Spotlight – Chasing What’s Already Gone

26 Tuesday Jul 2016

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I’ve got a treat for you today!  Michael Ross stopped by to tell us about his new book – a romance written by a guy, from the guy’s POV.  Lighthearted and humorous but sure to give you something new to think about.

*****

This is a new direction for me – a RomCom in written form. A lighthearted romance from the male perspective, as to how we ‘tick’. That was my aim – to provide a male point of view on ‘stuff’ like relationships, being dumped, marriage, friendship, courting, ageing, insecurity and picking the right colour for your new car.

*****

13453109_10209578112960480_1393929471_oChasing What’s Already Gone

by Michael Ross

Blurb:

There is a void inside my heart where she should be.

Danny Pearson is cruising through life on the edge of contentment—even in his marriage…

His wife seems distant, yet perfectly happy. They work on different schedules and pass like ships in the night. But that’s how marriage is after so many years, right?

When Danny meets a mysterious girl, his idea of the meaning of love shatters at his feet…

She’s not extraordinary, but somehow she’s so much more than just another girl. When he catches her gaze, he knows deep in his gut that she’s the one—the love of his life. But being a decent guy, he holds his feelings in check, and there is no ulterior motive when he shares a coffee with her. As she leaves, she gives him a business card. That’s all there is to it.

Her name is Ella. And after that, she is nothing more than a fond memory.

Danny puts Ella out of his mind and moves on with his life—until his world falls apart…When his wife confesses to having an affair and demands a divorce, his life is thrown into chaos. It’s a challenge adjusting to the single life, but it’s not impossible. As time passes, he continues to reminisce of his brief encounter with the woman he’s sure was his chance at true happiness.

How far is Danny willing to go in the pursuit of love? How far would you when, in all probability, you are only…

Chasing what’s already gone?

*****

Excerpt:

“I’ve blown it haven’t I?”

“Of course you’ve blown it!”

“What should I do?”

“You’ve still got the hots for her then?”

“You’ve got to believe it. I looked into her eyes and they swallowed me up. There was this one time when she turned around to look at me in the car, and it was like I had a zoom lens in my head and I could see into her mind.” I relive the moment in my head. “She did not blink and she did not say a word, but there were all sorts of messages that went beyond words. I’m not explaining myself very well. You wouldn’t know what I mean.” For the first time today I have Rob’s sympathy. He leans back in his chair.

“I know exactly what you mean. Tessa and I have been together for what? Well, even now that thing happens. We might be sitting quietly on the sofa, or in the middle of a furious argument, or we’ve just had sex and we look at each other and the world stops, and everything else going on does not matter. We know who we are, and no one else can fill that space.”

“You’ve got it – that’s exactly how it felt!”

Rob bangs his fist on the pub table.

“Danny, ring her up. Now.”

“I – I – ”

“Danny, ring her up now. Don’t even think about it, don’t plan what you’re going to say. Do it because each minute that passes that you don’t ring her, you are going to regret. And I’m here, in your corner, but I’m leaving in twenty minutes. Now or never.”

He is right. Better to know than not know. I have already programmed the number into my mobile; I’ll probably have to erase it fairly soon.

*****

blane4Connect with Michael:

Website         http://www.michaelrosswriter.com

Twitter          @mikerosswriter

Facebook      Michaelrosswriter

GoodReads   Michael Ross

Book Review – Ready to Fall

25 Monday Jul 2016

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Ready To FallReady to Fall

Lovestruck Librarians series

by Olivia Dade

Elementary school teacher and part-time librarian Sarah Mayhew has the perfect plan: show off her cycling skills at her school’s bike retreat and attract her oblivious coworker in the process. Her end game? Fall in love. Only one problem: she needs to find someone to teach her how to ride a bike pronto. But when she catches sight of Chris Dean’s gorgeous physique, her best laid plans are about to go off track . . .

Chris is not looking for a girlfriend. He’s getting over his last one by focusing on his bike repair business. So when a feisty, sexy schoolteacher urges him to help improve her cycling skills, he does it strictly for the money. He vows he won’t repeat history, even for a blonde bombshell like Sarah. But when the two find themselves alone on the road, they can’t help taking a detour straight into each other’s arms . . .

