Archives for May 2018

* Review * THE RIVER HOUSE by Carla Neggers

May 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

The River House by Carla Neggers
Series: Swift River Valley
Published by MIRA on March 27, 2018
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Felicity MacGregor loves organizing social events for others but her own personal life is a different story. After a brief but failed attempt at a career as a financial analyst, she returned to Knights Bridge where she enjoys running a thriving party-planning business.

Then Felicity’s life gets a shake-up when her childhood friend Gabriel Flanagan returns unexpectedly to their tiny hometown. Now a high-flying businessman, Gabe always vowed to get out of Knights Bridge, but he is back for the local entrepreneurial boot camp Felicity’s been hired to organize. Together again, they’ll finally have to face each other—and their complicated past.

Gabe and Felicity soon realize their reunion is stirring up long-buried emotions. While Gabe has big plans for his future, Felicity is discovering that hers doesn’t depend on fate—she must choose what’s right for her. But if they can find a bridge between their diverging paths, they may just discover that their enduring connection is what matters most.

Going home again! With a return to the Swift River Valley series, we’re given Felicity & Gabe’s story. Former best friends on the outs for a few years are reunited in their hometown filled with childhood memories together. They set out to overcome their issues, reconnect with the place they grew up and learn how to transition it all into a relationship together. The story line had good bones, but there was a lot of filler in there that was just distracting. Too many characters mentioned that didn’t play a part in this particular story. Overall, an okay read.

Felicity MacGregor has finally returned home to Knights Bridge, Massachusetts and bought the house of her dreams. Being there brings back a lot of memories of growing up in the area and spending time there with her best friend Gabe. She hasn’t talked to him since they had a falling out three years ago, but that doesn’t stop the memories from flooding back.

Gabriel Flanagan is passing through town for some family events and uses the opportunity to see Felicity again. She’s still holding three years ago against him, but in his eyes, he’s happy to see that she’s doing something she loves now. Can they pick of the pieces of their friendship and admit they always had more feeling than that towards each other anyway?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Review * HER FAMILY’S DEFENDER by Kim Findlay

May 4, 2018 4 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * HER FAMILY’S DEFENDER by Kim Findlay

Her Family's Defender by Kim Findlay
Series: A Hockey Romance
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on May 1, 2018
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He has home advantage…

But she’s got a strong defensive play.

Hockey star Troy Green never gives up. Not on the ice. Not when he battled cancer last year. And not when it comes to his new neighbor, Michelle Robinson. Troy only wants to help the struggling single mom and her sweet kids, but soon he’s falling for her. Is Troy finally ready to trade in his bachelor life and become a family man?

Emotion filled and reality laced! From the first page, we are captivated by the emotional journey these two characters are embarking on as they set out to pick up the pieces of their ravaged lives and find a way to carry on. The romance and connection is a bit light, but the overall conflict and upheaval of feelings they exhibit is pretty spot on. The kids bring a lot to the story with their innocent honesty and ease at which you are able to connect with them. Overall, a solid read.

Toronto Blaze defenseman Troy Green is back and stronger than ever after spending last season fighting the cancer that was trying to ravage his body. He’s healthier and more fit than he’s ever been in his career … if he could only get his head in the game again. He’s understandably nervous about what his body holds in store for him. His new neighbor and her adorable kids prove to be a great distraction and motivator for him.

Michelle Robinson is moving her kids to Toronto for a fresh start. Money is tight and emotions are near the surface, but getting to start off in a new place where no one knows them and what they’ve been through has to be better than the life they were living of late. She’s not sure what to make of her sexy hockey playing neighbor. He’s obviously your typical pro athlete … only he seems to really care about being nice to her kids!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Family’s Defender
(A Hockey Romance #2)
by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He has home advantage…

But she’s got a strong defensive play.

Hockey star Troy Green never gives up. Not on the ice. Not when he battled cancer last year. And not when it comes to his new neighbor, Michelle Robinson. Troy only wants to help the struggling single mom and her sweet kids, but soon he’s falling for her. Is Troy finally ready to trade in his bachelor life and become a family man?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

Crossing the Line
(A Hockey Romance #1)
by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
March 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Icebreaker or endgame?

Can two devoted athletes make room in their lives for love?

Mike Reimer knows from experience that hockey and relationships don’t mix. And hot-tempered swim coach Bridget O’Reilly couldn’t be more wrong for the widowed pro goalie, aka the Iceman. As the playoffs approach, Mike’s growing feelings for her could melt the hardest heart. But what if being with Bridget means letting down his team…and, worst of all, himself?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo

About the Author

Kim Findlay lives in Toronto, Canada, with her very handsome husband, two strapping sons, and possibly the world’s cutest spaniel. When she can get time away from her accounting business, Kim can be found traveling, sailing, reading, or writing, depending on the season, time of day, and her energy level. You can find her at kimfindlay.ca, @missheyer74, or on Facebook.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Tour Schedule

April 30th:
Launch
It’s All About the Romance
Locks, Hooks and Books
Hearts & Scribbles
The Power of Words
May 1st:
I Am A Reader
Rockin’ Book Reviews
E-Romance News
Hardcover Feedback
May 2nd:
Book Lover in Florida
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
Reading Is My SuperPower
May 3rd:
underneath the covers
Britt Reads Fiction
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Remembrancy
May 4th:
Colorimetry
Nicole’s Book Musings
Heidi Reads…
Thoughts of a Blonde
May 5th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and an ebook of Crossing the Line
– Open internationally
– Ends May 9th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * TEMPTED BY THE BROODING SURGEON by Robin Gianna

May 3, 2018 Leave a Comment

Tempted by the Brooding Surgeon by Robin Gianna
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on May 1, 2018
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The one man who won’t let her in…

…is the only man she wants!

Annabelle Richards arrives in Peru to find she’ll be working with renowned surgeon Daniel Ferrera—the man who almost ruined her career! She’s worked too hard to let him get in her way again. But when Annabelle learns that Daniel’s brooding exterior hides a wealth of pain, an unexpected passion ignites between them. Will temptation prove too much to resist?

A poignant enemies-to-lovers story! Robin Gianna weaves a magical love story of finding your forever when you least expect it. The main characters each have their own dramatic back story that lends a strong foundation for the book, and their past connection with each other is wrought with tension and dislike. For them to overcome that, we’re taken on a journey of forgiveness as they each have to open their eyes to how the other saw the situation … and we embark on watching them make their current dreams a reality. Really interesting read!

Dr. Annabelle Richards can’t believe her luck when she arrives in Peru on a medical mission trip and finds the doctor she’s going to be working with for the next two weeks is none other than uppity Dr. Daniel Ferrera … the man who briefly derailed her career five years ago! She can’t stand him or his attitude, so this is obviously going to be the longest two weeks of her life!

Daniel Ferrera feels justified for every decision he’s ever made and stands by his decision to never willingly work with Annabelle again … only they are stuck together for the near term and as they both are forced to ease up a little on their thoughts from the past and see the others point of view, they realize everything has two sides. When attraction starts dominate their time together, they have to figure out if it’s worth giving in or going about their lives separately.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE MEDIC by Sarah M. Anderson

May 3, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Medic by Sarah M. Anderson
Series: Men of the White Sandy #4
on December 25, 2014
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Clarence Thunder may not be as young as he once was . . .

But is he as good once as he ever was? He hopes so. He’s been watching Tammy Tall Trees, the young single mother who works next door in the Child Care Center. He wants to show Tammy he can take care of her and her young son—but can he compete with the boy’s real father?

Tammy was crushed when her old boyfriend abandoned her after she got pregnant. Since then, she’s put her son first—which means no dating. Who would want a broke single mother, anyway? Certainly not Clarence—one of the best men on the White Sandy. Until one day, the older man starts making her coffee—and bringing her son toys. Can she put herself first—or will her past catch up to them both?

Note: This book was previously published as Clarence.

Heartwarming, sexy and sweet! With the next book in the Men of the White Sandy series, we get to enjoy watching Clarence fall in love. The story is fast paced without a huge complex story line … not a lot of conflict and resolution, but a chance to see a kind soul see someone that he wants to share his life with and set out to make her and her son’s life happier than they’ve ever been before. It touches your heart!

Nurse Clarence Thunder works hard helping run the clinic on the White Sandy Reservation. Lately he’s been twisted up in knots trying to figure out if the beautiful woman he interacts with first thing every day is interested in him or not. He really likes her and would love to make her his.

Tammy Tall Trees has had a hard few years. She didn’t plan on being a Mom so young and have her son’s father walk out on them, but that’s the hand she was dealt and she has had to make the most of it. When Clarence starts showing an interest in her, she’s super happy … but also leery. She’s already been taken advantage of by a man in her life, does she have the patience and trust in her heart to take a chance on love again?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LOVE AT LAST: A BRADEN FLIRT by Melissa Foster

May 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOVE AT LAST: A BRADEN FLIRT by Melissa Foster

Love at Last: A Braden Flirt by Melissa Foster
Series: The Bradens
Published by World Literary Press on May 2, 2018
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Cowboy Cal Hayden has loved Rachel Gray practically since the first time he set eyes on her. But Cal's a careful, responsible man who knows better than to start a relationship before he can give it his all. He bided his time while caring for his family through his father's terminal illness. Now his father is gone and his mother is settled, but has Cal waited too long to make his move?

Find out more about these friends of the Bradens in LOVE AT LAST, and catch up with many of your favorite Love in Bloom characters, including much-anticipated news about babies for the Bradens in Trusty, Colorado!

If this is your first introduction to the Bradens, please note that this is a flirt not a full-length novel. Like all Love in Bloom books, flirts are written to stand alone, so jump right in and enjoy the fun, sexy, and emotional ride.

What is a Flirt?
The Love in Bloom big-family romance world has become so widely enjoyed, I have been asked by thousands of readers to write the stories of our beloved side characters. While I couldn't possibly fit in writing full-length novels for each of them while maintaining my normal publication schedule, I've created flirts. Flirts cover twenty-four to forty-eight hours of two side characters' lives on their path to their happily ever after, while also updating readers about their favorite main characters. Flirts vary in length and heat levels. I hope you love these quick, fun, sexy stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

A short, sexy and fun read! With a quick dip into the Braden world in Trusty, Colorado, Melissa Foster brings us some updates on some of our favorite previous characters as well as a short glance into the start of Cal and Rachel’s love story. Obviously with this short of a story, we don’t get a huge amount of underlying conflict or resolution, but we get a sweet and steamy dalliance with a new couple!

Horse trainer Cal Hayden has been falling for the prettiest girl in town for awhile now, but he’s had too much going on in his life to give her his all, so he’s been standing back and admiring from afar. Now that he’s finally settled enough to shower her with attention, he notices she isn’t acting like she’s all that into him anymore … did he wait too long?

Hairstylist Rachel Gray has been crushing on Cal for what seems like forever, and she was hoping for something to come out of it, but she’s getting mighty tired of the hot and cold he seems to throw her way on a regular basis. It might just be time for her to turn her sights on a more interested cowboy!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE NANNY’S DOUBLE TROUBLE by Christine Rimmer

May 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Nanny's Double Trouble by Christine Rimmer
Series: The Bravos of Valentine Bay
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on May 1, 2018
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Meet The Bravos of Valentine Bay…

And the single father of twin toddlers in desperate need of a nanny!

All his life Daniel Bravo has been the responsible one. So when he’s left widowed with adorable twins to raise, he knows he needs help, fast. Enter family friend Keely Ostergard—a woman with love in her heart for his children, and a gigantic chip on her shoulder for him. She’s the last person he’d ever fall for—the aversion is mutual. Until it isn’t…

A heartwarmingly sweet story of love, family and brighter tomorrows! With the first book in her new “The Bravos of Valentine Bay” series, Christine Rimmer introduces us to the man playing the patriarch role of a large family when tragedy left him no other option. Daniel is a serious guy who even though he partially resents the responsibility thrust on him, loves his family very much. I loved watching Keely be a saving grace that changed his outlook on life … and those kids … OH, they stole my heart! I adored this story and am very much looking forward to more in the series!

Daniel Bravo never expected to find himself widowed with twin toddlers to raise alone at this point in his life, but here he is … trying to make it work. He finds himself in desperate need of a nanny who will be an added foundation in stability for his kids but one after another keeps falling through. Thankfully someone his children already adore steps up to help … too bad she’s not a big fan of his!

Keely Ostergard might hold details from the past against Daniel, but she loves his kids with a passion, so if her grinning and bearing it will keep those kids happy and healthy, she’ll happily do it. After spending some time in the house, she’s surprised to realize that Daniel is more laid back than she expected, and that beneath that gloomy exterior, he’s actually a kind and funny guy. When sparks start to fly, neither know how to handle it … especially with the past that they share!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DEADLY SECRET by Tara Thomas

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Deadly Secret by Tara Thomas
Series: Sons of Broad
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on March 27, 2018
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SHE KNOWS THE TRUTH IS IN REACH
As a lawyer and aspiring Congresswoman, Bea likes to keep things professional. But she’s hired to investigate past dark secrets embedded in the Benedict business empire—and as secret wife to Knox Benedict, the job is about to become even more personal…

BUT THE CLOSER SHE GETS
Knox is the moral backbone of the Benedict family, but even a modern-day saint can have a mysterious side. He’s out to win back his estranged secret wife—but getting close to her again could destroy them both…

THERE IS NOWHERE LEFT TO RUN…
As Bea and Knox dig up the truth, Bea falls deeper and deeper into danger. Someone close by is watching her—and waiting to kill. Can Knox save the woman he loves from the enemy out to destroy them? And can their marriage survive the deadliest secret of all?

Suspensefully wicked! With the next book in her Sons of Broad series, Tara Thomas continues to weave a web of danger and secrets as she brings us Knox and Bea’s story. With each book we grow closer to learning who the evil Gentleman is, but he still has cards yet to play and isn’t going to reveal himself just yet. You’ll already be familiar with most of the key players in the storyline if you’ve been following along with the series, but with each book we learn more info about the family history and secrets. I found myself second guessing one of the siblings in this book, so I’m anxious to move forward and find out who the bad guy really is! Very entertaining!

Knox Benedict might have gotten married in a hurry and on the sly, but he loves his wife and will do anything to win her back. When they figure out that the danger that still lurks around her is all because of the investigation she was doing into his family’s business from years ago, he steps in and tries to keep her safe. He asked her to delve into their personal affairs, so why is someone now after her for doing as he asked?

Attorney Bea Jacobs doesn’t want to be apart from Knox, but danger is surrounding him as long as she’s anywhere near, so she has her heart set on staying away and keeping him safe. As more questions are answered, suspicion continues to fly about who has it out for this family.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LOVE SONGS AND LULLABIES by Amy Vastine

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Love Songs and Lullabies by Amy Vastine
Series: Grace Note Records
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2018
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Their engagement is a sham…

But their baby-to-be isn’t!

Country music stars Sawyer Stratton and Piper Starling are headed for the top of the charts. But then their course shifts unexpectedly…toward parenthood! The only way to keep Piper’s pregnancy from making the wrong headlines is to set the proverbial date. But how can Piper go through with a fake engagement when her feelings for Sawyer are anything but?

Sweet and sassy! With the next book in her Grace Note Records series, Amy Vastine takes us a journey of young love! We’ve met both Sawyer and Piper as side characters in previous books in the series. She’s already a country music super star while he’s a talented songwriter but new to the industry as a whole. They have several things working against them as they try to forge through the distractions to find a way to be together. I liked the characters in general, but their story fell a little flat. Not my favorite in the series, but an entertaining read none the less!

Sawyer Stratton thought he was falling in love, but Piper turned the tables on him when she said they were making a mistake and walked out on him. He’s still upset that she ended things and wonders if he can do anything to change her mind.

Piper Starling can’t believe her luck. She thought Sawyer wanted the same things she did, but then outside influences made her suspect it wasn’t the real deal, so she pulled the plug on their love affair and put her concentration back on her tour. Only problem is, she just found out she’s pregnant with his baby! To protect her squeaky clean reputation with her fans, they decide to fake an engagement … but real feelings get involved and pretty soon they’re trying to figure out if forever is a possibility!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CROSSING PROMISES by Kimberly Kincaid

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Cross Creek #3
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on March 5, 2018
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For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

Heartwarming & sexy all rolled into one! With the third book in the Cross Creek series, we finally get big brother Owen’s story. Throughout the series he’s been the most serious and brooding brother as he pushed everybody hard to keep the farm running no matter what. Now that they’ve had some success and there’s a promising future, he’s starting to feel a yearning for the happiness his brothers have settled into. When the woman he sets his heart on ends up being resistant to a happily ever after, can he convince her to take a chance on him? The main characters were a joy to get to know, and their connection was really sweet. I also enjoyed getting an update on some of our favorite previous characters. I couldn’t love the Cross’s more!

As the oldest Cross sibling, Owen has always been the one that felt the passion of the farm in his blood the most. He lives and breaths his work and will do anything to make sure Cross Creek not only survives but thrives for generations to come. The big thing holding him back at the moment is the back long of administrative duties piling up in the office. When he hears Cate is willing to take the job on, he jumps at the chance!

Cate McAllister works as many jobs as she can manage to try to pay down the debt her husband left behind when he died 3 years ago, so when Owen mentions a need, she offers her services. She’s basically just been going through the motions since she lost the family she had put so much effort into, so the attraction she feels towards Owen is surprising. She’s never planning to settle down again, but if he’s game for a no-strings fling, so is she!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * INKED by Anne Marsh

May 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Inked by Anne Marsh
Series: Hard Riders MC #2
Published by Harlequin Dare on April 1, 2018
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Bankers and bad boys don’t mix

So why is she getting under his skin?

Harper, a buttoned-up banker, is a tattoo virgin before Vik draws her first ink. And once the bad-boy biker lays his hands on the beautiful canvas of her body, he’s addicted! Harper says the two of them could never mix outside of the bedroom—but she’s finding that she wants the feeling of Vik’s touch to last forever.

Cute, hot and sexy! With the next book in the Hard Riders MC series, we get bad boy Vik’s story. He’s a major player, but he just might make an exception when he meets a good girl too hard to resist! I loved the characters and their cute connection. There’s really very little MC lifestyle shown in the book, but overall I enjoyed it!

Investment banker Harper is tired of living the laid back, staid lifestyle that has left her alone and looking to start over. She’s going to shake things up and live it up for once … starting with her first tattoo!

Tattoo artist and motorcycle club member Vik isn’t one for settling into a relationship, but one look at Harper has him sitting up and taking notice. Add the fact that he gets to touch her and make his permanent mark on her? Oh yeah, he’s ready to get down to business with this chick!

Filed Under: Book Reviews