Day 14

Happy Valentines Day
(SMASHWORDS IS WORKING AGAIN)

Today there are two books being given away, 

Blackbird Flies by Chynna Laird and Perfect Rose by Felicia Rogers

Abandoned by his wife and left to raise a child alone, Caleb Reed falls short of the ideal work-from-home dad. He needs a woman to help him, in every sense of the word. At the suggestion of a friend, Caleb agrees to hire Ariel Lauren on a trial basis.

As an orphan, Ariel has more issues than just how to make it on her own. Yes, she needs the money that Caleb offers her, but more than anything she finds she desires his love. One calamity after another befalls her and jeopardizes her new job and her chance at having a family. But through it all, Caleb is by her side, his gruff exterior threatening to melt in the face of their shared attraction. Will they decide to continue life alone or will the magic of Valentine's Day bring them together?

 

Fifteen year-old Payton MacGregor is a musical prodigy. To him, though, his music is merely a way for him to escape from the chaos that surrounds him. All of his life, he’s had to care for his mother, who copes with her bipolar disorder with booze instead of turning to her own musical talents. He refuses to become a statistic. Then he’s thrown a curve ball.

His mother suddenly dies, leaving him to be cared for by his aging grandparents.  As much as they love him, they decide to send him halfway across Canada to live with his father, Liam—the man Payton always believed abandoned him and his mother. Payton isn’t making the relocation easy on anyone until he finds out he's going to attend the prestigious School of the Arts for musically gifted youth. Any second thoughts he has about his new life are erased when he meets Lily Joplin. Their connection is instantaneous.

Lily is a talented singer, but her struggles with drugs and bipolar disorder hit too close to home for Payton’s comfort. And when her issues become all-consuming, he wonders if his music will be enough to carry him through.

Smashwords is working again :) 

To download Blackbird Flies Please go HERE and use this code TN96Q at checkout.

To download The Perfect Rose please enter ZV22J at checkout.

Day 13

Day13-Emily Dahill by Lindsay Downs

Final Mission

After being seriously wounded in a copter crash in Iraq Sgt. Emily Dahill meets her new partner as she embarks on her new Army career as a CID agent. Who could this new partner be?

A Body in the Snow

Emily and her partner, Dakota, cross bullets with their most determined foe. Who will survive?

Right Place, Wrong Day

 On leave to hang with friends Emily gets the surprise of her life.

Dog on Fishing

When it comes to knowing how to fish, and catch the big ones, never underestimate your partner. He might surprise you.

Mystery

10,659 words

Today, February 13th, you can get Emily Dahill for FREE. Go HERE and enter XG88Z during checkout to get your free book! 

Here’s what people are saying on Amazon:

 Emily Dahill CID Part One is a great introduction to the series. We first meet Sgt. Dahill . a strong protagonist, as she embarks on a mission with two newbie soldiers in tow. The mission goes south and Sgt. Dahill is left with not only physical, but mental scars from a copter crash. During her recovery she takes on a new partner, Dakota, who is not only a great protector, but also a therapeutic friend.

Emily Dahill CID Part One is written with a fresh voice and storyline. This is the first story I've ever read with a Collie POV which gave it an original spin, something that is difficult to pull off with the mass amount of stories being published today. At first, I was concerned that this read wasn't for me due to the army terminology, but Lindsay Downs did a great job weaving in those terms for a civilian.

I can't wait to read more about the mysterious man with the brown hair and how Dakota, the collie, will save the day. Truly a great story to be enjoyed by all! 


****


Emily Dahill is a strong female protagonist in this series of tales from Lindsay Downs. Introduced in the first story as a sergeant in Iraq, Emily shows her skill while training two newbies just before returning home. But her return is delayed and her confidence shaken in a helicopter crash. Pleasingly, as Emily embarks on a new army career as CID, she finds a partner who will help restore her strength.

Iraq's scares and the details of a soldier's care are described with the same convincing skill as a peaceful riverbank in this short collection. A Body in the Snow tells of a snowy meeting with Emily's fugitive nemesis. Then there's the sudden shock of Wrong Place, Wrong Day, when a gun is pointed into Emily's tent. Finally, Dog on Fishing reveals the delight of leave with friends. Emily's world includes generous family and friendships and a wonderful dog, pleasing humor and just the right touch of fear. The stories together might leave readers wondering what happened in between. But the series is off to an intriguing start--great characters to follow, a dog (what more could I ask?), a long-term foe and lots of long-term friends, plus the well-fulfilled promise of short-term action.

Day 12

Day12-The Legacy by Patricia Kiyono

When Andy Tanaka finds an old wooden chest in a storage shed on his family’s flower farm, he can’t wait to share his discovery with his best friend, Leigh Becker.

Inside the dusty lacquered chest are a pair of swords, some Japanese clothing, and a mysterious scroll, which could provide links to his samurai ancestor. They find someone to translate the scroll and then research the significance of the other items, intent on ensuring the legacy isn’t forgotten.

In the process, they learn not only about samurai history, but also some surprising truths about themselves.

Contemporary Romance

13k words

Today, February 12th, you can get The Legacy for FREE. Go HERE and enter MR29V during checkout to get your free book! 

Here’s what people are saying on Amazon:

I don't usually read novels of this length or subject matter, but found that this little novella was the perfect read for an evening when I wanted to curl up to a good book but didn't have the time to devote to a longer story. The author does a great job of providing an intriguing plot in such a short story, without leaving major gaps for the reader to imagine what happened between major points/events. The characters seem real and the story offers some surprising twists. For only $1, I found it a steal. I'm definitely looking forward to Kiyono's future pieces!

****

I've never read anything like "The Legacy". Samuri warrior family heritage and Manga were completely foreign concepts to me, yet the author did a wonderful job of not only drawing me into the story, but also making me feel comfortable and familair with these new topics. Even though this story is a novella, it's proportion and storyline were perfect, it made me want to immediatley pick up the next book in the series! The pull between the main characters was natural, everything about the story was wonderful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a great short read with some great character development and family history.

Day 11

Day11- Lucky For Her by Stephanie Taylor

Lucky certainly lives up to his name. Once the fat kid in school, he's all grown up and taking prisoners, literally. He's the town sheriff and delights in handcuffing idiots. Most people barely recognize him being the fit and trim man he is now.

Lana, pregnant and alone, flees her abusive ex-husband and seeks refuge with her father in her hometown. She doesn't expect to meet a handsome man at a get-together and fall head over heels. Of course, she can't trust herself when it comes to men and she certainly doesn't trust Lucky.

Then Lana finds out who Lucky really is - the fat kid whose invitation she turned down for her senior prom. Fat Jack has now grown into a man that makes her burn inside. He even has a new name. Ashamed of the way she treated him in the past, she tries to walk away, but there's something that pulls her back to him.

Is it the fact that Lucky can protect her from her ex-husband or can love really conquer all?

Contemporary Romance
56k words

Today, February 11th, you can get Lucky For Her for FREE. Go HERE and enter VW98T during checkout to get your free book! 

Here’s what people are saying on Amazon:

It's few a far between that I find a book that makes me want to re-read it as soon as I finish the last page, this book was one of those few books! Lucky for Her was a fantastic read. The storyline was well established and flowed easily, the characters were realistic and romantic, everything was great! The author did a good job being tasteful with the "romantic" scenes without giving to deep of detail. Too many authors rely on the sex to sell the book. Stephanie Taylor's book is able to stand alone without resorting to steamy scenes to carry it. I love stories that make you want to go back and re-read your favorite parts and this book had me doing just that! I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a great romance, a great redemption, and a man in uniform.

 

****

Amazing. Breathtaking. Flawless--Just a few words that describe this book, but then again all of Stephanie Taylors books are good! This book was funny but still so romantic it nearly broke my heart! I read it in one sitting. 
The struggle that both main characters go through is so realistic and beautifully woven together. It quite honestly, is a masterpiece. If you love romance, this is the book for you!

 

****

Lucky for Her by Stephanie Taylor is a fabulous read. It is clean but does have some references to sex.

Lana has come home after ten years. She has divorced her abusive high school boyfriend and finds herself pregnant. She is scared that her ex may find out she is pregnant and she may never be rid of him. Enter Lucky the former fat kid from high school now local hunky sheriff. He agrees to marry her and claim the child as his own, but in name only. Lana and Lucky each have a lot of healing to do from their past. But if they can heal, their future together looks very bright. Oh, but it cannot be that easy - her ex returns and Lucky spills the beans about the baby being his. Uh oh!!

Find a comfortable chair and enjoy this book, I sure did. :-)

Day 10

Day10- Sucker for a Hot Rod by Joselyn Vaughn

Bryce Halloway only dates a woman once. No exceptions.

It gives him the reputation of a heart-breaker, but he can handle that as long as it keeps his mother, Dinah, from trying to marry him off. Judi Montgomery and her tempting ponytail finagle their way around official dates with car problems and driving lessons. She worms her way into his heart and entices him to want more from his life.

