GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ I Smell Sheep

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Book Review: Bound Across Time (Book One) by Annie R McEwen + giveaway

Bound Across Time  paranormal romance book cover
Bound Across Time (Book One)
by Annie R McEwen
May 7, 2024
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Ghost Romance
Publisher: Harbor Lane Books
Date of Publication:
ASIN: B0CV4RPDDX
Number of pages: 324
In a castle on the shores of the Irish Sea, she’s met the love of her life. Clever, witty, strong, fiercely attractive. What’s the catch? He’s a ghost.

Historian CeCe’s dream job in a Welsh castle goes sideways when she’s ordered to ditch the history and lead ghost walks. That’s the worst of her worries until she meets Patrick: strong, handsome, irresistible…and dead since 1761.

Desire and hope flare in Patrick’s heart when CeCe touches him while, for CeCe, Patrick is everything. But she’s in the bright world of the living while he’s trapped in the shadows.

Loving a ghost is deadly business. Patrick and CeCe struggle to outrace fate as it hurtles them toward disaster. Can the ancient riddle of an Irish seer save them? The spells of Welsh witches?

Or can powers CeCe didn’t even know she possessed bridge time and defeat death?



Bound Across Time by author Annie McEwen is book one in a new PNR series featuring Ghosts. Yes, Ghosts! I absolutely needed to try this one just based on that part alone.

Was I hopeful for some Patrick Swayze (RIP) and Whoopie moments? Hell yes I was! That was an awesome movie and obviously this author must have thought so as well, since she writes a whole dang new series about them. Send in the unchained melody, I was onboard from the jump and loved every minute of this one.

Some hot and heavy romance for sure lights up these pages. Adding the longing across the centuries to be freed from the half-life this dashing Irishman Patrick has limped through. CeCe is a very funny and believable leading lady, I would have enjoyed even more snark and humor in her character.

A very well thought out and planned new series by an author that seems to know her base audience and how to keep us fully entertained. I look forward to reading more and keep making those ghosts freaky cause this gal loved it!

Getting 4 and 1/2 "lets make some clay pots" Sheep

 
 
 
 
KD

Excerpt from Bound Across Time, by Annie R McEwen

You’re an idjit, Patrick. Death was always too good for you.

He should have gone slower with her, no doubt about it. He was a lout, a brute, to startle her so thoroughly, and that was never his intent. He could have—no, he should have—whispered, or moaned, or shimmered from a distance. Instead, he was hasty.

Hasty? He was a burning brand of desire. Who could blame him after two hundred-fifty…how long had it been? He’d lost count of the years.

That was still no reason to be an imbecilic knave, popping up like codswalloping Punch on a puppet stage while wearing the same filthy linen he was tipped overboard in when the Earl didn’t have the decency to give him a proper burial. At least the sea water had washed away the blood.

His honor, his common sense—perhaps they’d washed away as well. Within reach of this woman, he could remember nothing he’d learned of subtle romance and courtly manners. All he could think of was making her his, now until the end of time.

What an embarrassment he was, to his sainted mother, to his upbringing, to the gentleman he was reared to be. An embarrassment to every Irish bard who ever sang songs or wrote poems about women who were doves, and lilies, and other things he couldn’t remember.

He did remember that they were fragile and easily startled. Easily driven away.
Next time, I will be slow. I will slowly and gently explain things to her. Unusual things. Highly unusual, uncanny, frightening, nigh incomprehensible things.

Sure, now, Patrick, me boyo, that’ll be a stroll along the banks of the Shannon.

By the right hand of God, but she was beautiful. Slumbering on the stone floor, her skin smooth ivory but gilded, as though the sun had kissed her once and then fallen in love, unable to leave. She’d lost her cap, and her hair—rich, deep brown and burnished with red, like brandy—tumbled around her neck and shoulders. Her sun-brushed skin, high and perfect cheekbones, the delicate slant of her eyes, the plump swell of her breasts above the top edge of her bodice, the curves of the body he could imagine pressed to his own aching and lonely one…

Beauty itself, she was, not only of body but of mind. In the weeks before she’d seen him, he’d watched her exercise that beautiful mind among the slower thinkers of the Castle, who doubtless envied her. She was stubborn, spirited, and quick-witted—he liked that.
He crouched over her crumpled form, not touching, only taking in her scent. Rose attar and mint—he liked that, too.

The only thing he didn’t care for was the name she went by, See-see. What sort of name was that? It was something you called a canary. He would never call her that, not when the French name with which she’d been christened was just like her.

Céleste, meaning heavenly.

She was waking now. He rose and backed away. Time for him to depart, as he must, and breathe a prayer. Not for himself, there was no point to that. If God had ever listened to him, he wouldn’t be where he was, and he deserved no better. His prayer would be for her, the angel who defied or escaped God’s curse to light his endless night.

Come back, Céleste Gowdie. Please come back.

About the Author:

Website-FB-Instagram
Amazon-Bookbub
Annie R McEwen is a career historian who’s lived in six countries, under every roof from a canvas tent to a Georgian Era manor house and driven herself to work in everything from a donkey cart to a vintage Peugeot. For her, it feels perfectly natural to create stories of desperate love and powerful secrets in faraway times and places.

Winner of the 2022 Page Turners Award, Genre (Romance) Category, Annie also garnered the First Place 2022 RTTA (Romance Through Ages Award from Romance Writers of America; Post-Victorian to WWI Category), the 2023 MAGGIE Award, and the 2023 Daphne du Maurier Award. Her Regency murder mystery “Death at Dunarven” appears in the 2024 Murder Most International Anthology.

Annie’s books are published by Harbor Lane Books (US), Bloodhound Books (UK), and The Wild Rose Press. When she’s not in her 1920s bungalow in Florida, Annie lives, writes, and explores castles in Wales.

Tweet:
She’s an American historian: rational, logical, sure that she’s found her dream job in a Welsh castle. The job comes with a dream man: clever, strong, fiercely attractive. What’s the catch? He’s a ghost. https://amzn.to/3uTAwNo
#paranormalromance #ghostromance #ghostlove #romance #witchcraft #timeslip #celticfolklore #Samhain #DayoftheDead #standingstones #magick #familysecrets #Wales #haunted #supernatural #series #welshmagick #Wicca #welshwitchcraft #Irishfolklore #hauntedcastle #castleghost

Tour Giveaway




Monday, May 6, 2024

A Moonrise in the Fire: A New Adult Romantasy (An Element of Fire, Book 1) by Tessia Ives

We're touring A Moonrise in the Fire by Tessia Ives this week! We're also OBSSESSED with this cover!

A Moonrise in the Fire book cover, new adult romantasy
A Moonrise in the Fire: A New Adult Romantasy (An Element of Fire, Book 1)

by Tessia Ives
February 2024
Genre: NA Romantasy/ Spicy
✨ Star-crossed lovers
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Hidden identity, Secrets
✨ Witty banter
✨ Reluctant (& hilarious) companions on a quest
✨ Fated soulmates
✨Relatable FMC
“A compelling, darkly imaginative, and deliciously sexy fantasy romance.” - The Prairies Book Review
How many realms would you cross to save your true love?
All humans possess an element – except for Talvi. Born without magic and dedicated to being the keeper of Starstone Temple, an ancient monastery in her small forest town, she’s plunged into a world-changing struggle when a mysterious and powerful guest arrives on her doorstep.

Caelan ignites a dangerous fire in her heart... but he guards a secret that could destroy them both. After Talvi’s childhood love is abducted by a terrifying threat from a doomed world, Caelan is the only one who can help her. Alongside her two best friends, Talvi must unravel the long-lost secrets of Starstone – and embark on a dangerous quest that will transport her to unknown realms.

Four elements. Three realms. Two lovers. And one impossible choice.
Hunted by deadly enemies and unable to contain the desire burning between them, Talvi struggles not to fall for the enigmatic fire elemental. His wickedly beautiful smile. His courageous passion. The seductive amber flames of his eyes. Can she decide where her loyalty – and her heart – truly lie? Or will embracing her destiny force her to pay a devastating price?

She was born powerless. Now the fate of the realms rests in her hands.

Dive into a steamy romantic fantasy adventure that sweeps you into an enchanting world of vast fjords, wild forests, elemental powers, and one woman searching for her destiny. With a stunning love story that spans multiple realms, A Moonrise in the Fire is Book One in An Element of Fire series but can be read as a standalone. A gripping read perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Holly Black.

IG: @tessiaives @rrbooktours

Tags #rrbooktours #rrbtamoonriseinthefire #amoonriseinthefire #nafantasyromance #newadultbooks #romanticfantasy #romantasybooks #romanticfantasybooks #spicyfantasyromance
 
 Book Tour Organizer: 
@rrbooktours

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Interview: Historical Paranormal Romance Author: Caroline Helenasdotter + giveaway

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I have been writing stories ever since I learned how to read and write. When I was a child I loved fairy tales, that love never really subsided. The Moomins were some of my absolute favorites growing up. Today I love to read fairy tales with my children. Jan Lööf is one of our favorites. My daughter is particularly fond of Pippi Longstocking.

What is something unique/quirky about you?
In 2012, I had the unique experience of studying Russian in Russia, residing in St. Petersburg. I am also a taekwondo black belt and a capoeira graduada. Martial arts are a true passion of mine.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
The caracal definitely. It is my spirit animal.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
At the age of 12, I completed my first young adult book. For me, anyone who writes is a writer, regardless of whether they've been published. During my teenage years, my love for Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings fueled my passion for writing, particularly in the high fantasy genre. I was absolutely obsessed with Harry Potter and The Lord of the rings (I still am).

Who designed your book covers?
My mother, Anna Helena Annika Karlsson, is a brilliant artist. My surname, 'Helenasdotter,' actually means 'daughter of Helena' (since 'dotter' means 'daughter' in Swedish). In Sweden, surnames typically derive from the father's name, using 'son' for sons and 'dotter' for daughters, such as Andersson, Nilsson, or Karlsson. However, I chose to take a name that celebrates female energy and honors my mother instead.

In Swedish tradition, it's more common to create a surname from your father's name, even if you use a 'dotter' name instead of a 'son' name. My father is named Thomas, so conventionally, my surname would be 'Thomasdotter.' Yet, I wanted to pay homage to feminine energy and decided to take 'Helenasdotter' instead.

Which of your novels can you imagine being made into a movie?
So far, I have only published two books. My first one, 'Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit,' is much spicier than 'Whispers of the Nordic Draugr.' It would probably be difficult to adapt that one into a movie

Advice to writers?
I am going to quote Jack London on this one: 'You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.'

And believe in yourself. It can be really tough out there for authors. Do not let anyone make you feel that you are less than you are. Never give up, never give in; stay true to yourself and remember to be kind to yourself.

What inspired you to write this book?
I have always been interested in Scandinavian mythology and folklore, and I love to incorporate fantasy with folklore/mythology into my writing. My main female characters are always women over the age of 30. I believe there is a lack of female characters in the romantasy genre who are middle-aged or approaching middle age. I would love to see more books with female romantasy leads in their 30s, 40s, or even older than that!

What did you enjoy most about writing this series?
I have a very vivid imagination, and I love to write about fantasy and love. The brain does not know the difference between writing/reading about something or experiencing it in real life. The same neural patterns get activated in the brain when you imagine something or when it is actually happening. Writing and reading about love gives you the chance to experience falling in love time after time.

Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes, several. I have about 10 unfinished books and even more ideas. When inspiration strikes, I just have to write it down and start crafting a story. Hopefully, I will have time to finish many of them. However, time with two small children is very limited; I only have time to write during the night. I also find that having limited time to write inspires me even more; it forces me to truly value the time I can devote to writing and make the most of it. Writing becomes my reward after a long day.

What can we expect from you in the future?
I have another book coming up at the end of the year. It is something that I have been working on for a very long time. I will continue writing romantic fantasy and folklore/mythology with a lot of romance

What book do you think everyone should read?
"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle had a profound impact on my life. When you read this book, one of two outcomes is likely: either you'll stop after a few pages, feeling it's a waste of time and that you don't understand it at all, or it will deeply resonate with you.


In 16th-century Scandinavia, Katarina's fate intertwines with Ulrik's dark demonic past. Love and darkness converge in a captivating tale of redemption amidst ancient legends.

Whispers of the Nordic Draugr

by Caroline Helenasdotter
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance, Romantasy
In the misty realms of 16th-century Scandinavia, where myths dance with reality, Katarina finds herself ensnared in a perilous dance between the mortal and the ethereal. Possessed by the elusive mare, her world fractures, and the shadows grow darker. But amidst the chaos, a reluctant guardian emerges - Ulrik, the enigmatic master of her estate, harboring demonic secrets darker than the midnight sea.

Haunted by a past veiled in blood and sorrow, Ulrik battles not only his own demons but the sinister machinations of Vasilij, his tyrannical draugr maker. Bound by an unholy pact, their fates entwine with Katarina's, as love and darkness collide in a deadly game of fate.

As Ulrik and Katarina traverse the treacherous landscapes of love and fear, they must confront not only the malevolent mare but the looming specter of Vasilij, whose hunger for power knows no bounds. In a tale woven with romance and terror, their journey unfolds, where every step taken could lead to salvation or damnation.

Enter a world where passion ignites amidst the howling winds, and where the line between hero and villain blurs in the flickering light of ancient legends. Prepare to be ensnared in the spellbinding tale of Katarina and Ulrik, where love defies even the darkest of shadows.

Experience a spellbinding blend of love, passion, folklore and mystique.

**Only .99 Cents! **
Amazon-Bookbub-Goodreads

About the Author
Instagram-Bookbub
Amazon-Goodreads
Caroline Helenasdotter is a Swedish author born in 1986, living in the south of Sweden with her partner and two small children aged 3 and 6. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science and language from the University of Lund. Helenasdotter has lived and worked in Switzerland, Norway, Portugal, and Russia, and she is fluent in Portuguese. When not writing or spending time with her family, she enjoys practicing yoga, martial arts, and running.

Giveaway
$10 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, May 1, 2024

99 Cents: Smuggler's Valor: A Sci-fi Action Adventure (Reese Daniels Smuggler Series Book 1) by Reese Daniels

We're thrilled to announce that the first two novella's in the Reese Daniels Smuggler Series are now available and the third will be released soon! To start, check out Smuggler's Valor!

Smuggler's Valor by Reese Daniels  book cover, sci-fi action adventure book
Smuggler's Valor: A Sci-fi Action Adventure (Reese Daniels Smuggler Series Book 1)

by Reese Daniels
June 2023
Smuggling precious cargo to a remote colony was supposed to be easy. I was dead wrong.

Smuggling is a dangerous business and Reese Daniels has the score of a lifetime within his grasp; however, getting shot down on one of Uranus' moons wasn't in his plan. Stranded and on the run in the middle of an alien invasion, Reese must work with a group of Marine cadets to escape a grisly fate.

 
 
About the Author
Website
T.D. Wilson was born in 1968 in Troy, Ohio and has been an avid fan of science fiction and fantasy from a very young age. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and has supported the systems and networks in several of the largest Supercomputing data centers in the world. His early thirst for adventure in reading began as he explored many of the great stories of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As his reading scope expanded, Mr. Wilson was fascinated by strange new worlds from the magical of Middle Earth and Narnia to the far reaches of space in Star Trek and Babylon 5. As a science fiction author, he strives to integrate a realistic flavor to his worlds by providing his readers a feel for the real science in science fiction. A topic he loves to discuss with his friends and readers. Mr. Wilson still lives in Ohio wi

X: @TDWilson3 @RRBookTours1 #RRBookTours
IG: @wilsontd4655 @rrbooktours
Tags
#rrbooktours #rrbtsmugglersvalor #sciencefiction #scifibooks #scifiadventure


Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Comic Review: Universal Monsters: The Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! #1 (of 4)

The Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! comic book cover
Universal Monsters: The Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! #1 (of 4)
April 24, 2024
Writers: Ram V, Dan Watters
Artists: Matthew Roberts, Dave Stewart
Publisher: Skybound (Image Comics)
Lunar Code: 0224IM219
MINISERIES PREMIERE
A NEW HORROR DREAM TEAM RESURRECTS ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC MONSTERS
Acclaimed creators DAN WATTERS (HOME SICK PILOTS, Lucifer), RAM V (The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, Batman: Detective Comics), and MATTHEW ROBERTS (MANIFEST DESTINY) rise from the depths for an all-new epic.
Years after the events of the original film, journalist Kate Marsden hunts for a notorious serial killer in the heart of the Amazon. Hot on the trail of this madman, she soon encounters an unexpected new threat—but is it friend or foe? Or is it simply...THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON?


This miniseries resurrects one of the most iconic Universal monsters. Acclaimed creators Dan Watters, Ram V, and Matthew Roberts rise from the depths for an all-new epic.

Years after the events of the original film, journalist Kate Marsden hunts for a notorious serial killer in the heart of the Amazon. Hot on the trail of this madman, she soon encounters an unexpected new threat- but is it friend or foe? Or is it simply… THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON?

I have been waiting for this comic book since last year, when I first I heard they were spotlighting the Universal monsters from my childhood. And the Creature is still my favorite monster of all time! (Sorry, C.H.U.D.) Image and Skybound did not disappoint.

I have to begin by applauding the artwork. I’m not a fan of comic art that wants to prove how artsy it is, or overdoes splash pages, or worse of the worst- draws my horror or heroes cartoonish. Roberts creates perfect images that hit the realism and never distract from the story. The creators wisely let their multiple variant covers do their bragging. And they are beautiful. It’s hard not to collect them all. Or pick just one to be my new tramp stamp.
The story flies fast, yet doesn’t skimp on plot or characters. We know all about Kate, the attempted drowning that almost murdered her, and her tortured life every day since. Strung out on amphetamine, she follows her target, the serial killer Collier, into foreign countries and unknown territories. It’s clear her need for revenge and closure override most of her common sense and caution towards danger. With the help of a few locals, she is able to close in, as an interesting subplot is laid out.

But here’s the reason I’m diving into this miniseries. My beloved Creature. Watters and Ram V treat him with respect. When another body is found in the river, Collier’s M.O., the gathering of townspeople explain it was the Creature. Kate dismisses the urban legend. She knows fact from fiction. But, uh, no. She don’t. I love how the old woman explains the Creature is not cruel. It is not a monster. It simply takes people for the river. Most importantly, the Creature does not like to be spoken of. My grandmother was very much the same way.

As any good cliff hanger does, our star makes his appearance in the final pages. It’s done with suspense, with horror, so well you can hear the Creature’s classic theme music. I cannot wait for the next issue and the entire series. But at the same time, it’s kinda like Christmas. The anticipation of opening my next present is a huge part of the fun. 

Definitely five waterlogged sheep!


 

 

 

Reviewed by Olga Dickie (the reviewer's name has been changed to protect the guilty)