer Farwell (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Rock Star's Girl by Author Jennifer Farwell!






Book Review



Rock Star's Girl by Jennifer Farwell
Book 1: A Hollywood Dating Story Series
Publisher: Booktrope
Publication Date: March 19, 2015 (1st published: July 23, 2011)
Format: Paperback - 348 pages
               Kindle - 947 KB
               Nook - 594 KB
ISBN: 978-0987730701
ASIN: B00UZC9LSU
BNID: 2940151345446
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Buy The Book:


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:

Emily Watts just wants a weekend break from the workaholic hours she's taken on to keep her business—a popular fashion-snark website—up and running. What she gets is overnight celebrity and a career-killing media scandal.

While taking time out to attend a concert in support of friend Jesse Cinder, a struggling musician, Emily meets Cory Sampson, the lead singer of a chart-topping rock band. When she agrees to a date with Cory, making entertainment headlines is the last thing she expects. Even so, it's a minor surprise by comparison to her discovery that in the music world, media notoriety trumps all. Tabloid allegations erupt when Cory and fame-hungry Jesse use Emily for personal gain, and her tarnished image spells disaster—personally and professionally. To save the website and writing career she's made her life and dream, Emily must go from being a pawn in the Hollywood headline game to becoming the media mastermind.


Book Excerpt:


“Are you looking for another date?” Jesse’s voice came from behind her.

She brushed aside a lock of her hair and turned around to look at him. “Nah, I was going to give you about thirty more seconds. After that, you might have been history.”

This is going to be trouble, she thought, taking him in, and she had little doubt that he knew it too. Dressed in a black button-down shirt, casually distressed jeans, and black leather boots, his dark hair perfectly in place, he exuded confidence and charm.

“I would have been crushed if someone had stolen you away.” He flashed her the easy grin that always made her smile and reached for her hand. Together, they walked the few steps over to where the hostess stood, near the restaurant’s entrance.

They were seated at a quiet corner table, given a cozy feel by the glow of white tea lights. Emily always looked forward to having dinner here with Jesse during the few times a year he made it out to L.A. She knew she was silly to think of it as their place, but sitting across from him at the table, studying his face in the flickering candlelight, she liked the idea that any outside observer might think they were a couple enjoying a romantic dinner for two.

“So what do you think?” he asked her, scanning the dinner menu he held in his hands.

“Hmm?” She blinked and tried to pull her thoughts into the present moment. “About what?”

“Dinner.” He looked up at her and grinned. “Or you could just keep staring at me like that. It’s kind of hot.”

She flushed. “I wasn’t staring at you. I was just…” She paused for a moment, searching for a word. “Thinking,” she finished.

He raised his eyebrows. “I’d do a lot of things to hear those thoughts.”

Same old Jesse, she thought. He probably practiced being seductive even while talking in his sleep.

“Hey now,” she protested. “I’m a girl, if you’ve forgotten. I’m sure my thoughts are pretty much never what you think they are.”

“Well, that’s a shame,” he said, the slightest hint of a smirk appearing on his lips. “So what were they, then?”

She ignored his question and picked up her menu. “Are you up for sushi rolls tonight?” she asked, positioning the menu to conceal her face.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Which ones do you feel like?”

“Definitely the salmon roll. I’ve been craving it since the last time I was here.”

“Isn’t salmon an aphrodisiac?” he asked. She lowered her menu to look at him. He raised his eyebrows again.

I was definitely right about tonight being trouble, she thought, suspecting she would have to phrase her answer carefully. “Since when do you even know what that word means?” she teased, hoping to steer the conversation in another direction before it got out of hand, as conversations with Jesse often did.

“I can see you’re impressed,” he said. She detected a note of mischief in his voice. “Do you know what other word I know?”

“Can’t even begin to guess, but go ahead, Webster’s.” She did her best to sound disinterested, but she steeled herself for what was coming.

“Pheromones.”

“Sure you do. Use it in a sentence.” She set her menu down on the table.

“Your hair smells amazing. The scent is almost as powerful as pheromones.” A look of triumph spread across his face.

She felt her mouth twitch and coughed to cover up a laugh. “I’d bet my dinner that Cole taught you that one to help you pick up girls.”

Cole Brooklyn was the lead singer of Ashes of Brooklyn and Jesse’s best friend. He was also Jesse’s wingman when it came to hitting on women, as Emily had witnessed on a few occasions.

“Why? I can’t be pretty and smart?” Jesse countered, a little too loudly. A middle-aged woman seated at the table next to them looked over and giggled.

“You said it, not me,” she replied, ignoring their audience.

“What?”

She shook her head, but she was smiling. “Have you ever heard the term ‘guitarded?’”

He put a hand over his heart, his face contorted into a pained expression as if she’d wounded him. “You have so much animosity toward musicians, Em. Or is that being directed to all guys in general?”

“Would it make you feel better if it was?” she asked, raising her wine glass to her lips.

He studied her for a moment, then a look of realization settled across his face. “You’re not getting any, are you?”

She was thankful that she hadn’t yet begun swallowing her sip of wine. It gave her time to compose her thoughts and let the drops of liquid slide down her throat without choking on them.