When health issues causes his father to retire, Bryce inherits the family-owned tractor repair shop. Can Judi’s love and encouragement give him the courage to break tradition and pursue his dreams of owning a custom hot rod shop?

Contemporary Romance
67k words

Today, February 10th, you can get Sucker For A Hot Rod for FREE. Go HERE and enter YV37L during checkout to get your free book! 

Here’s what people are saying on Amazon:'

 Judi Montgomery is new to town. She recently took a job as a second-grade teacher and she is determined to make a go of it. Unfortunately, the one thing she has left of her late father, a 1972 Datzun 240Z, keeps breaking down. If she's late to work, they may end her newfound teaching career early.


The only shop in town is out of ideas on fixing the ancient beast and refers Judi to Halloways Tractors. They fix farm equipment, but the owner's son, Bryce, has been known to know his way around a hot rod. At first, Bryce doesn't want to to do it, but eventually, the lure is too great for him and he agrees to give it a look.

Bryce never dates the same woman twice, period. And even though Judi finds him attractive, he makes his rule known to her. She doesn't care as long as he fixes her car. But it seems that everyday or two, something happens to her car and she needs to call Bryce. Either she needs to trade the car in for something newer, or something fishy is going on.

Bryce has always wanted to build custom hot rods, but knows that when his father retires, he will have to run the tractor store. What he doesn't count on is his father retiring now. He accepts the tractor repair shop, but he imagines all of his dreams going out of the window. Will Judi be able to convince Bryce that he can follow his dreams? Will Bryce and Judi determine that their heart leads them where their future is?

Sucker for a Hot Rod is a fun contemporary romance. I really enjoyed the characters in this small town setting, with it's charm and everyone knows everyone's business. The romance between Judi and Bryce is sweet and blooms slowly, building lasting ties for the future. There is some fun and warm romantic moments that give this tale just that unique bit that makes it special. I really enjoyed it!

****

This was a sweet and unique romance. You definitely don't see many romances written by women that have cars as a main focal point. Usually, I'm assuming, because women just don't have enough knowledge to make it believable. This author either did a lot of research or she knows her cars. This book is filled with realistic characters, funny scenarios, and believable character quirks with just enough humor to have you laughing in spots and emotion to have you empathizing with the characters in others.

I wasn't too sure about Bryce at first. Initially, he didn't seem to have a lot of depth to him, he doesn't necessarily come across as very intelligent (except for when it comes to cars) and seems rather adolescent in some respects. As the book progresses though, we get a deeper look at Bryce and how he thinks. We also see his interaction with his family and the reasons behind his behavior. He actually turns into a nice guy that you end up liking.

Judi is a sweet girl with just enough fire in her to not take crap from anybody. She is independent, determined and motivated. I loved seeing her waver between asking for help in a couple of situations and being determined to handle things on her own.

The "Girls Night Out" club of older ladies in the town, and their antics and personalities, are hilarious and add enough colorful humor to the town to make you wish you could visit and meet them.

A fun, enjoyable read that will go quickly. Be sure and check it out.

****
Sucker for a Hot Rod has a sweet cast of characters. I loved the way the author painted a picture of the whole town and while I adored the hero and heroine, some of the supporting characters charmed me as well. This is a sweet story of growing love and working with cars. Though I don't know anything about cars, I found myself fascinated with all the car information. The hero is adorable and his growing relationship based on trust, respect and mutual affection was delightful. If you're looking for an engaging sweet romance, this is it.

Day 9

Day 9- In The Spotlight by Liz Botts

When sixteen year old Hannah Brewster lands the lead in the school musical she hopes it will be the perfect chance to get the attention of her family and her long time crush, Kyle. The only problem is that school super star, Josh Larson, has been cast opposite her, and he seems to like her as more than just a cast mate.

As Hannah and Josh grow closer, things between Hannah and Kyle get complicated. When Hannah realizes that Kyle is not who she thought he was, she also realizes that she just might like Josh as more than just a friend.

Will Hannah and Josh be able to overcome their obstacles and admit their feelings before the musical ends?

YA Romance

63k words

Today, February 8th, you can get Olivia’s Journey for FREE. Go HERE and enter HM26M during checkout to get your free book! 

