Friday, January 25, 2013

Review: Forbidden Angel by Megan D. Martin

Forbidden Angel


   When captured by the Nazi's, Sarah finds herself in a concentration camp that not only brings her closer to death...but closer to love. 


     Sarah Brenner, a young Jewish woman, is terrified when she finds herself in the heat of a railcar bound for a work camp in Nazi Germany. For years she, along with her mother and sister, had hidden from the SS, but no one could hide forever. Her hatred for those who have enslaved them is ever-growing, especially when they arrive and she encounters the shockingly handsome Nazi doctor who can't seem to keep his eyes—or hands—off her.

    Aurel Rothstein is not your everyday concentration camp physician. The endless prisoners and lack of care he's allowed to give have made him numb to the work he so coveted. It isn't until he comes face to face with a beautiful prisoner that his heart becomes involved with his job—a forbidden and fatal move to any Nazi.

    When a vile soldier takes direct interest in Sarah, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever: ignore the pull toward the handsome doctor or give in to the forbidden passion he awakens with only a look. Either way they both risk everything...

Stephanie's Review of Forbidden Angel

  After hosting Breathless Press Blurb Tour a few days ago, I accepted a review request for Forbidden Angel by author Megan D. Martin. I was a little hesitant at first because as many of you know, I don't prefer to review ebooks. I can now say that I am glad I accepted this one.

  Forbidden Angel,  was a very different kind of 'romance'. It was all wrong, but in a good way. From the very beginning of the book it clenched my heart reading about the awful Nazi camps and the way the Jews were treated. If that alone don't break your heart, the rest of the story will. Between a good romance and the suspense of wanting to know what happens next, Forbidden Angel is a great read!

  The story vividly portrayed all the evil and torture that was incased in the camps and then kept your dangling with a warm, ever growing story of a beautiful Jew and a Nazi doctor. But realistically, we all know that no Nazi would have ever taken lust in a Jew and fell in love, or would they? I think that is one thing that made the book even more interesting. 

  Author Megan D. Martin did a fabulous job of writing the story in away that you could visualize your surroundings, feel the fear of the Jews, and still, understand why a Jew could ever fall in love with a Nazi- who, in the end, was nothing more than a mere monster. Or was he? Was he like the rest of the Nazis? Would he really help her or would he turn out to be just as evil as the rest? Ahh, I better stop there before I go to far- I'm not into spoiling a good book!

  I also liked the fact that it was a rather short novel. Not something I would list as 'short story', but with around 125 pages (ebook) it wasn't a long, drawn out saga that continued on and on- it was short, sweet and to the point. 

 I do think it is important to note that this book may not be for everyone. The events and scenarios written in Forbidden Angel does include some rather sad scenes that was very realistic to how the Jews were treated by the Nazis. There are a few scenes that may be hard some to read if you are easily offended by how the Jews were treated. DO NOT mistake that for poor taste on the authors behalf. It was well written and not demeaning to the Jews in any way... it just simply stated several things that did actually occur. Why am I mentioning this? Because I know my own religion as Christian is very important to me and I would prefer not to read certain things that would be offensive to Christians. Therefore I am offering that same respect to the Jewish religion and forewarning you that some of the material in this book may be heart breaking, though in no way did the author ever disrespect the Jewish religion in any way. 


Where to Buy Forbidden Angel

Forbidden Angel is available in ebook at:



Connect With Megan D. Martin


 

FTC Disclosure: Please note that I did receive an ebook copy of Forbidden Angel, by the author, Megan D. Martin at her request to review the book. The review above is my own honest opinion. Stephanie {Stephanie's Book Shelf} is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Mailbox Monday #3

  Mailbox Monday Thursday is finally here! I didn't manage to making my post on Monday, and I had tours on Tuesday and Wednesday... so finally, here it is Thursday, and Mailbox Monday has arrived. 

  My mailbox was rather empty last week but that gave me a chance to catch up on a my TBR list and get started on the pile coming in this week. Apparently, in the book review world, one week with out a lot of books is made up for the following week. So much so, that my mail lady and I had to have the 'you need a bigger mailbox' discussion which is now on my honey hubby-do list for this weekend. :)  

So what did the mail lady bring this week? 


An ARC copy An Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig. 
I was lucky enough to win this one through a Goodreads giveaway a few weeks ago. :) The only difference is my copy has a big pink stamp notating that it is an advanced review copy. 
My first OFFICIAL ARC. I know, I know... I am easily excited!


The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig

~*~


Summerset Abbey by TJ Brown


The next day I received my copy of Summerset Abbey. 
 I pre-ordered it after reading about it on a the post
Maggie's Meanderings.


Well, now that you know what I got,
 what did the mail lady bring you? 



Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Under Her Spell by Eliza Daly


 Super Book Blast and GIVEAWAY!

Under Her Spell By Eliza Daly



When a series of failed relationships and business ventures have Monica Jackson doubting her self-worth, she turns to spell casting to attract positive energy and the opportunities needed to achieve her goals. But can Monica’s belief in spells restore her belief in herself?

Monica creates a spell to find her soul mate, and one to ensure the success of her new romantic event planning company, Enhance Your Romance. Monica is confident she has found her niche until divorce lawyer Reed Walker opens a practice next door to her office. The anti-marriage slogan plastered on his office window, and his down-on-love clients, quickly prove detrimental to Monica’s business. When his arrival appears to trigger a string of bad luck, Monica fears one of her spells sent negative energy into the universe and it has returned to her threefold. Although Reed is beyond sexy, and she admires his self-confidence, she’ll do whatever it takes to get the universe back on her side, and Reed out of her life. No way is she losing another business.

Reed finds himself attracted to Monica’s beauty and her optimism. His job and his parents’ divorce have made him a pessimist, especially when it comes to love. However, he soon finds that Monica’s pro-love attitude is rubbing off on him, causing him to lose his edge. If Reed doesn’t distance himself from Monica, he’ll likely destroy his reputation as a pit bull divorce lawyer.

Can Monica and Reed look past what they might be losing to realize the love they have found?


~ Under Her Spell is Available at: ~



{Excerpt}
Monica turned and her gaze landed on a sign in the window.


Marriage isn’t a word, it’s a sentence. I’ll set you free.

She glanced up at the sign over the door. Reed Walker: Family Law.

Focusing on Chico’s lunch specials when she’d driven up, she’d failed to notice the new signs.
“A divorce lawyer?” she muttered in disbelief. Her gaze darted over to the guy. “You’re a divorce lawyer? I thought you were a client.” Being attracted to a divorce lawyer was much worse than a client. Suddenly his eyes didn't seem as blue and his arms looked wimpy. No way was he Italian. Or her soul mate. And what kind of straight guy wore lavender!

“A client?” He laughed as if that was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard. “Ah no, I just
started moving in and stopped by to introduce myself.”

“You have to take down that sign.” Monica pointed at his window.

“It’s my company motto. Helps attract business.”

“Maybe for you.”

He arched an amused brow. “That’s the idea.”

“You can’t promote divorce.” She clutched his suit jacket, crumpling it in her hand.

“I’m not promoting it. It’s a fact of life. I don’t have any control over the average marriage lasting seven years, or that one in every two ends in divorce.”

Monica’s gaze skittered around frantically as she searched for a response that didn't involve
whipping the socket wrench through his window and mauling the sign to shreds. She spied a
black Mercedes parked up the street. The license plate read No Mer-ce.

“Is that your car?” she demanded, pointing at the Mercedes.

“What are you so worried about? Doesn't bother me being next door to a business that
promotes romance and marriage.”


Author Bio: Eliza Daly


  Eliza Daly’s first attempt at creative writing was in fourth grade. She and her friends were huge Charlie’s Angels fans and she would sit in her bedroom at night writing scripts for them to act out at recess the following day. She was Kelly Garrett. Fast forward to the present, she’s still writing stories about beautiful women who always get their men. The journey from fourth grade script writer to published author wasn’t an easy one, but it was always an adventure and the final destination was well worth it.

  When Eliza isn’t traveling for her job as an event planner, or tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland, she’s at home in Milwaukee working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband Mark, and her cats Quigley and Frankie.
~Connect With Eliza Daly~



~*~Giveaway~*~

$25 Gift Card for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble 

Author Eliza Daly will be awarding a $25 Gift Card for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble to one lucky commenter during the tour! To enter simply leave a comment on this post. You can earn addition entries by following and posting on other stops during the tour! 



BUY Under Her Spell at:



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Breathless Press Blurb Blitz & GIVEAWAY!



Welcome to the 
Breathless Press Blurb Blitz
Giveaway 

Here you will find 5 awesome romance books by 
Breathless Press! 

About Breathless Press

Breathless Press is an e-book publisher specializing in Romance and Erotic(a) stories.

Our mission statement is simple: To provide the opportunity for readers to connect with romance authors through the purchasing of quality e-books at a low price.

Starting in the summer of 2009, Breathless Press came into existence. Since then, we have been producing top end romance and erotic stories for valued readers to enjoy.

Our Goal?

Breathless Press is an electronic publisher of paranormal, erotic, and mainstream romance, releasing one to three e-books a week in a variety of downloadable formats. It is Breathless Press' mission to provide readers with quality romance books in electronic formats and to raise the standard in e-publishing.


