Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Review: Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye

 

About the Book



Book: 
Blood Scion

Author: Deborah Falaye

Release date: March 8, 2022

“Equal parts soaring fantasy, heart-pounding action, and bloody social commentary, Blood Scion is a triumph of a book.” —Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

 This is what they deserve.

They wanted me to be a monster.

I will be the worst monster they ever created.

Fifteen-year-old Sloane can incinerate an enemy at will—she is a Scion, a descendant of the ancient Orisha gods.

Under the Lucis’ brutal rule, her identity means her death if her powers are discovered. But when she is forcibly conscripted into the Lucis army on her fifteenth birthday, Sloane sees a new opportunity: to overcome the bloody challenges of Lucis training, and destroy them from within.

Following one girl’s journey of magic, injustice, power, and revenge, Deborah Falaye’s debut novel, inspired by Yoruba-Nigerian mythology, is a magnetic combination of Children of Blood and Bone and An Ember in the Ashes.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author


Deborah Falaye is a Nigerian-Canadian young adult author. She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she spent her time devouring African Literature, pestering her grandma for folktales, and tricking her grandfather into watching Passions every night. When she's not writing about fierce black girls with bad-ass magic, she can be found obsessing over all things reality TV. Deborah currently lives in Toronto with her husband and their partner-in-crime yorkie, Major. Blood Scion is her first novel.













My Review


Blood Scion is the first book from Deborah Falaye’s series, also, named Blood Scion. It is, also, the first book I have by this author. I am not a huge fantasy genre reader but I thought this one was a pretty good read. Even though there were a few scenes I was confused but once I caught on as to what was going on, I was hooked again. Overall, I found it to be entertaining from the start to finish.  I liked it. 

Blood Scion will be getting four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading young adult fantasy fiction. I am interested in finding out what will happen in the next installment from the Blood Scion series, a planned 2023 release. 

I received a digital copy of Blood Scion from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Blast and Giveaway: Undoing Time by Rachel Dacus



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rachel Dacus will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Liv Pomeroy’s high hopes and lavish lifestyle come horribly undone when her fiancĂ© runs off with her maid of honor. Swearing off love forever, she goes on a summer escape to Florence, Italy. Agreeing to help her cousin May raise funds for an art restoration project, Liv is astonished to find they share a genetic gift for undoing time. Soon she’s joining a team of time travelers who rescue history from those who would change it. And fighting her attraction to a sexy time traveling colleague, who just might turn out to be working for the wrong side in the American Revolution. A thrilling tale of time travel, romance, and espionage.







Read an Excerpt

In the dark, Liv barely could see his eyes as he whispered, “Tell me no if you don’t want me to kiss you.”

What a reversal from the judgy Tom who had practically called her a princess. She made him wait. She didn’t say No. She was two glasses of wine into reckless.

She whispered, “Yes.”

The exhilaration of knowing he’d been drawn to her from the first. He was like too much of that good Chianti, and she only wanted more.

But Tom quickly broke the kiss. She gasped. He didn’t move, holding her shoulders, but now looking down at her from so close. How far would she let this go? The sensation of his mouth lingered on hers, but he let go of her shoulders and grabbed her hand.

“I want to show you something. Will you come with me?”

“Yes,” she gasped, wondering if she could walk.

He pulled her along. Did this man never saunter?

“Look, I’m in heels—”

Suddenly, her heels were sinking into sandy dirt. She blinked under the bright sun. They were near another waterworks, but this one was a mill. It was daytime, and the water splashed down the ladder of the water wheel, making a different rhythmic music. Nearby was a rough wooden building. Clearly, they were somewhere else in space and time.

“This is where I work, one of my history projects,” Tom said, keeping his tight grip on her hand.

Liv tried to quell the shaking in her legs. She hadn’t meant for Tom to take her back in time. She began to gasp and felt she might drop to her knees. Instead, she clutched Tom’s hand as hard as she could. He reached around her waist to hold her up.

His eyes widened as he looked at her. “You said you wanted to see. Are you okay?”

“Is this the Gold Rush—here?”

Tom shrugged and smiled. “Yes. This is about three months after they discovered gold in the stream. In 1849.”

The shock quivered through her stomach and legs.

He held onto her waist and asked again. “Everything okay?”

She barely managed to stand upright but said, “Sure. Only I wasn’t expecting …”

She didn’t want to be accused of being Miss Pacific Heights. The feeling of his hands around her waist strengthened her. She was now oriented to his touch, wherever they were.

About the Author:
RACHEL DACUS writes about history, love, romance, and art – usually with a touch of the supernatural. If time travel were possible, she’d hop over to Renaissance Rome, and then check out how the American Revolutionary War is going, and maybe visit an 18th century London artist’s studio. A poet and novelist, Dacus has published four novels and four poetry collections. When not writing, she listens to music, new and old, from indie and progressive rock to classical and jazz. Once a dancer, she’s now an avid walker, often twice a day -- once for the Muse and once for the world’s liveliest Silky Terrier. She blogs about the writing life and has collected a wealth of writing and publishing resources.

Website
Twitter
Facebook

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons by Peter Wilson


 


Join Us for This Tour:  January 31 to February 11!

Book Details:

​Book Title: Jack Gregson & the Stolen Sons (book two) by Peter Wilson
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 193 pages
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release Date: December 2021
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG because there is no sex--not even a suggestion. The language is appropriate for a 10-year-old. (Similar to Harry Potter.)
 
Book Description:

Dark Mystery
Ancient Prophecy
Family Secrets

When a loud, incessant knocking disturbs the peace at Gregson Manor, David and Rosie once again travel through the mysterious portal, where they encounter darkness, chaos and impossible impossibilities.

Only by fulfilling an ancient prophecy and uniting unlikely allies can they save parallel universes.

A dormant sun awaiting new dawn,
Two stolen sons their mothers mourn.
One will wake from whence they laid,
The other repeats a mistake once made.

​Who are the sons?   
Buy the Book
Amazon

add to goodreads
 

Also Available for Your Reading Enjoyment:

Book Details:


​Book Title: Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal (book one) by Peter Wilson
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 174 pages
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release Date: June 2018
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG because there is no sex--not even a suggestion. The language is appropriate for a 10-year-old. (Similar to Harry Potter.)

Book Description:

​Something has changed at the Gregson Manor. An evil force from the family's past has returned to upheave their lives. 

Jack and his cousins explore the family secrets as they are pulled through a portal into a universe of endless worlds and possibilities. 

Together, they race to escape and destroy the evil Theorden and his followers who strive to unlock the power of the Forgotten Portal and wreak havoc on Gregson Manor and the World.

 Buy the Book
Amazon
add to goodreads

 

Meet the Author:

Peter Wilson is an award-winning writer based in Sydney, Australia. His first novel, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal has won awards internationally, in both the USA and United Kingdom, and has quickly become a favourite with young readers. Peter’s second book in his trilogy series, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Sons, is set for release in 2021. In addition to children’s and young adult content, Peter is also interested in writing for the adult market and is currently working on a crime thriller set in his home city, Sydney.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
 
Tour Schedule:
 
Jan 31 – The Momma Spot – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / giveaway
Jan 31 - Splashes of Joy – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / giveaway
Feb 1 – The Momma Spot – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / giveaway
Feb 1 - Kam's Place – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / author interview  
Feb 1 - Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / author interview / giveaway
Feb 2 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / giveaway
Feb 2 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / giveaway
Feb 3 - Kam's Place – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons
Feb 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / giveaway
Feb 4 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / giveaway
Feb 7 – Books for Books – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons
Feb 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / giveaway
Feb 8 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / guest post / giveaway
Feb 9 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons / giveaway
Feb 9 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / author interview / giveaway
Feb 10 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review of Jack Gregson and the Forgotten Portal
 
Enter the Giveaway:
 

JACK GREGSON AND THE STOLEN SONS Book Tour Giveaway

 


 My Review: 

Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons is the second installment and exciting addition from the Jack Gregson series. Peter Wilson has once again written an adventurous and entertaining book. I enjoyed going back to visit the Gregson Manor to see what Jack, David and Rosie gets into this go round. I admired their bravery, determination and courage trying to fight the evil that is overwhelming the earth. The danger and terror they face kept me intrigued and I was often on the edge of my seat just waiting to find out what was going to happen next in the following scenes. Even though, I am not a huge fan of this genre, I was hooked with this tale. There were twists and turns that kept engaged. The pace is just right and never slowed down all throughout the book. Overall, I thought it was a great to read. 

I am going to give Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading fantasy fiction. I am looking forward to the next installment from the Jack Gregson trilogy to find out what happens next. It will be interesting to see where else author Peter Wilson will take his fans to in the conclusion of the series. 

I received a paperback copy of Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Review: Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis

 

About the Book



Book: 
Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts 

Author: Erika Smith 

Genre: Children's Fantasy

Release date: March 2022

Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie.

The Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And Kelcie Murphy―a foster child raised in the human world―is dying to attend.

A place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers and―most importantly―finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbor eight years ago.

When Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld's most infamous traitor.

But Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author


Erika Lewis grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, where she spent most of her childhood riding her dirt bike through Fort Ward, the Union Army Civil War stomping grounds. She graduated from Vanderbilt University and went on to earn a master’s degree from Georgia State University and an advanced certificate in creative writing from Stony Brook University. The author of Game of Shadows, The Color of Dragons, Firebrand and more, The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts is her middle grade debut.













My Review


Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts is the first book I have read by Erika Lewis. I thought it this first book from her The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts series was pretty good. I found the story and writing style to be unique. I am not a huge fan of this genre but I really enjoyed this one. It is easy to read and held my attention from start to finish.  

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts is getting four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading fantasy fiction and between the ages of eight and twelve. I look forward to reading more by Erika Lewis  in the future and will be eagerly awaiting the next installment from The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts series.

I received a digital copy of Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Everard by Chautona Havig

About the Book


Book: 
Everard

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian / Fantasy / Fairy Tale

Release date: October 2, 2012

A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.
The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.
Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.
Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for?
Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

“Can you write a short story for Kaira’s birthday? Something about a paisley princess? We’re doing a medieval theme, and Cathe is making the most scrumptious dress…”

A short story. Sure, I could. Why not? I’d throw in some things that fit Kaira and her family and some to make it not a bad attempt to write about a girl I only knew through her mother’s eyes. I’d make her hopelessly ordinary (which Kaira certainly was not). I’d give her lovely skills with a harp (which Kaira definitely has), and I’d give her the name Paisley Paisley so that, as her father, the king of Jackalopany, said “She’d be eager to marry and change it someday.”

Seventy-thousand or so words later the “short story” was done.

The silliest thing I’d ever written, but man… that was fun. Complete with a human chess game, frog pox, and heartbreaking bravery, it wasn’t great literature—Andersson would never approve—but it was mine.

It also gave me a thirst for something more… something… real. Okay, so that sounds a little weird writing about a fairy tale as “real” but in truth, it’s how I felt. I wanted to write a deliberate one, not just a wild romp through story ideas. Some elements of the first book would have to stay. For example, I’d given the first book a cheeky narrator who did a lot of “explaining” about “fairy tale terms” and definitions. She had to return.

But this time, I wanted quests daring dos, and well… yeah. I wanted something a bit more structured. I also wanted it to reflect another family I loved and cherished. In this one, a prince returns from a war lasting almost a thousand years (he didn’t fight the whole time, never fear) to report victory and does something so out of character that it sends his life in a totally different direction.

In my opinion, it has the most truly romantic scene I’ve ever written in it, but even most boys of very tender years (who still think girls are “yucky”) haven’t complained. THAT is my kind of romance!

But more than anything, Everard has honor, bravery, self-sacrifice, and every kind of love you see in the Bible. It’s the second book in the Not-So-Fairy Tales, but it won’t be the last. Leicelin has something she wants to share with the world, too.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Blogging With Carol, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

deb’s Book Review, January 29

Inklings and notions, January 30

Rebecca Tews, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 1

Connect in Fiction, February 1

Lots of Helpers, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 4 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, February 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 6

Mary Hake, February 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 9

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/193c4/everard-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Everard is the second installment from Not So Fairy Tales series by Chautona Havig. It is different from my go to genre, however, I enjoyed reading it. It has warriors and dragons that makes it a fun read. There is humor and adventure that made want to keep reading. I love that there are lessons to learn that so many of us readers could be inspired by. Overall, it was a book that is entertaining from start to finish.

Everard is getting four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fantasy fiction. I look forward to reading the first installment from the No So Fairy Tales series, Princess Paisley, to see what happened in that one. 

I received a digital copy of Everard from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Monday, January 31, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Live the Impossible by Jenny Smith

About the Book


Book: 
Live the Impossible

Author: Jenny Smith

Genre: Memoir

Release date: July, 2021

Jenny Smith was a typical teenager—a gymnast and athlete who loved hair and makeup, played in a band, and was active in her church youth group.

Then one bright summer morning, a spinal cord injury left her paralyzed from the chest down and dependent on others for her most basic needs. Privacy and independence seemed like things of the past.

But Jenny refused to give up or give in to her disability, and over time she discovered that a wheelchair could take her places she’d never dared to imagine. She’s traveled multiple times to Afghanistan and Mexico for wheelchair distributions and sports camps, and even rolled the New York City runway as a model during Fashion Week.

Today, Jenny Smith is a spokesperson for independent and vibrant living with a disability. Her speeches, articles, and social media presence have touched thousands of lives.

In Live the Impossible, Smith shares what it looks like to live with paralysis, from the everyday details most people never think about, to the countless people who have impacted her life along the way. With honesty and humor, faith and fortitude, Jenny shows us how we can all live the impossible, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jenny Smith is an advocate, peer mentor, and encourager for those living with spinal cord injuries, and anyone who has faced unexpected or seemingly impossible challenges. Her popular blog and YouTube channel, Jenny Smith Rolls On, explore the practical aspects of life as a quadriplegic. She also speaks to associations and businesses, schools and universities, and faith-based groups. Jenny works full-time supporting and encouraging cross-cultural workers. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, where she rows on the Ohio River with the Louisville Adaptive Rowing program.

You can find out more at www.jennysmithrollson.com.

More from Jenny

“I will never write a book.”

I can’t tell you how many times I said those words. How and why did I publish a book after saying I will never so many times?

For several years, I was writing as a side job for a medical supply company. To learn more about the craft of writing, I signed up for an online class. The instructor invited me to take her next class on writing your life story.

That’s when it happened. I felt a little tap on my shoulder and heard—or felt—the words, “It’s time.”

I groaned.

Since my spinal cord injury at the age of 16, I said never and that’s impossible innumerable times. I had said the words before traveling to Mexico and Afghanistan. As I dreamed of living independently as a quadriplegic. I’d said never to playing wheelchair tennis, rugby, and para-rowing. My words that’s impossible and never were proved wrong time and again.

So I started writing.

It turns out I’ve lived what I believed was impossible.

In July 2021, on the 32nd anniversary of my spinal cord injury, my family, friends, and community celebrated with me at the launch party for my memoir Live the Impossible.

Although the book centers on my story of becoming a quadriplegic at 16 and the trials and adventures that followed, the lessons I learned in the years to come are universal:

  • How I found my identity
  • The importance of taking a risk
  • How I became comfortable in my own body
  • Acknowledging I have little to offer and yet seeing God do things I could never imagine

We all have unexpected circumstances in life. But I believe we can all live the impossible, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 18

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

An Author’s Take, January 20

Inklings and notions, January 21

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 21

deb’s Book Review, January 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, January 26

Lots of Helpers, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Spoken from the Heart, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/17c5c/live-the-impossible-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

I found Live the Impossible: How a Wheelchair has Taken Me Places I Never Dared to Imagine to be powerful read. Jenny Smith is such a courageous, determined and inspirational woman. I loved how she was able to continue to live instead of allowing her disability define who she is. I admire her strength. This book made me laugh and cry and made my heart full. I loved it. 

I am giving Live the Impossible: How a Wheelchair has Taken Me Places I Never Dared to Imagine a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading about moving people and how they were able to overcome tragic events. 

I received a digital copy of Live the Impossible: How a Wheelchair has Taken Me Places I Never Dared to Imagine from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: The Mistletoe Contract by Jennifer Chastain

The Mistletoe Contract

by Jennifer Chastain

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE:   Contemporary Christian Romance 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

He needs a wife. She needs money. Is their modern-day marriage an answer to their prayers or a disaster waiting to happen?

Confirmed bachelor, Nathan Rutledge shut his heart to romance when he was forced to break the heart of the only woman he ever truly loved. Now, with his father’s retirement from the family conglomerate, the torch has been passed to him. But there are two problems—first, he needs a wife in order to take over the family business. Second, someone has been embezzling company funds. With the pressure mounting, and time expiring to find both a wife he can trust and the thief, Nate needs a Christmas miracle.

Forensic Accountant, Meredith Mitchell’s life is in a shambles. Her mother needs a lifesaving transplant, Mom’s medical bills have bankrupted Meredith’s meager savings, and she’s sold everything of value, but it’s still not enough. To make matters worse, she’s now tasked with discovering accounting errors for a new client—none other than Nathan Rutledge—the same man who gave her a broken heart for Christmas eight years ago.  

Meredith wants to run. Nate wants the chance to right his wrongs. So, naturally, when he proposes a modern-day marriage of convenience, she balks at the idea. But he desperately needs a wife, and she really needs the money he offers. Is this the answer to her prayers? Or will this mutually beneficial arrangement re-open old wounds that can’t be healed?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT:

“Penny for your thoughts?” 

Meredith’s eyes popped open. “Nate! You scared me!” Facing off with her fiancĂ©, she straightened her spine. “What’re you doing here?”

His back against the wall, he crossed his ankles. Even after working all day, Nate still appeared fresh. When she glanced at her gray dress pants, the red sauce stain from her rushed dinner glared at her. She was wrinkly… and frumpy.

Nate frowned, his gaze roving over her.

Meredith moved her purse from her shoulder and held it in front of the stain. “I’m sorry. That was unkind.”

“I didn’t mean to intrude.”

She pulled herself up to her full height. “You didn’t. It’s… I didn’t expect to see you.” At least, not until their wedding day, giving her a couple of days to steel her emotions against his all-American boy-next-door charm. Why did he have to ruin her well-thought-out plan? His nearness sent her pulse into overdrive.

Nate turned toward her and rested one hand on the wall above her head. He was so close she saw the golden flecks ringing his pupils. “Can’t a guy see his fiancĂ©e before the wedding?” The low timbre of Nate’s voice raised goose bumps on her arms, and her heart rate kicked up another notch.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and she licked her dry lips before her gaze settled on his mouth. “Yeah, sure.”

Nate’s free hand came up and traced a line down her cheek. Meredith closed her eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Her contemporary romance stories contain the themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.   

A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, old movies and a good romantic movie. She loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen and when not cooking, she’s reading or conducting more research for her stories. Growing up in the snowy North, Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine scenting the air.  

She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and they are permitted to co-exist with their black rescue cat. 

 

Author Links:

Newsletter Sign-up with Free Short Story: Jennifer Chastain Newsletter

The Mistletoe Contract – Amazon link

Website: https://jenniferchastain.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferChastain.writer

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferChastain.writer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferCwrites

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY:

Jennifer Chastain will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway