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Love In the Time of Corona: Vol 2 Anthology – Review

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Love in The Time of Corona: Vol 2 Anthology – Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Seven romances by seven spectacular authors, all set during the coronavirus outbreak. Happy endings guaranteed!
The numbers next to the titles indicate spiciness on a 1-5 scale as judged by each author.

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Defending the Tycoon’s Daughter – Kristi Avalon 4(5) – Romantic Suspense
Escaping a threat against her wealthy family and the global pandemic, Talia Hudson finds herself in an isolated mountain retreat with her handsome, aloof bodyguard. A scandal in Brett’s past gives him good reason to avoid Talia, yet he can’t deny the attraction sparking between them. Will one night of passion lead to regret– or is he ready to risk it all for love?

Review:
Brett is still smarting from his last job, a scandal had him leaving with a black mark on his career and reputation. Joining a new firm, Brett won’t make the same mistake, well that’s what he says, until he sees her….. 

Talia Loves her stepfamily, and all but her stepfather hate her, it’s something she has comes to terms with. And now a threat to her family has her separated from them. Although on the plus side, the new bodyguard is easy on the eyes. 

It’s a fun little read. Bodyguard and heiress is always a little predictable. 

But it’s written well. The fleeting glances, the silent treatment and the denying of ones feelings (and that’s just the bodyguard) 

Loved the video chat with her friends, it’s something a lot of us are doing at the moment. And thank goodness for the canine light relief, you have to love a dog that steers you in the direction of love. 

Luckily we just had the threat of the virus to read and no one came down with it. 

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Ship Mates – Chloe Flowers 2(5) – Contemporary Romance
After a house fire destroys everything she owns, Tara needs a temporary home. In a weak moment, Officer Scott Merrick offers an unorthodox solution: sharing a cabin on his boat. Since he works the graveyard shift and she runs her restaurant during the day, they’ll be like ships passing in the night, which is fine by both of them.
They only communicate by writing notes to each other.
It’s a bad idea to fall in love during a pandemic, but what if they’re soul mates as well as shipmates?

Review: 
Tara is now homeless after a fire. She’s hasn’t got anywhere to go. And with this virus that’s about, Tara doesn’t want to risk making anyone unwell. Being offered a bed from the hunky police offer is ok, isn’t it? She’s known him forever, best friend with his sister, and it won’t be for long….. 

Scott has always been the responsible one, his job at the police station suits him. And after the fiasco with “she who will not be named” he’s a confirmed bachelor. So giving a friend a bed for a few nights won’t be a problem. And as Tara was his sister’s best friend growing up, she’s practically family. But it’s been a few years since he’s seen her, and now she’s all grown up, but he’s on nights, how hard will it be to avoid her? 

Liked this story a lot. Loved the idea of post it notes, that did make me chuckle. And it was a great way to communicate (Scott worked nights and Tara worked days) 

Lucy the parrot made me chuckle and I loved Larry the police dog (every time Lucy told him to sit he did I had to laugh) 

The boat made for an unusual setting, the confined space that Tara and Scott were forced to share made for a different read. 

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Viral Dance – Sheridan Jeane 3(5) – Contemporary Romance
Free spirit Lily Lennon and CEO Josh Graves are opposites, or are they? When circumstances throw them together in a Mt. Rainier cabin during the pandemic, she’s determined to have him teach her to waltz. Can these two dance their way into one another’s hearts?

Review:
Lily’s a dog/house sitter, she works from the hosts home. But with the outbreak of the virus that’s sweeping the country, the owner of both dog and home is due back and lily has to move on, but she’s got nowhere to go, well there is the mountain retreat she can go to….. 

Josh has had three months away, not a holiday, but a retreat, after what can only be called a breakdown, Josh is back and ready to take back his company. But he’s a different man, less about the profit margin and more about his employees. 

A free spirit and an uptight CEO, (except he’s not really uptight anymore) 

Had to admit it wasn’t my favourite in this short story read. But there were a few laughs. Loved the dog Orwell. Liked how Josh thought about asking Lily about before he went to his retreat, but missed opportunities and all that. 

