T's Stuff

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Paranormal, Fantasy Romance

Date Published: November 8, 2017 (paperback); May 4, 2012 (kindle)

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Enter the world of Pure Ones, a race of immortal, supernaturally powerful beings who protect humankind, where sexual intercourse with anyone other than one’s Eternal Mate leads to a slow, painful death within thirty days.

The Healer of the race, Rain, is the only exception to this rule. She must take a Consort once every ten years and draw strength from his blood and body. Valerius, Protector of the race, is the strongest candidate.

Despite their instant attraction, Valerius has staunchly avoided applying to be the Healer’s Consort. The brutality and violence he suffered as a Roman sex slave in his human life ate away at his soul, leaving a dark abyss of torment and self-doubt.

Now, as Rain’s strength drains with every healing act, Valerius cannot escape the fact that he may be the only one who can save her, and in so doing, afford his people greater hope for the future as battles intensify.

About the Author

Aja has been writing stories since the age of six, and novels since the age of thirteen. While she'd be the first to admit that those early efforts weren't particularly good, she sure loved putting them down on paper!

The best part of writing, according to Aja, is that it’s completely organic, the way the stories develop. When the inspiration hits, she writes just so she herself can learn where the characters are headed because oftentimes, they take her by surprise! It is her ultimate dream to share her stories with as many readers as she possibly can.

Her other loves include art, cooking, old movies (anything with Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Clark Gable, and all the song and dance numbers because she can’t watch them and not be happy!)

She adores taking long walks with her husband and running after her two rambunctious kids. She has traveled extensively (all seven continents except Antarctica) and has a multi-cultural upbringing. She speaks two and a half languages and binge watch TV shows when the mood strikes.

Aja has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Comparative Literature and Economics and two Master’s degrees, one of which is in East Asian Studies.

Contact Links

Website

Purchase Links

Saturday, February 3, 2018

The Vanished Bride of Northfield House by Phyllis M. Newman

The Vanished Bride of Northfield House
by Phyllis M. Newman

The Vanished Bride of Northfield House

Gothic Mystery
1st in Series
Date of Release January 26, 2018
Cup of Tea Books
Paperback: 346 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1939403452
Digital ASIN: B0791MQVBM

England, 1922 Times are hard. Anne Chatham is a clever, modest young woman with little money, no prospects for marriage, and a never-shared secret—she can see spirits.
Anne finds employment as a typist at Northfield House, the grand country manor of the Wellington family. Her employer, the wheelchair-bound Mr. Wellington, is kindly. His haughty wife is not. He has two handsome sons, the wry and dashing Thomas and the dark and somber Owen.
Anne feels sure her prayers have been heard. Until the terrifying night, she stumbles upon a tortured spirit roaming the dark halls of Northfield, a spirit that only she can see.
In a search for answers, she finds herself drawn to Owen as they unearth a tragic story from the Wellington family’s past—a beautiful young bride gone missing on her wedding day.
Then tragedy strikes again on the night of a glittering masquerade ball...

My Review:
4*
Phyllis M Newman has done a great job with this book. It is a real page turner. I do wish there had of been a bit more interaction and ghost hunting then there was. The book is filled with mystery, as is the people and the home. Some of the book was a bit over descriptive, but it all evened out in the end. I did have the villain pegged from pretty close to the 1st of the book and, figured out mystery of Eleanor very early on, but I didn't have the details of it all sorted out. And I must admit there were a few surprises thrown in also.

Anne Chatham is alone in the world. After loosing most of her family to Influenza and nearly dying herself. Then her Father passes away. He has left no money or insurance to take care of Anne. Anne finds employment at the Northfield House as a typist for Mr. Wellington. Anne has a secret. After he near death experience she can see spirits. Almost immediately after entering NorthField House she starts seeing the resident spirit of the house.

Sorry if this review is a bit vague on details but I don't want to say to much and spoil the book for anyone.

Phyllis M Newman turned to writing mysteries after a career in finance and human resources. She lives in Columbus, Ohio in a big house with a weed-filled yard, three strong-willed cats, and a husband that's easy on the eyes.

Author webpage www.readphyllismnewman.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReadPhyllisMNewman/

Purchase Link

Amazon

Short Excerpt

I heard scratching—fingernails or claws or beaks on wood. Then the rustle of wings, a soft fluttering. Perhaps a bird had gotten trapped on the floor above.

Knock. Thud. Knock. Thud. Knock. Thud.

Then nothing.

I waited for the thumps and scratches to begin again, but heard only Owen’s rapid breathing.

His grip on my shoulder softened. Before we could step away from each other, I heard something else. Whispers. Not words, but sibilance. A faint weeping.
I could pretend no longer that the sounds issued from an animal.

Owen shuddered, and I tried to swallow.

My sight darted from the floors to the ceilings, from corner to corner, searching for additional signs. I saw none. The bed, its elaborate draperies, and the pictures on the walls were all undisturbed, but a plaintive lament—a mournful sobbing—suddenly filled the space.

When the weeping stopped, I found my hand pressed against Owen’s chest. I could feel his heart beating, hard and fast, under my palm.

“I think it’s over,” he said, releasing my shoulders.

I reluctantly withdrew my hand and took a step away.

Interview with Phyllis M. Newman

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

I never map out my story line or do an outline. I am too impatient to write a backstory or the background of my characters. The ideas spinning in my head just take over before I can do anything like that.

Typically, I start with an opening paragraph and an idea of what motivates my main character: love, control, the need for money, a place to belong…these are the things that are universal for all of us. And I always have a final paragraph. Then I try to fill in the middle. The final paragraph gives me a kind of guidepost. However, I don’t allow that final paragraph to fully define the story. Sometimes I’ll get halfway through the plot and realize I need to change either the villain or the victim. Change is good.

My characters take me places I have never thought to go. I have no idea as I start each day what will happen and what problems will present themselves. For this reason, I advise anyone who wants to write to sit down and do it. Don’t wait until the mood strikes or you figure out what you want to write about. Your characters can take you there and give you what you cannot come up with on your own by just thinking about it.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

When was the last time you read a really spooky, honest to goodness ghost story? One where there is no rational explanation for paranormal events, like a cat on the piano keys or squirrels in the attic?

The Vanished Bride of Northfield House is just such a gothic tale - with a spirited heroine, intriguing mystery, engaging romance, and a ghost to make it lively. So sit back and prepare yourself to get lost in a story!

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yes, I have 3 additional manuscripts that have not yet been published. I have published one other novel.

Pen or type writer or computer?

Odd notes, sudden ideas, a name that catches my fancy – pen on paper. But after that - computer! Once I start to write my story my fingers can’t move fast enough on the computer keyboard.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I have enormous fun writing about my characters, the problems they face, and trouble they get

themselves into. I love to evoke a creepy scene or romantic interludes. I relish doing the research required to transport my readers into another world.

If the reader enjoys reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them, then I will have been a success!

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Tempest by Beverly Jenkins

From USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins comes a new novel in a mesmerizing series set in the Old West, where an arranged marriage becomes a grand passion . . .

What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss? One like Regan Carmichael—an independent spirit equally at home in denims and dresses. Shooting Dr. Colton Lee in the shoulder is an honest error, but soon Regan wonders if her entire plan to marry a man she’s never met is a mistake. Colton, who buried his heart along with his first wife, insists he only wants someone to care for his daughter. Yet Regan is drawn to the unmistakable desire in his gaze.

Regan’s far from the docile bride Colton was expecting. Still, few women would brave the wilds of Wyoming Territory for an uncertain future with a widower and his child. The thought of having a bold, forthright woman like Regan in his life—and in his arms—begins to inspire a new dream. And despite his family’s disapproval and an unseen enemy, he’ll risk all to make this match a real union of body and soul.

About the Book

Tempest
by Beverly Jenkins
SeriesOld West #3
Genre
Adult
Historical Romance
Publisher
Avon Books
Publication Date
January 30, 2018
Amazon | Avon Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of TEMPEST, we’re giving away two paperback sets of FORBIDDEN and BREATHLESS by Beverly Jenkins!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Two winners will each receive a paperback set of Forbidden and Breathless by Beverly Jenkins. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 2/9/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance. She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured in both the documentary Love Between the Covers and on CBS Sunday Morning. Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for multicultural romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. To read more about Beverly, visit her at http://www.BeverlyJenkins.net.

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Italian Billionaire’s Stubborn Lover by Leslie North blitz

