BLOG TOUR: Review and Giveaway! - Christmas Confessions & Cocktails by Vicki Lesage

SUMMARY 
Party girl Vicki tells it like it us, from her crazy Christmases growing up in the Midwest (book auction, anyone?) to her even crazier holidays in her new home of Paris (like a marathon 8-hour meal sitting on a stool). Bizarre gifts, weird food, and holiday travel disasters are just some of tales you'll chuckle at in this collection.

This Christmas-themed memoir features 25 funny and heartwarming essays, all with a tenuous tie to Christmas, and pairs each with a delicious drink recipe. So grab your martini shaker and get ready for some great cocktails and some hearty laughs this holiday season!

MY REVIEW
What a fun holiday read!  I LOVE how Vicki doesn't sugar coat reality, she tells it like she sees it and experiences it!
Some of my favorite pieces that she relives for us are downright hilarious! 
The secret Santa exchange makes me want to set one up between me and my friends and family just to see what craziness takes place!  (Let me just add I will take a Christmas Cosmo right now please, I'm sure work won't mind, right?  Tis' the season!)
Pet shopping 101, how did I forget to buy a Christmas present for our kitten Lila, thank you Vicki for reminding me!  
I'm sorry, no disrespect to the name Santa Claus, but I LOVE the name Pere Noel!  It sounds so festive and merry!
I am personally going to be starting a gift stock pile!  I get so many gifts from family and friends, that honestly I will never use and what better to save money and give a great gift!  Why stuff it in the back of my cramped closet (space is at a premium), why not pass it on to someone else?  I am all for it!
Fortune Cookies have always made me wonder "What are they truly trying to say?" and Vicki has now gave them a great purpose in life...When reading it add (In bed at the end of the statement)...Here's a great example: "Advice, when most needed, is least heeded." (In bed.) HAHA I love it!  I will be doing this from now on!
The fun continues - from bedtime antics to international travel with a baby!  I will not spoil all the fun, you have to read and experience the fun for yourself!  

DRINK SELECTION 
I am stealing one of Vicki's yummy recipes - Christmas Cosmo!  

 
MY RATING 
I loved this great Christmas read from Christmas Cosmo's to Tequila Tonic's!  I give it 5 glasses of wine all the way - I could not stop!
 

Enter to Win:

 Vicki is giving away her book 'Confessions of a Paris Party Girl' below: 

 

Confessions of a Paris Party Girl

Blurb:

#1 Amazon Best Selling Author When newly-single party girl Vicki moved to Paris, she was hoping to indulge in wine, stuff her face with croissants, and fall in love. It proved to be much more difficile than she'd imagined. In this laugh-out-loud memoir, this cheeky storyteller recounts the highs and lows of her life in the City of Light. Sassy and shamefully honest, Vicki makes you feel as if you're right there in Paris stumbling along the cobblestones with her. Will she find love? Will she learn to consume reasonable amounts of alcohol? Will the French administration ever cut her a break? A funny memoir about coming of age and embarking on a new life in Paris. Part travel memoir, part love story, this collection of funny essays shows the humorous side of life, love, and drinking in Paris.

Enter to Win:

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Check out all the Tour Stops:

12.07.15

Review @ Corrine's Garden Review @ Hello...Chick Lit Spotlight Post @ Lozza's Book Corner Guest Post by Vicki @ This Chick Reads

12.08.15

Review/Spotlight Post @ ChocolatePages Spotlight Post @ Literary Chanteuse Inteview with Vicki @ Judging More than just the Cover

12.09.15

Review @ Ali - The Dragon Slayer Excerpt @ T&L Book Reviews Interview with Vicki @ The Avid Readers Blog

12.10.15

Review/Excerpt @ Live, Laugh & Love Books Review @ Writing Pearls Review @ One Book at a Time Spotlight Post @ Chick Lit Central

12.11.15

Spotlight Post @ Denise Derrico Review @ Serve Me Reviews Guest Post @ It's not all Gravy Excerpt @ Art, Books & Coffee Spotlight Post @ Around the World Books Excerpt @ Book Groupies

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Tour Set Up by:

I ♥ all the Books Tours

COVER REVEAL: A Thorne for a Crown by Lorel Clayton

Release Date: December 15

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

 

SUMMARY 

The first real case femme fatale turned private eye, Eva Thorne, has had in months may be more than she can handle. King Rutgard has been kidnapped, only he's not entirely alive, which makes finding him difficult. What's more, dwarf men are joining the suffragist movement in droves to win freedom from the matriarchy, and there's a werewolf terrorist in town causing chaos. Eva needs a case like this to make her reputation, but she has problems of her own. Dark magic is rising in her, the Thorne legacy, and she can't control it. She has to find a way or risk imprisonment by the jackbooted elf soldiers who are cracking down on illegal necromancy and worship of the Dead God. Worse, the God of Death wants her soul, as does her twin sister, so Eva denies her magic and hides from her family. But some things are impossible to hide from, like the tax collector … and love.

Link for Lorel's Website:
Website

Book 1 is FREE!
Amazon

REVIEW: Christmas with Friends By Hannah Ellis

SUMMARY 
As the festive season rolls around, everything seems to be going great for Marie. She has a gorgeous fiancé, a beautiful house and is surrounded by her quirky but lovable friends and family.
But things are never simple in Marie’s life. As she reluctantly agrees to host Christmas dinner for her friends and family, Marie suddenly feels the pressure of pleasing everyone. On top of that, her gorgeous fiancé, Brian is starting to lose patience with her reluctance to start organizing the wedding.
Will Marie manage to pull off the perfect Christmas? And will she ever admit the real reason she’s avoiding all talk of weddings? 

MY REVIEW 
Christmas is upon Marie and she be happy and overjoyed with all that she has to be thankful for this holiday season - Brian (her fiance) and her Fat Club friends (you were learn more about that funny tale as you read!) While Marie was hoping for a quiet Christmas in with Brian, her friends had other plans!  They were all coming to her place and they have special request for what the holiday MUST HAVE.
So not only does she have that to look forward to planning, but her friends, family and even Brian will not let the wedding progress at her pace, they harass her about it daily!
Can she make this the Christmas to remember?
Can she please everyone and have the wedding they will never forget?
Or will she get cold feet?
Only time will tell!

WINE SELCTION
I am going to go with a nice bottle of Shore Acre Wine - White Christmas Moscato!  Delish! 

MY RATING
I give this fun with friend Christmas tale, 4 wine glasses!  I enjoyed reading it and I think you will as well!  

 

 

BLOG TOUR: Excerpt from Plan Bea by Hilary Grossman

Could falling in love allow a cold, stubborn, and selfish women to open her heart back up to her family? 

Beatrice Buchanan has spent more years than she can remember distancing herself from everyone close to her. She has no relationship with her grandchildren and the only time she speaks to her daughter is during her weekly fifteen-minute commute to the nail salon. When Bea meets Walter on a cruise she realizes there may be more to life than designer clothes and impressing the ladies at her country club. 


We live our entire lives thinking we know those closest to us. But do we ever really? 

On the outside, Annabel O'Conner has it all - the perfect husband, two adorable children, and an amazing job. The only thing missing is her mother's love. When Bea begs her daughter to help plan her wedding, Annabel reluctantly agrees. Little does she know the impact of her decision or the surprise that is in store for her! 

This emotional and honest women's contemporary fiction novel will tug at your heartstrings and the twist ending will shock you. 

November 30 – Turning Another Page – Review, Q&A & Excerpt

December 2 – Mes Livres - Excerpt

December 3 – Chick Lit Plus – Review & Excerpt

December 4 – Sweet N Sassy Bookaholics –Excerpt

December 7 – Novel Escapes – Q&A

December 9 – Star Crossed Reviews-  Excerpt

December 9 – Book Babble – Review & Excerpt

December 10 – Granny Loves to Read – Review

December 11 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review, Q&A & Excerpt

December 14 – The Phantom Paragrapher – Review 

Author Bio

Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island.

Connect with Hilary!

http://www.feelingbeachie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HilaryGrossmanAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/hilary_grossman/
https://www.pinterest.com/Hilary_Grossman/
https://twitter.com/feelingbeachie

Get the Book!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PZabz0
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plan-bea-hilary-grossman/1122774077
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plan-Bea-Hilary-Grossman-ebook/dp/B016E6FS4G
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/plan-bea/id1048163274

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Review: Survival of the Christmas Spirit by Aimee Horton

SUMMARY 
“Why the hell did I think cooking for nineteen people would be a good idea?”

It's Christmas and Dottie Harris is planning the biggest and best celebration ever, especially as she's planning to announce the news of her third pregnancy to her family.

But as always, nothing runs smoothly for Dottie, and it's not long before her two gruesome children, hapless husband and a nasty case of morning sickness are playing havoc with her carefully planned spreadsheets.

Can Dottie throw the perfect family Christmas (without so much as a swig of gin to help her through!) or will her burned pigs in blankets and her sister-in-law throwing up in the loo leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth? 

MY REVIEW 
I have had an amazing afternoon at work, reading this fun holiday read!  Yes you heard me correctly, I read all afternoon! (In between calls and transactions that is!)
Dottie is trying to plan and execute the best Christmas she possibly muster, for the first time at her home and she has it down or so she things...
Her mother calls her the last minute on Christmas Eve and adds 6 more people to the list, is she serious?  Dottie gets two crazy kids ready to leave the house and prepares to buy more turkey...surprise surprise all the stores are out...except one and that was a battle (and a horrible coral lipsticked woman) that Dottie couldn't defeat.
Just when Dottie thinks thinks things can't worse they do...
And Dottie has a surprise of her own that just makes this holiday even more memorable!
Sit back, grab a bottle of wine (or gin and tonic as Dottie loves) and enjoy this fun, crazy holiday read!

DRINK SELECTION
We are going to go with Dottie's favorite, Gin and Tonic!  She needs it big time after dealing with this tough crown (and holiday!)

MY RATING
I give this fun holiday read 4 glasses of wine!  I enjoyed it and didn't want it to end!  

 

Friday Finds - For FREE!

Hello Everyone!!!  I have another exciting edition of Friday Finds!  I hope you have a great weekend and take advantage of these great deals!  xx (Free at time of publication)

SUMMARY 
Charlee Jensen had what she considered the idyllic childhood growing up in a town named for that most prized emotion of all, Loveland, Colorado. At seventeen, her teenage crush, a man eight years older than her, marries and she naively thinks this is the worst thing that would ever happen to her. Then her parents divorce and her world crumbles. She finds herself being whisked away from her beloved home and estranged from her father.
Now eight years later, with two degrees that she never wanted in hand, and no job prospects, her father offers her a position with his CPA firm. With no other options available, Charlee accepts his offer and returns to the hometown she loves. While rebuilding her relationship with her father, she discovers that perhaps a romantic relationship is in the cards for her, with her old teenage crush, Ryan Carter, who just happens to still live next door and is now a partner in her father’s CPA firm.
Newly divorced and single dad, Ryan Carter, isn’t quite sure what to make of the girl next door, who’s all woman now. He finds himself having a hard time resisting this beautiful yet annoyingly charming woman, but their age difference and his complicated relationship with his ex-wife cause quite a bit of trouble for the couple. Ryan finds himself torn between keeping the peace with his ex-wife and mother of his child and his feelings for Charlee.
Can they successfully overcome their troubles in Loveland? Find out in this witty romance filled with sparks, humor, and of course, a little bit of trouble.

Link to Download: 
Amazon  

SUMMARY 
Embrace the holiday season with a fun and sexy romance.
Morgan is having a miserable week. She broke up with her boyfriend, can't afford to go home to spend the holidays with her family, and has to work every day leading up to Christmas.
Enter mall Santa.
When Morgan is forced to tell Santa what she wants for Christmas, she doesn't hold back. She wants a bad boy for Christmas. He must have chiseled arms, smoldering eyes, and a panty-melting smile.
Will Santa send Morgan her perfect bad boy? 


Link to Download:
Amazon

SUMMARY 
Book One in the French Twist Series.
Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends.
When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be!
So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin!
Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and God with her future–très bon!


Link To Download:
Amazon

SUMMARY
Facing eviction, Rhea Morrison, a young grieving widow, must save her failing bakery. An unexpected turn of events lands her at a singles retreat where she meets Martin Lane.
Pastor Martin laments over his secret, traumatic past mistakes. He’s destined to lead his father’s church, despite blatant rejection. He can’t love Rhea - he’s yet to forgive himself for his past. If Rhea knew how he used to be, she would have no interest in pursuing a relationship with him.
Rhea feels torn about her attraction to Martin – he’s a pastor, and after her husband’s death, she vowed to never get involved with another pastor. Can Martin and Rhea overcome their past so that they’re free to love again? 



Link to Download:
Amazon

SUMMARY
Last Christmas had been a disaster for Sophie and her daughter Bella. On Christmas morning Sophie discovered a present, which turned out to be for her husband Archie's mistress Bertha.
Sophie was determined that this year was going to be different. If only she could shake this cold and it would stop snowing.
With Bella still away at her Dad's, Susi, her lively best friend, persuades Sophie to host a party on Christmas Eve. With a menu consisting of simply 'Booze and nibbles' what could possibly go wrong?
Sophie is about to find out.
Susi is playing seasonal match-maker under the mistletoe before Christmas? And the suitors are queuing up...
But with the weather getting worse by the minute, will anyone be able to make it to the party, or even to Christmas Dinner?
Will Archie be able to drive Bella home through all this snow? And will he be coming with Bertha or coming alone? Will Sophie find love and happiness in time for Christmas?
Just who will make it to this Christmas dinner, or what will happen when they get there, is anyone's guess.
'Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas Dinner' is a story of family, love and romance. It was previously published as ‘Party Favourites’.
'A perfect seasonal treat.' - Holly Kinsella, best-selling author of 'Uptown Girl'.
When she's not in the kitchen or mentally cataloguing the contents of her cupboards, Laura Lockington is a writer and playwright. Random House published her first two books, 'Stargazy Pie' and 'Capers in the Sauce'. She has also co-written several plays for BBC Radio 4, including a comedy set in a beach hut. She shares her flat with a Frenchman, a wire haired fox terrier and a greedy fridge that demands feeding with monotonous regularity.  


Link to Download:
Amazon

SUMMARY
Peri Young's book is being made into a mini-series, starring the drop dead gorgeous Tom Easton, one of Britain's hottest actors. After a disastrous first meeting, Peri is determined to dislike him while to win a bet, Tom is equally determined to win her around.
Tom finds himself the subject of intense media scrutiny due to a burglary and as a consequence, his personal information and photos are being leaked online. Not long out of a bad marriage, Peri's self-esteem has never been lower and thanks to her malicious ex and the paparazzi, she's not sure she can handle dating someone like Tom, no matter how wonderful he seems.
Is dating Tom worth the intrusions into her private life? Can she get some of the confidence back that she used to possess and accept him into her life, or will she give into her fears?

Link to Download:
Amazon  

SUMMARY
“Cooking for nineteen people will be a cinch!” Ever-optimistic Dottie Harris is preparing for the biggest and best Christmas celebration ever, and nothing—not even unexpected guests or running out of gin—will get her down.
But as always, things don't run smoothly for Dottie, and it's not long before her two energetic children, hapless husband and a nasty stomach bug wreak havoc on her carefully planned spreadsheets.
Can Dottie throw the perfect family Christmas (without so much as a swig of gin to help her through) or will preparing for the festivities get the best of her? One thing's for sure: This will be a Christmas to remember! 

Links to Download:
Amazon  

Enjoy your weekend of reading everyone!

Hugs,

Bethany 


 

Review - Sex, Snow and Mistletoe by Laura Barnard

SUMMARY
Melinda is already having a crappy Christmas. Forced to attend some snotty bitch's wedding is not the way to start out the holidays. But when a car crash pushes her into the path of a handsome stranger she's glad to follow his snowy, sexy and seductive path. But is he too good to be true? And will she make it to the wedding before her best friend loses her mind with worry? 

MY REVIEW
Such a fun holiday story to read this time of you!
Melinda is so not in holiday spirit and add to that a wedding she is on her way to for a girl she doesn't even like or truly know for that matter!  I mean seriously, who invites a girl to their wedding that they met one time!  
But fate steps in and she gets into a car accident!  OK maybe not fate but cupid sure did arrive early with a man to rescue her - WOW!
I do not want to give away to many of the sexy, fun details of this story!
Just know that you will enjoy this all the way to the end and you will not be disappointed!
  
DRINK SELECTION 
I am going for a great glass of Champagne!  Yum and totally worth all the craziness of Melinda's trip!

MY RATING 
I give this fun, festive read 4 glasses of Champagne!  Enjoy the holiday season and read Sex, Snow and Mistletoe!