The dancing moments were a lot of fun to read. 

Both finding things about one another that appealed to them. 

The virus might have brought them together, but I think josh would have made his move eventually. 

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Choosing My Own Bananas – Becky Lower 1(5) Seasoned Romance
Claire has lived her life alone and free. But now, as an aging single, she’s facing the coronavirus by herself, and it’s the first time she’s been uncomfortable with her decisions. She ignores her sister’s advice and decides to take advantage of her local grocery’s early Senior Hour to do her own shopping.
Widower Bert can’t believe his luck. The mysterious woman from the health club pool is right behind him in line, waiting for the store to open. He and his friend call her Esther Williams, but now he might get to know her real name. And hopefully a whole lot more.

Review:
Bert a retired policeman with plenty of spare time on his hands. With his local spa closed due to the virus, Bert hasn’t got a lot to do but think, and lots of that time thinking has him thinking of a plan of action, he’s seen a lovely lady who he’d like to know better, but he doesn’t know her name, or where she lives, maybe fate will smile down on him and give him a break…..

Claire’s a control freak, she likes thinks done a certain way, and that’s why she stuck in a queue for her food shopping. She writes romance books, but even that isn’t holding her interest at the moment. She needs a little inspiration…..

This one had me smiling all the way through. A very gentle romance, dog walking (with a dog that’s not his) crazy golf (well golfing in a golf cart) and silly emails that brought a smile to both their faces. 

She’s a feisty control freak with a wicked set of one liners. He’s a man with a plan of action. 

Wooing in a time of lockdown presents it’s own set of challenging rules. No invading of personal space for one!! 

Being a widower has made Bert realise that life is too short, so he goes after the one thing that’s been on his mind for a while. 

Claire is a little more controlled, she likes a certain routine. 

So will Bert capture the fair maidens heart? Well he has her interest peaked, so who knows. 

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The Royal Muse – Judy McDonough 2(5) Contemporary Romance
New Orleans artist, Melody Landry, is done with relationships and cheating men. She’d much rather paint her frustration into money-making masterpieces.
Reece Thomas has had enough heartache for two lifetimes. He’d rather drown his sorrows with his trumpet and whisky than give anyone else a chance to rip his heart out.
Love was the last thing on their minds—until they found each other.
Can the healing powers of music and art bring two bitter souls together in the midst of a pandemic?

Review:
Reece doesn’t want anything more than a bottle to drown out his pain. Two years since the end of his marriage, and a mugging that left him with a constant and painful reminder of how much he lost. His only joy is his music, oh and the cute little artist he spied painting and singing from her balcony. 

Melody loves living in the French Quarter, her artists heart simply adores it. Inspiration runs well here, and even more so on a Thursday evening, her musical inspiration comes from her neighbour, his beautiful music gives her pieces a flow that she just can’t contain. 

But this evening he’s late, and Melody can’t help but wonder as to where he is….. 

I liked this one very much. 

Melody has been hurt before, so she’s not looking for romance. Reece can’t move on from his mugging and failed marriage. 

They’ve known each other a while now, but only from a distance, not a word has passed their lips to each other, but like calls to like, and a tentative friendship springs up.  

So how will a romance spring from this? And when an opportunity arises will they both take it? 

Beautifully written, that could have happily been a longer story. 

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Espresso. Paper. Love. – L.A. McGinnis 1(5) Contemporary Romance
A stir-crazy actress charms her way into a young doctor’s life from the neighboring apartment building. It’s one thing to exchange notes and coffee in a crisis, it’s another to deny their growing attraction.

Review:
Olivia is going to be an actress, well once she gets her big break, but until then it’s serving coffee to the masses. 

She has her regulars that she smiles and says hi to. Including her neighbour “Brandon S” he always smiles and a quick thank you. But after not seeing him at his home for a few days, she takes the initiative and decides to wave….. 

Brandon is suppose to be concentrating on knee surgeries and spine realignments, but with the virus taking a grip, it’s all hands to help. He’s so tired, but he can’t let anyone down. Most of his days he’s on automatic pilot. But today would be a turning point …..

As the time goes by, Olivia and Brandon do more and more together, of course noting the social distancing. Both want more as they’ve gotten to know each other. But when Brandon gets ill, how will Olivia cope? 

Loved the concept of paper plane post it notes. 

I loved Brandon and his thoughtfulness, he could see Olivia was struggling, and to thank her for a coffee and chat he suggests a walk. And it just takes off from there. 

This one deals with people who are now scared to leave their own homes. You feel you shouldn’t be out, not even to exercise. And I’m sure a lot of readers will relate too. 

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Tipsy – Jen Sako 1(5) New Adult Romance
Barbera Piedmont works in one of Manhattan’s top restaurants alongside a hot sommelier named Cavan Mills. One fateful night furloughs them both and there seems to be no end in sight. To Barbera’s surprise, Cavan contacts her for help keeping his career on track. Through a virtual connection, they share wines along with their fears and dreams. Barbera can’t help wondering what will happen to their digital relationship when life returns to normal. Will her services no longer be needed, or will these strange and dangerous times end in love?

Review:
Barbera or “Barbie” enjoys her job. Meeting new people, greeting regulars and catching up with friends she works with. 

But somethings wrong, guests aren’t coming in, some are cancelling their tables, some tables don’t even bother to phone to cancel. 

And when the restaurant is finally closed due to this virus, Barbera wonders what she’s going to do to keep herself occupied. 

Cavan loves his job, wine is his hobby and his passion. He wants to be the best, so an exam is in order. He wanted his girlfriend to help, but being in a different time zone makes it difficult. 

So he asks Barbera to help (after his girlfriend advised to ask a server for help) 

The wonderful World Wide Web came to the fore in this book. 

A sommelier (wine steward or a professional connoisseur) and server come together over wine. Barbera has had a crush on Cavan ever since she clapped eyes on him, so she jumps at the chance to spend time with him. 

As time goes by Barbera falls for Cavan, but it all comes crashing down when his girlfriend makes a surprise return home. Barbera is no longer needed, but the chats they had been having gave her concern, Isabella wanted Cavan to give up his passion and help her run a winery. 

She had to convince Cavan not to give up his dream. 

This one I had mixed feelings about. Loved the on-line wine tasting, i had to chuckle with the drunk chatting. 

I did feel Cavan was only interested in Barbera as help for him wine exam. But was totally surprised with his declaration to Barbera. 

 

Reviews by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Finding Mr. Right Next Door by Sarah Ballance – a Review

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Finding Mr. Right Next Door by Sarah Ballance – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
For Lexi Dean, burning down her kitchen was disaster enough. Agreeing to move in next door with her totally off-limits best friend, Matt Freeman, until her house is livable again?

Utter madness.

They’ve always been close, but this is ridiculous. If she’s not bumping into him at the refrigerator, he’s at the front door giving her date the third degree. And slipping between his borrowed sheets? That’s about as distracting as listening to his shower run, because suddenly all she can think about is rivulets of water cascading down is spectacular body—the one he seems to be going out of his way to make sure she notices.

Not that it matters. He can flaunt his firefighter abs around her all he wants. They already share everything—their jobs, their friends, their backyard, even their dog—and that means only one thing: Lexi is not going to risk losing any of it by dipping a single toe in the temptation that is Matt Freeman.

Lexi may not know how to handle a fire extinguisher, but this is one fire that just might burn them both if they’re not careful…

 

Review:

Finding Mr. Right Next Door by Sarah Ballance is book two in The Firefighters of Station 1 series.

Lexi Dean’s kitchen is on fire, when in walks next door neighbor, best friend, and fire fighter Matt Freeman. When the fire shifts he instructs her to call 911. Left with embarrassment because she works at the fire station in the supply room she begins to realize she may never hear the end of this!
When it becomes clear that there is no way she can stay in her house in the aftermath of the fire, Matt offers for her to stay with him during repairs. When contemplating the two hour drive she would have commuting from her parents house – she decides to stay with Matt.

Lexi and Matt have been best friends for as long as they can remember. But when she moves in with Matt all that closeness begins to change things.
Even though they spent loads of time together before the fire, being that close to one another starts to prove difficult, Neither of them want to ruin the friendship they have had for so long.

Their friendship turned romance contains just the right amount of sexy, sarcastic banter that proves friends to lovers romance can happen.
Although this one takes the long way around to the HEA. Its a struggle for both to admit their feelings and give in to the temptation before them.
There is a lot of teasing, sarcasm and witty banter. But I enjoy books like that!

I loved the secondary characters – my favorite of which was Elsie – Matt’s grandmother. She made the entire book for me!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book – I must say it was my first “firefighter” book and it can completely be read as a stand alone. Quick short wonderful read that I highly recommend! Will be going back and reading book one in the series because I am sure it will be quick to become on of my favorites.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Blue Embers by Courtney Leigh – a Review

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Blue Embers by Courtney Leigh – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
The Draak, an ancient race of dragon shapeshifters, have been the dominant species on Earth for centuries, but new threats are lurking to upset the delicate peace.

Following a rebel attack that nearly cost the Draak their leader, Killian Valentyne is tasked with tracking down those responsible. With the development of a new museum exhibit underway that Killian hopes will build a better understanding between humans and Draak, he’s stretched a bit thin. 

Persephone Grant is a dedicated historian and the new curator for an exhibit funded by known Draak playboy, Killian Valentyne. She’s intelligent, mysterious, and exactly the kind of distraction Killian doesn’t need, but a connection to the rising conflicts might just put her in the middle of it all.

With Draak-killing weapons floating around in rebel hands and suspicions that an ancient enemy has made its way to Earth, having feelings for a human would only make things harder for Killian. He knows the pain of loss too well to get caught up in affections, especially with a war coming, but Persephone may prove to be a force all her own. One taste should have been enough to sate their urges. 

 

 

Review: 

Blue Embers by Courtney Leigh is the 2nd book in her Storm of Fire series.  We met Killian in the previous book “Ash Bringer”,  he’s a lover not a fighter, but that’s not to say he won’t pick up a weapon for his race. Always looking for his next conquest, his next fun time. 

After almost being killed in the latest terrorist attack, Killian is looking for answers. He has in his possession a piece of metal that is giving him nightmares, this metal has the ability to kill a Draak, how did the human resistance get hold of it? Is the old enemy of the Draak emerging? Why now? Why here? 

One of his projects is a museum, a way to bridge the gap between human and Draak. But his help is needed. So he’s off to find out what needs doing, but little does he know his life is about to change…..

Persephone loves her job, it gives her a purpose. She finds the history of human and Draak fascinating. Although her personal view is also a little off, her sister is laying in hospital a casualty of the Draak regime…..

Both Persephone and Killian have a mutual attraction to one another, but Killian is in no mood for a mate, he prefers variety. And although he finds Persephone a delightful distraction, he can’t let his mind wander too far from his job, he needs to find out who is supplying the rebel faction weapons to destroy the Draak race!!  Persephone is drawn to Killian, but after seeing the effect it had on her sister, she wants no part of that life….. 

But both are thrown by their desire for one another, they can’t keep their eyes (or hands) off each other.

But someone is watching them, is it a friend or a foe? 

I’m liking this series more and more. The characters, the storyline. 

They aren’t here as friends, the Draak race came here to conquer and rule, and they have done for centuries. They aren’t a nice race, and in the first book, I really wasn’t happy with the male hero, in fact I almost hoped that the heroine did get her chance to kill him. But Killian is different from Draven, he was a warrior, a true warlord, Killian is more of a diplomat. That’s not to say he can’t fight, he just chooses his battles. 

