For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove-a review

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Sandy

FOR THE LOVE OF ENGLISH by A. M. Hargrove-a review

The For Love of English

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2016

Single dad, Beckley Bridges, is sexy as hell.
No, really, he’s the hottest thing since the sun was created.
Honest to God, crack an egg on him and the thing will sizzle.
So what’s the problem?
He’s also a gigantic jerk.
I hate the bastard.
I try to avoid him at all costs.
But for some reason, everywhere I go he seems to show up.

Only the real issue is his daughter, English.
She’s an adorable quirky first-grader who’s the sweetest thing since iced tea.
And she’s one of my students but also the love of his life.
So I have to deal with him on a professional level.
It’s not easy.
On a scale of easy to hard, dealing with Beckley Bridges is like nails screeching across a blackboard.

But when English’s mother tries to gain custody after abandoning her on Beckley’s doorstep as an infant, he’ll do anything possible to keep English under his roof.

That’s how he ends up propositioning me.

And crazy as it sounds?

I find myself considering it.

•••••••

REVIEW: FOR THE LOVE OF ENGLISH by A. M. Hargrove is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic romance story line focusing on single father and photographer Beckley (Beck ) Bridges, his six year old daughter English, and first grade school teacher Sheridan Monroe.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sheridan and Beck) FOR THE LOVE OF ENGLISH follows first time teacher Sheridan Monroe as she traverses the first few days and weeks of the new school year, and a parent/ teacher meeting with one of her student’s father, Beck Bridges, that doesn’t go according to plan. Beck and Sheridan begin an acrimonious relationship based on first impressions and insta-lust where neither one can forget about their first meeting. When a night out with friends finds Sheridan in desperate need of a ride home Beck Bridges reluctantly steps up and the first tentative steps towards a relationship ensues. But Beck’s past comes back looking for a second chance with their daughter and Beck believes that marrying Sheridan will ensure the custody fight goes his way. What ensues is the building relationship between Sheridan and Beck, and the love of a precocious child that brings two people together.

The relationship between Beck and Sheridan is one of insta-lust but Beck is in desperate need of a wife to help stave off the advances and threats of a woman he barely knows. English is the result of a one night stand, and the little girl has fallen in love with Sheridan Monroe. The marriage of convenience is pursued without very little conflict until the truth about Sheridan’s past comes back to haunt the newly married couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and erotic.

We are introduced to Sheridan’s best friend Michelle whose new relationship with a man named Oliver leaves many questions in the honesty and trust department. Beck’s parents are the perfect couple as they have embraced their only grandchild with open arms, and it is their suggestion that Beck pursue a relationship with Sheridan Monroe. The requisite evil, English’s mother, adds a little ‘over the top’ drama to the young family’s life.

FOR THE LOVE OF ENGLISH is a cute, sexy, romantic story line wherein single father Beck Bridges is torn between what he wants, and what he needs to do. English Bridges is an angelic child with a temperament to match-there is no conflict between English and her father’s new love but when trouble arises between the couple it comes from an unexpected source. The premise is heartwarming and uplifting; the characters are passionate; the romance is spirited and arousing but the easy immersion and acceptance of Sheridan Monroe into Beck and English’s life is a little too easy and unbelievable.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Saint’s Grove Series-a review

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Sandy

Saint’s Grove Series-a review

Saint's Grove Series 1-12

The Saint’s Grove series is a twelve book, multi-authored paranormal, fantasy, time travel anthology focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. Three hundred years earlier, a similar phenomenon resulted in a deadlier battle wherein a number of the supernatural beings remained behind and took up residence in and around Saint’s Grove, Virginia. These are some of their stories when the past returns to the future. I had the opportunity to read seven of the installments and will give a brief overview and my thoughts about each story line.

THOUGHTS: The SAINT’S GROVE multi-authored series is an enchanting mix of twelve, interconnected, paranormal romances that takes place during the alignment of the planets and a lunar eclipse one week prior to Halloween. Very few of the characters question the existence of the magical portal, otherworlds, time travel or supernatural beings, which made for a rapid introduction to each of the story line’s premise. All of the romances are more or less immediate attractions and insta-love while a few are time travel/ second chances at a happily ever after; the level of intimacy and romance varies with each story line ranging from no sexual contact to provocative and erotic.

A few of the stories require another round of editing to eliminate some errors in grammar and spelling, as well as some blatant issues with points of view. Most of the characters are well-developed; their background history and connections to Saint’s Grove, Virginia is clear and concise.

Take a chance with Saint’s Grove and the supernatural beings that inhabit ‘our’ planet.

Join the SAINT’S GROVE Facebook party on October 29, 2016 at 12pm CDT: HERE

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HEARTS ALIGNING
Saint’s Grove
by Miranda Hardy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date October 3, 2016

With madness comes truth…with truth comes sorrow.

Ellie Whitaker thought she had a clear path ahead of her… she would sell her bar, return to school, and enjoy a change of scenery, but one peculiar event in the night sky is about to change everything, not only for her but for everyone in Saint’s Grove.

Bryan Nichols has always struggled with his curse. Life as a werewolf is anything but easy, but when you have an overbearing father, life can be even more difficult. After his return from college, Bryan distances himself from the pack and finds solace in an unlikely place with a woman who has no idea how smitten he is with her.

When the most spectacular lunar eclipse shrouds the alignment of six planets, portals open to varying dimensions, unleashing creatures from other realms. Soon, chaos erupts, bringing death and destruction with it. Along with those horrifying events comes significant changes to Ellie’s body, revealing that she’s not entirely human. She has no idea who she is nor where she belongs, and she only has seven days to find answers that may undoubtedly change her future. The choices that present themselves will not be as easy as she first thought. She will need to decide between the man who saved her and the world that would worship her.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: HEARTS ALIGNING by Miranda Hardy is part of the multi-authored paranormal/fantasy/time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is bar owner Ellie Whitaker, and werewolf shifter Bryan Nichols’s story line. All books in the Saints Grove series can be read as stand alone stories without any difficulty. It is not necessary to read the series in order. The number assigned to each installment is simply the order in which they were released. HEARTS ALIGNING is a bit of a departure from some of the other installments as there is no time travel involved in the story line premise.

Told from first person point of view (Ellie) HEARTS ALIGNING focuses on the search for the truth. When the lunar eclipse portal opened in Saint’s Grove Virginia a number of strange things begin to happen to our story line heroine along with the discovery of several journals revealing a little bit about her background story. Enter Bryan Nichols- a quiet, reserved, and reluctant heir to the local werewolf pack, and the man who will save our story line heroine when the past comes looking for revenge. Ellie will learn that, she too, is not quite human, and with it the truth about her parent’s death, and the identity of the strange old woman who lives in the hills.

HEARTS ALIGNING reveals some of the lore and history surrounding the paranormal presence in Saint’s Grove Virginia, and its connections to the last lunar phenomena, three hundred years earlier, that created the rift between Earth and the Otherworld. Miranda Hardy introduces the local pack of werewolf shifters, and their connections to the mythology and stories in and around the small town where most of the residents have some supernatural ability. The premise is entertaining; the characters are a mix of good and evil; the romance is a little underwhelming-I didn’t feel the connection between our leading couple.

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HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT
Saint’s Grove
by Carly Fall

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2016

Centuries ago, she was a princess and he a knight. Their forbidden love was torn apart by circumstances of the times, and her brutal death…

Arabella “Bella” Franklin has a nice, stable life in Saint’s Grove, Virginia. With no recollection of her previous existence as a princess, the newly-reincarnated young woman is living the dream—a successful bakery owner with some semblance of a social life. However, boredom and loneliness continue to be her constant companions.

Those feelings quickly disappear when the townspeople gather to witness a once-in-a-lifetime, major astrological event. Unbeknownst to them, the occurrence opens the seams of the universe, allowing any and all paranormal entities to descend onto the quiet town, transforming it into a place of mayhem and danger.

When Bella is attacked by a vicious demon, Jayden, an Angel of Death, comes to her rescue. Unlike Bella, he remembers everything about their past lives, and is delighted knowing that their reunion will give him an opportunity to possibly rekindle their passion, as well as regain his life as a human. But becoming human again comes with three caveats. He must convince Bella of the love they shared so many centuries ago, she must kill a demon – her murderer from her previous life – and she has to want Jayden to stay.

With only seven days to meet those demands, memories of her past life begin to surface. With them, comes the knowledge that if she can’t kill the demon before the seal closes, she—and possibly Jayden—may be forced to spend eternity in Hell.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT by Carly Fall is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saints Grove, Virginia. This is bakery shop owner Arabella ‘Bella’ Franklin, and Jayden-an Angel of Death who has returned to Earth to save the woman he has loved for hundreds of years.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Bella and Jayden) HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT is a second chance story line. Centuries earlier, in the 1400s, Sir Jayden fell in love with Princess Arabella Wissant of House Garin but the man to whom she was forced to marry destroyed any hopes of a happily ever after. Battered, raped and abused, Arabella would die at the hands of Ulric Bayton, Prince of Praegan but not before proclaiming her undying love for Sir Jayden. Fast forward to present day and the now Angel of Death Jayden is given a second chance to save the woman he loves from the same demonic evil that took her centuries earlier. Earth, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury are about to align perfectly setting off a total lunar eclipse that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. The man who destroyed Arabella’s life will come back hoping to destroy her life again and again.

HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT is a story line that jumps between the past and present where the reader returns to the past to witness the growing but forbidden love between a knight and the princess he loves. Present day Arabella’s memories slowly resurface about a time long ago to discover her love for the Angel of Death has never diminished. The premise is enchanting; the characters are colorful and spirited; the romance is captivating and seductive. There is plenty of sexual tension between our leading couple knowing that to act on their feelings is forbidden (in the past), and that a present day love affair is hindered by the return of the ultimate evil. HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT is a sexy, second chance romance with dynamics characters and an energetic flow.

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CROSSING TIME
Saint’s Grove
by M.H. Soars

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2016

A love story that defies the barriers of time

When a cosmic event opens the seals to the universe’s spiritual planes, the town of Saint’s Grove will be in for a Halloween they will never forget. Supernatural creatures — good and bad — will take over the quaint little town, creating havoc and destruction. But the event will also bring together two people from very different worlds. Two people who would never have fallen in love otherwise…

Madison Frost never believed in fairy tales or happily-ever-afters. She didn’t have time to daydream about a knight in shining armor when she was desperately trying to keep her business from going under. When her town gets invaded by supernatural creatures, she saves a mysterious man who manages to breach the barriers of her steely heart. There’s only one problem, she believes he can never be hers for loyalty is calling him back home, back to the 19th century.

Albert Saint is a man filled with regret and anger. Forced to return to Saint’s Grove — a place he hates — he tries to forget his inner turmoil with alcohol and illegal fights. Everything changes on the evening someone tries to murder him. Albert narrowly escapes death and travels through time, crossing paths with a beautiful brunette who saves him. He can’t explain the powerful connection he feels toward Madison, an emotion that will make him question everything he ever believed to be true.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CROSSING TIME by M.H. Soars is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is coffee shop owner Madison Frost, and Albert Saint’s story line.

CROSSING TIME is a story of discovery where witches, warlocks and guardians enter into a centuries old battle to possess a rare amulet with extraordinary powers. Albert and Madison will fall in love; Madison’s best friend Cher will discover some powers of her own; and a supernatural Guardian will endeavor to protect everyone concerned.

The premise is entertaining with plenty of action and mystery; the characters are colorful; the romance is fated by time and circumstance.

I did have one issue as it pertained to a particular attack against out story line heroine wherein she is poisoned by a magical vine that for some reason had little to no affect on anyone else who touched the vine as well. Perhaps it was something that was overlooked but I would have thought that the poison would have had the same affect on everyone……*walks away thinking too hard*

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ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Saint’s Grove
by Elise Marion

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2016

Anika Butler lives a quiet, unremarkable life. Without friends, family, or a love life to keep her occupied, she spends her spare time daydreaming over the painting of a man who was born in the 1800s.

When she joins the other residents of Saint’s Grove to witness a rare lunar eclipse and planetary alignment, the man from the painting appears in front of her claiming to have traveled through time, and she will discover that she is anything but ordinary. When he tells her of their past lives together as lovers, Anika knows that it must be impossible … yet strange dreams begin to feel like memories, until she can no longer deny that something within her recognizes him as her eternal soul mate.

Isaac Parker lost everything when his fiancé, Aurora Barton, was murdered right before his eyes. The witch who killed her also afflicted him with a curse: he can never die, making it impossible for him to be reincarnated. When the eclipse and planetary alignment occurs, allowing him to travel through time, he returns to Saint’s Grove seeking the Star Anthame, the ancient weapon that was used to curse him. With only seven days to locate the relic and break his curse, this is his only hope for finding Aurora again in his next life. He never imagines he will find her in Saint’s Grove where he last saw her, now reincarnated as Anika Butler.

