Tag Archives: Tawna Fenske

Show Time (Juniper Ridge RC #1) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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Show Time (Juniper Ridge Romantic Comedies #1) by Tawna Fenske-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2020

It’s a wacky concept. Take an abandoned cult compound and cast the cops, teachers, farmers, and nurses needed for a self-contained community. Throw in some cameras and presto! Instant TV hit.

There’s only one family with the chops to make it work, so the Judsons pack up their LA lives for a fresh start in rural Oregon. Big brother Dean has brokered billions in Hollywood deals. Surely he can produce a tiny town from scratch? He just needs a finance guru to help him prep for showtime while Dean does his best to forget having his heart smashed to withered bits.

Vanessa Vincent ticks all the boxes, with the bonus of zero interest in the mating game aspect of Juniper Ridge. Just give her some spreadsheets and leave her in peace to turn her own wrecked romances into little more than bad flashbacks.

But Dean and Vanessa don’t count on their epic chemistry, or a stranger who’ll stop at nothing to keep Juniper Ridge from debut day. Can they build the dream without risking their hearts, or will it fade to black before the first act ends?

••••••••

REVIEW:SHOW TIME is the first instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult SHOW TIME romance series. This is CEO Dean Judson, and financial advisor Vanessa Vincent’s story line. Juniper Ridge is a spin off from the author’s Ponderosa Resort series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dean and Vanessa) SHOW TIME follows the building romance and relationship between CEO Dean Judson, and financial advisor Vanessa Vincent. Dean Judson, and his siblings bought land in Juniper Ridge, Oregon once owned by the controversial cult BONK (Benevolent Order of the New Kingdom) and with it they have plans to film a reality show focusing on a community of single men and women looking for love. Hiring a treasurer and CFO finds Dean Judson considering one-time childhood TV star turned financial consultant Vanessa Vincent, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero but not all is well at Juniper Ridge when a series of threatening emails, gifts and bloody photos take aim at our storyline heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Vanessa and Dean, and the potential fall-out when issues of trust threaten to tear the couple apart, and the intimidation turns personal and deadly.

The relationship between Dean and Vanessa is one of immediate attraction but neither one is looking for a permanent relationship having loved and failed in the past. Vanessa believes an affair with Dean could threaten her job at Juniper Ridge but Dean sees an opportunity to enjoy one another for as long as they can. Secret rendezvous lead to intimate nights that soon become fodder for someone hoping to destroy our storyline heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Dean’s wacky and wonderful family including sisters Lana, Lauren and Mari, brothers Gabe, and Cooper; café managers/computer hackers Colleen and Patti, police lieutenant Amy Lovelin; Vanessa’s twin sister Valerie, and Roughneck the dog.

SHOW TIME is a story of family, betrayal, obsession and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sexy and hot…but I failed to ‘sees’ the comedic aspect of a story where issues of trust, and threats of a personal and dangerous nature set the tone for the premise. I guess one person’s comedy, is another person’s tragedy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Two-Date Rule (Smokejumper #1) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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The Two-Date Rule (Smokejumper #1) by Tawna Fenske-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2020

Willa Frank has one simple rule: never go on a date with anyone more than twice. Now that her business is providing the stability she’s always needed, she can’t afford distractions. Her two-date rule will protect her just fine…until she meets smokejumper Grady Billman.

After one date—one amazing, unforgettable date—Grady isn’t ready to call it quits, despite his own no-attachments policy, and he’s found a sneaky way around both their rules.

Throwing gutter balls with pitchers of beer? Not a real date. Everyone knows bowling doesn’t count.

Watching a band play at a local show? They just happen to have the same great taste in music. Definitely not a date.

Hiking? Nope. How can exercise be considered a date?

With every “non-date” Grady suggests, his reasoning gets more ridiculous, and Willa must admit she’s having fun playing along. But when their time together costs Willa two critical clients, it’s clear she needs to focus on the only thing that matters—her future. And really, he should do the same.

But what is she supposed to do with a future that looks gray without Grady in it?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW:THE TWO-DATE RULE is the first instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult SMOKEJUMPER erotic, romance series. This is Smokejumper Grady Billman, and thirty-one year old, website designer Willa Frank’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grady and Willa) THE TWO-DATE RULE follows the building relationship between Smokejumper Grady Billman, and website designer Willa Frank. A night out with friends at a strip club finds Willa Frank face to face with a man she believes is part of the evening’s entertainment. A promise of dinner at a high-end restaurant finds our heroine struggling with wasteful expenses and enacts her two-date rule to get out before it is too late but all does not go according to plan when Willa and Grady’s series of non-date, dates finds our couple falling in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Grady and Willa, and the potential fall-out as Willa struggles Grady’s lack of preparedness for the future, and her inability to let go of the past.

Willa Frank does not do relationships having watched the failure of her parent’s marriage destroy her father, turning him into a struggling alcoholic. The two-date rule allows our heroine to walk away without any pressure but all is not well in Willa’s well-ordered world. Constantly worried about money and expenses, Willa battles between head and heart every time Grady wants to be spontaneous or take her out to dinner. Grady Billman comes from a very large family where most of his brothers are also Smokejumpers. Having watched his mother struggle without his father’s absence Grady reconsiders his future, and his future with the woman with whom he will fall in love.

The relationship between Grady and Willa is one of immediate attraction but Willa is determined to stick to her two-date rule, even though Grady makes sure that every time they are together, it isn’t considered one of their two dates, ever.When Grady forces Willa to take a weekend for herself, Willa discovers that stepping out of her comfort zone threatens her emotional stability. Willa’s worry aka obsession about money threatens her relationship with the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Willa’s best friends Kayla and Aislin; Grady’s fellow Smokejumpers Tony Warren, Ryan and Jimmy; Willa’s father; Grady’s parents and his nine brothers and sisters.

THE TWO-DATE RULE is a story of family, dysfunction, struggle and acceptance. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is seductive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT (Ponderosa Resort #6) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT (Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedy #6) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2019

Jonathan Bracelyn pours his soul into saving the world, and he’s still nowhere near cancelling out the sins of dear ol’ dad. But when a medical crisis prompts Jon to toss his sister the ultimate lifeline, he’s forced to hang up his captain’s hat and hit pause on the one thing that makes him…well, him.

At least he has Blanka Pavlo’s heart-flooding smile to buoy his spirits. A brilliant scientist, she knows things can’t last with the do-gooder Bracelyn brother. Not even if he kisses like a dream and boasts biceps as hefty as his heart. Blanka’s learned the hard way how lonely life is in the shadow of a saint, so she’s giving the hottie hero a wide berth.

Except Jonathan sucks at self-care, so maybe she’ll lend a hand (and other tingly parts) to help him out. Soon, they’re bonding over awkward bubble baths and a disturbingly homely cat, while struggling to remember it’s all temporary. But the harder they brace for goodbye, the louder their hearts declare they’re already in too deep.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CAPTAIN DREAM BOAT is the sixth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMDEDY erotic, romantic series focusing on the Bracelyn siblings and the people who work at Ponderosa Resort. This is sailing captain / philanthropist Jonathan Bracelyn, and scientist Blanka Pavlo’s story line. CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: A few years earlier the Bracelyn patriarch, Cort Bracelyn, died leaving his eldest son James to pick up the pieces of his billion dollar estate, an estate to be divided between his five children (Bree, Sean, James, Mark, and Jonathan ) all born of different mothers. The Ponderosa Resort is the family lodge where each of the now adult children lives and works. But to no one’s surprise, additional siblings continue to climb out of the proverbial woodwork.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jonathan and Blanka) CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT follows the building relationship between sailing captain / philanthropist Jonathan Bracelyn, and scientist Blanka Pavlo. At the wedding of his sister Bree Bracelyn to Austin Dugan (Sargeant Sexypants #3), sailing captain and philanthropist Jonathan Bracelyn will come face to face with the woman he met one month earlier at the local grade school career day. Blanka Pavlo knew immediately that something wasn’t right with Jonathan’s sister Isabella, something that would bring Jonathan closer to the sibling he had met only weeks before. A medical emergency finds Isabella the recipient of Jonathan’s kidney, and Jonathan the recipient of tender loving care from the woman with whom he would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Blanka and Jonathan, and the potential fall-out as neither Jonathan nor Blanka’s lifestyles are conducive to settling down or a long-term affair.

Jonathan Bracelyn is all about giving back; about helping out those less fortunate including the overseas rescue of migrants who would otherwise be lost to the waters and oceans of the Earth. Never one to settle down for too long, Jonathan finds himself struggling with his recovery when all he wants to do is move on and out. Blanka Pavlo has watched her parent’s marriage deteriorate as her Nobel Prize winning father searched for the next big thing, leaving his family in the wake of his own philanthropic ways. To Blanka’s surprise, she soon begins to realize that the man with whom she is falling in love is more like her father than she could have ever imagined. Having witnessed first hand her mother’s slow decent in loneliness and heartbreak, Blanka must make a decision as it pertains to her future, and the future of the man with whom she fell in love.

The relationship between Blanka and Jonathan is one of immediate attraction but the romance is placed on hold when Jonathan offers up a kidney to his ailing sister. When Jonathan gets the all clear, our hero begins a slow seduction of Blanka Pavlo, a seduction that is derailed when Jonathan meets Blanka’s father. The Sex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are re-introduced to Jonathan’s siblings: Sean Bracelyn and Amber King (Chef Sugarlips #2), Bree Bracelyn and Austin Dugan (Sargeant Sexypants #3), Mark Bracelyn and Chelsea Singer (Hottie Lumberjack #4), as well as Chelsea’s daughter Libby, James Bracelyn and Lily Archer (Stiff Suit #5), newest sibling Isabella Blankenship; Jonathan’s mother Wendy and her husband retired US Coast Guard Admiral Chuck, as well as Jonathan’s half-sister Gretchen. We are introduced to Blanka’s parents Galyna Pavlo and Thomas Kushnir Kramer, as well as Dr. Bradley Parker. Gretchen and Gable find their own happily ever after in Snowbound Squeeze (Jan 2020); Bradley and Isabella’s story will be found in Dr. Hot Stuff (2020).

CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT is a story of family, friendship, romance and love; a story of betrayal and acceptance; of desperately trying to move on from the past. The premise is entertaining, romantic and captivating; the characters are energetic, colorful and engaging; the romance is seductive and hot. CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT has a little bit of heart break, a little bit of humor and a whole lot of heart.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Studmuffin Santa
Chef Sugarlips
Sergeant Sexypants
Hottie Lumberjack
Stiff Suit
5.5 Mancandy Crush
Captain Dreamboat

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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STIFF SUIT (Ponderosa Resort #5) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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STIFF SUIT (Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies #5) by Tawna Fenske-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 14, 2019

James “Iceman” Bracelyn is wound tighter than a vintage Rolex. Besides his CEO role at Ponderosa Resort, he’s guardian of the family’s biggest secrets, including a doozy that keeps him up at night. Alone. In that big bed he’d rather not share, thank you very much.

That’s fine with Lily Archer, who likes her flings flaming hot and fleeting. Her man-eater rep might be slightly exaggerated, but she’ll gladly dial it up to rescue James from himself—and a bottle of Glenlivit—at his brother’s wedding.

Intimacy’s the last thing either one wants, but it’s tough to dodge when they’re drawn together by the world’s drooliest dog, a TPing escapade gone wrong, and a good old-fashioned desktop hookup. That’s problematic for James, whose ability to hide the family’s riskiest secret is complicated by the secret’s refusal to get the hell out of his guest room.

Can Iceman keep his frigid shell intact while falling for the hottest science geek sex goddess he’s ever met, or will the ticking time bomb blow it all to smithereens?

•••••••••

REVIEW: STIFF SUIT is the fifth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES romance series. This is thirty-four year old, attorney and eldest sibling James ‘Iceman’ Bracelyn, and geologist Dr. Lily Archer’s story line. STIFF SUIT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: A few years earlier the Bracelyn patriarch, Cort Bracelyn, died leaving his eldest son James to pick up the pieces of his billion dollar estate, to be divided between his five children (Bree, Sean, James, Mark, Jonathan) all born of different mothers. The Ponderosa Resort is the family lodge where each of the now adult children lives and works.

Told from dual first person perspectives (James and Lily) STIFF SUIT follows in the aftermath of Sean Bracelyn’s marriage to Amber King. Having had too much to drink at his brother’s wedding James Bracelyn wakes up next to one of the bridesmaids, having no memory of what happened the night before. Enter geologist Dr. Lily Archer, the woman with whom James will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between James and Lily, and the potential fall-out as the Bracelyn siblings are once again stunned and angered by their father’s past.

Lily Archer doesn’t do relationships, in fact, our heroine has a reputation as a man-eater. Meeting James Bracelyn stirs something deep within our heroine’s heart something that will shatter when James is unable to let go of the past. James Bracelyn has no time for romance or love but waking next to Lily Archer gave our hero something to think about, something that looks a lot like a possible happily ever after. Our hero is a bit of a stuffed shirt, always working with no time to enjoy the lighter side of life.

The relationship between Lily and James is a ‘friends with benefits’ of a sorts, that turns into something more. Neither one is prepared to fall in love but the heart wants forever even though the mind says something else. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters. There is a struggling family dynamic between siblings who were aware of one another but never had the chance to bond until adulthood.

STIFF SUIT is a story of family, friendship, secrets and lies. The premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are energetic and colorful but I struggled to find the humor throughout the story line.

There are moments of fun and adventure but the overall premise is a little heart breaking and sad. James Bracelyn is the keeper of the family secrets, so much so, that is eats away at his emotions and pride. The family patriarch has done a real number on his numerous progeny, such that family counselling is the only way to understand and survive. When even more secrets are revealed James becomes the punching bag for their father’s sins and lies.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Studmuffin Santa
Chef Sugarlips
Sergeant Sexypants
Hottie Lumberjack
Stiff Suit

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ponderosa Resort Series by Tawna Fenske-Series Review

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Ponderosa Resort Series by Tawna Fenske-Series Review

STUDMUFFIN SANTA
Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies .5
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date November 22, 2017

Brandon Brown is the unlikeliest Santa ever to don a red velvet suit. His abs are more cheese grater than bowl full of jelly, and deploying to Syria is the closest he’s come to the North Pole. But family drama sends the jaded Marine home for the holidays, and lands him an unexpected gig as a part-time Santa. Jade King is hustling to get Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch off the ground, and she’s not thrilled her sister hired a Santa with sex-appeal. The last thing Jade wants is a beefcake circus, and guys like Brandon bring sleigh-loads of trouble. But Studmuffin Santa proves more popular than anyone dreamed, drawing hordes of happy kids, lusty moms, and a mystery foe hell-bent on wrecking it all. The threat has Brandon playing protector for the reindeer and their sexy keeper, which is risky for a guy who’s sworn off happy endings and the whole Christmas mess. But as Jade and Brandon bond over Santa suit malfunctions and risque Christmas cookies, they find they have more in common than a craving for gingerbread. Can they find a way to mesh their wish lists, or will ghosts of Christmas past bring things crashing down like a fat man in a cast iron sleigh?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: STUDMUFFIN SANTA is the first instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES series. This is US Marine Brandon Brown, and reindeer ranch owner Jade King’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brandon and Jade) STUDMUFFIN SANTA follows the building relationship and romance between US Marine Brandon Brown, and reindeer ranch owner Jade King. Brandon Brown is on leave from the Marines working part time as the seasonal Santa at the Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch for sisters Jade and Amber King. Following a series of questionable events, Brandon finds himself protector and guardian for Jade King, a woman who remembers a different Brandon Brown from years before. What ensues is the building friendship and relationship between Brandon and Jade, and the potential fall-out as Jade struggles with what was, and what continues to be.

Jade King was bullied and teased throughout her high school years but Brandon doesn’t remember the woman with whom he will fall in love. Struggling with painful memories, Jade battles between head and heart, between then and now, when the past comes full circle. Thirteen years in the Marines, and Brandon is ready to retire. With his father’s health continuing to fail, Brandon’s memories of Christmas pasts continue to haunt his present.

STUDMUFFIN SANTA is a story of family, friendship, obsession and love. We are introduced to Brandon’s cousins Bree and Sean Bracelyn, as well as Jade’s sister Amber. The premise is sexy and fun but also intriguing and suspenseful; the characters are sassy and strong; the romance is passionate and hot.

___________

CHEF SUGARLIPS
Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies #2
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 18, 2018

Sean Bracelyn can whip up a saffron-laced lobster risotto in his sleep, but relationships? That’s one recipe he hasn’t nailed. Not that he has time, between launching a new restaurant and building a luxury resort with his awkwardly-blended family. But when his dream girl nearly knocks him unconscious with a dead turkey, it’s all Sean can do to keep his eyes on the gazpacho and off Amber King’s perfect curves.

Amber’s done with guys propping her on a pedestal. Transforming her family’s reindeer ranch into a country chic wedding venue is consuming enough, and the last thing she needs is an extra serving of love drama. So what is it about the stupid-sexy chef that gets her desires bubbling like a pot of hot spaghetti?

Keeping their distance is tough enough before Sean and Amber get tossed together by wacky weddings, lingerie mishaps, and a surly three-legged cat. When Sean’s mom shows up to dish out huge helpings of family drama, a big secret threatens to spread faster than a kitchen fire.

Can Sean and Amber find the right blend of sugar and spice, or will love fall flat as a burnt soufflé?

•••••••••

REVIEW: CHEF SUGARLIPS is the second instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES romance series focusing on the Bracelyn siblings. This is twenty-seven year old chef Sean Bracelyn, and twenty-five year old, marketing specialist and co-owner of Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch Amber King’s story line. CHEF SUGARLIPS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Eighteen months earlier the Bracelyn patriarch died leaving his children a rather hefty inheritance including and a large tract of land they have developed into a high-end resort for the rich and famous. Half-siblings at best, the Bracelyn’s build friendships and relationships with neighbors and one another.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Amber and Sean) CHEF SUGARLIPS follows the building romance between twenty-seven year old chef Sean Bracelyn, and twenty-five year old, marketing specialist Amber King. Sean Bracelyn has lusted after Amber King for close to ten years but Amber had no idea about the who and how of Sean Bracelyn. Desperate for someone to cater a wedding at their family owned Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch, Amber, along with a crossbow and stuffed turkey make Sean an offer he cannot refuse. What ensues is the building romance between Sean and Amber, and the potential fall-out as Sean struggles with family secrets, secrets that are about to be revealed.

The relationship between Sean and Amber is one of immediate attraction but Amber’s history is men is questionable, and Sean battles between head and heart knowing not everything is as it appears to be. Embarrassed by the possibility of the truth being revealed, Sean is willing to push Amber out of his life, leaving a devastated and heart broken woman in its wake. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Sean’s mother Melody, and his large assortment of half-siblings: sister Bree, brother and lawyer James, Mark and Jonathon, and cousin Brandon Brown (Studmuffin Santa #1), and Amber’s sister Jade; and an assortment of bridal clients, and friends. Bree Bracelyn’s story is next in Sergeant Sexy pants.

CHEF SUGARLIPS is another story of family, secrets, friendship and love. There are moments of heart break, fun, humor, and laughs-wait for the meatball massacre. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is flirty and sexy; the characters are energetic and colorful. The conflict is limited to our hero’s inability to look beyond the past.

_________

SERGEANT SEXYPANTS
Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies #3
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult,contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2018

Bree Bracelyn doesn’t date cops. It’s a personal rule that quavers when Austin Dugan flashes his baby blues—and his badge—at Ponderosa Resort’s grand opening. Bree’s the family fixer, running the resort’s PR and her siblings’ lives with cheerful efficiency. But one thing in Bree’s past can’t ever be fixed, which is why she’s staying the hell away from Officer Hottie.

Austin’s heart tacks up a wanted poster with Bree’s name the instant he lays eyes on her. Okay, the no-cops rule is an obstacle, but not impossible for a guy ambitious enough to be a shoo-in as the next police chief. Besides, he knows Bree’s into him, whether they’re flirting over weird flatware or getting frisky in the front seat of his vintage Volvo.

As Bree and Austin bond over cupcakes and hot springs hookups, Bree knows it’s a matter of time before the skeletons in her closet topple into a messy heap on Austin’s squeaky-clean life. Is there hope for a happy ending, or will their love end up DOA?

•••••••

REVIEW: SERGEANT SEXYPANTS is the third instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMEDIES romance series focusing on the Bracelyn siblings. This is marketing and PR director Bree Bracelyn, and Sargeant Austin Dugan’s story line. SERGEANT SEXYPANTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bree and Austin) SERGEANT SEXYPANTS follows the building relationship between marketing and PR director Bree Bracelyn, and Sargeant Austin Dugan. The grand opening for the Ponderosa Luxury Resorts welcomed the whose who of Central Oregon including Sheriff John Dugan, and his son Sergeant Austin Dugan but Bree wanted nothing to do with law enforcement including the man who pushed all of her buttons. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bree and Austin, and the potential fall-out as Bree keeps secret a past that may push Austin out of her life.

The relationship between Bree and Austin is one of immediate attraction; a sweet, fun and sexy romance with moments of emotional break down with memories from the past. All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters .

SERGEANT SEXYPANTS is heart warming, flirty and engaging story line. The premise is imaginative; the characters are sassy and spirited; the romance is passionate and intimate.

____________

HOTTIE LUMBERJACK
Ponderosa Resort #4
by Tawna Fenske
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK; Release Date March 1,2019

When Mark Bracelyn lumbers into Chelsea Singer’s cupcake shop with an axe, she’s poised to hit the panic button. But he fixes her door, praises her buttercream, and sends her skittish heart pounding like a hammer on a hollow log, so he can’t be all that scary. Chelsea’s sure there’s a gooey marshmallow center under Mark’s tough outer shell, though admittedly she’s been wrong before.

Mark may look like a grungy lumberjack, but he’s also the wealthy part-owner of Ponderosa Luxury Ranch Resort. The lone Bracelyn heir to avoid a childhood of fancy boarding schools, he stays hidden behind the scruffy beard and battered truck. But something else separates Mark from his siblings, and keeping his guard up means keeping his secret—and his family.

When someone threatens Chelsea and her daughter, Mark becomes their personal protector. When he’s not watching her back, he’s watching the rest of Chelsea’s body and warning himself not to touch. With danger mounting, they bond over phallic cupcakes and bizarre bunny behavior, while Mark battles his surging attraction. Can a sweet-toothed mountain man and a cautious single mom escape their histories, or will their hearts land on the chopping block?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HOTTIE LUMBERJACK is the fourth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANCE COMEDIES Series. This is thirty-year old, resort co-owner and handyman Mark Bracelyn, and single mother / pastry chef Chelsea Singer’s story line. HOTTIE LUMBERJACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mark and Chelsea) HOTTIE LUMBERJACK follows the building relationship between thirty-year old, resort co-owner and handyman Mark Bracelyn, and single mother / pastry chef Chelsea Singer. Chelsea Singer, owner of Dew Drop Cupcakes, has no idea her life is about to change. Meeting Mark Bracelyn gave Chelsea thoughts for a future but threats from an unknown source finds Mark guardian and protector when the threats become personal and more alarming. What ensues is the building romance between Mark and Chelsea, and the potential fall-out as Mark refuses to open up about his past.

Mark Bracelyn is the awkward, odd man out; bearded and large like a lumberjack, Mark doesn’t look like the rest of his siblings, and struggles to find a place to belong. Chelsea Singer has always known her past may come back to haunt her but she never expected to face a threat from the other direction.

The relationship between Mark and Chelsea is one of immediate attraction but Mark bides his time as the threats against the woman with whom he will fall in love increase in intensity and danger. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of Mark’s siblings and their significant others. We are introduced to Chelsea’s seven-year old daughter Libby, and Mark’s mother Betty. Libby is a breath of fresh air.

HOTTIE LUMBERJACK has a little it of everything: family, fun, love, acceptance, danger and revenge. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the romance is spicy and flirty; the characters are spirited and playful.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Going Up: A Kindle in Motion Novella by Tawna Fenske-a review

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GOING UP: A Kindle in Motion Novella by Tawna Fenske-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2018

If someone had told Noah Donovan he was going to be stuck in an elevator with a very beautiful, slightly odd bartender and her fluffy packrat, he never would have believed it. Fortunately, the quirky brunette leaves the very cuddly rodent behind. Unfortunately, she’s married.

In Lexi Allison’s job, she’s accustomed to warding off unwanted advances with a fake wedding ring. So when she meets a tatted-up hunk in an elevator, she’s quick to revert to her default tall tale. This guy certainly knows how to push her buttons, but the thing is, they’re the right buttons. Not that it makes any difference. She won’t see him again anyway.

Noah and Lexi are about to discover that fate has plans for both of them—and that their ups and downs are just beginning. Because it’s going to take two lies, three misunderstandings, a case of mistaken identity, and one very persistent rodent to prove that perfect strangers can make the perfect couple.

•••••

REVIEW: GOING UP by Tawna Fenske is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romantic comedy story line focusing on stonemason Noah Donovan, and mixologist Lexi Allison. GOING UP is a part of the Kindle in Motion series of books that can be read on any device, including Kindle E-readers. Kindle in Motion books include art, animation, or video features that can be viewed on certain Fire tablets and the free Kindle app for iOS and Android. You can switch features on or off at any time.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Noah and Lexi) GOING UP follows the building relationship between quirky and odd mixologist Lexi Allison, and stonemason Noah Donovan. Trapped in an elevator with a gorgeous man, Lexi Allison would meet her future in the guise of stonemason Noah Donovan. Pet sitting her best friend’s ‘packrat’ who will inadvertently take refuge in Noah’s lunch bag, Allison must come to grips with her own numerous quirks and emotional instabilities in an effort to remain calm in the face of potential disaster. A stuck elevator, a couple of lies, a series of misunderstandings, a purse thief, a bratwurst, and a pet rat that goes missing, not once but twice, add to the oddball misadventures for our story line couple. The premise is entertaining; the romance is sweet and passionate but mostly implied; the characters are colorful, charismatic and engaging. GOING UP is a sweet and delightful quick read

As to the Kindle in Motion option, I was unable to access therefore I am not prepared to comment either way but if you want to see for yourself, venture to GOING UP at Amazon, and watch from the side.

Click HERE for a Kindle In Motion sample

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Hook Up (First Impressions #3) by Tawna Fenske-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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THE HOOK UP (First Impressions #3) by Tawna Fenske-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

The Hook UP Banner

THE HOOK UP
First Impressions #3
by Tawna Fenske
Release Date: July 3, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Hook UP

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 3, 2017

Ellie Sanders is over the fairytale, thank you very much. Content with her booming career as a purveyor of Madame Butterfly pleasure aids, she doesn’t need a man for anything—except maybe marketing tips. And, okay, a few fun nights with something that doesn’t require batteries.

Love, marriage, and family aren’t in the cards for Tyler Hendrix. Period. The Navy helped Ty put his tumultuous childhood behind him, but when a sexy single mom walks through the First Impressions door looking to take her business to the next level, he feels his carefully constructed “never-get-attached” walls crack.

As Ty and Ellie maneuver through a minefield of wardrobe malfunctions, plumbing mishaps, and the world’s most awkward accidental dirty talk, discovering they have more in common than scorching sexual attraction threatens to crumble Ty’s walls for good.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HOOK UP is the third installment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult FIRST IMPRESSIONS erotic, romance series. This is online $ex toy entrepreneur and single parent Ellie Sanders, and videographer Tyler Hendrix’s story line. THE HOOK UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous books is revealed where necessary. Ellie is the sister of Jason Sanders, and Tyler is partnered with Miriam Ashley-Sanders (The Hang Up #2).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ellie and Tyler) THE HOOK UP is a romantic comedy of errors wherein Tyler mistakes Ellie for someone else as he offers his assistance with her online company using a myriad of unintended sexual innuendo that jumps over the line pretty fast. From bowling balls to blue balls to condom covered water pipes Tyler’s introduction to Ellie Sanders finds our couple immediately attracted to one another but Tyler’s less than stellar upbringing and Ellie’s disaster of a first marriage finds our couple wanting a friends with benefits only relationship that turns into something more. But Tyler’s past refuses to go away affecting his emotional stability and his relationship with the woman he loves. What ensues is the building romance that falters when Tyler walks away from a potential future with Ellie Sanders. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense

THE HOOK UP is a fun read with a little bit of romance, sex, heartbreak and love. Jason and Miriam (The Hang Up) play secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Ellie’s son Henry, as well as Tyler’s sister Anna, and their father John. Several minor characters come and go throughout the story line.

THE HOOK UP is a sweet, sexy story of romance with a little bit of humor, fun and conflict. The premise is heartwarming; the characters are realistic and encouraging; the romance is passionate. THE HOOK UP is a spirited and spicy-perfect for a lazy summer afternoon on the beach.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Fix Up
The Hang Up
The Hook Up

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

“Shoot!”
Her tame expletive was tinged with frustration, and there was a clatter behind him as something hit the floor.
“You okay?” he asked in a voice that didn’t quite sound like his own.
“I dropped the thingy,” she said. “The box that you’d hooked to the back of my dress? I’m sorry. It just came off.”
“No problem. Is it safe to turn around?”
“Yes. Sorry.”
“No worries.” Ty turned back around, relieved to see her dress in place and the mike pack all in one piece. “My fault,” he assured her. “I knew that fabric was probably too slippery. Let’s try something else.”
He stepped toward her again, inspecting the dress—not her body, dammit—as closely as he dared. Those cutouts at the waistline were sexy as hell, but not sturdy enough to hold the weight of the mike pack. “Okay, what if you hooked it to your, uh…your…”
He froze, not wanting to make this more awkward than it already was.
Ellie frowned, uncomprehending. “My what?”
“Your, um…”
A small smile flickered in her eyes. “Is this like charades with body parts and articles of clothing?”
There was a teasing note in her voice, and Ty reminded himself which business she was in. It wasn’t like he was going to offend her.
“Your underwear,” he said. “Panties.”
Ellie laughed. “Yeah, one problem with that.”
“What?”
“I’m wearing a super-tiny thong. More of a G-string, I guess.”
Holy mother of—
“Okay, then.” Ty cleared his throat, grateful he couldn’t see the expression on his face.
But Ellie saw it, and it made her laugh again. “I wasn’t trying to be sexy or anything,” she said. “These cutouts dip too low on the sides, so regular panties wouldn’t work. And the lace is pretty flimsy, so I don’t think—”
“Okay!” Ty said again, a little too loudly this time. His brain was buzzing, and he definitely needed to turn up the air conditioning, or maybe just stop thinking about Ellie Sanders’s underwear. “Let’s try something else.”

.

About the Author Black and rose

 

Tawna FenskeWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA-nominated, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”

Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, stepkids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.

Connect with Tawna:

Author Website: www.tawnafenske.com
Author Blog: http://tawnafenske.blogspot.com/
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/tawnafenske
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TawnaFenskeBooks/

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This Time Around by Tawna Fenske-Review, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway

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THIS TIME AROUND by Tawna Fenske-Review , ExclusiveExcerpt & Giveaway

This Time Around

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2017

Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.

When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.

As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THIS TIME AROUND by Tawna Fenske is a stand alone, adult, contemporary,  romantic story line focusing on the rekindling relationship between Certified Association Executive Allie Ross, and ‘app’ developer Jack Carpenter.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Allie and Jack) Allie Ross and Jack Carpenter were once high school sweethearts and college lovers but sixteen years had passed since the day Allie pushed Jack Carpenter out of her life. Fast forward to present day wherein our heroine struggles with the knowledge that not all is right in her ordered world-law school never came to fruition; her parents are in prison for running a Ponzi scheme that bilked hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients and friends; her beloved grandmother recently passed bequeathing Allie a former B&B that now is home to sixteen polydactyl cats; and the man that Allie once loved has returned to town with a ten year old daughter, potentially looking for a second chance, at a happily ever after. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Allie and Jack, and Allie’s discovery that her grandmother’s attic is a Pandora’s box of secrets and lies.

Allie Ross grew up privileged but the man that Allie loved was never good enough or determined to make something of his life. Allie had plans to attend university then law school but life had a way of interfering pulling Allie in another direction. Jack Carpenter left town and made a name for himself following several years of struggle and the death of the woman he once called lover and wife. With his ten year old daughter in tow Jack returns to the town he once called home, and the woman he is hoping to rekindle the spark.

The relationship between Jack and Allie is one of second chances but Allie is reluctant to reveal everything about her life. Throughout the story Allie begins to shed the protective walls that have encompassed her heart but too many secrets revealed finds our hero walking away without a backwards glance. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate and sensual.

We are introduced to Allie’s ex fiancé and best friend Wade, her parents Priscilla and Nathan Ross, Rosewood B&B custodian Skye, as well as Jack’s ten year old daughter Paige. The world building focuses on the rebuilding relationship between Jack and Allie but also on a lifetime of secrets that slowly begin to eat at Allie’s façade.

THIS TIME AROUND is a spirited and hopeful story line with a little bit of humor, romance, guilt and love. The premise is idealistic and heartwarming; the characters are colorful and realistic; the romance is passionate and emotional. THIS TIME AROUND follows one woman as she battles the realities of life and love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

“Hey, Allie. You planning to show me those dresses?”

“Um, I wasn’t planning on it.” She yanked the first one off the hanger and pulled it on, struggling in the taffeta for a few moments before realizing she had it on backwards. She righted the dress, then reached behind her to do up the zipper.

Crap! She couldn’t reach. Since when had her arms gotten too short to do up a damn zipper? She wriggled and stretched, wishing like hell she’d made a better effort to do Pilates more regularly. She just didn’t have time and—

“Need help with any zippers?”

“Dammit, are you spying on me?”

His laugh bounced through the small dressing room space, and Allie felt her cheeks grow hot. “It’s a solid door, Allie. Floor to ceiling, and no keyhole. No, I’m not spying on you. Paranoid much?”

She tossed her hair, not sure whether to be more flustered with herself or with him.

“Fine,” she said, yanking open the door. “I could use help with the zipper.”

“Funny, I didn’t hear a please in there.”

“Please.” Allie sighed and turned to present her back to him. He was silent a moment, and she glanced in the mirror to see his eyes cast downward toward her ass. Embarrassment bubbled in her gut, but she tried to cover. “Yes, I’m wearing granny panties, okay? Sue me. I haven’t had time to do laundry all week and—”

“I wasn’t judging your underwear, Allie. Just admiring the tattoo.”

“Oh.”

“When did you get it?”

She bit her lip. “A year after college.”

His fingers grazed the small of her back, and for an instant, she thought he was touching the tip of one of the small, orange flames. Then she realized he was reaching for the zipper. He dragged it slowly up her spine, and Allie focused hard on keeping her stomach pulled in, wondering if her muffin top was showing over the top of her awful gray panties.

“It’s very nice. The tattoo, I mean.”

“Thank you.” His hand was still on the zipper, even though she was pretty sure he had it all the way up. The heat of his hand made her shiver.

“What does it mean?”

“The tattoo?” She shrugged, trying to look casual as she smoothed down the front of the dress in the mirror in front of her. She didn’t look up, not wanting to see Jack’s eyes. “It doesn’t mean anything. Just a pretty, fiery design, that’s all.”

“I know you, Allie.” His voice was low in her ear, so close she could feel his breath ruffling her hair. She let her gaze stray up, and she locked eyes with him in the mirror. “You wouldn’t permanently ink something on your body if it didn’t have meaning.”

She stood frozen with her gaze locked on his, not daring to speak. Desperate to break the spell, she turned to face him with an expression she made as blank as possible. “Maybe I would get a meaningless tattoo. You knew the nineteen-year-old version of Allie, not the twenty-three-year-old one I was when I got the ink.”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “Or the thirty-six-year-old one, apparently.” He studied her for a long while, gaze locked with hers, and Allie found she couldn’t look away.

She nodded. “A lot’s changed.”

“That it has.” He was standing close, too close. He was practically touching her. She wanted him to touch her. Just a tiny step forward and—

“Oh, wow! That’s super pretty!”

Allie blinked and took a step back as Paige peered out from under her father’s arm. She smiled up at Allie and reached out to touch the hem of the dress. “You look nice.”

“Thank you.” It occurred to Allie that she’d barely looked in the mirror yet, so she turned to study herself in the full-length one behind her. Not bad. Not bad at all. A little snug around the chest, but it was probably supposed to be. There was a little armpit fat poking out at the top, but the hemline made her legs look good, and fluttered nicely when she turned back to face Jack and Paige.

“Looks like you got lucky on the first try.”

Allie shifted from one foot to the other, not trusting herself to meet his eyes again. “Looks like it.”

“Who was your first boyfriend that you loved?”

Allie blinked and looked at Paige. “Wow. That’s kind of random.”

Jack laughed and ruffled his daughter’s hair. “Not totally. We were just talking about it at the barbershop. We were also talking about how some things are personal and not appropriate questions to ask, weren’t we?”

Paige gave a solemn nod and looked up at Allie. “That’s true.”

Jack gave Allie his slow, lazy smile, holding her gaze for a few beats too many before turning back to his daughter. “Did you need something, kiddo?”

Allie said a silent prayer of thanks that Jack had a talent for distracting his daughter. The girl nodded and held up an armful of clothing. “I wanted to try these on.”

“Looks like someone’s in the room next door,” Jack said. “You’ll have to wait your turn.”

Allie reached behind her neck, fumbling for the zipper. “Hang on, you can have this one. I don’t need to try on the rest of these. I know what I want.” Her fingers gripped the zipper and her shoulder creaked as she tried to pull down. “Just let me get out of—”

“Allow me.” Jack grabbed her by the waist to hold her still, then tugged the zipper down with a bit less finesse than he’d used to slide it up. He stopped just above the small of her back, and Allie wondered if he was preserving her modesty or trying to keep his daughter from seeing the tattoo.

But the kid clearly had eagle eyes. “Is that fire on your back?”

Allie turned around, holding the back of the dress together with one hand as she stole a look at Jack. Discomfort was etched on his face, but he wasn’t meeting her eye. Allie looked at Paige.

“Yes, but I didn’t get it until I was a grown-up,” she said. “The decision to get a tattoo is a big one, so it’s not something you even want to start thinking about until—”

“It looks just like one my dad has.”

“What?”

Paige nodded and pointed to her father’s ribcage. “Right there. Beside his tummy. He has fire, too, only his has—”

“Why don’t we let Allie finish getting dressed?”

Paige looked up at her dad and shrugged. “Okay.”

***

About The Author

Tawna FenskeTawna Fenske is a USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Her offbeat brand of romance has received multiple starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, one of which noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year.

Connect with Tawna:

Author Website: www.tawnafenske.com
Author Blog: http://tawnafenske.blogspot.com/
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/tawnafenske
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TawnaFenskeBooks/

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