Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra – Review & Giveaway

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The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Dorothy “Dee” Gale is searching for a place to belong. After their globe-trotting mother’s death, Dee and her sister Toni settled with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas, where Dee attends graduate school. But when Dee’s relationship with a faculty member, a bestselling novelist, ends in heartbreak and humiliation, she’s caught in a tornado of negative publicity. Unable to face her colleagues—or her former lover—Dee applies to the writing program at Trinity College Dublin.

Dee’s journey to Ireland leads her to new companions: seemingly brainless Sam Clery—who dropped out of college and now runs a newsagent’s shop—is charming and hot, in a dissolute, Irish poet kind of way; allegedly heartless Tim Woodman—who stiffly refused to take back his ex-fiancée—seems stuck in his past; and fiercely loyal Reeti Kaur, who longs for the courage to tell her parents she wants to teach underprivileged girls rather than work in the family business.

In a year of opportunities and changes, love and loss, Dee is mentored by powerful women in the writing program, challenging her to see herself and her work with new eyes. With her friends, Dee finds the confidence to confront her biggest fears—including her intimidating graduate advisor, who may not be so wicked after all.

Faced with a choice with far-reaching consequences, Dee must apply the lessons she’s learned along the way about making a family, finding a home…and recognizing the power that’s been inside her all along.

 

 

 

Review:

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra is a standalone novel based on a modern reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. We meet Dorothy (Dee) Gale, who with her sister, Toni, grew up with their Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. While a student at Kansas University, Dee had a relationship with a professor for a couple of years, only to discover that he wrote a bestselling novel, as she ends up with heartbreak and humiliation. He used their relationship as part of the story, though he did make heinous untruths.  Dee is devastated by his betrayal, and decides to make a change of venue, applying to pursue her degree at Emerald Isle’s Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland; she is accepted into a creative writing program at the school.

Upon arriving at Trinity College, she is surprised that the person who accepted her, is now deceased, and she ends up with having to deal with a leader, who is difficult to deal with.  In a short time, Dee makes new friends, who are also searching for their own paths.  Sam Clery, who runs a store, and has given up on his desire to learn more, as he left the university upon his father’s death. Tim Woodman, a former military man, who lost his heart to a woman who betrayed him.  Reeti, who is now Dee’s roommate, is lacking courage to tell her parents that she wants to be a teacher in London.  All three of her friends are very supportive of Dee.  Dee’s sister leaves school in Kansas and joins her in Dublin; her sister’s name is Toni (close to Toto). ? Dee had relationships with both Sam and Tim, but she realized that Tim was her muse.

During her journey, Dee learns of opportunities, changes, friendship, love, as well as challenging herself to open her mind to new ideas in the writing program, with her advisor giving her help to build her confidence, discovering what has been always inside her.

The Fairy Tale Life of Dorothy Gale was heartwarming and charming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz, but a modern version. It was a fun, entertaining story of self-discovery, with a bit of romance. The Fairy Tale Life of Dorothy Gales was very well written by Virginia Kantra.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of THE FAIRYTALE LIFE OF DOROTHY GALE  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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9. Giveaway runs from December 6 to December 10, 2023

 

 

 

 

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Technically Yours by Denise Williams – Review & Giveaway

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Technically Yours by Denise Williams – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Seven years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.

Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. When she is appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code, she has a chance to make lasting change for the organization, but a scandal has put their reputation at risk. Further complicating matters, Pearl didn’t expect the one man she hasn’t stopped thinking about in seven years to be the newest member of her board of directors.

Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator seven years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn’t for him. After five years with no contact, their connection is immediate despite the many roadblocks in their way and Cord must consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. 

Pearl and Cord both are hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk as they grow closer, but it becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them, and love isn’t easily debugged.

 

 

 

Review:

Technically Yours by Denise Williams is another one of her wonderful romance stories. The main characters are Pearl Harris and Cord Matthews, who we got a glimpse at in a previous book (The Fastest Way to Fall), with Cord very much in love with Pearl.   But she broke his heart five years ago, when she walked out of Cord’s life for a job opportunity in California that she had been waiting for.

Now Pearl is back in Chicago, with a job she loves, and to her surprise, she discovers that Cord has just joined the board of Pearl’s company, OurCode; a nonprofit organization aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code.  Cord is happy to see her, and privately tells her he still has feelings for her. Pearl is determined to keep Cord at a distance, especially since her ex-boss was fired, due to having an affair with a board member, causing issues from members and the board.  Pearl did not want to mix relationships that are personal and professional; and now she was promoted to Executive Director at OurCode. A romance between them would cause severe damage to her career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. 

