His Family of Convenience by Amy Ayers – a Review

His Family of Convenience by Amy Ayers – a Review

 

His Family of InconvenienceAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Senna Callas’s one-night stand with her alpha asshole boss, Marco Medina, was supposed to mark the end of her internship and their ridiculous attraction. After being unreachable and ignoring Senna for a year, Marco sweeps back into the country and summons her to his office, revealing he knows her secret…the secret created during their explosive night together.

Marco is determined to be there for the son he’s just discovered he has, but when it comes to being with Senna, his choices aren’t his own. His meddling family expects him, the firstborn son, to follow through with the arranged marriage set up when he was a child. And Senna has no plans on being his mistress and still resents how her attempts to contact Marco were ignored. The only thing going right between them is the attraction that burns no matter the complicated situation they’re in.

Marco would do anything to protect his family, anything except decide between the legacy he was born into and the young family he’s just found…

 

Review:

His Family of Inconvenience by Amy Ayers was well written from beginning to end, and the entertaining plot, with its twists and turns kept me glued to its pages. 

Senna is a good mother to her infant son Max. She doesn’t have much money, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to give Max the best possible start in life. She works as a bartender, that’s where she meets Marco.

Max’s father is Marco Medina, an extremely wealthy and powerful man, he left Senna after their one night of being together.  Marco is now back in Miami, on the hunt for his recently discovered son, unaware that Senna tried to share her pregnancy news with him, however, her many calls, texts, and emails were intercepted by his well meaning staff. 

Marco is first born, it has many privileges, but it also comes with an arranged marriage and a ton of responsibility. Marco believes deeply in his families traditions, so even though he has strong feelings for Senna, he plans to forward with the plans that his parents’ arranged for him when he was a child.

Sienna is completely unaware of Marco’s plans to take Max to Spain to meet his ailing father and the rest of his family. And Marco’s wealth allows him to take care of all of Senna’s financial problems in one fell swoop, including her grandmother’s care. 

So Senna and Max go to Spain, she meets his family and a truce is called between them. Senna and Marco explore their feelings for each other, but how will they dealing with Marco’s arranged marriage?

This story is well-written and the characters are well-defined, and the description of the scenery had me immersed. Their feelings for each other developed at a steady pace. 

So, this is a good book to take away on holiday. To lie in the sun and immerse yourself in a good old fashioned romance. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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Emergency Attraction (Love Emergency #3) by Samanthe Beck-a review

EMERGENCY ATTRACTION (Love Emergency #3) by Samanthe Beck-a review

Emergency Attraction

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2017

Ten years ago when Shane Maguire chose the Marines as his escape from some trouble of his own making, he only regretted one thing—leaving Sinclair Smith behind. Despite his best intentions, she ended up as the one that got away. Now he’s back, determined to reclaim everything he gave up, including Sinclair.

Sinclair is immune to Shane’s charms. She’s immune to stolen kisses behind the gym. And she’s definitely immune to that maneuver he did in the back seat of his car… Okay, maybe her hormones are susceptible, but she has absolutely no desire to risk anything on the bad boy who broke all his promises.

When a little emergency lands her at his mercy, he offers her a deal she can’t refuse. And this time, she’ll show Shane what it means to be left wanting

•••••••••

REVIEW: EMERGENCY ATTRACTION is the third (and final?) installment in Samanthe Beck’s contemporary, adult LOVE EMERGENCY erotic, romance series. This is former Marine and risk management assessor Shane Maguire, and jewelry designer Sinclair Smith’s story line. EMERGENCY ATTRACTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story line is revealed where necessary. Sinclair is the sister of Savannah Smith (Emergency Engagement #1).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sinclair and Shane) EMERGENCY ATTRACTION focuses on the rekindling romance between our leading couple. Ten years earlier Shane and Sinclair were in love but a then eighteen year old Shane Maguire enlisted in the Marines to avoid some trouble back home, and in the ensuing time Shane and Sinclair lost contact with one another. Fast forward to present day wherein Shane has returned to his hometown of Magnolia Grove, and the woman he has never stopped loving in all that time. What ensues is the second chance romance between Shane and Sinclair, and the fallout of ten years of anger and betrayal for a woman who lost more than the man that she loved.

Sinclair Smith was sixteen years old when Shane Maguire walked out of her life but things did not go according to plans and our heroine struggled with the loss of the only boy she would ever love. Throughout the years Shane never stopped loving the woman from whom he walked away but walking away had never been in the plans.

The relationship between Shane and Sinclair is one of second chances but ten years earlier Sinclair struggled with more than the loss of the man that she loved but a loss that has affected her life in many ways. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Savannah and Beau Montgomery (Emergency Engagement#1), Madison and Hunter Foley (Emergency Delivery #2), as well as Sinclair’s parents, and an assortment of townsfolk, politicians and the requisite evil who has history with our story line hero.

EMERGENCY ATTRACTION is a sweet story of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by circumstance, a lack of communication, misunderstanding, secrets and life. The premise is lighthearted and moving ; the romance is passionate, sexy and spicy; the characters are spirited and energetic. EMERGENCY ATTRACTION is a touching story about fated lovers given a second chance at life and love.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Emergency Engagement
Emergency Delivery
Emergency Attraction

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Provocative (White Lies Duet #1) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

PROVOCATIVE (White Lies #1) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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PROVOCATIVE
White Lies Duet #1
by Lisa Renee Jones
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotic, romantic,suspense
Release Date: April 18,2017

PROVOCATIVE  2 covers
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There are those moments in life that are provocative in their very existences, that embed in our minds forever, and sometimes our very souls. They change us, mold us, maybe even save us. But some are darker, dangerous. If we allow them to, they control us. Seduce us. Quite possibly even destroy us.

The moment I walked into Sonoma’s Reid Winter Winery and Vineyard and made eye contact with Faith Winter for the first time was one of those moments. Provocative because I know at least one of her secrets, of which, I suspect she has many. Provocative because she believes I was a stranger to her when we met, but I am not. Provocative because I sought her out, with no intention of touching her. But now I have. Now I want her. Now I have to have her. But that changes nothing. It doesn’t change why I came for her.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2017

REVIEW: PROVOCATIVE is the first instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’s contemporary, adult WHITE LIES erotic, romantic suspense duet focusing on attorney Nick (Tiger) Rogers, and artist/ winery owner Faith Winter.

NOTE: There is a slight cross-over between Lisa’s WHITE LIES series and her INSIDE OUT SERIES including several appearances by Sara and Chris Merit, Rebecca’s lost journals, and the connection to our story line hero.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nick and Faith) PROVOCATIVE focuses on Nick Rogers search for the truth. Nick and Faith are strangers, never having met one another before Reid Winter Winery and Vineyard open house, but connected to one another through secrets, lies and a past shrouded in betrayal, mystery, and possible scandal. What ensues are Nick’s seduction of a woman he hopes to destroy, and Faith’s battle to keep the creditors from foreclosing on her family’s winery and vineyard.

Lisa Renee Jones weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, betrayal and the search for the truth. Nick Rogers is out to prove that Faith is no innocent bystander in a series of events that unfolded months before but Faith’s innocence or guilt is protected by a lack of information both to our leading hero and the reader, as well. The slow build up of clues, messages and research forces Nick Rogers to dig a little deeper in the hopes of revealing the truth-one way or another. In the end, Nick wants to believe that the woman with whom he is falling in love, is not the woman he suspects of horrendous crimes against two families drawn together by power and greed. The premise is dramatic, tense and startling; the characters are colourful, determined and energetic; the romance is seductive, provocative, and has the potential for emotional heartbreak and pain. Lisa Renee Jones’s PROVOCATIVE will captivate and fascinate; seduce and draw you into a story of mystery, suspense and revenge.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Hi everyone!

I’m so excited that PROVOCATIVE is available now! Just a few notes: if you order PROVOCATIVE this week only you will get $1 off and it will only be $2.99 – I will be increasing this price at the end of the week! You’ll also receive the FREE novella Rebecca’s Forgotten Journals (these are NEW journal entries) in the back of your copy!

PS – if you missed your chance to receive any of my bonus scenes from Amy & Liam, Chris & Sara, or Ella & Kayden, this is your last chance to get them! Register your order of PROVOCATIVE here – http://bit.ly/2pkQ49b and you’ll receive them early next week!