However, a witch with a grudge will re-emerge into their lives, forcing them to fight for their futures, and for love. If the curse isn’t broken, they may lose their chance at happiness together … not just in this life, but in all the lives to come.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Elise Marion is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is antique shop owner Anika Butler, and Isaac Parker’s story line.

NOTE: CROSSING TIME, RACING TIME, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and THE GHOST AND THE BELLE (Saint’s Grove) are also part of the multi-authored STAR ATHAME LEGEND series as well.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Isaac and Anika) using memories from the past covering several different time lines ACROSS THE UNIVERSE follows Isaac Parker as he ventures to present day Saint’s Grove, Virginia in search of the ‘star athame’. Approximately one hundred and thirty years earlier Isaac was cursed to live the life of an immortal never crossing paths with the woman he loved-a woman that time and fate have deemed his lover for all time. Arriving through the portal during the lunar eclipse, Isaac not only begins the search for the mystical dagger but for the woman that calls to his heart. What ensues is the rekindling of the love between two people torn apart by the jealously and betrayal of a spurned nineteenth century witch.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is a story of second chances, reincarnation, fated lovers and magic. The premise is spirited but at times got lost between the back and forth of several time lines, and the various incarnation of the leading couple. The characters are magical; the romance is provocative and intense-the $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top erotic imagery. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is a sexy and energetic addition to the Saint’s Grove anthology.

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THE GHOST AND THE BELLE
Saint’s Grove
by Rose Shababy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: October 13, 2016

Always a loner, Irene Bell prefers to spend her days tending her little bookstore in the sleepy little Virginia town of Saint’s Grove. After all, she tells herself, what other company does a girl need when she has her books?

But when a much anticipated lunar eclipse and planetary alignment bring a meteor that tears a rift between realities, the entire town is thrown into chaos as mythology becomes reality.

A reality that includes a drop-dead gorgeous ghost named Benjamin Churchill, who appears naked and unconscious, smack dab in the middle of her store.

A chance meeting with a witch reveals he’s been cursed, his body and soul bound to his former office, now Irene’s bookstore. The only way to break the curse is to assemble the long-lost pieces of a mystical artifact known as the Star Anthame, a knife created by magic and cursed by the darkest witch Saint’s Grove has ever known. No one knows where the pieces lay, and worse, they aren’t the only ones looking for it.

Racing against a ticking clock, both Irene and Benjamin must fight the irresistible attraction between them.

Breaking the curse means Benjamin can finally cross over. Failing means he’ll be stuck between worlds for another thousand years. And no matter how hard they look, they can’t seem to find a way for him to stay.
What’s a girl to do when the man she loves is a ghost?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE GHOST AND THE BELLE by Rose Shababy is part of the multi-authored SAINT’S GROVE paranormal/fantasy/time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is book store owner Irene Bell, and Benjamin Churchill’s story line.

NOTE: CROSSING TIME, RACING TIME, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and THE GHOST AND THE BELLE (Saint’s Grove) are also part of the multi-authored STAR ATHAME LEGEND series as well. The Ghost and the Belle wraps up the Star Athame Legend premise.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Irene and Benjamin) THE GHOST AND THE BELLE is a story of time travel and ghosts where our hero Benjamin Churchill becomes trapped in present day Saint’s Grove Virginia-a shadow of his former self. With the lunar eclipse and the planets aligned, Benjamin’s ghost is hurdle one hundred and fifty years into the future, present day Saint’s Grove Virginia, where he will fall in love with bookstore owner Irene Bell. As the couple search for a way to send Benjamin back to his time, they will discover that not everything was as it appeared to be one hundred and fifty years earlier- a murder, a fiancé, and a betrayal of the heart will send Benjamin to an early grave.

THE GHOST AND THE BELLE is the fourth and final book focusing on the mystical Star Athame dagger that had cursed four of our story line heroes. The premise is imaginative and revealing as it brings this particular arc of the series to its’ conclusion. The relationship between Benjamin and Irene is one of mutual attraction but because of the hero’s ‘old fashioned’ values, I did not feel the immediate pull of want and need.

I did have a few issues with the editing/writing as it pertained to the switch between first and third person perspective in one particular chapter of the story. The back and forth between first and third person for our story line heroine was obvious and disconcerting, and the error should have been caught by the editor or proofreader. There were also a number of repetitive phrases and series of words in successive paragraphs that should have been modified so that the duplication wasn’t such a distraction; and some issues of grammar and spelling (e.g. to vs too) were also overlooked. Hopefully another round of editing will correct the problems.

THE GHOST AND THE BELLE is another fated lovers story; a time travel tale of betrayal and retribution; ghosts and witches; magic and mayhem that brings together several of the series couples and characters who are all connected by the mystical dagger.

_________________

All Dragon's Eve ALL DRAGON’S EVE
Saint’s Grove
by Casse Narome

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2016

Ana Benten spent her life dreaming of something bigger for herself. After high school graduation, she leaves Saint’s Grove in the hopes of finding what will make her truly happy. But even the best-laid plans are no guarantee. When her grandmother passes, Ana’s life comes full-circle. She’s forced to return home and accept what life has thrown at her. The last thing she ever imagined she’d have to accept, arrives in the form of a handsome stranger who barrels into the jewelry shop she inherited, just in time to save her.

Ka-Riu knows what it’s like to have your life turned upside down in the blink of an eye. On what was supposed to be an ordinary day, spent soaring through the skies with his siblings, Ka-Riu and his people find themselves trapped in a curse – in another dimension, in human form. The only way to reverse the curse and gain his life back is to find the stones and the Bentaizen Goddesses who can assist his people. He is on a mission to not let his family down.

Strangely drawn to this mysterious man, Ana volunteers to help the legendary Ka-Riu. Could saving the dragons be the key to finally realizing where she belongs and set her on her true path? With the clock ticking and destiny impatiently waiting, their joining of forces has the potential to change countless lives, especially their own. Will the new path they set lead to Ana finally embracing her true destiny and living the life she fought so hard to attain with the dragon that has undeniably fallen for her?

••••••••

REVIEW: ALL DRAGON’S EVE is part of the multi-authored SAINT’S GROVE paranormal/fantasy, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is jewelry store owner Ana Benten, and dragon shifter Ka-Riu’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ana and Ka-Riu) ALL DRAGON’S EVE follows Ka-Riu as he and his family pass through the lunar eclipse portal to Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the hopes of locating the Clan Stones. For three hundred years the dragons of Inventurea Prism have been cursed; their dragons dormant, and to release their dragons Ka-Riu returns to Saint’s Grove in search of the mystical Hearth Stone aka Clan Stones that are said to carry the power of the dragon. Enter jeweler and ‘goddess’ Ana Benten-a woman unaware of her connections to the dragons but a connection that is triggered with the lunar eclipse.

ALL DRAGON’S EVE is an entertaining story line that is a bit of a departure from the other Saint’s Grove installments wherein the ‘dragons’ are able to travel back and forth through the portal throughout the story, and there is no interplay with any of the other happenings in Saint’s Grove. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of Ka-Riu’s extended family of siblings and dragons that make for some fun and humorous moments. We are introduced to Ana’s best friend Paola who finds herself a prisoner of a man hoping to keep Ana for himself.

Once again, I had a few issues with this story including some problems with cohesion, grammar and spelling; and an inordinate amount of, what I can only describe as, ‘filler’ that, at times, bogged down the flow of the story. The premise is lighthearted; the characters are affectionate and charming; the romance is a quick jump to happily ever after.

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WORLDS APART
Saint’s Grove
by Amy Richie

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2016

“When I was seven, my father killed me. It was after they brought me back to life that the ghosts found me. They followed me to my world – to Saint’s Grove.”

Sammy Jo Edwards’ small town life has been anything but ordinary. She’s grown used to the strange occurrences that only seem to affect her. But, when a seemingly normal event lands her in extraordinary circumstances, Sammy Jo is hard-pressed to understand what has happened, let alone figure out how to get her old life back.
The last thing Soothsayer Ben expected when he “saw” Sammy Jo enter his world was to find himself drawn to her. Yet, when fate seems determined the two should meet, his growing attraction to her is quickly met with danger. The life Sammy Jo so desperately wants back is threatened.

With only seven days to find the portal back to her world, Sammy Jo and Ben embark on the most dangerous mission of their lives. If they succeed, Sammy Jo gets her life back. If they fail, there will be no future for anyone.

Can they really save the future? And what will become of their hearts if Ben and Sammy Jo are once again worlds apart?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: WORLDS APART by Amy Richie is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia and the aftermath off a total lunar eclipse and the alignment of the planets that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is soothsayer Ben Monroe, and Sammy Jo Edwards’s story line.

Told from first person point of view (Sammy Jo ) WORLDS APART is a paranormal, time travel romance that follows twenty year old Sammy Jo Edwards as she is hurdled forward in time following a lunar eclipse and the alignment of the planets that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil in the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia.

WORLDS APART reads like a middle-grade / YA story line. The story line is uncomplicated and slow to build; the text and conversations are simple; the requisite evil is easily tamed but I never felt wholly engaged with the characters or what was happening in the world around them. It felt as though there were too many details missing, and the background information regarding the future time period is virtually non-existent. There are a few twists and turns at the end of the story line with the potential for a happily ever after-for now. Perhaps the author has plans for a future installment focusing on what happens with Sammy and Ben’s return to the past.

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower – a Review

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Barb

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower – a Review

A Regency Yuletide Amazon

DESCRIPTION
After a disappointing season in London, Sophie Davenport returns home without a marriage proposal. No sooner does she settle back into her country life than she learns her uncle has arranged for her to marry the local vicar’s son, a respectable and utterly forgettable man. He’s returning home immediately after the Christmas holiday and they will wed. She sets about making this last Christmas with just she and her mother memorable.

Jeremy Wyatt hatches a plan to help his friend Thomas and his love, Emma, escape to Gretna Green and marry before her father comes after them. What he’s really doing is avoiding heading to his parents’ home, where he is the son who is always making the wrong choices. But their carriage becomes hopelessly mired in the mud from the incessant rains so Jeremy sets off to find shelter for them at the first house he comes to.

Sophie welcomes the wet and weary travelers, and her mother agrees to house them temporarily until they can free the carriage. Sophie forms a bond not only with Emma, but with Jeremy. However despite the sparks they ignite in each other, they have to maintain their separate paths.

But love and mistletoe have a way of upsetting even the best-laid plans.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

EEEE, Becky has new reads and is one again knocking it out of the park. Ok … so let me admit something here! I am biased when it comes to Becky Lower. I have been with her since her debut novel, have reviewed all she has released, and I absolutely have a soft spot for her. HOWEVER, this is because she has earned it, and continues to deliver with every single story. Now she has released a novella, and let me tell you, a novella is a very hard sell for an author because in order for it to not feel lacking, there has to be substance in the writing talent. There has to be so much story crammed into a small amount of pages. You need to have the intro, build up, character development, angst/antagonist, climax and conclusion. Becky Lower has mastered this. I literally curled up with this novella, and enjoyed it in one sitting, with a cup of tea, and I ended a couple hours later feeling completely satisfied (it wasn’t the tea that did it for me .. lol).

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower is a novella about love found during Christmas time. It’s a story about dreams coming true.

Sophie Davenport and her mother are set to celebrate Christmas together before Sophie is to marry a man she has no wish to marry. As her uncle has taken over the estate, she must do as he bids, and is resigned to being pawned off on another family. Sophie has never experienced love before and comes to terms that she likely never will! Until ….

Jeremy Wyatt is set on helping his best friend run away with on a romantic adventure with the love of his life. When fate decides to step in, Jeremy and company are delayed due to a mishap with the coach. Deciding to find shelter, Jeremy finds himself on the Sophie’s doorstep.

Cooped up in this small cottage with Christmas dreams in every corner, Sophie and Jeremy set the fire for a once in a lifetime love. With friends and relatives either encouraging or interfering, these two navigate through personal issues and a realization that they are meant to be.

So soft and beautiful, this story is a perfect “get into the Christmas mood” kind of read. There is angst in this story, but romance and love is so strong it makes every bit of it durable! LOL

MERRY CHRISTMAS Becky Lower, thank you for writing another perfect story, that revolves around history, and all the things I love in a historical romance!

Snuggle up with a cup of happy, a blanket, and get ready to swoon in happiness while reading this novella! You will be feeling the Christmas bliss once you are done! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for Review

Dragon Heartstring (Vale of Stars .5) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review and Excerpt Tour

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Sandy

DRAGON HEARTSTRING (Vale of Stars .5) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review and Excerpt Tour

Dragon Heartstring

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 25, 2016

Demetrius Cade has long since let go of his prejudice against Morgonkind, the dragon hybrid race his father taught him to hate. But what he never saw coming was the Morgon woman who would finally teach him to love.

Shakara Icewing has watched Demetrius Cade from afar for years. Known as the most eligible bachelor and emotionally unavailable in all of Gladium Province, she sees him as the aloof, arrogant brother of her dear friend. But when they finally meet, she isn’t sure she can handle how deep and how fast they both fall.

An old enemy resurfaces and once more threatens those Demetrius loves. When Shakara plans to speak before Parliament against business tycoon Aron Grayson, she puts her own life in the line of fire. Demetrius will stop at nothing to protect the woman he can no longer live without.

••••••

Sandy’s Review: DRAGON HEARTSTRING is the prequel story line in Juliette Cross’s adult Vale of Stars amazing and complex fantasy series focusing on a dragon hybrid species known as the Morgons. This is Morgon healer Shakara Icewing, and human businessman/billionaire Demetrius Cade’s story line.

NOTE: There is a companion novella series entitled NIGHTWING (Soulfire #1 / Windburn #2) that introduces several of the characters and some background history into the war between the Morgons and humankind. I would strongly recommend reading the Nightwing companion series before starting the Vale of Stars series. Demetrius is Jessen Cade-Nightwing’s brother. Jessen was first introduced in Soulfire (Nightwing #1).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Demetrius and Shakara) DRAGON HEARTSTRING follows Morgon healer Shakara Icewing as she prepares to go before the Gladium Province Parliament in the hopes of pushing the ban for the weapon known as the Volt gun-a weapon designed to kill Morgons-but the designer of the Volt gun wants to ensure that Shakara never has the chance to speak before the Gladium Parliament. Enter Demetrius Cade –the son of a bigot with tightly held prejudices against the human/hybrid Morgon . What ensues are Demetrius’s attempts to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love; and the search for the person(s) responsible for the threats against Shakara’s life.

Demetrius is considered the most eligible bachelor in Gladium Province. A billionaire businessman with no known girlfriends but a man who has caught the eye of the Morgon healer. Shakara knows that it is rare for a Morgon female to find her mate amongst the human population but our heroine knows that the pull of the ‘Heartstring’ whenever in the presence of Demetrius Cade can only mean one thing-that Demetrius is her fated mate.

The world building continues to focus on the tepid but strained relationship between the humans and the Morgons-the animosity, prejudices, specieism, bigotry and discrimination aimed at the hybrid species of dragon and man. We learn a little more about the background as to the how and why of the Cade family’s prejudices.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Jessen and Lucius Nightwing (Nightwing),and their three year old son Julian; as well as Lucius’s brother Lorian and his mate Sorcha (Windburn). The requisite evil comes in many forms as the Grayson family continues to push for the integration and use of the Volt gun –a weapon they helped design and manufacture.

DRAGON HEARTSTRING is an engaging tale of fated mates; an encouraging story about one woman’s efforts to bring about change, and the man who is tied to her heart. The premise is imaginative; the characters are passionate and inspiring; the romance is seductive and provocative. Juliette Cross will captivate your imagination with her fascinating world of the Morgons of Gladium Province.

Barb”s Review:
Dragon Heartstring by Juliette Cross is a novella that is part of her Vale of Stars series. I have become a big fan of Juliette Cross’s writing and having read her Nightwing series, and the first two books of Vale of Stars, I have come to expect each new book to be another fantastic exciting story. Though Dragon Heartstring is not a full length novel, this book was another exciting, sexy, enjoyable fast read.

Demetrius Cade, who is Jessen’s brother, is our hero. Demetrius is a powerful and wealthy member of the Cade family. Over the years, Demetrius has changed his feelings about Morgonkind, having learned from his sister, and nephew that they are not bad, even if they are not human. Especially after watching a Grayson almost kill his sister. Demetrius makes it his business to visit Jessen and her family to become more comfortable with the Morgons, as well as to enjoy his nephew.

Shakara Icewing, is a powerful Morgon woman, who helps run her family’s business, and is a healer. She sees Demetrius on occasions, during events, and sees him as a loner, arrogant and a handsome eligible bachelor, whom she only looks from afar.

When Demetrius hears Shakara and Jessen discussing trying to ban a dangerous weapon that kills Morgankind, he pushes himself into the conversation. Demetrius wants to help, as he remembers how close Jessen came to death from one of those guns. He begins to spend more time with Shakara, as she plans her speech to the Parliament. Slowly, they both find themselves very much attracted to one another, as their chemistry is off the wall.

Demetrius becomes more and more involved in Shakara’s life, since he fears her life is in danger, as is Jessen’s. The Grayson family will fight the ban, as they stand to lose their business if the ban passes. We all remember that it was Aron Grayson, who tried to kill Jessen with that weapon. Demetrius will use his friends, and money to help protect those he loves. Shakara has fallen hard for Demetrius, and learns along the way he is indeed her mate. Shakara is a strong heroine, who is independent and stubborn, not allowing herself to listen to Demetrius’s fears for her safety, and finds herself in a terrible death defying situation. Will Demetrius be able to save her? Will Shakara allow herself to mate with a human?

Even though Dragon Heartstring was a shorter story, I loved every moment of it. Juliette Cross has a wonderful writing style that keeps us on the edge of our seat, not to mention a sexy romance. I have noted before in my reviews, that having likeable characters helps make the story that much better. In her series, Juliette Cross always has such great characters, as well as evil villains. If you have not read anything by Juliette Cross, it is time to start now.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Nightwing Series
Nightwing
Windburn
Nightbloom

