Monthly Archives: July 2018

How to Train Your Baron by Diana Lloyd – a Review

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How to Train Your Baron by Diana Lloyd – a Review

 

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Description:
When Elsinore Cosgrove escapes a ballroom in search of adventure, she has no idea it will lead to a hasty marriage. The youngest daughter of a duke, all she wants is to make her own choices. Now she’s engaged to an infuriating, handsome Scottish baron who doesn’t even know her name! Using all her feminine wiles, along with advice gleaned from a training guide for hunting hounds, Elsinore is determined to mold her baron into the husband she wants.

Quin Graham is a man with many secrets. If another scandal can be avoided with a sham marriage, so be it. Only his fiancée isn’t at all what he’s expecting, and the clumsy, curious, and clever Elsinore refuses to be set aside. For reasons he’s unwilling to explain, the last thing Quin needs is to fall for his wife.

 

 

Review:

As a woman, the world provided her with only three opportunities–spinster, wife or demirep. Her life would be defined by the men in it, be it father, husband or rake.”
 
Rankles, doesn’t it? Clever Elsinore, you’ll come to discover, doesn’t have a fondness for convention. She purposefully ruins her chance at a noble arrangement, opting for adventure and an unexpected future, with a kiss! Scotsman (and Baron) Quin, was just being helpful, but acquiesced to the norms of society when caught in the compromised position. The marriage will alleviate Elsinore’s woes, but Quin’s past might make her regret her hasty decision. How to Train your Baron, a What Happens in the Ballroom novel by Diana Lloyd, was a bit of a trial, much like its title. There was hardly a moment’s peace with Quin and Elsinore’s insecurities and assumptions disrupting a path to HEA.
 
The scandal was clever, in my honest opinion; I deduced Elsinore to be resourceful and challenging when cornered. Unfortunately, her schemes quickly became irritating antics! Elsinore, though desperate to escape the confines of the peerage (reckless behavior for the win), is making good on a book acquired through her brother’s library. Only “Oglethorpe’s Treatise on the Obedient Canine” is now being modified to bring her fiance up to scratch! I’m going to blame it on age/naivete, but wasn’t Elsinore the one who got them in this mess? To kiss Quin inappropriately (though he’d never complain, the gentleman!) only to plot yet again in hopes of delaying the wedding because of impossible notions she’s drummed up!? If things didn’t go Elsinore’s way, another plan was dispatched. What do you want, daft girl?!
 
Quin’s aforementioned demons harangued him to the point of paranoia; essentially drawing a line in the sand that was to remain in place throughout their marriage. And he’s supposed to be the experienced partner. You’ll be hard-pressed to identify the “mature” voice.
 
“Elsinore was beautiful, witty, intelligent, and adventurous–she was also willful and impulsive. They were all qualities that would make her difficult to safe-guard and hard to hold. He could not lose his heart to her. Loving him was death.”
 
This all got convoluted, and unnecessarily so. The bones were there for a great love story: push and pull, give and take, hurt and forgive. But the whiplash of emotions and feelings made it a frustrating read. Aside from self-sabotage and fruitless comparisons, threatening notes meant to blackmail Quin tack on heightened danger. Ashamed of his past mistakes, Quin chooses to spare Elsinore the corresponding stigma attached to his name and engages in poor choices. If remaining loyal to someone when times are tough isn’t the definition of love, isolation awaits.
 
Be prepared to lose your patience with both MCs, but trust that Diana Lloyd makes it come together. The writing was strong and her intent was note-worthy. She just needs to stop undermining what the heart wants by testing it at every turn. Even the most straightforward love story contains magic. I appreciated Ms. Lloyd’s finale enough, a mutual awakening, to anticipate the next installation.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Going Up: A Kindle in Motion Novella by Tawna Fenske-a review

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GOING UP: A Kindle in Motion Novella by Tawna Fenske-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2018

If someone had told Noah Donovan he was going to be stuck in an elevator with a very beautiful, slightly odd bartender and her fluffy packrat, he never would have believed it. Fortunately, the quirky brunette leaves the very cuddly rodent behind. Unfortunately, she’s married.

