Book Details:
Dark Opius (Watchtower #11) by Dariel Raye & Muffy Wilson 
Publication date: July 31st 2018 | Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Synopsis:
One passionate decision can be hell for an archangel.

Gabriel’s mission from God was simple. At least that’s what he thought, until Helen Warner, his charge, loses her husband in the cataclysmic disaster perpetuated by Asmodeus, the ruthless demon of lust. Unable to stand by and watch while Helen plummets, Gabriel plunges to earth with no regard for the consequences.

Problem? Intervening without God’s permission sets him on a dangerous course rife with deadly distractions and pitfalls, including the mesmerizing affection of a witch—Narsaé. Pitted against Asmodeus and his army of demons, unexpected human emotions threaten his most basic beliefs. Gabriel must protect those he has come to love, while controlling the foreign emotions that torment him.

Can Gabriel save their home, all the besieged residents, and Watchtower 11, sending Asmodeus and his army of demons to a fiery Hell? Will he risk Heaven, immortality, and his very soul for the love of Narsaé?
Goodreads  |  ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N |  Kobo |  iBooks | 

Excerpt 2
He worked silently, allowing his mind to wander. In addition to his growing feelings for Narsaé, the body count continued to grow in their region, aptly known as Nale Bá, loosely translated to mean ‘come tomorrow.’ A fitting title as Gabriel prayed every day for the swift arrival of deliverance—tomorrow.
Years passed, and the body they’d found on their way home from the park was just the first of many. Over time they learned the half-human creatures were exactly what Gabriel had suspected. Throughout time, werewolves had always kept their distance. They were not particularly fond of humans despite their common lineage—they were half-human as well. Recently, they’d started feeding on the human population due to the scarcity of other meat sources. Werewolves were huge in stature, yet they barely left traces of their arrival or departure. They also left very little waste, consuming meat, blood, and most of the bones of their victims. Gabriel knew the name of the pack alpha, Lucan Shadow, but had never met him. There had never been a reason to, but he was fairly sure the day would come when their meeting would be inevitable.
Gabriel felt her nearness before she spoke. He always felt her presence, just as he felt her absence.
“Can I help?” Narsaé walked into Gabriel’s work room and sat on the floor across from him, crossing her legs akimbo.
Narsaé had stayed inside the center more since learning of the new threat, and that meant she had been even closer to him. Unlike demons, the werewolves were not evil, and it was unlikely that they were working with Asmodeus. This fact made them immune to wards set by the local witches and warlocks to guard against evil. In addition, their ravenous need for meat made them bold and vicious. This space, his work area, had become a respite when he needed space to think things through, and this was one of those times.
Just as he started to tell her no and send her away, he noticed the look of sadness in her beautiful eyes. Ignoring the voice of caution, he handed her three horns and one of his welding tools. He used the work area to craft musical instruments for the residents and others who lived in their sector. He had been making instruments his entire life, but now that he’d reached his late teens in this human form, the sense of peace the methodical endeavor brought was insurmountable. “Here. You can bend these for me.”
Narsaé glanced at him, but said nothing as she accepted the task.
They worked in silence for some time before she finally spoke. He remembered the last time—the only time—they kissed. The feel of her soft lips on his was a constant reminder of his weakness. He couldn’t free himself of her haunting scent, her taste on his mouth, her hair woven through the grip of his hand, and the alluring dip in her back at the small where he held her tight. He remembered lifting her to his side, the tips of his fingers finding the rise of the young flesh her small breasts presented just under her armpit, and she locking her legs around his midriff, sliding around to his back as they had done a hundred times on their way home. But, that time, the swing of her weight to his back was different, and now, he found it hard to look at her at all without wanting more.
He was keenly aware she was growing, and as they grew together, their relationship blossomed into something he had never expected and could not completely comprehend.

AUTHOR'S BIOS:
Dariel Raye is an animal lover, animal rights activist, musician, and award-winning author of powerful paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy with IR/MC (Interracial/Multi-cultural) alpha male heroes to die for, and strong heroines with hearts worth winning. She is a mezzo-soprano who fell in love with books and started reciting stories at the age of 3. She also plays over 11 musical instruments. 
Her stories tell of shifters, vamps, angels, demons, and fey (the Vodouin variety). Dariel is currently writing two series: "Dark Sentinels" (wolf shifters), and "Orlosian Warriors" (Vampire-like Nephilim). 
Author links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | 

Muffy, a USA Today, International and Amazon Bestselling Award Winning Author, likened in style to one of the Bronte sisters and Anne Rice, is an author of provocative romance about love, sex, hope and passion. An American author of the popular Shadow Seduction Series (a paranormal love story) and the Ribbons of Moonlight Series (a contemporary romance), she has penned several dozen other books and anthology collections. 

Muffy was born in Texas to traditional parents. With two older brothers, she was the youngest, the family "princess," indulged and pampered. Her father was a career Colonel and pilot in the U.S. Air Force which required the family to travel extensively. Muffy spent her formative years in Europe and 'came of age' in France which forged her joie de vivre and love for books and writing. Married and living in the tropical paradise of SW Florida along the Gulf Coast, Muffy writes and enjoys life in the sun with her husband and wee Havanese pups, Buddy and CoCo. 
Author links: Website |  Twitter |  Facebook |  Goodreads |

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

• $25 Amazon gift card

This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours):

The Lawman's Secret Vow By Tara Randell
Contemporary Romance  |  Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
To have and to hold--
until the case is solved?

When an undercover assignment pairs laid-back Florida detective Dante Matthews with by-the-book cop Eloise Archer, he knows it won’t be easy. And not just because they’re competing for the same promotion. Now they’re living together under the same roof, and it’s getting harder to ignore his deepening feelings for his “wife.” Can he convince Eloise to partner up—for life?
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│Kobo

The Lawman's Secret Vow     - Tara Randel                  

​This is a great story of romance, suspense and more.  I brought about a great number of emotions.

I love the characters.  They are well-developed with lots of great personality.  I like the way the relationships were formed.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow. 

The title and cover of the book are the perfect match for the story.

I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I give this story a literary rating of  5/5
written by vickie

MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
Dante & Eloise were both outstanding detectives. Dante was an undercover detective and Eloise was efficient, thoroughly organized and a serious detective. Although she admired his skills and thoroughness, but detested his carelessness, "pushing the line" to the brink, and his  disorganized desk and habits.
Dante admired everything about Eloise. She just needed to "loosen up" a little.
They both had an opportunity for the same promotion. Before the Sargent made his decision, they were both assigned an undercover assignment to work together on. Would they survive their differences while living in the same house?
Te Lawman's Secret Vow is a delightfully, although somewhat predictable, story. It is well-written, captivating mystery/romance novel.
The Characters were very "true to life" and felt real. The scenes were depicted well so the reader could easily visualized. The Cover and Title were "fitting".
The tale sustained the reader's interest until the very last page.
*I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This was a gift sent to me with no expectations for a positive review. This is my honest review.

For Schedule click Here.

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Tour Giveaway
Prize #1: Beach/pool tote and water bottle, signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet and His One and Only Bride, $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)
Ends August 22nd

Book Description

An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II’s most dangerous secrets—a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.
After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she’s an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man’s memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and back in the killer’s crosshairs.
The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter have Murphy drawing the five bodies he discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators find has them mystified. Evidence suggests that the bodies were deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned Quonset hut from World War II only brings more questions.
As one by one the investigators who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much darker at stake. What happened on this island during the war? And who is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried?

MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
Murphy's twin sister, Dallas Carrie Parks, is missing!
A serial killer, Clinton Hunter, was her last boyfriend. Is it possible Dallas could still be alive? Murphy would never give up searching until she knew for sure!

Disguised, she went to Kodiak, Alaska, the last known place her sister lived. She desperately needed to search for clues of what actually happened.

Murphy's face was disfigured with a long line from her forehead, over her eye, and down one cheek as a result of calling the police on Hunter before she escaped....a call resulting in his incarnation.

The police in Kodiak, were short-handed and needed a forensic artist to do a composite sketch. Murphy was an artist, so let them believe she worked for another police force.

Murphy finds herself in danger from several  sources. Is there anyone she can trust?

The nightmares are increasing. Could any of the nightmares be real?

Her talents are needed by various individuals, but people all around her are ending up dead!

This tale will keep the reader "on the edge of his.her seat" until the very end of the story!There are many unexpected "twists".

The ending was complete, yet felt a little weak after such a dramatic "build up".Also, while M Murphy was "reflecting", it was slightly confusing but in the end, the "reflections" all "came together".

The story plot idea was very clever.

*This was gifted me with no expectations of a positive review. This is my honest review.
​

BLURB:
“I love Carrie Stuart Parks’s skill in writing characters with hysterical humor, unwitting courage and page-turning mystery. I hope my readers won’t abandon me completely when they learn about her!”
—Terri Blackstock, USA TODAY bestselling author of If I Run, If I’m Found, and If I Live
​

Book Details:
Children of the Fifth Sun: Echelon by Gareth Worthington 
Published by: Vesuvian Books  |  Publication date: August 14th 2018
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction
Synopsis:
***SEQUEL TO THE AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN OF THE FIFTH SUN***
SHE THOUGHT THERE WAS NOTHING STRONGER THAN A MOTHER’S BOND.
SHE WAS WRONG.
Fifteen thousand years ago, the knowledge bringers—an amphibious, non-humanoid species known as the Huahuqui—came after a great global flood, gifting humans with math, science and civility. We killed them all.
Seventy years ago, we found one of their corpses preserved in ice and eventually created a clone, named K’in. Our governments squabbled over the creature and we killed that, too.
Now, a sinkhole in Siberia has opened revealing new secrets and humans may once again have a chance to prove we deserve the gifts the Huahuqui bestowed.
***
Freya Nilsson has spent the last five years trying to forget her role in the Huahuqui cloning program. Instead, she hid her son, KJ, from the regimes and agencies who she believed would exploit him for the powers he acquired through his father’s bond with K’in.
An innocent trip to help KJ understand his abilities results in the global conspiracy she fought to bury exploding back to life. Chased by new foes, and hounded to put the needs of the world first, all Freya can think of is protecting KJ—at all costs.
Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo |

EXCERPT:
Location:  Somewhere on the Southern Indian Ocean
No one saw the attack coming.
The first blast tore a hole in the hull at 1:37 in the morning. By 2:15 the aft portion of the supply vessel, Marion Dufresne II, was pointing to the starless sky, while its nose was dipped below the frigid black ocean. A cutting wind battered the exposed keel and the remaining crew who managed to hold on to the outer railings.
Freya Nilsson clung to the thick frame of the eighteen-ton oceanographic crane, though it too was already slipping beneath the waves. She cried out, but her voice was drowned by the howling Antarctic maelstrom and the ship’s three, huge, Wärtsilä diesel engines, now churning nothing but air. Freya shivered uncontrollably, her hair and clothes frozen to her skin. “KJ!” she cried out, again.
Her son didn’t answer.
Freya sobbed, tears freezing halfway down her cheeks. “KJ, where are you?”
A flash of lightning illuminated the angry ocean and a thick layer of clouds covering the heavens, but the attacking vessel was nowhere in sight. A deafening clap of thunder filled the air followed by a wave of needle-like raindrops that shattered across her face. The vessel reared up and the engines roared. A muffled explosion beneath the water cleaved the ship in two and the nose began to sink.
Have to jump, Freya thought. Can’t let them take KJ! She pushed off the crane and dropped into the icy ocean below.
Despite already being frozen, the shock of the glacial water stole the breath from her lungs. Before she could swim to the surface, Freya was sucked under. Tumbling down, down, down, she struggled to find her bearing. Her lungs burned, poisoned with carbon-dioxide. Instinctively, she kicked and fought and pulled until somehow, as if pushed upward, she eventually broke the surface.
Freya took a massive gulp of life-giving salty air, only to be pulled beneath again as a piece of the ship crashed into the ocean beside her. The falling debris dragged her farther and farther into the deep. She jerked and thrashed, but it only served to steal the energy from her stiffened limbs.
Blackness enveloped Freya’s mind, the cold claiming her will to fight. Yet, even as death stalked her, she couldn’t let go. KJ needed her. She couldn’t die. Refused to die. Freya summoned her last drop of power and kicked. Once. Twice. Three times. And then, she could breathe again. The wind whipped her jet-black hair about her face, and the rain stung her eyes. But she was alive.
The silhouette of the supply vessel bobbed in the distance, ass up, before gurgling down into its watery grave. Gone. Still the attackers were invisible. With only the lasting image of where the Marion Dufresne II had just sunk as a destination, Freya paddled forward. Fighting against the chop of the ocean, she inched along. The spray blinded her and the salt burned, but she had to find him.
“KJ where are you?” she called. “Answer me, baby. Please.”
Only the squall howled back.
Her legs tightened and Freya plunged below the surface again, choking on yet another mouthful of seawater before once again scrambling upward—to a light. A bright circle of light rippling on the surface.
A strong hand clasped her under the armpit and pulled. Freya was lifted from the water, her hip smacking into the hull of the lifeboat. She fell backward into the bow, panting and coughing. “KJ … have to find KJ.”
“Cover her. Someone cover her,” a familiar voice said from above.
“I got it. Are there any more?” a woman asked. “We’ve got to get the hell out of here.”
“I don’t think so. I only saw her,” the first voice answered.
Freya lay in the boat, covered in a thermal blanket, her eyes screwed shut. “I’m sorry, Kelly,” she whispered. “Our son. I’m sorry …”

AUTHOR BIO:
Gareth holds a degree in marine biology, a PhD in Endocrinology, and currently educates the World's doctors on new cancer therapies for the pharmaceutical industry. He has hand-tagged sharks in California; and trained in various martial arts, including Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, and MMA at the EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and Phoenix KampfSport Switzerland. 

As an author, he is represented by Renee C. Fountain and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo-Helin-Fountain Literary Management. His debut novel, Children of the Fifth Sun, won the Sci Fi category at the London Book Festival 2017 and has been optioned by Vesuvian Entertainment for TV/Film. His second novel, It Takes Death to Reach a Star co-authored with Stu Jones, will be published by Vesuvian Books in 2018 and has optioned by Vesuvian Entertainment for TV/Film. Book two in both series is forthcoming.
Born in Plymouth UK, he currently reside outside of Zurich, Switzerland.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

• $20 Amazon gift card

This grand prize giveaway - ends August 23rd:

 232 pages
Published August 1st 2018 by Covenant Communications
Synopsis: 
Anna the Prophetess is the dramatic chronicle of the only woman to be called prophetess in the scriptures. When Anna’s great-niece Julia is exiled to Jerusalem as punishment for her refusal to marry a man old enough to be her father, Anna shares the story of her early days of courtship with her husband. Although Julia’s parents admonished her to observe firsthand how lonely Anna’s life is, Julia instead discovers that her great-aunt’s life is far from lonely—it is full of love, peace, and incredible faith.
As Anna shares her unwavering testimony of the coming Messiah with her great-niece, these two faithful women are changed forever as they seek the Lord’s will in their lives and joyfully witness the long-awaited miracles of Christ’s birth.

My REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
H.B. Moore has, once again. captured little known details of scripture in creating this appealing, contemplative story of Anna the Prophetess, and how it, feasibly,  could have occurred. 

This author searches out the historical situation of that era, then convincingly implements them into her writing. Additionally, with her outstanding understanding of biblical scripture, she introduces aspects the casual reader of scripture would, likely, miss. Thus, her writing of the events of that time, are realistic and helps modern-day individuals understand the circumstances around the events, more clearly.

The individuals are "brought to life" by the author, so the reader can feel "connected" to each one. 

The time of Anna's existence was a much slower pace, so the reader may feel impatient, at times, wanting to get at the "crux" of the well-known story.  However, by doing so, the author would not be able to create the feeling of that time. Therefore, the profound effect of this miraculous event would be lessened.  I do feel the author could have "built up" to the main event more strongly, though.

Actual knowledge of this very blessed woman is extremely limited. To be  a female "witness" in the "temple" of the Messiah's birth, had to be a unique experience to be so "favored" of God. It is one of the very rare times a woman in a temple is mentioned. It is, also, a rarity for "prophetesses" to be mentioned.

I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
^This book was gifted me with no expectations of a positive review. This is my honest review. 

About H. B. MooreHeather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact
Blog | Website |Twitter | Facebook |
Literary awards: 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner

Nice To Come Home To   -           Liz Flaherty              

I love this story.  It is filled with so many life experiences that the characters have to live through.  I felt so many emotions.  Sadness, happiness, anger, stress, worry, love hate and more.
The characters are well-developed and I fell in love with many of them.  
The story captured and held my attention.  It flowed well from chapter to chapter and was easy to follow.
The book cover and title fit the story perfectly.
I highly recommend this book to other readers.  It has wonderful romance and so much more.
I give this story a literary rating of  5/5
written by vickie

​About the Author
Liz Flaherty was a little nervous about retiring from her day job, but making quilts, more family time, traveling at the mere mention of “why don’t we go...” and becoming a Harlequin Heartwarming author have made the past years more fun and exciting than she could ever have imagined.
Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

TOUR GIVEAWAY!

5 PRIZE PACK WINNERS WILL RECEIVE: a backlist book, dish towel, magnet, and notepad (picture includes an example - not a complete prize)
US only
Ends August 15th

Book Details:
Book Title:  The Love Fool: A Rome-antic Comedy by Lorenzo Petruzziello
Category:  Adult Fiction,  314 pages  |  Genre:  Romantic Comedy
Publisher:   Quill (Inkshares)  | Release date:  March 13, 2018
Tour dates: Aug 6 to 24, 2018  |  Content Rating: PG
Book Description:
Set in Rome. Follow the whirlwind antics of a publicist as he struggles to manage his first TV chef client, his new life, and an unexpected visit from his ex-girlfriend.

Alex recently moved to Italy for an opportunity at a PR firm in Rome. His first client is the beautiful Danish chef Pernille Bjørn, a popular model, TV personality, and cookbook author just entering the booming televised cooking show market in Italy.

Alex's single-minded career focus is soon thwarted by Emily, an ex-girlfriend he hasn't heard from in almost a decade.

​Italy's modern culture and enchanting sights set the backdrop to this Rome-antic comedy.

GUEST POST:
MISSION TO PUT ITALY’S MODERN CULTURE IN THE SPOTLIGHT by Lorenzo Petruzziello – author of The Love Fool

Growing up as an Italian-American, I was raised speaking both languages and exposed to both cultures. But it wasn’t until I began to spend time in Italy that I realized the culture Italian-Americans held onto was not up to date with the living thriving culture that I found in Italy.

Yes, Italy definitely has the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany as we read about or see on television and films. And of course it is definitely an incredible sight to be seen. But as travelers, if we take the time to stop and look even further, we would actually see the people of Italy and their everyday modern life. 

