Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Blog Tour/Review: #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson




#Starstruck by Sariah Wilson

“You’ve done better.”

With one uncharacteristically sassy tweet to her longtime celebrity crush, Zoe Miller’s life turns upside down. Ultrahot A-lister Chase Covington doesn’t just respond to Zoe’s tweet, he does the unthinkable: he messages Zoe directly. Now she must decide between walking away or meeting her crush in person.

Chase knows better than to trust anyone from the Internet, but Zoe’s saucy challenge has totally caught his interest—and her girl-next-door personality is keeping it. He’s been burned enough to know he needs to keep his heart close. But his feelings for Zoe might be a lot more than just an online flirtation. He just has to convince her…

When the press gets wind of Zoe and Chase’s secret relationship, their romance turns into tabloid headlines. Will they be able to hold on to their Hollywood love story?


What a fun read! Zoe starts tweeting her celebrity crush, Chase Covington, and he actually responds! She's able to meet him in person and then life gets crazy. What regular girl wouldn't want a hunky star to notice her and want to get to know her better? It's not all smooth sailing, though, and there are obstacles for them to overcome. Zoe keeps her relationship a secret from her family and best friend. She believes her reasons are sound, but it's only a matter of time before the drama kicks in.

Zoe and Chase are both likable and easy to cheer on. And their chemistry is amazing! Once I picked this one up, I could not put it down until I finished it. There are great secondary characters that added to the story. I also loved how the author incorporated tweets and texts.

 I would consider this steamy clean. There's some innuendo and kissing and the topic of sex is discussed quite a bit. I would recommend it to other women but won't be giving it to my teenage daughter. I've read and enjoyed other books by Sariah Wilson and this one reminds me why I need to read them all!

 My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I receive a complimentary copy from I Am a Reader, which did not affect my review in any way

EXCERPT

A few beats passed before he said, “I make you nervous, don’t I?”

Uh, understatement of the year. But his movie star ego didn’t need to hear it. “I’m…I’m not nervous.”

He started moving fractionally closer to me, one small movement with each loud, slow thud of my heart. “I don’t normally make girls nervous. Excited, yes. Overwhelmed. Shocked. Up for anything, usually. But not nervous.” This time he did touch me, his fingers tucking back some stray hairs behind my ears. I closed my eyes and dragged in a sharp breath. All those sensations…I totally got the overwhelmed reaction. And the excited and shocked thing.

And possibly even the up for anything impulse.

I opened my eyes and tried to deny it, but now Chase stood directly in front of me, his heat warming me, pulling me in. He put his hands against the counter, on either side of me.

He’d trapped me.

“I think I know why I make you nervous.”

“I told you, I’m not nervous.”

A playful smile lit up his entire face. “Like I said, you’re a terrible liar.” He focused his gaze on my lips. His head ducked down toward mine. We were almost touching. So close, but not enough. I put my right hand on his chest, but whether it was to stop him or pull him closer, I didn’t know.

It was like a scene out of my favorite movie, complete with my favorite movie star.

His lips hovered above mine, his slow, steady breaths a huge contrast to my short, shallow ones as they washed over my face. “Zoe.” Chase whispered my name, and it sounded both like a question and a promise. It made my knees buckle, my stomach tighten and my pulse explode.



Author Sariah Wilson

Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane or climbed Mount Everest, and she is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romances like The Royals of Monterra series. After growing up in Southern California as the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children, she graduated from Brigham Young University with a semiuseless degree in history. She currently lives with the aforementioned soul mate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster who is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).