In Lexi Allison’s job, she’s accustomed to warding off unwanted advances with a fake wedding ring. So when she meets a tatted-up hunk in an elevator, she’s quick to revert to her default tall tale. This guy certainly knows how to push her buttons, but the thing is, they’re the right buttons. Not that it makes any difference. She won’t see him again anyway.

Noah and Lexi are about to discover that fate has plans for both of them—and that their ups and downs are just beginning. Because it’s going to take two lies, three misunderstandings, a case of mistaken identity, and one very persistent rodent to prove that perfect strangers can make the perfect couple.

•••••

REVIEW: GOING UP by Tawna Fenske is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romantic comedy story line focusing on stonemason Noah Donovan, and mixologist Lexi Allison. GOING UP is a part of the Kindle in Motion series of books that can be read on any device, including Kindle E-readers. Kindle in Motion books include art, animation, or video features that can be viewed on certain Fire tablets and the free Kindle app for iOS and Android. You can switch features on or off at any time.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Noah and Lexi) GOING UP follows the building relationship between quirky and odd mixologist Lexi Allison, and stonemason Noah Donovan. Trapped in an elevator with a gorgeous man, Lexi Allison would meet her future in the guise of stonemason Noah Donovan. Pet sitting her best friend’s ‘packrat’ who will inadvertently take refuge in Noah’s lunch bag, Allison must come to grips with her own numerous quirks and emotional instabilities in an effort to remain calm in the face of potential disaster. A stuck elevator, a couple of lies, a series of misunderstandings, a purse thief, a bratwurst, and a pet rat that goes missing, not once but twice, add to the oddball misadventures for our story line couple. The premise is entertaining; the romance is sweet and passionate but mostly implied; the characters are colorful, charismatic and engaging. GOING UP is a sweet and delightful quick read

As to the Kindle in Motion option, I was unable to access therefore I am not prepared to comment either way but if you want to see for yourself, venture to GOING UP at Amazon, and watch from the side.

Click HERE for a Kindle In Motion sample

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Wedding From Hell, Part 1: The Rehearsal Dinner (Firefighters .5) by JR Ward-a review

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THE WEDDING FROM HELL, Part 1: The Rehearsal Dinner (Firefighters .5) by JR Ward-a review

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

Release Date: July 17, 2018

Are you ready for The Wedding From Hell?

Dear Reader,
It’s a classic recipe for disaster: Take one bridesmaid who thinks pink is the root of all evil. Mix with a best man who’s hotter than a four-alarm fire. Add in their explosive sexual attraction, a nightmare bridezilla, two catfights, and an emergency call, and you have the wedding from hell! Come get to know Anne and Danny, the hero and heroine of Consumed, and see their relationship go from friends with innuendo to holy-&*#-did-that-just-happen?! Is this the start of something good for them? Or just an erotic one-night stand that rocks them both but is never to be repeated? Only their hearts know the answer to that, much as their minds might disagree.

Happy Reading,
J.R. Ward

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE WEDDING FROM HELL Part 1: The Rehearsal Dinner is the introductory novella in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult FIREFIGHTERS series focusing on the men and women who work and breathe at the 499 firehouse in New Brunswick, Massachusetts. This is fire fighters Anne Ashburn, and Danny Maguire’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Anne and Danny) THE WEDDING FROM HELL, Part 1: The Rehearsal Dinner reveals the friendships and camaraderie between the member of the 499, as well as the building sexual tension between fire fighters Anne Ashburn, and Danny Maguire. With the impending wedding of fellow fighter Robert ‘Moose’ Miller to his bridezilla Deandra Cox, the members of the 499 embark on a night of fun that spirals out of control when a very inebriated groom disappears, and Anne and Danny find themselves involved in a knife fight between a pimp, a prostitute and the man that she loves. As the palpable sexual tension continues to grow between Anne and Danny, Danny’s past pushes at something more.

THE WEDDING FROM HELL, Part 1: The Rehearsal Dinner is a very quick read; a short, revealing and intriguing novella that introduces the men and women of the 499. A strong start to what promises to be another fantastic series by the amazing JR Ward.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

THE WEDDING FROM HELL, Part 2: The Reception (Firegighters)

Release Date: August 7, 2018

Preorder: FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Google Play

The Wedding from Hell, Part 2: The Rehearsal Dinner is the exciting second adventure in J.R. Ward’s three-part ebook serialization: The Wedding From Hell. This exclusive prequel to her upcoming standalone suspense, Consumed (available in October 2018) takes us to where it all started between arson investigator Anne Ashburn and ‘bad boy’ firefighter Danny Maguire. The Wedding From Hell is a sexy standalone novella that sets up Consumed’s storyline, leaving fans hungry for more and dying to snatch it up.

The Wedding From Hell, Part 2: The Reception: As the wedding from hell continues, Anne and Danny find themselves walking the delicate balance between professional distance and explosive attraction. Will the desire they feel last through the night and change their lives? Or are they doomed to part after one night of passion?

••••••••••••••

THE WEDDING FROM HELL, Part 3: Exclusive Excerpt of Consumed

Release Date: August 28,2018

Preorder: FREE ebook Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Google Play

The Wedding from Hell, Part 3: Exclusive Excerpt of Consumed is the final part of J.R. Ward’s The Wedding From Hell ebook serialization. Don’t miss this exclusive teaser to her upcoming standalone suspense, Consumed (available in October 2018).

From the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, get ready for a new band of brothers. And a firestorm.

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed…

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse blaze changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn’t believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again—until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the commonwealth, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

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The Risk of Rogues (Sinful Suitors 5.5) by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

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THE RISK OF ROGUES (Sinful Suitors 5.5) by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2018

Lady Anne is shocked when Captain Lord Hartley Corry—her former fiancé who left for India after her father forbade their marriage—returns to England and acts as if everything is all water under the bridge. He never fought for her hand or eloped with her as he promised and he thinks she’d still be willing to marry him? Not a chance.

Hartley is equally shocked to literally run into his past love upon arriving at his brother’s house. Though he yearns to take advantage of this second chance to woo his beloved, he can hardly admit that he is secretly a spy—at least not until he can be sure he trusts her. But convincing Lady Anne to let him prove his sincerity by courting her respectably all over again might be his undoing. Because all he wants is to show her how much of a rogue he can be when the right woman is in his arms

•••••••

REVIEW: THE RISK OF ROGUES is instalment 5.5 (and final?) in Sabrina Jeffries SINFUL SUITORS historical romance series – a spin off from Jeffries’ ‘The Duke’s Men’ series. This is Lady Anne Barkley and Captain Lord Hartley ‘Hart’ Corry’s story line. THE RISK OF ROGUES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Anne and Hart) THE RISK OF ROGUES is a second chance romance between Lady Anne Barkley and Captain Lord Hartley ‘Hart’ Corry. Eleven years earlier Hart asked a then sixteen-year old Anne to be his wife but without her father’s permission Hart disappeared without a trace. Fast forward to present day wherein a much more mature Anne but secretive Hart must face the truth about what happened years before-a truth that is much different than the stories they know.

Captain Lord Hartley Corry is a man of secrets whose current position with Baron Fulkham keeps our hero in the shadows as a spymaster for the government. Loyal to a fault, it is these secrets that keep Anne at a distance when Hart offers up his heart, once again. Lady Anne considers herself an oddity, and hides behind her flamboyant hats that are the talk of the ton. Never married, Lady Anne pines for what was, and what will never be, again.

THE RISK OF ROGUES is a very quick read; a fast paced, second chance story line with a feisty and stubborn heroine, and passionate hero. The back and forth rhetoric between our leading couple is both comedic and sad, as Anne refuses to accept the truth that is shrouded in secrets. The premise is engaging; the romance is intimate and sweet; the characters are familiar and charming.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Art of Sinning
The Study of Seduction
The Danger of Desire
The Pleasure of Passion
The Secret of Flirting

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Once Upon a Player (British Bad Boys #2) by Christina Phillips-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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ONCE UPON A PLAYER (British Bad Boys #2) by Christina Phillips-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

 

ONCE UPON A PLAYER
British Bad Boys #2
by Christina Phillips
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary , romance

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 13, 2018

Violet

When my mum gets sick, I volunteer to fill in for her and clean some hot jock’s penthouse. I’ve heard all the rumors about him, so the plan is get in, clean some toilet bowls, and get out. After my last experience with a “sports hero,” I’m done with that sort of guy.

