Monthly Archives: April 2019

GUARDING GWEN by Cynthia Eden-a review

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GUARDING GWEN by Cynthia Eden-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26 2019

Lights. Camera. Action.

Gwenevere Solomon is the current “It” girl in Hollywood. The star of a dozen films, she seemingly has the world at her feet. Gwen’s problem? She also has one very dangerous stalker at her door. His attacks are getting bolder, and Gwen is becoming more and more afraid. Because this stalker…he knows secrets that she’s fought hard to keep buried. The kind of secrets that can destroy a woman’s life.

A ghost from her past can save her.

Gwen needs protection, and she needs that protection now. So enter her new leading her man…Simon Forrest. Tall, dark, and ever-so deadly, Simon is the lover she left behind. Or rather, the lover who left her behind. He went off and became a SEAL, saving the world and riding one adrenaline high after the other. But he’s back now, and as part of Wilde Securities, he’s supposed to offer the best, most discreet protection service in the business. He’ll pretend to be her lover so the press won’t realize her life is going to hell, and Simon will stop her stalker.

He can keep his hands off her…and keep her shielded at the same time.

Simon never got over Gwen, and the fact that she’s been filling the big screen with her gorgeous self? Yeah, it’s just made her even more tempting…and put her even further out of his reach. Simon was never good enough for Gwen, and he knew it. But this time, he can help her. He can catch the stalker, unmask the jerk, and keep Gwen shining in her spotlight. Easy as pie. Or, it should be.

Except…Simon might not be able to stop himself from falling for her all over again.

Because when the cameras stop watching, that’s when the real action begins…GUARDING GWEN, a sexy romantic suspense from New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Eden.

••••••••

REVIEW: GUARDING GWEN is the second instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Wilde Securities. This is Wilde Securities Vice President and former Navy SEAL Simon Forrest, and Hollywood movie star Gwenevere ‘Gwen’ Solomon’s story line. GUARDING GWEN 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 (Gwen and Simon) GUARDING GWEN is a second chance romance between Wilde Securities Vice President and former Navy SEAL Simon Forrest, and Hollywood movie star Gwenevere ‘Gwen’ Solomon. Years earlier, high school sweethearts Simon and Gwen planned for a future: Gwen was going to college, and Simon had enlisted into the Navy but Simon believed he had nothing to offer the woman he loved, so he walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present wherein Gwen Solomon, now an award winning Hollywood actress was in need of personal protection, and Simon Forrest was her only hope. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Simone and Gwen, and the potential fall-out as Gwen’s life continues to spiral out of control.

Gwen Solomon has a stalker who knows her secrets. Very few people know what happened including the man she hasn’t stopped loving, a man whose need to protect Gwen supersedes all rational distance and time. Simon Forrest no longer works in the field but seeing the fear in the woman he loves, Simon becomes both personal protector and lover for our story line heroine. From threatening texts and phone calls, to car bombs and murder, Gwen Solomon’s life is no longer her own.

The relationship between Gwen and Simon is a rekindling but acrimonious romance; a second chance for two people destroyed by one man’s self-doubt, and a whole whack of a lack of communication. Gwen struggles with issues of trust as Simon battles for her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters include defense attorney Kendrick Shaw; Gwen’s PA Van, her agent Evie, stunt double Raven Charles, and fellow actor Austin Quest. We are reintroduced to Eric Wilde and Piper Lane (Protecting Piper #1), as well as Eric’s brother, divorce attorney Ben Wilde, security specialist Julia Slate, and Eric’s assistant Dennis. Ben’s story is next in Before Ben.

GUARDING GWEN is a story of second chances, betrayal, jealousy and revenge. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is hot and heavy; the characters are energetic and captivating. GUARDING GWEN is a passionate and suspense filled story.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one PROTECTING PIPER

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Review by Sandy

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A Few Pecans Short of a Pie / Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper-Reviews & Giveaway

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A Few Pecans Short of a Pie / Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper-Reviews & Giveaway

 

 

A FEW PECANS SHORT OF A PIE
(Southern Eclectic 2.5)
by Molly Harper
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2019

Sexy school principal Kyle faces the biggest challenge of his career: getting his (pregnant) event planner girlfriend Margot down the aisle before the baby arrives!

