Tag Archives: Vickie

Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas -a Review

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Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas -a Review

 

Missing MelissaAmazon

Description:
Twenty-two years old with a journalism degree from UCLA and a promising entry level position at a television station, Madeline Patterson is ready to take on the Universe. Raised by two loving parents, adored by her grandmother, protected by her dog, Pepper, and supported by her best friend—Madeline has it all. There’s only one thing missing—literally missing—her identical twin, Melissa.

When Madeline and Melissa were three-years-old, their mother was carjacked in broad daylight while taking them to a doctor’s appointment. She was able to get away with Madeline in tow, but the assailants left the scene before she could rescue Melissa. A long and massive search ensued, but Melissa was never found and is believed to be dead. However, a dream Madeline has on her twenty-second birthday, wherein Melissa appears to her as a grown woman pleading for help, convinces her Melissa is still alive. Against her parents’ wishes, Madeline vows to find her twin. However, in doing so, she unknowingly stumbles upon a series of startling clues that point to her parents’ possible involvement in Melissa’s disappearance. Paralyzed by fear, Madeline doesn’t want to face what could possibly be the ugly and grim truth about her parents. However, her desire to find Melissa propels her forward—but nothing could prepare her for what she discovers.

 

Review:

When Madeline awakens on her 22nd birthday, she has one thing on her mind. Her twin sister, Melissa, who was abducted nineteen years earlier. She had no idea at the time how much her life would change in a relatively short time. When she confides in her best friend, Ruby, that she believes Melissa is still alive, Ruby, more or less, tries to convince her to give up on that notion. After all, her birthday party is starting in just a few hours.

Once Madeline makes her appearance downstairs and the party gets rolling, she is greeted by lots of friends and family, and in particular, one friend from a long time ago who brings up her twin, Melissa. It’s actually this old friend that really motivates Madeline to reinvigorate her search for her sister, even though he’s a little on the creepy side. Madeline eventually broaches the subject of Melissa’s disappearance with her dad who shuts her down. Hard. Which only adds to her curiosity.

Things really get rolling once Ruby decides to help and sets up a Facebook page, Missing Melissa, and tips start coming in. Madeline eventually contacts the cold case detectives at the police department and is almost immediately befriended by Sam, one of the detectives, who proves to be instrumental in the investigation. Through a series of events, Madeline finds out that some of the things she thought she “knew” all of her young life, were indeed not the way at all. Once she starts delving deeper into things from her family’s past, the more mysterious things become. She doesn’t want to believe that her parents are hiding things from her, but a conversation with her paternal grandmother changes everything……….

Missing Melissa is another wonderfully written story by Alretha Thomas. There were lots of twists and turns, and when the ultimate reveal was made?? Let’s just say that I thought that I had it all figured out. To say I was way wrong is a slight understatement. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! Madeline was a wonderful young character who followed her heart, and her gut. Even though she seemed a little naïve at times, I had to remember that she was only twenty-two. I also loved that Ms. Thomas wrote Madeline’s romance with Sam. Even though they were attracted to each other, she didn’t have them jumping each other’s bones. She let it slowly evolve, which was refreshing. Ruby, her BFF, was a wonderful character as well. I have my Ruby, and I can only hope that all of you have one as well!! Missing Melissa is ultimately a story about not giving up and following through with determination that would make anyone, friend, parents, etc., proud. If you’re looking for a refreshingly different storyline with a lot of mystery, lovely developed relationships and a big ole who done it, this one is for you! You will cheer, you will jeer and you will definitely shed a tear…… Well done Alretha Thomas!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Kiss Across Deserts by Tracy Cooper-Posey – a Review

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Kiss Across Deserts by Tracy Cooper-Posey – a Review

 

Kiss Across Deserts
Kiss Across Time series – Book #4
Vampire Time Travel Menage Romance
by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: May 8. 2015

Kiss Across DesertAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Time travel is not for the weak of heart.

Alexander Karim, long-time friend of Brody, Veris and Taylor, has been questioning everything; his purpose in life and his identity as a vampire and a doctor.  Even his long time pursuit of the lovely but reluctant police lieutenant Sydney Stevens is on shaky ground.

Life tosses him a curve ball when Alex learns that Brody’s trial lawyer, Rayner De Leon, the youngest appeal court judge in the state, is attracted to Alex.  Rayner is a vampire, Rafael, who has known Brody and Veris since the fifth century.  Alex warily allows Rafael to seduce him, and the affair has surprising results for both of them.

But then a deliberate hit and run tosses Sydney back into Alex’s life and this time, her defenses are down and she is vulnerable.  But there are unanswered questions surrounding Sydney.  Who tried to kill her?   And why is she insisting that Alex was there, when he doesn’t remember it that way?

When a kiss sends Alex and Sydney back to Alex’s beloved desert, and he realizes that Taylor is not the only one who can time travel, the questions pile up like gunpowder.  The flint that strikes the spark is Sydney’s past, which is exposed when Rafael reaches through time and uncovers her dangerous secret.

The explosion that follows is both deadly and tragic, reaching out to touch everyone’s lives.

Warning:  This time travel menage romance features two super-hot alpha vampire heroes, multiple sex scenes, including anal sex, MM sexual play, and MMF sex.  Do not read this book if frank sexual language and sex scenes offend you.
The time-space continuum was restored to order at the end of this book.  Promise.

 
Review:

As you can see, the blurb about the book tells you all of the plot points, so I’ll just jump right in with my thoughts on this one. I’ve read the previous books in this series and really enjoyed them. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Veris, Brody, Taylor and their children. Kiss Across Deserts by Tracy Cooper-Posey begins with Brody’s trial preparations, which you learn about in a previous book. Alex, a close friend of the aforementioned group, has been attracted to Sydney for an entire year. And for an entire year, Sydney has rejected his advances. Repeatedly. Until Sydney’s life is threatened and she sees him in a whole new light.

As they grow closer, Alex expresses his views on life which sends Sydney running. Seems Sydney has some secrets of her own and hasn’t truly dealt with her past. Of course, Alex is devastated. And the tenuous relationship that he had started with Rafe crashes as well. Alex tries to move on and then one day a chance meeting in the park leaves him devastated. Whom does he see? Sydney………….and Rafe. This is where it got kind of wonky for me. Anyway, once the threat grows more serious and ultimately involves Veris, Brody and Taylor, it takes all of them to make things right and eliminate the threat. Marit, Taylor’s eight year old, plays a big part in helping them eliminate said threat and that part will leave you smiling. BIG! And, it was not a big surprise when the identity of the threat was revealed. But, the fact that Marit aided them was an awesome addition to the storyline.

I enjoyed Kiss Across Deserts, but I didn’t love it. Where Veris, Brody and Taylor’s storyline built over time, this one felt a bit forced to me. I liked the characters, but some of the chemistry felt off. You will find yourself cheering for Sydney when her past is revealed, and I liked her with Alex. I liked Alex with Rafe, but I never bought into Sydney and Rafe, nor the three of them together. I can only hope that the next installment will build on their chemistry and tell us more about them. Or, flash forward and tell Marit’s story! That, my friends, will be a story that I can’t wait to read.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Still the One by Jill Shalvis – Review, Spotlight & Giveaway

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Still the One by Jill Shalvis – Review, Spotlight & Giveaway

 

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Still the One
Animal Magnetism series – Book #6
by Jill Shalvis
Release Date: April 7, 2014

Still the oneAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM / iBooks

Description:
Darcy Stone is game for anything — except sexy Navy veteran and physical therapist A.J. Colten, the guy who’d rejected her when she’d needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately, Darcy can’t refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers.

A.J. admits it — Darcy is irresistible. But he’s already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he’s not making the same mistake twice—until he and Darcy are forced to fake a relationship. Growing closer than they’d ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What’s the real thing? And where does it go from here?

 

Review:

Darcy Stone has always been a bit of a free spirit. She and her siblings were raised by a set of globetrotting diplomat parents who didn’t have much time for their children and that affected Darcy in ways that she’s still trying to come to terms with. After a horrible accident that left her gravely injured, she only had her brother and sister to fall back on, and she didn’t make it easy on any of them. Including herself.

Still the One begins with Darcy trying to raise money to rescue yet another S&R dog. Since her accident, she’s no longer able to travel the world for National Geographic, so she has a couple of part time jobs that don’t pay quite enough for her to rescue and place the dogs. One of her part time jobs is at A.J.’s physical therapy clinic, and he knows that she’s struggling with the way that her life is playing out. He’s the one who put her through the wringer in therapy in order for her to be able to walk again and he needs someone just like her, a physical therapy success story, to travel with him to meet a philanthropist who is interested in funding the pro-bono work that A.J. does. The problem? Darcy and A.J. tend to not get along too well, and she definitely has a problem holding her tongue. But, when A.J. tells Darcy that he needs her help, and sweetens the pot with the promise to pay her for her time in order for her to rescue more dogs, she accepts. After all, she needs the money. And the fact that she’s been mooning over A.J. has nothing to do with her decision. At all……… And, what do ya know? Seems A.J. has been pining away over Darcy as well.

Once they leave for their trip, neither is sure this was such a good idea. They meet with the philanthropist and his wife, and things go very well……very, very well…..up to a point. And, once they get back home, things really get rolling between the two of them, until a partial conversation is overheard and changes everything……………

I love this series. The back and forth between the main characters, as well as the secondary characters, is wonderfully written. I’ve been waiting on Darcy’s story, and I knew it would not disappoint. She had always been so independent, and then the accident forced her to depend on others. She has a huge heart, but had a very hard time giving it over to anyone. A.J. was perfect for her. He’s hot as hell, but also has a huge heart and moves heaven and earth to try and make a difference in people’s lives. Still the One is ultimately a story about letting down one’s defenses in order to see that letting those that love and care for you just might, in fact, be a good thing. Well done, Jill Shalvis! Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

excerpt

 

“AJ held the door open for Darcy, doing his best to keep his tongue in his mouth, but he wasn’t sure he quite managed.
“Thanks,” she said, brushing up against his arm and shoulder as she stepped into the elevator.
His free hand came out to stabilize her, a purely instinctual move. He didn’t give a thought to the fact that she hated to be helped because he couldn’t give a thought to anything.
Holy. Shit. Hotness.
Her little black dress—emphasis on little—just about killed him.. The bodice was short, snug, and, at first glance, modest.
Second glance, not so much.
She bent over and fiddled with her heels, which had a strap around her ankle and screamed SEX. So did the way the hem of her dress rose up on her thighs, high enough that his eyes nearly popped right out of his head. “What are you doing?” he managed.
“Nothing.” Still bent at the waist, she shifted to her other heel, during which time he pressed his fingers into his eye sockets to keep his eyes in his head.
She was all leg and silken skin and crazy gorgeous hair, and he attempted to steel himself against her but he failed. He’d been wrong, oh so very wrong when he said he’d be able to handle her. He couldn’t, not in her yoga pants, not in a sexy little black dress, not at work, not in his truck, not in an elevator, not in anything anywhere—he couldn’t do it, Sam I Am.
She straightened and sent him a searching look. She’d piled all that long curly hair on top of her head but several silky strands had escaped, brushing her temples and shoulders, giving her a just-got-laid look. Her lips were siren red and he knew it made him a pig, but all he could think about was her mouth and how her lips would looked stretched around his—
“We’re on time still, right?” she asked.
He had to clear his throat to answer. “Yeah.” Jesus.
The door slid shut and silence filled the elevator while they stared at each other. To keep his hands to himself, he backed to the wall.
“So,” she said, looking like she was mentally cracking her knuckles. “What are the rules here? Kiss ass? Sit, shake, and roll over on command? Tell everyone how you saved my life? Obey your every order?”
Her sarcasm helped him roll his tongue back into his mouth. “I will ask you to kiss someone’s ass never,” he said. “Same for sit and shake and roll over. And you know damn well I didn’t save your life. But as for the obeying me? That. Lots of that would be great.”
”

 



About The Author

Jill Shalvis

 

Jill Shalvis is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. She has written more than four dozen romance novels and lives in Nevada with her family.

 

 

 

 

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Giveaway #1:
The Reading Cafe & Jill’s publisher are offering a paper copy of STILL THE ONE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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In The Red Zone by Crista McHugh – a Review

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In The Red Zone by Crista McHugh – a Review

 

In The Red ZoneAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
All-Star linebacker Frank Kelly is as well-known for his off-the-field hits as he is for his on-field ones. When a dance club brawl ends with him in handcuffs again, he’s rescued by a well-connected woman who can get the charges dropped in exchange for a small favor. If he’ll agree to play the part of a doting boyfriend for two months, she’ll keep him out of the slammer and help restore his reputation.

