Author Archives: Barb

The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Reviews

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The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Gods save the queen!

Ainsley Farmerson has always planned to break free of the family business—and the family drama. But what was once farming, smithworking, and bickering over the dinner table has turned into open warfare between sisters. Sides have been taken, lives are on the line, and Ainsley has no doubt which sister must be queen. She’ll do whatever is necessary to take down the soulless Beatrix. Even if that means joining forces with angry battle nuns, irritating monks, and overbearing centaurs.

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan has no time for human beings. And yet . . . there is something about the uncontrollable princess that he can’t ignore. Maybe it’s the way her eldest sisters underestimate her. Or her bravery facing down dragons and mad queens from distant lands. Whatever the reason, Gruff is willing to fight by this human’s side. Not only for the entertainment value, but because she’s right. Beatrix must never be queen. So whatever he has to do, whoever he has to destroy, Gruff will battle beside Ainsley. Fast. Hard. And with absolutely no mercy

 

Barb’s Review:
The Heretic Royal by G. A. Aiken is the 3rd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way, with crazy and wonderful characters.

Ainsley is the third and good sister, with Queen Keeley and Gemma having had their story previously. Keely had become Queen of the Western Lands, with Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow, steps up in this story.  Beatrix is the evil sister, who is determined to kill off all her sisters, as she continues to build her own kingdom.

Ainsley has always been the quiet sister, who likes to climb up to the trees to get away from the constant bickering between her sisters. Ainsley knows that she must join the fight against Beatrix, who must never be queen; even joining with centaurs, monks and to her surprise, Dragons

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan is a Centaur, whom we met with his sister and brothers, in the previous book.  Gruffyn rarely talks, just likes to grunt, but finds himself being attached to Ainsley, even talking to her; as well as protecting her. I really enjoyed the slow built romance between Gruff and Ainsley, which was at times funny. 

Of course, this is G.A. Aiken, which means the entire story was suspenseful, action packed, but totally hilarious; especially with the return of the Dragons.  It was so great and hysterical to see all of them again; as these wonderful zany characters are so much fun. We did not miss any of the amazing dragons, and Annwyl from the start, played such a major role. I loved every minute of these wonderful, wild, insane and violent characters, who spent time working closely with Queen Keely, Gemma and Ainsley. 

What follows is a wild, exciting, non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, and our fantastic dragons. The entire book has so much humor with me constantly laughing from start to finish.  I loved that Aiken brought the Dragons back, and allowed us to revisit these insane wonderful characters, who are bloodthirsty, violent, fun and totally entertaining.

The Heretic Royal was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well.  It blew my mind that the Dragons returned, giving us a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series.

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Sandy’s Reviews: THE HERETIC ROYAL is the third instalment in GA Aiken’s adult SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series set in the author’s DRAGONKIN world. Although focusing on several characters, and intersecting plot lines, THE HERETIC ROYAL follows the building relationship between Ainsley Farmerson , and Gruffyn, centaur of the Torn Moon Clan. THE HERETIC ROYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Beatrix Smythe was prophesized to become queen, and her sister Keeley grew to protect her older sibling but Beatrix’ assent into power was driven by madness, and in the ensuing time everyone would come to fear the all powerful queen.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ainsley and Gruffyn aka Gruff THE HERETIC ROYAL is a flight into the fantastic as the author brings together our favorite dragons, their kin, the centaurs, and an assortment of undead horses, demon wolves, war monks and mythological gods.

With the appearance of Annwyl the Bloody, aka the Mad Queen, and a large assortment of squabbling dragons (Fearghus, Briac, Gwenvael, Gwenvael’s son Unnvar Reinholdt, and Morfyd, Bram, Ghleanna and Queen Rhiannon), Ainsley Farmerson and her sister Queen Keeley Smythe, knew all was not well with the world. Annwyl’s reputation has far surpassed all imaginable rumors but when Annwyl suspects one of the human queens is enslaving children and teaching them to kill, Keeley and Ainsley must come to an arrangement that proves to the Mad Queen that someone else is responsible for the annihilation of innocents. Meanwhile Ainsley has found herself with a guardian, so to speak, in the form of centaur Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan, a centaur who is willing to sacrifice himself to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. As Beatrix’ armies advance on Queen Keeley’s territories and lands, the Dragons find themselves making an alliance with Keeley, in advance of the terror that is about to reign down.

THE HERETIC ROYAL has a large ensemble cast of fabulous and fantastic secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines. There is humor, snark and sarcasm as per G.A. Aiken’s style of writing. Once again, the back and forth banter between siblings in both dragon and human families is fast, furious and frenetic, as is the requisite crazy uncle, long suffering parents, and oblivious but powerful kin.  The inventive premise is detailed and fanciful with plenty of action, violence, blood shed, and fun. The characters are numerous, familiar, powerful and charismatic; the slow building romance is passionate and intense.

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Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Becoming the Earl of Castleton wasn’t something Arthur Brynnwood was expecting. Yes, his great-uncle was old, but Arthur had always imagined him living forever. But after he learned of his great-uncle’s passing he went from being just another gentleman to one of the highly sought after prizes by matchmaking mamas of the ton. Suddenly the responsibility of running such a vast estate was thrust on Arthur’s shoulders. The estate accounts were a mess and it was clear his uncle’s steward had been embezzling from his uncle for years. When he arrives at the castle and sees the gross mismanagement of the properties he loses his temper and orders the new steward to let people know their rent were rising – either pay or move.

To his surprise a lovely young woman name Matilda comes to him the next day, pleading prettily for leniency for herself and her ailing aunt who had been living in a cottage free for years. Too used to the wiles of women, Arthur remains unmoved by her words and tells her coldly there will be no reconsideration of his orders. He is the new Earl of Castleton and he will be obeyed. The next thing he knows, he’s choking on a snowball thrown at his face and Matilda is marching away, back straight and head held proudly high. Once again, his temper explodes. He grabs her and wrestles the shrieking, kicking woman to a bedchamber and locks her in until he decides what to do with her.

He find himself intrigued and reluctantly impressed by her show of spirit. She’s not the usual, simpering, coy type of women who all but worship at his feet in London. And her beauty… he feels an unexpected lust when he imagines her long, russet hair and eyes the color of good whiskey. Deciding it’s been too long since he’s had a mistress, he knows exactly how to solve the problem of Matilda: he’ll allow her free use of the cottage she lives in for the rest of her life in exchange for being his mistress this Christmas season…

 

Review:

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith is the 2nd book in her Christmas Wallflowers series.  We meet Matilda (Mattie) from the start, when she receives a letter outside her door.  Mattie lives in a very small cottage, with her ailing aunt; they have lived there rent free for many years, as the Earl of Castleton always looked out for them, until his death.  Mattie reads the letter, which was sent by the new Earl, who tells them they have to move out quickly, or pay a high rent; which they cannot afford.  She quickly runs in the bad snow storm, to talk to this new Earl, and plead their case.

Arthur Brynnwood, is now the Earl of Castleton, having inherited the land and title from his deceased distant Uncle.  Arthur has no idea how to run the estate, and works his steward reviewing what is needed to repair the terrible condition of the mansion and land; as well as previous mismanagement.   He then orders the steward to have people living on the estate, to raise rents or make them move.  When Mattie arrives to talk to the new Earl, he is belligerent and arrogant, telling her he will not change his mind; she loses her cool, and on the way out, throws a snow ball that landed on his head.  Arthur is now angry, and takes Mattie and locks her in a room.    Learning about her ailing aunt, Arthur orders they pick up the aunt to bring her to the mansion, and have a doctor into her health.

Arthur finds himself intrigued by the spirited and feisty, Mattie; as he is not used to women not listening to him and fighting his every move.  Arthur will make a deal with Mattie, increasing her stay at the cabin for months, if she will become his mistress for two weeks.  Mattie, who is a virgin, does feel lust when Arthur kisses her, and decides to accept the deal.

In a short time, both Arthur and Mattie find themselves falling hard for each other; as their relationship escalated into a steamy affair, with Arthur treating Mattie like a queen. Arthur will also learn to his shock, the conditions that Mattie and her aunt lived in (tiny cabin, little food, heat, etc.), and begins to make changes to fix and add on to the cabin they lived in.  When friends of Arthur surprisingly turn up for the holidays, he begins to see a different light to those he used to call friends and their terrible behavior.

After the bad start, I really liked Arthur and Mattie together, and loved watching them fall in love.  Arthur turned into a sweet and caring man, who changed him totally. Snowflakes and Wallflowers was so very well written by Lauren Smith.  I loved the story, and the main characters, and especially loved the epilogue.  I suggest you read Snowflakes and Wallflowers, as it was a sexy heartwarming read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

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Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

 

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Description:
Isolde, newly coronated queen, has finally found a king worthy of her in the vampire Adrian. But their love for each other has cost Isolde her father and her homeland. With two opposing goddesses playing mortals and vampires like chess pieces against one another, Isolde is uncertain who her allies are in the vampire stronghold of Revekka.

Now, as politics in the Red Palace grow more underhanded and a deadly blood mist threatens all of Cordova, Isolde must trust in the bond she’s formed with Adrian, even as she learns troubling information about his complicated past.

 

Review:

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair is the 2nd book in her Adrian X Isolde series.  The story picks up after King of Battle & Blood, as we return to Cordova, and learning more about Isolde and Adrian; with more heartbreak, steamy romance and betrayal.

Isolde is now the Queen, married to King Adrian, with both learning to rule the kingdom together. Their love for each other continues to grow, even with occasional bickering between them; the chemistry between them was sizzling hot lust for each other and insatiable. 

Things become dangerous, as attacks cause worry and dissension among the people, who blame either Adrian or Isolde.  With a traitor still missing, and a witch determined to destroy Revekka and destroy Adrian; Isolde must learn more about the past to move forward. During a spell to help find the witch, one of the main characters is killed, another is unconscious, and Isolde is seriously injured; with decisions made to change her to a Vampire.  Isolde will find that she can shift, which will increase her powers to help join Adrian to fight for their kingdom.  There were a few surprising twists, with two people who were close to them, being traitors.

What follows is an exciting intense adventure, that will pit Adrian and Isolde against the people of Revekka, as well as Isolde determined to go back to Lara and reclaim the throne.  I loved Isolde, as she was a strong fearless badass heroine, who stood up to anyone.  I also loved Adrian, as he loved Isolde, and was patient in waiting for her to discover the truths of the past.

In the last third of the book, everything escalates, including surprises and twists, especially the two traitors. Queen of Myth and Monsters was filled with action, danger, betrayal, revenge, as well as a wild and sexy steamy erotic romance. This was very well written by Scarlett St. Clair, and if you enjoy fantasy, vampires, you should be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London – a Review

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London – a Review

 

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Description:
“One of the year’s most delightful rom-coms.”—New York Times bestselling author Julia London on The Dachshund Wears Prada

The perfect romcom for dog lovers! Pets of Park Avenue is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when things don’t go according to plan.

What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

Paws in the City Series:
Book 1 – The Dachshund Wears Prada
Book 2 – Pets of Park Avenue

 

 

Review:

Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London is the second book in her Paws in the City series. Scout needs to bag the big promotion, her reputation and her baby sister are relying are on her. She wants, no needs to prove to herself and everyone that she’s not a waste of space. She doesn’t want the same label her mother had….. She needs to do something and fast…..

Lane wants nothing to do with his estranged wife! She walked out and took her dramas with her. But his feelings never did really die out for his wife, can he really want to be drawn back into a life with drama, but also fun?  How she approaches Lane, will have you chuckling. She needs a doggy stand-in and she knows who has a look a like, but getting his approval is going to prove difficult!

We find out that after a whirlwind romance and a quick wedding in Vegas, things quickly deteriorate and Scout walked away never looking back. But neither started divorce proceedings, so you have to wonder if they hoped to reunite some day?

If you’ve read book one in the series, you would have already met Scout, but don’t worry if you didn’t, the book is a standalone story, (but after reading this book, you’ll probably go back to read the first one ?)

So how will she get him to agree to work together, when he really doesn’t want all that drama back in his life? Can she show him she’s changed? The more time they spend together, the more they remember the good times, the fun times. But with the divorce finally within reach, can Lane walk away?

It’s not necessary to read book one before reading this one. But there are a few characters from the previous book that make an appearance.It will have you smiling and crying throughout the book, the author knows how to bring out the best in a rom-com. I did love the four legged star Twinkle, she’s such a cute dog, and her antics had me shaking my head. ?

I highly recommend this book if you love second chance romance.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Verant -a Review

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The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Verant -a Review

 

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Description:
Kate Jenkins doesn’t believe in fate. She believes in a clear vision, meticulous planning, and hard work in order to achieve her culinary dreams. On the cusp of opening her own Parisian restaurant, Bistro Exotique, she isn’t even concerned when her standoffish–and annoyingly sexy–neighbor dismisses her as a crazy American tourist or when she meets the wildly eccentric Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, who ominously warns her of the previous owner’s failures.

Confident and optimistic, Kate keeps calm and cooks on. Until a series of unfortunate events derail her plans and her entire staff quits.

Kate is about to throw in the kitchen towel on her lifelong dream when Garrance offers to use her mastery of scents and spices to help her, but it comes at a price: Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef and total jerk. After Kate hesitantly concedes to the deal, she slowly learns to open her heart and mind to new concepts, not quite sure if the magic she’s experiencing comes from Garrance’s spices, from within herself, or from the growing chemistry with Charles. One thing is certain, though: her kitchen is getting increasingly hot.

 

 

Review:

The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Verant is a sweet fun standalone novel.  Kate Jenkins, our heroine, finds herself in a quarry, with the opening of her new Paris restaurant, Bistro Exotique; as everything that could go wrong, does go wrong; with things unsettled, almost all of her staff quits.  Help comes from her wealthly and friendly landlady, Garrance, who claims to be the Spice Master of Paris, using her wonderful scents/spices, and offers her a deal, that she can’t refuse.  Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef, who both recently got off on the wrong foot

The two are forced to work together, especially with the restaurant opening pushed up two weeks, to make the changes, use the special spices into the meals, and to hire people.  In a short period, both Charles (who used to be a former Michelin starred chef) and Kate begin to work well together, as they are determined to make the opening a grand success.  Kate opens her mind to new senses, as she begins to experience the power of Garrance’s spices that are amazing.  She also finds herself falling for Charles, as their chemistry was becoming sizzling.  When the restaurant opens to raves, with the unique scents driving everyone to a touch of magical senses.

What follows is a charming story, set in Paris, with a couple that were meant for each other, two mothers pushing them, great secondary characters, magic, and romance.  Kate knows that Charles has many admirers, including women who try to get his attention; she learns to accept his love, and her feelings for him.

The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique was a wonderful sweet love story, with a fantastic setting in Paris, and amazing food senses we get to learn about throughout.  Kate and Charles were a terrific couple, even with their bad start.  I really enjoyed watching them slowly fall in love.  I loved everything about the restaurant, the food and spices, and the great secondary characters.  The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique was very well written by Samantha Verant.

Reviewed by Barb

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A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

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Description:
East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines. The Isle of Cadence has always held itself and its residents in a tenuous balance. But now Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, has pushed everyone and everything in his path off-kilter in a bid to claim dominion over all.

In the West, Adaira struggles to adjust to the more brutal, bitter ways of life among the Breccans. Striving to find her place in the clan, she swiftly realizes that it just might be the last role she desires to hold. And while magic blooms effortlessly for the Breccans in the west, the spirits continue to suffer beneath Bane’s harsh power, felt in every gust of wind.

In the East, Jack is adrift without Adaira until he sings to the ember-weak fire spirits, acquiring a dangerous mission he never expected. One that is destined to lead him westward. Likewise, Torin and Sidra are consumed by a new mystery as sickness spreads first amongst the crops, and then to the people of the Tamerlaine clan. While Sidra desperately searches for a cure, Torin dares to strike a bargain with the spirits—a precarious folly anytime, but especially now as the days grow darker.

