Tag Archives: Book Review

Book Review – A New Hope

02 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

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

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

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.

*****

fb17

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:

Website: http://kishanpaul.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KishanPaulAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@kishan_paul

TSU: https://www.tsu.co/kishanpaul

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kishanpaul

Coffee Talk: http://www.coffeetalkwriters.com/coffee-talk-authors/kishan-paul/

Sign up for her newsletter at: http://mad.ly/signups/119110/join

*****

Tour Info:

Blind Love Banner 851 x 315

July 27 Spotlight
I Love Books
July 27 Spotlight
Mythical Books
July 27 Spotlight and review
A Bookaholic’s Fix: Feeding the Addiction
July 28 Review
Romantic Fanatic
July 28 Spotlight
Around the World in Books
 
July 29 Spotlight
Books Books and More Books
July 30 Interview and review
Books, Booze, and BDSM
 
July 30 Review
Books and Authors
July 30 Review
Romantic Reads and Such
 
July 31 Interview
Shut Up and Read
August 3 Interview
ARe Café
 
August 3 Spotlight
Zenny’s Awesome Book Reviews
August 3 Spotlight (review later)
Happy Ever After Book Reviews

Book Review – My Dark Duke

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

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

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

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

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

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

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

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.**

Book Review – The Perfect Bargain

24 Friday Jul 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

Now we have the perfect lighthearted and fun summer ready … about a man in a skirt 🙂

*****

Perfect_BargainThe Perfect Bargain

How to Marry a Highlander # 1

by: Julia London writing as Jessa McAdams

Releasing June 30, 2015

Entangled: Lovestruck

Blurb:

American lass seeks brawny Scot…

As if being newly single isn’t brutal enough, Sloane Chatfield’s friends are getting obnoxious about setting her up. When Sloane insists she’s waiting for a certain sexy fictional Highlander to come along, her friends surprise her with a trip to Scotland to find her a new boyfriend. She’d rather have a root canal. But if she can find a Highland hunk to “break her heart” before her friends arrive…

In a remote Highland village, Galen Buchanan is struggling to keep the family pub afloat. Everything is falling apart, he’s running out of money, and now there’s an opinionated American lass parked at his best table, driving him mad. But then Sloane asks Galen to be her pretend Highland boyfriend…and offers him enough money to save the pub. It’s only for a few days, he figures. What’s the worst that could happen?

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/06/the-perfect-bargain-how-to-marry.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25582923-the-perfect-bargain?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“I happen to be quite good at sizing people up, and you, lass, are spoiled. Donna take it personally—it’s an American thing,” he said casually, as if that were a foregone conclusion.

Now Sloane was indignant.“Watch yourself, Braveheart,” she said, poking him in the arm. “And anyway, how is that even remotely an American thing?”

“It’s the way Americans view the rest of the world,” he said. “Americans think the Loch Ness monster exists, and that we all live in the Highlands in a Braveheart movie. Or, you all read Trainspotting in school and think we’re all on drugs. You think Scots believe in unicorns and our national pastime is the caber toss, and our calendars are manly men in kilts holding kittens.”

“Is there really a calendar like that?” she asked, perking up. If there was, she’d be picking one up before she headed back to the States.

All she got in response to that was an I-told-you-so look.

*****

Review:

Someone described this book to me as a sweet and light hearted read, perfect for when you are tired of all the angst … and boy was she right.  Now, I knew going in that this book would be great – I absolutely adore Julia London, doesn’t matter if it is contemporary or historical or even what name is on the cover   Her characters are gripping and the stories are always page-turners, and The Perfect Bargain is no different.

I was totally enthralled by Sloane and Galen as they bickered and sniped and slowly fell in love – because you know all of that snark was hiding things that involved the heart.  A definite case of opposites attract, as they got to know each other more they started to realize (of course) that they have a lot more in common than they thought.  And that what they believed about themselves and what they truly want may not be right.

I have to say that my only complaint is that the books focused on them and we really didn’t get a chance to get to know anyone else in the little village.  I think that there was definitely a chance to show that small town Scottish quirkiness, but I’m hoping this is the start of a series so we can see that more down the road.

If you are looking for fun and romance, humor and heart, look no further.  Once again London delivers all of that in spades and gives you a little of Highland flair … because who doesn’t love a man who speaks with a brogue and looks great in a kilt!

*****

julia londonAuthor Info:

Julia London is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Cabot Sisters historical series, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and the The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several acclaimed contemporary romances, including The Cedar Springs series, and the recent Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming. Julia has added a short contemporary series to her titles as well, including The Perfect Bargain, writing under the name Jessa McAdams.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a four time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

Grand Prize: $100.00 Amazon eGift Card.

