Saturday, November 30, 2019

*Book Tour & Giveaway* Warrior Woman of the Samurai by India Millar


Firefly
Warrior Woman of the Samurai Book 1 
by India Millar 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance




There are some who believe that the honor of a samurai is reserved for men.

But they are wrong.

Keiko was born the daughter of a samurai. But as a mere younger sister, her future was to run errands for her lovely elder sister and obey her father. Until the day it fell to her to defend the honor of her sister and her family... 



Mantis 
Warrior Woman of the Samurai Book 2




Keiko’s men are dead, slaughtered by peasants in a desperate attempt to obtain food for their starving families. She is the last of her line; without her, the noble and ancient house of Hakuseki will die.

In order to try and save her family name, this noble samurai warrior woman is forced to humble herself at the feet of the local daimyo. When he ridicules her and takes the family estate for himself, the samurai code of bushido says there is only one thing left for Keiko.

Vengeance.

Keiko plots to take revenge for the actions of her greedy noble lord and revenge against the men who wanted to buy her and keep her as their slave.

Just like the praying mantis, Keiko lures her enemies into a sense of safety before taking her revenge...  




Chameleon
Warrior Woman of the Samurai Book 3




Keiko’s revenge on her enemies is almost complete. Like her namesake, the chameleon, she has changed herself to attract and entrap the men she seeks. Now, just one man remains unpunished. But before she can complete her vengeance, karma destroys her plans cruelly. Niko—her adopted younger sister—has been kidnapped. Keiko is sure she knows who is behind the abduction, but she cannot act alone to get Niko back. She is forced to turn to the most unlikely ally to help her—Akira, the most feared yakuza in Edo.

Karma forces Keiko to change her colors to get what she wants. She has become as adaptable as the chameleon. But first and last, she is still a warrior woman of the samurai. 




I started my career in the heavy industry of British Gas and ended it in the rarefied atmosphere of the British Library. Now, I share a blissful early retirement on the wonderful Costa Blanca, living in a male dominated household with my long suffering husband, a cat and a dog. 



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!



Friday, November 29, 2019

*Book Tour & Giveaway* Ticking off Breast Cancer by Sara Liyanage


Ticking off Breast Cancer 
by Sara Liyanage 
Genre: Autobiography


Sara is a married, forty-something, mother of two and part-time lawyer in London. When breast cancer appears on her never-ending to-do list, Sara's life is thrown upside down... 

Ticking Off Breast Cancer is a chronological narrative of Sara’s life from the day of her primary breast cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment. Sara opens up with heart-wrenching honesty, as she deals with the physical, emotional and mental challenges thrown at her by cancer. Accompanying her on the rollercoaster of cancer struggles, are plenty of light-hearted and positive moments. This is a no-holds- barred insight into the day-to-day realities of breast cancer treatment aimed at supporting the patient as well as their family and friends. Packed with helpful to-do lists, Ticking Off Breast Cancer provides thoughtful and helpful advice for every step of the way. 






I was diagnosed with HER2 positive and oestrogen positive primary breast cancer on 19 October 2016, aged 42. It wasn’t part of my life plan (which at that point involved being a very busy wife, mother of two children, working part time in the corporate London rat race, general multi-tasker, juggler and spinner of many plates). But I decided to get through this detour with a positive attitude and as much dignity, grace and composure as possible. 

Well, with the combination of medical appointments, scans, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy my dignity, grace and composure all flew out the window at some point. But I did retain the ability to get myself organised and make a few lists. And I love a list. I found myself spending a lot of time researching the practical stuff like what to take to hospital for surgery and chemo, how to alleviate the side effects of chemo, what to eat, how to relax, what to expect from radiotherapy and so on. Researching and making lists. 

