Seattle Delight By: Charlotte Stout (Interview & Review )

Hi everyone! Today I'm hosting for Goddess Fish Promotions, and today's feature is Charlotte Stout's Seattle Delight! I'm so excited to be sharing an Interview I had with Charlotte and my Review can be seen below. And...there's a Giveaway, so be sure to check out the details below because there is a huge prize! :) 

Blurb

Charly’s life was simple and uncomplicated, just like she wanted it.  Or so she thought!  One chance encounter with a devilishly handsome stranger in her local coffee shop would turn her world, and her heart, upside down.  She would be thrown into a realm of privilege and romance, and more than just a little danger.  

How will she handle the dark gorgeous man who has inserted himself into her domain?  When danger threatens those she loves, will she have the strength of heart and spirit to do whatever it takes to save them?  Share Charly’s adventures as she navigates through the quickly changing landscape that has become her life.

Interview

(Thank you so much for answering my Q's!)

Before I get to your questions, I want to thank you for hosting this stop on the tour.

When and how did you come up with Seattle Delight?

 I’m a sucker for romance.  The way I met my husband and our courtship inspired me to write the story of Julien and Charly in Seattle Delight.

When we were living in Hong Kong for a year in 2007 I had a lot of time on my hands.  I was not working as I had left a job for this opportunity to live abroad.  I felt this hiatus from work was the perfect time to put pen to paper and write a story that reflected some of what we experienced.  Of course, we didn’t have a yacht, or a limousine and my husband is not French but it was the essence of what we experienced and felt that I wanted to capture.

I let my husband read the first draft of the book on one of our flights back to the States for a short visit.   It was a fourteen hour flight and what else is there to do but read or watch a movie?  He read the book and laughed out loud several times.  That’s when I knew I had captured the essence of my intent.  It swelled my heart to hear that laughter.

How long did it take to write?

I started writing Seattle Delight shortly after arriving in Hong Kong in 2007.  My husband would go to work in the morning and I would start writing.  I would normally write for a few hours each morning.  I was often out during the afternoons exploring my surroundings or spending time with people I had met while living in Hong Kong.  So, I didn’t write full-time.

We often spent weekends out and about in China so, I rarely wrote on weekends.  That’s why it took me almost a year to finish the book.  I was having too much fun in Hong Kong to stay inside and write all day. I finished the book just before our time ended in Hong Kong in late 2007.  

 Is there a special message that you want readers to see?  What is that?

If there is any message it is; this is a simple, fun, light love story.  And, sometimes that’s just what I need.  A feel-good uncomplicated story that helps me to remember that simple is good.  Maybe the message is more for me than for anyone else.

What actors do you see playing the main characters?

 Wow, you are making me think.  For Charly I would pick a young Tina Fey.  Tina is hilarious, adept at playing many different characters, is not wafer thin and is smart.  She’s strong, independent and yet quirky, which is how I envision Charly in Seattle Delight.  Charly is a wholesome girl with good values and morals but is a bit naïve.  I believe Tina would be able to embody those characteristics perfectly and convey the naiveté.  The only enhancement needed may be a curly wig.  I think Tina, as Charly would keep Julien a bit off balance.

For Julien, I would select Gilles Marini of DWTS fame, Brothers and Sisters television series and Sex and the City – The Movie.  He is French, hot and built.  Have you seen his abs and pecs?  I mean come on!  He is perfection.  His accent is perfect, his eyes would require blue contact lenses but other than that he is sex on legs – IMO.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I can write anyplace that has a great view.  If I feel closed in and the space is dark, I am completely blocked. 

In my current writing space I look out a window onto a golf course.  I love taking a moment to watch the golfers take a shot.  Even though I am not out there with the golfers, just being able to watch activity outside my window makes me feel more alive and driven to work.  Quirky isn’t it!

When did you first decide to become a writer?

I started penning my first story back in 1997.  I finished writing over a hundred pages of a romantic suspense novel.    I shared those first one hundred twenty pages with two girlfriends while we were enjoying a girlfriend getaway at the Grand Canyon and they have hounded me to this day to complete the rest of the story. 

Their enthusiasm meant so much to me that I decided that one day I would finish that story.  Patty, Bev and I have been on many trips since then and each time we talk about my writing.  They were the first friends to purchase my novel “Seattle Delight” and I am sure they will be the first to buy succeeding novels.  They are the best friends one could ever have.  So, I have them to thank for encouraging me to pursue what has been a flickering interest in the back of my mind since 1997.

What are you currently working on?

I am working feverishly to complete the editing of a romantic suspense novel.  It is set in Minnesota and Alaska and I hope people find it to be a fast moving, yikes – I’m scared, kind of book.  

I am also working on finishing the romantic suspense novel I mentioned earlier.  The one I presented to my girlfriends when we were on one of our trips to the Grand Canyon.  I want to finish it not just for me but for them.  They still ask me about it to this day.

Then there is the sequel to Seattle Delight.  Julien and Charly are not finished with their journey together.  I actually love both of these characters and it is so fun to pretend I’m Charly when I am writing.

I have started a blog, continue to work on my website and find time to spend with friends and do something physical to expend all that pent up energy from sitting behind a desk. 

Favorite dream vacation?

We have scheduled what I consider my dream vacation.  In October 2013 we will be going on a 15 day European River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.  The River Boat only holds 190 passengers.  I am excited about being in a more intimate setting to meet and get to know people.  We will be exploring many historical sights, attending an opera and symphony and drinking tea while sitting at a sidewalk café where I can watch all the people meander by.  Doesn’t that sound dreamy?

Prior to boarding the River Cruise, we plan to spend a week in France and a week in England.  It has been my dream to go to France for so many years I have lost count.  I have been taking French since January 2012 in the hope I will be proficient enough in the language to really enjoy the cultural experience and the people.

Location of favorite place you have ever visited?

Montana.  The state is so diverse in its beauty.  The people are down to earth and friendly.  They mean what they say and say what they mean.  If life had gone a little differently, I believe we would be living in Montana right now.  I’m just thankful I have had the privilege of intimately learning about the beauty of the mountains, streams, forests, wheat fields, farms, small towns and the people of Montana.  There is no place else like it in the forty-eight contiguous state, in my opinion.

Again, thank you for hosting this stop on the tour.  I genuinely appreciate your time and interest.

Bonne Journée

Charlotte Stout

Excerpt

“Focus Charly! You have got to get out of these Spanx.” The first thing she looked for was a wastebasket but didn’t see one. She checked in the dressing room, in the water closet and in the storage cabinet where the linens were kept. Then she saw what looked like a drawer. She pulled it open and voila there was the wastebasket. “I truly do covet this bathroom,” she exclaimed.

The wastebasket was empty. Dang! Charly realized that if she took off the Spanx and tossed them in the basket Julien would undoubtedly know they were hers. That is, if he happened to use the bathroom during the cruise. Maybe he won’t come in here. Maybe he has his own personal bathroom. He had to, didn’t he? She said a silent prayer to the bathroom gods while searching for other options.

Charly checked the picture window but it didn’t open. There was no way to dispose of the Spanx in Puget Sound. She sat on the toilet in the water closet while conjuring a plan to dispose of the Spanx. Her thoughts were jarred by Julien’s voice. “Charly, are you alright? Is there anything you need?”

How long had she been in here? “No, no – I’m fine. I’m admiring the décor, and trying to dispose of my girdle. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Tres bien – very well. I’ll meet you in the salon.” 

Review

Seattle Delight was a lovely story. It was primarily a love story, and I felt it throughout. There is also a mysteriousness here, and I think it enhances the story, and brings both Charly and Julien closer together, something that they were not expecting to happen so fast. I enjoyed reading both characters. Charly is a writer, and I liked how she used the gorgeous Julien as inspiration for her upcoming book, and took photos that adds to the inspiration to her story. I thought that and the whole writing aspect fit well perfectly into the story. Charly seems to have a quirky personality, and I liked that about her. She's a good different sort of character and sometimes relatable. Julien seems like a perfect male interest, and when I was reading his lines, I was definitely hearing a french accent throughout, yup! :) Anyways, I also liked that this was of course set in Seattle. The novel I reviewed yesterday also took place in Seattle, so I must be in a Seattle mood, I like it! 

If you enjoy a good romance story, this one is for you, so I do hope you read it! :)

My Rating: 4/5

*Giveaway*

- 1 Lucky commenter from this Entire Tour will win a $75 Amazon Gift Card! Yes, that's right, so comment on! 

- To Enter:

*Please leave a comment below.

*Please leave your email address along with your comment. The entry will not count if you do not do those two things, so remember comment something along with your e-mail address!

*Enter before August 10, because that's when this great Giveaway ends!

Thank you and Good Luck!

Author Info

Charlotte lives in Arizona with her hunky husband Warren, and her spoiled Silky Terrier, Tess. Her life has been filled with serious endeavors, including earning a Master's degree, owning her own business, consulting and working in the corporate world as a human resources executive. Before penning her first novel, Charlotte had written several practical guides for business applications, not exactly steamy stuff. Luckily, she never lost sight of her dream to write a novel that would encompass her passion for gorgeous men, adventure and a love of life. Enjoy

Website/Blog

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Preservation By: Rachael Wade (Guest Post & Review)

Hello everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend! Today I'm hosting Rachael Wade's Preservation, thanks to Bewitching Book Tours! Rachael has a wonderful Guest Post to share, so you will see that below (Thanks Rachael!). My Review is also seen below, so continue reading, and thank you for visiting! :)

Blurb

Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon.

Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage. 

When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor. 

But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first. 

Guest Post

Real Life to Novel Life: 5 Real-World Settings that Appear in Preservation

One of the best parts about writing my latest contemporary romance novel, Preservation, was that I was able to draw a lot of inspiration from the settings mentioned in the book. Kate and Ryan’s story takes place in Seattle, Washington, and I had the privilege of visiting each location a few times before writing it. I’ve actually been in the process of planning a move there, so it was only natural that it became the city that Kate and Ryan call home. 

Here are 5 places that Kate, Ryan, Carter, and Dean all spend time in the book, and how each location inspired their story:

1. Pike Place Market – Everyone’s heard of this market, but visiting it is truly a unique experience. I love just walking around and trying different foods, and like Kate and Carter, watching the buskers play. One of my favorite Pike Place Market buskers is Whitney Monge (https://www.facebook.com/whitneymonge). I highly recommend checking her music out. I bought her album last time I watched her play and she can do some killer Kings of Leon covers.

2. Easy Street Records – Ryan and Kate’s first “date” takes place here, and they both happen to love checking out shows or album browsing here on their own. I’ve always wanted to see my favorite Seattle-native musician, Brandi Carlile, play at this store, and while I haven’t had a chance to do that yet, I have visited the Queen Anne store to album shop and really love the vibe and neighborhood.

3. Orcas Island – Kate, Ryan, and the gang all make a holiday trip a few hours north of Seattle to the San Juan Islands, to Orcas Island in particular. Here they drive up Mt. Constitution, go whale watching, and hiking—all things I love to do in the San Juans. Well, not the driving up Mt. Constitution part. I am afraid of the uphill drive there, hence the inspiration for Carter’s “freak-out” moment in the car. ;) The hotel they stay at is also a real location called Orcas Hotel, and it’s the very first historic bed and breakfast you see when you arrive at the island ferry landing. It’s a beautiful, magical place, and I kind of wish I owned the property myself.

4. Downtown Seattle – From the Space Needle and Pioneer Square to Fremont and Pike’s Place Market, Kate spends a lot of time commuting from downtown Seattle, where she lives and works, to her college campus.

5. The Ladera Resort, St. Lucia, West Indies – A far cry from the Pacific Northwest, the Ladera is where Kate travels to spend some time in the Caribbean, and it just so happens to be a real resort where I spent my honeymoon. Yup, bats (and other things) really do fly into your room at night, and no, the mosquito netting on the bed really doesn’t keep every insect out. ;) From the open, sweeping views of the ocean to the personal plunge pools, this resort is one I hope to visit again someday and couldn’t recommend highly enough.

Preservation by Rachael Wade is now available in paperback and Kindle e-book from Amazon.com. If you love paranormal romance and fantasy, also check out Rachael’s other books, Amaranth and The Gates (books 1 and 2 of the Resistance Trilogy) now at Amazon.

Review

My Rating: 4/5

R Rating (Adult Content/Language; Recommend 18+)

This was absolutely a great love story! I believe there was a good amount of conflict that really can put you on edge, and for me, I liked that, as there were unexpected turns that this story takes us, and you definitely will want to know what happens next! I enjoyed that part of the story was taken place at a college and writing was a main theme in both Ryan's and Kate's life. Speaking of these two, I think they are both well developed characters. They both have had some unfortunate situations in their past, and in ways, it might threaten the relationship (from casual to serious) that they have wonderfully formed. I liked both Ryan and Kate. In the beginning, we get a peak into Ryan's mind, and we definitely see why and how he turned into the player/arrogant person he is, when he meets Kate. The rest of the story is really in Kate's POV, and we see even though she's 25, she still has the dream to be a writer, to be an author, and enrolls in college, and she doesn't let her past get in the way of that dream. She takes some creative writing classes, and one of them is taught by Ryan. Their love story was written well, and I can see how they developed strong feelings with one another, and how that turns into something much much more...much more...Yes, there are some love scenes, and I think they are necessary, as the romantic tension/attraction that leads to that point really makes you want to, what will happen next, and if you enjoy a good romance, you will love this. I have read some stories that take place in Seattle, and this one was just as great, as there were places that were described really well, and for a while now, I've wanted to take a visit up the coast. The Guest Post you see above is awesome, as it's always wonderful to see something that was inspired into the story! 

This was a great Novel, and I recommend it! :)

About The Author

Rachael Wade is the author of the Amazon #1 best-selling paranormal romance series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the best-selling contemporary romance, Preservation. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and her work has been published in The Storyteller, A Hudson View International Poetry Digest, and Amulet Poetry. When she's not writing, she's busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect wildlife and stop animal cruelty. The first title in her post-apocalyptic sci-fi romance series, The Keepers Trilogy, is set for release winter of 2012.

Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads/Web Page

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Frozen Heart By: Annabelle Blume (Guest Post & Review)

Hey everyone! Today I am a part of the Frozen Heart Blog Tour. Author Annabelle Blume has provided us an excellent Guest Post (thank you!). Also, you will see my Review, so continue on reading, and thank you for stopping by! :)

Guest Post

Writing in the Age of Social Media

This is an amazing time to be an author. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. There are so many ways to get your book out into the world. Doors and windows and strange little trap doors in the floor of a room you had long since written off have opened up all over the place.

The once-was elusive world of publishing is now an open book (pun intended). Agents have websites allowing writers access to everything from their “wish” list for new books to acquire to their query guidelines and whether or not they’re open to submissions. There’re no longer only Big New York Publishing Houses, rather a wide breadth of independent publishers operating under a variety of different business models from traditional publishing to co-op style houses. Then, there’s self-publishing, which thanks to the rise e-books, is easier than ever before.

Additionally, you have so many ways to reach your audience these days. Reader-centric blogs (like this one), fan pages on Facebook, author profiles on Goodreads, and my favorite, Twitter, are new and exciting tools to promote your book and yourself. These social media outlets are public relations teams, marking departments, advertising arenas and on-the-job training courses all rolled into one. On Twitter, not only can you ask questions and learn the ins and outs of the industry from friendly and supportive authors, you can actually ask agents questions, get real-time information and news in the publishing world, and interact with other writers and readers.

I learned the majority of what I needed to about writing, editing, and submitting a manuscript for publication from diligent research on the internet. I asked questions on Twitter and frequented blogs by various authors, editors and agents, all who want to see authors succeed. These individuals share their priceless knowledge and experience when they are under no obligation to do any such thing. This is a gift, and it should be valued accordingly, for it is priceless.

While there are some small hitches in the publishing world and the ever present cyber arguments about whatever topic du jour is riling people up, overall, if scrutinized with a keen eye, it’s easy to discern between who’s speaking truths and who’s spouting falsehoods. Don’t pass up the opportunity to learn from those that have gone before you. The amount of time, effort, and heartache you’ll be saved on your road to publishing success is immeasurable.

