Monthly Archives: September 2023

Claire’s Guardian (Police & Fire) by DM Earl-review tour

Posted on by
12

Claire’s Guardian (Police & Fire: Operation Alpha) by DM Earl-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 September 12, 2023

When passion ignites, this fireman is here for it all…

Ex-military man and dog lover Danny Moretti found his place in this world at the firehouse with his team of heroes. But when a local arsonist starts igniting houses and torturing stray dogs, Danny refuses to back down. He may be in the business of saving people, but he knows when someone deserves punishment.

Widow and single mother Claire George just wants to start over safely with her children–near those she loves the most. But when her world is threatened by a ruthless arsonist, there’s only one man she can trust, Danny Moretti. Their attraction is palpable, and heat burns. Now, it’s up to Danny to protect the one woman and the two children who stole his heart. Can he save them all or will everything he’s ever wanted go up in flames?

•••••

REVIEW:CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN by DM Earl is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense storyline found in the multi-authored Police & Fire: Operation Alpha, based on characters first introduced by Susan Stoker. This is paramedic/fire fighter/animal abuse investigator and former US soldier Danny Moretti, and widow/single mother Claire George’s story line. CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including murder and animal abuse, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several first person perspectives (Claire, Danny, Nova, Tex, ) CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN follows the building romance and relationship between Danny and Claire. Approximately five years earlier Claire’s husband lost his life while on assignment in the Middle East, and with the help of her sister and brother in law, has raised their two sons on her own. Meeting her sister’s neighbor, fire fighter Danny Moretti gives Claire hopes for the future but a possible arsonist / serial killer/ animal abuser is targeting the small town, as well as our story line heroine. Someone from the past is taking aim at the first responders, and Danny is about to discover, what happens in the past, doesn’t always remain in the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Danny and Claire, and the potential fall-out as a killer sets his sights on our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the group of former US Military heroes, whose return home comes with grief and guilt. As each member of the team finds his own happily ever after, there is always someone else waiting to take them down.

The relationship between Claire and Danny is one of immediate attraction but Claire’s first priority is the safety and protection of her five year old twins, and Danny may be the man to accept our heroine, and the children she loves. As Danny begins a slow dance of seduction with Claire, someone else is waiting to destroy them both. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the previous storylines. We are introduced to Claire’s sister /and Danny’s neighbors Marjorie and Herb, as well as several members of Danny’s military teammates turned first responders.

CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN is a story of vengeance and madness, betrayal and powers, murder and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, intense and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Instagram/ Twitter/ Pinterest

D.M. Earl is a U.S.A. Today Bestselling Author who spins stories about real life situations with characters that are authentic, genuine, and sincere. Each of her stories allow the characters to come to life with each turn of the page while they try to find their HEA through much drama and angst. D.M. finds ideas for her next story from within those around her and what she experiences in daily life. Each book has a part of her left behind in it. She lives in Northwest Indiana married to her best friend who was instrumental in the start of her writing career in 2014. When not writing D.M. loves to read, play with her seven fur-babies (yeah crazy) and ride her Harley Dyna Lowrider.

“Enjoy this Ride we call Life.” Remember we only get one chance.

For the latest news and updates on books and upcoming releases, you can subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/dmearln…

Share

Fighting the Pull (River Rain 5) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

Posted on by
13

Fighting the Pull (River Rain 5) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.

There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.

But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.

Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.

They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.

As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHTING THE PULL is the fifth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN erotic, romance series. This is thirty-year old, billionaire businessman Hale Wheeler, and twenty-seven year old, celebrity journalist Elsa Cohen’s story line. FIGHTING THE PULL can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one AFTER THE CLIMB for backstory as it pertains to Hale’s father Corey Szabo.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including talk of suicide, child abuse, and bondage and discipline, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Elsa) and third person perspectives (Hale, Heath) FIGHTING THE PULL follows the building romance and relationship between Hale and Elsa. Elsa’s interview with billionaire Hale Wheeler was about to go off the proverbial rails as Hale was struggling with revealing anything about himself but a few minutes with Elsa found Hale reconsidering the who and what of our story line heroine. A pretend relationship, a potential stalker, and the heart falling for someone who couldn’t love themself found our couple battling the heart break of betrayal, and the dramatic loss of a father that had yet to be acknowledged. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hale and Elsa, and the potential fall-out as Elsa is caught in the direct line of fire, and Hale is unable to forgive himself for the damage that is caused.

The world building focuses on three severely dysfunctional families with insights into child abuse, neglect, infidelity, divorce, and the resulting suicide of a man who struggled to come to terms with what happened and why. Kristen Ashley pulls the reader into a heart breaking and emotional look into deteriorating family values precipitated by greed, jealousy, betrayal and vengeance. Innocent children will pay for the sins of the parents but sometimes the child pays more than anyone could have imagined.

The relationship between Elsa and Hale begins acrimoniously as Hale is reluctant to be interviewed by Elsa Cohen but Elsa and Hale are kindred spirits, each suffering with the endless emotional abuse and betrayal by the people sworn to love them the most. As Hale and Elsa come to terms with their own relationship, the past is determined to destroy our couple, taking aim at the woman with whom Hale is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative with some light scenes and discussion of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and often destructive secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Elsa’s embattled family, and Hale’s bitter and remorseless mother, as well as Elsa’s co-workers and Hale’s security team.

FIGHTING THE PULL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, loss and acceptance, greed and jealousy, acceptance and love. The haunting premise is heart breaking, emotional, raw and honest; the characters are tragic, animated and starting to heal; the romance is seductive and spicy.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap
Making the Match

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

The thing on my mind that I wasn’t admitting was taking more headspace than it should was the fact that Hale had texted the day before.
Again.
Why he wasn’t letting himself off the hook about this interview he never wanted in the first place, I did not know. And it wasn’t going to be me who let him off the hook. Oh no. Not officially.
But I wasn’t returning his texts, so unofficially, the guy should take a hint.
We’d made a deal almost a year before. The deal was, I’d kinda, sorta lay off his family, he’d give me an interview.
I couldn’t totally lay off his family. They were the most celebrated celebrities in the world. Even the ones who hadn’t sought that out, like Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley.
But there were a great many different kinds of celebrity news, and it didn’t seem like Hale Wheeler had cottoned on to the fact I wasn’t a mudslinger.
Sure, I also wasn’t an objective journalist. But I wasn’t TMZ either.
Nugget of news: you could share gossip for a living and still be classy. I was proof of that (or I thought I was).
I had my key ready to put into the four locks on the door to the building where my studio was in Brooklyn, and with practiced ease, I was out of the New York autumn morning cold in no time.
I locked the door behind me and headed to the space in the sectioned off warehouse that I rented for my studio.
I had to unlock that door too (only three locks this time), and once inside, I practically ran into Chuck, my cameraman, who was for some reason right there and crowding me.
My space was small, but this was weird.
I looked at his face, and…great.
We’d probably been burgled.
It wasn’t like I had a ton of expensive equipment, but what I had was hard won. I had offers coming in, and they were healthier than I’d allowed myself to dream, but I hadn’t signed on any dotted line. So, for the foreseeable future, ongoing operating costs, and any expansion, was on me.
I didn’t have time to deal with police reports and insurance companies telling me how little they could actually replace seeing as some small line in their contract exempted them from doing what I paid them to do. Nor did I need to be shelling out to replace stuff.
“What’s up?” I warily asked Chuck.
“Hale Wheeler is here,” he whispered.
Oh no.
That was worse than being burgled.
My gaze flew beyond Chuck to my set which was a one-step dais on which sat a mint green velvet swivel chair with a glass-topped gold side table beside it. These were in front of a greenscreen backdrop we could make anything we wanted it to be. Though usually it was subtle pastel green and peach swirls against a soft white with the words “Elsa’s Exchange” repeated throughout.
And damn it all to hell, there he was.
Tall, ridiculously handsome, athletically built Hale Wheeler, the richest man in the world.

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell’Antonia – a Review

Posted on by
14

Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell’Antonia – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
She gave up on magic. But magic didn’t give up on her.

Two exes. One misbehaving mother. Surprising magic. The perfect recipe for Halloween chaos.

Flair Hardwicke knows the deal: Magic is real, love isn’t, and relying on either ends in disaster. She’s seen the havoc romance and witchcraft wreaked on her mother’s life, and Flair swore off all of it long ago, after the boy she thought was her destiny ditched her. But then her strictly no-magic life falls apart, and Flair inherits her grandmother’s home and bakery in Rattleboro, Kansas.

When the cookies Flair decorates as Tarot cards unleash the magic of the family deck she stole as a child, luring Flair’s mother to town, tempting Flair’s magic-obsessed daughter, ensnaring Flair’s ex in a curse she can’t break, and bringing Flair’s first love back to town, Flair has to accept that while she may have given up on magic, it refuses to give up on her.

As Flair’s attempts to control the Tarot cards play into the hands of a powerful witch, Flair must find a way to accept her magical heritage in order to save those she loves from a danger she’d never anticipated.

 

 

Review:

Playing the Witch Card by K.J. Dell’Antonia is a stand-alone paranormal novel revolving around magic and witches. Flair Hardwicke, our heroine, returns home to Rattleboro, Kansas after many years away; taking her 13-year-old daughter, and leaving her husband who cheated on her for the last time. Flair left home all those years ago because she did not want to be part of the magic from her grandmother and mother. Her decease grandmother left her the house and bakery, but she is determined not to accept the family’s legacy of magic, including a special deck of tarot cards, which she hides. Flair also has issues with her daughter, who wants to go back home where her father is; not knowing the truth of why Flair left.

With business poor at the bakery, Flair is asked to make cookies for Halloween, and as she makes them, she doesn’t remember how she made them, as they were wonderful tarot card cookies. Immediately, her bakery becomes a hit, with business blooming, and even when asked by customers what do some of the cookies mean, Flair finds herself automatically telling each of the customers.  Is Flair finding that even though she does not want magic, it seems magic wants her.

To make matters worse, Flair’s mother, a famous author who writes about magic, comes to visit, and brings Flair’s husband to town, as he has been bespelled by the mother.  What is Flair to do? She needs to hide him from the daughter, since Flair does not want the daughter to go with the father. 

Rattleboro was founded by a coven of witches years ago, and Halloween always has a meaning; with all the shops decorated, scary, fun, treats all through the night; helping to raise money for charity. Loretta and her daughter, Renee are witches, and Loretta with Flair’s friend, Josie, will try to find a way to break the spell; but Loretta convinces Flair that she has to be part of the annual Halloween Trail, and she needs to create more of the magical tarot cookies. They will all gather near the end of the trail and free the spell.

What follows is an exciting mind-blowing last third of the book, as the characters get together to stop the spell and solve the issue with Flair’s husband.   But a plot twist that no one expected changes everything, and despite Flair’s wanting to burn the tarot cards, she knows she needs to use the magical cards to help save everyone; especially dealing with a powerful witch. Who will survive?

I did enjoy Flair meeting her childhood boyfriend, Jude (his mother is Loretta and sister, Renee), and really rooted for them to be together.  I also loved Josie, who was a great friend to Flair, always helping her.  The daughter Lucie was a bit annoying, but that was due to Flair not telling her all the truths. Flair’s mother was not a great mother, but as we move toward the end, she does get better.

Playing the Witch Card was an entertaining, fun and exciting read, that deals with magic, romance, family, tarot cards, and witches in a small town.  I did enjoy this book, which was very well written by K.J. Dell’Antonia.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland – a Review

Posted on by
21

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.
 
Sage Flores has been running from her family—and their “gifts”—ever since her younger sister Sky died. Eight years later, Sage reluctantly returns to her hometown. Like slipping into an old, comforting sweater, Sage takes back her job at Cranberry Rose Company and uses her ability to communicate with plants to discover unusual heritage specimens in the surrounding lands.

What should be a simple task is complicated by her partner in botany sleuthing: Tennessee Reyes. He broke her heart in high school, and she never fully recovered. Working together is reminding her of all their past tender, genuine moments—and new feelings for this mature sexy man are starting to take root in her heart.

With rare plants to find, a dead sister who keeps bringing her coffee, and another sister whose anger fills the sky with lightning, Sage doesn’t have time for romance. But being with Tenn is like standing in the middle of a field on the cusp of a summer thunderstorm—supercharged and inevitable.

 

 

Review:

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is a fun, interesting and romantic stand-alone novel, about a family of female witches, with a paranormal element. Sage Flores, our heroine, left home 8 years ago, after her youngest sister died in an accident. She has recently lost her job, and now returns to Cranberry Rose to live with her aunt Nadia and estranged sister, Teal. Each of the family women have different magic abilities, as they are witches; Sage is a plant whisperer; able to communicate with the plant’s souls; Teal, when angry, can create havoc on the weather/storms; Aunt Nadia has the ability to know things.  Both Sage and Teal do not get along, mostly due to the sister’s death.

Sage gets a job working where she used to work, at the Cranberry Rose Company to help find new plants and help increase the farm’s sales. She is shocked to find her high school crush (who broke her heart), Tennessee (Ten) Reyes is also going to work there, and now they have been teamed up to search for elite special plants.  At first, Sage was a bit sarcastic with Ten, but in a short time, the sparks between them sizzle, as they are both extremely attracted to one another. Ten went out of his way to work closely with Sage, also learning more about her plant whisperer abilities.  Working side by side, brought back memories of the past, and strong new feelings bringing them closer together.

Sage tries hard to solve her family issues, especially the past when Sky died. Sage, also has another secret, that she has not revealed to her family.  Seems her dead sister, Sky, appears quite often (she is a ghost), giving her advice or coffee. When she and Sky (who no one sees) visit another witch older witch, to find out why Sky cannot move on, which will bring them back to Aunt Nadia to use her knowledge to find an amazing and magical discovery.

Witch of Wild Things was a very good story with many things, such as dysfunctional family, romance, sisterhood, friendship, trauma and magical witches.  I loved Sage and Tenn together, as they were a great couple.  By the end, I loved all of the family and female witches, with their individual magical ability. Most of all, I loved the wonderful happy ever after ending.  Witch of Wild Things was very well written by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland. I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

The Reading Cafe and Berkley are graciously offering a hard copy of WITCH OF WILD THINGS 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.

3. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. Please LIKE and FOLLOW Berkley Romance on Facebook for an addition entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from September 11 – 15, 2023

 

 

Share

A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY by Julianne MacLean-review & giveaway

Posted on by
19

A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY by Julianne MacLean-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

Scarlett Fontaine is a true Hollywood legend—a singer, actress, and beloved fashion icon. But Scarlett dies tragically at just thirty-six years old, leaving behind no children. Or so the story goes…

Gwen Hollingsworth is the curator at a museum dedicated to Scarlett’s life. She’s also sole heir to Scarlett’s fortune as a descendant of the star. But all is not well in Gwen’s world. She’s dealing with a messy marital separation and is struggling to move forward. So when Peter Miller, a biographer and photojournalist, comes to the museum with shocking claims about Scarlett—a life of exile in Alaska, a baby born in secret—Gwen’s whole world is turned upside down. Again.

Determined to uncover the truth, Gwen and Peter set out for Alaska together but soon find themselves on a path toward something far deeper and more meaningful than either of them ever expected.

A Storm of Infinite Beauty takes readers on a breathtaking journey from a lush vineyard in Nova Scotia to a rustic lodge in Alaska where old family secrets are revealed and the quest for true happiness begins.

•••

REVIEW: A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY by Julianne Maclean is a stand alone story line of women’s fiction focusing on two timelines, two women, two pregnancies, and a family history ripe in fame, secrets and lies.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives and dual times lines 1963-64, and 2017, A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY focuses on Hollywood legend Scarlett Fontaine aka Valerie McCarthy in the year before her life changed in the blink of an eye.

In 2017, former photojournalist turned author Peter Miller is hoping to write the biography of the late award winning, Hollywood legend Scarlett Fontaine, and his search for the truth brings him to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada where the Scarlett Fontaine Museum is located and housed in a large Victorian mansion. Meeting curator and Scarlett Fontaine descendant Gwen Hollingsworth sets into motion a journey to Alaska where Gwen and Peter will uncover the heart breaking story and beginnings of the woman the world would come to know as Scarlett Fontaine.

In 1963-64, the reader is ‘told’ the story of Valerie McCarthy as she is banished, by her family to Alaska, where she will never come to terms with a perceived betrayal, accepting of the present, and a new direction in life going forward. A secret pregnancy, the Great Alaskan earthquake of 1964, and the death of 139 lives forces Valerie to take on a new role, a new life, and the personification of someone who has it all.

A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY is a dramatic, heart breaking, emotional and tragic story of betrayal, unrequited love, dysfunctional family behavior, loss and acceptance set against the real world earthquake and ensuing tsunamis in Alaska in 1964. The premise is edgy, haunting and real; the characters are desperate and impassioned. A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY is a journey; a trek into the past focusing on loss, love and taking back control.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:Hi Julianne and welcome to The Reading Café.

Congratulations on the release of A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY.

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

JM:  Sure! I’ve been writing novels for thirty years, and I have a wonderfully supportive husband and a 26-year-old daughter who is currently studying to be a chiropractor. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

JM: There have been many influences over the years. I was very lucky to have a mentor early on when I began writing historical romance. I joined a writers’ group in the 1990’s and met the late Jo Beverley, who was incredibly generous in sharing her knowledge. It was amazing to meet a real published author when I was just starting out. Later, when I began publishing novels independently, Bella Andre was an incredible inspiration for me. She’s very smart about the business of publishing and I learned a lot from her about focus and discipline.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

JM: It was tough to break into the publishing world in the late 1990’s. It took me six years before I landed a contract, so I spent those years writing and submitting — and usually getting rejected! But I have no regrets about that because it forced me to keep improving my manuscripts to become a better writer. I also learned to persevere and not give up, even in the face of rejection.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY?

JM: A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY is a dual timeline novel which takes readers back to the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964 (a true historic event), so there’s quite a bit of action surrounding the main character’s emotional journey. I think readers will enjoy the escape to stunning and beautiful Alaska while also learning about what happened there in 1964. And they’ll experience it through the eyes and hearts of the two female leads who each have personal battles to fight in their own lives. There’s also a love story at the book’s core, which readers have come to expect from me. I don’t think I could write a book without a love story, even if it’s tragic or unrequited.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

JM: That’s a great question, and it’s a challenge to keep things fresh when sometimes it feels like everything in books and movies has been done before. But generally, when I’m plotting a novel, I try to lead the reader down what looks like a predictable path, but then I steer away from the obvious and take a sharp left turn.

In my opinion, whether something feels believable depends on the characters’ thoughts, emotions, and actions. If those feel real and make sense, how they navigate through unexpected events should also feel real and authentic.

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?

JM: I can’t speak for other readers, but for me, the cover image is often what initially attracts me to a book. It’s what catches my eye if I’m simply browsing in a store or online. If it looks like a quality read, and the title is intriguing, then the back cover description becomes the most important element that truly sells it to me.

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

JM: For me, it’s a little of both. I usually have the broad plot points figured out before I begin writing a novel, so I know the main events that are going to happen, but within each scene, and while getting from one major plot point to the next, the characters lead me there. Sometimes I’m not sure what will happen within a scene until the characters start talking and interacting.

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 writers fail in this endeavor?

JM: At the most basic level, I think a good writer needs to write cleanly and clearly, and that’s where craft is important. I’m referring to the use of strong verbs, avoiding passive sentences, repetition of words or ideas, and making sure the structure and length of each sentence is varied so that they all flow together with a pleasant rhythm. (Note that this can be handled during the editing and polishing phase.)

Outside of that, I feel the writer needs to get into the mind—as well as the skin—of the character and strive to feel the emotions as they write. This of course requires the all-important use of imagination. If the character is being chased by a bear or is falling down a mountain, the writer’s heart should be pounding as they imagine and describe such an experience.

The icing on top of all that is the use of all five senses. The writer shouldn’t lose sight of the physical world when his character is moving through a scene. This might be where writers fail in the goal of pulling a reader into the storyline and keeping them there. The writer might communicate the character’s thoughts and feelings very well, but the reader wants to be transported fully into the character’s personal experience. They want to feel what the character is feeling, emotionally and physically as well. For example… Is it raining? Is the character’s skin wet and cold, and is this making him shiver when he’s trying to talk to someone? Or is he drunk and losing his balance? Or is the smell of lilacs reminding a character of her childhood and helping her to make sense of her current situation? So, the bottom line is this: emotions are important, but so are physical sensations. The reader needs the whole experience.

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

JM: I don’t listen to music. I need absolute quiet, or at least white noise. The rhythm of the words is my music!

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

My husband is my sounding board for plot ideas, and he’s great at it. My cousin is also my critique partner, and she will let me know if something in my book needs a shot in the arm.

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

JM: I’m not sure, but maybe there’s an expectation that an author should know everything about every single aspect of the world. Sometimes we make mistakes (about a setting detail for instance) because we’re human. It’s not because we don’t care or are too lazy to do research. We’re really trying to do our best. Sometimes even a copyeditor won’t pick up on an obscure detail that a certain reader might notice. Mistakes happen to us all, and it only bothers me when a reader says it ruined the whole book for them and they didn’t bother to finish.  

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

JM: I have a weakness for crystal stemware.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

JM: I’m almost finished the first draft of my next book which is due in a few months. It’s set on Sable Island off the coast of Nova Scotia, my home province.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

JM: Thanks for having me!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – salmon and ratatouille

Favorite Dessert – Crème Brûlée

Favorite TV Show – I have lots of favorites, but I’ll go with Succession today.

Last Movie You Saw – In the theater, it was Oppenheimer.

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush – Ethan Hawke

Last Vacation Destination – New York for a Billy Joel concert

Do you have any pets? – No. Our dog Molly passed away in 2020 and I’m not over that yet.

Last book you read –The Undiscovered Self: The Dilemma of the Individual in Modern Society by Carl Jung

Thank you, Julianne, for taking the time to answer our questions.Congratulations on your new release.

JM: Thank you!

Spark Points Studios is offering a paper copy of A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY by Julianne MacLean to ONE (1) 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.

3. Please LIKE Julianne MacLean on Facebook

4. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from September 11-15, 2023

Share

Hexes and Hooligans by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

Posted on by
13

Hexes and Hooligans by Elizabeth Pantley

 

 

  Goodreads

Description:
Would you join a book club that gets sucked into their cozy mysteries? These people did, and now they are hooked on traveling into books to become the amateur sleuths!

The book selection of the month takes the club into a charming and idyllic world of gnome-like people who love the earth, celebrating, and honey. What they don’t like is the mysterious ailment that is turning students at the local college into hideous versions of themselves.

The timing is terrible, as it coincides with the upcoming Honeybee Moon Festival, the community’s biggest celebration of the year.

The event is only a week away. Can the motley group determine what’s causing the students’ transformations, stop it from spreading, and get them back to normal? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home to Colorado.

 

 

Review:

Hexes and Hooligans by Elizabeth Pantley is 5.5 (a Novella) of her fun and entertaining Magical Mystery Book Club series.  Refresher: Paige and her Aunt Glo, inherited the grandmother’s country inn, which comes with a magical library.  The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a lighthearted and fun series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.

As club members arrive, they are all anxious to choose another book, and be on their merry way to another adventure. They choose a story line which for a change, does not have murders.  The book is called Beauty is the Eye of the Hexer, and once the first chapter is read, the globe rotates and they are on their way.   I like Paige and Glo, and most of the members of the club, but I adore Frank, the talking cat.  Mollie, the ghost is a good character, who continued to stay with the group.

Upon arrival at a beautiful small town with residents that are all gnomes.  Immediately, they meet three young girls, who are upset, as they fear they have been hit with a virus. Paige, Glo and the group look at the girls, and they look very healthy; but once they meet many of the residents, they will realize that the girls, and future school members that get infected, consider themselves different looking (though they look beautiful); is this a curse against those that do not look like gnomes? 

All of the book club members act as visiting professors at the college, and there they try to find clues as to what is happening.  Soon they realize that it is not a virus, but someone bad, has created a hex against those hit with so called virus. They go to different classes to look for clues to try and solve the mystery, especially with the upcoming Honeybee Moon Festival. It was funny when they suspected different people and brought them to the inspector, only to find out they were wrong.

What follows is a fun story that has all the members trying to find clues, as well as suspects. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining.  All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige and Glo being the leaders, and Frank (the talking cat) always enjoyable.  

Hexes and Hooligans was another terrific and fun addition to this series. There were a few surprises throughout, which was lots of fun to read. Hexes and Hooligans was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Share

WYOMING COWBOYS by Janie Crouch and Regan Black -reviews

Posted on by
13

WYOMING COWBOYS (Never Too Late For Love) by Janie Crouch and Regan Black -reviews

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 September 13, 2023

Three full later-in-life romantic suspense books…

Starts with: MARIA’S COWBOY

Maria Boyne feels like she’s living inside a country song, and not in a good way.

Everything that could possibly go wrong has… from a husband who died and left her with major debt on her tiny ranch, to a horse that’s gone missing, to feeling like she’s being watched.

At 50, she never thought this was the life she’d be living: alone, broke, and scared.

Cowboy Huck Samuels came to Sweet Pine, Wyoming to work on a friend’s ranch and start a new life. Most people assume his scars and limp are from his rodeo days.

That’s better than them knowing the truth.

When the gentle beauty at the neighboring ranch needs help with her horses, one of the few things Huck’s ever been good at, he’s more than happy to volunteer.

It doesn’t take him long to realize Maria’s string of bad luck is actually something much more sinister. And that, despite his injuries, he’s not going to let her face them alone.

It’s not too late for him to be the man he once was.

And it’s never too late for love.

••••••••

MARIA’S COWBOY

REVIEW: MARIA’S COWBOY is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense story focusing on fifty year old, widow and rancher Maria Boyne, and former rodeo rider turned ranch foreman Huck Samuels.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Huck and Maria) MARIA’S COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Huck and Maria. Five years earlier Maria’s husband died, leaving Maria deeply in debt. Having sold off the cattle and half of the land to a real estate developer, Maria finds herself at a crossroads when she is unable to get a loan to cover the rest of the costs. Meeting her neighbor’s new ranch foreman Huck Samuels gave Maria thoughts for a future but at fifty years old, Maria struggles to begin her personal life anew but all was not well when everything begins to go wrong, and Huck suspects the woman with whom he is falling in love has been targeted by someone close.

The relationship between Huck and Maria is one of immediate attraction but Huck is new in town, and Maria hasn’t dated since she lost her husband . With the ranch struggling to stay afloat, Maria battles between head and heart but the attacks against the ranch are fast and furious. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters include fellow ranchers Cole and Harvey, as well as cafe owner Lovey, and ranch hands Jed and Tyler.

WYOMING COWBOYS is a quick read; a fast paced story of intrigue and mystery. The premise is engaging and interesting; the characters are expressive; the romance is mostly implied.

•••••••

TERESA’S COWBOY (book 2)

REVIEW: TERESA’S COWBOY is the second story in the WYOMING COWBOYS anthology co-authored by Janie Crouch and Regan Black focusing on rancher Cole, and barista Teresa.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives TERESA’S COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Cole and Teresa. Teresa is on the run, having heard the suspected murder of someone she loves. Arriving in Sweet Pines, Wyoming Teresa never expected to settle down but an offer of a job, and the acceptance of local rancher Cole, gave Teresa a hope for a safe and happy future. When Teresa’s past comes looking for our story line heroine, the town of Sweet Pines protects one of their own but they couldn’t be everywhere all at once. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cole and Teresa, and the potential fall-out as the threats to her life and safety come to fruition.

The relationship between Cole and Teresa covers approximately a year in the life from start to the end of their story. Cole’s attraction to Teresa is immediate but Teresa doesn’t have plans to stay for long in Sweet Pines. There are no $ex scenes.

Huck and Maria return, as well as coffee shop owner Lovey Jones, and rancher Harvey, who helps in the rescue of our story line heroine.

TERESA’S COWBOY is another quick read; fast paced story of betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is exciting; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate.

•••••

CALLIE’S COWBOY (book 3)

REVIEW: CALLIE’S COWBOY is the third story line in the contemporary, adult WYOMING COWBOYS romance series co-authored by Janie Crouch and Regan Black. This is former rodeo rider turned rancher / trail guide Harvey, and registered nurse Callie.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Harvey and Callie) CALLIE’S COWBOY follows another woman, on the run, from an abusive ex. Callie’s arrival in Sweet Pines, Wyoming coincides with a tour group about to set off on horseback for a five day trip. An injury will force someone else to step aside, wherein Callie will take her place, including her identity, but the trip through the mountains is about to spiral out of control, leaving Callie and Harvey separated from the group, fearing for their lives. Once Harvey discovers Callie’s true identity, Callie’s past descends upon our couple, threatening to destroy Callie, once and for all.

The relationship between Callie and Harvey is one of immediate attraction but one predicated upon several lies. A series of accidents and encounters are about to overrun the group, as Callie must confess the truth as to why she is on the run. There are no $ex scenes.

WYOMING COWBOYS is an anthology trio wherein three former rodeo riders from Sweet Pines, Wyoming all find love with women who have been threatened or left struggling by the men in their lives. All three stories are similar in concept and premise, focusing on the insta-love relationships between the hero and heroine. A nice, sweet set of stories with limited passion, limited romance, but high on suspense and worry.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Foolish Lovers (Seaforth Billionaires) by Jeana E Mann-review

Posted on by
15

Foolish Lovers (Seaforth Billionaires) by Jeana E Mann-review

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 September 7, 2023

A billionaire bounty hunter meets a sassy stalker and vows to capture her heart.

Their hot hookups have him begging for more. There’s just one problem…she’s on his warrant list. He has to take her in or lose his professional reputation. Oh yeah, and his best friend has declared his girlfriend’s sister off-limits. Things are about to get messy.

NOTE: *This book is a standalone with an HEA, formerly titled Pretty Broken Bastard.

•••

REVIEW:Foolish Lover is the next installment in the Seaforth Billionaires series by the ever interesting Jeana. E. Mann. This is an enemies to lovers romance that will have you swearing at the main male lead and wishing the female lead was your new bestie. Yes, it’s that good.

This book gave me such giggles. I loved that we got to visit with past characters from other books and see their interaction with the main couple from this one. Jo and Carter are a kick in the pants in the best way possible. Carter is a tool; he will drill anything with a hole and I do mean that. ? He is a manwh*re of epic propositions, but one that is also hiding a good heart. Jo is off limits, has been and always will be. That doesn’t stop Carter though from catching feelings or trying to get closer to her.

When Jo is first introduced, she is dealing with a horrible breakup and my heart went out to her so much. She is a mess through the first few chapters, but I think that made her even more relatable to other readers. Throughout this book, Jo fights to let down her guard, while Carter tries to move past his playboy reputation. It is really heartwarming when they finally give in to one another. Their banter is pretty entertaining as well though. I have to give it to Ms. Author, she can write a great novel about love, family and laughter.

Previous Reviews
Foolish Dreams
Foolish Promises
Foolish Hearts

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Jeana is a USA Today bestselling author from Indiana. She gave up a career in the corporate world to write about sexy billionaires and alpha bad boys. With over twenty books, three series, and several awards beneath her belt, she’s never regretted her choice to live out her dream. She’s a free-spirit, a wanderer, and loves animals with a passion. When she’s not tripping over random objects, you’ll find her walking in the sunshine with her rambunctious dogs and dreaming about true love.

Keep up with Jeana Mann and subscribe to her newsletter  -> HERE

You can follow Jeana here:

Website:http://jeanaemann.net
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JeanaEMann
Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/JeanaEMann
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/JeanaEMann
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Jeana-E.-Mann/e/B00HI4KQB4/ref
Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jeana-e-mann
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeana.e.mann/

Share