Category Archives: Contests and Giveaways

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush – Review & Giveaway

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Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Knox Shepler is a country superstar in his prime, but each release takes him further away from the classic country of his roots. His agent suggests a compromise: if Knox writes another pop-crossover album, he can cut a single playing the music he’s passionate about. Paparazzi make inspiration hard to find on the road, so Knox heads to Paradise Island, posing as a contractor to hide his true identity.

Claudia Alvarez went viral several years ago for all the wrong reasons. Since then, she’s been keeping a low profile by working at A Cowboy in Paradise. The bar’s finances aren’t what they used to be, so in order to save the only place she feels safe, Claudia proposes renovating the bungalows on the property to generate extra income.

When Knox and Claudia are forced to work together, he finds inspiration and she discovers it might be time to open her heart. But as the truth surfaces, Claudia must decide if she can face her fears for a chance at the love of a lifetime.

 

 

 

Review:

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush is the 2nd book in her Cowboys in Paradise series. We meet Knox Sheplar, our hero, who is a country music star, and is under pressure from his manager and label who want him to finish his album, using the studio’s themes.  Knox decides to go back to his roots, and travels to Paradise Island to find his muse; especially, to write songs he enjoys to sing and hopefully salvage his career. With help from a friend, Knox will meet the owner of A Cowboy in Paradise, and he goes undercover doing renovations on the bungalows (he loved working with his hands as a teenager), and uses the name Nolan.

Claudia Alverez, manages the bar at A Cowboy in Paradise, she works closely with her boss, and when Nolan shows up, Claudia is irritated, since it was her idea to fix up the bungalows.  Claudia has been in Paradise for 4 years, having run away from her previous life, with a break up with an ex-boyfriend, and a career that fell apart.

Nolan (Knox) and Claudia agree to work together in renovating the bungalows. Knox and Claudia are instantly attracted to each other, but she fights off getting involved, and he is determined to win her over. In a short time, the chemistry between them is amazing, and they both fall hard for each other.  Knox learns about what happened with her ex, who was famous, and Claudia did not want to be in the spotlight, which also caused her to lose her career; Knox fears if she knows he is a country music star, he will lose her.   He knows he has to tell her who he really is, but must find the time to reveal his secret; especially since Claudia has become his inspiration and muse to write songs.

Make Me Yours, Cowboy was a fun story that kept me glued to my kindle.  I loved Knox and Claudia together, as they were so great together.  This is a heartwarming passionate love story, with so much emotion, pulling on your heart.  What happens when Claudia discovers the truth about Knox? Will she face her fears and open her heart?

Make Me Yours, Cowboy was so very well written by Dylann Crush. This had a bit of everything to enjoy; small town, cowboy romance, country music, and love. I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a very enjoyable read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Dylann Crush’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of MAKE ME YOURS, COWBOY 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 Dylann Crush 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 July 16 –  20, 2023

 

 

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Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? 
 
Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton . She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

 

 

 

Review:

Remember Me by Mary Balogh is the 2nd book in her Ravenswood series. I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Remember Me focuses on Lady Philippa Ware, sister to Devlin (previous book hero), now the Earl of Stratton; and Lucas Arden, the Marquess of Roath and heir to the Duke of Wilby. 

Philippa, being the eldest daughter, looked forward to her debut, but after her father’s scandal, as well as hearing a nasty insult from the handsome Marquess of Roath (Lucas), she decided she would not go to London.  A few years later, she finds the courage to attend the ball and meet the ton; and becomes an instant success, with many suitors enamored by her.  Philippa also develops a close friendship with Jenny, the granddaughter of the Duke of Wilby; determined to avoid the Marquess, as she has never forgotten his insult.  At dinner, with members of the Wilby and Dare family, she ends up sitting next to Lucas, and decides to whisper ‘Remember me’. Looking at Philippa, Lucas tries to remember her; but then realizes a terrible comment he made a few years ago to a friend, and did not know she overheard the insult. Lucas apologizes to Philippa, realizing those hurtful words he uttered then, was not the man he is today; however, she goes out of her way to not spend any time with him.  Lucas will visit Philippa at her home, to make amends, and he explains where that nasty comment came from; she learns the truths about the scandal.

Pippa and Luc found it hard to stay away from one another, especially with his grandfather pressuring him that Philippa was the right woman for him; with his grandfather helping him find a way to woo her.  Luc finds himself fully attracted to Pippa, and they end up attending many events, with both families and friends. Pippa finds herself becoming very close to Jenny, and the entire Wilby family; especially the autocratic duke and duchess; who are determined that she is the perfect wife for Lucas.

It was wonderful to see them find their way to a possible love; when the Duke falls sick, Philippa agrees to accept the marriage proposal to Lucas. I really loved them together, especially after Lucas explained what happened four years ago.   

Remember Me was another great addition to this new series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Philippa and Lucas, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together.  I loved the both the Ware family members, especially Stephanie, Pippa, Ben, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many members of the Wilby family. Remember Me 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 REMEMBER ME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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3. Please LIKE and Follow Mary Balogh on Facebook

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from June 20th to June 24th, 2023

 

 

 

 

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Play for Me by Libby Hubscher – Review & Giveway

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Play for Me by Libby Hubscher – Review & Giveway

 

 

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Description:
When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she’s surprised to find her roommates are all men – including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules.

Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she’s forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.

Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she’s used to. She wasn’t expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own—Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn’t want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.

With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she’s growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.

 

 

Review:

Play For Me by Libby Hubscher is a sweet fun romantic standalone novel. We meet Sophie Doyle, our heroine, at the start, when she is fired from her job as head trainer for the Boston Red Sox, after she made the decision to not allow the team’s star pitcher to play due to an injury.  The Red Sox lost the World Series, and Sophie, despite her making the correct decision lost her job, as well as her boyfriend.  Sophie, with help from her friend, Astrid, accepts a job at a school in New Hampshire, to be their sports therapist/trainer.

When she arrives at the school, the only room opening is an apartment with three guys, Andy, Ravi and Jonas.  Sophie is given a room, which is a bit small, but she is satisfied; until Jonas, who is the orchestra teacher, is nasty and tells her not to touch the piano. Andy and Ravi were wonderful, especially since they are a gay couple; they do tell Sophie to ignore Jonas’s behavior.

Jonas, our hero, is totally grumpy with Sophie, but in a short time, she begins to open the walls he has built around him. Sophie learns about his damaged hand, that does not allow him to play the piano, with doctors diagnosing his disability, and his unwilling to discuss it.  Sophie is very knowledgeable about all kinds of injuries, and is determined to find a way to fix Jonas’s issue.  They begin to work together, with Jonas doing everything Sophie shows him, and soon their relationship fully changes, with Jonas opening up his heart, falling in love with Sophie.  The chemistry between them was hot, and I loved them together.  It was great to watch Sophie work hard in helping Jonas, as well as a young violinist, who was also an amazing pitcher, with a future in both fields.

Play For Me was a wonderful enemy to lovers’ story, with a wonderful couple, fun secondary characters. Sophie was a fantastic heroine, who was always sweet, friendly, competitive, determined, and good at what she does. The banter between Sophie and Jonas was great, especially once their feelings escalated. Play for Me was a fun romantic story, so very well written by Libby Hubscher.  I fully recommend the you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Libby Hubscher’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of Play For Me to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from June 19th to 23rd, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

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Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and broody older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And that same Jack who now sits on the hiring committee at MIT, right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

 

Review:

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood is another one of her wonderful enemies to lovers standalone novels. We meet, Elsie Hannaway, our heroine, who is very talented and has a PH.D in theoretical physics; she is very well admired, but she is still trying to land a tenure. During the day, Elsie is an adjunct professor, teaching at her mentor’s school, but not able to make any money, until she hopes to be offered a well-paying job. At night and weekends, she resorts to fake-dating to make enough money to pay of her living expenses, as well as loans.

