Close to the Sun by Donald Michael Platt

Publication Date: June 15, 2014
Fireship Press
eBook; 404p

Genre: Historical Fiction



Close to the Sun follows the lives of fighter pilots during the Second World War. As a boy, Hank Milroy from Wyoming idealized the gallant exploits of WWI fighter aces. Karl, Fürst von Pfalz-Teuffelreich, aspires to surpass his father’s 49 Luftsiegen. Seth Braham falls in love with flying during an air show at San Francisco’s Chrissy Field.

The young men encounter friends, rivals, and exceptional women. Braxton Mobley, the hotshot, wants to outscore every man in the air force. Texas tomboy Catherine “Winty” McCabe is as good a flyer as any man. Princess Maria-Xenia, a stateless White Russian, works for the Abwehr, German Intelligence. Elfriede Wohlman is a frontline nurse with a dangerous secret. Miriam Keramopoulos is the girl from Brooklyn with a voice that will take her places.

Once the United States enter the war, Hank, Brax, and Seth experience the exhilaration of aerial combat and acedom during the unromantic reality of combat losses, tedious bomber escort, strafing runs, and the firebombing of entire cities. As one of the hated aristocrats, Karl is in as much danger from Nazis as he is from enemy fighter pilots, as he and his colleagues desperately try to stem the overwhelming tide as the war turns against Germany. Callous political decisions, disastrous mistakes, and horrific atrocities they witness at the end of WWII put a dark spin on all their dreams of glory.

My review:
Five Stars
Anytime I read about service man and woman I feel humbled.  Their commitment, courage and strength never fail to astound me. Donald Platt’s “Close to the Sun” was no exception.  There were many details about the life of WWI fighter pilots.  I loved learning about Hank Milroy, Karl, Fürst von Pfalz-Teuffelreich and Seth Braham. I thought that the author was really able to capture their uniqueness and their combined passion for flying as pilots during such an intense time in U.S. history.   I have to confess that my favorite was Catherine “Winty” McCabe.  I loved that the author included her in this story.  Women were definitely not considered when it came to become pilots but Winty really pushed the limits and played by her own rules.  Princess Maria-Xenia, Elfriede “Elfie” Wohlmann and Mimi Kay all added a female voice and experience during this time period.  The author really developed each of these characters and their individual stories became part of one big story.  Platt’s writing was engaging and very technical.  Although I knew next to nothing about fighter pilots after reading Close to the Sun, I felt more knowledgeable. I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys learning about WWI, fighter pilots, or is just looking for a cast of great characters.  The harshness of war is never pleasant and I commend Platt for giving a voice to such a trying time in U.S. history.   

Blogger Praise for Close to the Sun

"Donald Michael Platt’s Close to the Sun is an amazing story told from the perspective of average male fighter pilots in the onset and during WWII, juxtaposing between various men from many sides of the war. The details in this novel were spectacular, creating imagery and depth in the scenes and characters, as well as the dialogue being so nostalgic and well-written it felt right out of a 1950’s film. The romantic nuances of his storytelling felt incredibly authentic with the tug and pull of the men being called to serve and the women whom they loved who had their own high hopes, dreams, or work. I loved how he portrayed this women the most—strongly and fiercely independent. I’ve read several other books by Platt, and this is the best one I’ve read yet! I couldn’t stop reading. " - Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi, Hook of a Book

"Donald Platt's Close To The Sun, is nothing short of Historical Fiction gold. Platt's flair for emotionally provocative storytelling makes this book attractive to both male and female readers. Seamlessly weaving the threads of action and feeling into a brilliant tableau of humanity. This is a masterfully penned tale of war, ambition, love, loss, and ACES!" - Frishawn Rasheed, WTF Are You Reading?

"Fast-paced and riveting I couldn’t get enough of Hank, Karl and Seth’s exploits! CLOSE TO THE SUN is a thrilling novel that leads readers through idyllic dreams of heroism and the grim reality of war. Platt provides readers with a unique coming-of-age story as three adventure-seeking boys discover far more than how to be an aerial combat pilot. CLOSE TO THE SUN is an amazing tale of adventure, heroism, war and the drive within us all that keeps us going when things look bleak." - Ashley LaMar, Closed the Cover

"I found Close to the Sun to be an entertaining read, it was well written, with well developed characters, these characters had depth and emotion. A unique plot, told from the point of view of pilots prior to and during World War II. It was a well researched and interesting book" - Margaret Cook, Just One More Chapter

Buy the Book

Amazon
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About the Author

Author of four other novels, ROCAMORA, HOUSE OF ROCAMORA, A GATHERING OF VULTURES, and CLOSE TO THE SUN, Donald Michael Platt was born and raised in San Francisco. Donald graduated from Lowell High School and received his B.A. in History from the University of California at Berkeley. After two years in the Army, Donald attended graduate school at San Jose State where he won a batch of literary awards in the annual SENATOR PHELAN LITERARY CONTEST.

Donald moved to southern California to begin his professional writing career. He sold to the TV series, MR. NOVAK, ghosted for health food guru, Dan Dale Alexander, and wrote for and with diverse producers, among them as Harry Joe Brown, Sig Schlager, Albert J. Cohen, Al Ruddy plus Paul Stader Sr, Hollywood stuntman and stunt/2nd unit director. While in Hollywood, Donald taught Creative Writing and Advanced Placement European History at Fairfax High School where he was Social Studies Department Chairman.

After living in Florianópolis, Brazil, setting of his horror novel A GATHERING OF VULTURES, pub. 2007 & 2011, he moved to Florida where he wrote as a with: VITAMIN ENRICHED, pub.1999, for Carl DeSantis, founder of Rexall Sundown Vitamins; and THE COUPLE’S DISEASE, Finding a Cure for Your Lost “Love” Life, pub. 2002, for Lawrence S. Hakim, MD, FACS, Head of Sexual Dysfunction Unit at the Cleveland Clinic.

Currently, Donald resides in Winter Haven, Florida where he is polishing a dark novel and preparing to write a sequel to CLOSE TO THE SUN.

For more information please visit Donald Michael Platt's website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Close to the Sun Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 18
Review at Forever Ashley & Closed the Cover

Wednesday, August 20
Spotlight at A Bookish Affair

Thursday, August 21
Review at Tribute Books Mama

Friday, August 22
Spotlight at CelticLady's Reviews

Saturday, August 23
Review at Beth's Book Reviews

Monday, August 25
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, August 26
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Wednesday, August 27
Spotlight at Princess of Eboli

Thursday, August 28
Guest Post at The Writing Desk

Friday, August 29
Review at Queen of All She Reads

Monday, September 1
Review at Book Nerd

Tuesday, September 2
Review & Guest Post at My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews

Wednesday, September 3
Review at Book Babe

Thursday, September 4
Spotlight at Layered Pages
Spotlight at Kinx's Book Nook

Friday, September 5
Guest Post at Cynthia Robertson Blog

Revenge & Retribution by Anna Belfrage

Publication Date: July 1,2014
SilverWood Books
Formats: Ebook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction/Time-Slip
Series: The Graham Saga



Revenge and Retribution is the sixth book in Anna Belfrage’s time slip series featuring time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham.

Life in the Colony of Maryland is no sinecure – as Alex and Matthew Graham well know. But nothing in their previous life has prepared them for the mayhem that is about to be unleashed upon them.

Being labelled a witch is not a good thing in 1684, so it is no wonder Alex Graham is aghast at having such insinuations thrown at her. Even worse, it’s Matthew’s brother-in-law, Simon Melville, who points finger at her.

Not that the ensuing hearing is her main concern, because nowadays Alex’s entire life is tainted by the fear of what Philip Burley will do to them once he gets hold of them – there is no longer any ‘if’ about it. On a sunny May afternoon, it seems Philip Burley will at last revenge himself on Matthew for every single perceived wrong. Over the course of twenty-four hours, Alex’s life – and that of her family’s – is permanently changed.
As if all this wasn’t enough, Alex also has to cope with the loss of one of her sons. Forcibly adopted by the former Susquehannock, Samuel is dragged from Alex’s arms to begin a new life in the wilderness.

How is Alex to survive all this? And will she be able to put her damaged family back together?

My Review:

Five Stars

Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

I have to confess I was giddy with anticipation about reading Anna Belfrage.  I've heard nothing but stellar reviews regarding her books and writing.  At times when the bar is set so high it becomes tricky to live up to the expectation.  I'm so glad to know that all the reviews were true.  My only disappoint was in not having read the previous books in the series.  I think it would have been more gratifying but it did not stop me from enjoying "Revenge & Retribution" in the slightest.  I thought the author handled the time travel aspect with a smooth transition and it became easy to forget that the main characters were not of the time period.  I also loved that Alex was accused of witchcraft.  This is such a fascinating time period covered with the darkness of humanity. Philip was such a sinister and devious character he had me gripping the book with anticipation.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and need to squeeze in time to read the previous books in the series!

Graham Saga Titles

Book One: A Rip in the Veil
Book Two: Like Chaff in the Wind
Book Three: The Prodigal Son
Book Four: A Newfound Land
Book Five: Serpents in the Garden
Book Six: Revenge & Retribution
Book Seven: Whither Thou Goest (November 2014)
Book Eight: To Catch a Falling Star (March 2015)

About the Author

I was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result I’m multilingual and most of my reading is historical – both non-fiction and fiction.

I was always going to be a writer – or a historian, preferably both. Instead I ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for my most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career I raised my four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive … Nowadays I spend most of my spare time at my writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and I slip away into my imaginary world, with my imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in my life pops his head in to ensure I’m still there. I like that – just as I like how he makes me laugh so often I’ll probably live to well over a hundred.

I was always going to be a writer. Now I am – I have achieved my dream.

For more information, please visit Anna Belfrage’s website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Friday, August 15
Review at Just One More Chapter

Monday, August 18
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Tuesday, August 19
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Guest Post at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, August 20
Review at A Bookish Affair
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Friday, August 22
Review at Layered Pages

Monday, August 25
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, August 26
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, August 27
Review at A Bibliotaph's Reviews

Friday, August 29
Review at Book Nerd

Monday, September 1
Review at Dianne Ascroft Blog

Tuesday, September 2
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee

Wednesday, September 3
Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, September 4
Review at Kincavel Korner

Friday, September 5
Guest Post at Kincavel Korner
Guest Post at bookworm2bookworm's Blog

Bring On the Heat The Boys of Summer # 1 By: Katie Rose Plus Give Away

Bring On the Heat

The Boys of Summer # 1

By: Katie Rose

Releasing August 26^th, 2014

Loveswept

Blurb

In Katie Rose’s irresistible battle of wits, a case of mistaken identity lands a female fan in bed with a sexy superstar—and in major-league trouble.

House-sitting for a rich and famous friend has its perks, and Darcy Hamel isn’t shy about enjoying them. Especially when it means scoring a ticket to an exclusive fashion show hosted by the New Jersey Sonics. An avid baseball fan, Darcy has always dreamed of meeting the team—especially the starting pitcher whose body is as hot as his fastball. But there’s a catch. The gala is by invitation only. To get behind the velvet rope, mild-mannered Darcy will have to pose as party girl Lydia Logan.

Schmoozing is one of the downsides of fame, but Chase Westbrook knows how to liven up even the dullest event. And nothing spices a night up more than a beautiful socialite with a naughty reputation. What Chase doesn’t expect is a hint of sweetness beneath her sultry façade. Flirtation turns to seduction and leaves him aching for more. Chase just doesn’t know who the real Lydia is: the spoiled tease crying foul over some missing diamonds or the alluring woman making a play for his heart.

 Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_86.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20945498-bring-on-the-heat?from_search=true

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bring-Heat-Summer-Katie-Rose-ebook/dp/B00IQROC1C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406675454&sr=1-1&keywords=Bring+on+the+Heat%3A+The+Boys+of+Summer

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bring-on-the-heat-katie-rose/1120019659?ean=9780553390476

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bring-on-the-heat/id832862980?mt=11#

Author Info

Award-winning historical author Katie Rose makes her contemporary debut with the Boys of Summer novels, Bring on the Heat and Too Hot to Handle, which combine Katie’s true loves: baseball and romance! When not watching baseball, Katie is at her lake house in New Jersey, hard at work on her next book.

Author Links

Website: http://www.colleenquinn.net/katierose.php
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historicalromanceauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCQuinn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/399542.Katie_Rose

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25 eGiftcard to Book Retailer of Choice, Loveswept Mug and Tote)

Link to Rafflecopter Page:        Give Away

 

SO WHAT MAKES A HERO HOT?

So here comes the fun topic. When thinking about a baseball hero, what separates the hotties from the not so much?
So we can start with type. A lot of women lean toward the alpha male, all tall dark and handsome and pumped with testosterone. You can find a lot of them in baseball for sure, and even more in the NFL. But does that exclude their sexy blonde brethren, or even the gingers who might know a thing or two about love?
Fortunately, baseball offers something for every fantasy. How many St. Louis fans have garnered an appreciative eye in watching Matt Carpenter? Young, athletic and gorgeous, with penetrating dark eyes and a bat that won’t quit. Or maybe if pitching is more your speed, Cole Hamels with the Philadelphia Phillies really brings on the heat. Latino lovers may favor José Fernandez, who is almost as cute, and who can forget Matt Harvey and that underwear commercial?
So far they are all tall dark and handsome. But when thinking adorable, how could you overlook Chase Utley? With those burnished blonde curls, and little boy smile, Chase is a major league dream boy.
When I sat down to pen my first contemporary romance, being a baseball fan gave me loads of opportunities for heroes. For my first book of THE BOYS OF SUMMER series, Chase Westbrook was my hero. Chase is a pitcher for the fictitious New Jersey Sonics, and holds all of the qualifications of an athletic heartthrob. Yes, he’s tall, dark, and handsome, with black hair and blue eyes (my favorite combination). And oh, by the way, he is built. He has the lanky form, sinuous thighs, and impressive biceps of a major league pitcher.
And he’s intense. When Chase walks up to the plate, he has a strategy in mind, and a focus that is downright sexy. He is good at what he does, better than good. And in spite of his GQ looks, he is oblivious to anything except the matter at hand.
Not that he doesn’t have his flaws. Chase is young, and right now is following someone else’s dream. It takes him some time in BRING ON THE HEAT to become the man he was destined to be.
But he does have character. Chase takes care of his mother, has a tough relationship with his father, but is respectful. He is intrigued by our heroine Darcy, who he mistakes for socialite Lydia Logan. Like most athletes, Chase thinks he needs to be with the elite team, make a lot of money, and have a trophy girl on his arm. His world turns upside down when he realizes that the future he has been pursuing is all wrong for him.
Yes, Chase was great to dream about. He is funny, intense, sexy, and charming. How do you top that? But when I began book number two, TOO HOT TO HANDLE, Jake Baldwin gives him a pretty good run for the money. . .
So my question is: what is your type? Who are the baseball players you drool over? And what makes them special to you?

Tour Schedule

Aug 18th- Books Like Breathing- Rev/P

(Stop 2) A Bluestocking's Place- P/Exc

Aug 19th- The Reading Addict- Gp/P

(Stop 2) Trina's Tantilising Tidbits- Promo

Aug 20th- The Many Faces of Romance- Rev/P

(Stop 2) Love Romance Books- Rev/P

Aug 21st- Book Mama Blog- Exc/P

(Stop 2) Hot Guys in Books- Rev/P

Aug 22nd- The Lusty Literate- P/Exc

(Stop 2) Booklover Sue- GP/P

Aug 25th- Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess- Rev/P

(Stop 2) The Suburban Eclectic Reviews- Rev/Exc

Aug 26th- Book Liaison- P/Exc

(Stop 2) Ramblings From This Chick- Int/P

Aug 27th- Storm Goddess Book Reviews- Rev/Int

(Stop 2) Paranormal Romance and Beyond- Promo

Aug 28th- Booknerd- GP/P

(Stop 2) Racing to Read- Rev/P

Aug 29th- My Written Romance- Gp/P

(Stop 2) Melinda Dozier Blog- Exc/P

Sept 1st- Written Love- Rev/P

Sept 2nd- Romancing the Readers- Rev/P

Sept 3rd- Christine's Words- Gp/P

(Stop 2) Deal Sharing Aunt- Int/P

Sept 4th- Crystal Blogs Books- Rev/P

Sept 5th- Confessions of 2 Book Lovers- Rev/P

(Stop 2) Sassy Moms Say Read Romance- Rev/P

Sept 11th- Harlequin Junkie- Guest Post

Dylan’s Redemption The McBrides Book Three By: Jennifer Ryan

Dylan’s Redemption
The McBrides Book Three
By: Jennifer Ryan
Releasing August 12th, 2014
Avon Romance

Blurb

There's a new sheriff in Fallbrook … Meet Dylan McBride.

Jessie Thompson had one hell of a week. Dylan McBride, the boy she loved, skipped town without a word. Then her drunk of a father tried to kill her, and she fled Fallbrook, vowing never to return. Eight years later, her father is dead, and Jessie reluctantly goes home—only to come face-to-face with the man who shattered her heart. A man who, for nearly a decade, believed she was dead.

Dylan accepted the position as sheriff of Fallbrook looking for a fresh start and a chance to uncover the truth about Jessie's disappearance. He knew he'd have to face a few ghosts … he just never thought one would be Jessie, all grown up, stunning … and alive. The pull between them is instant, but Dylan's heart has already mourned Jessie, and she has secrets she can never share. Can they escape the darkness of their past for a chance at a bright future together?

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_8085.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18869604-dylan-s-redemption?ac=1

Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GR0CJ1K/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=avonromancehc-20
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dylans-redemption-jennifer-ryan/1118611508?cm_mmc=affiliates-_-linkshare-_-mdxm68jzjz8-_-10%3a1&ean=9780062334787&isbn=9780062334787&r=1
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dylans-redemption/id757761169?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dylan-s-redemption?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&siteID=MdXm68JZJz8-orw6L.KSsKchO61_S8dnKQ

Author Info

JENNIFER RYAN, author of The Hunted Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.

Find her here

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Ryan/520021168037391?ref=hl
http://www.jennifer-ryan.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4693347.Jennifer_Ryan
https://twitter.com/JenRyan_author

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Print Set of the McBrides Series Books One and Two (US/Canada))
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Destined by C.J. Fallowfield

Enter to Win

$10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Gabe Austin is tormented by demons from his past.
Blaming himself for his part in a tragic accident and abandoned by his father
when he needed him most, he uses his charm, good looks and ripped physique to
find temporary solace in an abundance of one night stands. Dominating, distant,
unwilling to commit, sex becomes his outlet for his pain. Until he sees her.
One glance was all it took to turn his world upside down, to make him want to
possess her completely. Gabe just knew that she was the girl to heal his
shattered heart, she was his destiny.



Destined is a short novella written from Gabe’s point of view. It details key
moments in his life, leading to the events that unfold in ‘New Leaves, No
Strings’, book one of The Austin Series, which combines erotica, romance and
humor.

The Austin Series is six books in total, written from the perspective of Mia
Page, and is designed to be read in the following sequence.

New Leaves, No Strings

Baggage & Buttons

Forever & an Engine

The Honeymoon Period

Love & Loss 

Infinite Love

GET NOW FOR FREE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I
am a very young hearted 44 year old female from the United Kingdom. I enjoyed
writing fictional stories as a child but, like many, long working hours in my
career meant that I had little time for anything else. Finding myself in the
fortunate position of now being able to work from home part time, I have been
able to rekindle this long lost passion for storytelling. Writing aids include
chocolate, Ben & Jerrys and copious amounts of coffee. 

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  GOODREADS

The Frost of Springtime by Rachel L Demeter Give away

FREE EBOOK PROMO BLITZ

Historical Romance

Date Published: February 14, 2014

Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing, LLC

To rescue her was to rescue his own soul.

On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first bit of solace in sheltering little Sofia Rose.

But when Aleksender is drawn away by the Franco-Prussian war, the seasons pass. And in that long year, Sofia matures into a stunning young woman—a dancer with an understanding of devotion and redemption far surpassing her age.

Alongside his closest friend, Aleksender returns home to find that “home” is gone, replaced by revolution, bloodshed, betrayal—and a love always out of reach. Scarred inside and out, he’s thrust into a world of sensuality and violence—a world in which all his hours have now grown dark, and where only Sofia might bring an end to the winter in his heart.

Inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, The Frost of Springtime is a poignant tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love.

EXCERPT

The heat of their bodies mingled as one. With each breath, Aleksender drank in the sweet essence of his beloved ward. His mind swam with unorthodox visions and desires. He inclined his head, lost to the power of her nearness, entranced by everything that was Sofia.

“Alek, my Alek …”

Each word infused Aleksender with a delicious and undeniable warmth. Intoxicated by roses and wintertime, he found it difficult to speak, difficult to think. Breathless, he swallowed and met the haunting depths of her eyes.

“Please,” she dreamily murmured, “I want you to kiss me again…”

About the Author

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of ten years. She enjoys writing dark, edgy romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and examine the redeeming power of love.

Imagining stories and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mom would jot them down for her. She has a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether sculpting the protagonist or antagonist, she always ensures that every character is given a soul.

Rachel strives to intricately blend elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some common themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness. Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest | Newsletter

Buy Links

THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME KINDLE EDITION IS FREE ON AMAZON AUGUST 25-29!!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY

$5 Amazon Gift Card

5 signed “The Frost of Springtime” bookmarks

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Taking Control Author: Jen Frederick

Book Information

Title: Taking Control 

Author: Jen Frederick

Release Date: September 8, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Cover: Attached

Teaser Graphics: Attached

 

Summary

The hotly anticipated sequel to Losing Control.

I thought I needed only one thing in my life–the money and power to crush one man. But the moment I laid eyes on Victoria Corielli, my thirst for revenge was replaced by my craving for her.

No rule would keep me away; no obstacle too large to overcome. Not her will, not our differing social positions, not my infamous past. When she lost everything, I helped her pick up the pieces. When she trusted me with everything, she sealed her fate.

I’ve convinced Victoria she can put her heart in my hands. Now I have to protect it–from her shady stepfather and my business rivals, from enemies known and hidden. I’ll do anything to keep her. And I might have to prove it, because now Victoria's risking more than her heart to be with me; she’s risking her life.

Excerpt

I want us to get married. Soon. Do you want a big wedding?”

“Married? I mean, I guess I thought you were serious but I figured…I don’t know.” Her voice trails off.

“That my proposal of marriage was somehow insincere? I’ve never wanted anything more. I just didn’t want to pressure you because of all the emotional upheaval you’re experiencing now.” Rolling over so she can see me and judge the sincerity for herself, I declare, “I want you to be my wife. The mother of any children we have. My partner in life. I want that to happen now so that I can introduce you as Mrs. Ian Kerr.”

Her eyes close for a moment and beneath the lids, silent tears leak out. Her words, though, are classic. “Maybe you should take my name. You can be Ian Corielli and I’ll introduce you as Mr. Victoria Corielli.”

“As long as it means you’re mine in the eyes of the world, I’ll be Mr. John Smith.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and clings to me. This time the shudders I’m soothing are from maybe, possibly, hopefully joy for our future. “I’m okay with Victoria Kerr,” she chokes out. “You better give me a big rock and lots of flowers since you’re proposing to me while we’re naked.”

“I proposed to you when I first took you to the house on the Long Island Sound.”

“You didn’t propose. You said that you wanted me to be your wife and fill your big house with lots of little people.”

“That’s a proposal.”

“It was a demand.”

“It was a request couched as a demand.”

Her body is shaking with laughter. “You’ve been in charge for too long. That was no request.”

Pushing to my knees, I reach into the nightstand and retrieve the box I bought before Sophie died. Her eyes grow huge and her hands come up to the cover her mouth. I flip the box lid open, pluck the ring out and toss it aside.

Lifting her shaking hand in mine, I slide the ring down her finger.

“When I was fifteen I made a hundred different stupid vows. I’d avenge my mother. I’d rise to the top of Wall Street and smite everyone down. I’d crush Richard Howe beneath the sole of my boot. I’d win at everything. But I never wished for happiness because I didn’t know what it was until you came into my life. How could I want something I didn’t know was missing? Now, everything I’ve achieved pales in comparison to having you love me. When I say that you’re my heart, my everything, those aren’t just words. They are the only truth in my world. I’d give up money, revenge, success, as long as I could lie down next to you at night and wake up with your face beside mine.

There is no greater achievement in my life than having you fall in love with me and I recognize on some mysterious level that is pure luck. I need you to marry me and be my wife. I need you to be the mother of my children. I need you because without you I am nothing. I am a pile of bones and flesh filled with misery. You bring me to life. Love me, marry me, be with me in this life and into all the ones we live from this point ever after.”

“Well, since you put it like that, I guess I must.” She rises and kisses me. Our mouths sealing the promises we’ve made to another one another.

I make love to her again then, slowly. We barely move. I just slide in and we rock together and allow the strength of our emotions to carry us into the heaven. 

Author Biography

Bestselling author Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She's been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.

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