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Book Review: Conflicted by Maria Macdonald

 

Title: Conflicted
Series: Deliverance #2
Author: Maria Macdonald
Genre: Coming of Age M/M
Release Date: April 17, 2018

 

Blurb
They say, ‘Be true
to yourself and follow your heart.’
But what if the two
things aren’t mutually exclusive?
If only one half is being
honest, can you ever really be complete?
For years I was my
own oppressor until I found my absolute.
He was the addiction
I didn’t want to fight, one that nearly broke me.
But I knew, when it
came to Casper, I was never going to be a survivor.
I enjoyed drowning
too damn much.

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

You know you can’t go back, right? … To before. To only a moment ago, when you were really in denial when you believed you could change who you truly are. Now your consciousness has recognized your soul. You can’t backtrack, can’t lock up the truth. All you have now is the lie… it’s your choice whether you live in it or not.

 

I believe there’s one person out there. One person who will fill every hole inside your soul. That person will stand by your side through the rough times and stand in front of you in the toughest. The person who’s always on your mind. Not just first thing in the morning and last thing at night, but also throughout your dreams… I don’t know what I’d do without her. It would be like living without my sight. I feel like maybe not everyone has one person, but I’ve always felt something inside of me. Almost a silent voice, telling me that when I meet her, I’d know, and when I love it will be forever. Never will there be anyone else for me. Not ever.

 

I’m sorry. This is hard for me, but I’m getting there slowly.” He shakes his head and looks conflicted. “That’s not an excuse… it’s—… I’m reaching for you… I am. Will you wait for me to settle my soul?

 My Review:

 

Conflicted was a quick and captivating novella, written from the first person POV of Caden, a college student who recently came out about his sexuality to his dysfunctional family/currently divorcing parents, twin brother, friends, and teammates. I adored the gentle and witty Caden and his selfless and protective twin brother Tarrant. Early adulthood and college years are a stressful and trying time of life for the vast majority of creatures, but add in harassment and sexual identify issues and – yikes! Major struggles, yet Caden was highly insightful, supportive of others, and patiently finding his footing amongst the turmoil. The writing was emotive, angsty, and thoughtfully observant with licks of amusing humor and sweetness.

Also Available
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio

Maria is a full time working Mum, she has two beautiful daughters, both of whom love books as much as she does. 

Maria has loved to write since she was a little girl. 

Reading and loving books, as well as blogging, has inspired her to write and publish.

Maria, her husband and children now reside in Wiltshire, England. 

Author Links
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Book Review: Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton

Hurricane Season

by Lauren K. Denton

From the author of the USA Today bestseller The Hideaway comes another story of families and mending the past.

Betsy and Ty Franklin, owners of Franklin Dairy Farm in southern Alabama, have long since buried their desire for children of their own. While Ty manages their herd of dairy cows, Betsy busies herself with the farm’s day-to-day operations and tries to forget her dream of motherhood. But when her free-spirited sister, Jenna, drops off her two young daughters for “just two weeks,” Betsy’s carefully constructed wall of self-protection begins to crumble.

As the two weeks stretch deeper into the Alabama summer, Betsy and Ty learn to navigate the new additions in their world—and revel in the laughter that now fills their home. Meanwhile, record temperatures promise to usher in the most active hurricane season in decades.

Attending an art retreat four hundred miles away, Jenna is fighting her own battles. She finally has time and energy to focus on her photography, a lifelong ambition. But she wonders how her rediscovered passion can fit in with the life she’s made back home as a single mom.

When Hurricane Ingrid aims a steady eye at the Alabama coast, Jenna must make a decision that will change her family’s future, even as Betsy and Ty try to protect their beloved farm and their hearts. Hurricane Season is the story of one family’s unconventional journey to healing—and the relationships that must be mended along the way.

 

 My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

… the battered gray school bus from Bankston Detention pulled up out front, and twenty teenage boys shuffled off, hormones and pent-up energy swirling around them like almost visible steam.

 

She smoothed her hands across the blanket, straightened the corners, and imagined the room holding two little girls after holding nothing but dreams and damaged furniture.

 

Jenna always hated icebreakers like this. They reminded her of the week in college when she lost her mind and thought she might actually want to join a sorority. Five grueling days of prim parties, saccharine conversation, and ridiculous icebreakers where one by one, girls explained through tears how their future happiness depended on having a certain arrangement of Greek letters tied to her name.

 

It’s what I do when these storms come in. I bake till the power goes off, then I eat. It keeps me calm. And fifteen pounds over my goal, but calories consumed during acts of God don’t count.

 

My Review:

 

Lauren Denton has gifted us with a stealthily crafted and slowly developing yet highly satisfying story with most of the action and progression of the narrative occurring within the major characters’ inner musings, memories, regrets, and observations. Their exteriors were quiet and politely guarded, while their interiors were fraught with a myriad of concerns, tension, heartbreaking disappointments, and unspoken aspirations. The writing was emotive and Ms. Denton took me into the story with her highly descriptive and lushly detailed scenes; I felt the pressure of the humid heat of the gathering storm as well as the crack of heat lightning, and I coveted their refreshing and lip-smacking lemonade and sweet tea. The characters were multi-layered and complex, surprisingly gentle and sweet, and cleverly observant. I enjoyed hitchhiking in their headspace although I now seem to be contending with an unusual impulse to dig in the dirt and plant something just to watch it grow.

About Lauren K. Denton

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren K. Denton now lives with her husband and two daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. On any given day, she’d rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books.

Connect with Lauren

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

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Book Review, Giveaway: One Wild Night by A.L. Jackson and Rebecca Shea

One Wild Night 

A flirty, sexy contemporary romance from bestselling authors, A.L. Jackson and Rebecca Shea . . .

“A fun, flirty, and fire-hot, feel-good romance” –Karen, Bookalicious Babes
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It’s here!!!!!! ONE WILD NIGHT is LIVE!
.
It’s fun.
It’s flirty.
It’s sexy.
And yep, it’ll still give you the feels!
 .
I had an absolute blast writing this collaboration with one of my very best friends, Rebecca Shea, and we’re so proud to bring it to you. It’s a departure from what we typically write, but there is something about it that just hit the spot 😉
 .
I hope you love Paxton and Kaylee’s super fun, sexy story
xoxo – Amy
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Blurb:

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A flirty, sexy contemporary romance from bestselling authors, A.L. Jackson and Rebecca Shea . . .
 .
Kaylee Rose Burton, kindergarten teacher, has never been a believer in fantasies.
 .
Living in L.A. her entire life, she knows the glitz and glam of Hollywood is just an illusion.
 .
That is until she stumbles head first into the arms of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor.
 .
It was just another day for Paxton Myles on the red carpet until the blue-eyed beauty literally stumbles at his feet.
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A single glimpse in her innocent eyes and he knows he has to have her.
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After one night of unbridled passion, Kaylee slips away to live her quiet life, but the paparazzi has other ideas.
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When Kaylee’s world comes crashing down, can Paxton convince her that their one wild night could turn into forever?
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My Rating:

Favorite Quote:

 

She wants answers, and my brain is moving at the speed of a snail in molasses right now.

My Review:

 

Sizzle and Snap! Holy scorched ceiling tiles Batman! I frequently had to stop to catch my breath and wipe the sweat from my brow while reading this spicy little tale. Every girl has had a fantasy of catching the eye of a rich and handsome man and becoming his sun and moon, and that is what happened to this sweet little kindergarten teacher. However a vile publicist and rabid press ensured it was not all unicorns farting rainbow sprinkles for the smitten couple, but it was a quick and saucy read packed with naughty fun and London sightseeing done the rich and famous way. Oh, my!

$50 Amazon GC Giveaway

A.L. Jackson and Rebecca Shea are bestselling authors residing in Arizona. After being writing partners for five years, it only made sense that they’d put their minds together to bring their readers something fun, flirty, and sexy.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage

Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonAmzn

Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor

Instagram: @aljacksonauthor

Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor

Connect with Rebecca

Newsletter: https://goo.gl/VX1w4U

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

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/527432567356595/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Shea/e/B00E4RIUQ6

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebecca-shea

Twitter: @beccasheaauthor

Instagram: @rebeccasheaauthor

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Book Review: Leona’s Last Resort (Tawnee Mountain Mysteries Book 1) by Karen M. Bryson

Leona’s Last Resort 

(Tawnee Mountain Mysteries Book 1)

by Karen M. Bryson

Goodreads

Amazon

When Max Elliot invites Izzy Grant to a fancy Ivy League alumni reception at the Tawnee Mountain Resort, the ghost hunters anticipate a romantic weekend getaway at the premier ski and golf destination.

But when wealthy hotelier Leona Hutton is murdered, and her ghost asks Izzy to find her killer, she and Max decide to investigate.

Will Izzy and Max solve the case before more alumni end up dead, or the killer turns the tables and decides to hunt the ghost hunters?

Leona’s Last Resort is a part of the Tawnee Mountain Mysteries series, a collection of seven brand new mysteries, from seven award-winning and bestselling authors, taking place at the same final destination, the Tawnee Mountain Resort.

Leona’s Last Resort features ghost hunters, Izzy Grant and Max Elliot, from the Izzy & Max Paranormal Mystery series.

Each book in this multi-author series is a standalone novella, and the series can be read in any order.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

He’s got his earbuds in and he’s joyfully oblivious to the fact that he’s singing way out of tune. “This is the dawning of the Age of Asparagus. The Age of Asparagus…”

 

Even though his sister and I are about the same size that’s where the similarity between us ends. She was the head cheerleader and her high school’s prom queen. My Old Town classmates voted me the Most Likely to Kill Herself and then laughed about it our entire senior year.

 

Sam has a habit of saying everything like it’s a cheer. I always wonder if I’m supposed to respond with, “Go. Fight. Win!”

 

Dr. Spencer Jamison epitomizes the term old coot. He looks like he’s twenty years past his expiration date. He’s so old that his wrinkles have wrinkles. And he’s much crabbier than I am even when I’m raging with PMS on a bad hair day.

 

I’m surprised by how much I sound like a gumshoe from one of those old noir detective novels. I feel like I need to follow-up with “Don’t leave town,” but I refrain.

 

My Review:

 

I enjoyed this entertaining murder mystery with a bit of ghostly assistance; I absorbed it quickly and found a frequent smirk on my face as I read. This quick and engaging tale was written from the first person POV of Izzy, a prickly and contrary nonconformist with a snarky tongue, yet her inner musings belied her softer side and amusing observations. I always take pleasure in Ms. Bryson’s sardonic wit and colorful insights, I get her. I look forward to more smart and snappy stories from this sly and clever author.


 

KAREN M. BRYSON writes romantic mystery and suspense stories. She is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry as well as the RWA Lone Star Writing Contest.

Karen is also an award-winning/optioned screenwriter.

When she’s not at her computer creating new stories, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.

Karen previously wrote contemporary romance under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON, REN MONTERREY and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DAKOTA MADISON.

Please note that Karen M. Bryson (TM) is a trademark and may not be used without the owner’s permission.

Where to find Karen…

Website: http://www.karenmuellerbryson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMuellerBrysonAuthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/karenmbryson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmbryson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenmbryson

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Book Review: High Heels and Haystacks (Billionaires in Blue Jeans – Book 2) by Erin Nicholas

Erin Nicholas

High Heels and Haystacks

Billionaires in Blue Jeans Book 2

A boss-employee romance…with a twist

Only three things stand between Ava Carmichael and her twelve billion dollar inheritance:

1. A year of living in Bliss, Kansas.

2. A relationship that lasts six consecutive months.

3. A pie.

Ava has run a multi-billion-dollar company, negotiated with shark investors, and hobnobbed with business royalty, but she’s about to be defeated by her inability to turn sugar, flour, and apple pie filling into something edible.

Conveniently, the owner of the diner next door, Parker Blake, is magic in the kitchen. And he technically works for her. So she can make him teach her to bake. And, hey, if everyone assumes they’re heating up more than the oven during their time in the kitchen…well, that’s called multitasking.

Parker Blake likes his women the way he likes his coffee: not in his diner. But gorgeous, strong-willed, type-A Ava clearly isn’t going to stop messing up his kitchen—or his simple, stress-free small-town life—until the conditions of her daddy’s will are met. So, sure, he’ll teach his “boss” to bake.

But once the kitchen door closes, it’s pretty clear who’s really in charge.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I think it’s cute that you think you’re telling me to jump… It’s me who’s telling you to tell me to jump.

 

“What are you doing with my rooster?” Ava glanced down at the bird under her arm. “Showing him who’s boss.”