In the last book we see a resistance/rebel force forming to other throw the Draak rule, but they are using both propaganda and fear to aid their cause. I’m all for overthrowing tyranny, but the way they are doing it! I’m not sure, they seem to want war more than a way to drive the Draak out, it feels like they want to rule instead! Will their leadership be any better? 
We also find out that if a Draak takes a human for ? Then a link is made, and if not maintained the human will slowly die!! 

I do like to watch the mighty fall, how they believe they deserve to be loved, but won’t reciprocate. They think it will be all one sided. And to fall for a human, that won’t happen. But when it does, it’s fun to read. 

Beautifully written, descriptions are detailed but not to the extent that you feel the author is just page filling. The world is growing nicely, meeting key characters at just the right time, not being overloaded with too many. Love the characters, even the bad guys. They make you want to boo at the page. There is so much scope for this series, I’m hoping we get many more. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplied for review

 

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Dirty Work by Regina Kyle – a Review

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Dirty Work by Regina Kyle – a Review

 

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Description:
Millionaire nightclub owner Jake Lawson works hard, but executive concierge Ainsley Scott is showing him how to let loose…in the sexiest possible way!

I knew I was in trouble the moment millionaire Jake Lawson walked through the door of his swanky Tribeca loft. The definition of tall, dark and handsome, he’s hired me to take care of his parents’ Irish wolfhound. But one game of strip Scrabble later and we’re taking care of each other all night long…

Starting my concierge business was my way out of the rat race I ran as a lawyer until it cost me my fiancé. And Jake is a full-on workaholic, certain his high-end nightclub will fall apart if he loses focus for a second. We couldn’t be more different. But the chemistry between us is off the charts!

From drag-queen karaoke to movies at Hudson River Park, I’m showing Jake how to lighten up and enjoy everything New York City has to offer. But I can’t help wondering if blowing each other’s minds in bed is enough to make up for our different values. Can Jake step away from his smartphone long enough to give us a chance?

 

 

Review:

An uptight, workaholic millionaire and a carefree “dog walker” sounds like your usual “rich boy, poor girl” story, but …… 

Ainsley isn’t a poor girl, and isn’t from the wrong side of the tracks. She was a high flying lawyer, and a good one. But recovering from a broken heart made Ainsley re-evaluate her life, so now she runs a successful concierge service. 

Now I’m assuming it’s like a concierge at a hotel (you ask and they try and get it for you, or find someone who can)  She enjoys the work, she’s living the life she loves…..

Jake is a workaholic, he eats, sleeps (when he has to) and breathes his club, he thinks that if he leaves it alone, it’s going to fall apart (talk about micromanaging) he’s got no time for fun, and certainly no time for love…… 

Written in the first person. It gives us both perspectives. 

I get the feeling Jake can relax, but at the moment his mind is on his new club opening soon. Trying to get him to relax is a full time effort on Ainsley’s part. But when he does let his hair down …… boy is she in for a fun ride. 

I loved the banter, the innuendos in most of the conversations. Laughed at the karaoke scene. And don’t even get me started on the scrabble moment. It’s really well written. The dialogue flows as do the scenes. The characters really come alive and you get this chemistry between them that really works on the page. 

It’s also nice to see a woman that works and thinks for herself, a woman who isn’t afraid of what she wants, and isn’t afraid of going after it. 

The secondary characters are a laugh. Her work force, his sister, and Ainsley’s mum is a woman I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of. 

I really enjoyed Dirty Work by Regina Kyle and would happily recommend it. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Hooked on You by Cathryn Fox – a Review

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Hooked on You by Cathryn Fox – a Review

 

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Description:
I’m a bookworm, a mathematician, not the kind of girl a hot lobster fisherman would notice. Until he did. I’m not in small town Nova Scotia to hook up. I’m here to settle my grandmother’s estate and sell the B&B, which I soon discover has been overrun with seasonal fisherman and operated on the honor system. The hard-core fishing folks become an instant family––the one I never had. Then there’s the blind pet cow, who has a crush on my hot fisherman, Nate. Okay, technically he’s not mine. I have no desire to get reeled in. Until I do. Soon, the little town grows on me, and the fisherman? It’s not long until I take the bait and we’re playing house at the B&B. Things are looking up.