We would see them in the morning standing at the bar having a quick espresso (none of them ever sit down for a coffee) and they rush off to work. We see them at lunch, sitting down for a quick and healthy meal before returning to work for the day. We see them after work, meeting at the local bar cafes again for an aperitivo before making their way out to dinner or back at home to dinner.

I felt in many stories set in Italy, the focus is on the beauty of the old life – which is definitely beautiful and glamourous – but often overlooked is the other beauty of Italian culture: the cocktails, the modern foods, the people, and just the Italian way of life. 

In The Love Fool, I was adamant on capturing this modern Italian way of life. A society that we, as tourists and guests in their country, should notice and participate to really encompass what it is to be Italian today,

About the Author:

Lorenzo Petruzziello holds an MBA in global marketing from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. His background includes publicity and marketing for many of public television’s popular cooking and travel shows. He lives in Massachusetts focusing on his writing. THE LOVE FOOL is his first novel.
​Connect with Lorenzo: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Here is the tour schedule

Giveaway:​
Prize: ​ Win a signed paperback of The Love Fool and a specialized bookmark (open to USA & Canada / 1 winner)
(ends Sept 1, 2018)

Book Details:
Book Title: Boy on the Beach by R.D. Maddux
Category:  Adult Fiction;  304 pages  |  Genre:  Mystery / Thriller
Publisher:   Ezekiel 12 Publications  |  Release date:  March 11, 2017
Tour dates: July 9 to August 17, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (There are implied sex scenes but no graphic descriptions of love making.  There is some profanity. There is one scene with some violence.)
Book Description:
Andrew Foster is a developer with aspirations of making it big in the San Diego real estate market, but he can’t seem to shake the ghosts of his past. He starts to wonder if he’s destined to be just another has-been when an investor offers to finance his dream project. Everything seems to be falling into place for Andrew in business, life, and even love, when he starts dating the beautiful and business-savvy Nicole. As their relationship deepens, Andrew opens up to Nicole about the many loves and adventures that have taken him from the crazy days of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to success in business. Her wise insights help him face the character flaws that have caused him to fail in his past relationships. 

Rounding out his social life is his once-a-week task of assisting his sister with her nanny job watching a young boy named Chandler. They build sand castles on the beach and enjoy the beauty of nature together. But then the ominous weekly appearance of a strange car at the beach awakens Andrew’s fears. Is the boy in danger? Or worse, has an enemy from Andrew’s past come seeking revenge and now Chandler’s caught in the middle? 

A strange twist of events threatens to destroy Andrew’s dreams, but as he searches for answers, a sudden revelation offers hope of a future he never imagined. ​

MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
In this novel, it opens with Andrew reflecting on earlier years, when he was caught up in drugs, sex, and careless adventures.
Bringing his thoughts back to the present, he questions his choices in giving up everything in pursuit of financial success. Now in his "mid-life" he is alone, except for his niece. She has him assisting her, once a week, in entertaining a six year old boy she is overseeing.  He will greatly miss the time he spends on the beach with him, when his niece no longer tends the boy.
However, lately, he has noticed the same ominous RV with black tinted windows, parked near their position on the beach. The same vehicle has been parked near his office building, then close by his home. 
Is someone from his past stalking him? He can't bear the thought of the boy in danger, so hires a friend who is, also, an Investigative detective. 
He must know who it is!
The story reverts back and forth between past and present, but it is done so "smoothly" it is easy for the reader to follow without losing interest.The gradually unfolding mystery and the building suspense keeps the reader captivated and trying to figure out, "who id\s it". until the very end!
The characters are easily envisioned and the scenes are described fairly well. -They slightly lacked a vividly clear "picture"
The Book cover was simple and okay, but would, most likely, fail to attract "the browser", as would the Title, although it is a "fitting play on words".
The story was quite creatively unique.
Reader Beware: There are sexual situations but not totally explicit. There is also some profanity.
I offer a Four Stars rating*This book was gifted me with no requirement for a positive review. This is my honest review.
​

GUEST POST:
Paranoia at strange car
I don’t know if you ever wondered why some car following you home for the last few miles hasn’t turned off and headed up another street. Could it be some stranger with ill intent or a friend coming to visit? I’ve never had such a scenario ever turn out bad. It’s always been my overactive imagination playing tricks on me. But for the main character in my novel it turns out that someone is tracking him. That odd black SUV that keeps showing up is an enigma but what he doesn’t realize that other things that appear to be wonderful just may lead to his total ruin.
Sex, drugs and rock-n-roll - haunting side-effects, right?
Ever since the crazy 60’s and 70’s the culture of California has been a big part of shaping the mores of the rest of our nations. The endless party that out here on the left coast has been both fascinating and the shocking to the rest of the county. But for all the partying there comes a price with it. Just look at the homeless camps and burned out souls in our metal institutions. The protagonist had thought he’d left the “sins” of his youth far behind him but suddenly they all come home to roust and with them comes the possibility of him ending up one of those burned out lives as well.
Mind games while on pot?
Having been a “tripper” in my younger years, I can remember times when even my best friends played “mind games” on me. If you’ve ever smoke pot with friends perhaps it happened to you. I’m sure it was all in good fun when I was subjected to it but for some of my former fellow “cosmic” travelers it was a trip that ended in a nightmare. The protagonist in my new novel finds things shifting in his world of business when a dream offer comes his way. The big question is whether it’s for real or just a real-world way of someone to play the ultimate mind game on him.
Real Estate and betrayal
Living in San Diego for the last 30 years I’ve seen our skyline change dramatically. Even though I live in the suburbs, I visit the downtown often. What was once a modest cityscape is now filled with towering high-rises crowding our beautiful bay. All of this the result of a real estate boom driven by a growing economy and the allure of our lovely weather. There’s money, big money to be made here. The protagonist in my novel is hoping to make it big here as well but what he doesn’t realize is that maybe, just maybe his hopes for success here have lead him into a “shark tank” where he can lose everything and be betrayed by things he set in motions years before.
San Diego’s beaches can be scary at night
In the daytime, San Diego has some of the loveliest beaches in our country. But at night they can be mysterious and even a little scary. When the fog roles in and darkness settles over this idyllic region shapes that during the day were inspiring can appear ghost like. The dramatic rise of cliffs and the jagged giant stones at their base can become jaw like ogres and the cascading of the waves can sound like the loud whispers of a lurking enemy. The protagonist of my novel has a harrowing night there alone facing the demons of his past. It’s been fun turning this area I love to frequent into a place of mystery and intrigue.

​About the Author:
R.D. Maddux has story telling in his blood. Since he was young he’s always loved a good tale. He’s been writing seriously since he was in high school and college. His novels range from Mystery and Intrigue to Sci-fi/fantasy. With Boy On The Beach he’s set the story in modern America, to be exact, on the West Coast of California. He’s a native of the golden state and has been a resident of San Diego since 1987. Before that he grew up in northern California and lived in the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area with sojourns in some of the beautiful parts of our state.

Living in California for over 60 years he couldn't help but watch the way things have changed in our culture and the impact this coast makes on the rest of America and the world. So even though Boy On The Beach is fiction, like most serious novels, it is not without a context and comment on issues we all face in our changing world. It takes place in real locations that are very familiar to him and its characters, which are fictional, no doubt have their counterparts in the real world. Boy On The Beach is a story of intrigue, suspense, revenge, love and redemption with flashbacks to the era when sex, drugs and rock and roll set our culture on it's inevitable journey to our present day. This idea has been rattling around in his heart and mind for a decade and it's finally coming to the page.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Here is the tour schedule

Giveaway:​
Prizes: ​Win a print or ebook copy of Boy on the Beach by R.D. Maddux (print for USA only, open internationally for ebook and GC - 5 winners will also get a $15 or $10 Amazon GC - 7 winners total)(ends Aug 25, 2018)

One Night with the Army Doc By Traci Douglass
Contemporary Romance  |   Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Medical Romance
Is one night enough…
To convince her to stay?

Traveling to Alaska to film the latest episode of her TV show is just what brilliant diagnostician Dr. Molly Flynn needs. It’s the perfect escape from her family’s expectations. Until she clashes with privacy-loving former army doc Jacob Ryder over her patient’s care! Only, as friction turns into flirtation, can Molly trust that Jake sees the real her and loves her—just the way she is?
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One Night With The Army Doc   - Traci Douglass          

I enjoyed this story.  I like the way Jake was able to understand Molly.  They have a great relationship.
The characters are well-developed and easily visualized.  I could feel their emotions well. the setting is also developed well and I would love to see Alaska.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
There is some sexual explicitness in the story.
The book cover and title fit the story very well.
I recommend this book to other readers.
I give this story a literary rating of  5/5
written by vickie

TOUR SCHEDULE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Thrilling Tales of Suspense, Fantasy, and Happily Ever Afters…

USA Today Bestselling Author Traci Douglass writes fiction bursting with romance and action, usually mixed with a healthy portion of fantasy, urban edge and/or snark. Her stories feature sizzling heroes with quick wits and dark pasts and smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get.

She’s an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA), and the International Thriller Writers (ITW), and holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.
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​3 signed paperback copies of One Night with The Army Doc
US only
Ends August 15th

Her Lost and Found Baby By Tara Taylor Quinn
Contemporary Romantic Suspense |  Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Special Edition
Friends. Without benefits. They both agreed.

Until she stole his heart.

