The Night She Vanished by Wendy Dranfield

Posted March 13, 2023 by Marsha in Author ARC, Bookouture, Crime, Mystery, NetGalley, Thriller / 0 Comments

My parents seem to be the perfect couple. But no one knows what I know…

Everyone in the small Midwestern town of Henderson looks up to my perfect parents. With dependable jobs as a midwife and the town sheriff, they help this close-knit community feel safe.

But the locals didn’t grow up in my parents’ house. They don’t know what I know. And they wouldn’t believe me if I told them…

After my best friend vanished when we were just fifteen, I left town and never looked back. I couldn’t prove it, but I think my parents killed her.

Now, years later, my little sister has vanished. I have no choice but to go home and play happy families again. Because I have to find out what my parents have done to her. I have to try to save her.

But when bones are discovered on a local farm, and all the evidence leads back to our front door, I realize I was wrong about absolutely everything. And that coming back was the deadliest thing I could do…

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

The Beachside Bed and Breakfast by Hope Ramsay

Posted March 10, 2023 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley, Series, Small Town Romance, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

Ashley Howland Scott has no time for romance as she grieves the loss of her husband, cares for her young son, and runs Magnolia Harbor’s only bed and breakfast. Ashley never imagined she’d notice—let alone have feelings for—another man after her husband was killed in Afghanistan five years earlier. But slowly, softly, Rev. Micah St. Pierre has become a friend . . . and now maybe something more. Despite her reluctance, Ashley has to admit that Micah is kind, thoughtful, and handsome to boot. All the more reason to steer clear of him. She can’t risk her heart again.

After becoming the center of Magnolia Harbor’s rumor mill once, Micah St. Pierre has no interest in letting the members of the local quilting club play matchmaker for him. Besides, the only woman he’s interested in is the one he can never have. Micah is not allowed to date a member of his congregation, so there’s no point in sharing his feelings with Ashley, no matter how much he yearns to. But the more time they spend with each other, the more Micah wonders whether Ashley is his match made in heaven.

Titles in the Moonlight Bay series include — The Cottage on Rose Lane —♥— Summer on Moonlight Bay —♥— Return to Magnolia Harbor —♥— A Wedding on Lilac Lane —♥— The Beachside Bed and Breakfast —♥—

NetGalley ARC

A Dark and Snowy Night by Sally Goldenbaum

Posted March 9, 2023 by Marsha in Cozy Mystery, Crime, Kensington Books, Mystery, NetGalley, Series / 0 Comments

Winter in Sea Harbor is a feast for the senses. This year, the Seaside Knitters have a sackful of obligations in addition to their usual Christmas preparations. Izzy is so overloaded with knitting classes that she hires an extra salesperson. Cass, juggling the stresses of running her lobster fishery, has finally found a nanny for her active toddler. Molly Flanigan seems practically perfect in every way—until she suddenly disappears, taking Cass’s beloved rescue mutt with her . . .

Meanwhile, the holidays are kicking off in style at the mayor’s holiday party, with a celebrity chef catering the event. An additional treat for Ben and Nell Endicott at the festive affair is reconnecting with a dear college friend, Oliver Bishop. But it’s not just reunions and the appetizers that are to die for. Before the partygoers can toast the beginning of Sea Harbor’s festive season, the chef—and young wife of the Endicotts’ old Harvard friend—is found dead in the snow . . .

Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and Cass must uncover the pattern to these mysteries to remove suspicion from those they love, bring a murderer to justice—and keep Sea Harbor’s holiday magic from vanishing into the chill winter air . . .

Titles in the A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series include — Murder Wears Mittens —◊— How to Knit a Murder —◊— A Murderous Tangle —◊— A Crime of a Different Stripe —◊— A Dark and Snowy Night —◊—

There are eleven (11) titles in the A Seaside Knitters Mystery series, a connecting set of stories to the “Society” mysteries. Some sites combine them all, while others do not. Yet they all are in the same “world,” so you make that judgment for yourself. 🙂

The Governess Diaries by Chasity Bowlin

Posted March 9, 2023 by Marsha in Historical Romance, NetGalley, Series, Sexual Content / 0 Comments

Love lost and found…

As a girl, Euphemia Darrow had fallen desperately in love with the younger son of the Duke of Clarenden, Nicholas Montford. But he broke her heart with a cold dismissal before he left to join the army. Rather than pine for him, Effie found another purpose for her life. Forfeiting the notions of having a husband and children of her own, she poured her heart and soul into the Darrow School—her creation. It was a place for girls like herself… the illegitimate and often forgotten children of noblemen. She would rear those girls, teach them to fend for themselves, to retain their dignity and independence in a world of men.