 My Review:

 

Eric Nicholas has penned a delightfully sweet, steamy, and multi-layered tale, peppered with amusing wit, delicious steam, and expletives and bawdy talk. It was an entertaining and well-crafted story that was thoughtfully written with an insightfully observant narrative for two fascinating and rather unusual yet likable characters. I adored this book. Ava and Parker were both headstrong personalities and prone to bossiness, but they had common goals and surprisingly, many more commonalities than differences once they got past their wariness and bothered to spend time together.   Their relationship was a slow process of merger and acquisition rather than an outright take-over, although that occurred as well with enough sensual chemistry to power a nuclear reactor.  I enjoyed how they successfully maneuvered, accommodated, and managed each while forgetting the selfish intent they each had started off with. And I totally agree with Parker, ketchup should never defile a steak.

               

About the Author:

Erin Nicholas

I’ve been reading romance since my mom first let me into her book cupboard when I was about fourteen. LaVyrle Spencer, Julie Garwood, Debbie Macomber… they took my ‘happily ever after’ ideas from animated princesses to real people in the real world.

I’ve been writing romance almost as long. Many a family car trip was spent with my head bent over a spiral notebook in the back seat. I’ll confess that my very first attempts at fiction were fantasy and paranormals, influenced by my father’s love of the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the original Alice in Wonderland. If Harry Potter had been around, I’m sure he would have been on the bedtime story shelf as well.

But it wasn’t long until I started writing about true love and that’s where I’ve been ever since.

I’m so thrilled to be able to share these stories with you! I hope that they make you smile, sigh, maybe even choke up a little. Most of all, I hope that they help you believe in magical things like first kisses, the spark of passion, and the power of true love.

Website Newsletter Goodreads Amazon Facebook Twitter Blog

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Book Review: Hate, Date, or Mate? (Supernatural Dating Agency Book 3) by Andie M. Long

 

Hate, Date, or Mate?

(Supernatural Dating Agency Book 3)

by Andie M. Long

 

Amazon

 

The seer says I’m destined for a wolf shifter called Darius…

Personally, I think Ebony has had too much vodka again. She says I’ve now started a Were war due to my date with a shifter from a different pack.

Just as I admit to myself that I like Darius, I find my Red Riding Hood fantasies are going to have to wait—because he’s not talking to me. Am I only interested because he’s playing hard to get? Do I like the chase?

To take my mind off things, I start dating a cute human guy – and then there were three.

Of Darius, Jett, and Seth. Who will I hate, date, or mate?

Welcome to Withernsea and the Supernatural Dating Agency, for readers of Michelle Rowen, Gerry Bartlett and Michele Bardsley who like their humor to have them howling.

Buy Hate, Date, or Mate to see if Kim succumbs to her fate, or has left it too late.

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 My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

We are not dudes… I hate people use that word for everyone. Makes me think I’ve grown a penis, and I didn’t realise.

 

But I’ve gone off coffee. I mean that really is the Devil’s work, it’s got to be. Making me go off coffee and doughnuts is the worst evil I’ve ever encountered.

 

It was a lot to take in. When thinking of the future and marriage and babies you thought about changing your second name, not your DNA.

 

My Review:

 

I truly enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one, errr – cue record scratch… But, paranormal is not my jam,  meaning I’m not up on the mythology, nor am I particularly motivated to expend the energy for the complicated world building and rules, which I personally find rather tedious, although I did find the notations of “rules of the shifter handbook” to be highly amusing. I adore Ms. Long’s irreverent, and saucy humor, which made periodic appearances throughout this tale, but it just didn’t have the same sparkle and clever wit I’ve come to expect from her work. I did come away from this read with an addition for my Brit vocabulary list for mardy – which is a sulky mood, and according to Wiktionary is often paired with other words to form common phrases such as “mardy bum, mardy cow, and mardy bugger.”   So while I may have wanted to throw my Kindle or whack the main character of Kim with it while reading, I didn’t walk away from this book empty handed or a total mardy mare 😉

About The Author 

After twenty+ years of thinking about it, at the age of forty, I decided it was time to finally WRITE THE BOOK or forget about it. I studied two Open University Courses in Creative Writing and finally wrote my first novel. I’ve now written a ton of novels and have the ideas for so many more!

I live in Sheffield with my son and long-suffering partner. We now have a beautiful fur-baby called Bella. When not being a partner, mother, employee (I also work for the NHS) or writer I can usually be found on Facebook or Pinterest.