I have to admit that Sarah is a hoot and a half.  She’s funny, sassy, cute and fun.  She runs her mouth but never in a mean spirited way and she just cracks me up.  But I also love how much Chris understands her and sees why she says & does these things … although that doesn’t stop him from having his own issues that cloud their interactions occasionally.  He was burned horribly by his last relationship and he’s a little hesitant to get involved again, especially with someone who is up front about the fact that she’s trying to win another guy.

There’s confusion and a little heartache though I like that Dade doesn’t focus on it.  The story is about these two spending time together and falling for each other, but their hang-ups cause for a few misunderstandings and hesitation along the way.  And while the romance between the two happens a little fast, Ready to Fall is vastly fun and entertaining.  I had a ton of fun reading Mayday and this one, so I’m definitely putting Dade on my go-to author list.

(Oh, and in case you are a returning reader we have seen this one before.)

Book Review – Beautifully Decadent

22 Friday Jul 2016

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cover90956-mediumBeautifully Decadent

Beautifully Damaged, #3

by L.A. Fiore

Avery Collins has just landed her dream job, pastry chef for the posh-Manhattan restaurant Clover. Her new boss, Trace Montgomery, even helped with securing her an affordable place to live: a beautifully restored carriage house owned by his friend, Rafe McKenzie—a man that makes her catch her breath and stirs her imagination. Trouble is, he’s involved with someone, his father is being released after 25 years in prison and Avery is just his tenant. Exploring the attraction that sizzles whenever they’re together would be the icing on the cake, but Avery knows all too well that you can’t have everything. Of course, what’s cake without icing?

 Rafe McKenzie’s world shattered at nine when his father Liam—the only parent he knew—was arrested and convicted for armed robbery. Growing up in the system, Rafe managed to survive his childhood and now has a job he enjoys, a house he’s restoring and a tight circle of friends. He’s even working on reconciling with his dad, both eager to put the past in the past.

 Happy for the income a tenant would bring, Rafe agrees to rent his carriage house to Clover’s new pastry chef. When Avery Collins pulls up his drive, she’s not at all what he’s expecting. Funny, sexy and as sweet as her desserts, it doesn’t take long for things between them to heat up. Just when it seems as if they’ll have their cake and eat it too, the past comes back with deadly intent leaving Rafe to figure out who’s pulling the strings before his world shatters again.

 Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

(Surprising no one, I have to admit that this is the first in this series that I’ve read but it can easily stand on its own.  It looks like previous heroes & heroines make an appearance and there are some allusions to their stories, but it doesn’t detract from this one.  I’ve just got more books to put in my extremely high TBR pile 🙂)

I don’t know if having read the other stories if I’d have a better understanding of Rafe but I found him to be surprisingly well adjusted for a man whose dad went to jail and therefore he found himself in foster care at just 9 years old.  Since Trace & Lucien knew him then and there is talk about the wonderfulness of Sister Anne at the home they lived in I’m thinking the answer is probably.  The friendship between the guys, and by association their women, is deep and helps ground them all.  I would have liked to have seen that in the other stories because I think that it would only help fill in the nuances of them all.  As he is here, Rafe’s assured, hard-working, dedicated to his loved ones, and while he not commitment-phobic, he’s also not exactly looking for true love.  Then he meets Avery.

She has got to be one of my favorite female characters.  She’s spunky, warm, friendly and has a habit of doing stupid things in front of Rafe.  But her sunny personality is one of those things that just draws you to her and the fact that she screws up occasionally makes her that much more adorable.  I could easily see myself trying to be friends with her 🙂

The trouble that they find themselves in doesn’t overshadow the rest of the book but does help to bring in an additional layer to display the kind of people this group is.  They pull together in time of need and it highlights the high points of their characters & the bond amongst them. 

While the romance happens quickly, I don’t feel like it is rushed.  The interactions between the two and the chemistry that Fiore creates for them work really well to establish a believable relationship.  The danger portion also adds that little extra something to their story that helps keep things exciting … not that you need it with a hottie like Rafe and a personality as big as Avery’s.

Book Review – Ultimate Courage

21 Thursday Jul 2016

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Hot military heroes, the women who love them, and the devoted dogs that always have their backs. ULTIMATE COURAGE is the second book in a high adrenaline contemporary suspense series from Piper J. Drake published by Forever Romance. Fans of D.D. Ayres K-9 Rescue series and Cindy Gerard’s One Eyed Jacks, will love this action packed romantic suspense series.

*****

Book_2_UltimateCourageUltimate Courage

True Heroes #2

by Piper J. Drake

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever

Print Length:  336 pages

Format: Digital and Mass Market Paperback

Blurb:

LOVE IS AN ACT OF BRAVERY

Retired Navy SEAL Alex Rojas is putting his life back together, one piece at a time. Being a single dad to his young daughter and working at Hope’s Crossing Kennels to help rehab a former guard dog, he struggles every day to control his PTSD. But when Elisa Hall shows up, on the run and way too cautious, she unleashes his every protective instinct.

Elisa’s past never stays in her rearview mirror for long, and she refuses to put anyone else in danger. But with Alex guarding her so fiercely yet looking at her so tenderly, she’s never felt safer . . . or more terrified that the secrets she keeps could put countless people in grave peril. The only way for both to fully escape their demons will take the ultimate act of courage: letting go and learning to trust each other.

Get More information at: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Also in this series:

Extreme Honor: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Quote_Teaser_dogs_kids

Excerpt:

Beautiful blue-gray eyes met his briefly before the woman dropped her own gaze to focus on someplace lower on his face, like his nose or mouth. Subtle. Most people would probably not even notice the way she avoided direct eye contact.

But then again, not many people made eye contact a challenge the way he and his colleagues did. It wasn’t on purpose, really; more of a common quirk in their personalities.

Funny, he hadn’t expected to see her again. Okay, maybe he’d been hoping to find her at Revolution MMA for those self-defense classes he’d recommended. But here she was. A weird tingle jolted through his chest.

This woman was about as non-aggressive as possible without cowering outright. Despite her upright posture, her hands hung at her sides in a loose, non-defensive position. Her left wrist was covered in a brace and it was easy to see she held something in her right hand. She was far enough back on the landing to easily drop down a step or two without having to back up more than a few inches.

But the mannerisms didn’t fit her energy, the straightness of her shoulders, or the set of her jaw. Whoever this woman was, she’d developed habits. She wasn’t a mouse by nature. He wouldn’t be as irritated to see these behaviors if these things came naturally to her.

Who had forced her to assume those mannerisms to survive?

“Mr. Rojas.” Her voice was steady.

Another sign of her being more than what she seemed, as far as he was concerned. The timbre was almost soothing, and he realized he’d balled his hands into fists. Well, shit. He let his hands loosen.

She presented the object she held in her right hand. “I think your daughter left this behind at the ER last night. I hope you don’t mind, but the logo for the kennels was on the inside label, so I googled the address.”

Slowly—because he didn’t want her to snatch her hand back—he took the glove from her. “Thanks.”

“The hospital lost and found was overflowing, and I wanted to make sure Boom got her glove back,” the woman continued, then bit her lip. “And I wanted to be sure to thank you.” Her cheeks took on a fascinating pale pink blush.

Caught by surprise, Rojas raised his eyebrows. “Me?”

Maybe his tone had been the right encouragement, because she looked up again, her gaze meeting his, and the chemistry shocked him right down to his toes, hitting every vital organ—including his balls—along the way.

Blue-gray, cool as a calm day out on the water, her gaze held his. “You were very kind last night, and I didn’t thank you then. I try to thank the kind people I meet. So thank you.”

Rojas cleared his throat. “You’re welcome.”

He didn’t know what else to say. He’d only given her some ice, a cup of coffee, and a card about the martial arts center. Boom had a good sense for people, and when she’d said the woman needed the referral for the self-defense classes, he’d been inclined to agree.

She broke their eye contact, and he felt the loss as if someone had broken the circuit on an electrical current. “I should be going now.”

“Wait.” He didn’t know what made him ask her to. But she paused, balanced on the balls of her feet at the edge of the landing. He was sure if he didn’t catch her now she’d be gone for good. “I didn’t get your name.”

“Oh.” She turned to face him. Another sign that she’d learned caution but she wasn’t afraid by nature. She was open. A people person. Or at least more of one than he was. “Elisa Hall.”

*****

MenofKennels

Review: 

I loved Extreme Honor and was super excited to know more about Alex.  And Drake didn’t disappoint … until the end of the book.  I’m going to give some potentially major spoilers so stop reading now if you don’t want to know.

Last warning.

OK, so Elisa is running from something and she’s lucky enough to be taken in by the Hope’s Crossing crew.  If you read Extreme Honor then you know what a group of serious bad-asses those guys are.  All three of them are strong, smart and brave.  Being the men that they are you know that they have a few hang-ups, they’ve lived and fought very hard, so they’ve seen and done things that leave some scars.  And Alex isn’t any different.  He’s battling some PTSD but he’s trying to keep it together for his daughter, who he isn’t afraid to show he loves with everything he is.  And she’s a pretty kickin’ kid because of it.  She’s saucy and quick and fun; a definitely highlight of the story.

When he runs across Elisa it is very clear that she’s trying to escape from something but his work with the dogs has taught him patience and insight.  Offering her a job helps her get her feet under her and hopefully some time so she can figure out what to do.  And maybe Alex can figure out what he can do to help.  But the man she’s running from is powerful, connected and smart, which makes Elisa afraid to stay for too long or let anyone get too close.  Alex (and Boom & Souze) is hard to resist so she finds herself getting involved and letting him in.

Up to this point, everything is going great and he’s showing what a fantastic hero he is.  **Spoilers**  She’s understandably wary but slowly both are making progress to trusting each other and letting their attraction turn into more … until Alex completely does a 180 and punks out.  A “friend” from Elisa’s past makes an appearance, says a few things that push Alex’s buttons, and he walks away.  Granted Elisa hasn’t shared everything about her past, but enough for him to know that leaving her alone is a VERY bad idea.  But he does it anyway, which of course means she’s vulnerable to be taken by the man she’s trying to escape.  *sigh*  Why?!?  I know that he’s feeling like maybe he’s been had but he’s smart & experienced enough that I would have expected him to pull out and regroup but not leaver her there alone and unprotected with someone from her past who magically has found her all the way across the country.  When she’s been on the run for a long time and obviously scared of being found.  Ugh!  I can see where it works for the plot to have her alone but surely there was another way?  Because I lost a lot of respect for him at that moment.  And she just forgives him afterward.  I’d be so beyond pissed!

If you made it this far I’ll say that you may be more understanding of his position than I was.  I kinda get where Drake was going and can almost understand but I feel like these guys should be more than average.  I’m giving the book 3.5 stars because about 90% of it is fantastic, as good as Extreme Honor, but the ending just killed it for me.  I’m looking forward to giving the next book a go because I’m hoping that this was just a one off thing.

*****

Piper_Drake_authorAuthor Info:

Piper J. Drake (or “PJ”) began her writing career as “PJ Schnyder” writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads| Youtube

*****

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Book Review – Change of Heart

20 Wednesday Jul 2016

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Change-of-Heart-mediumChange of Heart

The Flanagan Sisters Series

by Claire Boston

Software billionaire Carly Flanagan has an abundance of everything except time.

With everyone wanting a piece of her, or more accurately, her money, she spends her days trying to live up to her company’s motto of Community, Sharing, Support. Having always been so focused on responsibility, success and supporting those less fortunate than her, Carly’s forgotten to consider what she wants for herself in life – until she meets Evan.

Evan Hayes is an artist and free spirit, and when they meet at a local art exhibition, he is immediately intrigued by Carly. He sees through her public persona, realizing she is not the person she portrays. Evan’s the type of man who doesn’t have a lot, but is perfectly comfortable with who he is. A man who knows what he wants – and he wants Carly.

Carly is sure Evan wants something else from her. Everyone does. All Evan is asking is the chance to get to know her, but will Carly let him in? Or will a lifetime of protecting herself prove too hard to overcome?

I’ve read quite a few of Boston’s books and I’ve loved every one of them.  The funny thing is I forget how much until I crack one open and find myself sucked in.  So I think I just need to quit even reading the blurbs and pick up anything with her name on the cover 🙂

We got to know Carly just a little bit in Break the Rules and I was very curious to find out more about this Flanagan.  She seemed like a bit of a contradiction – I couldn’t decide if she was reserved or uppity or just busy.  Turned out she was a bit shy and a lot busy.

She’s super gifted with coding and she’s big about giving back to the community.  A refugee as a child she’s intimately familiar with their plight and works with her family to help others like her.  She’s also working with other developers in the community that need a leg up.  She had someone who showed her the ropes and it made all the difference so she wants to be that person to others.  And because she feels like she’s been given so much, she finds it hard to say no when people ask her for things.  Add in all that she’s responsible for as head of her company and she has very little time for herself.

Then she meets Evan at an art event (one of those things she had a hard time saying no to) and she’s drawn to him … but heartbreak in her past has made her gun-shy when it comes to men.

Evan is doing whatever he can to make a living as an artist.  An exhibit of up-and-coming artists introduces him to Carly and he’s drawn to the sexy, strong woman.  While it seems like it might be a little hard to break thru her walls, a little perseverance pays off and soon they are spending time together, when they can with all of her obligations.  Talented but not flighty like you’d expect an artist to be, Evan proves that he sees Carly as no one else has, easily fitting in.  Which has her evaluating her life and what she wants from it.  And him.

I love these two together.  How they have a rhythm that works and how they complement each other so well – the fresh perspective that he brings to her life and the support that she brings to his, making two independent lives work without either of them losing who they are.  I can’t wait to see what Boston has for the next Flanagan!

Spotlight – Boyfriend by the Book

19 Tuesday Jul 2016

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I’m so glad that Laura Briggs stopped by today to share her newest book – I’m sure this one is going to appeal to just about every romance reader out there!  Love the idea of using fictional romances as dating advice 🙂

*****

I want to thank Julie for agreeing to feature Boyfriend By the Book on her lovely website. I had so much fun writing this book and I hope that readers will have that same kind of feeling should they choose to pick up a copy. If you can’t already tell from the blurb and the excerpt, this a Romantic Comedy that puts the heroine in lots of disastrous situations with men. Specifically, men who resemble book heroes, such as Mr. Rochester, Heathcliff, and (of course!) Mr. Darcy. But it’s not a storybook scenario for poor Jodi–which makes it a lot more humorous, of course. If you love fast-paced, lighthearted romances then check out Boyfriend By the Book–it’s perfect for curling up with on a rainy day or sitting by the pool–or just wherever!

*****

Boyfriend By the Book Amazon CoverBoyfriend by the Book

by Laura Briggs

Blurb:

Jodi Nichols isn’t the most romantic girl on the planet. She doesn’t get mushy over fictional love stories, or picture herself getting swept away by a handsome hero. She’s much too grounded in reality—and much too busy working as a concierge at the luxurious Regent hotel. Helping customers is Jodi’s passion in life, and while romance may be on the back burner for now, she is nursing a little crush on Levi, the cute and friendly deliveryman for the hotel packages. And unless she’s imagining things, Levi feels the same way about her.

But Jodi’s friends think she’s turning into a lonely workaholic. They try to fix her love life, buying her a copy of the bestselling relationship guide that claims women can find true love by channeling the wisdom of famous storybook heroines. Jodi thinks it sounds crazy—no way is she acting like Jane Eyre or Lizzie Bennet to find a man! But when Levi suddenly grows distant and Jodi’s chances with him seem to fizzle before her eyes, she wonders if her friends might have a point after all. Disheartened and lonely, she decides to give the so-called relationship guide a whirl, with unexpected consequences.

Before you can say ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Jodi is up to her neck in handsome, brooding men that seem too much like fictional heroes to be true. Her attempts to think like the greatest heroines in romance lead her to meet everything from a modern Mr. Rochester to an angsty Heathcliff, and even a Darcy-esque novelist. But when a former crush re-enters her life in the form of a modern day Romeo, Jodi wonders if there might be something to this ‘inner heroine’ thing after all. Now, if she could just stop thinking about Levi, then maybe her happy-ever-after will fall into place…or is something still missing from Jodi’s storybook romance?

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30973981-boyfriend-by-the-book?from_search=true

*****

Excerpt:

“Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre?”

Stephanie waved the DVDs around like bait, waiting for us to vote. My mouth was full of popcorn, and Monique was talking on her cell phone—as usual. That left Kristen, who claims to have read Pride and Prejudice the novel more than fifty times. Guess which movie she chose.

Romance movie night. This was how my circle of friends loved to kill a Friday evening that wasn’t spent on a date. Or, for that matter, any free evening. They squeezed into my cozy apartment, a spot which was always a jumble of books, magazine collages, and other clutter that I had collected over the years. I loved big stuffed armchairs and my chintz sofa with its brightly-colored pillows was oversized and comfy — that was the reason they picked my place, I felt. That, and my special popcorn made with a light dusting of garlic and chipotle.

This evening, however, was the beginning of where everything went wrong for me, not that I knew it at the time. I thought it was just another innocent movie night, which proves I’m not psychic in the least — otherwise, if I had seen the future, I would have ejected that DVD and opted for a horror movie instead.

“Wouldn’t you kill to be Lizzie for a day?” Kristen asked, pulling her blond layers into a ponytail as Jane Austen’s characters shared an elegant dance on the screen. “You’d spend all your time drinking tea and going to parties at English manor houses.”

I was pretty sure that wasn’t an accurate description of Regency life, but Kristen would just roll her eyes if I said that. You’re being a spoilsport, Jodi, she would say. Next to me on the carpet, Stephanie wore a dreamy smile, chin propped on her knees. “I could do tea and dancing for awhile,” she decided. “I mean, who couldn’t?”

“Sure, you could,” Monique quipped. She was curled up on the sofa behind us, laying claim to my plushiest throw pillow, a pink one embroidered with flowers. “Someone like me would be stuck serving the tea or cleaning up the mess that’s left after the ball,” she added, with a reference to her dark skin and sleek, black hair with its natural kink tamed by a salon. “Plus, electricity and plumbing weren’t invented yet. Think about it, girls.”

We shared a collective giggle for this. Stephanie reached for the popcorn bowl, exclaiming over the fact it was almost empty. “What, did you guys skip dinner or something?” she asked. Stephanie herself eats like a bird and has the figure to prove it — skinny and sleek, perfect for her red hair and ceramic skin. Grabbing the bowl, she headed towards the kitchen, muttering something about bad manners. Meanwhile, on the screen, Darcy and Lizzie shared a look fraught with significance.

“Can’t you just picture yourself in Lizzie’s place?” Kristen asked, still clinging to her fantasy.

I tried to summon a vision of myself in a beautiful empire-waist gown like the one in the movie, but it didn’t work. All I could think of was my uniform at the hotel. Knee-length black skirt, a matching vest and silk tie over my crisp white blouse. My dark hair in a neat ponytail as I asked Mr. Darcy if he wanted a pot of tea sent up to his room, or needed additional clean towels? I smiled at the ludicrous thought.

“I just think foregoing modern conveniences would be worth it to dance with Mr. Darcy,” Kristen continued. “Don’t you think so, Jodi?”

“Not really,” I admitted, reluctantly. “I mean, I can’t really picture it. It’s just a story, after all.”

Bad choice of words.

*****

Author Pic (3)Author Info:

Laura Briggs’ first stories were written in crayon about a rooster named Henry–but she was pretty young at the time, so it’s understandable. She eventually graduated to writing more complex plotlines and characters and writing her stories on a laptop. She tends to write stories with a romance edge, but as a reader she has a soft spot for mysteries, including those by Agatha Christie and Mary Roberts Rinehart. She also enjoys books by Jane Austen, Alexander McCall Smith, Anne Tyler,  Amy Tan, and too many others to name. In her free time, she likes to experiment with new recipes and tries to landscape her yard (a never-ending project).

Author website: http://paperdollwrites.blogspot.com/

Twitter link: https://twitter.com/PaperDollWrites

*****

Book Review – A Man of Honor

18 Monday Jul 2016

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cover89323-mediumA Man of Honor

Kingston Family series

by Miranda Liasson

Former Army Captain and venture capitalist Preston Guthrie has always had a thing for Cat Kingston, but he never felt like he could date his best friend’s sister. Plus, he’s a wrong-side-of-the-tracks guy and she’s a white-picket-fence kind of woman. Yet when they met again just before he was deployed, sparks flew. A fire ignited. And the heat was hot. For the first time, he thought a relationship with her might be possible…until an injury in the war changed everything…

Journalist Cat Kingston had a rough couple of years, surviving a broken engagement and the loss of her job. But connecting with Preston last fall seemed right. They shared steamy Skype sessions while he was overseas—until he was wounded, and cut her off without explanation. Now he’s back in town to be the Best Man for her sister’s wedding…and she wants answers.

Preston’s struggling with a leg wound, but the war scarred him on the inside, too. When Cat pays him a surprise visit and her brother catches them in a compromising position, Preston tells him they’re dating. He’s not sure how he can spend the entire wedding week fake-dating her when the chemistry between them feels anything but…

I feel for Preston.  He didn’t have a great childhood and his dad isn’t not a good person, which has created a fear in Preston that he could be the same.  He’s somehow convinced himself that he’s no good for Cat and he’s trying to keep things neutral with her … but he’s finding it very difficult to keep away.  They have a lot of history and an attraction that is difficult to ignore, which causes him to go hot and cold and confuses Cat to no end.

Cat knows that her warrior is a stand-up guy.  She sees it all the time.  She’s just not sure why he keeps pushing her away and she’s finding it very difficult to move on.  And when she finds out some of the secrets he’s been hiding, she realizes that there is more going on and she just might be able to win her hero after all.

I think that with a lesser author the push-pull from Preston might have gotten annoying, but Liasson makes sure that we understand him every step of the way.  We may not agree with his way of thinking but we at least know why he believes those things.  And you can’t help but root for Cat to bring the tough guy down.  It does take a while but he finally figures things out, giving readers are really great HEA.

Book Review – Falling Free

15 Friday Jul 2016

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cover87325-mediumFalling Free

A Falling Fast Novel

by Tina Wainscott

The bestselling author of Falling Hard (“An addicting read!”—Jen McLaughlin) returns to the racing hotspot of Chambliss, Florida, where the only thing faster than the cars on the track is the surge of chemistry in the stands.

Ever since she was a teenager, Grace Parnell has had one ambition: to prove her father’s innocence and overturn his prison sentence. That drive led her to become a tough, compassionate lawyer—until the case hits a heartbreaking end. Now Grace is adrift, with no idea how to rebuild her life. It’s certainly not the time to fall in love. But from the moment she meets Artemis Tanner, their instant connection is undeniable.

A motor-sports pioneer, Tanner has come to this little coastal town for the racetrack—but he’s staying for Grace. Even though the standoffish attorney seems determined to stay out of reach, Tanner doesn’t need a law degree to tell that their attraction is very, very mutual. As her visits to the track become more frequent, and as Tanner learns more about Grace’s troubled family, he starts to pry open the tiny cracks in her controlled demeanor. Hidden beneath, there’s an incredible passion waiting to be set free.

Returning readers will already know that there is more to Grace than what she shows the world but I hurt with her when she gets her heart broken at the beginning of this story.  There’s so much to why she is the way she is and it is no wonder that she’s a little off-kilter.  It shakes her world and has her rethinking so much, especially the handsome stranger she meets at a bar.  And while it doesn’t work out so well, Wainscott delivers one of the best journeys ever as they meet again, become friends and then even more.

Tanner has some history of his own that has him keeping things light and not getting too settled in anywhere but seeing Grace again has him happy to be in the area for a little while.  And the more time they spend together the more he’s evaluating if he might want to stay around for good.  While his hang-ups aren’t as complex as Graces, and he seems to handle them easier, they still have quite the impact on him.

They are so much fun together – cute, funny, and just down-right adorable.  Both have their difficult histories, which causes them to distance themselves from deeper relationships.  But being so similar helps make it easier to face their troubles and own them.

Wainscott just keeps producing winners with her Falling Fast series.  I wasn’t sure that I was going to like Grace – she sometimes came across as a little harsh in the other stories – but I have to admit she’s one of my favorite heroine’s from any author.  And Tanner is absolutely a definite for anyone’s book boyfriend list.

(While this is part of a series, it can stand on its own.  Wainscott does a great job of developing characters and plot so that you can start right here & be good.)

Book Review – Beauty and the Highland Beast

14 Thursday Jul 2016

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cover84867-mediumBeauty and the Highland Beast

A Highland Fairy Tale

by Lecia Cornwall

Powerful and dangerous highlander Dair Sinclair was once the favored son of his clan, The Sinclairs of Carraig Brigh. With Dair at the helm, Sinclair ships circled the globe bringing home incredible fortune. Until one deadly mission when Daire is captured, tortured and is unable to save his young cousin. He returns home breaking under the weight of his guilt and becomes known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh.

When a pagan healer predicts that only a virgin bride can heal his son’s body and mind, Daire’s father sets off to find the perfect wife for his son. At the castle of the fearsome McLeods, he meets lovely and kind Fia MacLeod.

Although Daire does his best to frighten Fia, she sees the man underneath the damage and uses her charm and special gifts to heal his mind and heart. Will Daire let Fia love him or is he cursed with madness forever?

We actually pick up the story after Daire is brought home, broken in mind, body and spirit.  And there is a lot more going on than what the blurb suggests – full of mystery, suspense, danger and romance, it is quite a compelling package 🙂

I have to say that Fia is much more forgiving that I ever would be.  There’s some evil afoot and she’s caught in the middle of it, fear and accusations from being turned her way.  I don’t know that I would be as quick to be OK once everything is cleared up but maybe she’s just a better person than I am 🙂  She is definitely a better person than a lot people she meets – smart, inquisitive, and caring.  While she may be a little strange, she’s comfortable in her skin thanks to the love of her family, and at heart she only wants to help the wounded.  And that includes Daire.

He survived absolutely horrible experiences that left a lot of scars both inside and out.  For a man raised to be responsible for those in his care, the torture that he experienced isn’t nearly as crushing as surviving after not being able to save his men and cousin.  While we don’t meet him until afterward, as he is slowly brought out of his shell by Fia (and she hears stories of the man he was before), we get an idea of the devilishly handsome and charming rake he was.  While he wasn’t a bad person before, maybe a little too full of himself, he’s definitely changed into a more serious one by his experiences.  Cornwall does a great job of making him into a man who looks deeper into the world around him.  It helps him to be more open to the quirky Fia and be charmed by her uniqueness.

I’m not sure what I expected but I definitely got something more, a page turner that pulled me in from the prologue and made it difficult to put down.  I usually avoid Scottish historicals that go this far back, but I am very glad that I picked this one to read.  With unusual characters and a multi-layered plot, Cornwall’s writing shines.  I’m definitely adding her to my author watch list to see what other goodies she brings!

Book Review – Marry Me at Christmas

13 Wednesday Jul 2016

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cover69885-mediumMarry Me at Christmas

Fool’s Gold series

by Susan Mallery

Wish upon a Christmas star with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s sparkling Fool’s Gold romance!

To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!

Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.

Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?

I’ve missed a few of the Fool’s Gold books over the last year or so (which is actually sad because I LOVE this series and have never read a bad one).  I don’t know why I’ve fallen behind but I’m slowly trying to make up for it … which is why we have a Christmas story 6 months late 🙂

While this is a holiday story, other than the snow and the occasional reference to holiday decorations, the plot could be any time of year.  It focuses on Madeline, who has a huge crush on movie star Jonny Blaze … and finds herself working closely with him to plan his sister’s wedding.  I’m not sure any of us would handle ourselves with as much grace in that situation!  But it doesn’t take her long to get over being tongue-tied and star struck, discovering that he’s actually a normal man under it all.  A good guy who loves his sister, wants to be treated like a normal person, and is afraid of saying I love you.

Props to Mallery for shaking things up a little and not making Jonny run for it when he starts to fall, regardless of his hangups.  He’s got some fears, thanks to losses in his life, but he handles it like a man.  And anytime there is any kind of freak out with either of them it is resolved quickly and without a lot of drama, which is refreshing in contemporary romances.

With Mallery’s books I always think “just one more chapter” which turns into one more and one more and then an hour has gone by.  Here it is so easy to get caught up in getting to know these two characters, learning their motivations, and falling in love with both of them as they fall in love with each other.

(If you’re like me and missed a few stories or if you are new to Fool’s Gold, don’t be afraid to pick up this story because like most of this series it can stand on its own.  And you definitely won’t mind getting to know the sexy, grounded, good-hearted action star and the small town girl who steals his heart.)