Against The Cage - Book Tour & Giveaway

AGAINST THE CAGE: Worth the Fight Series

Loveswept Contemporary Romance

Written by Sidney Halston

Releasing May 27, 2014

Blurb

In her Loveswept debut, Sidney Halston turns up the heat as a sexy cage fighter shows a former bookworm how delicious a few rounds between the sheets can be.

For Chrissy Martin, returning to her Florida hometown always seems to bring bad luck. The day starts with a breakup text, followed by a jailhouse phone call from her troublemaker brother. Now a routine traffic stop has ended with her accidentally punching an officer . . . in a delicate place. Then Chrissy realizes that the hot cop on the receiving end of her right hook is none other than the man from her teenage fantasies.

Jack Daniels knows how to take a hit. After all, when he’s not chasing reckless drivers, he’s kicking ass in a mixed martial arts ring. So what takes his breath away isn’t the low blow, but the woman who dealt it: a gorgeous knockout with legs Jack wouldn’t mind being pinned under—who just so happens to be his best friend’s nerdy little sister, all grown up. Soon their instant chemistry leads to a sizzling affair, but Jack and Chrissy are fighting an uphill battle if they want to make love last beyond the final bell.

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Author Guest Post

Top 5 most influential books

My father bought me my first book and I fell in love with books at a young age. The first romance novel, I read was Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon, I think I was fifteen-ish. Sheldon’s books have been the most influential books for me. I consumed all his books in no time.  If Tomorrow Comes, Windmill of the Gods, Bloodline…all of them. They were so well written and so enticing, that I could only aspire to write books half as good as these. All his heroines were strong, independent, driven women. Something that is sometimes lacking in books nowadays with all the alpha-male character (I’m not complaining because I LOVE me an alpha-male). I have vivid recollections of certain scenes from his books, that I love and haven’t yet to read anything like it. These books are still not dated. I know, because I have since re-read them and they’re still just as good. And, to think…they were written by a man! The man was a genius.

 Other than Sheldon, my high school teachers were very big on reading books you love instead of forcing you to read the regular school stuff (although I did read my share of Shakespeare and other school-sanctioned books), but I remember reading One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and that got me away from romance for a few years and I began to reading lots of great, inspirational books like all of Marquez’s books as well as Isabelle Allende and some autobiographical books, like Frank McCourt. Then, after not picking up a romance novel in years, I kept hearing about a little book called Twilight. I didn’t fall right into the Twilight bandwagon, I have to admit. I actually read it after all the books were already out and a week before the movie came out. I read the first two chapters twice, before I could move past it. But once I got into it, oh boy, did I get into it. I read all four books in less than a week, and as soon as it ended, I read them again. I was in a daze for months when it ended. That is what got me back into the romance genre and haven’t moved away since. Then there are the clichéd classics, but cliché or not, I love them and they have been so influential to me: Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights. I read one of these at least once a year…just because.

Then of course, there is the obvious: Fifty Shades of Gray. It’s not my favorite book, but I can’t deny it has been influential in my life—big time. FSOG took a lot of the taboo away from woman and sexuality. It made it okay, mainstream, even, to read books that were steamier and whose plot had a lot to do with sexual topics and even certain kinks that most people didn’t talk about in the open. So, for that, it has been very influential because it paved the way for lots of other books that I’ve absolutely loved.

Since reading is what inspires writing, at least it is to me, these books didn’t so much influence the plot of my books, but made me want to write and I can only hope that I do my favorite others proud.

About the Author:

Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started” (Mark Twain). Or even simpler: “Just do it” (Nike). And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in South Florida with her husband and children.

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The Substitute Bride - Blurb

Blurb

Once upon a time, Marly Akers had believed that, for better or worse, people made their own luck…

Marly wonders how she could ever have believed it. Jilted and pregnant, she’s come back to Marietta with her tail between her legs, the blow to her ego huge as she begins working at her family’s small newspaper, the Copper Mountain Courier and sharing a tiny apartment with her disapproving mom.

Things can’t get any worse.  Or maybe they can. Drake Everett, who secretly captured her teenaged heart and then publicly trampled on it, decides to make her re-acquaintance.  Though Drake isn’t the sharp, funny, cocky, arrogant rich boy of yore.  These days he seems sharp, funny…and supportive and decent, and Marly realizes she could fall for him all over again…if she listens to her heart. But what about her reporter’s head, which has sniffed out a story that paints Drake as the love-rat she’s always known…?