Until they aren’t. Rumors about a new plant and jobs being in jeopardy start swirling around town like a nor’easter, and all the signs point to my guy being behind the scandal. Should I give him enough line to play it out and learn his true intentions, or cut and run before I’m hooked?

 

Review:

“ You know in an action movie, when the hero just saved the day and everything goes into slow-mo as he walks toward the heroine, to emphasise the guy’s sexiness? Cue the big finale kiss, right? When they ride off into the sunset, have you ever sighed happily and thought,  one day, that’s going to happen to me? Yeah, me neither.”

Have to admit not my usual read. But I really enjoyed Hooked on You by Cathryn Fox.  Had a few laughs, a blind pet cow had me chuckling. And Eddie the horse, I loved that creature and if there are more stories I hope he features. 

Kira is not cut out for small town living, so she needs to sell the B&B that she’s inherited and get back to her own home. She loves her job, and can’t wait to get back, but being rescued by a hot fisherman is the highlight of her quiet life. And is he flirting with her? 

Nate is the hot fisherman that saves Kira from being mowed down by a runaway horse. He catches lobsters and is happy to trade them for other items. He’s fascinated with the woman he’s just rescued, a little strange, but in a fun way. But he’s not interested in starting something, he wants to finish his deal and move on. It’s not common knowledge yet, and he’s not sure of the reception the new packing company will receive, so he has to tread carefully.

Nate and Kira both tell this story, and it’s good to get both sides. Kira feels guilty that she hasn’t been back for a while, but it won’t stop her from selling the B&B. Nate can’t understand why she would want to sell. But he’s hiding something from her. 

Hoping we get a few more books, there were many characters that needed a story. Really well written, the characters were really good, secondary characters were entertaining as well. And the little town was so well written I had no problem conjuring it up. Kira was great to read, a nerd who loves her job, not many social skills, but that doesn’t stop her from flirting with Nate. 

And Nate is a nice guy, so if he’s so nice, why not tell the town he’s opening up a new company? He’s also looking to move on, so does he need to slow down and enjoy the scenery. 

So will they get together? Or will Kira sell up and leave? Can Nate persuade her not to sell? He’d like her to stay, but will she? And what happens when she finds out his secret? Will she help or will she hinder? 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Fake It Till You Make It by Anne Harper – a Review

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Fake It Till You Make It by Anne Harper – a Review

 

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Description:
Sloane De Carlo is going to have to move to Antarctica.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that she accidentally made her private blog very public, and all her innermost secrets and embarrassing moments are trending, now the entirety of the Internet is dying to know who her all-consuming, never-get-over-him crush “Guy” really is. She’s even got a literary agent dangling a book deal in front of her nose—but there’s a catch. She’ll have to get closure with “Guy” and give her story that pitch-perfect ending.

Too bad the real “Guy” is engaged to someone else. #Blessed

The only person in her teeny hometown of Arbor Bay who knows the truth is local bartender Brady Knox. And he’s not telling…for a price. He’ll pretend to be Sloane’s “Guy” if she’ll use her newfound Internet fame to bring more business to his struggling local bar. Brady’s always been a lone wolf, but there’s something about the pint-sized, supremely awkward, yet beautiful Sloane that charms him.

But keeping secrets in a small town like Arbor Bay isn’t easy. And Brady was never meant to be the guy for a pitch-perfect ending…

 

Review:

Fake It Till You Make It begins with Sloane De Carlo having the ultimate meltdown the morning after she had, after lots of drinking, made her very personal blog public.  It had also gone viral.  Thankfully, her best friend talked her down.  Besides, Antarctica is cold.  And, one good thing came out of this mess:  a book publisher had contacted her about a book based on her blog.

Later, Sloane was out and about and went into her hometown’s only bar, Cassidy’s Place.  Her hopes of not being noticed were dashed when “Guy’s” sister, resident former prom queen and mean girl, Carol sauntered in with a few people……….along with her brother, Marcus, a.k.a, “Guy”.  Of course, Carol makes some passive/aggressive comments and invites Sloane to join them.  Seemingly having no other choice, Sloane does just that.  It doesn’t take long for Sloane to head to the bar to escape for a moment to talk to the only person in Arbor Bay who knows the true identity of “Guy”:  Brady Knox. She had drunkenly (I see a pattern here) told him one night about her crush, and she hoped he didn’t remember, but he did.  Sloane heads back to the table, albeit reluctantly.  Brady doesn’t like how Carol treats most people and knows that Sloane needs saving, so he does the only thing he can think of.  He heads to the table and kisses Sloane in front of everyone.

Brady has his own reasons for the display, but he figures that helping Sloane will kill two birds with one stone.  He and Sloane devise a plan:  Brady will be revealed to be “Guy”.  They will have a fake relationship and then break it off in a few weeks.  No harm, no foul.  However, as things progress, the two of them find themselves attracted to each other, but know that it’ll never go anywhere.  You know what they say………fake it till you make it.  But Carol has other plans.  One thing is for sure:  mean girls are a bitch.

Fake It Till You Make It is a nicely written story.  Sloane experienced a tragic loss at an early age, leaving her to be raised by her older brother.  She never realized how she had closed herself off until Brady became part of her life.   The two of them together make for some laugh out loud moments, along with some personal revelations that tug at your heart.  If you’re looking for a quick read with a little steam, a little humor and a little drama, you’ll not go wrong with this one.  Well done, Anne Harper.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Wild Love by Meg Benjamin – a Review

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Wild Love by Meg Benjamin – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Book Depository / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
After one bad relationship too many, Peaches Guidry came to the mountain resort town of Antero, Colorado to start over. Now, she’s manager of a great restaurant and on her way to bigger and better things without anyone complicating her life. The upcoming grand opening of the local brewery’s new pub is the perfect opportunity to introduce more customers to her menu. A partnership with Antero Brewing could bring her business to a whole new level.

But then Colin Brooks strolls into town. Rugged, yet charismatic. The bad boy with a heart of gold—the kind of man she can’t resist.

Her friends at the brewpub, though, are quick to tell her Colin isn’t exactly new in town. He’s the black sheep of Antero and disappeared years ago without a word. Now he’s back and hoping to prove he’s changed, but the welcome they give him is harsher than the winter winds.

She knows she shouldn’t be falling for someone that everyone says can’t be trusted. And getting tangled up in his wild past could ruin the future of everything she’s worked so hard to build… So why can’t they stay away from each other?

Each book in the Brewing Love series is STANDALONE:
* Love on Tap
* Saison for Love
* Wild Love

 

Review:

Wild Love by Meg Benjamin is book three in the Brewing Love Series.

Colin Brooks has come back to Antero, Colorado. And this times things are way different. Colin was here before, but abruptly had to leave for family issues, leaving his hood friends in a bind. Colon was part co-owner in Antero Brewing Company. And now with nothing left to his name but his dog Wiseass, he is back wanting to start brewing again. Wanting the life he had before, the one where he was truly happy. But co-owners Bec and Liam, who were left to pick up the pieces, are not happy to see him again.  His first stop in town is the Salty Goat, the town diner. And that is where he meets Peaches Guidry. She came to Antero to start over. She is the manager and head chef of The Salty Goat. She is finally in a good spot in her life and does not need anyone messing that up.  Her friends at the local brewery are quick to let her know exactly how they feel about Colin. She knows to be cautious of the new guy in town. But she just can’t stay away from him. Will he cost her everything she has worked so hard for? Can they even have a relationship with how half the town feels about him? 

I absolutely loved the characters of Colin and Peaches. Each one has had their own share of knock downs. But I love how that despite that, they were drawn to each other. Peaches has a giving and loving heart, she is exactly what Colin needs. The tension that grows between them is wrought with longing and need! 

Wild Love can be read as a stand alone, but this series is quite wonderful and worth the time to read!  Great background story of a brewing company   , with lots of information and interesting facts! The only thing that could have made this series better would be to list all the delicious recipes used at The Salty Goat!!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Magick & Moonlight-The Missing Piece by Marie Lavender- Reviews

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Magick & Moonlight-The Missing Piece by Marie Lavender- Reviews

 

Magick & Moonlight
Magick series – Book 1
Release Date: April 1, 2020

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
Love spells are dangerous, even more so for those who cast them…

Ethan Hamilton moves to a lazy little town in Oregon, hoping to escape his demons. Instead, he discovers a woman dancing nude in the moonlight. This woman who claims she is a witch dazzles him with her sensual presence. He thinks she’s crazy, but what if she’s not? 

Jessie Anderson has been taught that her kind hides who they really are. And she has a problem on her hands. Someone knows her secret and she must do all she can to protect herself. What other choice does she have? Jessie casts a spell on a good man, a man with whom she can’t fight her attraction. The spell doesn’t work quite as planned. 

Messing with free will is always a bad idea.

To top it off, Ethan’s treatment of her is so addictive. Deep down, she knows the effects will wear off, and yet his feelings seem genuine. It’s just a spell…right?

 

Review:

Magick & Moonlight by Marie Lavender is a short story that will lead to a new series (Magick).

I had fun reading it, it’s hard to pack enough information into a short read, too much and your ending the story too abruptly. Not enough, and you have to fill the empty pages (usually with sex!) 

Ethan comes across a young naked woman dancing in the woods “cue smut”, but what we got was not what I expected….. 

Jessie is a witch, she is out in the woods doing what she loves, hearing a noise she confronts her watcher. They share a kiss, (short story remember) and both are attracted to one another, it’s not until she gets home that reality hits!!! What’s a witch to do? Cast a spell of course…. She can’t have Ethan telling the town she’s a witch, that could lead to all sorts of things. But spells being spells …… 

It’s a fun read. I liked where this was going. Think it could have made a decent full length story. Wanted a little more. Loved the characters, but couldn’t get too involved, before you know it, the story is done!! 

Upon tracking the author down, I confirmed that this is indeed a new series. It tells us of Ethan and Jessie in the future. 

 

The Missing Piece
Release Date – February 28, 2020

Amazon / B&N / Kobo


Description:
When Alyssa wakes up in a strange place at school, she can’t remember what happened the previous night. A new friend, Justin, offers to help her out. As she makes discoveries that force her to accept a different reality, she finds herself drawn to Justin for a number of reasons.

Can the biggest mistake of Aly’s life turn into the promise of new love?

 

Review:

The Missing Piece by Marie Lavender is a New Adult Romance.

Alyssa wakes with no memory of the previous night. It’s a scary situation, what the hell happened to her? 

She’s told by a young man that she was drinking plenty and went upstairs with a man! Fear races through Alyssa (was she attacked?) but Justin assures her that wouldn’t have happened, and walks her back to her dorm. She’s not the type of girl to do shots, and certainly not the type to go upstairs with a man. And why can’t she remember? 

Alyssa and Justin start on a journey to find out what happened to her. But what I find difficult to understand is why….. Why would someone who usually does drink, who doesn’t party, who usually stays in her room and study, go out? 

It’s a short read, and one I didn’t want to end, I think it could have been made into a full story. I thought it was going to be more of a mystery (well that’s what the background led me to think) what we got was a romance! 

It’s a fast paced read, but with lots missing I felt a little lost! Will it lead to a fuller story at some point? I do hope so. 

So do you find out why? I guess your going to have to read it to find out. ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copies supplied for reviews

 

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