Havencross

Today’s book review will blow your mind.  I absolutely love when a book kidnaps me, so to say, and holds me hostage until I’m done. This is one of those type of books. If you start reading, you will catch Stockholm Syndrome. Here’s the blurb (beware…if you don’t want to be kidnapped).

When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.

My Review

I loved, loved, loved this historical romance. It’s set in the 1800’s in England on the Cornwall coast. There are smugglers, a scandalized family, forsaken loves, and past regrets that are difficult to overcome. From page one, I was sucked in by the tide and taken out to sea, so to say, and pushed and pulled along the waves of this amazing story. Gareth and Elaine are the hero and heroine, and a couple other side characters I liked (and who kept me guessing). The historical facts woven into this story really intrigued me—the smuggling situation during that time period due to England’s high taxes. I’ve read other books dealing with this time period and place, but none as captivating as this one. I’ll definitely read this one again and put it in my favorites collection. It is a solid 5 all the way across the board.

Giveaway

Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win Amazon cash and a copy of this amazing book. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Enjoy the rest of your summer…and happy reading!

Blog Tour Schedule: 

8/7: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

8/8: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

8/9: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/

8/10: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

8/11: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

Game Changer – Characters

We’re about eight weeks out from release of Game Changer. I’m super excited for you all to read this new story, the first in the Ruled Out Romances. Today I thought I’d introduce you to the main characters.

Meridee Mansford

She is my shy, quiet heroine. A hard-working college student who studies whenever she’s not working at Ferdinand’s, the campus ice cream shop, or a shift at the hospital to keep up her nursing assistant certification. She’s seriously a busy gal.

Being in the spotlight is worse than a case of the hives in her book. She likes to blend into the background and watch life happen around her. She’s been too hurt in the past to dip her feet in the pool again.

Meridee loves being a manager at Ferdinand’s (a place I really want to visit in person after studying it and seeing all their cool ice cream flavors and Cougar Gold cheese). She has an older brother, Mark, who would do anything for her. She comes across as serious and strict at work–a little intimidating–yet really, she feels intimidated and is as timid as a mouse.

Parker Harrington

AKA Sticky Fingers, is my fun-loving, loud, popular football hero. This picture is of Luke Kuechly  of the Carolina Panthers. I thought he made for a good Parker character. Parker plays for the Washington State University Cougars, and has glided into the national spotlight after his first two preseason games. Great things await him, but first things first. He needs his huckleberry ice cream from Ferdinand’s, his favorite dessert Mecca.

These two characters are as different as night and day. Meridee doesn’t even think Parker’s ever really seen her, even though she scoops his ice cream order at least twice a week. She feels invisible. Overlooked. And Parker is the opposite. Everyone on campus recognizes him and wants his attention or autograph.

They’ve both ruled each other out. But that’s why these books are so fun…seeing how they come together and meet…and how their hearts mesh over time. What has to happen to make the stars align for their unique happily ever after?

You’ll have to discover Parker and Meridee’s secrets when you read the book in September. Squeal!!!

Book cover is being designed as we speak, and the book goes to the editor next week. I can’t wait for you to learn more about Meridee and Parker when Game Changer releases next month.

Now go enjoy the rest of August. Summer is almost over. Make the most of it…and read good books.

I’ll be back with a book next week.