Monthly Archives: January 2023

DRAKE (Pittsburgh Titans 5) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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DRAKE (Pittsburgh Titans 5) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2023

Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?

After I made the decision to divorce, my ex-wife set out on a smear campaign against me, telling anyone who would listen that I was betting on hockey and throwing games. It wasn’t surprising that my ex told the lies, but the fact that the media, league, and fans chose to believe her baseless claims was unforgivable. I walked away from it all and never looked back.

Having settled into life as a single dad to three boys, I’m content. I have more money than I could ever need, and plenty of time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and whoever I want. So when Brienne Norcross, the team owner for the Pittsburgh Titans, shows up at my house with a job offer, I have no problem turning her down. But the no-nonsense billionaire, with sinfully seductive red lips and killer heels that would look hot as hell thrown over my shoulders, won’t take “no” for an answer.

Now I need to find balance between hockey, my boys, and the explosive chemistry Brienne and I can no longer deny. A cast-off hockey player and the league’s only female team owner? I can think of a million reasons why it could never work but can’t bring myself to care about a single one of them. Game on.

••••••••

REVIEW: DRAKE is the fifth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary adult PITTSBURGH TITANS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Titans. This is goalie and single father Drake McGinn, and team owner Brienne Norcross’ story line. DRAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, as there is an ongoing premise throughout. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier, a devastating plane crashed claimed all but three members of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team including owners, coaches and staff. Rebuilding the team, owner Brienne Norcross, offered positions to one-time professional and semi-pro players, including our story line hero.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Drake and Brienne) DRAKE follows in the wake of the Pittsburgh Titans attempt at signing goalie Drake McGinn. One year earlier Drake’s personal and professional life imploded when his now ex-wife started a smear campaign that ended Drake’s hockey career with the devastating fall-out. The lies and nightmare ended with a divorce and Drake awarded sole custody of all three of his boys, leaving Drake bitter and resentful against the team for which he once played. Fast forward to present day wherein Brienne and the Titans offer Drake a position as first string goalie, but our hero struggles in the wake of past betrayal and lies. Signing with Pittsburgh brings Drake up close and personal with our story line heroine, where they will embark on a secret affair that ends when Drake’s past returns, pushing Brienne out of his life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brienne and Drake, as our couple continue to deny their growing feelings, opting to label their relationship nothing more than booty calls and scratching an itch.

Drake and Brienne are determined to keep their affair a secret. Brienne believes their relationship is crossing an invisible line, and Drake refuses to get involved with another woman who could potentially destroy his life. As the weeks pass, their relationship slowly turns into something more but Drake continues to battle between head and heart having loved and lost everything, once before. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples and characters return including GM Callum Derringer, and newcomer Cannon West. We are introduced to Drake’s children, as well as his ex-wife Crystal.

DRAKE is a story of betrayal and lies, secrets and trepidation, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is heart breaking, captivating and inviting; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are determined, charismatic and dynamic.

Read the first THREE chapters of Drake

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Baden
Stone
Gage
Coen

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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VANESSA’S GUARDIAN by Josie Jade and Regan Black-a review

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VANESSA’S GUARDIAN (Never Too Late For Love 1) by Josie Jade and Regan Black-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2023

Some people wait their entire life for their ship to come in, not realizing they’re standing at the airport.

At least that’s how Vanessa Hamilton feels when it comes to romance. In her late 40s and divorced, she’s decided the traditional happily-ever-after route just isn’t for her. And she’s perfectly fine with that.

When her doctor suggests a vacation to help her de-stress and get her blood pressure under control, she decides on the remote island of Heartbreak Key off the coast of Florida. Just her, the beach, and a bunch books…what could go wrong?

Stumbling onto drug runners? Check.
Tropical storm? Check.
Hoss, the gruff former Navy SEAL who definitely does not help her blood pressure settle? Triple check.

Trust hasn’t come easy for Vanessa since her divorce, but Hoss—despite his scars and tragic past—is showing her heroes do still exist. Maybe her ship was just a little late coming in.

But it’s never too late for love..

••••••

REVIEW: VANESSA’S GUARDIAN is the first instalment and novella in the contemporary,adult VANESSA’S GUARDIAN erotic, romantic suspense series co-authored by Josie Jade and Regan Black. This is fifty year old, former US Navy SEAL turned fisherman Jonathan ‘Hoss’ McKinney, and realtor Vanessa Hamilton’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Hoss and Vanessa) VANESSA’S GUARDIAN focuses on the protection of forty-something realtor Vanessa Hamilton. On the orders of her doctor, Vanessa Hamilton scheduled a much needed vacation, landing in Heartbreak Key in the Florida Keys but from the outset nothing went according to plan. Meeting Heartbreak Key resident and former Navy SEAL Hoss McKinney gave Vanessa a chance at a vacation fling but our heroine is witness to a major drug operation, something that places Vanessa on the dealer’s radar. With the approach of a tropical storm, Vanessa seeks shelter with our story line hero, the man who is willing to sacrifice his life to save the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Vanessa and Hoss, and the potential fall-out when our couple are targeted by the people in charge.

The relationship between Vanessa and Hoss is quick to develop as there are only a few other women living on the island. Jonathan ‘Hoss’ McKinney has never been married but finds himself falling for a woman with a target on her back. With the help of fellow US Navy SEAL Cameron Burton, Hoss makes plan to save our heroine, a plan that lands both of them in dangerous waters. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate .

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. We are introduced to Hoss’s best friend and marine mechanic Cameron Burton, and Sheriff Dupree.

VANESSA’S GUARDIAN is a quick read; a fast paced story of insta-lust to love; a story of betrayal and vengeance, love and acceptance but there was something missing-an almost bare bones feel and a rush to the finish. The premise is simple but engaging- the lack of details is discouraging; the romance is impassioned; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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ARO (Cerberus MC 24) by Marie James-review tour

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?ARO (Cerberus MC 24) by Marie James-review tour?

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2023

It takes a lot to shake me, and even when I’m upset, most people wouldn’t even know it.
There was just something about the last job that kept me from keeping my cool.

I know how dangerous it is, and knew even better when I had to be carried away that day, becoming literally less of the man that entered that compound.

I was ordered to rest, recover, and recuperate, all under the watchful eyes of the team’s psychologist.

She was there to get in my head, to watch for signs that I may be a danger to myself.She became my outlet, the calm to the storm trying to take over in my head.

There would be no problem with what we were doing because the possibility of returning to work with the Cerberus MC was never going to happen, and if there was an off-chance I would, walking away would be easy, right?

•••••

REVIEW: ARO is the twenty-fourth instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult CERBERUS MC erotic, MC romance series focusing on the members of the Cerberus MC. This is former US Marines Josh ‘Aro’ Aroco, and Dr. Brynn ‘Slick’ Sullivan’s storyline. ARO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Aro and Brynn) ARO follows in the wake of a Cerberus mission in Costa Rica that went all to H*ll. A search and recovery mission to rescue victims of human trafficking left Aro battling to survive, returning home a shell of his former self. Assigned to watch over and help in Aro’s recovery, Dr. Brynn ‘Slick’ Sullivan, a member of the Cerberus MC, finds herself falling for our story line hero, a man who is struggling with his direction going forward. Believing himself no longer worthy, worried about his place in the Cerberus MC, Aro’s time spend with Brynn ends when Aro pushes our heroine out of his life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Aro and Brynn,and the potential fall-out as Aro struggles with what happened and why, and Brynn finds herself falling for a man who is unable to let go of the past.

The relationship between Aro and Brynn is one of immediate attraction but neither had acted upon their mutual desire. Living together during Aro’s recovery, our couple will find themselves acting on their attraction, leaving Aro battling between guilt and lust. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several members of the Cerberus MC return including club president Kincaid, and Aro’s best friend Ugly.

ARO is a story of loss and recovery, attraction and acceptance, love and understanding. The premise is heart breaking and captivating; the romance is seductive and energetic; the characters are broken, struggling, and charismatic.

Previous reviews
Jinx
Thumper
Apollo
A Very Cerberus Christmas
Legend
Grinch
Harley
Landon
Spade

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m inching up on the BIG 4-0. The gray hairs are doubling what seems like daily, and the wrinkles and laugh lines are more pronounced than ever.

I have an amazing husband (Married just over 15 years.)

We have two boys we’re doing our best to raise as respectful gentleman.

I have a master’s degree in criminal justice which I used to work as a juvenile probation office until deciding to write full-time in June of 2019. So that means there’s usually always some criminal/law element to my novels.

If I’m not writing; I’m reading.

My favorite genres recently are bully/reverse harem and enemies to lovers. Maybe I’m reliving my traumatic teen years through the girls who actually end up with the boys. (Not that I would change my history since it’s gotten me exactly where I need to be!)

I love coffee. I miss carbs. Music is LIFE. I try not to be too serious.

FACEBOOK / Twitter / Bookbub / Instagram / Amazon Author Page / Book and Main / Goodreads / Pinterest / Youtube/ Reader Group/ NewsLetter/

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KING OF THE TEASE (Short Kings) by Kelsie Calloway-a review

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KING OF THE TEASE (Short Kings) by Kelsie Calloway-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2023

He’s the older man she’s always wanted; she’s the cherry he’s waited years to pop. 

Diesel
I am obsessed with the girl next door. The first time I see her face, I brace myself against the wickedly indecent thoughts that threaten to bowl me over. But her body is as sweet as honey and I have to take a lick.

Nina
Night after night, I stand in front of my bedroom window and watch the neighbor. He brings home a new woman every night and leaves the lights on just for me. He’s a dark and twisted tease, and I can’t resist him.

Diesel Beneventi’s empire is missing the most important position: a queen. And there’s no one he wants to crown quite like the girl he watched grow into a woman. But she’s a captive of her father’s and Diesel knows that if he’s going to get closer to her, then he’ll have to take some extraordinary measures.

••••

REVIEW: KING OF THE TEASE by Kelsie Calloway is a contemporary, adult, erotic, novella found in the multi-authored SHORT KINGS romance series of short stories and novellas. This is thirty-eight year old crime lord Daniel ‘Diesel’ Beneventi, and nineteen year old Nina Castella’s story line. KING OF THE TEASE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nina and Diesel) KING OF THE TEASE follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-eight year old crime lord Daniel ‘Diesel’ Beneventi, and nineteen year old Nina Castella. Three years earlier, Nina and her father moved next door to Diesel Beneventi, when Diesel vowed to make Nina his own. For three years Nina watched from her bedroom window as Diesel entertained a number of women, hoping one day to be on the receiving end of what Diesel is offering but Nina is a virtual captive of her over protective father, a man who isn’t above using threats and abuse to control his nineteen year old daughter. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Diesel and Nina, as Diesel lays claim to the woman he will love.

Daniel ‘Diesel’ Beneventi is a dark and dangerous man who doesn’t take likely to being used but his attraction to, and need for Nina is immediate and intense, when he discovers that all is not well behind closed doors. Rescuing Nina from her father is easy, keeping Nina may be more difficult when she uncovers the truth.

The relationship between Nina and Diesel is an age-gap romance in which Diesel has craved our heroine since she moved in next door. Diesel is a violent man,a killer who takes what he wants, and destroys those who take from him but taking Nina means claiming the woman who has stolen his heart. Nina Castella is an innocent: raised by an abusive and controlling father, Nina craves her freedom having watched from her window as Diesel teased and seduced our heroine from afar. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Nina’s father Jonathan Castella, and Diesel’s right hand man/bodyguard Jack.

KING OF THE TEASE is a quick read: a story of power and control, violence and death, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and interesting; the romance is seductive; the characters are powerful, energetic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Looking for something more to read? Check out the other books in the SHORT KINGS ->

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A VAMPIRE’S KISS (Dark Protector) by Rebecca Zanetti -Review Tour

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A VAMPIRE’S KISS (Dark Protectors/Rebels 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights ) by Rebecca Zanetti -review tour

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

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3synz6S

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2023

Unlike several of his brothers, Athan Maxwell accepted the curse inherent in his DNA and solved the problem a century ago by mating his one true mate and saving her life at the same time. Now they only meet up four times a year to exchange blood and keep themselves healthy because that was the deal. Yet after a hundred years, his mate has only become more beguiling and intriguing, and when he discovers a new threat on her tail, his promise of sitting back and leaving her alone goes right out of the window.

Ivy O’Dwyer has enjoyed the last century as an immortal being, evolving from being a farmer’s daughter to the successful CEO of an Internet company. Sure, life gets lonely without the chance to date, and yes, she’s grateful to her vampire mate for saving her life so long ago, and yet the dreams she has of the sexy male won’t desert her. So when he storms in to save her life, in all vampire-possessive mode, it’s difficult to stand her ground. Unfortunately, when they finally discover that living forever but alone isn’t worth it, it might be too late.

•••••

REVIEW: A VAMPIRE’S KISS is instalment 14.5 and novella in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS/REBELS erotic, paranormal romance series, and a part of the 1001 Dark Nights multi-authored series. This is vampire Athan Maxwell, and Ivy O’Dwyer’s story line. A VAMPIRE’S KISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: The events of A VAMPIRE’S KISS run parallel to the timeline and events of GARRETT’S DESTINY (Book 15)

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, no longer to prevent Ulric’s escape.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Athan and Ivy) A VAMPIRE’S KISS focuses on the acrimonious relationship between vampire Athan Maxwelll and Ivy O’Dwyer.Approximately one hundred and seventy years earlier Ivy O’Dwyer lay dying of typhus, and her father made a pact with a powerful vampire, selling his daughter to save his land. Athan Maxwell knew Ivy O’Dwyer was his mate, and in an effort to allow Ivy her freedom, agreed to feed and meet only a few times per year in order to stay alive.Fast forward to present day, Athan knows it is time to permanently claim Ivy as his mate, ensuring both of the survive the upcoming battles. The war with the Kurjans (evil race of vampires) is evolving; the Maxwell family curse has yet to be eradicated; and Ivy’s need to take down the lowest of the low is placing her in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the claiming of Ivy, and the potential fall out when the Kurjans target Ivy for death.

The relationship between Ivy and Athan is one of convenience but Athan has yet to formerly claim Ivy as his mate, and in doing so, has placed them both in danger. Ivy is an independent, very stubborn and determined female with plans of her own; she is a target of the Kurjans, and Athan’s powers are waning in the face of separation from the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate and passionate but I did not feel any palpable sexual attraction as there was no active romance or wooing, only duty and fate.

We are introduced to Athan’s grandparents Mia and Cathal; two of his brothers Klyde and Jasper, Ivy’s friend and Jasper’s wayward mate Leah, as well as the cameo by vampire/member of the Seven Benjamin Reese.

A VAMPIRE’S KISS is a quick paced, fast read; a story of need and desire, duty and honor, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging; the romance is fated; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

 

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
Guardian’s Grace
Vampire
Rebel’s Karma
Immortal’s Honor
Garrett’s Destiny

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  * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes – a Review

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The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes – a Review

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Description:
A captivating psychological suspense debut about a young woman still haunted by her childhood best friend’s death who learns of an eerily similar incident and must find her way back to a cabin in the New England woods, armed with only hazy memories, to finally uncover the truth that has eluded her.

Maya was a high school senior when her best friend, Aubrey, mysteriously dropped dead in front of the enigmatic man named Frank whom they’d been hanging around with all summer. Seven years later, Maya is just managing to move on; she lives in Boston with a loving boyfriend and is kicking the secret Klonopin habit that’s allowed her to cope with what happened all those years ago.

But her past comes to haunt her when she discovers a recent YouTube video in which a young woman suddenly keels over in a diner while sitting across from none other than Frank. Plunged back into the trauma that has defined her life, Maya heads to her small Berkshires hometown to figure out the truth.

With guidance from a half-written book by the father in Guatemala she never knew, Maya’s quest for answers forces her to relive that fateful summer—the influence Frank once had on her, and the jealousy that nearly destroyed her friendship with Aubrey—finally leading her to Frank’s cabin in the woods.

The House in the Pines is an utterly unique and surprising thriller about the subtlety of memory and manipulation, confronting the past and returning home, and the powerful and lasting bonds of family and friendship.

 

 

 

Review:

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes is a stand-alone psychological thriller.  Maya, the main character of this story, is haunted by the mysterious death of her high school best friend 7 years ago.  Her memories are very hazy, with her unable to remember the past, as well as trying to get herself off of her addiction to Klonopin. 

While in high school, Maya started dating Frank, who seemed a bit of a loner, and her best friend, Aubrey worried about Maya and her relationship with Frank.  Maya began to act strange, not able to remember some things, and when Aubrey mysteriously drops dead, while sitting across from Frank; Maya suspects that somehow Frank had something to do with her death.  Unable to prove anything, Maya leaves town to go to college.

7 years later Maya sees a You Tube video, showing a woman who suddenly keels over dead in a diner, with the man sitting across from her, being Frank.  Plunged into her nightmare, Maya decides to return to her hometown to find out the truth from all those years ago.   She is determined to find a way to get past her trauma, and learn how Frank is manipulating people.  Maya’s Guatemalan father wrote an unfinished book, that when she reads, she begins to suspect the unique connections to whatever Frank is able to do. As the story races to its climax, we do discover what is happening, but with that said, I do not want to give spoilers. You will need to read this book to find out.

Overall, I did have mixed feelings about this book.  It was a unique story, suspenseful and interesting.  I just thought there was too much going on between the past and present, leaving me a bit confused at times.   Early on, I did like Aubrey and Maya’s friendship, and Maya’s mom was very good.  Frank was a bad character, especially the more we learn.  

The House in the Pines was well written by Ana Reyes, as for the most part, it kept your attention throughout; with suspense, memories of the past, addiction, and confronting the truths.  If you like psychological thrillers, I suggest you read The House in the Pines.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Without a Trace by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Without a Trace by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Charles Vincent seems to have it all—a beautiful wife, two successful children, and a well-paying career. Yet happiness remains out of reach. He is trapped in a loveless marriage and his job is simply a paycheck. But his life changes forever as he drives along the Normandy coast, heading to their lavish château for the weekend. In one terrifying moment, Charles falls asleep at the wheel and veers off the road, plunging thirty feet down the face of a rocky cliff.

Miraculously, Charles survives. After gathering the courage to climb to safety, he starts to walk—bruised, bloody, and desperate for help. In the dark of night, he happens upon a cabin where he meets the kind and beautiful Aude Saint-Martin. Their connection is instant, and as she nurses him back to health, Charles begins to discover the passion he’s been missing for so many years.

In the aftermath of the crash, Charles has a startling realization—he doesn’t have to go back. He could simply choose to disappear, to walk away from his old life. When his car is discovered, he’ll be presumed dead, washed away at sea. If he stays with Aude, he has a chance at a fuller, happier life he didn’t know was possible. It all seems too good to resist. But Aude has secrets of her own and before long their pasts catch up to them, threatening everything they have fought to build.

What would happen if you were given a chance to walk away from everything in your life and start over with a blank slate, and you had a split second to decide? In Without a Trace, Danielle Steel tells an irresistible story of the risks two people are willing to take in exchange for a second chance at the life they’ve always wanted.

 

 

Review:

Without a Trace by Danielle Steel is a standalone novel.  The story revolves around Charles Vincent, who is married, has two grown up successful children, and a high paying job; but he is currently trapped into an unhappy marriage.  His wife (Isabelle) never works, spends money, enjoys being considered wealthy and lives a glamorous life. Charles had been in the publishing field, making very good money, until he quits his job, and money becomes an issue for two years, with Charles borrowing money from his wife’s father; his wife constantly threatening a divorce.  Charles finally gets another job, making even more money, but he does not like the work and his boss. 

One night, Charles’s boss keeps him late, and when he drives along the coast to their lavish chateau for the weekend, he falls asleep at the wheel and goes over a cliff into the Ocean. Expecting his death during the fall, Charles manages to survive, and he is badly bruised as he desperately walks in the dark to find help.  He comes across a cabin, where he meets a kind woman, Aude, who nurses his wounds, and allows him to rest and sleep in her cabin.  In a very short period, Charles begins to discover the passions he never had, and both Aude and Charles fall in love.  Being presumed dead, Charles realizes that he can choose to disappear and have a happy life with Aude.  Everyone thinks he has died, with funeral services done, and lawyers working on his will.  Charles will learn that Aude has some secrets of her past, that will threaten their lives.

With many months having past, together Charles and Aude must decide which was the best way to go for their lives together. Do they disappear forever, or have Charles make amends to face his family?

Without a Trace was an interesting and different kind of story, with the entire focus on Charles’s unhappy life, at least until he meets the woman who will change his life forever.  What follows is an exciting and tense last third of the book, with Aude’s past coming back to haunt her; as well as everyone learning the truth about Charles’s disappearance.  Without a Trace was well written by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood – a Review

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Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood – a Review

 

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Description:
STEMinist novellas featuring a trio of engineers and their loves in loathing—with a special bonus chapter!

Under One Roof
An environmental engineer discovers that scientists should never cohabitate when she finds herself stuck with the roommate from hell—a detestable big-oil lawyer who won’t leave the thermostat alone.

Stuck with You
A civil engineer and her nemesis take their rivalry—and love—to the next level when they get stuck in a New York elevator.

Below Zero
A NASA aerospace engineer’s frozen heart melts as she lies injured and stranded at a remote Arctic research station and the only person willing to undertake the dangerous rescue mission is her longtime rival.

 

Review:

Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood are three novellas that are part of her STEMinist collection.  Since I have read each of the novellas separately, I will note the highlights of each short story.  There is a bonus chapter at the end, which I will detail more. Mara, Sadie and Hannah were best friends, with each being scientists in different fields.

Under One Roof
Mara is an environmental engineer, who learns that scientists should never cohabitate; especially when she finds herself with a roommate from hell.  They seemed to have great chemistry, but things fell apart quickly.  Did they finally get past the bad start?

Stuck With You
Sadie, our heroine, is a scientist, who works for a new firm producing safer products.  Within the same building, another firm is very successful, making things harder for Sadie and her boss. One evening Sadie, met Erik and it turned into a one-night stand, which she learns the following day that he is one of the founders of the other company.  Sadie feels that Erik betrayed her, when she finds out they took one of their customers away. What follows is a quick story line, with POV’s switching back and forth from the one-night stand and them trapped in the elevator.

 Below Zero
In Below Zero, Hannah is the lead. Hannah is an aerospace engineer for NASA, and she loves her job.  She met Ian, early on, discovering how hot he was; but all she wanted was sex, no dating, and Ian just stepped away; since he was interested in dating and getting to know Hannah. What follows is a quick story line, that was a bit funny, somewhat zany, and at times fun. 

 

Bonus Chapter
Mara and Liam are married, and when Liam gets home from work, he is thrilled to learn that Mara is pregnant.  He is surprised that she told Sadie and Hannah before telling him first.  Mara tries to explain that he was in court all day, and she couldn’t resist telling her best friends.  Liam wasn’t too happy to find out that their significant others (Erik & Ian) also knew about her pregnancy.

We get to see Sadie, who is married to Erik, argue with Erik’s brother, about keeping their cat.  Kind of funny.  Ian seeing how happy their friends are, pushes Hannah to marry him.  This bonus chapter was a quick and nice addition, allowing us to see how all three couples were doing.

Hazelwood is great at upping the heat level and the build-up.  I have enjoyed Ali Hazelwood’s previous full novels, but was not into these novellas. These novellas were zany and fun, but Hazelwood’s full-length novels are so much better. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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