A.R. Barley On Writing, Research, and her story, The Shore Thing (author guest blog)

The Shore Thing (States of Love) by A.R. Barley
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Buy Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have A.R. Barley here today talking about writing, research, and her next story, The Shore Thing. Welcome, A.R.!

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Hi! My name’s A.R. Barley and I’m talking about The Shore Thing. Thanks for having me!

Does research play a role into choosing which genre you write? Do you enjoy research or prefer making up your worlds and cultures?

I love making up my own culture. I’m in the middle of writing the next book in my Hoppity series (bunny shifters, very cute) and I also love writing about things that are true to life. I wrote the Shore Thing about one of my favorite states, Delaware, and from picking crabs to swimming in the waves, I like to think I’ve checked out most things the state has to offer. In fact, I got a couple of notes back from my editor that were like “this is confusing, this would never happen” and I was like “that’s the stuff that’s based on real life.” It’s still in there.

Have you ever had to put an ‘in progress’ story aside because of the emotional ties with it? You were hurting with the characters or didn’t know how to proceed?

Absolutely, I mentioned my current Hoppity book? It’s on hold because I’m not sure how much of the ongoing series plot to reveal in this book. Don’t worry though, I’ll finish it soon!

Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?

I love a happily ever after, and so do my characters. Nico and Dale, the main characters of The Shore Thing start out in very different places. It’s what they learn along the way (how to accept their own flaws and really listen to each other) that makes them ready for a long term relationship. After everything they’ve been through, if they didn’t get a happily ever after it would be tragic.

How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?

I think that ebooks are great, especially for romance novels. Yes, there’s a lot more competition in the market but you also see sub genres springing up (like gay romance) that would never have had a chance in an older publishing environment.

What’s next for you as an author?

As an author? Lots! I’ve got a new series coming out at the end of the year (firefighters in NYC) and I’m working on Hoppity book 3. I’m also thinking about writing another fun in the sun book because I loved The Shore Thing so much! Of course, I’m always open to suggestions from readers. What do you want to see?

Thanks for having me!

Blurb

Sunburned Delaware native Dale Seward spends his summers wrangling lifeguards and cracking crabs. His winters are a whole lot colder.

Nico Travelli’s never even seen the ocean, but when his family’s plans for him get derailed, he realizes his future in their upscale Italian restaurants might be over, and it’s time for something new. He’s hypnotized by his first look at the Atlantic—until a wave takes him out. Luckily, Dale’s there to pull him to safety.

Dale knows better than to fall for a summer person, but that doesn’t mean he can’t show Nico a good time. Between the ice cream cones and the put-put golf, these two lonely hearts soon find themselves in over their heads.

But when Nico is tempted by a second chance at the life he always thought he wanted, will he be brave enough to give it up for the possibility of true love with Dale? And what does the sexy lifeguard do during the winter? In a state as small as Delaware, secrets are bound to come out.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

About the Author

A.R. Barley lives in the Motor City with a dog (who’s currently annoying the cat), a cat (who’s doing his best to avoid the dog), and an engineer. She likes hot drinks, hotter novels, and ice cream. She writes seven days a week (when she’s not playing referee to the dog and the cat) and is always happy to hear from readers on Facebook and Twitter.

She loves the ocean.

Social Media Links:

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Remember When by SJD Peterson

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Life is simple and hopeful in youth. Luke and Nelson are best friends exploring their budding sexuality. They have big plans for the future, and nothing can stand in their way or tear them apart—except a family move that puts a continent between them.

Ten years later Luke and Nelson meet again, but nothing is simple anymore. As strong as the attraction remains, obligations and expectations come between them as Luke is forced to honor family responsibilities over the desires of his heart.

Impossibly fate sees fit to offer them a last opportunity to see what might have been. Will the third time be the charm, or is trust so badly broken it is impossible to repair? Can they recapture the innocent love they once knew and make up for all the wasted years? In a love story that spans half a lifetime, two friends destined for each other will have to fight hard for their happily ever after.

This is not the book review I wanted to write.

Mostly because I don’t enjoy telling readers and authors how much I disliked a story but there’s no getting around it here. I can count on one hand how many books I have disliked as much as this one. It barely scarpered up to two star rating and that’s only because the characters, Luke in particular was nauseating enough to make me dislike him to this degree that the writing must be good enough to warrant that much.

This was a story where two characters meet, one hurts the other repeatedly, the other lets him do it doormat style and then after all the years pass let’s him back into his life again. In one case, Luke even admits he knowingly wants to keep Nelson on the side even if it hurts him, he wants it all. This character is so blandly stomach churning that he made this book a DNF several times for me. Only my stubbornness and inability to believe this idiocy wouldn’t continue to the end kept me going. Of course it did.

So I’m not even going to recap it here. I disliked the plot, the immaturity of the characters, even after they met years apart, the continued “doormat” quality of Nelson’s character. Nelson needed a therapist and a lock, not a reunion. Above all I disliked this couple! I disliked the excuses for their actions and their acceptance of it. There is so much that will make you sit back and think “wtf” here. It’s more than troubling. And this is coming from someone who loves, I mean LOVES the “second chance-lovers reunited” trope stories.

Even now I’m thinking those 2 stars might be generous. Shakes head.

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh. The cover is definitely the best thing about this story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 210 pages
Expected publication: August 28th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635336795
Edition LanguageEnglish

Goodbye August and Hello September! This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Goodbye August and Hello September!

As summer draws to a close and fall starts to peek around the corner it’s time to start thinking about those Best of Lists. Best Contemporary Romances, Best Science Fiction, etc. Best Covers. So start compiling your lists for this year’s Best of in your minds and getting them ready because you know what’s coming! Too soon? Just an early preparation call….

We have closed out our Fantasy Recommendations below. Please check them all out. Plus I’ve added them to our Menu on Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words front page for easy viewing. Well done, readers! And thank you everyone who commented!

Our winners are: Suze and Purple Reader! Please contact Stella at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com and she will get in touch with you about your gift certificates!

Fantasy Titles Recommended –

The Lost Gods (5 books) by Megan Derr 5 stars every single one.
Endangered Fae Series (4 books, 2 stories) by Angel Martinez
No Ocean Too Deep by Leona Carver
The Hunger Man by Scott D. Pomfret

Hidden Gem (3 books) by Lissa Kasey

A Destiny of Dragons by TJ Klune
Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford

Kai Gracen (2 books) by Rhys Ford
Obsidian Sun by Jon Keys
Brute by Kim Fielding

The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales From Verania #1) by T.J. Klune

Beings in Love(7 books) byR. Cooper

Truth in the Dark by Amy Lane

Seidman by James Erich

The Steel Remains (A Land Fit for Heroes #1) by Richard K. Morgan(medieval fantasy
King of the Storm (The Godhead Epoch #1) by B.A. Brock
Salt and Iron by Tam MacNeil

Traitor’s Moon (Nightrunner #3) by Lynn Flewelling

Nightrunner Series by Lynn Flewelling

Dance with the Devil series by Megan Derr
Charm of Magpies series by KJ Charles
Hexworld series by Jordan L Hawk
Woke Up in a Strange Place by Eric Arvin
The Druid Stone (Layers of the Otherworld #1) by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane
Galway Bound (Layers of the Otherworld #1.1) by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane
Hainted by Jordan L. Hawk
The Pirate’s Game (Etsey Novels #3) by Heidi Cullinan and
Etsey novels by Heidi Cullinan
Kushner’s Riverside

Now we are taking a short break from giveaways and will return the first full week in September with something new for everyone!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, August 27:

Release Blitz- Ruby Moone’s Memories
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, August 28:

Dreamspinner Promo A. R. Barley
DSP PUBLICATIONS TOUR Mark David Campbell on Eating the Moon
INDIGO BLITZ Nate and Cameron Collection by Kevin Klehr
A Caryn Review: Becoming Andy Hunsinger by Jere’ M. Fishback
A Melanie Release Day Review: Remember When by SJD Peterson
An Ali Audiobook Review: Draakenwood (Whyborne & Griffin #9) by Jordan L. Hawk and Julian G. Simmons (Narrator)

Tuesday, August 29:

Release Day Blitz The Highlander by Kasia Bacon
Release Blitz for Magnetic (Treacherous Chemistry #1.5) by Avylinn Winter
RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: Midlife Crisis by Audra North
A Kai Review: Yanni’s Story (Spencer Cohen #4) by N.R. Walker
A Free Dreamer Review: Dali by E.M. Hamill
A MelanieM Review: A Book of Revelations by A.C. Burch
A VVivacious Review: Magnetic (Treacherous Chemistry #1.5) by Avylinn Winter

Wednesday, August 30:

COVER REVEAL Waking the Behr by Pat Henshaw
3 day release blitz *Healing Him by Amanda Brennan
Blog tour for Survivor by T.M. Smith
Dreamspinner Promo Zhara Freytes on Like Parting Two Seas
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Three Player Game (Bluewater Bay) by Jaime Samms
A Kai Release Day Review: Like Two Parting Seas by Zhara Freytes
An Ali Audiobook Review: Legal Tender (Art Series #4) by Andrew Grey and John Solo (Narrator)

Thursday, August 31:

Felice Stevens Audio Tour and Review for Learning to Love
INDIGO TOUR My Life as a Myth by Huston Piner
Release Blitz – Annabelle Jacobs – Maybe This Time
An Ali Review: My Dark Knight (Kings Of Hell MC #2) by KA Merikan
An Alisa Review: Protecting Max by Edward Kendrick
A MelanieM Review: Male Bonding by Angela Claire
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook: Review Learning to Love by Felice Stevens and Derrick McClain (Narrator)

Friday, September 1:

Dreamspinner guest post SJD Peterson
Release Blitz – Clare London – Between A Rock & A Hard Place
RIPTIDE TOUR Glamour Thieves by Don Allmon
A Caryn Review: Stone by Stone by Stevie Woods
An Alisa Review: Without A Compass by Helen Juliet
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Submission (Deviations #1) by Chris Owen and Jodi Payne
A Lila Audiobook Review: Well-Tailored: A Thorne and Dash Companion Story by Silvia Violet and Greg Boudreaux (Narrator)

Saturday, September 2:

In the Spotlight:The Veranda (Lavender Shores #3) by Rosalind Abel
A MelanieM Review: Justified by Mell Eight

An Alisa Audiobook Review: Cowboys Don’t Come Out by Tara Lain and K.C. Kelly (Narrator)

Rating: 3.25 stars out of 5

Rand McIntyre settles for good enough. He loves his small California ranch, raising horses, and teaching riding to the kids he adores—but having kids of his own and someone to love means coming out, and that would jeopardize everything he’s built. Then, despite his terror of flying, he goes on a holiday to Hana, Hawaii, with his parents and meets the dark and mysterious Kai Kealoha, a genuine Hawaiian cowboy. Rand takes to Kai’s kid brother and sister as much as he drools over Kai, but the guy sports more prickles than a horned toad and more secrets than the exotic land he comes from.

Kai’s earned his privacy and lives to protect his “kids.” He ought to stay away from the big, handsome cowboy for everyone’s sake—but since the guy’s just a haole on a short vacation, how much damage can he do? When all of Kai’s worst fears and Rand’s darkest nightmares come true at once, there’s not much chance for two cowboys who can’t—or won’t—come out.

This was an enjoyable story and while I liked it I can’t say it was great. Both Rand and Kai struggle with other people’s perceptions of cowboys and how they live their lives. Their vacation affair becomes much more than they ever expected.

Rand is awesome with kids and gets pulled in by Kai’s siblings as much as he does by Kai. Their affair is kept on the down low but the kids and other friends can see that they care about each other. I could see both of them struggling to come to terms with their feelings but once they did that they had to be willing to open up to those around them. I loved near the end and Rand realized that coming out to those around him was just a small thing compared to what he would do to be in Kai’s and the kids’ lives forever. I definitely look forward to seeing more of the characters from this book.

KC Kelly did a great job narrating this story. I enjoyed listening and was able to keep track of the stories and characters which is always nice. He was able to portray the characters emotions and thoughts in his reading.

Cover art by Reese Dante is wonderful and I think it’s perfect for this story.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 6hrs 50min
Published April 20, 2017 (ebook first published December 7, 2016) by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Cowboys Don’t #1

An Ali Audiobook Review: Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford and Greg Tremblay (Narrator)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Welcome to Dim Sum Asylum: a San Francisco where it’s a ho-hum kind of case when a cop has to chase down an enchanted two-foot-tall shrine god statue with an impressive Fu Manchu mustache that’s running around Chinatown, trolling sex magic and chaos in its wake.

Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division faces a pile of challenges far beyond his human-faerie heritage, snarling dragons guarding C-Town’s multiple gates, and exploding noodle factories. After a case goes sideways, Roku is saddled with Trent Leonard, a new partner he can’t trust, to add to the crime syndicate family he doesn’t want and a spell-casting serial killer he desperately needs to find.

While Roku would rather stay home with Bob the Cat and whiskey himself to sleep, he puts on his badge and gun every day, determined to serve and protect the city he loves. When Chinatown’s dark mystical underworld makes his life hell and the case turns deadly, Trent guards Roku’s back and, if Trent can be believed, his heart… even if from what Roku can see, Trent is as dangerous as the monsters and criminals they’re sworn to bring down.

Fae are my some of my favorite paranormal creatures and I rarely find them done in the m/m genre so I’m always happy when this author does paranormal books because she does Fae well. This was an urban fantasy story that developed from a previously done short story. This is set in an alternative San Francisco and I thought the setting and world building was just fantastic. Everything was described in such rich detail that I felt like I was there. I could imagine all of the narrow, crowded streets, the different kinds of people and fae, the dragons that guarded the buildings. It’s the type of story telling you need to read slowly so you can savor all of the words.

I really liked Roku as our main point of view. He’s a complicated man with a tragic past, one of which unfolds over the course of the book. I was a big fan of his from the very beginning of the book. His partner Trent was a nice addition to the story and I ended up liking him as well. There a host of side characters and they all are well developed in their own way. They were also vividly done.

I thought the mystery aspect was really good. It was fast paced and filled with action and adventure. This book would make an excellent movie. It was one high octane moment after another. My only complaint was the romance aspect was insta-love. I found this hard to by into with Roku’s horrible previous losses. If it had been up to me I would have liked to see this be an ongoing series with a much slower developing romance. But….since it’s not up to me, I just rolled with it. They were sweet together and they both deserved some happiness.

This audiobook was narrated by Greg Tremblay and I felt like he did a very good job on this. His voice has a nice cadence which I enjoy. I felt he did an equally good job on all of the many voices and I enjoyed his narration a lot.

This cover was done by Anne Cain and I think it is a lovely cover. I was immediately drawn to the rich purple and gold/orange colors on it. I also think it is a great representation of the plot.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio, 10 pages
Published July 21st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press (first published June 9th 2017)
Original TitleDim Sum Asylum
ASINB0742FWZMV
Edition LanguageEnglish
CharactersRoku MacCormick, Trent Leonard settingChinatown, San Francisco, California (United States)

An Alisa Release Day Review: Coasting (States of Love) by Yvonne Trent

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

What happens when you need something but don’t know what it is? Why not look in a place you never heard of?

Out and proud elementary school teacher Cal Hamilton thought he was happy in Philadelphia, but after a breakup, he steps back to reassess his life and discovers something is missing. He gets in his car and drives south with no idea what he hopes to find. The flip of a coin leads him to a small town in Mississippi—practically a different world from the city where he grew up.

Police officer Billy Labarre keeps his sexuality mostly to himself, but he knows just what he needs to fill the hole in his quiet small-town life: the right man. Unfortunately attitudes toward gay men still leave a lot to be desired in the rural South, and it’s hard to meet someone. It’s not likely his perfect match is just going to show up out of the blue….

This was a nice story. Cal is trying to get his head on straight after a breakup and follows his gut on a road trip. His coin flip leads him west towards Mississippi from Florida and he can’t ignore his gut feeling to pull off in Ocean Springs. He’s lucky to run into Billy that evening as he has been unable to find a place to stay and Billy opens his home to him.

Billy and Cal immediately hit it off and are perfect example of when it feels right you don’t question it. Both of these characters are very open about their feeling to each other so there is no second guessing what they want. Though Billy was living half in the closet when the story began and the author doesn’t go into it but I would think he can’t really be doing that anymore once Cal is living with him and has a job in the local school. I enjoyed this story however felt as though there was something missing and some of the breaking points in the story seemed very abrupt.

Cover art by Brooke Albrecht is absolutely beautiful and I love it.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 112 pages

Published: August 23, 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-700-6

Edition Language: English

Series: A States of Love Story

A Lila Audiobook Review: Just Add Argyle (Fabric Hearts 3) by KC Burn and David Ross (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Tate Buchanan is a troublemaker who can’t keep a job, no matter how many times his lucky argyle sweater gets him hired. Add to that a learning disability and an impetuous nature that sends him into altercations to protect the defenseless, and he hardly manages to make friends, let alone find a man who’s interested in him for more than one night.

Most people think EMT Jaime Escobar is a player, but the truth is he wants a serious partner—he just can’t justify wasting time on guys he knows aren’t a match. But when he treats a gorgeous redhead after a fight, he finds the spark he’s spent so many years looking for.

Jaime wants to take the next step with Tate, but it’s clear Tate’s not going to curb his impulsive behavior—his next fight sends him to the hospital. Jaime’s relationship with a near criminal isn’t something his family is ready to accept, not any more than Tate is willing to be kept a secret. Jaime will need a lot of understanding—and some luck of his own—to keep them both. But this is one fight he’s going to see through to the end.

Just Add Argyle is the best one in the series so far. Most likely because we have known Jaime since book one and we have witnessed his longing for love and his support for his friends–plus the love for his family. We are all cheering for his happily ever after and he finally gets it.

Tate is perfect for Jaime. With all his troubles and childhood issues, he still a good man with a penchant for children and the needy. I love the way he always tried to help others even when he gets in trouble for it. He’s more about taking action than looking into consequences.

Putting Jaime and Tate together we get to see what a loving relationship is all about. We see them taking care of each other and trying to help the other to achieve their potential. Also, their relationships with others are relevant to their love story; giving us updates from the previous couples.

Overall, this is a quick read with a mismatched pair that fit together. Their lives aren’t easy but they work together to move forward and nurture their love and future.

David Ross once again did an excellent job voicing not only the main characters but those we have met in the previous books in the series. It’s nice to connect the voices with their previous actions.

On the cover by L.C. Chase, we get to see Tate wearing one of this lucky argyle vests. It goes with the other covers and the adaptation of the e-book cover.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: David Ross
Length: 7 hours and 32 minutes

Published: July 21, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B0742K3BGH
Edition Language: English

Series: Fabric Hearts
Book #1: Tartan Candy
Book #2: Plaid Versus Parsley
Book #3: Just Add Argyle

Alex Standish on Writing, Research and her release ‘Changing Tides’ (guest blog and excerpt)

Changing Tides by Alex Standish
Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska

Buy link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Alex Standish today on her Changing Tides tour. Welcome, Alex!

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Hey, guys!

Thank you so much to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me today, I appreciate it. Great name for a blog, by the way.

One of my favorite things about writing is doing research. For Changing Tides, I spent hours looking through books, watching TV shows and movies, and browsing through the internet. I love researching because I always learn something new, and obviously, it makes the story better, more real, if you will.

With Changing Tides, I learned a lot about the Caribbean Sea and islands, about pirate garb and weaponry, and especially about ships. The naval battles were particularly challenging, but I had a blast writing them, and I’ve got to say I’m quite pleased with the end result. It was difficult to let go when it was done and I’m going to miss my pirates very much.

Blurb

While most pirates sail in search of riches, Captain Devon Hall, the infamous Phantom of the Caribbean, is driven by vengeance. Devon has sworn to put an end to the corrupt governor of Jamaica and break the ruthless man’s stranglehold in the Caribbean.

When Devon is wounded and stranded on land, an unlikely rescuer comes to his aid. Brett Campbell is nothing like his uncle, the governor, and his goals are not so different from Devon’s. Brett longs for freedom, but his obligations to protect those under his uncle’s control keep him from fleeing. Throwing in with Devon might increase both their chances of success—and survival.

When the governor’s attempts to destroy Devon escalate and place Brett in danger and in the hands of the ruthless and depraved pirate Captain Blackburn, Devon must risk everything to save the man he loves and repay his enemies.

All Devon’s ever wanted is his ship, his freedom, friends who stand by his side through thick and thin, and someone to love. But facing dangers at sea and on land, Devon wonders if they will live to enjoy it all.

Excerpt

On their fourth day at sea, a day after releasing the cruiser’s crew as promised, they spotted the Skull.

Devon coldly studied their formidable adversary. With its fifteen hundred tons of impressive bulk and its numerous artilleries, he knew they were in for a fight. The British cruiser was a good ship, fast, but would not be able to withstand much punishment.

Devon took a deep breath, trying to control his heartbeat. He wanted nothing more than to open fire on the other ship. But as desperate as he was to catch Blackburn, Devon couldn’t risk Brett getting hurt in the resulting melee.

“What are you planning?” Cody asked, a slight quiver in his voice betraying his anxiety.

As fierce and determined as Cody was, sometimes it was easy for Devon to forget just how new to this whole life he was.

“They have got more firepower than we do. And I don’t want to jeopardize Brett’s life, or ours, for that matter.”

“We could keep following them, wait until dark, and then use the cutters to overtake their ship,” Cody said. “Maybe they won’t spot us until it’s too late.”

Devon grinned at him. “We will make a pirate out of you yet.”

Suddenly, there was a flash of light from Blackburn’s ship, and seconds later a large cannonball whistled through the cruiser’s masts.

“They have seen us, Captain,” John shouted.

Devon closed his eyes for a moment, sending a silent apology to Brett. Knowing they had to return fire or be destroyed, he turned to his men.

“Battle stations.” Devon watched the men rush below deck to take their positions while the artillerymen aimed the cannons and firelocks. “Fire,” he ordered.

About the Author

Alex Standish lives in Lisbon, Portugal, a beautiful and sunny country in Europe. She loves to read, travel, listen to good music, rock the vacuum cleaner like Freddie Mercury, and hang out with her friends. When she’s not at her day job or trying to win the lottery, she’s typing away at her laptop, Probie, writing homoerotic romance. She’s a multigenre author, striving to create engaging plotlines and characters that could stand on their own and hopefully tug at one’s heartstrings. In the last eight years, Alex has written one short story and three novels.

Social media info: http://www.facebook.com/xanderstandish

Blog Tour Schedule

August 9 – MM Good Book Reviews https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

August 14 – My Fiction Nook http://myfictionnook.com/

August 15 – Alpha Book Reviews https://alphabookclub.org/

August 16 – Happily Ever Chapter https://www.facebook.com/happilyeverchapter

August 17 – Love Bytes http://www.lovebytesreviews.com/

August 18 – The Novel Approach http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/

August 21 – Open Skye Book Reviews http://openskyebookreviews.com/

August 22 – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words https://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords.com/

August 23 – Dreamspinner Press Blog http://blog.dreamspinnerpress.com/

A Jeri Release Day Review: Fool of Main Beach (Love in Laguna # 5) by Tara Lain

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Another really good read in the Love in Laguna series. These books are fun, very little angst with great characters that make you smile.

Tom is… well, Tom. The author never said exactly how Tom was different, except that he is dyslexic, but it is clear that he has something. But above all, he is just sweet and lovable. He is the guy who will always make you smile and will always give you a hug.

Merle is a television actor known as a teenage vampire on screen. He is grateful for the job but he is afraid of being typecast until he can no longer pass as a teen. When Tom saves Merle from several guys who were ready to beat him up, Merle can’t stop thinking of the big guy. So when he finds out Tom is working on the renovation of his house, Merle wants to know more.

They have a slow burn romance, always a favorite of mine. The conflict comes when Tom doesn’t think someone as handsome, rich and famous as Merle would want him. But he does. Merle never makes Tom feel badly for what he is lacking and takes the time to point out to Tom how incredible he is. You don’t have to be book smart to be a wonderful person.

We see everyone from the previous books in this one, which I love. Revisiting previous couples makes me warm and fuzzy. Knowing everyone is still happy.

Absolutely put this on your TBR pile. It is well worth it.

Cover art by Reese Dante works for branding the series and catching your eye.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, 274 pages

Expected publication: August 21st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN13 9781635339666

Series Love in Laguna #5

Our STRW Fantasy Recommendations Continues and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Our STRW Fantasy Recommendations Continues

Are you at glued to however you watch tv these days when GoT comes on? That’s Game of Thrones of course. The lavish, addictive, often dark fantasy series from HBO adapted from George R.R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire, one that’s he still writing, I might add if you aren’t someone who read the books first and then started watching the series. Or lives in Outer Mongolia, although I’m convinced they get GoT there too. It’s a land where winter’s coming, a woman ride’s a dragon to her destiny, there are terrifying whitewalkers and even scarier queens now sitting on the iron throne. There’s Tyrion a dwarf who drinks and knows things plus so many mad wonderful, awful, horrific events that have occurred that we stay fastened to this series as though epoxied. You can’t help it. It’s magnificent. And its fantasy. People love fantasy, From Tolkien to George R. R. Martin, to the stories of our childhood, whether it be Harry Potter or Peter Pan, imagining the impossible or the improbable has always captured our imagination and our attention.

We want to slide into those worlds, those adventures, see those dragons! How I loved Anne Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series and Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series just to name two that I couldn’t get enough of. But really I gobbled them all up. And still do today. I just finished last week Don Allmon’s Glamour Thieves and another story in Megan Derr’s Tales of the High King, a series Lila loves as well. Megan Derr can do no wrong in her fantasy stories. Just check our our recommendations for her below.

We are still working on our Fantasy Rec lists. You all know? I forgot the Supernatural/Paranormal lists, so those may have to come next. But for now, lets concentrate on the Fantasy ones. Our Giveaway runs until August 26~you just might see books you never got to or ones you definitely want to reread!

(Extra note: We are still looking for reviewers, please contact us if you know of anyone or want to review for us yourself. Write to us at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com)

Fantasy Titles Recommended –

The Lost Gods (5 books) by Megan Derr 5 stars every single one.
Endangered Fae Series (4 books, 2 stories) by Angel Martinez
No Ocean Too Deep by Leona Carver
The Hunger Man by Scott D. Pomfret

Hidden Gem (3 books) by Lissa Kasey

A Destiny of Dragons by TJ Klune
Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford

Kai Gracen (2 books) by Rhys Ford
Obsidian Sun by Jon Keys
Brute by Kim Fielding

The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales From Verania #1) by T.J. Klune

Beings in Love(7 books) byR. Cooper

Truth in the Dark by Amy Lane

Seidman by James Erich

The Steel Remains (A Land Fit for Heroes #1) by Richard K. Morgan(medieval fantasy
King of the Storm (The Godhead Epoch #1) by B.A. Brock
Salt and Iron by Tam MacNeil

Traitor’s Moon (Nightrunner #3) by Lynn Flewelling

Nightrunner Series by Lynn Flewelling

Fantasy Fiction Rec Giveaway

Send in your recs for your favorite fantasy book/ or series! Don’t forget to add your email address where we can reach you if chosen to receive our gift certificate of $10.

Again, gift certificates to a reader chosen at random who left a comment along with their email address where they can be reached if chosen.

Contest ends at midnight on 8/26. That’s two weeks to get your recommendations in! Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts And Rogue Words

Sunday, August 20:

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Our STRW Fantasy Recommendations Continues

Monday, August 21:

Book Blitz & Review Tour – JM Dabney – Ghost (Executioners #1)
DSP GUEST POST Vivien Dean
TOUR The Vampire’s Protege by Damian Serbu
TOUR Blended Notes by Lilah Suzanne
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Suspicious Behavior (Bad Behavior #2) by LA Witt and Cari Z
A Jeri Release Day Review: Fool of Main Beach (Love in Laguna: Book 5) by Tara Lain
A MelanieM Review: Ghost (Executioners #1) by JM Dabney
An Alisa Review Wrong Place, Right Time by April Kelley

Tuesday, August 22:

DSP GUEST POST Alex Standish for Changing Tides
Review Tour – Elin Gregory – The Bones Of Our Fathers
RIPTIDE TOUR Suspicious Behavior (Bad Behavior #2) by LA Witt and Cari Z.
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: The Tiger’s Watch (Ashes of Gold #1) by Julia Ember
A Lila Audiobook Review: Just Add Argyle (Fabric Hearts 3) by KC Burn
A MelanieM Review: The Bones Of Our Fathers by Elin Gregory
A Stella Review: TBD

Wednesday, August 23:

Blog Tour *Inhuman Beings by Richard May
Review Tour – Jay Northcote’s Tops Down Bottoms Up
A Jeri Review: Tops Down Bottoms Up by Jay Northcote
A Lila Review: The Heart of the Lost Star by Megan Derr
A VVivacious Review: How to Love a Monster by Lyssa Dering
An Alisa Release Day Review: Coasting by Yvonne Trent

Thursday, August 24:

Cover Reveal First Season (Harrisburg Railers #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
HARMONY INK GUEST POST Julia Ember
RIPTIDE TOUR The Druid Next Door (Fae Out of Water #2) by EJ Russell
An Alisa Review: Dude Mama by Michael P. Thomas
A Caryn Review: Becoming Andy Hunsinger by Jere’ M. Fishback
A MelanieM Review: One in Vermilion by Kris T. Bethke
An Ali Audiobook Review: Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford and Greg Tremblay (Narrator)

Friday, August 25:

TOUR for Grounded by Aidan Wayne
Tour and Giveaway for The Runner by Karma Kingsley
Retro Tour: Men of London series by Susan Mac Nicol
A Lila Review: Conned By Jana Denardo
A MelanieM Review: Trust with a Chaser (Rainbow Cove #1) by Annabeth Albert
An Ali Review: Love You Senseless (Men of London #1) by Susan Mac Nicol
An Alisa Audiobook Review: Cowboys Don’t Come Out by Tara Lain and K.C. Kelly (Narrator)

Saturday, August 26:

Blog tour FORBIDDEN LUST BY GRAYSON KNIGHT
Release Blitz Without A Compass – Helen Juliet
A MelanieM Review: The Lonely Merman (Landlocked Heart #1) by Kay Berrisford

The Shore Thing (States of Love) by A.R. Barley Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Blurb

About the Author

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Goodbye August and Hello September!

Fantasy Titles Recommended –

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, August 27:

Monday, August 28:

Tuesday, August 29:

Wednesday, August 30:

Thursday, August 31:

Friday, September 1:

Saturday, September 2:

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Changing Tides by Alex Standish Dreamspinner Press

Buy link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Blurb

Excerpt

About the Author

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Our STRW Fantasy Recommendations Continues

(Extra note: We are still looking for reviewers, please contact us if you know of anyone or want to review for us yourself. Write to us at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com)

Fantasy Fiction Rec Giveaway

This Week At Scattered Thoughts And Rogue Words

Sunday, August 20:

Monday, August 21:

Tuesday, August 22:

Wednesday, August 23:

Thursday, August 24:

Friday, August 25:

Saturday, August 26:

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The Shore Thing (States of Love) by A.R. Barley
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Changing Tides by Alex Standish
Dreamspinner Press