Archives for November 2021

* Review * THE DARKNESS WE HIDE by Debra Webb

* Review * THE DARKNESS WE HIDE by Debra WebbThe Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Series: The Undertaker's Daughter #3
Published by MIRA on March 31, 2020
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four-half-stars

Some secrets are worth dying for.

For months, Doctor Rowan Dupont has been staring death in the face. It followed her back to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee, ten months ago, cloaking the walls of her family’s Victorian funeral home like a shroud. In investigating the mysterious deaths of her loved ones, Rowan has unearthed enough family secrets to bury everything she’d previously thought true. But each shocking discovery has only led to more bodies and more questions; the rabbit hole is deeper than she ever imagined.

Despite settling in to a comfortable life with Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan knows dangerous serial killer Julian Addington is still out there. She can’t let her guard down now. Not when she’s this close to ending his torment once and for all. But with a storm brewing on the horizon, she’ll get only one shot before the impending darkness takes hold, threatening to wipe away every truth she’s uncovered—and everything she holds dear.

 

The stunning conclusion when all of the secrets unravel for Rowan Dupont! With the final book in her Undertaker’s Daughter series Debra Webb weaves an awe inspiring tale of lies, deceit and obsession. There were twists I wasn’t expecting even after all we’ve seen in the series prior and it kept my attention from start to finish without a problem. I really enjoyed this series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a dark thriller filled with twists and turns as danger rallies around, but also a really likable main character and cohorts who are trying to put all of the pieces together.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE GREEK SECRET SHE CARRIES by Pippa Roscoe

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE GREEK SECRET SHE CARRIES by Pippa RoscoeThe Greek Secret She Carries by Pippa Roscoe
Series: The Diamond Inheritance #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 30, 2021
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four-half-stars

Five months ago: their unforgettable night
Now: the scandalous consequence!

When Summer Soames landed in Athens, she wanted to find a missing piece of her past…yet found combustible chemistry with enigmatic Theron Thiakos instead! Just as quickly as their intense fling started, it dramatically imploded…and Summer was firmly shut out of his life.

Now rumors bring Theron to Summer’s doorstep to discover her shocking pregnancy is as obvious as the still-sizzling desire between them! He’s determined to give their child the family unit he lost. But Summer’s trust isn’t easily won…and Theron’s secrets aren’t easily shared…

 

An emotional journey of healing! With the final book in her Diamond Inheritance trilogy Pippa Roscoe brings the drama to a peak with Summer’s story. I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Theron and Summer and though their happily ever after was filled with roadblocks, it was very rewarding in the end.

Summer is the sweet, brainiac sister in the group and winds up having the most complex story of all. I enjoyed watching her happiness come to life and getting the conclusion to the diamond mystery.

Theron is riddled with hang ups from his unfortunate past, but he’s a good guy at heart and once things come to light he stands up for his family.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire trilogy to anyone who enjoys a mysterious plot that takes a trio of sisters on the hunt of their lives in which each one finds their forever love.

four-half-stars

* Review * A MERRY AUSSIE CHRISTMAS by Stefanie London

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A MERRY AUSSIE CHRISTMAS by Stefanie LondonA Merry Aussie Christmas by Stefanie London
Series: Holidays in the Bluff #1
on November 30, 2021
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five-stars

Their relationship is so fake it comes with costumes…

At seventeen, Jasper left Patterson’s Bluff so fast the dust cloud never settled. But when fate brings him back, he’s ready to prove he’s not a bad egg like his criminal father. So, he slaps some reindeer antlers on his Basset Hound and volunteers to be Santa for the festive season.

Being her hometown’s official Mrs. Claus was supposed to be fun. Instead, Evie is stuck being “married” to the sexy bad boy she crushed on in high school. The same one who broke her heart when he left town. But she can’t deny their chemistry burns hotter than an open fire.

It’ll take a holiday miracle for them not to ruin Christmas. Can the misunderstood bad boy and the town golden girl get a second chance at love? Or will Evie be stuck in Jasper’s rear-view mirror once more?

A Merry Aussie Christmas contains Aussie slang, adorable dog-related shenanigans, second chances and the bedroom door is flung wide open! Yep, there's sexytimes inside. Previously published in the Christmas Actually anthology, this story now contains 50% additional content.

 

Naughty Santa just might be the temptation Mrs. Claus needs to live a little! Stefanie London is pouring on the Aussie holiday feels with this delightful small town romance and I loved every single minute of it. The characters both have a back story that explains who they have become in life and seeing them reconnect and begin to develop a relationship of their own is heartwarming. I can’t wait for a return to Patterson Bluff in the future!

Jasper is such a sweetheart! He’s misunderstand and under appreciated, but his heart is pure gold and I loved seeing him get the redemption he so justly deserved.

Evie is the town delight and is beloved by everyone, but she holds herself back. Jasper is just the sexy fun she needs to prove to her once and for all that she’s meant to set the world on fire.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a holiday read to get you in the spirit of Christmas. There’s seriousness, there’s laughter and there’s a yummy romance brewing throughout.

five-stars

* Review * HIS HEART’S HOME by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS HEART’S HOME by Susan CarlisleHis Heart's Home by Susan Carlisle
Series: Modern Masters of Their Castle #3
on November 30, 2021
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four-half-stars

When opposites attract…sparks ignite!

Historical architect Jordan Glass moves to rural England in her continued effort to escape an affair gone wrong that included losing a baby while in college. Eight years later still vowing to steer clear of relationships, she takes on a job rebuilding a damaged manor knowing it’s the perfect place to live in solitude. What she doesn’t plan on is Craig Lewis the owner arriving before the work is finished. Worse he brings his daughter along and they must share temporary lodging with Jordon.

Craig is shocked when his ex-wife drops their pre-teen daughter on his doorstep - permanently. He struggles to relate to his angry child and desperately wants to gain her trust. To give her a secure place to live he decides to renovate a wing of his family home Llywelyn Hall. Life is further complicated by him being sexually drawn to the beautiful architect. Equally frustrating is Jordon communicates with his daughter far better than he.

Craig’s family struggle tugs at Jordon’s heartstrings. Against her better judgement, Jordon is pulled deeper into their lives, tipping friendship over into desire.

 

Love when they least expect it! HIS HEART’S HOME by Susan Carlisle brings a historical architect and a single father trying to adjust to having his pre-teen daughter full time together in this emotional journey of healing and trusting in love. The characters are endearing and the back stories of each has a depth that brings the connection full circle.

Jordan is accomplished and dedicated to her craft, but her heart is still a long way from healed after a college fling left heartache and loss.

Craig is a sincerely nice guy and watching him do just about anything in order to connect with the child he really hasn’t previously been around for is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys seeing a female lead who excels at the remodeling business she runs with her two besties as each of them find their leading man and begin their happily ever after.

four-half-stars

* Review * A LIGHTHOUSE CAFE CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Faye

* Review * A LIGHTHOUSE CAFE CHRISTMAS by Jennifer FayeA Lighthouse Café Christmas by Jennifer Faye
Series: The Bell Family of Bluestar Island #3
Published by Lazy Dazy Press on November 16, 2021
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four-half-stars

As Bluestar Island prepares for a very special Christmas wedding, Santa’s sleigh crashes into The Lighthouse Café, reuniting Bluestar’s beloved waitress with her former fiancé.

In this holiday novella, Darla Evans has carved out a quiet life for herself as a waitress at The Lighthouse Café. Up until this point, she’s conveniently avoided the one man who shattered her heart and her dreams. But when a wedding draws him back to the island, she knows their meetup is unavoidable.

Tech entrepreneur William “Will” Campbell has returned to his childhood home to be the best man in his father’s wedding. But first his father has a very special task for him—to restore a sleigh in time for the wedding. However, there’s not much time until Christmas. He just might need some help.

As snowflakes cover the small town of Bluestar, Will and Darla work together to make it a very special holiday wedding. With the past looming between them, will the magic of the season open their hearts and allow them to find love again?

 

This sweet holiday visit to Bluestar Island is sure to please! Jennifer Faye is delighting her readers with a quick visit to our favorite small town this Christmas season with A LIGHTHOUSE CAFE CHRISTMAS and I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. The characters are warm and sincere and the backstory is fresh and dramatic. I look forward to seeing more of this island.