The POV’s between Cord and Pearl go between the flashbacks in the past, when they met and loved; and the present time.  Cord immediately told Pearl about his feelings, but in a short time she also gave into her feelings, as their chemistry was off the wall. Pearl tries to keep their relationship quiet, as she feared she would lose her job.  The secondary characters were all very good, as I did like her family and friends, as well as Cord’s friends.  Tye (15 years old) was great, with her working with Cord on the codes, and Cord’s cat, Peach was cute. 

What follows is a wonderful, fun, emotional and sexy romance, with a fantastic couple we loved.  Pearl was a fabulous heroine, who also had strong feelings for Cord. At the same time, Cord was determined to protect Pearl, especially with her concerns about her job and keeping her director position. Cord would do anything to help Pearl, even if she did not want his help. Technically Yours was an emotional ride, that was also delightful, fun and engaging.  Technically Yours was very well written by Denise Williams.    I fully suggest if you enjoy pure romances, that you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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

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9. Giveaway runs from December 5 to December 9, 2023

 

 

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A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole-review & giveaway

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A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole-review & giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2023

Two weeks ’til Christmas…

Noel Blake is not in a great place. After several years of marriage, she and her husband Jonah are quietly drifting apart. The only time they really talk at all anymore is when they walk their dog, Elliott. And even then it usually ends in bickering.

When, one snowy day, Elliott manages to slip his leash, they find him blocks away in the care of a mysterious old man who asks them to make a wish on an old snow globe. Eager to get their dog safely home, they agree to his strange request. Neither one realizes that the wish they’re about to make will change the course of their lives… possibly forever.

When Noel and Jonah wake up the next morning, they’re in separate beds, separate apartments, separate lives. But are they any happier? As they live the existences they’d always wished for, both feel that something very important is missing. And when a chance encounter brings the pair back together, they find they have a spark of something very special.

Will they be able to find their way back to each other before it’s too late, or does the Christmas Magic have another fate in store?

••••

REVIEW:A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS by Courtney Cole is a contemporary, adult, slightly paranormal, story of women’s fiction focusing on struggling married couple Jonah and Noel Blake.

Told from dual first person perspectives Jonah and Noel, A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS follows in the wake of a mutual wish on a magical snow globe. Jonah and Noel Blake’s marriage is at an impasse; both of them concentrating on their own careers but neither one considering the next phase of their relationship. A visit to a quaint antique shop finds our couple opening their hearts to a lonely old man, a man who may be more than they could have ever imagined. A gift of a snow globe, and a secret wish that they had never met finds our couple waking the next day as strangers, two people whose sense of deja-vu and a visit back home begins a life anew, a life where they will get to know one another more than twenty years after they first met.

A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS is a slow building, magical holiday story line about second chances, focusing on two people torn between their careers, and the family that never will be. A mutual trip to their home town of Winter Falls comes with the advantage of growth and experience but secrets about the past begin to reveal a different sense of worth, and an emotional family history.

We are introduced to Noel’s parents, Jonah’s father, as well as Jonah’s best friend Jace, his ailing mother Izzy; Ellliott and Mazie. Noel’s father Rich is butting heads with Jonah’s father Judd, both of whom want and see something different for Winter Falls, a competition for Mayor, and the renewal of Christmas traditions.

A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS is a story within a story; a familiar tale of family and loss, grief and forgiveness, acceptance and love. The premise is sweet and captivating; the romance is subtle-there are no $ex scenes; the characters are struggling, but sassy and determined.

 

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Social Media: Amazon Author/ Goodreads/ Website / Blog /Facebook /Twitter

Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who loves to eat your emotions for breakfast.

She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.

Courtney Cole’s publisher HARPER COLLINS/ Avon books is offering a paper copy of  A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Necromancer Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: U.S. Marshal—Preternatural Branch. She’s faced horrifying monsters and brutal killers and come out the other side still standing.

Considering how things in her life tend to go, Anita never expected her walk down the aisle with Jean-Claude to go smoothly. They’ve already been confronted with naysayers and a power-hungry ancient evil, but now Anita has to do the one thing that actually scares her: introduce her very religious, very human relatives to her fiancé—the newly crowned vampire king of America.

As Anita tries to keep the peace between the family she left behind and the family she’s chosen, dark forces jump at the chance to take advantage of the chaos. With her happy-ever-after at risk and everyone’s immortal souls hanging in the balance, Anita grapples with a hard truth: Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.

 

Review:

Slay by Laurell K. Hamiltion is the 30th book in her fantastic Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. And I have to admit although a great story, it could have been added to the “Smoulder” book, it felt like a continuation…..

Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude…..But it’s not been an easy journey, the humans don’t like Jean-Claude they think he’s got her under some kind of spell and will turn on the humans given half a chance! 

And Jean-Claude’s pack, in fact all the vampires think Anita has their king under her spell, so she’s not exactly their choice for their king! And just when you think it can’t get any worse…. Her family roll up!! Grandma who is vile at best (abused the young Anita) turns up with her dad, who thinks Jean-Claude is evil incarnate! Family dramas aside, we also have a new evil entity wanting to destroy the king of the vampires! 

I will admit, I’ve not read all the Anita Blake stories, I came in late to the series. But it’s an easy enough to pick up and drop a book series, without losing too much. Anita has had many lovers/partners throughout the series. She’s also had many issues with family. And I like that she doesn’t shy away from any of it. 

So while Anita is trying to plan the wedding and keep her family from killing her fiancé and extended lovers/family, there is an evil killing vampires in St. Louis. Is it the evil from the last book returning to take the crown from the new vampire king? 

Apparently her earlier Anita books were just smut and no story! Well I can tell you that had changed… we do get smut, but there is more story and substance now. 

A fast paced action book with evil/power/anger/grief and so much more! 

There are also attacks on her extended family that have Anita worried for their lives, she needs to keep her blood family away from them! There are also traitors within Jean-Claude’s ranks, and they are conspiring with the ancient evil, which makes it an even bigger problem.

The ending is eventful and had me on the edge of my seat, I nearly threw my kindle twice as I jumped. A highly recommended read that will keep you up till your done ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

A figure rounded the bend in the stairs all that way down, and before my eyes told me who, the energy we shared danced over my skin as if he’d brushed his fingertips over parts of my body that were hidden under my clothes. I shivered as I watched him lift off the steps and start floating toward me. It made me laugh and say, “Now there’s a solution to all these damned steps.”
He rose toward the ceiling, his long black hair spilling out around him like a dark aura. His hair wasn’t streaming out around him because he was flying toward me but moving in the wind of his own power, so that his black curls writhed and boiled like a dozen hands were playing with it, but it was his magic, just his magic.
He needed one of his usual lace, leather, and sexy-boots outfits for all that hair to frame, but he was dressed in one of only two modern suits I’d ever seen him in; the first time it had been to save the feelings of a grieving family, and this time we were trying not to give my father any other reason to hate him. In that moment I knew I didn’t care if my dad liked him or not. I loved Jean-Claude and nothing my dad did would change that.
He landed lightly on first one foot, then the other until he stood beside me at the top of the stairs. I wrapped my arms around him, but the traditionally long suit jacket felt wrong on him. He either did no jacket or some version of a bolero so that it hit him somewhere between his lower ribs and just below his natural waist. He had a fabulous ass, and it seemed a shame to cover it up.
He wrapped his arms around me and laughed. “Ma petite, we chose this suit precisely so it would cover more of my body, so I did not shock your family.”
I stared up into that beautiful face with the darkest blue eyes I’d ever seen, set in thick black lashes with a perfect curve of eyebrows that were all natural; he didn’t even need mascara. So unfair to the rest of us. His face was almost feminine in its beauty, but there was something about the line of his chin that turned all that gorgeousness a little more masculine. He was still androgynous, but it leaned a little more to the male side. The long black curls framed his face and trailed down his shoulders almost to his waist. My family thought long hair was only for girls. Putting him in a traditional men’s suit really didn’t make him look more like the type of man my family would approve of, but hey, at least we were trying.
“I won’t ever look into your face without thinking how beautiful you are, and why are you marrying me?”
“I believe that is the man’s line, ma petite.”
I grinned and said, “Traditionally it is, but most men don’t look like you.”
“That you compare yourself to me and think yourself the lesser beauty means you do not see truth when you look into the mirror, ma petite.”
“I second that,” Nicky said.
I glanced at him and couldn’t help but smile at the look on his face. “I know I don’t always see the truth in the mirror. Nicky and Ethan have met who messed me up.” I turned back to Jean-Claude. “That delight is still ahead of you.”
“I am looking forward to it, ma petite, and before you complain I would give much if my mother and sister were alive for me to introduce you to them. That I can meet your family, however broken, is a gift to me.”

Excerpted from Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton Copyright © 2023 by Laurell K. Hamilton. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

 

 

Laurell K Hamilton’s publisher (Penguin/Random House)  is graciously offering a hard copy of SLAY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

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Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17,2023

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.

