WOW - so I was completely overwhelmed when I reached 500 Twitter followers. To be honest it seemed to come out of nowhere. Back in November when I started my blog and joined in with the literary world on Twitter, I would never have imagined how things would soar.

I have met some really beautiful people since I began my journey and really feel like I've ignited the flame in my passion for books as I've become consumed by this beautiful world we are all a part of. It is so great to be able to share my thoughts about books, talk to others with the same passion, and generally just make some pretty awesome friends! And the ability to connect with so many talented writers has just been incredible!

I love being a part of this world, and I appreciate everyone who has supported me throughout my journey so far. Thank you to all my fellow Twitter Bookies who have helped spread the word about my blog, to all the beautiful Authors who have connected with me and allowed me to join in with celebrating their journeys, and to the brilliant book tour hosts who have given my the opportunity to join so many gorgeous book blog tours!

I am really excited about the prize I have on my giveaway!!



1) A handmade notebook and bookmark - I have to say a huge thank you to Jellybeans Cards for creating this beautiful notebook and bookmark set for me. It was so amazing to be able to talk to them about what I wanted and see them bring it to life!!

In the eyes of the ton, Ellen Harding lives a charmed life – she is the beautiful, exquisitely adorned mistress of Lord Gainsborough. But on the inside, behind her glamorous façade, she is empty – a vessel – deaf to the voice of morality and blind to shame. Unable to escape the gilded cage she has been trapped within. Kind, gentle Edward Marlow could prove to be her salvation… With one look he gives her hope. With one touch he sets her senses alight. Lose yourself in the passionate intensity of this stunning debut from exciting new talent Jane Lark.

Review:

I was really looking forward to reading The Illicit Love of a Courtesan as I love romance novels, and I have always been intrigued by history. I love getting insight into what life was like through different periods of time.

For this reason I really enjoyed The Illicit Love of a Courtesan as Jane’s writing beautifully recreated history within this story. It really seems that Jane did a huge amount of work in researching Regency England in order to ensure this story was authentic and real for the reader. Jane’s imagery is so beautiful, she really draws the reader into the story and makes you feel as though you’re really there.

The characters Jane has written into her novel are brilliant. The heroine, Ellen, finds herself caught up in a life she despises, and has a great longing to escape. As the mistress of Lord Gainsborough, she wants for nothing, but it is at the cost of her pride, freedom and dignity. I really felt for Ellen being trapped in this dark, horrible world, and found myself glued to the pages to find out what fate lay ahead of her. Lord Gainsborough is a horrific man; he is abusive, manipulative and full of lies. Nobody deserves to be treated the way Lord Gainsborough treats Ellen. And then there is Edward! He is always there trying to help Ellen get out of this terrible life she is living. I really admired his commitment to being there for her. I was sometimes frustrated by Ellen having her own secrets from Edward, as it sometimes felt that all his effort was in vain because she never appears to truly let him in. Jane keeps you turning the page, as you can’t wait to find out how the story turns out, whether Ellen escapes this horrible life, and whether Edward and her find happiness together.

I really became engrossed in this story from start to finish, learning about a new historical period as well as becoming entangled in the love story between Ellen and Edward. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance; it is truly captivating. I was also pleased to find that the erotic love scenes were very tastefully written.

A dark and emotional historical romance, driven by hope and desire, laced with passion.

Excerpt:

He’d been waiting ten minutes when he saw her. She was simply and elegantly dressed, her appearance nothing like that of a courtesan. The long dark navy pelisse she wore was to keep her warm in the chill, early March winds. Spring was still as yet unbroken.

The demure garment hung to her ankles, with double breasted buttons across her chest, and an upturned fox fur collar framed her beautiful neck and face. Her hands were within a matching fox fur muff at her waist. The dark navy hat, sitting high on her ebony hair, was decorated with jay’s feathers that swept up from the brim above her left ear. And a narrow, navy veil, woven in a fine net, was drawn down over her eyes and nose.

His hands curled into fists inside the pockets of his thick, many-caped greatcoat as he watched her, waiting for her to notice him.

She had thought to hide herself, he guessed, but he would know the curve of her jaw, that mouth, the column of her neck, anywhere, even within a crowd. He had committed it to memory half a dozen times in recent weeks and lain awake night after night recalling every detail.

She looked over her shoulder, glancing back up the street, as if she half expected to be followed. Then she looked to the traffic in the road, waiting until it was clear before she crossed to the park gates. She’d still not seen him.

Within her muff he imagined her hands clasped together, her thumbs circling one another. He’d seen her tendency to fiddle when she stood at Gainsborough’s back. She was forever twisting and turning her fan; never comfortable, nor secure. The other courtesans he’d seen in London were women of excessive confidence, bold, never meek and maidenly in their manner as Ellen always seemed. With Ellen he could not even lay her lack of confidence at the door of her age. She was older than him, and yet her nervous behaviour made her seem half a dozen years younger.

She was on the path some distance before him now, her short, quick strides slicing at the skirt of her pelisse. Her gaze was on the pavement ahead of her, oblivious to the men who passed her and looked back, as nearly every man did, even with her beauty covered by a veil.

She looked up.

The moment she saw him, he could tell she’d not thought he would come. It was in the sudden drop of tenseness in her shoulders and the smile opening her mouth as if she would speak and acknowledge him from afar. But such an outburst would be folly, even though he had come as asked without acquaintance or equipage, someone may know him. Her mouth closed on the exclamation as she increased her pace, weaving through people walking the other way.

About the Author:



Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romances.

She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write one.

Now Jane is writing a Regency series she’s thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations at last.

Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development, and uses her knowledge of psychology to bring her characters to life.

‘Basically I love history and I’m a sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it’s wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction, and my understanding of people helps me write the really intense relationships I enjoy creating.’





Blurb:


The only woman who had power over notorious rake Robert Marlow was now walking away from him, again. He'd heard Sutton had died, and known Jane was free, but he'd always thought his desire would only be for revenge, not her. Yet here he was, unable to deny what he felt for her… what he’d never felt for any other woman…

****International giveaway**** - a first edition signed copy of The Illicit Love of a Courtesan plus a bag.

   

Blurb:

Rex Braden is wealthy, hard working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over forty years, moves back into town.

After ditching a horrific relationship—and her veterinary practice in the process—Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is...until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life.

Despite the angry family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, and attitudes follow. Fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love stirs a surge of passion too strong for either to deny—and the rebel in each of them rears its powerful head. Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained. Rex and Jade are about to find out if true love really can conquer all.

Review:

Destined for Loveis part of a 9 book series by Melissa Foster called 'Love in Bloom'. My first Melissa Foster novel was Where Petals Fall, a psychological mystery, which I recently reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed. I was excited to read Destined for Love, as I was keen to see how Melissa's writing tackled the Romance genre in comparison to mystery, and I can honestly say it didn't disappoint.

Destined for Love, although being part of a series, can be read as a stand alone novel. However, Melissa is a brilliant author, so I would definitely recommend reading the rest of the series - I am going to! This story follows the forbidden love between Jade and Rex, as a result of a long-standing family feud. It is very Romeo-and-Juliet-esque (always a winner!). After finding her life turned upside down, Jade returns to the small town she grew up in and starts to get her life back on track. Little did she know that when her path crossed with Rex Braden, all the chemistry and sparks from the past would start flying again.

Ever since they were teenagers, Rex and Jade were unable to explore the connection they felt between them, as their fathers were in an ongoing dispute and their relationship would not be accepted by their families. However, Jade's return to her hometown sees her and Rex fighting to take a stand against their families in order to hold onto the strong relationship they could have together.

Melissa's writing is effective in giving the reader a real sense of the chemistry and the tension in this relationship. You can feel the passion between the two characters and there are a few saucy scenes to help get the blood pumping ladies! ;) Rex is your typically good 'book boyfriend' - he's hot with a tough exterior, but on the inside he is a genuine, loving and protective man. It is easy to see why Jade finds herself so hopelessly attracted to Rex, especially when you see how Rex stands up for Jade and fights to keep her by his side *swoon*. Jade is a very likeable character. After the nasty relationship she has escaped from, the reader is left cheering her on and hoping for things to work out for her and Rex.

Melissa's writing is very successful in portraying the romantic journey of Jade and Rex. Her imagery brings the story to life for the reader and she brilliantly captures the reader's heart, drawing the reader in to the entangled love of Jade and Rex. Although many romance stories can be predictable, Melissa Foster's exploration of intense feelings and hot, steamy scenes, makes for a brilliant read.

I would definitely recommend this novel if you enjoy a good romance story, tinged with sexiness and two hot, loveable characters.


On this tour Melissa Foster is giving away 3 e-copies of her novel Lovers at Heart - enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post! It's free to enter so you've got nothing to lose!

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Where Petals Fall is a gripping and emotional novel with an undercurrent of suspense, featuring a determined mother whose world slowly comes apart around her. Where Petals Fall will appeal to fans of Lisa Scottoline's Save Me or Jodi Picoult's Salem Falls, who love an emotional and gripping read. They will root for Junie as they follow her transition into an indomitable heroine who must reconcile what she discovers about her husband and family’s tragic past, and find a way to put the pieces of her family back together and carry on.

On the surface Junie Olson’s life looks idyllic, from her handsome husband and beautiful daughter to her successful business, the bakery she always dreamed of opening. But in the past few months her world has slowly unravelled. Her precocious child is withdrawing, showing unexplainable signs of emotional regression, a condition that frays the bonds of Junie’s once impenetrable marriage. When her father dies suddenly of a heart attack, Junie packs up her daughter and goes home to help her mother. Her homecoming stirs up memories of the nightmare she thought she had put behind her, the disappearance of her childhood friend, Ellen. Haunted by recurring memories of what happened on that fateful day, Junie must gather the courage to revisit her past and untangle the secrets surrounding her missing friend, and the trauma that has caused her little girl to climb back into herself. As the pieces come together on the event that shook her small town, and at the risk of losing everyone she loves, Junie will question everything she thought she could rely on and everyone she thought she knew.

Review:

Where Petals Fall is the first Melissa Foster novel I have read and I can say whole-heartedly that I am a new fan!

The story takes the reader on an enormously emotional journey as you follow Junie as she battles through her present life's struggles, whilst at the same time fighting with unanswered questions from the past. In her current life Junie is struggling with her daughter's regression and mutism, and as a result her marriage to her husband Brian seems to be growing distant and strained. As if that isn't enough, Junie's father suddenly passes, calling her back to her old home to be there to support her mother. What Junie didn't realise was that coming home would awaken a sleeping giant - the truth behind the disappearance of her best friend Ellen, when they were seven.

Melissa Foster's writing captures the sadness and heartache of the story beautifully - you can really feel the pain and suffering Junie is going through. The story explores different family relationships and the effects one traumatic event can have on all these ties. The lies and deceptions surrounding Ellen's disappearance have followed Junie into adulthood, as she realises she never sought out the truth about her friends disappearance, and is now finding memories she never realised she had are coming back piece by piece - but with everything else going on in Junie's life, it leaves the reader wondering if Junie has the strength to cope with it all. Junie's determination to solve the mystery of her friend, Ellen's, disappearance leads her to cause tension between her and her husband Brian (as he can't cope with drudging up the past), as well as with her mother, Ruth, as she keeps interrogating her mother about the day Ellen disappeared, and begins to make some horrific accusations about her father that has recently passed. Melissa Foster constantly has the reader wondering whether Junie is pushing things too far and risking her entire family to find out the truth about Ellen. Junie unearths some family truths which leave her questioning her entire upbringing. 

Junie's daughter, Sarah's, regression is a devastating and heart-breaking part of the story - her mutism, bed-wetting and complete lack of emotion are not what you hope to see from a 7 year-old girl. This definitely tugs at the heart strings as you can feel Junie's desperation to fight to get her daughter back. 

Throughout the story Junie is searching for the answers to the troubles she is facing, however when Junie is getting closer to the truth she tends to draw herself in and delay the inevitable, as she is afraid of the truth and what it might do to her family. Until Junie feels ready to deal with the truth, she pushes those closest to her further away. Melissa Foster follows this journey as Junie, and the reader, discovers the truth about the mystery disappearance and whether it will completely unravel and tear apart the picture perfect life Junie once had. Junie's mother, Ruth, is one of my favourite characters as she has so much strength and love for her family. She always remains positive and strong for her daughter, Junie, despite having only just suffered the loss of her husband (Junie's father). Ruth is a wonderful mother and person, as she doesn't judge Junie or interfere in her life, but simply helps to guide and support her.

I loved Where Petals Fall - it really draws the reader in and the thrilling mystery keeps you turning the page. You feel as though you're right with Junie as she battles through the hardships. Melissa Foster's writing successfully builds up tension and as Junie gets closer to discovering the truth, you can feel your own heart racing and you can feel the relief lift as the truth is revealed, answering a huge number of questions that line the events in the novel. I couldn't put the book down - Melissa Foster's writing grips the reader entirely, and I became as desperate as Junie to find the truth and solve the mysteries that interlinked all the troubles in her life.

I would definitely recommend Where Petals Fall - an intense thriller, exploring the heartache that comes from secrets and lies, laced with love and unbreakable bonds between family.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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