About the Author:

Since the day Harlequin bought her first novel, Kathleen has published more than 30 titles with them- everything from hot, sexy contemporaries to dark, brooding suspense. Read in more than 30 countries and 29 languages, she's a five-time finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA Award, a winner of the Maggie Award, and a three-time finalist for Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice.

Kathleen comes from a family of writers, poets, and journalists- though she may be the one shameless romantic in the bunch. A true Cancer, she values home and family above everything and wouldn't dream of ditching a single friend, memory, gift, or love letter. Consequently, her office is a mess, full of books, colored cut glass, photo albums, Madame Alexander dolls, and a cockatiel who whistles the theme from "The X Files." She is addicted to Mozart and Elvis, Dancing With the Stars, Dorothy Dunnett novels, and sugar-free Popsicles.

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Tule Publishing * MontanaBorn Books * Tule Facebook * Montana Born Facebook * Tule Twitter * Montana Born Twitter

Anything But Love - Review

 Review by K.T Sullivan

Luke Monroe needs to find Rachel Lacey. The woman he loves slipped out of town, without saying good bye. He asks his soon to be brother in law, a private investigator, to find her. Turns out, she’s an heiress named Reagan ‘Rae’ Devereaux. She just turned twenty five and inherited her late father’s fortune. She’s also stuck spending Christmas with her mother, Olivia, and her fourth husband. Luke flies from Vermont to California for an unannounced visit. He meets her family and begins to understand why she assumed another identity.  He spends the night and, in the morning, they go their separate ways. Until Rae finds out she’s pregnant. She returns to Sugar Creek to help the Cupcake Lovers launch a book and help the child care center where she worked. She makes amends with the people she befriended and avoids her mother’s texts. She promised Olivia money if she dumps her cheating husband. Luke hides his dyslexia and runs a bar. His family notices the two of them spending time together, especially his cousin Sam. He’s decided Rae would make the perfect wife and mother for his children. She’d prefer to stay friends because she loves Luke. Once the paparazzi get wind of her whereabouts, thanks to Olivia, they descend on the town. Luke gets a taste of what Rae’s life is like, especially after the spread of vicious rumors. Will doctored photos make Luke doubt Rae?

I liked Luke and Rae. Both have personal hurdles to overcome. They decide to help each other. His family members provide the backdrop. Their concern, humor, and love bring the couple closer. This is a continuing series. Many established couples and family drama carry over from the other books. They should be read in order.

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About the Author:

Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Dubbed "fun and sexy" by Publisher's Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, steampunk, and paranormal romantic fiction. "I can't think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!"

Beth lives in NJ with her husband, two zany dogs, and a crazy cat. A retired professional performer, Beth now pours her artistic passion into her writing. 

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Real Happy Family - Review

Review by K.T Sullivan

Lorelei Branch is a teenager, ready for her close up. She wants to be an actress or a model or just famous. Her sister-in-law, Robin, is an agent for teenage girls. She gets Lorelei a spot on a popular reality show. Enter Colleen, Lorelei’s mother, to the mix. This is her ticket out. Colleen will ride Lorelei’s star to the top. When Lorelei isn’t selected, Colleen goes on a drunken racist rant, all caught on tape. Humiliated, Lorelei runs away from home. She breaks contact with Colleen and Robin. Her life goes downhill very quickly. Meanwhile, Robin is trying to get pregnant. Darren, her husband and Colleen’s stepson, gets a chance to direct a film and leaves town. He’s caught by a paparazzi’s camera with the star of the movie. Robin travels to confront him and they make up. Lorelei has hit bottom and reaches out to her family. Colleen has a great idea, why not do a show about Lorelei’s life since she got bounced? She contacts the old show’s producer and pitches it. They all gather to ambush Lorelei when she thinks she’s meeting her family. All works out on the surface. Lorelei is back, Colleen sobers up, and Robin’s expecting someone’s baby.

Lorelei is a spoiled child who never grows up. Colleen dreams of wealth and glamour, but never makes it. Robin thinks her life is empty without a child. All three women have different agendas and they collide with a bang. They are family and all actions affect the others. A truly dysfunctional family on all levels, offering an interesting glimpse of reality shows. Especially after the cameras are shut off and move on.

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About the Author:

Caeli’s work has appeared in such publications as theNew York Times Magazine, Another Chicago Magazine, and the Madison Review, as well as on NPR and CBS Radio. She currently teaches for Writing Workshops Los Angeles, and has taught in the past for Brooklyn’s Sackett Street Workshop and at University College London. Real Happy Family is her first novel, and she’s hard at work on another. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her husband and three children, working at her unliterary day job, or jogging while thinking about writing and/or new soup recipes.

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The Unfinished Child - Review

Review by Marlene Engel

In the 1940s, when you gave birth to a child with a severe disability, it wasn’t uncommon to institutionalize the child.  But it still came as a shock to Margaret, after giving birth to a mongoloid child, to be told that it would be in the best interest of her and her family to immediately place the baby where she would be housed with others like her … “the retards, mongoloids and imbeciles.”  Although Margaret was reluctant, she signed the baby over to Poplar Grove (an institution for the mentally handicapped) and trusted that it was the best choice for everyone.

(Fast forward to the present)  Thirty nine year old Marie is married and the mother of two.  Her best friend, Elizabeth, has been wanting a child for many years.  After failed attempts at conceiving and unsuccessful fertilization procedures, she’s reside to the fact that she may never have a child of her own.  Although she was adopted, she’s not sure that adoption is the route that she wants to take.  But as she continues her struggle with infertility, Marie finds out that she is once again pregnant.  However, she can’t shake the fear that something’s not right with the baby and decides that doing genetic testing may give her the answers she needs to clear her mind.  But when she gets the results of the amniocentesis is she prepared for what the results may be?  And how do the lives of women from different decades connect in this dramatic and captivating novel.

When I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book, I jumped at the offer.  It not only sounded like a great story, but I have been a huge advocate for children with special needs for over 20 years now!  As a mother of a daughter with special needs, this book hit home for me.  I have to give much praise to the author.  The book was well written, the characters felt so real and she kept my attention from the first page to the last.   I absolutely loved this book and absolutely recommend it to others.  This is not only a must read for parents of special needs children, but for anyone who has faced struggles in their lives and have fought to overcome them. 

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About the Author:

Theresa Shea is a novelist, freelance writer, University lecturer, and mother living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her debut novel, The Unfinished Child, was published to favourable reviews in the spring of 2013 by Brindle & Glass.

Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Shea has lived in Virginia, Japan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In 1977 she moved to Canada and settled in Edmonton before moving to Jasper, Montreal, Kingston, and Gibsons Landing on British Columbia’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. However, the magnetic North keeps drawing her back, and she currently lives in Edmonton again with her husband, three homeschooled children, and one golden retriever.

Shea attended McGill University (BA), Queen’s University (MA), and the University of Alberta (Ph.D). The Unfinished Child draws on her experience of coming to motherhood later in life, at the age of 35, and being caught off guard by genetic counselling, prenatal testing, and the culture of fear surrounding pregnancy.

Currently, she is working on her second book, a novel set in Washington D.C. that deals with the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

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In The Mirror - Review, Q&A and Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

If you knew your days were limited, how would you spend them?  Would you spend more time with family and friends?  Go on the trip you always dreamed of?  Do something crazy and unexpected like get your first tattoo?  Or would you go about your life as usual?

Jennifer Benson has resigned to the fact that her cancer is going to prematurely end her life.  At 34, the thought of people seeing her for the last time at her funeral isn’t the way she wants to be remembered; so she’s planning a party to celebrate her life.  But when her ex-boyfriend, Alex, comes to town he makes it known that his feelings for Jennifer are still strong.  With the disconnect she has been feeling with her husband and dealing with a terminal illness, the attention that Alex gives her is not only welcome, but something she starts to look forward to.  But when Alex shows a different side of him, one that Jennifer has never seen, she realizes the mistake she made getting close to him again.  She fears she may have gone too far and potentially jeopardized her marriage.

In The Mirror is a powerful book about life, love and forgiveness.  The way the author addressed such sensitive topics as illness and infidelity was done in such a flawless way.  This book will make you laugh, cry, and reevaluate what’s truly important in life.  I absolutely recommend this book and am keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!

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Interview by Marlene Engel

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been reading and writing for as long as I can remember. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t surrounded by books and words. Being an author is all I’ve ever wanted to do - but it took me until my 40s to actually go for it!

When did you know that you wanted to become an author?

Like I said, I knew I wanted to be a writer, specifically a novelist, but I took a circuitous route! I started my career as a journalist, moved into magazine writing, went on to work at advertising agencies and help rather “big” jobs at a couple companies in marketing. All of that was great and I learned so much along the way. But when the opportunity arose to start living the life I’d always imagined, I took the plunge with the support of my friends and family. I wouldn’t have believed in myself if they hadn’t.

In The Mirror touches on the serious topics of Cancer and infidelity.  What made you choose these topics to write about?

My novels do tend to delve into painful, tough topics,while also – I hope – making readers feel enlightened and entertained. Here, Home, Hope dealt with infidelity and eating disorders while being wrapped in an empowerment message. All the Difference also deals with darker issues: murder, deception. In the Mirror is the most emotionally charged of my novels to date because of its subject – cancer striking a young mother in her prime. That to me is the primary antagonist, that dreaded, omnipresent disease. The infidelity question heightens the reflection in this novel. Infidelity always heightens the stakes.

What can your readers expect from you in the future?

My next novel, Lines in the Sand, will be published by Tule Publishing in August! I’m so excited. Much like All the Difference, this novel is a romantic suspense although the setting is unique and special. This story takes place on a remote barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, a place I’ve named Indigo Island. I hope you’ll enjoy it! If the pattern continues, I’ll follow Lines in the Sand with a chick lit/women’s fiction title! I’ve also enjoyed being part of some amazing writing groups, and even collaborated on my first box set just in time for Mother’s Day: The Mother’s Day Romance Bundle. It’s a great deal at just 99 cents for a bunch of amazing stories!

Thanks again for having me here – and I’m so glad you loved IN THE MIRROR!!

I want to thank Kaira for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat with us.  It was a pleasure!  Please stop by Book Mama Blog anytime!  She has graciously offered to give away a print copy of In The Mirror to one lucky U.S resident. 

About the Author:

Kaira Rouda is a multiple award-winning author of three novels including HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and IN THE MIRROR. Her nonfiction title, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, continues to inspire women internationally.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel. 

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Flames of Love - Review and Giveaway

 As one of New York’s Finest, firefighter Cash Ryder is always prepared. When a woman’s car skids off the side of a mountain during a snowstorm, he’s there to rescue her. Cash is totally focused on the woman’s well-being, but within minutes of getting her to safety, he realizes that he’s nowhere near prepared for the heat that rolls off of sensual, smart-mouthed, and stubborn Siena Remington.

As a model, Siena Remington has dated some of the wealthiest, most handsome men in the industry, and she’s made peace with the idea that most men are just looking for eye candy and they wouldn’t know how to romance a woman to save their lives. When she’s rescued by a tall, handsome stranger, she thinks that maybe, just maybe, she’s found her own real-life romantic fairy tale—until he opens his mouth and everything that comes out is gruff, ornery, and aggravatingly sexy.

Thrown together during an annual firehouse calendar photo shoot, the passion between Cash and Siena sizzles, and neither one knows how to control the flames. After an evening of verbal sparring followed by a sinfully sensual night, their darkest secrets are revealed—and so is Cash’s warm, romantic heart. But Siena’s secret might be too much for big, strong, always-prepared Cash to handle—and Siena is forced to choose between a man who’s everything she’s ever dreamed of and an opportunity of a lifetime.

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Review by Marlene Engel

Siena should’ve known better than to go out in the storm.  When her car skids off the road, she wonders if anyone will find her.  You can imagine her surprise when a handsome man comes to her rescue.  He was not only tall, handsome and sexy but also rough and manly.  It didn’t take long for her to go from grateful for the rescue to annoyed and sexually frustrated.  Cash Ryder was used to dealing with difficult situations.  As a firefighter, he was trained to deal with all types of people and situations.  However, no bit of training could’ve prepared him for the likes of Siena Remington!

                                                 

As their paths keep crossing, their attraction builds.  So when they were paired to do a photo shoot for a firefighter calendar, it doesn’t take long for their connection to grow from a bit of heat to a full blow, five alarm fire!  But when Siena is offered an opportunity of a lifetime, will she be willing to risk her new found love for her career?   

Siena and Cash’s story is, in one word, HOT!  From the second they laid eyes on each other, you could feel the sexual tension between them!  I could not put this book down.  I couldn’t wait to see how their romance would play out.  This is an absolute, must read!  Although it can be read as a stand alone book, I would suggest reading the previous books in the Love In Bloom series!  I promise you that you will not be disappointed!

About the Author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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