Tag Archives: Holiday

Try as I Smite by Abigail Owen – a Review

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Try as I Smite by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
Alasdair Blakesley is the head of the Covens Syndicate. He shouldn’t need to look beyond the witches and warlocks he governs, or his own abilities, to solve any problem. But a demon infestation means he can’t trust anyone who may be possessed. The last person he wants to ask for help is also the only person who can fix this, so he sucks up his pride and storms into her office.

And she turns him down cold.

As the owner of Brimstone Inc., Delilah’s passion is helping others with their supernatural problems. But Alasdair is the last man Delilah wants to tangle with. The infuriating man sees too much and demands even more. And did she mention the way he sets her body on fire?

Not that it matters—demons are the only things with which she cannot interfere. Too bad a higher power steps in and sends them both on a crash course of each others’ pasts, presents, and futures.

How is a Christmas Carol nightmare supposed to solve his demon problem without breaking the rules she’s bound by? 

Reading Order:
Brimstone Inc Series
Book 1 The Demigod Complex
Book 2 Shift Out of Luck
Book 3 Bait N’ Witch
Book 4 Try as I Smite

 

 

Review:

Try as I Smite by Abigail Owen is the 4th book in her Brimstone INC series. I’ve read many of the books written by this author, but only one in this series. (Bait N’ Witch).  You don’t need to read the others, they are only loosely connected via the characters, but not vital to read. 

Alasdair Blakesley is leader of the Coven Syndicate, he monitors all the witches and warlocks. We meet him briefly in the last book, but you don’t need to read them to know what’s going on in this book. 

We’ve also met Delilah in the previous book, she owns Brimstone Inc (it’s like a dating agency amongst other things) she’s a Seer, she uses her powers to help people and the supernatural to find love and solve problems) But Alasdair is a blank, she can’t see his future, and that scares her a little! 

Alasdair and Delilah have met on numerous occasions, and it’s usually a battle of words and wills, but today Alasdair needs help from the woman that haunts his nights!  But he needs help sorting the demon possession troubles out, too many accounts are being reported, as much as it pains him, Delilah is his only hope!

But they aren’t a fan of one another, he thinks she’s an interfering busy boy, Delilah thinks he’s a pompous and overbearing warlock, but he is rather easy on the eye! But she can’t help him with the demon possessions, no matter what he threatens! It took a lot for Alasdair to ask that Seer for her help, and to say no!! But there is a reason why she can’t help, but she can’t tell anyone why! And she feels Alasdair’s frustration. She tries to tell him of another person who could help….. 

I loved Delilah she loved winding up Alasdair, and I have to admit it was fun to read. I can now see why both Delilah and Alasdair aren’t a fan of Christmas…..Alasdair was a little aloof, but with good intentions, he’s head of the coven for a reason, sympathetic but sensible, and his control is legendary. 

It’s a fun seasonal read, loved how the characters are lead through their pasts to see how connected they are. There are a few twists in the book that did have me reading the sentence again. Delilah and Alasdair are so suited for one another, her free spirit and generous nature would balance his control and dominance perfectly. But when Delilah’s past is fully explained, will Alasdair listen? The Coven needs him, but he needs her!! Could it get anymore tangled? 

I would have loved this to have been longer, but the story is told within the confines of a short story. Nothing is rushed, nothing is overlooked, details are given and explanations are fully met. Well written, with the descriptions coming alive on the page. A little sexy time thrown in for good measure. 

So…. can Alasdair and Delilah contain or remove the threat of demon possession on a huge scale? At one point I’d would have said it was a huge task, at the end….. nope, not telling you, I’d rather you pick the book up and find out for yourself. Bah humbug ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Highlander is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham – a Review

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A Highlander is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham – a Review

 

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Description:
You better watch out. . .

Holt Pierson is dreading Christmas. His parents absconded to Florida for the season and left him to handle the family farm which will be his one day―whether he wants it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the Pierson farm make him happy or is there something―or someone―else out in the wider world calling to him?

To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of a touring band, Highland, Georgia, is the perfect place to hide . . .until a very handsome and deeply curious Holt begins to ask all the questions Claire doesn’t want to answer. As Holt draws Claire out from under and into the fabric of small-town life, can Claire put the past behind her and embrace the unexpected gifts of the season―including the new and lasting love?

 

 

Review:

A Highlander Coming to Town by Laura Trentham is the 3rd and final book in her Highland, Georgia series. I have read the previous two books, and this book does read very well as a standalone. 

Claire Smythe, our heroine, is a former singer for a Scottish band, which participated in the Highland, Georgia festival.  Claire is hiding out, as she does not want people to pay too much attention to her.  It seems that Claire dreads returning to Scotland, where her family is waiting for her to return, and assume her responsibility, as she is an heiress to a major whiskey empire.  Claire lives with Ms. Meadows, an elderly woman, who needs help, and Claire is her caregiver.  One day returning from the store on her bicycle she has a slight accident, and someone comes to her rescue.

Holt Pierson, our hero, runs the family farm, while his parents are away on vacation for the summer.  Even though Claire doesn’t want a ride in his car, she has no choice as the bike is damaged.  Ms. Meadows see Holt, points a rifle at him, until Claire tells her he was helping her.  Seems Holt’s family and Ms Meadows had a falling out years ago about her land, which is next to Holt’s family.

At first Claire avoids Holt, but she slowly becomes more comfortable with him, as he continues to pop up often. Holt was a great hero, always nice and caring and well liked in town; he tries to find out more information from Claire, as to what she seems to be hiding.  They begin to spend a lot of time together; Holt finds himself falling for Claire.  She too has feelings for him, but knows she will be leaving Highland soon. 

Because of her newfound friendship with Holt, Claire finds herself meeting other people, such has Anna and Iain (last book heroes), and agreeing to hang out at the bar.  She ends up singing, and begins to open up enjoy her stay at Highland.  Holt and Claire’s friendship escalates into a slow build romance, and Holt learns that Claire is an heiress, but their relationship continues to sizzle, as she tries to come to terms with what she will do. Will Claire return home to Scotland and claim her inheritance?  You will need to read this book to find out what happens.

What follows was a fun enjoyable romance, which included two couples, mostly though with Claire and Holt, who ended up being a great couple.  I love the wonderful secondary characters in the town.  It was a great ending, with both sets of parents coming to Highland at the same time.  As I have said before, Laura Trentham always gives us sweet wonderful romances, great characters, and an amazing small town.  If you love romance and Highlanders, you need to be reading this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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British Black Sheep by Lauren Smith – a Review

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British Black Sheep by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N

Description:
He is exactly the kind of man Brie Honeyweather swore never to love…or lust after ever again: a sexy, arrogant, British bad boy in a designer suit.Alec is the last person Brie wants to be stuck on an international flight to London with, but hey…at least they’re in first class.

When their flight has to make an emergency landing in a snowstorm just before Christmas, Brie and Alec are thrown together in a single bedroom in a tiny English village. As the snowstorm rages outside, things get intense and emotions and lust run hot. Alec reminds Brie just how much she misses being with a man and how easy it is to fall head over heels too fast.

What should have been an amazing one-nightstand turns into a week-long secret romance at Alec’s family estate when Brie realizes her new boss is Alec’s mother, a British countess. While Brie tries to focus on writing a Christmas book with the countess, all she can think about is getting back into bed with Alec.

She shouldn’t fall for the arrogant brit, especially when their lives are oceans apart and neither of them wants a serious relationship. But Christmas magic has a way of working miracles. Maybe Santa will bring her a happy ending after all…

 

 

Review:

British Black Sheep by Lauren Smith is a Hero Club novel. Brie is a ghostwriter, she’s been doing it for about four years, she loves it, speaking to people and capturing stories and biographies. And when a famous authors asks her to help on a Christmas story, Brie is there. Well, almost there, she has to get on a plane first….. 

Alec is on his way home, burnt out and exhausted with his job. He lives his job, 24/7 being an investment banker gives him the thrills and excitement he craves. The money’s not bad either. And when a delightful young woman scolds him on the plane, Alec has found his entertainment for the long flight home. Teasing her is going to be a lot of fun. 

Being forced to land before scheduled to was unsettling. But to share a room with Alec is mind blowing…. She’s suppose to be unpacking at the beautiful Manor House and writing with the countess, instead she’s stuck with the arrogant if not handsome Brit!!! 

Both Alec and Brie are attracted to one another, they give in and have no regrets. Finding out that they will both be under the same roof at the countess’s home is fun for Alec, but mortifying for Brie! And when she finds out he’s her son!! Well Brie just wants to go home!

Alec then sets about chasing and persuading Brie to have fun with him whilst she’s here. Brie agreed but as long as it remains a secret between them. And when she goes home, that’s it. Alec is up first that, a bit of fun over Christmas, then back to work. No strings, just how he likes it. But just like string, they get tangled up like Christmas lights. It’s not easy trying to keep emotions out of this, it’s only suppose to be fun! 

Brie is going back home soon, and Alec needs to go back to London. I have to admit, reading a Christmas book in the middle of summer was different. I’ve read a few of this author’s books. And I’ve always enjoyed them. This one was no different. 

Definitely a feel good Christmas story?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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Mischievous Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour-Review & Giveaway tour

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Mischievous Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour-Review & Giveaway Tour

ebook only 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk/ Amazon. au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 21, 2019

After one night of blistering lovemaking that would bring any sane man to his knees clutching a ring, Jack’s forced to accept Mia’s unexpected rejection. Then when she seems to be warming up to having a relationship, danger erupts around him in freakish accidents and mystical happenings. How can he permit her and her little girl to be anywhere near these threats?

Mia lovingly adopts her best friend’s four-year-old child in accordance with her will. She also agrees to move her new family and her business to live with her aunt before the Christmas holidays arrive. But… she isn’t willing to hold on to a man because of one incredible night’s loss of restraint.

••••••••

REVIEW: I’ve read a few of the other books in the series. But I don’t think you need to read them in order.

Mia is devastated, her best friend has died, cruelly taken from her in a car accident. They’ve known each other forever, in fact when Jasmine’s mother abandoned her, Mia and her family gave her a new home. And when Jasmine became pregnant, the two girls brought her up between them. But the memories in the apartment they shared is just too much, she’s going back to live with her aunt.

Jack thinks he’s a broken man, after being wounded in Afghanistan, it’s taken time to be rehabilitated and mobile. His friend and neighbour has helped immensely, giving him handyman jobs and making him feel part of a family. For a long time he battled with pain and drug addiction, but aunt Angie gave him a place to start over.

Both jack and Mia know about each other through Angie, but neither have met each other yet. So both are surprised when they meet at Mia’s home (she’s packing up her home to go live her aunt) Jack thinks she’s a cutie and Mia thinks he’s hot.
The story then takes a few twists and turns, wrong words and misunderstandings have these two people thinking the worse. But with the help of Lucas (Jack’s guardian angel) things are back on track.

It’s a feel good book, a few good laughs and a couple of moments where you want to slap the main characters. I love aunt Angie she’s so funny. And little Maisie is such a bundle of fun.

?Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

Mimi is an incredibly busy NYT and USA Today award-winning, best-selling author who has seven series to her credit. The Vicarage Bench Series – Spirit/Time -Travel tales that have a surprising twist / The Angels with Attitude Series – Angels Love Romance / The Elvis Series – Make an Elvis song a book / Vegas Series – 6 books full of romantic suspense, humor and gritty conflicts / and… the fast-paced, edgy, humorous, romantic suspense, Undercover FBI Series /The Holiday Heatwarmer Series – puppies become cupids. And the latest, explosive Mob Tracker Series – six books full of conflicts and characters you’ll hate to leave.
Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her husband and writes her various romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye. She’s been known to say: “If I can steal a booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”
**1st place prize of the 2015 – Chanticleer Reviews – Clue Awards. Special Agent Francesca
**A TOUCH OF PASSION, has just become the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Awards.

Website: https://mimibarbour.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimi-Barbour-Fan-Page/203964072966134
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MimiBarbour
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/barbour0499
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mimi-barbour
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mimi-Barbour/e/B0051EAN52
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3376439.Mimi_Barbour
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MimiBNewsletter

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter

$25 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

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Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters – a Review

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Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters – a Review

 

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Description:
After seven years as an assistant, 29-year-old Evie Summers is ready to finally get the promotion she deserves. But now the TV and film agency she’s been running behind the scenes is in trouble, and Evie will lose her job unless she can convince the agency’s biggest and most arrogant client, Ezra Chester, to finish writing the script for a Hollywood romantic comedy.

The catch? Ezra is suffering from writer’s block–and he’ll only put pen to paper if singleton Evie can prove to him that you can fall in love like they do in the movies. With the future of the agency in jeopardy, Evie embarks on a mission to meet a man the way Sally met Harry or Hugh Grant met Julia Roberts.

But in the course of testing out the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedies IRL, not only will Evie encounter one humiliating situation after another, but she’ll have to confront the romantic past that soured her on love. In a novel as hilarious as it is heartwarming, debut author Rachel Winters proves that sometimes real life is better than the movies–and that the best kind of meet-cutes happen when you least expect them.

 

 

Review:

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters is a sweet rom con romance.  Evie, our heroine, has been an assistant to an agent for 7 years, and has determined that now is the time for her to be promoted to a full time agent.  Her boss, pressures her to get an author to send him pages of his new book/screenplay, as they have an agreement with producers to produce the next film.   

The author, Ezra (whom Evie and her friends call N.O.B (number one boy child) is obviously having writers block, and Evie tries to help him get back on track.  She convinces him to write a rom-com, with her help, as she will go to places and pretend to find a boyfriend, writing her experiences and sending them to Ezra to help him write the screenplay.

We get to meet (they text each other all the time) Evie’s wild and crazy friends (girls and a gay friend), who are supportive of her, pushing her to find the right man for her.  Their relationship was fun (but a bit wacky), especially with bachelorette party, hen do, and them all getting together to drink and get drunk.

In between her rom- com and snarky wild friends, there is another possible romance for Evie.  Every Sunday at the café, Evie always runs into a widower and his daughter.   Ben and Anette watch Evie get herself into funny situations, and soon both Ben and Anette look forward to seeing Evie each week.   Of course, Ben isn’t enamored with the witty Evie, but it is Anette who pushes him toward her.  When things start falling apart for Evie, it is Ben who will come to the rescue a few times.  She begins to see him in another light. 

As much as she submits her experiences to Ezra, she suspects he is not writing, but he tells her he is loving what she is sending him.  Can Evie trust Ezra?  Will she lose her job if the author doesn’t produce?
Ezra is also pushing himself on Evie, making her think he is falling in love with her.  Will Evie fall for Ezra or will it be Ben?

Evie was a very good character, whom I couldn’t help root for her.   She was smart, savvy, fun and when things got tough, she stood up to both her boss and Ezra.  I did think the crazy shenanigans by her friends, and the rom com meets were a bit too much, though some were fun.  I did like Ben and Anette.

Would Like to Meet was a charming, fun and entertaining story that was well written by Rachel Winters in her debut novel. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Christmas Gathering by Anne Perry – a Review

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A Christmas Gathering by Anne Perry – a Review

 

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Description:
As beautiful as it may be, their friends’ country home is not where Lady Vespasia wishes to spend Christmas with her new husband, Victor Narraway. She’d rather pass a relaxing holiday at home with him–especially because Victor, former head of the London Special Branch, seems to be hiding some undercover dealings with the other guests who have gathered in the spacious home.

As tensions grow among the couples, the young and beautiful Iris Watson-Watt becomes the center of several men’s focus. Unbeknownst to Vespasia, Iris carries a message for Victor that may help unmask a British traitor. As Victor plots his moves, he is reminded of a similar case from twenty years before, when a young Frenchwoman also carried a clandestine message–one that resulted in her murder, still unsolved to this day. Victor has always been tormented by his failure to protect her–and now, with all eyes on Iris, Victor must act fast before history repeats itself.

With the joy of Christmas at risk of being forgotten and Vespasia feeling alone on this holiday meant to be shared with loved ones, Victor must ultimately learn to forgive himself.

 

 

Review:

A Christmas Gathering by Anne Perry is a mystery that takes place in the English country side. I have not read Perry’s other mystery series, but this reads very well as a standalone. The story revolves around an older married couple, Lady Vespasia and her husband, Lord Victor Narraway, who have been married for three years.   It is Christmas time, and Vespasia would love to stay home together and enjoy the holiday.  Victor is a retired head of London’s Special Branch, and when he accepts an invitation to spend Christmas at a long-time friend’s country estate, Vespasia suspects he has to do an undercover assignment.

Besides the host (Max and Lady Amelia Cavendish), there are three other couples in attendance.  As everyone gathers for the nightly meal, tensions arise, as the hostess shows her dislike for Vespasia by her sarcastic comments. 

Vespasia is experienced and savvy in her older age, and reads people very well.  She discovers that Victor has to meet someone to pass over documents that might reveal a traitor.  What she also learns is that Victor had a similar case 20 years ago, when the woman he was supposed to protect was killed; which Victor has never forgotten what he terms was a failure. Victor will meet the woman, take the documents and when he returns to the estate, someone is shooting at him.  Victor does arrive safely, but finds out later that evening, the woman who gave him the documents was attacked, with her life hanging by a thread.   déjà vu?

What follows is an interesting mystery that will bring Vespasia to become more active to find the truth, and discover who indeed is the traitor and in doing so save Victor’s life.   Victor does put his life in danger when he knows the culprit wants more than those papers, as a long standing hatred will reveal why Victor is the real target. 

I really enjoyed this story, and I thought Vespasia was an excellent heroine, who despite her older age (60’s) was a fabulous character and great detective. I have not read the previous Victorian mysteries by Perry, and had no problem reading this book.   A Christmas Gathering is set in Victorian England, and was very well written by Anne Perry.  If you enjoy historical London backgrounds and an excellent mystery, I suggest you read A Christmas Gathering.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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