Monthly Archives: December 2017

The Duke of Ice (The Untouchables #7) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Duke of Ice (The Untouchables #7) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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THE DUKE OF ICE
The Untouchables #7
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: December 26, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

The Duke of Ice

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks / Chapters Indigo /

Everyone Nicholas Bateman ever loved has died. Except Violet Caulfield, which must mean he never loved her. Nine years after she threw him over to marry a viscount, Nick is a widowed duke who prefers isolation. When a friend convinces him to leave his lair of self-imposed solitude, he considers taking another wife, provided she agrees to his terms: no emotional attachment of any kind.

Now widowed, Lady Violet Pendleton hopes for a second chance with the man she’s always loved. But she isn’t prepared for the desolation in his soul or the animosity he still bears toward her. Despite those obstacles, it’s clear their passion hasn’t dimmed. However, the heat between them isn’t enough to melt the Duke of Ice, and this time Violet may find herself the jilted party. Can love, once so tragically lost, finally be found?

••••••

REVIEW:5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

So usually this far into a series one sometimes thinks, “ok 7th book this is getting a little old!” .. NOT THIS SERIES! Each book gets better and better and this novel was no exception. I think this one may be my fave yet!

The Duke of Ice by Darcy Burke is the 7th book of her “The Untouchables” series. A regency romance, this story follows the past and present of two people who once had it all, became jilted and are trying to find their way back to one another without ever thinking there was a possibility of second chances. OR the desire for second chances.

Nicholas Bateman is a Duke, and commonly nicknamed “The Duke of Ice” and for good reason. He use to be a loving kind man but his past has created a recluse, frosty character with so much deep down pain it’s near impossible to break through his defences. He has given up on life, friends, and for certain, given up on love. He is now widowed and he comes across as hateful and soulless, but deep down you know he has the most love of any of the Dukes in this series, and that love is so pure. He is not an easy character to love, but let me tell you if you open up to the possibility of warming to him, you will love him as much as I did. He has been jilted in his past and dealt with trauma. When his one and only friend turns up and tells him to get his rear end out the door and join him for a house party, he doesn’t realize this is an opportunity to face the core of his troubles .. a beautiful woman.

Violet Pendleton is a Lady of her times, beautiful, strong willed when need be, hopeful yet has struggled internally herself. Having fallen madly in love with Nick years ago, her family had serious issue and shipped her away to marry another. Heartbroken, she never forgot the one man she desperately wanted, and after a unhappy marriage, she finds herself widowed and now facing the man of her past at a house party … Nick.

These two have a rough story let me tell you. It’s truely heartbreaking. It turns out when Violet was forced to leave Nick, there was a note of explanation but it never reached Nick. All these years there has been a harboured resentment, one that surfaces when these two cross paths. Through all the discord, there is still a deep love, but both must work through their personal issues and learn to forgive the other for mistakes made. Always does sound easier than it actually is, and these two go through a whole hell of a lot more heartache before they finally decide to get their you know what together and make it work.

Such an emotional read, which is why I liked it so much, but hard to read a book like this when I am feeling the Christmas happy. There were times that Nick came a cross way too harsh but I understood the reason and maybe because I felt connected to these characters did I have more patience for it. Violet is lovely. I found myself feel more sorry for her than anyone else in this series. She strived to be so happy but it was always pushed a little further away everytime she had it in her grasp.

Once again, Darcy writes not just a superb story but gives us vivid imagery and a steady paced story. Loved seeing some old book friends again and I have to say I consider it a treat to be thrown back in time in her books. She writes so well that it makes me want to jump back and test the time out!

Great holiday grab, but please do read the previous books of the series to get the full appreciation. You could read this as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself of more fantastic stories. LOL

HAPPY READING!