If ever there was a right time to commit to the lifelong dream of publishing a book, this is it. This is your time. This is our time. Now go write something! 

Blurb

A decade surviving on her own. Three days with the enemy. Can love conquer all?

Cressenda knows how to survive. With her sled dogs as her only companions, she’s spent the past ten years hiding in the snow covered wilderness from the oppressive regime of the Affinity. When a routine trip to civilization takes a turn for the worst, Cressenda is forced to take refuge with the enemy or lose her life to the frozen countryside.

But Beckett, a Guard of the Affinity, is more than a man in uniform. His desperate need to help Cressenda escape both- the blizzard and the Affinity- makes her feelings for him all the more troubling. Will Beckett be true to his word and set Cressenda free? Will her heart let her leave after all they’ve shared? 

Excerpt

“You…you’re a...sympathizer.” It sounded dirty as the words passed between my lips. I wanted to snatch them back and swallow them down again. The sting of my insult was evident in the painful expression that settled on his face.

“It doesn’t matter what I am. You want to be free, don’t you? Then go.” His authoritative facade crumbled and the innocent hurt of a young boy dripped from his soul as he spoke. “You won’t get far enough if you don’t get out now.”

I placed my hand over his, unlatching his fingers one at a time from the tender inside of my bicep. My steps were measured and controlled as I backed away from the Guard. I neared the clear walkway of the Trade Path just as a shrill alarm sounded. Every transaction halted and everyone held their breath for a split second, merchants and traders alike. In the blink of an eye, the entire population of the Path turned to the entrance and moved hurriedly, as if they were trying to contain a generalized franticness.

“What is it? Where are they going?” I asked no one in particular.

“It’s a blizzard warning.”

I cursed. A blizzard. I’d never make it home now. Conditions would be impossible: no visibility, forty-foot snowdrifts, and gale-force winds. The boys and I would never survive. I stood, motionless, while bodies spun and twirled on the periphery of my consciousness. I was stuck in the Collective with nowhere to go and, worse, nowhere to hide.

“Come with me,” the masculine timbre commanded over my shoulder before lacing his fingers in mine. His gentle hold of my hand gave me comfort and lulled me into a hypnotic state. The Guard led me forward until I broke from my daze.

“Let me go!” I yanked my hand from his. “I have to get out of here. I have to beat the blizzard.”

Before I could break into a sprint, the Guard whirled me around. I teetered, stunned by the force. He moved in close and arched over me while he spoke. 

Not to intimidate but to cover me, protecting me from the eyes around us.

“You’ll never make it. Never. Come with me. You can wait out the storm at my cabin. When it’s over, you’ll be free to go.” His eyes searched my person for the answer to the question in his mind. Wherever it is you live.

I stared at him, doubtful and distrusting. I had only seconds to decide if this tall, hulking citizen of the Collective, official of the Affinity, could really, truly be a sympathizer.

Review

I really liked this story. Having it set sometime in the future, in a Dystopian setting, was pretty cool. We learn that Cressenda has basically been on her own, away from the Collective, away from the control of the Affinity for the past ten years. She has lived away in isolation, in a winter wilderness, since she was around sixteen years old. I think there's a good amount of background info for Cressenda, as I understood and got a feeling of what she went through as a child, in her young teenage years, and what's it like to be living on her own, well not completely alone, as she has two sled dogs :)  But, she might be in trouble, as she runs into Beckett, who is this Guard of the Affinity, and you would see he and Cressenda as enemies. Well, Cressenda is on guard herself, when she actually has to stay at his cabin, due to a crazy blizzard. For three days they stay under the same roof, and you just have to find out what happens those three days; it's something not to miss!

What I also enjoyed was that these two characters are really the main ones we follow throughout, and Blume really keeps us entertained through her excellent writing. The characters, well Cressenda and Beckett were well developed, including their feelings and passion.... I really enjoyed this different kind of futuristic read, and if there was a second novel to this one, that would be wonderful, just mentioning ;) 

My Rating: 4.4/5

R Rating (Adult Content)

About The Author

Annabelle is a Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy Romance author, that is, when she's not checking homework or begrudgingly cooking dinner. Wife, mother, and creator of alternate worlds, Annabelle has a penchant for that which is outside the norm.

Her Sociology degree did nothing to progress her writing skills, but has given her the ability to construct worlds that exist only in her head and translate them passionately to the page. The time spent studying individuals, interpersonal relationships, and particularly, women, within the constraints of our society led to Annabelle's unabashed ability to talk about sex as it fits into our modern lives.

She's also the author/personality of The Bombshell Mommy at Vitacost.com, where she expounds her knowledge of being a vixen clad in sweatpants.

Facebook//Twitter//Website 

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(Guest Post & Giveaway) Shadowland By: C.M. Gray

Hello! Today I'm hosting for Tourz De Codex. The main feature is C.M. Gray's Shadowland. There will be a Guest Post, thanks to the Author! Also, there is a Giveaway, seen below, where you have the opportunity to win one free Kindle Copy of Shadowland, so do enter! :) 

Guest Post

Becoming an Indie author.

Ever since I was about eleven years old I have been an avid reader. I remember starting on books like Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and The Secret Seven. Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe soon followed and by my early teens I had read everything by Wilbur Smith and was starting on the Steven King books as they were just coming out (yep, I’m old!).

There is an old saying that everybody has a book or two inside them, I remember that echoing around in my head for years. I discovered the world of fantasy in my twenties when discovering an old copy of The Hobbit in a second hand book shop. The Lord of the Rings soon followed. Those books unlocked a certain something in my head, as I know they did for many writers.

Fast forward a good few years, and after travelling the world, living in places like France, Amsterdam, Israel, India, Hong Kong and The Philippines, I settled in Spain with my wife and two Children, Dylan and Yasmin.

At the time I typed out my first sentence, Dylan was still a baby and my wife had discovered reality TV shows. I took a distinct dislike to watching people make fools of themselves trying to sing, and sat down at my laptop.

‘We all have a book or two inside us... ’ It was still there. Little did I realise, but the experience of writing was better than watching a film, better than playing a game on a computer and even better than reading a great book; it turned out to be all three things combined!

I type really fast and to be honest the first draft of anything I write is filled with mistakes and has very little grammar; I just have to get the ‘story’ out. It’s like reading that great book but controlling the characters as I would in the computer game and the film just plays in my mind.

About four months after sitting down that first time, the first draft of The Flight of the Griffin was born. I proudly typed ‘The End’ and thought I had made it; I was an author! However, reality struck when I started reading and found I had to do an awful lot of work to bring it into any kind of legible state!

I first took the ‘traditional’ route and looked for an agent, sending out at least a hundred manuscripts. Finally, just like the number eleven bus, two came at the same time! I chose one, we met in London to sign contracts and a couple of months later my book was in an auction between two very large publishers; fantastic! ...but then I came down to earth a month or so later when both publishers dropped the book for, what I thought at the time were, crazy reasons... the agent lost interest.

To be honest I lost interest as well for a while; in agents, publishers and even writing.

However, some time later I discovered Amazon’s KDP programme for Indie authors. I had written Shadowland by that time, just for my own amusement, and after getting a professional edit, I put that onto the Amazon programme. The Flight of the Griffin got the same treatment and followed soon after and now with them both on Smashwords .com and in paperback on LULU as well, I am selling quite a few books every day. I’m not making a fortune, but people are reading my work and I’m getting great reviews and wonderful feedback from readers. As you can see from this article I’m now working with some fantastic blog sites and add as much as I can to various websites and forums.

It’s tough being an Indie, but I don’t have anyone telling me what to write and when it has to be done and I’m much closer to you, the readers.

So, if you have ever heard a small voice in the back of your head telling you to switch off the television and write a book, give it a go. We all have a book or two inside us and it may just be an awesome read!

Book Description

We grow up with the Legend of King Arthur ... But where did he come from? Who was Merlin? What part did the Druids play in bringing Arthur to his round table? Shadowland is the story that came before, when Britain was in its darkest age. It tells of the start of the Pendragon line and the birth of a legend.

  

`I have lived more years than I can remember, probably more than the sum of all your years combined. Kings have called me friend and brigands have sworn to burn the flesh from my bones even if they have to search all seven halls of the shadowland to find me.'

On the night of midwinter's eve, a storyteller takes his listeners back to the Dark ages and a tale from his youth.

Usher Vance and Calvador Craen return to their village to find it being attacked by a Saxon and Pict war party. With the help of an aging bowman they pursue the warriors and manage to free Cal's sister. Now being hunted they escape into the forest and follow the path a druid sets them on find welcome and a few surprises with a rising army of Britons set upon reclaiming their land from the Saxon invaders.

With the death of Ambrosius at Mount Badon a new king must rise to meet the challenge and return the land to the tribes.

About The Author

Born in Essex, England in 1963 I have since been lucky enough to live and travel in many countries around the world. In fact I have lived more time outside of England than I have living there! Home for me now is just outside of Barcelona, Spain where I live in a house in the middle of the forest with my Dutch born wife and two children, Dylan and Yasmin.

My writing is mostly fantasy and many of the experiences I have had in Asia, Africa and the middle east come to life in my writing. The Flight of the Griffin follows the adventures of a group of young orphans as they battle demons and bandits on a magical quest to stop the world tipping into Chaos. Shadowland blends fantasy with history as an old story teller takes his audience back to Britain's dark ages.

Find Him And The Book Here

Blog//Goodreads Author Page//Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Book Page//Amazon Book Page

*Giveaway*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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(First Posting) New Novels On My Shelf

Hello everyone! I'm really excited to share this post with all of you. It's my first post for this new feature: New Novels On My Shelf. In this post, I will be sharing what new novels I was provided, from publishers from NetGalley; from Blog Tours I am participating in; what reads I got notified that were free or a good deal on Amazon (thank you to E-News Reader & Free E-Books Daily). Also I will share what I purchased. These novels you will see below are ones I received in the last week or from almost two weeks ago, and it might be a longer post, so get ready! 

Let me know what your thoughts are, if you like this type of Post, and if you have/have not read the Titles I have posted here. I would love to read what you have to say, thank you! :)

**Also, want to mention that these Titles I am sharing, I will Review in the future, in the upcoming months, and I will give a truthful Review. I do all of this with my time, and love it!**

From NetGalley

(Thank you to the Publishers for providing an ARC copy!)

Pushing The Limits. This is a novel I have heard a lot about, and have heard it's quite good. I can't wait to read this one! 

*Here's the synopsis via Goodreads:

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Risking It All is an Adult Romance Novel with Mature situations, so I would recommend ages 18 and older. This novel seemed intriguing when I first read the synopsis.

Here it is (from Goodreads)

Kennedy Monroe barely got her foot in her college dorm her freshman year before she was being warned about a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed self-proclaimed Casanova. There were only so many tales of heartache – and incredibly steamy nights – she could listen to before she started to believe them. But after a run in with the most sought after college womanizer, her ill feelings toward him change and soon a friendship forms that surprises everyone.

Twelve years later Kennedy and Memphis Adams are closer than ever - and only friends despite what those around them think, including Kennedy’s boyfriend Ian Brooks. When Kennedy accepts an invitation to vacation in Alaska from Memphis, her relationship with Brooks is tested as is her restraint when it comes to the desire she has always had for her best friend.

Alone with Memphis in Alaska, Kennedy finds it increasingly harder to ignore temptation and wants nothing more than to give into her secret desires with the one man that has always been off limits. But is one night of passion worth the possible risk of losing their friendship over?

Feeling torn between doing the right thing and doing what she wants, Kennedy fears losing her best friend. She knows she needs to sort out her feelings for the two men in her life and deal with the consequences of her actions, but how can she when everything seems to be falling apart so fast? And how much can Memphis take before he’s pushed too far and can no longer take Kennedy’s inability to make a decision about what and who she wants?

Kennedy discovers the harsh reality of how one night can change everything and leave her risking it all.

Future Blog Tours I will Participate In
(These are Arcs/Books I have received from the Authors/Publishers and I thank them so much and look forward to the upcoming tours!)

Oh my! This is one I can't wait to read!...!

Click Here if you would like to read the synopsis.

I will be touring with Shane @ Itching For Books, and my host date will be on August 22, so hopefully you come back as I will be sharing my Review and a Music Playlist, yes a playlist. I will be picking out songs that I think would go well with the story. Let me know what you think of that when I post it, again on August 22. Really stoked for that! :)

I like a good Romance story, I do, and from the synopsis, this looked like a very good one. Read The Synopsis Here. I'm excited to be a part of this tour and will be Reviewing and I think the Author will be providing a Guest Post. This will be happening on August 25, so hope you come back and visit!

Ok, I'm excited about this tour. For one, this will be my first time reading a M. Leighton novel, and I have heard she's an awesome author!! Second, I have heard about this series, and I've read all the blurbs and they sound beyond amazing! Click Here To Read The Blurb for the First Book. From There You can find the other two. In this tour, promoted by ATOMR Book Tours, I will be reviewing the whole series, 1-3. I simply cannot wait, and to share my Reviews with you, so look for that here on August 27! 

I love to read stories that are set in College. Maybe because I'm currently in college, but some novels I've read, like Beautiful Disaster, Across The Hall, Thoughtless/Effortless(Reviews will come soon!) and Gabriel's Inferno have all been absolutely wonderful, and I hope to read more in the future. Reflection sounds so intriguing and mysterious as the main character, Heather, starts her new life as a freshman in college, and starts to have a good experience, but then she learns that she has been a coma (what!) and all that she went through in college was all a dream. Now this is really eye catchy stuff, and I can't wait to dive into this story! Click here to read the full synopsis. You can read my Review here on September 6!

Ok, I have to mention, when I first saw this cover, I thought it looked pretty hot, as you see on the right hand side. To see the full cover and synopsis Click Here! This looks to be a superb paranormal romance/New Adult Novel. Ooo New Adult. Let me just say that I'm so happy/ecstatic on this newly recognized genre, New Adult, as some stories that I've read so far, that fall into this category, are just a perfect read that, might not be recommended for a younger crowd, but are not seen as an Adult read. I like that it's in the middle and the characters are sorta near my age, so I will be looking for more upcoming New Adult Books! 

Anyways, you can see my Review here on September 13! :) 

Dreamwalker is another Paranormal Romance that seems intriguing. Read the synopsis here. You can find my Review here on September 14!

These are novels that I received in the mail, and I want to say a thank you to all the Authors/Publishers that sent these; I look forward to reading them for the CLP Blog Tours. 
- There will be a Guest Post & Review for Picture Perfect, here on September 19! 
- There will be a Guest Post, Excerpt & Review for Blue Aspen, here on October 7!
- There will a Guest Post & Review for Living In Glass Houses, here on October 19!


Some Kindle Deals/Freebies
(I subscribe to receive a daily newsletter from Ereader News Today, and basically they mention which Titles have a good deal or are free (Kindle Edition) on Amazon that day. I think it's a great resource, and you never know, you might find some new novels that you never heard of, but glad you do now!)

The synopsis really got me interested in this novel. Charlotte runs away from a horrible situation and is under police protection, and Nick is a young officer that looks after her, and with their time together, does a love connection form? Hmm well I cannot wait to read Loverboy, and let you know more about this novel. Click Here to read more about it.

You see wings on the guy? Instantly I was interested to read the synopsis, and yup there's some angels that are called 'Guardians.' I'm always interested to read stories like this, and will read this one soon. Click Here to check out the synopsis.

The synopsis from this novel got to me, and instantly I felt for this character, Flo, and I haven't even read the book! Besides Flo going through tough times, and interestingly sees auras, she faces trouble, as she is on some sort of list that is out to get her. Wow, this looks really promising and this is one I will read soon.

Click here to check it out on Goodreads.

I always like finding new reads, and this one just grabbed me. It's set in a college setting. It has athletes, rock musicians, and well love. The synopsis seems good to me, so I hope to read this one in the next couple of months. Click Here to read about it! 

My Own Purchases

Both of these novels both surround some kind of unfortunate situation. I'm interested on how these characters overcome their troubles, and how they find some sort of good that lightens their spirits up; how they find their rays of hope. I really like realistic fiction, and look forward to reading these two.

Click Here to see more about Come See About Me.

Click Here to read more about Taking Chances.