Showcase The Rock by Moncia McCarty - Blog Tour Giveaway

Hi Gang welcome to my stop on the Monica McCarty Blog Tour for the release of the 11th in her Highlander Guard series, The Rock. Plus to celebrate the release and the great reviews Monica's publisher is sponsoring a giveaway, details below!
So enjoy the showcase and make your first read of the new year a fantastic historical romance or two!

ISBN-13: 9781501108785
Publisher: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster
Release Date: 12/29/2015
Length: 432pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound

Overview

New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty continues her Highland Guard series in this eleventh steamy historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.

Giveaway is for one print copy each
The Rock & The Striker
US ONLY
Please Use Rafflecopter form below to enter
Good Luck!

Top 20 Novels of 2015

Picking the top twenty novels of the year is never an easy task but revisiting my choices is always a joy as is rekindling the love I felt for each one during the read.
This year we have a mother daughter act, some debuts, some returning friends, and a two for one, some new to me authors, fan favorites and a whole lot of great reads.

I hope your 2016 is a great one filled with many wonderful literary finds!

So without further ado I present to you my

Interview with Alyssa Palombo - The Violinist of Venice

It wasn't just the fabulous cover that drew me into wanting to showcase this novel but also the author's backstory and the fact that she and my daughter are both classically trained performers and their shared love of Vivaldi that interested me. I hope you all enjoy the interview!

ISBN-13: 9781250071491
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 12/15/2015
Length: 448pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound

ABOUT THE BOOK:Like most 18th century Venetians, Adriana d'Amato adores music-except her strict merchant father has forbidden her to cultivate her gift for the violin. But she refuses to let that stop her from living her dreams and begins sneaking out of her family's palazzo under the cover of night to take violin lessons from virtuoso violinist and composer Antonio Vivaldi. However, what begins as secret lessons swiftly evolves into a passionate, consuming love affair.

Adriana's father is intent on seeing her married to a wealthy, prominent member of Venice's patrician class-and a handsome, charming suitor, whom she knows she could love, only complicates matters-but Vivaldi is a priest, making their relationship forbidden in the eyes of the Church and of society. They both know their affair will end upon Adriana's marriage, but she cannot anticipate the events that will force Vivaldi to choose between her and his music. The repercussions of his choice-and of Adriana's own choices-will haunt both of their lives in ways they never imagined.

Spanning more than 30 years of Adriana's life, Alyssa Palombo's The Violinist of Venice is a story of passion, music, ambition, and finding the strength to both fall in love and to carry on when it ends.

Tipping Point by David Poyer - Showcase

Tipping Point is the 15th in the widely popular and acclaimed Dan Larsen series, enjoy the showcase!

ISBN-13: 9781250054432
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 12/08/2015
Length: 320pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound

Overview

Captain Dan Lenson is under fire both at sea, and in Washington. His command of the first antiballistic-missile-capable cruiser in the Fleet, USS Savo Island, is threatened when he's called home to testify before Congress. There, he must defend his controversial decision to prevent a massive retaliatory missile attack by Israel against civilian targets in the Mideast. Shaken by the near-end of his career, Lenson returns to command uncertain of his own future, but determined to do his best by a damaged ship and an increasingly divided crew. Ordered to the Indian Ocean, Savo cruises off East Africa, protecting shipping lanes from pirates. But this seemingly-routine patrol turns ominous when an unknown assailant begins assaulting female crew members. But then, an explosive showdown begins between India and Pakistan...with Savo Island, and her unique but not yet fully battle-ready ability to intercept ballistic missiles, standing alone between two nations on the brink of the first theater nuclear war. Dan will have to battle tsunami-driven seas, incoming weapons, and a quickly tilting balance of power, as China moves inexorably in her bid to displace America in the far Pacific. The fifteenth novel in David Poyer's acclaimed series of naval adventures featuring Dan Lenson, Tipping Point is an action-packed, utterly authentic story of duty, war, and the stress of command, by the most popular living author of American sea fiction. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you from The Reading Frenzy
Have a safe and Happy Day whether spending it with friends or family 

or even a quiet day at home.

The Highlander's Curse by Claire Delacroix - Review

Way back at the beginning of my literary rebirth I discovered a wonderful historical romance author named Claire Delacroix and fell in love with her books and this one is no different. Originally published in 2013 in digital and print editions and in June of 2015 it released in audio.
Enjoy this showcase plus my review.