Reading order and previous reviews
The Forbidden Duke
The Duke of Daring
The Duke of Deception
The Duke of Desire
The Duke of Defiance
The Duke of Danger

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Excerpt

“Looks like it’s you and Lady Pendleton,” Simon said. His voice carried a hint of something.
Nick snapped his head toward his friend and detected the glimmer of a smile in his gaze. He was enjoying this. He was playing matchmaker. And he had his sights set on Nick and Violet. Bloody hell.
Nick wanted to be angry, but his pull toward Violet was too strong. He’d felt it last night and again today when Simon had asked if it would be odd for him to pursue her. Nick had been jealous. Shockingly, blood-boilingly, desperately jealous.
The realization shook him to the core.
“Who’s to be the crier?” Simon asked.
“Why not Mr. Adair since he won Kiss the Nun?” Seaver suggested.
With everyone in agreement, Violet and Nick moved to the center of the room.
“Is this awkward?” she whispered.
“No.” His pulse quickened. Should he kiss her or should he fail?
His mind screamed the latter. And really, that was for the best. Jealousy aside, he and Violet had no future, not when their past was so painful.
And yet when they knelt with their backs to each other, he caught her scent of rose and an earthy spice. It was wholly feminine yet slightly wild. He hadn’t smelled a rose in the past eight years without thinking of her. His body reacted, heating at her proximity.
“Make ready,” Adair said.
Nick looked over his right shoulder and felt the air move as she looked over her left.
“Present.”
Nick leaned close to her cheek. He could feel her warmth, and his skin tingled.
“Fire.”
He moved closer, but she sprang up. Instinctively, he reached for her, his arm curling about her waist. He pulled her back down. To stop her from hitting the floor, he spun to his back and sprawled, bringing her down on top of him. He cupped the side of her face and kissed her, his lips sliding over hers for a brief but delicious moment.
“The cheek,” she murmured, her gaze locked with his.
He leaned up and brushed his mouth against the soft flesh of her cheek. His lips lingered perhaps a second too long, but he didn’t care. Desire coursed through him, and for the first time in years, he felt alive.

 

About The author

Darcy BurkeDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect:

 

Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

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The Pretender (Games People Play #3) by HelenKay Dimon-Review and Book Tour

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The Pretender (Games People Play #3) by HelenKay Dimon-Review and Book Tour

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THE PRETENDER
Games People Play #3
by HelenKay Dimon
Release Date: December 26,2017
Genre: adult, contemporary,romantic suspense

The Pretender

Kindle | Nook | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo | Avon Digital

They say it takes a thief to catch a thief, and Harrison Tate is proof. Once a professional burglar, he now makes a lawful living tracking down stolen art. No one needs to know about his secret sideline, “liberating” artifacts acquired through underhanded methods. At least until one of those jobs sees him walking in on a murder.

Gabrielle Wright has long been estranged from her wealthy family, but she didn’t kill her sister. Trouble is, the only person who can prove it is the sexy, elusive criminal who shouldn’t have been at the island estate on that terrible night. She’s not expecting honor among thieves—or for their mutual attraction to spark into an intense inferno of desire.

Under the guise of evaluating her family’s art, Harris comes back to the estate hoping to clear Gabby’s name. But returning to the scene of the crime has never been riskier, with their hearts and lives on the line.

••••••••••

REVIEW:THE PRETENDER is the third full length instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult GAMES PEOPLE PLAY erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of life-long friends, known as the Quint Five, whose business it is to investigate and ‘fix’ whatever has gone wrong for the rich and famous. This is former professional thief Harrison ‘Harris’ Tate, and Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Wright’s story line. THE PRETENDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gabby and Harris) THE PRETENDER focuses on the hunt for the truth. Fourteen months earlier, while on ‘assignment’ to procure a missing piece of art Harrison Tate walked into the aftermath of a fatal attack against Tabitha Wright- a woman left for dead by an unknown assailant. Running from the scene of the crime Harrison will come face to face with Gabby Wright, the victim’s sister, and the woman with whom he would fall in love. Fast forward to present day wherein Harrison must return to the Tabitha Island to prevent Gabby’s uncle Stephen from destroying her life, having blamed our heroine for everything that went wrong. What ensues is the building relationship between Gabby and Harrison, as they endeavour to uncover the truth, along with Harrison’s partner Damon Knox, about the death of Tabitha Wright, and the potential fall out when the truth about Harrison’s presence, and his appearance fourteen months earlier, that could have stopped months of grief and accusations against our story line heroine.

