Tag Archives: Georgianna S.

Illusions of Death by Lauren Linwood-a review

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Illusions of Death by Lauren Linwood-a review

Illusions of Death

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2, 2016

Best-selling author Karlyn Campbell is ready for a new start after her recent divorce from a temperamental artist. When she receives word that her father had a stroke, she heads for Walton Springs with mixed feelings. Broderick Campbell wrote Pulitzer Prize-winning literary novels and denounced his daughter’s work as pedestrian and commercial, causing a rift that finally heals on his deathbed. Karlyn chooses to stay in the small Georgia town to write her popular Matt Collins series and decides to try her hand at true crime when Atlanta’s Rainbow Killer, Roy G. Biv, captures her interest.

Detective Logan Warner’s marriage didn’t survive after he lost his twins to a crazed killer who was never caught. He returns to his hometown’s police force and runs for police chief, happy he’s escaped big city crime and corruption. Emotionally dead, his interest in life is renewed when he falls in love with Karlyn and begins to build a new life with her.

But the Rainbow Killer moves beyond Atlanta, leaving a trail of dead bodies painted in bright hues in several towns north of the city. Leaving no trace evidence or DNA and choosing random victims with no apparent rhyme or reason, Roy proves unstoppable. Then he arrives in Walton Springs, threatening the peaceful town with his murder spree. With a serial killer in their back yard, Logan and Karlyn unite with the FBI to find the killer—before he finds them.

••••••

REVIEW: Illusions of Death is a new Mystery/Crime/Romance novel from one of my favorite authors, Lauren Linwood. This deliciously thrilling novel starts off with a serial killer just completing the last of a series of murders, giving chilling insight into the mind of this diabolical murderer. Thinking of these crimes as a particular genius in the spree of child abductions in Atlanta. These included, the kids of a fireman, a school superintendent’s daughter, a cop’s twins (important), and a mayor’s grandson. This latest spree of ‘specimens was a group of high-end prostitutes. While burying the latest victim, a new series of murders presented itself in the appearance of a rainbow. The next mission of murders would be done as the rainbow killer….murdering victims and painting them in the hues of a rainbow…a specific order.

It difficult to summarize this novel in a few paragraphs, as so much goes on. The set up begins with Logan Warner, a detective, who joined the Walton Spring department after leaving Atlanta. He’s divorced and often thinks of his twin children who were murdered a few years prior. He and his partner find Broderick Campbell, famous author having what looks like a stroke on the side of the road. The man having the stroke asked him to “call Karlyn”. He and his partner call for an ambulance and then go find the author’s wife, Martha, and let her know.

Karlyn Campbell, successful author of suspense novels featuring her character Matt Collins, has finished her last manuscript and delivered it to her agent. She’s told her novel and character may be in a movie deal, in which she is given a change at writing the screenplay with the help of a seasoned screenplay writer of her choice. She of course is happy, but it seems her marriage to Mario Taylor is on the rocks…in fact headed for a nasty divorce. She meets Logan when she comes to town to see her dying father in the hospital.

That’s the set-up, I don’t do spoilers but what I can tell you is that this begins a thrilling ride of murders, family drama, budding romance that has the possibility of healing our detective’s and writer’s broken hearts. This story is chock full of twists and happenings, great romance and so much more. It’s a page turner that is very difficult to put down.

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a magnificent read!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna S

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The Whistle Stop Series (1-3) by Jennifer Faye-Review and Giveaway

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The Whistle Stop Series (1-3) by Jennifer Faye-Review and Giveaway

Whistle Stop Series

Whistle Stop Romance series:
Book 1 – A Moment to Love
Book 2 – A Moment to Dance
Book 3 – A Moment on the Lips
Book 4 – A Moment to Cherish (coming soon)

•••••••••••••••••

A Moment to Love

A MOMENT TO LOVE
Whistle Stop #1
by Jennifer Faye
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: February 13, 2015

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Welcome to Whistle Stop…where anything can and most likely will happen.

The notorious cowboy meets his match…

Cord Lawson instantly distrusted the young woman in a smart suit who’d just arrived in Whistle Stop. She was very pretty and clearly a city girl—but with memories of his failed marriage still darkening his mind, he’s determined to steer clear! But she’s sniffing around his land—land that has been in his family for generations. There was no way he’d let it go—even if the bank was threatening to foreclose, and even if selling could give Whistle Stop a new lease on life.

Alexis Greer had one mission—close the deal on the Lawson ranch; without it, her father’s land development company would go bankrupt. But the word around town is to keep clear of Cord and to stay away from his precious land. What had happened to cause such a handsome cowboy to live such a solitary existence? However, determination was Lexi’s middle name. She just had to keep on trying to breach Cord’s barriers, to appeal somehow to his head and heart—even if it put her in danger of losing both of hers…to him.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: A Moment to Love is a lovely romance story set on a western ranch. Alexis Greer is a smart and competent business woman temporarily in charge of her father’s investment corporation HSG. They’ve started a project for a ranch resort retreat for the umber wealthy, with natural beauty and privacy as part of the draw. They’ve decided on a property listed for sale on the internet that included 200 acres of land and includes a true “ghost-town” in the deal. However, there was a mistake by the realty company in the ad. The rancher Cord Lawson, never intended the ghost-town as part of the sale. It was part of his family’s heritage and he’s sworn to protect it. The nearby town of Whistle Stop is quaint, but its economy is also dwindling and in need of revitalization.

The attraction between the two main characters is instant and strong, although it’s only in their thoughts at first. Both have been terribly hurt by bad marriages or romances. Each has personal problems that have made them loners as well. The author does a marvelous job of building their meetings and attraction slowly through conversations and charming meetings. Even when you think the romance will finally consummate…the darn phone rings.

It’s a really good story of two people who desperately need each other, they seem to just fit together. Life hasn’t been great for either of them and the road to love is full of pot holes. This story is well written with good characters, both first and secondary. Most of the plot and action are in the main character’s point of view and thoughts. There are complications and twists that make the desired outcome seem out of reach. However, never fear…this delightful author has given us a bit of suspense to the very end!

Grab a glass of your favorite beverage, a couple of munchies and settle in for a wonderful ride through the west and a lovely romance. Enjoy everyone, I found it a really good read! Now on to the next…

____________

A Moment to Dance

A MOMENT TO DANCE
Whistle Stop #2
by Jennifer Faye
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: April 28, 2015

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: When trouble strikes…Whistle Stop pulls together

For Ella Morgan, moving to Whistle Stop is a chance to start over, put her horrific past behind her. But now she’s living in a mountain cabin–in dire need of renovation–that her grandmother left her, along with a sizable tax bill. Her job teaching school isn’t going to cover it. She needs cash, and soon.

Volunteer firefighter Tony Granger has returned to Whistle Stop to run the family ranch and be guardian to his orphaned nephew, Johnny. But being a single parent isn’t coming easy, and he’s worried sick he won’t succeed with his plan to adopt the boy, especially if Johnny’s grades don’t improve. He needs a break, and fast.

When Ella finds out Tony doesn’t have a partner for the Dancing With the Firefighters’ benefit–which is offering a large cash prize–and he hits upon hiring her as Johnny’s tutor, it looks like their problems might be solved. But taking dance lessons to win the competition sets alight a burning attraction between them. Can they let go and learn to trust again, or will the scars of their pasts still haunt them?

••••••••••

REVIEW: A Moment to Dance is the second storyline in the Whistle Stop Romance series by Jennifer Faye.

This is Ella Morgan and Tony Granger’s story. Ella is new in town, and a substitute teacher, Tony Granger is a rancher and the fire chief. Tony’s also raising his nephew, his brother and sister-in-law were killed in an auto accident. He’s finding parenting can be a challenge, but is determined family comes first. It was this belief that lost him his longtime girlfriend, she didn’t want to return to the ranch or take care of the little boy, so she left him. Ella is also a bit damaged, she lost her mother and little brother in a fire when she was ten. Her father had left them long before the fire, giving her a unique insight into little Jonny’s issues.

Okay, that’s the setup and I won’t do any further spoilers. Author Jennifer Faye writes a wonderful small town romance that entwines complicated lives, everyday issues and extraordinary danger into a fabulous tale of finding love and healing each other. It’s twisty, uniquely romantic and an incredibly enjoyable read. The writing is well done, the characters are complicated and yet very human. Other characters from previous stories still live in town and glimpses of them in their everyday lives add to the charm and realism of this view of Whistle Stop, NM.

I found myself entranced and wanting to move to this wonderful western town, where people are friendly and everyone knows their neighbors and pulls together. Grab your favorite beverage, a good munchie…maybe from the Poppin Fresh Bakery…curl up to a wonderful romance and adventure. Enjoy everyone…I can’t wait to read the next one!

____________

A Moment on the LipsA MOMENT ON THE LIPS
Whistle Stop #3
by Jennifer Faye
Release Date: October 12, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

Welcome to Autumn Fest…sweet treats, entertaining company, and a tender romance.

Piper Noble feels like she’s going places. Her business, the Poppin’ Fresh Bakery, is a culinary success story. Next on her to-do list is expanding the bakery into the vacant shop next door…and starting a new diet, like her mom keeps nagging her to. But when Joe Montoya steps into her life, her grand plans grind to a sudden halt.

Joe’s taken a big risk returning to Whistle Stop. But with his disastrous marriage over, it’s time for a fresh start, including opening a coffee shop…and coming to terms with his troubled past. Though his neighbor Piper looks like she’ll be a big distraction in getting Fill-It-Up Joe off the ground–with her honeyed smile, curvy goodness, and her unflagging determination to grab his storefront.

However, when Piper and Joe are elected as co-chairs of a fundraising committee to help the town’s revitalization project, the hostilities must cease. Joe’s not sure about spending time with a woman who, one moment, reminds him of all the good things he’s been missing, and the next minute drives him up a wall with her stubbornness. Meanwhile, Piper’s looking for the way to this gorgeous but grouchy guy’s heart–maybe serving him one of her fresh-from-the-oven pastries could be just the right start.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: A Moment on the Lips is the third book in the Whistle Stop Romance series by Jennifer Faye. This is Piper Noble and Joe Montoya’s story. Welcome back to Whistle Stop, NM. Town revitalization project is just starting. The fall fair project is being co-chaired by our main characters…an interesting mix.

In this wonderful installment of this fabulous series Joe Montoya has returned to his hometown of Whistle Stop. He’s purchased the building right next to Piper’s “Poppin Fresh Bakery”, one she was just about to buy and expand her successful business with…oops…

These two have a lot of starts and stops, a very complicated relationship, with two wonderful people who’ve had a few problems with parents being too “helpful” or “hurtful”.

This is a difficult relationship to build, fraught with a bad marriage, a failed engagement, and a whole bunch of misunderstandings. Author Jennifer Faye guides us along this stormy path, delighting and frustrating in equal turns as these two try to find their way to a HEA. It’s interesting, a bit steamy here and there, and filled with fun and disaster.

So, yeah, it’s a really great read. Grab your favorite snackies and drinks and settle into a cozy corner for a lovely read. I’m loving this series…hope it continues!

Copies supplied by the author

Reviews by Georgianna

A Moment on the Lips

About The Author Black and White

Follow: Goodreads/Website/Twitter/ Facebook

Jennifer FayeAward-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming romances. Jennifer has won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her patient husband, amazing daughter (the other remarkable daughter is off chasing her own dreams) and two spoiled cats.

Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

Giveaway -black and white

Jennifer is offering a signed, paper copy of A MOMENT TO LOVE (Book 1) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe. Each book can be read as a stand alone.

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 Jennifer Faye on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from October 30 to November 4, 2015

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Delta for Death by Michele Drier-Review and Guest Post

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Delta for Death by Michele Drier-Review and Guest Post

Delta For Death

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 26,2015

California is in the middle of a catastrophic drought and water managers are scrambling to find ways to conserve the resource. The Governor has proposed a plan to dig massive tunnels under Delta, a sprawling tract of islands, sloughs, farms, marinas, resorts and historic small towns. The project will ship Sacramento River water south, to the thirsty corporate farms and cities of Central and Southern California, not a popular idea in Northern California.

When two bodies turn up at a state corporation yard in the tiny Delta hamlet of Freeland, Amy Hobbes and her police reporter, Clarice, are determined to find out if water is an issue worth killing for

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Delta for Death is Michele Drier’s new novel. This is Book Three of the Amy Hobbs Newspaper Mysteries.

Amy Hobbs is the Managing Editor for Monroe Press in the Central Valley area of California. Her ex-husband up and left for Illinois with his pregnant girlfriend, leaving Amy and her then teenage daughter to make a life for themselves. The teenager became a graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a nursing degree as Amy continues her career. She has since moved on romantically as well, she has a casual, for the moment, relationship with a wonderfully romantic and adventurous man, Phil. Phil happens to work for the San Francisco Times.

This marvelously entertaining story develops slowly as Amy and her reporters go through their day discovering stories of murder and mayhem in this small town California area. Stories develop in interesting ways, as do the relationships between the people.

Author Michele Drier has written a wonderfully entertaining story, combining great characters, behind the scenes looks at what’s behind some of the headlines in California, murder and the many possibilities for it, as well as a developing romance. All are entwined to make a fun and interesting read.

I’ve had the privilege of reading Michele Drier’s SNAP (Kandesky Vampire Chronicles) Series, and after reading this story, I’ll have to catch up by reading the first two Amy Hobbs Mysteries as well.

Grab you favorite beverage, curl up and have a great read with this wonderful new addition to her series! Enjoy everyone, I certainly did.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Guest Post

What do You Know?

Many of us don’t know what we know.

That sounds like a non sequitur. Of course we know. We went to school. We work. We read. We watch television. We talk with friends.
We’re learning every day.

But lot of what we’ve learned just passes through our minds if we have no immediate use for it. Even if we don’t use it, though, it’s still there, lodged somewhere behind grocery lists, our mother’s uncle’s second wife’s phone number and birthdays of people we worked with ten years ago.

So when a writer is advised to “write what you know,” what does that mean?
The foremost idea is to set your protagonist in a career or relationship or place that you, as the author, are familiar with.

Many authors do this. I’ve chosen a protagonist for my mystery series who’s a newspaper editor. Hmmm… maybe because I spent about twenty years in that job?

And the setting for the books is California’s northern Central Valley, a place where I spent a chunk of my childhood and have lived for a quarter of a century as an adult. This deep knowledge of a career, a location and a point in time, makes it easy to close my eyes and be there.

I’ve also chosen to develop plots around roughly current news. The first book in the series, Edited for Death, is about finding masterpieces stolen by the Nazis in World War II. It was written a few years ago when pieces of stolen art, notably a Klimt work, were found. And not too long ago, George Clooney put together a movie, Monuments Men, about the group of scholars who tracked down and recovered some of the looted art.

Labeled for Death looks at the winegrape growing industry in California, a several billion dollar a year economic shot in the arm for the state…and some well-known and wealthy growers. Premium wines are made from grape varieties and some grapes bring a lot more money per ton than others. Is someone passing off inferior grapes as premium?

California’s severe drought is the backstory for Delta for Death. The governor has a plan to dig huge, deep tunnels under the Delta where the major north-south rivers join up to flow into San Francisco Bay. The tunnels will divert Sacramento River water under the Delta to ship it south to the ag lands in the lower Central Valley and eventually into the Los Angles basin. Is water in California an issue worth killing over?

Even knowing the situations and places I’m writing about, sometime small memories pop up and say, “Me too! Don’t forget about…” That’s how Amy Hobbes and her lover end up at a sports car race in Monterey in Delta for Death. Or a building in Heidelberg houses stolen art in Edited for Death. Little things I experienced, tucked away and forgot about for years.

What have you learned that you know? What small (or not!) piece of trivia is in a locked file drawer in your brain, just waiting for the key? Finding out what you know can be a great voyage of discovery.

~~Michele~~

About The Author

FOLLOW: Website /Facebook /Twitter / Amazon

Michele DrierMichele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. She’s lived and worked all over the state, calling both Southern and Northern California home. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series.

She writes the Amy Hobbes Newspaper mysteries, Edited for Death, Labeled for Death and Delta for Death, published May 2015.

Her paranormal romance series, The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, was named one of the best paranormal vampire series of 2014 by reviewers of the Paranormal Romance Guild. SNAP: All That Jazz, Book Eight of The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, was awarded second place for best book of 2014.

The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles include SNAP: The World Unfolds, SNAP: New Talent, Plague: A Love Story, DANUBE: A Tale of Murder, SNAP: Love for Blood, SNAP: Happily Ever After?, SNAP: White Nights and SNAP: All That Jazz. SNAP: I, Vampire, Book Nine in the Kandesky Vampire Chronicles is scheduled for publication in 2015.

Box Set ebooks Vol 1-4 of SNAP: Kandesky Vampire Chronicles only $6.99 : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

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Roark (Women of Earth Series #1) by Jacqueline Rhoades-a review

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Roark (Women of Earth Series #1) by Jacqueline Rhoades-a review

Roark

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

The people of planet Earth have suffered the tides of war for six long years, but it’s not their war. Earth is the battleground for the thousand year conflict between the invading Hahnshin and the Godan warriors of the Galactic Confederation.

Mira Donazetto’s only concern is for her family’s survival, so when she’s offered work as a translator for the Godan, she jumps at the chance and right into the arms of the new First Commander, Roark. Her heart says she should trust this alien warrior, but how can she when he has the power to take away everything she holds dear.

Roark’s new command post is a disaster with a long list of problems that he must address, including dissension among his officers. The last thing he needs is to have his heart touched by a woman who may be a traitor.

It’s a whole new world and a whole new love story in a whole new series called Women of Earth.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Author Jacqueline Rhoades has stepped into a new series, Sci-fi Romance. Roark is book one of her new series The Women of Earth.

This story is full of great characters and conversations, the trademark of author Jacqueline Rhoades. It begins with the people of Earth having been ravaged by war for six years. Not a war of nations, but of an insect-like race that uses two legs, but have a rather hive mind, the Hahnshin. They travel the galaxy dominating and robbing planets of their natural resources. Then enter the Godan, of the Galactic Confederation. They fight the Hahnshin wherever they find them and have for centuries. They’ve taken over what’s left of Earth and divided it into sectors. Roughly two thirds of the population of Earth have been eliminated by the Hahnshin. However, the Godan are new to the area and haven’t had time to establish any normalcy for the people here. First Commander Roark is assigned to oversee sector three in America. He meets a lovely Earth woman in need of a job to help her family and the sparks begin. Mira can only think of him as a “golden Viking”, and is quickly but interestingly hooked.

The way they meet, the way people feel about the Godan, who the Godan actually are and all the issues Roark faces in the running of this base are part of an intricate and well written story. There are many facets to this building world, filled with interesting charm and science. The story is fast paced, with many plot twists. Just the learning of new cultures is very well considered and there are allusions to past visits to Earth by “Viking” visitors.

Author Rhoades has given us a new and old world with many unusual issues and some we can well understand. This world is richly textured and bodes well for many future adventures.

Grab you favorite beverage, make it a big one – this is incredibly hard to put down. Snuggle up for a wonderful adventure with some steamy love scenes and incredible dialog. Enjoy everyone, I certainly did.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

About the Author

Follow: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

Jacqueline RhoadesA New Englander by birth and an Ohioan by choice, Jacqueline, known as Jackie by her friends, makes her home in a small, rural town with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. (The adjectives are often interchangeable). An avid reader from a very early age, Jackie has an eclectic taste for books and therefore has trouble naming a favorite genre or author, though she does admit that for pure personal fantasy and ‘take-me-away’ books, you just can’t beat a good romance.
Jackie believes in the beauty of all women and thinks most women don’t see themselves as they should (herself included). She tries to make the women in her books reflect the best of ‘average’ in a variety of shapes, sizes, personalities and backgrounds, and each is beautiful in her own way. Some of her heroes are movie star handsome, while others are not. All her characters are beautiful in the eyes of their lovers and that, to Jackie, is the most beautiful of all.

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Leave Yesterday Behind by Lauren Linwood-a review

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Leave Yesterday Behind by Lauren Linwood-a review

Leave Yesterday Behind

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 3, 2015

Callie Chennault vaulted to fame on the nighttime soap Sumner Falls, but after a decade of playing the same role, she is ready for a new acting challenge. When Callie is attacked by a stalker on the streets of New York, she takes a leave of absence from the show and returns to her roots in Aurora, Louisiana, to heal both physically and emotionally and determine her next career move.

Former professional baseball pitcher Nick La Chappelle has also come to Aurora to lick his own wounds after a messy divorce. A Cy Young winner and one-time ESPN broadcaster, Nick longs for the quiet of a small town in order to write murder mysteries under a pen name.

Sparks fly when Callie believes Nick is taking advantage of her great-aunt’s hospitality, but they resolve their differences—and surprise themselves by falling in love. Their bond is tested when both Nick and Callie become the focus of a serial killer nicknamed Lipstick Larry. Can they outwit a murderer bent on seeing them dead and survive to build a lasting relationship?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Leave Yesterday Behind is Lauren Linwood’s new crime and romance thriller. I do mean thriller. It’s well plotted with myriad twists and surprises. It’s incredible terror, murder, personal issues and romance all rolled into one exciting package.

The story revolves around Callie Chennualt, who plays Jessica on a soap called Summer Falls. The other main character is Nick La Chappelle, former baseball star turned best-selling writer of crime novels.

I’m leaving a lot out…I think you’ll need to discover this wonderful story for yourself and I hate spoilers. The two had met as teenagers, but life took them on different paths. Now they come back home and find each other again, both damaged and healing. Then the terror begins again as they find the stalker they arrested for assaulting Callie isn’t the serial killer, he’s still out there and he’s coming back.

Okay, no more spoilers. This is a marvelous fast paced, but twisty story. It’s exciting, sexy, romantic, terrorizing….and so much more.

If you love thrillers and mysteries with sizzling romance thrown in…this is your next read! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found it very hard to put down! So yourself a solid and pick this up and give it a read, you’ll be glad you did!

Enjoy everyone, I truly did!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna

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The White Carnation (The Harvester Series) by Susanne Matthews-a review

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The White Carnation (The Harvester Series) by Susanne Matthews-a review

The White Carnation

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 20, 2015

The last person disgraced reporter Faye Lewis wants back in her life is Detective Rob Halliday, the man she blames for ruining her career and breaking her heart. But when she finds an old friend murdered, he’s the one she calls.

For the past year, Rob and his team have been hunting the Harvester, a serial killer who ritualistically murders new mothers and vanishes with their infants. What Rob doesn’t need is another case, especially one involving his ex-fiancée.

Then Faye is assaulted, and Rob realizes the cases are connected. She may hold the answers he needs to find the elusive killer. But the more they investigate, the more complex the situation becomes. Can they set the past aside and work together, or will the Harvester and his followers reap another prize?

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: The White Carnation is book One of the new Harvester Series by author Susanne Matthews. This series starts off with a real thriller.

Reporter Faye Lewis has lost her place on the crime beat and been demoted to weddings and dog shows. All due to printing some information she should have checked first, causing problems for the paper. She also threw her engagement ring back into the face of her ex-fiancée, Detective Rob Halliday, who she thought had betrayed her with false information. (What do they say about assumptions?) Anyway, that’s the setup.

Faye gets a call from her BFF’s mom asking her to stop over she needs to discuss something with her. When she gets there she finds Mrs. Green dead on the floor with her throat slit and the apartment a destroyed mess. Shocked and ill, the only one she can think to call is Rob…and so it begins!

I don’t do spoilers, I believe in the complete enjoyment of a good book, and believe me this is one of the best romantic crime stories you will find. I can’t wait for the next one in this series! Okay, well just one spoiler…someone is using exotic drugs to rape women, impregnating them, then abducting them in their third trimester. Some bodies of the mothers are found ritualistically cleaned and posed…they have dubbed this killer The Harvester!

Be prepared for great storytelling, emotional ups and downs as the two lovers find themselves drawn back together only better this time around. This is a magnificently crafted tale of intrigue, murder, rape, child stealing and terrorists/fanatics; with a wonderful romance flowing through the whole thing.

Susanne Matthews is a talented author with many books to her credit, this new series takes it all to a new level!

Grab you favorite beverage, tissues and some snacks and get ready for a really exciting ride!

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Georgianna

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Let Me Love You Again by Anna DeStefano-Review and Excerpt

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Let Me Love You Again (Echoes of the Heart #2) by Anna DeStefano-Review and Excerpt

Let Me Love You Again

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2015

Selena Rosenthal left behind her high school sweetheart, who was the love of her life, seven years ago.

Now, she and the once-rebellious Oliver Bowman are back in Chandlerville—after his foster father’s heart attack and Selena’s contentious divorce—to deal with her secrets, the recklessness that caused their breakup, and the almost-strangers they’ve become to each other and their families.

As soon as his father is stronger, Oliver must return to the successful career that helps support a new generation of foster kids. But he’s falling for Selena again, her daughter has a hold on his heart, and he can’t imagine leaving behind his brothers and sisters once again.

More attached by the day to their charming hometown and families, Selena and Oliver fall in love for the second time.

Has fate brought Chandlerville’s prodigal children together again…this time forever?

•••••••••••••••

Let Me Love You Again is a wonderfully romantic and complete storyline of finding the love of your life as a teenager and losing it due to the immaturity and teen drama that most people face. Then years later and a lot of heartache, recapturing that and more.

Anna DeStefano is a very talented writer who creates a world of characters that are incredibly real and yet can be so very different from each other, much like the people you know in real life. She takes the time to weave an intricate and compelling story, allowing it to develop naturally without rushing it to a hurried conclusion.

This romantic and compelling tale unfolds with the hero Oliver returning home, once a foster child with the Dixon family, he’s now an incredibly in demand computer security specialist. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been home since he left seven years before. He sends lots of money to help his foster parents raise more children in their loving home. He finds the love of his life Selena, back at her home next door with a daughter.

That’s all the setup and spoilers I’m going to do! Except to let you know that the author spins a realistic and exciting tale of small town life. She’s given a wonderful picture of foster parents dedicated to helping kids have the family they so desperately need. Even if things don’t always go well. Sometimes kids get into self-destructive things, even with the best parents.

Oliver and Selena (whose father abandoned her and her mother when she was a child) fell in love, but life got in the way. They both became teenage alcoholics and the consequences were devastating for a good part of both of their lives.

The story centers on their old relationship, the lives they have now and Selena’s daughter. Can they become friends or lovers again? Can they get through all the baggage and hurt? Whose daughter is Selena? There is so much great drama and fantastic self-discovery in this heartfelt story, it’s incredibly hard to put down. It entwines the lives of the many children the Dixons have raised, as well as health issues of the father that bring the family back to help.

It’s very talentedly written and believable, a completely captivating read that will alternately warm, break, then rebuild your heart. Grab lots of tissues, your favorite beverage and settle in for a wonderful ride that will play your heartstrings like a violin.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Excerpt

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Oliver and Selena’s second-chance love is one of the most special things I’ve written. Complex and authentic, timeless and unique to the mistakes they made long ago. They’ve never forgotten each other, no matter how hard they’ve tried. But the power of finding each other again is the truth neither is prepared to faced. And that’s where we pick up their story, experiencing the rush and exhilaration and poignant passion of young love, watching it mature into the kind of a soul-deep connection that can last a lifetime. Take a look…

“You kissed me the other night,” Oliver said. “You agreed to talk things through. Then I don’t hear from you for over twenty-four hours. I’m turning myself inside out, destroying potential business opportunities to stay in Chandlerville for my parents—and for you and Camille now.” Staying for himself. Leaving felt more impossible by the hour. Though everyone, including Selena, knew leaving was what he’d have to do eventually. “Hell, Camille’s already figured out most of it for herself. And I bet you’re still trying to think of a way to talk to her, deal with who her father is, without dealing with whatever it is you’re feeling about me. Meanwhile, we can barely keep our hands off each other whenever we’re alone together.”
Resentment, resignation, and then acceptance rolled across Selena’s features. She smoothed both palms down her thighs, drawing his attention back to her toned, trim body. She looked like she could run for days. But she couldn’t run from them now.
He found himself closer. He reached for her shoulders. He held fast when she went to pull away.
“You don’t distrust me nearly as much as you want to.” It had been a stunning conclusion he’d come to somewhere in the middle of last night, puzzling over why she hadn’t called or texted him back. “And you don’t like it one damn bit.”
“No,” she admitted. “I don’t.”
“You’ve wanted me far away from you from the start,” he said, “not just because of your daughter. This has never been entirely about Camille, has it?”
“Of course not.”
“Because you still feel guilty about things you did seven years ago?” He knew better. But he needed to know she did, too.
Selena shook her head, looking like she despised him for his honesty.
He aligned their bodies until Selena’s heart beat next to his. She was still warm from her run. She was looking up at him, seeing and feeling him. She was soft against him, like she’d been a lifetime ago, like the dreams of her that had come to him ever since.
“Because you wouldn’t have been able to stay away from me whether Camille was involved or not,” he said, “and it terrifies you, what that could mean. There’s something in you for me, Selena Rosenthal. There’s something between us still.”
She agreed silently, as if the words wouldn’t find her.
“And you don’t want to trust me again,” he repeated. “Even if this—you and me—could be a part of making Camille feel safe and happy…”

 

About The author

Anna DeStefanoNationally bestselling author Anna DeStefano has searched her entire life for the soul of the matter at the heart of her world’s mysteries. As a small child, she drew from her experiences, senses, and dreams to paint a lush fantasy world, filled with endless possibility and characters of her own creation. Putting pen to paper, Anna transforms these inner landscapes into rich storytelling.

Hers is a realistic but optimistic vision, searching for hope and transformation through intense emotional journeys. Her fuel–the inner passions and conflicts of the characters she crafts. Much like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, Anna’s characters face the ultimate of human choices: finding the courage to conquer their fears and thrive until, despite every obstacle, they become the beautiful things they’re meant to be.

An author, workshop and keynote speaker, writing coach, and acquiring editor, Anna’s creative vision permeates every challenge she undertakes. She wants you to stop, look, and keep digging, until you find the soul of your own fantasies. Her novels’ rich blend of realism and fantasy invites Anna’s readers into her creative mission to dig deeper and see each of life’s moment with emotional honesty and clarity.

Discovery and joy are her touchstones, regardless of how difficult her characters’ journeys might be. She will challenge you to transform into all you’re meant to be, as well. She speaks and blogs regulary. Join Anna each week for Soul Of The Matter, Dream Theories, Things My Teenager Says, How We Write, Waterfall Challenges, and more.

Connect with Anna:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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TwinPlay by Tiina Walsh-a review

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TwinPlay by Tiina Walsh-a review

TwinPlay

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 13, 2015

If you could try out a different life, would you take the chance?

Identical twins Sorcha and Sara occupy opposite sides of the moral fence. Sorcha has always been the apple of her Irish Catholic father’s eye, while Sara looks up to their free-living Swedish Mamma.

But when devoutly Catholic Tia accidentally steps into the life of her sister – and into the arms of her lover John – she realises just how much she might enjoy being sex-beast Sara.

What happens to Sorcha, when her guilt catches up with her?
Will Sara learn anything from her sister’s devotion to her lover?

••••••••••••••••••

Twin Play is a very sexual situation drama about two twin sisters that appear to be the exact opposite of each other. Sara is a business woman with a huge sex drive, but absolutely no plans on any kind of actual relationship. Sorcha is a bit “mousey”, sexually frustrated married. Their parents are divorced, their mother was Swedish and their father Irish.

The sexual encounters and problems are graphic and very intense. The issues somewhat comedic, but are actually sad and life changing for both sisters.

I think more character development would have made this story a lot better, but I don’t think the reader is supposed to get to know all about them until the ending. The storyline is interesting, how a childhood divorce can affect different siblings in opposite ways. There is a really great healing theme quickly added in the end. I think I’d have like more in-depth development and more length to the story to bring a less rushed conclusion.

However, it’s certainly an interesting story, and if you like a lot of sexual content…this definitely has it. It makes use of the identical twin scenario in more than one occasion, sometimes funny…sometimes not.

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Georgianna

 

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