Monthly Archives: March 2019

Silent Night by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Silent Night by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Paige Watts is the ultimate stage mother. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Paige channels her acting dreams into making her own daughter, Emma, a star. By the age of nine, Emma is playing a central role in a hit TV show. Then everything is shattered by unforeseeable tragedy.

Now Emma is living with her aunt Whitney, who had chosen a very different path from her sister’s. Whitney was always the studious older sister, hating the cult of celebrity that enveloped their childhood. Instead, she is a psychiatrist who lives for her work and enjoys a no-strings-attached love affair with a wealthy venture capitalist. But at a moment’s notice, Whitney drops everything to help her niece.

Once famous, outgoing, and charismatic, Emma is now a shadow of her former self–without speech, without memory, lost and terrified. But with her aunt Whitney’s help, along with a team of caregivers and doctors, Emma begins to find her way, starting her young life all over again–and changing the lives of everyone around her.

Emotionally gripping and richly involving, Silent Night explores how the heart has mysterious healing powers of its own, and blessings happen when we think all is lost.

 

 

Review:

Silent Night by Danielle Steel is a standalone novel that is a bit different then her usual trademark romantic stories.  Yes it has a little of romance, but it is the story of family, tragedy, love and life changing events.  Silent Night was a wonderful and very emotional story.

Paige and Whitney Watts are sisters, and very much different, as their mother was a famous actress.  Paige loves the spotlight, and since she could not get her own career started, she lives through her daughter, Emma, who has become a popular young actress on a television show; she has become the ultimate stage mother.  Whitney is the opposite, as she is a psychiatrist, who loves her work, and enjoys life with her wealthy boyfriend, but frowns on how Paige pushes Emma to the spotlight. 

One night everything changes when a tragic accident kills Paige, and severely injures Emma.  Being the next of kin, Whitney is contacted while on vacation in Italy, and drops everything to rush home to be with her niece.  What she finds at the hospital is that Emma has serious brain damage in the frontal lobe, and is in a semi coma.  Whitney will change her life to take care of Emma, and help her recover from the serious damage she had to her brain.  Emma at 9 years old, will come out of the coma, unable to remember, or talk (she talks gibberish) and has a hard time overall with understanding and mobility. This is very emotional story, as we watch Whitney and Emma struggle through life and the determination to rise above the terrible effects and pain surrounding them now.   I really loved Whitney, as she loved her niece and was willing to change her life to become the caregiver for Emma.  It was sad to watch Emma, unable to cope with her inability to talk, and the ensuing violence, when her anger took control.  Whitney persevered and brought in specialists to work with Emma.  There is a slow built romance between Whitney and Dr. Bailey (he was one of her doctors), as they spent a lot of time together during their struggle to help Emma.   

I really enjoyed Silent Night, which was an emotional and heartbreaking story line.  Both Whitney and Emma were wonderful characters that had us emotionally pulled into their lives.  I do not want to give spoilers, but I will say that Silent Night was a different type of read for me from Danielle Steel; but it was a great story.Once again Danielle Steele blows it out of the park. I wholly suggest you read Silent Night.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Defending Morgan (Mountain Mercenaries #3) by Susan Stoker-a review

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DEFENDING MORGAN (Mountain Mercenaries #3) by Susan Stoker

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2019

Dispatched to the Dominican Republic to rescue a kidnapped child, former Navy SEAL Archer “Arrow” Kane makes a startling discovery: another hostage—Morgan Byrd, a very beautiful and very well-known missing person who disappeared off the streets of Atlanta a year ago. She’s brave, resilient, and unbroken. All Arrow wants to know is why she ended up in a shack in Santo Domingo. All he feels is the desire to protect.

Morgan is done being the victim and is determined to find out who hates her so much that they want her gone—but not dead. Until then, she has Arrow, an alpha stranger who’s offering a warm and safe place to hide. But as the passion between them flares, so does the fear that whoever took Morgan will do anything to get her back. For Arrow, protecting this woman with a mysterious enemy is the most dangerous mission of his life. And it’s worth every beat of his heart.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DEFENDING MORGAN is the third instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN MERCENRIES romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a group of six former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is former Navy SEAL Archer ‘Arrow’ Kane, and apiarist (bee keeper) Morgan Byrd’s story line, DEFENDING MORGAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: The Mountain Mercenaries is a spin off from the author’s Ace Security series but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current timeline. The Mountain Mercenaries were first introduced in CLAIMING FELICITY (Ace Security 4).