Gabby Wright has struggled to come to terms with the brutal murder of her sister but as the primary suspect our heroine is no closer to proving her innocence in light of the truth. As her uncle Stephen continues to accuse our heroine of killing Tabitha, an investigator /auditor is called in to itemize the contents of the house on Tabitha Island, and find evidence that will prove Gabby is guilty of the heinous crime. Harrison Tate, a man whose guilt about that day fourteen months earlier, found our hero on the run, in the hopes that his identity would not be revealed but Harrison’s friend and ‘fixer’ Wren forces Harrison to face the woman in an attempt to prevent further harm or accusations thrown her way. As Gabby, Damon and Harrison search for the truth, a series of break-in, fires and threat aimed at our heroine begin to take their toll.

The relationship between Harris and Gabby is one of mutual and immediate attraction but Gabby suspects Harris is lying about his true reasons for coming to the island. Their physical relationship begins soon after Harrison arrives on the island, a relationship that could be destroyed by the truth. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a small ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gabby’s uncle Stephen, estate groundskeepers Burton Kramer and his son Ted, ferry service owner Craig Pak; as well as Harrison’s friends Damon Knox, Garrett McGrath, Levi ‘Wren’ and Emery Finn (The Fixer). Damon’s story line is next in THE PROTECTOR.

THE PRETENDER is a story of romance and suspense; of mystery and betrayal; of forgiveness and falling in love. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are edgy and tragic; the romance is energetic and passionate. My only complaint is the lack of background information about our leading hero. THE PRETENDER is a provocative, moving and intriguing story line.

Reading order and previous reviews
The Fixer
The Enforcer
The Negotiator
The Pretender

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

About the author

HelenKay DimonGoodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook /

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HelenKay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a…divorce attorney. Not the usual transition, she knows. Good news is she now writes full time and is much happier. She has sold over forty novels and novellas to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Kensington, Harlequin, Penguin Random House, Riptide and Carina Press. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. She is on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America and teaches fiction writing at UC San Diego and MiraCosta College. You can learn more at her website: www.HelenKaydimon.com

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Collision Course (Body Shop Bad Boys #4) by Marie Harte-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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COLLISION COURSE (Body Shop Bad Boys #4) by Marie Harte-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Collision Course

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2018

Ace mechanic Lou Cortez has always had a way with the ladies, so he can’t understand why lovely florist Josephine -Joey- Reeves won’t give him the time of day.

Joey knows all about mistakes. After getting pregnant at fifteen, she’s spent the past nine years building a life for her and her son. This sexy mechanic is one misstep she’s not going to make. But the more time she spends with Lou, the hotter things get. Soon Joey’s left with a choice: keep things casual, or reveal all to Lou and hope he accepts her-and her son-for who they are.

••••••••••

REVIEW: COLLISION COURSE is the fourth instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult BODY SHOP BAD BOYS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and woman who work at Webster’s Garage. This is mechanic and artist Lou Cortez, and single mom/florist Josephine ‘Joey’ Reeves’ story line. BODY SHOP BAD BOYS is a spin off from Harte’s McCauley Brothers series but you do not have to have read the original series to follow the current time line. A number of the characters cross-over between the two series.

Told from several third person perspectives including Joey and Lou COLLISION COURSE follows the building relationship between mechanic and artist Lou Cortez, and single mom/florist Joey Reeves. Several months earlier Lou first noticed Joey through their mutual friendship with Del-aka Delilah Webster-Lou’s boss, at the wedding between Del and Mike McCauley. Fast forward to present day wherein Lou will come face to face with the woman who has starred in his fantasies and dreams. Enter Joey Reeves, the woman with whom Lou will fall in love but a woman who battles between her head and heart as it pertains to both her personal and professional life; and the secret she keeps from the man with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Joey and Lou, and the fall out when Joey reveals the truth about her past, and the son Lou never knew she had.

Nine years earlier, a then fifteen year old Joey Reeves found herself pregnant; abandoned by the baby’s father; and all but ostracized from her friends, high school acquaintances, and the two most important people in her life-her parents. Joey has fought an uphill battle to become the some-what independent woman and mother who fiercely loves her child beyond the life of her own. Lou Cortez doesn’t do relationships, and with five sisters and thirteen female cousins our hero is determined to remain single and childless for the rest of his life but his attraction to Joey finds Lou wanting something more with a woman he believes is keeping secrets from the man that she loves.

I struggled with our heroine’s ‘need’ not to tell Lou that she has a nine year old son. Their relationship was exclusive with no promises for the future but the couple begin to develop feelings for one another, and in this, Joey’s ‘need’ to keep secret the most important person in her life, was a set up to fail. There are also some issues as it pertained to Lou’s views on motherhood-his own mother’s lifestyle shaped the man who has a difficult time seeing anything other than black and white. His ‘prickly’ attitude about women and motherhood is a little bit sexist but perhaps understandable under the circumstances.

The relationship between Joey and Lou is slow to develop as Joey struggles to control her growing love for a man who may or may not welcome a nine year old in his life. Throughout the story Joey hesitates to tell Lou about the child she gave birth to at fifteen years of age. The longer she procrastinates the more likely someone will accidentally spill the secret she struggles to keep. Lou will endeavor to come to terms, and accept that the woman he loves has a nine year old child- but his abrupt reaction will push our heroine out of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Lou likes to talk to dirty and take control in the bedroom.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Del and Mike (What To Do With a Bad Boy), Johnny and Lara (Test Drive), Foley and Cynthia (Roadside Assistance), Ivy and Sam (Zero to Sixty); Joey’s son Brandon, her ex Felix, her parents Andrew and Amy Reeves, as well as all of Lou’s extended family including his five sisters (Rosie, Stella, Lucia, Carla and Maria), mother and grandmother. There is a potential story line building between Lou’s sister Stella and Felix Rogers. I am hoping for another spin off series focusing on Lou’s sisters.

The world building continues to focus on the family and friendship of the people who work at Webster’s garage. With the introduction of Lou’s very large extended family, I suspect another spin off in the works.

COLLISION COURSE is an energetic and enjoyable story line with passionate characters, and a sensual romance. There are moments of humor and fun; drama and heartbreak; falling in love and a happily ever after. COLLISION COURSE is a spirited look at a single mother who falls in love with the resident bad boy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Test Drive
Roadside Assistance
Zero to Sixty
Collision Course