I found a wealth of excellent online information about going through breast cancer treatment. However, I found the websites completely overwhelming. I wanted to talk to someone who had been through it and who would hold my hand and tell me what to do. I wanted a website which gave me practical advice in one easily accessible place where I didn’t have to go through link after link trying to work out if the information was relevant or not, whilst trying to avoid the untrue/out-of-date/unreliable information. But I didn’t have someone to talk to and I didn’t find that website. Instead I researched around and I separated the wheat from the chaff, noted down a few to-do lists, shopping lists and action plans and put one foot in front of the other along the well-trodden cancer path. 

Armed with my trusty lists I have made it through to the other side where I am now basking in the glow of hair regrowth, new eyebrows, new eyelashes, and a renewed energy. 

After my treatment came to an end, it seemed a shame for my dog-eared lists to get thrown out but I certainly don’t plan on using them again. Never. I thought they might help other people like me. So here they are: I have created a website, which is what I needed when I was first diagnosed and going through my treatment. 

I can’t hold your hand and tell you what to do, but I hope that my website can help make this turbulent journey a little less bumpy for you. I wish you all the best. 






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*Book Tour & Giveaway* Memories in December by Gina Ardito-GUEST POST


Memories in December
Calendar Girls Book 4
by Gina Ardito
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance 
Publication Date: November 7, 2019


Siobhan Bendlow is struggling with her recovery from an eating disorder and the financial downturn of her photography business. The last thing she needs is to become the sole caretaker of her wacky grandmother. Especially since the man of her teenaged dreams, Jimmy Vais, has moved back to town, newly single and available. So has his pesky younger brother, Justin. One Vais is fun, but juggling two is a problem.

Althea Bendlow may be in her seventies now, but she still craves all the things she wanted in youth: joy, comfort, laughter, and happiness for her loved ones. If gaining the latter means performing some matchmaking magic for her only granddaughter, she’s up to the task. As long as her own past doesn’t keep distracting her, in the form of Captain Lou Rugerman, a man who meant the world to her for one night only.

Welcome back to Snug Harbor, where the memories of a lifetime can become the dreams of tomorrow...  

**easily read as a standalone!!** 




I kill houseplants. There. Now you know one of my greatest shames. I'm not boasting. I just figure that if you're reading this, you're looking for more than how wonderful life is as a writer. You get enough of that elsewhere. Ditto for political rants, how to lose thirty pounds in a week, and creating gorgeous crafts with nothing more than twine and soup cans. My goal is to connect with you, dear reader, even if you're not a writer, not a New Yorker, not a mother, not a female. We're human (unless one of us is a spambot), and what we have in common is flaws. So here are a few more of mine: 

I sing all the time. I sing songs most people don't know--jingles from television, crazy stuff I used to listen to on Dr. Demento, Broadway and movie soundtracks, and I can even bum-bum-bum through instrumental music. I sing in the car. In the shower. While I'm grocery shopping. And I headbop while I sing. When I'm not singing, I talk to myself. Just ignore me and move on. You get used to it after a while. 

I don't eat my vegetables. Seriously. I only started eating salad about ten years ago, but I'd still rather have a cookie. 

Given the option, I would live in a mall where I would never have to worry about freezing temperatures or too much sun. I'm extremely fair-skinned and could burn under a 60-watt light bulb. 

I can't sleep without background noise so the television's on all night. If it's too dark and too quiet, all I have are my thoughts. And even *I* don't want to be alone with my thoughts. 

Don't ask me to Zumba, line dance, or march in the parade. I have absolutely no rhythm. 

I color outside the lines. Not because I'm a rebel, but because I suck as an artist. My artistic ability is limited to being able to draw Snoopy sleeping on his doghouse. And I don't even draw that well. 

Regrets. I have more than a few. 

My favorite activity is sleep, and I'm pretty good at it. I don't clock a lot of hours, but I can powernap like a Persian cat and rejuvenate within ten minutes. 

I consider shopping and dining out excellent therapy for anything wrong in my life. 

My feet are always cold. Always. My husband of more than a quarter century claims it's because I'm an alien sent to Earth to destroy him. (He might be right about that.) 