Five Runners Up: #GOKILT Mug

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb55495572/

*****

Click on the banner below to see the rest of the tour

TVTPerfectBargain-JuliaLondon

Book Review – The Prince’s Runaway Lover

17 Friday Jul 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Yes, indeed …

Teaser 3

And make sure you check out Robin’s playlist for the book at Spotify.

*****

The Prince's Runaway Lover CoverThe Prince’s Runaway Lover

by Robin Covington

Publication Date: July 14, 2015

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Blurb:

Crown Prince Nicholas Lytton was never supposed to be ruler of Callanos. He was the “spare to the heir,” pursuing a decadent life of the rich and royal – extreme sports, physical pleasures, and glorious irresponsibility. Until his brother died. Now Nick is to be coronated king, and no one believes he’s ready. The best way to secure his crown is to do the unthinkable…find a queen.

While Isabel Reynolds works in the palace gardens, she has no desire to draw the attention of the way-too-flirty, would-be king. For she’s not the woman everyone thinks she is. Even if she wanted – or was tempted by – the promise of love, it would only end in disaster. Because while Isabel may be able to catch a king, her secrets would only destroy him…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Hdvipa

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1J3hYVL

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1JSSIV9

B&N: http://bit.ly/1NMCpd3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KQSP4Z

iBooks: http://apple.co/1HMjA9P

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1flV7O5

*****

Teaser 1

*****

Excerpt:

He breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed behind her and turned to find Isabel watching him with an exasperated expression on her face. Nick walked over to her, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her. She resisted at first, stiff against him but he coaxed her response with nips of his teeth, soft swipes of his tongue along the seam of her lips. When she finally gave in an opened to him, it was the sweetest reward he’d ever earned.

“They can take my medals and the cover of the Wheaties box,” he said, pressing a last lingering kiss on the dimple to the right of her full lips. “That was so much better.”

“You’re being charming again,” she teased, her smile bursting through in spite of her obvious attempt to stay disgruntled with him. “Do they teach that in prince pre-school?”

“It’s actually a genetic thing. All of the delivery room nurses were wrapped around my finger.”

“You’re an ass,” she swatted at his chest and started to walk away but he pulled her back against him wrapping his arms around her waist.

“As long as I’m your ass,” he said, switching gears when she stiffened at his words. Isabel was not going to respond well to any attempt on his part to keep her around for any period of time. He’d read the memo but he had hard time agreeing to live by the terms with her. But if he had any chance to keep her here, he needed to play it whole lot cooler. “Temporarily your ass. Is that better?”

She nodded. “Better.”

“My flight leaves in an hour and a half so let’s get this tour underway.”

Isabel followed along, slipping her hand out of his when they left his office. Nick bit back a pang of regret but he knew she was right. The palace had ears, eyes, and the biggest mouth in the Mediterranean.  The private tour would raise eyebrows but doing it hand-in-hand would guarantee him a spot on the front banner of TMZ.

“Will you be gone long? She asked as they entered the public wing of the palace.

“Are you going to miss me?”

“Not if you keep answering my questions with a question.”

“Are you always this grumpy after several orgasms?” She slid eyes wide with shock in his direction and he bit back a laugh. “Because if I have to step up my game, just say the word and I’ll get right on that self-improvement plan.”

She bit back her giggle by biting her lower lip between her teeth and punctuated her disgust with an eye roll.

“You are a ridiculous man.”

“You are absolutely correct…” He put his hand on the doorknobs for the ornate double doors and pushed them open to reveal a room full of glittering gems, crowns, scepters and assorted gem covered items in glass cases all around the room. “…but I hope that having my very own jewelry store might make up for it.”

Isabel gasped, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. He would never forget the look of pure delight on her face, no trace of her troubles and none of the secrets. She took a couple of steps into the room, lowered her hands and cut him a look that made his dick hard and his heart race.

“Can I try some of them on?”

He grinned. “I think that can be arranged.”

*****

Teaser 2

*****

Review:

According to Amazon, The Prince’s Runaway Lover is supposed to be almost 200 pages long, but it read like a much shorter story.  I found myself just flying through it, which is a great sign.  The plot is pretty simple and Covington does a great job of keeping things tight.  There isn’t a whole lot of extra things thrown in – besides the romance, we have Nicky’s troubles with adjusting to being the new king and the political issues that brings.  It all makes sense and ties together very well.

Nick is rich, gorgeous, confident and a Prince (now soon-to-be king), which all adds up to a man who gets what he wants when he wants it.  And he wants Isabel … the girl doesn’t stand a chance.  She resists but you know he’s going to win, mostly because she wants him to 🙂  With the death of his brother, he’s a little lost and that lets down his guard so that Isabel also gets to see the very appealing man under the crown.

I’m not sure why Nick is so surprised when everything goes wrong.  He was the one pushing Isabel into getting involved (like the spoiled, sexy man that he is) and she told him all along that she had troubles that she couldn’t talk about.  I did like that it was his mother who helped him get his head on straight and that had to be one of my favorite scenes in the entire book.  Their heart-to-heart was just what was needed and adds something so very sweet to the story.

*****

Robin Covington

Author Info:

Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her sexy, bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy pics, hoarding red nail polish, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and obsessing over Dean Winchester. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!

Robin’s bestselling books have finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Book Seller’s Best and the National Reader’s Choice Awards.

She lives in Maryland with her handsome husband, her two brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!), and her beloved furbabies.

Drop her a line at robin@robincovingtonromance. com – she always writes back.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a gift card so you can get your own copy 🙂

The Prince's Runaway Lover Giveaway Graphic

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354454/

*****

The Prince's Runaway Lover Tour Banner (1)

July 13- KT Book Reviews– Excerpt

July 13- Nerd Girl Official– Excerpt

July 13- Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog– Spotlight

July 13- undercover book reviews– Spotlight

July 13- Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, Inc.– Excerpt / Spotlight / Playlist

–

July 14- Whispered Thoughts– Review

July 14- Hiding Under The Sheets– Review / Excerpt / Playlist

July 14- Battery Operated Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

–

July 15- Jacklynn Love’s Reading!!!– Excerpt / Playlist

July 15- Deal Sharing Aunt– Spotlight

July 15- Best Book Boyfriends– Excerpt / Spotlight / Spotlight

–

July 16- A One-Click Addict’s Book Blog– Excerpt

July 16- Literature Litehouse– Excerpt / Spotlight

July 16- Sexy Vixen Reader– Excerpt / Playlist

July 16- Books by Migs– Review / Excerpt

July 16- Books and Warpaint– Review / Excerpt

July 16- Musings From An Addicted Reader– Review

July 16- Mignon Mykel : Reviews– Review / Excerpt / Playlist

July 16- Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews– Review / Excerpt

July 16- Wild and Dirty Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

–

July 17- Obsessed by Books– Excerpt

July 17- Nose Stuck in a Book– Excerpt

July 17- Romantic Reads and Such– Excerpt

July 17- The Sassy Bookista– Review

July 17- Southern Yankee Book Reviews– Review

July 17- WiLoveBooks– Review

July 17- The Book Obsessed Momma– Review / Excerpt

July 17- Snarky Mom Reads…– Review

July 17- NightWolf Book Blog– Review

Book Review – Caught Up in the Touch

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

cover63235-mediumCaught Up in the Touch

Falcon Football series

by Laura Trentham

Jessica Montgomery has always lived by three simple rules: stay calm, stay professional, stay in control. Working tirelessly to make it into the executive ranks of her family’s business, her dream job of CFO is within reach-if she can convince one stubborn and sexy restaurateur to take her offer and manage Montgomery Industries’ flagship restaurant in Atlanta.

On the surface Logan Wilde is all good-old-boy charm and humor, but he can’t seem to outrun the hell-raising reputation of his high school years. Although he has thought about leaving his hometown in Falcon, Alabama, he has grown to love the town, his restaurant, and his part-time gig coaching the football team.

Jessica estimates it will take a week tops to get Logan Wilde’s signature on her generous offer, but their first meeting is anything but professional. Logan shreds Jessica’s control and unleashes a passion she didn’t know existed even as a deeper connection between them takes root. When her family’s manipulations threaten to tear them apart, Jessica has to decide whether her dream is really the CFO job or the man who has unselfishly offered his love.

I’ll be honest I didn’t think I’d like this one very much.  There was a little preview of the first chapter in the back of Slow and Steady Rush and I just knew Jessica was going to be one of those women that I didn’t like.  But I loved Logan enough that I was willing to take her on to get his story …. y’all that teaser didn’t do her justice AT ALL.  She’s so wonderfully neurotic and I loved every single minute of this book!

Jessica has so many hang-ups thanks to her parents.  She’s never really had a chance to be normal or even to be loved & supported like she needed.  Except by her grandmother.  And thanks to Logan, and a forced stay in Falcon, she’s starting to remember those wonderful summers and what it felt like to be cared for.  It’s so very sweet to watch her come into herself and find her way.

And Logan … I knew I’d love that boy from the moment we met him in the first book and he doesn’t fail me.  He’s caring and smart and giving.  He’s also sexy as all get out and when he turns on that Southern charm with Jessica she has no hope.  And neither do you 🙂

I love that Trentham brings her readers a journey piece to go with the romance.  We get to watch them fall in love and grow and find a path that works for them both.  It’s funny and touching and sexy and irresistible.  And I can’t wait to see what she has in mind for the next story.  We get some hints here and I just know it is going to be another sure-fire hit!