Category: 4-Stars

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Book Review: Flutter (Nash Brothers #3) by Carrie Aarons

Flutter (Nash Brothers #3)

by Carrie Aarons

 

One-click Flutter: mybook.to/Flutter

 

 He can’t stand her, and best believe, the feeling is mutual.

Her life is the complete opposite of what he desires.

So, why can’t they keep their hands off each other?

Forrest Nash is a smug know-it-all. With his brains, ridiculous good looks and penchant for disobeying the laws of both the police and the dark web, Fawn Hill’s resident genius is cockier than any man Penelope Briggs has ever encountered. It doesn’t help that their six-year age difference makes him completely ineligible in her eyes. Add in the fact that he doesn’t want marriage or babies, and that should eliminate him from the dating pool forever. But it doesn’t mean she can’t sleep with him. Once. Or twice. Or ten times. Against all logic, though, Forrest seems to be sneaking into her heart at the same time he’s sneaking into her bed.

Penelope Briggs is one bossy, obnoxious woman. With three young children, a calendar full of school drop-offs and sports, and enough emotional baggage to fill an airplane, this widow is definitely not what Forrest Nash is looking for. And yet, he can’t get enough of the maddening bombshell. But as their hook-ups become a constant, so does his involvement in Penelope’s life. The things he swore he never wanted, love and kids, seem to be the only things on his mind. And when an attack from his part of the cyber world threatens her safety, he’ll have to admit his feelings for the woman he’d do anything to protect.

What started as a convenient friends-with-benefits situation is quickly growing wings. Even if both parties are trying hard to ignore the flutter.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

She closes the place on Monday, but if the three of us can manage it, we do a private class. And when I say class, I really mean vent slash gossip session in leggings and sports bras.

 

Corey is the kid all the teachers loved but would shove you in a locker when their backs were turned. He hasn’t gotten much better in adulthood…

 

Lily looks around, ducking her head to quietly talk. And that’s when you know you’re going to be told the good stuff, when someone lowers their voice.

 

“A low-key wedding for my high-maintenance wife. I’m assuming you want a diamond to go with that?” He points to my finger. Hell, he really does know me. “Nothing too showy …maybe a carat or three.”

 

… the two of them are so happy, it’s almost like looking at the sun. Honestly, it kind of hurts, but it’s also pretty sweet.

 

 My Review:

 

This was a quick and entertaining read full of steam and humor, but I was initially hesitant to pick it up as I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to enjoy a story featuring the insufferable Forrest, as his personality didn’t come off well in the previous books. I thought Forrest was undeniably arrogant, obnoxious, and distant, and had enabled his addicted twin brother. Silly me, I ended up enjoying and caring more for Forrest than I did for Penelope, as he was really the sweeter and deeper of the two. The storylines were well balanced between angst, levity, and scorching hot sensual scenes – this couple was combustible.

 

Author Bio

Author of romance novels such as The Tenth Girl and Privileged, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the love stories of her imagination, and the athleisure dress code, much better.

 

When she isn’t writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, daughter and Lab/Great Dane rescue.

Author Links

Visit Carrie’s website: authorcarrieaarons.com
Sign up for Carrie’s Newsletter: bit.ly/2LzzxXA
Check out Carrie’s books on Amazon: amzn.to/2Pn3XkR
Like Carrie’s Facebook page: facebook.com/carrieaarons
Join Carrie’s Reader Group: bit.ly/2DDt1xX
Follow Carrie on Instagram: instagram.com/authorcarriea
Follow Carrie on Twitter: twitter.com/authorcarriea
Follow Carrie on BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/carrie-aarons
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Book Review: The Boyfriend Collector (Book #1) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

 

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The Boyfriend Collector

(Book #1)

by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

 

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Amazon  US / UK / AU / CA / B&N

 

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes The Boyfriend Collector.

SHE JUST NEEDS ONE GOOD MAN TO GIVE HER HOPE… 

Treated like a servant in her own home, twenty-year-old Rose Marie Hale can’t stop dreaming of her next birthday. It’s the day she’ll inherit a fortune, break free from her cruel family, and finally start living her life—finish school, travel, find love. After a lifetime of hardship, it’s all she’s ever wanted.

But when Rose discovers she must marry before her twenty-first birthday to claim the money, she has no choice but to push herself out into the world in search of a man she can love and trust. Unfortunately, those are the very things that have been used as weapons against her.

With only a month to go, can she find true love? Or will her past hold her back, leaving her penniless and alone?

Because the only man she trusts and wants is off-limits. 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

This man doesn’t just have a stick up his ass, it’s an entire forest.

 

The maids come and go like lettuce in a vegetable drawer. They’re chewed up or they rot, but either way, they’re gone in seven days.

 

I’m not looking for Mr. Perfect. I’m looking for Mr. Perfect-For-Me.

 

I rub my eyes, disregarding the fact that I still have on last night’s mascara and that I’m going to look like last night’s trash panda, too.

 

My Review:

 

This fast-paced little missive was a quick read with a bit of everything including Ms. Pamfiloff’s trademark snarky humor, family drama involving a naïve and gullible Cinderella-type main character, greedy grandparents, fraud, a hitman, embezzlement, multiple suitors vying to be groom potential, and a wonky will. Oh my, and the story isn’t done yet. I am eager for the rest of the tale, even though I want to give Rose a few good pinches for being so dim-witted and easily deceived.

About the Author

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling romance author with over a million books sold worldwide. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dream. Mimi lives with her Latin Lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and the rat terrier duo, Snowflake and Mini Me, in Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

Sign up for Mimi’s mailing list for giveaways and new release news!

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Book Review: Lights Out (Tales from Cabbagetown Book 2) by Josie Kerr

Lights Out

(Tales from Cabbagetown Book 2)

by Josie Kerr

Amazon US / UK / CA / AU 

 

Christopher Schuyler wasn’t someone who got many breaks. After eight frustrating years working as a club bouncer and fighting on the amateur circuit, a prestigious MMA training gym offers Chris an opportunity he can’t walk away from.

Paul Decker knows something about dating athletes, and that is an experience he never wants to repeat. It’s taken him two years to get over his last break-up, but he’s finally getting back into the dating scene.

After a particularly gruesome social event, Paul uncharacteristically ends up solo at a gay dance club. A literal run-in with Chris brings the two men together, and soon they are both taking chances they had never imagined. Taking risks is one thing, but are they strong enough to overcome the skeletons of the past?

(This book contains references to self-harm and domestic violence, as well as adult language and sexual situations.)

 

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

You need to call this Chris, or I am going to do it for you and you’re going to have to explain to this man how you got beat up by a middle-aged woman with a cane because you’re a dumbass!

 

Tate had you reined in so tight, not to mention he was so far in the closet he was behind the winter coats.

 

My Review:

 

While any form of violence is so not my jam, human beings continue to intrigue and fascinate me, and I particularly seem to enjoy sweet and sexy love stories. It generally doesn’t matter to me who was falling in love as long as they were of age, all acts were consensual, and they treated each other well. However, some of you may need to know that this heart-squeezing tale featured a sweet and tender love story between two men – Chris an MMA fighter, and Paul a floral designer. Both men had significant and tainted histories of marked struggle and abuse as well as current challenges to their blossoming romance. This was a different type of read for me as MMA is not of particular interest, although the fighter’s story certainly was.   Chris wasn’t just an MMA athlete – he fought with heart just as valiantly outside the arena with stereotypes, vulnerabilities, and limited resources. He and Paul were adorable together.

 

 

Josie Kerr   

Josie Kerr is a transplanted West Texan living on the edge of semi-profoundly rural Georgia, a.k.a. the southernmost edge of the northernmost county in Metro Atlanta.

She has an M.Ed. in Secondary English Education but discovered that she hated high school more the second time than she did the first, so she decided to meld her love of technology with her education background and became an Instructional Designer. When not writing articles about how to fire someone without getting sued or why you should really not apply for jobs using your SexxyStud99@aol.com email address, she writes steamy romance novels that feature grown-up Heroes and Heroines.

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Book Review: All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

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All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

Release Date: July 23, 2019

 

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All Roads Lead to You, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.

After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.

How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll only be there long enough to break it?

So Harper and Aiden agree: try to keep it professional and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way, they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.

 

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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ENAauO

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/AllRoadsLeadToYouJP

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2tMYruI

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Harper’s animals were like a bunch of moody teenagers, hating when their sleep was interrupted even though they got about eighteen hours per day. Harper counted herself lucky if she scored five.

 

He smiled. Surprise flickered over her face, and then she smiled back. “If this is the way you say you’re sorry, we’re gonna be doing a lot of fighting,” he drawled. She laughed. “Don’t get used to it. I truly doubt I’ll be wrong again.”

 

My Review:

 

I’ve frequently noticed Ms. Probst’s name yet All Roads Lead To You was my first time to personally experience her work. I found it to be a pleasantly engaging and easy to follow story that was cast with likable characters, a strong and sassy heroine, and a farm filled with precious and precocious rescue animals including a potential racehorse with a history of abuse and lingering trust issues. The entertaining storylines featured relatable issues for all animal lovers, licks of humor, and a slow build-up to a deliciously steamy romance. Being an animal lover I perked up at each mention of the antics of the comical baby goat Captain Hoof, as well as the phenomenon of Hei Hei, the Polish chicken. I became so curious I felt compelled to Google Polish chickens to get the full effect and found them quite fetching.

 

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Excerpt:

Ignoring her tingling nipples and flip-flopping belly, she threw back her shoulders and rose to full height. “I clearly remember having this same conversation a few weeks ago,” she said, trying not to let her voice wobble. “We agreed to keep it strictly business.”

“We did. But it’s getting harder for me not to touch you.”

Her heart galloped in her chest. Sweat pricked her skin. She remained silent, tangled between her head and her heart.

A rough laugh escaped his lips. “This would be easier on my ego if you’d admit you’re having the same problem.”

She shook her head and pressed her fisted hands against her eyes. “You sure don’t know the art of subtlety, do you?”

He shrugged. “No time for that shit. Well?”

She let out a half laugh, half groan. “I think this is the strangest conversation I’ve had with a man.”

“Are you hot for me, Harper?” His voice was all grit and gravel and sexy as hell.

Lust speared through her, raw and hungry and demanding. “Yeah.”

“Good. I’m obsessed with kissing you. So I have a proposal.”

“Of course you do.”

“One kiss. Let’s try it out. Maybe it’ll bomb once we give ourselves permission,” he said.

“I’m swooning from your romantic intentions.”

His lips kicked up in a grin. She wanted to trace her finger over his mouth to see if it was as soft as it looked. “Sorry. What do you think?”

“I think I’ve stepped into a new dimension. Tell me this, Irish. Do we want the kiss to bomb?”

He nodded. Eased closer. “I think it would be for the best. Neither of us wants a complication in our solid business partnership. We have a long road ahead of us. Sex makes things messy.”

Her brow shot up. Oh, he was good. Pretending to be all rational and cool while he stalked her like a graceful panther. Her blood grew thick and heavy, and the throbbing between her thighs raged. The real problem revolved around one simple, plain fact.

She was dying to kiss Aidan O’Connor.

Just once.

The tiny voice inside her flared to life and whispered a warning.: One kiss will never be enough. Not from this man. Not with the way you already feel about him.

God, she didn’t want to listen to reason right now.

Harper tilted her head. “True. If the kiss fails, we can get back to work without all this bullshit. Move on and focus on the real relationship here.”

“Phoenix,” he said.

“Exactly. Can you promise one thing?”

He took a few more steps. His scent wrapped around her like a silken cloud, spicy and clean and addicting. The leashed heat from his body practically ripped a purr from her throat. She curled her fingers, digging her nails into her palms to try and hold back from jumping into his arms.

“What do you need me to promise, love?”

A shiver worked down her spine. She imagined that lilting brogue whispering dirty commands in her ear while he thrust deep inside her. “If the kiss sucks, no hurt feelings. We move on and don’t talk about it. I can’t take any weirdness between us.”

“Agreed. I hate weird.”

He was right there, face close, inches from her body. The last time he was this close, he was angry. This time, his eyes crackled with hunger. His powerful thighs braced hers, and when he leaned in, his hard erection pressed against the seam of his jeans so she felt every glorious inch of promise. She licked her lips in anticipation, and slowly raised her arms to hook around his shoulders.

“Just once,” she whispered in warning.

He cupped her cheeks with rough, calloused palms. His amber gaze locked on hers. “Yes.”

“We’ll get it out of our system and move on.”

“Harper?”

“Yeah?”

“Shush.”

His mouth closed over hers.

 

About Jennifer:

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also a proud three-time RITA finalist.

She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Connect with Jennifer:

Website: https://www.jenniferprobst.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferprobst

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferprobst.authorpage/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2965489.Jennifer_Probst?origin=

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferprobst/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWMa2ZgsoCt3sWbU1zdpww/featured

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B004V56P04/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1532703430&sr=8-2-ent&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferprobst/

Sign up for her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a chance to win a gift card each month and receive exclusive material and giveaways.

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Book Review, Giveaway: A Spirited Girl on Cornish Shores (A Little Hotel in Cornwall Book 2) by Laura Briggs

 A Spirited Girl on Cornish Shores

(A Little Hotel in Cornwall Book 2)

by Laura Briggs

 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA 

 

It looks like a perfect Cornish autumn, with aspiring novelist Maisie Clark still finding inspiration as a maid at the historic Penmarrow Hotel. Between the staff of quirky co-workers, glamorous and unusual guests, and her growing friendship with the charming but mysterious Sidney Daniels, Maisie is living out adventures instead of just penning them in the pages of her would-be novel’s growing number of chapters.

And then there’s the slight problem of keeping the balance between friendship and ‘something more’ with Sidney, who’s helping introduce her to the village’s version of a Cornish Halloween, and has recently taken an interest in Maisie’s secret that may change things between them. But even Maisie’s imagination can’t conjure the unusual event this Halloween brings to the Penmarrow. An eccentric earl has chosen this site to host his lavish birthday celebration that includes a pretty (and perceptive) young psychic whose predictions seem to have everyone on edge — and, to Maisie’s delight, the elusive novelist Alistair Davies is rumored to be part of the guest list! But with the earl’s bickering relatives and illustrious friends on hand— and more than one ghost of the past waiting to be revealed — it’s anyone’s guess what the festivities will bring before the party is over.

Will the psychic foretell doom for the earl’s gathering—and is her ‘gift’ as genuine as it seems? Will Maisie finally meet her favorite author face to face? And, more importantly, what about the romantic sparks that fly between Maisie and Sidney?

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

He’s got a bit of crazy in his eyes, like all the ex-officers with one too many parades in their past. Guess being rich wasn’t exciting enough, so he went off to war a few times. Probably to cool his homicidal tendencies.

 

But it’s his smile that possesses the magic, not his sense of fashion. Sidney Daniels has an irresistible smile, and he bestowed it on me today as we met. Those hazel brown eyes with sparks of green and gold were alight with unquestionable good humor and playfulness … maybe a little mystery also, if you looked closely…

I was going to grow hot, and flustered, and desperately happy if I wasn’t very careful.

 

 My Review:

 

Maisie’s story is advancing ever so slowly while she is living and working under an alias as her duplicity has yet to be revealed to all, although she is constantly concerned with exposure. Her friendships seem to be progressing with her co-workers while her relationship with Sidney appears to be growing more dear and sweet. Riley’s flirting has landed him in a prickly mess with possible dire consequences from a trigger-happy and eccentric village resident.

 

An interesting and well-heeled family booked the entire hotel for an elaborate one-hundredth-year-birthday celebration of an ancient earl who brought his own medium along as part of his entourage. The wealthy old man’s toady family members appear to be a useless pack of jackals who are as worthless and corrupt as they are skeptical. However, a few revelations left them shaken, was it real or a parlor trick? Everyone has secrets to sweat, lazy sycophants most of all.

About the Author

 Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage-style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern-day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaperDollWrites

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurabriggs/

Giveaway

 Win one of 3 Cornish themed prizes

(Open Internationally)

1st Prize: A Ross Poldark collectible Knitdark character doll (Open Internationally) –1 winner

Perfect for fans of all-things Cornwall, this Ross Poldark doll with tricorn hat is made by Angela Blay, whose popular Knitdark creations have been featured on The Graham Norton Show. Since each doll is hand made, the Ross the winner receives may vary slightly in appearance from the one in the picture. Readers can learn more about the Knitdarks at Angela’s Twitter page @kwerkyknits as well as her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/kwerkyknits

2nd Prize: A decorative tin T.A.R.D.I.S (Open Internationally) –1 winner

A tin T.A.R.D.I.S similar to the keepsake Maisie is gifted by Sidney in Book 1, A Little Hotel in Cornwall. Designed by Etsy artist KittyConduitt81 and perfect for fans of Doctor Who! Being a unique, hand made item, the final design may vary slightly in appearance from the one pictured. Learn about KittyConduittDesigns on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyConduittDesigns

3rd Prize: A Kindle/Tablet case featuring cover art from A Little Hotel in Cornwall (Open Internationally) –1 winner

A specially designed case for a Kindle or Tablet featuring the cover art for Book 1 in the series A Little Hotel in Cornwall. The final product’s size, texture, and color will depend on the winner’s device.

*All 3 winners will also receive a digital copy of Book 1 in the series, A Little Hotel in Cornwall.

*Terms and Conditions –  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for the fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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Book Review, Giveaway: Smile of the Stowaway by Tony Bassett

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Smile of the Stowaway

by Tony Bassett

 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / B&N

 

A married couple, a stranger from far away and a murder that rocks their lives. Desperate to reach England, a bedraggled immigrant clings precariously beneath a couple’s motor home as they cross the Channel. Once holidaymakers Bob and Anne overcome their shock at his discovery and their initial reservations, they welcome the friendly stranger into their home in defiance of the law.

But their trust is stretched to the limit when the police accuse the smiling twenty-three-year-old of a gruesome murder. Could this man from six thousand miles away be guilty? Or is the real killer still out there?

Former national newspaper journalist Tony Bassett tells how Anne turns detective, battling against a mountain of circumstantial evidence and police bungling to discover the truth.

This gripping first novel concerning a death in a remote Kentish country cottage is packed with mystery, suspense and occasional touches of humor.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Gossip travels through a school faster than a toupee flying off in a hurricane.

 

She’s known to the guys in Kent CID as “Jangling Janice.” DI Woods can’t stand her. He always says: “We don’t want that bloody Carslake woman here, jangling her bloody necklace and bracelets and cavorting round the court.”

 

Friends would have described Jennifer Campbell as a keen conversationalist; others might have used less kind words such as ‘gossipmonger’ or ‘blabbermouth.’

 

He gave us a smile that reminded me of his first smile when he emerged from beneath our motor-home. It began with a sparkle in his eyes, a wrinkling of his nose and then it spread across his face, ending with a widening of the mouth.

 

My Review:

 

I enjoyed the creative ingenuity of Mr. Bassett’s plot and storylines, the slowly unwinding nature of his tale kept me guessing while my fingers were tightly crossed that the gentle and hard-working underdog would be found truly innocent and wrongly accused. This debut author cleverly played upon the common tendencies of xenophobic society, racial profiling, basic Caucasian arrogance, and suspicion of the unfamiliar. This was an unusual read for me, I couldn’t seem to fit it into a single genre as it had a bit of everything including mystery, crime, infidelity, murder, human trafficking, the mono-focus of police investigations, poor prison conditions, immigration issues, clandestine military operations, dry humor, and amateur sleuthing. My main takeaways were to never underestimate or provoke an unemployed librarian.

I hit the mother lode for new additions to my Brit Word List with milometer – odometer; potholing – exploring caves; victuallers – licensed to sell alcohol; push bike – bicycle; tittle-tattle – gossip; squaddie – low ranking soldier in British army; keep cavey – be lookout; nous – common sense; and a dog’s breakfast – an untidy mess.

About the Author

Tony Bassett, who was born in West Kent, grew up wanting to be a writer from the age of nine when he edited a school magazine. After attending Hull University where he won a `Time-Life’ magazine student journalism award, he spent six years working as a journalist in Sidcup, Worcester, and Cardiff before moving to Fleet Street. Tony spent 37 years working for the national press, mainly for the `Sunday People’ where he worked both for the newsdesk and the investigations department. He helped cover the Jeremy Thorpe trial for the `Evening Standard’, broke the news in the `Sun’ of Bill Wyman’s plans to marry Mandy Smith and found evidence for the `Sunday People’ of Rod Stewart’s secret love child. On one occasion, while working for `The People’, he took an escaped gangster back to prison. His first book, `Smile Of The Stowaway’, is one of four crime novels Tony has written over the past three years. He has five grown-up children and eleven grandchildren. He lives in South East London with his partner, Lin.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/tonybassettauthor/

Twitter: @tonybassett1

Tony’s author website

www.tonybassettauthor.com

Giveaway

 Win 6 x PB copies of Smile of the Stowaway

(Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for the fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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Book Review, Giveaway: Secret Wishes and Summer Kisses on Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale

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Secret Wishes and Summer Kisses on Lily Pond Lane

by Emily Harvale

Amazon  US / UK / AU / CA

Everyone’s got a secret wish in Little Pondale this summer.

Mia’s been exceptionally lucky since moving to Lily Pond Lane. But even on her honeymoon with the man of her dreams, she still has one remaining wish.

Ella wishes Gill would propose. But since Mia’s wedding something’s changed in their relationship. Now he’s spending time with newcomer, Tabbie Talbaine, Ella wishes Tabbie will leave as quickly as she arrived.

Tabbie wishes she hadn’t driven her car into a pond. But it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. When she discovers Hollywood heartthrob, Justin Lake’s staying in the village, getting an interview for her popular blog isn’t her only wish.

Bree was told she couldn’t have a baby. Now she’s expecting twins and is simply wishing it all goes well.

And as for Hettie … she wishes she could get her hands on an old map of the village. Because there’s something hidden in Little Pondale that Hettie Turner really wants to find.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

… my father embezzled several million and ran off with the nanny… some say he ran off with her and some say he murdered her and disposed of the body. Neither he nor my nanny has ever been found. Or the money. But like the Lochness Monster, sightings of him are reported from time to time. He seems to pop up all over the globe, but he’s never popped up to visit me.

 

Tabbie sounded more like a constipated opera singer than a woman in real pain.

 

Children are like buses. We wait and wait and suddenly they all come along, one after another.

 

My Review:

 

While it is sad to bid adieu to the oddly beguiling and quirky residents inhabiting Ms. Harvale’s village of Little Pondale, she has sent them off in style by providing them all with the perfect love match, solving a mystery, ending a long-held grudge, and working a bit of magic to make everyone’s dreams come true. Sigh, if only real-life were as amusing, pleasantly entertaining, and easy to resolve.

 

Interactive Map of Little Pondale – https://www.emilyharvale.com/map/little-pondale.html

About The Author

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing… and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She’s an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily says, “I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings.” When she isn’t writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter

https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale

 

GIVEAWAY

Win a signed copy of Secret Wishes and Summer Kisses on Lily Pond Lane, a pen, novelty sticky notes, and a bookmark
(Open INT)
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*Terms and Conditions

Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for the fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

 

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Book Review: Still the One by Kelly Collins

Still the One

by Kelly Collins

 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA 

Florist Lara Williams gave up on love the day her soulmate rode off on his motorcycle into the sunset. Since then, she’s been living vicariously through her clients. As the owner of Stems, the leading florist for theme weddings in Beloved, Colorado, she’s responsible for making other’s dreams come true. Lara ’s resigned to live a life without love, but when Grayson rolls back into town, their relationship is full of thorns. Can an abandoned garden be brought back to life or is it destined to be fallow forever?

Tattoo artist Grayson Greer has everything he could possibly want. He always has. As the owner of the hottest tattoo parlor in Southern California, he’s living the dream. There is no end to the string of beautiful women lining up for a chance to be with him, but his heart belongs to another. When he’s summoned back to Beloved by his mother, he comes face to face with Lara, the one he left behind over a decade ago. He never meant to be gone forever, and now that he’s back, he’s determined to remind her what they once shared.

Will Grayson bring life back to a heart that wilted years ago? Or will Lara’s pain from the last time he left be as permanent as tattoo ink?

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

While she trimmed the apricot colored roses for the bride’s bouquet, she thought back to the silliest names she’d come across in her career. There was a Fister, a Wacko, and a Loser, but the worst had to be the Shittles. Poor Dorothy had waited forty years for the man of her dreams, and he turned out to be a shit— well, a Shittle.

 

She loved Aidy— her life-long best friend— but she would describe her as a gossipaholic. If there was something new to be learned, someone new in town or some tidbit of gossip to share, Aidy was all over it… Lara wasn’t a gossipmonger. She listened to Aidy as a public service… Lara was afraid if she didn’t let Aidy have her ear for at least five minutes, poor Aidy would suffer elevated blood pressure or an information aneurysm.

 

Couldn’t let you go. You’ve always been with me, Lara… You’re like a dormant virus.

 

She was coming to his house because his mother invited her. This was like seeing an eclipse of a blood moon. Something profound and rare was in the works.

  

My Review:

 

This was the start of a new duet series featuring a second chance romance for a couple who had been high school sweethearts in a small-town. The plot and storylines were entertaining and easy to follow with a colorful cast of somewhat vexatious characters who, like most people I know, were not always likable. Their first romance had ended suddenly and dramatically, which remained a source of angst and resentment for Lara, as she was still bitter and angry at being cast aside over a decade ago as Grayson was on his way out of town.

 

Grayson had become a successful businessman and only returned to his small hometown after being summoned back by his ailing mother. Grayson deserved several well-placed kicks to the pants for being such an indulged and oblivious mama’s boy. The narrative alternated between angst, humor, and a few steamy delights. Comic relief was frequently provided by Lara’s over-exuberant best friend Aidy, who thrived on gossip and rumor in much the same way that I require my daily allotments of wine and cheese.

ABOUT KELLY COLLINS   

 

  Goodreads  / Website  / Amazon /

International bestselling author of over 30 novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping the love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.

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Book Review: THE EVIL THAT WAS DONE by Michele PW

 

THE EVIL THAT WAS DONE

by Michele PW

Brought to you by Forever Write PR

Michele PW is back with THE EVIL THAT WAS DONE, the shocking conclusion where long-buried secrets will finally be revealed. Time is running out for Becca to prove she isn’t responsible for the recent disappearances in her childhood hometown, Redemption. Fans of Dean Koontz, Nora Roberts, and Holly Seddon will devour this addicting award-winning series.
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The Evil That Was Done

Secrets of Redemption #3

by Michele PW

Published: June 26th, 2019

Publisher: Love-Based Publishing

Genres: Psychological thriller/romantic suspense/mystery

Only Available on Amazon and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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It’s happening again—people are disappearing.
And just like before, the finger is pointed at Becca.
She knows how it looks … and that she’s being set up.
Someone is following her. Sneaking into her house. Planting evidence to make her look guilty.
The problem is, she has no idea why.
The bigger problem is, no one believes her.
And time is running out.
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 As the 2018 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Book Series Winner, the Secrets of Redemption series is a must read. Fans of psychological thrillers, romantic suspense, and mystery novels will devour the twisty and addicting series. Grab your copies today! Also, available in Kindle Unlimited!

My Rating:

Favorite Quote:

 

I was starting to feel like one of those kids in a horror movie who goes down into the basement without turning the light on. Honestly, it made sense at the time.

 

My Review:

 

I was totally annoyed and completely exasperated with the main character of Becca – she dithered, she waffled, she was immature and irresponsible and made one boneheaded decision after another. I was so disgusted with her I declared her limited brain cells aloud to my Kindle with, “What a moron!”   Yet I couldn’t have stopped reading if my hair had been on fire. I was deeply invested and had to know what happened if I ever wanted to sleep again as the diabolical storyteller known as Michelle P.W. had my attention. There were lots of twists and turns and surprising revelations. I spun and cast aside several theories and was oh so confident that I had it figured out… I was so very wrong. The storylines were active, taut with tension and angst, and involved so many poor choices that I wondered if Becca might have suffered one too many blows to the head, but I couldn’t have been happier with the choice of life-saving hero.

 

It Began With A Lie, Book #1 on Amazon
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This Happened To Jessica, Book #2 on Amazon
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THE EVIL THAT WAS DONE #3 Only Available on Amazon and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

 

Excerpt:
Copyright @ Michele PW 2019

 

“So, if we’re done grilling JD, maybe we can move on to other topics of interest now,” Barry said. “Like Daniel.”
I spilled my wine.
“Oh, clean up on aisle ten,” Barry said, as JD handed me his coaster napkin to mop it up. “Maybe we need to get a refill.”
“I’m good, really,” I said. The last thing I needed was more wine. Or to talk about Daniel.
“It’s not a big deal. Daniel can bring it over when he comes over.” Barry started signaling with his hand.
Wait a minute. Daniel was here? He was supposed to be working. That’s why he canceled our date. Did he lie to me?
A part of me wanted to march over to wherever he was and give him a piece of my mind. I had asked him straight out if he really wanted to do this, to try dating. I had already told him I would understand if he thought it was going to be too complicated for him to date me and be a cop in this town.
He assured me he wanted to try.
I believed him.
And, here he was, standing me up again.
A small voice inside me immediately wanted to argue—fifteen years ago, Daniel didn’t actually stand me up. And, regardless, Daniel wasn’t standing me up right then, because he had called to cancel.
Yet it somehow still felt like I was sixteen again, standing alone in the woods, wondering where Daniel was … and feeling like a total fool.
Of course, I couldn’t say any of that in front of all our friends. Maybe I should just leave. That would kill two birds with one stone. Not only would I avoid seeing Daniel, but I could also get away from JD and his strange, intense energy.
Before I could figure out how exactly to sneak away, there was Daniel, doling out drinks—including another glass of wine for me. He was wearing a blue tee shirt that brought out the blue in his eyes. His blonde hair was getting a little long, curling around the back of his shirt.
Speaking of his eyes, they darted between me and JD, but he didn’t say a word. Not only that, but his face was completely unreadable—a professional mask. His cop face. He pulled a chair over and turned it around before he sat down, so he was straddling it backwards. He was careful not to look at me, but I could still feel the sparks dancing between us. I was having trouble breathing, something that happened often when I was near him.
“So, since you’re here, does that mean Ellen is safe and sound?” Mia asked.
He took a pull from his beer. “No, but there’s not much we can do right now.”
“What happened?” Daphne asked. On the surface, her voice sounded neutral, like she was simply inquiring about an acquaintance, but I could hear the confusion and worry swirling beneath the calm.
He shrugged. “No one seems to know. She didn’t show up at work today, which is unlike her. They had tried calling her home and her cell, but there was no answer, so they called her mother. Her mother was the one who came in to file a missing persons report, but since there’s no sign of foul play, there’s not a lot we can do right now.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine, like I had just been blasted by air conditioning.
“What about putting an alert out?” Mia asked.
“We can, but she hasn’t even been missing for a day. It’s not a crime for an adult to disappear. We’re in wait-and-see mode.”
“And, Ellen has been known to just take off without telling anyone,” Daphne said darkly, pressing her lips together so hard they turned white.
“Not to mention it’s pretty common here for people to leave quickly, making it seem like they’ve disappeared,” Mia said, after a quick glance at Daphne.
“Yeah, I had heard that,” JD said. “Something about how, if the town doesn’t like you, it makes sure you don’t stay?”
Celia rolled her eyes. “It’s all a bunch of nonsense.”
“It is NOT a bunch of nonsense,” Mia said. “Weird things DO happen here. And, they have for years. Over a hundred years.”
“Weird things happen in every town,” Celia said. “It’s no different here.”
“I don’t know, we sure seem to have more than our share of weirdness,” Daphne said.

Author Michele PW:

 

 

When Michele was 3 years old, she taught herself to read because she wanted to write stories so badly.

 

As you can imagine, writing has been a driving passion throughout her life. She became a professional copywriter (which is writing promotional materials for businesses), which led to her founding a copywriting and marketing company that serves clients all over the world.

 

Along with being a copywriter, she is also a bestselling, award-winning fiction and nonfiction author.

 

For fiction, she writes psychological thriller/mystery/romantic suspense novels. She also hosts a popular book and entertainment blog. Check out MPWNovels.com for more.

 

For nonfiction, she’s the main author and creator of the “Love-Based Business” series that include both business and personal development books. For articles and resources on business, writing, success and more, visit LoveBasedBiz.com.

 

She holds a double major in English and Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, she lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband Paul and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

 

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Book Review: The Wedding Planner by Eve Devon

The Wedding Planner

by Eve Devon

 

Amazon  / B&N

 

Wedding bells are ringing and gossip is spiraling in Whispers Wood…

Single mum Gloria Pavey has a bad habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. Determined to make a positive change she can’t say no when her best friend, Emma, asks her to take on the role of her wedding planner. The only problem? Gloria’s co-planner – best man Seth Knightley.

Gloria is on a self-imposed man ban but pulling together the most beautiful wedding Whispers Wood has ever seen alongside gorgeous Seth is pushing her to her limits. As every interaction increases the tension between them Gloria finds herself wondering…could the happy ever after she never thought she’d have be in her future after all?

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

… that story was for another time she liked to call ‘Never’.

 

‘Go now,’ she said, her eyes flashing white-hot fire as she snatched the book out of his hands and held it threateningly. ‘Go before I Jason-Bourne-kill-you with this book.’

 

When you grew up poor it wasn’t that you didn’t believe money could bring you happiness. To be honest you weren’t interested in happiness, you were only interested in not being poor.

 

‘We need to cast the line,’ he said, his voice curling like smoke into her ear, tickling her ear canal and causing enough jolts of electricity so that by the time the line went in the water, she was sure the fishes would all come flying out.

 

‘I have two left feet.’ ‘That’s okay. I have two right ones.’

 

She looked down and when she saw the eyeful she was giving them all, inhaled with shock, which only made the picture worse… Gloria stared at how much of her bust was on display. ‘The only thing that’s going to fix this is scaffolding.’ With a moan of distress she reached down to try and pull the bodice of the dress upwards to cover her breasts… ‘I look like my chest is a shelf. People will be trying to leave their drinks on me.’

 

My Review:

 

This was my first time reading Ms. Devon’s work and I enjoyed her acerbic wit, engaging writing style, and uniquely quirky and compelling characters. Despite being the third book in a series, I had no difficulty following the story although I’m sure I would have enjoyed it, even more, had I read the first two installments as all the characters appear to have continued through.   Regardless, The Wedding Planner provided an interesting character study with the evolution of Gloria, who was a caustic and acid-tongued prickly pear with a built-in “sarcasmometer” and could be rather thoughtless and proved quite difficult for me to warm up to as Gloria and I could have been related…

 

Gloria had been deeply scarred by her family and failed marriage, was beyond jaded and well past difficult and could toss off snarky insults and throw attitude like it was an Olympic sport – I will confess to greatly admiring her level of skill. She initially appeared selfish and hostile, yet she had a big heart that she kept under wraps, well and truly hidden, like deeply buried in the core of the earth.   Once I understood her insecurity and the root of her issues, my heart began to thaw and felt less inclined to give her a good smack or two to disengage her cranium from her posterior region. Seth, on the other hand, was a total dreamboat and I was completely and fully besotted with him.   He was the perfect foil for Gloria and appeared to have been blessed with the body of a god as well as the patience and insight of a saint – which would also make him the perfect match for me!

About the Author

My name’s Eve Devon and I write sexy heroes, sassy heroines and happy ever afters…

Growing up in locations like Botswana and Venezuela gave me a taste for adventure and my love for romances began when my mother shoved one into my hands in a desperate attempt to keep me quiet during TV coverage of the Wimbledon tennis finals.

When I wasn’t consuming books by the bucket-load, I could be found pretending to be a damsel in distress or running around solving mysteries and writing down my adventures. As a teenager, I wrote countless episodes of TV detective dramas so the hero and heroine would end up together every week. As an adult, I worked in a library to conveniently continue consuming books by the bucket-load, until realizing I was destined to write contemporary romance and romantic suspense myself. I live in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with my very own sexy hero husband!

Social Media Links –

Website: www.EveDevon.com

Facebook: https://twitter.com/EveDevon