Archives for July 2020

* Review * HOOKED ON YOU by Cathryn Fox

July 14, 2020 Leave a Comment

Hooked On You by Cathryn Fox
Published by Entangled: Amara on April 27, 2020
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I’m a bookworm, a mathematician, not the kind of girl a hot lobster fisherman would notice.

Until he did.

I’m not in small town Nova Scotia to hook up. I’m here to settle my grandmother’s estate and sell the B&B, which I soon discover has been overrun with seasonal fishermen and operated on the honor system. The hard-core fishing folks become an instant family––the one I never had. Then there’s the blind pet cow, who has a crush on my hot fisherman, Nate. Okay, technically he’s not mine. I have no desire to get reeled in.

Until I do.

Soon, the little town grows on me, and the fisherman? It’s not long until I take the bait and we’re playing house at the B&B. Things are looking up.

Until they aren’t.

Rumors about a new plant and jobs being in jeopardy start swirling around town like a nor’easter, and all the signs point to my guy being behind the scandal. Should I give him enough line to play it out and learn his true intentions, or cut and run before I’m hooked?

A romantic comedy with lots of heart! HOOKED ON YOU by Cathryn Fox delights with it’s cast of unlikely characters who form a family as they live in a bed and breakfast that no one is running anymore. Laughter, tears and happily ever afters are sure to please!

Kira Palmer is an interesting character. She arrives in Nova Scotia to settle her late grandmother’s estate and discovers the bed and breakfast that she assumed was closed has actually been running on it’s own with the help of the ragtag family of fishermen her Gram collected through the years.

Nate Montgomery is one of those characters that just makes you smile. He’s genuine and kind and his collection of friends is a lot of fun … especially the blind cow that has a major crush on him!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a small town vibe with lots of feels. The characters are endearing and the story line is sweet.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * JUDGMENT ROAD by Christine Feehan

July 14, 2020 Leave a Comment

Judgment Road by Christine Feehan
Series: Torpedo Ink #1
Published by Berkley on January 23, 2018
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A brutal education in a Russian training facility for assassins has taught this group of men one thing: It's a long road to redemption...

As the enforcer of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club, Reaper lives for riding and fighting. He's a stone-cold killer who turns his wrath on those who deserve it. Feelings are a weakness he can't afford--until a gorgeous bartender gets under his skin...

Near Sea Haven, the small town of Caspar has given Anya Rafferty a new lease on life. And she's desperate to hold on to her job at the biker bar, even if the scariest member of the club seems to have it out for her. But Reaper's imposing presence and smoldering looks just ratchet up the heat.

Anya's touch is everything Reaper doesn't want--and it brands him to the bone. But when her secrets catch up to her, Reaper will have to choose between Anya and his club--his heart and his soul.

Steaming hot sex, wicked danger around every corner and more angst than we know what to do with … what more could we ask for??? To my delight I’m finally finding the time to sit down and dig into Christine Feehan’s take on an MC romance, and I’ll tell you right now,I’m hooked! There’s a touch of paranormal, but mostly edge of your seat drama and danger. The characters are raw and emotionally scarred, but a close knit family of friends, siblings and extras. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I loved every minute leading up to it and I’m looking forward to devouring the rest of the series!

Savva Pajari AKA Reaper is a cold-hearted killer who we should abhor, yet hearing his story and seeing his reaction to every day life burns him into a reader’s soul and makes us want to save him. I loved watching him accept love.

Anya Rafferty is endearing. She’s scared of the life Reaper lives, but she is drawn to him with every breath she takes. She finds the strength to accept the ugliness she can’t change while at the same time standing up for what she believes in and expecting more from him.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an unabashedly raw romance filled with danger, crime and heartfelt affection. I’m looking forward to a series binge!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CHRISTMAS IN BAYBERRY by Jennifer Faye

July 14, 2020 Leave a Comment

Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye
Published by Hallmark Publishing on July 7, 2020
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She’s trying to save the family candle company.
He’s trying not to fall for Bayberry—and her—again.

Kate Taylor knows what she wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of Bayberry, Vermont. But the company isn’t doing well.

Wesley Adams is on the fast track to be an assistant vice president at his financial firm in Manhattan. Before the promotion is announced, he’s sent to this small town from his past to do an analysis of the candle company.