But Lucas Carter is full of surprises. He wants to help me clean and is nothing like the toad the press has made him out to be. Resistance may be futile for some girls, but not me. Then he asks me to help him with the interior design of his new place. I can’t say, no. It’s going to look great on my resume.

Unfortunately, spending time with Lucas is dangerous. He’s so charming and sweet, but I can’t let myself forget––once a player, always a player.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ONCE UPON A PLAYER is the second instalment in Christina Phillips’ contemporary, adult BRITISH BAD BOYS romance series. This is British footballer Lucas Carter, and interior design student Violet Henderson’s story line. ONCE UPON A PLAYER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Lucas Carter is the twin brother of Harry Carter-Cinderella and the Geek-book one.

Told from dual first person points of view (Lucas and Violet) ONCE UPON A PLAYER follow the building relationship between British footballer Lucas Carter, and interior design student Violet Henderson. Lucas Carter is on medical leave following a potential career ending injury but an out of control party at his new penthouse finds Lucas face to face with his new house cleaner-Violet Henderson- the woman with whom Lucas will fall in love. When Violet’s mother takes ill, our heroine steps in to help with her mother’s contracted cleaning service never expecting to meet her teenage crush in the guise of Lucas Carter. What ensues is the friends with benefits/no strings attached relationship between Lucas and Violet, and the potential fall-out as misunderstanding and miscommunication force Violet to walk away from the man with whom she is falling in love.

Violet Henderson is an interior design student but works several jobs in an attempt to pay her way. Meeting Lucas Carter brings with it memories of her ex Geoff Hawthorne-Douglas, a footballer himself , who humiliated and betrayed our story line heroine. For all of Lucas Carter’s strengths, popularity and fame, our hero battles issues of self-esteem in the face of his twin brother’s successes in life. The brawn to the brain, Lucas believes he doesn’t measure up to his family’s high standards of education and fame. Lucas’ vulnerability and Violet’s insecurities make for some mistaken beliefs and heart breaking misunderstandings.

The relationship between Lucas and Violet is one of immediate attraction but Violet battles memories from the past, and the devastating humiliation she endured at the hands of her former boyfriend. With Violet’s refusal to date professional footballers, Lucas makes Violet an offer she cannot refuse. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Violet’s parents, and her best friend Katie; Lucas’ brother Harry and his girlfriend Alice, and their sister Mackenzie; Lucas’ friends Will, Caleb, and sometimes plus-one Yolanda; and an assortment of ex-girlfriends who may or may not add fodder to Lucas and Violet’s tremulous relationship.

ONCE UPON A PLAYER is a sweet and sexy story. The premise is engaging, entertaining and spirited; the characters are sassy and moving; the romance is spicy and captivating. ONCE UPON A PLAYER is an energetic and heart warming story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“D’you have a business card?”“What?” The word blurts out before I can stop it, and his grin doesn’t help, since it’s now obvious he knows I thought he wasn’t serious.

He wasn’t serious about wanting my help. Was he?

“I need your number to contact you for when I need your expertise.”

“Does that line ever work?”

“It’s the first time I’ve used it. You tell me.”

Stop flirting, Vi. Except, even though it’s a bad idea on so many levels, I haven’t had so much fun in ages. Which says a lot about my self-imposed exile from the human race, but whatever. The truth is it’s a relief to discover I haven’t totally lost my touch when it comes to guys.

“Honestly? It’s a bit dodgy.”

“I’ve never been accused of being dodgy before.”

“First time for everything.”

“I’m not asking for any special favors. I’ll pay the going rate.”

I’m smiling at him like a smitten groupie, but it’s impossible not to. “You’re funny. I’m not even qualified yet. If I do agree to help you out, all I’d ask in return is a release to use photos, and a testimonial.”

If you don’t ask, you don’t get…

“Deal.” He sticks out his hand, and after a second’s hesitation, when every warning bell clangs in my head that touching Lucas Carter is the worst idea ever, I cave, and his fingers wrap around mine. They’re warm, strong, and slightly callused, and I forget how to breathe.

