Book Reviews – Page 155

* Review * RUMORS BEHIND THE GREEK’S WEDDING by Pippa Roscoe

July 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RUMORS BEHIND THE GREEK’S WEDDING by Pippa Roscoe

Rumors Behind the Greek's Wedding by Pippa Roscoe
Published by Harlequin Presents on August 1, 2020
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The engagement was a lie.

But their connection was all too true.

She’d been hired to repair Loukis Liordis’s public reputation, not become involved in his private affairs. Yet spiraling rumors have Loukis demanding Célia play the role of his fiancée. To deny the Greek would be the end of her career, but to agree…?

For years, Loukis focused on one goal. Now he has the gorgeous Célia to consider. She is tempting beyond reason, and perhaps just the woman he needs. They may have already indulged in their wedding night…but will they make it to the altar?

Delectably tempting! RUMORS BEHIND THE GREEK’S WEDDING by Pippa Roscoe is a fast paced fake relationship turned real story line with an emotional dip that will reel in the reader. I enjoyed watching them find their way to each other!

Loukis Liordis is cold and abrupt, but once we catch a glimpse of his true persona the reader is hooked and seeing him find a happily ever after is breathtaking.

Celia d’Agent comes across as self-assured, but when her back story comes to light we see what she’s truly had to overcome to get to the position she’s in today.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a relationship of convenience that quickly turns real when the cards are on the table and true feelings begin to emerge. Quality character development and dashes of surprise are sure to please.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blast/Review * CHASING CHARLI by Kat Mizera

July 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * CHASING CHARLI by Kat Mizera

Chasing Charli by Kat Mizera
Series: Alaska Blizzard #6
on July 21, 2020
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Resisting her may be his toughest test of all...

Finnish hockey star Miikka Laasonen may seem to live a charmed life, but the reality is that he's lonely. His struggle with learning the English language makes it hard for him to fit in and to make matters worse, his Finnish girlfriend tires of their long-distance relationship and dumps him.

Kindergarten teacher Charlotte “Charli” Bartosiewicz made a life-changing decision in her teens, and she’s battled guilt and regret ever since. She punishes herself by refusing to date and staying to herself because she doesn't feel worthy of love.

When introduced by a mutual friend, Miikka recognizes another lonely soul in Charli, but there’s more to it than that, something he’s never felt before. He convinces her to take a chance on him by tutoring him in English, but he really wants her to take a chance on love.

Miikka is determined to convince Charli that she's worthy of him. But even if he does, will their love be strong enough to go the distance?

An emotional journey of healing and love! With book six in her delicious Alaska Blizzard hockey series Kat Mizera brings us Miika’s story in CHASING CHARLI and it’s adorable, sweet and sexy all rolled into one! The characters drew me in quickly, had me smiling in no time and continued to pour on the feels thoughout. This book was fast paced, emotional and one of my favorites of the series!

Miikka Laasonen is sexy, brooding and downright adorable. I couldn’t find a thing to dislike about him, and enjoyed getting to know all sides of him as he fell hard for Charli.

Charlotte Bartosiewicz is as sweet as can be, but she has a past that is dragging down her ability to trust and move forward in life. Watching her fall in love with Miikka and see the depth of trust it took for her to accept his goodness was pure magic.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a good hockey romance that gives you an emotional read filled with a close knit group of teammates and their families. I always look forward to returning to Alaska!

Resisting her may be his toughest test of all…
Chasing Charli by Kat Mizera is available now!Amazon — https://amzn.to/2BDI2zK
Universal — getbook.at/ChasingCharli
Apple — https://apple.co/2A7iHhq
Nook — https://bit.ly/2NtUtRp
Kobo — https://bit.ly/2Yz7MGC

Resisting her may be his toughest test of all…Finnish hockey star Miikka Laasonen may seem to live a charmed life, but the reality is that he’s lonely. His struggle with learning the English language makes it hard for him to fit in and to make matters worse, his Finnish girlfriend tires of their long-distance relationship and dumps him.

Kindergarten teacher Charlotte “Charli” Bartosiewicz made a life-changing decision in her teens, and she’s battled guilt and regret ever since. She punishes herself by refusing to date and staying to herself because she doesn’t feel worthy of love.

When introduced by a mutual friend, Miikka recognizes another lonely soul in Charli, but there’s more to it than that, something he’s never felt before. He convinces her to take a chance on him by tutoring him in English, but he really wants her to take a chance on love.

Miikka is determined to convince Charli that she’s worthy of him. But even if he does, will their love be strong enough to go the distance?

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she’s called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She’s never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she’d probably choose the west coast.

A typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat can usually be found scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) – traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible.

Kat’s been a working freelance writer for nearly 30 years. She sold her first article–a review of a rock concert–for $10 in 1985. Since then she’s been an entertainment journalist, waitress, bartender, legal assistant, food critic, magazine editor, substitute teacher, and sports writer. She also spent some time working at A & M Records in Los Angeles.

As you can guess from her Las Vegas Sidewinders series, Kat loves hockey and occasionally writes articles about her favorite team, the Florida Panthers. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There’s something enticing about hockey players and romance…

Connect with Kat:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatmizera/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lzRBG6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKatMiz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2li6zRe
Website: http://www.katmizera.com

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Book Blitz * THE SINGLE MOM’S SECOND CHANCE by Kathy Douglass

July 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT KATHY DOUGLASS

Kathy is a born reader who as a child always had her nose in a book. She went from reading Bobbsey Twins to romance novels. One day she stumbled upon The Shining by Stephen King and was hooked on horror. When she caught herself checking under the bed and looking in the closet for monsters, she knew it was time to put down the horror and return to romance novels.Her return was short-lived. She started law school and soon her reading was limited to legal opinions. Then she discovered Harlequin romances. They were short enough to read in a week and she wouldn’t have to search her room before she went to sleep.When her first child was born, she became a stay at home mom. Her second child soon followed, and reading was limited to children’s books. All too soon her kids were attending pre-school. Kathy spent those hours renewing her relationship with romance novels. Soon she felt the urge to write the stories she wanted to read. In 2016, Kathy sold to Harlequin. Her first book, How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart, was released in February, 2017. Since then, she has released several more books with Harlequin and looks forward to releasing more in the future.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blast/Review * JOIN THE CLUB by Lani Lynn Vale

July 15, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * JOIN THE CLUB by Lani Lynn Vale

Join the Club by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: SWAT Generation 2.0 #7
on July 14, 2020
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There are a few lessons one has to learn for themselves. Then there are the lessons that most people don’t have to learn because it’s just not done.

For instance, most people know instinctively that they shouldn’t crave the mother of their brother’s child.

Bourne Pena isn’t most men.

Bourne does everything he can to fight the attraction he feels for Delanie, but in the end, his refusal to go there almost ends up costing him his life.

***

Delanie Davidsdottir just wanted to forget. One night, she wanted to feel like a normal human being.

That one night changes her life and gives her a son that becomes her heart and soul. From that point forward, she does her level best to keep her head on straight and not make any more mistakes.

And falling for her child’s father's twin brother—say that three times fast— would be a mistake. Not only is he Trouble with a capital T, he’s also a SWAT officer that puts his life on the line every single day.

She can’t take another loss like the one she suffered once before.

Then again, Delanie never encountered a man like Bourne Pena before, either.

Double trouble! With book seven in her always enjoyable KPD SWAT Generation 2.0 series Lani Lynn Vale delights her readers with the story we were holding our breath for since the last release. With JOIN THE CLUB we get Bourne and Delanie’s story which is the climactic follow up to each of their twins’ story in book six. There were some holes in the story if you didn’t happen to read Booth and Dillon’s book previously that might leave you a bit confused, so I definitely recommend you read JOKE’S ON YOU before reading this one even if you’ve read no other book in the series. For a super fan of the series who knows what is happening, you’ll be pleased with the story line as it’s fast paced, full of heart and steamy in all the right places!

Bourne is a dream of a character. He’s confident and sexy, yet tender and loving with the people that mean the world to him … like his favorite little man Asa and his mama.

Delanie is a joy to get to know and watch her get to finally express the feelings she’s been fighting for Bourne for so many years. Their story is sweet and satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close-knit cast of a SWAT team whose members work hard and play harder as they pair up with the women of their dreams and settle into family life. The series is sexy and sassy!

Release Date: July 14

There are a few lessons one has to learn for themselves. Then there are the lessons that most people don’t have to learn because it’s just not done.

For instance, most people know instinctively that they shouldn’t crave the mother of their brother’s child.

Bourne Pena isn’t most men.

Bourne does everything he can to fight the attraction he feels for Delanie, but in the end, his refusal to go there almost ends up costing him his life.

***

Delanie Davidsdottir just wanted to forget. One night, she wanted to feel like a normal human being.

That one night changes her life and gives her a son that becomes her heart and soul. From that point forward, she does her level best to keep her head on straight and not make any more mistakes.

And falling for her child’s father’s twin brother—say that three times fast— would be a mistake. Not only is he Trouble with a capital T, he’s also a SWAT officer that puts his life on the line every single day.

She can’t take another loss like the one she suffered once before.

Then again, Delanie never encountered a man like Bourne Pena before, either.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Meet Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, to cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple meaning over twenty) chickens. She hails from the Great State of Texas. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Connect with Lani Lynn Vale

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram| Goodreads | BookBub

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* 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.

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* 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.

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* 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