Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Friday, July 24, 2020

RRR presents... A WEDDING AT WYNTER HOUSE by Emily Harvale - SPOTLIGHT!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're got a title in the spotlight from an author you've seen on my site once or twice before. It's the latest addition to Emily Harvale's Wyntersleap series and from the sound of things, if you're a fan of series, it won't be one you want to miss! Ladies and gents, let's get down to business because you've been cordially invited as it seems to THE wedding of the season...

A Wedding at Wynter House

Wyntersleap series, Book 3

Emily Harvale

About the book...

Not everyone at Wynter House is thrilled about this wedding.

Secrets have been revealed and new relationships begun. Now it’s time to look to the future. Neva and Rafe are in love and so are Adam and Hazel. Jo’s love life leaves a lot to be desired, although Gavin could remedy that.

But Rafe’s grandmother, Olivia still hopes that something will tear Rafe and Neva apart. Hazel’s new assignment means nursing someone back to health … and there’s history between them. And Jo’s receiving texts from her ex-fiancé.

Then Rafe’s first wife, Pippa – the woman who broke his heart, unexpectedly arrives. And she’s even more beautiful and irresistible than Rafe remembers.

When everyone is looking to the future, will the past prove to be too strong?

There will be a wedding at Wynter House … but who will be the bride and groom?

FANCY A READ?

SNAG A COPY TO CALL YOUR OWN!

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About the author...

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ebook copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun...

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Thursday, July 23, 2020

TLC Book Tours presents... THE FRIENDSHIP LIST by Susan Mallery - EXCERPT!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Summer Babies: This Is What Science Knows About You | Reader's Digest

Today, we're playing host to a stop along the TLC Book Tours promotion featuring a NEW TITLE set to release THIS AUGUST from author Susan Mallery! You know her name and you probably already know her work, so right now, you're buzzing with excitement. Don't deny it...I can tell because SO WAS I! I adored her Fools Gold series and several other works I've read (the latest being The Summer of Sunshine and Margot ), so when I caught wind of this one and the chance to participate in the tour came round, I knew I had to sign up! Hence, today's post, and hence my exuberance is going to stop randomly typing now and get on with the show. First, the intro, then the excerpt! Read on for today's fabulous title in the spotlight coming soon via HQN...

The Friendship List

Susan Mallery

HQN

About the book...

[ ] Dance till dawn

[ ] Go skydiving

[ ] Wear a bikini in public

[ ] Start living

Two best friends jump-start their lives in a summer that will change them forever…

Single mom Ellen Fox couldn’t be more content—until she overhears her son saying he can’t go to his dream college because she needs him too much. If she wants him to live his best life, she has to convince him she’s living hers.

So Unity Leandre, her best friend since forever, creates a list of challenges to push Ellen out of her comfort zone. Unity will complete the list, too, but not because she needs to change. What’s wrong with a thirtysomething widow still sleeping in her late husband’s childhood bed?

The Friendship List begins as a way to make others believe they’re just fine. But somewhere between “wear three-inch heels” and “have sex with a gorgeous guy,” Ellen and Unity discover that life is meant to be lived with joy and abandon, in a story filled with humor, heartache and regrettable tattoos.

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

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~~~ EXCERPT ~~~

Ellen couldn’t figure out why a six-foot-five-inch, seventeen-year-old guy crying bothered her more than pretty much any teenage girl crying. Was it reverse sexual discrimination? Because boys cried less often, their tears had more value? Was it the sheer size of Luka juxtaposed with the implied vulnerability of tears? As she was unlikely to figure out an answer, she decided to ignore the question.

“Luka, you’re going to be fine,” she said, reaching up to pat the teen on his shoulder as Cooper hovered nearby. “You’ll take the online Spanish class and you’ll do great. You’re plenty smart. You just got complacent.”

“He thought because he’s such a hotshot on the field, his shit didn’t stink,” Coop said, then groaned. “Sorry, Mom. Um, I meant to say, ah, poop.”

She turned to her son and raised her eyebrows. She was pleased that, despite his age and size, he took a step back and swallowed.

“I’m really sorry,” he added.

“As you should be. Luka, Coach isn’t throwing you off the bus.”

“You didn’t see him. He was really mad. He said I was an idiot.”

Not exactly the word she would have chosen, but then she didn’t spend much time in the jock/jockette world.

“You’re a leader, so he expects better of you.”

More tears filled Luka’s eyes. Next to him, Coop winced.

“What if I can’t get an A?”

“You won’t with that attitude.”

Luka sniffed. “That’s what Coach said.”

Cooper leaned close. “It’s a teacher thing. They think alike. Welcome to my world.”

She did her best not to smile. Her boys, she thought fondly. Cooper and his friends had been running in and out of her life since he’d been old enough to invite kids back to play. Luka had been a staple in her life for nearly a decade. He and his family had moved here from Yap (a tiny island in Micronesia—she’d had to look it up). Luka and Coop had met the first day of second grade and been best friends ever since.

“Luka, I forbid you to think about this anymore today. Your mom is waiting for you. Go have a nice dinner and relax this evening. Tomorrow, get your butt in gear and get going on the Spanish studies.” She hesitated. “I’ll talk to Coach and make sure you’re still on the college trip.”

His dark eyes brightened. “You will? Thanks, Ms. F. That would be great.”

Before she could step back, Luka grabbed her and lifted her up in the air. It was not a comfortable feeling, but all of Coop’s friends seemed to do it. He swung her around twice before setting her down. Both teens headed for the door.

“I’ll be back by ten,” Coop yelled over his shoulder.

“Have fun.”

Ellen gave herself a little shake to make sure nothing had been crushed, then stepped out on her small deck to check out the heat level. The front of the house faced south, leaving the backyard in shade in the early evening. The temperature was close to eighty, but bearable.

The deck overlooked a small patch of lawn edged by fencing. Nothing fancy, but it was hers and she loved it. She quickly wiped off the metal table and dusted the chairs before putting out placemats, plenty of paper napkins and a cut-up lime. She’d already made a green salad to counteract the calories from the fried chicken. Shortly after six, she heard a knock on the front door, followed by a familiar voice calling, “It’s me.”

KFC - Chicken Bucket (8 pcs)- A bucket of delicious 8 KFC chicken ...

“In the kitchen,” she yelled as she opened the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of beer. Dos Equis for him and a Corona for herself. She glared when she saw the extra to-go container in his hand.

“What?” she demanded. “We agreed on chicken.”

He held up the KFC bucket. “I brought chicken. Original, because you like it.”

“Don’t distract me. Are those potatoes? I can’t eat those.”

“Actually you can. I’ve seen you. You have no trouble using a fork.”

She set his beer on the table. “Do you know how many calories are in those mashed potatoes? I’m not some macho athletic guy.”

Keith gave her an unapologetic smile. “I’d still be friends with you if you were.” He set down the food. “Stop worrying about it. You look fine.” He glanced at her. “As far as anyone can tell.”

She ignored that and refused to look down at her oversize tunic and baggy pants. “I like to be comfortable. Loose clothing allows me to move freely on the job.” She ducked back into the house to get the salad, then joined him at the table.

He’d already taken his usual seat and opened both to-go containers. The smell of fried chicken reminded her she hadn’t eaten since lunch, which felt like two days ago. Her stomach growled and her mouth watered.

Keith put a chicken breast on her plate, then handed her the mashed potatoes. She put slices of lime in both their beers. Their movements were familiar. Comfortable.

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#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Special thanks to TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour to catch all the excerpts for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR presents... STARTING OVER AT THE VINEYARD IN ALSACE by Julie Stock - EXCERPT!

Hello, hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, Rachel's Random Resources is back with another great tour. The title in the spotlight is a story filled with new beginnings set in beautiful wine country and ready to whisk your heart away, if only you'll let it. Ready or not, here comes today's blog tour guest and your potential must read addition...

Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace

Julie Stock

About the book...

It’s springtime at The Vineyard in Alsace, a new season and a new beginning

After being abandoned by her partner when she falls pregnant, Lottie Schell goes home to live on The Vineyard in Alsace, where she has started a new relationship with the estate’s winemaker, Thierry. Now about to give birth, Lottie’s determined to raise her child and to provide for them both on her own without having to depend on anyone else.

Thierry Bernard is still dealing with his grief and guilt following the death of his wife two years earlier, for which he blames himself. When he meets Lottie, the instant attraction he feels towards her gives him hope that he can move on from the tragedy of his past, as long as he can tell Lottie the truth of what happened.

When circumstances force Lottie and Thierry closer together, they both find it hard to compromise – she’s proudly independent and he’s fiercely protective – and they’re both wary about trusting someone new with their heart.

Can Lottie and Thierry take a chance on each other, move on from their pasts and start over?

Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again with this romantic read set in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.

AMAZON

🙚 🍇 🙚 🍷 🙚 🍇 🙚

~~~ EXCERPT ~~~

(EXTRACT 1)

This is the very beginning of the story when Lottie, the main female character is pondering the fact that she is soon going to give birth and how much her life has changed since she found out she was pregnant.

Lottie
Lottie Schell gazed out of her bedroom window at the dormant vineyard estate of Domaine des Montagnes on the hillside in the distance. At last winter was coming to an end and soon the vines would be coming to life again as the new season got underway. The vineyard had been in the Le Roy family for generations and was now run by Didier, together with Lottie’s sister, Fran. Lottie smiled as she thought how close she and her sister had become since she’d found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. When she’d had to return home to Alsace from her travels, Fran had taken her in.
Lottie glanced down at her stomach in the mirror, still unable to believe it had grown quite this big, even though she’d had eight months to get used to it. She turned from side to side, amazed at how taut and shiny her skin was. Her baby was due in about four weeks’ time, according to the dates her doctor and midwife had given her, and she was impatient to meet him or her after all these months. At the same time, the thought of moving the baby from the relative safety of her body to face the dangers of the outside world scared her half to death.
As if to confirm agreement with her on that thought, the baby kicked, and Lottie touched her hand gently to the spot.
‘I know you’re ready to come out, little one. You’re in the driving seat on that, I’m afraid.’
She slipped her clothes on before negotiating the twisty staircase of Sylvie’s old cottage and emerging into the living room. Sylvie Le Roy was tucking away the knitting she’d been busy with for the past few months since Lottie had moved in with her. Lottie kept up the pretence of not knowing what she was up to so it would be a surprise when Sylvie finally gave her the gift she’d been making. This was sure to be at the upcoming baby shower, which the whole village seemed to have been invited to, despite Lottie’s request not to make a fuss.
‘Bonjour, Lottie. Ça va ce matin?’
‘Yes, I’m fine, thanks. How are you today?’
Didier’s mum was only just fully straightening up after pushing herself gently out of her chair, and Lottie caught the grimace that passed across her face as she did so. Not for the first time, she worried about the added pressure she was bringing to Sylvie’s life by staying with her.
‘I’m absolutely fine. Now, what can I get you for breakfast, before you go to the doctor for your check-up? You need to keep your strength up.’
Lottie willed herself not to roll her eyes at the older woman’s mantra. Sylvie was always quick to deflect the conversation away from her aches and pains in favour of fussing over Lottie’s wellbeing and, by association, that of the baby.
‘Fran will be here to take me in a minute, Sylvie, and we’re going to get breakfast on the way, I promise.’ She didn’t want to impose on Sylvie any more than she already felt she was doing by staying in her house.

🙚 🍇 🙚 🍷 🙚 🍇 🙚

About the author...

Julie Stock writes contemporary feel-good romance from around the world: novels, novellas and short stories. She published her debut novel, From Here to Nashville, in 2015, after starting to write as an escape from the demands of her day job as a teacher. Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace is her ninth book, and the second in the Domaine des Montagnes series set on a vineyard.

Julie is now a full-time author, and loves every minute of her writing life. When not writing, she can be found reading, her favourite past-time, running, a new hobby, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, glass of wine in hand.

Julie is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and The Society of Authors. She is married and lives with her family in Bedfordshire in the UK.

SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

🙚 🍇 🙚 🍷 🙚 🍇 🙚

Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of tour for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

RRR presents... THE GREENBECKER GAMBIT by Ben Graff - SPOTLIGHT!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we've got Rachel's Random Resources back on the blog with a spotlight post featuring a book that will leave its mark one way or another! It features a particularly curious young man who has a love of two things...and one will SERIOUSLY get him into trouble. READ ON for today's title in the spotlight...

The Greenbecker Gambit

Ben Graff

About the book...

‘I only feel truly alive when the chess clock is ticking and the patterns on the squares in front of me are dancing in my head. Very little else gives me the same feeling. Nothing else, that does not involve a flame.’

Tennessee Greenbecker is bravely optimistic as he sets out to claim what he sees as rightfully his – the title of world chess champion. But who is he really? Is he destined to be remembered as chess champion or fire-starter? Either way, might this finally be his moment?

AMAZON US | UK

CHESS AND BRIDGE

♔ ♕ ♖ ♗ ♘ ♙

About the author...

Ben Graff is a writer, journalist and Corporate Affairs professional. He is a regular contributor to Chess and Authors Publish. He is not a grandmaster but did draw with one once.

TWITTER | LINKEDIN

♔ ♕ ♖ ♗ ♘ ♙

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

France Book Tours presents... FALLING FOR PROVENCE by Paulita Kincer - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we welcome France Book Tours as we feature a Women's Fiction title that hit virtual shelves just last month via Oblique Press. We're whisking you away to Provence for some rest, relaxation, and perhaps the chance at love. There's absolutely no trouble on the horizon. Nope. None at all...or okay, maybe a little. *ahem* Anywho, let's get between the pages of today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

Falling For Provence
A New Life in Provence, Book 2
by

Paulita Kincer

Oblique Press

Release date: June 5, 2020

Goodreads

About the book...

Running a French B&B isn’t all wine and smelly cheese, Fia Jennings discovers as she tries to create a new life for herself and a smooth path for her teenage twins, while not—absolutely not – falling into a new romance. But she didn’t anticipate a handsome stranger showing up on her doorstep and sucking her into an art caper with dangerous overtones. Can she make a new life in France or will she retreat to the States and her broken marriage?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

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Fia is just coming out of a marriage that ended in betrayal. She's not ready to get back in the saddle for anyone, let alone a new man that's sparked her interest...or is she? Enter the mysterious Ali, newly arrived in the area to speak at the local college regarding Mesopotamia culture, and art. He's exotic, new, and certainly receptive to Fia's half-hearted attempts at flirtation, but is he being straight with her or should his evasive answers, and curious occupation be sending red flags? After all, her marriage didn't simply end due to an unfaithful spouse, but rather an scheme to abscond with a WWII painting her relatives secretly held...her husband's poor choice was merely the cherry on the sundae. Jilted and hesitant or watchful and weary...tick tock, tick tock! There's only so much time to decide before things pass into the danger zone...

So, this was the second release in the New Life in Provence series, but I didn't really feel behind the curve. You get enough glimpses into what transpired previously to land Fia and her kids where they are now that you'll be on the same page...but that page is rather unusual. The story takes us along for the ride as Fia gets her feet back under her, trying to create a new life for herself and her family, while coming to grips with everything that happened not so long ago. The monkey wrench of love being thrown in sends her a bit off course, but sometimes exploring those deviations from our chosen path can have AMAZING outcomes. This time...umm, well, I can't REALLY tell you because it'll ruin the surprise, but let's just say that she DOES get closer to someone, while also cutting ties with several other someone's, and the ending sort of leaves you scrambling for solid ground. I suppose a few of the loose ends of a sort were to allow for further installments to be added to the series, but the one regarding the actual theft or rescue (depending on how you few it) of the artifact, simply left me to wonder. To me, it seemed to be more about the belief in the thing versus the actual thing itself, and how powerful that can be...at least, that's how I took it...trust me, that'll make more sense when you read it.

In the end, I enjoyed my visit to Provence, but I'm not certain I'd want to call it home. If you enjoy Women's Fiction with a bit of Mystery, and a dash of Suspense, this is definitely a book I'd check out!

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About the author...

Paulita Kincer has an M.A. in journalism from American University. She and her husband moved to southern France in 2018. She teaches college English online and ESL to adorable Chinese children.

SITE | BLOG | TWITTER

INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK.

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You can enter the global giveaway here or on any other book blog participating in this tour. Visit/Follow the participating blogs on Facebook/Twitter, as listed in the entry form below, and win more entry points!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!

[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

Global giveaway open to all

5 winners will receive a copy of this book

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CLICK ON THE BANNER TO READ MORE REVIEWS, A GUEST-POST, AND AUTHOR INTERVIEW!

Special thanks to Emma at France Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Monday, July 20, 2020

Sourcebooks Casablanca presents... PUPPY KISSES by Lucy Gilmore - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the book spotlight on a new Contemporary Romance title that released just the end of last month via Sourcebooks Casablanca. It's' the latest addition to the Forever Home series by Lucy Gilmore and features headstrong women, hunky guys, and adorable puppers! Really, how can you go wrong? No really...how?! Ready, set, let's get between the pages of today's ebook of choice...

Puppy Kisses

Forever Home, Book 3

Lucy Gilmore

Sourcebooks Casablanca

About the book...

These adorable service puppies
are matchmakers in the making...

Dawn Vasquez never takes life too seriously. But when she rescues a golden retriever named Gigi, Dawn begins to imagine what it'd be like to settle down and let someone rely on her for a change. Unfortunately, Adam Dearborn--a handsome, hopelessly buttoned-up cattle rancher in need of a guide dog--has also fallen in love with the little ball of fluff and stubbornly insists that no other animal will do.

Adam isn't sure what drives him to fight to keep Gigi for himself, but he suspects it has something to do with his growing--and unfortunate--attachment to Dawn. Her whirlwind spirit and sunny disposition might make her a delight to be around, but they also make her unsuited for the difficult life of a rancher. He should be able to put her out of his head. But what's a love-struck cowboy to do when what he wants and what he needs have never seemed so far apart? And can he allow himself to take a chance on everything Dawn has to offer: puppy kisses, puppy love...and her.

AMAZON | B&N | APPLE | KOBO

BAM | BOOKSHOP

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Seriously guys, I've read two of this (currently) three book series and LOVED EVERY MOMENT! This time around, we've Adam and Dawn. Both are decidedly headstrong, wanting to do things their own way, and always seeing black and white versus gray. They have hopes, dreams, and desires...and that last one actually involves each other, if they'd ever get around to admitting it! Once upon a time, they had a bit of a thing, but nothing solid ever came of it. Was it for lack of chemistry? No...that was off the charts THEN and NOW! Was it a lack of trying? Sort of...but not in the way you might think. They were almost too careful of each other's feelings to actually make that connection they shared be unbreakable...and until one or the other ante ups, they'll be in a circle forever, and ever, and ever, and...well, you get the picture.

Watching them try to get it right THE WHOLE TIME was good, sometimes fan worthy, a time or two blush worthy, mega frustrating, but ultimately happy ending making. I can't tell you how (it'll spoil it), and I can't tell you why (same reason), and I can't even reveal if they end up together (ditto), but I can tell you that these two (well, technically four considering the puppers!) AMAZING leads will steal into your heart and make you feel all the feels for better or worse. Get to know Dawn as she doesn't even know herself. Get to know the other Dawn that likes to crash fences and play in mud puddles (not as risqué as it sounds!). Understand the enigma that is Adam, our fearless (sightless!) leader that knows more through his other senses than can meet the eyes. Giggle at Gigi's antics and grow fond of the horse size dog that might win the role of service dog to our slightly grumpy rancher. Whatever you do, get involved in this series and this story! You won't regret a page of it.

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About the author...

Lucy Gilmore is a contemporary romance author with a love of puppies, rainbows, and happily ever afters. She began her reading (and writing) career as an English literature major and ended as a die-hard fan of romance in all forms. When she’s not rolling around with her two Akitas, she can be found hiking, biking, or with her nose buried in a book. Visit her online at http://lucygilmore.com. She lives in the Spokane, WA area.

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Special thanks to the Sourcebooks Casablanca team for the ebook for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!