With the island falling further out of balance, humans and spirits alike will need to join together to face Bane, and Jack’s gift with the harp will be called upon once more. Yet no one can challenge the North Wind without paying a terrible price, and the sacrifice required this time may be more than Jack, Adaira, Torin, and Sidra can bear to pay.

In the stunning conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless finds the delicate balance between the human and faerie realm threatened by Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, whose defeat can only come through fire, song, and heart-rending sacrifice.

 

 

Review:

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross is the final book in her wonderful Elements of Cadence duology.  I have become a fan of Rebecca Ross’s wonderful fantasy novels. A Fire Endless picks up where the first book left off. Adaira is now in the West, trying to adjust to a more difficult life, as well as learn more about her true family (Breccans), her mother, Innes being the laird of the West and her father David. She misses her husband, Jack, who was left in the East, since being a bard, he cannot play music in the West.

In the East, Jack misses Adaira, but is determined to use his harp, to sing to the spirits, who suffer from King Bane’s nasty powers, bringing severe sickness to crops and people. The blight continues to grow, and Sidra, the healer in Tamerlaine, becomes infected, trying desperately to find a cure. Torin, the Laird of the East, finds himself approached by a spirit, who needs him to solve a puzzle, which would help save the land.  He is then stuck in the spirit realm, trying to search for the clues, to free himself, and stop the blight; with him being unable to see anyone in the mortal world, including his wife, Sidra and daughter, Maisie. 

Adaira slowly begins to learn more about her parents, and the world within the Breccan clan; but she also tries to change the way things are being done, especially the culling.  In a short time, Jack, will decide to join Adaira in the West, since he wants to be with his wife, and willing to give up his music.  It was a dangerous journey for Jack, as some evil Breccans threatened his life, with Adaira coming to his rescue.  Very exciting.  I loved Jack and Adaira together, as they were a fantastic couple.

With both the East and West beginning to suffer the terrible consequences of Bane’s rule, they will need to find a way to bring both sides together, as well as the spirits, who also suffer from Bane’s horror. Each of them (Adaira, Jack, Sidra and Torin) have their own difficult arcs, as we spend time with each of them in their compelling journeys.  Jack’s gift of music will bring Bane to destroy the spirits, more blight and stop the Bard. Will Jack survive?

What follows was an amazing, fantastic adventure in a world filled with magic, spirits, enemies, betrayals and romance.  There are some surprising twists, that will eventually force the two clans to join together to save the Isle of Cadenc.  Adaira, continues to be a fantastic heroine, as she was strong independent, determined, savvy and fierce. I loved Jack, Sidra and Torin, who played major parts in this story. 

A Fire Endless was a wonderful, captivating, unique story filled with spirits, magic and folklore.   To say too much more would ruin it for you, as you really do need to read this fantastic finale.  Rebecca Ross once again gives us a wonderful fantasy, with great characters and keeping me enthralled from start to finish.  If you have not read this duology, I suggest you start with A River Enchanted, then read A Fire Endless.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca – a Review

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Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca – a Review

 

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Description:
A high-powered attorney from a success-oriented family, Louisa “Lulu” Malone lives to work, and everything seems to be going right, until the day she realizes it’s all wrong. Lulu’s cousin Mitch introduced her to the world of Renaissance Faires, and when she spies one at a time just when she needs an escape, she leaps into the welcoming environment of turkey legs, taverns, and tarot readers. The only drawback? Dex MacLean: a guitarist with a killer smile, the Casanova of the Faire… and her traveling companion for the summer.

Dex has never had to work for much in his life, and why should he? Touring with his brothers as The Dueling Kilts is going great, and he always finds a woman at every Faire. But when Lulu proves indifferent to his many plaid charms and a shake-up threatens the fate of the band, Dex must confront something he never has before: his future.

Forced to spend days and nights together on the road, Lulu’s interest in the kilted bad boy grows as he shows her a side of himself no one else has seen. The stresses of her old lifestyle fade away as she learns to trust her intuition and follow her heart instead of her head. But when her time on the road is over, will Lulu go with her gut, or are she and Dex destined for separate paths?

 

 

Review:

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca is the 4th book in her Well Met series.  We meet our heroine, Louisa (Lulu) Malone from the start, as she is sent by her law firm to North Carolina to fix a client issue. Louisa is upset, as year after year, she keeps waiting to be promoted to partner; and sending her to North Carolina could have been handled by an intern.  When she is yelled at by her boss, Louisa realizes that she will never achieve partner status, knowing the firm was mostly white male; in her anger, she throws her phone into the lake. 

Louisa notices across the way that a Renaissance Faire is open, and buys herself a ticket.  Louisa has attended a faire at Willow Creek (previous books), and to her surprise, she runs into Stacey (second book heroine), who is working at the Renaissance Faire, since her boyfriend Daniel is part of the Dueling Kilts band.  Stacey talks to Mitch, Louisa’s cousin, and together between them they convince Louisa to take a break and join the faire.  Louisa agrees, and becomes famous, as the lady who threw her phone into the lake. 

Lulu (her new nickname) finds herself enjoying the fun, helping with food, going after hours to taverns, and enjoying the company of members of the Dueling Kilts. She begins to spend more time with the lead singer, Dex, whose reputation as a lady’s man follows him at all Faire events. Lulu slowly gets closer to the handsome hot hunk, with the killer smile; even though Stacey tries to warn her that Dex is bad news.  Later Lulu will also work with the tarot readers, in bringing in more organization and business; Lulu will also learn more about the reading of tarot cards.  I did enjoy this part, as it was fun and interesting.

It was fun to watch them both falling for each other, as they made a great couple, and I really liked them together, especially their awesome chemistry.  What follows is a fun, sweet romance between Dex and Lulu, rooting hard for them to find a way to stay together.

Well Matched was a fun, enjoyable, sweet and sexy story, and an amazing couple in Dex and Lulu. I really loved the secondary characters, in this story, as well as seeing some of our old favorites closer to the end. I also loved the ending.  Jen Deluca did a wonderful job writing this wonderful romantic comedy that that had a lot of humor and charm. I suggest you read Well Traveled, as it was a fun enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle – a Review

 

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Description:
When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

 

 

Review:

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful standalone second chance romance novel.  We meet, Lorri Walker, our heroine at the start, when her husband surprises her with dog on Valentine’s Day. Lorri had suspected her husband of having an affair last year, and when he denied it, she accepted the dog, as his proving that he loves her.  However, many months later, her husband leaves her for another woman, who he claims he loves.  Lorri decides she needs to move, and ends up in Dalton Mill, with her dog, Mister (a huge mastiff); with 5 acres of land for Mister to enjoy.  In a short time, Lorri gets to meet many of the friendly local people, finding herself content & happy, not to mention her graphic design business was growing rapidly.  

Ryder Bolt, our hero, has lived in this small country town of Dalton Mill all his life, and was not happy with his father having sold the land; and resented those who moved to the new development, but he tries to move on past that.  He does support his niece and nephew in running The Wedding Ranch, which has become a successful event planning business.  Ryder has never gotten over the death of his wife and child in a tragic car accident that happened 7 years ago. 

Lorri’s neighbor friend, Tinsley invites her to go to the county fair, which has lots of activity, craft, baking, competitions and cotton candy.  While looking around, she is tackled to safety by a handsome stranger, as cows escaped and heading right her.  Ryder and Lorri became friends from that point on, with them enjoying each other’s company, with both having their own traumas.

What follows is a slow build second chance romance, with two wonderful people, who deserve to move on in love and forgiveness.  I loved Ryder and Lorri together, though the terrible past does come haunting back that threatens to destroy their possible future. Will they be able to stay together?  

I adored Mister, who though at 180 lbs., was a wonderful dog.  Lorri’s friends, especially her bestie Pam, were always there for her; and it was fun for both of them to see an old friend, who was a major country music star.   I did enjoy so many of the secondary characters who were awesome, especially Ryder’s sister, Diane and Ross/Reese who ran The Wedding Ranch. 

The Wedding Ranch was a wonderful, refreshing story, so very well written by Nancy Naigle.  The story line was very good, with a number of issues, including tragedy, divorce, love, second chances, emotional, forgiveness, family and happiness.  I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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