AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Barbara S. Stewart

I think it's obvious that I love to read, and I know there are so many amazing authors out there.  So many wonderful stories yet to be told.  And so many authors trying to meet new readers.  So I'm going to start spotlighting some different authors here on the blog and hopefully, you'll find your new favorite.

First up is Barbara S. Stewart.

Barbara S. Stewart is a yankeebilly, born in Havre de Grace, MD, and raised in the central east coast area of Florida. She currently resides in Middleburg, FL with her husband, Gene.

Barbara has worked in the electronics industry, and most recently in healthcare. 

In 2009, she received The American Cancer Society’s HOPE Award for volunteerism.

She writes love stories from her heart that come to life from music. A song begins to paint a picture that becomes a love story. Barbara writes in a way that allows the reader to imagine the love. Readers tell her that they feel like they know the characters she brings to life.

She refers to her writing as ‘the sound-track of her life.’ Sprinkled through her stories are humor and sadness based on real life experiences shared with family and friends.

A reviewer on Amazon recently said, “This isn’t a romance, it’s a love story.” (readingmaven)

“As a writer, I hope you continue this journey, travel with me, see what song inspires me next, and I hope that you see more growth with each page you turn.”

She finds great enjoyment in reading. Her love of ready began with classics like Little Women, Christy, and the Nancy Drew books. “Books are an escape, a journey into new and different places.” Her favorite genre is romance. She loves to explore and support other authors who paint a picture through words that allow her to feel the story – like Adriana Trigiani, Maggi Myers, and Nora Roberts.

Barbara is working on a rewrite and edit of her first published work – Sweet Surrender.

You can reach Barbara by email bsswrites@yahoo.com 

http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-S-Stewart/e/B0076J5RHE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

http://barbarastewartwrites.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Stewart-Author/352239824808537

twitter: @bsswrites

Barbara's books include:

The Rock n' Roll Trilogy

Rock n' Roll Never Forgets

When I Look to the Sky

Feel Like Makin' Love

The Face in the Mirror

And her latest release:

Tate

This love story is a suggestive romance. The love scenes will not be graphic. 

Tate Morrow, a new on the scene, single, sandy-haired, blue-eyed, country singer is making his way up the country charts. His first single thrusts him into reluctant stardom, and the question becomes, 'who will win this cowboy's heart?' 

He meets Maisie Bolden, seamstress to some of Nashville's elite - a dark haired beauty, experiencing her own reluctance - and he knows the answer to the question. Emotional struggles keep Maisie from giving in, but Tate's charm and persistence finally steal her heart. 

Personal trials keep them in an unwanted spotlight, until finally, a story comes to light that places them firmly on a path to a future Tate Morrow never dreamed of. 

Take this ride with them and follow Tate's heart on his journey of a lifetime. 



If you've read any of Barbara's books and would be interested in doing a Guest Review here on the blog, please let me know.  

Happy Reading!  

GUEST REVIEW: Chasing Reese by Imy Santiago - Reviewed by Ginelle Blanch

Once again, Ginelle Blanch has stepped in to do a Guest Review here on the blog.  It sounds like this latest read is a real winner and I know I will be checking it our for sure!

Here is Ginelle's review:

**I won a signed copy of this book**

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! I had never heard of this author before and, this is her very first book.

I am SO impressed with the writing, voice, and style of this book. You'd never know that this was a first book for the author. It's amazing, fast paced, and heartfelt.

The story is about living life, not simply existing in life. It's about picking up the pieces after tragedy occurs. It's about learning to love again. It's about friendship and hope.

While Catalina Pardo is a strong woman, she is also quite broken. Tragedy has taken much from her in life so, she's learned to guard the very heart of herself. Never letting herself feel, or truly live.

Stryder Martynus has had some unfortunate relationships that have caused him to hold back the very best parts of himself.

Jackson Reese...he lives life and he lives it LOUD. Upbeat and in your face, he's a no bull kind of guy but, even he has his demons. He and Stryder are best friends from way back. But, add Catalina into the mix and you have yourselves a dynamic "trifecta". They bring out the very best parts of each other. Strong friendships are formed and lasting, diamond hard, love comes to the surface.

I just cannot even begin to say how much I loved this book. So emotional, so fun and heartbreaking. Such a great read, truly. I will be thinking about this book for a while. I'm glad that I gave it a chance. Simply wonderful!

Get your copy today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble!  

Never Too Late by Micalea Smeltzer

Title: Never Too Late

Series: Willow Creek #2

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

 Release Date: April 21, 2015

Synopsis

I’d never met anyone quite like Mathias Wade.
 
He was brooding and arrogant, but I loved him anyway.

Together we were wild and uncontained—a hurricane raging.

Then I had to leave, and words were exchanged that could never be undone.

But now I was back, and Mathias better watch out, because this bitch wasn’t finished with him.

Game. Set. Match.

All is fair in love and war, right?

Mathias Wade, the lead singer of Willow Creek, is used to getting everything he wants. Except for Remy Parker—the one that got away. Childhood friends that grew into more, Remy was the one constant in his life until she moved away. In anger, he lashed out and broke the only girl he ever loved. With temptation around every corner Mathias drowns his sorrow in women and alcohol. When the band returns to their hometown for the holidays the last thing Mathias expects is to run into Remy—but she’s back, and she’s not done with him.

Remy never forgot Mathias or the pain he caused her. When she moves back to the place she grew up to take care of her ailing grandma her heart is set on revenge. She’s determined to make Mathias fall in love with her all over again—only this time she’s going to break his heart.

But Mathias never stopped loving Remy—and she soon discovers that her feelings haven’t disappeared either.

Can two people too stubborn for their own good overcome their own demons and find the love they always deserved?

Add to Goodreads

Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / iBOOKS

Also Available

Free

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / iBOOKS / KOBO

Excerpt

I jumped up on the counter and he moved to stand in front of me, bracing his hands beside my hips. I kicked my legs against the cabinets like a little kid as he stared down at me intensely. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for in my eyes, but he must have found it, because he cupped my cheek and leaned in.

“This feels like when we were younger,” he whispered. “Like no time at all has passed.” His words echoed my previous thoughts.

I closed my eyes, feeling his breath fan across my lips.

God, I’d missed him.

It didn’t seem possible to miss someone I’d grown to hate, but I did.

I was pretty sure that when someone like Mathias came into your life they were impossible to forget.

He was like the sun, burning so bright that even once he was gone I was still blinded.

“Did you ever miss me?” I asked. “Even once?” I held my breath, waiting for him to explode—because that was Mathias. He could be nice one minute and an asshole the next. I wouldn’t put it past him to kick me out for my question.

Instead he surprised me by leaning in impossibly closer and nuzzling my neck. “Always.”

Author Bio

Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.

Author Links

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

GOODREADS

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

RELEASE DAY BLITZ! - Trust (a Blind Vows Serial) by J.M. Witt

         

18+ for mature content.

This is a serial, releasing in ebook format only. Lucy's story will be released as three serials approx. 15k words each, releasing a month apart. A paperback/box set will release after part three.

Trust: An experiment of marital proportions.

Lucy is sick of the dating scene and especially sick of what she can never have; The Kerrigan boys, specifically Will and Heath.

After a run-in with Heathcliff Kerrigan, that proves everything she already knew about him, she agrees to partake in a new dating experiment. More like a marriage experiment.

Her match will be handpicked specifically for her; her likes, desires, needs, and possibly, her worst nightmare. And the scariest part is that she won't meet him or know his name until they meet at the altar.

Agreeing, she waits for the call that will change her life.

Will Lucy follow through and marry a total stranger? Or does Heath have other plans in mind for her happily ever after?

Trust is a 15k word serial with a bit of humor, scorching steam, and surprises that await you at the altar.

 

Trust ~ April 22, 2015

Honor ~ May 20, 2015

Love ~ June 24, 2015

Trust, Honor, Love ~ July 22, 2015 (pb)

 

Buy Links:

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VZ063WS UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00VZ063WS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00VZ063WS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00VZ063WS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00VZ063WS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00VZ063WS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00VZ063WS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

      

   

I'm a stay-at-home mom with four young children and one extremely supportive husband. We've been married for over ten years and reside in Metro Detroit, Michigan.

I've dreamed of writing romance novels since I was little. After having baby #4, who may or may not have been fathered by Christian Grey, I decided it was time to pursue my dreams.

When I'm not running to various appointments, enjoying time with my friends and my family, dating my husband, or avoiding cleaning my house, I'm writing!

I love music and believe that books and music can't exist without the other. My goal is for you to read more than a good book, but for you to have an experience!

www.jmwittbooks.com www.facebook.com/jmwittbooks “We’re all stories in the end; just make it a good one!”

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Never Too Late by Micalea Smeltzer

Title: Never Too Late

Series: Willow Creek #2

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

 Release Date: April 21, 2015

Synopsis

I’d never met anyone quite like Mathias Wade.
 
He was brooding and arrogant, but I loved him anyway.

Together we were wild and uncontained—a hurricane raging.

Then I had to leave, and words were exchanged that could never be undone.

But now I was back, and Mathias better watch out, because this bitch wasn’t finished with him.

Game. Set. Match.

All is fair in love and war, right?

Mathias Wade, the lead singer of Willow Creek, is used to getting everything he wants. Except for Remy Parker—the one that got away. Childhood friends that grew into more, Remy was the one constant in his life until she moved away. In anger, he lashed out and broke the only girl he ever loved. With temptation around every corner Mathias drowns his sorrow in women and alcohol. When the band returns to their hometown for the holidays the last thing Mathias expects is to run into Remy—but she’s back, and she’s not done with him.

Remy never forgot Mathias or the pain he caused her. When she moves back to the place she grew up to take care of her ailing grandma her heart is set on revenge. She’s determined to make Mathias fall in love with her all over again—only this time she’s going to break his heart.

But Mathias never stopped loving Remy—and she soon discovers that her feelings haven’t disappeared either.

Can two people too stubborn for their own good overcome their own demons and find the love they always deserved?

Add to Goodreads

Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / iBOOKS

Also Available

Free until April 28th

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / iBOOKS / KOBO

Excerpt

I jumped up on the counter and he moved to stand in front of me, bracing his hands beside my hips. I kicked my legs against the cabinets like a little kid as he stared down at me intensely. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for in my eyes, but he must have found it, because he cupped my cheek and leaned in.

“This feels like when we were younger,” he whispered. “Like no time at all has passed.” His words echoed my previous thoughts.

I closed my eyes, feeling his breath fan across my lips.

God, I’d missed him.

It didn’t seem possible to miss someone I’d grown to hate, but I did.

I was pretty sure that when someone like Mathias came into your life they were impossible to forget.

He was like the sun, burning so bright that even once he was gone I was still blinded.

“Did you ever miss me?” I asked. “Even once?” I held my breath, waiting for him to explode—because that was Mathias. He could be nice one minute and an asshole the next. I wouldn’t put it past him to kick me out for my question.

Instead he surprised me by leaning in impossibly closer and nuzzling my neck. “Always.”

Author Bio

Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.

Author Links

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

GOODREADS

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


Roc n' Read Review

Micalea Smeltzer writes some of my favorite characters. Who would have thought that I'd love Mathias after he was such a jerk in Last to Know? But I guess that since he is Maddox' twin, there had to be some good in him. And there is. He even made me cry! I think you'll love him too.

Remy is that tough girl that we all love to hate, but once we understand what has made her so hard, we can't help but want to see her win.  

Put these two together, and it's combustible!  But you will be rooting for them because you know that they deserve each other in every way possible.

Another 5 star read from Micalea!

GUEST REVIEW: Ginelle Blanch reviews Our Time by Jessica Wilde

Today we have a guest reviewer stopping by to give us a quick review of Our Time by Jessica Wilde.  Ginelle Blanch is an avid reader and a regular follower of my blog, so I'm thrilled to have her as a Guest Reviewer.

Our Time by Jessica Wilde was published in November, 2013.

Synopsis:

Jocelyn White's only priority in life is her daughter, Olivia. As a single mother, with no family and the only friends she had now hours away, life isn't easy. But the last several years taught her what is truly important and she plans on spending the time she has loving her little girl and keeping her safe and happy. She doesn't plan on her new gorgeous, blue eyed neighbor turning out to be the one thing her and Olivia have been missing. 

Andrew Carter has been waiting his whole life for a woman like Jocelyn. After his parents died years before, leaving him to care for his little sister, Madison, he spent years patiently waiting for a family of his own. When Jocelyn and Olivia completely steal his heart, he knows his patience has finally paid off and it's time for his life to finally start. 

What he doesn't know is that Jocelyn is keeping something from him. Something she learned a few years ago. 

Life is short and sometimes, time isn't on your side. 

Ginelle's Review

Beautifully told story of survival, determination, hope, and love.

You'll fall in love with Jocelyn, Olivia, and Andrew. The characters seem so real, believable, and likeable.

The story brings to light real life issues and the struggles that they cause.

Life brings things to us that we sometimes just can't handle alone. Sometimes it's better to let people in instead of hiding our hearts away for fear of being hurt. Letting go of the past and focusing on the future, no matter how long that future might be, is always the best thing for healing.

A heartwarming and well told story, I loved it!

* * * * *

5 Stars

Get your copy today at Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

If you'd like to be Guest Reviewer, please feel free to contact me through the Facebook page. 

COVER REVEAL: Trust, Honor, Love by J.M. Witt (a new serial)

18+ for mature content.
This is a serial, releasing in ebook format only. Lucy's story will be released as three serials approx. 15k words each, releasing a month apart. A paperback/box set will release after part three.
Trust ~ April 22, 2015

Honor ~ May 20, 2015

Love ~ June 24, 2015

Trust, Honor, Love ~ July 22, 2015 (pb)

 

Trust: An experiment of marital proportions. Lucy is sick of the dating scene and especially sick of what she can never have; The Kerrigan boys, specifically Will and Heath. After a run-in with Heathcliff Kerrigan, that proves everything she already knew about him, she agrees to partake in a new dating experiment. More like a marriage experiment. Her match will be handpicked specifically for her; her likes, desires, needs, and possibly, her worst nightmare. And the scariest part is that she won't meet him or know his name until they meet at the altar. Agreeing, she waits for the call that will change her life. Will Lucy follow through and marry a total stranger? Or does Heath have other plans in mind for her happily ever after? Trust is a 15k word serial with a bit of humor, scorching steam, and surprises that await you at the altar.

 
Trust is now available for preorder
Preorder Amazon US
Preorder Amazon UK
Preorder Amazon Australia
Preorder Amazon Canada


I'm a stay-at-home mom with four young children and one extremely supportive husband. We've been married for over ten years and reside in Metro Detroit, Michigan. I've dreamed of writing romance novels since I was little. After having baby #4, who may or may not have been fathered by Christian Grey, I decided it was time to pursue my dreams. When I'm not running to various appointments, enjoying time with my friends and my family, dating my husband, or avoiding cleaning my house, I'm writing! I love music and believe that books and music can't exist without the other. My goal is for you to read more than a good book, but for you to have an experience!
www.jmwittbooks.com
www.facebook.com/jmwittbooks
“We’re all stories in the end; just make it a good one!”

COVER REVEAL: #Selfie by Cambria Hebert

Cambria Hebert's #Hashtag series has been a favorite of mine since #Nerd was released last year.  In fact, it was my #3 favorite book of 2014.  The series, and my love affair, continued with #Hater and #Player.  Romeo and Rimmel became my friends.  But then Braeden snuck in and stole my heart and now Cambria is giving Braeden his own book with #Selfie.  I CANNOT WAIT!!

So without further ado...here is the cover:

 

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Title: #Selfie
Series: Hashtag Series #4
This is not a standalone
Release date: May 18, 2015
Genre: New adult college romance
Author: Cambria Hebert
Format: Ebook and Paperback 

Synopsis:

It’s all about the #Selfie.

She was the one girl I never wanted.

Until I had her.

One night.

One mistake.

Something we both wanted to forget.

I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both.

At least, I thought I did.

When it shows up on the school Buzzfeed, rumors fly. Friendships are tested and the feels get real.

I don’t do relationships. I don’t open my heart.

Especially for a girl everyone knows I hate.

What happens during spring break, stays in spring break.

Until it follows you home.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25210301-selfie

Purchase previous books:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hashtag+series+cambria+hebert&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ahashtag+series+cambria+hebert
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/hashtag-series-cambria-hebert?store=allproducts&keyword=hashtag+series+cambria+hebert

AUTHOR BIO:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Author links:

Website: http://www.cambriahebert.com.
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298677.Cambria_Hebert

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Swept Away by Kamery Solomon

Happy Release Day! 

Swept Away by Kamery Solomon, Available for purchase on April 6, 2015!

From Kamery Solomon, #1 bestselling genre author and creator of the bestselling series The God Chronicles, comes SWEPT AWAY, a time travel romance fraught with danger and secrets on the high seas! 

“Amazing! The best way I can think to describe it is Pirates of the Caribbean meets Outlander! There is action, adventure, romance and so much more! You will not be disappointed!” 
~Heather Garrison, Amazon Customer 

“Kamery Solomon never disappoints a reader in her ability to tell a great story. She has proven she's not a one trick pony and capable of writing across genres. Highly recommend reading any and all of her books.” 
~Lisa Markson, The Paranormal Bookworm 

“This book has so many twists and turns that will keep you reading all night long. I love the characters and the mystery. The author does a fantastic job weaving every part in this story that will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend!” 
~Laura Collins, Amazon Customer 

“I was pulled in right away and I did not want to put the book down, nor did I want the story to end . . . a must read!” 
~Holly Copper, Amazon Customer 

“Marvelous, wonderful, awe-inspiring; these are just a few words to describe just a fraction of the awesomeness that is this book.” 
~Julie Engle, Amazon Customer

“This is a book I will read time and time again.” 
~Angie Angelich, Bookeepsie 

Get ready to be Swept Away! 

BLURB: 

Dead men tell no tales... 

For more than 200 years, the Treasure Pit on Oak Isle has baffled treasure hunters, engineers, and the common man alike. When Samantha Greene arrives, she finds her estranged father has spent years funneling energy and finances into the endeavor, finding nothing. 

When an accidental death occurs in the pit, fulfilling the prophecy that seven lives must end before the treasure can be found, the search kicks into high gear, with more than one party vying for the secrets that lie below. Finding herself the closest to the treasure anyone has ever been, Samantha throws herself into the work, landing among the coveted prize. Just as she's about to discover what's truly hidden beneath the island, the pit begins to flood with ocean water, sweeping her away despite her attempts to swim to the surface. 

Upon awaking, Samantha discovers that, not only did she not drown, but the year is 1695—one hundred years before the Treasure Pit was even discovered. Carried off by the pirate Tristan O'Rourke, a rouge Irishman with more than his share of secrets, she soon finds that there is much more than she realized in play. Will she discover the secrets of Oak Isle, or will an unexpected love keep her from finding out the truth? Will she ever make it back to her own time? Perhaps the real question is this; will she want to?

Read the first three chapters for free here! 

Join the party! Kamery will be hosting a release celebration on Sunday, April 12 in The Royal Court Facebook Group. Join through this link today for your chance to win a treasure chest full of goodies! Entries for the grand prize chest are gathered through Rafflecopter~get started on your entries today! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Purchase Links**

Amazon

Apple iBooks

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

Signed print copies ordered through the author! 

About The Author: 

Kamery is not the person who grew up dreaming of the day that she would clutch her very own novel to her chest, tears brimming over the rims of her eyes as she thought about how she'd written it herself, finally! In fact, anything remotely like that didn't even happen until she was actually holding her first book in her hand, amazed that she'd written it and wondering how on Earth she'd managed to do it when it hadn't ever occurred to her to write one until months before. Surprisingly, though, it was just what she never realized she loved doing.

When starting out in life, Kamery had (and still has) big dreams to perform on Broadway. She loves music and acting very much, while she and dance have a love/hate relationship; she would love to do it and every form of dance decides it hates that about her, haha! The one constant she always had between the performing world and the book world were the stories, tales that transported her to other worlds and made her feel like she really could do anything. Finally, she decided she wanted to do that for someone else and sat down to write. 

It's been a few years since she held that first book, realizing that she really liked writing and wanted to do more, but the love that blossomed in that moment has only grown. Currently, Kamery works from home in the White Mountains of Arizona, while taking care of her two adorable kids, a girl and a boy, and talking her sweet husband Jake's ear off about the insane amount of characters in her head who are ready to fight to the death for a chance at their own novels. She also gets together with other authors in the family and they all gab together, making up The Royal Court of the Queens of Romance. It truly is a wonderful life! 

For more information on Kamery, or to discover how to contact her, please visit www.kamerysolomonbooks.com!

Roc n' Read Review

I have read everything that Kamery has written and I can honestly say that Swept Away is her absolute best yet.  She paints this story with so much detail that you can't help but feel that you are living in it.  Disney may have made us fall in love with pirates, but Kamery's tale introduces us to Tristan O'Rourke, and he will make you ask Captain Jack who?

Swept Away is filled with mystery.  There is romance, suspense, plenty of history and it is a story you won't soon forget.

Definitely