Kiana Dyer may be the daughter of a Hall of Fame football player, but the charity organization she took over when he died isn’t getting the media attention she’d hoped for. A staged romance with Frank Kelly is just the ticket she needs to get in the spotlight. As the lines between fake and real start to blur, she begins to wonder if bailing him out was the best call she’s ever made. Just when everything seems to be falling perfectly in place, scandal surrounds her charity, and she’s the one left scrambling to clear her name.

Review:

In The Red Zone by Crista McHugh begins with Frank Kelly and his friend Tre at a club, when in walks a woman who grabs his attention immediately. He saunters across the floor and hits on her, only to find out that she is his friend Tre’s sister. And Kiana is well aware of his reputation as a womanizer as well as a fighter. Yes, Frank gets in trouble………..a lot, so he reigns in his ego and asks her to dance and promises to be a gentleman. But when he finally gets her on the dance floor only to have an entourage approach them and start to berate and manhandle Kiana, all bets are off and he sees red. A fight ensues and shots are fired and Frank once again finds himself in handcuffs and hauled off to jail. Who bails him out? Kiana. And, she makes him an offer that he can’t refuse. Frank idolized Kiana’s father, and he’s attracted to Kiana as well, so when she asks for help for her charitable organization, he sees it as a win win.

The more time he spends with Kiana, the more he knows she’s not like the other women he’s been with, so he calls his oldest brother, Adam, for advice. Of course, Adam immediately thinks Frank’s in trouble (did I mention he gets in trouble a lot?? LOL!) but soon discerns that Frank seems to be taken with this lady, which surprises him. When they hang up, Frank decides he’s all in and will do what he can to help her foundation, and to help her see him as something more than his reputation. Once things get rolling, revelations are made and hearts are in play. And, when scandal Kiana’s charity, Frank will move heaven and earth to move them out of the red zone.

Crista McHugh has ONCE AGAIN written a wonderful story with two characters that are relatable, refreshing and will have you turning the pages so fast that the story will be over before you know it. I knew that Frank’s book would be awesome, and it totally was. Even though he had that bad boy reputation, you just had to know going in that he would redeem himself in a big way. And, boy, did he! I loved Kiana as well. She is strong and independent despite a childhood that would have left most balled up in a corner sobbing. There was one HUGE problem with this book though. It’s the sixth book, about the sixth brother, which means there’s only one more. I just can’t believe that the next book, Gideon’s, will be the seventh. I’ve said it a million times. If you’re not reading Crista’s books, you’re sorely missing out on some of the best reads ever!!! Not one wasted word will be found in anything she writes. Well done, Crista McHugh, very very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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The Italians Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

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The Italians Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

The Italians Deal For I Do

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM


Description:
The Irresistible Italian: Married for Business

He’s conquered global markets and immeasurable hearts, but to regain control of the fashion empire that’s rightfully his, Rocco Mondelli must prove his playboy days are over. His secret weapon? Supermodel-in-hiding Olivia Fitzgerald…and the power to ruin her if she refuses to play his loving fiancée!

But returning to the world stage revives Olivia’s old demons, and instead of walking down the aisle toward her gorgeous groom—she flees! The world holds its breath: Can the indomitable Rocco get his wayward bride to the altar on time?

The world’s sexiest billionaires finally say “I do”!

 

Review:

The story begins with a tragic loss that not only breaks Rocco and his sister’s hearts, but also has him reeling. The Mondelli fashion empire should be his outright, but it seems his grandfather had other ideas. And, a few secrets. Once the will is read, a series of events unfold that has consequences for everyone. Especially Rocco and an unknown female living in an apartment that his grandfather had purchased and made available to said female. Rocco is convinced that his grandfather was having an affair with a young woman and he was also convinced that the young woman was using his grandfather. Throw into the mix that once he figures out the unknown female is none other than Olivia Fitzgerald, who fell off the earth a year earlier, and things really get dicey.

Even though Olivia tries to reassure Rocco that there was nothing between her and his grandfather other than business and friendship, Rocco is not convinced . He comes up with a scheme that will not only give Olivia what she wants, but will get the board off of his back and ultimately give him full control of the House of Mondelli. As Rocco and Olivia carry out the charade, it doesn’t take Rocco too terribly long to realize that things weren’t as they seemed. But, as Olivia hits the runways again to carry out her end of the bargain, and the old demons resurface, will she be able to seal the Italian’s deal for I do?? Well, my friends, you’ll just have to read and find out. And, oh, what a read it is!!

The Italian’s Deal for I Do is an awesome story. Jennifer Hayward has done a wonderful job with developing both of these characters. Rocco, who was hardened as a child by the death of his mother and his father’s downward spiral, is a delicious character. Just the right amount of alpha without being too dominant, and when the chips are down, he’s just the right amount of hero. Olivia’s demons have somewhat to do with her childhood as well, but more due to the fact that her mother had ISSUES that Olivia paid for literally and figuratively. She is such a multifaceted character that you’ll feel for her as her heart breaks and as it’s put back together. We don’t get to see a lot of the supporting characters, namely Rocco’s best friends, and fellow moguls, from college and his sister, but I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing them again. SOON I hope!! We get just a little taste of their personalities and I can wait for the whole spoonful! If you’re looking for a wonderfully written romance with very tasty characters, The Italians Deal for I Do is for you! I cannot wait for the next one!! Well done, Jennifer Hayward. Very very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

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Unraveled by Lorelei James – Review and Giveaway

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Unraveled by Lorelei James – Review and Giveaway

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Unraveled
Mastered #3
by Lorelei James
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

 

UnraveledAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Shiori Hirano and Knox Lofgren are left to run the martial arts program at Black Arts while Ronin Black travels. On the surface, the two highest ranked belts appear to cooperate—but in private, they butt heads constantly, despite the undeniable attraction between them. Soon their power exchanges start to make for a sweltering dynamic in the bedroom…

At first Knox is shocked to be living out his submissive desires, but Shiori sets out to prove that embracing his true sexual nature doesn’t make him a weak man. But even while their sexual relationship grants him a power and fulfillment he finds surprising, there’s no training regimen for the fight that comes with loving a strong woman…

 

Review:

As the blurb states, Shiori and Knox are left to run Black Art while Ronin and Amery are in Japan for an extended period of time. They have butted heads since the day Shiori walked into Black Arts and their constant barbs at each other only heighten their attraction to each other. They really have no idea about each other’s personal lives until they cross paths at an exclusive club where she plays out her Domme status and Knox does everything from work security to meting out “punishment” for select clientele who seek out his services. However, once they embark on a personal relationship and he realizes Shiori is a Dominant, he knows that he could never be a submissive…… Or could he? With both of their boundaries pushed, can they find what they’re both looking for? Or will they both be unraveled?

OH MY SWEET JESUS!!! I loved this book!! I have waited for this story since we first met Shiori and it did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, it was even better than I imagined it would be. Their constant jabs they throw at each other keep the story moving at a fast pace. He calls her She Cat and she calls him obKnoxious, among other things. I believe it caught them both off guard when they figured out how perfectly suited they were for each other. Of course, there are bumps along the way that have to be dealt with. And BIG changes…… Let’s just say that when Ronin gets back from Japan he sets things in motion that affect everyone. The supporting characters are awesome as well in this series. Hopefully, we’ll get to hear more about them in future books. Unraveled is ultimately a story about coming to terms with one’s past and perceived present in order to pave their future. And what a future it is. Well done, Lorelei James. Very very very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveawayLorelei’s publisher is offering a paper copy of UNRAVELED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Make Me Up by Avery Flynn – a Review

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Make Me Up by Avery Flynn – a Review

 

Make Me UpAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

 

Description:
Former special ops-turned private-investigator Cam Hardy leaves a trail of broken hearts wherever he goes. He’s all charm and sex appeal, and who can blame him for putting it to good use? Besides, it works damn well on the stunning and tough-as-nails makeup artist Drea Sanford. Only this time, Cam may be in over his head…

Drea is trying to keep her naughty affair with Cam a secret. After all, he’s Harbor City’s version of a Casanova…if Casanova had a motorcycle. When Cam makes their hot little liaison known to the public, however, Drea vows never to have sex with him again. Then one of her clients turns up dead. Now Drea is suspect number one—and she needs Cam’s help. But sleeping with him is one thing…trusting him is quite another.

 

Review:

Make Me Up by Avery Flynn begins with Cam and Drea at a barbecue hosted by their friends. Friends, for the most part, who have no idea that these two have been having an affair of sorts. One that Drea is bound and determined to keep on the down low. When Cam initiates a PDA, that’s it for Drea. She told him what would happen if word ever got out…… And, boy, did it get out.

Drea rushes home, furious, but doesn’t have a lot of time to stew over being outed. She rushes to an appointment with a regular client who is a rich and nasty tempered woman. As Drea is working her make-up magic on said client, things get crazy fast. One moment, she’s admiring her work, the next she screaming for someone to call 911 and watches as her client dies right in front of her. And, who is suspect number one? Drea. But once Cam gets wind of what’s happening, he makes the scene and convinces Drea to tell his childhood friend, and investigating detective, Reggie, what happened.

It doesn’t take Cam long to realize that Drea is in real trouble and as he goes into protection mode, he discovers than an old nemesis of his is directly involved and has set his sights on Drea to take the fall for what’s transpired. What ensues is a pulse pounding, action packed story with an air of mystery that will keep you turning the pages. And, once both Drea and Cam’s backgrounds are revealed to the other, will they be able to overcome their own demons to protect other? Well my friends, you’ll have to read and find out.

Make Me Up is a fun read and the chemistry between Drea and Cam is off the charts. There are several secondary characters that I’d love to read more about, and as I understand it, I think that a couple of them may have already had their stories told, but that fact didn’t take away from being able to read this as a standalone. If you’re looking for a quick, action packed read that is steamy, fun and a bit mysterious, this one is for you. Well done Avery Flynn.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

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The LIfe IntendedAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
In this richly told story where Sliding Doors meets P.S. I Love You, Kristin Harmel weaves a heart-wrenching tale that asks: what does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

After her husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn’t she more excited?

At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband’s hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.

 

Review:

Just…….wow. The Life Intended draws you into something that could so very well have happened to any of us with the very first sentence. The loss that Kate incurs is heart wrenching. She and Patrick truly seemed to have it all, until one fateful morning that would change everything. A morning that she would question for years to come.

As the blurb states, Kate gets engaged and is planning her wedding……Or at least, that’s what she’s supposed to be doing, but something is holding her back. Even though she loves her fiancé, she feels the relationship isn’t where it should be as far as she’s concerned. And, when the dreams start, she’s thrown for such a loop that she begins to question everything. Even her sanity at times. She embarks on new endeavors as she tries to figure out what’s real and what’s not, one thing is for sure….should she settle, or should she try to live the life intended?

The Life Intended is a wonderfully written story with strong and very believable characters. Kate has so many layers that surface as she maneuvers through dealing with the loss of her husband up until she realizes what it is she’s intended to do and what she’s intended to BE. I wish I could tell you more, but it would be a spoiler and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. And, even though the direction of the story is a little predictable at times, the ultimate reveal surprised me. This one is ultimately a story of coming to terms with unfathomable loss in order to (pardon the pun), live the life intended. Even though it takes years for it to happen, Kate ultimately finds her way, and a few surprises along the way that will make your heart smile, after shedding a few tears. This is the first novel I’ve read by Kristin Harmel, but I definitely look forward to reading more. Well done, Kristin Harmel, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview-Gold

Kristin, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

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Kristin:  Thanks so much for having me!!

TRC:  Would you please tell us about yourself?

Kristin:   Sure thing. I’m the author of several novels, including The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended. I have a background in journalism (credits include People magazine and Travel + Leisure magazine), and I’ve been a novelist for about a decade now. I’m a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism & Communications (Go Gators!), and I live in Orlando, Florida with my husband, Jason.

TRC:   When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Kristin:   I’ve always loved to write; I think I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was about 6. That’s the year I wrote my first “chapter book,” which was a set of stapled-together pages detailing how the Bobbsey Twins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbsey_Twins) came to Ohio to help solve the mystery of my dad’s missing tuxedo.

TRC:   What was your first book ever published? Can you please tell us your reaction when you found out you were being published?

Kristin:   My first novel was called How to Sleep With a Movie Star. Not a how-to guide, I promise! I wrote it in 2003 and sold it in 2004. It came out in February 2006. Actually, funny story: we got the offer for the book, from Amy Einhorn (who was then with Warner Books) on April Fool’s Day 2004, and when my agent called to tell me, I thought she was playing a terrible April Fool’s joke on me. It took me a while to actually realize she was serious; I had been offered a book deal!

TRC:   The Life Intended was released yesterday. Can you tell us how you come up with the idea of this story?

Kristin:   Sure. Usually, I’m a meticulous plotter, who thinks through every detail ahead of time and lays the entire book out on the page – in outline form – over the course of a few months. The Life Intended was the one exception to that. I woke up one morning with the entire plot of the book in my head. I jumped out of bed and started scribbling down my thoughts before they vanished, the way that dreams often do, and in the end, my hand-written notes from a single morning formed the basis of 90 percent of the book! Other elements developed later, and I still had a lot of research to do, but somehow implausibly, this book literally came out of a dream, which is super-weird, because it’s about a character who has very vivid dreams of an alternative life that feels real.

TRC:   Can you please give us a brief description of The Life Intended?

Kristin:   Sure. I’m lousy at describing my own books, so I’m going to tell you what the publisher is saying. They’re much better at this than me!

     “In this richly told story where Sliding Doors meets P.S. I Love You, Kristin Harmel weaves a heart-wrenching tale that asks: what does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

     “After her husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn’t she more excited?

     “At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband’s hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.”

TRC:   You recently released The Sweetness of Forgetting. Can you please tell us about this novel, for those who may not have read it?

Kristin:   Sure thing. And again, because I’m terrible at summarizing my own books, I’m going to tell you how my publisher describes it:

     “A baker in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, must travel to Paris to uncover a family secret for her dying grandmother—and what she learns may change everything. The Sweetness of Forgetting is the book that made Kristin Harmel an international bestseller.

     “At thirty-six, Hope McKenna-Smith is no stranger to bad news. She lost her mother to cancer, her husband left her for a twenty-two year old, and her bank account is nearly depleted. Her own dreams of becoming a lawyer long gone, she’s running a failing family bakery on Cape Cod and raising a troubled preteen.

     “Now, Hope’s beloved French-born grandmother Mamie, who wowed the Cape with her fabulous pastries for more than fifty years, is drifting away into a haze of Alzheimer’s. But in a rare moment of clarity, Mamie realizes that unless she tells Hope about the past, the secrets she has held on to for so many years will soon be lost forever. Tantalizingly, she reveals mysterious snippets of a tragic history in Paris. And then, arming her with a scrawled list of names, she sends Hope to France to uncover a seventy-year-old mystery.

     “Hope’s emotional journey takes her through the bakeries of Paris and three religious traditions, all guided by Mamie’s fairy tales and the sweet tastes of home. As Hope pieces together her family’s history, she finds horrific Holocaust stories mixed with powerful testimonies of her family’s will to survive in a world gone mad. And to reunite two lovers torn apart by terror, all she’ll need is a dash of courage, and the belief that God exists everywhere, even in cake. . . .”

TRC:   You write heartwarming, life changing, and humorous stories. You have also written a YA novel. Is there any genre you would like to try?

Kristin:   I’d love to write middle grade novels (ages 8-12) one day, maybe once I have kids. I will say that I think those humorous stories you mentioned were sort of part of an earlier phase in my career. When I wrote my first book in 2003, I was 24 years old and chick lit was at its height. Light and funny – like a classic romantic comedy – was the way to go. I think over the last decade or so, I’ve evolved into a different type of writer as I’ve grown up. The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended are a lot more indicative of where my career is right now –and will be going in the future, I think.

TRC:   What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have any hobbies?

Kristin:  I love to cook – hence the original recipes in The Sweetness of Forgetting – and I’m a big music fan, so I love going to live shows. Aside from that, I love going to Disney World (only about 15 minutes from my house), traveling (especially to Europe), reading, and hanging out with my friends and family.

TRC:   Can you please tell us your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or specific time to write?

Kristin:   I write best in the mornings – I usually begin at 8 a.m. – and I currently write in the kitchen nook of the condo where I’ve lived for ten years. I converted it into my office just after moving in. However, my husband and I have just bought a house, and now I’ll have an actual office. I’m not sure how I’ll cope without being attached to the kitchen! (I bake when I need to cure writer’s block.)

TRC:   What are you currently working on?

Kristin:  I’m currently in the final stage of editing my next young adult novel, and I’m working on an outline for a women’s fiction novel that should be out in late 2015. I outline very long; most of my outlines are 20,000 words or more, because I work through all the plot points and try to get everything, including dialogue, down on the page as it comes to me. So once I finish an outline, the actual writing of the book generally goes very quickly. Yep, I’m weird.

TRC:   You have written for People Magazine. Are you still writing for them? What was it like interviewing celebrities, and who was your favorite?

Kristin:   I’ve written for People since 2000, and I still write for them on occasion; my last piece for them was this sweet and sad one from June — http://www.people.com/article/university-of-florida-gators-softball-win-national-title-cancer-teen.But honestly, I’m so busy with writing and promoting my novels that I don’t have a ton of time to pitch People anymore. Also, it turns out that writing three novels and getting married – all in the same year – isn’t the most brilliant way to manage one’s time (a lesson I learned the hard way in 2014!). I do truly love writing for People, though, especially because for the last several years, I have mostly specialized in writing their Heroes Among Us stories (instead of celebrity stories). That said, I would have to say that my favorite celebrity interview was probably Patrick Dempsey. I interviewed him a handful of times, and he was always tremendously kind, warm and genuine. His love for his wife and kids was always very evident, and he just seemed like a truly good person. I also enjoyed speaking with Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck (Who wouldn’t enjoy that, right?); I loved spending time with Andre Benjamin (suuuuuch a cool guy) and I completely geeked out over a brief interview with Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw! Talking to me!), but Patrick Dempsey was definitely my favorite, simply because of his kindness. Okay, and his beautiful eyes.

TRC:  sigh…..I love Patrick Dempsey

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else?

Kristin:  Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me – and to check out The Life Intended. I think at its core, it’s a book about choosing happiness, and the fact that we all have the power and the right to choose happiness in our own lives. I think that’s a particularly perfect message for today – and for the next few weeks – as we make our New Year’s Resolutions. I hope that if you read The Life Intended, you’ll feel inspired to resolve to choose happiness for yourself in 2015 and beyond.

 

LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD: Crispy rice with spicy tuna from Katsuya in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Preferably while sitting at the bar sipping a drink concocted by my friend Ryan, the coolest bartender in all of California. I know, that’s awfully specific. And now, my mouth is watering and my heart is breaking a little, because I’m more than 2,000 miles away.

FAVORITE DESSERT: S’mores. It’s not just the taste, but the whole ceremony of making them!

FAVORITE BOOK: Anne Frank’s diary is a longtime favorite. The Great Gatsby might be my favorite novel, although I love most of Hemingway’s work too. Of course on any given day, my current favorite book changes based on what I’m reading at the time.

FAVORITE CHARACTER (NOT YOUR OWN): Bridget Jones is probably a good pick!

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING: I recently started reading Lucinda Riley’s books, and I can’t stop. I just flew through The Orchid House and The Lavender Garden, and I think I’ll read The Midnight Rose next. She’s just such a beautiful storyteller. I’m also midway through Alyson Richman’s The Lost Wife, which is just spellbinding so far. I know it came out a few years ago, but I try not read books that are similar to mine while I’m writing or touring with those books, and The Lost Wife is similar, in some ways, to The Sweetness of Forgetting (my last novel). I’m so glad I’m finally getting to read it.

LAST VACATION SPOT: Europe! I got married in March, and my husband and I took our honeymoon in May to Ireland, Scotland and France. Loved every second of it!

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: Gone Girl. Amazing. That Gillian Flynn blows me away! It’s no easy feat to adapt your own book for screen, but she did it masterfully.

CAT or DOG: Dog! I grew up with a Dalmatian, and my husband and I will probably buy a new dog this year – maybe a beagle or a corgi – once we’re moved into our new home.

TRC:   Thank you, Kristin for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with The Life Intended. We look forward to working with you again.

Kristin:   Thank you! I look forward to working with you again too! Have a happy new year!

You can learn more about Kristin at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

giveaway

Kristin’s publisher is offering a paper copy of THE LIFE INTENDED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Please LIKE  Kristin Harmel on FACEBOOK.

8. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 31, 2014 to January 4, 2015

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