Yep. Worst idea ever. I need to break contact, but it’s like I’m totally paralyzed, and Lucas doesn’t appear inclined to reclaim his hand any time soon, either.

I clear my throat, which shatters the spell and our connection. I resist the urge to flex my fingers since there’s no way I’m letting him know just how much his touch affected me.

“You’re going to make me ask again, aren’t you?”

I’ve no idea what he’s talking about, but right now that’s a secondary concern because I’ve just agreed to help Lucas freaking Carter redesign his penthouse. Holy shit.

Stop hyperventilating.

Luckily my brain kicks back into gear before he jumps to the conclusion I’m completely flakey. “My number, right. Okay.”

Before I have the chance to rummage for pen and paper in my bag, he hands me his phone. “Here you go.”

It’s a surreal moment as I add my number to his contacts. And so he never looks at my name and thinks, Who the hell? I add “Interior Designer,” and pride surges through me. I might not be qualified yet, but I only have one more year until I am. Having a big name like Lucas in my portfolio sure won’t be a disadvantage.

And then reality hits me, and I can’t believe I’m so flipping gullible. “Are you serious about this? Or is it just some kind of ruse to get my number?”

That didn’t come out right. But I can’t explain what I mean without digging myself further into a hole, and as if I don’t feel bad enough, my face starts to burn.

Well, fuck.

“It’s totally a ruse to get your number.” He’s laughing, and I’m not sure whether it’s because he’s trying to take his phone and I have a death grip on the bloody thing, or because he finds the fact I needed to ask the question in the first place hilarious. Did I really think he was nice? “And I’m deadly serious about needing your help.”

 

 

Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing contemporary, historical and paranormal romance where the stories sizzle and the heroine brings her hero to his knees.

She is a multiple finalist in the 2012 – 2014 ARRA Awards for Favorite Erotic Romance, Favorite Contemporary Romance and Favorite Paranormal Romance. She has been published by Entangled Publishing, Tule Publishing, Harlequin Escape, Penguin/Berkley Heat and The Wild Rose Press, and is also indie published. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia and helped establish the inaugural Professional Development for Authors program, and has been a member of the editorial team for the RWA’s monthly newsletter, Hearts Talk. She loves hearing from her readers!

Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Connect:

Site: http://christinaphillips.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinaphillips.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristinaPh_

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3216349.Christina_Phillips

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Playing Dirty by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing Dirty by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Sydney Smoke star recruit Kyle Leighton can’t believe the best sex of his life was just a one-night stand. He didn’t even know her name… Until she shows up at the locker room two weeks later and he connects the dots.

Val King. Oh shit.

Coach has one hard and fast rule: Never, ever date (much less f*ck ten ways to Sunday) his daughter. And not only did Kyle break that rule, but he wants to break it over and over again. In the shower. Against a wall. On every flat surface in his home.

 


Review;

Playing Dirty by Amy Andrews is the 6th instalment in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series.  I have to say this is only the 2nd book in this series that I’ve read, but I’m really enjoying this series.  Needless to say I’ve got the other books stockpiled for future reads.

Playing Dirty is a fast paced, charming, witty and steamy romantic adventure between Kyle and Val.  I loved these two from the get go, and enjoyed their journey to their HEA.  Val is a saucy, headstrong female lead who knows what she wants and decides she’s not going to be afraid to go for it regardless of her father’s rules where his players are concerned.  Kyle is your typical hot shot rugby player, but he’s fallen for the coach’s daughter and career be damned if that’s what it comes down to when it come’s to Val for him.  Kyle is a sexy, strong, charming, knows what he wants kinda guy.  He’s pretty much sex on a stick and knows how to keep his woman happy both outside and inside the bedroom.  Kyle and Val hit if off from the start and their scenes are fun, flirty, and steamy as all get out.  There’s never a dull moment between these two. 