Coming to my house for a visit? Unless you've given me plenty of advance notice, be prepared. My floor will not be vacuumed, there will be dishes in my sink, and I only make my bed when I change the sheets once a week (I'm climbing back into it ASAP. Why make it?) Housecleaning is not high on my priority list. Okay, to be totally honest, it's not on the list at all. 

I can resist anything...except ice cream. 

Since this is our first date, I figure I've revealed enough secrets for now. But if you've read this bio and think I might be the author for you, pick up one of my books or stalk my website: www.ginaardito.com



GUEST POST
Writing Across an Age Gap

In Memories in December (like with all the Calendar Girls books), there are two heroines. This time around, the story revolves around thirty-year-old Siobhan Bendlow and her seventy-year-old grandmother, Althea Bendlow. That means a forty-year age gap between these two ladies.
Talk about a writing challenge! Bear in mind, I’m in my fifties. Which means, I’m twenty-five years older than my younger heroine, and fifteen years younger than my older heroine. Not exactly a comfortable place to write from while hopping from one head to the other, chapter by chapter.
Althea spends a great deal of the book reminiscing about her younger self (hence, the title, Memories in December), and I loved the research involved in conjuring up her youthful indiscretions and turbulent past. She attended Woodstock, married a Vietnam vet, and outlived her husband both her children. Hers is a life full of rich moments, many of them tragic, and yet, she maintains a positive attitude.

Siobhan insisted I couldn’t wear a caftan and my Keds to the Gull and Oar. As if anyone would notice what I had on and care. After all, once I was seated, I’d only be visible from the waist up anyway. The gold and red floral pattern would look like a pretty blouse to the other customers and restaurant staff. But, no. Bon-Bon made me promise I’d wear something dressier.
Still, I wanted to be comfortable. After some heated debates, we finally settled on a deep blue, crushed velvet jumpsuit that worked for both of us. I loved the bell bottom cuffs and the drawstring waist. At my age, I’d outgrown the need to suck in my gut by shimmying into control-top pantyhose and stumble around in high heels meant to arch my back for a man’s appreciation. And I told her so. When she pushed a pair of silver ballet flats on my feet, I was surprised how nice they looked peeking out from the hem of my pants.
And they won’t make your feet ache or arch your back to entice Captain Lou,” she pointed out.
Because I didn’t like her snippy attitude, and besides, the whole date idea made me ornery, I retorted with, “I’m not puttin’ on tons of makeup or a bunch of jewelry, either. I’m too old for that kinda stuff. I’d look like some vain woman, desperately trying to cling to her youth. I won’t be seen as ridiculous. I’m seventy years old and proud of it. Lou’s getting me the way God made me, wrinkles and all. Take a tip from me, Bon-Bon. Love who you are first. Only then will real love find you.” My granddaughter glared at me, and I realized a minute too late I’d touched on a sore subject. I had to backpedal. Fast. I fussed with my collar. “I swear, if Lou makes one snide comment about how I look, this date is off.”
The anger left her eyes, but the hurt remained. I’d have to double down on my efforts to get her fixed up with Jimmy Vais. Once she was happily in a relationship, she’d mellow out.

Maybe it’s because I’m closer to her in age and have experienced more of a life these days, but I found Althea a fun and easy character to write. Siobhan, on the other hand, gave me fits. Don’t get me wrong. I like her. I love her, in fact, as I do all my characters. They’re my imaginary children, and like my real children, I know their flaws as well as their virtues. Siobhan has blind spots that make the older me want to take her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. Her life’s been rough, and she’s had her share of heartache, but unlike her grandma, Siobhan allows the circumstances to rule her reaction, instead of tackling issues head-on.

I thought I’d head over to Schooner Court to see the Christmas lights.” At last, Jimmy returned his attention to me, a too-sweet smile on his sarcastic face. “Maybe Siobhan would like to join me?”
I’d rather eat live spiders.
Before I could come up with a more polite reply, my grandmother clapped and announced, “She’d love to! Go on, Bon-Bon.”
Any doubt I’d harbored that this dinner was a set-up disappeared. The old lady got to her feet faster than I could and practically dumped me out of my chair.
Don’t worry about the dishes,” she told me—as if that was my greatest fear right now. The fact Jimmy still watched me with that sociopath smile gleaming brighter than the diamonds in our chandelier had no effect on her. She shooed me with her hands. “Lou will help me clean up. Go on. Get your coat. Go with Jimmy. We’ll be fine.”
I stifled a shiver. Yeah, sure. They’d be fine. What about me?
Well?” Jimmy prompted. “You coming?”
I could’ve said no, could’ve gone with my first instinct and opted for the spiders, but I was pretty sure that was what he wanted. Never let it be said I did what someone else wanted. In that respect, I was a lot like my grandmother. I matched the monster’s predatory grin with one of my own. “Sounds fun. Count me in.”
Ha! He blinked. I’d caught him off-guard by agreeing. Good. I’d hate to be the only stunned player in this…whatever game this was.
I’ll just get our coats,” I added in a lighthearted tone far from the angst I felt in the pit of my stomach. How did I know he wasn’t a serial killer, for God’s sake? I couldn’t help but remember Nana’s comments from earlier. You should see the house. He keeps it dark all the time. Why? Did he hide the bodies of the women who ticked him off in the basement?
Minutes later, despite misgivings screaming inside my skull, I sat in the passenger seat of Jimmy’s car in his driveway. My breath came in quick gulps, forming puffy clouds in the chilled air while I waited for him to turn up the heat. What in the world was I doing here? What did I have to prove? Did I really care if Jimmy Vais thought I was weak or cowardly or waiting ‘til he left before I threw up my dinner?

Over time, both women will come to learn from and appreciate the other, and this transition allows them to find love. Because, after all, as Althea would be the first one to tell you, you have to love yourself before someone else can love you.



Two $15 Amazon gift cards 

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*Book Tour & Giveaway* I Like The Way You Hurt by Lorrain Allen-GUEST POST


I Like the Way You Hurt 
A Dark Interracial High School Bully Romance 
by Lorrain Allen 
Genre: Dark Romance 
Publication Date: December 6, 2019


After the tragic death of her father several years ago, Cocoa’s mother has finally found love again. Cocoa is uprooted from Los Angeles, California to a small town in West Virginia before the start of her senior year. Though she’s not enthusiastic about the move, she’s very excited that her mother has found the will to love again. Cocoa meets Maverick prior to the first day of school. Cocoa is biracial and is everything Maverick has been taught to hate. Though Maverick hates her on sight, a fire burns between them that could destroy both of their worlds, leaving them in ashes. Cocoa can sense the hurt and anger in Maverick wanting to burst free and consume everything in its path. Will Cocoa be the one person that can soothe Maverick’s soul before he self-destructs? 

Maverick’s mother committed suicide to escape her abusive husband, leaving six-year-old Maverick to face the fists of his father alone. The only things Maverick can relate to are power, control, pain, and anger. He doesn’t know how to love. He’s afraid of the feelings that Cocoa stirs in him because he’s not supposed to want her with a fever that burns so bright that it leaves him aching. The only way he knows how to control his feelings is to destroy Cocoa and make her hurt. 
WARNING: This book contains strong sexual content and triggers. The subject matter is very brutal. Readers beware. This book isn’t for sensitive individuals. 

This is a standalone book. 

PRE-RELEASE PRICE IS $2.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!



Book Trailer



Lorrain has enjoyed writing ever since she was a child and was also part of the poetry club in middle school. She loves to get away from the world and lose herself in a book. As a young adult, she became a romance book junky and was inspired to pen her first romance by the many creative authors whose books she's read. She wants to provide her fans with a suspenseful read that has a twist at the end. The subject matters of her books are a little controversial, but life is boring without a little controversy. 



GUEST POST
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Twilight was the first romance novel I ever read and after that I was hooked. I’ve read novels from so many amazing authors. They inspired me to pen my first romance.


What is something unique/quirky about you?
I have to do laundry and grocery shop on Friday evenings. My family teases me relentlessly about that.


What are some of your pet peeves?
A person who doesn’t take accountability for their actions.

Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born and grew up in Washington, DC where I still reside.


What are you passionate about these days?
My son and becoming a successful full-time romance author.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
Read books!

How to find time to write as a parent?
It’s really hard. Time management skills are a must. Create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Stubborn, determined


When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In first grade I penned my first book was called “The Fox in the Box.”

Do you have a favorite movie?
All the Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre movies. I’ve watched them several times.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I can see “The Games We Play” being made into a movie.


What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
None so far since I’m a new writer.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A wolf. I love a good werewolf romance. 
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Thursday, November 28, 2019

*Book Tour & Giveaway* Rogue's Holiday by Regan Walker


Rogue's Holiday 
Agents of the Crown Book 5 
by Regan Walker 
Genre: Historical Romantic Adventure 

Publisher: Regan Walker Publishing 
Publication Date: November 7, 2019


Robert Powell’s work as a spy saves the Cabinet ministers from a gruesome death and wins him accolades from George IV. As a reward, the king grants him a baronetcy and a much-deserved holiday at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton where he thinks to indulge in brandy, cards, good horseflesh and women. 

But when Muriel, Dowager Countess of Claremont, learns of Sir Robert’s intended destination, she begs a favor...to watch over an “errant child” who is the grandniece of her good friend living in the resort town. Little does Robbie know that Miss Chastity Reynolds is no child but a beautiful hoyden who is seemingly immune to his charms. 

Chastity lives in the shadow of her mother and sisters, dark-haired beauties men admire. Her first Season was a failure but, as she will soon come into a family legacy, she has no need to wed. When she first encounters Sir Robert, she dubs him The Rogue, certain he indulges in a profligate lifestyle she wants no part in. 

In Brighton, Robbie discovers he is being followed by friends of the conspirators who had planned to murder the Cabinet. Worse, they know the location of Chastity's residence. 




Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. She writes historically authentic novels with real historical figures along with her fictional characters. Among the awards she has won are the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the RONE Award for her medievals and the Gold Medal Illumination Award. 




Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!




Wednesday, November 27, 2019

*Book Tour & Giveaway* The Health and Happiness Society by Katie Cross


Bon Bons to Yoga Pants 
The Health and Happiness Society Book 1
by Katie Cross 
Genre: Chick Lit


*Winner of the 2015 Watty Awards Best of HQ Love*

Lexie Greene has always had such a pretty face.

Unfortunately, that's where it seemed to stop. She's grown up hearing her Mother constantly remind her that she needs to lose weight. And twenty-two-year-old Lexie knows she's overweight.

With her younger sister's wedding on the horizon and a crush to stalk on Facebook, Lexie's had enough. She gives up her constant daydreams about food and joins a dieting group. As the pounds melt away at the gym, she finds that life on the other side of junk food isn't what she thought.

Bon Bons to Yoga Pants is an inspirational hit about a girl coming to terms with herself, and her past, all while navigating a world of food and fitness. 




I Am Girl Power 
The Health and Happiness Society Book 2


Cardiac nurse Megan Bailey has it all. Until she doesn’t.

Thanks to a string of horrible relationships, an unexpected twist in her career, and mounting credit card bills, Megan escapes to Adventura Summer Camp to work as camp chef.

Instead of a relaxing summer in the mountains, she faces a persnickety oven, squirrels in the kitchen, and a host of uncertain staff. With the help of her twin brothers and a quiet, blue-eyed camp ranger named Justin, Megan will have to navigate the treacherous waters of a storm she never expected: her parents possible divorce.

