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Book Review: The Roommate Agreement by Emma Hart

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Let your homeless best friend stay with you, he said. Being roommates will be fun, he said. It’s only temporary, he said.

He never said I’d fall for him.

The Roommate Agreement, all-new hilarious and romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is available now!

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You know what isn’t ‘temporary?’ The endless stream of dirty socks in my bathroom and empty food packets under the sofa—and don’t even get me started on the hot guys who take over my living room every Sunday to watch sports.

I can’t take anymore.

So I propose a roommate agreement. One that will bring peace and order back to my life, complete with rules that might just stop my newfound crush on my best friend in its tracks.

After all, there’s only so many times you can see your best friend naked before you start to lose your mind.

Rules. They’re meant to be broken… Aren’t they?

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DGpmhA

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2UoG1M3

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

Nook: http://bit.ly/2DH0FBr

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2DIIPy5

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2U6lAam

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2H3qOyc

 

My Rating:

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

Jay’s grandmother’s obsession with Fireball wasn’t exactly a secret in town, and it’d caused her to remove her shirt in public more than once. I did not want to be the person who was responsible for that. The entire town was still getting over the last time. Especially since Betsy, uh, favored letting the girls go free, if you know what I mean.

 

The only people who have problems with inches are men and hair stylists.

 

“Leggings aren’t pants!” “Wash your filthy mouth out with soap!”

 

She wanted to know why you were such a heathen who didn’t visit anymore. I told her you were learning to do your own laundry, and she laughed so hard I think she broke a rib.

 

Introverts weren’t designed for this kind of human interaction. We were more of a mumble and hide in a blanket-fort kind of people.

 

My Review:

 

Inspired by her adulation of fellow oddball Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory, Shelby drew up a set of rules for her new roommate/lifelong best friend as his errant socks, Oreo thievery, and slovenly habits were working her last nerve.   Well, everyone knows a girl’s Oreos are sacrosanct! This was my second glee-filled exposure to the lovely Ms. Emma Hart, and the mystery of why I have just recently stumbled into her gifted wordplay feels like a cruel joke – where are my book friends, why didn’t someone tell me? I adore her mischievously clever wit and uniquely quirky characters. Written in my favorite dual POV, this highly amusing tale was packed with swift and wily banter that kept me smirking and giggle-snorting as I read. I adored this smartly crafted friends to lovers story from start to finish. Emma Hart = good fun!

Excerpt:

Shelby shut the door with a click and peered over at me. “What are you writing? If it’s permission to use the feather duster as a sex toy, the answer is no. Unless you buy your own, but if you haven’t figured out where the laundry room is yet, I doubt you’ll find where to buy one.”

She was as funny as a car crash, this one.

“Hilarious,” I drawled. “No, I’m making amendments as I go. I added a new rule.”

“You added a new rule?” She raised one dark eyebrow and walked over, hovering over me. “All right, what is it?”

“Decent clothes must be worn. Do you know how many times I wake up early on a morning to open the gym and find you basically in your underwear in the kitchen?”

“Basically in my underwear? Who are you seeing in the kitchen? I wear shorts and a tank top at the very least.”

“Yes, but the shorts barely cover your ass, and you’re sure as hell not wearing a bra.”

She paused, eyes glittering as she said, “And why are you looking at my ass and my boobs?”

That was an excellent question.

“Because there’s nowhere else to look!” I rushed out before my stupid cock could get any ideas. “Look, waking up in the morning can be challenging for a guy.”

She stared at me.

“I don’t need to get up for a coffee with… you know.” I motioned to my groin. “And see you half-clothed.”

She flicked her hair over her shoulder and walked to the kitchen, turning her back to me. “Why does it matter? I’m your best friend. I hardly think your little friend is remotely interested in whether or not I’m wearing a bra.”

Yeah, well, he is.

“Fine. If I have to wake up and see your perky nipples prancing around the kitchen, I’m going to stroll around in my underwear so you can get a good view of my morning glory.”

She spun, lifting up a finger. Her cheeks were flushed, and she had to swallow before she could speak. “My nipples do not prance. They are not horses.”

I grinned.

“Also, I have no desire to have anything to do with your morning erection, much less get a good view of it, thank you very much.”

“Have I told you that you’re cute when you blush?”

“Have I told you that you’d be a cute dead guy?”

I laughed, leaning back on the sofa. “C’mon, Shelbs. We need to respect each other’s privacy. You don’t want to see my cock hard over your breakfast, and I don’t want to see your nipples standing to attention when I make a coffee.”

She sighed. “Why did I ever let you move in again?”

“Because I was going to be homeless and you’re the best friend ever?”

“Mm.”

About Emma Hart

Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages.

 

She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.

 

Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.

 

Yes, really. She’s that sarcastic.

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Connect with Emma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaHartBooks/

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Dr0atq

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2Dq42ez

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2EBbZNe

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2D91d3T

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

Stay up to date with Emma by joining her mailing list: https://www.emmahart.org/newsletter

Website: https://www.emmahart.org/home

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Book Review, Giveaway: Mr. One-Night Stand by Rachael Stewart

 Mr. One-Night Stand

by Rachael Stewart 

 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / B&N

 

One night only. 
Just think of the possibilities…

The second she sees Mr. Oh-So-Delicious, Jennifer Hayes knows she needs one night of crazy. No names, no strings, no rules. Except that Jennifer’s naughty one-nighter is actually Marcus Wright—her new business partner! Now they’re mixing business with all kinds of pleasure. But when it comes to falling in love her sexy Mr. Wright is either Mr. Wrong or the best mistake of her life…

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quote:

 

Crack? It wasn’t a bad way to put it. He certainly felt as if someone had ripped him apart and put him back together all wrong.

 

My Review:

 

Sizzle and snap, this lascivious story had my Kindle throwing off sparks. It was lust at first sight and this couple was a five-alarm fire hazard. I could skip any plans of cardio for the day as this tale had me gasping for breath, elevated my heart rate, and doubled my laundry.   It could best be coined as an out of office unromance as neither party was willing to have anything to do with the other once they realized they would be working together. Yet neither could seem to concentrate. The premise wasn’t unique but the storylines were entertaining with frequent lashings of salacious inner musings. It was a quick, easy to follow and umm, highly sensual read. Certainly not one I would recommend for my elderly mother’s church ladies book club. Keep cool libations handy and ceiling fans set on high.

About the Author

Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heart-warmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

Despite a degree in Business Studies and spending many years in the corporate world, the desire to become an author never waned and it’s now her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

Social Media Links –

Website: www.rachaelstewartauthor.com

Twitter: @rach_b52

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachaelstewartauthor/

 

Giveaway

 Win an e-copy of Mr. One Night Stand by Rachael Stewart (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  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: No Regrets (Small Town Big Love Series Book 3) by Kelly Collins

No Regrets

(Small Town Big Love Series Book 3)

by Kelly Collins

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA 

 

Their divorce papers are ready to sign. So why can’t they say goodbye?

Billionaire Samuel “Clem” Clemons Blackwood is tired of fighting with his wife. In an attempt to forget about his broken marriage, he agrees to help his sister save their tiny hometown from bankruptcy. But instead of signing the divorce papers, his former high school sweetheart joins the impossible rescue.

Kaitlin Blackwood can’t figure out where her perfect life went wrong. Even though she and Clem can’t stop fighting, she makes one last desperate attempt to rekindle their passion. As she starts to figure out where they want wrong, Kaitlin watches their years of bitterness begin to fade.

In the midst of Blackwood’s abysmal budget struggle, can Kaitlin and Clem’s marriage overcome its own deep deficit?

No Regrets… is the third book in the Small Town ~ Big Love series of contemporary romance novels. If you like billionaires with hearts of gold, sizzling chemistry, and second chance stories, then you’ll love Kelly Collins’ sweet and sexy tale.

 

 

My Rating:

 

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

“You’re lucky Kevin isn’t here. He’d arrest both of you for indecent exposure.” “I’d say what is exposed is pretty decent,” joked Damon, suddenly listening.

 

Nothing killed the mood like an old lady in loafers and knee-high stockings.

 

Mrs. Jensen, who was all set with her coat and gloves. Without them, she might freeze to death as she moved through the store in slow motion. It seemed she squeezed every peach and smelled every apple. No pear went untouched. Her gloves came off and were put back on between all the feels.

 

His impulse was to barrel through the grocery aisles and toss one of everything into the cart, but there was no way he could. She was a little old lady and if he was honest, she was funny. She went through all the bags of grapes, taking out the best ones and putting them in the bag she would buy. “I don’t think that’s allowed,” Clem whispered to Kaitlin. She giggled. “We’re all going to grape jail.”

 

Counseling is an excellent idea because the two of you are either causing sparks or throwing spears.

 

“I’m not ready for anyone to call me daddy except for Jennifer.” “Okay, TMI.” Clem shook his head like he was getting rid of a bug in his hair. “TMI.”

 

I’ve never been a father. I’ve never been married but my advice to you is to never refer to your wife as a cute butterball again.

 

My Review:

 

There were three main story threads in this installment; a wealthy family full of newlyweds facing major life changes; a dying tiny mountain town in flux; and a restless and dissatisfied couple struggling to decide the fate of their broken marriage. Each of which sounds rather mundane and lackluster on the surface yet Kelly Collins spins them into amusing and engaging storylines with humorous descriptions, witty banter, emotive insights, sizzling sensuality, and mind snagging and vibrant details. I didn’t expect to enjoy this couple as much as I did. Kaitlin and Clem initially seemed rather childish and highly volatile, however, they were impeccably well matched and adorably in sync well before the concluding chapters and brought a satisfying closure to the series.

ABOUT KELLY COLLINS   

Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping the love alive.

Always a romantic, she is inspired by real-time events mixed with a dose of fiction. She encourages her readers to reach the happily ever after but bask in the afterglow of the perfectly imperfect love.

Kelly lives in Colorado with her husband of twenty-seven years. She loves hockey, shiny objects and has a new-found appreciation for green smoothies.

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Book Review: Return to Lily Pond Lane (Lily Pond Lane #6) by Emily Harvale

 

Return to Lily Pond Lane

(Lily Pond Lane #6)

by Emily Harvale

 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA

 

Life couldn’t be better for Mia and her friends in Little Pondale – until tragedy strikes…

Mia Ward is on cloud nine after a magical Christmas and New Year and she isn’t the only one. Everyone on Lily Pond Lane seems to be living in blissful harmony. Until tragedy strikes… not once, but twice. And as Hettie Turner points out: ‘Bad things always come in threes.’ Whilst the other residents of Little Pondale are wondering what might happen next, Mia is busy worrying about her friends and trying to help them with their grief. But she needs to be careful. Just when she thought she had everything, there’s a very real chance she might lose the only thing she truly wants.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I’m telling you now, Mia. If I die and Gill’s not around, or we die together, I want the whole shebang. A big carriage pulled by four beautiful black horses. More flowers than you could fill a shop with and everyone crying and saying how wonderful I was and that life will never be the same without me. Oh, and I want my ashes to be scattered on the moon, or somewhere equally fabulous. With all your dosh, you can arrange that, right?

 

‘I’d quite like to have my ashes scattered on Frog Hill. Or in Frog’s Hollow, near the pond.’ ‘What? So that you can watch everyone going skinny dipping on Midsummer’s Eve? You dirty old bag!’

 

… you’d better start learning how to change a nappy and hold your nose at the same time. God, that stuff stinks. I thought babies smelt of vanilla or something lovely like that, not like every toilet in the known universe has exploded and landed in their nappy. Make sure you’ve got plenty of wine in. We’re going to need it.

 

She loved having a pantry. It made her feel like Nigella Lawson – although Mia was far from being a domestic goddess. Sometimes, it was difficult to decide whether to ice her cakes, or use them as stepping stones in her soon-to-be, herb and vegetable garden.

 

My Review:

 

I always enjoy my adventurous stopovers in Emily Harvale’s Little Pondale, there is always some scandalous secret as well as covertly or overtly observed gossip fodder about to erupt. Poor old Hettie just cannot help herself, she feasts on the tittle-tattle and all the scurrying about to be the first to inform everyone else appears to her full-time job and only source of exercise. This quaint little village appears to be populated with an interesting mix of quirky residents with oddly amusing traits and customs. I adore them all and enjoy my visits, which are all too brief yet thankfully frequent.

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

 

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Sneak Peak: THE SAVIOR (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #17) by J. R. Ward

Waiting for this has been MURHDER…

THE SAVIOR
The Black Dagger Brotherhood series

by J. R. Ward

On Sale: April 2, 2019

Get your copy and Murhder can be all yours:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Savior/J-R-Ward/The-Black-Dagger-Brotherhood-series/9781501194948

The Black Dagger Brotherhood has a new SAVIOR:

 

Sneak Peek at J.R. Ward’s Brand-New Newsletter:

The Caldwell Courier Journal

 

Sign-up for exclusive Black Dagger Brotherhood original content:

https://jrward.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9963a331604291f164fc10413&id=2c5b6cefec

 

Who better to ask for honest, snarky relationship advice than Vishous?

Ask At Your Own Risk.

 

Dear Vishous, Agony Aunt Column

(with help from Mary)

 

Dear Vishous,

 

First of all, thank you for doing this.  I need another perspective. I am a 27-year-old woman, about fifteen months out of a five-year relationship.  I started dating a guy about two months ago. I’ll call him “Evan.” We met on Match.com. We both workout. We like a good time out at the clubs and the bars.  We’re both Sox fans. He’s funny and he’s been good about keeping in touch when he travels frequently for work.

 

My problem is this.  He told me he was twenty-eight.  A week or so ago, when we were playing pool at our local, he told me to snag his wallet and pay for the next round at the bar.  While I was getting money out, I saw his driver’s license. It said he’s thirty-six and the address listed was in a different area of the city than he told me he lives in. I got the drinks and put his wallet back in his pocket, and tried not to think about it.

 

But I can’t shake the idea he lied, and it’s causing me to obsess about things that are probably no big deal.  Like, he only comes to stay at my place. I’ve never been to his apartment, and when I asked about this, he said he has two roommates who get on his nerves and he prefers the break he gets when he sleeps at my apartment.  And I’ve introduced him to my friends, but he’s never offered to do the same. At first, I was psyched because my ex never wanted to hang with my people. But now? I guess I’m uneasy and looking for shadows everywhere.

 

I don’t care how old he is, and I know that some times folks on Match fudge their age to make them more attractive.  And maybe it’s just an old license. I don’t want to ruin a good thing by looking like I’m second guessing him about stuff that only appears iffy and for which there is a reasonable explanation.

 

Please advise,

 

On The Fence In Beantown

 

#################

 

Vishous:  Here’s what you need to do.  Go to your local Stahp ‘n Shahp and get some Sweet Baby Ray’s  BBQ. Then get a good knife. After you slice his b*lls off, marinate them and then pan fry ‘em.  Serve them to him hot and spicy and-

 

Mary:  Okaaaaaaay.  Let’s just all take a deep breath here.

 

V:  I know, because the BBQ sauce smells great, right?

 

Mary:  Ah, no.  It’s because we should not settle this type of conflict through bodily harm.

 

V:  Whatever, that lying sack of sh*t with the fake Match profile doesn’t deserve a set of nuts.  S’all I’m sayin’.

 

Mary:  I think we’ve heard your point of view loud and clear.  And now, I’d like to offer a more nuanced opinion. On The Fence, it’s clear that there are some reasons to be concerned about this guy.  One of the things that I tell people in my practice is to always trust your instincts. As much as you want to believe the best-

 

V:  Fine.  No BBQ sauce, then.  Just slice, dice and toss ‘em in the pan.  He doesn’t deserve Sweet Baby Ray’s.

 

Mary:  …………….

 

V:  What.  Oh, come on, don’t look at me like that.

 

Mary:  I’ve never actually said this before to someone, but why don’t you light up a cigarette and take a few deep drags.

 

V:  I thought you’d never ask.

 

Mary:  Anyway, On The Fence, my suggestion is that you have a frank, face-to-face conversation with “Evan.”  Share your concerns calmly and succinctly. See what his answers are. Based on how he responds, you should be able to tell a lot.  Is he listening to you and taking you seriously? Is he offering to have you stay over at his place? Or is he defensive and turning everything back on you-

 

V:  And his Red Sox card is revoked.  He has to root for the Yankees now.

 

Mary:  -in a way that makes you uncomfortable?  At the end of the day, you deserve to be in a relationship with someone who’s as honest as you are and treats you the way you’re treating them.

 

V:  I have to agree with Mary on this one.  Even though you’re a human, being with a lying sack of sh*t is whack.  

 

Mary:  Remember, your physical safety comes first, and fast on its heels is your emotional health.  Please do not sacrifice your happiness just because you are hoping that “Evan” is the one-

 

V:  I think you’re going to find out he’s got a wife and kids and he’s playing you.  Which brings us back to my solution to the problem-

 

Mary: -and let us know how it goes, please.  Best of luck!

 

V:  F**k him!  Go get a real man- and that skillet.

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Book Review, Giveaway: VAN (Vested Interest #5) by Melanie Moreland

Title: Van

Series: Vested Interest #5

Author: Melanie Moreland

Release Date: March 25, 2019

Genre: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy

Synopsis:

Vince Morrison, known to most people as Van.

Good with his hands, be it crafting a piece of wood, playing his guitar, or pleasing a lover—he excels at them all.

Friendly, flirty, and talented, he’s cool under pressure, and hot everywhere else.

But he keeps his heart closed, even as his interest and emotions are tested.

Olivia Rourke works alongside him at BAM.

Talented, private, and intriguing, she touches something inside him he can’t deny.

He wants to know her.  In every possible way.

He wants her to know him.

Her past tells her to stay clear. Van is everything that she wants, and exactly what she cannot have. She has someone else to think of who is more important.

Can either of them risk their hearts?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2HDno4y

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Tv2Pc0

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2FvRdlx

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2FmlsKm

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/Van-VI5-Apple

Nook: http://bit.ly/Van-VI5-Nook

Kobo: http://bit.ly/Van-VI5-Kobo

 

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My Rating:

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

Between them her tea set was arranged on the table, many of her stuffed animals gathered around it… Van sat on the floor, his legs crossed, a few animals on his lap. A blue boa was draped around his neck, and a tiara sat askew on his head, the plastic gems glittering in the light. He held out his cup, his pinkie extended, no doubt having been schooled in proper tea party etiquette by Sammy, murmuring his thanks for more “tea.”

 

Call it experience or friendly advice, but if you’re gonna kiss your girl in the office, make sure to wipe the lip gloss off your mouth before pretending it never happened… Pink isn’t really your color.

 

Hal smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile, but rather the kind which happens right before the monster eats you.

 

 My Review:

 

Van, both the book and the character, were perfection. This deftly written story is a supreme example of my favorite type of book and reason for reading. The premise was relevant, interesting, and entertaining and cast with characters who were realistically flawed while totally appealing and disarmingly endearing. As expected, Ms. Moreland’s storylines were artfully crafted and expertly paced while tapping all the feels and filling my heart with a glitter bomb of delight.   And bonus round, the enticing and alluring main characters were gratefully supportive, passionate, and nurturing towards each other rather than engaged in constant conflict or battling their attraction. I was totally enamored and thoroughly smitten with the thoughtful and tender care the gentle giant Van extended toward the women in his life. I have fallen head-over-heels with every book in this divinely written series featuring the men of BAM and hope it continues into perpetuity. Melanie Moreland has mad skills.

 

 

In The Series: Kindle Unlimited

Bentley: Vested Interest #1

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/Bentley

 

Aiden: Vested Interest #2

Amazon: http://mybook.to/Aiden

 

Maddox: Vested Interest #3

Amazon Universal: http://getbook.at/Maddox

 

Reid: Vested Interest #4

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LZ46oU

 

Author Bio: 

New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.

Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free-falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She’s learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.

Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com

 

Social Media Links:

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2wlWE1z

Melanie’s Minions (reader group) http://bit.ly/2wOwbdJ

Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/melaniemoreland

Website: http://bit.ly/2iLv0Xi

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2uQ4Ckj

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ql5R95

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2vIBTKq

Bookbub:  http://bit.ly/2vrs5oY

YouTube:  http://bit.ly/2eIuWq5

Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/2gmdBjj

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/2gtNOtk

Tumblr: http://bit.ly/2xy0xlT

Book+Main: http://bit.ly/2AuWp4S

 

Excerpt:

Van sat on the floor, his legs crossed, a few animals on his lap. A blue boa was draped around his neck, and a tiara sat askew on his head, the plastic gems glittering in the light. He held out his cup, his pinkie extended, no doubt having been schooled in proper tea party etiquette by Sammy, murmuring his thanks for more “tea.”

Sammy filled his cup with water and held out the plate of Oreos. I frowned. I never bought Oreos.

“More cookies, Prince Van? I made them myself.”

Prince Van?

He lifted his chin royally and accepted a cookie. “They are delicious. You must give me the recipe. I’ll have my cook at the castle make them.”

Never had I wished for a camera more than I did at that moment. Unable to contain myself, I giggled. They both turned to the door, excited to see me home. Sammy clapped her hands, demanding I join them.

I expected embarrassment from Van, but he simply tossed his boa around his neck and indicated the floor beside him with a wide grin.

“Liv, you’re home. Join us for tea? Sammy has made the most divine cookies.”

How could I resist?

 

Release Giveaway:

Signed paperback copy of Van and $25 Lowe’s gift card

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Book Review: THE GOODBYE CAFÉ (The Hudson Sisters #3) by Mariah Stewart

THE GOODBYE CAFÉ

(The Hudson Sisters #3)

by Mariah Stewart

On sale March 26, 2019

Amazon US / UK / CA / AU / B&N

California girl Allie Hudson Monroe can’t wait for the day when the renovations on the Sugarhouse Theater are complete so she can finally collect the inheritance from her father and leave Pennsylvania. After all, her life and her fourteen-year-old daughter are in Los Angeles.

 

But Allie’s divorce left her tottering on the edge of bankruptcy, so to keep up on payments for her house and her daughter’s private school tuition, Allie packed up and flew out east. But fate has a curve-ball or two to toss in Allie’s direction—she just doesn’t know it yet.

 

She hadn’t anticipated how her life would change after reuniting with her estranged sister, Des, or meeting her previously unknown half-sister, Cara. And she’d certainly never expected to find small-town living charming. But the biggest surprise was that her long-forgotten artistry would save the day when the theater’s renovation fund dried up.

 

With opening day upon the sisters, Allie’s free to go. But for the first time in her life, she feels like the woman she was always meant to be. Will she return to the West Coast and resume her previous life, or will the love of “this amazing, endearing family of women” (Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author) be enough to draw her back to the place where the Hudson roots grow so deep?

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

You may say senior. You may not say old, elder, or advanced age. And never geriatric if you know what’s good for you.

 

Cara, you think Des’s kids’ll come out bald with tiny Harley-Davidson tattoos on their shoulders?

 

The short answer is I don’t know…The long answer is I don’t know.

 

“The universe doesn’t owe you an explanation for everything,” as Mandy, Allie’s across-the-street neighbor back in L.A., used to say. Then again, she reminded herself, Mandy set traps for unicorns in the hills behind her house and sprinkled visitors with glitter before they walked through her front door.

 

“You know it’s not good to tease old ladies. You could give them a heart attack.” “Barney, did you just call yourself an old lady?” “Of course not. I was speaking in generalities.”

 

My Review:

 

Ms. Stewart has performed a major transformation; she tamed the shrew and made her not only likable but commendable – kudos! I enjoyed the slow yet meaningful metamorphosis of the bitter and virulently tongued Allie, although Ms. Stewart had granted her some of the wittiest lines and snarkiest banter of all the characters during her acerbic and noxiously abrasive period. The gradual reformation and reshaping of her nature was cleverly and realistically done, I didn’t expect to care for her as much as I did; she was completely made-over and admirably appealing by the story’s end.

 

Some mysteries were solved, more secrets were uncovered, and some questions may forever remain unanswered. I don’t think this series is anywhere near finished as there are still more Hudsons to feature, young and old, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if several more popped up as the prolific horndog Fritz couldn’t seem to keep it in his pants.

 

About the author

Amazon

Goodreads

Website

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel. Visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.

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Book Review: The Sugarhouse Blues (The Hudson Sisters #2) by Mariah Stewart

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The Sugarhouse Blues

(The Hudson Sisters #2)

by Mariah Stewart

 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / B&N

 

Allie, Des, and Cara, each having her own reasons for wanting a share of their father’s estate, meet in the grand Victorian home in which he grew up, only to be greeted by another secret he purposely hid from them: his sister Bonnie. The women reluctantly band together to take on Fritz’s challenge, working with a local contractor to begin the renovations financed by an account Fritz had set up for the task. While the restoration appears to go smoothly at first, it soon becomes apparent that the work will be more extensive than originally thought, and Des, elected to handle the money, needs to find ways to stretch out the remaining savings while searching for new sources of funding.


As strangers linked only by their DNA try to become a family, the Hudson sisters also try to come to terms with the father they only thought they knew. In the process, each woman discovers her own capacity for understanding, forgiveness, love, and the true meaning of family.

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My Rating:

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

Nothing says time to move on like having your husband file for divorce so he can marry one of your best friends.

 

“Ordinarily, I’d have a retort for that, but right now, I’m all out of snark.” “Allie, your snark well has never run dry.” “Well, it did today, Des. I used it all up on Clint.” Allie grinned. “But it was snark well spent, believe me.’

 

It’s not a big deal, Allie. He’s a good kid… Allie, you act like the guy came in here with punk green hair smoking a joint and grabbing her butt.

 

I have visions of people lined up for miles for burgers but we’ve run out. They’re carrying pitchforks and chanting your name. I’m hiding out in the vineyard with the dogs, by the way.

 

My Review:

 

I was further drawn into the steady current of Ms. Stewart’s smooth storytelling and was soon fully immersed and residing in the small town of Hidden Falls along with her enticing and cunningly nuanced characters. I was fully invested in their saga and labored beside them during renovation efforts as well as with their budding relationships with each other and new community. The rehab of the historic theater was bumping along until a massive storm wrought major damage and a setback to their plans and depleted bank balance.   Another fly in the ointment continued to be the contentious and shrewish personality of Allie, who appeared to be gradually softening but still leaning toward the vile harpy end of the scale.

 

This series would make an excellent miniseries as I hung on each new twist and complication. The relationships and family dynamics were front and center and quite compelling as the storylines continued to expand and interweave with additional layers or mystery, revelations, and insights. An unexpected discovery indicates papa appears to have more of a bounder than anyone knew. I am hooked and more than eager to dive into the next installment. I don’t recall four hundred pages ever flying by so quickly!

About the Author

Amazon
Goodreads
Website

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel. Visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.

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Book Review: LAST CHANCE MATINEE (Hudson Sisters #1) by Mariah Stewart

LAST CHANCE MATINEE
A Hudson Sisters Novel #1 

by Mariah Steward

        

 

From New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart comes the first novel in her all-new series, The Hudson Sisters, following a trio of reluctant sisters as they set out to fulfill their father’s dying wish. In the process, they find not only themselves, but the father they only thought they knew.

When celebrated and respected agent Fritz Hudson passes away, he leaves a trail of Hollywood glory in his wake—and two separate families who never knew the other existed. Allie and Des Hudson are products of Fritz’s first marriage to Honora, a beautiful but troubled starlet whose life ended in a tragic overdose. Meanwhile, Fritz was falling in love on the Delaware Bay with New Age hippie Susa Pratt—they had a daughter together, Cara, and while Fritz loved Susa with everything he had, he never quite managed to tell her or Cara about his West Coast family.

Now Fritz is gone, and the three sisters are brought together under strange circumstances: there’s a large inheritance to be had that could save Allie from her ever-deepening debt following a disastrous divorce, allow Des to open a rescue shelter for abused and wounded animals, and give Cara a fresh start after her husband left her for her best friend—but only if the sisters upend their lives and work together to restore an old, decrepit theater that was Fritz’s obsession growing up in his small hometown in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Guided by Fritz’s closest friend and longtime attorney, Pete Wheeler, the sisters come together—whether they like it or not—to turn their father’s dream into a reality, and might just come away with far more than they bargained for.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

What could he have said?” Cara lowered her voice. “‘Oh, Susa, by the way, did I mention that I was married to someone else when I married you? But she passed away, so we don’t have to worry about those pesky bigamy laws.’

 

“I don’t know a whole lot about men, but I do know that none of them come with guarantees.” “Well, they should. They should come with grades or little caution cards. ‘Lies without conscience.’ ‘Will cheat every chance he gets.’ ‘Really does think that dress makes your ass look fat.’ ‘Only pretends to like puppies.’”

 

Cara watched Joe take a bite of his burger and was tempted to whisper, ‘Moo,’ but thought maybe she’d pulled that chain enough for one day.

 

I bought champagne to celebrate you. He doesn’t matter. You matter… We matter. We deserve a chance, and this is where we begin. You in?

 

I had the best time. Joe is… The one I thought I’d never find.

 

My Review:

 

I enjoyed this engaging story from beginning to end. The writing was entertaining, amusing, and lushly detailed. While the storyline initially seemed a bit complicated, it was easy to follow and pleasurable to read. Upon their father’s death, three women discover they have more family members than they realized – as Papa was a Rollin’ Stone.   According to the “ironclad” will, the three women were required to work together on an extensive and challenging restoration project with firm conditions and stipulations before they would earn their father’s large estate. Their project required the sisters to relocate to a quaint little town in Pennsylvania, which sparked outrage for Allie – the snide LA diva sister, although she was most hard edges and always on the verge of outrage.   There was a large cast of interesting and vibrantly detailed characters, with each being delightfully unique, easily differentiated, and memorable. My favorites being Joe – for his clever wit and patience, and Des for her thoughtful insights and gentleness. All the characters intrigued me, although I would not want to spend one second of my time with the bitter drama llama Allie.

About the Author

Amazon

 

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel. Visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.

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Book Review: The Pieces of You and Me by Rachel Burton

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The Pieces of You and Me

by Rachel Burton

Purchase Link: mybook.to/PiecesYouMe

 

They say time can heal all wounds…

When Jess and Rupert parted ways, it was the end of a great love story that might have been. Now ten years later, the very different paths they have taken in life will bring them back together for a chance meeting.

But with so much left unsaid about the breakup neither ever recovered from and with each keeping their own devastating secrets, will they finally be able to make the fractured pieces of their love for one another whole again?

 

 

My Rating:

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

Gem, I know you’re over the moon about getting married and I’m delighted for you, but it doesn’t mean that you get to matchmake. Even if I am the last one left on the shelf.

 

We were born twelve hours apart – you at six p.m. and me the following morning – in the same hospital, our mothers recovering in beds next to each other… You were early and I was late, which was the pattern that continued for the rest of our lives. You were always waiting for me to catch up with you.

 

Too young to be here, too old not to be. We’d always done terrifying things together. It felt like the first time we jumped into the deep end of the swimming pool, hand in hand, as children.

 

Looking back on it now with the advantage of age and hindsight I realised how foolish I’d been, how foolish we are when we’re young. Maybe that alone was reason enough for us to have gone our separate ways. I had been too young to understand nuanced grey areas of thought back then, too young to understand discretion and diplomacy and how sometimes we have to say things we don’t really mean just to keep the peace.

 

My Review:

 

One of my favorite tropes just so happens to be second-chances, and this couple was more than deserving of a rekindled relationship as they had each been living a rather miserable half-life while a decade apart. Serious health and family issues and tendencies to live too deeply inside their own heads further compounded their pressures and littered their path with landmines. This could easily have been a maudlin tale but Ms. Burton craftily shaped and paced her endearing flawed yet stubborn characters’ insights, memories, and encounters to circumvent the reader falling into the pit of despair.

While the narrative was often melancholy and angsty – which typically has me twitching and sighing in agony – I am absolutely astounded to report that I didn’t seem to mind. Ms. Burton may well have deployed some sort of magical word voodoo on her book file as, despite the angst, the tender quality and ingenious tempo of her superb storytelling kept me fully engaged, deeply invested, and intensely curious about their slowly unraveling and intriguing story. Contemplating this surprising and momentous phenomenon leaves me rather astonished and blinking in amazement. Such a sly and clever wordsmith deserves a five-star rating for that alone.

About the Author

Rachel Burton is the author of the international ebook bestseller The Many Colours of Us. 

Rachel spent most of her life between Cambridge and London but now lives in Yorkshire with her fiance and their three cats. The main loves of her life are The Beatles and very tall romantic heroes.

Find her on Twitter & Instagram as @bookish_yogi or follow her blog at rachelburtonwrites.com. She is always happy to talk books, writing, music, cats and how the weather in Yorkshire is rubbish. She is mostly dreaming of her next holiday.

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