Written by: Claire Delacroix
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
Series: True Love Brides, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook

All  Editions

Overview

Cheated of his inheritance and burdened by the legacy of his Fae blood, Garrett MacLachlan believes he is doomed to be an outcast forever-until he meets Annelise of Kinfairlie, a gentle maiden with the power to turn his curse to gift. Can Garrett reclaim his stolen legacy with Annelise by his side? If Annelise defies her family to pursue true love, will that be enough to heal Garrett? And even if they triumph over mortal foes, will the Fae demand a price neither of them can pay?

Home For Christmas - Review

ISBN-13: 9781250074041
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 10-06-2015
Length: 320pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound

Overview

Celebrate Christmas on Sanctuary Island, where the love light gleams. There will be snow and mistletoe...and two lonely hearts yearning for love, family, and above all, home.

Magazine columnist Libby Leeds has made a name for herself sharing heartwarming stories from her perfect life on Sanctuary Island. There's just one minor detail she's left out: she hasn't set foot on the island since her childhood. Orphaned and heartbroken, she departed years ago and never looked back-except in her fictional columns. Now a wounded war hero is returning to Sanctuary Island, and Libby's editor insists she cover the story by taking the long road back...

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Army Ranger Owen Shepard is a tall, handsome single father, and now a media sensation. He wants to reconnect with his daughter, Caitlin, and make up for lost time by giving her a Christmas to remember. When "America's Favorite Homemaker" Libby Leeds offers her help, he jumps at the chance. But the sweet, reclusive writer is more intriguing, and more tempting, than Owen could have imagined. Soon, Owen and Caitlin are spending their holiday with Libby, decorating trees, making gingerbread houses, and warming up by the fire. It's the closest Libby has come to love and family since she was a child-but until she and Owen admit what is in their hearts, the home they are creating together will be only in their dreams.

Interview - Review Along The Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams

Its no secret that I think Beatriz Williams hangs the moon and her latest and third in her Schuyler sister novels starring Pepper proves it. But it doesn't and never stops there for her amazing novels and she also gives us Annabelle whose story spans from the 30s until the 60s. If you enjoy sweeping epic novels, love stories and books that will stay with you long after The End, I urge you to give this one or any of her novels a try.

ISBN-13: 9780399171314
Publisher:  Penguin Publishing Group
Release Date: 11-03-2015
Length: 464pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound/Audible

Overview

An epic story of star-crossed lovers in pre-war Europe collides with a woman on the run in the swinging '60s, in another riveting historical novel from the New York Times-bestselling author of A Hundred Summers and Tiny Little Thing.

Each of the three Schuyler sisters has her own world-class problems, but in the autumn of 1966, Pepper Schuyler's problems are in a class of their own. When Pepper fixes up a beautiful and rare vintage Mercedes and sells it at auction, she thinks she's finally found a way to take care of herself and the baby she carries, the result of an affair with a married, legendary politician.

But the car's new owner turns out to have secrets of her own, and as the glamorous and mysterious Annabelle Dommerich takes pregnant Pepper under her wing, the startling provenance of this car comes to light: a Nazi husband, a Jewish lover, a flight from Europe, and a love so profound it transcends decades. As the many threads of Annabelle's life from World War II stretch out to entangle Pepper in 1960s America, and the father of her unborn baby tracks her down to a remote town in coastal Georgia, the two women must come together to face down the shadows of their complicated pasts.

Christmas Treats - Blog Hop- Hosted by The Herd Hops **Giveaway**

What are our favorite Christmas Treats? Books, of course! Stop by each blog for a chance to win fabulous books & gifties for the Holidays!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Sarah Morgan - Some Kind of Wonderful ** Two Giveaways **

Well its hard to believe we've reached the end of my annual holiday blog bash starring all my Harlequin authors and I've got a special treat for my finale. First I have an interview with Sarah Morgan about the 2nd in her Puffin Island novel,  Some Kind of Wonderful that comes out 12-29-15 bundled with Susan Mallory's The Ladies Man. Sarah is offering a copy of Maybe This Christmas from her last trilogy starring the O'Neil brothers. 

Plus Harlequin is topping the party off with a Huge giveaway, details below.
Thank you to my authors, to my readers and to some hopefully new friends who've found their way to the blog.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!