Blog Tour Schedule

January 22nd
I Am A Reader - Review
BookHounds - Spotlight
Margay Leah Justice - Spotlight
Stacking My Book Shelves! - Spotlight

January 23rd
books are love - Spotlight
the Teeny Tiny à Tout Faire - Spotlight

January 24th
Queen of All She Reads - Spotlight
A Writer's Life - Spotlight
Books and tea - Review

January 25th
The Rustic Reading Gal - Spotlight
CBY Book Club - Spotlight
Diana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

January 28th
The Avid Reader - Spotlight

January 29th
Paulette's Papers - Spotlight
Wishful Endings - Spotlight
Kindle and Me - Review

January 30th
Kerrific Online - Spotlight
Bookworm Lisa - Spotlight
Joy in the Moments - Review

January 31st
Among the Reads - Review
The Book Drealms - Review
Mel's Shelves - Review

February 1st
Stacy Juba's Characters at a Crossroads - Spotlight
A Leisure Moment - Review
Mom With a Reading Problem - Review

February 2nd
Books Are Sanity!!! - Review
Mylissa's Reviews and Book Thoughts - Review
Coffee Addicts Books - Spotlight



$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 2/8/18

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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Posted by Melanie at 4:00 AM 1 comments

Friday, January 26, 2018

Romance is in the Air $100 Kick Off Giveaway



– Romance is in the Air –

A Month-Long Celebration of Clean Romance

– February 2018 –


Starting February 1st and running through the entire month of February, I Am a Reader will be showcasing 14 fabulous authors. There will be 15 different giveaways, free ebooks and lots of great deals on books.
The fun starts off with a $100 Kick Off Giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Code or $100 in Paypal Cash.
Check out this great list of authors that will be spotlighted (lots of my favorites)!



Kimberley Montpetit


Be sure to stop by each week during February to learn about these amazing authors. You definitely don’t want to miss out on all the giveaways! To be sure you never miss a post subscribe to I Am A Reader’s Mailing List.




Giveaway Details

$100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 2/28/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via PayPal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Posted by Melanie at 4:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Blog Tour/Review: Six Days to Live by Kenneth M. Page



Six Days to Live, by Kenneth M. Page
2018, 245p, Action/Suspense
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



Sometimes disaster is simply a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take Addison Roberts, for example: it is a deadly coincidence that in a crowded parking lot one day, she catches the eye of a dangerous criminal on the run. In his desperation to evade the police, what he needs is a way out—and Addison and her car are his ticket to escape.

Lieutenant Chase Roberts, on leave from his military assignment, is anxious to be reunited with his wife. Yet as night falls and Addison fails to appear, Chase feels a rising sense of foreboding. Hours quickly become days as he desperately works with authorities to find the woman he loves. But after being named a person of interest, Chase is warned away from the investigation—a mandate he ignores. Chase will stop at nothing to find his wife, and what he ultimately discovers is terrifying: Addison has been carjacked by a man who has killed before and has no scruples about killing again . . .

I love suspense and this book delivers! Eddie is a desperate man and, unfortunately, Addison crosses paths with him on the wrong day. When her husband, Chase, realizes she's missing, he's willing to do whatever he needs to in order to get her home safely.

I love how this story unfolded. It switches back and forth between Eddie & Addison and Chase. It was interesting to see how Chase went from having no idea of what was happening to learning the horrible truth of the situation his wife was in. The scenes with Eddie were tense since he's a pretty evil guy so I liked switching to Chase to get a break. Addison is smart, tough, and a fighter. She handles the situation in a much better way than I would. 

 This is the type of book that made me think about how I would react in the same situation--either as Chase or Addison (the answer is that I wouldn't handle it nearly as well as either one of them). I enjoyed getting to know both of these characters. I hope there will be more stories about them in the future! If you enjoy action/suspense novels, this is one you will definitely want to read!


About the Author:

Kenneth M. Page holds a bachelor's degree in management and a master's degree in business administration. He is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and a retired Microsoft senior manager. His first book, A Father's Blessing: The Power and Privilege of the Priesthood, was published by Covenant in 2008. Two years later, he was a contributing author to another book published by Covenant, titled, How Will Christmas Find Us?, a collection of true Christmas stories by twelve authors.

Ken lives with his wife, Joni, in Kaysville, Utah. They are the parents of five children and the grandparents of fifteen grandchildren.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Schedule:

*Jan. 22nd: https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ 
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 23rd: http://empowermoms.net/

*Jan. 24th: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ 
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 25th: https://brightlystreet.com/ 
https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 26th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
Posted by Melanie at 4:00 AM 1 comments

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Grand Finale Blitz: Falling for a Cowboy by Karen Rock


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Falling for a Cowboy
By Karen Rock

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

...I hope you enjoy this inspiring come-back story brimming with romance and uplifting values that reinforce the importance of overcoming challenges through strength of will and determination, never letting limitations stop you from achieving your dreams and how friendship is the strongest foundation upon which true and lasting love is built. Other themes include: disabilities, respect, self-worth and faith.

— Karen

I Am A Reader - Excerpt

But here—here she couldn’t hide from it. In the real world, her vision blossomed into a bigger problem and she shrunk into someone incompetent, dependent, weak, a person she never wanted to be.

“I can handle a fifteen-hundred-pound stallion at fifty miles an hour. But this—I can’t deal with this. What am I supposed to do with my life?”

She’d been planning on trying out for the ERA Premier tour team again at their end-of-summer qualifiers. Now she’d never be good enough to ride with them.

Or ride at all…

The life she’d always wanted ended before it’d even started, and she had no contingency plan.


"This is a feel good, heart warming story. . . . Also reading best friends Jared and Amberley grow even closer was beautiful. I would highly recommend this one because you have the feel good story, but also the story of two feuding families going on is also intriguing."


“I’ll do it!” The rail had to be on the lowest setting, six inches above the ground. No challenge at all. She could do it blindfolded.

Or legally blind.

Amberley set her jaw, wheeled Harley away and brought him into a trot that carried her swiftly to the blurred shape of the gate. She couldn’t quite judge the height, or her proximity, just yet. Unease fluttered in her belly. How many paces to it? Time to jump?

Relying on instinct, she squeezed Harley’s sides at the right moment, but he balked. She flew over his head and landed flat on her back. At the children’s cries, she struggled to sit up, but the fall had knocked the wind out of her.


"The author’s writing flows smoothly and she has crafted a beautiful story with more complexity than most romances. A beautiful Colorado setting, feuding families, career choices, children with disabilities, and a very special horse named Harley make for a deeply satisfying read. . .

Falling for a Cowboy is a thoroughly entertaining read that touches the heart."


"I loved the name Amberley and her character. It would be so hard to lose your eyesight. The 2nd in the series and definitely a good series. Such an inspiring book with Amberley and Jared overcoming her blindness and with the horse therapy program for children with disabilities."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Amberley.” Jared breathed her name like an invocation, barely breaking their kiss.

“Hmm?” She threaded her fingers his crisp hair, unable to open her eyes.

His lips slid across her jaw, nibbling her earlobe. “You’re beautiful, babe.”

Babe?

He called all of his girls babe. Especially when he couldn’t remember their names.

Tension locked up every inch of her. She propped an eye open. Then the other. Despite her lack of vision, she could see this disastrous moment clearly. In minutes, he’d gone from treating her like a child to seducing her like one of his flings. And she was neither.

Remembrancy - Review

"In Falling for a Cowboy, Karen Rock peels back the layers of fear and helplessness that come from Amberley’s loss of sight. She also shows readers the true meaning of friendship—encouragement, and support when one is at their lowest point, standing ready to do anything to assist, pushing the right buttons to motivate from fear, and calling each other out when necessary."

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

“Just because he lost his wings doesn’t mean he’s not a Pegasus anymore.” Jared helped Emily off the saddle and down the stairs.

Emily threw her arms around Harley’s neck. “You’re a real Pegasus, Harley. You are.”

Harley’s head bobbed in a flash of black and silver, and Amberley smiled through the tears that sprang to her eyes.

Jared was right. Wings didn’t make a Pegasus. Working limbs, perfect eyesight…they didn’t make a human either. What we imagined and strived to be counted. Real strength rooted itself inside, where it mattered most.


"Amberley is the kind of heroine you hope to find, but never knew you were searching for. Jared is a walking dream that steps from a imaginative figure into real life. Falling for a Cowboy blends heartbreaking realism with courageously inspiring characters. . . . Falling for a Cowboy is phenomenally fascinating storytelling."


"I'm loving this Rocky Mountain Cowboys series! . .

I loved the inclusion of children with physical challenges as Amberley struggled to come to grips with her new challenges and the message that with the right help and love we can all do amazing things. Helping others brings joy and this book brought this out. There were lots of feel good moments to be had in this story."


Her blond brows lowered and met over the straight bridge of her nose. “I should have bought out your share.”

“Glad you didn’t.”

An exasperated noise escaped her pale lips. “I trusted you.”

“Trusting me is the smartest thing you can do, darlin’.”

“Don’t call me that!”

Her vehement tone caught him off guard. He called lots of woman darlin’. Why did she act like it meant something?

Because you mean it when you say it to her, a voice said inside him.


"Karen Rock does a really amazing job at bringing these two broken characters together in a way that gives them strength in many facets. She's a very good storyteller and I felt right at home in Carbondale, Colorado and could picture the rodeo circuit/life pretty vividly. I loved seeing more of the characters from her previous books and I can't wait to read more about this family, as each book is centered on one of the siblings."


“Amberley, please,” Jared pleaded, his voice as raw as a bruise. “I’ve got two left feet and a swollen tongue around you lately. Nothing I say or do comes out right. I don’t know if we’re coming or going, but I know I want to find out. Give me a chance.”

He framed her face with his hands then leaned over and kissed her. Thoroughly, sweetly, wonderfully. For a moment, everything stilled: her breath, movement, her heart. The world, possibly.

“No!” She shoved his chest.

“No?” His eyelashes blinked rapidly, brushing against her temple.

“It’s not that easy.” Her breathing slowly returned to normal, though her heart still pumped overtime. “You don’t get to decide when and where and how.”

“But I thought…”

“If you want me, you’re going to have to work for me.”



"This is the perfect story! I love the Cade family and if I could, I'd like to join them. This book has a wonderful story about overcoming hardships and roadblocks in our lives and about true friendships...

I highly recommend this book to other readers. I can't wait to read another story about the Cade family."


" It’s uplifting and inspirational to anyone who has ever felt less than. A well-built plot with many familiar characters. The storyline drug a bit in the beginning as a lot of inner thoughts were being portrayed rather than dialogue, but overall an enjoyable, uplifting read!"


“What was my time?” she gasped.

“Wasn’t clocking you.”

“Will you next time?”

“So, you’re not quitting?”

“Never!” She laughed, exhilarated, pumped with enough adrenaline to lift her right off this saddle and into the sky. “Let’s go again.”


"I was hooked from the beginning of Falling for a Cowboy and did not want to put it down until I had the whole thing read. Such a fabulous and heartwarming story. I just can not put into words how much I enjoyed it and how sad I was having to tell Amberley and Jared goodbye.

I would give it 100 stars if I could.

Highly recommended."


"...I knew this series would be fine reading the books just on there own. This is a sweet second chance story that packs an emotional punch. . .

I found this to be a sweet and touching story. I loved the characters and really liked the other Cades."


“Sweetheart.”

That single word sent a tremor through her skin. “Sweetheart?”

“You don’t like darlin’.” She could feel the smile in his voice and wondered if her heart might explode in her chest.

“You’ve never called me sweetheart before.”

Jared’s strong hands cupped her shoulders, and he released a breath. “Plenty of times. Just not out loud.”


"Falling For a Cowboy by Karen Rock is the second book in The Rocky Mountain Cowboys series. This series is about the Cade family. You will absolutely adore them. Jared is a heartbreaker without even trying and Amberley is his strong willed best friend. This is a friends to lover romance and it is amazing."


“Why do it?”

“Because—because.” She hesitated, stumbling over her usual answer about winning. Competing had stopped being about scoring the top spot, she realized. It was about something bigger than that—inspiring herself and others like Dean and the rest of the Spirit Ranch kids. “Because it’s better than sitting home and wishing I’d tried.”

“Even if you don’t win?”

“Just giving it my best means I’ve already won,” she said, the words rushing from some deep part of her. The truth. Showing up for competitions meant she was someone, not nothing like her father would have said.

Sorry, Daddy, but I don’t believe I’m nothing. And I don’t believe you’d think that either. You promised I’d be okay after you passed. You told me I was strong.