I Am Girl Power is the second book in the quirky new Health and Happiness Society series. Join Megan as she experiences heartbreak, laughter, and the frightening winds of change. 


**Kindle countdown deal from Nov 6th – 13th!!**
Only .99 cents Nov 6th - 8th
Only.$1.99 Nov 9th-11th


Only $3.99 Nov 11th - 13th






You'll Never Know 
The Health and Happiness Society Book 3


Rachelle Martin is a hot mess.

After losing 110 pounds, she expected to be happily flirting her way through countless dates, not lost as a college dropout. Now that she’s arrived at her ideal weight, why isn’t she happy?

When an injury prevents her from running her dream race, she realize she can’t run from her ghosts anymore. Rachelle must take the one step she’s sworn she’d never take: professional therapy.

Can Rachelle push herself through pain and let go of the past? Or will her demons continue to haunt her one bad decision at a time?
You’ll Never Know is the unforgettable novel in the groundbreaking Health and Happiness Society series. It tackles the false idea of conditional happiness and the exhausting path to self forgiveness. 


**Kindle countdown deal from Nov 13th – 20th!!**
Only .99 cents Nov 13th - 15th
Only.$1.99 Nov 15th-17th


Only $3.99 Nov 18th - 20th



Hear Me Roar 
The Health and Happiness Society Book 4


Bitsy Walker is a woman in control.

She eats 1200 calories a day, prepares three rounded meals on a budget, runs her own cleaning business, and never leaves the house with an unmade bed.

When her ex-husband crashes back into her immaculate world, her daughters fall in love with their father all over again. Rumors of joint custody surface, driving Bitsy to the edge of dieting desperation.

Can she handle losing control without giving into binge eating? Or will losing the battle make everything unravel—even her?

Join Bitsy in her journey through calorie counting, the intricacies of self care, and surrendering control in the fourth book in the Health and Happiness Society Series. 


**Kindle countdown deal from Nov 20th – 27th!!**
Only .99 cents Nov 20th - 22nd
Only.$1.99 Nov 23rd-25th


Only $3.99 Nov 26th - 27th 



What Was Lost 
The Health and Happiness Society Book 5


Mira Montgomery is the only one left.

Her brothers unexpected death leaves her tragically alone. No kids. No husband. No family.

Fifty-one years of unrealized dreams crash down on her when a real estate development company threatens the only stability she has left: her store. To make matters worse, her friends in the Health and Happiness Society have more good news than ever before.

Mira is faced with the decision to walk away and start fresh, or stay and fall apart.

Can she survive life without the comfort of her friends? Or will she fall farther into her depression than ever?

Join Mira on her new path through old grief, new loss, and the burning importance of gratitude in the fifth and final book in the Health and Happiness Society series. 


**Kindle countdown deal from Nov 27th – Dec 4th!!**
Only .99 cents Nov 27th - 29th
Only.$1.99 Nov 30th – Dec 2nd


Only $3.99 Dec 3rd - 4th



Finding Anna 
A Health and Happiness Society spinoff


Anna Buchanan is a freshman college student with one plan: travel abroad.

Except . . . college life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Her new roommate definitely has a quirky side. All those romantic comedies she watched growing up? Not happening. Money is harder to come by than she thought, and her first kiss is less-than-foot-popping.

Not to mention the fact that there aren’t enough hours in her day to sell blood plasma, work at the deli, and volunteer at her dream internship.

All of Anna’s hard-thought dreams tumble around her ankles when she buries herself too deep in dreams. Then the most terrifying news hits her like a slap in the face.

Can Anna salvage the time and money needed to fulfill her dreams? Or will she have to face the truth: that sometimes our greatest adventures never take us very far away.

Join Anna Buchanan in Finding Anna, a heartwarming novel about odd roommates, unattainable college boys, and the epic quest to find yourself. 





My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains. 
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day. 
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too. 
I write because I never stopped. 
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Health and Happiness Society. 




$25 Amazon 

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