Monthly Archives: August 2020

You Lucky Dog by Julia London – a Review

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You Lucky Dog by Julia London – a Review

 

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Description:
An accidental dog swap unleashes an unexpected love match in this new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Julia London.

Carly Kennedy’s life is in a spiral. She is drowning in work, her divorced parents are going through their midlife crises, and somehow Carly’s sister convinces her to foster Baxter–a basset hound rescue with a bad case of the blues. When Carly comes home late from work one day to discover that the dog walker has accidentally switched out Baxter for another perkier, friendlier basset hound, she has reached the end of her leash.

When Max Sheffington finds a depressed male basset hound in place of his cheerful Hazel, he is bewildered. But when cute, fiery Carly arrives on his doorstep, he is intrigued. He was expecting the dog walker, not a pretty woman with firm ideas about dog discipline. And Carly was not expecting a handsome, bespectacled man to be feeding her dog mac and cheese. Baxter is besotted with Hazel, and Carly realizes she may have found the key to her puppy’s happiness. For his sake, she starts to spend more time with Hazel and Max, until she begins to understand the appeal of falling for your polar opposite.

 

 

 

Review:

You Lucky Dog by Julia London is a standalone novel that is a romantic comedy.  I have read a number of books by London, and this one was a bit different.   Carly Kennedy, our heroine, is a publicist for a fashion designer and other cliets.  Carly has a basset hound dog named Baxter, who always seems depressed, and when she comes home late one evening, she notices that Baxter was acting strange.  She realizes that the dog walker brought in the wrong dog, and now Carly has to find who has Baxter.

Max Sheffington, our hero, is a scientist, who owns a basset hound dog named Hazel, and when he comes home, he sees his dog is not acting like her rambunctious self.  With the dog walker in jail, Carly manages to find Max’s address and goes to get her dog.  What she didn’t expect was a handsome hunk opening the door, and Baxter running out to greet Hazel, his beloved.  Now we know why Baxter was always depressed, as Hazel was his love.

In a short period, Max and Carly become friends sharing time with the dogs being together, and a slow build romance starts.  But each has their own issues, with Carly’s clients being disasters, and her career in jeopardy, she is desperate to find a job that pays well.  Carly also has issues with her divorced parents, and her mom claiming she has met a wonderful man. 

Max is worried as he is up for tenure at the university, and feels his chances are slim, since another woman seems to have a better shot.  At the same time, Max’s autistic brother, Jaime depends on his father, with both knowing he will need to eventually find a group home for him. 

Things totally change when both families are brought together, as Max’s dad and Carly’s mom are in love.  The family part of story becomes a bit crazy, and funny at times, but also a bit annoying, as it was kind of a hit miss with them.  I did love Max and Carly together, as they made a great couple, and most of all I loved loved Hazel and Baxter together.  That was the best part of this story.  lol

As cute and adorable this was at times, I wasn’t crazy about the designer, especially when he continued to ruin all of Carly’s plans.  The chemistry between Carly and Max was great, and I enjoyed their time with the dogs, as we rooted hard for them to stay together.   A lot happened in the last ¼ of the book, that changes things for Max, Carly and their family.  Will Max and Carly find a way to stay together? You will need to read the book to find out.  You Lucky Dog was a cute lighthearted read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Jinx’s Fantasy (Goddess Isles 5.2) by Pepper Winters-Review tour

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Jinx’s Fantasy (Goddess Isles 5.2) by Pepper Winters-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2020

“A marriage born from slavery and secrets.
A happily ever after like no other.”

Sullivan Sinclair has a wife who shares his wildness and desires. To others, she is regal and perfect on his arm. To him, she is a goddess with dirty appetites that need to be fulfilled.

Eleanor Sinclair has a husband who allows her darkest fantasies to come true. Aboard their new luxury yacht, purchased for their cluster of islands called Rapture, he suggests a game of seduction. Another play in Euphoria.

Sea, sky, or sand—thanks to Sully’s unique playground, they can play anywhere. They can change their appearances, distort time, and indulge in romance with no rules.

Eleanor granted Sully’s ultimate fantasy.

Now, it’s Sully’s turn to grant hers.

••••••••

REVIEW: JINX’S FANTASY by Pepper Winters is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance novella in the author’s GODDESS ISLES series focusing on thirty-nine year old, billionaire and pharmaceutical entrepreneur Sullivan Sinclair, and his wife Eleanor ‘Jinx’ Sinclair. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or comprehend the current time line. For fans and followers of Pepper Winters’ books and series, there is a cameo by Elder Prest and his fiancée Tamsin aka Pim (Dollar Series) as well as the familiarity and mention of Tess and Q.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Eleanor and Sullivan) JINX’S FANTASY focuses on the continuing relationship between Sullivan and Eleanor; their friendship with former goddess Jessica and Sullivan’s head of security Cal; and the early delivery of two yachts by Elder Prest.

In SULLY’S FANTASY Eleanor and Sullivan placed an order for two yachts, one to be used for business, the other to be used for personal use. The delivery of the yachts by Elder and Tamsin finds Sullivan cautious as to the relationship history between the other couple but Eleanor, along with Jessica, find common ground as to their past experiences, and abuse at the hands of monsters, monsters they would come to love. With Elder and Tamsin considering a change to their future, Jessica and Cal reconsider their future as well.

JINX’S FANTASY continues to focus on the sexual pleasure and virtual Reality world with Sullivan’s drug now available for personal use. Using one of their island compounds as a retreat for struggling couples, an idea takes shape pushing Eleanor and Sully to change the direction of their life, including a potential rendezvous for couples willing to experiment with the kinkier side of life.

JINX’S FANTASY is a story of love and seduction; caution and introspection. An entertaining and captivating look at the ongoing and highly sexual world of Sullivan and Jinx, a world in which anything is possible including all of your fantasies coming true. There is more substance and bite to this particular novella with cameo’s by Elder and Tamsin, and the potential for danger on the high seas. JINX’S FANTASY ends on a happily ever after -for now-leaving an open ended story with the potential for more.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Once a Myth
Twice a Wish
Third a Kiss
Fourth a Lie
Fifth a Fury
Sully’s Fantasy

Have yet to start the series? Book one-ONCE A MYTH is ONLY 99¢

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Pepper currently has thirty-one books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-seven times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. She’s also honoured to wear the IndieReader Badge for being a Top 10 Indie Bestseller.

After releasing two books with Grand Central, Hachette (Ruin & Rule and Sin & Suffer) Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work.

For all film and foreign rights please contact Erica Silverman at Trident Media.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2017.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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Make Mine a Cowboy by AJ Pine-Review & Giveaway

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Make Mine a Cowboy by AJ Pine-Review & Giveaway

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2020

Dr. Charlotte North has no time for a player, not even one as tempting as Ben Callahan. Besides, Charlotte is only in Meadow Valley for a few months to help her grandmother. After that, it’s back to New York and the career she loves. But when her gram starts to meddle in her personal life, Charlotte knows just the man to help her out. Ben’s the perfect no-strings boyfriend, until Charlotte discovers that beneath that rugged, charming exterior lies a sweet and bighearted cowboy.

Ben Callahan is tired of people assuming he’s an immature playboy, so when the smart and sexy Charlotte asks him to be her pretend boyfriend, he jumps at the chance to show everyone that he’s changed his ways. Though he and Charlotte are calling their relationship fake, Ben’s heart says otherwise. Two months with Charlotte isn’t nearly enough. Will Ben be able to prove he’s worthy of her for real before their time together is up, or will she leave Meadow Valley—and him—forever?

••••••••

REVIEW: MAKE MINE A COWBOY is the second instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult MEADOW VALLEY erotic, romance series focusing on the small town of Meadow Valley, California. This is twenty-nine year old, rancher Ben Callahan, and Dr. Charlotte North’s story line. MAKE MINE A COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Charlotte and Ben were first introduced in the earlier story lines.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Charlotte and Ben) twenty-nine year old, rancher Ben Callahan, and Dr. Charlotte North. Several weeks earlier, Charlotte North met Ben Callahan while on vacation in Meadow Valley, California but when her Aunt Pearl, the local B&B owner falls and requires several weeks of recovery, Charlotte takes a leave of absence from her New York practice, and returns to Meadow Valley where her previous relationship with Ben Callahan is about to reignite old feelings and emotional withdrawal. In an attempt to keep Aunt Pearl from playing matchmaker, Charlotte begs Ben Callahan to pretend to be in a long distance relationship that is about to pick up where it left off weeks before. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ben and Charlotte, and the potential fall-out as Charlotte’s time in Meadow Valley comes to an end.

Ben Callahan fell hard for Charlotte North but knew her time in Meadow Valley was only temporary. With Charlotte’s return to Meadow Valley came hopes for a future for Ben but all does not go according to plan when family heart break forces Ben to look at the bigger picture as Charlotte prepares to leave for her practice back home. Charlotte North has established herself as a wonderful physician and moving to Meadow Valley was never in the plans. A temporary stay over while her aunt recovered from a fall, Charlotte found herself pulled into the family, friendships and love of our story line hero, a love Charlotte knew she could never equal in return.

The relationship between Charlotte and Ben is one of second chances; a fake relationship disguised as a rekindling romance but a romance that quickly develops into something more. 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 Ivy and Carter (Cowboy to the Rescue .5), Sam and Delaney (My One and Only Cowboy #1), as well as Sam and Ben’s business partner Colt, and their parents Nolan and Barbara Ann Callahan, Charlotte’s Aunt Pearl, chef Luis and local produce supplier Anna, B&B clerk Tyler, and fire Chief Burnett.

MAKE MINE A COWBOY is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is contemplative, playful and engaging ; the conflict is limited to Charlotte’s need to keep up appearances in the face of the ‘fake’ romance; the romance is captivating and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cowboy to the Rescue
My One and Only Cowboy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

A.J. Pine’s publisher (Forever) is offering a paper copy of MAKE MINE A COWBOY to oNE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe:

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Hidden by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Hidden by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin’s lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he’s ever seen, and nothing adds up.

Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn’t who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.

As a ruthless hit man’s mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.

 

 

Review:

Hidden by Laura Griffin is the first book in her new The Texas Murder Files series.  I am a big fan of Griffin, as I have read most of her books, especially her fantastic Tracers series.   The story starts off with a bang, as a young woman is running in the park, her usual morning exercise, when she begins to suspect that someone is following her and runs for her life. 

Jacob Merrit, our hero, is an Austin Texas detective, who is on the scene trying find some information on a dead woman that was stabbed to death.  She has no identification on her, until he finds a phone belonging to the woman, and comes across the name, Dana Smith. Unfortunately, Dana Smith does not exist and in a short time, the FBI steps in to handle the case.  Jacob is determined to work on this alone, as he suspects there is something more than the FBI is telling them.

Bailey Rhoads is an investigative reporter, and quickly jumps in on the murder scene.  But no one will tell her anything, it is all secretive.  When Bailey tries to get information from Detective Merrit, he too refuses to tell a reporter anything.  Bailey refuses to stop, and uses her own contacts to get whatever information she can, and at some point, she offers Jacob some info she finds, if he will share his with her.  The two of them at first don’t trust each other, especially Jacob, who never trusts reporters.   But in a short time, they will both begin to feel the attraction to each other, as a slow build romance begins, though mostly in the background. 

Both Bailey and Jacob find their own evidence that this victim was in the witness protection system, and somehow someone who wants her out of the way discovered her and killed her.  There is a second person from the same case who is also in the witness protection and Bailey is willing to do all she can to find and save that woman.  Jacob starts worrying, as he knows Bailey’s investigations could put her in danger, but she refuses to back down.

I liked Jacob, as he was a strong hero, and a great detective, though in the romance department, it took him awhile to allow himself to have feelings for Bailey.  I loved Bailey, as she was determined to finish her story, even to the point of putting her own life in danger.   Jacob’s partner, Kendra was also a good detective who worked well with him. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful thriller that kept us on the edge throughout, especially as we raced to the climax.   Griffin gave us a great couple, and secondary characters.  The last half of the book was extremely tense, I could not put the book down.  I do not want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book to discover what happens.

Hidden was an excellent mystery that was very well written by Laura Griffin.  If you enjoy murder mysteries, police procedurals, lots of intense action, suspense, with a touch of romance, you should read this book.  If you have never read Laura Griffin, it’s time to start now, as she is an amazing writer for romance suspense.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Explosive (Houston Defiance MC #1) by KE Osborn-Review tour

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Explosive (Houston Defiance MC #1) by KE Osborn-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2020

I couldn’t walk away.
It’s not who I am.
The moment I saw Rayne broken and bloodied, I knew I wasn’t leaving without her.

As the president of the Houston Defiance MC, my job is to protect. And there’s no taming the rage building inside my body, screaming at me to shield her from the husband who’s beating her day in and day out.

Taking her was never in my plans, but plans change.
I don’t care if she’s married.
Or that her husband’s a cop.

Our connection is explosive, it’s dangerous, it’s intoxicating.
And I’m fast being swept up in her storm.
It’s something I can’t ignore.

I thought the enemy was clear, and I was ready to fight.
But maybe there’s a threat we didn’t see coming?
Maybe there’s someone closer to us than we ever could have imagined.
Someone who could be the destruction of us both.

••••••••

REVIEW:EXPLOSIVE is the first instalment in KE Osborn’s contemporary,adult HOUSTON DEFIANCE erotic, MC romance series-a spin off from the author’s Chicago Defiance MC series. This is Houston Defiance MC president Krew aka ‘Zero’ , and pharmacist Rayne ‘Cherry’ Rosenberg’s story line. The Houston Defiance MC is a spin off from the author’s Chicago Defiance MC Series-several characters cross over for cohesion and familiarity. You do not have to have read the original series to follow the current timeline.

WARNING: Due to the graphic nature of the story line content including spousal abuse, death and carnage, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Zero and Rayne) EXPLOSIVE follows in the wake of the murders of Zero’s parents, the Houston Defiance MC president Frenzy , and his old lady Moonshine. After witnessing the horror of their parents murder by the Bayou Militia, Zero’s sister Prinie takes off with their younger brother Koda, landing in Chicago where they will struggle for close to one year until Prinie approaches the last place she ever thought she would go for help. It is during that year that Prinie will meet abused housewife Rayne Rosenberg, striking up a friendship that will see both women returning to Houston when Zero discovers his sister has moved in with the Chicago MC. As Rayne begins the slow process of recovery under the care and guardianship of the Houston Defiance MC, Zero finds himself losing his heart to the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Zero and Rayne, and the potential fall-out as the Bayou Militia continue to threaten the Houston Defiance MC, and Rayne’s past discovers the who, how and why of Rayne’s current location.

Zero is a man who was bred and born in the Houston Defiance MC. The bikers and the Club are his family, whether by blood or affiliation but Zero is a man broken by betrayal, and in this our hero doesn’t do relationships, and struggles with his attraction to our story line heroine. A guardian at heart, Zero is all about protecting ‘Cherry bomb’ but past betrayal comes with issues of trust that threaten any happiness with a recovering Rayne. For a woman who has endured so much at the hands of her former husband, Rayne is strong in both attitude and mind. She is quick to accept everything the MC represents, and offers to work the business side of the MC, in an effort to help protect the people she is growing to love.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters most of whom are members of both the Chicago and Houston Defiance MC. We are introduced to Zero’s sister Kharlie aka Prinie, and their brother Koda; Club VP Wraith; Texas oil tycoon Baron; and Rayne’s ex Chuck Rosenberg. Leaving the Chicago MC, and joining the Houston MC are Chains and Chills (Dr. Rebecca), and their son Kobe, as well as prospect Luc, and his girlfriend Ruby. Wraith and Prinie’s story line is next in ADDICTIVE.

EXPLOSIVE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of betrayal and vengeance, power and control; abuse and retribution; communication and trust. The premise is dramatic, gritty and raw; the romance is captivating and provocative; the characters are charismatic, spirited and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

I start moving toward the exit. My chest heats so fucking much it’s like I’m on fire. I don’t know what the hell’s happening right now, but having Rayne in my arms, knowing while I’m holding her, and no fucking person in the world can touch her, it has my body flaming in adrenaline.
This woman is bad news.
Real bad fucking news.
Her eyes linger on me as I walk with her from the bedroom, down the hall, and outside to the waiting van. Having her right up against me like this is not doing my cock any favors. She smells like peaches and fucking sunsets.
How the fuck can someone smell like a sunset? It’s like I’m going out of my damn mind right now.
She’s invading my senses as I help her inside the van, placing her in the rear seat.
“I don’t understand why you’re helping me?” Her eyes lock onto mine.
My protector mode rears its head yet again as I lean over her grabbing at the seat belt to pull over her. Our faces come in line with each other.
Rayne scrunches up her face, reaching for the seat belt. “I can put on my own seat belt.”
I jerk my head back as she removes it from my grip while trying to gain control of the situation. I pull it back from her and click it into position. “I’m sure you can, but I need to ensure you’re taken care of. Can’t get you out of this situation and have you injured on the way into the club because you’re not buckled in properly.”
Her eyes widen. “There are so many things wrong with what you just said. One, you think I’m incapable of something as simple as doing up a seat belt. And two, you believe your driving is so bad I’m going to be injured on the way to wherever it is you’re taking me?”
“That’s not what I meant—”
“Then you need to think about how you word shit, ‘cause you’re coming across as an arrogant ass.”
I glare at her smug, insolent, beautiful face. “You have an attitude problem, cherry bomb.”
She snorts. “And you think you can control me because I get beaten up by my husband? He might walk all over me, but you…” she tilts her head smugly, “… not so much.”
Hmm. She has a feisty side.
I lean in closer. Her eyes widen, and her breathing hitches. She’s affected. “I like your fighting spirit, Rayne. You are a wild one.”
She leans in closer, we’re only an inch apart, the smell of peach surrounds me. It takes every ounce of strength I have not to rush forward pressing my lips to hers. My eyes stare into her incandescent emerald green eyes, they’re so alive, so alight with fire. She has so much fight in her. As she licks her bottom lip, my cock twitches when she whispers, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
A low hum vibrates from my chest as I exhale, backing away from Rayne slowly.
She’s trouble with a capital ‘I’m screwed.’

 

With a flair for all things creative, International Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She’s entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts.

K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn’t love a good binge?

Turn lust into love at www.keosbornauthor.com

AUTHOR LINKS

Email: kesosborn.author@hotmail.com

Website: http://www.keosbornauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keosbornauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KEOsbornAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KEOsborn

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/KEOsbornAuthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-e-osborn

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/K-E-Osborn/e/B00F6RK2HS

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/beIMc1

 

 

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Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Jessica Archer lost her own interest in the glittering excitement of romance after her cousin and dearest friend, Abigail Westcott, was rejected by the ton when her father was revealed to be a bigamist. Ever practical, however, once she’s twenty-five, she decides it’s time to wed. Though she no longer believes she will find true love, she is still very eligible. She is, after all, the sister of Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby.

Jessica considers the many qualified gentlemen who court her. But when she meets the mysterious Gabriel Thorne, who has returned to England from the New World to claim an equally mysterious inheritance, Jessica considers him completely unsuitable, because he had the audacity, when he first met her, to announce his intention to wed her.

When Jessica guesses who Gabriel really is, however, and watches the lengths to which he will go in order to protect those who rely upon him, she is drawn to his cause—and to the man.

 

 

Review:

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh is the 8th book in her wonderful Westcott series. As I have said before, I do not read a lot of Historical Romance, but I can’t say enough of Mary Balogh and this fabulous series, as she just continues to give us fantastic wonderful romances in each and every book of this series.  Just when you think she can’t do better than the previous books (and they are all great), I become enthralled once again, unable to put the book down.  Make no mistake, I absolutely love this series, love the Westcotts and Balogh’s fantastic writing. 

In Someone to Romance, Lady Jessica Archer, our heroine, is the sister of Avery (previous book hero), and best friends with her cousin, Abby (another previous book heroine).  At one time both were content to never find a husband, but now that Abby is happily married, Jessica decides it’s time for her to find someone to marry, even if she never finds love.  Jessica heads home to prepare to attend the balls to find herself a husband. 

Gabriel Thorne, has returned home to England, after 13 years making his fortune in America.  He is forced to go home, as a dear friend needs his help, and it was time for him to claim his inheritance, as well as right some wrongs.

When Jessica is traveling home, on an overnight stop, she is given a suite in the hotel.  Turns out the suite had been promised to Gabriel, but since Jessica is the sister of the Duke of Netherby, the hotel gave her the suite.  Neither was impressed with each other, and went their own way, until she met up with him during one of the balls in England; especially since he tells her he intends to marry her, which totally turns her off of him. 

As Jessica begins to get courted, she is surprised when Gabriel also plans on courting her, and she responds that he will need to do so in a romantic way; which he begins by sending her a rose every day.  Even though Jessica is now being courted by two men, she finds herself learning more about Gabriel and begins to suspect the truth, that he is the real Earl, who is presumed dead. 

What follows is a wonderful slow build romance that has Jessica accepting a possible marriage to Gabriel, even if she is not sure of love.  But she plans to help him get his inheritance, as well as clear his name.  It is always wonderful to see the Westcott family again, and how they all stick together when they learn the truth about Gabriel and the need to help him regain what is his.  The ending was very exciting as we raced to the finish.   I love when the family plots together.  I also loved watching Gabriel and Jessica slowly realize that they are falling in love.  Very nicely done.

Someone to Romance was a great read. As always, it is wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again. Again, 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 Romance is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vitality by Crysta Levere – a Review

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Vitality by Crysta Levere – a Review

 

Amazon / Kobo / Google Play / Apple
August 25th – E-book of Vitality is on sale for $.99 on above links

Description:
She’s fighting for life. He’s fighting for death.

What does it take to live? What does it take to love?

To Ava, love is about as real as fairy tales. But it might be that fairy tales, myths, and magic have some truth to them after all — as well as the monsters that lie in the shadows. Or she could just be completely out of her mind.

After a mental breakdown and a move to a new town, everything changes when Ava clashes with a stranger with eyes as black as midnight and a terrifying sinister air. Her wishes to feel something again become granted. But Ava soon learns that not only is he as cold as he is beautiful, but he brings something out of her, stronger than ever, like fuel to fire — something she’s desperate to bury. He haunts her dreams and waking life, and staying away becomes harder than she could have ever imagined, risking her life, her humanity, and the people that she cares about. Not to mention the fate of the world.

A violent passion. A dangerous bond. A nightmare that will change everything.

She could spend a lifetime searching, and looking for the one thing that might make her whole, that made the reason for her existence, even though, possibly, she could be forever lost in doing so. She could feel that was the only way, even if it took a lifetime, an eternity, a forever. She could follow her heart. Or she could stay… where she was a person — only half, though still more than a drifting wind — only helpful to another’s existence and not anymore her own. She could stay, starving and wilting, knowing each day that this pull, this grab from reality she felt every minute of every day, could be seizing her… asking her… needing her to follow it — and knowing it until her last petal fell.

 

Review:

Vitality by Crysta Levere is a standalone novel.  Oooooh I liked this one….. 

Poor Ava, she’s just trying to get by. Recovering from a mental breakdown, she’s moved to a new town, and now she just wants to be left alone. Moving into a house with a housemate isn’t ideal. Dahlila starts out as a nuisance, she won’t leave Ava alone; introducing her to her friends Danny and Shane. Slowly she accepts the friendship they offer. Maybe she will get stronger, maybe this place can heal her. 

Layton is a vampire. After seeing Ava, she’s his new obsession, and with all his past obsessions it too will fade. But she doesn’t, she haunts him, she makes him crazy! Why can’t he just take her and drain her? 

The game he plays with her mind is cruel, but not to him, it’s only a game, the hunt, the whispering, the touches. But as he plays with her, she slowly lures him in, what’s so special about her? Why can’t he break he break her spell? 

The story does jump around, the points of views from both Ava and Layton had me a little confused! It’s not your usual vampire story, this is very dark. Dealing with depression is always a tricky subject. Dealing with loss needs to be dealt handled with care. And both these subjects were treated with respect and research. The authors idea of a vampire is very different.

My feelings towards this book, is confusion, but I did like all the characters, her new pack of friends were well rounded. The “Elite” group at college were all the people we loved to hate (pretentious, false and glamorous). Layton and his crew were shrouded in mystery. All we got was snippets (but that had me wanting more) 

I spent a lot of time wondering what was real, what was imaginary and what the hell was going on! And I did not see the end coming, totally threw me. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Rancher Duke Talbot meets Cathy Terry in Blessings by chance. She’s new to town, and so grateful to be there—Blessings feels like a safe haven. Cathy is at first hesitant to let anyone get too close, but as their relationship grows and Cathy sees Duke’s feelings for her are real, she tells him what really brought her to town—an abusive ex-husband who isn’t willing to let her go. When her past starts to catch up with her, she’s tempted to keep running, but she’s fallen in love with Blessings and with Duke. Having finally found a place to call home, the only place Cathy wants to run is straight into Duke’s arms.

Blessings, Georgia Series:
You and Only You (Book 1)
I’ll Stand by You (Book 2)
Saving Jake (Book 3)
A Piece of My Heart (Book 4)
The Color of Love (Book 5)
Come Back to Me (Book 6)
Forever My Hero (Book 7)
A Rainbow Above Us (Book 8)
The Way Back to You (Book 9)
Once in a Blue Moon (Book 10)

 

 

Review:

Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala is the 10th book in her wonderful Blessings, Georgia series. I am a big fan of this series, as it is always wonderful to return to Blessings, Georgia and the fabulous townsfolk we get to spend time with.

We meet our heroine, Cathy Terry, as she is on the run from her abusive ex-husband, who threatens her life. She continues to move from different places often to make sure he never finds her; Cathy finds Blessings, and decides to stay in this small town for the winter.  She goes out every day for her morning run, and many residents have gotten used to her passing their stores.  One morning she twists her ankle and Duke Talbot, our hero, finds her and helps bring her to the hospital.

Duke and his brother run a ranch on the outskirts of Blessings, and is considered Mr nice guy to the residents of Blessings.  He makes sure to visit Cathy, while she is on the mend, to bring her food, as do many of the wonderful neighbors.  Cathy finds herself meeting new people and surprised how generous and nice they have been to her.

In a short time, Duke and Cathy both find themselves falling for each other. She will tell him her story of being on the run from her ex-husband and why.  Cathy is also very giving, and is always willing to help others.  This endears her to town residents, especially after a video is released showing Cathy arguing with a private investigator (her ex hired him), and mentioned that her husband was trying to find her to kill her.  The local newspaper prints the story, as well as the video and the main newspapers get hold of this story.   The ex-husband is in a bind, as everyone learns the truth, with his peers threatening him. 

What follows is wonderful heartwarming & emotional story, with a great couple, wonderful characters that we keep meeting in all our visits to Blessings.  Duke and the town open their arms to Cathy, especially as she uses her money, which she had from her divorce settlement to help those in need.   Once the threat was over, it was nice to see a few chapters and epilogue of Cathy, Duke and the town bonding with each other.  I love returning to Blessings, which is a wonderful community who takes care of their own. We should all be blessed with living in Blessings.

Sharon Sala writes another delightful story in a wonderful small town, and great couples that we care about with each and every book.  Blessings, Georgia always gives the vibe of a perfect place you would love to live in.  If you enjoy a pure romance, wonderful characters, great couples, and a small-town atmosphere, then you should be reading this series. Once in a Blue Moon was a wonderful read, written so very well by Sharon Sala.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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