Sangria Saturday: POMEGRANATE CHAMPAGNE SANGRIA (#Champagne #Recipe #Sangria #HappyNewYear)

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Welcome to Sangria Saturday, where ever Saturday you will find a delicious sangria recipe to go with your weekend reading! Have a recipe of your own? Join the fun and leave us a comment or a link to your own post!  

POMEGRANATE CHAMPAGNE SANGRIA
It's New Years Eve and you can't ring in 2017 without some champagne. If you're like me, you don't much care for the taste of champagne by itself, so here is a great sangria recipe to hide the taste and share with friends! Cheers and Happy New Year from all of us to you!

#Spotlight on No Mercy by Tory Richards

News from Tory Richards


Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season. I love this time of year but I’m always a little bit relieved when it’s over. Too busy, too much food, too much of everything it seems. The best part is getting to spend extra time with family and friends. Don’t you agree?

4 Wine Glass #Review for Could've Said Yes by Tracy March

Title: Could’ve Said Yes
Series: Thistle Bend #3
Author: Tracy March
Format: Kindle, 214 Pages
Published: December 13, 2016 (Loveswept)
ISBN: ASIN: B01AES543K
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

The truth paves a path for a second chance at love in a captivating Thistle Bend novel from the award-winning author of Should’ve Said No (“A small-town gem of a read, sparkling with humor and warmth.”—Zoe Dawson).
Having recently returned to Thistle Bend, Colorado, Ellie London is working hard to make a living as an artist, and to get over her broken engagement. She’s focused only on guarding her heart and healing her mind . . . until a cocky, undeniably sexy out-of-towner rides in on his motorcycle. Turns out, Ellie might have just found the perfect opportunity to prove to herself that she’s over her cheating fiancé.

After his own engagement falls through, EPA Inspector Collin Cooper is eager for a change of scenery in Thistle Bend. His principle rule of the road is not to get too involved with a new woman—and yet he can’t resist beautiful, outdoorsy Ellie. But when a local river becomes polluted under Collin’s supervision, resentment floods the entire town, running even deeper with Ellie’s family. With his job on the line, Collin needs to find a way to set things right—and hold on to the woman who has captured his heart.

Linda's Thoughts:
  Man.
Motorcyle.
Mountains.

4 Wine Glass #Audio #Review for Mail-Order Brides of the West: Bertha: A Montana Sky Novella by Debra Holland

Title: MAIL-ORDER BRIDES OF THE WEST: BERTHA
Series: Montana Sky Series Novella
Author: Debra Holland
Narrator: Lara Asmundson
Format: Unabridged Audiobook, 3 hrs and 13 mins (Kindle, 100 pages)
Published: June 8, 2016 (Debra Holland)
ISBN: ASIN: B01GQSYDSY
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

MAIL-ORDER BRIDES OF THE WEST: BERTHA, a Montana Sky Series Novella by NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Holland

Bertha Bucholtz returns to her St. Louis home after an unsuccessful stay at the mail-order bridal agency. Her family house is overflowing with her thin, beautiful sisters and their many suitors, and shy, overweight Bertha is lost among the chaos. Even her baking skills—so praised at the agency—aren’t special, for her six sisters and her mother are also excellent cooks. Desperate to be living on her own, Bertha searches for a job as a cook but with little success.

Then a letter arrives from her nemesis at the bridal agency. Shrewish Prudence Crawford, now Mrs. Michael Morgan, invites Bertha to move to Morgan’s Crossing, Montana Territory and work as a cook and housekeeper at the boarding house for her husband’s miners.

Upon her arrival in Morgan’s Crossing, Bertha has to contend with Prudence, who seems to have mellowed—or has she? The boarding house is dirty, run-down, and full of uncouth miners. As the only single woman for miles around and a lauded cook, Bertha quickly becomes the siren of the tiny town as well as nearby Sweetwater Springs, as miners and cowboys flock to court her. Now the shy woman who had no choice of suitors has an abundance of them to pick from. She never would have dreamt having too many swains was a bigger problem than having none at all.

Linda's Thoughts:
          “I particularly want you to meet Miss Bucholtz.”
          The very idea made him uneasy. “Why is that,
Ma’am?” he bluntly asked.
          Mrs. Morgan hesitated. “Keep this under your hat, mind you.”
          “Yes, Ma’am.”
          She let out a tired sigh. “I’ve brought Miss Bucholtz to replace Mr. Gabellini.”
          Howie pictured a dried up old spinster with the same commanding presence as Mrs. Morgan, a real battle-axe.
          “Fireworks are coming. Are you sure a woman is the right, uh, person for the job?”
          “Bertha Bucholz is one of the best cooks I know. I guarantee by this time next month, you men will all be sporting five extra pounds.”

4.5 Wine Glass #Review of Legend of Love by Lisa Kessler

Title: Legend of Love
Series: The Muse Chronicles #2
Author: Lisa Kessler
Format: Kindle, 256 Pages
Published: December 5, 2016 (Lisa's Lair)
ISBN: ASIN: B01GF9YK32
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

The Prophecy - “Every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn, and with their rebirth are also nine Guardians. They will be marked by the gods, and given gifts to protect his treasure. Their abilities will only be unlocked when they find their muse.”

Callie O'Connor's life has never been the same since the Muse of Epic Poetry came alive inside of her. Now she's on the other side of the country, working as civilian psychologist for the Navy, and leading her Muse sisters in their quest to reopen the Theater of the Muses.

But nothing could have prepared her for Hunter Armstrong. He's a Navy Seal, driven, confident, and dangerous. And he plans to do more than just protect her.

The gods couldn't have picked a better Guardian. But as Hunter soon discovers, Callie has some skeletons of her own in the closet, and loving her could lead to his destruction.

Linda's Thoughts:
“No matter what you tell me—” his lips curved into a sexy smile “—I’ll still want you.” 

“But you’ll at least understand why it’s a bad idea.”

He tipped his head back under the water. “Oh, Doc…” He ran his hands through his hair and met her eyes again. “I’m the king of bad ideas.” 

Dasnarian Fashion with Jeffe Kennedy of The Edge of the Blade

Dasnarian Fashion


Thanks to the Reading Between the Wines gals for hosting me today to celebrate the release of THE EDGE OF THE BLADE!

It’s funny that they asked me to talk about Dasnarian fashion, because I saw a review just today where the reviewer seemed confused about the worldbuilding unpinning some of the Dasnarian fashion trends. A perfect opportunity for me to explain!

4.5 Wine Glass #Audio #Review for Merry Christmas, Baby by Katie Reus

Title: Merry Christmas, Baby
Author: Katie Reus
Narrator: Sophie Eastlake
Format: Unabridged Audiobook, Two hours and 12 minutes
Published: 17 October 2016 (KR Press LLC)
ISBN: ASIN: B01MAVWZS4
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Warm up with a sexy holiday tale of love and romance from USA Today bestselling author Katie Reus... 

After unexpectedly inheriting a bookstore, Nora and her younger sister settled in Holly, NC, a place where it’s Christmas year-round. As the legal guardian for her sister the past few years, romance has been the last thing on Nora’s mind. But she broke her rules for the town’s golden boy—former SEAL Jackson O’Connor.

When Jackson does something stupid and almost loses Nora for good, he realizes just how far he’s willing to go for the woman who’s stolen his heart. But it might take a Christmas miracle to get Nora to give him a second chance. 

Linda's Thoughts:
“You fight dirty,” she murmured, taking the tin from him.
“I play to win.” 

#Spotlight on My Highland Rebel by Amanda Forester + #Giveaway

My Highland Rebel 
(Highland Trouble #2)
by Amanda Forester
Paperback, 416 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492605468

Second in a passionate, fast-paced Scottish Highlander romance series from critically acclaimed author Amanda Forester 

A conquering hero
Cormac Maclean would rather read than rampage, but his fearsome warlord father demands that he prove himself in war. Cormac chooses what he thinks is an easy target, only to encounter a fiery Highland lass leading a doomed rebellion and swearing revenge on him.

Meets an unconquerable heroine
Jyne Cambell is not about to give up her castle without a fight, even though her forces are far outnumbered. She's proud, hot-blooded and hot-tempered, and Cormac falls for her hard.

It's going to take all of Cormac's ingenuity to get Jyne to surrender gracefully-both to his sword and to his heart...

AMAZON | B&N

3.5 Wine Glass #Audio #Review of The Fearless Highlander by Amy Jarecki

Title: The Fearless Highlander
Series: Highland Defender, Book 1
Author: Amy Jarecki
Narrator: Joel Froomkin
Format: Unabridged Audiobook, 10 hours and 18 minutes
Published: 9 May 2016 (Amy Jarecki)
ISBN: 1523654759
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Heir to the most notorious clan in the Highlands, Hugh MacIain hides his identity while imprisoned in the bowels of Fort William’s hell. Aye, this braw warrior has endured horrors that should have seen him dead, though now it appears it’s the bloody flux that will send him to Satan’s fire.

Optimistic, competent, and captivating, Charlotte Hill takes pity on a fevered prisoner sprawled atop a cot in the fort’s surgery. When finally the Highlander opens his eyes, he seizes her heart with a pained stare. Truly, this is no commoner—but in 1692, a warrior loyal to the Jacobite cause and the daughter of a government colonel may as well be worlds apart.

After his escape, Hugh snatches a chance to woo the lass, until disaster strikes. While war and lust for vengeance force Charlotte further from Hugh’s arms, the couple’s romance seems aimlessly adrift on the open sea. Before they sail too far apart, can the tender love of an English lady coax a determined Highlander from his path of revenge?

Linda's Thoughts:
Steeling her resolve, she stepped further into the study. “Regardless if I have your blessing, I have made up my mind. I love Hugh MacIain. It is he whom I will wed.”
Papa guzzled the remaining dregs. Slamming the bottle to the table with a belch, his gaze wandered to the hearth rather than to Charlotte. “No.” He drew the word out and it hung in the air and chilled like death. “You cannot marry a corpse.”

#Giveaway of Maid Under the Mistletoe by Maureen Child

Maid Under the Mistletoe
by Maureen Child
Paperback, 224 pages
Published December 6th 2016 by Harlequin Desire
ISBN 0373735006

An upstairs-downstairs affair for Christmasonly from USA TODAY bestselling author Maureen Child!

Single mom Joy Curran needs this temporary holiday housekeeping job working for a reclusive billionaire. But her sexy, aloof boss pulls at Joy's heartstringsand her long-denied desiresin unexpected ways

Sam Henry never got over the loss of his wife and son, and he's shut himself off from happiness, loveand the holidays. But Joy and her sweet daughter bring laughter into his life. And living with his new maid ignites a passion he can't ignore. After one glorious night in Joy's arms, will this beauty be the Christmas miracle that changes the beast forever?"

AMAZON | B&N

5 Wine Glass #Audio #Review for The Time Traveler's Christmas by Amy Jarecki

Title: The Time Traveler’s Christmas
Series: Guardians of Scotland #3
Author: Amy Jarecki
Narrator: Dave Gillies
Format: Unabridged Audiobook, 9 hours and 12 minutes
Published: 7 November 2016 (Amy Jarecki)
ISBN: ASIN: B01M9J6K9T
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

A man’s life can fall apart in an instant…

Tougher than oxhide, Lachlan Wallace can take about anything except a breakup call from his wife two minutes before competing in the Karate Championship of the World. Arriving home with a loss, he agrees to watch his uncle’s cat over the holidays. Or so he thinks—until he awakes on a fourteenth century battlefield beside a woman fighting for her life.

Never underestimate a woman’s determination…

Taken from her at the age of two, Lady Christina de Moray hasn’t seen her son in thirteen years. While traveling with Robert the Bruce’s army to exchange an English prisoner for the lad, a battle erupts. Losing the fight, Christina is rescued by a mysterious warrior while the English escape with her son yet again.

And never bet against the potency of passion…

Left with no way back to the twenty-first century, Lachlan agrees to help Christina rescue the lad from his English captors. If the heir is not returned by Christmas next, the Bruce will make his decision whom to grant the de Moray lands, including Lady Christina’s hand. Once his duty is fulfilled, Lachlan hopes to discover a way home—as long as he keeps his mind on the goal and ignores his growing love for the spirited woman who gives him her trust—and her heart.

Linda's Thoughts:

“My mum always taught that the truth will set you free.”
“Did she now?”
“Mm hmm,” Lachlan brushed the pad of his pointer finger over her cheek’s silken skin. “But she kept one truth hidden from me until very recently.”
“What was that?”
He gulped. “You know the truth thing on the medallion?
“Aye.”
“Well, if that’s my rallying cry, then it will mean the world to me if you trust that I’m not lying.”
She let the disk drop back to his chest. “Ye can tell me anything, I’d reckon.”
He needed to tell her the truth. “My father is – was William Wallace.”

#Giveaway of A Bravo Christmas Wedding by Christine Rimmer

A Bravo Christmas Wedding 
(Bravo Royales Series #9)
by Christine Rimmer
Paperback, 224 pages
Published November 18th 2014 by Harlequin
ISBN 0373658540

Love on the Range?

Princess Aurora Bravo-Calabretti is wishing for a mountain man this Christmas! But her most unroyal crush—rancher Walker McKellan—insists that they remain "just friends." Now he's her round-the-clock bodyguard while she is the maid of honor at her cousin's holiday wedding. Rory can't resist this Colorado cowboy…but she wishes she was walking down the aisle to meet Walker at the altar!

Both the best man to the groom and Rory's bodyguard, Walker can't shake his charge. As he begins to see Rory in a different light, a surprise snowstorm strands him with his princess…and sparks ignite into a holiday love affair! Can their Christmas passion blossom into a very Bravo happily-ever-after?

AMAZON | B&N