••••

REVIEW:HOT MESS SUMMER by Melissa Foster is a contemporary, adult, romance stand alone focusing on thirty-eight year old, divorcee and author Nicole Ross, and forty-eight year old, divorced father of three, fisherman Declan Miller.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nicole and Declan) HOT MESS SUMMER follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Nicole Ross is a romance writer who bought herself a summer vacation home in New England. Hoping to make new friends and forget about the mess back home, the twice divorced Nicole will come face to face with her future in the guise of fisherman Declan Miller. Declan doesn’t want anything permanent, and Nicole is quick to agree but as the summer slowly turns into fall, our couple will discover the heart wants something more than the brain is willing to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Nicole, and the potential fall-out as the reality of their own lives may be too much to handle.

The world building focuses on family and friendships, new friendships that accept our story line heroine without a thought but Nicole and Declan will both struggle with issues of family and doubt, and in this, their relationship may not last the course of a summer affair.

The relationship between Declan and Nicole is one of mutual attraction. Nicole’s ‘accidental’ first meeting with Declan becomes fodder for her friends but a welcome party set into motion a summer love that ends all too soon. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and fun secondary and supporting characters including many of the locals, both Nicole and Declan’s family and extended families, as well as Nicole’s daughter Kenzie, and Declan’s embattled father Rick.

HOT MESS SUMMER is a story loosely based on the author’s own summer affair; a story of fun and adventure, happiness and acceptance. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the characters are animated, quirky and charming; the romance is spirited and moving.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.
Find Melissa on the following sites….
The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of HOT MESS SUMMER  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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The Intern by Michele Campbell-review and giveaway

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The Intern by Michele Campbell-review and giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO / Google Play/ Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2023

A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family and murder.

Madison Rivera lands the internship of a lifetime working for Judge Kathryn Conroy. But Madison has a secret that could destroy her career. Her troubled younger brother Danny has been arrested, and Conroy is the judge on his case.

When Danny goes missing after accusing the judge of corruption, Madison’s quest for answers brings her deep into the judge’s glamorous world. Is Kathryn Conroy a mentor, a victim, or a criminal? Is she trying to help Madison or use her as a pawn? And why is somebody trying to kill her?

As the two women circle each other in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, will they save each other, or will betrayal leave one of them dead?

•••••

REVIEW:THE INTERN by Michele Campbell is a contemporary, adult , legal thriller focusing on law student Madison Rivera, and Judge Kathryn Conroy.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Madison and Kathryn) following several intersecting time lines, THE INTERN follows in the wake of Madison Rivera’s position as Judge Kathryn Conroy’s new intern. Madison Rivera is desperate to prove her brother’s innocence and with the revelation of Judge Conroy’s connections to the case, Madison is determined to uncover the truth behind her brother’s arrest and ultimately his accusations of corruption against everyone involved but all does not go according to plan when Madison finds herself blackmailed into working in the gray areas for the woman who is currently the gate keeper to her brother’s freedom . As the story progresses, Madison will find herself in the middle of a decades old investigation of betrayal, murder, and questionable law enforcement.

THE INTERN is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, blackmail and murder, family, double cross and deception. Akin and reminiscent of the television show ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, THE INTERN focuses on a community of law makers on the take, using their positions of power to control everyone who gets in the way. The thought provoking premise is dramatic, detailed, complex and multi-layered; the characters are questionable, devious, tragic and impassioned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

The Reading Cafe and Spark Points Studio are graciously offering a paper copy of THE INTERN by Michele Campbell to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary – Review & Giveaway

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The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Two hotel receptionists–and arch-rivals–find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

It’s the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel’s front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won’t stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest’s lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel–and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there’s more at stake here than the hotel’s future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

 

 

Review:

The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary is a sweet enemies to lovers stand-alone romantic novel.  It is Christmas season, at Forest Manor Hotel, with worry that the hotel is struggling.  Izzy Jenkins and Lucas Da Silva share the responsibilities at the front desk, with both having major difference between them.   Izzy is very outgoing, friendly, optimistic and always helping people; while Lucas is serious, stubborn and brooding, not to mention he dislikes all of Izzy’s ideas. Izzy loves everyone, but hates Lucas.  Seems last Christmas, she sent Lucas a card confessing her true feelings for him suggesting that they meet under the mistletoe, and sees him kissing someone else, which will turn out to be a major miscommunication, and why she hates him.

With the hotel possibly closing after the new year, everyone is trying to find ways to pay off the debts and keep Forest Manor Hotel open; management wants Izzy and Lucas to work together to help find ways to increase finances. Izzy discovers in the hotel ‘lost and found’ many wedding rings left behind over the years, and she decides try and attempt to find the real owners; Lucas did not like the idea, thought just to sell them, but in a short period, he begins to work alongside of Izzy, with a bet who will return the most. 

They begin to work closely together, and in a short period the chemistry between them escalates; though Izzy is determined to not get hurt, and Lucas knows he has fallen in love with her. This was a true enemy to lover’s story line, with the first half filled with rivalry and dislike; but everything begins to change in the second half, with lots of witty banter.  Lucas is determined to prove to Izzy about his true feelings, being caring, patient and sweetness when together.  I loved the last half, as the chemistry between them was sizzling, and I hoped they would stay together.  I also loved all the secondary characters in this story, with Mrs. SB (owner of hotel), Mandy, Arjun, Ollie, Barty, Mr. Townsend; wasn’t crazy about Louis.  

The Wake Up Call was a fun, sweet story, enemy to lover’s, great secondary characters, and so much fun with the amazing stories on those who came to reclaim their rings; though I did feel early on was a bit slow.  The Wake Up Call was so very well written by Beth O’Leary.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 


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Beneath the Surface by Kaira Rouda-review & giveaway

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Beneath the Surface (The Kingsleys 1) by Kaira Rouda-review & giveaway

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On a weekend voyage, the power-hungry children of an aging billionaire are unprepared for a storm of deceptions in a novel about ruthless family ambition by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.

You are cordially invited to an overnight voyage on the Splendid Seas.

An invitation to Catalina Island from billionaire CEO Richard Kingsley. For his sons, Ted and John, and their wives, it’s an opportunity to curry favor, gain control of a real estate empire, and secure their family’s futures. For the controlling patriarch, succession is a contest. He and his newest wife won’t make it an easy win.

Then Richard’s estranged live-wire daughter, Sibley, crashes the party. She’s the least of the night’s surprises. As the stakes for the inheritance of the Kingsley legacy are raised, the beautiful waters of the Pacific look more like a menacing illusion.

Let the games begin for a family who has everything money can buy, and has used lies, deception, and more to keep it. This weekend one of them will be crowned heir. One is in line to lose everything. That’s the plan. But in the coming storm, so much can go dangerously wrong.

•••••••

REVIEW: BENEATH THE SURFACE is the first instalment in Kaira Rouda’s contemporary, adult THE KINGSLEYS dramatic, thriller series focusing on the dysfunctional Kingsley family.

Told from five different perspectives (Paige, John, Serena, Sibley and Richard) as well as intermittent gossip site reporting, BENEATH THE SURFACE focuses on the bitter reunion, sibling fighting and the naming of a new CEO at Kingsley Enterprises. Billionaire CEO Richard Kingsley, the patriarch of the Kingsley family, has invited all of his children and their spouses aboard his new yacht, the Splendid Seas. Along with his much younger wife Serena, Richard has set a plan into motion to ferret out who would be best suited to take the reins at the top but each sibling is determined to win their father’s approval, forgetting that Richard Kingsley knows all, and more than anyone could have imagined. A weekend cruise, a storm on the seas, and the revelation of secrets and lies, proves that Richard is unable to trust those vying for the top prize.

BENEATH THE SURFACE is reminiscent of televisions’ SUCCESSION™ and the maladjusted Roy family. From the top, Richard Kingsley has pitted his own children against one another, in an effort to see who was worthy of the job. All of his children and some of their spouses keep hidden the secrets that could destroy them all but Richard is well aware of everything, including the biggest secret of them all. Murder and mayhem, theft and destruction, drugs, gambling, adultery and blackmail are but a few of the sins uncovered by the man at the top.

We are introduced to the Kingsley siblings: John and Rachel, Ted and Paige, only daughter Sibley, as well as Richard’s fourth (or fifth) wife Serena.

BENEATH THE SURFACE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family values, greed and murder. The premise is intriguing, captivating and dramatic; the characters are pathological, desperate, jealous and lost. BENEATH THE SURFACE is only the beginning as the new CEO is about to have their hands full when betrayal continues to push at the wounds.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Social Media Links: Amazon Author Page/ Goodreads/ Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Instagram/

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction exploring beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE and SOMEBODY’S HOME. Her next novel, THE WIDOW, is out December 1, 2022.

She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.

If you’d like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com

Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways at: kairarouda.com/signup/

The Reading Cafe and Spark Points Studio are graciously offering a paper copy of BENEATH THE SURFACE by Kaira Rouda to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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