One of her best fake-dating customers is Greg, who she helps pretend to his family as his girlfriend, and to her shock, his brother is non other then Jack Smith, who is the man in charge of physics department at MIT; one of the decision-makers who will decide if she’s the right candidate for her dream job at MIT. Elsie does not plan on giving up, as the physics and theorist side are fighting who is best for the school, so despite Jack determination to make sure she does not get the job, she will not give up. Elsie finds Jack annoying, but she is also very attracted to him, and knows she needs to avoid reacting to her feelings

Once Jack learns that Elsie was a fake dater for his brother, he begins to find himself enamored by Elsie; he begins to court her (even if he is voting for the other candidate), and a romance between them begins.  Jack turns into a sweet, passionate and gentle person, who is falling in love with Elsie, and will do anything for her (except not vote for her). Elsie knows she can no longer resist Jack, and the chemistry between them explodes.  They were so great together, and wonderful banter between them.

What follows is a fun, humorous, sexy and entertaining story, with a fabulous couple, excellent secondary characters, great banter, as well as being steamy.  There are some surprising developments closer to the end, and I loved how Elsie was able to stand up to fight on some issues. But most of all I loved Jack, how he put Elsie first, always helping her throughout. Elsie realizes that Jack’s candidate was indeed the best person for the job, and in the end, and to her surprise she gets a job offer. I suggest you read Love Theoretically, so very well written by Ali Hazelwood.   This was too much fun to miss.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from June 13th to 17th, 2023

 

 

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Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

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Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

 

 

Review:

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison is the first book in her Lovelight series. Stella Bloom, our heroine, is the owner of Lovelight Farms. She loves the farm, and she has two great people in charge of various areas, Beckett and Layla; but of late, due to someone sabotaging the farm, Stella is having financial problems.  A number of dead trees, damaged fence, raccoons, pumpkins and decorations have been destroyed, and shipments stolen. Stella keeps her problems to herself, not to worry her friends on the farm. She enters a contest, with a $100,000 cash prize, and she lied on the application, noting that her boyfriend is part owner; but Stella has no boyfriend.

Luka Peters (hero) is Stella’s best friend for over 10 years, and now that she is desperate, she asks Luka if he will pretend to be her boyfriend for the week when the famous influencer Evelyn St. James, arrives to check out Lovelight Farms. She worries, since she wants to keep their close-knit friendship safe.  What follows is a sweet friend to lovers’ relationship between Stella and Luka. It was great to watch Luka and Stella slowly begin to feel their amazing chemistry, as well as the fun and sexual banter.

Stella was a fantastic heroine, as she was sweet, independent, and caring.  Luka was not only very handsome, but kind and helpful with everyone; you can see the love he had for Stella.  She was feeling strong vibes for Luka, but she feared to lose their friendship.  The secondary characters were all so great, especially Layla and Beckett, who were more like partners with Stella; Dane the police chief was also good, and he discovered to the person sabotaging the farm. 

Lovelight Farms was a fun, cute, sweet romance, with wonderful characters.  The epilogue was very good at the end.  Lovelight Farms was so very well written by B.K. Borison. There are two or three books still to come in this series, with Beckett and Layla to each get their own story line.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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

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

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6. Giveaway is open to  US only.

7. Giveaway runs from June 7th to 10th, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

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Funny Guy/ Chick Magnet by Emma Barry-reviews & giveaway

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Funny Guy / Chick Magnet by Emma Barry-reviews and giveaway

FUNNY GUY
by Emma Barry
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 16, 2023

Sam can’t escape the smash hit “Lost Boy” because, well, he is the lost boy. His pop-singer ex immortalized him in a song about his childish ways, and now his comedy career is on the line.

At least he still has Bree, his best friend and confidante. Bree has always been there for Sam, but she’s never revealed her biggest secret: she’s in love with him. To help herself move on, Bree applies for her dream job across the country—and doesn’t say a thing to Sam.

But as Sam tries to resuscitate his career, he turns to Bree for support—and maybe more. In the confines of her tiny apartment, they share a different dynamic. A charged dynamic. But she’s his friend. He can’t be falling for her.

Except he is.

Are his feelings for Bree just funny business? Or is their smoldering attraction the real deal?

••••••••

REVIEW:FUNNY GUY by Emma Barry is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, romance story line focusing on best friends comedian Sam Leyland, and city planner Bryony ‘Bree’ Edwards.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sam and Bree) FUNNY GUY follows the friends to lovers relationship between Sam and Bree. Sam and Bree were childhood best friends from the proverbial wrong side of the tracks, struggling in their day to day existence but as they grew older, Sam needed a release, and found said release in stand up comedy, finally landing a coveted spot on New York’s Comedy Hour. As their respective careers took off, Sam and Bree would come in and out of one another’s lives until the day Sam proposed marriage to someone else. A tumultuous relationship and breakout played out for the world to ‘hear’ left Sam the target of mean tweets and jokes, landing Sam on his best friend’s couch in an effort to hide but Sam is oblivious to Bree’s attraction and love, a love that is about to push our hero out of her life. What ensues is the best friends to lovers romance and relationship, and the fall-out as Sam torpedoes his own career for the woman he loves.

Sam Leyland’s life is about to implode for all of the world to see. An ugly break up, immortalized on YouTube and song makes Sam the target of social media and paparazzi, as his life continues to spiral out of control. In an effort to diffuse the ticking time bomb that is his career, the writers at Comedy Hour devise a sketch addressing the nightmare that is his life, a sketch in hopes of saving his career but all does not go according to plan when an impromptu stand up sends Sam off the deep end, effectively threatening everything including the woman he loves. Bryony Edwards has loved her best friend for as long as she can remember but watching from the sidelines as Sam gave his heart to everyone else meant it was time for Bryony to move on, without the man that she loves.

The relationship between Bree and Sam is best friends to lovers; unrequited love that intensifies with a short lived term of close proximity in which Sam hides in seclusion from the paparazzi in the wake of his immortalized break up. Bree has supported Sam Leyland all of his life but it was now time that Bree made an effort to support herself. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate .

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and fascinating secondary and supporting characters including Sam’s fellow comedians at Comedy Hour, and Bree’s co-workers at New York’s planning commission, all o whom play a significant part throughout the story.

FUNNY GUY is a familiar story; an amalgamation of Saturday night comedy sketches, heart broken pop star million seller songs, the meltdown and spiral of a famous comedian, and the resurrection of a career based upon said spiral and fall out. The premise is entertaining and fascinating; the romance is captivating; the characters are desperate, broken, and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_____________

CHICK MAGNET
by Emma Barry
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

ebook only $1.99 usd Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2023

Nicole Jones needs a fresh start. “Chick Nic” to millions of internet fans, the social media star and her flock of chickens bask in the spotlight—until she’s publicly dumped by a YouTuber for clout. She has no choice but to round up her birds and move on.

But when one of her hens has an emergency, Nic gets her first taste of her new stomping grounds—and it isn’t good. Veterinarian Will Lund is wildly attractive, yes, but he’s also surly. In fact, he comes right out and calls her a menace for parading her chickens on social media.

As neighbors, Nic and Will can’t exactly avoid each other. Then again, maybe they don’t want to. The two can’t deny their smoldering attraction, and it isn’t long before late-night confessions lead to backyard shenanigans.

Is this the start of a neighborly relationship—or could something more be hatching?

••••••

REVIEW: CHICK MAGNET by Emma Barry is a contemporary, adult, stand alone romance focusing on thirty-somethings, veterinarian Dr. Will Lund, and YouTuber Nicole Jones.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives CHICK MAGNET focuses on the building romance and relationship between small town veterinarian Dr. Will Lund and YouTuber Nicole Jones. Nicole Jones walked away from an emotionally abusive relationship, having been insulted and destroyed on social media. Known as the ‘Chick Nic’, a YouTuber who gives advice on raising chickens, Nicole Jones founds herself back in her grandmother’s home town where she will meet cantankerous veterinarian Dr. Will Lund. Will’s business is struggling in the aftermath of COVID19, and without a quick influx of cash, Will is considering shutting down but having met his new neighbor, and the current bane of his existence, Will reconsiders his future, a future that is threatened by the bank’s foreclosure. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Will and Nicole, and the potential fall-out as Nicole’s past returns to add insult to injury, and Will must consider what’s next in his career.

The relationship between Will and Nicole begins acrimoniously when one of Nicole’s chickens becomes ill. Will is opposed to the recreational breeding and ownership of chickens, and Nicole’s YouTube channel has become one of the more popular channels for chicken hobbiests. Will’s attraction to Nicole is immediate but his business is failing, and our hero perceives himself as a failure, a failure who doesn’t believes he is entitled to love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include several locals who know everything and everyone in Yagerstown. The townies support one another; are aware of Nicole’s YouTube fame; and the only black mark on the otherwise group of loveable people are Nicole’s ex, and the questionable attitude of Will Lund’s family.

CHICK MAGNET is a sweet story of familiar and success during and after COVID19. The premise is endearing and entertaining; the characters are energetic and captivating; the romance is seductive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Social Media: Website /  Goodreads / Twitter/ Instagram/ Pinterest /

Emma Barry is a teacher, novelist, recovering academic, and former political staffer. She lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, and she occasionally finds time to read and write.

 

Emma Barry’s publicist is graciously offering a paper copy of CHICK MAGNET and FUNNY GUY to ONE (1) commenter.

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

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10. Giveaway runs from May18-22, 2023

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Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

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Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
For Samantha Gale, a summer on Martha’s Vineyard at her family’s tiny cottage was supposed to be about resurrecting her career as a chef, until she’s tasked with chaperoning her half-brother, Tyler. The teenage brainiac is spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition, and there’s no place Sam, who’s dyslexic, likes less than the library. And because the universe hates her, the library’s interim director turns out to be the hot-reader guy whose book she accidentally destroyed on the ferry ride to the island.

Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father, whose identity he’s never known. He’s taken the temporary job on the island to research the summer his mother spent there when she got pregnant with him. Ben tells himself he isn’t interested in a relationship right now. Yet as soon as Sam knocks his book into the ocean, he can’t stop thinking about her.

An irresistible attraction blossoms when Ben inspires Sam to create the cookbook she’s always dreamed about and she jumps all in on helping him find his father, and soon they realize their summer fling may heat up into a happily ever after.

 

 

Review:

Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay is a standalone novel. We meet Samantha (Sam) Gale, our heroine, who is returning home to Martha’s Vineyard, to spend the summer at her family’s cottage to chaperone her half-brother, Tyler.  Her parents are going away to Europe on vacation for most of the summer, and since she quit her job (passed over on a promotion) as a chef in a well-known restaurant, she agrees to come home. Tyler (who is 14) and Sam aren’t that close, since she rarely visits, and he is enrolled in spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition.  Sam, who has struggled all her life with dyslexia, is happy she doesn’t have to be around his class, keeping her dyslexia a secret.

While on the ferry home, she meets a handsome stranger, who she accidently destroyed the book he was reading.  Bennett (Ben) Reynolds, our hero, has taken a job as the director at the library for the summer, as he is also trying to search for the father he never knew.   When Sam visits her friend in the library, she is shocked to see the handsome stranger now working there.  In a short time, a slow built romance begins, with Ben finding himself very attracted to Sam, and will help him try to find his father.  Sam also gets a job at a new restaurant to handle Friday Night appetizers, which she will make her own recipes, which turns out to be very successful.

The relationship between Ben and Sam was wonderful to watch, as he learned about Sam’s dyslexia, and would read the book out loud for her to enjoy the story; he was so sweet, endearing and supportive for Sam. He also convinced Sam that she should write a cookbook, since she had so many wonderful recipes.   Sam worried, as she knew she was falling for him, and she did not plan on staying past the summer.  Will Sam and Ben find a way to stay together?

Most of all I loved the bonding between Tyler and Sam, as in a short time he totally opened up to Sam, and they were so much fun together. I adored Tyler teasing Sam about her relationship with Ben, as well as Sam teaching him how to dance, and meet his girlfriend.  It was so warm and loving to watch them become so close.

Summer Reading was a sweet, heartwarming story, with a wonderful sibling relationship, a great couple, and fun likeable characters throughout. We learn a lot about dyslexia, as well as the book is written in a dyslexia friendly font. There were also some great food recipes. Summer Reading was a delightful read, written so very well by Jenn McKinley.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jenn McKinlay’s publisher, Berkley Romance is offering a paper copy of SUMMER READING to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Heart Stings (Elemental Assassin 19.5) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
Heart stings can be the most dangerous wounds of all . . .

Lorelei Parker has had plenty of “heart stings” in her life—moments that are both happy and sad. With her grandmother’s recent marriage, Lorelei has had far more good times than bad lately.

That all changes when a ruthless Ashland underworld boss starts threatening her, but Lorelei is determined to figure out why the other crime boss is so interested in her thriving business. She vows to use her elemental Ice and metal magic to do whatever it takes to defend herself and her family.

Also in the mix is the mercurial Hugh Tucker. Lorelei doesn’t know what the vampire is up to, or if he’s a friend or an enemy. Tucker might even be something else, something more—if Lorelei can stay alive long enough to figure out whose side he’s really on . . .

Note: Heart Stings is a 38,000-word novella from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. It takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep is a novella (19.5 book) from her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  This novella takes place after Last Strand (finale), and is focused on Lorelei Parker. Lorelei has become friends with Gin and her gang, and with Gin away on vacation, she helps her grandmother plan a wedding, since the last one was destroyed by an attack (Last Strand).

Lorelei is being threatened by the underworld boss, Clyde, who wants to buy her shipping business, and she keeps refusing.  She knows he will attempt to force her to accept, but Lorelei is ready to defend herself and her grandmother, with her elemental ice and metal magic ability. At a restaurant, having dinner with her family, Hugh Tucker stops over to say hello.  The attraction between the two of them sizzles, but both do not trust each other.  Lorelei overhears Tucker accepting a job working for Clyde, and is concerned if he is an enemy to her, or he has other plans. When she and Tucker end up in the same room, the both succumb to their feelings.

At the party, Lorelei is kidnapped by the underworld boss, and she learns the real reason for his wanting her shipping business. Clyde plans to find what he is looking for; he also plans to kill her; as well as kill Tucker. But Lorelei doesn’t worry, as she uses her elemental ice magic to stop Clyde, saving herself and Tucker, who also joins in to help defeat Clyde and his giants.

What follows is an exciting, romantic and wonderful story! I loved seeing Lorelei and Tucker together, as they were very steamy. Since this was a novella, it was nice to spend time with Lorelei, and see how she uses her powers to protect others.  Though I was not a big fan of Tucker in this series, he turned out very good in this story.

Heart Stings was very well written by Jennifer Estep, which was a fun short story, and I loved every minute.  Lorelei was a great heroine in this book. I hope sometime in the future, we get to see the heroes of Elemental Assassin, such as Gin, Finn, Owen, Bria, Silvo, Sophia, Jo Jo, along with Lorelei and Tucker. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review:

HEART STINGS is instalment 19.5 and novella in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/urban fantasy series. This is business woman, ice and metal elemental Lorelei Parker, and vampire Hugh Tucker’s story line. HEART STINGS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading LAST STRAND for back story and cohesion. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. HEART STINGS takes places approximately one month after the events of book 19-LAST STRAND, and the disastrous wedding reception of Lorelei’s grandmother Mallory Parker and her new husband Stuart Mosley.

NOTE: Heart Stings first appeared in the Dirty Deeds 2 anthology in 2022.

Told from first person perspective (Lorelei Parker) HEART STINGS follows Lorelei, a one time smuggler turned shipyard owner who is struggling with the likes of crime boss Clyde O’Neal. A dead body in her backyard, threats against her life, and vampire Hugh Tucker working for Clyde meant Lorelei Parker was in the direct line of fire, as Clyde O’Neal demanded ownership of Lorelei’s shipping yard but there is something in the shipyard that Clyde desperately wants, and Lorelei is standing in the way of Clyde’s demands.

HEART STINGS is a story of desperation and greed, flirtation and attraction, forgiveness, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is subtle; the $ex scene is passionate; the characters are magical and determined. HEART STINGS is an exciting and interesting addition to the Elemental Assassin series where two previous- secondary characters finds their own happily ever after.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

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