“Getting any what?” Leave it to Jesse to bring this up.

“As if you’re twelve.” His expression reminded Emily of a tiger waiting to pounce. From experience she knew he probably was, since his favorite pastime seemed to be interrogating her about her love life. For some reason she was never prepared with witty answers.

“No really. That’s quite the question there, Mr. Cinder. Getting any what?” Her hazel eyes shone with a defiant look that dared him to put what he was thinking into words.

“Affection.” He kept his eyes fixed on her.

“Define affection,” she challenged, feeling the heat rising in her cheeks.

“Hmm. You’re blushing quite madly, Miss Em.”

“I’m not blushing!” she said. “I’m just warm. The candles are throwing heat over here.”

He didn’t even try to conceal his smirk. “Uh-huh. Tea lights are definitely a raging inferno. Let’s see if I can take a guess here.”

“Jesse.” She could see that the woman at the next table was watching them again.

“Sounds like this is a touchy subject,” he said. “Three months, then?”

“I’m not answering this.”


My Book Review:

Rock Star's Girl is an entertaining tale that follows twenty-six year old fashion website owner and freelance writer Emily Watts as she gets caught up in a love triangle with two hot rock stars.

Emily has been friends with struggling musician Jesse Cinder for four years, somewhere along the way she has developed feelings for Jesse, but he wants to only be friends. While attending Jesse's band Ashes of Brooklyn's show at a local club, Emily meets Cory Sampson, the lead singer for the up-and-coming rock band Blistering Twilight. Emily's life turns upside when a Hollywood entertainment / celebrity gossip website starts posting articles about Emily and Cory activities. Emily suddenly becomes a tabloid sensation and her fashion website's popularity explodes, and she finds herself having feeling for both guys, but are Jesse and Cory's feelings for Emily true, or is their attraction to her for purely personal gains? So what's a girl to do when she is faced with unexpected media notoriety and two rock stars vying for her attention?

Rock Star's Girl is an enjoyable chick lit tale set in Los Angeles that has enough drama, romance, and trials and tribulations, that easily keeps the reader turning the pages to see what would happen next to Emily and her rock star love interests. I really enjoyed the pop culture references to the LA music scene, and the celebrity gossip and fashion internet industry. What I enjoyed the most was the witty dialogue, Emily's snarky sarcasm kept me in stitches, while the drama surrounding her relationships with Jesse and Cory took me on a roller coaster ride. I have to admit that I developed a love/hate sentiment towards both guys, but I was definitely team Emily as she learned to handle the pressures of the unexpected media frenzy and notoriety, and strived to pick up the pieces of her life. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I really liked how Emily's best friend Shelby had her back, that's what true best friends are all about!

Rock Star's Girl is a lighthearted and amusing chick lit tale that would make the perfect summer beach read!


RATING: 4 STARS 






About The Author




Jennifer Farwell has been writing since the day she picked up a navy blue Crayola as a toddler and began scribbling on her parents' freshly painted white walls. She's the author of SEVEN WEEKS TO FOREVER and ROCK STAR'S GIRL. When not writing novels, she can often be found at a Kundalini yoga class, cheering on the L.A. Kings during hockey season, or curled up with a good book. Her love of storytelling led to completing a Bachelor of Journalism degree and a Master of Arts degree in English, both from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. She grew up in Thunder Bay, Canada, and now lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Pico.

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Virtual Book Tour




Tour Schedule:

May 11 - Polishedand Bubbly – Review
May 13 - LivingLife With Joy – Excerpt
May 14 - Chick Lit Goddess – Excerpt
May 19 - Pop Crunch Boom - Excerpt
May 20 - Kelly’sNerdy Obsession- Excerpt
May 22 - EbookAddict – Excerpt
May 26 - TwoChildren and a Migraine – Review & Excerpt
May 27 - KarmaFor Life Chick – Excerpt
May 28 - HelloPrecious Bliss – Review & Excerpt
June 2 - Ali’sBookshelf – Review
June 3 - The PhantomParagrapher – Review
June 4 - Storm Goddess BookReviews – Review & Excerpt
June 5 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
June 8 - Chick Lit Plus – Review



Fairest of the Faire by Susabelle Kelmer (Book Blast / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Goddess Fish Promotions, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book blast event for the Fairest of the Faire by Author Susabelle Kelmer!







About The Book



Fairest of the Faire by Susabelle Kelmer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press  (Champagne Rose)
Publication Date: June 5, 2015
Format: Paperback - 296 pages
               Kindle - 412 KB
               Nook - 289 KB
ISBN: 978-1509201679
ASIN: B00XCXYLSO
BNID: 2940151416306
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Buy The Book: 


Book Description:

The renaissance fair is filled with characters and romance, but will it end in storybook love?

Schoolteacher Connie Meyers is suddenly a young widow, her husband killed in a horrific car accident. Heartbroken to find out he had gambled away everything they had, she moves to her sister-in-law's Midwest home to rebuild her life. A trip to the local Renaissance Faire with her nieces leads to a summer job as a costumed storyteller.