Check out the Trailer: http://bit.ly/ProvocativeTrailer

READ CHAPTER ONE ➜ http://lisareneejones.com/duet

Provocative teaser

About the Author

Lisa Renee Jones

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at on her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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The Player (The Player Duet #1) by K. Bromberg-Review and Book Release Tour

THE PLAYER (The Player Duet #1) by K. Bromberg-Review and Book Release Tour

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THE PLAYER
The Player Duet #1
by K. Bromberg
Release Date: April 17, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, sports, romance

 Cover Designer:  Helen Williams

Photographer:  Perrywinkle Photography

Model: Chase Williams (IG: @bubbas_82)
The Player

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2017

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything.

So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in the renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him.

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on.

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to side in the club’s best interest if he’s ready to play.

But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat or is one of them bound to get burned?

••••••••••••

REVIEW:  THE PLAYER is the first installment in K. Bromberg’s contemporary, adult THE PLAYER erotic, romance sports duet focusing on professional baseball player Easton Wylder, and physical therapist Scout Dalton.

Told from dual first person points of view (Easton and Scout) THE PLAYER follows the rehabilitation of professional baseball player Easton Wylder, and the building relationship between Easton, and the team’s new physical therapist Scout Dalton. Easton Wylder is on the DL (disabled list) from a near career ending hit that left our story line hero struggling with his place on the team and working towards a healthy recovery. But a switch in the team’s physical therapist finds Easton face to face with Scout Dalton, a woman who calls to Easton’s heart and soul. For weeks, Easton and Scout will work together both in and out of the bedroom, in the hopes of Easton’s full recovery and return to the game he loves to play. What ensues is the growing love between our story line couple, and a surprise announcement that could place their relationship at opposite sides.

Easton Wylder is an all star player who lives in the shadow of his father’s fame and former professional baseball career. A major restructuring of the team finds Easton battling for a position he was born to play. Scout Dalton has survived many heartaches throughout her life including the death of her beloved brother and the absence of a mother she barely knew. Falling in love with Easton Wylder could mean another form of heartache as our heroine heads into a relationship with a man who could break her heart, and destroy her soul.

The relationship between Easton and Scout begins as a professional arrangement but one Easton believes is a prank pulled by his teammates and friends. Scout is hoping to keep their relationship on the down low knowing her career and future are on the line. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and provocative.

We are introduced to a large number of secondary and supporting characters including many members of the Aces professional baseball team; Scout’s father Doc Dalton; and Easton’s on-field nemesis Jose Santiago.

The world building looks at the game of baseball, friendships and family. Both Easton and Scout struggle with family pressure, and the promises made in the heat of the moment; and both of our leading characters know what it is like to battle demons from the past.

THE PLAYER is a sexy and spicy story line about two people pulled together by circumstance and need. There are moments of questionable choices, and inspiring motives; flawless romance and spirited actions; provocative thoughts and dramatic pronouncements. The premise is electrifying; the characters are colorful, dynamic and intense; the romance is heart-warming, evocative and alive. THE PLAYER is a passionate and delightful story that ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Player Teaser

About the Author

 

K. BrombergNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

 

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My Kind of You (Trillium Bay #1) by Tracy Brogan-Excerpt and Giveaway

My Kind of You (Trillium Bay #1) by Tracy Brogan-Excerpt and Giveaway

My Kind of You

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Title: My Kind of You

Author: Tracy Brogan

Pub Date: April 18, 2017

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Series: Trillium Bay, #1

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Emily Callaghan never expected to spend another summer on Wenniway Island. Yet here she is, back in her quaint northern Michigan hometown of Trillium Bay, divorced, flat broke, and dragging along her precocious twelve-year-old. It’s a simple arrangement: Emily, a house flipper, will renovate one of her grandmother’s rental properties in exchange for a much-needed loan. Once a wild child, the reformed Emily also hopes to remodel her reputation and show her family she’s all grown up.

But coming home is never simple. Emily’s dad is more distant than ever. Her younger sister is dating a much older man, and Emily’s worried it’s a mistake. The cottage remodel grows increasingly daunting. And then there’s handsome out-of-towner Ryan Taggert…

Ryan has his own family drama. A smart, ambitious land developer, he’s come to Wenniway to rescue his father from the grips of a new girlfriend and protect their family business. But he’s quickly distracted by gorgeous, witty Emily Callaghan.

There’s no denying the attraction between Emily and Ryan. But will their conflicting interests destroy any chance at love? Or will Emily finally get the chance to rebuild her life—and repair her heart?

excerpt

“That’s where I’m staying. Gigi’s house,” Emily said softly.
Ryan turned the corner with her, still holding her hand. He had no intention of going home without a few more of those kisses, especially after she’d just shared such a sad story. He had every intention of cheering her up.
“I can probably make it from here.” She stopped and turned toward him.
He pulled their clasped hands up between them. “I’m sure you can, but since this is such an old-fashioned place, I’ve decided to act like an old-fashioned gentleman. I’m going to walk you all the way to the front steps. Then I’m going to hope you invite me up to sit on the porch swing for a spell.”
His lame attempt at charm seemed to do the trick. “For a spell?”
“Isn’t that what they used to say in the old days? I think I saw that in a movie once.”
“Uh, sure. I guess I can’t argue with that. So, Mr. Taggert, would you care to join me on the front porch swing and sit for a spell?”
“I would like that very much, Miss Chambers.”
“Delightful.” They walked the short distance up the street and climbed the porch steps. A sconce light near the front door glowed amber, but the inside of the house was dark. Ryan spotted a swing off to one side, covered with flowered cushions. It looked very inviting and just the sort of place where a guy like him could steal a kiss. Even better than at the top of a lighthouse, although in truth, he was not that picky. He’d kiss her just about anywhere.
“I think we are fresh out of mint juleps, but I do believe there’s some cold beer in the fridge. Or a glass of wine?” she asked.
“Why, Miss Chambers, do you intend to get me intoxicated and take advantage?”
Emily smiled. “You sound very optimistic, Mr. Taggert. So, beer or wine?”
Well, now he was feeling optimistic. “Either. Whatever you’re having. As long as it’s beer.”
The porch swing gave a charming, predictable creak as he sat down, and a few minutes later the porch light turned off and Emily returned with two bottles of beer. She sat down next to him, turning sideways and bringing her bent leg up to rest on the cushion between them. She handed him a bottle.
“Cheers,” she said, but her smile said something else entirely.

About The Author

Tracy BroganTracy Brogan is an award-winning, bestselling novelist who writes fun and funny stories about ordinary people finding extraordinary love, and also lush historical romance full of royal intrigue, damsels causing distress, and the occasional man in a kilt. She has been nominated by Romance Writers of America for a prestigious RITA® Award for her debut novel, Crazy Little Thing, and was nominated by RWA for two Golden Heart Awards. She’s a Booksellers Best Award recipient, along with two Golden Quill Awards in both contemporary and historical romance. Unapologetically devoted to romance, Tracy lives in Michigan with her often-bemused husband, their gloriously above-average children, and their two intellectually challenged dogs. Tracy loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website at tracybrogan.com.

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.tracybrogan.com/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorTracyBrogan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracybrogan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6452601.Tracy_Brogan

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Two From the Heart by James Patterson – a Review

Two From the Heart by James Patterson – a Review

 

Two from the HeartAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Two heartwarming tales about the power of a good story to open our eyes to life’s possibilities.

Anne McWilliams has lost everything. After her marriage falls apart and a hurricane destroys her home she realizes that her life has fallen out of focus. So she takes to the road to ask long lost friends and strangers a simple question: “What’s your best story?” Can the funny, tragic, inspirational tales she hears on her journey help Anne see what she’s been missing?

Tyler Bron seemingly has it all-a successful company and more money than he knows how to spend. But he has no life. So he hires a struggling novelist to write one for him. There are no limits to the fictional world that Bron’s money can transform into a reality, and he soon becomes the protagonist of a love story beyond his wildest imagination. But will Tyler Bron be able to write the happy ending himself?

 

Review:

Two From the Heart by James Patterson is a different type of read for me from Patterson.  This is two different stories written by Patterson and other co writers.  The stories revolve around two people who either had drastic life changes or someone who has everything but a life. These are separate stories which have nothing to do with each other.

In the first story Anne McWilliams is currently living on an island when a hurricane hits causing her to lose her house and her beloved camera dark room and equipment. Anne has already had disasters in her life including a divorce. She picks herself up, and decides to travel to see friends, family and find her way again. Her first stop is her brother, whom she has not seen in a few years, and he gives her a gift (new high tech camera ) that he meant to give her when she was supposed to visit awhile back. Now Anne will continue her way, meeting either strangers or old friends, using her new camera to take the pictures she so loves, and asking those she meets “tell me a story about something in your life”.

This was a nice interesting story listening to all the different events that have changed people’s lives, which lead Anne to find herself again, possibility meeting someone for herself and putting her adventure into a career of pictures and words.

_________________________________________________________________________

In the second story, Tyler Bron is a multi billionaire, who has everything he has ever wanted, but a life. He lives for his work, and now he wants something different.  Damian Crane is an author, who lives a quiet secluded life, and is shocked when a helicopter lands in his yard.  Damian doesn’t think of himself as a successful writer, but then he meets Tyler Bron, who thinks he is a great writer.  All Tyler wants from Damian is to write a different life for him to live, and his high tech people will bring his words to reality. The following morning, Daisy, who is Bron’s assistant, knocks on his door at 6am and brings him to Bron’s huge offices.  At this point, Damian begins to type and we watch Tyler find himself in the middle of nowhere. The story switches between Damian, Daisy and the tech staff as they watch Tyler trying to live in this town with no technical ability, and with no money, cards, phones if he wanted to leave.  It was a different and nice storyline to see Tyler totally out of his element, and making friends with the locals, who are poor, as they open themselves to help Tyler, who has no money or anything.  Along the way, Tyler will begin to relax a bit and go to the local bar with some of the men; get to know the kids at school and teach them those things that he learned about building things when he grew up; and he also meets a waitress, who makes his heart feel something he has never known.   It was a very sweet story, and a very nice sweet ending. 

I rather not tell too much more.  You will have to read this book to see how life can change for people.  I enjoyed the book, though it was a different kind of read for me.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Enchanting the Earl by Lily Maxton – a Review

Enchanting the Earl by Lily Maxton – a Review

 

Enchanting the EarlAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Llynmore Castle is the only place Annabel Lockhart has ever considered home. For years, she’s been able to live as she wished, freely roaming the wild moors. Now there’s a new earl, as arrogant as he is handsome, and he wants her out. But if he thinks she’ll go quietly, he’s in for a surprise.

Theo Townsend returned from war a changed man. After unexpectedly inheriting an earldom and a secluded castle in the Scottish Highlands to go with it, he thinks he’s found the perfect place to hide from the world—until he arrives to find a spirited, beautiful woman already in residence. He can’t just throw her out, but surely there’s a way to get her to leave on her own. The sooner she’s gone, the better, especially when he realizes there’s more than just mutual dislike between them.

 

Review:

Enchanting the Earl by Lily Maxton is a magnificent story begins that in 1812 with a knock on the castle door!

I will admit, I took a deep sigh and began to read, expecting another highland romance…I’ve read other novels from this wonderfully talented author. I should have known to expect something that would touch my heart and my very soul.

It is not a typical romance. It’s a very antagonistic beginning. A very untypical couple. An interesting and provocative read. Okay, so let’s get right to the heart of it!

Theo Townsend is a man in his twenties. He has three younger siblings, two sisters and a brother, all fairly grown. Born to a loving mother and father who later died early, they were raised on the charity of aunts and uncles. Not treated unkindly, but not a loving family either. He joined the war effort to gain a name and calling and, of course, an income for his siblings and himself.

War left him physically broken, missing a leg and gaining nightmares. Just because they didn’t call it PTSD back then, didn’t mean it didn’t exist. It just didn’t have a name and wasn’t talked about. He’s a broken man, both physically, which he handles rather well; and mentally, which he doesn’t know how to handle.

After returning home, he finds his long lost mother’s father was the Earl of Arden (his mother married beneath her for love), who has recently died. He now has a title and an old, unmaintained castle in a remote part of the highlands of Scotland. Thinking this is a good place to find the refuge and solitude he feels he needs, he sets about going there. However, his siblings insist on living with him, and he cannot deny them.

Annabel Lockhart and her younger sister Fiona were an orphaned pair. Annabel the older of the two, took care of you sister. They were raised by family, but not wanted or cared for deeply. Fiona married, and disappointed her sister by not taking her with her after her marriage. Annabel went from family member to family member, taking care of younger children, then passed on to others when no longer needed. While not necessarily abused, she wasn’t given the love of family either.

Her aunt Frances had married the Earl of Arden’s brother, but she was an actress and not liked by the Earl. However, after his brother died, he allowed her aunt to live at his old castle in the remote highlands. Learning of her aunt, she walked away one day and attempted to find her. Her aunt immediately loved her and took her in to live at the castle with her. They didn’t have much, but they made do. Annabel was a free spirit, much like her Aunt Frances. She rode old highland ponies astride, wore men’s breeches while doing it. Laughed openly, often went barefoot. All the things proper women didn’t do.

Fiona showed up on their doorstep, hiding from her abusive husband, her sweet daughter in tow. They didn’t know the old Earl had died and that their lives were about to change again.

That’s only the beginning of this masterfully told story. There is so much more to envision and enjoy, told with wonderful conversations, realistic events and promise. Can two damaged people find comfort in each other, or will their differences and issues be too much to conquer?

Prepare for a wonderfully written story, with drama, mystery, danger and all the wonder that makes a story worth telling. And yes, there will be some tears…they were mostly mine! If you love real romance and real people, you just shouldn’t miss this one.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

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Veiled Menace by Deborah Blake – a Review

Veiled Menace  by Deborah Blake – a Review

 

Veiled MenaceAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Since Witches came out of the broom-closet in the early 21st century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world…

Witch and police officer Donata Santori is no stranger to magical mayhem, but lately her life has been unexpectedly charmed. Her job as a Ghost Yanker now includes the occasional paranormal investigation, and she’s advancing her magical abilities with the help of an ancestor’s treasured spell book. And while both of her former love interests—reclusive half-Dragon art forger Peter Casaventi and disgraced Shapechanger Magnus Torvald—are nowhere to be found, she’s not averse to being wined and dined by wealthy businessman Anton Eastman.

But Eastman isn’t what he seems, and what he wants from Donata is far more than she’s willing to give. When a mysterious relic, the Pentacle Pentimento, resurfaces, along with Peter’s Dragon father and a shocking Santori family secret, Donata must fight to save herself, her friends, and just maybe the fate of the world from a magic as old as it is dangerous…

 

Review:

Veiled Menace by Deborah Blake is the second book in her Veiled Magic series. Veiled Menace picks up a few months after Veiled Magic ended.  Donata Santori , our heroine, is a witch & police officer, who has been elevated from working in the basement talking to the dead, to her own desk upstairs and helping the Captain on cases involving the paranormal. In this world, Supernaturals are known to the Humans, but they must also fight the prejudice of the Cabal against them.  

Donata has also been working with her aunt to learn and enhance her magical abilities.  During her off time, Donata has been dating Anton Eastman, as her former boyfriends from the 1st book, Peter and Magnus have not contacted her in 6 months.  Donata has been having strange dreams, which have become more sexual, and she soon discovers that Anton has been drugging her wine.

When Peter resurfaces after the death of his father, Donata will help him try to find out who killed him, as well as trying to find out clues in the painting that Peter still has, which played a major part of the previous story.  The weird weather, causing deaths; Anton’s desperate attempt to win Donata to be his wife; and the discovery of a new 6th species will force Donata to find the truth about the new species and stop them before all their lives will be in danger.

This was a nice, at times exciting story line, with a very good tough heroine. I did like Donata, and many of the other secondary characters, such as Doc, Chief, her cat and Ricky, the 3 foot kobold.  I liked Peter, but he annoyed me a bit with his quick anger.  I look forward to the next book of this series, as it has a lot of promises for Donata to become more powerful, and the return of Magnus. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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