Darla is everyone’s favorite waitress and enjoys the time she spends with the various members of the town and though she was let down by the love of her life years ago, she hasn’t let it bitter her to the joys that she still experiences.

Will is memorable. He’s returning to town for his dad’s wedding and in turn reunites with the one he let get away, but it turns out he has a big secret that he didn’t share with anyone that drastically changed his life.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a cozy, small town romance filled with memorable characters, delightful connections and a town filled with joy.

four-half-stars

* Review * A CONTRACT FOR HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE by Melanie Milburne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A CONTRACT FOR HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE by Melanie MilburneA Contract for His Runaway Bride by Melanie Milburne
Series: The Scandalous Campbell Sisters #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 30, 2021
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five-stars

From almost Mr. and Mrs.…
…to a wedding-night reunion?

Supermodel Elodie Campbell is ready to prove the tabloids’ lies about her all wrong! Yet if the aspiring CEO is to make her fashion brand a reality, she’ll need billion-dollar backing. As if pitching to a billionaire wasn’t hard enough…Lincoln Lancaster is her ex-fiancé!

Elodie loved Lincoln deeply but ended their engagement, fearful she might become his trophy wife and nothing more. Now, the key to Lincoln’s help is anything but simple: she must become his convenient bride! The biggest complication? The all-consuming chemistry that never went away!

 

The second half of the Scandalous Campbell Sisters duet was sublime! I went into the book not overly sure I liked Elodie because of how she took advantage of Elspeth in the first book and all of her scandals, but I ended up understanding her so much more in this book and enjoying her reconnection with Lincoln. A CONTRACT FOR HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE was hard to put down and Melanie Milburne was at the top of her game with this one!

I highly recommend this book as well as the earlier one in the duet to anyone who enjoys a bit of drama with their romance and a super satisfying happily ever after wrap up for all!

five-stars

* Review * HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER by Joss WoodHow to Handle a Heartbreaker by Joss Wood
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Fathers and Sons #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 30, 2021
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five-stars

For her, the man in the tux spells trouble

in more ways than one…

After clashing with Jackson Michaels, sheriff’s deputy and law student Hayley Lopez doesn’t know whether to arrest the gorgeous billionaire developer…or kiss him senseless. Sure, the second option presents obvious difficulties. She didn’t fight for independence from her powerful family to let this supersexy older man boss her around. But when they fall into bed together, Hayley starts rethinking the whole mistress-of-her-own-destiny thing. Can she handle a no-strings fling or is she setting herself up for heartbreak?

 

Fast paced and exciting! Joss Wood brings us the second book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Fathers and Sons series and as always she knocks her drama and romance out of the park in HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER.

Hayley is super easy to like as she spends her life helping others even though she came from a privileged background. Watching her settle into acceptance for her choices was heartwarming.

Jackson emotionally guards himself from fully enjoying life because of his past, but the man that Hayley brings to life is so much happier.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a romance revolving around a touch of drama, a lot of desire and wealthy lifestyles.

five-stars

* Review * THE INNOCENT’S PROTECTOR IN PARADISE by Annie West

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE INNOCENT’S PROTECTOR IN PARADISE by Annie WestThe Innocent's Protector in Paradise by Annie West
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 30, 2021
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five-stars

He’s sworn to keep her safe.
She threatens his every barrier!

Niall Pedersen is the only person Lola Suarez can turn to when a stalker threatens her. A self-made security tycoon and her brother’s best friend, Niall immediately offers her a hiding place—that turns out to be his private retreat on Australia’s glamorous Gold Coast!

Lola may be forbidden, but their sizzling heat incinerates Niall’s resistance. Yet once innocent Lola is sharing his bed, he can’t hide from the truth: she deserves a happily-ever-after. Exactly what Niall, scarred by tragedy, has always vowed he can’t give!

 

An attention grabbing twist thrown into a brother’s best friend storyline makes for an addictive read! Annie West is pulling out all the stops in her latest and I loved every single minute of THE INNOCENT’S PROTECTOR IN PARADISE! The backstory shines, the current drama hooked me and the characters were both down to earth and real. Really enjoyed it!

Lola is a complex character. She’s independent and self-assured, but she finds herself in a situation that she never expected and figures out the hard way that she’s in over her head.

Niall is successful and kind-hearted but he lives with a guilt from childhood that holds him back from owning his own future. Lola helps ease his mind and show him what life can be.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little bit of danger in their romance with a bit of drama, a lot of feels and an overall goodness in each character.

five-stars

* Review * INTO THE FLAMES by Jessica Ames

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INTO THE FLAMES by Jessica AmesInto the Flames by Jessica Ames
Series: Royal Bastards MC: Liverpool, England #1
on November 23, 2021
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four-stars

GENEVIEVE

I've never played by the rules. Women don't run gangs, yet I'm the leader of the biggest one in Liverpool. No one knows I've stepped into my father's shoes and that I'm making changes. Taking on the Royal Bastards MC is not a good idea, but I want the wealth and power they have. I want my family's legacy to live on long after I'm gone. Doing that means making difficult decisions. I didn't expect the Royal Bastards to retaliate so savagely.

Now, I'm prisoner of their President, a man who goes by the name of Mouth. He's dangerous, vicious and he wants to make my father pay for crimes I've committed. Can I survive his wrath?

MOUTH

This prissy woman is a thorn in my side, but she's the only way to exact my revenge. Crossing the Bastards is an instant death sentence, and when I'm done with Genevieve, her father is going to beg for mercy I won't deliver. I'm not someone to cross without retribution and mine will be swift. I will destroy The Dockland Gang and every person associated with them, including Desmond's pretty little daughter. She's a doll I want play with and I will break her down piece by piece, because now that she's in my control I'm never letting her go.

*Warning : Contains adult content, reading age 18 +. Graphic violence and dark emotional scenes that may trigger some readers.

 

Gritty, raw and consuming! With the first book in her Royal Bastards MC: Liverpool, England series Jessica Ames delivers an MC romance with a twist. In INTO THE FLAMES we have an MC President taking on the gutsy new female head of a deadly street gang who is out to take over his territory. It’s unorthodox and I wanted a bit more development to take me into the heart of their worlds, but I enjoyed the two characters together very much. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good group of MC guys who are loyal to a fault and don’t take any gruff off of anyone.

four-stars

* Review * FLYING ANGELS by Danielle Steel

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FLYING ANGELS by Danielle SteelFlying Angels by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on November 23, 2021
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five-stars

Audrey Parker’s life changes forever when Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7, 1941. Her brother, a talented young Navy pilot, had been stationed there, poised to fulfill their late father’s distinguished legacy. Fresh out of nursing school with a passion and a born gift for helping others, both Audrey and her friend Lizzie suddenly find their nation on the brink of war. Driven to do whatever they can to serve, they enlist in the Army and embark on a new adventure as flight nurses.

Risking their lives on perilous missions, they join the elite Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron and fly into enemy territory almost daily to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Audrey and Lizzie make enormous sacrifices to save lives alongside an extraordinary group of nurses: Alex, who longs to make a difference in the world; Louise, a bright mind who faced racial prejudice growing up in the South; Pru, a selfless leader with a heart of gold; and Emma, whose confidence and grit push her to put everything on the line for her patients.

Even knowing they will not achieve any rank and will receive little pay for their efforts, the “Flying Angels” will give their all in the fight for freedom. They serve as bravely and tirelessly as the men they rescue on the front lines, in daring airlifts, and are eternally bound by their loyalty to one another. Danielle Steel presents a sweeping, stunning tribute to these incredibly courageous women, inspiring symbols of bravery and valor.

 

Captivatingly addictive! FLYING ANGELS is the latest Danielle Steel novel to use it’s gentle prose and emotional pull to wrap itself around this reader’s heart and take me into the depth of a telling of strength, sacrifice and perseverance. I was hooked quickly and enjoyed every minute of this tale of several brave women who put their life on the line day after day to honor their country and their soldiers. The journey is emotional and fully rewarding.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a time in history that feels all too real when you are living it day after day in the heart of a group of strongly told characters.

five-stars