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Morgan and Arrow) DEFENDING MORGAN follows in the wake of the Mountain Men’s discovery of not one but two hostages on their latest assignment. Sent to the Dominican Republic to rescue an American five-year old girl kidnapped by her father, the Mountain Men team locate and identify the child’s would be protector-twenty six year old apiarist Morgan Byrd, another American missing for close to a year. Struggling to survive Morgan and Arrow do battle with armed terrorists and civilians in an effort to escape, and return safely to America. Upon their return Arrow becomes Morgan’s guardian and protector in an effort to ferret out the person(s) responsible for the attack against the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Morgan and Arrow, and the potential fall-out as the Mountain Mercenaries begin to uncover the depths to which someone is willing to destroy Morgan, and the man that she loves.

Morgan Byrd had no idea as to the who or why of her kidnapping, imprisonment and on-going sexual assaults. For close to a year, our heroine battled between life and death in an effort to survive or withdraw from the continuing violations and onslaught. Determined to protect the young girl now imprisoned along side her, Morgan bears the brunt of their kidnappers’ aggression and anger. Arrow Kane’s overwhelming urgency to protect Morgan Byrd is visceral and real. His immediate attraction is countered by Morgan’s need to heal both emotionally and physical, healing that involves patience and time.

The relationship between Morgan and Arrow begins as an assignment but Arrow makes it his personal mission to protect and guard the woman with whom he will fall in love. Like all of Susan’s heroes the attraction is instantaneous; he knows that the woman is his HEA. The $ex scenes are limited due in part to our heroine’s need to heal and recover.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Navy SEAL Lowell ‘Black’ Lockard, computer guru and Navy SEAL Hunter’Meat’ Snow, and former Coast Guard officer Ball; Grayson and Allye (Defending Allye #1), Ronan and Chloe (Defending Choe #2) as well as the mysterious ‘Rex’; five year old Nina, and Morgan’s parents Carl Byrd and Ellie Jernagan. Black and Harlow’s story is next in Defending Harlow

DEFENDING MORGAN is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are colorful and energetic. I guessed the person responsible early on in the story; I suspect the identity of the mysterious Rex; but I had issues with the number of times the hero calls the heroine ‘beautiful’, Arrow uses beautiful as a form of endearment ninety (90) times throughout the story line-a bit redundant, repetitious and excessive.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Defending Allye
Defending Chloe
Defending Morgan

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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Wild Country by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Wild Country by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
There are ghost towns in the world—places where the humans were annihilated in retaliation for the slaughter of the shape-shifting Others.

One of those places is Bennett, a town at the northern end of the Elder Hills—a town surrounded by the wild country. Now efforts are being made to resettle Bennett as a community where humans and Others live and work together. A young female police officer has been hired as the deputy to a Wolfgard sheriff. A deadly type of Other wants to run a human-style saloon. And a couple with four foster children—one of whom is a blood prophet—hope to find acceptance.
 
But as they reopen the stores and the professional offices and start to make lives for themselves, the town of Bennett attracts the attention of other humans looking for profit. And the arrival of the Blackstone Clan, outlaws and gamblers all, will uncover secrets…or bury them.

 

 

Review:

Wild Country by Anne Bishop is another wonderful exciting story in her World of the Others series.  This series continues in the same world as the original The Others series.   Though this is the second book, it takes place in another town that is controlled by the terra indigene, with the Elders close by to act if necessary.  The Elders, who are terrifying, have wiped out many human towns, after the murder of many of the terra indigene.  They have agreed to allow small towns of small group of humans to work with the others.   Those of you have read my reviews; know that I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop.  I have read every series & books she has written, and loved them all.

The town of Bennett is lead by Tolya Sanguinatti (a vampire), and sheriff, Virgil Wolfgard,a wolf, who has a strong dislike for humans, after losing his mate, and pack in the attack by humans.  Within the town, there is also an intuit village of humans that work together with the terra indigene.  Jesse Walker, the intuit leader, requests help to fill the town with humans & others to rebuild the town with stores, a saloon and offices, as they are desperate for workers.  Tolya makes that request to Simon (our original hero) at Lakeside to send prospects.  One of those sent to Bennett was Jana Panica, a young female cop, who gets to work with Virgil, and she becomes the major heroine in this book.   The interaction between Virgil and Jana was difficult at first, but at times humorous, especially when Jana adopts one of the stray dogs.  In time, Virgil will learn to trust Jana’s instincts and accept her; a slow friendship of respect between them will surface.  

At the midway point there is a part that goes back to the end of The Others series when Meg was kidnapped, and the entire towns close to Lakeside are all tense, fearing the worst.  Of course, if you have not read Etched in Bone, you may want to read that book first.  This does give the humans a glimpse of how the others work, and when they need to hide.

The key to this story is another bad group of humans, called the Blackstone Clan, who are gamblers and outlaws, who decide that want to take over Bennett.  Slowly, they will bring in many of the outlaw friends and plan to attack the shifters, vampires and humans.  Will Bennett survive or will the Elders return to kill the remaining humans?

I really liked many of the townsfolk we got to know more of, such as Jesse, her son Tobias (a romance interest for Jana), Barb, Tolya,  John, and many of those wonderful characters that Bishop always gives us.  We also get to meet a young cassangra sangue, and another one (Hope) in a different town that can see the evil that is coming to prepare them all.  We really never see the Elders, but Bishop manages to show us how terrifying they are through the fear in other people’s eyes.

What follows is an exciting enthralling story that grabs our attention at the start and keeps us glued until the very end.  The last half of the book was very intense, pulse pounding, especially when the evil people were determined to bring harm to Bennett and take over the town.  Wild Country was another fantastic ride in this wonderful World of the Others.   I have said this before; no one does Fantasy in so many different types of worlds better then Anne Bishop, and I look forward to anything she gives us.  She is a master at her world building, with wonderful characters.  I suggest you go back to the original series, and read The Others, then gradually come to this series. You will not regret it.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Anne & her publisher are graciously offering a Hardcover copy of WILD COUNTRY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe
     

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Finding Home / Staying Home (Roped by a Cowboy 1 & 2) by J.C. Valentine-Review & Giveaway Tour

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Finding Home / Staying Home (Roped by a Cowboy 1 & 2) byJ. C. Valentine-Review & Giveaway Tour

FINDING HOME
(Roped by the Cowboy #1)
by JC Valentine
Genre: contemporary, adult, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 18, 2018

Life is unpredictable. Vivian learned that the hard way and did the only thing she could: she ran. But life isn’t about to let her off easy.

Nash is everything a woman wants and nothing Vivian could have planned for. Gorgeous with his sexy blue-eyed stare, toned body, and wearing a cowboy hat, he’s the perfect package and Vivian’s ideal rebound. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her. That’s fine. Vivian wasn’t looking for love anyway, but her meddling new roommate has other ideas.

Two people from different worlds shouldn’t make sense, but desire is an animal that won’t be denied. With secrets lurking on both sides of the fence, however, it’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FINDING HOME is the first instalment in J.C. Valentine’s contemporary, adult ROPED BY A COWBOY romance duology focusing on ranch hand Nash MacArthur, and divorcee Vivian Parish.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Vivian and Nash) FINDING HOME follows newly divorced Vivian Parish as she sets out on her own in search of something new. Arriving in Hayfield, South Carolina Vivian will meet her future in the guise of ranch hand Nash MacArthur, a man who pushes all of our heroine’s buttons-both good and bad. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Vivian and Nash, and the potential fall-out as Vivian’s past comes looking for a second chance, a second chance that comes with a pronouncement.

Nash MacArthur has loved and lost, and isn’t ready to start over, again. Meeting Vivian Parish finds our hero struggling with memories of the past, a past he has yet to move beyond to the present. Vivian Parish had no idea where she was going when she left Chicago, and drove to South Carolina-a flat tire and an empty tank of gas meant Vivian would find herself as part of a match-making scheme when seventy-eight year old widow Ms. Gretta sets plans into motion to help Nash and Vivian fall in love.

The relationship between Vivian and Nash is one of immediate attraction but Vivian is quick to judge the actions of the man with whom she may fall in love. Nash doesn’t do relationships having lost someone years before but falling for Vivian Parish meant Nash placed his heart in a precarious position to be broken-once again. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters include ranch owner Ms. Gretta; Vivian’s ex-husband Andrew DeBoises, as well as a number of ranch hands and nosy townsfolk who keep an ear to the ground about the newcomers to town.

FINDING HOME is a story of love, loss, family, friendships, small town living, and big city expectations. The premise is engaging and sweet; the characters are feisty and sassy; the romance has only begun. FINDING HOME does not end on a cliff-hanger but ‘more to come’.

Copy supplied for review

___________

STAYING HOME
(Roped by a Cowboy #2)
by J. C. Valentine
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2019

Life has never been kind to Nash. Neither has love. He took a chance on Vivian and she walked away. Now she’s back. Too bad for her because he’s done.

Unfortunately for him, his psuedo-mother has other plans for his life, whether he likes it or not, and there’s no telling her no. Caught between a stubborn streak a mile wide and denying Vivian’s siren call to his heart, Nash has to decide if he’s going to close himself off from love for good or give in to one last chance at happiness. What will happen when stubborn heads collide and hearts refuse to be ignored?

••••••••••

REVIEW: STAYING HOME is the second instalment in J. C. Valentine’s contemporary, adult ROPED BY A COWBOY romance duology focusing on ranch hand and widower Nash MacArthur, and Vivian Parish. STAYING HOME should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one FINDING HOME.

NOTE: If you have not read book one, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Vivian and Nash) STAYING HOME follows the rebuilding relationship between ranch hand and widower Nash MacArthur, and Vivian Parish. At the end of book one, Vivian Parish had returned to Chicago to rectify a situation she thought was under control but time away from Hayfield, South Carolina meant time away from the man that called to her heart but a man who believes Vivian was lying about her past and her present. Leaving Chicago behind, Vivian once again heads to Hayfield, South Carolina where the man with whom she is falling in love refuses to acknowledge the elephant in the room. What ensues is the rekindling friendship and romance between Nash and Vivian as they struggle with a mutual loss in the face of going forward.

STAYING HOME is a story of second chances; of forgiveness, acceptance, letting go and moving forward. Nash MacArthur is a stubborn hero refusing to listen to Vivian’s story. Vivian is feisty as she battles between head and heart as Ms. Gretta continues play matchmaker between our leading couple. The premise is spirited ; the romance will captivate; the characters are energetic and inspiring.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

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The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

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Description:
Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross  is the 2nd book in her fabulous The Queen’s Rising Duology .  I couldn’t wait to read this book, as I loved the first book The Queen’s Rising.  Once again, I am in awe of Rebecca Ross’ fantastic storytelling in a wonderful YA fantasy world, especially for an author whose debut novel was in that first book.  I loved The Queen’s Resistance.

The Queen’s Resistance picks up a short time after the end of the Queen’s Rising, where the revolution has successfully ended to be followed by a massive rebuilding.  Our heroes that helped win the war, Brienna (our wonderful heroine), Cartier (our hero), Isolde (the new Queen), Davin MacQuinn & Luc MacQuinn ( Brienna’s adopted family) meet to determine the other houses if they are true allies or enemies from the then evil King.  With Isolde’s coronation upcoming, grievances are being asked from the surviving families to determine who besides the evil king will be executed for their terrible deeds.  While decisions are being made, each of the families will return to their rightful Home after hiding for 25 years. Brienna goes with her father and brother to their house, with many of those who served MacQuinn also returning.  Wheras, everyone is happy to have the MacQuinns back, there are some who resent Brienna.  That will change over the course of time, but it makes Brienna uncomfortable listening to the whispers; but some of the maids will openly accept her and help her. Cartier, who is now known by his true name as Aodhan Morgane, returns to a house that has fallen apart, but those who are loyal to the Morganes, will also return to help bring the house back to its glory.  A young boy, Tomas, is found hiding in the house, and Cartier will take him in; he will play a major part in this story.

As the families of all the houses return to their rightful homes, there are still other houses that were loyal to the Lannons, and cannot be trusted.  Though the revolution is over there are still enemies at these houses that are determined to stop Isolde from being Queen of Maevana.

This was such a wonderful heartwarming story, as each of them try to rebuild their lives and homes from the horrific deaths and tragedy years before.  I loved Brienna, as she continues to be a terrific heroine, as well as a wonderful friend and consultant to Isolde, not to mention her romance with Cartier.  But the danger is not over, as betrayals will put lives on the line.  Allies and loyalties must be confirmed, and enemies dealt with before the coronation to ensure safety for all. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, action packed, and heartwarming adventure that will have Brienna in the middle of betrayals, deception and twists that will have us holding our breaths.  As we raced to the climatic finish, the final half of the book was intense and heartbreaking, as we could not put the book down.  I will say I loved the ending that was written so well by Ross, as it was very heartwarming, with love and happiness.  Brienna was such a great heroine, and her romance with Cartier was wonderful. I loved Isolde, the new Queen, and her connection to Brienna. Ross also created some wonderful secondary characters.

The Queen’s Ressistance was a fantastic, fascinating, page burner adventure in a magnificent world that I would love to continue.  I cannot tell too much more, as it would be major spoilers.  You need to find out everything for yourself.  I loved every moment of this book, with its amazing characters, history, family, war, and love.  Bravo to Rebecca Ross for this wonderful journey.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Ponderosa Resort Series by Tawna Fenske-Series Review

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Ponderosa Resort Series by Tawna Fenske-Series Review

STUDMUFFIN SANTA
Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies .5
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date November 22, 2017

