Making it Hard by Tanith Davenport (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFP ADULT title

 

Making It Hard

by 

Tanith Davenport

 

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GENRE:   Erotic romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Vlogger Angel Metzler likes to create content on her two favourite things – rock music and classic cars. So when lead guitarist Judah Kallam approaches her at a car show and asks her to do some promotion work for him, she accepts – and when she notices someone filming them as he’s flirting with her, she kisses him, hoping this will result in good publicity.

Judah tells her he plans to quit his band Vegas Dreams to go solo and is happy to get any publicity he can by any means necessary. Irresistibly drawn to him, Angel agrees to make public appearances with him, but knows it will go no further – she has made a private vow never to date musicians, having been let down by too many in the past. But when the press attention grows too much to handle, Angel and Judah are thrown closer together and the heat growing between them tempts Angel to break her vow – but will Judah still be interested when the promotion is done, or is she just a groupie to him?

 

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EXCERPT

 

The lead singer struck the crowd with a piercing look before playing the first chord, and Angel held up her phone, ready to record. These guys looked like they were going to be good.

 

Vegas Dreams. She would have to fire up Google when she got home. She would need some background information for her review. Names, album titles, future plans.

 

Judging by the lyrics, their first song was called Never Forever. She had never heard it before but the beat was infectious, and she began to move to the music, letting it flow through her.

 

As a bridge began, the lead guitarist moved to the front of the stage to start a solo, and Angel’s eyes widened as a wave of heat flooded through her body.

 

This guy was hot.

 

His dark hair was long, framing his face, his firm chin accentuated by a goatee. Dark eyes stood out under heavy brows, a curved facial tattoo of some kind—she couldn’t quite tell what—following the edge of his cheek to disappear behind his ear. Skintight jeans hugged his hips, but his chest was bare under his waistcoat, revealing a line of dark hair she instinctively ached to follow with her tongue.

 

“Sloane? What’s his name?”

 

Sloane paused, tilting her head in thought. “Judah, I think. Judah something.”

 

“Cute.”

 

Turning back to look, Sloane scanned him for a moment before shrugging.

 

“Meh. You can have him, I’ll take the lead singer.”

 

Angel laughed. “Yeah, right. I’m not a groupie.”

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Totally Bound

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Tanith Davenport began writing erotica at the age of 27 by way of the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme. Her debut novel "The Hand He Dealt" was released by Totally Bound in June 2011 and was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award for 2012.

Tanith has had short stories published by Totally Bound, Naughty Nights Press and House of Erotica. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.

Tanith's idea of heaven is an Indian head massage with a Mojito at her side.

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 GIVEAWAY

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The tour dates can be found here

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My review:

3.75 stars

 

Making it Hard by Tanith Davenport centers around Angel, a successful vlogger, who makes an unexpected connection with lead guitarist Judah just as he’s ready for a major change in his life. When the lines between their personal and professional lives blur, they have to decide if they want the same things out of life.

 

This adult contemporary romance novella is an entertaining quick read, perfect for enjoying by the pool with an icy drink to counter the sizzling heat outside and on the pages. I admit to being startled that Angel is successful enough to have a receptionist, lol, but I enjoyed the glimpses of classic cars and the interactions between the main characters. I thought it was a little disingenuous for her to be surprised at the publicity she generated, since that was her goal, but it was still fun to witness the rapid evolution of the relationship. An entertaining story for a quick break.

 

 

A copy of this work was provided for review

Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD

by 

Louis J. Ambrosio

 

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GENRE:  Coming of age

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BLURB:

 

Michael's story continues from "A Reservoir Man" (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazard adventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael's final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship, and discovery.

 

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EXCERPT

As the ferry entered the river, one would barely know they were sailing. The breeze brushed against his face; he saw the water pass him just as life had. He looked at the stern of the ferry seeing all his relationships, career, and spirituality disappear in an endless stream of the river, moving them away but not forgotten. Michael felt as if the bow moving upriver was pushing towards his future with the thrust of a young man stealing second base.

 

From the corner of his eyes, he saw a well-built, nice looking young man, nerdy, longish dirty blonde hair that either needed cutting or a ponytail. He was talking to himself, no, Michael thought, "he is talking on the phone.” But no, the young man was actually talking to himself, or a bird. Suddenly, the young man saw Michael and flashed a small smile.

 

“Oh no I have been here too many times; those moments are up the river," thought Michael. The young man approached Michael asking if he knew him.

 

“I could not imagine how," said Michael, in disbelief.

 

“Yes,” the young man said, “in the park near the university. You were always reading on that same bench. I remember when the pigeons shit on your book and once on your jacket; the whole bench was full of shit,” the young man said with a slight devilish smile.

 

“Right!” said Michael. “Are you getting off here?”

 

“In the middle of the river, how could I?”

 

“You could always try," said Michael, with a slight but cold smile.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

 

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GIVEAWAY

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My review

3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio follows the relationship that develops between Michael, a man who has had many experiences in his full life, and Ron, the young man he reluctantly takes on as a protégé. As they travel through life together, they discover that each can impart knowledge to the other, despite Ron’s apparent unworldliness.

 

This story is part travelogue, part philosophical reflection, and part coming-of-age tale conveyed in a somewhat stream-of-consciousness manner. The little details about the various places the men visit help the locations come alive and allow the reader to armchair travel while the musings about life and lessons learned encourage introspection. For those who are concerned with such things, the point of view tends to shift somewhat erratically, as do the tenses, but one is still drawn into the story of everyday life and the wonderment that can be found in simple things that sometimes involve moving out of one’s comfort zone. There are distressing elements of violence and loss that form pivotal points in Ron’s maturation, and the story definitely has its poignant moments that may require use of a tissue or two.

 

Although I did not read the story that preceded this one—“A Reservoir Man”—and there is evidently going to be an additional story to complete the arc of this trilogy, I had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone story.

 

A copy of this story was provided for review

Single Parents Rock! by Jaret Martino (VNBtM, Excerpt, Review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Single Parents Rock!

by 

Jaret Martino

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GENRE: Children's Book

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BLURB:

From Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder, Jaret Martino, comes Single Parents Rock!

(Based On a True Story and Feature Film, DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming

everywhere you buy and rent movies. A story about a creative, caring, and strong young girl

who has the most caring heart and see's the world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knows

just how special single parents are, and is excited to introduce you to the strong females in her

family! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on making her party extra

special! Shay is exuberant to invite her friends from school and just met a new friend Nala.

Through Shay's heart we see her embrace the world's differences with love. When her

Grandma makes her a cape and a crown, she feels the magic and power of the long line of

strong women that surround her.

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EXCERPT:

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

From Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder, Jaret Martino, comes Single Parents Rock!

(Based On a True Story and Feature Film, DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming everywhere you buy and rent movies. A story about a creative, caring, and strong young girl who has the most caring heart and sees the world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knows just how special single parents are, and is excited to introduce you to the strong females in her family! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on making her party extra special! Shay is exuberant to invite her friends from school and just met a new friend Nala.

Through Shay's heart we see her embrace the world's differences with love. When her Grandma makes her a cape and a crown, she feels the magic and power of the long line of strong women that surround her.

To our Shay-Shine, as Grandma loved to call you. Continue to light up the world with your heart

and smile. Love, Uncle Jaret.

To my loving Mother, Donna, who handled the role of Mom and Dad with such grace. Your

untimely passing only amplified your accomplishments as a teacher and parent and I will

continue to spread, unwaveringly, all your lessons and your every expression of love. Shay

Marie, your beautiful granddaughter, will always be reminded of the long line of strong Women

in her family, and of the bravery it takes every woman to make a life for herself and her children.

"Women have to be Stronger Than Pretty. We have to be warriors...you look like a warrior to

me." -from feature film DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty

Stronger Than Pretty LLC. Love Wins Productions, Distribution and Film Festival. Creating

awareness for subjects deserving attention.

For information about special discounts or bulk purchases, please contact:

info@LoveWinsProductions.net or (424) 279-4802

The Love Productions Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more

information or to book an event, please contact Jaret@StrongerThanPretty.com,

Maggie@MKMTalent.com or visit our website at www.LoveWinsProductions.net

www.DonnaTheMovie.com or www.JaretMartino.com

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GIVEAWAY

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My review:

3.75 stars

 

“Single Mothers Rock” written by Jaret Marino and illustrated by Mery Pelacine is a children’s book that celebrates women and their capabilities. Accomplishments of two different generations of single mothers are highlighted.

 

The vibrant illustrations and positive messages are great to use to inspire young children to value their moms and themselves, and reminds the reader that women are able to do a gamut of things, from repairing cars to planning fantastic birthday parties for enthusiastic five-year-olds who are convinced they can do anything they put their mind to. 

I’m unsure why the title uses “parents”, yet the text does not include single fathers, but perhaps there will be an additional book that includes the other gender.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

The Place Beyond Her Dreams by Oby Aligwekwe (VBB, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 

The Place Beyond Her Dreams

by

Oby Aligwekwe

2021 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner for Young Adult Fiction!
2021 Indies Book of the Year Awards Finalist for Young Adult Fiction!
2021 Best Book Awards Finalist for Young Adult Fiction!

“We are most courageous at our weakest; when we believe we have faced what we fear the most and have nothing more to lose.”