ISBN-13:

 9780373010363

Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 12/29/15
Length: 608 pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - JoAnna Sims - High Country Christmas **Giveaway**

I hope you've been enjoying all the wonderful Christmas posts from these wonderful authors as much as I have. Today I have JoAnna Sims taking over the blog. She's sharing a very special childhood memory from when she was eight and she calls it A Wildflower Christmas. JoAnna is giving away one print copy of High Country Christmas US ONLY 

Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Stella Bagwell - Christmas on the Silver Horn Ranch **Giveaway**

Welcome to Stella Bagwell's guest post of her memories of Christmases past, some Merry and Bright and some challenging. She's also giving away (US ONLY) a copy of her Holiday Story, Christmas on the Silver Horn Ranch. Enjoy her heartfelt tale and enter to win her book!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - RaeAnne Thayne- A Cold Creek Christmas Story

Wow its only two weeks until Christmas and today I have RaeAnne Thayne visiting the blog and in keeping with the giving spirit of Christmas is sharing a very special, very personal memory that has turned into a pay it forward Christmas tradition for her family. I hope you enjoy this very touching post and then enter to win a copy of RaeAnne's holiday novel, A Cold Creek Christmas Story plus a handmade Angel ornament.
Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Brenda Harlen - Merry Christmas Baby Maverick **Giveaway**

Today the blog belongs to Brenda Harlen another fabulous Harlequin Special Edition author who hales from our neighbor to the north. Her tale is titled Home For The Holidays. Read about some of her past traditions as well as what will be happening this Christmas too. Then be sure to enter to win a special Christmas prize package!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Caro Carson - The Maverick's Holiday Masquerade **Giveaway**

Wow and just like that its December 9th and I'm turning the blog over to Caro Carson and her spectacular Snow Globe Stories. Then hang around because she's sponsoring a fabulous giveaway. I also have my review of her holiday tale, The Maverick's Holiday Masquerade courtesy of RT magazine.

Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Nancy Robards Thompson - His Texas Christmas Bride **Giveaway**

Welcome to Nancy Robards Thompson's day on The Reading Frenzy. She's going down memory lane to share a very special trip home for Christmas. Enjoy the post and don't forget to enter her giveaway. I've also included my review of her Christmas Story His Texas Christmas Bride courtesy RT Magazine.
Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Michelle Major - A Very Crimson Christmas **Giveaway**

Welcome once again to my blog's holiday bash staring all the wonderful Harlequin Special Edition authors I review for RT Magazine. Today's installment is by Michelle Majors. Enjoy as she shares a special holiday memory, a recipe and a great giveaway too! And I've posted my review of her holiday tale A Very Crimson Christmas courtesy of RT Magazine below!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Christine Rimmer - Carter Bravo's Christmas Bride -**Giveaway**

Welcome to Christine Rimmer's day on the blog. She's spreading a little holiday cheer with her guest post on Looking for a Christmas Book. 

She's also offering one copy of her novel A Bravo Christmas Wedding for a giveaway +  I've posted my review of her 2015 holiday tale Carter Bravo's Christmas Bride courtesy RT Magazine.
Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza-Carla Neggers-A Knights Bridge Christmas- **Giveaway**

Today its my pleasure to welcome back Carla Neggers to the blog, her holiday tale, A Knights Bridge Christmas, was wonderful and so is her guest post about a family trip to the Emerald Isle. She's giving away an autographed copy of the book to three entrants!

Good luck and Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - A Tribute to my Dad - **Giveaway**

Welcome everyone to my annual holiday blog bash dedicated to all the wonderful Harlequin authors I review in RT Magazine. I'm doing things a little different this year instead of interviews I've asked each author who has a holiday tale coming out to write a guest post about a favorite Christmas tradition or memory. I'm starting things with a special memory of my own,  a tribute to my dad.
Enjoy the post and then enter for a chance to win a copy of Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber!

Review- Along The Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams

Those who know me know that I read a lot and have many favorite, go-to authors. But there's only one author who manages to wow me with every release, whose epic breathtaking novels stay with me for years and every one has a place of honor on my keeper shelf. She's done it again with Along The Infinite Sea.

ISBN-13: 9780399171314
Publisher: Putnam/Penguin
Release Date: 11-03-2015
Length: 464pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound/Audible

Overview

An epic story of star-crossed lovers in pre-war Europe collides with a woman on the run in the swinging '60s, in another riveting historical novel from the New York Times-bestselling author of A Hundred Summers and Tiny Little Thing.

Each of the three Schuyler sisters has her own world-class problems, but in the autumn of 1966, Pepper Schuyler's problems are in a class of their own. When Pepper fixes up a beautiful and rare vintage Mercedes and sells it at auction, she thinks she's finally found a way to take care of herself and the baby she carries, the result of an affair with a married, legendary politician.

But the car's new owner turns out to have secrets of her own, and as the glamorous and mysterious Annabelle Dommerich takes pregnant Pepper under her wing, the startling provenance of this car comes to light: a Nazi husband, a Jewish lover, a flight from Europe, and a love so profound it transcends decades. As the many threads of Annabelle's life from World War II stretch out to entangle Pepper in 1960s America, and the father of her unborn baby tracks her down to a remote town in coastal Georgia, the two women must come together to face down the shadows of their complicated pasts.

Indomitable heroines, a dazzling world of secrets, champagne at the Paris Ritz, and a sweeping love story for the ages, in New York Times bestselling author Beatriz William's final book about the Schuyler sisters.

Showcase - Downton Abbey A Celebration - a new coffee table book

I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the final season of Downton Abbey and although the actors will show up in other Masterpiece productions it just won't be the same. Well I'm happy to tell you that St. Martin's Press has yet another Coffee Table Book celebrating all six seasons and shhhh it's even got some season six spoilers.

This will make a perfect gift for that Abbey fanatic on your holiday shopping list.
Enjoy the showcase.

ISBN-13: 9781250091550
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 11/10/2015
Length: 320pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound

Interview - B. J. Daniels - Lucky Shot

Please welcome back to the blog NYT and USA Today bestselling author, B. J. Daniels whose here to chat about her just released today #3 in her Montana Hamiltons series.

ISBN-13: 9780373788552

Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 11/24/2015
Length: 368pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound/Audible

Overview

He's determined to uncover the truth behind a decades-old disappearance—even if it kills him

When hotshot reporter Max Malone gets a rare shot of Buckmaster Hamilton with a blonde woman near Beartooth, Montana, he chases down one of the senator's daughters to verify that the woman is his supposedly long-dead first wife. But Kat Hamilton won't give him the time of day, let alone any information about her mother.

With his tousled blond hair, sexy stubble and an old straw cowboy hat topping off his long, lean frame, Kat can just tell Max isn't used to female sources denying him anything. But when her own life is put in jeopardy, it's Max who comes to her rescue. Seems someone is prepared to kill to keep the past in the past. Kat can't deny she needs Max to find out what happened to her mother, but will getting closer and closer to each other lead them to the truth…or to danger?

Interview - Kristina McMorris - The Edge of Lost - Review

I'm so happy to welcome back to the blog a favorite author, Kristina McMorris. She's here today to chat about her latest historical novel inspired by Alcatraz. Interested how and why, read on and she'll tell you.
Click HERE for a Goodreads giveaway of this book.

ISBN-13: 9780758281180
Publisher: Kensington Books
Release Date: 11/24/2015
Length: 352pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound/Audible

Overview

From bestselling author Kristina McMorris comes an ambitious and heartrending story of immigrants, deception, and second chances.

On a cold night in October 1937, searchlights cut through the darkness around Alcatraz. A prison guard’s only daughter—one of the youngest civilians who lives on the island—has gone missing. Tending the warden’s greenhouse, convicted bank robber Tommy Capello waits anxiously. Only he knows the truth about the little girl’s whereabouts, and that both of their lives depend on the search’s outcome.

Almost two decades earlier and thousands of miles away, a young boy named Shanley Keagan ekes out a living as an aspiring vaudevillian in Dublin pubs. Talented and shrewd, Shan dreams of shedding his dingy existence and finding his real father in America. The chance finally comes to cross the Atlantic, but when tragedy strikes, Shan must summon all his ingenuity to forge a new life in a volatile and foreign world.

Skillfully weaving these two stories, Kristina McMorris delivers a compelling novel that moves from Ireland to New York to San Francisco Bay. As her finely crafted characters discover the true nature of loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal, they are forced to confront the lies we tell—and believe—in order to survive.