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Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London-a Review

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Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London-a Review

 

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Description:
“A swoon-tastic rom-com that readers will love from beginning to end.” —Romance by the Book on The Dachshund Wears Prada

Can you ever really forget the one who got away?

August Merriweather has always been good with animals. In fact, she’s known as Manhattan’s Dog Whisperer. Men, on the other hand? Not so much. She’s been falling for the wrong guys ever since her regrettable crush on Keaton Sax, older brother of her best friend, Leah, and the biggest jerkface this side of the Hudson.

Now an emotionally closed off widower, Keaton has become one of the most formidable men on Wall Street, but August knows his secret. He’s not driven by sales targets and bonus checks—Keaton just wants to give his family the security they never had. So when Leah asks Keaton to wrangle her over-the-top, dramatic husky at a weekend talent competition, Keaton says yes…and begs August to help him win the event for Leah.

Between obstacle courses, Molly’s husky temper tantrums and a cabin with just one bed, August is having a blast. Away from the pressure to have a “perfect life” with the “right guy,” she finds herself relaxing and getting to see the softer side of the man she once loved. Is this just a temporary truce? Or could Keaton finally be the right guy at the right time?

Paws in the City Series:
Book 1: The Dachshund Wears Prada
Book 2: Pets of Park Avenue
Book 3: Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen

 

 

 

Review:

Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London is the third book in her fun Paws in the City series. Having read and loved “The Dachshund Wears Prada” and “Pets of Park Avenue” I couldn’t wait to see where we would be going with this book.

I know August Merriweather, she’s the only one who had any faith in Isla and Scout (MFC’s in previous books) and the pet talent agency they wanted to start. She’s a great character, an owner of a dog grooming business, full of opinions, and a zest for life, but the one thing she really wants most in life, is to share her life with a partner (and not a business one either!) but after one too many disappointments August has given up, it’s best just to keep running her business…..

Keaton is a widower, and the last thing he promised his late wife was to become a partner in the firm he works for. And now that’s all his life consists of, work/work/work! I found it hard to like Keaton at first, his attitude towards August did need a smack about the head!  But I had to admire both his dedication to his family and to want to make more of himself. His teen years weren’t the best, but through hard work and determination he makes his family proud.

I also liked the fact that the previous main characters of books one and two  (Isla/Theo/Scout and Lane) make appearances throughout the book, it’s great when characters continue to visit.

And don’t forget the dramatic Molly (who’s a husky by the way) for me she was the star of the book. I want a puppy just like her, so full of character, she loves August, but can’t stand Keaton (feeling is mutual) so how can Molly bring these two people together?

A talent competition is the answer, and a tiny room with only one bed ?. Working together to win the competition for Molly’s owner Leah( who is August’s best friend and sister to Keaton)

Can a puppy really bring these two together? Or will Keaton pull away from August and continue to hide his heart behind that icy wall?

There is no need to read the previous books as each book stands on its own, but it does show how the three women are friends through the books. It’s a slow burn romance, but with great moments outside the bedroom it wasn’t really noticed. Hilarious moments with Molly will have you laughing out loud.

A highly entertaining and recommended read from me.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Final Loss by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

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Final Loss by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

 

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Description:
The Card Holder tournament is no more.

A year after the tragedy that befell the Queen of Hearts Domain, Neela finds herself living an alternate life of ease and happiness, a life where all her memories of pain, suffering, and loss didn’t exist.

After being thrust back into her cruel reality, Neela discovers the truth behind the harrowing events of the past year. Most importantly, she learns of her disturbing connection to the crimson-eyed rogue leader and assumes her role in a development far more momentous than the Card Holder tournament could ever be.

The pressure within Neela builds as she struggles to accept her position in a branched prophecy. Balancing the physical and mental burdens constantly assaulting her is seemingly impossible as the tragedies of the past continue to fill her heart with sinking trepidation.

One more devastating loss can either send her over the edge or strengthen her resolve in yet another grand inevitability.

 

Card Holders Series:

Red Blood #1
Two more Lives #2
Final Loss #3

 


Review:

Final Loss by Kaitlyn Legaspi is the third book in her Card Holders series. I’ve read and loved the two previous books, which you will need to read in order for this book to make any sense. But this one is my favourite in the series (although there are a few moments I didn’t like)!  I don’t want to give too much away, so excuse my vagueness in places.

Neela is living a peaceful life, a new name and life (you’ll find out why without me telling you ?) but it’s not long before she’s plunged back into her old life and battles!!

With this book we briefly retell books one and two (enough information without wasting pages). Secondary characters are still amazing and all are necessary for to the story.

Fast paced action, romance thrown in here and there, and don’t forget the friendships that Neela had acquired along the way, some of them old friends some of them are new ones, and sadly we’ve lost a few along the way, the author isn’t scared of killing a likeable character (or two) through these books.

Action/adventure: I’ll have to admit, the fight scenes in this book are amazing, I felt like swinging and ducking at odd moments during the battles, and it’s also a great learning curve for Neela (she’s not often beaten in a battle, and to have a beat down, brings her up, makes her reevaluate and encourages her to try harder.

YA? (Young Adult) Probably not, I’d probably lean towards a slightly older market, but that’s just me.

I was thrilled to read this one, as I was anxious to see how this would play out. I wasn’t disappointed, it’s filled with action and adventure. Loss and drama, but it’s also packed with magic, family and love. You also have your villains (who truly are bad guys)

So I’d advise you to read books one and two before this one. Then dive right in, it’s a beautiful written, and well thought out story. Great for readers who like action and adventure.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen – a Review

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The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. There’s only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.

It’s just a matter of time before they turn on him…and on me.

Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolon’s unstoppable armies. And when we discover there’s a traitor among us, I have no choice…I must become the queen I was never meant to be.

Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.

And my fate lies with both. 

The Dominions series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 The Liar’s Crown
Book #2 The Stolen Throne

 

Review:

The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen is the second book in this series has us starting where the last book left us hanging…..

Meren is still pretending to be her twin sister Tabra, and her life is still in peril, trying to evade the evil clutches of King Eidolon. (Who is still trying to find the power source he needs to rule supreme, he’s killed off almost all of Meren and Tabra’s bloodline!) 

Our shadowwraith (Reven) who is totally into Meren and needs to save Meren again. But as he fights to both save the girl and stay away from her, it’s becoming a real emotional battle. 

Meren in the mean time is having to deal with the emotional upheaval that comes with loving Reven, (shadowwraith) evading King Eidolon, dodging a marriage proposal, and finding out who the traitors are in her camp! (And one of those traitors will have you shouting NO, at the book!) 

You can always rely on this author to grab you by the throat and not let go till the last page! Her descriptions of this world and all those who live here are flawless, you can easily put yourself in this world and into the shoes of all the characters. 

We read with bated breath as the characters swing into action time and again to save Meren from Eiodolon, read as her sister Tabra has her own worries to deal with, and hold out hope that Reven can control the shadows that are slowly consuming him and are trying to take control! And let’s not forget they are all trying to free this realm from the evil clutches of King Eiodolon! It’s a fast paced read that doesn’t take its foot off the gas until the (cliffhanger ending?) 

And when finally Reven can no longer stay away from Meren, it’s all systems go on the “I’m done with staying away from you” vibes ?

An absolutely amazing read. I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait to see where book three takes us. It’s full of adventure, twists/turns and betrayal that you won’t see coming. And finding a few new friends/allies that are needed in this quest of good triumphing over evil (and it goes either way in this book!) 

So if you enjoy an adventure that will tug on your emotions, then I highly recommend this book. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be?

The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, he’s been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things aren’t that desperate. Still…the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?

Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human can’t be all that bad right? She might even have a nice time…but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!

Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to it…

 

Review:

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith is a standalone novel.  Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human! Reading that, I wasn’t expecting much of a story. It’s a Valentine story, yawn!! 

But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until it’s done. It’s only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it won’t take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you won’t feel cheated (you’ll only want it to last a little longer ?) 

Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentine’s seems to bring out in people, you’ll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters. Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so she’s hesitant to let love in again…. 

Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesn’t want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesn’t need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, he’s not so certain ? 

Meeting up for a blind date on Valentine’s Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off. But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why? 

I’ve read a few of the author’s historical books (loved them) I’ve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as I’m a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and I love her PNR works. 

So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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The Girl in the Blue Blazer by Alretha Thomas – a Review

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The Girl in the Blue Blazer by Alretha Thomas – a Review

 

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Description:
Two women. One powerful man. A decades-old secret binds them together.

In 2019, Pamela Carter is determined to secure her dream internship with billionaire businessman Andrew Clifford III.

Twenty-five years ago, in 1993, Andrew is just starting out. Without any of his later fame or fortune, the party boy becomes a legitimate hero when he intervenes to save assaulted Elizabeth Westlake. Sure, she’s a waitress at a strip club, but that’s not her dream. Elizabeth is determined to write her way out of the Harlem hellhole she lives in. Maybe Andrew is the ticket? Even the best-laid plans go awry, and for Elizabeth, tragedy looms.

Pamela is impossible not to notice and she soon becomes Andrew’s prime intern. But, just as with Elizabeth, not all goes to plan. The stocks are plummeting. The company is careening. And then, Andrew himself goes missing. Will Pamela also be plunged into the tragedy that surrounds this man? Or is Pamela the one person who really knows what happened that fateful night in 1993? More than a company is at stake, as Andrew struggles for survival. But sometimes, the past is too powerful. Some secrets refuse to remain buried. Sometimes, truth kills.

 

Review:

The Girl in the Blue Blazer begins with Pamela Carter anxiously waiting to mee with Andrew Clifford III, having made the cut to the final two from a grueling process for his prestigious internship program.  This is her third time, and her last.  That is the maximum number of times that you can apply and she is determined to make it.  When she is called into Andrew’s office, they have a frank, albeit strange at times, conversation. When Pamela leaves, she feels good about her chances, only to have them dashed a few days later when she is told they chose the other candidate. Imagine her surprise when she receives another phone call a few days after that informing her that they were choosing her.  She has waited soooooo long for this opportunity and she will not waste one moment to do what she needs to do.

Elizabeth Westlake is trying to make it on her own, having run away from home to escape her mother’s abusive, ever changing, boyfriends.  Her story begins in 1993 when she is seventeen (she lied about her age)  and working as a waitress at a strip club.  When Elizabeth is groped by a customer, Andrew steps in and saves her.  He then requests she have a drink with him in the VIP room.  Little does she know how much that encounter will alter the direction of her life……….and so many others.

The Girl in the Blue Blazer is written with dual timelines and draws you in from the very beginning that have you turning the pages faster and faster as you navigate all of the twists and turns.  One moment, you’re convinced of one thing, the next, not so much.  What you ARE convinced of is that Mrs. Thomas has once again written an amazing story and built a world that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very end.  One thing that hit me while reading this is that it is so refreshing to read a story that has “real” dialogue between the characters.  Due to the subject matter of this book, that frank and real dialogue will endear the characters to the reader even more. If you’re a fan of suspenseful storylines with awesome and strong women, you will not go wrong with this book.  So happy that she is back to writing with her busy schedule.  Well done, Alretha Thomas!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Hidden Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

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Hidden Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

 

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Description:
Pele Tuitama’s Morpheus Squad mission infiltrating a Smoky Mountain children’s camp is FUBAR. He might be a virally-enhanced military experiment, but augmented abilities won’t help him protect Reagan McNeill, the most unsecure-able target imaginable. Sweet Reagan’s kisses and the possibility of a future he should never consider, distracts his laser focus. If Pele can’t keep Reagan safe from an evil adversary bent on revenge against the entire McNeill family, then Reagan will die.

After a nasty breakup, Reagan doesn’t trust any man—or herself. Enter handsome Pele, the world’s worst camp counselor. She doesn’t believe his story or his motives. When overly-protective Pele draws her close and then rejects her, Reagan is finished with games. Then the truth she learns rips open recently-healed emotional wounds.

In order to escape through the mountains, Pele must share his deadliest secret. To have a chance at their future, they must reveal their demons and pray for acceptance … and survival.

 

Review:

Hidden Comrade by Jillian David is the 2nd book in her Project Morpheus series, and I would suggest that before reading this one, you read book one. Reading the first one although not absolutely necessary, will give you a better understanding of this book. I’d read the first book (which is great by the way), I did wonder where the next book would take us….and let me tell you it’s bumpy ride! .  

Reagan is Kiera’s older sister. (She’s the main female character from the first book) And as a whole the family have suffered terribly (what with the loss of their mother and the death of their brother, which was explained in book one.) 

Reagan has also had to deal with her abusive ex-fiance. She’d been with him for two years, she’s struggled to find herself, but slowly she’s getting there. But still has moments of self doubt. 

Pele’s job/assignment is to protect Reagan. It’s not going to easy as she works outdoors in the mountains at an educational camp for children. In the short space of time, he’s set up cameras to keep an eye on her. But plans won’t go correctly if the subject is Reagan!

Reagan doesn’t trust the new camp councilor, he just doesn’t fit in! But he is easy on the eye. ?nether the less, she’s not interested in a new relationship, she just wants to concentrate on helping the kids. The back and forwards between Pele and Reagan will have you laughing one minute then wanting to shake either character in the next. 

Although a slow burn romance, it doesn’t lack for action/betrayal and mystery. Pele does try my patience, it’s a push and pull with him, he wants her, but he doesn’t think he deserves her. And when they finally decide to try at a relationship, a secret comes along and blows Reagan’s shaky confidence. Can they really move forward and leave the past behind? 

I’d have to say I liked the first book more than this one. But I can’t wait to read the next book. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
Brooding, intense, passionate…
These are the three things Anna knows about the mysterious man who rescues her when she washes up on the shores after Scotland after surviving a shipwreck. With no memory of who she is except her name, she must rely on this darkly handsome Scot, Aiden Kincade as she searches for answers about her past. The more time she spends with Aiden, the more his heated looks, and fiery kisses ignite desires she never knew she had. But she fears that finding out who she is will only tear her and Aiden apart.

The last thing Aiden Kincade expects is to find a beautiful woman half-drowned while he rides along the beach. But the moment he takes her into his arms, he realizes that this is the woman he has dreamed about for years, the woman who had been prophesied to bring about his death should he dare to love her. And yet denying his love for her is as impossible as drawing his next breath.

It’s clear from the moment they meet, that fate has brought them together. But as Anna’s past begins to surface, and a terrible danger looms over her, Aiden fears that he might lose everything and everyone he holds dear unless he can find a way to defy destiny.

 

 

Review:

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith is the 17th book in her The League of Rogues series. I’ve read a few of these books by the author. No need to read in order as they can be read alone, although there are a few characters from previous books that make an appearance. 

Great attention to detail, the Scottish words take a little getting use to, but once I managed to sort it out, it didn’t stop me flying through this book. 

Aiden and Anna’s story had me smiling, crying and wishing it was longer. Aiden finding Anna on the shore after a storm, being shocked at recognising her face from his dreams, and then finding out Anna doesn’t recognise him, nor does she know who she is! 

Anna has a past that could kill her and anyone close to her, but she doesn’t know that (yet) but she is attracted to her rescuer, it won’t hurt to stay with him until her memory comes back, will it? A friendship soon strikes up, and I get the feeling Aiden would like it to be more. And then it doesn’t take long for Anna to wish for the same. 

I had to smile at Aiden’s love of animals, there is one particular scene with a hedgehog ? that will have you chuckling. ? And when Anna’s memory returns will it mean the end of Anna and Aiden? People are looking for Anna, who? And what do they want with her? 

Can they fight these feelings? Or will they be torn apart by duty?  And what about the warning Aiden received as a lad….. will Anna be the death of him? 

Another great story by this author. Full of adventure, passion and a little mystery thrown in for good measure. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
When the world went to war . . . they fought for love.

England, 1939: The world is on the brink of war when Elizabeth Mowbray breaks her engagement with a tea planter in India and returns home to the English countryside. Desperate to escape a stifling life under her parents’ roof, she moves to London seeking adventure and excitement.

With German forces sweeping across Europe, she has little hope of finding steady, fulfilling employment as England readies itself for war. A chance encounter with Henrietta, Brigadier General Byron’s daughter, sets Elizabeth on a course that will forever change her life and the lives of others.

Henrietta, a recently divorced and statuesque beauty, is not a hopeless romantic like Elizabeth, but her new friend inspires her to embrace life, even as the dark fog of war creeps across the English Channel.

The two enterprising young women come up with a brilliant idea to open London’s first matchmaking agency. They face numerous challenges in establishing their business in the midst of air raid drills, food and clothing rationing, and the dangers of the Blitz. As they match Londoners, they find themselves in romances of their own. Elizabeth catches the eye of a daring, roguish RAF pilot and Henrietta discovers passion with a charming solicitor who joins Britain’s first Commandos.

While the men they love are fighting in the air and in Europe, German shells shatter the peace of England. Henrietta and Elizabeth become legendary as they rescue men from the shores of Dunkirk, dig for survivors in the ruins of bombed homes, and inspire thousands of their countrymen and women not to give up the fight for life and love.

Inspired by the stunning story of the real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner, The Wartime Matchmakers is a humorous, poignant, and personal reminder that even in the darkest times, love triumphs.

 

 

Review:

The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith is another wonderful standalone story I’ve read by this author. Must admit wartime romances aren’t usually my thing, but I’m always up for a new read, and I’m glad I did….. What an amazing story….. 

It’s England, 1939, and we are on the brink of war. 

Elizabeth Mowbray breaks off her engagement to a tea planter in India and returns home to England. Wanting adventure and excitement Elizabeth travels to London, despite her parents arguments and fears. 

A chance meeting with a young lady by the name of Henrietta, has the young women bound for adventures that will change their lives forever…..They come up with an idea to open the first dating agency (but it’s more of a matchmaking service, dating certainly wasn’t as free as it is today ?) they go through obstacle after obstacle, they have to prove their worth and their sincerity time and again….. 

But matchmaking isn’t the only thing they do. They are heroes in my eyes…..They battled in their own way through the war, they helped when they could, they did their bit for the war effort, and I loved reading every second of it. 

This book was inspired by real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner.So the attention to detail is amazing. I could feel the excitement and terror that these two young women faced on a daily basis. 

Both Elizabeth and Henrietta are just wonderful characters. Strong and independent, very resourceful and witty. I laughed, I cried and I cheered as we witness them surviving the evacuation of Dunkirk. The nightly raids (blackouts) by the enemy aircraft. The Battle of Britain had me moved to tears with the vivid descriptions. And their daily lives and struggles which brought joy and sadness. 

So do Elizabeth and Henrietta find love themselves? What I can tell you is that true love never runs smoothly. It has a habit of keeping you on your toes? but to find out if they do or if they stay single you’ll have to read the book. I loved all the information at the end of the book, it just finished it off nicely. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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