Falling by E.K.Blair-Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Falling by E.K.Blair-Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Falling Blog Tour

Falling
Fading #3
by E.K.Blair
Release Date: December 9, 2013
Genre: New Adult, contemporary

FAlling

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

Review

ABOUT THE BOOK: Sometimes it takes someone else to show us what we are truly capable of becoming.

Suffering from years of violent abuse, Ryan Campbell has learned how to keep people from getting too close. But when you shut yourself off, people get hurt along the way. Never caring much about others, Ryan creates a world in which he doesn’t have to feel.

When Ryan meets Candace Parker, all of his walls slowly begin to crumble. Not sure of the truth of who she is, he feels his mind is playing tricks on him. Unable to force out the thoughts that consume him, Ryan is haunted by visions that torment him every time he looks at her. He finds himself swallowed by guilt and blame, but he’s unwilling to turn his back on the one person that could possibly save him.

You’ve heard Candace’s story in Fading, now hear Ryan’s

REVIEW: FALLING is the second full length storyline (and third instalment) in E.K.Blair’s new adult, contemporary Fading series focusing on Ryan Campbell, Candace Parker and the aftermath of a brutal attack that left Candace a virtual shell of her former self. The storyline is told from Ryan’s POV and follows parallel to the first book in the series Fading. Falling begins several years earlier with a flashback to Ryan’s younger years and then starts to mesh itself into the present timeline a few weeks before the attack. E.K. Blair will then fast forward five to six years and we see what has happened to Ryan and Candace in the ensuing time.

FALLING allows the reader in to the mind of a man whose guilt rides him hard after discovering a man brutally raping a young woman behind his bar. Ryan holds himself partially responsible because he was too late onto the scene; his nightmares and constant thoughts of the beaten and abused woman becomes a living reality when he realizes that the woman he loves is the woman he was unable to save. The reader is pulled into Ryan’s story-friends, work and the people he loves and protects. We learn more about what drives Ryan at work and at play, but also the build up of a relationship between two people with more in common than they could possibly know.

The storyline follows Ryan and Candace’s building relationship along the same timeline as Fading but we get an in depth look into the thoughts and feelings behind a man who is falling in love with a woman who hides a painful secret-one that Ryan is all too heartbreakingly aware. But everyone has secrets and Ryan’s family history will be revealed so that the reader will understand the demons that ride Ryan’s present.

This is a story about rape and recovery but it is also a story about family and loss; forgiveness and moving on. Both Candace and Ryan’s dysfunctional family units are perfect fodder for psychological analysis and in this we see that sometimes asking for help is the only way to start on the road to recovery. As the recovery process begins to take hold, Candace will finally realize what it is she wants – and she wants the happiness that only family and Ryan Campbell can give.

E.K.Blair has written about a difficult subject; you do not have to experience the heartbreaking sorrow and guilt to understand what everyone is feeling or how the attack has left the main characters numb and in pain. The characters are not perfect-they are flawed-they are imperfect humans living in an imperfect world but a world where there is also love and a happily ever after. Life is never easy but it is made more difficult by the vile and evil that lives next door or on the next street-we are the only ones who can move forward; no one can tell us how to feel; and in the end we have to take responsibility for our own recovery so that the future will be open to the possibility of moving forward and letting go.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Fading Series

Click HERE for our review of FADING book #1

Click HERE for our review of FREEING book #1.5

___________________________

excerpt

FALLING  excerpt #4

Falling Promo 2She sniffs and I know she’s crying. Having her like this, in my arms, is an intimacy that’s completely foreign but comfortable. I’m sure she can hear my heart pounding, but I need her to hear it. I need her to feel it as it thuds in my chest because I need her to hear me falling for her, ‘cause that’s what’s happening here—I’m falling. I never wanted to before, but with her, all I want to do is fall. Fall into her. Fall so deep inside of her heart so that I never have to be without her. That’s what this girl does to me. That’s how powerful she is even when she thinks she’s at her weakest. She’s broken. I see it clearly, but whatever it is that’s haunting her, I wanna make it fade. I wanna make it fade and make her fall too—with me.

When she begins to pull away from me, I selfishly want to tighten my hold on her and keep her like this for a little longer. I worry this was just a random need for comfort from her, that I won’t get this again, that she doesn’t feel what I know I’m starting to. F*ck, this hurts.

Falling by
E.K. Blair book trailer
from Novel
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on Vimeo.

About the author

E.K. BlairUSA Today bestselling author and International Amazon bestselling author, E.K. Blair takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her FADING series. A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.

Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She’s a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.

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Fading Series by E.K.Blair-a series review

Fading Series by E.K. Blair-a series review

Fading Series

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

FadingFADING
Fading #1
by E.K.Blair

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 19, 2013

Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.

At what point do secrets become lies?

(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FADING is the first instalment in E.K.Blair’s contemporary, new adult series focusing on two twenty something adults with some major demons in their past. This is a story about rape and the resulting physical and emotional trauma as one woman endeavors to overcome the memories of that night. Along the way, we will be introduced to a number of secondary characters who love, support and basically enable the healing process to slow.

Fading focuses on Candace Parker and her recovery following a brutal rape and assault by someone she knew. Like many rape victims and survivors, Candace blames herself but refuses to press charges due to her family’s connections and position. As the storyline progresses, Candace has a difficult time in social situations and it will take the love of one man to show her that not all people are evil and cruel.

E.K. Blair pulls the reader into an emotional storyline; a roller coaster of tears and frustration – not only for the heroine but for the reader as well. Without ever having experienced such a brutal attack, no one can tell a rape survivor how to feel or what to do but our heroine continues to ‘fade’ as she so eloquently points out. The days turn into weeks and months, and she is still not able to acknowledge that she needs help. The PTSD and nightmares haunt her days and nights; her fear of crowded places and strangers is overwhelming; and her inability to talk about what has happened will push away the people that love her the most.

This is also a story of dysfunctional family dynamics. Without the support of family, Candace is a shell; going through the motions one day at a time.

The relationship between Candace and Ryan is loving, supportive and emotional, but Ryan has a secret that when it is finally revealed Candace feels betrayed, manipulated and abused all over again. Ryan’s past history is not all flowers and roses and we will learn his story in Falling.

FADING is a storyline about friendship and love; betrayal and pain; heartbreak and sorrow; acceptance and recovery. It will be a difficult storyline for many readers –rape is not an easy subject about which to talk or write- and it is made even more difficult by a heroine who does not acknowledge that she needs help with her recovery. At times it was frustrating watching Candace ‘fade’ knowing that everyone wanted to keep her safe and protected from further harm; she was fragile and broken but as the months go by she will begin to bury her demons through the love of a man who knows more than she could have possibly imagined.

___________________________

FreeingFREEING
Fading 1.5
by E.K.Blair

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2013

Knowing who you are and accepting who you are come at different prices.

Jase Kinrick grew up in your typical, all-American household. But after the death of his sister, his parents shut down, forcing him to deal with everything life throws his way alone. Terrified of the person he’s discovering himself to be, Jase has his way with every willing girl to try and rid himself of what he fears he is—gay.

Escaping California and moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, Jase frees himself to the reality that he likes men. Never staying with any guy long enough to get to know them, he doesn’t realize that he’s still hiding from who he is until he meets Mark. Scared of having real feelings for another guy stirs up the questions and fears he’s fought hard to bury.

To strip away the barriers to the heart of what is real, and to be okay with what lies underneath, will be Jase’s moment of truth. But he’ll need Mark to lead him there.

**This is a companion novel to the USA Today Bestseller, FADING.**

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FREEING is the second storyline and companion novella to E.K. Blair’s FADING. The story is told from Jase’s point of view and runs parallel with a three to fourth month period just prior to and after the attack against Jase’s best friend Candace.

Freeing is a storyline that allows the reader into the mind of one man struggling with his sexual identity as well as the rape and recovery of his best friend. When his sister was killed in a car accident five years earlier, Jase’s parents shut down and forgot about their only son. Lost in a world of one night stands and mindless sex, Jase will finally meet Mark-the man who will claim him body and soul-but before he does, Jase makes a mistake that may cost him the man that he loves.

E.K. Blair pulls the reader into a story of a developing relationship between two people caught between both the private and public world of their own sexuality. The author handles the situation of coming out to parents and friends with finesse as one man discovers that you can only do so much when the people who are supposed to love you turn their backs and walk away.

FREEING is a story of one man ‘freeing’ his heart and mind-allowing him to love without judgment; to live without fear; to grow up and take responsibility for his actions. It is also a story about family and the struggles for acceptance in a judgmental world of bigotry. One man must accept that he will always be the prodigal son and another accepts the prodigal son with open arms.

E.K. Blair has written an emotional and sometimes heartbreaking storyline where preconceived and outdated notions can destroy a family and a life. Freeing is one man’s journey to uncover what it is in life he really wants and what he wants is the same as everyone else-to be loved for who he is.

Copy supplied by the author.

_________________________

FAllingFALLING
Fading #2
by E.K. Blair

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2013

Sometimes it takes someone else to show us what we are truly capable of becoming.

Suffering from years of violent abuse, Ryan Campbell has learned how to keep people from getting too close. But when you shut yourself off, people get hurt along the way. Never caring much about others, Ryan creates a world in which he doesn’t have to feel.

When Ryan meets Candace Parker, all of his walls slowly begin to crumble. Not sure of the truth of who she is, he feels his mind is playing tricks on him. Unable to force out the thoughts that consume him, Ryan is haunted by visions that torment him every time he looks at her. He finds himself swallowed by guilt and blame, but he’s unwilling to turn his back on the one person that could possibly save him.

You’ve heard Candace’s story in Fading, now hear Ryan’s

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FALLING is the second full length storyline (and third instalment) in E.K.Blair’s new adult, contemporary Fading series focusing on Ryan Campbell, Candace Parker and the aftermath of a brutal attack that left Candace a virtual shell of her former self. The storyline is told from Ryan’s POV and follows parallel to the first book in the series Fading. Falling begins several years earlier with a flashback to Ryan’s younger years and then starts to mesh itself into the present timeline a few weeks before the attack. E.K. Blair will then fast forward five to six years and we see what has happened to Ryan and Candace in the ensuing time.

FALLING allows the reader in to the mind of a man whose guilt rides him hard after discovering a man brutally raping a young woman behind his bar. Ryan holds himself partially responsible because he was too late onto the scene; his nightmares and constant thoughts of the beaten and abused woman becomes a living reality when he realizes that the woman he loves is the woman he was unable to save. The reader is pulled into Ryan’s story-friends, work and the people he loves and protects. We learn more about what drives Ryan at work and at play, but also the build up of a relationship between two people with more in common than they could possibly know.

The storyline follows Ryan and Candace’s building relationship along the same timeline as Fading but we get an in depth look into the thoughts and feelings behind a man who is falling in love with a woman who hides a painful secret-one that Ryan is all too heartbreakingly aware. But everyone has secrets and Ryan’s family history will be revealed so that the reader will understand the demons that ride Ryan’s present.

This is a story about rape and recovery but it is also a story about family and loss; forgiveness and moving on. Both Candace and Ryan’s dysfunctional family units are perfect fodder for psychological analysis and in this we see that sometimes asking for help is the only way to start on the road to recovery. As the recovery process begins to take hold, Candace will finally realize what it is she wants – and she wants the happiness that only family and Ryan Campbell can give.

