May 2015 – JO LAMBERT

THE LOOK 4 BOOKS MEDLEY OF SHORT STORIES

Posted on May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

This year some of the wonderful authors featured at Look 4 Books have decided to put together a book of short stories, all the proceeds from this book will be going to the Alzheimer’s Society, and the Autistic Society. This book will be available to buy from the Look 4 Books website, and Amazon from early May, 2015.

Authors featured are: Vanessa Knipe, Anne Harvey, Billierosie, Mason N. Forbes, Elaine Chissick, H.E. Joyce, Pauline Barclay, Carol Anne Hunter, June Gundlack, Terri Nixon, Tina K. Burton, Maureen Turner, Carol & Tom Phipps, Madalyn Morgan, Nicci Rae, Sherrie Lowe, Scarlett Flame, and your webmaster.

Link to Amazon below:

NOW MEET THE AUTHORS

PAULINE BARCLAY: Getting Noticed When Sue Potter lost over six stone in weight and could easily slip into a size 12 dress, all she wanted was for her husband to notice. Desperate to catch his eye, she hit on an idea when passing a car showroom that would guarantee he couldn’t miss her. At least she hoped that would the case!

AUTHOR LINKS: www.paulinebarclay.co.uk

Face book Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pauline-Barclay/121242304590624

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BILLIEROSIE: Jessica and her Daddy — father and daughter — lovers, always — just two unrelated adults who haven’t forgotten how to play — their game? Age play.

AUTHOR LINKS: www.billierosie.blogspot.com

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TINA K BURTON: The Lone Tree, is about an old man who reminisces about his favourite place

AUTHOR LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/kat.merri.7 or just search for Tina K Burton Twitter – @TinaKBurton – tinakburtons.blogspot.co.uk -Amazon author page – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tina-K.-Burton/e/B0076W2ACG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Pinterest – https://uk.pinterest.com/Quillina/

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ELAINE CUSSICK: The title of my story for the Look 4 Books Medley, is Sensual Singer but it’s not the kind of singer who hits the high notes. Elaine says: I’ve never really done a short story before so this has been a learning curve. Sensual Singer doesn’t really have a start, middle or end, it’s more of a snapshot into someone’s life ..

AUTHOR LINKS: .elaine.chissick@gmail.com (email)www.elainechissick.wix.com/chissickchat (website) – www.facebook.com/elainerchissick (facebook page) – @elainerchissick (twitter)

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MASON N FORBES: Title of short story: Predator. Three students missing in London. Can Kaylee escape the clutches of a serial killer? Razor-sharp suspense from Mason N. Forbes.

Email: masonforbes1@aol.com

AUTHOR LINKS: Twitter: @MasonNForbesFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/masonn.forbes

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7339874.Mason_N_Forbes

Links to books:

Bitter Sweet: UK http://amzn.to/18unNQr US http://amzn.to/1cxsSGI

The Strontian Factor: UK amzn.to/Jo2PX7 US amzn.to/1ihRJlO

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JUNE GUNDLACK: … Lack of sleep and a frayed temper is not usually conducive to a great start to the day – add more irritations and the result is supper with fish and budget wine – that should sort out the fray.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website – June Gundlack’s Blog – Facebook – Twitter

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ANN HARVEY: Perceptions is about a rich and famous pop star, Josh Randall, who seems to have everything. Until he reads a letter to his late mother

AUTHOR LINKS: Twitter @annelharvey1 – www.facebook.com/anne.harvey.10. – Blog: www.annelharvey.blogspot.com.

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CAROL ANNE HUNTER: Six weeks to find love? When her husband of 30 years trades her in for a more contemporary model, Maggie resolves to live the quiet life. The safe life. The single life. Well, she is only weeks away from her fiftieth, doesn’t do drink or men and has already embraced Trainee Old Duffer status. But waking up with the office geek and a hangover makes her think again – maybe there is life after marriage. She decides to refurbish, rebrand and relaunch, and all before her golden birthday, but she hasn’t a clue where to start. Cue the conception of Project Me. Before long her life is like the night bus – full of users, wasters, halfwits and chancers, and all with their own agenda. If only there was someone she could ask for help. Emergency, Code Red, woman down, send back up…. The clock’s ticking…

AUTHOR LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/carol.hunter.357 – https://twitter.com/carolannehunter – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Project-Me-Carol-Ann-Hunter/dp/1910510009 – http://www.amazon/Project-Me-Carol-Anne-Hunter-ebook/dp/B00NE2VBA

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H E JOYCE: The Bean Counter – This story is about an unassuming accountant who

keeps himself to himself and is regarded as a source of some amusement to his colleagues. But he has the last laugh. After working for the company all his working life, he has been planning for a very comfortable retirement all along by skimming a penny here and a penny there from customer accounts.

AUTHOR LINKS: Twitter: @HEJoyce1 – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hejoycewriter -Website: www.hejoyce.co.uk

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VANESSA KNIPE: The Black College: recruitment drive. Ranged against the Witch Finders of the Theological College of St Van Helsing are the graduates of the Black College who fight for the right of everyone to learn magic.

AUTHOR LINKS: ~Website: http://www.the-freezing-garret.co.uk/ – Facebook page
: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanessa-Knipe/672583159447583 – Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vanessa-Knipe/e/B00MGSM20K/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1429886972&sr=8-1

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SHERRIE LOWE: Guardian Angel. As the title suggests the story is narrated by an angel, someone who left this earth and her family too soon. It is an alternative spin on a section of my memoir Shadow Across the Sun.

AUTHOR LINKS: Sherrie’s website: http://www.sherrielowe.co.uk/

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MADALYN MORGAN: Return to Sender. Every year Eloise writes to her jilted lover, Henri, and every year he returns the letter unopened. Would he ever read one of her letters, would he ever forgive her – and if he did, would he come to her rescue?

AUTHOR LINKS: Fiction Blog: http://madalynmorgansfiction.blogspot.co.uk/ Non-fiction Blog: http://madalynmorgan.blogspot.co.uk/ Website: www.madalynmorgan.com

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TERRI NIXON: Jacky Greencoat. When folklore and the modern world collide, who’s to say which one is the myth? Jacky Greencoat; Cornish spriggan, and loyal subject to his king, steps out of the Lynher Mill Chronicles to tell his own story.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website: www.terrinixon.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/terri.authorpage

Twitter: @TerriNixon

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/telnix

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CAROL MARRS PHIPPS & TOM PHIPPS: Troll Raid. A young Elven girl has just begun her training to be an austringa, with her new shawk spoogh (strike falcon) eyas, when Elf Killer trolls attack her village

AUTHOR LINKS: Websites: http://niarg.com http://landofniarg.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Car01am – Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolMarrsPhippsTomPhipps Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.phipps3 Follow on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carol-Marrs-Phipps/e/B005HB8MC0 Follow on Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/car01am/

Amazon buy page for books: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Carol+Marrs+Phipps+%26+Tom+Phipps

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NICCI RAE: TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES. Where there’s a will there’s a way – Evie Marshall is a stranger in a strange land and, when she doesn’t receive the welcome she believes she deserves, the consequences are dire for her new neighbour.

AUTHOR LINKS: Amazon.co.uk: Nicci Rae: Books, Biogs, Audiobooks, Discussions

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SCARLET FLAME: A bed & Breakfast with a difference.This story is about A D/s relationship where the Dom gifts his sub a very different sort of Christmas gift – a night in a B&B in Derbyshire. This is not your usual B & B though. This is a comedy piece about BDSM, but think 50 Shades with lower expectations, and humourous asides.

AUTHOR LINKS: My book is Bound for Passion:Erotic Love Stories that is available on Kindle and in paperback http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00H9PA5B8

This is my facebook as an author https://www.facebook.com/Scarlet tFlame2?ref=hl

My Blog http://missscarlettflame.blogspot.co.uk/Twitter https://twitter.com/ScarlettFlame2

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MAUREEN TURNER: The Train of Retribution. Businessman and author Thomas Carter wondered who had sent him a train ticket for a journey on the ‘New Year Mince Pie Special.’ Not one to turn down a free pleasure trip, he decided to partake of the unexpected treat.He was going to wish that he had declined.

AUTHOR LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maureen-Turner/490997640929516

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maureen-Turner/e/B007Q0PJSU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS PANDORA’S PROPHECY BY JULIE RYAN – BOOK TOUR 25 – 29 MAY 2015

Posted on May 26, 2015May 27, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

‘Pandora’s Prophecy’ is the third in the Greek Island mystery series but can be read as a standalone although some characters from the previous books do make an appearance.

Lisa and Mark are going through a rough patch, Vicky is seventeen and has just discovered that the man she thought was her father really isn’t, Ruth is getting over her husband’s betrayal after nearly twenty-five years of marriage. On the surface they have nothing in common except that they are all staying in the same hotel on a Greek Island. As they each come into contact with the mysterious Pandora, their lives will change forever. Bodies begin to pile up as a serial killer is on the loose who might just be targeting the hotel. The Island’s Police Chief, Christos Pavlides, tries to solve the puzzle but he has problems of his own to resolve. It seems that the local celebrity author is the one who holds the key.

Jenna’s Journey www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPDZD2

Sophia’s Secret www.amazon.com/dp/B00LFJGCWA

Pandora’s Prophecy http://amzn.to/1LeurJ7

MY REVIEW

No stranger to Julie’s writing, I was looking forward to this, the third instalment of her Greek Island Mystery series. I have to say this, like the other books, did not disappoint. It is beautifully written with such wonderful description. I have holidayed in Greece in years past and it brought back all the sights and sounds of those much enjoyed vacations. At times I could even smell the food! The way the separate characters, including Pandora, were interwoven into the plot as the book progressed was wonderful. Each has their own story to tell but at the same time are linked the others by murder and mystery. I loved the way the book is structured too. Julie teases you with one character, gets you to the end of the chapter with a real cliff hanger of a situation – and then when you turn the page into the next chapter you find yourself involved with one of the other characters. This is what keeps you turning pages – you just have to know what happens next. A truly great book – absolutely loved it and can’t wait for Julie’s next novel to be published.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie was born and brought up in a mining village near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. She graduated with a BA (hons) in French Language and Literature from Hull University. Since then she has lived and worked as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in France, Greece, Poland and Thailand. She now lives in rural Gloucestershire with her husband, son and two cats, a rescue cat and a dippy cat with half a tail. She is so passionate about books that her collection is now threatening to outgrow her house, much to her husband’s annoyance, as she can’t bear to get rid of any! They have been attempting to renovate their home for the last ten years.

She is the author of the Greek Island Mystery series, Jenna’s Journey, Sophia’s Secret and Pandora’s Prophecy, each of which can be read as a standalone. She considers Greece to be her spiritual home and visits as often as she can. This series was inspired by her desire to return to Crete although there is a strong pull to revisit the Cyclades too.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

www.facebook.com/Julieryanauthor

Twitter @julieryan18

Blogsite www.allthingsbookie.com

www.juliesworldofbooks.blogspot.co.uk

GIVEAWAY

E-copy of the book (International)

£5 Amazon voucher (UK only)

For a chance to win either an e-copy of the book or a £5 Amazon voucher click on the link below and enter your details

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301774/”

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOK TOUR – CAPE COD KISSES BY MELISSA FOSTER AND BELLA ANDREA 11 – 22 MAY 2015

Posted on May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

CAPE COD KISSES Love on Rockwell Island, Book One

When Quinn Rockwell left Rockwell Island a decade ago to build a shipping empire, he never thought he’d return to live on Cape Cod Bay—that is, until his grandfather summons Quinn and his four siblings to take over the prestigious Rockwell Resort. Quinn is already working fifteen-hour days, and the last thing he has time for is his grandfather’s demands. But on his first night back, when Quinn finds a gorgeous and carefree woman skinny-dipping in his favorite cove, he’s tempted to ignore his work for a while…and focus on her instead.

As a free spirit who follows her heart and her dreams, Shelley Walters is not the kind of girl to wait around for Mr. Right, so she heads to Rockwell Island for the honeymoon of her dreams—a solo honeymoon. Ready for a week of sun and fun, she never expected to meet a man like Quinn Rockwell.

Wealthy and intensely driven, Quinn is everything Shelley swore she didn’t want. Refreshingly spontaneous and a true romantic, Shelley is everything Quinn never knew he needed. Drawn together despite their differences, during a week of sizzling-hot passion and deep conversations, they fall head over heels for each other. But when their perfect week on the island is over, will their love survive in the real world?

BUY LINKS

MY REVIEW

I have never read anything by Bella Andre but am a big fan of Melissa Foster. I think their collaboration on Cape Cod Kisses has produced a great read for the 20 – 30 something market. It’s well written, entertaining, funny and romantic. It’s the first in a series and I’m sure will attract many fans, old and new.

ABOUT MELISSA FOSTER

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 World Literary Café and Fostering Success. 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 social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Authors Links:

http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter/

ABOUT BELLA ANDRE

Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.

Having sold more than 4 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 23 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King), and Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a ground-breaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.

Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.

Author Links

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon voucher

For a chance of winning a $10 Amazon voucher, click on the link below and register

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301766/?

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS: CATCHING CASSIDY BY MELISSA FOSTER 27 APRIL – 8 MAY 2015

Posted on May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

CATCHING CASSIDY

HARBORSIDE NIGHTS, Book One

Release date April 28, 2015

“Catching Cassidy was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sexy, and hands down one of my favorite reads so far this year!” — #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Bet – Rachel Van Dyken

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real New Adult Romance series that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as “summer” friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They’re tough, edgy, and accepting—most of the time. This series is written in the loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

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MY REVIEW

I can never resist it when a book tour for one of Melissa Foster novels comes along. I’ve really loved everything I’ve read from her so far and Catching Cassidy is no exception. At 22 the characters may be slightly younger, but all the ingredients are still there in spade fulls!

The book is told in the first person from Cassidy and Wyatt’s viewpoint so enables you to see the story from both perspectives. I have to admit there were times when I wanted to become a character in the book, slip between the pages, talk to these two star crossed lovers and help them through their problems!

Cassidy Lowell is a neglected daughter whose parents are not only totally wrapped up in each other but always seem to be travelling abroad. They have even missed her college graduation because they are overseas. Kept out of their exclusive relationship since she was young, she still feels a need to please them. Keen to have their daughter work in New York where they feel her career prospects will be best served, Cassidy plans to apply for jobs there. But before that there is a summer vacation to be spent with the Armstrongs at their summer house in Harborside, Massachusetts. Neighbours of the Lowell’s,over the years they have acted as a surrogate family in her parents’ absences. Because of this she has formed a close bond with them – their twins Wyatt and Delilah regarding her as a sister.

However, the summer vacation is overshadowed when Wyatt and Delilah’s parents are tragically killed in a car crash. Overnight Wyatt’s life changes as he finds himself having to leave his hedonistic, women chasing pursuits behind. Returning to the Armstrong’s summer home with his sister and Cassidy he takes over the running of the family business. But not only is Wyatt having to deal with the day-to-day problems of running a bar, he’s also trying to cope with the realisation he’s becoming more and more attracted to Cassidy. What he is totally unaware of is that she’s beginning to feel the same way about him.

The Armstrong’s beach fronted home soon sees the return of their old friends who drop in or stay over; each of them having an impact on Wyatt and Cassidy’s lives. As the summer moves along we see a simmering attraction begin to develop between the two of them. What is interesting about this story is it’s not a simply ‘will they -won’t they’- yes they have. Yes at first they are both in denial and try to resist their feelings for each other, but when they do eventually get together there seem to be even more issues threatening their happiness. The biggest of these is Cassidy’s job offer in New York. As the relationship develops she finds herself caught between two options: staying in Harborside with the man she loves and setting up a joint business venture with a friend or pleasing her parents and heading for New York. With summer ending and Fall approaching it’s time for Cassidy to make a decision. The question is what will it be? And will it turn out to be the right one?

I would like to thank the author for giving me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

Check out the awesome video trailer for CATCHING CASSIDY (Harborside Nights, Book 1). Releasing April 28! https://youtu.be/07-gFwyd4D4

PRE-ORDER links: KINDLE: http://amzn.to/1xplPq5 NOOK: http://bit.ly/CatchingCassidy_Nook KOBO: http://bit.ly/CatchingCassidy_Kobo GPLAY: http://bit.ly/CatchingCassidy_GooglePlay iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/…/catching-cassidy-ha…/id907998032… Paperback: http://amzn.to/1Ew4xv2