Even though it’s a fast read I never found their story rushed or the chemistry between these two characters pushed on the reader.  It flowed from beginning to end at a good pace and let the reader really get to know both Val and Kyle.  We got to learn a lot of back story on both characters in a short amount of time that only helped to move their story along and give the reader a better understanding of both characters and why Val’s father is the way he is with Val. Her back story and her father’s is a sad one, but it was nice to see how Kyle played a role in helping to re-connect father and daughter and see Val’s father change his rule about dating the coach’s daughter where Kyle is concerned.  Those scenes between Kyle and Val’s dad were emotionally charged but well played out. Kudo’s to Amy for writing such meaningful scenes.  In the end when Kyle is trying his damnedest to win Amy back is just downright funny.  The way Miss Andrews describes Kyle as a hippy Jesus type camped out in the park across the street from her backery had me laughing out loud and I could so picture that description in my head.  Watching Kyle prove to Val that he really does love her and would give up his rugby career in a heartbeat to be with her were touching and real. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to a fun, yet emotional adventure in romance and sports.  I can’t wait to read the next instalment and go back to read the first few in the series. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Freed (Rosewood Bay #3) by Carly Phillips-Review Tour

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FREED ( Rosewood Bay #3) by Carly Phillips-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / ibooks

Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2smqZtK

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2018

Fall for the missing Ward sister…

Juliette Collins is privileged and isolated from the world by her over-protective father. She thinks she knows the truth about her history until a file on her father’s computer reveals she has sisters she never knew about. A family she’s never met. Betrayed, she realizes there’s a life waiting for her outside the walls of her daddy’s New York City penthouse and Juliet is determined to live it. Against her father’s wishes, she heads to a small beach community to meet her siblings… and finds herself way out of her depth instead.

In the personal protection business, Braden Clark thinks nothing of taking on a job to watch over a city girl in town for the summer. If her father wants to know his daughter is safe, it’s no problem and an easy way of earning a paycheck. Except Braden doesn’t count on falling for the sheltered Juliette. Watching her experience her firsts, getting an apartment, finding a job, meeting up with her lost sisters, soon Braden’s brand of protection becomes a little too personal. He’s mixing business with pleasure and lying to a woman he’s coming to care deeply about.

Sexual attraction burns bright between them and Braden is by her side as she finds herself, her family, and what it means to love… but what happens when she discovers his secret? That he’s been paid to watch over her all along?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  FREED is the third instalment in Carly Phillips’ contemporary, adult ROSEWOOD BAY romance series focusing on the Ward sisters. This is missing Ward sister twenty-six year old Juliette Collins, and private investigator Braden Clark’s story line. FREED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Juliette and Braden) FREED follows Juliette Collins, the missing Ward sibling, as she searches for the sisters she knew nothing about. Raised by her over-protective father, following the death of her mother, Juliette has been sheltered her entire life until the day she reads her father’s file about her ‘not so dead’ mother, and the daughters (Juliette’s sisters) he abandoned years before. Heading to Rosewood Bay to meet Phoebe and Halley Ward, Juliette is unaware that her father, New York City investment banker Andrew Collins, has hired a private investigator to report back on the daughter of whom he is desperate to return home. Enter Braden Clark, former police officer and PI, and the man with whom Juliette will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Juliette and Braden, and the fall-out when Juliette learns the truth about her father’s ongoing betrayal, and the lie of omission by Braden Clark.

FREED is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies. From the proverbial frying pan into the fire, Juliette Collins discovers that the men in her life cannot be trusted. Naïve and isolated from the basic experiences of life Juliette Collins embarks on a bucket-list of activities beginning with the introduction to the sisters she never knew. Braden Clark struggles in the face of his father’s ever—increasing Alzheimer’s disease, a disease that is quickly destroying the man he once was. Falling for Juliette Collins was never in the plans but meeting the awkward, innocent and beautiful Juliette gave Braden a hope for a happily ever after.

The relationship between Juliette and Braden is off-limits due to the fact that Braden has been hired to spy on our heroine, reporting back to the father who has broken her heart. The attraction between Juliette and Braden is immediate but Braden’s pursuit of Juliette is an ongoing mix-up of signals for our story line heroine. The romance is fun, flirty and spicy. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The wonderful secondary and supporting characters include Juliette’s sisters Phoebe (and Jake), Hally (and Kane) as well as the local florist Andrea ‘Andi’ Harmon; Juliette, Phoebe and Hally’s father Andrew; Braden’s struggling father Jonathan Clark, and their neighbor Lucy Mulligan. Andi and Kyle’s story line is next in DREAM, a departure from the Ward sister story lines.

FREED continues to focus on the daughter’s of New York City investment banker Andrew Collins, a man who abandoned his eldest children, and left them to suffer with a drug-addicted mother. Raised in the child-welfare system, Phoebe and Hally have battled the stigma of desertion, betrayal, and drug abuse to find their happily ever after without the aid of neglectful parents. FREED is an encouraging story of independence, with animated and playful characters. The struggle was limited to the lies and deception directed towards our story line heroine; the conflict resolution was a little too neat and clean for this reader.

Reading Order and previous Reviews
Fearless
Breathe
Freed

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

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The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire – Review & Giveaway

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The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Once and twice and thrice around,
Put your heart into the ground.
Four and five and six tears shed,
Give your love unto the dead.
Seven shadows on the wall,
Eight have come to watch your fall:
One’s for the gargoyle, one’s for the grave,
And the last is for the one you’ll never save.
 
For Rose Marshall, death has long since become the only life she really knows.  She’s been sweet sixteen for more than sixty years, hitchhiking her way along the highways and byways of America, sometimes seen as an avenging angel, sometimes seen as a killer in her own right, but always Rose, the Phantom Prom Date, the Girl in the Green Silk Gown.

The man who killed her is still out there, thanks to a crossroads bargain that won’t let him die, and he’s looking for the one who got away.  When Bobby Cross comes back into the picture, there’s going to be hell to pay—possibly literally.

Rose has worked for decades to make a place for herself in the twilight.  Can she defend it, when Bobby Cross comes to take her down?  Can she find a way to navigate the worlds of the living and the dead, and make it home before her hitchhiker’s luck runs out?
               
There’s only one way to know for sure.
 
Nine will let you count the cost:
All you had and all you lost.
Ten is more than time can tell,
Cut the cord and ring the bell.
Count eleven, twelve, and then,
Thirteen takes you home again.
One’s for the shadow, one’s for the tree,
And the last is for the blessing of Persephone

 

 

Review:

The Girl with the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire is the 2nd book in her Ghost Roads series.  This is a fantasy novel revolving  around the twilight, mythology, ghosts, the dead, and gods. 

Rose Marshall is our heroine, and Rose has been dead for 60 years. When she was 16, she set out to go to her prom and meet her boyfriend, Gary, only to be killed by Bobby Cross, who wanted her soul.  Seems Bobby Cross made a deal to be immortal, and stay young, but he needs to steal lives of young girls to keep his car running with the souls he takes. The only one who got away was Rose, who though now dead, managed to escape Bobby, and live in the twilight as a hitchhiking ghost.  Rose has become an urban legend, as the Girl in the Green Silk Gown (still in her prom dress), also known and the Phantom Prom Date.   Rose is used to her life on the roads, walking across America, helping truckers and other travelers in danger or those passing on to the twilight. 

Bobby Cross is determined to find and get the one who got away, and despite Rose’s protection tattoo ( from a god) keeping her safe from Bobby, he finds a way to get to her.  When Rose is pulled into a Halloween ritual, she miraculously is now alive, and Bobby is on his way.  Rose is desperate to find a way to return to the only life she knows…return to the dead.   

We get to meet the friends that Rose has made all these years in the twilight, including powerful beings such as Queens of the roads, routes, lake, ghosts, etc to help her find her way to the gods to help return to where she belongs, before Bobby finds her.

The Girl with the Green Silk Gown was written very well by Seanan McGuire, and was an interesting and at times exciting story.  I did feel it had a lot of details that made some parts a bit slow, but the last third of the book was exciting.  If you like fantasy, with ghost legends and mythology, then I suggest you read The Girl With the Green Silk Gown.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Seanan McGuire’s publisher is offering a paper copy of THE GIRL IN THE GREEN SILK GOWN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Seanan McGuire on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA

8. Giveaway runs from July 17 to 21, 2018

 

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