E.K.Blair has written about a difficult subject; you do not have to experience the heartbreaking sorrow and guilt to understand what everyone is feeling or how the attack has left the main characters numb and in pain. The characters are not perfect-they are flawed-they are imperfect humans living in an imperfect world but a world where there is also love and a happily ever after. Life is never easy but it is made more difficult by the vile and evil that lives next door or on the next street-we are the only ones who can move forward; no one can tell us how to feel; and in the end we have to take responsibility for our own recovery so that the future will be open to the possibility of moving forward and letting go.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviews by Sandy

 

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Falling For Mr. Wrong (Bencher Family #3) by Inara Scott-a review

FALLING FOR MR. WRONG (Bencher Family #3) by Inara Scott-a review

Falling for Mr. Wrong

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2013

Looking for Mrs. Right…

Single father of three, Ross Bencher, knows the kind of woman he wants: someone predictable, reliable, and safe, who can give his kids the security they deserve. Someone entirely different from high-altitude mountaineer Kelsey. Kelsey bewitches him with her long legs and wild passion and is about as far from his ideal as a woman can get, but try telling that to his body. Or his heart…

Falling for Mr. Wrong…

When Kelsey agreed to fill in as a temporary nanny for her best friend’s agency before a big climbing expedition, she had no idea she’d be working for drop-dead sexy Ross Bencher, a man she can’t seem to keep her hands off. She knows if she wants to bring herself—and her father—back alive from the Himalayan Mountains, she can’t afford second-guessing, attachments, or distractions. But Ross’s blue eyes and strong hands leave her gasping…and questioning everything she’s ever known about love……

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FALLING FOR MR. WRONG is the third storyline in Inara Scott’s adult, contemporary romance series focusing on the Bencher family and the men and women they love. This is Ross Bencher and Kelsey Hanson’s story. Although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Inara brings Ross’s brother and wife into this particular storyline which gives a familiar feel to the series. With a family merger in the works, we may get to see the Bencher boys together in future novels.

The premise focuses on divorced dad of three-Ross Bencher and mountain climber extraordinaire Kelsey Hanson who had a one night affair three years previously. Fast forward three years and Kelsey will find herself the babysitter for Ross’s three children when their nannie calls in sick. What Kelsey never expected was to come face to face with the man whom she spent a wicked night of sin years earlier. But Ross makes his feelings known and expects nothing more than friendship and professional courtesy.

This is a story of second chances and finding love between two strangers who needed each other for one night of passion years before. Ross has never forgotten Kelsey and in the days ahead he will discover that his feelings for Kelsey are growing with each encounter. But Kelsey has another climb planned in the Himalayan Mountains and Ross wonders if the climb is for her or someone else.

The sexual attraction between Ross and Kelsey is immediate; the sex is hot and sensual and there is no denying there is a connection between the couple even though Ross tries to keep everything professional and respectable for his family. But Ross’s need for Kelsey becomes distracting and in the end, it will be Kelsey who walks away when she believes there is nothing keeping her from leaving. Kelsey believes she has an obligation to her father and one that could place her in danger of not only losing the man she loves but losing her life as well.

Inara Scott pulls the reader into a romantic storyline about two people who have fallen in love but are afraid to admit their feelings for one another. FALLING FOR MR WRONG is a story about a second chance for two people who have sacrificed for their families and in doing so have given up any hope of finding the one person who is perfect for them.

If you like a romantic storyline with a happily ever after, Falling For Mr. Wrong is a quick and wonderful story about two people who are afraid to admit to falling in love.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Frigid (Frigid #1) by J. Lynn-a review

Frigid (Frigid #1) by J. Lynn – a review

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Frigid
Frigid #1
by J. Lynn
Release Date: July 2013
Genre: romance, contemporary, holiday

Frigid

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release July 2013

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn’t anything new. They’d been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the ‘man’ in man-whore. He’s never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn’t want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she’s perfect and she’s everything. But the feelings he has for her, he’s always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they’re stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor’easter, there’s nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

•••••••••••••••••

Frigid, is a stand alone novel written by J. Lynn. A pen name of well known author Jennifer Armentrout. I have never read work from this author under any of her published names….a mistake I plan to rectify immediately. Every now and then, I find myself in the mood to read a simple love story, lacking any “out of the realm of normal” elements. Lucky for me, as I would not have discovered this novel otherwise.

It is Winter here in the good ol’ North Country. And so, being the season that I find myself curled up next to my wood stove with snow falling outside–I figured this was the perfect time of year to read a novel based upon two people finding themselves stranded at Snow Shoe around the holidays. Having became friends with my now husband of 11 years, at age 16, my interest was piqued by the story arc of two best friends since childhood, discovering their unrequited love for one another. Let me just say, although I need to read like I need to breathe…I am perhaps the pickiest reader in the world. If a novel doesn’t grab my attention immediately, and keep hold, I lose interest; and have no choice but to move on to the next book. It takes something really special to captivate me, especially in a “normal” romance story. So imagine my surprise to have read Frigid, cover to cover, all in one sitting. I could not put this book down; proof that if it is a good story, its a good story. Period. When an author gets it right, it matters little what genre the book comes from.

J. Lynn shows us the journey of Kyler and Sydney seamlessly. We begin this journey with our hero and heroine secretly pining after one another during a gathering between friends. It becomes clear rather quickly that these two friends view the other as “out of reach”, even as they continue to share the deep friendship that is second nature to them. It isn’t long before readers discover that Sydney views herself as the polar opposite of Kyler’s type. Which is of course the truth. It is fact, as he has never shown even the slightest interest in Sydney as a woman, or as more than a friend.

Let me pause here for a minute and express that I typically do not enjoy first person point of view. There is just something about being allowed to only see through one character’s eye, that feels incredibly stifling for me. However, I really enjoyed Frigid, because of the alternating perspectives between the hero and heroine. Upon our first visit into Kyler’s psyche we learn about his troubled, and difficult upbringing. We learn about the losses, and suffering in his life that has shaped him into the man he is today, and we learn how these altering circumstances spawn his behavior. Syd, as Kyler calls her, is far too bright a light for him to ever approach. It isn’t long before we discover that Kyler has never shown interest, because from where he is standing, a woman like Sydney is far beyond the reach of a man like him. Interesting how these two people that know each other better than anyone else in their world….somehow…are complete strangers when it comes to what exists within the heart.

The story progresses with a planned skiing trip between their group of friends. Kyler and Sydney decide to travel towards Snow Shoe in a separate vehicle than the rest, and arrive just ahead of a massive Winter storm. They find themselves snowed in at the cabin. Alone. And with no power save a generator. Their friends are unable to make their way in, and Kyler and Sydney are left with no way out. Cut off from the group, and holding no links to the outside world, these two best friends are left with no place to hide, including from each other. The literary thermostat kicks up a notch, when an effort to stay warm goes horribly wrong…or wonderfully right…whichever way you choose to see it. Many of you have probably heard me state that sex in a story is not what I neccesarily define as “romance”. Well…let me just say (and coming from me this is pretty significant) the chemistry of this couple is off the charts. It is sizzling, and just plain hot, in a way that you need to read in order to understand. As a reader that thrives on the emotion of a story, this book gets stars all across the board…but few authors have ever made me literally fan myself…and then go searching out my hubby. (Josh thanks you Ms. Armentrout. *snort*)

However, what really grabbed me with this story, is that is isn’t all pretty and wrapped in a bow when these two face what they have been keeping inside. It isn’t fluffy and white like the snow which has entrapped them. It is raw, unhindered, and unrepentant. It is staggering when all the pent up emotion, long denied attraction, and uncontrollable love entwines, and is unleashed. Communication is jumbled, horrible misunderstandings occur…and feelings are deeply hurt on both sides. Can the soul deep friendship, and new bloom of love between our hero’s withstand such a cataclysm? More important by far….when strange happenings lead to the realization that someone is stalking their every move–will they even make it off the mountain alive?

This book was very fast paced, and current. Filled with humorous banter, and crazy, off the wall scenes that literally had me laughing out loud at times. The characters were very well developed, flawed as we all are, and simply wonderful. Such an endearing, and relate-able storyline, with a sprinkle of darkness and mystery mixed in. A Perfect read for the holidays, and one that has been added to my annual list of classic’s that I re-read every single year at Christmas time…if I can wait that long. I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by Miranda

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The Christmas Cuckoo by Mary Jo Putney-a review

The Christmas Cuckoo by Mary Jo Putney-a review

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The Christmas Cuckoo
by Mary Jo Putney
Release Date: October 2013
Genre: Historical Romance

The Christmas Cuckoo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 2013

ebook only .99cents: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Major Jack Howard, a weary veteran of the Peninsular Wars, has just returned to England and intends to return to an unwelcoming family home for Christmas. But when a pompous secretary gives him too many orders, Jack hops on the next stagecoach leaving London inn, not caring where it’s going. Too much whisky to stave off freezing leaves him sleeping it off in a different inn, and when an attractive young woman asks if he’s Jack Howard he happily goes home with her.

Despite vile weather, Meg Lambert drives to the local inn to collect her brother’s friend Jack Howard, but since she’s never met the man, she doesn’t realize that she’s brought home the wrong Jack Howard. Jack realizes her mistake when he awakes the next morning with an aching head—but he finds a warmth and welcome with Meg and her family that he’s yearned for all his life. He can’t bring himself to admit that he’s a cuckoo in her nest—but what will happen when Meg’s brother and the right Jack Howard turn up for Christmas???

••••••••••••••••••

Tis the season to be jolly! The jolliness of this story is truly contagious. When the most unlikely people come together anything can happen. So what happens when tight-knit family, the Lamberts and loner war veteran, Jack Howard get together during the holidays?

Tired and weary from endless travel Jack Howard rebels against the countess’s wishes, boards a random stagecoach, gets drunk with a fellow passenger on the stagecoach, and passes out in a tavern in Chippenham. Meg Lambert hopes to find a husband for her little sister, Phoebe and goes out to pick up her brother’s friend whose name just also happens to be Jack Howard with hopes that the two will click. What happens is Meg picks up the wrong Jack Howard. In a whirlwind of doing regular chores, baking and singing in the spirit of the holidays, and prepping for the holidays Jack Howard starts to yearn for many of the things the Lambert Family has to offer that he hasn’t felt in a long time such as warmth, comfort, and the overall feeling of acceptance and belonging. In the midst of all that, there is a blossoming romance between Jack Howard and Meg Lambert. So what happens when the big brother Jeremy who is due to be home for Christmas comes in with the intended Jack Howard in tow with him? Will the mix up change the feelings Jack and Meg have for each other?

Throughout the story I always wondered why the story the story was called “The Christmas Cuckoo” when it seemed like a family love story. The reason why this story is called “The Christmas Cuckoo” is an interesting concept of the cuckoo birds and their habits of laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, therefore leaving the burden of raising the offspring to the nest of the bird the cuckoo laid their eggs in. The concept sounds familiar about the cuckoo bird laying their eggs in the wrong nest *ahem* Jack Howard. Jack Howard is the cuckoo bird who ended up in the wrong nest. Also there is a cuckoo bird clock that is significant in the story as well. The cuckoo bird is actually quite symbolic in this story.

I really enjoyed the focus on family and love through I felt like the story could’ve focused on the budding romance between Jack and Meg a little more. I kind of felt like there I was something missing or more to be desired from their romance. I did enjoy the significance of the cuckoo bird, I found it to be quite interesting. Everything worked in the end and it was a pretty good book, but it wasn’t my favorite. Honestly, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by Xtina

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A Notion of Love by Abbie Williams

A Notion of Love by Abbie Williams

A Notion of LoveLinks to order A Notion of Love: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo



Description:
Twelve years ago, Jillian Henrinksen gave up any hope of finding love again. After suffering the loss of her husband to a tragic accident, she clung to the only remaining stability she had: her young son, her family of women, and her job at their restaurant, The Shore Leave Café. Now it is summer again, and change is in the hot and humid air, including the arrival of Jillian’s older sister Joelle, home now to stay. And then there is Justin Miller, a longtime family friend, dangerously sexy and yet made bitter from a terrible accident sustained five years before. Can Jillian and Justin dare to risk their broken hearts and take a chance on love?


Review:

A NOTION OF LOVE is part of The Shore Leave Café series by Abbie Williams, but the first book in the series that I have read.   A Notion of Love  takes place at a lake side community and revolves around a family of strong women and their Cafe.  Jilly and her sister have been raised by their single mother, grandmother and great aunts.  We meet Jillian when she is a teenager and is falling in love with her high school sweetheart.  They marry young, have a child and live in his parents’ basement.  Some of the women in this family have a gift, that they call notions.  They can see events that will happen in the future, a premonition of sorts.  Her aunt has a notion when brushing Jilly’s hair and “sees” the tragic death of Jilly’s young husband, but she also knows that Jilly will be all right.

Twelve years has passed and Jilly has always been drawn to her friend Justin.  His wife has left him after a tragic accident that has disfigured part of his face.  Can they both take a chance on love again? The majority of A Notion of Love is their slow but steady love story.  I call it “crockpot” love, allow two people to slowly simmer and intensify in their attraction towards each other.  This love usually turns out perfect, due to all of the time and the steady “heat”! 

If you love reading about strong women and second chances at love, you will enjoy this novel.  The book is a solid read.  I think there were some challenges along the way that dragged the story out, but any romance reader will love this book!  I felt like I was a resident of their small community!  I’m having a “notion” right now that you will love this novel!  Enjoy! 

Reviewed by Jules

Copy supplied by Publisher

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Renaissance Man by M. Garzon

Renaissance Man by M. Garzon

 

Renaissance ManLinks to order Renaissance Man:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo 

Description:
“And they lived happily ever after.”

In fairy tales, that’s always how things end. The prince and princess ride away on his white horse, and from then on all’s right with the world. But what if it wasn’t? What if the prince’s life didn’t suit the princess? What if she felt stifled by life inside the castle walls? Could she tell him? And if she loved him—really loved him—how could she ask him to give up his kingdom?

 

Review;

That little blurb from the back of the book is a very fitting way to describe the events that take place in M. Garzon’s 3rd and final installment, Renaissance Man, from her Blaze of Glory series featuring the budding relationship between Tea and Jaden.  I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her previous books; Blaze of Glory, and Look Twice, and it is safe to say that I was not disappointed with Renaissance Man. My only disappointment comes from knowing this wonderful series has come to an end. Over the course of these three novels I have come to learn about and love the characters Ms. Garzon has created and written about and feel like they are old friends.  So no wonder I’m sad to say goodbye to them. 

Throughout the first two novels we’ve seen Tea tackle many obstacles in her young life, and make some hard choices.  However, nothing that has previously happened comes close to the events in Renaissance Man.  In this novel we see just how much Tea has grown not only as a horse-jumper, but also as a woman.  She’s coming to terms with everything in her life and facing many challenging decisions that will affect not only her life, but Jaden’s too, who also happens to be the love of her life. 

Jaden and Tea’s relationship has blossomed and moved past that of young love, to a more mature, life altering love.  They are faced with many decisions that must be made in order for them to make a life together.  These decisions are not easy one’s, they are demanding on both of them, and at times looks like their lives/careers are pulling them in separate directions.  At one point in the story Ms. Garzon had  me worried about them and I wasn’t sure they would make it to their HEA.  Thankfully, after some well written drama, tough decisions, and serious thinking on Tea’s part, she comes to a conclusion that makes not only herself happy, but Jaden as well.  This decision also impacts her other family members; Dec(stepfather), Seth(brother), and her Gran.  When Tea comes to this very mature and well balanced decision to her problems, we see just how much she has grown and is ready to take on the rest of her life and career as a show jumper with Jaden by her side.

Tea and Jaden were meant to be together, they truly are the prince and princess and can now live their fairytale doing exactly what they love most, riding horses; Tea as a show jumper and Jaden as a polo player.  For me I enjoyed not only the love story and adventures of Tea and Jaden, but also the horse side of the book. I loved every scene with Tea jumping her prized horse Hades and watching her figure out just what it is that makes her horse Cal tick.  Tea has a very special relationship with horses and it shines through in every scene she’s in with them.  She knows just what is needed to get them over that next jump, or to help them settle down on a stormy night.  For anyone who loves horses like I do, Ms. Garzon’s writing about them makes you love them even more, and for those of you who maybe aren’t that fond of horses, trust me, you will be after reading this series. 

All I can say is M. Garzon has done it again and has another winner on her hands in Renaissance Man.  The story is expertly written with drama, plenty of emotion, coming of age in both Tea and Jaden’s characters, and learning to navigate through the ups and downs of life and love.  Once again we are swept away into the story and life that is Tea and Jaden and feel as though you are a part of their lives, a spectator on the sidelines watching everything unfold around you.  Ms. Garzon’s writing is smooth and free flowing and keeps you turning page after page, not wanting to put the book down. This was a marvelous ending to a well-crafted series and as happy as I am over the way she ended this series, I’m sad to say goodbye to it.  For anyone who has a teenage daughter and is looking for a remarkable coming of age series I highly recommend this series to you, and for those of you who don’t have any teenage daughters, I still highly recommend this series to you.  No matter your age you won’t be disappointed by this one. 

Until next time, Happy Reading

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

 

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Yesterday’s Kiss by Carly Fall-a review

Yesterday’s Kiss by Carly Fall-a review

Yesterday's Kiss

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 13, 2013

Is she really encountering her one true love from the past?

When Maggie Ramos signs her divorce papers, she’s determined to start a new life free from her ex-husband’s verbal abuse and unfaithful behavior.

As a new start and celebration, Maggie decides to take a trip to Bisbee and Tombstone, Arizona. Because of her fascination with history, the two places have always captivated her with their rich pasts.

During a tour of the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, Maggie’s encounter with a miner named Joseph leaves her questioning her sanity. Claiming that he is her dead husband from the past, he is determined to prove to her that their love was real. He takes her on a journey vacillating between the present and the early 1900s, leaving Maggie to wonder if her psyche is shattering, or if she is really encountering her one true love from the past.

Does true love transcend death?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: YESTERDAY’S KISS is a stand alone novella, contemporary, romantic ghost story that has elements of time travel and the paranormal.

The premise focuses on Maggie Ramos-recently divorced and on her way for a weekend getaway to Tombstone Arizona and the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee where she will meet a man claiming to be her husband from one hundred years earlier. What ensues is Maggie’s attempt to keep her sanity while communicating with a man who is more ghostlike than real.

Carly Fall pulls the reader into a storyline of one man who has been unable to move on following the death of his beloved and his own accidental death five years later. Joseph has held fast to the belief that his wife would one day return and he has found her in the guise of Maggie Ramos and it is Maggie who begins to remember moments from the past that will eventually affect her present and her life.

YESTERDAY’S KISS is ultimately a story of romance-a story where a ghost has pined for his lost love; never able to move forward; and when he eventually is reunited the fates will bring them together in more ways than one.

Carly Fall has written a sweet, romantic storyline about past lives, lost love and never letting go. And because the end goal of all romance novels is the happily ever after, we get that as well. Some may not agree, but on the grand scheme of love ever lasting, our couple will be reunited-til death do they part.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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