Book Reviews – Page 130

* Release Blitz * THE WEDDING WAR by Liz Talley

April 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer…

The Wedding War by Liz Talley is available now!

“Liz Talley clearly understands women—the enduring power of friendship, the strength and beauty of the human heart, the many ways that forgiveness heals. Funny and heartbreaking, The Wedding War is sassy Southern women’s fiction at its absolute best.” —Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author

Amazon — https://amzn.to/2V5Aj4W
Universal — getbook.at/TheWeddingWarLT
FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Audiobook
Amazon — https://amzn.to/2MZOZxQ
Audible Direct — https://adbl.co/2QrEBBm
Audio CD — https://amzn.to/37xSeEO

Paperback
https://amzn.to/35tlLy7

***

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.

About the Author:

USA Today best-selling author Liz Talley loves staying home in her jammies and writing emotional women’s fiction and romance. Liz has published twenty-seven books, reaching number one in kindle romance. Her stories are set in the South where the tea is sweet, the summers are hot, and the porches are wide. Liz lives in Louisiana with her childhood sweetheart, two handsome children, two dogs and a mean kitty. You can visit Liz at www.liztalleybooks.com or follow her on Instagram or facebook to learn more about her upcoming books.

Connect with Liz!

Website: https://liztalleybooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liztalleybooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyliztalley/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/liz-talley

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* Release Blast/Review * ASK ME IF I CARE by Lani Lynn Vale

April 14, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * ASK ME IF I CARE by Lani Lynn Vale

Ask Me If I Care by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: KPD SWAT Generation 2.0 #4
on April 14, 2020
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Ares saw him for the first time at a Kilgore Police Department benefit dinner. She’d gone with her dad as his plus one. Hayes Romine had gone by himself and brooded silently across the same table as her, drinking whiskey and not saying a word.

It only took that one time for her to become interested.

The next time she saw him, he was doing another benefit—but this one requiring a whole lot fewer clothes. And that was when she knew. She wanted him. Badly. But the morose Hayes was too busy thinking about his sins to see what was right in front of his face—Ares.

***

Hayes Romine knew the moment that he saw the feisty Ares Downy again that he should’ve stayed away. Maybe if he hadn’t done the stupid calendar, he wouldn’t be questioning every single woman’s intentions.

Maybe if he’d listened to that niggling feeling telling him to stay away, he would’ve been able to do his job a little better. But seeing her with a knife to her throat, in the middle of a building set to blow, made his usually well-wired brain start to malfunction.

Because nobody was allowed to touch her like that—only him. Nobody was allowed to scare her, either. Not and live to tell the tale.

This instant connection rocks her world!! With book four in her always entertaining KPD SWAT Generation 2.0 series, Lani Lynn Vale delights readers with a happily ever after for Ares and Hayes.

Ares Downy is feisty! She works hard to take care of her kids as a high school guidance counselor and is it too much to ask to find a man who is all about her for her down time? She doesn’t think so!

Hayes Romine is damaged. He has a heart of gold but a mind filled with torment, but when his eyes connect with Ares, he feels more at peace than he has in years. Circumstance keeps throwing them together, and by the second or third time he decides she’s his. He just has to convince her of that!

I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys a close-knit group of alpha cops who melt when they meet their one true love. There’s always a hint of suspense to these story lines, and a whole lot of humor, love and heart!

Release Date: April 14

Ares saw him for the first time at a Kilgore Police Department benefit dinner. She’d gone with her dad as his plus one. Hayes Greer had gone by himself and brooded silently across the same table as her, drinking whiskey and not saying a word.

It only took that one time for her to become interested.

The next time she saw him, he was doing another benefit—but this one requiring a whole lot fewer clothes. And that was when she knew. She wanted him. Badly. But the morose Hayes was too busy thinking about his sins to see what was right in front of his face—Ares.

***

Hayes Greer knew the moment that he saw the feisty Ares Downy again that he should’ve stayed away. Maybe if he hadn’t done the stupid calendar, he wouldn’t be questioning every single woman’s intentions.

Maybe if he’d listened to that niggling feeling telling him to stay away, he would’ve been able to do his job a little better. But seeing her with a knife to her throat, in the middle of a building set to blow, made his usually well-wired brain start to malfunction.

Because nobody was allowed to touch her like that—only him. Nobody was allowed to scare her, either. Not and live to tell the tale.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Meet Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Connect with Lani Lynn Vale

Facebook | Instagram | Website | Twitter Goodreads | BookBub

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* Review * HEARTBREAKER by Joanne Rock

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Heartbreaker by Joanne Rock
Series: Dynasties: Mesa Falls #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on March 1, 2020
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From passion to betrayal and back again…

He knows she’s coming for him… And he’s ready to turn the tables!

When tabloid columnist Elena Rollins shows up uninvited to a private, star-studded party at Mesa Falls, Gage Striker sees red. Though it’s been six years since their abrupt breakup, the scars—and attraction—are still fresh. Certain his ex has a score to settle, the playboy banker vows to protect his ranch’s scandalous secrets. Protecting his heart is a different story.

Sleeping with the enemy? With book four in her riveting Dynasties: Mesa Falls series, Joanne Rock brings us the explosive reunion of Elena and Gage! The characters have a past that drew my attention and held it during the ups and downs of their reconciliation. We learned a bit more about Alonzo and the prep school past as well.

Elena Rollins finds herself in a bind when the story she needs to make this tabloid columnist career that she’s trying to get off the ground prosper leads her straight into the life of her former lover.

Gage Striker is a rich and powerful guy, but he calms down rather quickly and is willing to give Elena a chance to make amends for her subterfuge … all while participating in a little deception himself!

I highly recommend this book and this series as a whole if you like a good bit of drama with your romance. We’re uncovering secrets as we go along and will eventually get to the bottom of what Alonzo was up to.

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* Review * SECOND CHANCE FOR THE SINGLE DAD by Carol Ross

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross
Series: Pacific Cove
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on March 1, 2020
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She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?

Emotionally captivating! With our latest visit to her fictional town of Pacific Cove, Oregon author Carol Ross delights readers once again with the perfect combination of turmoil and sass as we meet a so-called recluse and a lovable friend to all. The past they share and current happenings kept me riveted from start to finish. Really enjoyed Camile and Rhys!

Camile is an easy character to like. She’s been working non-stop for so many years to put herself through grad-school and as she’s hitting a few roadblocks, she’s still upbeat and trying to figure out how to react.

Rhys gets a bad rap but under it all he’s a really caring guy and I enjoyed him more than I can say.

I highly recommend this book and all of the other Pacific Cove books to anyone who enjoys a small town filled with an eclectic group of family and friends who share the good and the bad in each other’s lives as they work towards finding their happily ever afters. Well developed and full of heart!

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* Review * ONE NIGHT WITH HER MILLIONAIRE BOSS by Kandy Shepherd

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

One Night with Her Millionaire Boss by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on April 1, 2020
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Always the groomsman, never the groom…

…until one night changes everything.

Ned Hudson has always known his destiny—to inherit and run his family’s rural Australian estate. Now, ready to settle down, his “wife wish list” is exact…so why can’t he get city-girl Freya Delaney off his mind? When Freya arrives to photograph his historic home, a spark ignites. And after one night of passion has unintended consequences, he might just find himself throwing the list out the window!

City meets country and passion ignites! ONE NIGHT WITH HER MILLIONAIRE BOSS by Kandy Shepherd is a delightful mix of opposites attract and a surprise baby story line and I enjoyed it very much.

Ned Hudson is an enjoyable character. He starts out a bit stuffy with his future laid out in his head to a tee, but it doesn’t take long for free-spirited Freya to shake up his plans and bring his world to life.

Freya Delaney is a fun character. She hasn’t had an easy life, but she chooses to see the bright side of things and brings an eclectic outlook to everything she touches. She’s there to photograph his historic house, but instant chemistry takes hold quickly.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a sweetish romance with an impossible to ignore connection. The characters were well developed and the tidbits here and there where their past intertwines in light ways was interesting to learn.

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* Review * TEMPTATION AT HIS DOOR by Joss Wood

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Temptation at His Door by Joss Wood
Series: Murphy International #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2020
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Will he let love in?

“We both know that was a one-off.”
But stopping is out of the question…

Wealthy art auctioneer Ronan Murphy needs a nanny for his two little boys now. Gorgeous au pair Joa Jones would be perfect, but there’s a catch. He and Joa also have impossible-to-ignore chemistry. One night exploring that chemistry can’t hurt…right? Wrong. One night with Joa only leaves Ronan craving more. But more is the one thing he can’t have…

Seductively intriguing! With the second book in her Murphy International series Joss Wood takes us on a sweet journey with Ronan’s story in TEMPTATION AT HIS DOOR. This book is not only sensually pleasing, but it also showcases overcoming grief and accepting a new journey. Really loved their story!

Ronan Murphy is such a good guy. A reader instantly has a soft spot in their heart for him when we learn he lost his wife and is raising their two young sons on his own. Once we see the connection he has with Joa and how it affects him, he’s only more endearing.

Joa Jones is easy to like as well and we find ourselves rooting for her to get that happily ever after she obviously well deserves at this point in her life.

I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys a fast paced read filled with a close-knit group of siblings and friends finding their forevers one character at a time.

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* Review * COLTON COWBOY JEOPARDY by Regan Black

April 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Colton Cowboy Jeopardy by Regan Black
Series: The Coltons of Mustang Valley #8
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2020
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On the run from a sociopath…

And no one to trust

Mia Graves is in danger—and so is her baby. Jarvis Colton is exploring a family mystery when their paths cross on the outskirts of Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch. After the trauma of losing his parents, this businessman turned cowboy has no intention of making himself vulnerable ever again. Just this once, he can help a family, but can he protect Mia without falling in love?

Danger is right around the corner! With book eight in the Coltons of Mustang Valley series, Regan Black brings Jarvis’s story to life in COLTON COWBOY JEOPARDY.

Jarvis Colton is easy to like. He’s laid back and loyal to family and even though he’s on Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch for another reason than he states, he’s still working hard to better the ranch at the same time.

Mia Graves is attention grabbing. We quickly see the danger she perceives and watch her do anything in her power to protect her son. Stumbling upon Jarvis turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys lots of intrigue with their romance. I’m looking forward to getting answers in the shooting mystery as the series plays out.

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* Review * HER SURPRISE COWBOY by Claire McEwen

April 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen
Series: Heroes of Shelter Creek #3
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2020
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Looking for redemption…

Finding a future

Rancher Liam Dale is in Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. He had no idea vet assistant Trisha Gilbert would be there, too—and he’s even more shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust him and a baby boy to protect. But now that he knows he’s a father, Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a true family.

Love when they least expect it! With the third book in her Heroes of Shelter Creek series Claire McEwen delights her readers with a surprise baby story line. The characters are flawed, but withstand a sweet redemption. Really enjoyed!

Liam Dale caught my heart quickly with his comeback story and the love he shares with his family. Once he gets to Shelter Creek and reunites with Trisha, all bets are off and he’s coming in strong!

Trisha is a bit of a conundrum. I understand where she’s coming from with the resentment she holds towards Liam, but her attitude towards him was a little hard to forgive sometimes.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sweet small town romance with a group of highly entertaining characters and lots of love and drama.

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* Review * TOO TEXAN TO TAME by Janice Maynard

April 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

Too Texan to Tame by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2020
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She makes him want
to break the rules…

He’s back in town…
and back in her bed?

Rancher Vaughn Blackwood is only back home in Royal, Texas, for his sister’s wedding. Then he runs into Brielle Gunderson—and learns he’s the father of her baby. A fake engagement would secure his newfound daughter’s claim to the Blackwood legacy. But Brie has doubts about the plan even as their passion reignites. Can Vaughn change…or will Brie become the girl who got away—twice?

Full of unraveling secrets! With the fifth book in the ever dramatic Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series, Janice Maynard brings Blackwood bad boy Vaughn home to Royal for his little sister’s wedding … only he gets more than he bargained for upon his return!

Vaughn already peaked a reader’s interest if you’ve been following along with the Inheritance series because he wants no part in fighting his father’s will leaving his wicked stepmother everything. He loves his family, but his days on Blackwood Hollow are long gone.

Brielle is kindhearted, but it’s a little hard to get over her secrets. She worked for his father and had a relationship with Vaughn years ago, and failed to make much of an effort to tell him she was carrying his child when she hightailed it out of town.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone loving a high drama family saga bringing happily ever afters to one family member at a time. I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to the conclusion to the series soon.

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* Review * THE SEA GLASS COTTAGE by RaeAnne Thayne

April 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by HQN Books on March 17, 2020
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The story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women.

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.

It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.

As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

RaeAnne Thayne never fails to satisfy! With a treasured voice made for detailing heart-wrenching family drama in such a poetic way, she takes us on an emotional journey of strength, healing and forgiveness with her latest THE SEA GLASS COTTAGE and it does not disappoint!

From the start the reader is taken into the heart of three characters … a grown daughter returning home to help her mother through an injury, an aging mother who doesn’t like for one second that her body is betraying her and taking her away from her daily life and a moody teenager who’s trying to find answers to the mysteries of her past. Each character has a side to their story and we get a feel for what’s going on quickly and are soon hooked.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that connects with an imperfect family as they travel the roads of life. It’s emotional, it’s sweet and it’s oh so satisfying!

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