I’ll be signing in Newcastle 2017 and York 2018.

Stalk Andie Here:

 

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Book Review: The Baby Plan by Kate Rorick

The Baby Plan

by Kate Rorick

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Paperback: 432 pages

 Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (March 20, 2018)

“Smart and funny, The Baby Plan is irresistible! A winner.” -Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In The Lizzie Bennet Diaries creator Kate Rorick’s first adult fiction novel, we enter the wild, bewildering world of modern pregnancies. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll shake your head as you wonder where everyone’s sanity went…

Meet the mothers…

Nathalie Kneller: Nathalie’s plan: to announce her pregnancy now that she’s finally made it past twelve weeks! But just as she’s about to deliver (so to speak) the big news to her family, her scene-stealing sister barfs all over the Thanksgiving centerpiece. Yup, Lyndi’s pregnant too, swiping the spotlight once more…  

Lyndi Kneller:  Lyndi’s plan: finally get her life together! She’s got a new apartment, new promotion, new boyfriend. What she didn’t count on—a new baby! She can barely afford her rent, much less a state-of-the-art stroller…

Sophia Nunez: Sophia’s plan: Once she gets her daughter Maisey off to college, she’ll finally be able to enjoy life as the make-up artist to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and girlfriend to one of rock’s hottest musicians. But after 18 years she discovers the stork is once again on its way…

Now these women are about to jump headlong into the world of modern day pregnancy. It’s a world of over the top gender reveal parties (with tacky cakes and fireworks); where every morsel you eat is scrutinized and discussed; where baby names are crowd-sourced and sonograms are Facebook-shared. And where nothing goes as planned…

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

He was also a musician, which as far as Maisey could tell, meant he wore really expensive weathered clothes and always looked like he was wet.

 

I remember I was so bloated with Luke, I looked like I’d died in the bathtub and they found my body three days later.

 

They’re trying to think of something good to say. Because saying ‘you don’t have your life together enough to have a baby,’ doesn’t really fit on a Hallmark card.

 

Yeah, and do you know what I told him ten minutes before you got married? … That if he ever did anything to hurt you, I would travel to South America, buy an authentic machete, bring it back, and hack him to pieces with it… I was in my horror-movie-watching phase.

 

I had only happened recently, this need to ABC – Always Be Couching.

 

My Review:

 

Silly me, from the cover and synopsis, I was expecting a romantic comedy, and while it was often witty and packed with amusing insights and observations, it was more of a women’s fiction tale with heartbreak, maternity issues, and loads of family drama. The storylines were relevant and entertaining while plucking at my heartstrings almost as often as it contributed to the smile lines on my face. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, smart humor, and unpredictable conundrums, although I didn’t see these characters as types I would personally want to befriend.

 

About Kate Rorick

Kate Rorick is an Emmy Award-winning writer who has worked on a number of television shows, most recently The Librarians on TNT. She was also a writer for the hit web series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and authored the two series tie-in novels, The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet and The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet. In her other life, she writes bestselling historical romance novels under the name Kate Noble. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her family.

Find out more about Kate at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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Book Review: Hero’s Return – The Montana Cahills by B.J. Daniels

 Hero’s Return

The Montana Cahills

by B.J. Daniels

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN (March 27, 2018)
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The prodigal Cahill is back—and ready to confess
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Tucker Cahill disappeared from Gilt Edge, Montana, hoping to escape a secret that has haunted him for nineteen years. Then, when a young woman’s remains are found in the creek near his family’s ranch, he has no choice but to face his demons. The truth that sent him running years ago could take away his freedom now.
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Kate Rothschild came to town looking for vengeance—and Tucker Cahill. What she finds is a tortured and irresistible man who’s more than meets the eye. Caught up in the past, they are drawn deeper into a twisted game that’s not over yet. And the consequences could prove fatal for them both…
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“B.J. Daniels is at the top of her game…the perfect blend of hot romance and thrilling suspense.” -New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan
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“In her Cahill Ranch series, Daniels has created an intriguing setting and a cast of characters that prompt reader loyalty.” -RT Book Reviews on Outlaw’s Honor

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

“We’re a team, right?” She couldn’t help but smile. “That’s us, one of the great detective couples. Like Nick and Nora.” He mugged a face. “More like Bonnie and Clyde.”

 

I swear, when it comes to women, Tucker doesn’t have the good sense of a rock.

 

My Review:

 

This book was 90% mystery/suspense and 10% slow building romance as the couple didn’t lock lips until 60% into the book and only indulged in one sizzling sensual encounter of knocking the boots at 80%. So my elderly mother could very well read this one if she knew where to “skip the naughty bit,” and wouldn’t require much use of her trusty sharpie to censor out much “language.” Sigh… We rarely read the same books but she would enjoy the several confounding and complicated mysteries involving several murders over nineteen years, family drama, disappearances, extortion, kidnapping, lust, betrayal, and paternity issues. I took note that the one mystery that I had assumed would be the easiest to crack was only partially resolved by the conclusion of the tale. Oh what an intricate plot this scribe has penned. While I didn’t care for the main character of Kate for the longest time as she was playing games and being manipulative, and her actions had been cruel and thoughtless, I adored the engaging Cahills and their knotty family tree of complex issues and personalities. B. J. Daniels has been a recent find and while I may be a city dweller, I do enjoy her small-town tales and well-seasoned cowboys for a chance of pace.

About B. J. Daniels 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author B.J. Daniels was born in Texas but moved with her family to Montana at the age of five. Her first home was a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon and later a lake house on Hebgen Lake outside of West Yellowstone.
Most of her books are set in Montana, a place she loves. She lives now in a unique part of the state with her husband and three Springer Spaniels.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to play tennis, boat, camp, quilt and snowboard. There is nothing she enjoys more than curling up with a good book.

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Book Review, Giveaway: Misadventures with a Rookie by Toni Aleo

 

Misadventures with a Rookie

 by Toni Aleo, New York Times bestselling author  

  Goodreads

 Buy Links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tp2KOo
Nook: http://bit.ly/2DA0RE6
iBooks: http://apple.co/2tqLPdK
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2tpEXhd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2smhduo 

#MisadventureswithaRookieRelease

 

  Synopsis

 

Winning has always come naturally for stud ice hockey defenseman Gus “the Bus” Persson. On the ice or off, he’s never had any trouble scoring, racking up goals—and girls. As the best player in his rookie class and the number-one draft pick of the Malibu Suns, he’s taking his game to the next level and is justifiably full of swagger.
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So why does one of the Suns’ ice girls treat him like he’s invisible?
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Bo St. James doesn’t have time for rookie hotshots who think their gloves don’t stink. She knows them, she works with them, she trains them. It doesn’t matter that Gus Persson is the hottest newbie she’s ever seen. She knows his type. She’s got big plans of her own, and she’s not going to let some cocky rich kid athlete keep her from her goals.
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But there’s a chemistry between them they cannot deny. A lust that burns so hot, it threatens to melt the very ice on which they make their livings. The game has changed for both of them. Together, can these two play to win?

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

The way she looked at me, like I stole her doll and drew dicks on its mouth, revved my engines.

 

It had been a long time since I yearned for a woman, probably because they usually threw themselves at me. I was pretty sure the only thing redhead wanted to throw at me was a puck.

 

I would never intentionally hurt you. And besides, my mom would kill me if I did.

 

She scoffed. “Please, the only thing I thought that man was put on this earth for was to give me you. After that, he was slime.” “I’m right here, Lauren.” My face broke into a grin as my mom went on. “Well, obviously that’s changed. I love you, duh.”

 

I’ll never finish loving you. It just keeps going on and on. I’ve finished a lot of things. A period during a game, a goal, and plenty of women that I shouldn’t really be bringing up, but oh well, it’s part of my point. With you it’s constant and I can’t… I just can’t finish.

 

My Review:

 

I smirked my way through this witty and amusing New Adult/College/Hockey Romance, which is in all honesty, a trifecta of genres I rarely peruse. Maybe I should indulge in them more often, or maybe I should just read more of the comically talented Ms. Aleo’s work as I was engaged throughout and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was highly entertained by the premise as well as the expletive-spewing and quirky accident-prone characters with their salacious sensual scenes and inner musings, which morphed into a sweet/sizzling romance. Ms. Aleo has a wicked sense of humor and excellent pacing. I adored the character’s clever exchanges, witty quips, and saucy banter – especially those flowing from the elder Perssons who were obviously the fun parentals. More, please, Ms. Aleo. I greedily want all your naughty tales.




Meet The Author
My name is Toni Aleo, and I’m a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!

I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a gamer and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Gaston el Papillion.

While my beautiful and amazing Shea Weber has been traded from my Predators, I’m still a huge fan. But when I’m not cheering for him, I’m hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I’ll never give my heart to one player again.

When I’m not in the gym getting swole, I’m usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality, or being a taxi for my kids.

I’m obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney, and anything that sparkles! I’m pretty sure I was Belle in a past life, and if I could be on any show, it would be Supernatural so I could hunt with Sam and Dean.

Also, I did mention I love hockey, right?

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Book Review, Giveaway: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May

The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay

by Nicola May

Goodreads

Amazon US  /  UK  / CA  / AU 

 

Praise for Nicola May’s books

‘This book will twang your funny bone & your heartstrings’ – Milly Johnson

‘A fun and flighty read’ the Sun

‘A funny and fast-paced romp – thoroughly enjoyable!’ WOMAN Magazine

*

Rosa Larkin is down on her luck in London, so when she inherits a near-derelict corner shop in a quaint Devon village, her first thought is to sell it for cash and sort out her life. But nothing is straightforward about this legacy. While the identity of her benefactor remains a mystery, he – or she – has left one important legal proviso: that the shop cannot be sold, only passed on to somebody who really deserves it.

Rosa makes up her mind to give it a go: to put everything she has into getting the shop up and running again in the small seaside community of Cockleberry Bay. But can she do it all on her own? And if not, who will help her succeed – and who among the following will work secretly to see her fail?

There is a handsome rugby player, a sexy plumber, a charlatan reporter and a selection of meddling locals. Add in a hit and run incident and the disappearance of a valuable engraved necklace – and what you get is a journey of self-discovery and unpredictable events.

With surprising and heartfelt results, Rosa, accompanied at all times by her little sausage dog Hot, will slowly unravel the shadowy secrets of the inheritance, and also bring her own, long-hidden heritage into the light.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Brian, my late husband, passed just last year… he was a miserable old bugger and I had a face-lift and my teeth done with one of his insurances, which helped numb the pain slightly.

 

You’ve obviously already realised that you can’t do a silent fart around here without it being in the South Cliffs Gazette.’

 

I refuse to answer that on the grounds of sexual discrimination.

 

Meet me where the sky touches the sea.

 

My mum always says, “Follow your heart, but don’t forget to take your brain with you”. About men, she has another saying: “Keep their stomachs full and their balls empty,” but that’s not quite so poetic, is it?’

 

A boomerang always returns to the person who throws it. Karma will get him in the end.

 

 My Review:

 

This was my first time reading the talented and witty Nicola May, although reading her clever arrangements of words will most likely become a habitual practice. I frequently smirked and occasionally cringed as her writing has a bit of everything, entertaining and engaging storylines, saucy banter, amusing humor, witty quips, adorable animals, heartbreak, painful insights, duplicity, and most importantly – quirky and endearing yet flawed characters who could have a college degree in bad decision making. Ms. May cunningly captured both the good and bad elements of small-town living from the predatory abuse of gossip and intimidation, pettiness, and snooping; to the empathetic and caring concern, supportiveness, and comradery in times of need. I fell in love with a tiny dachshund cleverly named as Hot Dog, as he was stolen as well as a sausage. I hope Ms. May brings us back to this quaint little town; there would be no shortage of peculiar characters and adventures to annotate. Which brings me to the new addition to my Brit Vocabulary Word List of full-on (maximum) and chuffed (mightily pleased). I would be full-on chuffed to return to Cockleberry Bay.

About Nicola May

Award-winning author Nicola May lives in Ascot in Berkshire with her rescue cat Stanley. Her hobbies include watching films that involve a lot of swooning, crabbing in South Devon, eating flapjacks and enjoying a flutter on the horses. Inspired by her favorite authors Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews, Nicola writes what she describes as chicklit with a kick.

Follow Nicola May

Website – www.nicolamay.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NicolaMayAuthor

Twitter – https://twitter.com/nicolamay1

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/

 

 

Giveaway –

Win x 3 Paperback copies of The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay (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 despatch or delivery of the prize.

 

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