Readers first fell in love with big city event planner Margot in the first Southern Eclectic novel, Sweet Tea and Sympathy, as she discovered a long-lost branch of her family—the McCreadys, of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home. To Margot’s surprise, she’s taken a liking to life in small-town Georgia…helped along by a romance with the hot elementary school principal.

The two of them have been taking it slow—or they were until Margot gets pregnant! Kyle wants to make an honest woman of her, but Margot’s still trying to proceed with caution. After all, she was the best event planner in Chicago before she ever came to Lake Sackett—her wedding has to be perfect, and perfect includes not having the baby halfway down the aisle.

•••••••••

REVIEW: A FEW PECANS SHORT OF A PIE by Molly Harper focuses on the continuing relationship between event planner Margot Cary, and her fiancé, elementary school principal/single father and widower Kyle Archer whom we met in book one-SWEET TEA AND SYMPATHY.

Told from third person perspective (Margot Cary) A FEW PECANS SHORT OF A PIE follows big city girl Margot Cary as the people of small town Lake Sackett try to take over the wedding plans for Margot and Kyle. Pregnant, and struggling with on-going morning sickness, Margot battles between head and heart as it pertains to the small town ideals, versus a quiet wedding alone on a beach, far, far away. When the busy-body ladies of Lake Sackett continue to ‘offer’ their opinions and ideas for Margot and Kyle’s-no date set-wedding, Margot is of the belief that eloping may be the solution to their current dilemma. Not only does Margot have to deal with family and friends, but Kyle’s ex in-laws chime in their opinions, as well as Kyle’s two school-aged daughters who have differing opinions and ideas of their own.

A FEW PECANS SHORT OF A PIE is a fast paced, novella length story of family and friendship in small town America where everyone knows your name, your business, and your relationship history. We are witness to the struggling relationship between Margot, and Kyle’s two young daughters; as well as Margot’s battle with morning sickness, her family, and her fiance’s ex in-laws. A sweet, fun and honest look at blended families, grieving parents, and second chances at happiness and love.

A FEW PECANS SHORT OF A PIE introduces the heroine in the author’s next instalment- GIMME SOME SUGAR-about a young widow (Lucy Brewer) who returns to Lake Sackett to open a bake shop, and falls in love.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

______________

GIMME ME SOME SUGAR
(Southern Eclectic #3)
by Molly Harper
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2019

 

A young widow returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia to face the ghosts of her past—and decide if she’s ready to take another chance on love.

Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.

Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.

In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: 
GIMME SOME SUGAR is the third full-length instalment in Molly Harper’s contemporary, adult SOUTHERN ECLECTIC romance series focusing on the men and women of Lake Sackett, Georgia. This is tour boat operator Duffy ‘Duff’ McCready, and widow/baker Lucy Brewer’s story line. GIMME SOME SUGAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person points of view (Lucy and Duff) GIMME SOME SUGAR follows the second chance romance between childhood best friends, tour boat operator Duffy ‘Duff’ McCready, and widow/baker Lucy Brewer. Years earlier Lucy Brewer fell in love with her best friend Duff McCready but life, and someone else got in the way. Fast forward to present day wherein Lucy, now a widowed, single mother has returned to Lake Sackett, Georgia to open her own bakery shop in spite of the obstacles, including her former in-laws, standing in her way. Duff McCready never stopped loving his childhood best friend but their individual marriages, and his eventual divorce sent our couple in different directions. Lucy Brewer’s return to Lake Sackett came with the possibility of second chances, a second chance that is all but destroyed by the overwhelming pressure Lucy places upon herself to be independent and never to rely on someone, again. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Lucy and Duff, and the potential fall-out as Lucy’s need to remain in control, and interference from her former in-laws, threatens our heroine’s peace of mind.

The relationship between Duff and Lucy is one of second chances; an unrequited love between two people whose lives went in opposite directions despite their life-long friendship, and lack of love for the significant others. Duff is desperate to rekindle his relationship with the woman he has always loved but convincing Lucy to take a chance is tempered by the drama that has become her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters are an eclectic mix of quirky, small town gossips, busybodies, family and friends. The requisite jealousy and rivalry comes from Duff’s ex-wife, as Lucy does battles with her former mother and sister in-law who is are desperate to prevent Lucy from succeeding.

GIMME SOME SUGAR is a story of family, friendship, second chances and love. The premise is fun and frenetic; the characters are energetic, sassy and eccentric; the romance is sweet, spicy and real. GIMME SOME SUGAR is an inviting and delightful look at small-town romance, family and friends.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5 Save A Truck,Ride A Redneck
Sweet Tea and Sympathy
1.5 Peachy Flippin’ Keen
Ain’t She A Peach
2.5 A Few Pecans Short of a Pie
Gimme Some Sugar

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Molly Harper’s publisher (Simon and Shuster) are graciously offering a paper copy of GIMME SOME SUGAR to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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I Want You Back (Want You #1) by Lorelei James-Review & Giveaway

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I Want You Back (Want You #1) by Lorelei James-Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2019.

Former NHL star Jaxson Lund has returned to the Twin Cities, but he’s at loose ends, unsure if he belongs at Lund Industries, or where he stands with Lucy, his ex-girlfriend and mother of his daughter, Mimi. Despite the signs she’d like to leave him in the penalty box, the attraction burning between them reinforces his determination to prove that he deserves a second chance…

Lucy Quade is in a good place with a steady job, a nice apartment, and a well-adjusted daughter, which is why she’s hesitant when Jax insists on co-parenting. It’s not that Lucy doesn’t trust Jax…she’s just unconvinced he can handle multiple responsibilities when he’s been singularly focused on playing hockey. But when issues arise with Mimi, Lucy’s shocked at how levelheaded and paternal he acts, giving her a glimpse of the Jax she used to know, the sexy, sweet man she fell for years ago.

Once Lucy lets her guard down, Jax goes all in to show her how good they are together, but will their past remain too large an obstacle to ever overcome?

••••••••••

REVIEW: I Want You Back begins with Jaxson Lund, former NHL star and Lund heir, back in his hometown and at work in the family offices of Lund Industries. His ex-girlfriend (and mother of his daughter, Mimi), Lucy, works there as well, and even though they’ve reached a truce of sorts, he finds himself floundering not only at LI, but with his feelings for Lucy.

Lucy has worked very hard at Lund Industries and provided a good life for her daughter. All of the Lunds have stepped in at different times to, more or less, make up for the a$$hat of a father the little girl has. So Lucy has no idea why he’s being so nice to her. Yes, they get along, but she senses something else is going on with Jaxson. He is being a great daddy too and is being responsible in his co-parenting duties. Gone is the man who blew through town every now and again…………..

As Lucy and Jax navigate this new world of co-parenting, they both start to let their guard down and talk to each other. As old feelings emerge and truths are revealed, they each find themselves in almost new territory when issues arise with Mimi and are able to actually agree on what’s best for her. All of this leaves Lucy truly pondering if they can truly be the family she always wanted them to be.

I Want You Back is a great story of second chance love. Now, don’t get me wrong……..there’s a lot of water under the bridge as far as Jaxson goes, but the way it’s written leaves you really feeling for the guy. Lucy is a great character. Her relationship with the Lunds (even though she and Jax had been estranged for a long time) was written superbly and totally real-life believable. The chemistry between the two of them leaps off of the page and pulls you in. I also loved getting to see how they met and how their relationship was in the beginning via their flashbacks. We are also treated to the other Lunds, whom we’ve met in previous books. (The I Need You series) If you’re a fan of second chance romance and well written characters, you’ll not go wrong with any of James’s books, especially this one. I love the world she’s built with the Lunds. I can’t wait for the next. Well done, Lorelei James!! Very, very well done!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Review by Vickie K

Lorelei James Publisher  (Penguin Random House) is offering a paper copy of WHEN I NEED YOU to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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KING’S RANSOM (Kings of Sydney #3) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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KING’S RANSOM (Kings of Sydney #3) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release April 1, 2019

“I’m here to kidnap you…”

It’s the sexy invite she’s been looking for!

Billionaire Ajax King will do anything to destroy Sydney’s criminal underworld—even kidnap his enemy’s delectable and oh-so-virginal daughter. Only Imogen White isn’t quite what Ajax expected. She’s determined to earn a deliciously carnal education from Sydney’s sexiest bad boy. And for Ajax, the ends always justify the means… Until this sweet little spitfire steals away with this brooding King’s heart!

•••••••••

REVIEW:  KING’S RANSOM is the third instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF SYDNEY erotic, Harlequin DARE romance series focusing on the King siblings. This is eldest brother and billionaire businessman Ajax King, and heiress Imogen White’s story line. KING’S RANSOM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, the King brothers took over their father’s real-estate business, a business with ties to the local mob. With their father now in jail for money laundering and fraud, Xander, Leon and Ajax King struggle to clean up a reputation inherited based upon sins of the past.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ajax and Imogen) KING’S RANSOM follows Ajax King as he executes his plan to take down and destroy William White, one of the last holdouts in the criminal underground world of Sydney, Australia, a world of which his father once controlled. At a local charity event Ajax sets his sights on pampered princess Imogen White, a virginal young woman, believed to be the apple of her father’s eye. What ensues is the kidnapping and ‘imprisonment ‘of Imogen White, and the building romance and relationship between our leading couple.

Imogen White is pleased beyond comprehension that Ajax White is her would-be abductor. Having tried desperately to run from the life her father has imposed, Imogen finds herself looking forward to time spent with Ajax in the hopes of perhaps, something more. To be used as a pawn for her father’s business deals, our heroine is hoping that Ajax King claims her as his own, leaving her father without her once-valued commodity. Ajax King had no idea that Imogen White would be pleased with her current situation. Desperate to use Imogen against her father, Ajax struggles between head and heart where it concerns our story line heroine.

The relationship between Imogen and Ajax is one of immediate attraction but Imogen is now Ajax’s prisoner, a prisoner who finds herself falling for the man in charge. The Sex scenes are intimate, passionate and erotic, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited as the story line focuses on the relationship between our leading couple, and Ajax’s need to destroy William White. We are reintroduced to Ajax’s brothers Leon and Xander; as well as the introduction of Imogen’s father William White.

KING’S RANSOM is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is impassioned and seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic-Imogen is a feisty young woman willing to risk everything for her freedom and more.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
King’s Price
King’s Rule

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price – Review & Giveaway

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Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The dead tell no tales, unless they have grave witch Alex Craft to speak for them. When a paranormal war threatens, Alex’s unique abilities might be the only thing that can stop our world from being changed forever.

 

Review:

Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price is the 6 book in her Alex Craft series.  Alex is a grave witch, who runs an investigation firm, using her ability to rise the dead and talk to them.  Alex now has more magical fae ability, such as plane weaving, but she does not know how to handle this magic; she is also beholden to the Winter Queen (as an independent fae that other courts would love to have), but she tries to stay away from the Winter Court as much as possible and live in the human realm.

Prince Dugan of the Shadow Court comes to visit Alex to ask for help in a murder investigation.  Before she has a chance to accept or turn Dugan down, Falin, and the Winter Queen’s  Knight comes barging into Alex’s office to warn her about Dugan. With men not trusting each other, Alex agrees to take the case, since it affects both the Shadow Court and the Winter Court.  Of course, both men will stay close as Alex enters the Fae world as she works on discovering what happened to the two men (from both courts) who were mysteriously murdered.

What follows is an exciting and at times intense story that takes place in Fairie land through most of the book and  where Alex, Falin and Dugan discover that the murders are an attempt to start an all out war between the Shadow and the Winter Court; but the question is who is behind this.  With Alex in the center, she finds herself in some life threatening situations a number of times, including being affected by a incurable disease.   Will Alex survive?  Who is the betrayer?

There are so many twists and turns, keeping us guessing until the very end. While this is going on, we get to see Alex finally get some help learning how to handle her planeweaver ability, but she has a long way to go.  She will need everything she has to stay alive, and it seems there are many from the various courts that either wants Alex for themselves or to kill her.  Dugan was very good in helping Alex, but it was Falin, who showed his true feelings for Alex. Will she let herself trust him and fall for him again?

This is a complicated review, as it would require giving spoilers.  Grave Destiny was an exciting, action packed, interesting and wild adventure, as Alex tries to solve this case and come out of it alive.  Kalayna Price pulls a mind boggling twist at the end, that leaves us totally in shock. I have heard rumors that this book might be the end of the series, however with this unbelievable change, there is no way that we will be left hanging.  The Alex Craft seriesis written very well by Kalayna Price, and it is a fun series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Kalayna’s publisher is offering a paper copy of GRAVE DESTINYto ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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