"It won’t take many paragraphs for you to fall in love with Falling For a Cowboy by Karen Rock. A toe-curlingly swoony cowboy. A strong heroine. Best friends to more. Adorable kids. A sweet horse. And moments to cheer proudly like any good sports-rags-to-riches story provides. Oh, and did I mention the yummy kisses? (Whew… still fanning) The Cade family continues to be entertaining and inspiring, and I think Karen Rock gets better with each new book. Excited for the next one!"


And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Falling for a Cowboy
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #2)

by Karen Rock

Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Doesn’t he get that she’s blind?

Barrel racer Amberley James wants to join the premier rodeo circuit more than anything, but she faces the ultimate hurdle when she loses her eyesight to a rare genetic condition. All she’d ever wanted seems out of reach. Giving up is the only option…until her best friend and local hero Jared Cade steps in. The last thing she wants is Jared’s help. But his persistence at encouraging her to get back in the saddle is ridiculously annoying. And undeniably inspiring…


Other Books in the Series

Christmas at Cade Ranch
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1)
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

November 7th 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The Christmas they never had.

James Cade has one priority: keep the family ranch running smoothly in the wake of his younger brother's death. With Jesse's ex, Sofia Gallardo, and her young son, Javi, stranded at Cade Ranch over Christmas, this task just got a lot harder. The longer Sofia and Javi stay, the harder it is to imagine the ranch without them. James couldn't save his brother from his inner demons, but he can give his nephew a secure future. Maybe more—if he can figure out how to trust Sofia, and stop feeling like he's betraying Jesse. Because trying to stop thinking about beautiful, determined Sofia is impossible.



About the Author

In a quest to provide her ELA students with quality reading material, educator Karen Rock read everything out there and couldn't wait to add her voice to the genre. In addition to her work as a Young Adult romance novelist, she's now an author for Harlequin's Heartwarming line and thrilled to pen stories that moms can share with their teenage daughters. She's loved Harlequin books since she spent summers going through her grandmother's Presents books that she passed along in paper grocery bags each year. As half of the writing duo J.K. Rock, Karen also pens young adult romance. When she's not busy writing, Karen enjoys scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, reinventing her gardens to suit her moods and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels, who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Tumblr│Pinterest

Other Heartwarming Books by the Author


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card along with print copies of HIS KIND OF COWGIRL, A COWBOY TO KEEP, and CHRISTMAS AT CADE RANCH by Karen Rock

- US Only

- Ends January 24th

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Grand Finale Blitz: Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman


On tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Boneseeker
by Brynn Chapman

The BONESEEKER CHRONICLES is a four book series, following the life, love and misadventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson’s children. We hope you enjoyed learning about them! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

BONESEEKER, is book one of the four book series, chronicling the adventures and love story of Arabella Holmes and Henry Watson. . .

All my books plop my characters into real, strange anomalies and events that happened once upon a time. Bella appeared in my imagination fully formed, and Henry wasn't long to follow her. As is his way...

I hope you enjoy reading it, and spending time in their company as much as I do.

— Brynn


5. What do you want readers to take away from reading Boneseeker?

I am a character writer. If you remember my people, find yourself thinking about them, wondering what will happen to them—well that’s the goal. As a copious reader myself, that was always my litmus test of the writer’s worth.


"Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman is compelling and intriguing. The familiarity of Holmes and Watson makes way for the next generation, and Bella & Henry hold their own quite nicely. While some aspects of the plot could have been a little tighter, overall this is an enjoyable read that is perfect for a chilly winter’s night."

Wishful Endings - A Study in Sensory

(Get it—instead of a Study in Scarlet)

Bella has been with me so long now, I honestly can’t recall when the idea formulated. I believe it was while watching Robert Downey Jr.’s interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. There are a number of scenes in the movie which were “Ah-ha” moments for me…About Holmes’s brilliance, and his inability to play well with others.

I lecture about sensory processing—which in case you have never heard of it, here is a definition...


"For a person who doesn’t typically read mystery books I really enjoyed Brynn Chapman’s Boneseeker. I remember when I was little I read the entire Nancy Drew series but this book is much more complex than those tween novels. . .

Filled with violence, suspense and questions, this books makes a great read. . .

I recommend this novel for mystery and historical fiction lovers aged 16 and up as you not only get to sort through clues but you also get a taste of history in the mix."


“Human footprints, preserved in rock, measuring thirty-three inches, with six toes.”

“I must see your notes.”

My eyes open wide, my hand shooting to my hip. “I don’t have notes.”

“Of course you don’t.” He sighs. “Would you write some for me?”

I walk back to the bed and sit. “I suppose.”

“We lesser mortals appreciate notes.

It's All About the Romance - Holmes and Watson, Like Father, like son…and daughter

For the record, I have, to date, read 90 percent of the Sherlock Holmes canon—and his predecessors, Wilkie Collins et al.

The new Sherlock Holmes characters in the recent films, however, ignited a fire in my brain. The following is from my author’s notes in the Book, BONESEEKER...


Colorimetry - Excerpt

 “This! This is what I mean, Earnest. She”—he jabs an accusing finger at Arabella—“she is impulsive and arrogant and unnatural. She should not be considered for such an important expedition. A woman is much better suited for curation.”

Father steps forward, staring Stygian full-on despite the fact he’s a head taller. “Sir. You’ve forgotten innovative and cunning and possesses her father’s talent for ciphering and detection. Is this expedition not about bones?”

“Of course.”

“I dare venture no one on this eastern seaboard could match Miss Holmes’s knowledge of bones.”

Rockin' Book Reviews - She Blinded Me with Science


This is a hashtag I often use when discussing BONESEEKER. I am an ardent student of science.

I have dissected cadavers, dug through troughs of arms and legs at University, to ensure your specimen was not missing any muscles so as to miss them on the practical exam. I have witnessed a craniotomy (post mortem), plastic surgeries, among others.

I have toured asylums, and have an ongoing obsession with historical medicine, when did what occur, and how?


I hear a bawdy laugh, and I wrench my eyes away from her earnest gaze, scanning the dance hall. I scan over the myriad of colors and gowns and faces and finally, I see her. My heartbeat bombards my ribcage. My hands are sweating. While they are in Priscilla’s hands.

This is not normal. Not for me, anyway. I am dumbstruck. Arabella is so lovely I can scarcely breathe.

She stands, hesitating at the top of the stairs, undoubtedly searching the crowd for familiar faces.


"It is interesting to read with the children of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Like their fathers, Arabella Holmes and Henry Watson are quite the team. The two sure do find themselves in quite a suspense filled adventure. There are some action-packed scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat, making me want to continue to turn the pages. . .

I can not wait to see what happens next."


"Personally I really enjoyed reading the book, especially the portrayal of how it is to have anxiety and Asperger's and it was a bit refreshing that the love story between Arabella and Henry was downplayed a bit (no offence to YA authors, but sometimes love stories take up too much space in a book)."

SilverWoodSketches - Review & Excerpt

"Bonseeker is so layered and complex but very accessible to old and new fans of historical fiction. An absolute must-read for fans of strong corset-wearing heroines and the requisite danger of the best Holmes mystery."

“For the love of all that’s holy, Henry. That’s almost like being married to Holmes.” He gives a little shudder.

“I daresay you’re one to talk. For years, you chose a life with Holmes over matrimony, so that argument is full of holes. Do as I say, not as I do?”

Father’s face softens, and he lifts a placating hand. “I love Arabella too, you know that. But, be reasonable. She doesn’t fit into polite society.”

“Neither does Holmes and he’s almost legendary now.”

“She is unruly, headstrong, and will never, ever listen.”

“I know. She fascinates me.”



Maria: What type of research did you have to do for this novel?

I do a copious amount of research for every novel. For BONESEEKER, I expanded my library and study of Forensic Anthropology books ( I do have an anthropology minor), and also made a study of historical non-fiction resources on murders and relevant science beliefs, and societies of the time period. The science of phrenology, for instance, was very much alive and en vogue in 1910.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"This book contains elements that I love... suspense, Nephilim, mystery, and a little romance. I also love that the characters are children of two beloved literary characters, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. . .