Vale of Stars
Dragon Heartstring
Waking the Dragon
Dragon in the Blood

Copy supplied for review

excerpt

There were already a few couples taking advantage of the private rooftop. We stopped at the corner and looked out over downtown Gladium. Glittering like stars, the city lights lit up the night.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” I asked, leaning on the railing, the warm summer breeze lifting my hair.
“Yes. Quite.”
I glanced over to find him staring at me, not the city. I smiled. “Do you know it’s rude to stare like that?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help it. You are quite beautiful,” he said with sincerity.
I arched a brow. “Even with the wings?”
“Especially with the wings.” His gaze flicked to them. “You know, Shakara. You seem to have a misguided notion that I dislike Morgons, but the truth is far from it.”
“Well, if I may be so frank, your past proves you’ve had—I don’t know how to say it—issues with Morgonkind.”
His heavy gaze never left me. “Some of us learn from our past mistakes. And we change. At least we should anyway.”
His intense expression and bold statement were a challenge. One I wasn’t sure I was ready to explore. The conversation had turned from casual to serious in a heartbeat. And I realized in this, he was right and I was wrong. We should learn from our mistakes.
Changing the subject was my only escape. “So. What were you talking to Lucius about?”
He loosened his tie and pulled it off, folded it end over end then stuffed it into his inside jacket pocket. “You were watching me?”
“Yes.”
“So you lied,” he said, leaning forward with both forearms on the balcony wall, his left arm brushing mine.
“Did I?” I focused on steadying my voice.
“You said you didn’t know I was here at the party when I walked up to your table.”
“Oh, yes. I did lie.” I felt him staring but continued to gaze out at the city. “I didn’t want you to think I was stalking you or something.”
He laughed, leaning left, his shoulder grazing mine. On purpose, for sure.
My senses amped up. “You’re avoiding my question.”
“Am I?”
“Yes, tell me. I want to know what Demetrius Cade, who never speaks to his brother-in-law even at his nephew’s birthday party, could possibly have to say in a little one-on-one conversation.”
“You have been stalking me.” He smirked and pressed closer.
I arched a brow at him and whispered, “Tell me.”
“It was about you actually.”
“Me?”
“The hearing coming up.”
“Oh.” The wind lifted my hair in the night air. I tucked a strand behind one ear. “What about it?”
“As I mentioned at lunch yesterday, I’m afraid this hearing may bring some negative attention your way. Perhaps, even danger.” His frown was back. His lips tightened into a line as he studied me.
“I think you might be worrying too much.”
“No, I’m not. Which is why you might notice someone from Nightwing Security watching out for you at the clinic. And maybe elsewhere.”
“Wait. I’m going to have a bodyguard?”
“Yes. And don’t say you don’t want one. It’s necessary to be cautious about this. At least until the hearing is over.”
I couldn’t help but be a little surprised that Demetrius of all people would take the initiative to protect me. My father and aunt were bringing up clan members for the hearing itself, but they hadn’t prepared for any threats beforehand.
Before Demetrius’s scowl could deepen further, I made a bold declaration. “So what you’re saying is you’re worried about me.”
Just like that, his stiff shoulders rolled forward as if a weight had been dropped. He angled his body toward me, leaning one elbow on the banister and answered my teasing question more directly than I’d anticipated. “Yes. I certainly am.”
My nerves rattled inside me like marbles in a jar. It was all because of Demetrius. I was fine with him in crowds and loud clubs and chatty birthday parties. But alone with the heady mix of his cologne and his masculine scent swirling around me and with those dark eyes tracking my every move, my dragon wanted to stretch out for him and purr. The woman, the part of me who was confident in the clinic but shy in the bedroom, wanted to retreat and hide. As soon as I’d thought it, my wings twitched, brushing against him.
I gasped and pulled them tight again, “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
The air shifted, and I felt like I did that day in the elevator—breathless and trapped and extremely aroused at his nearness.
“Shakara,” he said softly.
“Yes?”
“May I take a closer look at your wings?”
“Yes.”
I turned for him, inhaling a deep breath, and opened them partway, keeping one hand on the banister.
“May I touch them?” he asked softly.
“Yes.”
I didn’t want to tell him how sensitive I was to touch on my wings. Some Morgons weren’t at all. But when Demetrius’s hands slid up the arches, sending a sensual shiver through my body, I thought I might come undone. When his fingers caressed along the side edge and back down, I gripped the banister tight.
“They’re quite beautiful,” he said. He had to notice my tremulous state. If he did, he made no note of it.
“Thank you.”
“You’re quite beautiful.”
When he moved his body closer, I could feel the heat of him at my back. He trailed his fingers along the underside of my wings where they were especially soft. He nuzzled his mouth close to my ear. “I want to touch you.”
Needing to hold onto something, I gripped the banister with both hands. I couldn’t breathe. I shouldn’t be behaving this way with him of all men. I felt as if I were stepping into enemy territory, venturing into places I wasn’t meant to go. And yet, he turned me on beyond reason.
“May I?” he asked.
“Yes,” I whispered, unable to resist him.
He swept my hair over one shoulder then proceeded to kiss his way up one side of my neck. One hand spanned my waist. He glided the other hand over the curve of my shoulder and down my arm, then laced his fingers through mine atop the banister. Yearning for his lips on my skin, I dropped my head back so he could have better access. He took full advantage, brushing feather-light kisses down the column of my throat.
“You know, there are many who would object to this kind of behavior.” He pressed an open-mouthed kiss to that tender spot between my neck and shoulder.
“What, what kind of behavior? There are others doing the same in their own corner of the rooftop.”
“No, couples like us.”
“You mean a Morgon and a human?” I asked, trying not to sound as breathless as I was.
“Yes.” He nipped up my neck with teeth. The sensation flushed me with heat.
“Do you care if people object?”
He stopped and turned me around by the waist.
“Does it bother you?” I repeated.
His voice dropped lower with an edge of strain. “I don’t know.” His fingers banded tighter at my waist. “But not enough for me to stop.”
Before I could form another thought, his lips were hard and determined on mine. The world be damned, for there could be no misunderstanding what he wanted now.

About The Author
Juliette Cross Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Amazon Author Page / Newsletter

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Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas – a Review

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Barb

Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas – a Review

Losing Lauren Amazon

Description:
Alexandra Winifred has played a supporting role in her cousin’s life since they were children. When Lauren Water’s parents are killed in a plane crash, Alexandra becomes her protector, and together they navigate their way through childhood and college. They’re both overachievers, but it’s Lauren who steals the spotlight when she’s discovered by a notable agent and goes on to become an award-winning actress, leaving Alexandra in her shadow as her fledgling publicist. Now Hollywood royalty, Lauren starts to cut those people out of her life who were responsible for her success. Alexandra fears she will be next on the chopping block. But her trepidation about her failing relationship with her cousin becomes her least concern when she’s identified as a prime suspect in Lauren’s subsequent disappearance. Detective Rachel Storme, who has a full plate taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s and supervising a meth-addicted aunt, is eager to get her hands on a challenging case, but nothing could prepare her for the dark secrets and lies that she uncovers while she does everything in her power to find out what happened to Lauren.