Years later, fate brings Nicholas back into her life. Now the only surviving son, he is the heir to the dukedom, he’s also a master spy, working to protect the crown from threats foreign and domestic. Unable to resist the beautiful girl who has now grown into a remarkable and fascinating woman, Nicholas finds himself once more under Effie’s spell. All his efforts to protect her from his father’s wrath by ending their association have failed. But his father is now on his deathbed, and freedom lies ahead—freedom to finally pursue the life he’s always dreamed of… a life with Effie.

But the course of true love can never run smoothly. Confronted with evidence that Nicholas has done the unforgivable—fathering a child, Alexandra, and abandoning her to the horrors of the workhouse—Effie rejects him. When the scheming of his enemies places him at death’s door, Effie must accept that her feelings for him, despite her hurt, are as deep as ever. But Nicholas’ enemies will do whatever it takes to destroy him and anyone who is close to him.

With Effie and Alexandra in danger, he must move heaven and earth to keep them all safe… and to prove that he is worthy of her.

Titles in The Hellion Club series include — A Rogue to Remember —♥— Barefoot in Hyde Park —♥— Making Spirits Bright (Novella) —♥— What Happens in Piccadilly —♥— Sleepless in Southampton —♥— When an Earl Loves a Governess —♥— All I Want for Christmas (Novella) —♥— The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession —♥— The Governess Diaries —♥— A Dangerous Passion —♥— The Lady Confesses —♥— Has Anybody Seen My Earl? —♥— A Scandal on Park Lane —♥— Strangers on a Train —♥— All About Emily —♥— A Hellion Without A Cause —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

The Last Party at Silverton Hall by Rachel Burton

Posted March 8, 2023 by Marsha in Historical Romance, NetGalley, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty, and the secrets we keep from those we love most.

Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night…

1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that’s how it appears…

2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien’s house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?

Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?

NetGalley ARC

Mr. & Mrs. Witch by Gwenda Bond

Posted March 8, 2023 by Marsha in NetGalley, Paranormal Romance, St. Martin's Press / 0 Comments

Savannah Wilde is a witch, a very powerful one—an identity that only her fellow witches know. Following a whirlwind romance that surprised herself and her family, Savvy is all set to marry the love of her life. But she isn’t the only one with a secret that needs to be kept, even from her soon-to-be husband.

Griffin Carter is a top agent for a clandestine organization that, well, used to primarily hunt witches but now mainly tries to shut down supernatural threats their own way. He can’t wait to lay his eyes on the woman he’s about to spend the rest of his life with.

As Savvy walks down the aisle to Griffin, the wedding quickly goes from a blessed day to a shit show when their true identities are revealed. To say there’s bad blood between their factions is putting it mildly. Savvy and Griffin are tasked to take the other out, but when they discover a secret that could take down both of their agencies, they realize the only way to survive is to team up. With assassins hot on their trail, will Savvy and Griffin make it out alive to try again at ‘I do’?

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

A Gentleman Ought to Know by Jane Ashford

Posted March 8, 2023 by Marsha in Historical Romance, NetGalley, Regency Romance, Series, Sexual Content, Sourcebooks Casablanca / 0 Comments

Charlotte Deeping needs something to keep her occupied now that she’s back home after her first London season. She misses solving local intrigues with her school friends, but they’ve all gone off and gotten married.

Then Laurence Lindley, the Marquess of Glendarvon, comes for a visit and drops a mystery right into her lap.

When Charlotte’s brother makes her promise not to interrogate the marquess, she agrees.

But that only means she’ll have to find subtler ways to learn about the mysterious marquess and his past. The more time they spend together, the closer Charlotte gets to finding answers and to Laurence.

That is until Charlotte’s digging rouses an old vendetta, and Laurence has to delve into his own history to help the young lady he’s come to love.

Titles in The Duke’s Estates series include — The Duke Who Loved Me —♥— Earl on the Run —♥— Blame It on The Earl —♥— A Gentleman Ought to Know —♥— The Duke’s Best Friend —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

True Wolf by Paige Tyler

Posted February 19, 2023 by Marsha in Connection to another series, NetGalley, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Series, Sexual Content, Sourcebooks Casablanca / 0 Comments

KEEP YOUR TEAM CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER…

Werewolf agent Caleb Lynch takes the lead on STAT’s newest case: to track down the thieves who stole nuclear weapons from the Air Force.

His best connection is a brother-sister duo with a shady record, but there’s no guarantee Caleb can trust them—especially because of Brielle Fontaine’s supernatural abilities.

Still, Brielle could be a useful ally for STAT, and Caleb sees something in her that could change his whole world.

Titles in the STAT: Special Threat Assessment Team series include — Wolf Under Fire —♦— Undercover Wolf —♦— True Wolf —♦—

*STAT is a spin-off of the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team series* Those titles include — Hungry Like the Wolf —◊— Wolf Trouble —◊— In the Company of Wolves —◊— To Love a Wolf —◊— Wolf Unleashed —◊— Wolf Hunt —◊— Wolf Hunger —◊— Wolf Rising —◊— Wolf Instinct —◊— Wolf Rebel —◊— Wolf Untamed —◊— Rogue Wolf —◊— The Wolf is Mine —◊— Loving the Wolf —◊— Wild as a Wolf —◊—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

The Wolf on Her Doorstep by Kate Pearce

Posted February 10, 2023 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Kensington Books, Modern Western Romance, NetGalley, Romantic Suspense, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments

In Morgan Valley, two wary loners discover they’re perfect together . . .

Beth Baker can tell that her summer tenant wants to be left to himself, and that suits her more than fine. Conner O’Neil is a brooding, retired Navy SEAL whose only friend seems to be his pet half-wolf, Loki. But Beth becomes concerned when Loki turns up on her doorstep, demanding she follows him back to Conner’s cabin . . .

Ailing, Conner would rather stay holed up like a wounded animal than allow anyone to nurse him back to health. But he quickly learns that resisting Beth is futile. Another discovery: they have more in common than he expected. She’s an irresistible blend of strength and gentleness, and soon enough, Conner wants to show her it’s okay to trust him because he’ll never let trouble reach her side again . . .

*Previously appeared in the anthology Lone Wolf

This title is connected to the Morgan Valley world, and while you do not have to have read those series to enjoy this one at all – it is part of a larger world with fascinating characters and really good stories.

Encore in Death by J. D. Robb

Posted February 9, 2023 by Marsha in Crime, NetGalley, Owned, Police Procedural, Series, Sexual Content, St. Martin's Press, This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

It was a glittering event full of A-listers, hosted by Eliza Lane and Brant Fitzhugh, a celebrity couple who’d conquered both Hollywood and Broadway. And now Eve Dallas has made her entrance—but not as a guest. After raising a toast, Fitzhugh fell to the floor and died, with physical symptoms pointing to cyanide, and the police have crashed the party.

From all accounts, he wasn’t the kind of star who made enemies. Everyone loved him—even his ex-wife. And since the champagne cocktail that killed him was originally intended for Eliza, it’s possible she was the real target, with a recently fired assistant, a bitter rival, and an obsessed fan in the picture. With so many attendees, staff, and servers, Eve has her work cut out determining who committed murder in the middle of the crowd—and what was their motivation. As one who’s not fond of the spotlight herself, she dreads the media circus surrounding a case like this. All she wants is to figure out who’s truly innocent, and who’s only acting that way…

Encore in Death is the fifty-sixth (yes, 56th) title in the long, ongoing …in Death series. For a complete listing of all the titles (along with novellas) in this series please visit our J. D. Robb page.

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony by Michelle McLean

Posted February 8, 2023 by Marsha in Entangled Publishing, Historical Romance, NetGalley, Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com), Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments

At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, desperate-to-retire gunslinger Adam Brady has exactly two rules. And one of them is never, ever get married. So he’ll be danged when his dreams of permanently avoiding the bounty hunter on his tail in Desolation, the only town where notorious men like him can find respite, come with one helluva string attached. The town has a new rule: gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry.

Without realizing it, Adam stumbles into a big town wedding and accidentally marries Nora Schumacher, a sassy-mouthed mountain of a woman with legs as long as his wanted poster. So what’s a gunslinger to do but get himself unhitched and find a job. Any job. Except Adam keeps getting fired, one odd circumstance after another. And he’s running out of options.

Desolation was supposed to be his safe haven. Except, he’s not only running from his past but from the irresistible woman he married. And worse, he’s finding that he rather likes the enticing, if damnably independent, wife of his. But some men just aren’t the marrying kind. Only, if he leaves, his own life won’t be worth living. If he stays, he puts the lives of his newfound family and the woman he loves on the line. So much for Desolation being the answer to all his problems.

Titles in the Gunslinger series (standalone) include — Hitched to the Gunslinger —♥— The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC