Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review – Pete Sebastian, Coach

08 Saturday Aug 2015

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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I love football … even fictional football 🙂

*****

PETE SEBASTIAN ANSWERS A FEW QUESTIONS:

  • Chocolate or vanilla?  Chocolate, or course.
  • Mounds or Almond Joy?  What? You don’t expect me to answer that in public, do you?
  • Steak or lobster?  Steak – cooked on the grill.
  • Oatmeal or scrambled eggs?  Chocolate chip pancakes.
  • Sausage or Bacon?  Bacon. Goes better with chocolate.
  • Airplane or train?  Airplane. I hate to waste time.
  • Walking or driving?  Running. Was that an option?
  • Country or Rock?  Country.
  • Women – brunette, blonde or redhead?  Blonde, about five three, nice rack.
  • Pretty or Witty?  Both – smart. Gotta be smart and love football. Sexy wouldn’t hurt. Wait. Maybe that should go first? Nah. Smart first.

*****

Pete Sebastian - CoverPete Sebastian, Coach

First & Ten Series

by Jean Joachim

GENRE – Sports Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – June, 2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 66,000 words – 220 pages

PUBLISHER – Secret Cravings Publishing

COVER ARTIST – Dawne Dominique

Blurb:

Pete Sebastian, Coach Bass to his team, thought he had his life under control until smart, alluring Jo Parker sashayed into a front office job with the Connecticut Kings. He locks horns with the beautiful female when she implements new ideas to clean-up the team’s rep. Was she there just to push him around or was she the one woman he’s been seeking?

Struggling toward success in the man’s-man world of the NFL, Jo Parker has relied on her brains and determination to get ahead. But her new job at the Kings has one hurdle she hadn’t counted on – a sexy coach standing in her way. How can she kept her mind on her job when all she wants is to get closer, much closer, to the coach?

Can Coach Bass handle a woman in the boardroom and bedroom? Can he keep his heart safe or will the revelation of a secret destroy his dreams, leaving him alone once more?

Caution: Locker room language.

AMAZON KINDLE US – http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZAXXGUS/

AMAZON KINDLE CA – http://www.amazon.ca/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZAXXGUS/

AMAZON KINDLE UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZAXXGUS/

AMAZON PAPERBACK – http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Ten/dp/1631056417/

BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pete-sebastian-coach-jean-joachim/1122088468?ean=2940151448949

ITUNES – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pete-sebastian-coach/id1009752750?mt=11

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25694459-pete-sebastian-coach?ac=1

*****

Character Bios:

PETE SEBASTIAN – Winning the Super Bowl is just the beginning for Coach Bass, as his team calls him. He walks on water, until his world gets turned upside down by a feisty female. When the new V.P. of Publicity turns out to be a gorgeous blonde, Pete is stopped in his tracks.

Raising twin daughters alone after his wife took a powder, Pete has been too busy to be lonely. But now that his girls are off to college, loneliness has become his constant companion. Bed partners are easy to find, but the right woman, one who loves football almost as much as she loves him isn’t easy. So far, he has come up empty.

With a beautiful woman in the office next door, Pete can hardly concentrate on preparing for training camp. All he wants to do is kiss Jo Parker, but she’s tucked away behind a professional demeanor and not going to play his game.

Never one to throw in the towel, Pete has a strategy to win this woman who keeps one step ahead of him. Can the charming, sexy coach win the affections of the elusive Ms. Parker? Or his he destined to continue on playing a solo game?

JO PARKER – Jo Parker is a woman who knows what she wants, right? She thinks she does. A successful woman in the man’s world of NFL front office, Jo has worked hard and taken lots of guff to rise to the level of vice president of publicity.

Her new job at The Connecticut Kings presents a challenge. Not only does she have to clean up the reputation of a team that fired two players for domestic violence, but she has to resist the practically irresistible charms of the coach, Pete Sebastian.

With her pug, Daisy, tucked under her arm, Jo takes Monroe and the Kings by storm. She rolls in, determined to send the players to anger management, to avoid further bad behavior. But they roadblock her at every step. And leading the resistance is the devastatingly handsome, Coach Bass.

Chemistry and mutual attraction short-circuit Ms. Parker’s plans. She finds herself in unfamiliar waters, falling in love. But love is not in her plans. She doesn’t believe in Prince Charming and she’s not about to give up her independence for a roll in the hay.

But loneliness and a hunger for love, born from a sterile childhood, draw her to the warmth and charm of Pete Sebastian. Will she be able to control her emotions, fight through their mutual attraction to focus on the job and only the job?

*****

Excerpt:

Pete stripped down to boxers and donned his running shorts. Not bothering with a shirt, he headed for the beach. There was no way he could get to sleep after his steamy encounter with Jo Parker. Running would clear his mind and calm his body.

He pulled an elastic with his house key on it over his wrist and left. As he walked down the path to the sand, he thought about Jo. Christ, I can’t stop thinking about her! Chilled by the night air, he started to run. He’d known she was sexy, but the way she had surrendered in his arms, well, surprised wasn’t the word. He never thought she’d fall without a major seduction. Flowers, candy, dinners out—now he could forget that. Next date would end in his bed.

Pete could hardly wait. Searching his memory, he couldn’t remember when he had been so turned on so quickly. She’d had him when she’d walked in wearing that sweater. Shit, I could barely keep my eyes or hands off her breasts. Lust had boiled up in his veins when she’d insisted on seeing his bedroom. Standing there with the sea on one side and alluring Jo Parker on the other, a foot from his bed, he could hardly control himself or ignore the protests from his dick.

*****

Review:

I’m so ready for football season to start and I’m loving the influx of football related romances 🙂  With Pete Sebastian, Coach we get it from the coach’s & front office’s POV – a fun change from just players (which I’m not knocking’ btw!).

This is the first of the First & Ten books for me so I don’t know if this is a good representation of Joachim’s work, but from what I’ve seen on different sites she’s got a pretty vocal (and happy) following, which is a good sign.  The writing isn’t the tightest that I’ve read but the story is very satisfying and the characters have struggles that readers can get behind.  Both Pete and Jo have their moments of stupidity – and Jo’s penchant to run when trouble strikes doesn’t do anyone any good – but they also have very real and touching moments.

Pete’s put his love life on hold while he raised twin daughters on his own, but now they are off to college and he’s ready to fill that empty spot.  What he didn’t count on was finding someone in the team’s office that hits him quite like Jo does.  Jo has spent years fighting for her place in a man’s world and she’s a success but at the expense of her dating life.  Meeting Coach Bass starts something that quickly takes off.

I really liked these two together – yes, I wanted to smack them when they were being dumb but I also wanted to give them a hug, which means I was involved and that’s always a good thing 🙂  Again, there were moments when the phrasing wasn’t the smoothest, but for me it was easily overshadowed by the characters and the plot.  I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on Joachim – I expect lots of good things to come!

*****

Author Info:

Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued put, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – http://www.amazon.com/Jean-C.-Joachim/e/B001ITRQKY/

WEBSITE – http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

BLOG – http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jean-Joachim-Author/221092234568929

TWITTER – http://www.twitter.com/jeanjoachim

GOOGLE+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/111423777977819826895/

PINTEREST – http://www.pinterest.com/jeanjoachim/

NETWORKED BLOGS – http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/334810.Jean_C_Joachim

*****

Giveaway:

$10.00 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9944253c168/

*****

Pete Sebastian - Banner

Book Review – Not So New In Town

06 Thursday Aug 2015

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cover59709-mediumNot So New In Town

by Michele Summers

Harmony Homecomings

You can’t go back, and you can’t stand still…

Lucy Doolan is a marketing genius. She can sell rain to a frog and snow to a polar bear. Newly single and unemployed, she’s lured back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister…only to find former crush heartthrob Brogan Reese has returned too, to open a new business in town. To add insult to injury, he’s still hot.

If the thunder don’t get you, then the lightning will…

Brogan never noticed Lucy much when they were young, but seventeen people have recommended her to help him. She’s got his attention now. With her sweet personality, brilliant imagination, and penchant for doing the completely unpredictable, Brogan is finding a whole lot of excuses to spend his days-and nights-with Lucy.

My only complaint about this book is that I’m not sure that Lucy’s issues with her stepsister were ever addressed. I mean they never actually fight, there are little digs and comments, but then suddenly they are supposed to be on good terms? I would have liked to have seen some kind of heart to heart, even if it was a snarky one. Something that would have shown some progression in their relationship and maybe an understanding of where they are coming from. Unfortunately I didn’t feel like we got that.

But I read these for the love story and that part hit it on the head. Small town romances can be so much fun – especially with the humorous cast of characters that you can get in the South. I mean who doesn’t love a sassy best friend who has a pet pig … and not a miniature one 🙂 Actually that is my other complaint. I think that Lucy’s friend Wanda needed her own story, because there is a lot going on there as well. Before I get too far with my complaints I should say that I haven’t read the first book, so I’m not sure if any of this would have been addressed with Find My Way Home. It doesn’t seem like it, because Lucy comes to town after the happenings of book 1, but you never know so I feel like I should throw that out there.

The relationship between Lucy and Brogan, though, is absolutely darling. I loved these two together and their journey is a ton of fun (& funny). With their history and the paths that life has led them down, it makes for an interesting and sometimes difficult attraction. I loved the way that Summers brings them together and the resolution she gives them at the end. It wraps things up beautifully and I smiled when they finally get it all figured out.

Book Review – Kiss Me

03 Monday Aug 2015

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cover64404-mediumKiss Me

Fool’s Gold series

by Susan Mallery

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery creates the small-town destination for romance in charming Fool’s Gold, California—where a loner cowboy finds the one woman who can capture his heart

After Phoebe Kitzke’s kind heart gets her suspended from her job in LA, she swears off doing favors—until her best friend begs for help on the family ranch in Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately, sexy cowboy Zane Nicholson isn’t exactly thrilled by the city girl’s arrival.

Thanks to his brother’s latest scheme, Zane has been roped into taking tourists on a cattle drive. What Phoebe knows about ranching wouldn’t fill his hat, but her laughter is so captivating that even his animals fall for her. One slip of his legendary control leads to a passionate kiss that convinces him she’s exactly the kind of woman a single-minded loner needs to avoid.

In his arms, Phoebe discovers she’s a country girl at heart. Yet no matter how much the small town feels like home, she can’t stay unless Zane loves her, too…but is this cowboy interested in forever?

It’s time to visit Fool’s Gold again – yea!! Usually when I review one of these, I talk about how great it is to visit the little town and have a reunion with friends from previous stories but we really didn’t get that here … and I didn’t mind at all! We pretty much stay on the Nicholson ranch and get to know new people, but that doesn’t stop it from being quirky and fun and sweet and oh-so addictive just like all of the others in the series. The characters, even though they are new, are just as real and detailed as any that we’ve gotten to know over the years.

Phoebe grew up in foster care and never really had a family. It’s caused her to have a few issues, including never feeling quite good enough. So she’s spent her adult life being a pleaser … which is how she ends up on the ranch. Her best friend asks her to spend a week helping out the family and true to form she can’t say no. I love Phoebe – she’s funny and silly and caring and honest. She’s an LA girl thru-and-thru but once on the cattle drive she embraces it with everything she has. And that includes a little flirtation (or more) with Zane.

Zane has seen all the bad things that can happen when you give your heart to a woman … and he doesn’t plan on ever going there. He also knows what it is like to live with regrets so he’s trying everything he can to make sure that his little brother doesn’t have to experience it too. But it isn’t exactly causing warm, fuzzies at home. When quirky and appealing Phoebe drops into his life it not only has him looking at his relationship with his brother in a new light, but she’s also proving impossible to resist.

Like usual, there are wonderful secondary characters and a hint at the next book. There’s also a side piece involving a couple who can’t have kids but somehow have found themselves chaperoning a couple of foster kids during the drive. It’s an absolutely fantastic story of learning to let go of what you thought you wanted in order to embrace the wonders right in front of you. By delivering something so touching and well-developed as a small accessory tale with limited pages, Mallery continues to show her skill at giving readers characters and stories that mean something.

From start to finish, I couldn’t put down Kiss Me. But I didn’t expect anything less, because Mallery has always excelled at writing laugh-out-loud, give-a-little-sigh, cheer-for-the-HEA romances.

(Since these are new characters this is absolutely the perfect place for new readers to start, so don’t be shy if this is your first Fool’s Gold story. You are going to feel right at home.)

Book Review – A New Hope

02 Sunday Aug 2015

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cover64401-mediumA New Hope

Thunder Point series

by Robyn Carr

Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it’s possible to find yourself again. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she’s excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride’s brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Two things that I think are important to note here – 1) if you haven’t read any of the Thunder Point books it is probably a good idea to at least start with One Wish, which is the book before this one, because it has some of the characters from A New Hope but 2) it shouldn’t be an issue because these books are just so darn good that you should be reading them all anyway 🙂

I always feel like a broken record with this series – emotional plots involving realistic characters with real troubles. But when you have something as perfect as this why mess it up, right? And Carr is so talented at bringing a variety of people and their issues to the page, I never feel like I’m getting just a repeat.

We got to know Ginger some in One Wish and I’m thrilled that we get to see her continue to heal, make friends and build a new life for herself. She’s understandably a little unsteady on her feet but she’s making great strides. She shows an amazing sense of self and maturity coming out of the amazing hardships she’s had to face and that is exactly what Matt needs. He’s having to address a few things of his own and meeting Ginger definitely shakes things up for him – living a life he’s not proud of since his divorce, seeing what Ginger has overcome has him re-examining things.

I recommended reading One Wish not just because of Ginger, but we also get a continuation of Grace & Troy’s story, which I loved. It added even more sweetness to an already touching story. Plus they help us get a little sneak peek at the next story. I’ve said this before too, the sense of continuation and community, of old friends and new acquaintances, is one of my favorite parts of this series.

With A New Hope, Carr once again brings us characters that we grow to care about. And I love that even though they help each other, they face their demons themselves. It helps lead to a healthy HEA that left me all giddy and happy and oh-so-ready for the next story.

Book Review – Montana Cherries

31 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Here’s another one that I really enjoyed reading and that is showing some great reviews.  Check out Amazon & Goodreads if you don’t believe me 🙂

*****

Law-Montana-Cherries-CoverMontana Cherries

by Kim Law

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

July 28, 2015

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

After her mother’s tragic death, Dani Wilde had no choice but to abandon her dreams. She left Columbia University and returned to her family’s Montana cherry farm, intent on being a maternal figure to her brothers. Now the kids are grown, and it’s finally her time to fly. Her sights are on New York City, and nothing will stop her—not even an old flame with gorgeous green eyes.

Celebrity photographer Ben Denton hasn’t seen Montana in years—and hasn’t spoken to Dani since “that night” so long ago. When he discovers he’s a dad to a four-year-old—and the child’s mother refuses to care for her—Montana and the Wilde farm spring to mind. The orchard is the only place that’s ever felt like home, but will the warmth of the Wilde family be enough to help Ben figure out how to be a father?

As the Wilde family gathers for the yearly cherry harvest and Dani struggles to figure out what she really wants in life, she discovers the shocking truth about her own mother—and learns that following her heart may lead her to her dreams after all.

*****

Review:

Montana Cherries reminded me a little of a Robyn Carr book (and if you have been around for a while you know how much I LOVE those).  There is so much more going on here than just the romance between Dani and Ben, which would be great on its own.  There are also family issues (on both sides), plus a few hard-hitting secrets.  Both Dani and Ben have to learn where they belong, how they fit into their families and some interesting truths about themselves & those around them.

(I’m going to have to give a little bit of a spoiler because Dani’s whole storyline is impacted by it.  So if you don’t want to know skip past this paragraph 🙂 )  Dani and her brothers were seriously jacked up by her mom, although Dani has blocked it out for years.  You go thru the first half of the book thinking that her mom was wonderful and then you get quite a shocker.  This leads to a lot of soul-searching and therapy for her to understand how her mom has controlled her life and her decisions ever since … and how it has impacted her family.  It is devastating but I was thrilled that Law had her get professional help.  In her Acknowledgments she talks about how this process had to be shortened for the book and I really appreciate her comments about the issues & why she had to handle it the say she did.  It shows a nice understanding about how devastating something like this truly can be.

I will say I was a little surprised by Ben about 2/3 of the way thru.  Up to that point he’d shown an amazing understanding of Dani’s needs and had been wonderfully supportive.  But then his ego and heart get a little damaged and he seemed to forget all of that.  Once he gets over himself though it does help get us to an ending that is just too darn sweet for words.

Dani has some brothers that will likely have stories of their own which will be just as full of emotional issues as this one and I can’t wait to see where Law takes them.  If she continues to display the same thoughtfulness with them as she did with Dani, they are going to have quite the rollercoaster ride.

*****

Grooms_2012_01C-Brighter-SmallerAuthor Info:

As a child, award-winning author Kim Law cultivated a love for chocolate, anything purple, and creative writing. She penned her debut work, “The Gigantic Talking Raisin,” in the sixth grade and got hooked on the delights of creating stories. Before settling into the writing life, however, she earned a college degree in mathematics and then worked as a computer programmer. Now she’s living out her lifelong dream of writing romance novels. She’s won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award, has been a finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA Award, and has served in varied positions for her local RWA chapter. A native of Kentucky, Kim lives with her husband and an assortment of animals in Middle Tennessee.

CONTACT LINKS:

www.kimlaw.com

kim@kimlaw.com

twitter.com/kim_law

facebook.com/kimlawauthor

pinterest.com/kimlawauthor/

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win either 1 swag filled Kim Law tote bag, 1 $25 amazon gift card, or 1 $10 amazon gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9f15fc0b9/

*****

Law-MC-Tour-Graphic

Book Review – Blind Love

30 Thursday Jul 2015

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Y’all I loved this one and I’m not the only one – there are a TON of great reviews for it.  Make sure you check it out!

*****

Blind LoveBlind Love

by Kishan Paul

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Samhain

Date of Publication: June 2, 2015

ISBN: 9781619226845

ASIN: B00WYTF3IO

Number of pages: 260 pgs

Word Count: 77,713

Cover Artist: Kanaxa

Blurb:

She doesn’t need a hero. But a sexy Marine…that’ll work.

Though Lauren Baxter’s world is a blurry mess of colors, she has no tolerance for pity. With the help of her guide dog, Jack Sparrow, she’s built a good life for herself. She has everything she wants: her PhD, a thriving counseling practice and her independence.

When she meets her new neighbor, the man’s warm Texas accent and clean male scent weaken her knees. Her attraction to the former Marine is mutual and, unfortunately, a complication she doesn’t need.

Gabriel Briggs carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has his reasons for indulging only in short-term flings, but the feisty, green-eyed Lauren makes him want to forget every one.

In a rare moment of fragility, Lauren winds up in Gabe’s arms. One night together can’t break their self-imposed rules, right? But when a woman from Gabe’s past is murdered, the reasons he should have stayed away become painfully clear, threatening innocent lives he may not be able to save—especially Lauren’s.

Product Warnings:

Contains a blind therapist who doesn’t consider herself impaired; a meddling, erotic-novel-writing best friend; a hot ex-Marine with a shady past; and a loyal guide dog that howls “I love you” and is probably the sanest one of the bunch.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/XPlVj2TzZVA

Samhain    Amazon    ARe   Kobo    BN

blind love gabe 1

Kishan Paul Voted as Best New Author for Smexy and Fabulous Beach Summer Reads

Blind Love came in second place for Contemporary Romance in the Smexy and Fabulous Beach Summer Reads

Blind Love Chosen as the Best Book of June, 2015 o Goodreads

Blind Love Included in the Top Ten Books of June by Platywire Reviews

*****

Excerpt:

Gabe locked the front door and headed to his pickup. The decision was made. He needed to move his pitiful ass into the cabin immediately. A woman he barely knew had him confessing things he’d never told anyone else, and the scariest part: he caught himself reconsidering nonnegotiable promises. Those were fantasies he couldn’t afford. Not when other lives counted on him. He glanced over at her place and stopped dead in his tracks.

Speak of the devil.

Hands on her hips, Lauren stood talking to the cabbie parked in her driveway. Her hair was twisted in a knot. The dark blue, strapless summer dress she wore had his gaze lingering over her long neck and tanned shoulders. His mouth watered at the memory of how sweet her covered parts tasted last night.

There was something about her that hooked him. Yes, she was beautiful, but there was more. It was how her eyes crinkled when she laughed. All the smart-ass things she’d say. The soothing way her voice melted his guard. And when she touched him, it was as if she was sticking her hands inside him, picking up every one of his painful pieces, and for just a little while gluing them back together.

What the fuck am I saying?

He looked away and continued to his truck. She’d find the right person one day, and whoever the man was would be one lucky bastard.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I can’t help you,” the cabbie said.

Gabe put the last of the supplies into the large metal toolbox and padlocked the lid.

“He’s a guide dog. Isn’t it against the law for you to refuse services because of him?” Lauren asked.

He bit back his urge to help.

For him, the girl spelled trouble.

T.

R.

O.

U.

“The sign right there says no animals.” The driver pointed to the backseat window.

B.

L.

E.

She grinned. “And if I wasn’t blind, I’m sure I would have seen it.”

Gabe chuckled. He loved her fake smile. Leaning against the truck, he watched the performance.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t—I mean, you don’t look blind.”

Still grinning, she cleared her throat and pulled on the dog’s harness. “I am. Which is why I need my guide dog. He goes everywhere with me.”

The beast raised its ears and looked at Gabe. He averted his eyes, pulled off his baseball cap and tucked it into his jean pocket. Her monster of a pet was making him feel guilty as hell.

“I’m sorry, but I’m allergic to animals. He can’t come in my taxi.”

“I can pay you extra for your troubles. The place is a few blocks after the highway. It would only be ten minutes of your time.”

“Look, ma’am. It’s not going to happen. If you want, I’ll call another car to pick you up.”

After a long pause, she shook her head and bit her lip. “No, it’s fine. I understand. Thank you.”

A few seconds later, the cab pulled away. Lauren stood cross-armed, staring out.

Gabe gripped the truck to make sure his legs didn’t get any crazy ideas.

This is not my problem. Maybe if he said it enough times, he’d believe it.

“Come on, Jack. It’s time for Plan B,” she said and grabbed the dog’s holster.

Plan what?

Stunned, he watched the two stroll down the road. She said the place was a few blocks after the highway. Which meant they’d be walking alongside one of the busiest boulevards in Denver for a few yards before she’d ever reach the interstate. He looked at his watch. Four fifty, on a Friday afternoon. The two would be smack dab in front of the I25 overpass during rush hour traffic—a dangerous situation for anyone, much less a blind woman.

She wouldn’t, would she?

When Lauren got to the end of the street and turned left, he cursed under his breath.

Yeah, she would.

*****

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Review:

I don’t know why the suspense element surprised me as much as it did – I mean, it is spelled out in the blurb that there was a murder – I guess I wasn’t expecting it to be so involved.  But I really enjoyed it.  It played well into Lauren and Gabe’s issues, helping to resolve a lot of things and not seem forced.

And the characters are as interesting as the storyline.  I love that Lauren is independent and has a good head on her shoulders, is able to apply her brain to Gabe’s issues (not just her heart), but I also really loved that she’s human and screws up.  She’s had a tough life but she hasn’t let it slow her down – sometimes to the detriment of her relationships.  Gabe’s got a lot of issues too, mostly stemming from a not so great childhood.  Like everyone, he’s made some choices that have long reaching impact … although his consequences are pretty severe.

There were a lot of giggles and a truckload of tears, a few moments on the edge of my seat and a couple of times where my heart went pitter, which to me makes Blind Love a winner and Paul one of my new authors to watch.

*****

authorAuthor Info:

From daring escapes by tough women to chivalrous men swooping in to save the day, the creativity switch to Kishan Paul’s brain is always in the ‘on’ position. If daydreaming stories were a college course, Kish would graduate with honors.

Mother of two beautiful children, she has been married to her best friend for over 16 years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.

To keep in touch with Kish:

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July 27 Spotlight
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A Bookaholic’s Fix: Feeding the Addiction
July 28 Review
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Book Review – My Dark Duke

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

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cover65542-mediumMy Dark Duke

by Elyse Huntington

Since his notorious wife died in mysterious circumstances, rumours about James, the handsome Duke of Trent, have scandalized society. Now, he must marry again – but finding an eligible woman willing to overlook his past won’t be easy.

Defiantly single, Lady Alethea Sinclair has already turned down six offers of marriage. She prefers living on her own terms and refuses to answer to any man. Yet when Alethea meets the seductive and enigmatic Duke she finds herself strangely drawn to him.

Intrigued by Alethea’s defiance of society’s expectations, James is instantly taken with the willful beauty and soon they are enjoying a playful flirtation. And when circumstances force them into a comprising situation, he does the honourable thing and marries her.

But adjusting to the constraints of marriage doesn’t come easily to the rebellious Alethea and, despite their growing feelings for each other, the Duke’s troubled past keeps getting in the way. Can they learn to trust each other and give love a chance before it’s too late?

A steamy Georgian romance about desire, the importance of staying true to yourself and the power of the past to cast a shadow on the present.

I’ve got to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I mean, I was expecting (and got) an enjoyable historical romance but I also expected some kind of gothic flair with the dead wife. You know the kind – with the unrequited love, a jealous rival, a crazy aunt … someone somewhere who does an evil deed and the hero ends up taking the blame. Not this time, although there are many other things at play here – love, attraction, trust, independence, expectations, and past hurts.

Alethea has lead a certain life up to this point – she’s been allowed a lot of liberty and independence by her father. However, she’s never met a man who intrigues her quite the same way that James does. But when she’s forced to give up her previous life to live one as the Dark Duke’s duchess though, the transition is going to be hard for her to take. James, too, comes to the relationship needing to make some adjustments. He’s still carrying around scars from his first marriage and as much as he may care for Alethea he has fears that are going to take a lot to get past.

There a good number of misunderstandings between these two. They don’t do that good a job of communicating all the time, but when they do – when they finally start using their brains and hearts, instead of the hurts and insecurities – things definitely get better. It’s a rollercoaster ride, full of humor and hurt, but I gladly held on with both hands, anxiously waiting for them to get to their HEA moment. Oh, and make sure you check out the epilogue on the author’s website – perfect end cap to their love story!

Book Review – 50 Acts of Kindness

28 Tuesday Jul 2015

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We saw this book a little earlier this summer but I finally got to read it … and it was a lot of fun!

*****

2562768150 Acts of Kindness

by Ellyn Oaksmith

Being overly kind isn’t in Kylie Harrow’s nature. This has never been more evident than when Kylie vents her frustrations to an innocent employee—and the whole scene is posted online, tanking her career and earning her the dubious distinction of “World’s Worst Boss.” But when she flees home to the South, Kylie finds her childhood home has changed. The high school quarterback is now the hot and handsome sheriff. Her mother has turned her home into a nudist colony. And worst of all, having heard about her daughter’s exploits, her mother won’t let her in the door until Kylie completes fifty kind acts in fifty days. The task seems easy enough at first—and may even help repair her media image—but it quickly turns into a hilarious quest that leads Kylie down a bumpy road filled with new challenges. What started as a gimmick to save her career evolves into a mission to save a spunky old woman and her little dog from homelessness. As Kylie learns about the nature of kindness, she finds the path to happiness and, for the first time ever, maybe even love.

I am actually a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I expected something light hearted, but not a lot of depth … and I was only half right. While it’s a humorous read, Oaksmith manages to deliver a good amount of growth for Kylie as she learns what it truly means to be kind and help someone by giving them what they really need.

The characters are what makes this book so great – from her mom who opened a B&B for nudists (without telling her), to the sexy sheriff who keeps finding her in the least flattering situations, to her best friend the gay hairdresser who embraces the cliché. Not to mention Margaret and her ugly mutt, who are the catalyst for Kylie becoming a better person. You’ll find at least one of them speaks to you and has you coming back for more. Well, and Kylie herself who just can’t keep out of trouble …

I am also a bit surprised at how Kylie somehow manages to get herself into so many messes but it is a romantic comedy – just sit back, giggle and go with the flow 🙂

Book Review – The Closer You Come

26 Sunday Jul 2015

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cover69049-mediumThe Closer You Come

The original heartbreakers series

by Gena Showalter

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter shines in this Original Heartbreakers tale, featuring a man haunted by memories and the vulnerable girl he will do anything to protect.

Tortured by a violent past, ex-con Jase Hollister is looking to start over in a small town. The rugged bachelor suffering from PTSD longs for peace and quiet, always keeping his women at a distance—and his heart encased in stone.

Brook Lynn Dillon is a down on her luck waitress determined to avoid the man every woman in town wants—including her sister. The last thing she needs is his kind of trouble. But his every glance makes her burn…and her resistance is melting fast.

The two agree to a one-time fling, not expecting to be forever branded. Now, no matter how hard they try, they can’t keep their hands off each other. But when a secret from Jase’s past comes to light, they’ll have to face a cold, hard truth: it’s more than Jase’s freedom on the line, it’s their hearts.

My heart absolutely breaks for these people – none of them have had it easy. Luckily they have found each other and with a lot of love & understanding, they may finally be able to find the family and HEA that they need.

Brook Lynn has spent a lot of years mothering her sister and trying to keep it all together. Unfortunately, she’s not had a lot of help. Meeting Jase (with her sister naked in his bed … yeah, that’s going to be uncomfortable) has them butting heads and creating sparks. But Brook Lynn isn’t looking for a fixer-upper in a man and there is no doubt that Jase needs some help.

Jase is dealing with A LOT of issues. He’s spent almost a decade in prison and that leaves many scars, both inside and out. Fresh to Strawberry Valley, he’s looking to keep his head down and find some peace. Falling into bed with Jessie Kay early on brings a lot of complications he doesn’t need … especially an attraction to her sassy sister. But more time spent with Brook Lynn tempts him with things that he didn’t think he could have. He just has to decide if he’s willing to try for them.

With The Closer You Come, Showalter delivers complex characters and an emotional storyline guaranteed to bring you laughter and tears. And with two more guys needing to come to peace with their past, the next books are guaranteed to be doozies as well.

Book Review – The CEO

25 Saturday Jul 2015

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cover69391-mediumThe CEO

The Millionaire Malones

by Victoria Purman

CEO Callum Malone has it all: power, Italian suits, a house on one of Sydney’s stunning beaches and a new life without a woman in it. Just the way he likes it, ever since his nasty divorce.

Landscaper Ava Gibson is in no position to turn down a job, even if it is for her despised ex-brother-in-law. But when resentment gives way to underlying attraction, Ava is finally forced to confront her truth… she’s falling for him.

Will Ava be able to keep her growing desire in check? Because the irresistible Cal doesn’t want her to…

I feel so bad for Ava. She not only has feelings for another woman’s man, but it is her own sister so she has to see them together all of the time. She copes the only way she knows how and hides it behind a façade of dislike. I just can’t imagine how she handled it for as long as she did.

When Cal makes Ava a job offer that she can’t pass up, the two spend time together and get to know one another better. And the more Ava sees of Cal, the more her long-held feelings grow. It also allows Cal to see the woman behind the mask she’s worn around him for so many years, showing him a woman that he finds very attractive. But there are so many hurdles for the two, considering their history. Are their feelings enough?

Purman deftly delivers detailed characters with a unique problem. I found it very difficult to put the book down, speeding thru the pages, hurrying to get to that HEA ending. And while I was a little curious how it would feel to be with your sister’s ex (as an only child I would think that Christmas dinner would be a little uncomfortable 🙂 ), I think that it was handled very tastefully here. Ava and Lulu have a chance to finally discuss what happened (on all sides) and for Ava to come to terms with her feelings for Cal. It helped make that HEA even more complete.

**This is the second in this series about three brothers, but (of course) I haven’t read the first. I don’t think that it really impacted anything so you are probably pretty safe starting here.**