Spotlight – Know You by Heart

07 Monday Oct 2019

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Know You by Heart, Laurie Winter, Warriors of the Heart series

Winters knows how to bring all the feels with her Warriors of the Heart books so be warned – there’s a good chance of laughter, tears, and sighs with any of them.

*****

Know You by Heart

Warriors of the Heart #5

by Laurie Winter

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: 7 October, 2019

Blurb:

After a bomb blast ended her career with the military, Alice Liddell arrives at a veterans’ retreat in hopes of healing. The last person she expects to stumble upon is pro-football quarterback Micah Palmer. Even more surprising, she forms a friendship with this fellow lost soul.

Since his injury a year ago, Micah Palmer has struggled with addiction and recovery. He agrees to volunteer at the veterans’ retreat for good PR but after meeting Alice, his attention shifts from his own needs to helping her. When he begins training with Alice for the approaching football season, he discovers the challenge benefits them both.

While Micah works to break down her defenses, Alice is determined never to lose her heart. But the charming football star might be the one man strong enough to ensure she no longer has to take on life alone.

You can find Know You by Heart on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45565191-know-you-by-heart

You can buy Know You by Heart here:

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Know-You-Heart-Warriors-Book-ebook/dp/B07X2M99PB/

Other books in the series:

– Home Field (Warriors of the Heart #1): https://www.amazon.com/Field-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B0719DXJL6/

– True Horizon (Warriors of the Heart #2): https://www.amazon.com/Horizon-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B076GZ4WVK/

– After All (Warriors of the Heart #3): https://www.amazon.com/After-All-Warriors-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07BST4T8G/

– Winner Takes All (Warrior of the Heart #4): https://www.amazon.com/Winner-Takes-Warriors-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07L7FXVW1/

*****

Excerpt:

Alice grunted and pushed off the wall then strode toward him. “I’m just as much of a victim as you. I’ve been assigned the role of Mr. Miyagi. No more wax on, wax off. Today, your real training begins, Micahson.” Hands pressed together, Alice bowed.

He laughed. “They exploited my dislike of farm work, but you’re a guest here. You can’t be forced to be my trainer.”

“Oh, they got me, too. Either I work with you or participate in team-building exercises and group therapy.” She lifted a small hand-weight off the shelf and did a few arm curls.

“Why would those be so bad?” Alice circled him like a tiger would its prey. Her gaze roamed over his body, making him suddenly and unexpectedly very self-conscious.

“Take off your shirt,” she instructed.

“What?” He wore an old T-shirt and athletic shorts. No way was he stripping down in front of her.

“I want to see what I’m working with.” She rolled her hand in a waving motion. “Come on, don’t be shy.” Her eyebrows arched over wide, hazel eyes.

“This isn’t the NFL combine, you know.” Despite his protests, he lifted the hem of his shirt and removed it before tossing it on the floor. Micah now stood bare-chested in the middle of the gym. During the combine, he’d stood before NFL medical staff and coaches while they judged his worthiness to play professional football. He’d proven himself during each drill, earning the respect of staff and press alike. But now, while Alice studied him, he wondered if despite all his pride and bravado, she found him lacking. His body and face grew warmer by the second.

Alice stood before him.

Silent and serious as a painted saint. The intensity of her gaze caused him to shiver.

When she met his gaze, she smiled.

Was it too late to change his mind and go back to painting?

*****

Author Info:

Laurie Winter’s head has always been full of stories. Then a dream gave her the inspiration to put her thoughts into written words, sharing a part of her heart and soul. Now, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she’s likely fueling up on wine and cheese curds.

Follow Laurie as she lives out her dreams at lauriewinter.com.

You can find and contact Laurie here:

– Website: http://lauriewinter.com

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieWinterAuthor/

– Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriew_author

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3467635.Laurie_Winter

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Winter/e/B0719P553X

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriewinter_author

*****

Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Know You by Heart. One lucky winner will win a prize pack including:
A $25 Visa gift card
A Cup of Sunshine mug
4 Berres Brothers flavored coffee packets

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1329/

*****

Click on the banner to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Winner Takes All

25 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Laurie Winter, Warriors of the Heart series, Winner Takes All

Winter delivers an absolutely fun ride of a read!

*****

Winner Takes All

Warriors of the Heart #4

by Laurie Winter

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: 21 January 2019

Blurb:

Storm Thompson wants to be anywhere but Liberty Ridge. Especially since his hometown also contains his childhood nemesis, Colleen Gardner. With a young daughter and mentally ill mother to care for, he struggles to simply make ends meet. Every day, his goal of owning an organic farm slips further out of reach.

Psychiatrist Colleen Gardner has her sights set on starting a retreat to help veterans suffering from PTSD. She’s done well but her small town fundraisers just aren’t enough.

“The Great American Scavenger Hunt” TV show offers a million-dollar prize, and Colleen and Storm are selected as competitors. Both resolve to do whatever is needed to win, even using the other to get ahead. Storm and Colleen compete to fund their dreams, but their already tattered relationship becomes more strained. Only one will win the money. But will love prove the ultimate prize?

You can find Winner Takes All on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41210093-winner-takes-all

You can buy Winner Takes All here:

– Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6453-winner-takes-all.html

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Winner-Takes-Warriors-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07L7FXVW1/

Previous books in the series:

– Home Field (Warriors of the Heart #1): https://www.amazon.com/Field-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B0719DXJL6/

– True Horizon (Warriors of the Heart #2): https://www.amazon.com/Horizon-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B076GZ4WVK/

– After All (Warriors of the Heart #3): https://www.amazon.com/After-All-Warriors-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07BST4T8G/

*****

Excerpt:

The Great American Scavenger Hunt

Day 1

Storm stood on the stairs of the US Capitol Building, and the weight of his travel pack dug into his shoulders. Before sunrise, all the contestants were bussed seven miles over from their hotel in Arlington. A few other contestants started conversations, and his minimal replies made clear he wasn’t here to make friends. Colleen ignored him, which was good. Her mere presence provided enough distraction.

He had a good view of her down at the other end of the line. How could she stand upright underneath the weight of her pack? The thing looked as heavy as her. He’d bought his at the secondhand shop in Liberty Ridge. Colleen probably shopped at a high-end outdoor store that carried the latest gizmos and gadgets. Her pack and its contents might cost the equivalent of a small country’s GDP.

When he’d seen her yesterday at lunch, he almost didn’t recognize her. Her short hair looked amazingly sexy. This morning, she wore a tousled look, like she’d just rolled out of bed, which she likely had being that the clock just struck seven-thirty am.

The host of the show, Burt Blackstone, walked before the assembled group. He stood medium height, with a trim build, and a head of closely cropped, salt-and-pepper hair. Today, Burt wore khaki shorts and an orange button-up top. “I want to wish every one of you good luck. We’ll start filming shortly. I’ll go over the rules once more, mostly for the audience’s sake. Then, I’ll give the signal, and you’ll be off.”

A low murmur drifted over the group.

Storm shifted the weight of his travel pack and mentally walked through his plan. He held a red envelope, which was identical to the ones given to the other contestants. Let’s rock and roll.

*****

Review:

Winner Takes All has a little different feel to it, especially in relation to the other books in this series, but I absolutely loved the opportunity to join Storm and Colleen as they take on The Great American Scavenger Hunt. It was a little like reading a recap of an early season of The Amazing Race, which was one of my favorite series when it first came out,. All of the fun of a road trip without ever leaving your chair 🙂 I was a little unsure about how the timing matched up, and there was a few places where it definitely felt weird, but overall it was a great ride. And I loved how it gave Colleen and Storm a chance to connect as adults and remember how close they were once upon a time.

Although the fourth in a series, I feel like this one is easily a stand alone story. We have gotten to know Colleen a bit, especially her past and how she treated others, which probably helps readers understand better the person she is today. But I think it also works if you are getting to know the new her through Storm’s perspective. Winter does a great job of throwing Storm and Colleen together, forcing them to have to address their own issues as well as their thoughts about each other. The high stress, intimate time together doesn’t give them much chance to hide from each other. Or themselves.

*****

Author Info:

Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she’s enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

You can find and contact Laurie Winter here:

– Website: https://lauriewinter.com/

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieWinterAuthor/

– Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriew_author

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3467635.Laurie_Winter

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Winter/e/B0719P553X

– Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LWinterauthor/

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriewinter_author/

*****

Giveaway:

One winner will win a prize package (US Only). The prize package includes: a Tea, Books, Magic mug, a Romance Trope scented soy candle, and a $25 Amazon gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1313/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – True Horizon

21 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Laurie Winter, True Horizon, Warriors of the Heart series

True Horizon

Warriors of the Heart Series

by Laurie Winter

Back home on her family’s Texas Longhorn ranch, Grace Murray is busy preparing for her wedding. After a scruffy tattooed drifter saves her life, she takes on the mission of helping her savior, Heath Carter, find peace. The steady friendship and unconditional acceptance she receives from him encourages her to trade an old dream for a new one—a dream true to her heart. When she calls off her wedding, Grace is finally set free to fully love Heath.

After a decade of military service, Special Forces veteran Heath Carter is living with war’s tragic consequences. Struggling with PTSD, anger, and guilt, he travels through Texas, solitarily moving from job to job. Working with Grace on the ranch, Heath’s guilt over his past actions make him feel unworthy of her love. As their paths lead them in different directions, Heath needs to discover the courage to fight his toughest battle yet—the one inside himself.

There is so much emotion in True Horizon I’m not sure where to start 🙂 Now is Grace’s time to decide what she wants as an adult. She’s spent years thinking she wanted one thing and now that she’s at the point of getting it she had to decide if that’s what she really wants. Is the life she’s leading, the man she’s marrying, really the future that will make her happy?

Heath has been running from life but an unexpected stop at Grace’s family ranch has him evaluating his choices as well. He’s got a lot of baggage he’s carrying around with him thanks to his past but time spent with the Murray’s means that he’s taking a look at where he’s going. It’s not going to be easy but with faith, love, and effort he just might be able to come to terms with it.

This is definitely not a quick read – there’s a lot of meat to it so you need to take the time to really get into it. Really feel those good and bad moments, to take it all in and enjoy it all.

Spotlight – Home Field

06 Thursday Jul 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

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Home Field, Laurie Winter, Warriors of the Heart series

This one is in my TBR pile … and I think I might need a couple of tissues too 🙂

*****

Home Field

Warriors of the Heart #1

By Laurie Winter

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: 30 June, 2017

Blurb:

One year after her husband is killed in action, Julie Ellis is back in her hometown and focused on raising her young son. Then Reagan Harrison bursts into her life—a cocky, charming linebacker who leaves her off balance.

As a successful, professional athlete, Reagan believes he has it all. But after meeting Julie, he finds every excuse in the book to spend time with her. Despite his best efforts not to fall too hard, Reagan envisions a future with Julie, along with the little boy he’s come to love as his own.

While Reagan’s protective love begins to mend Julie’s spirit, she can’t suppress her continued deep devotion to her late husband’s memory. And when a letter arrives from beyond the grave, Reagan resolves to provide her with the answers she desperately needs to heal. Now Julie must choose either to keep her heart closed off or remove the lock and fight for a future with Reagan. Can a second chance at true love be just as sweet?

You can find Home Field on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29243691-home-field

You can buy Home Field here:

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Field-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B0719DXJL6/

– Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-field-laurie-winter/1126462402?ean=2940157543419

– Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/home-field-1

– Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Laurie_Winter_Home_Field?id=TNcoDwAAQBAJ

– Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5085-home-field.html

*****

Excerpt:

“Thanks for understanding me.” Julie softly kissed his cheek. The rough stubble tickled her lips. “Even when I don’t understand myself.” She went to sit in her chair to finish her cup of coffee.

At that moment, she noticed the kitchen. What an unbelievable mess! Who’d actually cooked breakfast…a class of rowdy five-year-olds? She gave Reagan a sideways glance, to see him moving a last piece of waffle around his plate, collecting any remaining egg and syrup. “Did you use every bowl I own?”

He was the messiest cook she’d ever seen. A huge pile of dirty dishes sat on the counter, covered in dried waffle batter and egg. Bits of syrup-laden crumbs dotted the kitchen floor, like a sticky breadcrumb trail.

His smile held no hint of guilt, and he shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.”

No, not perfect—but he was pretty darn close.

*****

Author Info:

You can find and contact Laurie Winter here:

– Website: https://lauriewinter.com/

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieWinterAuthor/

– Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriew_author

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3467635.Laurie_Winter

– Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LWinterauthor/

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriewinter_author/

*****