He doesn’t expect to bump into his childhood crush, Kate, and when he does, sparks fly. As he spends time in Bayberry, he falls for the town’s Christmas traditions—and for her. But he has a responsibility to submit an honest report. Will it extinguish Kate’s dreams…along with any chance they have for a future together?

A cozy holiday romance! A Christmas in July release by Jennifer Faye is sure to delight a seasoned Hallmark Christmas fan. In CHRISTMAS IN BAYBERRY we get an unlikely reunion of high school crushes as life is at a turning point for both of them. With warm prose and holiday scenes coming to life, we go along for the ride of a lifetime in this heartwarming story.

Kate Taylor is an endearing character. We get to know her kindness and work ethic quickly as the story unfolds and then hearing her past only makes us like her more.

Wes Adams is kind but distant. Sharing time with Kate in a town he loved back in the day reminds him of a time before work consumed him and he finds himself enjoying it more than he expected.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet, small town romance with a holiday flair. The town was wholesome and the characters easy to like.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LAST ONE TO LIE by J.M. Winchester

July 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

Last One to Lie by J.M. Winchester
Published by Thomas & Mercer on June 9, 2020
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Moving to a new city was supposed to be a fresh start for her family. Now it’s a nightmare.

Her little girl was supposed to be at day care when Kelsey arrived to pick her up. But they have no record of her daughter ever being there. And to make matters worse, her husband is missing too—he won’t pick up his phone, and the school he supposedly works at says he never accepted their job offer.

Detective Paul Ryan knows something’s up with Kelsey’s story. Kelsey’s husband might be involved in their daughter’s disappearance, but the deeper the detective digs, the more inconsistencies he finds.

As Detective Ryan tries to uncover the truth, what he finds are more deeply buried secrets that someone clearly never wanted found.

Twisted mind games! With her second thriller J.M. Winchester sets the scene for uncovering hidden secrets. The layout of this book was a tad confusing as it switched back and forth between several points of view without clarification and had a couple of story lines playing out at once, but without true definition. I think the premise of the book had potential, but sadly fell fairly flat of achieving greatness. Detective Ryan’s back story in particular could have been spellbinding .. yet wasn’t. You will be intrigued, and you’ll want to know what happens until the end.

Kelsey Jennings daughter isn’t at daycare when she goes to pick her up, and they claim she never was. Her husband won’t answer his cellphone, and the school he’s supposedly a teacher at claims he never showed up for the school year. Nothing is as it seems, and Detective Paul Ryan is going to have his job cut out for him unraveling the secrets and lies.

This book is suited for someone that enjoys a story line with lots of twists.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Cover Reveal * THE BOYFRIEND EFFECT by Kendall Ryan

July 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Boyfriend Effect
By Kendall Ryan
Release Day: October 13, 2020

I’m not boyfriend material.

If a trail of broken hearts, and a piss-poor record of failed relationships have taught me anything, it’s this.

My buddies are happy to give me shit about my latest breakup from here to next Sunday. Thanks, but I’d rather have a root canal.

And a vasectomy.

At the same time.

But my relief comes in an unlikely package—the gorgeous and feisty Maren. She just so happens to be my friend’s sister, so that’s not awkward at all.

But I’m a man on a mission, and Maren is down to teach me all the ways I’ve been failing as a boyfriend. Apparently, there are many. And it’s all very informative—until I start to catch feels.

Now it’s not just my reputation on the line, but my heart too.

Purchase Links

Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/2BO7C5x
Amazon Intl. ➜ https://geni.us/BoyfriendEffect
Apple ➜ https://apple.co/2RfwMPp
Nook ➜ https://bit.ly/2O8eRrO
Kobo ➜ https://bit.ly/2ZLViej

Add to Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/37gjcBd

About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

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Filed Under: Book Teasers, Cover Reveal

* Review * THE WEDDING WAR by Liz Talley

July 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Wedding War by Liz Talley
Published by Montlake on April 21, 2020
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Save the date for this funny and poignant novel of family, friendship, letting go, and moving on by the award-winning author of Room to Breathe.

