Monthly Archives: October 2020

Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole-Review & Excerpt tour

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Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole-Review & Excerpt tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 13, 2020

Cheska Harlow-Wright was born into a life of luxury and privilege. She has never wanted for anything. A comfortable future as a married London socialite ⁣
awaits her. But since the age of thirteen, Cheska has harboured a secret—an unshakeable fixation on a boy who could never offer her anything close to ⁣comfort. A boy steeped in sin and draped in depravity. A boy born into the possessive embrace of darkness. ⁣
⁣
When Cheska’s seemingly perfect world is ripped apart by an unknown but deadly enemy, there’s only one person she can run to. One person in the world ⁣who has the power to keep her safe. The one person her weak and shattered heart craves. ⁣
⁣
Arthur Adley. The new head of the most feared crime family in London. ⁣
⁣
Forced too young to take the helm of the Adley firm, Arthur has become even more ruthless, formidable, and cold than ever before. His enemies are circling, and he must fight—and kill—to maintain his family’s place at the top of the London crime underworld. There is no room for weakness, emotion, or loss of control.⁣
⁣
But then Cheska smashes back into his life with the force of a wrecking ball. She has no place in this dark, vicious, and bloodthirsty world. And worse, she is the solitary chink in his impenetrable armour. He’s already pushed her away once, but this time she desperately needs him. She’s broken, lost, and in danger, and he is the only one who can help.⁣
⁣
Arthur must protect her. He must destroy those who dare to threaten her, hunt down those who would take what is his. He would raze all of London to the ⁣ground to keep her safe… but can he also protect himself?⁣
⁣
The infamous Dark Lord of London Town faces his most brutal battle yet—the crippling weight of the past, the unrelenting enemies lurking in the shadows… and the havoc that Cheska’s presence is wreaking on the granite fortress that was once his heart.⁣

•••••

REVIEW: LORD OF LONDON TOWN is the first instalment in Tillie Cole’s contemporary, adult, dark, organized crime, romance series focusing on the Adley Crime Family in London, England. This is the new head of the Adley Crime Family Arthur Adley, and heiress Cheska Harlow-Wright’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Hade’s Hangmen series.

WARNING: LORD OF LONDON TOWN is a dark, mafia-style romance with scenes of graphic violence, grisly murders, attempted rape and strong language that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Arthur and Cheska) LORD OF LONDON TOWN follows several years in the life of the new head of the London-based Adley Crime Family Arthur Adley, and heiress Cheska Harlow-Wright. Years earlier Arthur Adley lost his mother and sister Pearl to a fire believed to be accidental but in the ensuing time Arthur struggled with issues of guilt and survivor’s remorse. Trained in the ways of the Firm, the crime family headed by his father Alfie, Arthur Adley made his first kill at the age of thirteen, and has never looked back but meeting heiress Cheska Harlow-Wright during a business transaction at Cheska’s family home, stirred something deep within our story line ‘anti-hero’, something Arthur struggled to understand or want. Over the years Arthur and Cheska would develop a frenemies relationship until a five-year friends with benefits arrangement ended when Cheska became engaged to another man but not all was well within the Firm, as they would find themselves targeted over and over again. A series of attacks against the Firm, their business and ultimately Cheska Harlow-Wright pushed Arthur to take a stand that reinforced his title as the Dark Lord of London Town. What ensues is the building relationship between Cheska and Arthur, and the potential fall-out as the Firm discovers the truth behind the attacks and the threats to his relationship with Cheska Harlow-Wright.

The Firm, and ultimately Arthur Adley’s reputation as dangerous, cold and violent killers are well earned but Arthur believes every kill is well-deserved in the face of betrayal and revenge, power and control. Arthur’s notoriety is dark; deceit and treachery does not go unpunished, and punishment is swift, painful and deadly. Cheska Harlow-Wright comes from money and is expected to marry someone of her social standing or above, and in this, Arthur, an East Ender is the bad-boy temptation that stirs Cheska’s need to be a little bit dirty and rough but a relationship with Arthur threatens all of Cheska’s father’s plans, and it is her father that will pay the ultimate price.

The relationship between Cheska and Arthur begins at the age of thirteen when Alfie Adley has business with Cheska’s father George, and as the timeline advances throughout the story we are witness to the occasional run-ins between Arthur and Cheska where their sexual attraction and chemistry is palpable and impassioned; the sexual tension is real. A five year friends with benefits relationship (behind the scenes) ends with Cheska’s engagement to someone else but Cheska’s heart wants our story line anti-hero. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Arthur’s ‘brothers and sisters’ in crime: his cousin Charlie Adley, Vinnie Edwards, Eric Mason and Freddie Williams, Vera, Ronnie and Betsy, and Arthur’s father Alfie Adley; Cheska’s father George Wright, her fiancé Hugo Harrington, and her friend’s Arabella, Freya, Cassius and Percy ; and Ollie Lawson, another man vying for Cheska’s attention.

LORD OF LONDON TOWN is a story of opposites attract; a raw, dark, gritty, and haunting story of betrayal and revenge; power, authority, domination and rule. The premise is dramatic, strong, tragic and twisted; the characters are charismatic, broken, and angry; the romance is fated, visceral and heart breaking.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ due to strong language and content.

ARTHUR

I pushed my glasses up my nose and climbed the stairs. The heat of the Spanish sun slammed into me like an iron fist, and I pushed my dark hair back from my forehead. White Mediterranean buildings surrounded us, and tourists sat in restaurants and bars, gaping up at our yacht.
I joined my friends on the rear deck overlooking the restaurants and took a beer from Eric. He spread his arms. “Fucking paradise, boys.” I took a swig of my beer and glanced over to the yacht beside us. I didn’t see anyone on the back deck, but then I heard the people talking at the front of their boat, overlooking the sea.
“So, where are these spectacular views?” Charlie asked Eric, lighting up another cig.
Eric winced as he met my cousin’s waiting gaze. “Well, maybe not spectacular to you, Chuck, but definitely to the rest of us.” He flicked his eyes to Vinnie, who was circling the back deck like it was a track, and screwed up his nose. “Okay, maybe not to our resident nutjob either since he already has a bird. But to me, Freddie and Artie, what a view it is!”
“Story of my fucking life.” Charlie smirked at me. I followed Eric as he headed for the main sun deck at the very front of the yacht.
“The edge gone yet?” I asked Vinnie. He nodded, and I could see by his eyes that his medication had kicked in. His pupils had dilated a bit, and the shaking in his hands had lessened. “Getting calmer by the second, Artie. Getting calmer by the second.” He smiled again, his deep dimples making him look a fuck-ton more innocent than he actually was. I put my hand on his shoulder, right over the face of Nosferatu with his sharp vampiric teeth that was tattooed there.
“So, who are we docked next to?” Freddie asked Eric. Freddie was six feet two with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was slender in build but could fight like a fucking Rottweiler. His old man died a while back, for the firm, shot right through the fucking forehead by a Russian. My dad practically adopted Freddie after that. He’d lived with us in the old church for the past couple of years. He was quiet before his old man’s death. Now, compared to the rest of my gobshite mates, he was almost mute.
“Wait until you see,” Eric said, waggling his eyebrows. Eric was six four, blond and covered in bright-as-fuck horror-themed clown tattoos. His hair looked like something straight from World War Two—combed over like a good little British solider. Claimed birds got wet for it—we all knew that was mainly referring to Betsy, my cousin and Charlie’s little sister. But neither he or Betsy ever talked about that. He also rarely shut his mouth. But that didn’t matter when shit hit the fan. He had your back, one hundred percent without question.
As we turned the corner, I saw movement on the yacht beside us. Birds in bikinis, some topless. I couldn’t care less. Seen one pair of tits, you’d seen them all. Bored already, I lit another cig and moved to the front of the yacht. I looked out over the ocean.
“Nice tits, sweetheart!” I heard Eric shout behind me. I glanced over to the yacht beside us and saw two girls sunbathing, looking our way—one with dark skin and jet-black hair that fell in spiral curls to her shoulders, and one with light freckled skin and red hair down to her waist.
I went to turn my head again, when someone walked out from below deck and toward the two sunbathers. The hand holding my cig stopped en route to my mouth when I saw her long legs and olive skin. The dark hair that was pulled up on top of her head. She was wearing a white bikini, fucking curves like an hourglass.
As if she was feeling my stare, she looked over, and the minute she did, I recognised those eyes. Those big fucking eyes that were fixed on me and widening by the second. Green-brown eyes that I never fucking forgot …
Cheska Harlow-Wright …

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Web  http://tilliecole.com

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

Twitter   https://twitter.com/tillie_cole

Instagram  https://instagram.com/authortilliecole

Amazon  https://amzn.to/2ZbIEUP

Goodreads http://bit.ly/2Ui2wlk

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Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: #2 by Dianna Love

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Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: #2 by Dianna Love

 

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Description:
Daegan is running out of time to find the destructive dragon impersonating him and the woman who claims to be the Treoir family squire, but Casidhe has no intention of being caught. She’s racing to find her best friend believed captured by a deadly being. With Atlanta reeling from supernaturals being revealed, the Beladors are battling to protect humans while losing their own to Imortiks possessing any warm body, human or nonhuman. Hunting answers in Ireland lands Tristan somewhere he quickly realizes epitomizes a fate worse than death. Cathbad visits Queen Maeve to gain access to her resources, but the meeting turns explosive and costs him more than he could have imagined.

Imortiks drawn to the venom in Daegan’s body are draining his powers when he needs them most. With Beladors awaiting execution in Atlanta and Tristan still to be found, Daegan goes all in to gain information. Choosing the lesser of two evils means still ending up with one.

 

 

Review:

Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: Book 2 is the 2nd book in the 9 book arc of this series. Refresher: Daegan and his team are attacked by Immortiks, who were supposed dead many years ago. Even though Daegan is a bit disabled, but many are being held prisoners, with the threat of death if he can’t find the missing ‘grimoire’, volumes.  With Tristan now captured by another evil entity trying to find the volumes, Daegan must find help. The information on the Immortiks and the grimoire is difficult to find, as it dates back thousands of years ago

 When we left off in book 1, Daegon is desperate to save his people from the Imortiks, especially Tristan, who is captured by a familiar evil being.  In book 2, Daegon is in dire straits, himself trying to recover from the poisoning, as well as a strange and mysterious woman who wields a big sword and manages to escape him.  Casidhe is an ancient Luigsech researcher, who is able to read the grimoire volumes what others also want, but she only cares about her friend Fenella, who is now missing. 

Daegon will bring in Quinn and Reese to help him find Casidhe, as he needs her to help, as well as finding out who has kidnapped Tristan, as time is of essence to save him.  Casidhe doesn’t trust Daegon (since she does not know who he really is), but eventually she is willing to help Daegon, but only if he will help her find Fenella.  They both get off on the wrong foot, with constant tension and arguing between them.  I suspect in upcoming books we may see them become romantically involved, as we can sense their budding chemistry.  The POV’s continue with Daegan, the evil Cathbad and also Casidhe. We also learn from Quinn, that Reese is keeping a secret, which we will learn more about in upcoming books.

This is a difficult review to write without giving spoilers, as these are short stories and saying too much would be too revealing. You truly do need to read these books in cohesion.  What follows is an exciting, tense, suspenseful, paranormal adventure. It is great to see many of our favorites from the Belador series make appearances to help Daegon and find the grimoire.   If you are new and love paranormal, urban fantasy, suspense, romance, great characters, you should be reading Dianna Love.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Guardian’s Grace (Dark Protectors 12) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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Guardian’s Grace (Dark Protectors 12) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 13, 2020

Duty—or desire?

Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky. Or irritated. Or down-right hostile. Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.

There’s only one way to find out . . .

Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything .

•••••••

REVIEW: GUARDIAN’S GRACE is the twelfth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal, romance series. This is vampire-demon hybrid, and one of the Seven Adare O’Cearbhaill, and photographer/enhanced female Grace Cooper. GUARDIAN’S GRACE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order, or at the very least, this particular arc of the series as there is a on-going premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity but the spheres are no longer capable of holding the ‘Seven, and the warriors have returned to Earth. As the warriors search for the ‘Keys’ to perform the ritual, the ‘Lock’ must be protected in order to take down the evil that is hoping to take over the world.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Adare and Grace) GUARDIAN’S GRACE following the acrimonious relationship between vampire-demon hybrid, and one of the Seven Adare O’Cearbhaill, and photographer/enhanced female Grace Cooper. Having spent two years in a coma after an unexplained attack that left Grace without any memories of what happened or why, Grace’s health started to fail. In in an effort to save his best friend’s sister, Adare O’Cearbhaill offered to ‘mate’ with our heroine, a mating that was not mutual, and one only for convenience. Five years would pass before Adare would face his wayward mate, a woman whose importance to the supernatural world has made her a target of the Kurjans and Cysts. To protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Adare struggles with Grace’s independent nature, a nature that continues to place her in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the building but tempestuous romance and relationship between Grace and Adare, and the potential fall –out as Grace’s inability to let go of the past threatens not only her life but the life of everyone she loves.

Grace Cooper doesn’t believe the mating is real yet as the mating mark continues to fade, Grace struggles with the potential loss of a man she does not know. Adare O’Cearbhaill battles between head and heart as it pertains to the woman whose life he saved but mating if forever, and although there is the possibility to negate their mating, no one knows if Grace will fall back into her coma.

The relationship between Grace and Adare is one of convenience in that Adare mated Grace to save her life. Grace doesn’t want Adare to feel obligated to remain mated to a woman he doesn’t love but the reality goes much closer to the heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

One again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Realm King Dage Kayrs and his mate Queen Emma; Zane Kyllwood, Nicolaj Veis and Simone Brightston, Logan and Mercy, Ronan and Grace’s sister Faith, Benjamin Reese, Talen and Cara, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood and her besties Libby and Paxton Phoenix; Ivar Kjeidsen and Promise Williams; Dayne, leader of the Kurjan nation, and his brother Terre; as well as Haven’s mother Allison; Grace’s ex boyfriend Brian, and his new wife Bobbi, and cougar shifter Jacki.

GUARDIAN’S GRACE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; revelations and struggle; love and acceptance. The Kurjans and the Cysts have a new ally, and thusly the enemy is quickly evolving. The premise is detailed and engaging; the romance is captivating; the characters are strong, energetic, stubborn yet lost.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy
Vengeance
Alpha’s Promise
Hero’s Haven
Vixen

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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Season of Joy by Annie Rains-Review & Giveaway

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Season of Joy (Sweetwater Springs 6) by Annie Rains-Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 13, 2020

Fall in love with this heartfelt holiday romance between a down-on-his-luck Christmas tree farmer and a woman with plans to bring the merriment back to their town.

Tis the season for love

For single father Granger Fields, Christmas is his busiest and most profitable time of the year. But when a fire devastates the Merry Mountain Tree Farm, he fears the season won’t be holly or jolly unless he can convince free spirit Joy Benson to care for his two rambunctious daughters. Yet while Granger wants to focus on saving his business, Joy seems determined to shake up his family’s Christmas with her festive ideas and merry making.

Joy is counting down the days until she can open her own art gallery. Babysitting Abby and Willow will help her reach her goal, and when inspiration strikes, Joy convinces Granger that her craft classes can bring even more holiday cheer to the farm. As crowds return and Joy’s creative side flourishes, life with Granger and his girls begins to feel like home. But with Christmas coming nearer, can Joy convince Granger to open his heart again? Or will their newfound happiness be as fleeting as the newly fallen snow?

••••••

REVIEW: SEASON OF JOY is the sixth instalment in Annie Rains contemporary, adult SWEETWATER SPRINGS romance series focusing on the people of Sweetwater Springs. This is thirty-one year old, tree farmer and single father Granger Fields, and thirty year old, artist Joy Benson’s story line. SEASON OF JOY 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 perspectives (Joy and Granger) SEASON OF JOY follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-one year old, Christmas tree farmer and single father Granger Fields, and thirty year old, artist Joy Benson. The Merry Mountain Tree Farm is struggling in the wake of a devastating fire and a low inventory for the upcoming holiday season. When his nanny suddenly quits, Granger Fields is desperate enough that he asks his friend, and art teacher Joy Benson to help until the end of the holidays but Joy doesn’t want to be a nanny-been there ,done that-she wants to get her own business off the ground. Offering to help until after Christmas, Joy finds herself falling for the father of her two new charges, a man who finds himself falling for our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance between Granger and Joy, and the potential fall-out as Granger’s past comes looking for a second chance.

Joy Benson has loved and lost, and losing meant more than anyone could have imagined. Trusting again was difficult in the wake of her fiancé’s betrayal but falling for Granger and his daughters was easy and fun. Granger Fields also has issues of trust -as a single father whose wife and mother of his children was no longer in the picture, Granger knew his daughters would always come first, and entrusting their care to Joy meant trusting his heart for the foreseeable future.

The relationship between Joy and Granger begins as friendship but struggles with demons from the past. Joy and Granger have both been burned by previous relationships, and in this, the pain is still real, and the anger simmers at the surface. The romance is passionate-there are no $ex scenes.

Several of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles including fudge shop owner Dewanda. We are introduced to Joy’s parents Drs Benson; Joy’s Aunt Darby and her boyfriend Ray, and Joy’s ex-fiance Dan, as well as Granger’s parent Gene and Debbie, his daughter’s Willow and Abby, and his ex-wife Erin.

SEASON OF JOY is a sweet story line, perfect for the holidays. Although Granger often is quick to judge, Joy is a passionate woman who wears her heart on her sleeve. The premise is charming; the romance is wistful; the characters are colorful and spirited.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane
Springtime at Hope Cottage
Snowfall on Cedar Trail
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek
Sunshine on Silver Lake

Copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Annie Rain’s publisher (Forever Romance) is graciously offering a paper copy of  SEASON OF JOY  to TWO lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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9. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

10. Giveaway runs from October 12-16, 2020

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The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Home for the holidays has always meant cozy small-town traditions…but this year all that may change…

Carrie Reed has always been known as her hometown Good Girl, yet she still loves Magnolia, North Carolina—after all, this is where her newly discovered sisters, Avery and Meredith, live. But Christmas is on its way and with it, her first love. Dylan Scott is back in town and planning on changing everything she’s ever loved about Magnolia with his real estate development project…but not without a fight.

Returning to Magnolia was never in Dylan’s plans—it holds too many reminders that he would never be good enough, and memories of the girl he left behind. But when a tragedy leaves him guardian of a grieving teenager, Dylan returns, ready to remake the town into something only money can buy, small-town traditions be damned. But with Carrie determined to stop him, he finds himself wondering if redeeming his teenage reputation is worth losing out on his second chance at love.

 

 

Review:

The Merriest Magnolia by Michelle Major is the 2nd book in her Magnolia Sisters series. This series focuses on the town of Magnolia, North Carolina and three young women who discover that they are half sisters (the same father). Carrie and Meredith lived all their lives in Magnolia, and Avery arrived after learning about her inheritance. After a short time, the three of them became friends, dealing with the betrayal of their father, with each willing to help each other.  I loved the first book in this series, and after completing The Merriest Magnolia, I am happy to say this was equally as good.  Avery (first book heroine) was a great heroine, but I have to say I loved Carrie, our heroine in this book.

Carrie, who stayed with her father, to help and has always put the town first, even when he made a mess of things.  She was determined to rebuild Magnolia, and with her sisters help, they worked together to bring the town back to its original glory.   But soon all will change, as her ex-boyfriend from high school moves back to Magnolia, with his nephew and has his own plans for the town. 

Dylan was Carrie’s love, until her father gave him a check to leave Carrie and Magnolia, leaving her broken hearted.  Dylan has not seen Carrie since then, and returns a successful and wealthy entrepreneur, with plans to tear down and rebuild the town to be luxury townhomes and resort for the wealthy.  Carrie isn’t happy to see Dylan, especially after she discovers that he has already bought some property to start making his changes.  They both have different ideas what is best for Magnolia, with Carrie, Avery and Meredith working to make the local businesses better; and Dylan to change it all.

Dylan and Carrie are forced to work together to help prepare the town’s Christmas festival, which develops into a temporary friendship, with each slowly rekindling their feelings from the past.  However, both are just as determined to prove their way works better.  Carrie begins to help Dylan with his 15-year-old nephew, who with the death of his cousin, is now his responsibility.  Carrie begins to resume her love of painting, and pushes Sam, who is a good artist, to work on his artwork.  This brings Sam out of his snarky attitude, and happier with Carrie, her sisters, family and townsfolk.  

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story with both Carrie and Dylan falling in love again, but will they be able to get past their different views of what is best for Magnolia?  I loved seeing Carrie, with Meredith and Avery, and how they had each other’s backs. The bond between the sisters was great. 

The Merriest Magnolia was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, including Avery, Meredith, Gray, and many of the townsfolks.  I look forward to the next book in this series, which I expect to be about Meredith.  Cannot wait, as I loved everyone in Magnolia. I suggest you start with series by reading the first book, The Magnolia Sisters.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Madame President by Tara Sue Me-a review

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Madame President by Tara Sue Me-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2020

This is Washington DC and there’s only one she here.

For Independent Anna Fitzpatrick, being President of the United States means she’s finally in a place to make a difference. Known for her intellect and charm, she never appears anything other than calm. After getting dumped by the man she’d been living with once he learned of her presidential bid, Anna vows to remain single throughout her term. It’s an easy task, after all, no man has ever made her feel the way her law school classmate did years ago. Or at least the way he made her feel until he walked away without so much as a goodbye.

Navin Hazar is content being one of the nation’s top news anchors. It may not be the plan he had for his life, but plans don’t always go as anticipated. Like his plan for no one to find out he knows Anna personally or did know her, once upon a time.

For fifteen years, they’ve been able to ignore each other, but her election to the highest office changes everything. And when Navin inadvertently lands on Anna’s Press Pool, they realize the only thing more aggravating than politics is love.

•••••••

REVIEW:MADAME PRESIDENT by Tara Sue Me is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic romance story line focusing on the first woman President of the United States, thirty-six year old, Anna Fitzpatrick, and her former lover news anchor and journalist Navin Hazar.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anna and Navin) MADAME PRESIDENT follows thirty-six year old, Anna Fitzpatrick, the first woman President of the United States in the weeks and months after her historic election. Watching the returns on the evening news Anna will recognize a face she hasn’t seen in close to fifteen years, a face that stirs something deep within our story line heroine. Without an escort for the inaugural balls, Anna pulls up her ‘big girl panties’ only to be rejected by the man that broke her heart years before. Enter news anchor and journalist Navin Hazar. What ensues is the tempestuous but rebuilding relationship between Anna and Navin, and the fall-out as Navin’s time at the White House comes to a close.

Navin Hazar and Anna Fitzpatrick were college classmates and eventual lovers but Navin disappeared, two days after their one night of passion, without an explanation or a good bye. Fast forward to present day wherein Navin, now a respected, nightly news anchor finds himself facing termination in the face of his previous relationship and friendship with our story line heroine, a relationship he never revealed to his peers or station management. Anna Fitzpatrick is a strong-willed and feisty woman who ran as an Independent in the recent election but Anna has issues of trust as it pertains to Navin Hazar. With his recent demotion to the White House press pool, Navin finds himself in the President’s orbit more often than not but rebuilding their friendship is a struggle when Anna Fitzpatrick struggles with what was, and a potential mole in the WH staff.

The relationship between Anna and Navin is a second chance romance; a rekindling relationship destroyed by the disappearance of Navin Hazar, and our heroine’s issues of trust and disdain directed at our story line hero. As their relationship continues to develop, threats from another source push Navin out of Anna’s life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and energetic. We are introduced to Navin’s co-anchor Gabe Day, and their boss George, as well as Navy Captain Jackson Phillips, and Anna’s WH staff including Chief of Staff David Herdsman, Jaya and her personal secretary Nicole.

MADAME PRESIDENT is a story of second chances and redemption. The premise is inviting and imaginative; the romance and chemistry is intimate and tender; the characters are spirited, strong and realistic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Even though she graduated with a degree in science, Tara knew she’d never be happy doing anything other than writing. Specifically, writing love stories.

She started with a racy BDSM story and found she was not quite prepared for the unforeseen impact it would have. Nonetheless, she continued and The Submissive Series novels would go on to be both New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers. One of those, THE MASTER, was a 2017 RITA finalist for Best Erotic Romance.

Now she is focusing on new contemporary romances that allow her the freedom to write and publish on her own schedule.

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Summer Warrior by Regan Walker-Dual Review & Interview

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Summer Warrior (The Clan Donald Saga #1) by Regan Walker-Dual Review & Interview

 

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2020

Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. All hope seemed lost when he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish.

Sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne and, eventually, Lord of the Isles.

This is the unforgettable story of his path to victory that forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won him the heart of a Norse king’s daughter.

•••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: SUMMER WARRIOR is the first instalment in Regan Walker’s THE CLAN DONALD SAGA historical fiction series.

Lord Somerled MacGillebride, the new leader of the Gaels in the aftermath of an attack against the MacInnes Clan, and the resulting death of their Chief, must undertake a journey to stop the advance of, and the raping and pillaging by the Norse pirates along the coastal waters of Scotland and the Kingdoms of the Isles. Born of a Norse mother and a Gael father, Somerled, of the royal house of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne, set about to reclaim his family’s fortune, name and ancestral lands where he will come face to face with his future in the guise of Ragnhild, the Princess of Man, daughter of Olaf the Red, King of Man. But a potential war between England and the Scots is on the horizon, and Lord Somerled had previously pledged his support to King David and the Scots, and with the promise comes the likelihood and implied call to duty.

Meanwhile, Ragnhild Olafsdottir, the Princess of Man, chatelaine and daughter of King Olaf the Red, has fallen for our story line hero but King Olaf has bided his time in offering his daughter’s hand in marriage. With more than one suitor vying for her affection, Ragnhild must abide by her father’s wishes but secretly pines for a man whose duty first is to another king and people. Ragnhild is a beautiful, independent and strong willed female who knows her time with her father’s family may be coming to an end. Hoping to reclaim the lands for his son Prince Henry, King David’s call to arms gathers the Chiefs and clans, many of whom will not survive the war.

SUMMER WARRIOR, inspired by historical accounts, is the fictionalized retelling of Lord Somerled MacGillebride, Ragnhild the Princess of Man, and the war between King David and the Scots. Regan Walker’s world building is beautiful, magical and intricate; lifelike and credible. The romance between Ragnhild and Somerled takes a backseat to the wondrous imagery, yet, the attraction is tangible and unmistakable. A captivating and delightful story SUMMER WARRIOR is a fantasy for the mind.

________

Georgianna’s REVIEW: Summer Warrior is a story of historical fiction. The research for this story is excellent and detailed. The author really delves into the time period and marries research with the ability to weave a unique storyline.

The story begins in summer of 1135 A.D. off the coast of the Isle of Man. Somerled MacGillebride, a noble in the royal house of Argyll whose father and many warriors had been defeated by the Norse pirates, sailed near the Isle of Man on his way home. He spotted a white horse galloping across the plain above him and wondered at the rider. A girl with flaming red hair rode like the wind. His brother told him she was the daughter of King Olaf. He thought her spirit was one to be coveted, but he had lost all his lands and had nothing to offer the king for her hand.

Ragnhild, King Olaf’s daughter rode like the wind, running from the hint of marriage to Rognvald Kolsson, Earl of Orkney. She thought he was an evil man and that he’d murdered or had murdered his cousin to gain the title. He looked at her with lustful looks, and she knew he would ask her father for her hand. Her stepmother had just given birth to a male child and wanted her gone.

Okay, that’s pretty much the set-up, except that Somerled was approached by the MacInnes men after their chief had been slain by Norse pirates. They wanted him to lead them all in driving out the pirates and freeing them from Norse oppression.
This is a well-researched saga of the Clan Donald, its founding and recapturing the isles from the Norse. There are battles, wars, and castle building. The romance is light, with only one stolen kiss, but many thoughts of each other as Somerled gains titles and lands to gain the hand of the princess.

If you enjoy historical period adventures and world building, this is a fantastically bold story. The two are meant for each other, but there are no love scenes of stolen moments or anything like that. The love is chaste and yet fulfilling. The isles are well described, the characters are unique and the conversations realistic. The adventures are fierce and many.

Copies supplied for review

TRC:   Hi, Regan and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of SUMMER WARRIOR.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Website /Amazon Author page /Facebook /Goodreads /Twitter/

I am a lawyer turned writer (though I still practice law on a part time basis). I love reading stories set deep in history and that led me to write my first novel, a Regency, in 2011. Since then, more Regencies followed and then I ventured into other eras. First it was the Middle Ages with the Medieval Warriors series set in England and Scotland and then it was the Georgian era (late 18th century) with dashing sea captains. I am just beginning a new series, The Clan Donald Saga. Book 1 is Summer Warrior.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

I was always a writer but I didn’t always write fiction. I suppose my good friend, Judy, influenced me to go in that direction. She urged me to write one. That led to Racing with the Wind, my first Regency. Ultimately, my love for the ocean led me to write seafaring stories. Every morning, my dog, Cody, and I take walks on the beach. It is very soothing to the soul.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first book?

There weren’t many, really. I had to get used to being inside a character’s head but I discovered I loved storytelling. Some of my books have given me pains in the middle when I’m not sure where they should go. Since my books are all based on real history, that usually helps guide me. I love research, so that is not a problem.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of SUMMER WARRIOR?

Since Summer Warrior is the first in the series and sets the foundation for all that follow, its central character is Somerled, the acknowledged founder of Clan Donald. The heroine, Ragnhild, daughter of the King of Man and the Isles, was a beauty and Somerled was smitten. He was, for all I could learn, a handsome charismatic leader, respected by the people of Argyll and the Isles. He built an independent Kingdom of the Isles and freed the people from the Norse stranglehold. When you are writing about the 12th century, there is a dearth of original sources. I read all the ones I could get my hands on and got all the books that spoke of the clan’s history (I have over 40 books for the series and that’s doesn’t account for my Google Books searches and my Internet research). The Internet sources conflict and are not reliable in all cases, however.

TRC:  What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning SUMMER WARRIOR?

I did research for weeks before I wrote anything. And the research didn’t stop after that. Often, I had to look up something while I was writing. I’m very visual so it’s important for me to know what things look like (there is a Pinterest storyboard for Summer Warrior: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/the-clan-donald-saga-by-regan-walker/). I don’t plot but I do follow a historical timeline.

TRC:  Do you believe authors have a responsibility to be historically accurate when writing an fictional historical story line?

Let me put it this way, stories that are historically accurate are the ones I want to read. I know some readers don’t care. I do.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Absolutely. Covers will make me want to read a book and they will make me not want to read a book. Titles are also important. Titles that are flip or too cute tell me the author isn’t committed to historical authenticity. I always design my cover very early in the process, when I’m just beginning to write and then I write to the cover.

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Both. I get them in the place and in the scene and then they surprise me. One editor told me I was easy to work with because I knew my characters so well. I think that I do.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

We must bring our characters to life, showing their hopes and their dreams along with their failures and fears so readers can identify with them. I like to make my heroines inspiring but realistic and my heroes noble of heart and drool-worthy. (I wrote a post on Rogues Who Make Readers Sigh: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2019/02/rogues-who-make-readers-sigh.html.) We fail if we make our characters superficial or trite.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Yes and the music changes based on the era in which my book is set. For Summer Warrior, I listened to Nordic music and some medieval playlists depending on the scene. Music puts me in the era. And when I begin to play that music, it also brings me into my story. I don’t change the music for the characters but I do change the music for fight scenes and sea battles.

TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Oh gosh. That’s a difficult one to answer. I know one of my friends told me she envied me my sex life (many of my Regencies have a graphic love scene or two). I laughed and told her that was all imagination. So, I suppose some readers think we have lived what we write about; not so.

TRC:   What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Here’s the short list: I was the football team mascot in high school (a dynamite stick). I learned to ride a motorcycle on an antique Velocette bike. I own a hand gun and shoot well. As a lawyer, people would be surprised to know I am a romantic, though you can see it in my stories. I have also served at high levels of government and some of that helped me understand the role of the Crown in my novels.

Antique Velocette:

TRC:  Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

I have a list on my blog; it’s pretty long. For historical romance, the short list would include Virginia Henley, Kathleen Givens, Jan Cox Speas, Penelope Williamson, Joanna Bourne, Victoria Holt, Elizabeth Stuart, and Laurie McBain, to name a few. For historical fiction, it is probably Elizabeth Chadwick, who always has a love story or two in her novels.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Now that Summer Warrior is launched, I’m doing research for the next in the series, which I expect will be set in 13th century Scotland.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

I have an award-winning blog, Historical Romance Review: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: seafood

Favorite Dessert: chocolate or coffee ice cream

Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch TV, only Amazon Prime and Netflix and those would be historical series or movies; I get my news on the Internet

Last Movie You Saw: Outlaw King

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark 70%

Secret Celebrity Crush: Sean Connery (at any age)

Last Vacation Destination: The Scottish Highlands (and I hope to go back next spring)

Do you have any pets? Yes. My dog, Cody, a 3-year-old wirehaired pointing griffon. He’s wonderful.

Last book you read: Sharon Kay Penman’s Time and Chance

Thank you Regan for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of SUMMER WARRIOR. We wish you all the best.

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Joy to the Wolves (Red Wolf #1) by Terry Spear-a review

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Joy to the Wolves (Red wolf #1) by Terry Spear-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 29, 2020

Meet the shifters of the Red Wolf pack…

Close quarters make for a cozy Christmas…

As Christmas approaches, red wolf shifter Brooke Cerise unexpectedly inherits an antique shop in Portland, Oregon. But when a missing reindeer calf turns up on her property, she becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case and the primary suspect of far-too-intriguing shifter Detective Josh Wilding.

Josh doesn’t intend to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, but Brooke gets under his skin from the moment they meet, and he can’t help his instinct to protect her. These red wolves are both on the hunt for love, but there’s a mystery to solve before they can enjoy their holiday happy-ever-after.

Spend every Christmas with an unforgettable shifter hero

•••••••••

REVIEW:JOY TO THE WOLVES is the first instalment in Terry Spear’s contemporary, adult RED WOLF paranormal, romantic suspense series focusing on the Red Wolf pack in Portland, Oregon. This is Detective Josh Wilding, and antiquities dealer Brooke Cerise’ s story line.

Told from third person perspective JOY TO THE WOLVES is a Christmas themed story line that follows red wolf shifter and antiquities dealer Brooke Cerise. Following the death of her great aunt Ivy, as the sole surviving relation, Brooke Cerise inherited her aunt’s antique shop in Portland, Oregon with the stipulation that she work and run the shop for a minimum of three years. When a missing reindeer calf shows up in Brooke’s courtyard, our heroine becomes the number one suspect and finds herself investigated by local law enforcement. Enter wolf shifter Detective John Wilding, the man with whom Brooke will fall in love but all is not well in the antiquities business when a mysterious shipment places Brooke in the direct line of fire, and the DEA and FBI are called in to help find the people responsible.

JOY TO THE WOLVES is a detailed story line that follows several intersecting paths including the romance, relationship and mating of Brooke and Josh; the appearance of an orphaned, teenaged wolf with no biological family to speak of; the murder of two antique dealers, millions of dollar in drugs and a missing thumb drive, and the discovery of a fortune in collectibles that are about to make our heroine a very wealthy wolf.

JOY TO THE WOLVES is a story of family, friendships, and relationships; a story of betrayal and vengeance; greed and murder; Christmas and love. The premise is heart warming and entertaining but saying that there is too much telling and not enough showing-sometimes fewer details allows the imagination take flight; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are numerous and energetic.

copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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