Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

12th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway with John A Heldt

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The Reading Cafe 12th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway with John A Heldt

Today’s Prize Package

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

John A Heldt is graciously offering ebook copies of the SECOND CHANCE TRILOGY to ONE (1) commenter.

One (1) winner will receive the ebook SECOND CHANCE TRILOGY

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 John A Heldt 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 INTERNATIONALLY

10. Giveaway runs until February 6-15, 2024

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DANE’S MARK ( Breeds 33) by Lora Leigh -Review & Giveaway

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DANE’S MARK (Novel of the Breeds 33) by Lora Leigh -Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2024

A decade ago Katy Chavos was a proud misfit who had her heart broken, crushed by a man who drew her close with one breath and pulled away the next. He left a mark she’s done everything in her power to erase. But when Katy’s job brings her back to the hometown she couldn’t wait to escape, seeing Dane again awakens something inside her that won’t be tamed….

Dane Vanderale isn’t like other Breeds. As a hybrid he’s stronger, more primal, and more determined to hide it. He’s also certain that Katy is not his mate—not that that stops him from wanting her with every part of his soul. He knows he hurt her deeply and he intends to make things right, but she is dead set on keeping him at arm’s length.

Despite their painful history, Katy can’t deny the intense attraction she still feels for Dane. And before long, it will be impossible for either to deny the truth that has been in front of them all along….

•••••••

REVIEW: DANE’S MARK is the thirty-third instalment in Lora Leigh’s adult BREEDS paranormal, sci-fi romance series. This is managerial analyst Katelyn ‘Katy’ Chavos, and Breed Dane Vanderale’s story line. DANE’S MARK should not be read as a stand alone as Dane’s story and the story of the Breeds has been building throughout the series, and as this is the first new book of the series in several years, a reread of the last few instalments may be required as a reminder as to what is happening and why. Dane’s Mark skips approximately eight years from start to finish, wherein many other stories and matings have occurred during that particular timeline.

SOME BACKGROUND: Decades earlier, trying to create the ultimate warrior, genetic scientists combined animal DNA ( sometimes several different animals) with human embryos resulting in a species that has been feared and tortured since their inception. With the increase in natural conception of cross-breed species, not only have the Breeds, but humans have become wary of the powerful results.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Dane and Katelyn DANE’S MARK follows the reluctant and acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. For years, cafe waitress Katy Chavos thought Dane Vanderale had been flirting but Dane’s outright rejection sent Katy into a tailspin, and with the help of someone else, Katy left her home town of Broken Butte, New Mexico, only returning a different woman eight years later. Now twenty-nine years old, Katelyn is a managerial analyst for the Breeds Tech-Corp, and Dane has continued to struggle with his attraction to a woman he did not believe to be his mate but his rejection was slowly killing the woman he loved, a rejection that would ultimately reveal the existence of a number of original Breeds, all with a deeper connection to our story line couple.

The world building is detailed, and complex revealing a more intricate and exhaustive history of the Breeds. Dane and Katelyn’s mating or mate rejection will expose decades of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, and the history of family and relationships including those long thought gone. As the heir and descendant of the first Leo, Dane has been forced to keep the secrets from the human public but it is the secrets that are about to be exposed in an effort to protect the Breeds, themselves.

The relationship between Katelyn and Dane is tempestuous and heart breaking. Dane refuses to accept Katy as his mate thus ensuring Katy will continue to suffer with his rejection and perceived betrayal. As a Vanderale, Dane has been taught never to reveal the existence of his Breed connections, and in this, his mate quite possibly will pay with her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative with references to the many Breed anomalies, and mating habits.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the return of the original Leo and his mate Elizabeth, Graeme Parker, Jonas Wyatt as well as the introduction of Katelyn and Dane’s large extended familes they knew nothing about.

DANE’S MARK is an emotional and heart breaking story of rejection, and the fall-out of decades of secrets and lies. The premise is comprehensive , captivating and compelling and sets the tone for several new series arcs with the introduction of many family members; the characters are desperate, charismatic, dynamic but broken; the romance struggles in the face of constant rejection and pain.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

#1 New York Times bestseller Lora Leigh is the author of the Navy SEALS, the Breeds, the Elite Ops, the Callahans, the Bound Hearts, and the Nauti series.

Follow: Website /Facebook /Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon Author Page

Berkley/Random House is graciously offering a paper copy of DANE’S MARK by Lora Leigh to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lora Leigh on Facebook

4. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE and FOLLOW Berkley Romance on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from February 7-10, 2024

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

 

Description:
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

 

 

Review:

Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a fantasy novel, that is so different then her normal rom-coms.  I have mostly enjoyed all of Hazelwood’s stories, but I was surprised reading Bride. Ali you have changed the game, as I totally loved Bride.  It was a fantastic story with Vampyres and Weres, and totally blew me away.  I certainly hope you continue this fantasy world.

We meet Misery Lark, our heroine, who is the daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman.  Misery has spent many years living among humans, hiding the knowledge that she is a Vampyre, with only her very close BFF, Serena, knowing the truth.  Misery’s father summons her, and wants to establish a peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their enemies, Werewolves. He is proposing a marriage between Misery and Lowe Moreland, the new leader and most powerful Alpha of the Were’s. At first, Misery refuses the proposal, until she hears the new leader’s name, and decides to accept.  Misery’s secret reason to accept the proposal is that her best friend, Serena has disappeared, and she is determined to find her.

After Misery marries Lowe, she is surrounded by Were’s, who do not like her; but in a short time, she begins to earn respect from them.  Lowe’s 6-year-old sister Ana, is constantly visiting Misery, whom she befriends.  Soon Misery helps Lowe in writing and printing, which will lead to friendships along the way.

Turns out that on his wedding day, Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate, and doesn’t tell her, since he had no intention of staying married for the year.  Lowe was well liked by those who supported him, as he was very loyal, caring and always willing to help others.  In a short time, he realizes that he is falling for Misery; and helps her in trying to find the missing Serena.  When Owen, Misery’s brother confides in her that he wants to remove their father from the council, and surprisingly he befriends Lowe to team up.

Bride is an enemy to lovers story line, especially revolving around a forbidden romance, as it was a fantastic world building, and lots of action.  Misery finds herself also falling in love with Lowe, but not knowing that he too has fallen for her. As we get closer to the end, there are some steamy scenes between them.  I really loved Misery and Lowe together.  I got to really like Serena after she is found.  The last ¼ of the book was very exciting, especially when Misery is missing, with Owen and Lowe teaming up to find the culprit. I do not want to tell too much more, so not to ruin the story for you. 

Bride was a terrific story, which was so very well written by Ali Hazelwood.  I have said previously that I was blown away how much I loved this book, as I want more from this fantastic fantasy world.  I enjoyed many of Hazelwood’s rom com, but she outdid herself in Bride.  I wholly suggest if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood, you need to be reading this new genre.  Totally awesome.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Ali Hazelwood’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of BRIDE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

6. Please LIKE  ALI HAZELWOOD  on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from February 6th – 10th, 2024

 

 

 

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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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