If you love Sherlock Holmes, mystery, and a little of the paranormal. You should definitely give this book a try."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Boneseeker

(The Boneseeker Chronicles #1)
by Brynn Chapman
Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 213 pages
January 10th 2018 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Aspiring scientist Arabella Holmes doesn't fit the role of a 1900s lady. Her father, Sherlock, landed her a position at the Mütter Museum to pursue her dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science, or what her father calls a "Boneseeker."

Henry Watson’s two-fold mission at the Mütter Museum is to join their team of forensic anthropologists in unearthing unusual antiquities and to watch over Arabella. If only he could get her to speak to him, instead of hurling knives in his general direction. Assigned to a most secret expedition to investigate a mysterious skeletal hand discovered in upstate New York, Arabella and Henry are soon caught in a scientific debate, and the search for the truth may have deadly consequences for those involved.

Are the bones from a Neanderthal? Or are they living proof of fallen angels known as Nephilim?

Watson and Holmes must put aside their differences, trust their instincts, and rely on one another to survive to uncover the truth.

*This is a new version of a previously published edition

Praise for BONESEEKER:

Winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest

"Creative, meticulously researched, and terrific fun!"  ~Grace Burrowes, NY Times Best Selling Author

"The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored." ~Best Books Ever Blog

"The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!" ~Christy's Cozy Corners Blog


About the Author


Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love--not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger's syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society's downtrodden. In fiction, she's a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. Her ancestry tree claims she's a descendant of the House of Stuart.


Other Books by the Author

The Requiem Red

Tour Giveaway


GIVEAWAY #1: To enter to win a BONESEEKER audiobook and the pictured charm necklace ("And though she be but little, she is fierce." - Shakespeare), send a copy of your kindle purchase of BONESEEKER to publicity.brynnchapman@gmail.com. US only.
GIVEAWAY #2: To enter to win a BONESEEKER ebook and a $10 Amazon Gift Card, enter via the Rafflecopter below. Open internationally. Ends January 24th.

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Posted by Melanie at 3:30 AM 0 comments

Monday, January 22, 2018

Blog Tour/Review: Finding Beauty in the Beast by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee



Finding Beauty in the Beast, by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
2018, 263p, Fairy-tale Retelling
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not affect my review in any way



Princess Rose's fiery temper has kept every potential suitor away...until now. After being spurned and humiliated for the last time, the princes forces every eligible man to present a gift to her under pain of death. The man who brings her the best gift will be chosen as her husband.

When Corbin presents his gift, he hopes that his simple offering will keep him safely overlooked. All he wants is to return to his quiet life as a blacksmith away from forbidding castles and beastly princesses. But love works in mysterious ways, and it all starts with a rose...

I love fairy-tale retellings, and loved the author's first two books, so I was excited to dive into this one! I'm happy to say that I absolutely loved it!

 First of all, the beast is Princess Rose. She has her reasons to behave the way she does, and everyone is afraid of her. She's selfish and demanding and quite horrible so she is certainly full of flaws. Corbin is a blacksmith that leaves his home to start over. He finds himself in what appears to be an even worse situation than he was in before. While Corbin is a character that I sympathized with and felt justified along with him for his behavior, he had his flaws as well and there were lessons he needed to learn. Some good friends come to visit and they help him out.

 I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end! There's more to it than just Rose and Corbin's story and I liked how everything tied together. I love getting updates from characters in previous books and we get that when my favorite couple comes to visit Corbin. There are new characters that we meet, both likable and unlikable, which add to the story as well.

 This is the kind of book I would recommend to anyone and everyone, especially those who enjoy a fantastic fairy-tale retelling! My daughter eyed this book as soon as it came and she's excited to read it. I'm interested to see what Jessilyn Peaslee comes up with next and am already looking forward to reading it!


Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee graduated with a BA in English from Brigham Young University in 2004. She loved taking creative writing classes, and was particularly fond of the works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. She also studied French and the humanities. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful deserts of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Saratoga Springs, Utah, with her husband and five boys.

Posted by Melanie at 4:00 AM 0 comments
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