Brandon Brown is the unlikeliest Santa ever to don a red velvet suit. His abs are more cheese grater than bowl full of jelly, and deploying to Syria is the closest he’s come to the North Pole. But family drama sends the jaded Marine home for the holidays, and lands him an unexpected gig as a part-time Santa. Jade King is hustling to get Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch off the ground, and she’s not thrilled her sister hired a Santa with sex-appeal. The last thing Jade wants is a beefcake circus, and guys like Brandon bring sleigh-loads of trouble. But Studmuffin Santa proves more popular than anyone dreamed, drawing hordes of happy kids, lusty moms, and a mystery foe hell-bent on wrecking it all. The threat has Brandon playing protector for the reindeer and their sexy keeper, which is risky for a guy who’s sworn off happy endings and the whole Christmas mess. But as Jade and Brandon bond over Santa suit malfunctions and risque Christmas cookies, they find they have more in common than a craving for gingerbread. Can they find a way to mesh their wish lists, or will ghosts of Christmas past bring things crashing down like a fat man in a cast iron sleigh?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: STUDMUFFIN SANTA is the first instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES series. This is US Marine Brandon Brown, and reindeer ranch owner Jade King’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brandon and Jade) STUDMUFFIN SANTA follows the building relationship and romance between US Marine Brandon Brown, and reindeer ranch owner Jade King. Brandon Brown is on leave from the Marines working part time as the seasonal Santa at the Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch for sisters Jade and Amber King. Following a series of questionable events, Brandon finds himself protector and guardian for Jade King, a woman who remembers a different Brandon Brown from years before. What ensues is the building friendship and relationship between Brandon and Jade, and the potential fall-out as Jade struggles with what was, and what continues to be.

Jade King was bullied and teased throughout her high school years but Brandon doesn’t remember the woman with whom he will fall in love. Struggling with painful memories, Jade battles between head and heart, between then and now, when the past comes full circle. Thirteen years in the Marines, and Brandon is ready to retire. With his father’s health continuing to fail, Brandon’s memories of Christmas pasts continue to haunt his present.

STUDMUFFIN SANTA is a story of family, friendship, obsession and love. We are introduced to Brandon’s cousins Bree and Sean Bracelyn, as well as Jade’s sister Amber. The premise is sexy and fun but also intriguing and suspenseful; the characters are sassy and strong; the romance is passionate and hot.

___________

CHEF SUGARLIPS
Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies #2
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 18, 2018

Sean Bracelyn can whip up a saffron-laced lobster risotto in his sleep, but relationships? That’s one recipe he hasn’t nailed. Not that he has time, between launching a new restaurant and building a luxury resort with his awkwardly-blended family. But when his dream girl nearly knocks him unconscious with a dead turkey, it’s all Sean can do to keep his eyes on the gazpacho and off Amber King’s perfect curves.

Amber’s done with guys propping her on a pedestal. Transforming her family’s reindeer ranch into a country chic wedding venue is consuming enough, and the last thing she needs is an extra serving of love drama. So what is it about the stupid-sexy chef that gets her desires bubbling like a pot of hot spaghetti?

Keeping their distance is tough enough before Sean and Amber get tossed together by wacky weddings, lingerie mishaps, and a surly three-legged cat. When Sean’s mom shows up to dish out huge helpings of family drama, a big secret threatens to spread faster than a kitchen fire.

Can Sean and Amber find the right blend of sugar and spice, or will love fall flat as a burnt soufflé?

•••••••••

REVIEW: CHEF SUGARLIPS is the second instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES romance series focusing on the Bracelyn siblings. This is twenty-seven year old chef Sean Bracelyn, and twenty-five year old, marketing specialist and co-owner of Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch Amber King’s story line. CHEF SUGARLIPS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Eighteen months earlier the Bracelyn patriarch died leaving his children a rather hefty inheritance including and a large tract of land they have developed into a high-end resort for the rich and famous. Half-siblings at best, the Bracelyn’s build friendships and relationships with neighbors and one another.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Amber and Sean) CHEF SUGARLIPS follows the building romance between twenty-seven year old chef Sean Bracelyn, and twenty-five year old, marketing specialist Amber King. Sean Bracelyn has lusted after Amber King for close to ten years but Amber had no idea about the who and how of Sean Bracelyn. Desperate for someone to cater a wedding at their family owned Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch, Amber, along with a crossbow and stuffed turkey make Sean an offer he cannot refuse. What ensues is the building romance between Sean and Amber, and the potential fall-out as Sean struggles with family secrets, secrets that are about to be revealed.

The relationship between Sean and Amber is one of immediate attraction but Amber’s history is men is questionable, and Sean battles between head and heart knowing not everything is as it appears to be. Embarrassed by the possibility of the truth being revealed, Sean is willing to push Amber out of his life, leaving a devastated and heart broken woman in its wake. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Sean’s mother Melody, and his large assortment of half-siblings: sister Bree, brother and lawyer James, Mark and Jonathon, and cousin Brandon Brown (Studmuffin Santa #1), and Amber’s sister Jade; and an assortment of bridal clients, and friends. Bree Bracelyn’s story is next in Sergeant Sexy pants.

CHEF SUGARLIPS is another story of family, secrets, friendship and love. There are moments of heart break, fun, humor, and laughs-wait for the meatball massacre. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is flirty and sexy; the characters are energetic and colorful. The conflict is limited to our hero’s inability to look beyond the past.

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SERGEANT SEXYPANTS
Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies #3
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult,contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2018

Bree Bracelyn doesn’t date cops. It’s a personal rule that quavers when Austin Dugan flashes his baby blues—and his badge—at Ponderosa Resort’s grand opening. Bree’s the family fixer, running the resort’s PR and her siblings’ lives with cheerful efficiency. But one thing in Bree’s past can’t ever be fixed, which is why she’s staying the hell away from Officer Hottie.

Austin’s heart tacks up a wanted poster with Bree’s name the instant he lays eyes on her. Okay, the no-cops rule is an obstacle, but not impossible for a guy ambitious enough to be a shoo-in as the next police chief. Besides, he knows Bree’s into him, whether they’re flirting over weird flatware or getting frisky in the front seat of his vintage Volvo.

As Bree and Austin bond over cupcakes and hot springs hookups, Bree knows it’s a matter of time before the skeletons in her closet topple into a messy heap on Austin’s squeaky-clean life. Is there hope for a happy ending, or will their love end up DOA?

•••••••

REVIEW: SERGEANT SEXYPANTS is the third instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES romance series focusing on the Bracelyn siblings. This is marketing and PR director Bree Bracelyn, and Sargeant Austin Dugan’s story line. SERGEANT SEXYPANTS 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 (Bree and Austin) SERGEANT SEXYPANTS follows the building relationship between marketing and PR director Bree Bracelyn, and Sargeant Austin Dugan. The grand opening for the Ponderosa Luxury Resorts welcomed the whose who of Central Oregon including Sheriff John Dugan, and his son Sergeant Austin Dugan but Bree wanted nothing to do with law enforcement including the man who pushed all of her buttons. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bree and Austin, and the potential fall-out as Bree keeps secret a past that may push Austin out of her life.

The relationship between Bree and Austin is one of immediate attraction; a sweet, fun and sexy romance with moments of emotional break down with memories from the past. All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters .

SERGEANT SEXYPANTS is heart warming, flirty and engaging story line. The premise is imaginative; the characters are sassy and spirited; the romance is passionate and intimate.

____________

HOTTIE LUMBERJACK
Ponderosa Resort #4
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK; Release Date March 1,2019

When Mark Bracelyn lumbers into Chelsea Singer’s cupcake shop with an axe, she’s poised to hit the panic button. But he fixes her door, praises her buttercream, and sends her skittish heart pounding like a hammer on a hollow log, so he can’t be all that scary. Chelsea’s sure there’s a gooey marshmallow center under Mark’s tough outer shell, though admittedly she’s been wrong before.

Mark may look like a grungy lumberjack, but he’s also the wealthy part-owner of Ponderosa Luxury Ranch Resort. The lone Bracelyn heir to avoid a childhood of fancy boarding schools, he stays hidden behind the scruffy beard and battered truck. But something else separates Mark from his siblings, and keeping his guard up means keeping his secret—and his family.

When someone threatens Chelsea and her daughter, Mark becomes their personal protector. When he’s not watching her back, he’s watching the rest of Chelsea’s body and warning himself not to touch. With danger mounting, they bond over phallic cupcakes and bizarre bunny behavior, while Mark battles his surging attraction. Can a sweet-toothed mountain man and a cautious single mom escape their histories, or will their hearts land on the chopping block?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HOTTIE LUMBERJACK is the fourth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANCE COMEDIES Series. This is thirty-year old, resort co-owner and handyman Mark Bracelyn, and single mother / pastry chef Chelsea Singer’s story line. HOTTIE LUMBERJACK 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 (Mark and Chelsea) HOTTIE LUMBERJACK follows the building relationship between thirty-year old, resort co-owner and handyman Mark Bracelyn, and single mother / pastry chef Chelsea Singer. Chelsea Singer, owner of Dew Drop Cupcakes, has no idea her life is about to change. Meeting Mark Bracelyn gave Chelsea thoughts for a future but threats from an unknown source finds Mark guardian and protector when the threats become personal and more alarming. What ensues is the building romance between Mark and Chelsea, and the potential fall-out as Mark refuses to open up about his past.

Mark Bracelyn is the awkward, odd man out; bearded and large like a lumberjack, Mark doesn’t look like the rest of his siblings, and struggles to find a place to belong. Chelsea Singer has always known her past may come back to haunt her but she never expected to face a threat from the other direction.

The relationship between Mark and Chelsea is one of immediate attraction but Mark bides his time as the threats against the woman with whom he will fall in love increase in intensity and danger. 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 and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of Mark’s siblings and their significant others. We are introduced to Chelsea’s seven-year old daughter Libby, and Mark’s mother Betty. Libby is a breath of fresh air.

HOTTIE LUMBERJACK has a little it of everything: family, fun, love, acceptance, danger and revenge. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the romance is spicy and flirty; the characters are spirited and playful.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Brick / Kane (Cooper Construction 1 & 2) by Jen Davis-reviews

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Brick and Kane (Cooper Construction 1 & 2) by Jen Davis-reviews

BRICK
(Cooper Construction #1)
by Jen Davis
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

About the book: Release Date February 5, 2019

I’m used to getting my hands dirty. During the day it’s mud and grime on the construction site. At night…it’s the blood I spill. A drug lord’s enforcer does what needs to be done. It’s my obedience, my loyalty to the boss that keeps my family alive.

I know I’m teetering on the edge. I’m losing my humanity, I can feel it. It’s changing me, and it’s only a matter of time before the darkness takes over.

Then I meet her. Liv. The only person who sees past my busted knuckles and brutal exterior. She sees…me. But being with me will get her killed. The only way I can keep her safe is by staying away. Until her own actions catapult her into the center of my world—a world which will swallow her whole.

Now I’m forced to be the ruthless bastard I’ve been for so long. Only this time it’s not to destroy…but to defend.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BRICK is the first instalment in Jen Davis’ contemporary, adult COOPER CONSTRUTION erotic, romance series focusing on the men who work for Cooper Construction. This is twenty-six year old, high school teacher Olivia ‘Liv’ Turner, and construction worker /enforcer Jonathan ‘Brick’ Barlow’s story line.

NOTE: BRICK contains scenes of graphic violence, and implied sexual abuse/torture that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brick and Liv) with a chapter from Sucre, BRICK follows the forbidden and dangerous relationship between twenty-six year old, high school teacher Olivia ‘Liv’ Turner, and construction worker /enforcer Jonathan ‘Brick’ Barlow. Brick Barlow is an owned man without the ability to walk away fearing threats against the people he loves. Years earlier, our anti-hero, found himself the property of Sucre de la Cruz, property to be used, abused and commanded to perform on demand. Meeting high school teacher Liv Turner, fellow construction worker Will Turner’s sister, gave Brick hopes for the future but a future dashed when Liv is targeted as collateral for future control. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Brick and Liv, and the potential fall-out as Brick struggles with his direction in life, and the repercussions against the people he loves.

Jonathan ‘Brick’ Barlow knows that to get involved with Liv Turner means placing Liv in the direct line of fire. Enslaved by sins of the past, Brick battles between head and heart, right and wrong as a reluctant enforcer for a man whose evil knows no boundaries. Olivia ‘Liv’ Turner fell for the dark and dangerous man who called to her heart; a man whose life experiences all but control every aspect of his broken life.

The relationship between Liv and Brick is one of immediate attraction but an attraction tempered by Brick’s need to protect Liv from the life he now leads. Unable to keep away from the woman with whom he is falling in love, Brick’s need for Olivia threatens any sense of control for a man whose life has been destroyed by someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text…but saying that, the graphic violence and abuse surrounding Brick Barlow may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including construction foreman Xander Karras; Liv’s brother Will Turner, and their sister Izzy; embattled student Devon; Liv’s best friend Carol; fellow construction crew members Kane Hale, Matt, Cyrus and Robby. The requisite evil has several faces including Sucre de la Cruz and Trevaughn Lowry.

BRICK is a story of betrayal, vengeance, retribution and love; a story of struggle, power and control; of one man’s journey into the dark. The premise is raw and gritty; the characters are energetic, broken and strong; the romance is seductive and fated.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

_______________

KANE
(Cooper Construction #2)
by Jen Davis
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26,2019

I know how it feels to lose everything—to watch my world crash down around me, unable to do shit about it. I was a broken man when the Skulls took me in. They helped me pick up the pieces, became my family, earned my loyalty.

Then my past storms back into my life—and onto my worksite—with spiky heels and an attitude to match. Amanda doesn’t just own the company. She owns my heart.

She’ll always own it. Even though her betrayal sent me into hell in the first place

But being together now is not as simple as it was back then. We’ve both changed. After thirteen years, we’re worlds apart. I don’t belong in her world, and she wants nothing to do with mine.

Problem is, I don’t think I can let her walk away from me…not again.

•••••••

REVIEW: KANE is the second instalment in Jen Davis’ contemporary, adult COOPER CONSTRUCTION erotic, romance series focusing on the men who work for Cooper Construction. This is thirty-two year old, MC member and construction worker Kane Hale, and business woman Amanda Griffin-Cooper’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amanda and Kane) using present day and memories from the past, KANE follows several intersecting paths but the primary focus is on the rekindling relationship and romance between thirty-two year old, MC member and construction worker Kane Hale, and business woman Amanda Griffin-Cooper. Thirteen years earlier Kane Hale’s life spiralled out of control when the woman he loved walked out of his life in the wake of a devastating fire, secrets and lies meant to destroy what was and what would never be. Rejecting his father’s demands to join the Skull’s MC, Kane will eventually succumb and pursue the life of a outlaw as he struggles with the heart breaking loss of Amanda Griffin. Fast forward to present day wherein Amanda, now co-owner of Cooper Construction, comes face to face with her past, a past she will never forget or forgive herself for walking away. What ensues is the second chance romance between Amanda and Kane; the Skulls MC battle to take control of Sucre de la Cruz’s territory; Kane’s continuing personal battle with the MC life; and the potential fall-out as secrets and betrayal come to the surface forcing Kane and Amanda to reconsider their future together.

The Skull’s MC, with the insistence of Kane’s brother Scott, is determined to control the drug trade in Atlanta City by taking over the territory once owned by Sucre de la Cruz. Kane’s reluctance to participate places him at odds with his father’s MC, but the biggest threat comes from the Russian Mob. As Amanda struggles to come up with the finances for a new construction phase, her father continues to push Amanda towards a future with a violent man who is more than willing to control our heroine with more than promises and threats.

The relationship between Amanda and Kane is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people destroyed by family, power, control and manipulation. Amanda struggles with the guilt of walking away but walking away was the only choice to protect the man with whom she had fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Amanda’s father Mayor Beau Griffin; her half-brother Michael Cooper (co-owner of Cooper Construction) and his wife Cindy : Kane’s brother Scott, their his father Malcolm and their mother Vivian Hale, several members of the Skulls MC, as well as the return of Brick and Liv (Brick #1), Robby, Matt and Cyrus. The requisite evil has many faces including Amanda’s soon to be ex- Nathan Shaw.

KANE is a story of fractured family dynamics; of power, greed, and politics; of forgiveness, revelations, redemption and beginning anew. The premise is thought provoking and intriguing; the romance is provocative and heart warming; the characters are edgy, spirited and energetic. KANE is an animated, fast pace and dramatic tale about the hunger for power, and the resulting ramifications on the way to the top.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Talen by Shay Savage-a review

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TALEN by Shay Savage-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 19, 2019

In a world plagued by constant earthquakes and volcanic debris, people in the valley struggle to survive while those on top of the hill want for nothing.

This is where I come in.

I spend my nights plundering supplies in the walled city of Hilltop, and I trade them to the valley people below. I’m not a thief. I prefer to be known as the head of Lost and Found.

When I discover a beautiful but dangerous competitor in my territory, I also learn she knows more about me than she should. Is she a spy sent by my father, or is she a rebel like me? I don’t trust her, but together we’ll discover secrets that may destroy what’s left of our world.

There have always been those with wealth and those without.

My name is Talen, and I’m here to even the score.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: TALEN by Shay Savage is a post –apocalyptic, dystopian romance story line focusing on twenty-seven year olds Talen and Aerin, survivors in a world gone to h*ll.

Told from first person perspective (Talen) TALEN follows a hundred plus years after the ‘Great Eruption’ in which most of North America fell prey to earthquakes, floods, viruses and death, leaving the survivors divided into two warring camps-the Thaves (the haves), and the Naughts (have nots). Talen lives amongst the Naughts and ‘procures’ the necessities of survival for the people he has learned to call family and friends. Segregated in a valley, in a small encampment known as ‘Plastictown, the Naughts battle the elements, the environment and one another in order to survive. As the resident ‘thief’ and ‘lost and found’ expert, Talen ventures into a world many will never experience, in the hopes of finding the tools and necessary implements in order to survive. Enter Aerin, a young woman whose own adventures find her ‘hunting’ in the land of the Thaves, where upon she will come face to face with her future. What ensues is the building relationship between Talen and Aerin, and the potential fall-out as the Thaves descend upon the remaining survivors in an attempt to take everything and more.

TALEN is a story of betrayal, vengeance, survival and loss; power and contol. Talen and Aerin both have secrets that if revealed would deeply affect their precarious friendships with the remaining Naughts. As the government and Thaves put their plans into action, Talen and Aerin must face a possible future alone or not at all. Working together, Talen and Aerin ensure that the people in power pay for the current situation, and the death of their friends.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and broken characters. We are up close and personal with the people who struggle one day at a time-people who never knew the comforts of living a life without the daily battle to survive. The requisite evil has many faces.

TALEN is a thought-provoking and cautionary tale of what if; what if the world as we know it was destroyed by climate change and the fall-out of man’s destruction of the environment? The premise is imaginative; the characters are eclectic and spirited; the romance is passionate and emotional, without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

I am not sure if the author has plans for a series but there are a large number of characters and open ended plot points that could use some resolution.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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