Author Archives: Barb

The Princess by Wendy Holden – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Princess by Wendy Holden – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Britain, 1961: A bouncing blond baby is born to Viscount Althorp, heir to the Spencer earldom, and his wife Frances. Diana grows up amid the fallout of her parents’ messy divorce. She struggles at school. Moving to London, she takes menial jobs as a cleaner and nanny. Her refuge throughout is romantic novels. She dreams of falling in love and being rescued by a handsome prince.

In royal circles, there is concern about the Prince of Wales. Nearly 30, Charles remains unmarried; the right girl needs to be found, and fast. She must be young, aristocratic and come to the royal family without any past liaisons.

The eighteen-year-old Diana Spencer is just about the only candidate. Her desperation to be loved dovetails perfectly with royal desperation for a bride. But as the ruthless Palace machine starts up, there are challenges for Diana to face plus mysteries she can’t fathom, from the strangeness of life within the palace walls to a certain Mrs. Parker Bowles. Can her romantic dream survive the forces that shape her into a global icon?

 

 

Review:

The Princess by Wendy Holden is the 3rd book in her Royal Outsiders series.  I have not read the previous two books, but wanted to read about Princess Diana during her early years until she married Prince Charles. This was a very good historical fiction of Diana Spencer’s life at a private school, being lonely, and a lover of romance novels; which will eventually lead as she gets older, to being recruited to become the wife of Prince Charles.

We meet Diana who attends a boarding school, and connects with Sandy, a quiet and underprivileged girl, who has no friends. In a short time, Diana and Sandy will become best friends, and Diana brings Sandy (who is an orphan) to her home during the holidays.  With her parents being divorced, Diana is lonely, and it is Sandy (early on), as well as other friends at a private school, who she makes feel important. Her older friends tease her, as she is totally a romantic, always dreaming of falling in love with a handsome prince.

The Royal family is determined for Prince Charles to marry soon, as he as now 30 years old, and they need to find the right girl for him; the girl has to be young, aristocratic, with no previous liaisons. Charles is not interested in anyone, other than Camilla Parker Bowles (his mistress), but the royal family wants a sweet innocent young lady.  The Queen Mother and Prince Phillip, with help from Stephen Barry (Charles Valet) to work together to arrange Diana Spencer (18 years old), who comes across as a perfect candidate.

Once Diana met Charles, she immediately fell in love with him, since she always believed in love.  But, on occasion, she will be invited to events and fall all over Charles, who was really not interested; especially since he was 30, and Diana was only 18. Though Diana spends time with the royal family, especially the Queen Mother, she still felt her love for Charles; ignoring his constant travelling and being away a lot, not to mention his indifference, and eventually his relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles.

In 1992, years after her marriage to Prince Charles, Diana sees her old friend Sandy, and together she discusses her life as the Princess of Wales; and how the royal family was truly behind pushing Charles to marry Diana, and how her life was not what she thought it would be.

The Princess was very well written by Wendy Holden, giving us historical look at how Diana came to be The Princess of Wales.  This was destined to be an ill-fated marriage, filled with our knowledge, sadness and sympathy for Diana.  Early on, Diana was very naïve, as she always dreamed of a fairy tale with a Prince.  Holden gave us a beautiful and sympathetic portrait of everyone’s memory of the People’s Princess. I really enjoyed this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share

Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin – a Review

Posted on by
12

Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Tana Fairchild’s fate has never been in question. Her life has been planned out since the moment she was born: she is to marry the governor’s son, Landon, and secure an unprecedented alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see her very existence as a threat.

Tana’s coven has appeased those who fear their power for years by releasing most of their magic into the ocean during the full moon. But when Tana misses the midnight ritual—a fatal mistake—there is no one she can turn to for help…until she meets Wolfe.

Wolfe claims he is from a coven that practices dark magic, making him one of the only people who can help her. But he refuses to let Tana’s power rush into the sea, and instead teaches her his forbidden magic. A magic that makes her feel powerful. Alive.

As the sea grows more violent, her coven loses control of the currents, a danger that could destroy the alliance as well as her island. Tana will have to choose between love and duty, between loyalty to her people and loyalty to her heart. Marrying Landon would secure peace for her coven but losing Wolfe and his wild magic could cost her everything else.

 

 

Review:

Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin is another one of her excellent fantasy stand-alone novels. We meet Tana Fairchild, our heroine, who lives with her family on an island; which is run by witches. Tana’s mother is the leader of the coven, and soon Tana is expected to marry the mainland Governor’s son, Landon.  The island and mainland will then secure an alliance between them, eliminating any possible threats, with minimal magic. Tana has always accepted that was her destiny, to protect the coven and island. Having met Landon, she knows he is very nice and respectful, but she begins to realize that this will be a loveless marriage.

One night, before she is to meet with coven to release their magic to the sea monthly, as she sees a strange flower and tries to catch it.  It is then she realizes that she missed the meeting, and knows that this could cause her to lose her life.  She meets Wolfe, a witch from the old coven- a coven she thought was non-existent, who also practiced dark magic. Tana learns about Wolfe, and his supposedly long-lost coven, and in her desperation, she asks him for his help, to release her magic. Wolfe does help Tana, and each night she meets him to learn about his coven.  She learns more about the old coven, and their High Magic, as well as discovering many truths that her mother kept secret all these years. 

Because the coven forces their magic to the sea, which causes the sea to grow more violent over time; Wolfe shows Tana how to free her magic, when necessary, but not to the sea.  Slowly, as Wolfe teaches Tana the ways of the old coven, she begins to have strong feelings for Wolfe, as he does with her. Tana is loyal to her coven, and knows she must honor her duty; but she knows that Landon, will probably never feel love.  Wolfe has opened her eyes to a world of magic and love, especially having met many members of the old coven. Though Landon was a nice guy, Tana and Wolfe were made for each other.  Will Tana act on her duty or respond to her heart?

Bring Me Your Midnight was a wonderful, enchanting and emotional fantasy romance, that was so very well written by Rachel Griffin. The last third of the book, was exciting, as Tana must find a way to bring both covens together, and make peace with the mainlanders.  If you enjoy magic, witches, sea, love and twists, I suggest you read this book. Rachel Griffin once again gives us a fabulous story revolving around witches. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

Share

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison – a Review

Posted on by
12

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Layla Dupree has given up on love.

She’s waded through all of the fish in the sea, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life—despite her best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check.

Good thing Caleb Alvarez has the perfect solution.

After saving Layla from another date gone bad, he has a simple proposition: One month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his dating game. It’s a win-win situation. All the benefits of dating, without the added pressure of feelings and unmet expectations.

But there’s one ingredient they haven’t considered. The chemistry between them is red hot and the urge to take things to the next level is more tempting than Layla’s double fudge mocha brownies.

Will the heat between them boil over? Or will it be another case of mixed signals?

Mixed Signals is a sweet and steamy small-town romance. Our story features a bashful man who can rock a Hawaiian shirt, a hopeful and dreamy bakery owner, enough sweets to give you a cavity, and your favorite Inglewild residents. Mixed Signals is a standalone romance and the third book in the Lovelight series.

 

 

 

Review:

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison is the third book in her wonderful Lovelight series.  I loved the first two books in this series, as they were wonderful sweet romances; and happy to say I that Layla and Caleb’s story, was equally as good.

Layla Dupree, our heroine and fabulous baker, is the lead in this story.  Layla has no success in dating, with so many terrible experiences; she is just about to give up.  Caleb, who has had a crush on Layla for a long time, as he is a regular to her bakery; he sees her on a date, with a guy who leaves her with the check.  She is frustrated, and Caleb suggests they try to help each other, to figure out what they both are doing wrong; they agree to make an arrangement to date each other for a month. One month of no-strings dating; with no pressure of feelings and expectations. Caleb was sweet, fun, and sexy; and he wants to prove to Layla that she keeps dating the wrong men, as she deserves to have someone treat her with kindness, care, and devotion. In a short time, the chemistry between is sizzling, with things changing drastically.  I loved Caleb and Layla together, as they made such a wonderful couple.

What follows is a sweet wonderful endearing romance between Caleb and Layla, with us hoping to find the happiness they both deserved. Layla was a fabulous heroine, as she was sweet, caring, and a fantastic baker (loved all the desserts). Caleb was totally hooked into Layla, and was fantastic hero, who was determined to show Layla how to love.   The secondary characters were all so great, which included Stella, Luka, Evie, Beckett, and Caleb’s family. 

Mixed Signals was another fun, cute, sweet romance, great couple, terrific secondary characters in this continuation of the Lovelight series. Mixed Signals was a wonderful story, that was not only fun, but probably steamier then the previous two books. Even though this is the third book, I do hope Borison gives us more in this series, as she creates terrific couples.  I suggest you read this series, as it’s a fun sweet story, and very well written by B.K. Borison.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

The Hollywood Jinx by Sariah Wilson – a Review

Posted on by
13

The Hollywood Jinx by Sariah Wilson – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / BAM / Bookbub

Description:
When Hollywood comes to small-town Ohio, the scene is set for an unpredictable romance in a fun and flirty novel by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love . The small town of Patience needs a financial boost. Temporary librarian and aspiring film-score composer Jane Wagner’s plan? Invite movie star Nick Haddon to the town’s harvest festival and stand back for the tourist surge. No one thought he’d say yes―much less that he’d bring a documentary crew to stream his visit. Given Nick’s affinity for trouble, his reputation and films are tanking. Patience is the perfect stopover on a journey of self-improvement and his chance to put good karma out in the universe. Spending time with a sweet and lovely guide like Jane is a bonus. But Jane’s heartbroken past keeps her on guard against men. Especially when they’re jinxed. The truth is, Jane’s falling hard. But she can’t ignore the differences between them. He’s famous. She isn’t. He’s here for two weeks. This is her home. Where can it possibly lead? She’ll see. Because day after blissful day, Nick’s encouraging Jane to trust again and, best of all, to dream beyond Patience.

 

 

Review:

The Hollywood Jinx by Sariah Wilson is a fun sweet standalone novel.  We meet Jane Wagner, our heroine, who lives in a small town of Patience, Ohio. She is a librarian, as well as an aspiring composer.  Patience is in financial trouble, as they need help, especially with their upcoming festival (fundraiser to bring in money); she and her sister-in-law enter a video to hopefully bring a famous actor to attend the annual Harvest Festival.   To their surprise, the actor’s management team agrees for him to attend the event; with a celebrity coming to town, it is expected to create a tourist surge. 

Nick Haddon, our hero, arrives in Patience, with his film crew; who will be filming a documentary on Nick’s two week stay in town and the festival. Nick’s reputation has sunk, as his recent films have tanked, and this visit could very well be his chance at self-improvement and change what he feels is a Jinx. His publicist insists that Jane be the one to keep an eye on him and insure he does not overindulge.  Jane reluctantly agrees, with her sister pushing her to stay close.  When Nick arrives, Jane and the town are in their glory, being starstruck by Nick Haddon.

Jane finds herself fighting off her attraction to Nick, especially since he is only interested in Jane; she is determined not to become involved, as she had been heartbroken in the past. Since he is staying at Jane’s house, it becomes more difficult, as they are together a lot, especially since Nick was a lot of fun, and a great guy.  The town of Patience opened their heart to Nick, including helping them finance the festival.  Nick is determined to win Jane over, despite her fighting her feelings and chemistry between them.

The secondary characters were all great, especially her pregnant sister-in-law and best friend, town/library friends, and a terrific small town that was totally into Nick (and Jane).  Jane finally opens her heart, as she has fully fallen for Nick.  But she is concerned about what the future holds, and their differences.  He’s famous. She isn’t. He’s here for two weeks. This is her home. Where can it possibly lead?

The Hollywood Jinx is a sweet charming romance, that was so very well written by Sariah Wilson.  I really loved Nick and Jane together, as they were cute and so much fun, with wonderful banter between them. I loved the epilogue, as it was heartwarming, wonderful and entertaining. I wholly suggest you read The Hollywood Jinx, as it was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec – Review

Posted on by
12

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec – Review

 

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

 

Description:
The lives of two women—one desperate only to save her missing sister, the other a witch destined to become queen of Norway—intertwine in this spellbinding, powerful novel of Viking Age history and myth from the acclaimed author of The Witch’s Heart.

Oddny and Gunnhild meet as children in tenth century Norway, and they could not be more different: Oddny hopes for a quiet life, while Gunnhild burns for power and longs to escape her cruel mother. But after a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy that involves Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to help one another always.

When Oddny’s farm is destroyed and Signy is kidnapped by Viking raiders, Oddny is set adrift from the life she imagined—but she’s determined to save her sister no matter the cost, even as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of the raiders who participated in the attack. And in the far north, Gunnhild, who fled her home years ago to learn the ways of a witch, is surprised to find her destiny seems to be linked with that of the formidable King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway.

But the bonds—both enchanted and emotional—that hold the two women together are strong, and when they find their way back to each other, these bonds will be tested in ways they never could have foreseen in this deeply moving novel of magic, history, and sworn sisterhood.

 

 

 

Review:

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec is standalone historical fantasy that takes place in the Viking age.  We meet three young girls, two sisters (Signy and Oddny) and a best friend (Gunnhild), who are at the start 12 years old.  At their young age, the girls have no control over their fate as women, and though the three of them swear an oath to each other, and in a short time, a seer will change their lives. Gunnhild has a terrible relationship with her mean mother, and when she is offered to go with the seer, and learn magic, she leaves her home, not to been again for 12 years.

12 Years later, Oddny and Signy’s family is attacked by Viking Raiders, killing most of the residents of their villiage.  Oddny manages to escape, and Signy is captured by the Vikings. With her family dead, Oddny is determined to do anything to find her sister.  Gunnhild over these many years, has learned from her seer, how to use her witch magic and powers.  She and her mentor seer, try to fight off three other witches; knowing how powerful these others are.  Gunnhild and Oddny eventually find each other, and together they are committed to find out why this attack happened, and to rescue Signy. 

Gunnhild makes arrangements to go home, offering her services as a witch, protecting King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway. At first Eirik is not enamored with Gunnhild, until he sees she maybe able to help to him. I did enjoy the snarky relationship between Gunnhild and Eirik; as neither one of them liked each other. Time will change things for both Gunnhild and Eirik, as well as Oddny and Halldor. What I loved the most was the wonderful powers that proved women are capable of fighting this war; especially with their magic, powers, and strong bond between them.

What follows is an exciting, intense, emotional, non-stop action in the last half of the book, which had me unable to put the book down. The Weaver and the Witch Queen was a gripping, intensive, adventurous and fascinating mythology; so very well written by Genevieve Gornichec.  This was a fantastic read, and I loved the epilogue.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to wholly read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

Share

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

Posted on by
13

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

 

 

 

Review:

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 5th book in her wonderful Blood and Ash series.  Poppy has now become the Primal of Blood and Bone, the true Primal of Life and Death, with the gods beginning to awaken. But A Soul of Ash and Blood is mostly in Cas’s POV, especially when Poppy is now in stasis completing the culling. At the start, both Cas and Kieran knew something was not right with Poppy; Cas and Kieran are told to let her rest, but they were also told there is a possibility she may not remember them., when she wakes. Nextas gives them advice, when watching over her, Cas needs to talk to her, which brings us very much in the past. 

For most of the book, Cas reminds Poppy about their journey to what she has become, and their wonderful love for each other. I did enjoy the retelling from the past, as well as in the present when Kieran and Cas remembered things, while they talked to the sleeping Poppy.  It brought back such wonderful memories, which was fun to read, but also intriguing; as well as learning some new things.

I loved seeing in the past, with Poppy and Hawke. It was great to spend time again with so many of our favorite characters.  Kieran played a big part, especially when he worried about Cas falling for Poppy; I loved how Delano always followed Poppy and was so loyal to her. It was great to see many of the others; Vikter, Tawny, Emil, Naill, just to name a few.   

What follows is an in depth look in Cas’s POV, with so many memories from when Blood and Ash all started. The cliffhanger at the end left us holding our breath, especially with Cas desperately trying to save Poppy, and the final scene.  I know people are saying they can’t wait for the next book, but in February 2024, JLA is releasing the 6th book, Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium.  My question, when do we get the real book 6?

A Soul of Ash and Blood is a wonderful look into this fabulous series, with us falling in love with Cas and Poppy all over again. There is a cliffhanger, as Poppy’s powers continue to grow to become the Primal of Life and Death.  If you are a fan of high fantasy, you would need to start with the first book, but for all of us who continue to followed JLA, we wait anxiously.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

Share

RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
19

RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . .

 

 

 

Review:

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh is the 7th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. As I have noted many times, Nalini Singh continues to be one of my musts read go to authors, always loving her Pys-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.  She never fails to give us fantastic stories, great couples and fabulous secondary characters; not to mention her amazing ability to make sure her continued world building is totally flawless.

We meet Theodora (Theo) Marshall, our heroine, who has been tortured as a young child, by her grandfather, who was evil; since she was considered a low- gradient Psy.  Theo has a twin brother, Pax, who with the current death of Marshall Hyde (the grandfather who separated them), assumes control of the Marshall family.  Many years had passed when Pax and Theo were separated, but now that Pax is in charge, he only trusts his twin, who is assigned to check out an unregistered rehabilitation center that their grandfather controlled, and work with the Stonewater clan to discover who is still controlling the center.

Yakov Stepyrev, our hero, has had nightmares since he was young, and now recently the nightmares have come back.  Yakov (Yasha) has been assigned by Valentin (Stonewater leader), to meet Theo Marshall, and work with her to find the answers of who is killing innocent people, as well as who is controlling the center, that was created by the deceased Marshall Hyde.  When Yasha meets Theo, he is shocked to see that she is the woman in his nightmares, and his inner bear knows she is their mate. Yasha is determined to protect Theo, as well as prove to her that she is not a monster (since her grandfather did horrible things).

Yasha and Theo arrive at the center compound, searching for clues as who is behind the what is still happening at the center.  Theo cannot remember much of what the experiments her grandfather did to her, and when she sees the site, she has a panic attack, which brings forth rages in her body.  Yasha finds a way to help her out of the attack, and in a short time, as they are always together, the attraction between is very strong; Theo begins to trust Yasha, especially since their chemistry and bond were amazing..

Pavel (Yakov’s twin ) and Arwen Mercant have been together over a few books, and their relationship has made them a great couple.  Arwen, being an E psy and the heart of the Mercant family, plays a big part in helping Theo overcome her panic attacks and open her heart to Yasha. I really like Pavel and Arwen together.  Pax, Theo’s twin, is slowly feeling his life ending soon, due to the Scarab Syndrome; which I hope will resolve in the next book.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Resonance Surge was an emotional love story between Yasha and Theo, who was damaged, with a bond that will bring them totally together. The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the Stonewater bears accepted Theo into their clan. I really enjoyed Yakov and Theo’s story.  I also loved seeing many of our previous heroes, such as, Valentine, Silver, Kaleb, Ena, Pavel, Arden, and the rest of the Stonewater Bears.  

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Resonance Surge, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Resonance Surge.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of RESONANCE SURGE   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 and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

4. Please FOLLOW and follow THE READING CAFE on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Like and Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 17 – 21, 2023

Share

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
27

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
Knox Shepler is a country superstar in his prime, but each release takes him further away from the classic country of his roots. His agent suggests a compromise: if Knox writes another pop-crossover album, he can cut a single playing the music he’s passionate about. Paparazzi make inspiration hard to find on the road, so Knox heads to Paradise Island, posing as a contractor to hide his true identity.

Claudia Alvarez went viral several years ago for all the wrong reasons. Since then, she’s been keeping a low profile by working at A Cowboy in Paradise. The bar’s finances aren’t what they used to be, so in order to save the only place she feels safe, Claudia proposes renovating the bungalows on the property to generate extra income.

When Knox and Claudia are forced to work together, he finds inspiration and she discovers it might be time to open her heart. But as the truth surfaces, Claudia must decide if she can face her fears for a chance at the love of a lifetime.

 

 

 

Review:

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush is the 2nd book in her Cowboys in Paradise series. We meet Knox Sheplar, our hero, who is a country music star, and is under pressure from his manager and label who want him to finish his album, using the studio’s themes.  Knox decides to go back to his roots, and travels to Paradise Island to find his muse; especially, to write songs he enjoys to sing and hopefully salvage his career. With help from a friend, Knox will meet the owner of A Cowboy in Paradise, and he goes undercover doing renovations on the bungalows (he loved working with his hands as a teenager), and uses the name Nolan.

Claudia Alverez, manages the bar at A Cowboy in Paradise, she works closely with her boss, and when Nolan shows up, Claudia is irritated, since it was her idea to fix up the bungalows.  Claudia has been in Paradise for 4 years, having run away from her previous life, with a break up with an ex-boyfriend, and a career that fell apart.

Nolan (Knox) and Claudia agree to work together in renovating the bungalows. Knox and Claudia are instantly attracted to each other, but she fights off getting involved, and he is determined to win her over. In a short time, the chemistry between them is amazing, and they both fall hard for each other.  Knox learns about what happened with her ex, who was famous, and Claudia did not want to be in the spotlight, which also caused her to lose her career; Knox fears if she knows he is a country music star, he will lose her.   He knows he has to tell her who he really is, but must find the time to reveal his secret; especially since Claudia has become his inspiration and muse to write songs.

Make Me Yours, Cowboy was a fun story that kept me glued to my kindle.  I loved Knox and Claudia together, as they were so great together.  This is a heartwarming passionate love story, with so much emotion, pulling on your heart.  What happens when Claudia discovers the truth about Knox? Will she face her fears and open her heart?

Make Me Yours, Cowboy was so very well written by Dylann Crush. This had a bit of everything to enjoy; small town, cowboy romance, country music, and love. I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a very enjoyable read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Dylann Crush’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of MAKE ME YOURS, COWBOY 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Dylann Crush on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 16 –  20, 2023

 

 

Share