5-Heart Book Review and Spotlight: Wishing Cross Station by February Grace

Wishing Cross Station
February Grace

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Booktrope Editions
• Publication Date: May 13, 2015

Genre: Time Travel Fantasy Romance

About the Book:
Don't stay a moment longer than you have to. Don't say too much. Don't pollute the timeline.

When nineteen-year-old college library page Keigan Wainwright is sent to pick up a private donation of books for the school's collection, he has no idea where one of those books will take him, or what it will take from him.

Retracing a powerful man's footsteps through the past, Keigan finds himself caught in the same dangerous trap: falling in love with a woman he was never meant to know, and uncertain he will ever find his way home.

Wishing Cross Station: A bittersweet fantasy romance from the author of GODSPEED and OF STARDUST.

Amazon

Our Review:

Extraordinary. Endearing. So beautifully written. I smiled. I cried. I was never not wholly ‘in’ the story. I could hear the steam engine called the Aurelia Belle, feel her rumble, smell her coal, and I visited Wishing Cross, too.  

Keigan Wainwright is not your typical romantic male lead, granted, but he is kind and interesting and the sort person whom you’d wish to have a wonderful life, simply because of who he is. When circumstances point him toward Wishing Cross, he goes there willingly, for the sake of a promise, and for the sake of love. What he finds when he gets there will turn his life upside down and color it with a pain and a beauty beyond anything he knew existed.

When I finished this book I was silent for several days. I needed to process this gift I’d been given, absorb it, make it a part of me, until I could find the right words to properly express the beauty it held. I hope these few words help you to buy the book, so you can find out for yourself how beautiful writing and storytelling can be.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Along with my review I will tell you I have purchased the paperback version for my ‘real’ library, the one I visit, the one I love best of all, the one where life-long friends come to live with me.

Do not hesitate – hit the buy button now.

Very well done. 

About the Author:

February Grace is an author, poet, and artist from Southeastern Michigan. She has created characters with clockwork hearts, told the romantic tale of modern fairy godparents, put her own spin on a classic tale, and now takes readers on a journey back in time in her fifth novel published by Booktrope, WISHING CROSS STATION. 

She's done a few more or less interesting things in her life, not the least of which include working for Disney, getting kissed by a Klingon (it was unprovoked) and going blind, though she wouldn't personally recommend the latter. She would however highly recommend the doctors who helped partially restore her sight after a long series of surgeries between 2009 and 2011. 

She sings on key, plays by ear, and is more than mildly obsessed with colors, music, and meteor showers. 

She considers each day a gift, and is eternally grateful to all the amazing people who have helped make her writing dreams come true.

Author Links:
Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Spotlight: Viking Heart by Sky Purington

Viking Heart
The MacLomain Series
Viking Ancestors
Book 3
Sky Purington


Genre:  Time-travel Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication: June 4, 2015
Number of pages:  260
Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry



Book Description:
Amber is heartbroken. Supposedly because of a pact made between three ninth century Viking brothers and Mt. Galdhøpiggen’s seers, her sisters have vanished into the distant past. Struggling with grief, she leans on her part-time fling Sean until even he is torn away. Or so it seems.

Of dragon blood and brother to the king, Kol Sigdir ‘the lucky’ has been determined to avoid his fate since the moment he promised himself, sight unseen, to a woman from the future. He adores all women and it’s no easy thing knowing he has to eventually pledge his heart to just one…until he meets Amber. A spirited artist and musician, she captivates him. When she offers him a soul-deep glimpse at what was missing from his life, he soon wonders how he will ever be able to let her go.

As Kol and Amber grow closer, they face multiple threats. Eager for revenge, King Alrek declares war. To make matters worse, he has an ally nobody could have anticipated. One determined to see everything come to an end.

Hearts struggle, rip apart, and then are rebuilt when the laws of time are tossed aside. A thousand years means nothing when two star-crossed souls are meant to connect. Even so, will the strength of love be enough to withstand a powerful enemy and bridge a gap across time already closed?

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Excerpt:

After receiving another horn of ale, Kol leaned back and eyed Amber with amusement as she stopped in front of the men playing bodhran drums. Unlike her sisters, she seemed to be embracing their society right away or so said the slow sway of her hips. Fortunately, the fires kept it warm enough that she’d removed her cloak, giving him and every other man a pleasurable view of her backside.

And just like him, there was nothing but lust in their eyes.

He didn’t recognize the low growl in his chest and had no idea he was heading in her direction until he was halfway there. Her sisters might be a solid wall of protection around Amber but far too many men were contemplating a way past them. Even with the potential wrath of the king and Raknar coming down on them, several clearly thought the loot well worth the inevitable punishment.

She must have said something about the instrument because Kol had nearly reached Amber when one of the men stopped playing his drum and handed it to her. Red dragon haze skirted the corners of his vision when the musician wrapped his arms around her from behind. Though he was only showing her how to use the drum, Kol also knew he was just as aroused as the men now forming a circle around her.

A dagger at the ready, he stopped beside her sisters and glared at any man willing to meet his eyes…which were few. No, they weren’t just lusting but downright enchanted by Amber. Even his eyes were snagged from protecting her when warm laughter bubbled up from her chest. She tossed her hair over a shoulder and winked at the man behind her. Arms crossed over his chest, Kol was impressed with how smoothly she kept the musician from pressing too close while simultaneously making him feel like the world revolved around him.

He had never seen anything quite like it.

From a woman that is.

Hel, Amber maneuvered a man nearly as well as Kol maneuvered a woman.

And that’s precisely what they did. Made the opposite sex feel special until they tired and moved on to the next. But Kol would bet that like him, she rarely left a man lacking. If anything, she left them happier than they were prior.

“I knew it wouldn’t take her long to make herself at home,” Megan murmured and bumped shoulders with him. “Put away the dagger, Champ. She’ll be all right.”

“I’m sure she will.” But he didn’t put away the dagger. Better that his fellowmen see his intentions…or at least that she was under his protection. Yet even as he tried to keep his attention on the bastards around her, he soon became as enamored as the rest when she held the crossbar beneath with expertise and started playing the drum. She had a way of moving her hand in such a way that the sound made the listener feel the passion within her.

Incredible passion.

Blatant sensuality.

The woman possessed a natural eroticism that simmered beneath the surface of every move she made. Kol watched the speed and roll of her hand, imagining that same hand playing his body with as much talent and hunger. Because there was a definite hunger in the sound she created. One that originated in the depths of her soul. A soul that felt things far more deeply than most.

Though Kol narrowed his eyes at the man behind her, he didn’t need to. Amber was handling him perfectly as she pulled away and nodded her thanks. Then her eyes met the women playing the pipes and she offered a dazzling smile as they caught her beat.

Captivated, he couldn’t decide which part of her he wanted to eye more. Her animated face, the way her hand deftly worked the instrument or the sway of her lovely hips as she moved in synchronization to the beat she created. 

About the Author:

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of fifteen novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? 

Author Links:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Tour giveaway:

1 $50 gift card to winner’s choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Viking Claim by Sky Purington

Viking Claim
The MacLomain Series
Viking Ancestors
Book 2
Sky Purington

Genre:  Time-travel Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication: April 2, 2015
Number of pages:  240
Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Book Description:

Veronica tries to cope with losing her sister but is drawn to everything that seemingly took Megan away. A magical stone. Rune staves. A Viking king. The far distant past. It all seems too impossible to believe. Until she slides down a snow swept hill near Maine's, Raven's Nest cliffs straight into a reality she never could have imagined.

Of dragon blood and brother to the king, Raknar Sigdir 'the hunter' is determined to welcome any woman from the future if it means he can conquer anew for his people. For those he cares about most. However, Veronica, the irresistible woman thrust back in time, soon has his mind less on loot and more on all the things he forgot about himself.

Honor. Decency. Pride. The ability to love.

A pact with the seers hangs in the balance when a ninth century Viking gives in to his heart to protect a modern day woman from a sworn, powerful enemy...his former wife. Rash actions mean an uncertain outcome. A new fate unfolds. An ultimatum is given. A claim must be made. Now all that lies ahead is a challenge that might very well mean the loss of an unparalleled passion found across time.

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Excerpt:

Raknar was heading in her direction.

Though tempted to take a healthy swig from her skin, she didn’t. Instead, Veronica stood up straighter and waited for him to approach. Believe it or not, she’d never seen him look quite as intent as he did at this moment. As if the devil was coming for her soul but he’d get there faster. Purposeful, focused, he strode up to her. Before she could say a word, he yanked her against him.

Not a kiss.

Not quite.

But so very close.

Eyes nearly shut; his mouth hovered centimeters from hers, his hot breath a whisper over her lips. It was as if they were reliving that moment when he first pulled her down onto the Drakkar longship. Save now they were far closer, unparalleled need pulsating and palpable between them, like a living, breathing thing.

“Raknar,” she whispered before she could stop herself.

Her eyes slid shut. His lips came closer, hovered, rested against hers but didn’t move. Nothing existed but the feel of him against her. A renewed fire, a blatant want that had been there since the moment they first laid eyes on one another.

A shiver raced through her.

Lightning fast, he dug one hand into her hair and the other around the side of her neck. Still they didn’t move. Lips close. Breath mingling. Heat didn’t just flare but roared between them, an untouchable element made to mock, to accentuate the place both fought but needed so very much.

Somehow they were better at this. Wanting but not taking. Needing but avoiding. Pushing but not going all the way. Yet they had that in common. An unwillingness to scale the walls they’d erected.

His lips moved away and his cheek pressed against hers, his whisper close to her ear. “Come. Dance with me, woman.”

In any century.

Raknar gave her no chance to respond before they moved closer to the fire and she was in his arms, her body swaying slowly against his. Veronica dropped the skin of mead, not interested in her drink as she floated, lost. Just like she’d been that first night. Gone within his arms.

Gone within him.

Though it only felt like moments, the night drifted away. The planet turned. The stars moved. Vikings laughed, danced, partied, sang, but never once did Raknar let her go. They moved, touched, but never kissed. His hands drifted over her body not lewdly but worshiping, as though he memorized her every curve, every line that made up her form.

About the Author:

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of fifteen novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases?

Author Links:
Website | Blog |  Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest  

Tour giveaway:

1 $50 gift card to winner’s choice of Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Blitz: Ever Mine by Eden Ashe

Ever Mine
Eden Ashe

Genre: urban fantasy romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc
Cover Artist: Renee Rocco


Book Description:

Can a kidnapped fairy and a human find love despite all odds?

Nathan Alexander’s batty aunt has done it again. This time she’s sent him a rare plant he doesn’t want. Imagine his surprise when he finds a kidnapped fairy hidden within its leaves. As a man who heads a non-profit organization for abused women and children, Nathan makes it his mission to help her find her way home.
All her life Katenia was warned about the evilness of humans. Never was that proved more true than when she was kidnapped from her quiet valley home. Thrust into the human world, Katenia must fight her very instincts to trust Nathan if she ever hopes to return to her rightful place…and to her normal thumb-sized fairy form.

But with their lives in danger, finding home…and love…will be a journey worthy of a fairy tale.

Amazon

About the Author:

Convinced dragons have gotten a bad rep throughout time, and more than a little addicted to fairy tales and romance novels, Eden Ashe has decided to re-write history. In her version, the dragons are ancient warriors in tarnished armor, who not only deserve the girl in the end, but will fight forever for her.

Author Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Mark of the Highlander by Sky Purington

Mark of the Highlander
The MacLomain Series
Next Generation
Book 1
Sky Purington

Genre:  Time Travel Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication:   April 8, 2014
Number of pages:  246
Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry


Book Description:

Up and coming novelist sensation, McKayla never could have imagined that the medieval Scottish Highlands she wrote about were anything more than pure historical fiction. But little did she know that her Broun ancestry would prove an irresistible pull for one very remarkable highlander.

Colin MacLomain, skilled assassin and fierce warrior, is ready to make right his jaded past. Newly seated as chieftain, he's determined to win over his clan and one true love. But when she's pulled back in time will McKayla, his unknowing best friend, be able to see past his shaded history to the man he's determined to become?

Find out in Mark of the Highlander.

Coming soon- Vow of the Highlander (Book 2) and Wrath of the Highlander (Book 3)

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo



About the Author:

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of nine novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.


Author Links: 
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Tour giveaway:

1-$25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card winner’s choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway: The Darkness of Glengowyn by Isabo Kelly

The Darkness of Glengowyn
Fire and Tears
Book 2
Isabo Kelly

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Number of pages: 151 pages
Cover Artist: Angela Waters


Book Description:

They’ll risk forever death for one last chance together…

Nuala of Glengowyn hasn’t left her home city in over a century, but not by choice. Her skill as a weapons master has made her a prisoner of her people. Held apart, protected in the extreme—until Sorcerers attack the human city of Sinnale.

Sent to supply her unique magical arrows to help the humans, she is far from free.

The elf king and queen have sent a bodyguard, a fearsome warrior whose reputation has no rival. The only man she has ever wanted. Einar of Glengowyn.

Einar is known as a battle-crazed destroyer, so feared among elves he’s called by a single name: Darkness. And he has only one weakness—Nuala. Their union is forbidden, for melding their magics could destroy Nuala’s gifts. Yet as they journey to the war-torn city, no royal decree is a match for two hundred years of pent-up desire.

But even if they escape the war zone, their lives still hang in the balance. They must confront their sovereigns and prove love makes them stronger—or face their deaths.

Product Warnings:  This book contains a deadly elf hero, a heroine who’s his match, a lot of sexy misbehaving, some hard language, racing through the streets, owls, arrows, evil Sorcerers, wicked minions, and a very dangerous elf king and queen.

Amazon | BN | Samhain | Kobo

Our Review:

Different. Intriguing. Imaginative. A world of Elves, war, powerful magic, love that spans the ages and will not be denied. The writing is as rich and strong as the scene setting. Beautiful and romantic by turns, it also has moments of terror, suspense, and dread. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the series continuing.

Well done. 
-Cary Morgan Frates

About the Author:

Isabo Kelly is the award-winning author of numerous fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances. Her life has taken her from Las Vegas to Hawaii, where she got her BA in Zoology, back to Vegas where she looked after sharks, then on to Germany and Ireland where she got her Ph.D. in Animal Behavior.

Now Isabo focuses on writing. She lives in New York with her Irish husband, two beautiful boys, and funny dog. She works as a full time author and stay-at-home mom.

Author Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Tour giveaway:

3 ebook copies of the first book in the Fire and Tears series—BRIGHTARROW BURNING. 

1- $40 gift certificate to winner’s choice of B&N or Amazon 

a Rafflecopter giveaway