Forbidden Angel By Megan D Martin


eBook Available at Breathless Press

{Blurb}



When captured by the Nazi's, Sarah finds herself in a concentration camp that not only brings her closer to death...but closer to love. 

Sarah Brenner, a young Jewish woman, is terrified when she finds herself in the heat of a railcar bound for a work camp in Nazi Germany. For years she, along with her mother and sister, had hidden from the SS, but no one could hide forever. Her hatred for those who have enslaved them is ever-growing, especially when they arrive and she encounters the shockingly handsome Nazi doctor who can't seem to keep his eyes—or hands—off her.

Aurel Rothstein is not your everyday concentration camp physician. The endless prisoners and lack of care he's allowed to give have made him numb to the work he so coveted. It isn't until he comes face to face with a beautiful prisoner that his heart becomes involved with his job—a forbidden and fatal move to any Nazi.



When a vile soldier takes direct interest in Sarah, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever: ignore the pull toward the handsome doctor or give in to the forbidden passion he awakens with only a look. Either way they both risk everything...


Read an excerpt at  Breathless Press.

Oh Christmas Tree by S. J. Thomas


eBook Available at Breathless Press

{Blurb}

A Christmas curse trapped him and a Christmas wish released him, but will the passion that is ignited be strong enough to keep them together? Cursed by the Spirit of Christmas, Scottish tree spirit Ghille Dhu has been bound in his spirit form to the Christmas tree for over a hundred and fifty years. He can only be freed by a woman with a true belief in Christmas.

Escaping the hurt of a recent breakup, Amanda Pearce has come to Scotland for the holidays and she is stunned when her idle wish for someone to share Christmas with conjures a fierce, wild looking male from her Christmas tree.

Having been trapped for so long Ghille Dhu is gripped by an overwhelming lust and desire for the woman who has freed him; a lust and desire that Amanda returns. She wants this other worldly male, and when his dominant side is revealed Amanda is surprised by her ready submission.

As Christmas approaches Amanda submits to Ghille Dhu's wild desires and firm control in ways she never has before, but will she give enough of herself to break the curse forever?

Read an excerpt at Breathless Press.


An Angel For the Tree by Shelli Rosewarne


eBook Available at Breathless Press

{Blurb}

Daniel is a modern day Scrooge, but when a beautiful angel shows up on his doorstep can he believe in a Christmas miracle?

Daniel Everett is having a bad day. Firstly, it's almost Christmas and he's convinced Scrooge had the right idea in the first place. Secondly, his latest nanny has left him to cope alone with his five year old daughter—and quite frankly he would rather deal with several cut-throat mergers before breakfast than one small child.

When the beautiful Laurel shows up on his doorstep she's a gift from heaven—literally! Unbeknown to him, Laurel is a real life angel and his carefully ordered life is about to be turned upside down. She's determined to help Daniel feel again and to reconnect with his daughter.

What neither of them bank on is the sparks that fly between them. As Laurel starts to thaw Daniel's icy exterior. Can he learn to trust again and start to believe in the impossible, and can they ever overcome the obstacles of coming from two separate worlds?

Read an excerpt at Breathleass Press


For the Love of Mutt by Doris O'Conner


eBook Available at Breathless Press

{Blurb}
A homeless shelter at Christmas may seem an odd place to find one's soul mate, but love knows no boundaries—or does it?

Anja has grown fond of the wolf-like dog hanging around the shelter. With her soon to be ex -boyfriend putting pressure on her, her canine friend proves to be more reliable than any human could ever be. If only he were more than just a dog.

Helping others is not always easy to do, unless Ethan can do so undercover. However, hiding your true self brings problems of its own. Finding a mate had not been in Ethan's plan of action, but Anja's easy acceptance of Mutt breaks through all of his defenses.

The problem is he is not what he seems, and will his deception by proxy prove the end of them before they even have a chance at love?

Read excerpt at Breathless Press


Tree Change by Tea Cooper


eBook available at Breathless Press

{Blurb}
Forced to choose between the world she wants and the man she loves, Cassia opts for fame and fortune. But it's not enough—one taste and she's hooked again...

Despite her success in the Sydney art world, Cassia yearns for the idyllic life she once lead with Jake in their shack overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Seeking closure she falls, like an addict, straight back into his arms, and out again equally quickly. Not only has he taken up with his brother's wife, but it seems they have a child.

Truth is, Jake's living a lie, sworn to secrecy, and hamstrung by the debt he owes his estranged family. But one glimpse of Cassia and he knows he cannot live without her. Her fey, artistic character and magical body possess his imagination and his heart. Can he convince her to trust him long enough to save the crumbling remains of their relationship?

Read an excerpt at Breathless Press


~GIVEAWAY~

  Breathless Press will be awarding a
 $20 Breathless Press GC
 to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour!!! 

~*~POST A COMMENT BELOW to enter! ~*~

You can earn additional entries by stopping by 
other tour stops and
 commenting on their tour as well. 




BREATHLESS PRESS TOUR SCHEDULE:

Jan 21: Hesperia Loves Books
Jan 21:  STOP 2 Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Jan 22:  Musings From An Addicted Reader
Jan 22: STOP 2  Stephanie's Book Shelf  
Jan 23:  Desiree Holt Tells All
Jan 24:  Reader Girls
Jan 24:  STOP 2  Full Moon Dreaming
Jan 25:  My Odd Little World 
Jan 25:  STOP 2  SnifferWalk

Monday, January 21, 2013

What Is a Book Tour Host?


  Since I started promoting my new book tour group, Beyond Words Book Tours, I have discovered that there are a lot of book bloggers who enjoy hosting book tours, but there are even more who aren't familiar with them. With that in mind, figured I would share what a book tour host is for those of you who don't already know. 



  For those of you who are not familiar with what a book tour and book tour hosts are...A book tour is where an author goes on a virtual tour- stopping at different blogs to promote their book. A coordinator (kind of like an agency) will arrange set dates with the author and then find a 'book tour host' for each date on the tour. Hosts will then sign up for a specific date to host the author and their book.

  The host can choose to post a book promotion, review, guest post, or interview with the author on their blog. Each tour will have different options available and often the author will provide the tour hosts with a free copy of the book they are promoting in exchange for a review. If you enjoy reading new books this also a great way to build your library.

  Since book tours usually run 2 - 6 weeks, that can be 10 to 50 different blogs showcasing the book. So how does this help the host? Well, the coordinator will create a schedule and include all the dates with the blogs participating. The agency, and usually the author, will promote the tour and each individual stop. They will advertise the tour on their own blogs and websites, their Facebook, Google+, Twitter and other forms of social media, which will bring you new readers and followers. It's a win-win situation for both the host and the author. 

   On the day you post your tour stop, not only will you be promoting your post as usual, but the author and coordinator will also be promoting it. You can expect to see a great increase of traffic, followers and comments on your blog the day of your post. 

  Blog tours are great way to get the word out about your blog and make lasting connections with authors and other bloggers.  There area a variety of blog tour sites that would be willing to have you as a host. You can be part of several different tour groups so don't feel like you need to limit yourself to just one.  Do keep in mind that when you sign up for a tour, you tour post should be the main post on your page for the day you are hosting the tour. This means that any memes you would normally do on that day would need to be posted PRIOR to posting your tour stop. Your blog is linked to the tour with your main URL so you want to make sure that when tour visitors click on the link to your blog that your tour post is the first one on they see.

  If you would like to join a tour group there are a few good ones posted below. Beyond Words Book Tours is actually a sister-site to Stephanie's Book Shelf which I coordinate as well. If you are interested in touring please be sure to join! We would love to have you!

A Few Book Tours You Can Host With:

Beyond Book Tours 

Bewitching Book Tours

Tasty Book Tours

Bookish Brunnette - BB Tours

Sunday, January 20, 2013

NOW SCHEDULING: 2 Week Tour of 'The Plan' by W. Charlene Ammons

Want to be a book tour host? Here's your chance!




I am scheduling a 2 week book tour of The Plan, by W. Charlene Ammons on February 4-18th! Sign up at Beyond Words Book Tours - You can choose from Book PROMO, interview, or guest post!

The author will be giving away a paperback copy of The Plan along with book swag!  

You can either sign up on the Beyond Word Book Tour page (link above) or by posting a comment below with your blog name, email, URL and the type of tour you want to host!

About the Book:

Omega, Alabama in 1941 was a place that only storytellers could dream of. Times were hard and faith was wandering; until Mode Lee entered the picture. The handsome preacher brought what appeared to be miracle after miracle to the tight knit community. However, evil things lurked in the wake of the arrival of this "Man of God". It would take a frightened, mentally unstable child; the mother of the county sheriff; and a wild natured redhead to bring the truth to light. Everyone claims to have a plan. Only One is The Plan.

About the Author:
W. Charlene Ammons was born and raised in Northwest Florida. As the daughter of the local chief of police, she was exposed to the law enforcement community early on in her life. She later received her degree from Florida State University and entered the field of law enforcement, where she has served as a field training officer, a traffic enforcement officer, and an investigator.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, playing guitar, and collecting all things related to The Beatles. She currently resides in the Florida Panhandle with her husband Brian.

Mrs. Ammons has penned two books: The Plan, the first book in The Honeysuckle Chronicles. The second book in the series, The Lesson, was released on Feb. 15, 2012. The third book, The Bloodline will be released soon!