Set against the backdrop of two warring towns, Oby Aligwekwe’s Young Adult debut—told from the viewpoint of her main character—is inspired by her West African heritage, fables, and spiritual beliefs. Ona’s journey reveals the power of choice, the true source of happiness, and, most importantly, the transformation one must go through to realize and eventually occupy their purpose.

At the sudden death of her grandfather, Ona’s pain transports her to mystical Luenah—a place of infinite possibilities, free of turf wars and other ills that plague the earthly dimension she lives in. In Luenah, where her grandfather awaits her, Ona learns she is an Eri, one bestowed with unique intuitive and spiritual gifts passed down from generation-to-generation.

On her 18th birthday, she returns to Luenah and is handed a box to deposit her "exchange" for love and happiness—her greatest desires. Burdened by her quest, Ona crosses paths with danger and heartbreak as the two men that love her dearly are viciously pitted against each other. As evil looms, she learns that dreams carry a hefty price, and no one is who they seem. Now, she must unmask the villain and save the one she loves, even at the risk of losing everything she holds dear.

“Young adults and older readers will be enchanted by this fantasy's magic, romance, and life lessons.” (Booklife by Publishers Weekly)

Excerpt

ONE MONTH AFTER my eleventh birthday, the desiccating north-east harmattan winds blew a flurry of red dust and some dirt as I walked into my grandfather’s compound. I sprinted in the opposite direction as I feared the tornado would carry me away to some unknown land where I could never see my grandparents again. It subsided as quickly as it had started, but it left behind particles of dust and dirt, making it hard for me to see. I managed to observe the blockage caused by cars parked haphazardly on the road facing the compound and extending into our driveway. It then made sense why my school bus driver had asked me to alight a block from my home. I was not happy about the fact that I had to walk. The dust had turned my white stockings a reddish-brown, which meant I wouldn’t receive my usual compliments from my grandfather, who often marveled at how my clothes always remained so clean even after a full day at school. Every day, I removed my stockings during the break period and put them back on after I had played with my friends—that’s how important their cleanliness, and my grandfather’s praise, was to me.

I got closer to the gate and discovered there were more important things to contend with than my stockings. A throng of visitors was inside the compound, some seated on benches, others leaning on their cars, and several more whispering in little circles. No one had noticed when I walked in. I felt invisible and remained so as I crept by the men and women that blocked the entrance to the staircase and every single stair, all the way to the landing.

I pushed and shoved countless times until I finally made it past the hallway that led to my grandmother’s private parlor. Stopping for a moment to catch my breath, I started to hear crying; something had gone seriously wrong.

Buy links:

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About the Author:

Oby Aligwekwe is the award-winning author of Nfudu, Hazel House, and The Place Beyond Her Dreams—her third novel and Young Adult debut. 

In 2021, The Place Beyond Her Dreams won the National Indie Excellence Awards in the Young Adult Fiction Category.

When Oby is not working on her day job or whipping up stories, she enjoys traveling to exotic locations and bringing pieces of her travel with her. She lives in Oakville, Ontario, with her family and supports her community through her charity Éclat Beginnings.

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GIVEAWAY

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Point Blank by Morgan Brice (Spotlight. excerpt, and review)

 

Point Blank

Badlands, Book 6

by

Morgan Brice

Sexy psychic Simon Kincaide and skeptical homicide detective Vic D’Amato are getting married--if the ghost of a murderous magician doesn’t get them first!

Simon and Vic’s wedding is just a few weeks away, and they’re hoping for a little peace and quiet to wrap up work before their honeymoon, but nothing ever goes that smoothly.

Strange circumstances around the death of a retired stage magician suggest supernatural involvement, bringing Simon in on the case. The dark secrets of a long-ago resort hotel lead to a trail of unsolved cold cases that have a chilling similarity. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits expose a web of lies, deceit, and death that is headed for a reckoning.

Can Simon and Vic solve the murders, stop the ghosts, keep Simon’s mother from crashing the party, dodge last-minute wedding disasters, and still make it to the altar on time? Or will the shadows of Myrtle Beach’s haunted past ruin everything?

Point Blank is a fast-paced thrill ride MM paranormal romance packed with supernatural suspense, sinister sleight-of-hand, mysterious monsters, psychic visions, hot men, hurt/comfort, loyal friends, wedding planning, found family, ghosts galore, dark magic, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.

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Exclusive from Point Blank

From Chapter 4

 

Simon

 

“Picking up any interesting juju?” Vic asked as the three of them put on gloves and booties.

 “There are multiple ghosts, and both light and dark energies,” Simon told them. “I also think that Sheldon knew he had objects with real magic—maybe even cursed—and took precautions. There are wardings on the house, and I suspect we’ll find more spell work inside.”

 “Do you think he was a witch?” As Ross had grown accustomed to Simon’s abilities, his initial reserve had given way to curiosity.

 “Whether or not he was trained, I’m almost positive he at least dabbled. That can be more dangerous,” Simon replied.

 “You ready?” Vic met his gaze, taking his cue from Simon.

 “Yeah. Just stick close and don’t touch anything,” Simon warned.

 Ross unlocked the door and turned on the lights. Simon followed and paused just over the threshold with Vic behind him.

 “What?” Vic asked.

 “Everything feels different inside than it did outside,” Simon replied. “I’m going to bet that Sheldon had some sort of perimeter set up around the foundation with salt and iron. All the energies are much stronger in here.”

 “So the question is—did he want to keep something out, or make sure something didn’t get out?” Vic mused.

 Simon moved into the small entranceway and had to step around the downed armoire. “Maybe a little of both. There are people—and creatures—who could be drawn to a concentration of powerful objects like dogs to the smell of food.”

 “Well, that’s not creepy at all,” Ross muttered and fingered the amulet in his pocket.

 Simon saw the overturned armoire and shivered, realizing how badly Vic might have been hurt if he’d caught its full weight. “Where did you see the ghost?”

 Vic eyed the wardrobe like it was a snake, and pointed to the mirror where the ghost had appeared. “Here. I was jittery the whole time we were going through the house, so I won’t be surprised if you find more spooks.”

 “Did you have the feeling we were being watched?” Ross spoke up. “Because I did. Told myself it was my imagination.”

“It wasn’t.” Simon examined the mirror closely without touching it, and gave the armoire a good look as well. He turned from side to side, taking in the magician’s hoarded treasures. “I’d like to walk through before I reach out to the ghosts. That should give me an idea of what we’re dealing with.”

 Ross dug in his pocket. “Here. Take these. We don’t have warning stickers for ‘cursed’ and ‘haunted’ things, but if you put a biohazard label on or near something, no one is going to touch it.”

 

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Join us over on Instagram for more of Blink!

You can also enter the giveaway on our Instagram post or click here for your chance to win an e-copy of your choice from Morgan or Gail's backlist!

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About the Author:

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic and urban fantasy, with less romance, more explosions.

All of the modern-day Morgan Brice and Gail Z. Martin series crossover, so characters from one series appear in cameos and on page in important secondary roles in books from other series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the more you read the more the expanded universe of friendships and connections becomes clear.

Morgan and Gail believe that paranormal elements make any story even better, and her worlds are full of ghosts, psychics, shifters, creatures, vampires, monster hunters, and magic.

She's also a huge fan of the TV show Supernatural. (Chibi art by Kamidiox)

Find Morgan at www.MorganBrice.com and her reader group at www.facebook.com/groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice

She's @MorganBriceBook on Twitter, @MorganBriceAuthor on Instagram, and can also be found on Bookbub, Goodreads and Pinterest (as GZMartin).

Find Morgan at www.MorganBrice.com and her reader group at www.facebook.com/groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice

She's @MorganBriceBook on Twitter, @MorganBriceAuthor on Instagram and TikTok, and can also be found on Bookbub, Goodreads, YouTube (as Gail Z. Martin) and Pinterest (as GZMartin). Join her newsletter here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f3v0s8

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My review:

4.25 stars

 

“Point Blank” by Morgan Brice is Book 6 in the ‘Badlands’ series and follows Vic and Simon as they try to solve a locked-room murder mystery with a twist, plus survive to enjoy their upcoming nuptials.

 

This adult gay paranormal romance continues the adventures of homicide detective Vic and his psychic partner/fiance Simon as they race to solve a mysterious murder that seems to have ties throughout the small beach community. Add pre-wedding complications and jitters, and the stress threatens to derail their plans.

 

I have been reading the books in this fascinating series since the beginning, and it’s so wonderful to see how their relationship has grown, and touching to watch them work through the complications of family interactions while they approach their special day.

 

The chilling implications of the cold cases that are uncovered are balanced by the camaraderie that has developed between the police department and Simon and his paranormal contacts. It was fun to follow the clues as they are revealed, especially with the twists of having informants who are non-corporeal and Simon having his ancestor there to provide assistance (and snarky comments). I think this story might be enjoyed by someone new to the series, but it definitely will be more appreciated by those who have read the other stories in this series. There are cameos by characters who star in their own series, such as Badlands or Treasure Trail, and allusions to the fun anthologies set at Caynham Castle, so those new to this author will have plenty of new stories to savor.

 

This is an excellent addition to the series, combining thrills and chills and sentiment, and I look forward to reading about more adventures experienced by this charismatic pair.

 

A copy of this story was provided for review