Italian Billionaire’s Stubborn Lover
Leslie North
(Romano Brothers, #1)
Publication date: February 1st 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Luxury real estate agent Adeline Peluso came to Italy in search of adventure. Inheriting an apartment with a view of the coast in Sicily sounded like something out of a movie, but after two years watching a resort she’d always loved fall to pieces she’s ready to throw in the proverbial towel…that is until one of the owners finally walked into her office. Tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome, the man would drive her crazy with his arguments if he didn’t set her aflame with his kisses.
Billionaire Nicolo Romano is a global citizen. He’s the kind of guy who skis in the Alps, snorkels in the caribbean, and enjoys the lights of the Vegas strip on a whim. He has no desire to be tied down anytime soon. So when he and his brothers inherit the family resort, Nicolo has one goal: Sell it and sell it fast. But coming back to the place he loved as a child to find a woman who feels just as passionately about the crumbling hotel throws him. Instead of using his business savvy to sell fast, Nicolo is wooing this woman with his island, slowly falling back in love with the place himself.
When whip smart arguments turn into stolen kisses and stolen kisses turn into steamy nights, Adeline and Nicolo will realize that they’re fighting for more than the fate of a historic hotel. They’re fighting for the chance of life’s greatest adventure: True Love.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Adeline Peluso tapped her stiletto heel nervously on the rust colored terracotta tile floor as she traced her perfectly manicured fingernail over her plump bottom lip. Blinking, she contemplated the choice before her. She could stay in Sicily or let go of her dreams and move on.

“Poo,” she said, frowning at her laptop where it lay open atop an ancient walnut desk that was large enough and heavy enough to double as a raft on choppy seas. Between her eyes was a small, pinched crease of consternation that had plagued her with compliments of “adorable” and “sweet” ever since she’d been a young girl. Now at twenty-nine it was no less cute, but in truth, she was actually quite frustrated.

The beauty of her surroundings, which normally worked wonders to lighten her mood, did nothing for her today. From outside the tall, open windows of her real estate office, the calming sound of waves lapping against the Sicilian shore reached her ears. But instead of making her thankful for the life she lived as it usually did, it made her wistful for the adventures she was missing by remaining on the island of Sicily.

Moving to Sicily had been a dream come true for Adeline. Its history and heritage were more diverse than even the home she’d left behind in America. It was in Sicily that she had learned how to live with gusto and verve, and she had treasured the summers she’d spent there with her grandparents. Though they were gone now, it was through their happy marriage in this beautiful place that she’d learned what life-long love looked like.

She had thought that she could capture some of the magic of their lives by moving to Sicily. It had been her childhood dream. She’d thought that she would find love and adventure. Instead, she had an empty apartment to go home to at night and her life was filled with the same bored routine that she’d left behind in America.

She needed adventure. She needed more from life. It was too amazing to sleepwalk through.

“I could find love in Spain,” she said. Crossing her legs, she tapped her toe silently in the air as she contemplated her choices.

Author Bio:
Leslie North is the pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.
The truth of the matter is she loves her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her normal, day-to-day persona! Her bestselling books focus on strong characters and particularly women who aren't afraid to challenge an alpha male. Inspired after years of travel, her stories are set all over the world, from the tough streets of Russia to the beautiful beaches of the middle east.
Leslie fell in love with romance when she first picked up a scrappy, dog-eared romance book from her local library. She began writing soon after and the rest, as they say, was history. She now lives in a cozy cottage on the British coast and enjoys taking long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don't hesitate to contact her via e-mail: leslie@leslienorthbooks.com.
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Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Set in the heart of New Orleans MOONLIGHT SINS, the first book in the all-new de Vincent series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, invites readers to enter the world the de Vincent family.

Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she had her heart and confidence shattered by her manipulative ex-husband. For the first time in her life, she’s making major changes– new job, new town and a new opportunity to forget the past. But starting over in the Louisiana bayou isn’t exactly what she thought it would be…

Lucien de Vincent – the wildest, most unpredictable brother – is having a bad week. His father has been found dead in the most suspicious circumstances. His older brother is bribing the police to avoid a scandal. And the more he spends time with, Julia the new nurse taking care of his troubled sister, the more he can’t imagine being without her. Lucien may be the unrepentant bachelor of the family but there’s something about Julia that makes him want to lay himself bare. But family secrets are starting to emerge. And the past could not only bring down a dynasty but destroy Julia in the process.

Julia knows better than to get wrapped up in Lucian. He’s from a world she can’t relate to. Plus, he’s her employer. But his wicked touch and sensual promises are too much to deny. What starts with a kiss ends with so much more.

About the Book

Moonlight Sins
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series
de Vincent Series #1
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Avon Books
Publication Date
January 30, 2018
Amazon | Avon Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of MOONLIGHT SINS, we’re giving away a paperback copy of TILL DEATH by Jennifer L. Armentrout!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 2/12/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT is the #1 international and #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 40 books, including the Wait for You, Lux series, the Dark Elements series, and Til Death. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion, Harlequin Teen and writes steamy and fun New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. Jennifer is also the founder of Apollycon, a yearly reader event that brings in over 1400 readers and authors together each year. She currently lives in West Virginia with her husband and two dogs, Loki and Diesel.