Avowed bad boy and fair performer Gage Younglood is infatuated with Connie at first sight. Despite his deliberately commitment-free life, and Connie's don't-touch-me attitude, he soon has her in his arms, realizing quickly she is also in his heart.

When she is threatened by her late husband's bookie, he steps into the role of protector, his fate forever sealed with hers.


Book Excerpt:


“Who said anything about a relationship?” he said, standing up so he could tower over her again. “I’m just trying to have a little fun. You know, fun?”

If he’d been an animal, she was sure he’d have had hair raised on the back of his neck, he seemed so angry, and it struck her painfully. She hadn’t wanted to anger him or hurt him. She turned away from him and closed her eyes to tamp down the tears she knew would come if she let them. She crossed her arms over her chest, to hold in the pain. Being tired made her much too vulnerable.

“Yes,” she finally said. “I know about fun. Life isn’t always fun, though.”

“Princess.” His voice was soft, tender. “I won’t hurt you. It’s not in my plan.”

Despite herself, she felt the shivers of desire race down from her shoulders, down her arms and legs, and back up to that secret, soft place at her core. She bowed her head and gritted her teeth, hoping for the feeling to go away.

“And what is your plan, Gage?”

“It’s a simple plan. I want you to feel good. I want to feel good, too.”




About The Author




Susabelle Kelmer is a wife and mother living at the base of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. She believes in romance, second chances, and the magic of moonlight. When she isn't writing, she works with students with disabilities in the college environment.

Susabelle’s tagline: Love is Everything.


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Contest Giveaway

Win A $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card




Author Susabelle Kelmer is awarding a $10 Amazon/B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

The tour dates can be found here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-blast-fairest-of-faire-by.html


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Book Blast Event Page



Click on the above link for the list of event participants.




Monday, June 1, 2015

All This Time by Tiffani Burnett-Velez (Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for All This Time by Author Tiffani Burnett-Velez!






Book Review



All This Time by Tiffani Burnett-Velez
Publisher: Booktrope
Publication Date: March 12, 2015
Format: Paperback - 146 pages
               Kindle - 1289 KB
               Nook - 375 KB
ISBN: 978-1620157541
ASIN: B00UPHSHQM
BNID: 2940151373708
Genre: Literary Fiction


Buy The Book: 


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:

Syrian-American, Lydia Fadoul, has spent a year waiting for her fiance’ to return from war in Iraq, only to discover that he is broken by trauma and the devastating effects of PTSD. Just when he finally agrees to seek help, he takes his own life and leaves behind a story of murder, betrayal, and mystery. In her second, contemporary fiction novel since Budapest, Tiffani Burnett-Velez weaves a fast-paced literary tale about the rumors we believe and the prejudices we create in order to protect our hearts from the truth.


Book Excerpt:


Lydia stays there for several minutes, feeling the love inside her heart seep into the earth and down into his coffin. She pictures it making the grass grow in the spring and feeding the trees, and she feels her tears drying up. Finally, standing to her feet, and dusting herself off, she blows him another kiss and promises to come back again soon. She walks to her car and drives the short distance to her home, passing the Victorian era neighborhoods in which she played and grew up and walked with Thomas the months when their lives intersected at these same corners and points of the city they both loved.


My Book Review:

All This Time is a very touching story that follows Lydia Fadoul on her quest for answers behind her fiance Thomas' suicide upon returning home from his tour in Iraq.

Author Tiffani Burnett-Velez weaves a riveting and emotional tale that easily draws the reader into Lydia's quest for answers behind the mystery surrounding Thomas' actions while in Iraq that ultimately led to his traumatic spiral downwards from the effects of PTSD and tragic suicide. The story takes the reader on a thrilling roller coaster ride that will have them experiencing the gamut of emotions as the tragic tale of mystery, murder, and betrayal unfolds. You can't help but sympathize with Lydia as she stands by the memory of her fiance while shouldering the burden of searching for the truth.

The author weaves a realistic and intense tale that delves into the issues of PTSD, suicide, racism, prejudice, discrimination, murder, and the politics of war. All This Time is a thought provoking story that will make the reader pause and ponder the harsh realities and the tragic cost of war that is placed upon our military service people and their families.

RATING: 5 STARS 






About The Author




Tiffani Burnett-Velez has been a freelance writer since 1996. Her non-fiction work has appeared in Pennsylvania Magazine, Health.com, and Yahoo! News. Her first novel, Budapest (LFP 2007) was featured in the New York Book Festival and the 42nd Annual Conference of Jewish Librarians. Her short fiction has appeared in Toe Good Poetry and other online literary magazines. She is also the author of the bestselling Embers of War Series. She frequently writes about women’s issues and history. She lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her family.


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Virtual Book Tour



Tour Schedule:

May 26 - HeySaid Renee – Review
May 26 - Storm Goddess BookReviews- Novel Spotlight 
May 27 - LivingLife With Joy– Excerpt
May 28 - TheWorld As I See It – Review & Excerpt
May 28 - Chick Lit Plus – Review
May 29 - Curling Up With aGood Book - Review & Excerpt
June 1 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
June 1 - Book Splurge – Excerpt