Spotlight - Timeless Passion by Kayden Claremont + GIVEAWAY

In today's spotlight we have Timeless Passion by Kayden Claremont

TITLE:    Timeless Passion

AUTHOR:    Kayden Claremont

INFO:    Fiction, 87 pages

PUBLISHED:   Wild Rose Press, 2015

GENRE:   Time Travel, Erotic Romance 

ABOUT:  Museum director Tasha Banner needs a miracle. Without a great deal of luck and even more money, the pioneer museum will close. But when they demonstrate a Scottish New Year’s tradition, a tall, dark, and yummy stranger walks through the door. Have the faeries sent her a miracle wrapped around the man of her dreams or will altering time bring disaster to them all?

Blacksmith Dougal MacBride walks into his home after a long day and finds strangers celebrating Hogmanay when it’s just days before Christmas. Confused beyond belief and incredibly aroused by the curvaceous bundle in front of his hearth, he is torn between the need to return to his time or remain in the present with the woman who may be his soul mate.

EXCERPT:  She motioned for him to stand by the table like the others. Defiantly he remained by the door. “Welcome to my home on New Year’s Eve.” “Are ye daft woman? We’ve not even had Christmas yet.” Dougal didn’t know what they were doing pretending today was New Year’s Eve, but he’d have none of it. All he wanted was his sup and his bed. He turned and opened the door. “Be gone with ye. And take yer friends with ye.”

When she took a step closer to him, he saw the storm brewing in her eyes. “I’m Mrs. MacBride, a Scottish woman in the village and we are celebrating Hogmanay, a Scottish New Year’s tradition.”

“I know what Hogmanay is.” Dougal leaned into her. Her scent was one of sweet baking and spicy woman. He’d never been so instantly attracted to a woman before, but he had to keep his wits about him. “I also know yer not Mrs. MacBride and, with that accent, ye’re not Scottish either. Now be gone with ye.”

The brazen woman raised her hand to stop the others from leaving. Anger flared in her eyes, turning them a thunderous gray. She clutched his elbow, and her heat rushed up his arm and through his chest, causing his breath to catch. The pot of stew in his hand swayed and its lid crashed to the floor.

“How dare you order me out of here!”

Dougal brushed her hand from his arm. “How dare ye be here!” 

Timeless Passion is available now at:

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO  
ARe / WILD ROSE PRESS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Kayden loves sexy, well-crafted stories of lust and love. Her sensuous style drives the characters in lustful romps. When she is not crafting erotic romantic stories, she can be found crocheting or making jewelry.

Kayden is a member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writing Community of Durham Region.

She hopes you enjoy her other books, Hell’s Bounty, Timeless Passion, and her soon to be released Red Hot all published by The Wild Rose Press.

Kayden loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her at:  

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Kayden is awarding a $25 GC to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble to one lucky winner! Be sure to enter below and check out the other tour stops HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - One Last Time by Denise Daisy

TITLE:    One Last Time

AUTHOR:    Denise Daisy
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 200 pages
PUBLISHED:   Lyrical Press, 2015
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  When it comes to love, time is all they need...Averie is terrified of anything remotely scary, but when she finds herself short of cash, she has not choice but to work on the catering staff at the creepy historic Faulkner mansion. The Faulkner Plantation was the site of a bloody massacre in the 1800s, and the event is an attempt to change its reputation. There's just one catch: the host has more in store than dinner. Soon Avery, along with a handsome guest named Quillan, is transported - back in time...

It's one month before the massacre and Averie and Quillan must find the courage to do more than survive. Together, they must uncover the truth about the Faulkner family and try and stop the murders. But as Averie and Quillan grow closer, the stakes are higher than they expected. Will they be able to put their feelings aside to change the past - and find life, and Love, in the place Averie fears the most?
   
MY TAKE:   I wasn't too sure what to expect with this book, but it seemed to have many aspects of a good story that I would enjoy. I was right in choosing to review it, it was a fun, quick read. 

Avery was a fun character to get to know. She had had a rough time of it and could be a bit much at times, but I ended up liking her. I liked that she bucked tradition and propriety by actually interacting with the slaves in the past. Her modernness finally served her well. 

One issue with the time travel was the fact that there wasn't complete continuity with the timeline and the changes made in the past. I think if the loose ends were tied up a little neater I'd have liked it a little bit better. 

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available now at these fine literary retailers:

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / POWELL'S BOOKS         

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Tennessee, Denise Daisy sets her stories in the Deep south. In addition to writing, Denise enjoys directing for the theater, and has brought to the stage many wonderful stories, from The Legend of Pocahontas to Great American Tall Tales. To Denise, there is nothing more thrilling than bringing charactes to life, whether on stage, behind the camera , or in the pages of her books. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her four daughters, watching fireflies in the evenings, dreaming up her next story, and inspiring others. 

Review - The Lens and The Looker by Lory S. Kaufman

There's hope for the future,

but what about the past?

TITLE:    The Lens and the Looker
AUTHOR:    Lory S. Kaufman
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 322 pages
PUBLISHED:   The Fiction Studio, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review and Book Tour

  

Pump Up Your Book Tours

FROM THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:  It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s), have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.


In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.


These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

MY TAKE:    This is an exciting new series in the YA genre that will appeal to readers of various ages.  I think it's another one of those stories that shouldn't be "pigeon-holed" into just one genre or classification.  While it's being marketed towards YA readers, I think dystopian, historical fiction, time travel, romance, adventure and science fiction aspects are also well represented in this work by Lory S. Kaufman.  As an adult who enjoys all of these genres, including YA; I found this to be a great read.
  
I'm an avid reader of historical fiction.  When I saw the description of this story, I jumped at the chance to be part of the blog tour.  One of my favorite books/movies is Timeline by Michael Crichton.  It involves a group of archaeologists who are thrown back into medieval France and must learn to survive without their modern amenities.  This story reminded me of that in a vague way and I am happy to say I'm not disappointed.  It's a fresh take on the "fish out of water" syndrome. 

A History Camp where youngsters are taught to learn from the mistakes of the past is a fantastic idea.  I love that our three main characters are pretty much hard-ass delinquents who are spoiled and quite jaded.  They do their best to get in their own way and cause even more problems for themselves and the adults who are trying to help them.  It was fun watching the three of them grow and change their perceptions of themselves and the privileged life they came from.  None of them were especially likable at the start.  I found myself caring what happened to them quickly as the story progressed and their hardships began piling up on them.

The extensive research done by Mr. Kaufman is very apparent from the beginning.  He mixes historical facts in with the fictional tale seamlessly.  I learned a lot about Verona and much of medieval life without feeling like I was being "taught".  The story was enjoyable and educational and I became attached to many of the people who made the tale come alive for me.  While Hansum is the one we spent the most time with in the story, I am hoping to hear more from Shamira and Lincoln in the upcoming books.

I highly recommend this story and the entire series. The The Lens and the Looker  is available now.  I look forward to continuing on the adventure with Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln in the next installment The Bronze and the Brimstone - available TOMORROW ~ June 7th! 

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon and The Book Depository

You can learn more about the author and the series by visiting:
History-Camp
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

I'm excited to also be on the tour for the second book in the series: The Bronze and the Brimstone  on June 24th.  Be sure to check back in to see what's next in this exciting Verona Trilogy.

 
~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

TITLE:    Outlander
AUTHOR:    Diana Gabaldon
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 850 pages
PUBLISHED:   Delacorte, 1991
ISBN#:   978-0-3853-1995-9
SOURCE:   Received from Pump Up Your Book Tours for Review and Blog Tour
  

FROM GOODREADS:  The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

MY TAKE:    Anyone who knows me or is familiar with my bookish obsession will be aware (possibly painfully aware) that Outlander is my favorite book of all time.  There is no wiggle room, it just IS.  So while I jumped at the chance to be on this blog tour to celebrate this masterpiece, I also felt a bit of hesitation.  How do you describe something that in the many re-readings has touched different parts of your heart and mind?  Bear with me and I will attempt it.

I actually "met" Claire and Jamie when Diana Gabaldon was first writing their story.  I belonged to the writer's forum on Compuserve for a while where Diana was submitting excerpts from her "practice story".  I must admit I fell in love with Jamie back then!  Fast forward a few years and I stumble across a book called Outlander.  The entire time I was absorbing this mesmerizing story I felt it was familiar.  It took a while to figure out that I had actually read bits and pieces years before.

This is an epic story that truly does have something for everyone.  It doesn't fit neatly into any one niche or genre though.  Fiction, history, romance, science-fiction, paranormal, family, military, Scotland, American, Celtic, fantasy ~ do you see what I mean?  I have recommended this book and entire series to men and women, of various ages including my then husband-to-be.  He was also touched by this book, so much in fact that we implemented part of their wedding vow into ours:

"Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.

I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One.

I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done."

As I don't want to give away any spoilers, I will end my glowing tribute with a quote from one of my favorite parts of the story.  It occurred in their bridal chamber right after Jamie & Claire's forced wedding when they are getting to know each other.  As they are drifting off to sleep, Jamie tries to comfort Claire and says, "Don't be afraid, there's the two of us now."  To me, this statement sets the tone for the rest of the story and series and sums it all up.

~~~~~ 

  

*Just needed to share this last bit:  I had "General Hospital" on in the background as I was writing this post.  One of the actors was gifting her hospitalized sister with books.  That made me look up and I started "whoo hooing" when she presented the girl with OUTLANDER!  Excellent taste ladies!  I have also gifted this book to many, many people.  It is the only book I have ever bought more than ten/five/two copies of! 

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, Powell's Books, IndieBound

    

   

The eighth installment of this phenomenal saga is in the works now.  In the meantime, Diana and her legion of fans are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Outlander this year.  You can read more about Jamie and Claire as well as Diana herself by visiting her website at http://www.DianaGabaldon.com. 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Aching for Always by Gwen Cready

Join the fun in a sexy romp through time...

Aching for Always

TITLE:    Aching for Always

AUTHOR/EDITOR:    Gwen Cready

INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 440 pages

PUBLISHED:   Pocket Books, 2010

ISBN#:   978-1-4391-0728-7

HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  RITA Award–winning author Gwyn Cready continues the “sexy fun” (BookPage) of her charming time-travel adventures with a high-spirited tale of a modern-day mapmaker and the eighteenth-century English navy captain she can’t resist.

Ambitious and feisty Josephine “Joss” O’Malley has spent years fighting to keep her mother’s map-making company alive. Just when she finds herself considering taking a risky next step with bad-boy entrepreneur Rogan Reynolds— whose generosity has helped keep the business afloat—Joss meets dark and mysterious Hugh Hawksmoor. Hugh’s deft touch and old-world seduction stir Joss’s desires like a storm at sea, and she has no clue that he has sailed three hundred years into the future to avenge the death of his brother at the hands of her father. Or that she holds the key to a map that will help him undo the destructive changes her father wrought in the past. When Hugh lures Joss into a treacherous journey through time, there’s not a twenty-first-century trick that can save her. But when she applies her own instincts to a course she thought was set, she discovers that the high seas hold some scandalous surprises.

MY TAKE:   This book was a really fun read.  I completely enjoyed the heroine, Joss.  She was a very strong, caring character full of imagination.  She has a fierce love of and loyalty to her deceased mother and the failing map-making company that she left to Joss.  I liked her immediately which is something that isn't always true with many protagonists that I read about. 

Hugh is a yummy, "McDreamy" (Joss compares Hugh to Patrick Dempsey more than once) that Joss feels instantly attracted to and intensely curious about.  The sea captain who is from several centuries before her time, catches her attention and never loses it throughout the adventure, even though Joss is engaged to marry another man in the present day. 

Several other characters add to the well-rounded cast.  Joss's best friend, Diana is exactly the kind of gal pal we all need.  Her intended, Rogan, is not quite the philanthropist that he initally appears so I couldn't feel too much angst when she starts developing feelings for the determined Hugh. The mysterious Fiona who appears in the present day along with Hugh is one of those women that we all take an immediate dislike to. 

Having this story revolve around a set of ancient maps was a fun and adventurous way to take the characters through time and to different locations.  I have always been fascinated by maps and have a very small collection of old ones myself.

I couldn't help but compare the battle of the map making company with the GPS revolution to that of our book printers vs the e-book's rise in popularity.  It would be a shame to lose the true art of map making just as it would be to lose that of the binding and printing of books.

Be sure to get your copy of this steamy novel full of imagination and well-written characters.  It is a fun read, well worth your time!

   

MY RATING:    4/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, IndieBound, or The Book Depository

 

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Only With a Highlander by Janet Chapman

Only With a Highlander

TITLE:    Only With A Highlander
AUTHOR/EDITOR:    Janet Chapman
INFO:    Hardback, Fiction, 287 pages
PUBLISHED:   Pocket Books, 2005
ISBN#:   978-0-7394-5943-0
HOW'D I GET IT:   Purchased
FROM JACKET FLAP:  She must choose between her destiny...and her desire.

As soon as Pine Creek's new mystery man steps into her art gallery, Winter MacKeage is intrigued. This sexy stranger, Matt Gregor, wants her to do some drawings of his dream house. And with his tiger-gold eyes and masculine charm, he's impossible to resist. But so is Winter's Scottish heritage. As the seventh MacKeage daughter, she must embrace her true magical calling...and deny her mortal desires. Soon Winter is heating up -- in Matt's strong arms -- and her fiery heart is torn. Can she give up the destiny she was born to fulfill for the only man she's ever truly loved?

MY TAKE:   I was into this book right away as the story gets rolling immediately.  From the moment she sets eyes on Matt Gregor, Winter is hooked!  Line and sinker.. 

This story is full of interesting, richly written characters.  I enjoyed the verbal banter as well as the building of the tension between the two main characters and with the family members.  There is humor in abundance as well as a finely crafted storyline.  Several different mysteries pop up through the book and will all come together in the end to finally make sense.  I hope there will be more on many of the supporting characters in the next book (or two?)..

I didn't realize at first that this was part of a series, but I am now on the hunt to get the others and read the series in order, especially now that I know there is a sequel to this book!  Highly recommended reading.
   
MY RATING:    4/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:   Only With a Highlander