Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

Business Casual by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

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Business Casual by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Two opposites will find out if one night together is enough to get each other out of their systems in the final book in the beloved Lovelight series.

Nova Porter isn’t looking for love, and she certainly has no explanation for her attraction to buttoned-up, three-piece-suit-wearing investment banker Charlie Milford. Maybe it’s his charm? Or maybe it’s his determination to help her fledgling business however he can. Either way, she’s distracted every time he’s around. With her new tattoo studio set to open in her hometown of Inglewild, she doesn’t have time for frivolous flirtations. 

In an effort to get Charlie out of her system once and for all, Nova offers a proposition. One night. No strings. They’ll kick their uncomfortable attraction to the curb and return to their respective responsibilities. But their explosive night together scatters their expectations like fallen leaves. And with Charlie in town as the temporary head of Lovelight Farms, Nova can’t quite avoid him. 

And Charlie? Well, Charlie knows a good investment when he sees one. He’s hoping he can convince Nova he’s worth some of her time.

 

 

Review:

Business Casual by B.K. Borison is the 4th book in her Lovelight series. I loved the first three books in this series, as they were wonderful sweet romances, and sad to say that this is the final book in this series.  Nova Porter, our heroine, isn’t interested in looking for love, as she is concentrating on her doing the final touches of perfection within her new tattoo studio; in her hometown of Inglewild. Nova’s family has always supported her, and she worries about disappointing them.   

Charlie Milford, our hero, is an investment banker in New York; but he loves constantly visiting his half-sister, Stella and her Christmas Tree Farm (Lovelight) and the residents of Inglewild. Charlie is always happy when he visits Stella; and even participates being part of the Town’s phone tree for latest gossips.   Charlie has arranged to stay in Inglewild for a month, as he is sending Stella and her husband, Luka, to Italy for a month. Charlie will work with Stella’s partners, as he will happily take care of Stella’s duties at the farm.

Everything starts at the wedding ceremony of Stella and Luka. Charlie is a shameless flirter, and always pays close attention to Nova. After a few drinks, she willingly accepts when Charlie asks her to dance. After a bit, Nova asks Charlie to come to her house when the wedding is over.  What Charlie didn’t realize, that Nova was looking for a one-night no-strings stand, and he thought she meant stopping over for snacks.  Which irritated Nova and she stormed away; but a few days later, Charlie tries to explain his mistake and Nova cannot hold back her attraction to him.  They decide to hook up for one night, and move on with their lives; but their explosive night together changes everything.  Best laid plans do not always work, as their attraction to each other escalates.   

What follows is a sweet, steamy and endearing romance relationship between Nova and Charlie, as they had awesome chemistry. I loved seeing all the fabulous characters we got to know throughout the series; such as Stella, Luka, Beckett, Evie, Layla and Caleb. 

Business Casual was another fun, heartwarming, cute, sweet romance, another great couple, and terrific secondary characters that we have all come to love. I did feel that this final book was even steamier than the previous book.  I adored the epilogue that was a fantastic ending to this series. Business Casual was a great series, and so very well written by B.K. Borison.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

B.K. Borison’s publisher, Berkley Romance is offering a paper copy of BUSINESS CASUAL to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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6. Giveaway is open to  US only.

7. Giveaway runs from July 16th to 19th, 2024

 

 

 

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One Star Romance by Laura Hankin – Review & Giveaway

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One Star Romance by Laura Hankin – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Natalie and Rob couldn’t have less in common. Nat’s a messy artist, and Rob’s a rigid academic. The only thing they share is their devotion to their respective best friends—who just got engaged. Still, unexpected chemistry has Natalie cautiously optimistic about being maid of honor to Rob’s best man.

Until, minutes before the ceremony, Nat learns that Rob wrote a one-star review of her new novel, which has them both reeling: Nat from imposter syndrome, and Rob over the reason he needed to write it.

When the reception ends, these two opposites hope they’ll never meet again. But, as they slip from their twenties into their thirties, they’re forced together whenever their fast-track best friends celebrate another milestone. Through housewarmings and christenings, life-changing triumphs and failures, Natalie and Rob grapple with their own choices—and how your harshest critic can become your perfectly imperfect match.

After all, even the truest love stories sometimes need a bit of rewriting. 

 

 

Review:

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin is a standalone enemy to lovers rom-com novel. The story focuses mostly on Natalie, who has just published her first book; she lives with her bff, Gabby.  Natalie meets Rob, who happens to be Angus, bff; and during a party, where Angus asks Gabby to marry him. Natalie learns that one person gave her book 1 star, and after a bit of investigation, she realizes that Rob was the one who gave her the 1 star.  From that moment on, both of them got off on the wrong foot, and as the years passed, both Natalie and Rob, only saw each other only due to their respective best friends.

At times they were forced to be together, such as when Gabby and Angus got married, Rob was the best man and Natlie was the maid of honor. Throughout the passing years, they met at their friend’s parties, housewarming, birth of baby, life changing or another milestone; as both of them dealed with their own life and ambitions.

This was a slow burn romance, with years having passed, and a tragedy will bring both Natalie and Rob together.  The friendship between the foursome (Gabby, Angus, Natalie, Rob), as well as other secondary character was lots of fun, and wonderful to get to know them over time. It was very well done, as we got to see the journey between the four of them during that period.  I got a kick out of Christina (Gabby/Angus) daughter. I did like some other secondary characters that played a nice part in this book. I did in time enjoy the love-hate relationship between Rob and Natalie.

One Star Romance is a fun story that focuses on friendship, romance, growth and humor over a number of years. It is a charming, witty, fun story that seamlessly combines life’s complexities and growth, as we change over a period of time.  If you enjoy slow burn romances, with lots of humor; you should read One Star Romance, with was very well written by Laura Hankin.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Laura Hankin’s publishe,Berkley is graciously offering a hardcover copy of  ONE-STAR ROMANCE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from June 18- 22, 2024

 

 

 

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Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

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Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.

But I’m not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world.

 

Review:

Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs is the 14th book in her wonderful Mercy Thompson series. I am a big fan of this series, and its heroine, Mercy Thompson.  It is always fun to spend time with Mercy and Adam, and their pack. Refresher:  Mercy has always been independent, and she continues to surprise many as she always manages to find a way to outsmart her enemies, who constantly underestimate her.  Mercy is strong, savvy, smart and a coyote shifter, but it is her love for Adam that makes her very loyal to the pack also; she will do anything to protect those she loves. 

Winter Lost picks up not too far when the last book ended, with Mercy still feeling the effects of what the Soul Taker did to her. She still hides some of the symptoms left over, but those close to her still try to find a way to heal her. When her brother Gary shows up, they discover he has been cursed. The local frost giant Ymir is called in to find out why Gary was cursed, but he tells them his other brother, Hrimnir created the curse. Mercy and Adam embark on a journey to Montana to find the person behind the curse, to help her brother.  

When they meet Hrimnir, he explains that Gary had stolen an important artifact; in retaliation, he has brought a major blizzard to the hotel, where a wedding will take place.  No one can leave the resort until the artifact is returned, or all will die.  Mercy and Adam go to stay at the hotel and try to find the artifact; while there they meet a host of supernatural beings, such as fae, vampires, wolves, etc. We also learn about the myths and traditions, such as the wedding, as well as end of the world threats.  I did like some new characters, such as Liam (Fae), and Grandmother Spider, who was a great addition, with her magical abilities.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop, tense, action packed adventure that captivated me from start to finish.   Winter Lost was a tense, exciting, wild, pulse pounding climax. To tell too much more would be spoilers, which would ruin the story. 

Winter Lost was a page turner, and so very well written by Briggs, with so much action throughout. I loved every moment of it.  I love Adam and Mercy together, as they have a wonderful bond.  This is a fabulous series.  If you have not read the Mercy Thompson series, and love paranormal, shifters, wolves; it is time to start reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Patricia’s publisher has graciously offered a paper copy of WINTER LOST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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6. Please Follow PATRICIA BRIGGS on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to US only

8. Giveaway runs from June 18 – 21, 2024

 

 

 

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Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

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Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

 

Description:
A forbidden, secret affair proves that all’s fair in love and science.

Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.

Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through – and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who’s off-limits to him.

Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business – one that plays for keeps.

 

 

 

Review:

Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood is another one of her wonderful standalone romance novels. We meet Rue Siebert, our heroine, who is happy in her job, as a successful biotech engineer at Kline; well-known in the field of food science. Rue has two best friends, her childhood friend, Trish (they work closely together); and her loyal boss, Florence. Rue had a rough childhood, and is determined to keep her heart closed, not comfortable in any kind of relationship, only allowing some one-night stands. She is content in her life, until she learns that a hostile takeover threatens her calm and confident world.

Eli Kilgore, our hero, is part of the Harkness group doing the hostile takeover. Eli and his business partners plan to takeover Kline, for various past reasons. To his shock, he sees Rue, whom he met the night before, during a wild sexy evening. Despite Rue ignoring him, Eli finds himself drawn to her, as he can’t stop thinking about the night before.  Eli goes out of his way to visit or interview Rue, as their feelings for each other escalates, with the chemistry between them becomes sizzling. 

They do begin a secret no-strings attached affair, with Rue making sure that Florence doesn’t find out. Rue will learn from Eli, what happened 10 years ago with Florence, and why they are determined to fix what she did to them.  She has every intention to team up with her boss Florence, only to learn more about the past truths, and the lies of her boss.    

 Eli was perfect for Rue, helping her through her emotional past, revealing little pieces of herself which she hid away for years.  Rue could not resist her feelings for Eli, who was hot, charming and very sexy. They made a great couple, very steamy together.  I will say that this book had so much sex, it was very different then previous Hazelwood stories.  I did like Trish, Rue’s best friend, who was totally loyal to her and a terrific bff.  Rue will learn that though she thought she was close to Florence, she will discover secrets that could cause Rue to lose her job.

As we get closer to the end, with the hostile takeover, it will be Eli, who will do everything he can to protect Rue; as he knows he has fallen in love with her.  Rue is entangled in a secret affair, that though she too has fallen for Eli, it does challenge the foundations of her past.  Can she find a way to act on her feelings and desires?

Not in Love is wonderful love story, very steamy, as well as emotional. I really like the end and epilogue, which was great.  Though, I do say there were too many sex scenes. Not in Love was very well written by Ali Hazelwood.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

`Ali Hazelwood’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of NOT IN LOVE 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.

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from June 11 – 14, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan

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The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan-review & giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2024

A tantalizing novel of two women bound by blood but divided by a long-buried secret, and the island that holds the key to the fateful summer that changed everything forever. In 1959, Hollywood ingenue Mercy Welles seems to have the world at her feet. Far removed from her Nebraska roots, she has crafted herself into a glamorous Oscar-nominated actress engaged to an up-and-coming director… Until she shockingly vanishes without a trace, just as her career is taking off.

Almost sixty years later, Kit O’Neill, a junior television producer in Manhattan, is packing up her recently deceased grandmother’s attic, only to discover a long-lost box of souvenirs that reveal that the grandmother who raised her and her sister Claire was, in fact, the mysterious Mercy Welles. Putting her investigative skills to use, Kit is determined to solve the riddle of her grandmother’s missing life, and the trail eventually leads to Martha’s Vineyard. Mercy retreats to the island nursing a broken heart, only to be drawn to the roguish Ren Sewards, who is not just the simple oysterman he appears to be but a scion of one of the island’s wealthy founding families. With her attraction to Ren quickly growing, Mercy soon finds herself entangled in the intrigues of the tightly knit community and the secrets of the Sewards.

Alternating between Mercy and Kit’s timelines, including excerpts from letters Mercy wrote the summer she disappeared, The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard unfurls into a heart-stopping story of love, betrayal, and even murder.

•••••

REVIEW: THE LOST LETTERS FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD by Michael Callahan is an adult historical story of woman’s fiction focusing on Hollywood actress Mercy Welles aka Edith, and journalist Kit O’Neill

Told from several third person perspectives and numerous timelines ( 1944, 1959 and 2018), using present day, memories and letters from the past THE LOST LETTERS FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD follows journalist Kit O’Neill as she goes in search of her grandmother’s past. After hunting through the attic of her late grandmother Edith’s home, Kit discovers a collection of letters, pictures and memorabilia focusing on the Hollywood actress Mercy Welles, a woman she will come to learn is her grandmother Edith aka Nan. Retracing her grandmother’s past, Kit will discover somethings were better left behind.

Meanwhile, back in 1959, Mercy Welles is struggling with betrayal and heartbreak. Needing a short break from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, Mercy Welles spends the summer on Martha’s Vineyard, where her life will be forever changed.

As the past collides with the future, threatening to repeat itself, Kit O’Neill is caught between the secrets and lies for which people were willing to kill.

The secondary characters include Mercy’s best friend Cass Goldman; Mercy’s summer romance lover Warren ‘Ren’ Stewards, his brother Patrick, and their mother Mint; Kit’s sister Claire, and an eclectic cast of characters, most of whom with an axe to grind or secrets to hide.

THE LOST LETTER FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD is a thought-provoking story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, murder and chaos, family and friendships, love and loss. The premise is detailed, dramatic, and heart breaking; the characters are determined, desperate and animated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Social Media: X aka Twitter / Amazon Author Page / Website / Instagram / Goodreads/

Courtesy of the Author’s website

I wrote my first story when I was five.

As I recall, it pertained to a king, a princess, and some missing treasure, though not necessarily in that order. At the end of the tale, it is revealed that the king had died of a broken heart—at the age of 96. My parents found this hilarious.

The point is, I have been telling stories for a long time. In eighth grade I entered the archdiocesan essay contest, whose topic was “What the Canonization of St. John Neumann Means to Me.” Evidently it meant quite a lot: I won. It was then, at the tender age of 13, that I decided I was going to be a writer. Not many people determine their careers in grammar school, but I did.

I was blessed to work as a writer and editor during an era when American magazines were still glossy, thick, and glamorous. My career took me from Atlantic City to northern New Jersey to Boston to New York to Philadelphia and, eventually, out to Los Angeles. I’ve worked as an editor at and written for some of the most storied titles in publishing: Vanity Fair, Esquire, ESPN The Magazine, Departures, Town & Country, The Hollywood Reporter, and Golf Digest, among many others. As an editor I’ve worked with some incredible award-winning writers, including Buzz Bissinger, Jessica Pressler, Simon van Zuylen-Wood, Terry McMillan, Alexandra Styron, Samantha Power, and Benjamin Wallace, to name a few. Today I am proud to be the editorial director at UCLA Magazine, helping to tell the story of the top-ranked public university in the nation, while also serving as an occasional contributing critic for both the New York Times Book Review and W.

HARPER COLLINS is graciously offering a paper copy of THE LOST LETTERS FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD by Michael Callahan to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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10. Giveaway runs from May 24-May 28, 2024

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Raphael and Elena are experiencing their first ever year of true peace. No war. No horrors of archangelic power. No nightmares given flesh. Until…the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering not only angelkind’s precious and fragile young, but the very place that has held their most innocent safe for eons.

Amid the chaos, Elena’s father suffers a violent heart attack that threatens to extinguish their last chance to heal the bonds between them and make sense of the ruins of their agonizing shared history.

Even as Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. But worse yet is to come. An Ancestor, an angel unlike any other, stirs from his Sleep to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

This time, even the Cadre itself may not be able to stop a ticking clock that is counting down at frightening speed…

••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh is the 16th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  It has been ten years since Lijuan died, with the destruction having been rebuilt, and peace around the world. But now all over the world, the land begins to quake under the refuge, with buildings being destroyed, and other violent natural disasters. Jessamy and Vivek work together to uncover what is happening, as they find an old ancient language that might give them answers.

When an Ancient ancestor seems to be awakening from his sleep, Raphael will meet an archangel older than any of them; Marduk. He will explain his thoughts on why the world is falling apart.  Marduk will warn Rapheal and all of the Cadre of a darkness that needs to be fixed, or the future may not survive. All the archangels must work together to find the clues left behind by the old angelic ancestors and how to fix it.

The other part of this story revolves around Elena, whose father has a major heart attack, and may not survive.  She rushes to his bedside, spending time with her stepmother, and their kids, including her own sister, Beth. Elena begins to see signs, such as Beth’s hair turning grey, and the other kids growing up, and realizes that she will outlive all her mortal family and friends.  She is in the middle of keeping an eye on her father, but also dealing with Marduk and his suggestions to stop the destruction.

I love seeing Raphael and Elena together, as I loved their spicy scenes; as well as the love they have for each other.  It was also great to see many of our favorites, such as Illium,Aodhan, Dmitri, Jessamy, Keir, Sharine, Titus, just to name a few;  not to mention all the archangels (Cadre) who must work together to save the world.  Vivek, who is working with Jessamy, seems to play a big part in finding information on the destruction, as he also has help from a very old female vampire underworld leader, Katrina.  Where will this lead in future books?

All of the Cadre, including Elena will need to find the clues for each of them that was once used all those many years before. Marduk only knows so much, but they all will need to bring the parts together, and then Elena with help from Keir to hope that they all will survive. I will not give spoilers, so not to ruin it for you.

What follows was an exciting, intense and emotional last third of the book, with everyone pulling together.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  I loved having so much time with Elena, with her family, as well as the love between her and Raphael.  As always, Archangel’s Lineage was so very well written by Nalini.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

______

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is the sixteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows several pathways including the ongoing relationship between Archangel Raphael and his consort Elena, as well as the collapsing infrastructure of the Refuge; a worldwide series of environmental disasters; the early sleep of a troubled Archangel, a the awakening of another, too early in time, and crumbling bonds of Elena’s human family. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE should not be read as a stand alone as there are numerous references to previous events and disasters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives ( Elena and Raphael) ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows in the wake of a series of environmental disasters in each of the Archangel’s strongholds around the globe. It has been approximately ten years since the last war and the events of the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre), and in this, reparations and rebuilding have been at the forefront for Raphael and Elena but a meeting of the Cadre reveals an Archangel has chosen to sleep, and another may be responsible for the chaos around the world.

Meanwhile, Elena’s estranged father has suffered a life-threatening heart attack, and our heroine is battling between heart break and remorse. Elena’s father has struggled in the years since the murder of his children, and the death of his beloved wife, and in this, Elena has felt the brunt of her father’s grief, and rejection.

The world building is complex and complicated as the story line references numerous past events, and the possible connections to the current time line. All is not well with Angelkind, and in this, the Cadre of Archangels is struggling to maintain control of the vast territories, and betrayal by some of their own.

The relationship between Elena and Raphael continues to be loving , passionate and seductive. Elena is mortal yet not-Raphael sacrificed himself to save his beloved, a sacrifice that now connects our heroine to the past. The $ex scenes are limited but intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Elena’s extended family, as well as the introduction of Archangel Marduk.

ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, desperation and devotion, love and acceptance, family and love. The premise is dramatic, detailed, intricate and impassioned; the romance is heated and sentimental; the characters are compelling, authoritative, and dynamic.

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of Archangel’s Lineage   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

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7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from April 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

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Funny Story by Emily Henry – Review & Giveaway

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Funny Story by Emily Henry – Review & Giveaway

 

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

 

Description:
A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common.

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

 

 

Review:

Funny Story by Emily Henry is a rom-com/dramedy novel about two opposites.   Daphne, our heroine, is a children’s librarian, who is wonderful with the kids; where she is happy and content.  To her shock, her fiancée Peter, decides to dump her (so close to her wedding) after his bachelor party, to be with his childhood friend, Petra. With no place to go, Daphne ends up sharing an apartment with Miles (Petra dumped him).

Miles is very likeable, as he is charming, caring, easy going and loves to have fun. In the early days, the roommates mainly avoided one another, but one day, they get an invitation to Peter and Petra’s wedding.  Daphne finds herself becoming comfortable around Miles, with them becoming friends. After a night out a bar, they accept the invitations.  Miles and Daphne tell their exes that they are now dating (fake), and are happy together.

Both Daphne and Miles have their own family issues, which bring them closer to each other.   Daphne’s mother lives further away, and speaks to her weekly; her divorced father she rarely sees, and to her surprise, he will show up later in the book.    Miles is close to his sister, Julia, who also decides to show up, but sooner than later. Miles is exactly the opposite of practical and socially awkward Daphne in her journey to self-discovery.  Miles goes out of his way to get Daphne out, as he takes her to different places, including where he works at a bar, where she meets other great friends of Miles. I also liked Ashleigh, a new found friend, and loved Julia, who was lots of fun.  In a short time, she finds herself falling for Miles, as he also has feelings for her.  I really loved Miles and Daphne together. What was great about Miles was his putting others before him, warm hearted, caring, and helping her to open her heart in rediscovering herself.  

What follows is a sweet wonderful story about two opposites who eventually find love. Miles was always there for Daphne, and she managed to find friendship with Ashleigh, Julia and others that Miles introduced to her.  Funny Story was a very good storyline, that kept us unable to put the book down.  Funny Story was very well written by Emily Henry.  This was a fun read, which I suggest you read Funny Story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Emily Henry’s publisher is graciously offering a hardcover copy of  FUNNY STORY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline-Review & Giveaway

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The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline-Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
TJ Devlin is the charming disappointment in the prominent Devlin family, all of whom are lawyers at their highly successful firm—except him. After a stint in prison and rehab for alcoholism, TJ can’t get hired anywhere except at the firm, in a make-work job with the title of investigator.

But one night, TJ’s world turns upside down after his older brother John confesses that he just murdered one of the clients, an accountant he’d confronted with proof of embezzlement. It seems impossible coming from John, the firstborn son and Most Valuable Devlin.

TJ plunges into the investigation, seizing the chance to prove his worth and save his brother. But in no time, TJ and John find themselves entangled in a lethal web of deception and murder. TJ will fight to save his family, but what he learns might break them first.

 

 

Review:

The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline is a standalone crime mystery thriller that grips you from the start. The story is set in Philadelphia, centered around the Devlins, who are a family of successful lawyers, in their own law firm. The story revolves around TJ Devlin, who is the black sheep in the family, as he is a recovering alchoholic, as well as having spent time in prison.  TJ works at his family’s law firm as investigator, working hard to redeem himself to his family.

It is his father’s birthday party, when his older brother needs help, and asks TJ to come with him.  Seems John (the older successful brother) met with a client, who pulled a gun on him, and John threw a rock at the client, hitting him in the head.  John fears he killed the man, but when they get to where John left him, there is no body. When they get back to the party, the family immediately thinks that TJ was in trouble.  John tries to conceal where they went, making up a lie that TJ had a relapse, even though he has been sober for a while.  TJ is angry with John, for lying, and when he tries to explain to the family, they brush him off as he is not telling the truth.

The next day TJ learns that John’s client was dead, supposedly by suicide, due to embezzlement, at a different site. This relieves John, and he no longer worries; but TJ is suspicious because he sees he is being followed.  TJ continues his investigation, putting himself into dangerous situations.   TJ is also helping out his sister, Gabby on a pro bono case, related to illegal drugs conducted on inmates in prison by pharmaceutical companies. TJ begins to suspect that John has some issues, causing his downward spiral endangering his family.   Were both of these cases related?

I really liked TJ, who was dedicated to proving himself to his family, despite them treating him like a lost cause; which was heartbreaking at times.  Only his sister, Gabby was always believing in him; as his mother usually did.  His father was harsh to him, always believing the worst; especially with John’s lies to defend himself.  TJ also closer to the end will find the perfect woman for him, as they made a great couple.

The Truth about the Devlins is an exciting, fast-paced story in the last third of the book, with a dangerous lethal web of deception and murder. I was unable to put the book down, as it was a heart-pounding, captivating page-turner.  The Truth About the Devlins was very well written by Lisa Scottoline.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEVLINS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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8. Giveaway runs from March 25th – March 29th, 2024

 

 

 

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