Review:

Losing Lauren begins with Lauren having just won a best actress award and attending a party afterwards. Alexandra has felt Lauren pulling away and asks her about it. They agree to meet later to talk about everything going on with Lauren and part ways. Alex heads home, only to receive a frantic phone call from Lauren’s fiancé that something has happened to Lauren. When Alex arrives at Lauren’s, the scene before her leaves her mind spinning and her stomach churning.

The police are called and the world, as Alex knows it, changes forever. Detective Rachel Storme and her partner, Herb, eventually make the scene and discover that there is no body, but there is evidence of a crime. As Rachel and her team try to piece together what happened, the list of suspects grows. Lauren’s fiancé is a likely candidate, as is her management team. Rachel interviews Alex as well, and even though Alex is a suspect, Rachel isn’t buying that she had anything to do with Lauren’s disappearance. What follows are so many twists and turns that one minute, you KNOW who did it, only to be proven wrong a little later. All Alex knows is that her world will never be the same.

Losing Lauren is yet another nicely written story by Alretha Thomas. The characters in all of Ms. Thomas’s books are so relatable and real that you feel that you know them. This story was no exception. The plot twists will grab your attention and when the big reveal is made, your heart will break for what Lauren endured as a child. Your heart will also break for Alex who will always wonder if she could have done more to protect her cousin and best friend. You will also fall even more in love with Detective Rachel Storme. She is probably one of the most believable and realistic characters I’ve read about in a long time. She is the daughter every mother would love to have. She is the co-worker everyone would want, but even more than that, she is the person everyone would hope to be. She loving, loyal and steadfast in her beliefs that right is right and wrong is wrong. If you’re looking for a good mystery with lots of twists and turns, as well as wonderfully written characters, this one is definitely for you. I look forward to the next installment in this series. Well done, Alretha Thomas! Very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

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The Year of Loving by Traci L. Slatton-a review

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Sandy

THE YEAR OF LOVING by Traci L. Slatton-a review

The Year of Loving

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

About the book: Release Date October 10, 2016

Art gallerist Sarah Paige’s world is crumbling. One daughter barely speaks to her and the other is off the rails. Sarah is struggling to keep her gallery afloat in a tough market when she learns that her most beloved friend has cancer. In the midst of her second divorce, two men come into her life: an older man who offers companionship and stability and an exciting younger man whose life is as chaotic as hers.

Sarah’s courage, humor, and spirit strengthen her, but how much can she bear, and what sustains her when all else falls away?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE YEAR OF LOVING by Traci L. Slatton is a contemporary, adult, romance story line about one woman’s struggle in both her personal and professional life. Mother of two, twice divorced art gallerist Sarah Paige has a toxic relationship with her daughters thanks to their father-a man who uses his money and family name to destroy the relationship between the girls and their mom.

Sarah Paige is a forty-something, fiercely independent woman struggling against professional and personal bankruptcy, in the midst of her second divorce, the continued and complicated estrangement from her daughters, and the difficult acceptance of her best friend’s cancer diagnosis. To complicate matters Sarah finds herself attracted to and drawn towards two men each offering something different but wanting a relationship with our story line heroine. What Sarah offers to each man does not allow for any permanency –she is unwilling to give up control over any aspect of her life.

THE YEAR OF LOVING focuses on one woman’s difficult battle with the world around her. The hardships of a struggling business, and wanting to remain independent juxtaposed to a series of misfortunes and personal failure. Sarah is a woman with a vulnerable side that forces our heroine to lash out and alienate the people she loves, as she attempts to reconcile the conflicts in her life. Some times the best action is to walk away and start over.

THE YEAR OF LOVING is a story of hardships and struggles; embittered exes, and troubled and rebellious teens caught between the destructive nature of battling parents. Traci L. Slatton writes a tale of one woman’s emotional journey into the abyss of relationship failure, financial strain, and an independent nature that comes across as complicated and unrelenting. The premise is intense; the characters are controversial and tragic. There are moments of heartbreak and grief; acceptance and moving forward; falling in love and letting go of the past. THE YEAR OF LOVING is a revealing, realistic and sensitive story with a passionate heroine whose life is slowly unraveling.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About the author

Traci L Slatton Traci L. Slatton, author of FALLEN and COLD LIGHT, is a graduate of Yale and Columbia. She lives in Manhattan, and her love for Renaissance Italy inspired her historical novel IMMORTAL and her contemporary vampire art history mystery THE BOTTICELLI AFFAIR. FALLEN is the first in a romantic trilogy set during the end times; COLD LIGHT and FAR SHORE further the dystopian tale. DANCING IN THE TABERNACLE is her first book of poetry. She also wrote a sculpture book, THE ART OF LIFE, with her husband. THE LOVE OF MY (OTHER) LIFE is a bittersweet rom-com that addresses the question: What worlds would you move to be with your soulmate?

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Tempting Tristan (Harborside Nights #3) by Melissa Foster-Review and Book Tour

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Sandy

TEMPTING TRISTAN : Tristan Brewer (Harborside Nights #3) by Melissa Foster-Review and Book Tour

TEMPTING TRISTAN
Harborside Nights #3
by Melissa Foster
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, M/M/ romance
Release Date: October 19, 2016

Tempting Tristan

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google / iTunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 19, 2016

Tempting Tristan is a stand-alone M/M romance featuring two sexy, lovable alpha heroes.

TRISTAN AND ALEX

Fresh off the heels of yet another bad relationship, Tristan Brewer is taking a break from men to try to figure out where he keeps going wrong. He knows his biggest fault—he leads with his heart, not his head—and that’s never going to change. But after several introspective weeks, he’s beginning to get a handle on things. That is, until badass heartthrob Alex Wells walks into his bar…

Alex has spent eight years in the army, months in a hospital bed, and far too long hiding his sexual identity. He’s guilt-ridden, damaged, pissed off, and up for a Silver Star for the incident that nearly cost him his life—and kept him from his grandmother’s funeral. But all he wants to do is live the life he’s always dreamed of and forget his stint with the institution that allows but doesn’t necessarily accept.

The chemistry between Tristan and Alex ignites from the moment they meet, and the more time they spend together, the hotter the flames burn. But the closer they become, the more Alex’s walls go up, and when the two walk onto a military base, Tristan finds out Alex’s physical scars aren’t the ones that run the deepest.

••••••••••

REVIEW: TEMPTING TRISTAN is the third installment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult HARBORSIDE NIGHTS erotic romance series- which in turn is part of Foster’s LOVE IN BLOOM series. TEMPTING TRISTAN is a M/M romance story line focusing on bartender Tristan Brewer, and US army vet/artist Alex Wells. TEMPTING TRISTAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: TEMPTING TRISTAN contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tristan and Alex) TEMPTING TRISTAN follows the building relationship between bartender Tristan Brewer, and US army veteran Alex Wells. Alex’s appearance in Harborside following months of hospital recovery and rehab comes with the grief that he missed his beloved Grandmother’s funeral knowing that he will never get the chance to say good bye. Enter Tristan Brewer, the man his grandmother spoke of so highly, and the man that calls to Alex’s heart. What ensues is a romance that is threatened by the scars Alex carries both inside and out.

The relationship between our leading couple is very sexual; there is an insta-love quality between Tristan and Alex although Alex is reluctant to reveal the details of his two tours in the Middle East. Tristan is a man who has been burned by most of the men in his past but is willing to give Alex the benefit of the doubt and helps Alex accept the man that he has become. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense, erotic and provocative.

There is a large cast of secondary and supporting characters including Delilah and Ashley (Discovering Delilah #2) and Wyatt and Cassidy (Catching Cassidy #1). Tristan’s parents are accepting of their son’s lifestyle and the man that he loves but Alex has difficulty with the US Army’s history and the LBGQT community.

TEMPTING TRISTAN is a decadent story line without the interference of any outside conflict; an engaging and energetic tale about two man who fell in love when neither one expected. Alex’s struggle for acceptance in the military causes some disconcerting issues in his relationship with the man that he loves. The premise is encouraging and romantic; the characters are passionate and inspiring; the romance is seductive and heartwarming. Melissa Foster writes an emotional story about acceptance, recovery and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Tempting Tristan Teaser

excerpt

“Can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer.”Tristan shrugs. “Have at it.”

“Why were you taking a break? I get that your ex was a prick, but is there more to it?”

He looks down the street, across the street, and then his hand cruises through his hair as it has so often that I’ve already come to expect it when he’s nervous.

“Ian was a prick, but the rest is going to make me sound like a pussy,” he admits.

“I’ve only known you a day, and I already know nothing can make you sound like a pussy.”

He meets my gaze, and his jaw tightens. He lifts his chin and I recognize the struggle between feeling proud and worrying about looking weak. I fight that battle on a daily basis.

“I give away my heart too easily, and I end up getting hurt.”

His eyes never leave mine, and that trust, that confidence, is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.

“I was right. Nothing can make you sound like a pussy.” I slide my hand to the hard ridge of his jaw and lean in closer. “I’ve never given my heart away. That makes you braver than me.”

about the author

Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, 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 World Literary Café and Fostering Success. 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 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 social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Three Simple Words by A.J. Pine -a Review

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Barb

Three Simple Words by A.J. Pine -a Review

Three Simple Words Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
he’s holding out for a happy ever after.

I know where to find my happily ever after–between the pages of a romance novel. It’s why I sell books, why I blog about them, and why I’ll never get disappointed by love.

So what if my brother’s best friend from high school is now a bestselling author? Or that he just blew back into town on a Harley, filling out a pair of jeans like he never did before? Or that he’s agreed to do a signing at my bookstore on such short notice?

Because despite all his adoring female fans, I kind of hated his book.

Review:

Three Simple Words is book three of the Kingston Ale House Series by A.J. Pine. Annie Denning wanted her happily every after. As owner of the local book store Two Stories – she won’t settle for anything less. And after reading hundreds of romance books, she completely believes in true love and happy endings – but getting one hasn’t proved that simple. She is quiet and beautiful and loves to spend her time reading romance novels and blogging about what else – romance. When she finds out her brothers high school best friend, Wes Hartley is in town she is less than thrilled.

Wes is a New York Times best selling author who’s books don’t end in a happily ever after. In fact, they are no where close to it. Wes doesn’t believe in happy endings. Annie’s brother Jeremy gives Wes a place to stay for a bit and some shifts at Kingston’s to make some extra cash. But Jeremy asks one favor in return. He asks Wes to do a book signing at Annie’s book store. Wes is quick to oblige, that is until he finds out just how much Annie hated his book…

But, when Wes arrives at the book signing – Annie is stopped dead in her tracks. She knows she hates Wes Hartley the author, but she was not prepared for how attractive Wes had become. He has certainly grown up since they were kids. And after a quite successful book signing, Wes finds himself as Annie’s last minute date for a weekend wedding. What started out as the two of them just having a fun time, turned into something so much more! But Annie has read Wes’ book and she knows his book hero rings true with him also – they just don’t believe in true love and all that entails. So what’s a girl to do – when she is falling head over heels for someone she knows will never reciprocate the feelings. Wes has a grocery list of women from his past – all conveniently laid out in his best selling novel. For the entire world and Annie to see. Every one of them showing her just how afraid of commitment he is. How can she convince him otherwise, and will she even need to? But surprisingly Wes is feeling things that he has never felt before. He finds himself wanting to spend time with Annie. Wes has never felt this before for any woman. And he isn’t quite sure how to process everything that he is feeling right now.

Annie was wonderful to read. She was funny (loved all the t-shirts) and smart. And from the moment you met her you wanted to convince her that HEA’s do really happen and that they are not just things of fiction. But Wes is stubborn and seemed pretty convinced that he wasn’t meant for any type of relationship. They are adorable together and the story unfolds perfectly. Leaving you wanting to know what is going to happen next and will the two of them get their acts together and finally be on the same page.

If you love a romance novel inside of a romance novel this is the book for you. You can read this book as a stand alone – but I highly recommend the entire series! The characters have all been heartwarming and loveable and you become invested and want to see the best for them.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Monthly Archives: October 2016

For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove-a review

FOR THE LOVE OF ENGLISH by A. M. Hargrove-a review

Saint’s Grove Series-a review

Saint’s Grove Series-a review

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower – a Review

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower – a Review

Dragon Heartstring (Vale of Stars .5) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review and Excerpt Tour

DRAGON HEARTSTRING (Vale of Stars .5) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review and Excerpt Tour

Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas – a Review

Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas – a Review

The Year of Loving by Traci L. Slatton-a review

THE YEAR OF LOVING by Traci L. Slatton-a review

Tempting Tristan (Harborside Nights #3) by Melissa Foster-Review and Book Tour

TEMPTING TRISTAN : Tristan Brewer (Harborside Nights #3) by Melissa Foster-Review and Book Tour

Three Simple Words by A.J. Pine -a Review

Three Simple Words by A.J. Pine -a Review