Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin': Ylva Publishing Release Event & Giveaway

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[caption id="attachment_23038" align="alignright" width="188"] The Bureau of Holiday Affairs by Andi Marquette[/caption] The Bureau of Holiday Affairs by Andi Marquette

Executive Robin Preston has dedicated her life to climbing the corporate ladder, using whatever means necessary. In the shark-infested culture at Frost Enterprises, anything goes, and Robin is a master at the game. On the verge of a major promotion, Robin receives a strange visit from Agent Elizabeth Tolson of the Bureau of Holiday Affairs, who informs Robin that, though Robin may be a lost cause, the Bureau has scheduled her for intervention. Robin will receive three visitors in the two weeks before Christmas, who will escort her on visits to her past, present, and future. Robin will be forced to face not only who she’s become, but the parts of herself she left behind, when she was an art major in college and in love with fellow art student Jill Chen, in whom Robin found a kindred spirit—until Jill broke if off with her. In order for Robin to change her ways, she’ll need to reclaim who she was and open her heart again, to a past she thought she left behind. The Bureau clearly has its work cut out for it, but Agent Tolson relishes a challenge, and she’s put together just the team for Robin’s case. They may have to cut a few corners and go outside a few lines, but Agent Tolson has a perfect salvage record and she’s not about to let that change. The question is, will Robin?

[caption id="attachment_23037" align="alignleft" width="188"] Red Light by JD Glass[/caption] Red Light by JD Glass

Sometimes, heroes need a hero of their own. Red is… The blood family that Victoria Scotts, “Tori” to her family and “Scotty” on the job, has, the mother and younger sister she supports emotionally and financially, the famous cousin that seems to have even her mother’s favor, the family legend they’re all held up against. Light is… Learning her true calling despite her mother’s censure as Tori becomes an EMT in the New York City 911 system, discovering true friendships despite and within horrific circumstances, and falling in love—really, truly, passionately, in love, not just “for real,” but “forever.” Blood is… Shed when a good faith attempt to render aid, comfort, and compassion go horribly wrong, leaving Tori not only injured, but also questioning the validity of her relationships, the ties of flesh and those that transcend it, and her faith in the innate goodness of people. Love, friendship, and loyalty, are all tested and pour out like blood under the Red Light.

[caption id="attachment_23039" align="alignright" width="188"] The Tea Machine by Gill McKnight[/caption] The Tea Machine by Gill McKnight

The story of a love that never dies…except it does, over and over again. London 1862, and Millicent Aberly, spinster by choice, has found her future love—in the future! She meddled with her brother’s time machine and has been catapulted into an alternative world where the Roman Empire has neither declined nor fell. In fact, it has gone on to annex most of the known universe. Millicent is rescued from Rome’s greatest enemy, the giant space squid, by Sangfroid, a tough and wily centurion who, unfortunately, dies while protecting her. Wracked by guilt and a peculiar fascination for the woman soldier, Millicent is determined to return in time and save Sangfroid from her fatal heroics. Instead, she finds her sexy centurion in her own timeline. And Sangfroid is not alone; several stowaways have come along with her. Soon Millicent’s mews house is overrun with Roman space warriors and giant squid.

[caption id="attachment_23040" align="alignleft" width="188"] Times of Our Lives by Jane Waterton[/caption] Times of Our Lives by Jane Waterton

“Growing older is not for Sissies…” Set against the backdrop of OWL Haven, Australia’s first exclusively lesbian retirement community, an irreverent cast of residents share their lives, hopes and dreams together. At 65, Meg Sullivan is very clear about what and who she wants in life. Despite a string of lovers Meg’s first loyalty has always been to her best friend, Allie Richards. After reading about OWL Haven in a magazine, she knows the lesbian retirement village would be perfect for them both. Allie Richards has shared the best part of her life with Meg. For over forty years they’ve traveled the world, and love and trust each other completely. Moving to OWL is perfect, as a new group of friends join their comfortable circle of two. After her last relationship ended, Sparrow Hopkins was left with a broken heart. Quietly resigned to being alone for the rest of her life Sparrow discovers a feisty, vibrant group of women who are not afraid to take chances. Despite her promise to never fall in love again, life, as she is to find out, has other plans. Pat and Bella have been together for nearly fifty years. To them OWL represents the secure and loving community they rarely experienced in the homophobic Sydney of the 60’s. But life is never simple, and safety is sometimes elusive as they face their own personal challenges. Daphne Williams has always been a loner. Despite her preconceptions of retirement villages she discovers peace and happiness at OWL Haven. However, when her tightly controlled world goes into freefall, Daphne has to make a major decision. Does she keep control or open up a new world of joy and hope. Through laughter, tears, and joy these woman prove that no matter what your age, you’re never too old to fall in love.

[caption id="attachment_23041" align="alignright" width="188"] Without a Front: The Warrior's Challenge by Fletcher DeLancey[/caption] Without a Front: The Warrior's Challenge by Fletcher DeLancey

Lancer Andira Tal made Alsean history when she accepted the producer’s challenge to work a holding as a field laborer. She should have known that the peace of Hol-Opah couldn’t last. Now her hosts are cleaning up blast debris and she’s searching for both a traitor and a missing member of her family. Just as she thinks she’s solved one of her problems, Tal falls into a meticulously planned trap that threatens her title, her new family, and her freedom. To top it all, she loses her greatest support right when she needs it most. There’s no possible way out, so she’ll have to do the impossible—and the clock is ticking.

[caption id="attachment_23036" align="alignleft" width="188"] Banshee's Vengeance by Shaylynn Rose[/caption] Banshee's Vengeance by Shaylynn Rose

Honor. It was torn from Azhani’s grasp by the sorcerer whose hatred of her family is decades old. Love. Ylera, Azhani’s beloved, was murdered, her death no more than one callous act in a chain meant to put a noose around Azhani’s neck. Once, not long ago, Azhani had been hopeless, lost, and without any desire for a future, but now, the rimerbeasts have come, and she is needed. Can she put aside her yearning for justice and face this ancient menace as honor demands, or will the bonds of love lost hurl her into a mire of death and revenge?