Once upon a time, Melanie Layton and Tennyson O’Rourke were inseparable—but their friends-4ever promises were shattered when an explosive secret was revealed at Mel’s wedding, a secret that destroyed her family. The two haven’t spoken for the past twenty-some-odd years, and they’d be happy if they never crossed paths again.

But now Mel’s daughter and Teeny’s son have fallen in love—and announced their engagement.

Which means the two women must tolerate one another and play nice long enough to plan their children’s dream wedding. From the beginning, they clash. Melanie imagines a classy, elegant event, in keeping with tradition. Teeny’s vision is a bit more extravagant, and thanks to her habit of marrying well, she’s got the cash to plan the flashiest wedding of the season.

Complicating matters are the men in their lives: Tennyson is falling for the wrong guy, and Melanie is trying to hold on to a flailing marriage. Amid the flurry of cake tastings, dress fittings, seating charts, and bridal showers, Mel and Teeny confront their past mistakes—with twenty years of pent-up drama.

When the day of the wedding finally arrives, their friendship might just be something old and something new.

An emotionally charged story of love, laughter and heart! With her latest release Liz Talley delivers an array of characters that grab onto a reader’s soul quickly and refuse to let go as we accompany them on a journey of healing and enlightenment. I was hooked fairly quickly and rarely put it down as page after page brought cringe worthy laugh out loud moments and heartwarming character richness. I loved their story through every cheesy, heartfelt memory! I wanted a little more closure on Melanie at the end, but overall really enjoyed the read!

Tennyson O’Rourke was a hilariously over the top character and you couldn’t help but love every minute of her. She doesn’t apologize for speaking her mind in life, and she’s had a lot of living along the way to show for it. She’s returned home to Louisiana just as her son announces his engagement … to her former childhood best friend’s daughter!

Melanie Layton is really easy to like even thought she’s a little uptight. She’s underappreciated by all and really tugs at our hearts as the story progresses and we learn more about her. She can’t believe the woman who betrayed her trust and had a hand in ruining her idyllic family life is going to be her daughter’s mother-in-law. Talk about awkward!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic comedy filled with down home family realness. The characters have some crazy moments and it’s filled with so much heart you’ll be overflowing by the end.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A REUNION OF RIVALS by Reese Ryan

July 9, 2020 Leave a Comment
A Reunion of Rivals by Reese Ryan
Series: The Bourbon Brothers #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 1, 2020
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Sparks in the boardroom

and the bedroom…

She can’t let anything derail her passion project,

Not even a second chance with the sexiest man alive…

The deal that could bring Quinn Bazemore’s career back from the brink has one catch: she must partner up with her ex-lover Max Abbott. Quinn can’t forget the pleasure-filled summer they shared. But now she’s butting heads over business strategy with the mouthwatering marketing VP, even as their reawakened desire threatens to expose her deepest secrets…

This fast-paced, sizzling reunion is sure to delight! With book four in her always delicious Bourbon Brothers series Reese Ryan stays at the top of her game in bringing passion and drama to the surface for her reader to devour in A REUNION OF RIVALS. The cast of characters is very familiar if you’ve been reading the previous books in the series and the chemistry is spot on. I’m looking forward to the next in the series already!

Max Abbott is divine! He’s sexy and self-assured yet he’s down to earth and relatable to the reader. I enjoyed watching him be rattled by the return of Quinn to his life.

Quinn Bazemore is attention grabbing. She’s competent and on track to blaze through obstacles, but the doubt she has in herself after the most recent heartbreak she’s suffered makes her approachable to a reader. We can sympathize, yet rally behind her character towards achieving her dreams.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close-knit family who is on top of the business industry with recent success, but still puts family above all else. Watching each sibling find their forever love has been quite a ride and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BLACK SHEEP HEIR by Yvonne Lindsay

July 7, 2020 Leave a Comment
Black Sheep Heir by Yvonne Lindsay
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Rags to Riches #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 1, 2020
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He’s never followed the rules…

He doesn’t do whirlwind romances…

Until he meets her!

When rebellious heir and security mogul Miles Wingate accidentally runs into Chloe Fitzgerald—literally!—it feels like fate. She’s beautiful, intriguing and surprisingly interested in his estranged family. One night with Chloe leaves him suspicious—and craving more. But when a crisis forces Miles home to Royal, Texas, a string of bombshells awaits. Including one about Chloe and her hidden agenda…

Deliciously forbidden! With the second book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Rags To Riches series Yvonne Lindsay brings us a whirlwind romance between an unlikely pair in BLACK SHEEP HEIR. The characters were quick to intrigue me with their chemistry and the back story of each kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen. Fast paced and delightful!

Miles Wingate is such a nice guy. He’s semi-estranged from his family back home in Royal, TX, but he’s quick to jump to help out when they call to say they need him.

Chloe Fitzgerald has an agenda, and while we can understand it as we learn her back story, it’s a little daunting to know what she’s up to when Miles is such a nice guy.

I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole to anyone who loves a bit of drama and scandal mixed with their romance. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * GUARDING CLARA by Barb Han

July 7, 2020 Leave a Comment
Guarding Clara by Barb Han
Series: Texas Guardians #2, Brotherhood Protectors World
Published by Twisted Page Press, LLC on April 11, 2020
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Daniel Damon just might be the last hope for Clara Robins. Her niece has gone missing while out of the country on vacation and the government is doing almost nothing to help find the missing teen. The resort is calling Ashlyn a runaway, but Clara knows better. Family is complicated and time is running out. Convincing the ex-Special Operations soldier to take the job is her first challenge. Keeping emotions in check when their chemistry sizzles might just undo them both.

An unlikely connection! With book two in her Texas Guardians series Barb Han once again takes us into the Brotherhood Protectors World by Elle James to bring her story to life. We are quickly drawn in by Daniel’s story and once Clara comes into the picture, we’re along for the ride as they connect and go on the hunt of a lifetime.

Daniel Damon is attention grabbing. His world collapsed around him and he chose not to pick up the pieces. He’s only coming out of the hovel he made for himself because an old friend pulls at a weakness in his heart a little too hard.

Clara Robins has a reader’s sympathy from the start as we hear about her concern over her missing niece that no one seems to care to look for. Once she connects with Daniel and they set out on their recovery mission, sparks fly and truths are unraveled.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing a former soldier fight his way through the past and come out on the other side of life. I enjoyed them!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * RUTHLESS BASTARD by Stacey Kennedy

July 7, 2020 Leave a Comment
Ruthless Bastard by Stacey Kennedy
Series: Dangerous Love #3
Published by Forever Yours on April 14, 2020
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He has what it takes to protect her from everyone . . . except himself.

Bar owner Kinsley Knight knows exactly what she wants: Rhett West. How could she resist over six feet of hard, trained physical perfection? Never mind that she's been in love with the guy since high school, or that she's the "kid sister" of his best friend. Never mind that one unforgettably intense and heated night they shared-and the unexpected consequences. Because Kinsley's determined to have Rhett . . . and she'll do anything to prove they're meant to be.

But Rhett can't afford to get distracted by the mind-blowingly hot night he spent with Kinsley, or the insatiable hunger he still feels for her. She's off-limits. Especially now that Rhett's been investigating the members of a vicious biker gang who have invaded his town, and they're intent on putting Kinsley out of business-permanently. Suddenly, all of Rhett's protective instincts have taken over. Because no one threatens Kinsley on his watch. Not now. Not ever. And Rhett's ruthless enough to protect Kinsley no matter the cost. Even if it means risking his heart . . .

Sweet, steamy and suspenseful all rolled into one delicious read! With book three in her always satisfying Dangerous Love series Stacey Kennedy delights her reader with a best friend’s little sister story line filled with lust, danger and the consequences of both!

Kinsley is a joy to read. She’s strong and tough when she’s handling things at her bar Whiskey Blues, but she can handle being tucked away and protected when danger comes knocking at her door. Especially when the guy doing the protecting is the guy she’s been not-so-secretly in love with for years!

Rhett is a doll. He knows he still carries the scars of the military life he led on his sleeve, and he’s tried with all of his might to stay away from Kinsley. One night of weakness is all it took to bind them forever, but he’s not so sure he can handle the life she dreams of.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a romance filled with alpha men, strong women and steaming hot stories filled with love, friendship and more heart than you’ll know what to do with. My favorite of the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews