Monthly Archives: September 2021

Mile High With a Vampire by Lynsay Sands-Review,Excerpt& Giveaway

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Mile High with a Vampire by Lynsay Sands-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Mile High With a Vampire
Argeneau 33
by Lynsay Sands
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date September 28, 2021.

Jet Lassiter likes being a pilot for Argeneau Inc. Perks included travelling to exotic locations and meeting interesting people, even if they are the blood-sucking kind. He’s living the good life, until his plane goes down in the mountains and four of his passengers are gravely injured. They need blood to heal… and Jet is the only source.

Quinn Peters never wanted to be immortal. Once a renowned heart surgeon, she was turned against her will and now she has to drink blood to survive. Before she can ask how her “life” can get any worse, she’s in a plane crash. One of the few survivors, Quinn is desperate to get the mortal pilot to safety before her fellow immortals succumb to their blood lust and drain Jet dry.

But hungry vampires are the least of their worries—the crash wasn’t an accident, and someone is trying to kill Quinn. Will she and Jet find their happily ever after as life mates, or will her assassin find her first?

•••••••

REVIEW: Mile High with a Vampire begins with Quinn Peters asleep on a flight aboard an Argeneau jet. She awakens to loud noises and debris flying everywhere. The next thing she sees is the ground rushing up to meet them and a gaping hole in the side of the plane. She hears an engine start and then the plane leveled out as it tore through the woods and slammed to an abrupt stop. Thankful to be alive, she speaks with another who is on the plane, and they check on the ones still aboard.

Jet Lassiter comes to and sees that the plane is on the ground, but also sees that his friend and mentor had been killed on impact. Jeff Miller had been a great pilot and Jet would miss him terribly. The next thing he saw was a “she-pire” (why in the world would an Argeneau employee ever use that word???) approaching Jeff and he yells at her to get away from him. When Quinn turns toward him, he immediately recognizes her and knows a little bit of her story. If he were being honest with himself, she had starred in a fantasy or two of his, but first things first………. they must get away from the wreckage before the other immortals who were horribly injured in the crash come to and look for the only thing that can help them: blood. Even though Quinn was immortal, Jet wasn’t, and she knew she’d never be able to keep them off him.

Quinn and Jet put as much distance as possible between themselves, the wreckage and the three immortals who were bound to be coming after them. As they navigate the forest around them, they are both aware they are running out of time. They eventually make it to an outpost of sorts that has a small crew of people working there. To say they have their work cut out for them trying to secure the facility, its people and themselves is an understatement. They do what they can until the calvary arrives. What neither of them expected was the pull they have towards each other. However, once they are taken to the enforcer house, things begin to make more sense, even though they both resist at first.

Mile High with a Vampire is a nice addition to the series. I really liked Quinn and Jet’s character development. I just wish there had been more conversation and less of them with their own thoughts. Quinn’s backstory ends up having a lot more layers than we initially learned of in a previous book. The chemistry between Quinn and Jet started slow but soon blossomed into what you expect from Sands. I always love getting to see the characters we’ve come to know and love over the last thirty-two books (this being the thirty-third). If you’re a fan of the genre and a fan of Sands, you’ll certainly enjoy this one! Well done, Lynsay Sands! Very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

“Do you?”

Quinn blinked her thoughts away at that question and peered up at Jet blankly, wondering when he’d moved in front of her. She could feel the heat of his body, he was so close.

“Do I what?” she asked with confusion.

“Like me?” he asked with amusement, and when she flushed and started to lower her head, Jet caught her chin with one finger and raised it back up, not letting her escape. “Come now. Be fair. You can read my mind so you know that I think you’re incredibly beautiful and have been crazy stupid attracted to you ever since I flew you, Marguerite, and Julius to Toronto from Albany four years ago.”

Quinn’s eyes widened at that news, because she hadn’t read his mind and hadn’t known that. She hadn’t even known he’d been her pilot before this flight.

“Surely you can at least tell me if you find me even a little attractive and might like me the teensiest bit?”

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at www.lynsaysands.net.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

Lynsay Sands’ publisher (Harper Collins/Avon Imprint)  is graciously offering a paper copy of  MILE HIGH WITH A VAMPIRE to ONE (1) lucky commenter 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).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

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9. Giveaway is open to US only

10. Giveaway runs from September 30-October 5, 2021

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A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow – a Review

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A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow – a Review

 

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Description:
This Christmas season, love comes where you least expect it. 

For Jessica Connolly, there is no better place than her coastal hometown of Blue Moon Bay. She has a wonderful family, supportive best friends, and a successful bakery on Main Street. Unfortunately, every time she designs one of her ex-boyfriends’ wedding cakes, she’s reminded just how unlucky she is with love…and that she’s a good luck charm for men to find their happily ever after. With someone else. The minute they break up.  So she’s decided to be done with love.

Dr. Mitch Jameson is more comfortable traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders than staying in one place. He just needs to survive the holidays in his small hometown before he can leave again. The beautiful, intriguing bakery owner with an aversion to dating might be just who he needs to occupy his restless heart.

From sipping hot chocolates at the local festival of lights to early morning dessert deliveries, Jessica and Mitch rediscover the spirit of the holidays. But when the 25 days of Christmas are over, will their romance be over, too?

 Each book in the Blue Moon Bay series is STANDALONE: 
* A Lot Like Love
* A Lot Like Christmas

 

 

Review:

A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow is the 2nd book in her Blue Moon Bay series. A Christmas story in September! But if you read it, you could easily swap it for any season. I can see me picking this book up again and again, it has fun, it has humour and it has heartbreak (like any good romance) and it has a couple of intimate moments (might want to read those at home) ? 

* A Lot Like Christmas  is sweet small-town romance with a happy ending. However, the story includes elements  that might not be suitable for all readers. Depression, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD appear in the novel, and a child’s illness and death are relayed through a character’s backstory. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.*

Poor Jessica, I felt so sorry for her! Couldn’t imagine how she must have felt to design a cake for a man she could have married! It feels like a curse, she meets the man of her dreams…. It doesn’t work out…. He then meets and marries someone else! That happens a few times!! I’d call it a curse! So although she doesn’t begrudge them, it’s enough to make Jessica swear off love. 

Mitch isn’t looking for long term, he’s not looking to stay long at all! Being a doctor is all he’s wanted to do, fulfilling his dream of being a Doctor without borders has been exhausting but rewarding. Coming home before jetting to another place that needs him, Mitch needs a little quiet time then he’s gone, back to saving the world…..

When Mitch and Jessica meet, sparks of interest between both the couple is evident. And when Mitch tells her it’s only for a few weeks, Jessica assures him that’s fine with her. Both fight their feelings for one another, but I hope the feeling Jessica was invested a lot more than Mitch, yes they both were having fun, but I truly believed Mitch would walk away!! 

There is a part in the book I was totally going to hit the guy with a cake!! And then scream at Jessica to not let him get away!! 

I’ve not read the previous book, and it’s not necessary either, but I’ve added it to my (never ending) TBR (To Be Read) list. It’s written really well, and it captures the charm of the little town of Blue Moon Bay (which if I could I’d love to climb into the pages and explore the coastline) characters come to life as you witness Jessica’s love of Christmas and family. Shake your head at Mitch’s decisions not to have ties, and then cry into your tissue as secrets, and decisions will pull this couple apart!! 

So is it just a Christmas romance? Is it just Mitch wasting time until his next adventure calls? Or will Jessica be able to prove that you can have just as much adventure in a small town as you can anywhere else? Or will she have to bake a fourth cake? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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More Than Possess You by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt Tour

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More Than Possess You (More Than Words 6.75/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2021

I persuaded my best friend that I should be her first…

I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.

I’ve got to step in.

It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black is a contemporary adult, story line found in her MORE THAN WORDS erotic romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is businessman Hayes Elliott, and twenty-two year old, college grad Echo Hope’s story line. MORE THAN POSSESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Hayes) with two final chapters from Echo MORE THAN POSSESS YOU follows the graduation celebration of Echo Hope in Maui Hawaii. As a gift, Hayes Elliott gave his best friend Echo Hope a trip to Hawaii, a business trip for Hayes but a trip wherein Echo hopes to lose her ‘V-card’ to their mutual friend Xavian Costa but Hayes sees red as he struggles with his best friend going elsewhere, a best friend he refuses to accept as anything more. Friends for eighteen years, Hayes and Echo, along with Xavian Costa have done everything together but Hayes never expected to watch from the sidelines as his bestie lost her virginity to someone else. As Hayes does his best to foil all of Echo’s plans, our heroine must comes to terms that the man that she loves, doesn’t love her in return.

Meanwhile, Xavian Costa has reached a crossroads in his life. A recent graduate himself, Xavian feels alone without the support of family, having lost his mother a few years before, and never knowing the identity of his father. When a lawyer reaches out to Xavian about a possible family connection, Xavian will discover that the family he wanted is more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Echo and Hayes is a friends to lovers relationship, one in which Echo has been in love with her best friend for close to eight years. Hayes Elliott never saw Echo as a woman, as a sexual being but a few days in Hawaii proves that Echo has been hiding behind baggy clothes for far too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, enthusiastic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments of the More Than Words series. We are introduced to Hayes’ Gramma Liddy, as well as Xavian’s large but well established extended family.

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. A story of conflict, acceptance, revelations and realizations. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are energetic and animated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
More than Want You
More Than Need You
More Than Love You
More Than Crave You
More than Tempt You
More than Pleasure You
More Than Dare You
More Than Protect You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

I scowl. Echo almost sounds like… No. She can’t possibly speak from experience. Who the hell would she be in love with that I don’t know about?
Then I remember she’s “talking” with Xavian.
I freeze.
Anyone who called me a player would label Xavian Costa a man whore. She can’t have real feelings for him.
Can she?
If I confront Echo head-on about how stupid falling for Xavian is, she’ll bristle. So I try to be sneaky. “I haven’t talked to X much lately. What’s up with him?”
“Besides finals, nothing new. But he’s stoked that we’ll all be boarding the plane for Maui on Saturday. He was thrilled that, despite being an intern, he was included in the bonus trip for top performers.”
Xavian is killing it in the office. He’s got a natural gift for making money, so I’m not surprised. But she sounds almost proud of him, like a girlfriend.
“And thanks again for taking me along as your plus one. I’m so excited I bought two new bikinis!”
For Xavian to look at? The thought makes me frown even more. But I act casual.
“Of course. Hey…” I bump shoulders with her. “You’re my bestie. I had to give you a graduation trip worth remembering.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. The plane ticket alone must have cost a fortune. But I promise, I won’t keep you awake at night snoring.” She winks.
“You don’t snore, shortcake.” I’ve been camping with her about a million times, so I know. But by now, she’s usually found half a dozen activities for us to appreciate the scenery and make memories—a nature reserve, a challenging hike, a sunrise picnic on the beach—something. But we’re six days away from the biggest vacation of our lives, and not a word. “Tell me what you have planned for paradise.”
“Sun and water!” She closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, like she can already smell the ocean.
“I meant for us.”
Echo turns to me with a shrug. “I thought we’d chill. Besides, I wasn’t sure how much you’d have to work.”
“I only have two mixers all week. We’ll have tons of time for other stuff.”
“Oh. Good.”
But her voice suggests that isn’t good at all. What the hell is up? Does she have some surprise for me and doesn’t want me guessing, like Christmas before last?
“So we’ll think of some things,” I prod her. “Right?”
“Sure.”
Her easy reply should make me feel better. Instead, I’m wondering if she’s planning to enjoy paradise with someone else.
Like Xavian.
Fuck, I know I’ve been busy lately and spending a lot of my free time with Jayci—mostly because she’ll try anything in bed and could suck the brass off a doorknob—but the thought of Echo and me drifting apart fills me with something like panic.
“What do you say we have a pre-trip graduation party on Friday night? We don’t leave until two in the afternoon on Saturday, so—”
“I can’t.” Echo tears her gaze away. “I’ve got…something else.”
Like? Her vague refusal fills me with dread. “A date?”
“Not exactly.”
Shifting closer, I take her chin in my hand. “Then what? Talk to me. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Nothing. I just need to, um…take care of something before we go.”

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

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Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow by Christina Henry – a Review

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Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow by Christina Henry – a Review

 

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Description:
Everyone in Sleepy Hollow knows about the Horseman, but no one really believes in him. Not even Ben Van Brunt’s grandfather, Brom Bones, who was there when it was said the Horseman chased the upstart Crane out of town. Brom says that’s just legend, the village gossips talking.

Twenty years after those storied events, the village is a quiet place. Fourteen-year-old Ben loves to play Sleepy Hollow boys, reenacting the events Brom once lived through. But then Ben and a friend stumble across the headless body of a child in the woods near the village, and the sinister discovery makes Ben question everything the adults in Sleepy Hollow have ever said. Could the Horseman be real after all? Or does something even more sinister stalk the woods?

 

 

Review:

Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow by Christina Henry is a standalone novel.  Henry has been giving us some modern & dark tales on various stories such as this one.  Horseman takes place 20 years after the headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane events, as Sleepy Hollow has been quiet. Ben Van Brunt, is the granddaughter of Brom Bones, who was part of the stories years before.  Ben (who is a girl, but acts like a boy), is 14 years old, and loves and wants to be like her grandfather; she is strong and tough; as she stands up to the boys who tease and threaten her.  One of those boys is found in the woods with his head and hands missing, and the town is in an uproar, fearing the that the magic and horror is returning. 

Ben tries to find more information about her deceased father, and learns he was killed years ago in the same manner these young boys were.  Brom and Katrina (her grandparents) warn her to stay away from the dangerous woods.  When another boy’s body is discovered in the woods, Ben finds herself being accused by the boy’s father as the one who is using magic to kill his son, and the other boy.  Ben sees the creature who is killing the boys, as well as hearing sounds of the horseman trying to come to her rescue.  Is she imagining the thumping sound of the horse, is the horseman real?

What follows in a dark and intense story, where we follow Ben when she finds herself in danger, as she is taken captive by the dead boy’s father, and she does everything to fight and survive, even if she has to kill.  But when she comes face to face to the creature, her survival is dire; can the Horseman be real and save her?  One of the amazing parts is when Ben is in the woods, I can actually feel the thumping of the hooves as she can feel the Horseman coming. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and with all that happens, you do need to read this book.

Christina Henry wrote another interesting and dark storyline, as well as being scary with chilling scenes.  If you like intense dark stories, based on old tales that are created in the modern world, you should read Horseman, which was very well written by Christina Henry.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Wrong for Him by Christi Barth – a Review

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Wrong for Him by Christi Barth – a Review

 

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Description:
Amelia Kirkland’s been head-over-heels for Teague Sullivan forever. Not that she’s ever let him know—as her brother’s best friend, he’s officially off-limits. That’s even more true once they become partners in rehabbing a historic inn. She can’t risk what she’s building with her brother and her friends just to fulfill a lifelong crush. Can she?

When Teague left the Special Forces, he didn’t know what would come next. Until his best friend, Alex, won an inn as a lottery prize and made him a partner. It’s his shot at getting everything he’s always wanted. Except for Alex’s beautiful sister. Amelia’s friendship was a lifeline while he was deployed, but that’s a line he can’t cross. He owes his friend too much to betray his trust. Now, though? Working and living with her every day? He wants more.

If their secret romance is discovered, it could ruin everything before the inn has a chance. But does their one shot at happiness require them to break all the rules?

 

 

 

Review:

Wrong for Him by Christi Barth is the 3rd book in her Love Lottery series.  Refresher: When things were tough, Amelia bought lottery tickets for herself, her brother, Alex, her best friends, Ever and Teague.  They ended up winning the lottery, which gave them a historic inn on the Maryland shore.  The Inn is in bad shape, totally dilapidated, but they are determined to work hard to renovate and manually repair the Inn, and hope they can make some money when it is restored.

The first book heroes are Alex, whose money helped start the renovation and Sydney.  The second book was for Ever and the town police chief, Matt.  In Wrong for Him, we have been waiting for Amelia and Teague.  We knew Amelia had a crush on Teague since she was a kid, but he only saw her as his best friend’s (Alex) baby sister. Amelia is determined to tease Teague into looking at her in another light, not as a sister or friend.  With the inn now open, finances still very tight, Amelia and Teague are forced share a suite together.  Amelia takes advantage to entice Teague, trying on different (sexy) dresses for his opinion.  This was fun to watch, as Teague found himself aroused for every change of clothes, and desperately fights off his attraction to Amelia.  In a short time, both of them can no longer deny their chemistry, and a secret affair begins.  

Teague still gets nightmares from his days with the special forces, and Alex has always been there for him.  As much as he can’t resist Amelia, they both know Alex will go crazy if he finds out about their affair; but neither can stop, as they realize they are falling in love.  Amelia and Teague were such a great couple, you can’t help but root for them to find a way to stay together.  Everything will fall apart, when Alex does find out, and Teague takes it upon himself to break up with Amelia.  Will the family be able to convince Alex, and bring them back together?  You will need to read this book to find out.

Wrong For Him was another sweet, charming romance that was very well written by Christi Barth.  It was great to spend time with them all, Alex & Sydney, Ever & Matt, Nora, and Amelia & Teague.  I wholly suggest you read this fun romantic story, which had a great couple, wonderful characters, and sexy.  If you have not started this series, then you should read the first book, even if this reads well as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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The Lawyer (The Dalton Brothers 1) by Marni Mann-Review Tour

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The Lawyer (The Dalton Brothers 1) by Marni Mann-Review Tour

 

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3kf1442

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2021

I’m not the type of girl who picks up a man on a rooftop bar.
Not the kind of girl who lets a man’s hands roam my body, discovering I have no panties on.
Never the girl who has hours’ worth of o’s from a smoking-hot one-night stand.

But Dominick makes it so easy to say yes.
His body, his moves, and his oh-so-wicked tongue have me saying it over and over again.
Yes, please.
Yes, more.
Yes, right there.

He worships every inch of my body, and I’m still sore the next morning when I meet him again.

This time, he’s Mr. Dalton, my sister’s cutthroat entertainment lawyer.
And he has a proposition for me.

He wants to make me famous.

Of course, that means sharing a screen with my wildly jealous sister.
It means giving up my career.
It means the whole world will suddenly know everything about me.

Which presents one catastrophic problem—Dominick doesn’t date famous people.

So, do I take a chance at becoming a Hollywood star, or do I pass up the opportunity to be with the man who gave me a taste of forever?

•••••••

REVIEW:Sweet and Spicy just like my….Books…yeah my books!

Book one in the lovely Marni Mann’s new series The Dalton Brothers is here. This book has all the spice a girl could want, and a fantastic storyline for the romantics.

Dominick Dalton is a lawyer, a man that comes from a family of lawyers, he and his brothers own a company together that caters to the rich and powerful. Dominick is over the top alpha to the core, right down to not doing relationships. He’s a one night stand kinda guy, or he was until Kendall.

Kendall is a sweet, down to earth, wears her heart on her sleeve type of woman, but she has the confidence and the looks to eat a man’s heart out too. When she meets Dominick at a party and their connection flairs hotter than the sun, she never expects to see him again. That all changes when she runs into a meeting for her hot shot sister, and see’s Dominick sitting across the table. Struck almost stupid by seeing the man that could play her body better than anything she’s ever experienced before, Kendall plays it cool and waits it out. Having a one night stand with her sister’s lawyer isn’t something she should be thinking about at the time anyway. Then, when the sinful man offers her a chance at fame, she’s even more surprised. Can she do it? Give it all up?

Kendall and Dominick hit the pages hard, from the very first page this book is hot, hot, hot!!!!! The way they ignite the sheets is so spicy, but even more than that is the vulnerability that Kendall has and the need to take care of her from Dominick. Both have something that makes them unsure of a relationship together, but the lure of each other has them coming back for more and more. I freaking loved this book! As soon as it hit my kindle I started reading and I just couldn’t put it down. Charlize I hope gets a book, he is so funny and adorable, not to mention the other two brothers! OMG how am I going to make it to the next one?!?! Five Stars!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

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The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala – a Review

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The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Description:
It’s been years since Wade Montgomery stepped foot in Blessings, Georgia, but the Blessings Christmas spirit is just like he remembers it. The whole town has come together to help his uncle after a disaster nearly destroyed the family business. Being back in Blessings reminds Wade of everything he’s been missing, especially when he runs into his old flame, Birdie Knox.

Bridgette “Birdie” Knox isn’t so eager to jump into the holiday season. Every year, she’s reminded of the secrets that tore her family apart. But with Wade Montgomery back in town, Birdie is starting to believe in Christmas magic. There’s no guarantee Wade will stick around, but if Birdie had her wish, she’d never have to say goodbye to him again.

 

Review:

The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala is the 12th book in her sweet fun Blessings, Georgia series; though this is her first holiday romance taking place in Blessings.  As I have said in previous reviews of this series, I always enjoy coming back to Blessings, Georgia and the fabulous townsfolk we get to spend time with. Once again, Sharon Sala gives us another wonderful feel-good romance, with a holiday feel.  

We meet our hero, Wade Montgomery, who has returned to Blessings to help manage his Uncle’s feed store.  Wade has always had a crush on Bridgette Knox (Birdie – our heroine) since he was a kid, and now being in Blessings for 6 months, he decides to approach her why she ignores him.  Birdie, is the bookkeeper, for the feed store, and well-liked by everyone. When Wade tells her his feelings, he is surprised that she feels the same way as him, and a sweet wonderful romance begins.

This is the first time in this series that Sala has made this about the Christmas season, which shows second chances and miracles in our wonderful Blessings.  Though Wade and Birdie were fantastic lead characters, which was beautiful to watch them fall deeper in love, there are a number of other characters who play a part in this book.

A young man, returns to Blessings, 10 years later, when he discovers his father was accused of stealing expensive jewelry, and sent to prison.  Duff, the young man, who did not know why his father was sent to prison, realizes that he was the one responsible.  He was 6 years old, and loved to play as a pirate, with treasure; unbeknownst to everyone, he buried the treasure playing a game, and totally forgot. Though he is only 16 years old, he leaves his mother and brother to go to Blessings.  This was a fun and heartwarming story, as he tells the lawyer and police about the treasure, and together they will right a terrible wrong.   Very well done.

One family falls apart, when the husband steals from his workplace to pay off gambling debts, and his family leaves him.  We get to see Elliot (older man who always helps) come to the rescue, paying off the debts, giving him a new job and eventually bringing his family back.

What follows is wonderful heartwarming & emotional story, with a great couple, wonderful characters that we keep meeting in all our visits to Blessings.  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.  I will add that I thought the constant going back and forth between the characters was a bit much, and a little confusing.  But overall, still a wonderful story.  I loved Wade and Birdie, who were so great together and very sweet and sexy.

Sharon Sala writes another delightful story in this 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. The Christmas Wish was a wonderful read, written so very well by Sharon Sala.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
Up-and-coming attorney Leigh Larson fights for victims of sexual extortion, harassment, and online abuse. She is not afraid to go after the sleaziest targets to get payback for her clients. Leigh is laser-focused on her career–to the exclusion of everything else–until a seemingly routine case and a determined cop turn her world upside down.

Austin homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is no stranger to midnight callouts. But when he gets summoned to an abandoned car on a desolate road, he quickly realizes he’s dealing with an unusual crime scene. A pool of blood in the nearby woods suggests a brutal homicide. But where is the victim? The vehicle is registered to twenty-six-year-old Vanessa Adams. Searching the car, all Brandon finds is a smear of blood and a business card for Leigh Larson, attorney-at-law.

Vanessa had hired Leigh just before her disappearance, but Leigh has no leads on who could have wanted her dead. Faced with bewildering evidence and shocking twists, Leigh and Brandon must work against the clock to chase down a ruthless criminal who is out for vengeance.

 

 

 

 

Review:

Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin is another one of her fantastic murder suspense mysteries.  I am a big fan of Griffin, as she always gives us exciting stories that are suspenseful, with police procedurals and a bit of romance.  The story starts with a bang, when we meet Vanessa, who is running from someone; but shortly thereafter, the police find her vehicle with blood, and she is missing, with her phone, purse still in the car.

Brandon Reynolds, our hero, is a homicide detective in Austin, Texas, and on the scene of the missing girl, with his rookie partner Antonio Pena.  He finds a business card for Leigh Larson, an attorney; and decides to pay her a visit.  Leigh Larson, our heroine, represents women stalked and harassed by exes.  At first, she does not remember who Vanessa Adams is, but the same day that Brandon visits her, she receives in the mail a retainer for her services.  Brandon and Leigh get off on the wrong foot, as he thinks she is keeping secrets, and she feels he doesn’t give her information; but in a short time, they start working together and a romance will begin.  Brandon isn’t happy that Leigh continues to investigate on her own, but she feels she can get more information since she knows how to question people, as it is her line of work regarding threats from stalkers.

When Leigh is attacked at her job, but manages to escape, Brandon is determined to protect her, and find the culprit, since he suspects this has something to do with the missing girl. The chemistry between them escalated, with Brandon more concerned that Leigh was putting herself in danger.  I do not want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book to discover what happens.

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful thriller that kept me on the edge throughout, especially as we raced to the climax.   Griffin gave us a great couple, wonderful secondary characters and an excellent suspenseful story.  The last half of the book was extremely tense, with some twists; especially as the danger for our heroes escalates.  I could not put the book down. 

Last Seen Alone was another edge of your seat adventure, which to no surprise, 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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