Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

The Reading Café 12th Anniversary with St. Martin’s Press

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The Reading Café 12th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway with St. Martin’s Press

Today’s Prize Package

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

ST. MARTIN’S PRESS is graciously offering a prize package of 5 paper books to ONE (1) commenter.

One (1) winner will receive all 5 paper books from St. Martin’s Press

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 tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Please LIKE and FOLLOW St. Martin’s Press on FACEBOOK.

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

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA

10. Giveaway runs until February 4-15, 2024

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12th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway-Today’s Prize Package 1

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12th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway 1

On February 2, 2012 The Reading Cafe was born. From our love of books, an idea came to life and our adventure began. The success has been phenomenal-reviews, interviews, authors and giveaways, cover reveals to behind the scenes-we offer something for everyone. We offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made The Reading Cafe a great place to visit.

To show our appreciation and to celebrate our 12th Anniversary we are, once again, offering you a chance to WIN a number of anniversary prize packages throughout the month of February, as well as our regularly scheduled promotions and giveaways.

Remember to drop by The Reading Cafe to enter for your chance to WIN.

•••••••••••••••••••

If you miss a daily giveaway, you may go back and enter until the giveaway deadline.

Most Anniversary Giveaway promotions will post at 6pm est

Some of the print/paper books are ARC copies from the publisher and have not gone through final edits.

•••••••••••••••••••

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. ALL GIVEAWAYS REQUIRE A COMMENT to be eligible. Please leave a comment under each giveaway you would like to enter. Nothing much-‘ enter me in the giveaway’- is fine. Please follow the giveaway instructions under the daily posts. If you are entering through this page, click on the different giveaways below ( by date) and the link will take you the to individual giveaways.

NOTE: If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-in. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook etc, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter etc does not account for email contact.

If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, refresh the page (at the top of your computer screen). This should solve some of the difficulty.

2. Most of the paper giveaways are open to USA only unless otherwise specified. (it will be highlighted)

3. The ebook giveaways are open INTERNATIONALLY unless otherwise specified. (it will be highlighted)

4. Winners of all giveaways will be notified by email at the end of the promotion. Winners will have 72 hours to respond to the email notification. If the winner does not respond to the email within 72 hours, another name will be drawn.

5. Giveaway promotion will run February 1 to February 14, and February 15 to March 4, 2024. Read each giveaway for end dates.

6.  ALL giveaways require a comment on the original post at The Reading Cafe

Again, we want to thank you for making The Reading Cafe a success.

Sandy, Barb and The Reading Cafe Team
( Julie B, Erin, Vickie, Sarah )

 

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

The Reading Cafe is offering 3 book prize package featuring books by  Penelope Douglas and Elle Kennedy

ONE (1) commenter will WIN all 3 paper books

 

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 tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs February 3-February 15, 2024

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis know that a match between them is out of the question. Yet their hearts yearn for the impossible.

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society—even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking—and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion—driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl’s family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked—and intrigued—by Ben’s ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke’s sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way.

 

 

Review:

Always Remember by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Ravenswood series.  I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Always Remember focuses on Lady Jennifer Arden (sister of Lucas, Duke of Wilby from Remember Me) and Ben Ellis (half-brother to the Ware family, with Devlin, now the Earl of Stratton from Remember Love).  

Ben, having become part of the Ware family at the age of three, when his mother died, and his father (the Earl of Stratton) brings him to Ravenswood, where he grew up with his wonderful half brothers and sister. Clarissa, his father’s wife, opened her arms and accepted him from the start, and his family all loved him.   Now in the present time, Ben has a young daughter, as his wife died due to an illness, and he took care of Joy; he decides to go the Ravenswood, where his brother and best friend, Devlin and his wife are throwing a summer party; with all the Ware family, as well as the Wilby family.

Lady Jennifer, has been disabled since being affected with a childhood illness, always needing a wheelchair to get around.  She is blessed with a wonderful and loving protective family: always cheerful and outgoing, with everyone loving her, with her having a happy place in high society. One day, Ben notices that Jenny was trying to practice walking in private, and the next day Ben created a special cushion for Jenny to help her get around easier, as well as coming up with other ideas (special shoes, crutch and different wheelchair). In a short time, they both become friends, not to mention his daughter Joy adoring Jenny. I really enjoyed watching Ben teaching her how to drive a carriage, and many other things. The relationship between Ben and Jenny is a slow burn, since Ben knows the families are alarmed by their growing friendship, as a match between them is not considered acceptable. 

What follows is Jenny finds herself becoming enamored by Ben, with his wonderful ideas, as well as becoming very close to Joy, who calls her Mama.  Jenny knows that Ben is considering finding a woman to marry to help with Joy, and perhaps have more children; as she knew he was an amazing father.  Ben was always charming, funny, kindhearted and would be the perfect husband for her.  But will both families allow Ben to marry Jenny?

Always Remember was another great addition to this series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Jennifer and Ben, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together; and adored Joy.  I loved the all the wonderful Ware family, especially Devlin, Gwyn. Lucas, Stephanie, Pippa, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many other members of the both the Ware/Wilby family. I will say that throughout a lot of the story, there were so many secondary characters, which was a bit overboard. Always Remember was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of ALWAYS REMEMBER 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 Mary Balogh 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 January 16th to 20th, 2024

 

 

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Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden – Review & Giveaway

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Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected.

American chef Georgia May Jackson has one goal—to run her own restaurant in Paris. After a grueling decade working in Parisian kitchens, she is on the cusp of success. But in one disastrous night, Georgia loses her sous-chef position, her French boyfriend, and her sense of taste! Renowned for her refined palate and daring use of bold flavors to create remarkable dishes, Georgia is devastated to discover her culinary gift has simply…vanished.

When she receives a surprising invitation from her estranged mother, Georgia flees to a small island near Seattle hoping the visit will help her regain her spark in the kitchen. There she tentatively reconnects with her mom, a free-spirited hippie eager to make up for her past mistakes. But there’s something about the enigmatic island Georgia just can’t piece together. Good luck charms keep appearing in the oddest places. Her neighbor is a puzzlingly antagonist (and annoyingly handsome) oyster farmer. And her mom keeps hinting at a mysterious family legacy.

With the clock ticking and time running out to win her dream job in Paris, Georgia begins to unravel some astonishing secrets that make her wonder if the true recipe for a charmed life might look—and taste—very different than she ever imagined.

 

 

Review:

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden is a wonderful delightful stand alone novel. We meet Georgia May Jackson, our heroine, who has worked a decade at many Paris restaurants, and is now a successful sous-chef; she is determined to own a restaurant of her own. Georgia is very happy in Paris, also dating her boss (head chef) for three years, and one night everything falls apart. She discovers her boyfriend cheating on her at work, and loses her control, getting herself fired, not to mention losing her culinary gift tastings.  Unsure of what to do, Georgia gets a shocking invitation from her estranged mother (whom she has not seen in almost 30 years), to visit her at San Juan Island near Seattle. She still carries memories of her mother’s abandonment at a very young age, with her living with her father and aunt in Texas.  Georgia makes the decision to take the journey back to America, to reconnect with her mother, and learn more about the long- buried family secrets. A break from her bad press in Paris is just what she needs, and to find her spark in her culinary tastebuds again; this journey could hopefully help in her healing process.

Georgia reconnects with her mother (Star), learning a bit about why she left her and never returned; as we get closer to the last third of the book, all secrets will be revealed. Georgia discovers how wonderful the enigmatic island was, giving her healing vibes, as well as finding good luck charms.    Georgia also learns about all the family women having magical gifts, with each being different, as hers was the ability to taste food in a special way.

Georgia also meets Cole, who is a neighbor of Star, as well as a confident friend. At first Georgia finds Cole being antagonistic, and not friendly, but in a short time, sparks will begin to fly between them.  Georgia learns more about Cole, as he was sort of in hiding in San Juan, and she pushes him to get back to his previous success.  I really liked both of them together, hoping they would find a way be together.

I really loved Georgia and Star becoming close, and her learning that Star is sick, with early stages of dementia.  When her father arrives, all the family secrets were unearthed.  With revelations about Star’s drug habit early, and her father and aunt forcing her to leave. Georgia was beside herself after learning all the secrets, and that all of them never told her the truth; being angry, she returns to Paris, even blaming Cole for not telling her the truth. 

What follows is Georgia returning to Paris to compete in a chance to become the head chef (with two other competitors), especially now with her tastebuds having returned.  Will she want to stay in Paris with a successful new restaurant?  Will she return to San Juan Island to stay and help with her mother? Will Cole find a way to win over Georgia?

Recipe for a Charmed Life is a wonderful, delightful story of family, secrets, love and forgiveness. Recipe for a Charmed Life was so very well written by Rachel Linden.  I wholly suggest you read this enchanting book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Berkley Romance is offering a paper copy of RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE  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-in, 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 Rachel Linden on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from January 10th to 13th, 2024

 

 

 

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The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz – Review & Giveaway

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The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers, bonded by a night they all have no memory of, are dedicated to uncovering the mystery of what really happened to them months ago—an experience that brought out innate psychic abilities in each of them. The women suspect they were test subjects years earlier, and that there are more people like them—all they have to do is find the list. When Talia follows up on a lead from Phoebe, a fan of the trio’s podcast, she discovers that the informant has vanished.
 
Talia isn’t the only one looking for Phoebe, however. Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man who is chasing the same list that Talia is after, also shows up at the meeting place. It’s clear he has his own agenda, and they are instantly suspicious of each other. But when a killer begins to stalk them, they realize they have to join forces to find Phoebe and the list.
 
The rocky investigation leads Talia and Luke to a rustic, remote retreat on Night Island in the Pacific Northwest. The retreat promises to rejuvenate guests with the Unplugged Experience. Upon their arrival, Talia and Luke discover guests are quite literally cut off from the outside world because none of their high-tech devices work on the island. It soon becomes clear that Phoebe is not the first person to disappear into the strange gardens that surround the Unplugged Experience retreat. And then the first mysterious death occurs…

 

 

Review:

The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz is the second book in her trilogy, The Lost Night Files. Refresher: The story revolves around three woman who share a lost evening, which neither of them remember what happened to them; with the three of them waking up in the same hotel that was on fire. The three ladies, Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers acknowledge that each of them now have enhanced psychic abilities and they team up creating the Lost Night Files podcast, hoping to gather information.  

In Night Island, the story focuses on Talia March, who follows on a lead regarding a list from a podcast fan. When she arrives at the person’s house, another man is also looking for Phoebe, and together they sense that she has been kidnapped. Talia is not sure if she can trust this person, who is also looking for the list.

Luke Rand, our hero, has also lost of night of his own, as well as having a different kind of enhanced abilities, not to mention he has recurring nightmares. At the start they do not trust each, but they agree to team up, as they had the same goals (find the list & Phoebe).  They end up on Night Island, a remote retreat, pretending to be a couple, but communications on the island are shut down.  They discover the retreat was creepy, with strong psychic energy surrounding the island.  In a short time, both Talia and Luke begin to trust each other, with them both revealing more of their enhanced abilities (Talia can sense and find dead bodies, and Luke has abilities to become a psychic assassin, allowing him to be able to kill using his newfound talent).

The relationship between Talia and Luke grows, as they each find themselves attracted to each other, with the chemistry between them sizzling. Talia tries to convince Luke that he would never be an assassin, and during his nightmares, his dreams will reveal more revelations of the truths.  I really loved Talia and Luke together.  

What follows is an exciting and compelling storyline, that had me unable to put the book down.  Talia and Luke discover more mysteries and secrets, especially in the weird and strange gardens.    As they find Phoebe, the danger escalates, as the three of them are stuck on the island due to storms.  Someone is trying to kill Luke, and he will use his unique abilities to try and save them.  

The Night Island was very well written by Jayne Ann Krentz, with wonderful characters, nonstop action, in a fantastic paranormal mystery.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin the story for you.  I look forward to the last book in this trilogy, with Amelia having her own storyline. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jayne Ann’s Publisher, Berkley is offering a hardcover copy of THE NIGHT ISLAND  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. Follow Jayne Ann Krentz on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from January 09-12, 2024

 

 

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Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz – Review & Giveaway

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Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz – Review & Giveaway

 

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

 

Description:
Opposites attract when a free-spirited American singer-songwriter with ADHD teams up with a charming Irishman to revitalize his family’s pub in the next heartfelt romance from the author of Luck and Last Resorts.

Raine Hart is used to the challenges of living with ADHD. It’s why she ditched her life in Boston to busk around Europe as a traveling musician. No boss. No schedule. No one to disappoint but herself. But when a careless mistake in Ireland leaves her unable to perform, she sees no other option but to give up her nomadic life.

Since inheriting the Local, Jack Dunne has wanted to make the pub his own. But the baggage of running a family business and the intrusive thoughts that stem from his OCD make changing things a challenge.

Over a pint with handsome, tattooed Jack, Raine accidentally insults him and the pub. Instead of taking offense, Jack, impressed by her vision of what the pub could be, offers her a job bringing it to life.

But when Raine and Jack develop feelings for one another their opposite lifestyles won’t accommodate, it becomes clear the pub isn’t the only thing that needs reinventing. As the end of their business collaboration draws near, they’ll have to find a way past the limits they’ve placed on themselves or let go of a love that could last a lifetime.

 

 

Review:

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a sweet heartwarming romantic novel.  We meet Raine Hart, our heroine, who quit med school, setting off on her own journey, since it was her family that pressured her to become a doctor.  Raine travels throughout Europe as a traveling musician/songwriter; enjoying her love of music; preforming for tips in major cities.  To her dismay, Raine discovers that someone stole her belongings, which includes her guitar. She ends up in a small Irish town, with very little money; despondent that she probably will need to go home to Boston.  Raine ends up in a pub, The Local in Cobh; hoping to be able to charge her phone; and meets the pub owners, Jack and Ollie.

Jack Dunne, our hero, sits next to Raine, learning about her stolen goods, and when she impresses him about her visions to fix up the pub, he offers her a job.  Jack wants Raine to help revamp the pub and temporarily plan events, bringing new life in the pub.  Raine accepts the job, which gives her a chance to save money for the next few months; enabling her to continue her journey.

In a short time, both Raine and Jack begin to have feelings for each other, as they not only had great chemistry, but wonderful banter between them. They made a great couple, but Jack had his own issues, as he has OCD, which hinders him to not help with pub or his love of doing tattoo’s.  Raine, who had some experience from her med school days, would try and help Jack; with both supporting each other.   

I really loved Jack and Raine together, as they had a sweet swoony romance.  The secondary characters were all awesome, especially Ollie, Nina, Clara, Aoife, Roisin; not to mention the adorable Sebastian (black cat) 

With Raine’s time coming near, she makes her plans to continue her journey through Europe, and promote some of her songs.  Jack knows Raine will leave, but also knows he needs to work at handling his OCD. Raine will continue to text him daily about her music, and when Jack is ready to resume his love of doing tattoo’s, the love they have for each other will bring them back together.   

Last Call at the Local was a wonderful, sweet, charming, endearing story, with a great couple, wonderful secondary characters and a captivating journey.  Last Call at the Local was so very well written by Sarah Grunder Ruiz.  I wholly suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Tara’s publisher is offering a paper copy of LAST CALL AT THE LOCAL 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-in, 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 Sarah Grunder Ruiz on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from January 2nd to 5th, 2024

 

 

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Housebroke by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Housebroke by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

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

 

Description:
After her ex took all their money and bailed, Hazel Bristow is left broke and homeless. A friend whose home is on the market lets Hazel and her foster dogs stay there until it sells. It’s the perfect setup, until her friend forgets to tell Hazel she’s sold the house!

Linc Kennedy is shocked to find Hazel squatting in the house he just bought, but after some negotiating, he agrees she can stay while he’s renovating the place. Linc tells Hazel he’s an investor who renovates homes for fun-but having been burned in the past by women who have only wanted his money, he leaves out that he’s also extremely wealthy…

Hazel’s intrigued by sweet, funny Linc. But her track record with men isn’t great, and trust doesn’t come easy.

Linc’s never met anyone like the quirky beauty who puts everyone’s needs before her own. But can he figure out how to tell Hazel the truth without losing her?

 

 

Review:

Housebroke by Jaci Burton is a wonderful romantic comedy standalone novel. We meet Hazel Bristow, our heroine, who is living in a house that is currently for sale, with her 5 foster pups.  Hazel is still devastated that her ex-husband took all her money, leaving her totally broke and homeless. Hazel loves her foster dogs, who are all unique and lovable; this is her dream to save money and be able to foster dogs.  One night, she hears someone come into the house, thinking it was a burglar.

Linc Kennedy is surprised when a woman steps forward to attack him, especially since he bought the house that he will renovate.  Obviously, Hazel’s friend forgot to tell her the place was sold.  Linc at first tells her she has to leave, but realizing that she is homeless with the dogs, he negotiates and offers for her to stay at the Guest House for free, and he will pay her a small salary to cook meals for him. She made dinner that night, and Linc was thrilled with her cooking abilities.

I loved how wonderful Hazel was with the fostered dogs, as she loved each and everyone of them.  They each had their own personalities, and were so much fun.  Linc automatically enjoyed the company of the dogs, sharing the fun with Hazel. The element of the dogs and their individual characters, made this such and enjoyable and fabulous read.

In a short time, Linc and Hazel begin to become very attracted to each other, with the chemistry between them being steamy. I really loved them together and rooted for them to find their true love. Beside seeing Hazel and Linc falling for each other, I loved all the scenes with the dogs, which were so heartwarming.  Each of the dogs had their own personalities, and loved how different they were; Hazel was so devoted to each of them (Gordon, Penny, Lilith, Freddie, Mitzi and even Boo, who ended up being adopted).

Housebroke was a fun, cute, steamy romantic story, with fantastic adorable dogs; as well as a fabulous couple. Housebroke was very well written by Jaci Burton.  If you enjoy a light, sweet sexy romance, with fun fantastic dogs, you should read Housebroke.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of HOUSEBROKE 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-in, 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 Jaci Burton on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from December 12th – 16th, 2023

 

 

 

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The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson – Review & Giveaway

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The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.

Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.

Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?

Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.

 

 

Review:

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson is a standalone steamy romantic novel.  We meet Mackenzie (Mack) Carter, our heroine, who is an ER doctor at Denver General; she is a wolf shifter (Omega).  Mackenzie has not had any successful dates recently, and is pressured by her grandmother, who wants her to find a mate to settle down. To get her grandmother off her back, she tells her she that she has met someone, though still in early stages. While in the lunch room, Mackensie is desperate and looks for the first man who walked in the room.

Noah Taylor, our hero, is a top cardiologist, who is the one in charge at the hospital; he is also a wolf shifter (Alpha). To his surprise, he is approached by Mackensie, if he would take a picture of her and him, to send to her grandmother, as a fake boyfriend.  At first Noah tries to ignore Mack, but he comes back to her with another deal.  Seems that Noah is being summoned to the board, regarding a tip that he is an Alpha (who might have violent tendencies), an identity that he has kept secret. Noah needs to convince the board that he has a mate, who keeps him in control.  Mack agrees to be Noah’s fake mate, if she will be able to tell her grandmother that he is her boyfriend. 

 People at the hospital are shocked to learn about Noah and Mack being mated; especially with Noah being very private, intimidating, and keeps to himself. Mack is the opposite, as she is sweet, friendly, and very outgoing, with friends throughout. Together, they both make appearances to show that they are mated, with Noah meeting Mack’s friends Priya, Parker and she meeting a friend of his (Peter), as well as Noah’s nasty coworker, Dennis.  

In a short period, slowly Mack and Noah become attracted to each other, with Mack being the one to get Noah to open up; as they were so perfect together.  The chemistry between them was sizzling and very steamy, as the fake mate does turn into friends with benefits; and soon they will find themselves inseparable falling in love. But Noah will be threatened by the nasty Dennis, promising to tell the board that he is not mated, and Noah will do anything to protect Mack, including breaking things off with her, as she could lose her job.  After being broken hearted, Mack with help from Parker, will discover about what truly happened, and finds proof to win Noah back, and stop the evil Dennis.

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson was a fun, entertaining and very steamy romantic story line. I really liked both Mack and Noah, and rooted for them to stay together.  I will say, I thought the steamy sex scenes were a bit too many.  The Fake Mate was very well written by Lana Ferguson.  If you like romance, shifters, steamy sex, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of THE FAKE MATE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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