Monthly Archives: November 2018

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .

 

 

Review:

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh is the 5th book in her wonderful Westcott series.  I have loved every single book in this wonderful series, and I couldn’t wait for Elizabeth’s story.  She has always been the one person who was there to give support to each heroine, and now it was time for her own happy ever after.

When the last book left off, there was a last minute wedding (Viola & Marcel) at the Earl of Riverdale’s mansion, and we pick up at that point, where the entire Westcott family was in attendance. It is Christmas time, and everyone was enjoying the festivities.  Elizabeth Overfield, our heroine, helps Wren (Alexander’s wife) make sure everything goes right, including greeting all the guests.  She meets Colin Handrich (Lord Hodges), Wren’s younger brother, who does not know the many Westcott family members.  Elizabeth takes it upon herself to welcome and befriend Colin, and together a friendship develops, with them enjoying the festivities and their company.

Elizabeth, who is a widow, has decided the time has come for her to possibly accept another marriage proposal, as she is now 35, and time is running out.   Colin, is just stepping into the responsibility of being Lord Hodges and taking over their mansion, knows he has to start thinking about marriage, as he is 26 years old.

What follows is the friendship between Elizabeth and Colin grows, as each talk about their prior issues with relationships; such as her deceased ex abusive behavior, and Colin’s treatment by his family in his younger days.   At the balls, Colin always makes sure Elizabeth saves him the first waltz.  This was a very charming and fun story, as both Elizabeth and Colin begin to have feelings for each other, but continue to evade any possibilities because of the 9 year age difference.  Elizabeth accepts a proposal from another Lord, but when her prospective fiancée verbally treats her badly, Colin and Alexander come to her rescue, and Elizabeth breaks up with the other man. 

Elizabeth must endure the bad word of mouth gossip, and Colin is determined to make Elizabeth his wife, despite their age difference.  Will Elizabeth give in to her feelings Colin, and ignore that Society does not approve of an older woman marrying a younger man.

 I loved Elizabeth and Colin together (one of the best couples in this series), and enjoyed the fun and exuberance they had together. Colin was great, but I adored Elizabeth, as she was a great heroine, being fun, sweet, always helpful to others, and delightful.

It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again.  This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book.  The romance between  Elizabeth & Colin was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.

I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read every book in this series. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Trust is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO TRUST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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What About Us (Panic #4) by Sidney Halston-Booster & Giveaway Tour

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What About Us (Panic #4) by Sidney Halston-Booster & Giveaway Tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20 ,2018

Irresistible beats and tantalizing bodies heat up the night at South Beach’s most scandalous new club.

Alex: I hate doing business in clubs. Especially one like Duality. I’m here to seal a deal, not indulge in whatever hedonistic illusion they’re selling. Until, through all the skin and sex on display, I see her. Helen Blackwood. The girl who once filled my youthful fantasies, whose name is now synonymous with pain. Her father’s lies destroyed my family, leaving me with nothing to lose. And yet I can’t deny my electric response to her touch . . . or my urge to protect her when I see the bruise on her face.

Helen: Growing up, life prepared me for society galas and powerful men, not minimum-wage jobs or drunk exes with anger issues. But I’m a survivor. So here I am, practically naked, serving drinks at a Miami nightclub. I don’t mind the stares. Apparently, Alex Archer does. After twelve years, we aren’t exactly friends, but money is something we both understand. Something he knows I need. I’ll be his personal assistant, even if it means working with the man I hate . . . and the man I still want.

No cheating. No cliffhangers. And no dress code.

••••••••••

REVIEW: WHAT ABOUT US is the fourth instalment in Sidney Halston’s contemporary, adult PANIC erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work and own the high-end night club Panic, and its’ subsidiary Club Duality. This is thirty-five year old, billionaire business investor Alex Archer, and thirty-year old, cocktail waitress Helen Blackwood’s story line. WHAT ABOUT US 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 first person perspectives (Alex and Helen) WHAT ABOUT US focuses on the second chance relationship between thirty-five year old, billionaire business investor Alex Archer, and thirty-year old, cocktail waitress Helen Blackwood. Twelve years earlier on the day of her eighteenth birthday Helen Blackwood’s life imploded –with her father in jail, and our heroine homeless and alone, our heroine made her way to Florida in the hopes of starting over where no one knew about her past. Fast forward to present day wherein Helen, now a cocktail waitress for a high-end night club comes face to face with her past, a past that blames everything on our story line heroine. Enter billionaire Alex Archer, and the man that Helen has never stopped loving. What ensues is the rebuilding but acrimonious relationship between Helen and Alex, and the potential fall-out as Alex struggles to let go of the past.

Helen Blackwood once lived a life of privilege but everything came crashing down the day her father was arrested and charged with fraud. Struggling to survive, Helen would find herself hungry and homeless on more than one occasion. Having never forgotten about the boy who got away, life would come full-circle when said boy, now a man, makes it his mission to destroy everything Helen has struggled to achieve. Alex Archer couldn’t believe that Helen Blackwood had fallen so far. The only friend and girl to give the young socially awkward Alex a second look, Helen’s circumstances had definitely changed, a change Alex didn’t believe no matter how hard he tried.

The relationship between Alex and Helen is one of second chances; a rekindling relationship damaged by the ‘sins of the father’, sins Alex struggles to accept and forgive. Alex’s attitude towards Helen is vindictive and cruel as our heroine struggles not only with her attraction to a man who despises her existence, but battles a personal h*ll back home. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and intense.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Helen’s best friend Gina, and her father Edward Blackwood; Alex’s best friend and CFO of Archer Technologies Bradley, and his PA Monique Adler , as well as Alex’s mother Doris Archer. We are re-introduced to nightclub owners Nick (Pull Me Close #1) and Matt Moreno (Make Me Stay #2), as well as a number of security and construction crews.

WHAT ABOUT US is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and lies. The premise is emotional, heart breaking and encouraging; the characters are charismatic, but embittered survivors; the romance is a second chance for two people to move on from the past. WHAT ABOUT US is a sexy, energetic and captivating story where the sins of the father destroy everything in its path.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Pull Me Close
Make Me Stay
Kiss Me Back
What About Us

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Sidney_HalstonUSA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: “Just Do It”–Nike. And that’s exactly what she did.

After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She’s a reader first and a writer second. When she’s not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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My Forever Home by Debbie Burns – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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My Forever Home by Debbie Burns – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Love comes to the rescue

Vet school drop-out Tess Grasso dreams of having her own pet therapy business, but she meets one disastrous obstacle after another. There’s no denying she has a way with animals, so in the meantime she puts her skills to use at a local no-kill shelter. Between helping her furry companions and a budding relationship with fellow dog lover Mason Redding, Tess begins to find fresh confidence…

What Tess doesn’t know is that Mason is recovering from an accident, hoping to get back to his pro-baseball career. He’s afraid the truth will ruin everything-and he’s right. But in the midst of hurt and betrayal, a free-spirited stray Husky enters their lives, and teaches them a few things about faith, love and forgiveness.

 

 

Review:

My Forever Home by Debbie Burns is the 3rd book in her Rescue Me series.  Once again Debbie Burns gives us a wonderful sweet story that is based around an animal shelter, with a sweet couple and a fantastic dog.

Tess Grasso, our heroine, has always loved animals, and was planning to be a vet, but things changed, as she wanted to do something more.   Tess is wonderful with the animals, knowing how to handle them in all kinds of situations and her knowledge and love for them shows. 

Mason Redding is our hero, and we meet him when he is walking his friend’s dog, and notices a stray dog that seems to be following him. When the dog escapes, it is Tess who happens upon the scene and manages to retrieve the dog. In a short time, a friendship develops between Mason and Tess, which will turn into a slow build sweet romance.

Mason wants badly to find the stray dog, who he plans to adopt, and has already named him John Ronald.  Tess and Mason will begin their search, and when they finally find him, it becomes emotional as John Ronald tries to bring them to some puppies whose  mother died, and they are sadly near death.  But Tess will spend the night at the shelter, and they will all work overtime to save their lives.  Very sweet.

Mason knows he is falling for Tess, but he has a secret that he must tell her before he expresses his feelings.   Mason is a pro baseball player, who is currently on the injured list, and has kept this a secret from Tess, as she does not follow baseball.  He enjoys being with Tess, and no one knowing how famous he has become.  When Tess discovers the truth, will this ruin their relationship?

I love this series,which spends much of the time with the shelter, and the wonderful dogs or cats they have rescued; it is heartwarming to watch how much they all care about the animals. The romance between Tess and Mason was sweet, and I really liked them together, and loved how John Roland played a part in bringing them together.  It was also cute to have a few POV’s in John Roland’s thoughts.

What follows is a wonderful sweet slow build romance between Tess and Mason. This was a wonderful sweet romance, with the shelter family and animals as a major part of the story.

Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful, delightful, sweet, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end.  My Forever Home was a beautiful and heartwarming story, as we fell in love with the couple, the secondary characters and all the dogs/cats, especially John Ronald.  Mason and Tess romance was pure and sweet, and blended so well into the story.   My Forever Home was well written by Debbie Burns.  If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 


“So, were you heading out of town or are you just getting back?” he asked as he turned the truck down a narrow alley. He was really hoping the thief had dumped Tess’s stolen suitcase and backpack in one of these Dumpsters.
“That’s a good question considering what we’re on the hunt for,” Tess said. “Neither, really. I got back from Europe about a month ago. I’m staying put in St. Louis for a bit. I was on a sales call.”
Mason parked the truck at a row of three Dumpsters, two trash and one recycling. “Europe, huh? I’ve never been, but I’m taking my parents in January.” He slipped the truck into Park and switched his wipers to low. “You can stay here if you’d like. I’ll call you if I see anything.”
Tess unbuckled her seat belt. “Thanks, but they’re my bags. I’ll Dumpster dive.”
They headed out into the drizzling rain together. Mason picked what seemed like a clean spot on the closest Dumpster’s lid and lifted it. It was cleaner inside than he’d imagined and a quarter full of tied bags of trash, a computer monitor, and a silk plant that showed more dust than green foliage.
Tess moved to the adjacent Dumpster with him. She stepped close enough to him as she peeked inside that he caught a whiff of her scent—soft, sweet, and subtle. It mixed with the stink of the Dumpsters, confusing his nostrils.
When the third Dumpster, the recycling bin, proved empty as well, they climbed back into the truck and Mason continued cruising through the streets and alleys around the park. On the fifth stop, they surprised a dog who’d been hanging out behind a Dumpster that was out of the rain under a roof overhang. Mason was only a bit surprised to see that it was John Ronald.
The magnificent animal dashed away to about the distance between home plate and second base, then turned and stood in the rain, watching them with pricked-at-attention ears. Mason whistled loudly. The dog, which Mason guessed was mostly husky mixed with something big and long-legged, responded with a single wag of his tail.
“That,” Mason said, “is my dog. He just doesn’t know it yet. Or maybe he does, and he’s still trying to deny it.”
Tess looked from Mason to the dog, and back to Mason. “He’s watching you like he knows you, that’s for sure.”
Mason wished he’d thought to bring some treats in the likely event they’d run into John Ronald on this Dumpster prowl. He whistled again. After a few seconds, probably determining that Mason was empty-handed, the dog turned and trotted away, his long legs making fast tracks.
“Not today, huh, John Ronald,” Mason said under his breath.
Tess was suddenly studying him intently.
“What did you mean, ‘your dog’?”
He shrugged. “He’s a stray who hangs out near my building. We’ve had a few moments, but I haven’t been able to get close enough to catch him. If I ever do, I intend to keep him.”
Her mouth opened a fraction of an inch, calling Mason’s attention to the fullness of her lips a second time.
“And why John Ronald?”
Judging by the incredulous look that had spread across her face, Mason’s best guess was he’d done something either impossibly wrong or impossibly right. He just didn’t know which.
Hoping it was the second, he opted for the truth, letting it fall out in a display of rare vulnerability.
“The first night I saw him, I was up in my loft. It was six or seven months ago—early spring, I guess—and the moon was full. I told you, I’m on the sixth floor. I have a decent view of the street below my loft. After I spotted him, I stepped out on my balcony. The white patches on his body and above his eyes stood out in the moonlight, and I could have sworn that he was looking up at me. I was afraid if I went downstairs and outside, I’d scare him off, so I dropped him hot dogs from my balcony, and he ate them. He even caught a few before they hit the ground.
“When I ran out of them, I headed down as fast as I could. I think he knew I was coming. He was already at the end of the block, but he was looking my way like he was waiting but needed the distance to feel safe. He watched me for a while, but then he turned and left like he did just now.”
Mason shrugged, thinking of all the interactions he and the dog had had since that first night. He’d been doing his best to catch the stray, but hadn’t had any luck. “I leave him food on the street under my balcony. Sometimes he leaves me things too. Odd things. A dead crow once, but also trash. I know it’s him, because one time I spotted him carrying a hat. By the time I got downstairs, he was gone. The hat was waiting for me by the building door.”
Fresh tears blossomed out of nowhere, brimming on Tess’s lower lids. She blinked them away without shedding them. “But why John Ronald?”
“Because calling him Tolkien didn’t feel right.”
She dropped his gaze so quickly that Mason knew she’d gotten the confirmation she’d been looking for. “Not all those who wander are lost.” It was such a quiet whisper on her lips that Mason almost wasn’t sure he’d heard it. It was said so softly that he suspected it wasn’t even meant for his ears.
She shook her head as if she’d just heard something she didn’t quite believe. He was about to ask for clarification when she abruptly returned to the truck.
Mason climbed in after her, wondering if perhaps the universe had just shifted for him a second time in a month, only this time much less painfully so.


 

Debbie Burns’ writing commendations include a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews for A New Leash on Love, as well as first-place awards for short stories, flash fiction, and longer selections. Her hobbies include hiking, gardening, and daydreaming, which, of course, always leads to new story ideas. She lives in St. Louis with her family, two phenomenal rescue dogs, and a somewhat tetchy Maine coon cat who everyone loves anyway.
  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

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A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor by Victoria James – a Review

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A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Children’s bookstore owner Addie Mayberry believes in the magic of Christmas. Or at least, she used to. So when a young customer needs some seasonal optimism, Addie sets out to give the vulnerable, heartbroken little girl the best Christmas ever. Which means helping the hottest man in Shadow Creek, Bella’s surgeon father, find his holiday spirit. Addie’s up to the challenge, but between tree decorating and late night talks, she realizes she’s starting to fall hard for the one man she definitely shouldn’t. 

Drew Barrett drastically changed his fast-paced life when he moved back to Shadow Creek, but it was all worth it to give his daughter a better life. He wasn’t exactly winning dad-of-the-year awards before, so he’s determined to make it up to Bella. And with Addie’s help, he’s slowly repairing his relationship with his daughter. The last thing he wants is to fall in love, since that road only leads to pain, but he can’t stop thinking about Addie. Not only is she gorgeous, sweet, and great with Bella, she fills something in him he never knew was missing. But Addie wants forever, which is more than Drew can offer

 

Review;

A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor by Victoria James is your go to quiet Sunday holiday read.  It has everything a holiday story should have in my opinion.  Ms. James brings in nostalgia, the magic of the holidays, the importance of family, small town life and romance all wrapped up in a neat little Christmas package. 

This is a quick read, but has you falling in love fast with the main characters of Bella, Addie and Drew.  Bella steals your heart from the get go, and propels Addie and Drew’s story from the first scene.  Watching these characters grow and become a little family from beginning to end is heart-warming and sweet.  I loved the scenes with Bella and her father as they learned how to function as father and daughter, then later with Addie as their friend and soon to be more was just as cute.

Everything about these three characters just made my heart melt so many times throughout this book.  From Addie overcoming her fear from her figure skating days to skate in the Christmas Festival with Bella, to Drew taking Bella to work with him and Bella acting all doctor like with one of his patients had me chuckling and loving how she was teaching her dad just what it meant to be a father finally.   The way Ms. James wrote each of these scenes was with such care and creativity that it flowed from one page to the next effortlessly and allowed us to fully understand each character, where they were coming from, and why they had this reluctance to fully open their hearts to other people.  Once Bella finally convinces her father to go after Addie and not worry about her because she knows she has his love forever had me cheering that little girl on and thinking how insightful she is for a child of her age.  I loved how she told her father just what he needed to do to win Addie over. 

It was the perfect ending to a sweet and charming holiday read.  Ms. James definitely hits all the right buttons for this holiday story.  For anyone whose looking for a fast, yet charming holiday read then A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor is a must for you. 

Until next time, happy holidays and happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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ReWined Vol. 1 (ReWined / Party Ever After #1) by Kim Karr-Review Tour

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ReWINED Volume 1: (ReWined #1 / Party Ever After) by Kim Karr-Review tour

99¢ or FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2018

ADD TO YOUR TBR ⇢ http://bit.ly/2RShxJK

Life is short. Time is fast.
No replay. No rewind.
That’s my motto.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.

That is until the day I turn 27 and everything changes. Suddenly, I’m expected to…

1) Move back to my hometown.
2) Stop partying.
3) Take over my family’s winery.
4) And get married.

Wait!
What?
That last one I didn’t see coming.

I’m Tyler Justin Ryan Holiday III, Northern California’s most eligible bachelor, and I don’t do monogamy. It’s just a wild guess but I’d have to say that monogamy isn’t going to do me, either.

My grandmother won’t listen to a word I have to say on the matter. And since the old battle-axe is still at the helm of my legacy, it’s not like I can blow her off. However, when she tells me whom she thinks will make the perfect bride, and then subsequently drops me at said bride’s door, I nearly lose my f*cking mind. Sure, dear old granny tries to sugarcoat the situation with a lot of glitz and glamour, but there’s no turning ash into fairy dust.

Paris Elizabeth Hollis Fairchild isn’t only the ultimate party girl and terrible wife material, she’s also my sworn enemy. We loathe each other. We have good reason. And it isn’t because our families are competitors.

Needless to say, I’m not surprised when the she-devil slams the door in my face—but it still pisses me off.

Apparently, she doesn’t know me as well as she thinks.
Doesn’t understand I’ve changed.
Doesn’t realize her rejection only spurs me on—makes me want to tame her, claim her, make her mine.

Then again, at 27 I’m no longer a lovesick teenager. I’m a grown-ass man with a big ego and an even bigger…never mind.

Paris says she doesn’t want to know how big I am, in any sense of the word.
I don’t believe her.
Either way, it doesn’t matter.
She’s a challenge I can’t resist. A temptation I can’t ignore. The woman I must have. We haven’t spoken in ten years but mark my words, she and I will be doing that and a hell of a lot more—very soon.

Life is short. Time is fast.
Replay. Rewind.
That’s my new motto.
And there’s no sugarcoating that.

••••••••

REVIEW: ReWINED is the first instalment in Kim Karr’s contemporary, adult PARTY EVER AFTER erotic, romance series focusing on heir to the winery California Jane, Tyler Justin Ryan Holiday III, and Paris Elizabeth Hollis Fairchild, heir to the Highway 128 winery.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Paris and Tyler) using present day, and a prologue from the past ReWINED focuses on the contemptuous relationship between Tyler Justin Ryan Holiday III, and Paris Elizabeth Hollis Fairchild, twenty-seven year old heirs to competing wineries, wineries struggling to survive. Inheriting the helm of California Jane on his twenty-seventh birthday came with a surprise to our story line hero. On the verge of bankruptcy, Tyler’s only option was to merge with the neighboring winery run by the Fairchild family, a family with whom the Holiday’s were at war. At his grandmother’s insistence, Tyler is forced to grovel with the woman who stole his heart years before. With a turbulent history between Tyler and Paris, grovelling won’t be easy, especially when Paris is unable to forgive Tyler for sins of the past. What ensues is Tyler’s pursuit of our story line heroine as Paris must come to a decision about her future and that of Highway 128 wines.

The relationship between Tyler and Paris is one of hatred and lust. Ten years earlier, high school sweethearts Tyler and Paris had a three month, sexually charged relationship that ended in disaster. Fast forward to present day wherein both are struggling to keep their respective family businesses afloat. Hoping to convince Paris he is a changed man, Tyler starts a quick seduction of our story line heroine, a seduction he hopes will end with both a personal and business arrangement. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

ReWINED is a story of family and friendship; betrayal, secrets and lies. We are not privy to all of the history or backstory between our leading couple but we do discover that the acrimonious relationship goes beyond Paris and Tyler, extending to their respective families. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are feisty, sassy and colorful:  the secondary characters are dynamic and intense. ReWINED ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

ReWined, Volume 2 releases on DECEMBER 9th!

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ReWined, Volume 3 releases on DECEMBER 23rd!

ADD TO YOUR TBR ⇢http://bit.ly/2K7jsaK

Reader * Chocolate Lover * Writer * Coffee Lover * Romantic * Beach Lover * Yoga Beginner

Kim Karr is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life and creating romances that are page worthy. Her stories are raw, real, and explosive. Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel. And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy. From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire to the Football Player. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered businesswoman to the boutique owner. No two storylines are ever alike. If Kim’s not writing, you can find her wandering through antique stores with her husband, trying out new fitness classes with her sons, venturing out to new coffee shops with her daughter, or with her nose stuck in a book.

Link with Kim!

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The Date Dare by Tara Sue Me-a review

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THE DATE DARE by Tara Sue Me-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19 2018

Who knew three words held such destructive power? No, not THOSE three words. I’m talking about the evil word trio that’s my own personal kryptonite, that stole my best friend, and took away the only woman I’ve ever loved:
I dare you.

I was six when Darcy Patrick moved next door.
By the time we were eight, we were best friends.

At fifteen, I gave a classmate a black eye for calling her names.
At sixteen, she talked me through asking my crush to prom.

I helped her get over her first heartbreak at nineteen.
Two years later, she returned the favor.

It wasn’t until I was twenty-nine I realized I loved her.
And because I was too stupid to do anything about it,
at thirty, I lost her for good on a dare.

Darcy Patrick is tried of watching her best friend, Elliott Taber, date the wrong kind of woman. When his latest flavor of the month walks out on him, she dares him to let her find his next date. Elliott agrees, but only after Darcy agrees to allow him to do the same.

The dare is on.

The dates take place on the same night. One is an epic fail. The other is just plain epic.

Elliott isn’t prepared for the onslaught of emotions hitting him as Darcy seemingly finds everything she ever wanted with the man he set her up with. He should be happy for her. He should leave her alone.

But he can’t.

So he makes one more dare

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE DATE DARE is the first instalment in Tara Sue Me’s contemporary, adult , romance series. This is thirty year old, trainer for the Georgia Storm professional lacrosse team Elliott Taber, and Darcy Patrick’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Elliott and Darcy) THE DATE DARE follows the friends to lovers relationship between thirty year old, trainer for the Georgia Storm professional lacrosse team Elliott Taber, and Darcy Patrick. Best friends since the age of five, Elliott and Darcy have done everything together except fall in love but fall in love Elliott did, and desperate to prove there may be someone else, Elliott dares Darcy to find each other a date, not expecting Darcy to fall for another man. As Darcy begins to ‘date’ the man with whom Elliott sets her up, Elliott battles between head and heart as he and Darcy grow further apart. What ensues are the back and forth dating experiences of Darcy and Elliott, and the potential fall-out as Elliott struggles to let Darcy know, she is the one.

We are introduced to former professional baseball player Tate Maddox, actress Kara Devine, and Elliott’s sister Carsen Taber. While Tate and Darcy continue to build their relationship, nothing goes according to plans for Elliott Taber. Carsen and Tate’s story line is next in The Date Deal.

The relationship between Elliott and Darcy is a best friends to lovers romance wherein Darcy is oblivious to Elliott’s attraction, and Elliott struggles to tell Darcy the truth. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

THE DATE DARE is a cute but predictable story; a sweet, sexy and sassy tale where love is but a friendship away. The premise is spirited; the romance is flirty ; the characters are colorful ,energetic and fun.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Tara Sue Me is the New York Times bestselling author of the Submissive series, including The Enticement, The Training, The Dominant, and The Submissive. She lives in the southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

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Misadventures on the Rebound (Misadventures #16) by Lauren Rowe-Review Tour

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Misadventures on the Rebound (Misadventures #16) by Lauren Rowe-Review Tour

 

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***MISADVENTURES ARE STANDALONE ROMANCES THAT CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER***

After getting canned from her dream job this morning and played in spectacular fashion by her boyfriend this afternoon, Savannah “Savvy” Valentine is having a truly awful day. Which is why she’s currently drowning her sorrows in whiskey and self-pity in a shabby bar along the route to Las Vegas.

In light of today’s double whammy, Savvy isn’t sure why she’s still heading in the direction of her five-year high school reunion. The only reason she’d wanted to attend the reunion in Vegas in the first place was to show the captain of the football team, the guy who took her virginity and then promptly rejected her, that the captain of the math team grew up to have all enviable hot things: hot body, hot boyfriend, and hot career. Now, the only “hot” thing about Savvy Valentine is her mess.

But when a gorgeous stranger with sandy hair, a leather jacket, and motorcycle helmet walks into the bar, Savvy’s awful day suddenly looks a whole lot brighter. The man is perfection. Sexy and mysterious. And he’s heading to Las Vegas, too.

Can one wild night with a sexy stranger in the middle of nowhere lead a girl to fall desperately and deeply in love in Las Vegas? Savvy Valentine is about to find out.

••••••••

REVIEW: Misadventures on the Rebound begins with Savvy not only losing her job, but also finding out, first hand, that her newish boyfriend is cheating on her. Savvy had already made plans to attend her 5th high school reunion in Las Vegas, and decides to head out a little early. She finds a little roadside bar and decides to drown her sorrows, after having checked into the little motel next door. As she’s drowning her sorrows, a handsome and mysterious stranger, Aiden, comes in and sits next to her. Turns out, his day isn’t so great either. As they sit and drink, their instant attraction to each other grows to the point where it scares both of them a little. Savvy, who is not very experienced, decides to throw caution to the wind and have a one night stand with Aiden. After all, what can be the worst that can happen?

Misadventures on the Rebound is a nicely written story about two characters who are down on their luck, but decide to make their own luck. Savvy is your model employee, friend and daughter. She’s got a heart of gold that’s been taken advantage of one too many times, but she is still determined to see the best in people. Aiden, on the other hand, has a few secrets. He has had a rough upbringing and is glad he is the one who ran across Savvy. As a former grifter, albeit short-lived, he knows that Savvy would have been an easy mark. After a mind blowing night together, neither is in a hurry to say goodbye. Savvy has to leave for Vegas and offers Aiden a ride, as he’s headed there as well. Once they both lay all of their cards on the table, and secrets are revealed, Savvy decides that she will do anything to help Aiden. What follows is a funny, quirky and steamy story that will leave you turning the pages faster and faster and not wanting it to end. Yes, it’s a story of instant attraction and it’s a little (lot) far fetched, but it’s a very fun read. This is #18 in a series of ‘misadventure’ books, but can be read as a standalone with no problem. If you’re a fan of this genre, you should give this one a go. Who can go wrong with funny AND steamy? Well done, Lauren Rowe!

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Vickie K

 

 

Social Media Links: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook /Instagram

USA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, takes embarrassing snapshots of her ever-patient Boston terrier, Buster, spends time with her wonderful family, and narrates audiobooks. Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. With enticing characters, enthralling situations and a general love of romantic fiction, Lauren has created a world of her own, full of wit and sensual desire.

 

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Hard Night (11th Hour #3) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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HARD NIGHT (11th Hour #3) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2018

It’s their pleasure to serve . . .

Made up of former soldiers, the men of the 11th Hour play by their own rules to protect the innocent, capture the guilty, and stay in fighting shape for whatever–and whoever–comes their way . . .

Jacob Night, ex-Black Ops, owner of a billion-dollar security company, and leader of the 11th Hour, spends his life completing dangerous missions for others. But there’s one personal mission he has yet to complete: Finding his missing brother, who was betrayed by the woman he should have been able to trust. But when he finally tracks down his brother’s ex, there’s one surprise: she can’t remember a thing.

Faith has no memory of who she is. She can’t remember life before she came to work for Jacob Night, and she’s not sure she wants to. But when she and Jacob are ambushed by men who have come to kill her for sins she can’t recall committing, she has no choice but to face the past. Yet once she does, and Jacob’s identity–and her own–come to light, they may not survive with their lives intact, let alone their hearts.

••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD NIGHT is the third instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult 11th HOUR erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for 11th Hour Security. This is ex-Black Ops / 11th Hour owner Jacob Night, and Faith Beasley’s story line. TOTAL CONTROL 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 (Faith and Jake) HARD NIGHT follows the building relationship between ex-Black Ops / 11th Hour owner Jacob Night, and Faith Beasley. Six months earlier Faith found herself in the hospital without any memory of who she was, or anything about her past including the man she would grow to love. Jacob Night suspects Faith knows something about his missing brother Josh but our heroine is unable to recall the how and why of her current dilemma. Fast forward to present day wherein Faith will be targeted by someone from her past. Desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Jake ‘abducts’ Faith to places unknown in the hopes of being able to jostle her memory into revealing the truth about the brother he lost.

Faith Beasley has amnesia. For six months our heroine has struggled to regain her forgotten memories but with their return Faith knows it is only a matter of time before Jake discovers the truth about her connections to the past. Jacob Night doesn’t do relationships and a relationship with the woman he believes is keeping secrets threatens all sense of peace for our story line hero.

The relationship between Faith and Jacob is one of immediate attraction; there is a definite palpable sexual energy that may or may not be predicated on the fear of the unknown. Faith is hoping for something more but when her memories return betrayal and heart break become her only companion. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, aggressive and intense.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Callie Hawthorne and Jack King (Raw Power #1), Kellan Blake, and IT specialist Sabrina Leighton (Total Control #2). The requisite evil has many faces but is familiar to our story line couple.

HARD NIGHT is a story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; family and love. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is spirited and dramatic; the characters are broken, flawed and intoxicating. HARD NIGHT is an impassioned and startling story of romantic suspense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Raw Power
Total Control
Hard Night

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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