Taming the Rake by Erica Ridley

 Please welcome Erica Ridley author of  Taming the Rake

Erica Ridley will be awarding a Winner's choice ebook or paperback copies of the first TWO books in the Wicked Dukes Club series! (ebooks international) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Taming the Rake

by Erica Ridley

 

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GENRE: Historical Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Enjoy a fiery, passionate enemies-to-lovers revenge romance from a New York Times bestselling author!

 

All her life, Miss Gladys Bell was a wallflower whose parents despaired of her ever attracting a suitor. Then she met the man of her dreams, who said she was the woman of his. One passionate night later, Gladys awaits a marriage proposal that never comes. Reuben Medford, the ton’s most notorious rake, doesn’t even remember her name.

 

Thanks to his cold-hearted callousness, Gladys lost her reputation, her dowry, and her chance at love. But now she’s back, and bent on revenge. He’s trifled with the wrong woman: This wallflower has thorns. Once Gladys holds that damnable rake’s arrogant, fickle heart in her hands… She’ll crush it, just as he did to her.

 

This time, he’ll remember her name.

 

 

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EXCERPTS:

 

Giddiness overtook her, as though Gladys had drunk far too much ratafia, despite not having imbibed a single drop. There was no trace of alcohol in her system. It was Mr. Medford who made her feel dizzy, each kiss more intoxicating than the last.

 

She hoped he would never stop, and didn’t know how to say so—or even if she should. She might have practiced every step of every dance in hopes of one day being invited onto the floor, but she didn’t have the least notion what to do in a situation like this. All she could do was grip his arms and hold on tight as he kissed her.

 

Phase one: look approachable. Accomplished. Full marks. She’d looked so approachable, he’d literally plucked her up off the grass and into his waiting arms. When it came to Mr. Medford, Gladys was the supreme empress of looking approachable. Huggable. Kissable. Irresistible.

 

So… what followed? She had never achieved phase one before, and had no idea what steps to take next. Kiss him back was the obvious answer, which she was doing with every fiber of her being. 

 

She had no experience in these matters, which meant she was essentially copying his moves, pressing harder when he did, softer when he relaxed. Parting her lips when he did, opening her mouth like he did, losing her bloody mind when the tip of his tongue brushed hers and electrified every nerve ending throughout her body.

 

She was almost certain her only other suitor had no idea how to kiss like this, and even if he thought he did, he would be nowhere near as competent in the matter as Mr. Medford. Gladys was practically a puddle in this gentleman’s arms, and he still found ways to stoke the heat even higher. Even her nipples were reacting to the kiss, pushing out through the fabric of her bodice as though they too wished to rub themselves against Mr. Medford’s sensual tongue.

 

He hadn’t paused once. Hadn’t checked his pocket watch, glanced over her shoulder, or tapped his foot with impatience. She wasn’t boring him unconscious. By all appearances, there was nowhere Mr. Medford would rather be, and nothing Mr. Medford would rather do, than sit here on this hard stone bench in the middle of a chilly night with tiny, mousy Gladys Bell perched on his lap.

 

 

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of witty, feel-good historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, starring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?

 

In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

 

Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England. 

 

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Central America, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

 

https://www.EricaRidley.com

https://twitter.com/EricaRidley

https://facebook.com/EricaRidley

https://instagram.com/EricaRidley

https://goodreads.com/EricaRidley

https://amazon.com/author/ericaridley

https://facebook.com/groups/HistRomBookClub/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erica-ridley/

 

https://books.apple.com/us/book/taming-the-rake/id6443430309

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFP2NPBC/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-rake-erica-ridley/1142269126?ean=2940186632672

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/taming-the-rake-1

https://books2read.com/2TamingTheRake

 

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Erica Ridley will be awarding a Winner's choice ebook or paperback copies of the first TWO books in the Wicked Dukes Club series! (ebooks international) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4539/"

Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 Please welcome Talia Aikens-Nunez author of Men of the 65th

Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Men of the 65th

by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 

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GENRE: YA Nonfiction

 

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INTERVIEW:

1. What or who inspired you to start writing? 

The birth of my daughter inspired me to start writing. Raising a bilingual child, it was hard to find fun picture books introducing babies and families to Spanish or about slice of life topics for kids of color. Most multicultural picture or board books I found were about difference, their hair and/or skin. Those stories are important and at the same time, I also wanted general stories to round out their library. 

2. What elements are necessary components for this genre?

Research, research, research. And, organization. In order to write a nonfiction story like Men of the 65^th, I researched the topic for years. I read military history books, watched documentaries, read countless articles and read memoirs by military commanders. Also, I watched hours and hours of interviews of former soldiers. And, I read transcripts of interviews of former soldiers. I also needed to locate and read old military documents, memos and the transcripts of the court martial. Without the thorough research, I would not be able to put the story of the unit together in an organized and digestible way for young readers. 

3. How did you come up with your idea for your novel?

About ten years ago, during a family gathering at my in-laws, my husband’s grandfather told me that he served in the military during the Korean War. With his back straight up, he proudly explained that he served with the 65^th Infantry Regiment, whose battle name was the Borinqueneers. I felt ashamed because I had never heard of this unit and, if I am being truly honest, I didn’t know how to spell Borinqueneer. After he explained some of their history to me, I wanted to know more about the only Latino segregated unit in United States Army history. Next, I did what most people do today - I googled them.  Sadly, there were not many books available on them. What angered me the most was that I could not find one book appropriate for my kids to read about them. So, I decided to write one. 

5. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I love to travel. I want to see as much of the world as I can. I enjoy everything from beach vacations in the tropics to snow shoeing in the mountains to sightseeing and learning about the history of a new place. 

6. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I am actively looking for the next topic to research. If any of your readers think there is a little known piece of history that needs to be explored, my DMs are open. I utterly enjoyed researching this lesser known bit of history and look forward to finding the next story. 

8. Can you give us a sneak peek into this book?

Sure. The book is about the only Latino segregated unit in Army history, the 65^th Infantry Regiment. In the book, I explain how and when the unit was formed and the military events they participated in. Essentially, because of segregation practices in the military, only white units could participate in direct combat during World War I and World War II. However, because of an exercise they participated in where they displayed their superior training and execution, they were sent to the Korean War. Interwoven through their story the book details the politics surrounding the Korean War as well as the politics of the United States and Puerto Rico. Finally, it details the unit’s involvement with the largest mass court martial of the Korean War. And, ultimately their recognition through the Congressional Gold medal award in 2014. 

10. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

I had an agent at the time. But, for personal reasons, she had to reduce the amount of authors she represented. She helped me to polish up a chapter to prepare it for submission. She encouraged me to submit it along with a table of contents to publishers. I am still grateful for her encouragement. 

11. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

The best advice I’ve received is basically keep trying. Unfortunately, with every book I have written (this is book 7), it received several rejections from publishers and editors. But, I was persistent and eventually it found a book home. 

 

The worst advice I received (well I am not sure it is exactly advice) but someone told me essentially that I should give up on my dream of writing. It hurt. But, I ignored it and kept writing. 

12. Do you outline your books or just start writing?

For nonfiction books, you must create an outline. For submission to publishers, you submit a polished chapter along with a table of contents, essentially an outline. 

16. Anything else you might want to add?
My very favorite scene from the book is the opening scene. The Men of the 65^th had been in the Korean War for about seven months at this point. They were ordered to take a hill in South Korea that the North Koreans and the Chinese occupied. 

 

The Chinese army was tough. They would not easily give up a hill. 

 

A soldier, Modesto Cartagena, came to the hill determined. While engaging with the enemy, a shot took out his machine gun. But, he had an idea. 

 

He charged the mountain. Intense gunfire was aimed at and around him. Grenades exploded around him but he kept running. He lobbed one of his grenades at one of the enemy’s emplacement’s and BOOM! He took it out along with enemy soldiers. 

 

He looked back and saw that most of his platoon was behind him. He told them to take cover and he continued to charge the hill. 

 

The enemy was still firing at him. Dirt and earth raining down around him. So, he started to catch enemy grenades thrown at him and quickly throw them back at the Chinese and North Koreans. He took out another one of their emplacements with enemy soldiers. 

 

He did not have time to catch his breath before one of the enemy grenades knocked him to the ground. He dusted himself off and continued to charge the hill. 

 

Using grenades thrown at him he would continue to catch them and throw them back at the enemy destroying their emplacements and enemy soldiers. He destroyed five emplacements and killing over 40 enemy soldiers before the enemy targeted him. The enemy grenades would knock him down but he continued to get up and throw grenades back at them. 

 

Eventually, he was hit. He lost a lot of blood but his platoon rescued him from that hill. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military award. Some believe that he should have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military award. 

 

The book details other stories of heroism like Modesto Cartagena who I affectionately refer to as a real life G.I. Joe. 

BLURB:

 

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

 

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

 

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

 

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

The US public was shocked to discover that during the war, 162 soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment had been court-martialed and ninety-one of those soldiers found guilty of disobeying orders and desertion. 

 

The US military kept the courts-martial quiet. But the soldiers of the 65th sent letters to their families describing what was happening, which led to public outcry and confusion from the press. How could one of the most distinguished regiments of the Korean War, whose soldiers had only months before been praised by General Douglas MacArthur for their “brilliant record of heroism,” become involved in the largest mass court-martial of the Korean War? 

 

Did the Borinqueneers lose their bravery and heroism in such a short time? Or were they victims of discrimination in a prejudiced and segregated system? Were they betrayed by the country they risked their lives for? 

 

This is the story of one of the bravest and most decorated regiments in the history of the US military. It is a forgotten story in a forgotten war. But it is a story of patriotism, loyalty, and bravery in the face of danger and discrimination, and it is one that deserves to be told.

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Talia Aikens-Nuñez is passionate about sharing with young readers the little known stories, accomplishments, and contributions of people of color from all throughout history. Aikens-Nuñez is the author of Small Nap, Little Dream, a bilingual Spanish/English picture book. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their two children.

 

Links: 

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War/dp/1728479142

Lerner: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/22654

Twitter: talia_n

Website: Http://www.kidslitbytalia.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/taliaaikensnunezchildrenswriter

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4532

Shine His Light by Marie McGaha

 Please welcome Marie McGaha author of Shine His Light

Shine His Light

by Marie McGaha

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GENRE: Christian devotional

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INTERVIEW:

1. What or who inspired you to start writing?

I began writing as soon as I learned my ABC’s! As a child, I wrote little stories and poems, and when I was 13, I wrote my first full length novel, a romance about a teacher from Boston who goes to teach in a small town in the wild, Wild West and falls in love with the town marshal. Of course, I no longer have a copy of it, but I wish I did so I could see what my 13-year-old mind conceived romance to be!
2. What elements are necessary components for this genre?

My current book, Shine His Light 3 Instructions in Life is a devotional, so my research is in the Bible, and includes a lot of prayer. 
4. What expertise did you bring to your writing?

I’ve been writing for so long, it’s second nature. I began submitting to publishers in the old days, pre-computers! In those days, you had to type everything, box it up, mail it to a New York publisher and wait six months or longer for a rejection letter! Sometimes, they never bothered to even reply, or you’d get the manuscript returned unopened! Since those days, I’ve tried to hone my writing skills and have become both an editor and publisher.
5. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I was widowed after 23 years of marriage and never expected to fall in love again, but I met Daniel, a wonderful man and pastor. It was literally love at first sight! We just got married on February 4!
6. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

Book 4 in this series is due out this spring, and I have a huge surprise for summer 2023!
8. Can you give us a sneak peek into this book?

Sure! Here’s a little excerpt!  

All of us feel like outcasts sometimes, and we have all done things we are ashamed of, but the thing with God is, He has seen every evil thing we’ve done, and He still loves us. God is the only One we never have to prove anything to. We don’t have to dress a certain way, talk a certain way, wear make-up, or do anything to try and impress Him the way we’ve had to do with people in our lives. God knows the innermost secrets, the hidden things we wouldn’t dare tell a living soul because we know they would kick us to the curb if they knew the real us. 

         But long before we come to the point of confessing our sins to God and accepting Christ as our Savior, He already knew our innermost secrets and the darkest thoughts we have had. Yet, He doesn’t care. He loves us anyway, with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), and the wideness of God’s love is immeasurable, incomprehensible, unbelievable, and all-encompassing. His compassion for us is beyond measure and His love is truly a “reckless, raging, fury” because there are no lengths He will not go to, no depths He will not sink to, and no sin He will not forgive in order to have us by His side.

11. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

When I first began submitting, it was romance novels.  I love writing historical, American, romance, so the very first book I was contracted for was a sweet romance. But there was one caveat, the publisher wanted explicit sex. So I wound up writing several erotic romances, and I was so excited about being published, I fell into it very easily. The problem with that is it led me away from my religious beliefs and I was very aware that it wasn’t what God wanted from me and not the reason He had given me the talent to write. I would tell people now to never compromise their beliefs or who they are, even if it means not getting the contract.
12. Do you outline your books or just start writing?

It depends on what I’m writing since I write both fiction and nonfiction. With fiction, I usually begin with the bubble plan and then translate it into an outline. I do this with pen and paper because it gives me time to think and plan. For devotionals, I don’t really plan to write them, and they usually come from life experience that I’ve used the word of God to get through.
13. How do you maintain your creativity?

Since I write fiction and nonfiction, it gives me a break from writing one when I’m on the other one. The past several years have been spent on the Shine series, so I haven’t written fiction in a while, but I hear the whispers of a character or two roaming around in my brain, so there might be another novel in the making!
15. Are your plotting bunnies, angels or demons? When I write fiction, I love the voices in my head! The good ones tell me what to write and who everyone is, but I have to admit, I love writing the bad guys more than the good guys!
16. Anything else you might want to add?

Thank you for having me. I truly enjoyed answering your questions! If anyone would like to contact me personally with comments or questions, please send an email to church.hereigns@gmail.com

BLURB:

Life is the journey we take on our way to Heaven. It's not easy, it's not pretty, and sometimes, it's downright difficult. However, we have an Advocate unlike any other, Jesus Christ. In Shine His Light, the author uses scriptures and her own life lessons to help others get through the bumpy spots.

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EXCERPT:

When I was a kid, the series “Star Trek” was the greatest sci-fi show on TV, with the most up-to-date special effects. People disappeared in the transporter, we saw the Enterprise fly through the stars at warp speed, and of course, we saw really strange people and creatures from other planets. Sometimes, the planets were inhospitable and wouldn’t support life as we know it, so the crew moved on. 

Of course, it didn’t take long for technology to leap forward and when I watch the old “Star Trek” episodes now, the special effects seem so antiquated, they’re something we laugh about. We can take what is already there and turn it into something better, something brand new and more efficient but we can’t take nothing and turn it into something. Only God can do that. 

When God’s Spirit hovered over the face of the waters, He did not think it was inhospitable or that nothing could ever come from it. God looked at the waters and thought, I can make dry land. I can make light. I can take some of that dirt and form a human being. And that is exactly what He did. But He did not stop there, He formed a human being from a pile of dirt and then, He did something remarkable, He breathed His own Spirit into that pile of dirt and gave it life. That pile of dirt became the first man—a living, breathing, moving, thinking person. And God said it was “very good.” Up until then, everything created was called “good,” but man and woman were “very good.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Chaplain, author, editor and inspirational speaker, Marie McGaha lives in the beautiful Ozarks of southeast Oklahoma. After losing the love of her life, Nathan, Marie returned from the mountains of Idaho to their native home where she lives with a houseful of yapping furbies, pigs, chickens, and a horse named Horse! She attends Family Praise & Worship and is very grateful for her church family and their support. Shine His Light 4, the final book of the series, is due out next spring.

Amazon Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCS7K29V

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarieMcGaha/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/Marie_McGaha

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariemcgaha/

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Marie McGaha will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

RAFFLECOPTER:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4462