Tag Archives: New Adult

Chasing My Forever (The Beaumonts: Next Generation #3) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Giveaway Tour

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CHASING MY FOREVER (The Beaumonts: Next Generation #3) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2018

Music is his passion. It’s in his blood. Yet, Quinn James isn’t sure if stardom is right for him. His family wants him to join a band, and follow in his father’s footsteps but fear holds him back. He can’t explain it, and when he tries, no one understands what he’s afraid of or why he’s content playing coffee shop gigs where no one knows him.

Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.

California is everything Eleanora thought it would be, and even more so when she meets Quinn, the shy, reserved and brooding musician who’s the complete opposite of the guys she’s used to back home.

For the first time, Quinn’s smitten. The new, mysterious waitress has him wrapped around her finger, and he finds that he is finally able to open up and trust someone outside of his family circle.

But living a different life comes with its risks, and for Eleanora, that risk is a secret that has the power to destroy both of them.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: CHASING MY FOREVER is the third instalment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, new adult THE BEAUMONTS: NEXT GENERATION romance series-a spin-off from the author’s Beaumont Series. This is musician Quinn James, and twenty-two year old, university graduate/waitress Eleanora Boone’s (aka Nola) story line. CHASING MY FOREVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: If you have not read the original series, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Eleanora and Quinn) CHASING MY FOREVER follows the ‘quiet and reserved’ Quinn James’ whose past is haunted by rejection and issues of trust. Abandoned as a newborn by his mother, Quinn was raised by his father Harrison, and adopted by Katelyn James but Quinn continues to struggles for a direction in life. A gifted musician whose talent is on the rise, what Quinn fears the most is what keeps our hero hiding in the shadows, playing coffee shops for tip money without moving forward. Enter waitress and recent college graduate Eleanora ‘Nola’ Boone, and the woman with whom Quinn will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building romance between Quinn and Eleanora, and the fall-out as Quinn is blindsided when he discovers Eleanora has been lying, keeping secrets of her own.

Eleanora Boone’s entire future has been planned but our heroine refuses to settle down until she experiences life and everything it has to offer. A cross –country journey with her college roommate Kellie finds Eleanora in California where she will meet the man with whom she will fall in love. Raised by a strict South Carolina family, Eleanora isn’t willing to sacrifice her own happiness for a business deal but Eleanora had no idea the dirt she is about to disturb when she meets the shy and reclusive Quinn James, a man whose deepest secrets and past are about to be revealed. Quinn James remains in the shadows unable to pursue the music he loves –only his mother Katelyn is aware of the fear holding him back. Pressure from his sister Elle, to take a chance on his career, backfires when fame and notoriety bring forth the monsters he has been trying to avoid.

The relationship between Quinn and Eleanora is one of immediate attraction but Quinn struggles to overcome his awkward shyness and issues of trust. Eleanora’s previous relationship is spiralling out of control but a spiral that is slowly taking our heroine along for the ride. The $ex scenes are mostly implied and fade to black.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including Quinn’s best friend Noah Westbury, and his sister Peyton Powell-James; sister Elle and her boyfriend Ben; Harrison and Katelyn James, as well as several members of the Powell-James- Westbury families and the rock band 4225 West. We are introduced to Eleanora’s brother Rhett, her parents Annamae and Willard Boone, and college friends and roommates: Sofia and Kellie. There may be a story developing between Rhett and Kellie.

CHASING MY FOREVER is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and trust. The premise is engaging and heart breaking; the characters are charismatic and stubborn; the romance is passionate and sweet. The tight knit Powell-James- Westbury families are sassy and supportive, and are the backbone and spirit of Heidi McLaughlin’s amazing series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Holding Onto Forever
My Unexpected Forever
Chasing My Forever

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Heidi McLaughlinHeidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she’s isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

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

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The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory – a Review

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The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory – a Review

 

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Description:
Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent is so over this princess thing.

After her fiancé jilted her on their wedding day, she’s finally back home after spending four months in exile—aka it’s back to press conferences, public appearances, and putting on a show for the Driedish nation as the perfect princess they expect her to be. But Thea’s sick of duty. After all, that’s what got her into this mess in the first place.

So when she sneaks out of the palace and meets a sexy Scot named Nick in a local bar, she relishes the chance to be a normal woman for a change. But just as she thinks she’s found her Prince Charming for the night, he reveals his intentions are less than honorable: he’s the brother of her former fiancé, a British spy, and he’s not above blackmail. As Thea reluctantly joins forces with Nick to find out what happened the day her fiancé disappeared, together they discover a secret that could destroy a centuries-old monarchy and change life as they know it.

Funny, fast-paced, and full of more twists and turns than the castle Thea lives in, The Royal Runaway is a fresh romantic comedy that will leave you cheering for the modern-day royal who chucks the rulebook aside to create her own happily-ever-after.

 

 

Review:

The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory is a standalone fun royal romance mystery.  Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent, our heroine, is back from 4 months in seclusion getting over being jilted on her wedding day.  Mainly she was sent there to allow time to let the publicity die down.  Thea is the heir apparent to the throne, and must once again do what is expected of her; press conferences, appearances, galas, etc.  But she also has a reputation among the family and staff, of slipping out at night in disguise to have fun.

In a short time after arriving home, she sneaks out and goes to a bar in town, and meets handsome stranger, Nick, our hero, who sees through Thea’s disguise.  Turns out that Nick, who she learns is a spy for the British, is her ex fiancee’s brother, who has not been seen in 4 months since he jilted Thea.  Nick is trying to find his brother, but he has ulterior motives, which he will blackmail Thea to help him. 

What follows is an engaging adventure with Nick and Thea investigating the truth about her ex’s disappearance, and the political ramifications involved.  The mystery unravels, revealing betrayals, intrigue and treason that threatens the monarchy and Thea’s future.  In the midst of this mystery, a slow burn romance develops between Nick and Thea, but remains in the background for the most part, until nearer to the end.  As they get closer to the truth, with some surprise twists, the danger escalates and Thea will find herself in a life threatening situation.  Will Nick be there to save her?

I really like Thea, as she was fun, witty and as the truths begin to unveil, she rises up to prove her worth as a future Queen.  I liked Nick, but he was more annoying early, but that changed later on.  The banter between them was great.  The Royal Runaway was a sweet fun entertaining story line, with some great characters, and well written by Emory.   If you enjoy a royal themed background, a bit of mystery, and a budding romance, then I suggest you read The Royal Runaway.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Laws of Founding (Eververse Chronicles #1) by Nicole McKeon-Review and Interview

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THE LAWS OF FOUNDING (Eververse Chronicles #1) by Nicole McKeon-Review and Interview

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 16, 2018

When Allie finally notices the clues, it’s already too late.
Stuck in the wrong world, her only ticket back to Earth is the group of mysterious strangers who kidnap her from a psychiatric ward, then leave her with Ronan, a beautiful but intimidating man who can disappear at will.

After learning the truth—that she is a Walker, one of the rare few with the ability to move between dimensional realities—Allie discovers the wonders of the Eververse, and confronts terrifying danger that will put the lives of everyone she loves in peril.

Allie is willing to risk her life, her sanity, and her heart to save the ones she loves, but her newly discovered powers won’t be enough save her from the consequences of walking the Eververse.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE LAWS OF FOUNDING is the first instalment in Nicole McKeon’s new adult EVERVERSE CHRONICLES fantasy series focusing ‘Walker’ Allison Chapters, a college student who suddenly finds herself ‘walking’ between dimensional realities in an effort to understand the truth of how and why.

When we are first introduced to Allison Chapters she has awoken in an alternate reality where the people are familiar but not. No sooner has she found herself in the local psychiatric ward then our heroine is freed by her would-be ‘rescuers’ a group that call themselves the Venatore, or hunters. As Allison’s world slowly begins to unravel she discovers that she has mystical powers of her own, powers that attract otherworldly assassins determined to kill our story line heroine. ‘Walking’ into mythical worlds thought only to have existed in fairy tales and lore, Allison, along with her mentor and Venatore Ronan find refuge in Avalon, alongside a fabled King, brought to life in True Earth’s stories and movies. From present day, to the medieval times of kingdoms and knights, Allison ventures on a journey of philosophical discovery where she must battle between head and heart, breaking the ‘laws of Founding’ as she travels the Eververse, in an effort to save the man with whom she is falling in love, only to discover that the not is all as it appears to have been.

THE LAWS OF FOUNDING is an entertaining, mesmorizing, exhilarating and animated story of fabled lore, fantasy and mythology; an imaginative tale of times past that traverse the present; of one woman’s discovery of self and the other. A simple yet complex story of energy, magic, power and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Nicole, and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Nicole: Facebook / Website / Goodreads / Amazon Author page

Nicole: The most important things for anyone to know about me are that I’ve been happily married to the love of my life for fifteen years, I’ve got 3 sons, I have a deep and abiding love for fantasy in any form be it video games (Legend of Zelda, I’m looking at you,) books or movies, my curiosity is insatiable, I have no self-control around macarons, and I’m happiest when I’m outside.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Nicole: This is a tricky one, because I’ve loved to make up stories since I was tiny. I think the biggest influence though, aside from my parents letting me watch movies like Legend, The Labyrinth, and Willow when I was little, was my sixth grade English teacher, Stan Smith. He always wore a tie and loafers with no socks, his office area looked like a wizard’s tower with books and papers piled knee high, and he taught us to love and respect the power of well-chosen words. Room 212 forever!

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your first novel?

Nicole: The hardest part of the process was finding balance between working on my manuscript, building my career as a photographer, and family life. I lost a lot of sleep writing The Laws of Founding.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of your new fantasy novel THE LAWS OF FOUNDING?

Nicole: The Laws of Founding follows college student Allie Chapter as she discovers her ability to move between dimensional realities in the Eververse, and how that opens the door for her to learn the truth about secrets from her past; secrets that put her life in danger.

TRC: At what age level is the story line directed (young adult, adult, new adult, all ages)?

Nicole: The main character, Allie, is in her early 20’s, which makes the book a natural fit for the New Adult genre. She deals with a lot of issues common to people that age, but I had an adult audience in mind when I wrote the book. Honestly, I wrote the story for myself first, because I wanted to know what happened!

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series or is THE LAWS OF FOUNDING a stand-alone novel?

Nicole: The Eververse Chronicles will be a trilogy; The Laws of Founding, The Founding Lie (the manuscript is about halfway done for this one) and the name of the last book is still to be determined. However, I already have other stories brewing that might have ties to the Eververse, so I don’t think I’ll leave the world(s) behind, entirely.

TRC: From where did you get the idea for THE LAWS OF FOUNDING?

Nicole: I’ve always been interested in mythology, and this book came about from wondering what would happen if Multiverse Theory were a reality, and if our mythologies originated with people who could travel between the different worlds.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning THE LAWS OF FOUNDING?

Nicole: I’m one of those writers who allows the story to grow organically and, while I have the outline of the plot in my mind, I don’t always have the details. I love creating and exploring new worlds, but I tend to stay very character focused. Because of that, it’s hard for me to know what to research beforehand. I wasn’t even sure which worlds I was going to visit in TLOF, so research happened sporadically as I wrote the manuscript. I spent a lot of time in front of Google for historical references, I read an awesome book called Reality is Not What it Seems; The Journey to Quantum Gravity by Carlo Rovelli, and a few books centered on mythology.

TRC: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Nicole: You’d think the hard scenes would be the emotionally charged ones, but for me the fight scenes were the most challenging because they needed to be choreographed. I know what I need the fight scene to do for the plot or the characters before I start to write it, but I don’t always know how two fighting styles will blend together, or what two bodies will look like moving in space and reacting to each other. This made for quite a few rewrites, hours on YouTube watching people try to hurt each other, a very sordid search history (it’s all writing related, I swear,) and a bit of time with my husband throwing *very* slow punches at my head.

TRC: How will publishing THE LAWS OF FOUNDING affect your writing style moving forward?

Nicole: I’m not sure that it will affect my style in the long run. Publishing TLOF solidified my tastes and made me more confident in my voice, I think.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Nicole: Absolutely. A cover says something about the tone of the book and makes a visual representation of what has only been in the authors head up to that point. I tested several different covers with groups of very diverse people and chose the overwhelming favorite.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Nicole: I find this process almost magical. I know in a general sense where I want the story to go, but I’m always amazed by how much agency the characters seem to have. The first time a character made a decision for themselves, I sat there looking at what I’d written thinking, “what in the hell just happened there?!”

There have been times when I’ve needed to wrestle the characters into the storyline but, more often than not, I decide the main plot points and who the characters are as people drives the details.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Nicole: Wow, this is a great question. There are a few aspects that make a story immersive, I think. First, the writer must either deeply understand the character or be incredibly empathetic. Sometimes we write about things we’ve experienced firsthand, so we know the emotions involved, and sometimes we write about things we’ve never done, so we must begin by putting ourselves in the characters place. If an author isn’t empathetic, they’re going to have a hard time drawing the reader in because they’ll be writing emotions and scenarios they can’t properly imagine, which means the character might think, say, or do things that don’t make sense. Readers are quick to catch onto things that create mental disconnects.

The second important aspect, to my mind, is writing with a sensory related focus. It’s much easier to put a reader into a scene when they feel the chill bite of the wind on their cheeks, smell the tang of the salt, and hear the roar of the waves than to simply say, “she stood by the ocean.”

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Nicole: This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. If I need to think my way through a scene, I like silence. I’m easily distracted by lyrics. When I’m working on a scene that I need to feel, I’ll play music that fits what I want the characters to be experiencing. Never does any music I choose influence where the story is going, though—that’s all up to the characters.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Nicole: That we’re all introverted hermits. I like to be around people, and I’m pretty damn friendly.

TRC: How should authors measure a book’s success?

Nicole: I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules for this. Each person should decide what success means for them, and recognize that it might be different for every book they write. Success might be just finishing the freaking book, and it might be $100,000 in sales. The worst thing anyone can do is use someone else’s life or accomplishments as a measuring stick for their own success.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Nicole: That I’ve been keeping a journal since I was thirteen. My grandkids are going to know way more about their grandma than they’d like to. Sorry, kiddos.

TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Nicole: I love many different authors for different reasons. I adore C.S. Lewis for his brilliant mind and moral compass, Tolkien for creating the archetype, Austen for her insight into human behavior, Brandon Sanderson for his kick-ass world creation, fight scenes and magic systems, Patrick Rothfuss for the tapestry of story and world he weaves, and Diana Gabaldon for the elegance of her prose and creating characters that feel like real people to me. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Jack London, Lois Lowery, Andrew Greeley and David Eddings for having written books that inspired me as a youth. I could go on…

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Nicole: I’m focusing on The Founding Lie, which is the second book in the Eververse Chronicles Trilogy, as well as playing with a short story that follows a character from that book, and a fun new idea that may turn into a book or novella that lies in a different world but ties into the Founding storyline.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Nicole: Just that I’m incredibly grateful for the interview, and I hope people grab the book and go an wild adventure with the characters!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Tomatoes

Favorite Dessert: Macarons

Favorite TV Show: Anne with an E

Last Movie You Saw: Avengers Infinity War. I LOVE superhero movies

Dark or Milk Chocolate: ALL the chocolate

Secret Celebrity Crush: it’s no secret: it’s Chris Hemsworth

Last Vacation Destination: Sedona, Arizona

Do you have any pets? A pug named Sissy

Last book you read: Age of Swords: Book Two of The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan

TRC: Thank you Nicole for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release. We wish you much success.

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His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

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His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

 

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Description:
“I have a business proposition for you.” Sealed with a million-dollar ring!To win the most important deal of his life, Lazzero Di Fiore needs a fake fianc�e. He strikes a pact with his gorgeous but guarded local barista Chiara: he’ll save her father from bankruptcy, if she agrees to wear his ring! But any convenience is consumed by their explosive attraction. Now Lazzero is determined to see his diamond on Chiara’s finger–for good!

 

Review:

This installment of The Di Fiore Tycoons series begins with Lazzero Di Fiore needing to close a huge deal with a competitor company. He’s promised his Board, so now, he needs to make it happen. The problem? Said competitor is married to one of Lazzero’s exes, who just so happens to still be in love with him.

When he enters his favorite coffee house, and spots Chiara, he starts to formulate a plan. As he overhears Chiara’s take on wealthy businessmen, he decides that she’d be perfect for what he has in mind: her to accompany him to Europe posing as his fiancé. Chiara isn’t looking for a relationship and Lazarro surely isn’t either. He’s more of a ‘love ‘em and leave ’em happy’ kind of guy.

Chiara, who is in need of money to help her father, accepts Lazarro’s offer. What neither of them counted on was the growing attraction that has been there for about as long as he’s been coming into the coffee shop. However, when past loves emerge and secrets are revealed, they both have some serious soul searching to do…..

His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal is another wonderfully written story by Jennifer Hayward. The characters are engaging and pull you in from the beginning. Chiara’s emotions are beautifully written and her stubbornness, along with her underlying vulnerability, will have readers falling in love with her. Lazarro has more going on that initially meets the eye. Damaged by his parents’ disaster of a marriage, your heart will ache reading his reasons for being so guarded with his heart. But, when the two come together, the chemistry leaps off the page. If you’re not reading Hayward’s works, you’re sorely missing out. Well done, Jennifer Hayward!! Very, very well done! I can’t wait for the next one………..

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

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Wild Child by A.S. Green – a Review

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Wild Child by A.S. Green – a Review

 

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Description:
I have never been to a place so tiny. Little Bear Island could fit in New York’s armpit. Still a job is a job and, after surviving Afghanistan, what’s twenty-four hours in podunk hell?

Providing private security for a celebrity wedding is nothing new…until I come face-to-face with Natalie O’Brien. The woman who chose someone else and kicked me to the curb six years ago. Time has done nothing to tame her. She’s a red-headed beauty with a sharp tongue and nerves of steel who could seriously knock me off my game…

When my assistant bails, Natalie jumps at the chance to get off this tiny island. Now we’re stuck criss-crossing the country in my SUV, with her tantalizing scent filling the cab and her smart mouth making me very…uncomfortable. Good thing the job will be over soon. So why does the thought of saying goodbye a second time make my heart stop?

 

Review:

Wild Child is the follow up to the book Summer Girl by A. S. Green.

Natalie O’Brien lives on Little Bear Island on Lake Superior.  She is everyone’s go to person on the island. A Jane of all trades so to speak. She is the glue that holds her small family together.  But something is missing.  Something or someone has been missing since she walked away from the love of her life six years ago. Six years ago, she was following her favorite band around the country, when she met Jackson Sparke, Jax as she called him. They had a whirlwind romance and he has forever been stuck in her mind.  So much so that no man that has come into Natalie’s life can not hold a candle to Jax.

 For the past six years Natalie has pined away for the man she was sure she would never see again.  That is until there is a celebrity wedding on the island and she meets the man in charge of the security detail.

Jackson Sparke has had a rough go of life.  His parents were never there for him,  his gram passed away when he was younger and the girl of his dreams walked away from him and never looked back.  He joined the Navy and became a Navy Seal.  Saw combat and lost some friends who meant the world to him. Struggling with his own issues he never expects to run into the girl that has been on his mind for the past six years.

When they first meet each other again, they both pretend to not recognize the other.  They both have gotten older and their looks have slightly changed. But how long can they pretend that that have no idea who the other is?  What begins here is a wonderful angst filled story of rekindling old love, second chances and moving forward when there are so many complications from the past.

I enjoyed Natalie’s character.  She seems to mean a lot to a lot of people.  She seems to be everything for everyone else.  And in that she loses herself. She doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life on her little island.  She dreams of leaving and traveling and trying new things.  She has clearly not gotten over the romance she shared years ago with Jax.  And when he comes back into her life and offers her a job in New York City, she jumps at the chance. But she is just a small town girl, how will she hold up in the big city.  

Jax was an angst riddled character that you just absolutely fall in love with.  You can see that he has truly been done wrong by people that were supposed to love him.   You can see that he truly cared for Natalie when he met her six years ago and was devastated when she didn’t stay with him and chose to return to the island without him.  He loved his grandmother and her death was just another whole left in his heart.  But he has gone on to do amazing things.  Start his own investigation company, which is currently doing quite well.  But he is not prepared for what running into Natalie again has brought to his life.

This is a classic romance with a twist of angst.  You aren’t quite sure you will get your happily ever after with this one. but in the end the romance is romantic and the lives of the characters feel real and fact based.  I loved that Jax was real, and while he was handsome and hard, he still was real.  With real faults, and qualities he just does not like about himself.  But when he is willing to make an effort to open up to Natalie and let his guard down – you completely fall in love with him.

This book can be read as a complete stand alone – which is what I have done.  There was nothing that left me questioning what I have missed. But now I want to go back and read Katherine’s story and will do just that with Summer Girl.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He’s in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister’s been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That’s the end of the bachelor lifestyle.

Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant’s in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man…?

 

 

Review:

Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin is the first book in her new Must Love Babies series. This series takes place in the same town as her previous Magnolia Brides series, in Misty Bottoms, Georgia.   Many of the characters from that series play a big part in this one, which will focus on the Wylder brothers.

Brant Wylder, our hero, is attending a wedding in Misty Bottoms, and finds himself attracted to one of the ladies at Magnolia Brides, who are handling the wedding.   But Brant has to leave early, as he gets a call that his sister was in a car accident.  In a short time, Brant, who is happy enjoying his carefree life as a bachelor, will find his life has drastically changed.  His sister will be in the process of a long rehabilitation, and he now must take care of his 5 month old nephew, Jax.   Brant finds himself handling something he knows nothing about, and his two brothers are of no help, being out of town on business. 

Molly Stiles, our heroine, is the newest member of Magnolia Brides, having opened up a bridal boutique.  Molly has a list that defines her timetable for the future, and becoming serious about a man is not on the list for a few years; her business is the most important thing in her life.  She does find Brant attractive, but tries to fight it off.  However, Molly feels bad when she sees Brant having a hard time, and decides to help him.

What follows is a slow build romance between two people who are destined to be together, but determined to fight it off.  On top of this, is baby Jax, who is such a joy to watch and to see how much both Brant and Molly have fallen in love with this precious baby.

Brant was a wonderful hero, and I loved every moment of his learning to change diapers, trying to feed him, and play with his nephew; they were so awesome together.  Molly was a bit tough early on, determined not to let herself get hurt, as her feelings for Brant were becoming stronger.  Though at times early on, I found her a little annoying, I absolutely loved her time with baby Jax.  They too were awesome together.   I guess we can say that Jax is the one who brings them together, as it was very sweet watching them with him, always pulling on our heart strings.   Austin did such a great job writing this wonderful story and making us adore Jax.

Besides the romance between Brant and Molly, the story has some issues each will have to get past.   Brant and his two brothers have decided to move to Misty Bottoms to open a car shop, where they repair and design specialized cars. Brant also tries to help his sister, whose accident was due to her drinking.    Molly also has an issue with her father, who left her years before; causing her fear of being hurt and not allowing her to follow her heart with Brant.  These issues all play a big part of the story.

Having been a fan of Austin’s writing in Magnolia Brides, I am happy to say I really enjoy Must Have Babies, and look forward to the next book.  If you enjoy pure romances, small town atmosphere, great secondary characters, cute babies and wonderful couples, you need to read this series ( I suggest you read Magnolia Brides).

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Molly stood beneath a magnolia tree, her face tipped to catch the moonlight. The breath caught in his throat, and for one fanciful second, Brant imagined a mythical princess or fairy.

He shook his head. The woman was real, and he wanted a dance, wanted to hold her in his arms. A little flirting? Harmless.
Stepping out of the shadows, he made his way to her.
“Beautiful night, huh?”
“Perfect.” Slowly, she turned, a smile on her face.
“How about a dance?”
She hesitated.
“I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment, sugar. Just a single dance under the stars. The night’s made for dancing.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
He caught her hand in his, amazed at its softness against his work-roughened one. “In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not the world’s greatest dancer, but you shouldn’t lose any toes.” He glanced at her sequined stilettos, showcased by her cocktail-length dress. “Don’t know how you even walk in those, let alone put on the miles you do, but I have to say that all mankind is grateful.”
Smiling, Molly peeked at her shoes. “They’re awesome, aren’t they?”
He nodded. “You can dance in them?”
“I could run a marathon in these.”
“Okay, then.” The moon shone through Spanish moss that dripped from the live oaks, forming a lacy pattern on the dewy grass.
Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” played over the sound system. Reaching the dance floor, Brant slid an arm around her waist and drew her in, breathed in her scent. He swung her out and brought her back in one smooth motion, felt her quick laugh in the pit of his stomach. The music slowed when the band segued into John Legend’s “All of Me,” and he drew her close.
Molly fit perfectly in his arms. She lived in Georgia and he in Tennessee, and that made her safe. And if the plans he and his brothers were working on panned out? Still nothing to worry about since she lived in Savannah. When she rested her head against his chest, he wondered if she could hear the rapid thump of his heart. Ms. Molly was hot, hot, hot.
His hand slid a little lower, and without missing a beat, she relocated it to her waist.
Molly smelled of a midnight garden with just a touch of naughty. His body responded, and he willed himself to think about something else. “How’s the city?”
“Savannah?” She shrugged. “I live in Misty Bottoms now. I opened a bridal boutique. Today’s bride was my first.” She grinned, dimples creasing her cheeks.
The dance ended, and he reluctantly released Molly. “I’m driving back to Tennessee tomorrow.”
“Speaking of driving, thanks for taxiing the last of the rehearsal dinner’s partiers home last night. I heard they celebrated pretty hard at Duffy’s.”
“No problem.”
“I need to stop at my car before I go back inside. I left the little silver heart I attach to the bridal gown’s garment bag in my glove box.”
Brant walked beside her in the soft night air, a hand at her elbow, while the band played Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You.”
He lowered his head. “Before we call it a night, I’d love to see the rose garden our friend Cole salvaged.”
“What a mess, but after a lot of hard work it’s incredible again.”
The scent of roses surrounding them, they strolled through the yard. In the silver light of the moon, the flowers glowed and took on an almost magical, fairy-tale illusion. The house shimmered and welcomed, like the true Southern lady she was. Interlacing his fingers with Molly’s, peace enveloped Brant.
They wandered across the expanse of lawn and through the blooms in comfortable silence.
From the parking area, he heard the sound of engines starting, of tires crunching on the long drive. “Looks like it’s about time for lights-out. We’d better head back so you can finish up.”
A slight breeze caused Molly to shiver, and happy for the excuse, Brant wrapped an arm around her and pulled her a little closer, surprised when she didn’t pull away.
Reaching her yellow-and-white Mini Countryman, he made to open her door, then changed his mind, leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, one that should have been impersonal. Friendly. Instead, fire shot through him.
He pulled back, unsure whether he should be relieved or horrified that the expression on her face mirrored his own stampeding feelings. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’m taking care of a few loose ends in the morning, then heading back to Tennessee. And I already said that, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. The kiss was nice, thanks, but you don’t need to worry. I won’t show up naked at your hotel door.”
His breath caught.
She grinned, and he understood she knew exactly the effect she was having on him.
“I—” His phone vibrated. “Whoops. Sorry, but I’d better take this. My brothers probably forgot something. Organization isn’t their strong suit. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Sure.”
“Hello? Dad?” As he spoke, he made his way to a gnarly old oak. His father’s voice was gruff, almost as if he’d been crying. Panic grabbed Brant by the throat. “What’s wrong?


 

 

 

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Damaged Hearts (Damaged Hearts #3) by Monica Murphy-Review Tour

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DAMAGED HEARTS (Damaged Heart #3) by Monica Murphy-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 24, 2018

After all we’ve been through, things are finally good between us. So good, I think I’m falling for Rhett, and I hope he’s falling for me. Once my enemy, he could now be my forever. But I’m still keeping a big secret from him. One that threatens to destroy us…

Jensen has stopped running away from me. She’s realized that we’re actually meant for each other. I need her, and I think she needs me too. Yet there are still secrets between us—will she hate me when she finds out the truth?

All the lies, all the secrets come to an explosive finale in the last book in the Damaged Hearts series!

•••••••••••

REVIEW: DAMAGED HEART is the third and final instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, new adult DAMAGED HEARTS erotic, romance trilogy focusing on college students Rhett Montgomery, and Jennifer ‘Jensen’ Fanelli. DAMAGED HEARTS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events, and cliff hanger of book two HIS WASTED HEART.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jensen and Rhett) DAMAGED HEARTS continues to focus on the secrets and lies between our leading couple. No longer determined to destroy the woman who abandoned her as a child, Jensen settles into her relationship with Rhett Montgomery only to come face to face with the deviant who almost destroyed her life. Secrets continue to build as the dysfunctional Montgomery family dynamics force both Jensen and Rhett to bury the truth behind more lies. The prospect of revealing more devastating information could blow the family apart, as Jensen and Rhett battle with the knowledge that infidelity is a by-product of the family DNA. The push and pull of their relationship, compounded by secrets and lies force Rhett and Jensen to reconsider what it is they want from one another, as Rhett’s family life begins to implode.

DAMAGED HEARTS is the culmination of three instalments wherein the growing angst and building anxiety, intrigue and butterflies surrounding the secrets and the lies falters in the face of several anticlimactic conflict resolutions. When all of the information, knowledge and secrets are revealed, the anticipated reaction and backlash are not forthcoming. There were no apparent histrionics or theatrics for the reader to observe as most of the confrontations were handled behind the scenes. There was a quiet acceptance and acknowledgment that no one is perfect, and life must go on. Monica Murphy’s slow reveal of secrets, and the bold and colorful characters will captivate your attention until the final reveal.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Her Defiant Heart
His Wasted Heart
Damaged Hearts

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy 

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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One Night Wife by Ainslie Paton – a Review

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One Night Wife by Ainslie Paton – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

 

Description:
Finley Cartwright is the queen of lost causes. That’s why she’s standing on a barstool trying to convince Friday night drinkers to donate money to a failing charity. Hitting on the guy on the next stool wasn’t part of her plan. Still, hot but grumpy venture capitalist Caleb Sherwood might just be her ticket to success. Professional grifter and modern-day Robin Hood, Cal Sherwood is looking for a partner for a long con. Sexy Fin, doing her best Marilyn Monroe act for her cause, has the necessary qualifications. By the time he cuts her free, her charity would be thriving, and she’d have helped him charm billions out of arrogant, gullible marks to fund his social justice causes. But just when he thinks he’s about to pull off the best con ever, his feisty new partner gets the upper hand. 

 

 

Review:

So ….. 

One Night Wife by Ainsley Paton starts with the usual …. hot hero meets ok looking girl, and I thought I was in for the usual read. But once you get in …  The book veers off and takes you for a great read. The book deals with the real issues, and for me it made a better read. 

Who is actually conning who ?   When you life has been a big con, would you actually recognise genuine feelings, and would you know if the person feels the same as you, or was it all fake ? 

Caleb (Cal) robs from the rich to give not quite to the poor (but to organizations that are trying to save the world) his plans are precise and he knows what and who to target, but all that gets blown out of the water when he meets Finley. 

Raising money for charity shouldn’t be this hard, but Fin is a quitter, she doesn’t do things for long, but she refuses to give on this one thing.  When their feelings for each other get in the way, is it time to give up on the con or can Cal and Fin have their happy ending ? 

One Night Wife is part of her Confidence Game series. This is a book that will grab your attention simply because of it’s lovable characters, and the fact it’s well written.  It’s a quick read for a summer afternoon. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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