Fantasy tale of the Coffee Legacy GIVEAWAY!

This is the last post for the Blog Birthday Celebrations. I'm sad to see it come to an end. But there are many amazing posts and giveaways to look at and enter for. This is one of them.

One of my favorite fantasy reads this year was The Coffee Legacy by Katharina Bordet. I love the story she created around the coffee legend and the world she created. There is a murder, a mystery, troubles, and more in this magical tale.

Do you have to like coffee to enjoy the book? Oh heavens no. But if you do enjoy coffee, there are recipes for many different kinds here for you to try.

Giveaway Time!

Katharina has graciously offered One (1) ebook for a giveaway!

The Coffee Legacy

Description:

An old café, an even older legend and a new threat.

When Isabelle's secret past returns to haunt her nightmares, she must take action to protect her family from a threat that is closer than she realises.

Set within the traditional Viennese café culture, The Coffee Legacy is the story of café owner Isabelle Schindler-Krug and her role in a struggle for power that stretches back for centuries.

As she tells her sons the legends behind coffee and Vienna, it becomes clear that one such legend is still in the making, with her own family caught right in the middle.

Follow the easy selections in the Rafflecopter to enter.

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Top 6 Novella Reads! (I'm not trying for 5 anymore)

Top 6 Novella Reads

This list is all me. I hope you don't mind. I'm a huge fan of novellas and anthologies, many know that. I enjoy reading them when they add to a story and I love them as stand alones too. It is something I'm able to read when life is crazy hectic and I can feed my need.

Again, I'm TERRIBLE! at putting my loves in order. They are all AMAZING reads in their own ways. So, let me share these with you...

A Wanderer's Tale: Rusted Memory by Jennifer Melzer
Wow. Meeting Morovio was more than I expected. I fell in love with Morovio by the way Jennifer spoke so poetically through words on the page. Morovio is a traveling bard with a curse that is more than we expected. Loved the writing. Loved the story. Loved the world. I want more of this!

Aces Wild by Amanda Carlson
Oooo. Sin City Collectors thank you very much! Paranormal romance with action and a story all in a novella format. Amanda shines in her writings, and she is amazing at writing in novella format too. Wow! I love the fun created here.

Hungry Like the Wendigo by Skyla Dawn Cameron
Ha! We get to spend time with Ryann and Ellie. This is a great time spent fighting something that shouldn't be at their local bar and hangout. Danger! And yet we still learn little pieces. I love this world!

Grimm Consequences by Kate SeRine
This series is showing up in a few lists because I'm addicted to it. I love the creation of the Here and Now with the fairy tale characters. It is a paranormal romance, but lovely. We learn so much more of one of my favorite characters, Nate Grimm.

A Cursed Moon by Cecy Robson
Oh my goodness! This one is through Bren's eyes and we see a lot from a different perspective in regards to Celia and the sisters and Aric. But, what we learn of Danny and... well, you need it. Believe me, if you are reading this series (and why aren't you?) you do need it. Again this is a paranormal romance series, but this alone is not.

The Number of Your Years...

I'm honored to have Danielle and Day by today to share about number of years we have conquered from the Middle Eastern cultures. I found this rather interesting to learn. I hope you take time to look into their new steampunk release they wrote together.

Thank you Danielle and Day!

*********

The Number of Your Years, Not the Day of Your Birth

Recently my co-author, Day Al-Mohamed and I have been immersed in the Arabic culture. As we wrote Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn—a steampunk retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves—it was an interesting experience, seeing the difference and the similarities both.

One thing I was not aware of as a difference until now, when I was asked to write this post, is that many Middle Eastern cultures do not have a tradition of celebrating birthdays. In fact, even today, some in those regions don’t know the date they were born.

Some have adopted the western tradition of birthday celebrations and there is even a Middle Eastern version of the happy birthday song adapting regional lyrics to the traditional tune, which you can listen to here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48uEoFxZHew

And here are the lyrics in Arabic:
Sana Helwa ya Gameel (cha cha cha)
Sana Helwa ya Gameel (cha cha cha)
Sana Helwa, Sana Helwa
Sana Helwa ya Gameel (cha cha cha)

Sana Helwa ya Gameel (cha cha cha)
Sana Helwa ya Gameel (cha cha cha)
Sana Helwa, Sana Helwa
Sana Helwa ya Gameel (cha cha cha)

And in English:
Happy Birthday Oh Beautiful One,
Happy Birthday Oh Beautiful One,
Happy Birthday, Happy birthday,
Happy Birthday Oh Beautiful One.

Happy Birthday Oh Beautiful One,
Happy Birthday Oh Beautiful One,
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday,
Happy Birthday Oh Beautiful One.

Now, while birthday parties and such are not originally found in the culture—some individuals even find being wished a happy birthday a distasteful reminder they are another year closer to death—one thing I noted while doing research for our book is a great reverence for age. Not the anniversary of the day you were born—when you yet knew nothing—but your survival over years and decades and all the inherent wisdom it is presumed allowed you to do so. Great reverence is shown to elders in the Middle East.

So…great reverence to you, My World In Words and Pages, for surviving five years and harvesting great wisdom over that time!

Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn
Come, Best Beloved, and sit you by my feet. I shall tell you a tale such as sister Scheherazade could have scarce imagined. A tale of wonders, of deeds both great and grievous, of courage that defies description, and above all, Child of Adam, I shall tell you a tale of love.

The night is for the telling of tales to which the morning may bear Truth. In the oldest of days and ages and times, there was, and there was not, a great evil that reached across the desert and beyond…

In the Nejd there is nothing at all…except secrets. A band of thieves wish such secrets to remain hidden.

In England, far from his desert home, Ali bin-Massoud serves as apprentice to the famed Charles Babbage. One night a mysterious box is delivered by a clockwork falcon and Ali’s world is never the same again. Heartache, danger, and thieves mark his journey as Ali is summoned home at the death of his father.

It will take faith, knowledge, and yes, love to realize his destiny, and more than a little skill with steam-driven technology. Can he unravel the mystery of the puzzle box and the clockwork djinn before it is too late? An ancient legacy and Ali's very life depend on it.

Hear you the tale of Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn.

Author Bios:
Award-winning author Danielle Ackley-McPhail has worked both sides of the publishing industry for longer than she cares to admit. Currently, she is a project editor and promotions manager for Dark Quest Books.

Her published works include five urban fantasy novels, Yesterday's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories, Today’s Promise, The Halfling’s Court: and The Redcaps’ Queen: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale, and a young adult Steampunk novel, Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Day Al-Mohamed. She is also the author of the solo science fiction collection, A Legacy of Stars, the non-fiction writers’ guide, The Literary Handyman, and is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Dragon’s Lure, and In an Iron Cage. Her work is included in numerous other anthologies and collections.

She is a member of the Garden State Speculative Fiction Writers, the New Jersey Authors Network, and Broad Universe, a writer’s organization focusing on promoting the works of women authors in the speculative genres.

Danielle lives in New Jersey with husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail, mother-in-law Teresa, and three extremely spoiled cats. She can be found on LiveJournal (damcphail, badassfaeries, darkquestbooks, lit_handyman), Facebook (Danielle Ackley-McPhail), and Twitter (DMcPhail). To learn more about her work, visit www.sidhenadaire.com, www.literaryhandyman.com, or www.badassfaeries.com.

Day Al-Mohamed is author for the upcoming novel Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Danielle Ackley-McPhail. Day hosts the multi-author blog Unleaded: Fuel for Writers, and in addition to speculative fiction, she also writes comics and film scripts.

Her recent publications are available in “Daily Science Fiction,” Crossed Genres anthology "Oomph - A Little Super Goes a Long Way," and GrayHaven Comics' anti-bullying issue "You Are Not Alone." She is an active member of the Cat Vacuuming Society of Northern Virginia Writing Group, a member of Women in Film and Video, and a graduate of the VONA/Voices Writing Workshop.

When not working on fiction, Day is Senior Policy Advisor with the U.S. Department of Labor. She has also worked as a lobbyist and political analyst on issues relating to Health care, Education, Employment, and International Development. She loves action movies and drinks far too much tea. She lives in Washington, DC with her wife, N.R. Brown, in a house with too many swords, comic books, and political treatises.

She can be found online at www.DayAlMohamed.com and @DayAlMohamed

Purchase At:

Top 5, *head desk* Top 6 Fantasy Reads

So I'm struggling severely this year. It's such trouble when you enjoy what you are reading. ;) Should we all have this trouble. lol

Top 5, er, 6 Fantasy Reads

My guest blogger today is Blodeuedd from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell. Thank you Blodeuedd for joining me in celebrating another year of blogging!