Here’s what people are saying on Amazon:'

 From page 1, "In the Spotlight" was one of those books that I could not put down. The main character, Hannah, is genuine and the kind of girl you want to befriend. She's down-to-earth, funny, and sweet, but has flaws that make her easy to relate to. And from a wild grandma to a dramatic older sister named Harlow, Hannah's family will keep you laughing (often out loud and uncontrollably). But "In the Spotlight" offers more than just humor: Hannah's roller-coaster relationships with hot shot, Kyle, and sweetheart, Josh, are what makes this novel a true page-turner. "In the Spotlight" is one of the most well-written young adult books I have ever read and would recommend it to ALL junior high and high school students looking for a great summer read!

****

I loved this book. The writing was crisp, clean, and fun. The narrative had a great wit to it and follows the story of a very real girl. The overall plot was everything I love about a good Disney movie with more realistic teen drama. If you're looking for light, fun, read that's going to leave you feeling giggly for days, I recommend this book.

****

This is the first YA novel I've read, well, since I was a teen! I liked Hannah immediately. She's level headed and smart where so many YA heroines lately are all angst and obsession. The dialogue is also well written. Pick this one up if you want a smart story of girl chooses boy and all the trappings.

Day 8

Day 8- Olivia’s Journey by BG Lashbrooks

It’s the Spring of 1865 and Mr. Lincoln runs the country...probably better than Olivia’s hard-fisted uncle runs his farm in Southern Indiana. Olivia would give anything to escape his abuse, but as long as he provides a shelter for her and her two younger sisters, she has no choice. But she soon has to make a daring decision when she finds a Confederate soldier bleeding alongside the river that borders her uncle’s farm. Soon Olivia and the soldier are running for their lives through Yankee country, with only Olivia’s twelve year old sister for company. But then the War is declared over and the President dead, what will that mean for the Confederate man who’d done so much to help Olivia? What will that mean for her?

Historial YA Romance

190 Pages

Today, February 8th, you can get Olivia’s Journey for FREE. Go HERE and enter TB96P during checkout to get your free book! 

Here’s what people are saying on Amazon:'

A good historical read that's somewhere between romance and women's fiction, with a healthy dose of coming-of-age thrown in for good measure.

[SPOILER ALERT] Olivia escapes from her abusive uncle and aunt with her twelve-year-old sister and a wounded Confederate soldier in tow. As they journey to freedom together, Olivia grows up, learning her own strength and how it feels to be a woman in love as she falls for soldier Grayson, and he for her. [END SPOILERS]

This is an edgy long novella, with every kiss and caress described in lovely detail but with no graphic sex scenes. Lashbrooks takes the reader to the edge, but never quite pushes you over. (Note: good one for before a hot date.) The characters are well crafted, historical (U.S. Civil War) details are accurate, and although the tension isn't steady, the writer's smooth style makes it easy to keep reading. Olivia's story and Lashbrook's presentation will stay with me a long time.

****

I was completely captivated by the book by the first page. This novel takes place during the last week of the Civil War, which, to me is one of the most fascinating time periods in American history. I felt connected to both Olivia and Grayson from the beginning of the book. I found myself `cheering' for both of them. Olivia because she's lost so many important people in her life, is abused by the person who is supposed to be taking care of her (her uncle), and also for having to grow up so quickly and be both a mother and a father to her two younger sisters. Then there is Grayson, who has had to see the terrors of war close up as a Confederate surgeon, has no idea where his younger brother is now that they war has ended and the Confederate prisoners released, and also doesn't know has become of his farm in Tennessee. If I can connect to the main characters within the first chapter of a novel, then I know it's going to be a page turner for me, and it most definitely was! 
The adventure in this book is not so much an on the edge of your seat, can't wait to see what happens next; but more of an adventure where Olivia finds herself and also finds love. Of course there are a couple of scenarios where their lives are at risk, and Grayson's life is definitely at risk for being a Confederate soldier in Union territory, but there's so much more to their adventure. 
During the train ride the trio (Olivia, Amelia, and Grayson) are making to Chicago, Olivia's personal growth becomes very apparent. She realizes that she is almost 21 years old, and she has been living her life entirely for her sisters, and has put little thought as to what SHE wants out of life. She realizes that she has feelings for Grayson, and that it's time for her to pursue her hopes and dreams, and to live for herself for the first time ever. She has been lost for so many years, and now, with the help of Grayson she has begun to find herself again. Books that show a character showing personal growth are my favorite type of book. I also love books that take place during an important event in history, because not only am I reading a wonderful story, but I am also learning more about a fascinating time period. 
I think that I've talked this book up enough for everyone to realize that I give it a FIVE out of FIVE stars without a second thought. Great book, great characters, amazing writing, and an all around amazing story!