Tabitha Jones will find her kidnapped toddler…even if it means searching every daycare in Southern California. So when her hunky, wealthy neighbor, Johnny Brubaker, offers a deal, Tabitha sees it as an ideal way to expand her search. In exchange for working his food truck, Johnny agrees to pose as Tabitha’s husband. It’s the perfect relationship…until Johnny realizes posingas a family man isn’t enough anymore.
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MY REVIEW:
The new neighbor, Johnny Brubaker, was a handsome lawyer, grieving over the loss of his wife. He was doing what he felt was a tribute to her.  
Pediatric nurse, Tabitha Jones was experiencing her own grief. Her mentally unstable "ex", her son's biological father, had kidnapped her son.
Johnny needed help with his project so offered his help in finding her son, in return for her help. Neither were looking for a relationship.
This was a very well-written, entertaining novel. Although somewhat predictable, it had enough "twists" and adventure that it captivated the reader's attention.
The Title and Cover image were very "fitting"and were both eye-catching to the "browser".
The characters were very endearing and felt real. Background scenes were described in a way they were easily visualized.
The only literary problem I found with this story is a slightly repetitive situation and thoughts. It could have used a few more "twists".
^ Reader BEWARE: There are some crude words and a sexual situation, but not explicit.
I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
"This book was gifted me with no expectations of a positive review. This is my honest review.

SCHEDULE: Click HERE

​ABOUT the AUTHOR:
      The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.
    Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.
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Wattpad

Tour Giveaway
1 winner has their choice of any two TTQ backlist ebooks
Open internationally
Ends August 8th

The Rancher's Twins (Return of the Blackwell Brothers #1)
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages | August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s not the country nanny he advertised for

But she could be perfect for him…

Jon Blackwell needs a woman ready to tackle the duties of a cattle ranch and two lively, take-no-prisoners twin girls. But ever since Lydia Newbury showed up at his six-generation Montana spread, the frazzled single father is rethinking, well, everything. The Philadelphia dazzler is a marvel. What he doesn’t know is the secret that has Lydia on the run…

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​Note from the Author
Funny how the waning twilight of life shines so brightly on one’s mistakes. Nearing his eightieth birthday, family patriarch Elias Blackwell can only hope it’s not too late to rectify a few of his. Namely, his relationships with his five grandsons, Jonathon, Ethan, Ben, Tyler, and Chance. With both the operation of the Blackwell Family Ranch and the boys’ upbringing entrusted to him after the tragic death of his son and daughter-in-law, he made a mess of both. Now the boys are scattered to the winds and the family legacy is in jeopardy. Bringing his family back together is going to take every bit of the ingenuity, shrewdness, and tenacity Elias is known for. And, yes, maybe it’ll even take a bit of deception to instigate the Return of the Blackwell Brothers.

Each subsequent book in the series will release as follows:
The Rancher's Twins by Carol Ross, August 1st
The Rancher's Rescue by Cari Lynn Webb, September 1st
The Rancher's Redemption by Melinda Curtis, October 1st
The Rancher's Fake Fiancée by Amy Vastine, November 1st
The Rancher's Homecoming by Anna J. Stewart, December 1st

In book one, The Rancher’s Twins, single father and rancher Jon Blackwell needs help. His five-year-old twin girls are out of control, it’s calving season, and his grandfather is MIA. Hiring a real nanny, a professional childcare worker from an accredited agency with years of experience, turns out to be the best decision ever. Lydia is amazing. She adores the girls. The girls love her. Even as Jon wonders if she’s too good to be true, he finds himself smitten, too. What he doesn’t know is that Lydia isn’t a professional at all. She’s on the run and using the ranch to hide out. Just when Jon begins to believe that life might actually be as sweet as Lydia’s smile, her past shows up and threatens to destroy them all.

― Carol

Excerpt
THAT WAS THE moment Lydia realized that she’d talked herself into a corner. She didn’t want to lie to him. Of course, she was sort of lying to him by being here as it was. But that was different. She’d had no idea that she’d fall in love—with him, his girls, the ranch, Falcon Creek. “I just kind of fell into it. All the jobs and experiences I’ve had seemed to point me in this direction. When my friend saw the position available, he encouraged me to take it.” That felt good, truthful. “And I’m so glad I did. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“But...how is that possible?”

“What do you mean?”

“Stuck out here in the middle of nowhere taking care of someone else’s kids? This is the life you want?”

Lydia stared back at him, hoping her heart wasn’t showing in her eyes. “Um...” She turned and held her arms out in front of her. “This isn’t exactly nowhere. Pretty sure it’s the most beautiful place on earth.”

“I’m not trying to put you on the spot here, it’s just that I’m wondering why.”

In that moment, she wished she could tell him everything. But what would he think of her? There wasn’t a situation in the world that would cause Jon Blackwell to run from his problems the way she’d always run from hers. Maybe, she could tell him a little, though. Tanner’s warnings surfaced but she brushed them away. She’d keep things vague.

“Well, Jon, I’ve made some mistakes. I haven’t had great luck with relationships.” With a little grimace, she went on, “There’s no luck involved. It’s more that I get involved with the wrong guys. The last one was a real piece of work. I had a difficult time getting out of the relationship.” Gripping the rock she’d gathered, she continued, “That’s part of the reason that I took this job, to get away from him. I needed to get out of Philadelphia.”

Jon’s eyes homed in on her like a laser beam. “Lydia, did some guy...? What are you talking about? If someone hurt you, I’d like to know about it.”

Lydia’s heart fluttered helplessly in her chest. She couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to have a man protect her for once, or at least to not want to hurt her. And not just any man, but this man, who was strong and smart and good. Too good, maybe, because he ended up with a woman who took advantage of that goodness. She ignored the little voice that reminded her that she was currently doing the same.

But she didn’t want to be. She wanted to protect him, too, from the wiles of Ava and Marilee. She wanted to help him in every way that she could—take care of his girls, support him on the ranch and keep him from working too hard. She wanted to be his partner. And love them all in the way they deserved.

“Um...he didn’t hurt me physically.” Lydia had often thought he wanted to. She suspected he’d been abusive in other relationships. “But he could be rough and the threat of more was always there. Verbal abuse, yes. I worked for him so that made it all worse.” She sighed. It was so difficult to explain without explaining. “At the end, I lived in constant fear.”

Lydia watched his mouth flatten out to a thin, angry line. “You deserve so much better.”

“Thank you. I know I want better.”

“What do you want?” His voice was low and deep and somehow made her want to cry a little.

You, her heart answered immediately. It hurt that she couldn’t say it, so she looked out at the view again. Doing her best to lighten the moment, she tossed the rock from the cliff and answered in a teasing tone, “Oh, I don’t know. Not much really. Just love, safety, security... And someday...maybe my own horse.”

Her attempt at levity didn’t work.

Jon looked out toward the horizon. He was still and appeared calm. But Lydia knew him better now. Tension radiated from him and she knew it wasn’t anger. Her breath stalled as her pulse began to pound fast and hard. His expression was pure Rancher Blackwell—grave and solemn and almost unreadable. Almost, because she could see the vulnerability there. She knew he had feelings for her, too. The attraction between them had been simmering hotly since he’d kissed her on Easter. What she hadn’t known was what those feelings entailed or how strong they were. But now she did. And at that moment, all of the reasons why they couldn’t be together flew out of her head. Which left only her heart, aching and craving his love. Just say it, she silently pleaded. Because no matter what happened long-term she wanted to hear the words at least once in her life from a person she wanted to hear them from.

He faced her again, his gray-blue gaze ensnaring hers. Her heart jumped into her throat. “What if I told you that I want those things, too? And what if I told you that I didn’t ever want to let you go, not even when the girls leave for college?”

USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.

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BLITZ GIVEAWAY!

​- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a copy of THE RANCHER'S TWINS (print to US/CAN and ebook to international)
- 3 winners will each receive a copy of THE RANCHER'S TWINS (print to US/CAN and ebook to international)
- Ends August 5th

​Book & Author Details:

Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale #7) by Katy Regnery 
Publication date: October 1st 2018 | Genres: Fairy Tales, Romance, Young Adult
** Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.** 
Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!
My name is Ashley Ellis…

​I was thirteen years old when my mother – retired supermodel, Tig – married Mosier Răumann, who was twice her age and the head of the Răumann crime family.

When I turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched “work” he expected me to do.

With the help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier’s clutches, but his twin sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at nothing to return my virgin body to their father
…dead or alive.
Goodreads    |   Purchase: (Special $2.99 pre-order price offered for a limited time. The book will be priced at its regular $5.99 starting on Monday, October 7!)
Amazon | iBooks |  B&N | Kobo |

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 
Fragments of Ash is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection: contemporary, standalone romances inspired by beloved fairy tales.

The Vixen and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast) - available now 
Never Let You Go (Hansel & Gretel) - available now 
Ginger's Heart (Little Red Riding Hood) - available now
Dark Sexy Knight (Camelot) - available now
Don't Speak (The Little Mermaid) - available now
Sheer Heaven (Rapunzel) - available now
Fragments of Ash (Cinderella) - coming October 1, 2018
Swan Song (The Ugly Duckling) – coming soon

AUTHOR BIO:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract, and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013.

Forty books later, Katy claims authorship of the multititled New York Times and USA Today bestselling Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other stand-alone novels and novellas, including the critically-acclaimed, 2018 RITA© nominated, USA Today bestselling contemporary romance, Unloved, a love story.

Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, became a New York Times e-book bestseller.

Katy’s books are available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish. 

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Sign up for Katy’s newsletter today: www.katyregnery.com!

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

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

• A Cinderella-blue, leather tote bag, a glass slipper necklace (made from Austrian crystals!) and a DVD of the official Disney live-action movie of “Cinderella”!

This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours):