Author Archives: Barb

The First Day Without You by Melissa Hill – a Review

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The First Day Without You by Melissa Hill – a Review

 

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Description:
Leonie has left behind everything and everyone she loves for a fresh start in California. Desperate to outrun the mess she’s come from, she hopes the change of scenery can mend her broken heart and bury her secrets forever. But when she discovers a bundle of unread love letters hidden in the back of a wardrobe in her new apartment, she is intrigued by the mystery behind them…and can’t help but notice the similarities between them and her own story. With the help of her new friend Alex, a news reporter toting around baggage of her own, Leonie embarks on a quest down the West Coast to find the ill-fated lovers from the letters and reunite them, whatever it takes. Even if it means confronting the hurt she’s buried deep within herself. Because if the couple behind the love letters can find a happy ending, then perhaps she just might too.

 

 

Review:

The First Day Without You by Melissa Hill is a sweet romantic standalone novel. The story revolves around Leonie, our heroine, who left her home in Dublin, Ireland, leaving due a broken heart and a fresh start in San Francisco, California. She finds a nice apartment, and gets a job at a flower shop.

Leoni meets her neighbor, Alex and the two become great friends.  Leonie discovers a bunch of unopened letters, addressing Helena from Nathan; Leonie becomes intrigued and enlists Alex’s help (she is a reporter) to search for the elusive Nathan, as well as Helena. At first Alex, did not think it was a good idea, but with Leonie’s determination to find them, and reunite the couple, and return the letters; Alex becomes completely involved in the search.

We get to see flashbacks with Leonie in Dublin, with her boyfriend, Adam, but we learn more about how her heart was broken nearer to the end. Will Leonie be able to exorcise her own demons?  I liked her best friend in Ireland, Grace who called her often to plead with her to return home.  Grace does visit Leonie for a long weekend, getting a view of San Francisco, as well as meet Alex. 

Alex also has her own romantic issues, which turns out that she is married, and has been trying to get divorce papers signed.  Seth, her husband, has not responded or signed papers for over a year, frustrating Alex. When Alex and Leonie follow up on a trip to investigate Nathan, Alex runs into Seth. Alex pressures Seth that she wants him to sign the divorce papers, as she is now seeing someone else. Though he has been gone so long, Seth wants to win Alex back, and is determined to meet her current boyfriend, and convince her to resume their marriage; which he claims he still loves her.

I really liked Alex and Leoni’s friendship, as they were so much fun, and both fully into finding Nathan and Helena.  This was the best part of the story, with so many clues that turned out to be intriguing and misleading, leading to a surprising revelation about Nathan and Helena.  Very nicely done.  Leonie and Adam’s storyline was mostly in flashbacks, which reveals why she ran away. Though Leonie is happy being in America, she misses Adam and after reading all about Nathan’s romantic letters to Helena, she begins to realize her mistake in walking away.  This too will have a wonderful ending.

The First Day Without You was a very nice storyline, with multiple romantic relationships.  There were a number of wonderful secondary characters, such as Grace, Seth, Marcy, Adam, Andrea, Suzanne, Jon, Nathan & Helena.  I loved both Leonie and Alex, as their friendship was great, always there for each other. The First Day Without You was well written by Melissa Hill.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher – a Review

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The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher – a Review

 

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Description:
For centuries the Cinder Spires have safeguarded humanity, rising far above the deadly surface world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses rule, developing scientific marvels and building fleets of airships for defense and trade.

Now, the Spires hover on the brink of open war.

Everyone knows it’s coming. The guns of the great airship fleets that control the skies between the last bastions of humanity will soon speak in anger, and Spire Albion stands alone against the overwhelming might of Spire Aurora’s Armada and its new secret weapon–one capable of destroying the populations of entire Spires.

A trading summit at Spire Olympia provides an opportunity for the Spirearch, Lord Albion, to secure alliances that will shape the outcomes of the war, and to that end he dispatches privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and the crew of the AMS Predator to bolster the Spirearch’s diplomatic agents.

It will take daring, skill, and no small amount of showmanship to convince the world to stand with Spire Albion–assuming that it is not already too late.

 

 

Review:

The Olympian Affaire by Jim Butcher is the 2nd book in his The Cinder Spires series.  Refresher: This series has a steam punk background in a different fantasy world, with aristocrats, magic, technology, ships and people who have some powers. For centuries the Cinder Spires have safeguarded humanity, rising far above the deadly surface world, with a war on the horizon.

The first half of the book was a slow burn, especially being 650 pages, with the story dragging early on. The story starts off with a villain from the previous book (Cavendish), who has become very powerful, ready to destroy humanity.  Tuscarora, Spire Aurora is using Cavendish’s secret weapon to destroy the populations of the entire Spires.

With the possibility of war, Lord Abion (Spirearch) calls Captain Grimm and his crew to bring the AMS Predator to help stop the expected attacks from Aurora.  It was great to get to see all of our heroes from the first book; Grimm, Gwen, Bridget, Benedict, Rowl (prince cat), Master Ferus, Miss Folly, as well as Bayard and Abigail and our adorable Fenli (kitten).

In the second half of the story, things change drastically. What follows is a wild adventure that will put each of our heroes in dangerous death-defying situations, with the evil Cavendish able to control a creature (mistmaw) to destroy humans & ships.  There was so much action throughout, holding our breaths if they will survive.  Captain Grim, Gwen and crew were willing to put their lives on the line to find a way to stop Cavendish in her evil destructions. Grimm also had to step up to save Bayard (his boss and friend) in a duel.

Once again, I really enjoyed seeing the Predator ship, always coming through, and loved how all the crew members were always on the side of their captain.  Most of all, I loved both Rowl and Fenli who added so much humor and fun: with them always being spunky and sure of themselves.  I did love Rowl’s arrogance, though he loved Bridget and swore to always protect her: and Fenli, though a kitten, was equally wonderful, with him eventually bonding with Benedict. Both are marvelous additions to this series.

The Olympian Affaire was another very good fantasy steampunk adventure. After the slow start, the last half of the book was wild and very exciting, with most of our heroes in danger till the end.  Though Captain Grimm is the lead character, the major secondary characters were all great; and the villains were evil. With the war still on the horizon, there is a slight cliff-hanger at the end.  The Olympian Affaire was very well written by Jim Butcher, and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Necromancer Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: U.S. Marshal—Preternatural Branch. She’s faced horrifying monsters and brutal killers and come out the other side still standing.

Considering how things in her life tend to go, Anita never expected her walk down the aisle with Jean-Claude to go smoothly. They’ve already been confronted with naysayers and a power-hungry ancient evil, but now Anita has to do the one thing that actually scares her: introduce her very religious, very human relatives to her fiancé—the newly crowned vampire king of America.

As Anita tries to keep the peace between the family she left behind and the family she’s chosen, dark forces jump at the chance to take advantage of the chaos. With her happy-ever-after at risk and everyone’s immortal souls hanging in the balance, Anita grapples with a hard truth: Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.

 

Review:

Slay by Laurell K. Hamiltion is the 30th book in her fantastic Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. And I have to admit although a great story, it could have been added to the “Smoulder” book, it felt like a continuation…..

Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude…..But it’s not been an easy journey, the humans don’t like Jean-Claude they think he’s got her under some kind of spell and will turn on the humans given half a chance! 

And Jean-Claude’s pack, in fact all the vampires think Anita has their king under her spell, so she’s not exactly their choice for their king! And just when you think it can’t get any worse…. Her family roll up!! Grandma who is vile at best (abused the young Anita) turns up with her dad, who thinks Jean-Claude is evil incarnate! Family dramas aside, we also have a new evil entity wanting to destroy the king of the vampires! 

I will admit, I’ve not read all the Anita Blake stories, I came in late to the series. But it’s an easy enough to pick up and drop a book series, without losing too much. Anita has had many lovers/partners throughout the series. She’s also had many issues with family. And I like that she doesn’t shy away from any of it. 

So while Anita is trying to plan the wedding and keep her family from killing her fiancé and extended lovers/family, there is an evil killing vampires in St. Louis. Is it the evil from the last book returning to take the crown from the new vampire king? 

Apparently her earlier Anita books were just smut and no story! Well I can tell you that had changed… we do get smut, but there is more story and substance now. 

A fast paced action book with evil/power/anger/grief and so much more! 

There are also attacks on her extended family that have Anita worried for their lives, she needs to keep her blood family away from them! There are also traitors within Jean-Claude’s ranks, and they are conspiring with the ancient evil, which makes it an even bigger problem.

The ending is eventful and had me on the edge of my seat, I nearly threw my kindle twice as I jumped. A highly recommended read that will keep you up till your done ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

A figure rounded the bend in the stairs all that way down, and before my eyes told me who, the energy we shared danced over my skin as if he’d brushed his fingertips over parts of my body that were hidden under my clothes. I shivered as I watched him lift off the steps and start floating toward me. It made me laugh and say, “Now there’s a solution to all these damned steps.”
He rose toward the ceiling, his long black hair spilling out around him like a dark aura. His hair wasn’t streaming out around him because he was flying toward me but moving in the wind of his own power, so that his black curls writhed and boiled like a dozen hands were playing with it, but it was his magic, just his magic.
He needed one of his usual lace, leather, and sexy-boots outfits for all that hair to frame, but he was dressed in one of only two modern suits I’d ever seen him in; the first time it had been to save the feelings of a grieving family, and this time we were trying not to give my father any other reason to hate him. In that moment I knew I didn’t care if my dad liked him or not. I loved Jean-Claude and nothing my dad did would change that.
He landed lightly on first one foot, then the other until he stood beside me at the top of the stairs. I wrapped my arms around him, but the traditionally long suit jacket felt wrong on him. He either did no jacket or some version of a bolero so that it hit him somewhere between his lower ribs and just below his natural waist. He had a fabulous ass, and it seemed a shame to cover it up.
He wrapped his arms around me and laughed. “Ma petite, we chose this suit precisely so it would cover more of my body, so I did not shock your family.”
I stared up into that beautiful face with the darkest blue eyes I’d ever seen, set in thick black lashes with a perfect curve of eyebrows that were all natural; he didn’t even need mascara. So unfair to the rest of us. His face was almost feminine in its beauty, but there was something about the line of his chin that turned all that gorgeousness a little more masculine. He was still androgynous, but it leaned a little more to the male side. The long black curls framed his face and trailed down his shoulders almost to his waist. My family thought long hair was only for girls. Putting him in a traditional men’s suit really didn’t make him look more like the type of man my family would approve of, but hey, at least we were trying.
“I won’t ever look into your face without thinking how beautiful you are, and why are you marrying me?”
“I believe that is the man’s line, ma petite.”
I grinned and said, “Traditionally it is, but most men don’t look like you.”
“That you compare yourself to me and think yourself the lesser beauty means you do not see truth when you look into the mirror, ma petite.”
“I second that,” Nicky said.
I glanced at him and couldn’t help but smile at the look on his face. “I know I don’t always see the truth in the mirror. Nicky and Ethan have met who messed me up.” I turned back to Jean-Claude. “That delight is still ahead of you.”
“I am looking forward to it, ma petite, and before you complain I would give much if my mother and sister were alive for me to introduce you to them. That I can meet your family, however broken, is a gift to me.”

Excerpted from Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton Copyright © 2023 by Laurell K. Hamilton. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

 

 

Laurell K Hamilton’s publisher (Penguin/Random House)  is graciously offering a hard copy of SLAY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Murder Uncorked by Maddy Day – a Review

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Murder Uncorked by Maddie Day – a Review

 

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Description:
Raise a glass to Cece Barton, a widowed single mom and recent L.A. transplant to California wine country, who suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation in this sparkling new mystery series from Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Maddie Day.

As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cecelia “Cece” Barton’s first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity. Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed & breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college-age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association. Just when it seems things can’t grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community . . . and Cece is identified as a possible suspect!

With her reputation and her livelihood on the line—and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck—Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation. Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece’s sleuthing exposing the valley’s bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie’s help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she’s worked so hard for goes up in flames . .

 

 

Review:

Murder Uncorked by Maddie Day is the 1st book in her new Cece Barton Mystery series. We meet Cece Barton, who is widowed, with a daughter away at school; Cece moved to Colinas, California, to be close to her twin sister, Allie.  Cece is the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar working long hours, but she has a couple of part time people, who help cover her during late hours, giving her time to go home or dinner.  Her sister, Allie owns a Victorian Bed and Breakfast, and is always there for Cece.

Having heard two men arguing, Cece fills their glass of wine to break it up.  But the next day one of the men is found murdered, which causes a detective to visit her to find out what was the argument about, as well as her own emails from the victim. Cece decides to start her own investigation, to ensure that the detective is not looking at her.  She constantly talks to those she knows asking questions, which does begin to annoy some possible suspects.  At times, Allie will also help Cece look for evidence, but when Cece nearly is hit by a truck while on her bike, she realizes that she is putting herself in danger, getting too close to the culprit.

What was really nice about this cozy mystery, was getting to meet her friends, not to mention other neighbors and colleagues.  I got a kick out of her eating at some friend’s restaurants, such as Ko, Eddie and Henry. I also loved her friendship with, Mooncast, who though part time, she was always willing to cover for Cece. Her relationship with Allie was fantastic. Allie tries to get one of her customers, Benjamin, a hunk, to get together with Cece. I really enjoyed this book, especially all these wonderful friends, sister and her wine bar; which made this such a fun, delightful story.  I also enjoyed all the different dishes she ate at the restaurants, which was more vegetarian style.

Cece does spend a lot of time checking into the victim’s past, trying to look into their relationships. She really was an excellent sleuth, smart, always asking questions, which also put her in direct danger.   The last third of the book was exciting, with Cece in a life-threatening situation.  I liked when the detective expressed appreciation for Cece findings on who killed the victim. To say too much more would ruin the story.

Murder Uncorked was a very good story, with great friends, family, suspects and a possible future romance.   Murder Uncorked was very well written by Maddie Day.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin – Review and Excerpt

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The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin – Review and Excerpt

 

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Description:
A talented genetic analyst and a detective who’s haunted by an elusive cold case team up in the new standalone romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.

Forensic genealogist Rowan Healy has made a name for herself by helping investigators trace the family trees of violent criminals who have eluded justice for years. But the pressure of police cases left her burned out, and she’s shifted her focus to helping adoptees find their biological parents.

Austin detective Jack Bruner has spent his career successfully tracking down vicious criminals–with the notable exception of the West Campus Rapist, a meticulous offender in Texas who has never been identified. When the latest two victims come to light, Jack sees his target is escalating his violent behavior–and only with Rowan’s help does he stand a chance of cracking this case.

Moved by Jack’s dedication and the brutal details of the attacks he lays out, Rowan agrees to help. When her ground-breaking DNA research sheds new light on the criminal’s background and helps them zero in on a search radius, Rowan and Jack must race against the clock to find a ruthless killer who’s growing bolder the longer he evades the law.

 

 

Review:

The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin is a standalone mystery thriller. I am a huge fan of Laura Griffin, as she is one of the best at murder suspenseful mysteries, police procedurals and a bit of romance. 

Detective Jack Bruner is a dedicated cop who continues to be consumed for many years by a serial predator called the West Campus Rapist, who was never found, as he disappeared. 5 Years later, Jack is concerned that the rapist is back, with a similar attack, as well as a murder. Stumped, as he is at a dead end, unable to find any DNA or evidence; he learns about a former police genetic genealogist, who walked away from the job.

Rowan Healy is considered the best in helping investigators trace violent criminals who have eluded justice, which put too much pressure on her, being burned out; and leaving the police force.   She now focuses her ability to help adoptees find their biological parents.  Rowan meets Jack Bruner, who asks her if she would help him track down the rapist. At first, Rowan turns him down, saying she can’t go back; but a few days later, she learns the case Jack is working on, is something she cannot turn down (she had a friend who was attacked by the rapist years ago). Rowan uses her forensic genealogist skills to investigate the case, going back in time to find a possible suspect, who was given up for adoption by a 16-year-old woman.

They both work closely together, even if Jack wasn’t sure that Rowan would be able to help. In a short time, both begin to struggle to fight the attraction they have for each other.  I really liked Rowan and Jack together; they were very likable characters, dedicated to their job, and you can’t help root for them to find the villain, as well as find a way to be together. Though each had different aspects of their work methods, they were both driven to find the villain.

What follows is an exciting, fantastic mystery suspense that keeps our attention from start to finish, with a bit of romance. The Last Close Call was a gripping and chilling thriller, with many twists along the way. Laura Griffin once again gives us a wonderful thriller, with a great romantic couple and wonderful secondary characters. If you enjoy murder mysteries, police procedurals, lots of intense action, suspense, with a touch of romance, you should read this book.  If you have never read Laura Griffin, it’s time to start now, as she is an amazing writer for romance suspense.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

                               Excerpt

A chime emanated from Rowan’s purse. She pulled out her phone and read a text from the Austin lawyer whose client Rowan had been working for all week.

Got your email. Omg TY!!

The words were followed by three halo emojis, and Rowan felt a swell of pride.

Anytime, she texted back. So glad I could help.

This attorney had sent her three referrals over the past six months, and now there would likely be more on the way. Rowan’s anemic bank account was finally getting a boost. It couldn’t come soon enough. Her December credit card bill had just come in, and she hadn’t even wanted to look at it.

“Rowan Healy?”

She jerked her head up as a man stepped over. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair. He wore a black leather jacket with droplets of rain clinging to it. Rowan darted a glance at Lila. Her friend didn’t look up, but she lifted an eyebrow in a way that told Rowan she’d sent this guy over here.

“Who’s asking?” Rowan responded, even though she had a sneaking suspicion she knew, based on his deep voice. Not to mention the super-direct look in his brown eyes.

“Jack Bruner, Austin PD.” He smiled slightly. “Mind if I sit?”

She sighed and nodded at the empty seat across from her.

He slid into the booth and rested his elbows on the table. He looked her over, and she managed not to squirm.

“You’re a hard woman to reach.”

Ha. He had no idea how true that was.

“How’d you know to find me here?” she asked.

“Ric Santos told me you hang out here.”

She couldn’t hide her surprise at the mention of Ric. She hadn’t known they were friends. But she probably should have guessed. Law enforcement was a tight-knit group.

She gave him what she hoped was a confident smile. “Look, Detective, I appreciate you coming all the way out here, but I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time.”

“Just listen.”

Two words.

A command, but not. When combined with that slight smile, it was more like a statement. Something she was going to do, even if she didn’t realize it yet.

Rowan felt a surge of annoyance. But again, she gave him a nod.

Sasha appeared at the table and rested her cocktail tray on her hip. “Can I get you something to drink?” she asked the detective.

“A Coke, please.”

She nodded. “Rowan?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

She walked off, her cascade of blond hair swinging behind her.

Rowan settled her attention on the detective.

“I’m with APD’s violent crimes unit, as I mentioned on the phone,” he said.

With every call, he’d politely identified himself and given a callback number. Rowan had called the number once and-equally politely-left a message with her response. But he’d stubbornly ignored it.

“I’m working on a case,” he said, “and I could use your help.”

Rowan nodded. “Like I told you before-“

He held up his hand and gave her a sharp look. Listen.

“It’s a serial offender,” he continued. “Eight sexual assaults.” His dark brows furrowed. “This guy’s careful. We’ve only recovered one DNA profile, the second attack in the series.”

“If you’ve only got one profile, how do you know it’s the same guy?”

“Because-“

Sasha was back already with a flirty smile. She placed the detective’s soft drink in front of him, and he nodded his thanks.

“Because we know,” he said after she left.

Rowan looked the man over. He had an athletic build, but not the steroid-infused look she was used to seeing with young cops. Then again, he wasn’t that young. The touch of gray at his temples told her he was maybe ten years older than she was, probably late thirties. Or maybe it was the wise look in his eyes that told her that.

She sipped her drink and waited for more.

“A while ago we had the sample analyzed by a genetic genealogist,” he said. “Spent a lot of money and time on that. They ran into some kind of wall, and the results were inconclusive, they said.”

“What’s ‘a while’?”

“Come again?”

“How long ago did you have it analyzed?”

He hesitated a beat.

“Four years.”

Rowan’s breath caught. In terms of DNA technology, four years was like four decades. A lot had changed in that time-new techniques, new tools, new profiles in the databases.

But she tried to keep her face impassive as she folded her hands in front of her.

“I appreciate your effort to track me down,” she said. It told her a lot about what kind of detective he was-precisely the kind that had prompted her to shift careers. “But unfortunately, I don’t do police work anymore. You could say I’m retired.”

“That’s not what Ric told me.”

She gritted her teeth. Damn it, she’d known doing him a favor would come back to bite her.

“Ric said you’re selective, not retired.” He paused, watching her. “He told me you gave him an assist recently and that your help was invaluable.”

“I know what you’re doing,” Rowan said. She was immune to flattery, even from smooth-talking detectives who liked to play head games. “And I can appreciate the pressure you guys must be under with a serial case. But I’m not in that line of work anymore.”

He leaned forward, and she eased back slightly.

“Let me be straight, Rowan.” His eyes bored into hers. “I need your help right now. Not next month or next year. Not whenever you get bored with what you’re doing and decide to come out of retirement. I don’t care if I sound desperate. I’m on a ticking clock here.”

Her stomach tightened at his words. And his prediction that she would backtrack on her career change irked her.

But he held her gaze across the table, and she felt that inexorable pull that had turned her life upside down too many times to count.

Excerpted from The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin Copyright © 2023 by Laura Griffin. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christmas in River’s Edge by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

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Christmas in River’s Edge by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

 

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Description:
You can go home again…

After a painful divorce from her high school sweetheart, triplet Jenny Weaver returns to River’s Edge with her young son. While happy to be reunited with her sisters and working at the family’s marina, she has no intention of jumping into the dating pool, especially going into the holidays. Then Gabe Dawson, once a shy nerd who tutored her in history classes, arrives home transformed into a handsome hunk who makes her pulse race.

Archeologist and history professor Gabe Dawson thought he’d long ago outgrown his teen crush on Jenny. Back in town for a few months to help his mom post surgery, he can’t resist reaching out to Jenny. She’s as beautiful, warm, and funny as he remembered and soon Gabe is reconsidering his future.

Gabe is determined to seize this second chance, but can he convince a very wary Jenny that a globe-trotter is ready to come home for good this Christmas?

 

 

Review:

Christmas in River’s Edge by Nan Reinhardt is the 3rd book in her wonderful Weaver Sisters series. Christmas in River’s Edge, revolves around the third Weaver sister, Jenny (they are triplets). River’s Edge is a small town that has a wonderful community. It was great to see the Weaver sisters again, as they are such a wonderful close-knit family.  

Jenny Weaver, our heroine, is a divorcee, with a young 8-year-old son, Luke.  Jenny works for her family’s marina, and is happy to have her sisters around for the holidays; though Jo is moving to be with her boyfriend, Alex.  Jenny is not happy though when her ex, Tuff decides to return to River’s Edge, and wants to spend more time with Luke. She is happy to see Gabe, arriving to help take care of his mother and work on a rig in town.  Gabe and Jenny always had a crush on each other during their high school days.

Archeologist and history professor Gabe Dawson always thought he got over his crush on the beautiful Jenny Weaver, but one look at her has him totally enamored with her. Gabe started spending more time with Jenny, and he finds himself very attracted to her, as she was warm, friendly and funny to be with.  In a short time, they both become very close, especially with the wonderful chemistry between them.  Gabe also becomes close to Luke, and is not thrilled with Jenny’s ex’s attitude, as well as his overall behavior.  Things will blow up when Tuff takes Luke to visit family, and Jenny gets a call from her son, crying that he is alone.  When Gabe and Jenny go to where the boy is, it is Gabe who will find Tuff, but Jenny is the one confronts him to change his ways or else.  I loved Jenny and Gabe together, as they made a perfect couple.   

Christmas in River’s Edge was a wonderful, fun, sweet romance and heartwarming story. It was great to see the Weaver family together for the Holidays.  I love the sisters, who were so close. 

Nan Reinhardt gives us a wonderful couple, as well great secondary characters that were so likable, with a terrific atmosphere in this small town. Christmas in River’s Edge was so very well written by Nan Reinhardt, which is no surprise, as I loved her last book, as well as her previous series.  If you enjoy a sweet romance, wonderful couple, great secondary characters, and pure fun, I suggest you read this book. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Hell of an Angel by Christi Barth – a Review

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Hell of an Angel by Christi Barth – a Review

 

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Description:
Raised in Hell. Living in Buffalo. And on the verge of accidentally destroying both realms…

Dark angel and actuary Evangeline Thayer hates taking unnecessary risks, but she knows becoming human will be worth it. All the creatures in Hell have bullied her about her negligible ‘power’ her whole life. And don’t get her started on why she has wings if she can’t even fly?!? She just needs a teensy bit of help with removing her power…which is where a very hot, very flirty, and absolutely infuriating Nephilim comes in.

Half-angel Gideon Durand has been fighting demons a long time, but he’s never heard of a dark angel. Least of all one this gorgeous, stubborn, and with the power to completely nullify evil. Maybe in Hell, that’s a weakness—but with an unknown evil on the loose and murdering Nephilim?—that’s a damned useful skill. So Gideon strikes a deal with Evangeline: he’ll scratch her wings…if she’ll scratch his.

Now good and evil are—temporarily—working together. And might even be having steamy fun…if it wasn’t for a rather inconvenient threat trying to unleash the apocalypse, once and for all.

 

 

Review:

Hell of an Angel by Christi Barth is the 2nd book in her Unlocking His Heart series. I did not read the first book, but it read very well as a standalone.  We meet Evangeline Thayer, when she meets three men who need help, as she is an actuary, who calculates risks for companies.  Evangeline lives in Buffalo, but was raised as a child in Hell, since she is a dark angel; she hated Hell as she was bullied, and eventually was able to escape and pretend to be human. She is also powerless, with only the ability to nullify those with evil powers, which she never uses, since she feels it is a curse; but Evangeline wants to live as a human, be safe and wants to remove the power she has.

Enter the three men, Gideon, Zaviar and Rhys, who want to hire Evangeline to help their business, which starts off on the wrong foot, when she overheard Gideon’s sarcastic comments. Little does she know that the three men are Nephilim warriors.  Later that night, Gideon is flying to check things out, and notices a girl on the ground and jumps down to save her.  Both are shocked, recognizing each other, and Eva was waiting for a ferry to take her to Hell to visit her aunt, and Gideon ruined it.  Gideon learns about Eva’s ability, and her being a dark angel; he tries to convince her to work with them. He explains that they are half angel, half human, and their job is to save humans from the dangerous demons.

Gideon, who is player, is slowly falling hard for the beautiful Eva, and he with his partners can’t understand why she wants to change to only being human; they feel she should learn about her true abilities.  Eva ends up staying in the safe place that all of them including, Maisey and Liss live in.  Together, Gideon, and his paranormal besties, teach Eva and the girls learn to defend themselves and be able to fight the demons escaping from hell.  The Nephilim discover that keepers of the gates, are being murdered and are determined to find out who is behind the killings.

With Eva and Gideon spending more time together, with him helping her find the things she will need to create a spell, and make her human. But Eva will agree to help the Nephilim’s stop the war between Heaven and Hell; even though they all feel she would be a great addition to their team.  I really did like Eva, and a bit later, started to like Gideon, who continued to fall in love with her; she was falling for him too, but worried that if she became human, there was no future. I loved when Eva got to meet Lucifer Morningstar, who is her grandfather, the Devil. She will learn more about her so-called missing powers. I do not want to give spoilers, and the last third of the book was very exciting, as I could not put the book down.

Hell of an Angel was a fun, action-packed story in a wonderful fantasy world filled with demons, angels, fallen angels, dark angels, Nephilim’s; with good and evil. I loved Gideon and Eva together, as in time they made a great couple. Hell of an Angel was so very well written by Christi Barth.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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The Scoundrel of Drury Lane by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Scoundrel of Drury Lane by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
He was falsely accused and sentenced to die…

At nineteen, Christopher “Kit” Hollingsworth is spared the noose but sentenced to serve seven years in Australia as a convict. The men who betrayed him have plans to make sure he never returns to England. But Kit’s strong will and thirst for vengeance ensure his survival.

Seven long years later, he returns to London but he’s forever changed. Gone is the innocent, handsome young lad he’d been. Now Kit is a towering, muscular man of twenty-six with scars inside and out. He wants England to see the new him, the man who lost his soul, and he wants the three men who destroyed his life to forfeit theirs. The only light in his dark night is a beautiful, innocent young woman who paints the sets at the Drury Lane theater. 

There’s just one problem…she’s the daughter of one of the men who sent him to prison.

 

 

 

Review 

The Scoundrel of Drury Lane by Lauren Smith is a Regency romance. I do love a period romance, and I absolutely love this author. So when a new book appears it’s an instant read for me. 

It’s the seventh book in this series. It’s also a spinoff for a new series “The Rogues of Devil’s square.” So technically it’s book one ? it stands in its own, so no need to read the previous books. And as the other books are by different authors I’m assuming the author tends to take this book and turn it into a new series ? 

Kit was sent to Australia as a convict! Why? Well I’d tell you, but it would spoil the book, so you’ll have to find out for yourself ? 

He plans to hunt and take his revenge on the men that sent him to hell. They never expected him to return. But he did, and Kit is going to make them pay with the help of his friends (which sets up the next couple of books ?) his first task is to locate the men that betrayed him, and his friends are already on the task. Feeding him information gives Kit the feeling that his friends hadn’t forgotten him, and were going to exact revenge on his behalf. He is upset and angry that his first target has died! But finds out he had a daughter, Kit plans to make the woman give him the money stolen from him, and sets about making plans…..

It does remind me a little of the Count of Monte Cristo books. 

Suzannah isn’t your usual young lady, rich parents?  (in the past they were rather well off, now? Not so much) She’s use to getting her haves dirty and mucking in to help out. She’s also first to help someone out. 

Meeting Suzannah throws Kit into a conundrum! He’s smitten with the young woman, and can’t work out why she’s living a frugal life! She should be living in splendour, but no matter, he wants answers and his money! Suzannah is rather perplexed! This man claims her father stole his life and money!! 

The romance is the usual slow burn, but after reading so many instant love/lust books, it’s nice to read a buildup ? then we have the betrayal!! ? will Kit be able to look past at the turn of events with Suzannah? Or will his past dictate his future, and ruin the best thing that has ever happens to him?

The supporting characters were great, loved how Kit’s friends were still loyal and working in the background to find evidence of his innocence.

Another highly recommended read for anyone who loves a historical story with a little mystery thrown in for good measure. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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