Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

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

 

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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.

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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

 

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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.

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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

 

 

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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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9. Giveaway runs from December 7 to December 11, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

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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

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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.

 

 

 

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Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

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Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

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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!

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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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