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From Kiss to Queen by Janet Chapman – Review & Giveaway

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From Kiss to Queen by Janet Chapman – Review & Giveaway

 

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From Kiss to QueenAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Jane Abbott knows that she’s nobody special, so instead of looking for romance she’s hunting partridge in the Maine woods when a plane crashes into a nearby pond. Diving in to save the pilot, Jane instinctively gives him air by way of a lifesaving kiss, and leads him to safety through a barrage of gunfire. 

The handsome stranger returns the favor by kidnapping her.

Clearly no ordinary man, and insisting Jane’s life is in danger, Mark spirits his stubborn guardian angel to an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean. Only then does she discover that the mysterious Mark is actually Prince Markov Lakeland. 

Soon to be crowned king of the young country of Shelikova, can Mark persuade Jane that she has what it takes to be his queen?

 

Review:

From Kiss to Queen by Janet Chapman is a standalone novel.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to read Chapman’s new standalone book, which would take place for the most part in a small country in Europe.  All I can say after reading From Kiss to Queen is…Wow…I really enjoyed this book, and loved both Mark and Jane, our heroes. 

Jane Abbot lives in Maine, and was out hunting when she hears a crash and jumps into the lake to save the victim.  When she gives him a life saving kiss, Jane’s life will never be the same.   Jane helps Mark, who was trapped in his car, and together they must go on the run, as someone is hunting them.  Jane grew up in an orphanage, and is somewhat of a loner.  With Mark pushing her to safety, she is not sure how to take him, as he is a bit bossy.  Since Jane is independent, her and Mark seem to fight a lot.  When they travel to a place where there is a phone, Jane figures it’s time to say goodbye to Mark.

Everything changes here.  Mark refuses to leave Jane behind; since he knows whoever was trying to kill him will go after her to get to him.  Jane is not only independent, but she is very stubborn, not to mention a lack of self esteem.  She fights with everything she has against Mark, as they take a long trip to his home in Shelikova.  In between their disagreements, Mark manages to kiss her a few times, and Jane finds herself with feelings she never had before. 

What follows is a wonderful slow built romance, that will find Jane in a foreign country and the man she did not really know, was now the heir apparent to the throne in Shelikova.  Jane refuses to believe that Mark cares about her, especially since she feels she is nothing.    Her stubbornness was a bit annoying at times.  Poor Mark, finds himself at his wits end many times, but no matter what he is determined to win her over to be his Queen.  I loved his family; from his father, the King,; to his hilarious brothers, who were so much fun.   All of them have no idea how to handle Jane, who steps into situations that she feels is unjust, but they all quickly love her as their sister/daughter.  I love Mark and Jane together, and all the antics and even dangerous situations were fun.  Bravo to Janet Chapman, who has given us a wonderful, entertaining and charming romance that I strongly suggest you read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Janet’s publisher is offering a paper copy of FROM KISS TO QUEEN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Janet Chapman on Facebook

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 5 to July 10, 2016

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It’s a Wonderful Wife by Janet Chapman – a Review

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It’s a Wonderful Wife by Janet Chapman – a Review

 

It’s a Wonderful Wife
Sinclair Brothers series – Book #3
by Janet Chapman
Release Date: August 25, 2015

It's a Wonderful WifeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Jesse Sinclair and his two brothers spent years dodging the women his grandfather threw in their path. But then the matchmaking old wolf died, and his brothers did the unthinkable: they ran off to Maine to get married.

Now Jesse wants to join them. Convinced the Pine Tree State must have another eligible woman to spare, he buys a small island just off Castle Cove to build a home for his future family. But as he discovers, finding the woman of your dreams isn’t as easy as his brothers made it seem. First of all, the only woman capable of filling those wedding shoes is Cadi Glace—and unfortunately, she’s already engaged…

So imagine Jesse’s surprise when he finds the aforementioned Miss Glace hiding out in his camper, charmingly, adorably drunk. And apparently single….

 

 

Review:

It’s a Wonderful Wife, written by Janet Chapman, is the third installment into the Sinclair Brothers trilogy.   I am a seasoned reader of Ms. Chapman, and have been a long time fan of her work, dating back to The Highlander series.  Admittedly, this is the first “normal” novel that I have read from this author.  In addition, I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two stories from this trilogy.  As I have come to understand, the story arc of the series revolves around three brothers hell bent on remaining bachelors, despite the matchmaking attempts of their quirky Grandfather.  When their Grandfather passes, the brothers are forced to reevaluate their lives.  Two of these brothers have already fallen hard….and now it is Jesse Sinclair’s turn.    

What I have come to expect of a Janet Chapman novel over the years, is a fast paced, well developed plot.  Witty, and original dialogue between main, and secondary characters alike.  I expect sparks between the hero and heroine to fly off the pages.  The beautiful backdrop of Maine, leaves a reader feeling utterly transported by the vibrancy of this authors descriptions.  I have discovered years of reading enjoyment among the pages of a Janet Chapman novel, and would recommend every title released to any, and all types of readers.  

I found It’s a Wonderful Wife specifically, to be relatively solid standing alone.  I did not experience an abundance of confusion, despite being a newcomer to the trilogy.  Yet I struggled connecting to the characters of Jesse, and Cadi, in comparrison to the couples who have come before them.   I missed that chemistry, and magical feel I have come to rely on for a “feel good” read.   I truly believe that people whom are familiar with the first two Sinclair stories, will have an easier time finding that feeling, and cast blame for the disconnect I felt, solely upon reading Book 3-without first reading the previous installments. 

One element remains ever constant.  Ms. Chapman is a master at weaving humor within her stories.  Time after time, book after book, this author provides laugh out loud banter, mixed with compromising, relate-able, and hilarious moments for her characters.  Highly recommended, for anyone looking for a fast paced, humorous journey, located within the beauty of Maine!  

Reviewed by Miranda

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman – a Review

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The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman – a Review

The Heart of a Hero

Links to order The Heart of a Hero:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo


Description:
New York Times bestselling author Janet Chapman welcomes her fans back to Spellbound Falls, where no one is immune to the magical powers of love…

Originally from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis, Nicholas has spent the last year deep in the mountains of Maine, serving as Director of Security for the Nova Mare and Inglenook resorts. Fully embracing his life in the twenty-first century, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to a trouble-prone employee, and is determined to keep her safe.

The last thing Julia Campbell needs is a man with a hero complex, especially one as handsome and imposing as Nicholas. All she has to do is keep it together until her younger sister turns eighteen, and then she can focus on her own life. But strange things have been happening at the resort—and it’s Nicholas who keeps coming to her rescue. When Nicholas is suddenly the one in trouble, Julia realizes he’s not quite what he seems—and that she’ll do anything to help the man who’s stolen her heart…

Review:

The Heart of a Hero is Janet Chapman’s aptly named, 4th installment in her latest series titled Spell Bound Falls.  This time around readers can enjoy the story of Nicholas, our recently introduced warrior from the Mythical Island of Atlantis…who found himself (happily) divested of his duty as guardian to wild hearted Princess Carolina Oceanus; in book 3.  Having been tasked with this “honor” since the age of seven–upon falling in love with the screaming, minutes old baby girl thrust into his arms while adults rushed to save her mother–Nicholas feels compelled to stay within this time that has brought ‘Lina’ such contentment. 

What is a warrior to do upon suddenly realizing his life now belongs to him, to do with as he sees fit?  Nicholas accepts a job offer befitting this new “world” from Maximillian Oceanus (one of his previous “bosses” from Atlantis, and hero of book 1) and utilizes his warrior instincts, as Director of Security for the Nova Mare; and Inglenook Resorts.  Those of which, are nestled in the mountains of Maine near an inland Sea named Bottomless that “mysteriously” formed a few years ago–and of which was coined as the 9th natural wonder of the world–and made a booming tourist attraction over night.    

Unaware that leagues of local women are plotting on how to garner the attention of the mysterious, dark haired, blue eyed stranger with no last name….Nicholas remains oblivious of the fact that he is considered Nova Mare’s most eligible bachelor, and takes his job dead serious. It isn’t until his attention is required for a suspicious altercation, and his path crosses with Julia Campbell that just Nicholas becomes interested in the chase of a different kind. 

Enter Julia Campbell.  Our heroine avoids the people of  SpellBound Falls altogether as a general rule.  She keeps to herself, works hard, trusts few, dates NEVER, and relies on no one.   Daughter of the town drunk, and labeled “the town slut”–her ex-husband leaves her with a ruined reputation, and a small mountain of credit card debt; to thank her for working 6 years to put him through college.  Lacking the finances to complete college herself, Julia’s sole purpose in life is providing for herself and her younger sister, and to prove everyone wrong.  Finding herself in somewhat of a bind when dealing with her brother, Julia comes face to face with the Resort’s mysterious, and far too handsome; Director of Security. 

Everything changes for Julia that night, in one instant, when she finds herself drawn into the powerful arms of this same man, and thoroughly kissed.  Knowing this stranger’s act was an effort to shelter her from her father’s drunken anger, only done to keep her safe, as is his job, Julia plans to put aside the haunting memory.  Certain the possibility of being shoved off the mountain by a jealous female is very likely, and the possibility for the town slut to receive the attentions of Nova Mare’s most highly sought after single male….not so much.    

Intrigued, and inexplicably drawn to this very private, stubborn, and intensely independent woman named Julia, Nicholas cannot help but make it his personal mission to see to her safety….and to discover if she likes….cats…six in particular…:) 

The stakes are raised when Nicholas is called to action once more as the warrior he is, for Atlantis.  Soon he discovers that someone wants him dead, that there is more to his past than being left on the beaches of Atlantis as a baby; by an ornery “whale” named Leviathian.  And that gaining the affection of one trouble prone 21st century woman…will be the greatest battle of his life.  A battle that cannot be won with use of his sword…but achieved only by The true Heart of a Hero.

In Chapman’s signature blend of humor, magic, action, suspense, and romance; we watch the tables turn drastically as Nicholas’s secrets (as well as the secrets of the town itself) begin to unravel; and it is up to Julia to pursue, protect, and provide help for the man who has shown her the joy belonging to someone can bring.  

This was a wonderful read from beginning to end, furthering the wonderful story arc Ms. Chapman began with SpellBound Falls, filled with an entire cast of fantastic main and secondary characters, as well as a few old friends.  Janet Chapman only continues to get better with each book, and I for one cannot wait for the next installment For the Love of Magic.

Reviewed by Miranda

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Charmed by His Love by Janet Chapman

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Charmed by His Love by Janet Chapman

Charmed by His Love (release May 2012) is part of Janet Chapman’s Spellbound Falls series.  A mysterious, newly introduced hero. A young, fiercely protective; widowed mother of four. The combined magic of Pine Creek, Midnight Bay, and Spellbound Falls Maine.  The return of several beloved previous characters…all together in one novel–makes Charmed by his Love, one of the best this author has written.

Janet Chapman‘s pen (or keyboard) must be on fire. The latest three release’s can only be described as superb, and based upon the excerpt I read on the upcoming September installment; Courting Carolina….this streak is likely to continue. I have been a fan of this author for many many years, and although I love the early work–Michael MacBain (hero of book 3) being my long standing favorite male of this series–it seems Chapman only gets better with time. If I could talk to my beloved “father” Dar at this very moment…I would emphatically assure him that he most certainly did not make a mistake all those years ago, when he sent Greylen MacKeage forward in time…along with a few stowaways. 😉

There is not any ONE reason Ms. Chapman’s work speaks so profoundly to me, but a mixture of many. This author walks that precarious line between fantasy, and contemporary literature with a beautiful, formulatic blend that is sure to please all types of readers.  I do not typically tend to enjoy children characters mixed within my romances, yet this author is unrivaled in her ability to create vibrant, realistic, wonderful children–which tend to grow up into vibrant, realistic, wonderful hero’s and heroine’s; of their own journey–later in the storyarc.

What enamors me so much to this world Janet Chapman has created amongst our own, would actually be quite surprising to any who know me. This fantasy lover…immensely enjoys the REALNESS of these books.  The relationships, and yes, the intimate scenes contained within these novels themselves.  It is no secret how unrealistic the steamy sex scenes in romances can be, when compared to our own intimate experiences, however, this is not the case with this author.  The experience is 100% relatable, and authentic. Here is a novelist who is unafraid to breathe real life into her sex scenes, as well as showcasing flawed characters, who must earn the love of their destined mate.

Perhaps I am failing in my attempt to convey what I mean…so please do not misunderstand me. Take the serious trials, and tribulations of any couple you could find in reality…sprinkle in an ancient bloodline of Alpha Highlander warriors; forced to blend in with modern society–as well as a few other “special” males…and I promise there is no lack of the urge to fan yourself occasionally. I mean only to state that it is so refreshing to read a magical tale rubbing elbows with content that consists of what normal people, with real life relationships participate in.

Not only does this latest installment hold the heartpounding action, laughing out loud humor, and fast pace plotline fans expect of a Janet Chapman novel…but Duncan MacKeage is literally the fictional equivolent of my very own living, breathing husband.  His never give up, never say die work ethic.  The old world chivalry, amd mannerisms, the gruff exterior hiding the heart of pure gold–is so simliar to what I experience in my own marriage everyday…it is SCARY. 

I could not have enjoyed this book more, and have but one complaint. 299 pages to tell a story of this caliber, was not nearly long enough. Bravo Ms. Chapman, and I anxiously look forward to the next installment of the Spell Bound Falls trilogy, and pray that it will not be the last novel located within this majestic locale.

Reviewed by Miranda

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Highlander for the Holidays Review

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Highlander for the Holidays by Janet Chapman – a review 

(New Spellbound Falls Update follows review)

I find it difficult to put into words what exactly it is about this novel that endeared it so greatly to my heart, and left such a profound, satisfied glow upon completion. I have found much to appreciate in each of Janet Chapman’s novels; the Midnight Bay trilogy resides amongst my favorites of her work–yet this is only the second of the Highlander series I would rate at 5 stars. Aside from my emotional connection to this emotionally charged journey, the plot was finely crafted. The lead characters were both ripe with substance, and fleshed out with their inward and outward imperfections. Being a lover of the classic style in the fantasy genre, I am rarely so impressed with the contemporary side. Nor am I typically so taken with this much realism mixed amongst my fiction…however, this novel had me since the very first page.

Not since Michael MacBain have I adored the male lead of this series as much as I did Ian MaKeage. Reliable in the honor so deeply ingrained within him, infallibly compassionate, utterly selfless, and as solid as Tarstone Mountain. He somehow manages to walk that fine, complex line between the civility of the modern time to which he was born, and the intense, alpha code of his ancient Highlander heritage. There is quite the intriguing twist I was not expecting with Ian, one that comes with a choice he must make towards the end of the book. Ms. Chapman kept this happenstance painfully vague, and I look forward to what it means for the future of this story arc.

Jessica Pringle was equally wonderful in her role as female lead. She was everything I look for in my heroine’s. Despite her terrifying past, and the horror she has suffered, she holds a loving, and compassionate nature. This character was so real, believable, and inspiring to anyone who has led a similar life. Jessie has been repeatedly knocked down, yet just as many of us are required to do in our lives; she simply rises to her feet, brushes herself off and continues to put one foot in front of the other. Instead of holding on to her bitterness, and allowing herself to be untrusting of any man who should come into her life–Jessie bravely accepts what she cannot change about yesterday, and focuses on what may be in store for tomorrow.

In addition to this superb couple, and the unfolding of their tender, and sweetly romantic relationship–it was enjoyable meeting great side characters in Merrissa, and Roger, as well as many of the next generation MacKeage’s and MacBain’s. I wondered if the eccentric “justice of peace” was simply a cheap replacement for “father” Daar, (who moved to Midnight Bay with Kenzie Gregor) but I quickly found myself MORE enamored and attached to Roger. What a fabulous, humorous, whimsical character. I look so forward to reading more about him with the (hopefully) next installment in the Highlander series.

I would recommend Janet Chapman’s; Highlander for the Holidays, to anyone looking for a fun, marvelously written escape into the magical and charming Highlands.……..of Pine Creek Maine that is! 

*Spellbound Falls Series Update*

Janet Chapman has a new release today.  Spellbound Falls is the first book in her new series…The Spellbound Falls.  As noted above, this series is spin off–from the Midnight bay trilogy (which was a spin off of the original Highlander series.) 

Spellbound Falls

 

A newcomer to Spellbound Falls, Maine, Maximilian Oceanus is trying to get a handle on fatherhood. But his newly discovered six-year-old son wants to find his father a wife. Too bad Olivia Baldwin wants nothing to do with the dangerously seductive Mac–especially with all the weird stuff happening all around him.…

The second book of this series, Charmed by His Love is scheduled for May 29, 2012, and the third book of the series Courting Carolina is scheduled for September, 2012.

This is straight from Chapman herself:
Duncan MacKeage who is Callum and Charlotte’s son (from the Highlander series)–is my hero in my June release coming up; Charmed By His Love (A Spellbound Falls Novel). And Alec MacKeage, whom you met in Highlander for the Holidays, is the hero in my September release, Courting Carolina. (Yup, I’ve brought some of my highlanders to Spellbound Falls!)

Review and Update by Miranda 

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