Best of 2013-2014

Mel gave me a very cruel timeline which mean AWESOME books of July 2014 did not make it to this list. Instead we have July -13 to June -14. But I will try my best and cry a bit over those who do not make it. My babies!

1. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Of course it' number 1! Hello! I read everything by him, everything! Yes I might be a fan-girl.
I was thrilled that I was sick the day I got it because I started it at once and did not put down this 1000 page book before my eyes were almost bleeding. Honestly I did have an eye infection while reading it but nothing comes between me and Sanderson. NOTHING!

2. Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan
I was not sure about this book. I had read another gunpowder fantasy before, and I had really enjoyed that one. But I was still unsure, you know, new, the unknown. Of course one should not doubt because it blew me away. McClellan fast went into the list in my head of must-read authors. Fresh, original and just awesome.

3. The Garden of Stones by Mark.T.Barnes
This book is on the list because it was magnificent. The world, history, magic, everything! I just wanted to bade in it's light. It was a book with wonderful world-building, and I am woman who love great world-building. I want to feel that I am there. The book was hard to get into, I will give it that, but when you are in, you do not want to leave. It was poetry.

4. Drakenfeldt by Mark Charan Newton
This was like a cop mystery, in away, in a fantasy land. It mostly took place within a city and it was interesting. I am not a mystery fan, but hey in fantasy everything goes. I never saw anything coming. I want more.

5. The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller
I can be VERY old school and Miller sure feels old school. Young boy the savior of all, finding his power, fighting baddies. I love it, it makes me feel safe. And the best thing is that the pages just fly on by and suddenly I have read it all. It's a read it in a day kind of book.

Mel did say it was a 5 point list, even if she threw in a 6 ;) Which I could do, but then next great books on my best of list are 3 more Miller books. Haha, so I will just leave it like this and say that hopefully next year I will have read even More Miller books, and they will also make it into the list.


My World...in words and pages Top 6 Fantasy
lol. Blodeuedd, I know! It's hard to narrow the list. And I love throwing that curve ball of a date range at everyone. LOL! *sigh* I just can't do it! I can't narrow it down! So the list is of 6 instead of 5.

Once again, I can't put my favorites in any order. I love them all for different reasons. So they are listed in NO particular order...

Murder at Avedon Hill by P.G. Holyfield
Oh my goodness! This had everything in it! A fantasy world with moon wolves (reminded me of werewolves), vampires, and Gods. Gods that can be reborn into the world and affect what happens. And the magic! I just loved every aspect of the world, and that's without even talking about the story. The story was amazing. The mystery was outstanding. You all need to get this one.

The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan
I bet you all thought I forgot about this master of fantasy writing. Well, I haven't. Michael is on talented mind. If you've read the original books in The Riyria Revelations, then read this. It will blow your mind how well he weaved this and all the pieces relate so closely to the series. O.O I loved this book as it gave me a past that I didn't know I wanted and to see how close everyone was at one point, before it all happened. Outstanding Michael!

Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan
Yes. Gun powder, guns, and magic all blended together. I love the magic powers created with the gun powder and more. And the fact that this story starts at the fall of the king. Dang! I love how we dive right in and there is so much more at work here than we, and the characters, even know.

Requiem by Ken Scholes
Ken has many elements blended together to create this fantasy. The mechanical man and the death song. The worshiping of different beliefs and the worlds. I can't even describe it all to you as you have to start at the first book and read it all for yourself. I savored each word Ken wrote.

Hapax by K.T. Bryski
Oh this was another that took me by surprise. I was blown away with the world created here. The two words of religion and magic are separated, and then collide. There are magically created beings and gods. A full fantasy world that is well crafted on all angles.

The Coffee Legacy by Katharina Bordet
Mmmm. This isn't the hard fantasy as many think fantasy is. It's a creation of a tale of where coffee comes from and the people who cherish it. It's a tale of a family and their struggle to survive when others are out for power. There is so much to this tale and I enjoyed every minute of this magical story.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

I have three fantasy giveaways this year.

Please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter.

I'm mailing these through Postal, so if mail runs to you, you can enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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(signed drawstring bag, signed bookmark, and sighed The Way of Kings)

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A Captain's Birthday...

I enjoyed reading this little snippet from Sheryl Nantus. Sheryl is an author I've been talking to on Twitter and found she doesn't live all that far from me. Then I found out about a Literary Festival that was local, and she was going to be there. It was a pleasure to meet Sheryl. And we've been chatting since.

I was thrilled to hear that Sheryl wanted to join in celebrating the blog birthday with me. And even more thrilled when I read this clip. A SPECIAL just for me. Here! Awesome! :D I love it! I so need to get this sexy romance, In The Black.

********

When you're the captain of a Mercy ship you tend to forget where and when you are – it's all about making landfall on those mining bases on time, delivering the presentation to get them wired and ready to make appointments with the courtesans you carry and getting through two frantic weeks before lifting off to do it all over again at the next stop.

But Sam Keller was someone before she became the captain of the Bonnie Belle.

She used to be a ground pounder, a squad leader who led her men and women into dangerous spots and bring them back safe and sound – at least until the Hub. Since then she's been running from her memories and hiding on the Bonnie Belle seemed to be a good idea at the time…

Recently she's wrestled with the idea of celebrating birthdays. On the one hand she's still alive, a survivor. Might as well celebrate that.

On the other side… she's a survivor. From the Hub where she lost everyone and everything.

So she compromises. She allows herself a lovely vanilla cupcake from the Belle's food stores, garishly overpriced because of the Guild charging her for every little bit of luxury.

She pokes a single candle through the cream cheese icing and lights it. If she put the right number of candles on the fire suppression systems would activate.

Sam lights it and then blows it out, watching the thin trail of smoke spin around in zero-gravity. A wave of her hand dissipates the smoke before it can cause trouble.

But before she can take a bite out of the sweet treat…

"Captain?"

Sam hesitates. "Yes Belle?" She knows the computer AI wouldn't call her unless it was necessary.

"I have Marshal LeClair on the line. He says it's important."

She feels that little rush in her heart, in her soul. "Put him through."

"How's my favorite Mercy captain doing today?"

"I'm fine." She studies the cupcake still hanging in the air. "You weren't supposed to call until next week. You can't afford this."

"If the UNS can't stand me making a long-distance call to my sweet love on her birthday they can stuff it." He laughs. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks." She doesn't feel so lonely out here on the edge of civilization now. "I'm having a cupcake to celebrate."

"Go big or go home." Daniel chuckles. "I won't keep you from your party. Just remember I'll be swinging by the Belle in two weeks for another 'inspection'."

Her cheeks grow hot, remembering his last visit. "I'll be here."

"Yes. Yes you will. And I'll give you the rest of your birthday present then." The low growl sends a flash of heat down her spine. "Love you."

"Love you too. Bye." The connection snaps into static and she smiles before grabbing the cupcake and taking a huge bite.

Maybe this getting older thing has its advantages…

********

In The Black

Book one of Tales from the Edge

When Sam Keller left the military, she ran to the far end of the galaxy. Now she captains the Bonnie Belle, a spaceship full of courtesans who bring a little pleasure to hard-up men on mining colonies. When one of her girls turns up dead, it's Sam's job to find out who killed her, fast.

Marshal Daniel LeClair is as tough as steel and quick on the draw. But when his vacation gets replaced by an assignment to help find the killer, he can't help angling for a little action with the saucy, hard-charging Sam. She's got brains, attitude and a body he wouldn't mind investigating.

Sam, six months lonely, might just indulge him. But the Guild that owns the Belle wants the case closed yesterday. With pressure coming from all quadrants, Sam and her marshal clash over false leads and who's on top. But when the killer threatens the Belle again, romance will have to wait. It's a captain's job to save her crew, no matter the cost.

Author Bio:
Sheryl Nantus was born in Montreal, Canada and grew up in Toronto, Canada. A rabid reader almost from birth, she attended Sheridan College in Oakville, graduating in 1984 in Media Arts Writing.

She met Martin Nantus through the online fanfiction community in 1993 and moved to the United States in 2000 in order to marry. A firm believer in the healing properties of peppermint and chai tea she continues to write short stories and novels while searching for the perfect cuppa.

She loves to play board games and write haiku, although not usually at the same time.

She has published multiple books with Samhain Publishing and Carina Press. In 2011 she won two second place Prism Awards from the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA for her steampunk romance, “Wild Cards and Iron Horses” and the first volume of her superhero romance trilogy, “Blaze of Glory”.

In 2013 she won a third-place Prism Award for her paranormal romance, "Blood of the Pride".


Find Sheryl:
My website is www.sherylnantus.com
Facebook:  Sheryl Nantus, Author
Twitter:  @SherylNantus


Purchase at:


Barnes & Nobles

The 2nd book is up for Pre-order:


Barnes & Nobles

GIVEAWAY!!

Sheryl has graciously offered ONE ecopy of In The Black for a GIVEAWAY!!

Thank you Sheryl!

Please follow the Rafflecopter to enter

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Top 5, *scratch* Top 7 Urban Fantasy Reads

Yes, as you can probably tell from my going pattern here I'm not doing well with sticking to top 5s. I've moved on to top 6s. Hey, the blog is 5 and I need one to grow on... Sounds like a good excuse. *nod*

Friend...

Top 5, er, 7 Urban Fantasy Reads

My guest blogger today is Melissa from Books & Things. Thank you Melissa for joining me in celebrating another year of blogging!

I think one of my favorite genres is UF. I tend to be drawn to it more than any other genre. I seem to have been catching up or finishing a series this past year. Although there are a few good YA UF books out there, most tend to stay in the adult category so I’ll stick with adult. Some of my favorites (and I’ve tried to stay with 5… TRIED) I’ve read in the past year are:

1. The Charlie Davidson series: Third Grave Dead Ahead (#3), Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet (#4), Fifth Grave Past the Light (#5) by Darynda Jones
I really got caught up with this series and I’ve actually just finished the 6th book. This is a great series to do on audio. Lorelei King is a great narrator and I’ve done this whole series in audio format. The series is humorous, action packed and has one very swoon-worthy male in the series (BTW who is MINE).

2. Arcadia Bell Series: Binding the Shadows (#3), and Banishing the Dark (#4) by Jenn Bennett
These are the last 2 in the series and I’ve read them all including a novella set in the world. I adore the characters in this book. There is Arcadia our heroine, Lon a wonderful demon daddy, and Jupe an irrepressible teenager who will totally steal your heart. This is a series that should NOT be missed. Plus all books are out so those who haven’t tried it can devour them all at once.

3. Elemental Assassin series: Heart of Venom (#9), and The Spider (#10) by Jennifer Estep
I adore this series as well. She might be an assassin but she has a heart of gold (or silverstone). This is another series with great main characters and wonderful secondary characters. Poison Promise (#11) just came out and I still love this series.

4. Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3) by Amanda Carlson
Oh another great series that has just captured my attention. I really love not just the characters but the world in this one. I am impatiently waiting the next installment Red Blooded out this fall.

5. Wisp of a Thing (Tufta #2) by Alex Bledsoe (the Hum and the Shiver)
This was a great conclusion to the Tufta duology, the first being The Hum and the Shiver. It was something very different and very engaging. This one is set in the mysterious Smoky Mountains.

Honorable mention: Strange Country (Wide Open #3) by Deborah Coates, The Lost (Lost #1) by Sarah Beth Durst, Watcher of the Dark (Jeremiah Hunt #3) by Joseph Nassise, My Life as a White Trash Zombie (White Trash Zombie #1) by Diana Rowland, and Carniepunk by Various UF authors ( Rachel Caine, Jennifer Estep, Kevin Hearne,Seanan McGuire, Rob Thurman, Delilah S. Dawson, Kelly Gay,Mark Henry, Hillary Jacques, Jackie Kessler, Kelly Meding, Allison Pang, Nicole Peeler, and Jaye Wells.)

Top 7 For My World...in words and pages:

First, thank you Melissa! I'm so glad to see you have had an amazing year in books. :) And I don't feel so bad about not sticking to the Top 5 plan either. ;) Again, I struggle with numbering order so these are in any order and all amazing. :)

The Shambling Guide to New York City by Mur Lafferty
Oh my. This one is plain fun in words. I love the creation Mur has here. It's a story and traveling guide in one. I know, sounds like it wouldn't work, but IT DOES! And everything we take in as we sight see has a supernatural relation to it as well. Just enjoyable fun and story and characters here.

Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow
This world is amazing. There is a bit of everything here and the story is deeper than we get in some Urban Fantasy reads. I enjoyed meeting Dante as she kicks some serious *## as she goes along. She is one dangerous woman and I wouldn't want to cross her.

Weather Child by Philippa Ballantine
Aaaah. Now this was a pleasure to read. I love the weather witchy take here. And it's more than just females. The men too have abilities. Some are stronger than others. But the connection to their ability is through an essence in them. Then you have the connection to each other. All set in a time of trouble.

Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson
I'm so glad Melissa loved this one too. I don't know what more I can say of this book, and whole series, other than Urban Fantasy fans will gobble this series up.

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke
I was late coming to this series. But dang. I love the twist to the British history and the impact of the infection to create Vampires, Werewolves, and goblins. Well played! And the development of the information as we read. Wow.

Playing For Keeps by Mur Lafferty
Mmmm. These are the unlikely superheroes. lol. This one I listened to for free and so loooooved Keepsie and the crew of non-superheroes that might have to save the day. lol. Oh did I laugh with this one.

Knight Shift by Krista D. Ball
Ooooh. We get a little further with the character and her crush here. And the story! Oh my! The things we learn and what is to come. Yeah, this is a paranormal that is a read for you.

And now for the giveaway!

I have a few prints here I want to giveaway. I'll do two Rafflecopter giveaways (one for each) so you can pick what you want to enter for. Or enter for both!

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What would happen on her birthday?

I'm THRILLED! That J.K. was excited to join in the birthday celebrations again this year. She is a joy to have by. Thank you J.K.! And all the wishes. :)

This year J.K. is talking about a lovely couple and what would Beth do if it was her birthday. Check it out!

And sending all the birthday wishes to J.K. and her character Beth.

*********

Happy Birthday!!! When Mel announced she was planning an anniversary event for her blog, I knew I wanted to participate. I LOVE Mel’s blog and it’s also my birthday too (on Aug. 6)!

My recent release, IN BED WITH THE COMPETITION, takes place at a resort in Antigua. Ben and Beth are both there, not for fun in the sun, but to attend a business convention. They’re starting their own companies and looking for investors, which means that they’ll have to compete if they each want the big bucks!

Anyway, I started to wonder how Beth might like to celebrate her birthday. Since I sort of patterned her character on a few of my own personal traits (not telling you which traits LOL), I think she might be a Leo, like me, which would make for a very interesting birthday.

Take it from me, Leos like the spotlight. They LOVE their birthday because it’s a rare opportunity to get all the attention and not have to feel egotistical about it. Leos are also idealistic, ambitious, creative, determined, and dramatic. But also warm and enthusiastic, which makes them great to have at parties J

If Ben is her romantic match, he’ll have to be able to pamper her and make her the priority on her birthday, show her that he values all her Leo qualities…then again, I don’t think Ben would have much of a problem showering Beth with attention *grin*

Given his characteristics, I think he would be a Capricorn. He may appear practical, tame and content, but beneath that cool exterior he sees everything and he’s always strategizing! He knows exactly how Beth operates and he’s a good match for her because he’s down-to-earth and serious in contrast to her wild dreams and expectations. He wants the long-haul relationship and he’s willing to do what it takes to make his woman happy.

So, whatever Ben decides to do for Beth’s birthday, I feel very certain they’re both going to have a fantastic time!

Thank you again for letting me come celebrate your anniversary!!

*********

Author Bio:
J.K. Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.

Find JK Coi:
www.jkcoi.com
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In Bed with the Competition
This rivalry is too hot for the tropics…

Elizabeth Carlson and Ben Harrison used to be friends, coworkers...and almost lovers. But that was before Ben proposed mixing business with pleasure. Elizabeth refuses to lose her heart to a hotshot tycoon with a cutthroat, take-no-prisoners attitude. Not with the prospect of starting her own company at stake.

Driven to succeed in all areas of his life, Ben couldn’t resist the temptation to make Liz his. But then she walked away, igniting a bitter rivalry. Competing for the same contract at a Caribbean conference ignites sparks too hot to ignore, and Ben’s determined to finish what they started, even if it’ll only last a few steamy, tropical nights.

Elizabeth’s resolve begins to crumble under Ben’s blatant seduction. Can she walk away from a hot island fling with the sexiest man she’s ever known with her heart intact, or will losing herself in Ben destroy everything she’s fought to achieve?

PURCHASE AT:
Amazon | Amazon.ca | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Top 5, er, 6 Romance Reads

I have done Top 5 lists for my blog birthday since the first one and I enjoy doing it. So, I'm carrying on with tradition. I've invited a fellow blogger to share their top reads of the last year as well.

The time frame I'm using for the top list is July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 - my blogging year.

Top 5, er, 7 Romance Reads

My guest blogger today is Jennifer Bielman from Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy. Thank you Jennifer for joining me in celebrating another year of blogging!

Thank you so much, Melissa, for asking me to come up with this list. I am a huge romance fan, in any genre and age group, so I am excited to share my top 5 romances with your followers. They are all contemporary romances in both young adult and new adult. I wanted to make the list a little more versatile, like add a paranormal romance in there, but I couldn't help which books stood out to me most. And really, that's the way it should be. So without further ado, here is my Top 5 Romances.

#5:  Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

Crash Into You has that amazing romance with a dark storyline. I can't tell you how much this book stressed me out, but the romance made it worth it. Are you looking for a opposites attract romance? Then Rachel and Isaiah are the ideal couple for you. She brings light to his darkness, and he brings the forbidden to her sheltered life. Perfection.

#4:  Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

What does Four Seconds to Lose bring to the romance table? Strippers! Romance at a strip club, is there anything better? This book is filled with amazingly strong characters, but it is the hot chemistry between Charlie and Cain that make this a must read. These two flirt outrageously throughout the whole book, and I loved every second of it.

#3:  On the Fence by Kasie West

On the Fence was a big surprise for me. To be honest, the romance is super slow. This book focuses more on character growth, which I loved, but the romance was nothing to sneeze at either. Charlie (What's up with all these girls names Charlie? lol) and Braden take their sweet damn time getting together, but you will definitely fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other.

#2:  Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Yup, another Katie McGarry novel. Take Me On is another dark story with a heartfelt romance. The feels in this book are hardcore. I felt teary-eyed the whole time. The pain Hayley and West go through was almost too much but that's what made the romance so strong. They had great chemistry and a great bond that held the whole novel.

#1:  Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker

Obviously K.A. Tucker is the bomb in romance since I mentioned her twice. Out of all her books, I am freaking obsessed with Five Ways to Fall the most. This is a different kind of romance. This is not about true love or marriage. This is about two people having fun sex together and having their feelings slowly grow. It's hard not to fall in love with these flawed characters. Ben and Reese are offensive, they often don't make the right decisions, but they are beautiful in every other way. If you want a different kind of romance book, this is the one for you. And once you read it, you will NEVER think of orange groves the same way again! :D




MY Top Picks:
I can't put mine in order. I can't pick what is better over the other, I have a hard time doing that, so I'm going to list all five of my favorite of the last year...

Evolution Series by S.A. Huchton
So this is cheating, but hey it's my party and I'll cheat if I want. ;P This trilogy has taken me by a whirl wind. I loved the sexy superheroes. Really, we need more sexy superheroes in the world.

A Cursed Embrace by Cecy Robson
Oh yes. A love in a Wird world. I love the sister bond, the magic the sister possess, the men, and all the action. All in one package in the UF setting.

Along Came A Spider by Kate SeRine
Oh I love reading this world. The recreation of the fairy tale world in our world. And the characters come to their love in their time.

Gaming for Keeps by Seleste DeLaney
Mmm. This is a quick read but oh so sexy and fun! Going to a convention and meeting a man she's been gaming with? Yes. Fun.

Progeny by S.A. Huchton (and the previous two too!)
So Starla shows up again on the list but for a different series. This is the third book of a series of four (still waiting on number four to come out). This series is a touch of a science fiction, but TOTALLY romance. All will enjoy this one too!

Seriously, if you enjoy romance there is a lot to pick from. I'm so glad Jennifer picked the ones that stuck out for her in the last year no matter what. That is the way it should be. :) So, my suggestion, don't let the sub-genre stop you from picking up a great romance book. They are all amazing!

Time for a GIVEAWAY!

I will giveaway ONE of the books in MY top five list in eBook format. You can tell me which format you prefer (Amazon or Barnes & Nobles) and I will gift it to you there.

You pick from Starla Huchton, Cecy Robson, Kate SeRine, or Seleste DeLaney. DO NOTE: There are a few books that are ONLY in ebook format so the book that is won will be in eBook format.

This is Romance, so you MUST be at least 18 to enter.

Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway