Author Archives: Barb

The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland – a Review

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The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland – a Review

 

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Description:
In a perfectly ordinary building, four strangers who couldn’t be more different meet for the first time. Their skepticism of this new kind of grief therapy—and the unnervingly perceptive group leader—means they’re all wary, but as the weeks go by, they find themselves returning again and again, pulled to work toward healing, even if it means first facing the pain head-on.

A sharp-tongued lawyer who has no intention of letting down her walls, a fragile young woman looking for a place to belong, a musician at the top of his game who’s one drink away from losing it all, and an interior designer facing the crumbling of her picture-perfect life—this unlikely group slowly opens up, not only to the possibility of a happier future but to friendship, change, and even romance.

When a shocking revelation reveals the real reason they were chosen for this group, it shakes the very foundation of what they thought they knew. What began as a journey designed to heal turns out to be a much greater test of friendship, strength, and love as they realize happiness is just outside the door…if they’re brave enough to seek it.

 

 

Review:

The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland is a stand-alone novel centered on four strangers who are brought together in an experimental treatment to fix broken hearts. This was a powerfully emotional read. Genevieve Dempsey promises a different approach to healing, and four participants are selected, with all four showing up every Wednesday night at 7 O’Clock. Genevieve, the group facilitator, who poses questions to be answered by each participant in a round-robin style.

We meet the four participants;
Victoria: a lawyer, who is 41, and strong, independent, taking no nonsense in openly dealing with others.

Freya: 31 year old, very nice, struggling in her marriage, also suffering from panic attacks.

Mischa: 20 years old, sweet, quiet and sensitive, giving up much of her life to care for her mother.

Callum: 29 year-old, successful musician/rock star, who is spiraling from drug and alcohol abuse.

All four of these have experienced loss, bereavement, tragedy, grief, despair and anger, with us learning about each of the alternating POV’s, during their weekly sessions. As they learn more about each other, they become closer and friendships grow; with coming to terms with their grief. There were so many heart-warming stories, with love, sadness, forgiveness, drama and remorse.

About three quarters into the book, a shocking revelation changed everything, which was a fantastic twist that I did not see coming.  This twist blew my mind. Rather than reveal anything, I will say that the twist was a shock, and did enhance the story.

The Seven O’Clock Club was a fantastic and different story line.  I really enjoyed this book, as well as the amazing twist.  The Seven O’Clock Club was so very well written by Amelia Ireland.  Loved this story, and plan to check out Ireland for future books.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Someone to Love by Michelle Major – a Review

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Someone to Love by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.

I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding. Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.

Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake boyfriend. How can I say no?

It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.

Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we can win. I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful, I might lose my heart in the final play.

 

 

 

Review:

Someone to Love by Michelle Major is the first book in her new The Skylark series. We meet Sadie Hart, who owns a doggie daycare center, in her Skylark, Colorado town.  Sadie always puts everyone else’s needs and happiness before her own, especially her sister, Piper; who is planning a wedding with an old boyfriend of Sadie.

Ian Barlow, ex-retired NFL player, who just moved in next to Sadie’s house; Ian plans to spend more time with his daughter, Riva; as his ex-wife is away making movies. Riva is around 13, and wants a dog, but neither parents will allow that; when she steals one of the dogs, Ian offers to make amends.  Riva falls in love with all the cute dogs, and gets to work at the doggie daycare; with Sadie, being a mentor and role model for Riva.

Ian finds himself attracted to Sadie, and with pressure from some of Sadie’s friends, he agrees to play fake boyfriend, for Piper’s wedding. As they pretend to people the fake relationship in town. The more time they spend together, their chemistry begins to sizzle between them.  Ian doesn’t feel their relationship is fake, and slowly, Sadie too finds her heart not feeling fake either. There were definitely sexy moments throughout.

I really like Sadie and Ian together, as they made a great couple.  I loved Riva, who became so close to Sadie and the adorable dogs.  The side characters such as Sally, Trina, Piper, Felix, and the book club group were all terrific, adding a lot of charm.  Sadie also worries about her friend, Sloane, who is diagnosed with possible cancer.

Someone to Love was a lighthearted, engaging, cozy, small town romance full of love, friends and family. The story was sweet, entertaining, sexy, funny and witty at times.  Someone to Love was so very well written by Michelle Major. I really enjoyed this book, and suggest you read this too.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory -a Review

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Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory -a Review

 

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Description:
Avery Jensen is almost thirty, fresh off a breakup, and she’s tired of always being so uptight and well-behaved. She wants to get a hobby, date around (especially other women), flirt with everyone she sees, all the fun stuff normal people do in their twenties. One Avery doesn’t know how to do any of that. She doesn’t have a lot of dating experience, with men or women, and despite being self-assured at work, she doesn’t have a lot of confidence when it comes to romance.

Enter Taylor Cameron, Napa Valley’s biggest flirt and champion heartbreaker. Taylor just broke up with her most recent girlfriend, and her best friend bet her that she can’t make it until Labor Day without sleeping with someone. (Two whole months? Without sex? Taylor?!?!) So, she offers to give Avery flirting lessons. It will keep her busy, stop her from texting people she shouldn’t. And it might distract her from how inadequate she feels compared to her friends, who all seem much more settled and adult than Taylor.

At first, Avery is stiff and nervous, but Taylor is patient and encouraging, and soon, Avery looks forward to their weekly lessons. She tells herself it’s because the lessons are fun, not because she kind of might have a little bit of a crush on Taylor. Taylor doesn’t even try to deny that she’s intrigued by Avery, but she’s still got a bet to win. With Taylor’s help, Avery is finally doing what she wants to flirting with lots of women, making friends, having fun! But after a while, it becomes impossible for Avery and Taylor to ignore their attraction to one another, despite them both insisting to themselves and everyone else that it isn’t serious. When Taylor is forced to confront her feelings for Avery, she doesn’t know what to do, how to deal with it, and most importantly, if she’s already ruined the best thing she’s ever had.

 

 

Review:

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory is a very sweet queer romcom stand-alone novel.  We meet Avery Jensen, who just went through a breakup, and wants to try dating women, having been attracted to them, but never acted on this. Avery meets Taylor Cameron, at an event, who is a chronic flirt and heartbreaker, Taylor has no problem flirting and having earned her reputation.  

Taylor takes Avery under her wing, promising to teach Avery some much needed flirting lessons. Both of them will go on a fantastic adventure together. Exploring their sexuality and identity while getting to know each other. Their journey is full of banter, flirting and hookups, as we get closer the last third of the book, their relationship changes since they were spending lots of time together. The chemistry between Taylor and Avery increased, as it was wonderful to see them get closer.  When they started to actually date, it was pretty spicy.

I really enjoyed Taylor taking Avery to different places, including all of Taylor’s friends. Avery learned to get past her anxiety and pushed herself to meet others and befriend them.  Taylor was happy to see Avery beginning to become grow more confident and happier. It was also nice to see Taylor and Erica’s friendship, and Taylor feeling hurt when her friends kept talking about how long before she dumps Avery. But it was nice to see all the friends and the importance of female friendship in their lives.  It was really nice to see both Taylor and Avery finding love together.

Flirting Lessons was a wonderful, witty, fun story that turned out to be a sweet romance.   Flirting Lessons was so very well written by Jasmine Guillory.  This was a fun queer female story line.  Well done by Guillory.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Swept Away by Beth O’Leary – a Review

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Swept Away by Beth O’Leary – a Review

 

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Description:
What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend’s daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

 

 

Review:

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary is a wonderful exciting, intense & romantic novel. Zeke and Lexi meet one night at the bar, and they end up at his house boat for a one-night stand. In the morning, when they wake up, they discover that the boat was not tied up and they have drifted out to sea. Thus, begins eight days lost at sea, with no phone signal, little food, storms & unable to handle the boat.

As the story continues, they have no power in steering the houseboat, hoping someone will come to their rescue. With each passing day (they end up with 8 days), they learned to limit the food, drinks; Zeke and Lexi faced so many life and death experiences at sea. Being alone leaves them exposed with angst; strengths, weaknesses, fears, issues, storms, accidents, that they end up discussing each day. Will they survive?

I really loved both Zeke and Lexi, as they were wonderful and amazing characters.  The chemistry between escalates along the way, as they were very compelling and complex characters; whom we couldn’t help but root for them.  After the 8th day, they were finally rescued, with family and friends waiting for their arrival. 

The final twist close to the end, was a total surprise; with Lexi learning something from Penny, causing her to ignore Zeke. However, Penny will reveal the truths about the past, and all well be well.  Zeke and Lexi will eventually have their happy ending.

Swept Away was an exciting, romantic, intense, adventurous, thrilling and addictive story. Both Zeke and Lexi made a wonderful endearing couple. Swept Away was so very well written by Beth O’Leary.  It was also a great epilogue. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping by Jesse Q. Sutanto – a Review

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Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping by Jesse Q. Sutanto – a Review

 

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Description:
Ever since a man was found dead in Vera’s teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly’s girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn’t be ungrateful, even if one is slightly…bored.

Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena’s, Vera finds a treasure Selena’s briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can’t seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander’s murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for her future daughter-in-law.

 

 

 

Review:

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto is the 2nd book in her Vera Wong’s series.   Vera, is a sharp-witted 61-year-old, who once again becomes involved in a new mystery for her to investigate. She is surround by wonderful family, and a bustling shop, but she does become slightly bored. 

Vera meets a young distressed girl, Millie, who is looking for a missing friend.  Her friend, Xander was a successful social media influencer and Vera helps Millie to look for her friend, who turns up dead. Vera begins to collect a group of young characters, who knew Xander, to help her solve the crime. The way Vera captivates the people around her is delightful, and loved by her new young friends. She brings humor into this story, especially with her meddling in their lives.  Vera is determined to discover who was Xander, especially since those friends, who really did not know his real name; she will gather those friends and find the truth. This was an interesting plot, filled with suspense, as well as Vera keeping them under her wing; as well as always bringing huge amounts of food, and her famous tea. 

Besides her regular family, as well as her young friends, others become concerned with many worried about her interfering and gaining the attention of dangerous people, who are possible behind the murder.  Her son, Tilly’s girlfriend is Officer Selena Gray (who worked on the previous case), and Selena is not too happy with Vera, becoming involved, and putting herself in danger.

I really got a kick out of Vera, especially her wonderful grandmotherly affection for the very young, who call her grandma; as well as her social media influence friends. They teach Vera new skills, even becoming quickly well-known on social media.  Vera is always there for each of them, to build their confidence. 

What follows is Millie will tell Vera the truths about her evil mother and father, and who is truly behind the murders. Vera was injured, and Selena will get the department to find the bad people committing the crimes. 

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man), was a wonderful, fun, exciting, heartwarming story with a group of new people who Vera helped and protected.  Once again, Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping was a delightful story, so very well written by Jesse Q. Sutanto.  I look forward to more from Vera Wong.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Just Our Luck by Denise Williams – a Review

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Just Our Luck by Denise Williams – a Review

 

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Description:
Who needs love? Not Sybil Sweet. After years of bouncing from job to job in search of something that feels right and from man to man in search of something special, Sybil is embracing her role as the directionless, floundering member of her family. All she really wants now is a little financial stability and carb comfort. Lucky for her, she’s got just enough in the bank to buy a lottery ticket, and the late-night donut store is open.

Kiran Anderson abandoned his dreams of becoming a doctor to take over running his family’s bakery, and after two years of fighting a losing battle to save the place, he’s exhausted and broke. But when a whirlwind of a woman sweeps in late one night, flirty energy gives way to more…until she runs out the next morning, leaving behind her winning lottery ticket.

Lucky for Kiran, his attempt to return the ticket looks like a grand romantic gesture and goes viral, sending sales through the roof. In an effort to keep the store afloat and to get Sybil’s family off of her back, they agree to fake a relationship for three months. Even with hundreds of millions of dollars, finding each other might end up being the sweetest bit of luck for both of them.

 

 

 

Review:

Just Our Luck by Denise Williams is another one of her romantic stand-alone novels. We meet Sybil Sweet, who continually bounces from job to job, unable to find a good job.  She is a floundering member of her family, with little financial stability. Sybil stops at the donut shop one evening and buys a lottery ticket; and meets Kiran, who is hot and sexy. This will become an interracial romance, with she also being a plus-size female.

Kiran Anderson, was scheduled to return to med school for his next semester, but when his grandfather suffered a stroke, he deferred the semester to help his family run the donut shop; until his grandfather recovers.  Both Sybil and Kiran find themselves attracted to each other.

The following morning, Kiran spots the lottery ticket that Sybil forgot to take; and sees that the ticket was a winning one.  Kiran is determined to find Sybil, and is interviewed on social media requesting the help of finding Sybil, to give her the winning ticket; Sybil sees the video and returns to the shop. Sybil learns how much she won, which turned into millions; and she also wants to help Kiran and family to keep their donut shop business afloat.

Sybil and Kiran were totally different, as she was impulsive, cheerful and always does the unthinkable; whereas Kiran was a hard worker, disciplined and thrives on success. But a connection between them kept pulling them together, with her loving Kiran’s calm and he enjoying her wonderful personality. The chemistry between them was sizzling.  Sybill convinces Kiran to appear on social media talking about their attraction to each other, with them hiding that this was a fake dating trope. 

What follows is their relationship continues grow, even if Kiran, who is grumpy at times, still plans to return to med school. I really liked Sybil and Kiran together, with their chemistry making things even stronger; and sexy.  With Sybil now very rich, she does gives donations to help businesses and others, but she does make mistakes.  I loved so many of their friends and family, which was fun, humorous and enjoyable. I will say at times things were a bit slow.

Just Our Luck was a fun, exciting, entertaining and romantic story.  Just Our Luck was written by Denise Williams. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – a Review

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The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.

It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.

Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.

But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?

 

 

Review:

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo was a wonderful standalone novel.  This was a sequel to the previous book, The Light We Lost, which now takes picks up a decade after Gabe’s death, with his editor (Eric) calling Lucy to plan a promotion for a new book to be published.  Lucy ends up searching for Gabe boxes that has been in the closet for many years; she ends up finding an address in Italy with a drawing of a young boy.  Lucy decides to fly to Italy to do research on her own, why Gabe would have kept this address.  She will meet the family, including the young man (10 Years older), Bashire, who was a drawing expert whose photo was still cherished.

While in Italy, she meets Dax, a doctor who works with refugees coming into Italy. Lucy finds herself attracted to Dax, as he also falls hard for her.  When Dax returns to the states, their relationship escalates.  Though Gabe has been dead for 10 years, she wonders if her and Dax have found love. 

The main focus of this story revolves around Lucy, her three kids, and her ex, Darren and his wife, Courtney.   Lucy and Darren have shared custody, with each week the families switching to their house.  Their three kids – Violet, Liam, and Sam, make a very good happy family. Sam the youngest (8 years old) is actually Gabe’s son, which only Darren knows about.  Lucy decides she wants to tell Sam, and her other two kids, about Gabe; which infuriates Darren, who does not want this to be revealed.  Darren found out about Gabe, which was a reason for the divorce. The conflict between Darren and Lucy has them both at crossroads; but with help from Courtney, Lucy does tell her three kids about Gabe, and Sam realizes that he looks like Gabe. 

When Dax returns from Italy, their romance resumes, until Lucy fears her kids will not accept him.  She decides to break up with Dax, as she is reluctant to hurt her family; but when Dax has to help find Sam, and everything changes, including the kid’s acceptance.

The Love We Found was a very emotional and powerful journey, filled with grief, life, loss and secrets.  The Love We Found was very well written by Jill Santopolo.  This was a wonderful story, which I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner – a Review

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A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner – a Review

 

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Description:
1956, Malibu, Something is not right on Paradise Circle.

With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.

Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?

As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are revealed among all three women, leading to an alliance that seems the only way for any of them to hold on to what they can still call their own. But it’s a fragile pact and one little spark could send it all up in smoke…

 

 

Review:

A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner is a very good standalone novel. The story begins in Paradise Circle in Malibu, in the 1950’s. Melanie Cole is a young starlet, who because of her actor boyfriend has been suspected to be communist, and blacklisted; with Melanie also is on the radar of the McCarthy hunt.  Carson, the actor, sets her up in a house, all expenses paid, including a maid. Melanie is lonely, and she chats through open windows with her next-door neighbor, Elwood; who is a famous screen writer.

Eva, the maid, comes 6 times a week, and is a Polish immigrant, who also has her own secrets.  Eva not only is the housekeeper, but she also cooks. Eva plans to stay working for Melanie, since she keeps her secret immigration past.

June is Elwood’s sister-in-law, and one day both Melanie and Eva spot June, digging in Elwood’s beloved rose garden. Melanie finds this odd, as Elwood never leaves the house, and they both become suspicious and concerned for Elwood’s wellbeing. Since she has no contact anymore with Elwood, Melanie gets Eva to spend half her workday with June, helping doing housework; in order to find what’s happening with Elwood.   Eva cannot find anything, without her trying to look into his room.  But soon, June becomes an ally to Eva, sharing their secrets.  Melanie tries to get more information pertaining to Elwood, she suspects that something has happened to him. 

We do learn that Elwood, was in an accident years ago, causing someone’s death, which caused his life to change.  As Elwood got older, he suffered from severe illness; with June being the one who typed and changed all of his writing.  Melanie will discover that Elwood was dead, but she will learn that he committed suicide.   

Unexpected secrets are revealed for each of the three women, which will eventually lead into an alliance, and the start of a friendship.  Each of the three women have different life experiences; Melanie being an actress, Eva, the polish maid who hides her immigration secrets, and June, who became a successful screen writer.

A Map to Paradise was a wonderful story of friendship, secrets, resilience, trauma, tension and death.  It was heartwarming to see the friendship grow between Eva, Melanie, and June. A Map to Paradise was a terrific page turner, that was very well written by Susan Meissner.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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