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Ten minutes and a text later, Joey drove to Becky’s house and planned to indulge in some girl time. Maybe Becky could help her understand her fascination for Lou.
She arrived at Becky’s soon enough. Her friend shared a condo with a teacher friend. As Joey entered, said teacher left with a smile.
“She’s got a date tonight.” Becky motioned to the coffee table, laden with wine, crackers, and cheese. “And apparently now so do I. Dig in.” Becky lowered her voice and said, suggestively, “Welcome to my pad, sweetness. Boom chicka bow bow.”
Joey laughed. “Stop. That only works when I’m the plumber or the delivery guy.”
Becky sighed. “Guess I’ll have to save that for Trent, who’s out of town this weekend. How the hell am I supposed to seduce him when he’s helping his grandmother move?”
“Aw, that’s so nice.”
“Nice ain’t sexy. Gah.” Becky munched on a cracker. “But I’m excited to hang with you. I can’t believe you finally got paroled. So Brandon the criminal is hanging with the other hooligans, eh? Way to dodge that bullet, Joey.”
“Funny.” Joey paused. “Ah, there’s one thing. I can’t stay past eight. I have a…date.”
Becky stared. “Not with sexy Lou again.”
Joey’s silence answered for her.
“Oh my God. Dinner must have gone well the other night. Tell me.”
Joey swallowed. “He was polite, charming. He looked amazing. He’s really built.” She flushed, feeling that “built” inside her all over again. “We talked then walked after dinner. He paid too. And he was so nice, so sweet. We held hands.”
“Romantic.” Becky sighed.
And then last night he bent me over the flower table and made me see stars. Yeah, romantic.
Becky hugged a pillow to her chest, her expression dreamy until her eyes narrowed on Joey’s face. “Why are you blushing so hard? I mean, your face is really pink.” Her eyes widened. “Holy crap. You had sex with him, didn’t you?”
“N-no.” She cleared her throat. “That’s a little personal, don’t you think?”
“Oh my God, you did. You did! Joey Reeves got some lovin’. Hot damn. It’s about friggin’ time!”
Still feeling overheated, Joey glanced up at her friend. “You can’t tell anyone.” She swore. “I can’t believe it happened. It just…I’m still trying to process it.”
“What’s to process? You fell for the magic in his man-wand.” Becky shrugged, as if it was no big thing. “Happens to the best of us. Well, except for me and Trent the Boy Scout,” she grumbled.
Joey was stuck on man-wand. “What did you call it?”
Becky burst out laughing. “If you could see your face. Hey, you should hear half the things they call it. Fuckstick, staff of life, lady’s lollipop. I could go on.”
“Please, don’t.” Joey grimaced.
“I know, right? Man-wand is so much better.” Becky paused. “Is it, Joey? Is it better? Or did you lollipop him? You know, like what we in the know call it—the hand and blow.”
Joey’s face threatened to melt clean off. She had a feeling she could fry eggs on her cheeks. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation.”
“Me neither.” Becky grinned. “You’re like beet-red right now. Or fire-engine red, maybe. Hey, did you guys remember to wear a ‘raincoat’?” Becky snickered.
“Stop talking, please.”
“Just tell me this. Do you want to do it again? As in, was it any good? Tell me, and I’ll shut up.”
“It was amazing, okay?” Joey growled. “So great I can’t stop thinking about doing it again. And I don’t tend to do well with men and sex.”
“That’s because you live like a nun in the Church of Reeves, presided over by Father Andrew and Sister Amy. God, it’s a wonder you have a kid with all the guilt your parents keep throwing on you. And after eight—”
“Nine.”
“—years you’d think they’d let it go.”
“So maybe I was just desperate. It was a one-shot deal, right?” So why am I thinking of being with him again when I know it’s a mistake?
Becky shrugged and ate more crackers and cheese. “I think you should be desperate again. If you want him, have him. You have a right to be happy. Take joy in his man parts. Go forth, just don’t prosper.”
Joey choked on a laugh. “Yes, Mom.”
“Ouch.”
“Don’t worry. We were safe.” Rather, he was safe. She’d been so far gone she hadn’t thought about protection until it was almost too late, which was just stupid. Granted, she wouldn’t have babies with Lou while on birth control. But she could always chance a disease with an unknown. She’d been so wrapped up in the moment, lost to her body’s needs.
But Lou had thought ahead.
Which put his actions in a different light. Had he expected to have sex with her?
“What’s that look?” Becky asked.
“He was ready for it. Us, I mean.”
Becky looked confused.
“He was prepared.”
“Jesus, Joey. You can say condom and not burn in hell. So he was prepared. Good for him.”
“You think?”
“Who cares why he had the condom? He had it, you had fun. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have more fun tonight.” Becky poured herself some wine. “Have some for me, would you? Because I’m clearly not getting any.” She cocked her head, considering something. “Unless Will’s home.”
“Becky.”
Becky laughed. “Nah. Will’s in Italy this month.” She chuckled. “Kidding, kidding. I’m wanting Trent. I am. Really.”
They laughed some more, and when Joey excused herself for the bathroom, a new text popped up. Lou had decided on the place. An address in Rainier Valley, where he’d mentioned he lived.
She didn’t know what to think, so she took care of business and blanked her mind.
She returned to the living room. “He invited me to his place.”
Becky blinked. “You were gone maybe five minutes.”
“He just texted me.”
“So go.”
“To his place?”
“Why not? Is he rapey or something?”
“No.” He’d been a perfect gentleman since she’d known him. And even after sending her to heaven, twice, he’d ended their impromptu session at the flower shop with a hug and by walking her to her car. “No. He’s nice. Sexy. Too—”
“He’s exactly what you need.” Becky nodded. “Give me your phone.”

About the Author

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter /Website/ Facebook

Marie HarteCaffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

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Now That you Mention It by Kristan Higgins -a Review

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Now That you Mention It by Kristan Higgins -a Review

 

Now That you Mention ItAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

 

Review:

Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins is a heartwarming story of a woman’s journey through her ups and downs in life, bringing her back to her roots.  We meet our heroine, Nora Stuart, at the start, where she is a doctor at a hospital.  Nora seems happy, as she loves her job and her doctor boyfriend, Bobby. Things will quickly change when Nora is hit by a car, and while in the hospital recovering, she overhears her boyfriend flirting with a nurse.  Unable to get around easily, she decides to take a leave to recover and go home to Scupper Island, Maine, where she hasn’t been for 15 years.

She returns home with her dog, Boomer, to  live with her mother, who is somewhat distant.  Also, living in the house is Poe, her niece, whose mother Lily (Nora’s sister) is in jail; neither one of them is happy to see Nora, which just adds to everything around her falling apart, including many townsfolk’s who have not forgotten that she won a scholarship in high school, beating out the most  popular boy in town, Luke Fletcher.   When Nora runs into Luke, he is nasty and still harbors resentments; but Luke is also now a drunkard, which makes him dangerous.

We begin learn more about Nora, her younger days and seeing how she excelled in school to win the scholarship, and how Luke and the kids taunted her.  We also learn that she was beaten and managed to escape a rapist, which still gives her nightmares.  Coming home slowly begins to change Nora, as she remembers some of the good in her life, and tries become closer to her niece and mother, as well as make friends, some of whom treated her badly during those school days.  Poe, her niece, was at first very negative, but in time Nora will express her love, and bring her out of her shell, and together they will become close.   Much of the story also revolved around Nora’s memories of the good days, when her and Lily were close; with little hope of Lily ever changing.  When Nora moves to a houseboat to get away from the negativity, everything begins to change for the better.

What follows is an emotional heartfelt story that follows Nora becoming stronger with each passing day, and her attempts to rise above her fears.  It is a beautiful story, where she will open herself to love and happiness with Sully (Luke’s brother), Poe, her mom, and old friends from the past.  The issue with Luke remains, and does cause some hardships, but Nora’s new found strength will her help her resolve this issue, as well as with her ex boyfriend.  

I thought that Higgins created some great characters, especially Sully, who was so good with Nora, and their slow built romance was very nicely done.  Her old classmate and now friend Xiaowen was fun, and I ended up liking Poe and Sully’s daughter Audrey.  There was also some humor, as Nora worked at the local clinic, and some of those cases were funny.  

Now That You Mention It was a very well written story by Higgins, and though at times a bit slow, it really was very heartwarming to see Nora rebuilt her life. It had a bit of everything, family, tragedy, fears, romance, friendship and some excitement.  I fully recommend that you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Winning Violet (Flower Girls #1) by Becky Lower – a Review

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Winning Violet (Flower Girls #1) by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Winning VioletAmazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
Everything’s coming up roses for an English miss and an American gentleman in this delightful new series from the author of the Cotillion Ball saga!

After British soldiers killed his wife and child during the War of 1812, Parker Sinclair vowed to never set foot on English soil. But as Thomas Jefferson’s landscaper, one must sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice. The last thing Parker expects to find is an educated English beauty who can teach him so much more than how to plant a magnificent garden.

An expert at cross-pollinating roses, Violet Wilson’s dreams of becoming the first woman recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society are fading because she’s afraid to leave the quiet solitude of her family’s nursery. Distrustful of men after a traumatic encounter, she’s not keen on disrupting her routine to help the American landscaper, but she soon blossoms under his kindness and respect.

As they fall in love, can this shrinking Violet take the risk of leaving behind all she knows for a new life with Parker? Or is he considering a different ending altogether?

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Christmas day and one of my all time fave historical romance author, Becky Lower.  YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH!  LOL  What an awesome day to have this book released!

Winning Violet by Becky Lower is the first book of her new series called “Flower Girls” and I absolutely loved it!  I have been lucky to review all of Becky’s books and I absolutely can recognize her style a mile away.  She reminds me of my other fave authors Grace Burrowes, with her mature storyline and sides of fun, love and adventure.  Alright so clearly you know I love Becky, so let’s get on with this review.

Parker Sinclair is our leading man and he has a sincere dislike for anything English.  He is an American who suffered great loss during the War of 1812 and despite having sworn to never see England he is found travelling there for business.  Parker is distrustful, a remarkable man, who is trying to heal from the loss of his family.  He is a gardner (incredibly talented by the way), closed off to anything romantic or lovely and just wants to get into England and then out as fast as he can and move on with his life .. a life that will not include anything British.  Fate has a whole other plan for Parker however, and it involves much more than learning the art of flowers .. well real flowers anyways!  LOL

Violet Wilson is one of four siblings who all share responsibilities with regards to the family business.  She is kind but somewhat of an recluse, content to stick to what she knows despite having the ability to really progress the science of flowers.  She is also trying to heal from a trauma, and when Parker shows up to learn her skills with flowers, she feels conflicted, wants to experience a little bit more of life, and begins to find herself falling in love.

This is an oversimplified review of what the story is all about, but I don’t do spoilers.  I will tell you this is a feel good story about two people overcoming brutality, sharing a common passion and healing with the other in their own unique way.  I’m a flower girl, so I ADORED that aspect of this book.  This book flowed so easily from one page to the other and of course there are the typical roadblocks one will find in a historical romance.  Big decisions are made in the end though and I will say this couple gets their HEA.  SO WELL SUITED these two Becky!  I love their intense sexy moments and I loved their friendship.  

We are introduced to other characters which will be featured as part of this series, so I am eagerly anticipating the next release.  This is not an overly long novel, but most definitely one that you can enjoy in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea over the holidays!  While you are at it, please check out Becky’s Cotillion Ball series … I am so hoping I fall in love with these Wilson’s as much as I did the Fitzpatrick’s .. so far amazing start!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL and HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Reading Cafe

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Reading Cafe

Christmas

All of us at The Reading Cafe would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday season.

2017 has been an amazing year at The Reading Cafe and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made our reading and reviewing an adventure.

All the best, however you celebrate.

Enjoy your day!

Barb, Sandy, Vickie, Georgianna, Rachel, Marcie, Carmen, Xtina, Julie B, Erin, and Tricia

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The Coyote’s Chance (Masters of Maria #4) by Holley Trent-a review

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THE COYOTE’S CHANCE (Masters of Maria #4) by Holley Trent-a review

The Coyote's Chance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18, 2017

It’s a literal fight for love in this fast-moving shifter tale in the popular Masters of Maria series.

For coyote shifter Blue Shapely, becoming the new alpha of Maria’s pack is his long-awaited chance to be his own man and eliminate chaos from the town. Unfortunately, the pack’s patron is thwarting him at every turn.

After being magically attached to the Coyote group for more than a century, demigoddess Willa Matheson has a soft spot for them—even the dangerous ones threatening to expose them to humans. She may have hired Blue to rein in the pack, but the two constantly disagree on strategy. She doesn’t want to upset anyone, whereas he’ll do whatever it takes to get his Coyotes in line. And to make things worse: all signs point to the anxious demigoddess being his mate.

But developing a tenderness for Willa will be an obstacle to Blue’s determination to be as ruthless as he needs to be. If the duo can’t find a way to retract their claws, and soon, it may be too late to protect the pack’s secret—and their own hearts.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE COYOTE’S CHANCE is the fourth instalment in Holley Trent’s contemporary, adult MASTERS OF MARIA paranormal, romance series focusing on a large group of supernatural citizens who call Maria, New Mexico their home. This is coyote shifter Blue Shapely, and demigoddess/middle school music instructor Willa Matheson’s story line. THE COYOTE’S CHANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Blue and Willa) THE COYOTE’S CHANCE follows an opposites attract/ enemies to lovers building relationship between coyote shifter/ reluctant alpha Blue Shapely, and powerless demigoddess, patron of the coyote shifters of Maria, Willa Matheson. Maria, New Mexico’s coyotes are out of control, and Willa Matheson struggles as their patron goddess, a position assigned by her father, a god whose dislike of his daughter has been measured by our heroine’s years of suffering and pain. As the coyote’s patron, Willa is ‘magically’ attached to a group of shifters who see her as a push over; a woman who doesn’t have the ability or power to control. Enter Blue Shapely, coyote shifter, reluctant and temporary alpha, the man Willa ‘hires’ to rein in the wild coyote shifters of Maria, New Mexico. What ensues is the building romance between Blue and Willa, and the potential fall out when Blue comes face to face with a god who has the power to return our heroine’s supernatural abilities-for a price.

The relationship between Blue and Willa is slow to develop as our heroine has entrusted the coyotes of Maria, New Mexico to a man whose own life is beginning to spiral out of control. Promised to another, Blue’s attraction to Willa is more than just physical but a visceral and primal need to claim a mate but Willa’s dark and heart breaking past finds our heroine, pushing away the man with whom she is falling in love, in order to protect both of their hearts. Willa’s past is rife with emotional, physical and tortuous abuse that has shaped our heroine into the broken woman we see today. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including numerous coyotes, supernatural beings and humans from Maria, New Mexico; Tito Perez (The Demigod’s Legacy #1), Tamatsu and Noelle (The Angel’s Hunger #2), Ben (The Wolf’s Joy #3), as well as Blue’s sister Diana; his lieutenants Kenny and Lance, and his father Randall Shapely aka O.G.

THE COYOTE’S CHANCE is an emotional story line where one woman is unable to move on from her past, and one man struggles between his head and his heart. The premise is entertaining, dramatic and emotional; the characters are colorful, spirited and somewhat tragic; the romance is captivating.

Copy supplied by Netgalley for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Chaos & Control by Season Vining – a Review

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Chaos & Control by Season Vining – a Review

 

Chaos & ControlAmazon / B&N / Kobo/ BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When Wren Hart returns to her sleepy little Midwest town after years on the road, she finds the last thing she’d ever expect—a reason to stay. And that reason has a hard body, a knowledge of vinyl, and a crooked smile that sends her reeling.

Preston is a gorgeous, mysterious man, whose life is ruled by routine and order. Yet somehow, he finds Wren and her wild ways captivating. While their relationship grows in a delicate dance of chaos and control, the danger Wren thought she’d left behind during her travels is inching ever closer…and just may destroy them both. 

 

Review;

Chaos and Control by Season Vining was an interesting read for me.  It took me a while to really get into the story and the characters driving it.  Don’t get me wrong, Ms. Vining did a good job of creating the story, the characters and their backgrounds, but for me there was just something that I still can’t put my finger on for why it took me so long to get into the story. 

Chaos and Control is a story about coming home and really finding oneself.  Once Wren finally decides to stop running, stand up for herself and take control of her life, she realizes that she is where she is meant to be.  In all her years of running from her abusive ex, she has finally found the one person she needs who balances her wild ways, and makes her see that she can truly be happy in her home town of Crowley. 

Preston who at first I couldn’t quite figure out, but little by little it comes into focus that he suffers from OCD, is mysterious, quiet and keeps to himself.  However, for some strange reason he is drawn to Wren from the first moment he sees her and soon realizes that Wren and her chaotic personality don’t upset his quiet controlled lifestyle.  For two people who couldn’t be more different from the other Wren and Preston are two characters who work well together and fit.  They both help to balance the other out and bring to their lives something that is missing.  Wren’s acceptance of Preston’s OCD from the moment he tells her is endearing, and even though Preston needs to have everything in his life in perfect order and controlled doesn’t bat an eyelash or run the other way when Wren finally opens up about her abusive past.  Instead Preston just flat out tells her that her ex will have to go through him if he thinks he’s getting anywhere near Wren.  It was a cute, yet real and serious scene between the two in that moment.  You can really feel the emotion flowing between the two characters, the intensity of the moment and know that Wren will be safe with Preston no matter what.  Their romance is a very slow build which just added to their story and showed how opposite they are in their personalities and lives, but it also shows how well they work as a couple, understand each other and come to get just who the other is. 

As I said earlier, Chaos and Control by Season Vining took me a while to get into it.  Yes I still can’t put my finger on what or why, but I’m glad I dug in and stuck with it.  The story was well executed, the character development was well thought out and they brought the story to life in their own unique ways.  As they always say, opposites attract and in this instance Wren and Preston are a good example of polar opposites.  Somehow they just made their adventure work and created a story that’s real, honest, endearing and full of emotion. 

Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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