Review: Too Charming by Kathryn Freeman

Posted June 7, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Too Charming
Series:
Author: Kathryn Freeman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 18, 2013 – Reissue June 8, 2015
My Rating: 4 star
Source: NetGalley
From the Cover:

Does a girl ever really learn from her mistakes?

Detective Sergeant Megan Taylor thinks so. She once lost her heart to a man who was too charming and she isn’t about to make the same mistake again – especially not with sexy defence lawyer, Scott Armstrong. Aside from being far too sure of himself for his own good, Scott’s major flaw is that he defends the very people that she works so hard to imprison.

But when Scott wants something he goes for it. And he wants Megan. One day she’ll see him not as a lawyer, but as a man … and that’s when she’ll fall for him.

Yet just as Scott seems to be making inroads, a case presents itself that’s far too close to home, throwing his life into chaos.

As Megan helps him pick up the pieces, can he persuade her that he isn’t the careless charmer she thinks he is? Isn’t a man innocent until proven guilty?

Read on for my thoughts on Too Charming. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Chosen by Jennifer Ortiz

Posted June 6, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Chosen
Series: The Chosen Chronicles
Author: Jennifer Ortiz
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Published: January 12 2014
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Cal Reynolds has always been special. He comes from a long line of Hunters – a group of humans gifted with exceptional strength, speed, and magical ability. The Hunters’ purpose is to protect the world from demons from the Underworld. But even among this select group, Cal stands out.

When his strained relationship with his father causes Cal to leave the Hunters, a series of events is set in motion that causes him to discover secrets about himself, his family, and his future that he could never have imagined. In the midst of trying to decipher the pieces left from this chaos, Cal reconnects with Gabrielle Morgan, the only girl he’s ever loved, after a nearly seven year estrangement.

But Cal is Chosen – and that has far reaching ramifications, not only on himself but on those he loves as well. When Cal is faced with the ultimate deception, he begins to realize that he will need to choose where his loyalties, and his love, lie…and the seduction of darkness is almost overwhelmingly alluring.

Read on for my thoughts on Chosen. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: How To Bake The Perfect Apple Pie by Gina Henning

Posted June 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie
Series: Home for the Holidays #3
Author: Gina Henning
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 4, 2015
Publisher: Carina
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

A scrumptious pie. A long distance guy. 4th of July fireworks guaranteed.

Lauren Hauser has it all…nearly. With a shiny new job and sparkly new engagement ring on her finger, the only thing she’s missing is her gorgeous new fiancé by her side. Should she be worried? Jack’s kisses are as sizzling as always and, sure, long distance is hard but, she and Jack are solid, right?

Of course the stress of planning a wedding—or not—is nothing compared to the stress of baking an apple pie. Because it’s not just any apple pie that Lauren must bake for the 4th of July contest; it’s her grandmother’s famous, award-winning apple pie! Yet Lauren is determined to make this pie her own and a little apple pie should be no problem for the Hauser clan dessert queen…!

But with her new job taking up so much time, a prize pie to perfect and the growing distance between her and Jack, Lauren begins to wonder if she can really have it all… Only one things for sure, there’ll be fireworks this 4th of July!

Read on for my thoughts on How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Never Refuse A Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden

Posted June 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Never Refuse a Sheikh
Series: International Bad Boys #7
Author: Jackie Ashenden
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 5, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing – Holiday Books
My Rating: 5+ stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

When the sheikh claims a wife, she cannot refuse …

Altair is a man perfectly in control both of himself and the power he wields as regent of Al Harah. Yet in order to retain his stronghold on the country he loves, he must wed a princess wilder than the Bedouin tribe she was raised in. A princess who only has one word for him: no.

Princess Safira knows what freedom means and it isn’t a palace or a crown. Neither does it mean being told what to do by a man with more ice in his veins than blood. Safira is innocent in the ways of men, but the heat in Altair’s gaze calls to a deep, unclaimed part of her soul she cannot deny. Altair seems hell-bent on civilizing her, but she’s not so easily tamed. Especially not when she can sense the wildness that lives in him.

Read on for my thoughts on Never Refuse a Sheikh. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Bayou Bound by Linda Joyce

Posted June 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Bayou Bound
Series: Fleur de Lis #2
Author: Linda Joyce
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 25, 2014
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

Biloxi Dutrey grounds her jet-setting photography career and returns to Mississippi when she learns her family home, Fleur De Lis, is headed for financial ruin. She plans to save it by scooping up the job of Keeper. But that means breaking tradition, and her family isn’t cooperating.

Veterinarian Nick Trahan is new in town and wants folks to stop matchmaking. He won’t settle for just a pretty face. He wants the perfect woman, one who believes in family and commitment the exact opposite of his parents.

Nick rescues Biloxi during a raging storm, but the squall is tame compared to the tempest between them. Soon they experience the backlash from the long-standing feud between their families. If Biloxi surrenders her dreams for Fleur de Lis and tows the line with tradition, will she also be forced to give up on “forever love” due to the hate their families still harbor?

Read on for my thoughts on Bayou Bound. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander

Posted June 4, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress
Series: Millworth Manor #5
Author: Victoria Alexander
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Zebra
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Personal Collection
Cover Blurb:

To Do:
Swim naked in the moonlight
Play in a high stakes card game
Ride an elephant
Be painted sans clothing.
Take a lover…

Lucy Merryweather has inherited a fortune—and her great-aunt’s list of unfulfilled wishes. What better way to honor her memory than by accomplishing as many of them as possible? And with Lucy’s family an ocean away in New York, nothing stands in her way—if one ignores the private investigator hired to spy on her.

Yet Cameron Effington is infuriatingly difficult to ignore…

As a reporter, Cameron is always looking for a good story. An American heiress running rampant between Millworth Manor and Mayfair is the perfect subject. Not to mention captivating. And extremely kissable. And if Lucy believes he’s a detective? Well, the truth should never get in the way of a good story—or hinder delicious, impetuous passion.

Read on for my thoughts on The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress. No true spoilers, promise.

A Visual Introduction to The Gates Legacy series by Lorenz Font

Posted June 4, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Today, June 4, 2015, is release day for the fourth installment of The Gates Legacy by Lorenz Font… Reckoning. In preparation for my own review of Reckoning, I thought I would give you a visual introduction to this amazing series to those who have not yet discovered it.

We begin with Hunted:

https://youtu.be/XRRY924x4YE

And then move on to the second novel in The Gates Legacy, Tormented:

https://youtu.be/ZU4RWhCR_To

The third novel in The Gates Legacy is Ascension:

And.. finally – Reckoning:

I arrived a bit late to this series, but as I quickly got caught up and current, these videos gave me a definite incentive to continue to get caught up. This is a detailed, intense world that I hope you will take the time to discover.

Review: Reckoning by Lorenz Font

Posted June 4, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Reckoning
Series: The Gates Legacy #4
Author: Lorenz Font
Genre: Paranormal
Published: June 4, 2015
Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee House Publishing House
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

The vampires of New York City are breathing easier after the demise of the tyrannical former head of the Vampire Council, Goran. Under Rohnert, the revered and newly ascended leader, their future looks promising. However, an unknown enemy is manipulating events, killing humans and vampires alike, and exposing their secrets to the human world.

This is bad news for new vampire Cyrus and his band of fighters at Tack Enterprises. Events derail his plans to find Zane, the sadistic vampire who tortured Cyrus and forced immortality on him. Armed with hatred deep in his bones, all Cyrus cares about is getting even, and Zane has it coming. Cyrus soon finds himself torn between the crippling desire for revenge and his responsibility to his friends. When he begins to spend time in the company of the beautiful and pureblooded vampire, Isidora, her presence in his life makes him rethink his priorities.

Isidora is able to read minds. The thoughts she hears from the respected and irresistible vampire, Cyrus, are filled with both anger towards Zane and a deep admiration for her. Being closeted all her life, Issy has no idea what to do in the face of the outside world’s war, death, and challenges. One thing is clear. She craves Cyrus, but his need for vengeance is clouding his mind. After discovering a previously hidden family member and being called to serve the Council, Issy is at a crossroads in her life and struggles to find the right path.

Both vampires face tough choices. Should Issy pursue her feelings for Cyrus or wait until he can return her affection? Will Cyrus deny his attraction to Isidora so he can kill the man who made his life a living hell on earth? Every decision leads to a reckoning.

Read on for my thoughts on Reckoning. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: One Night with the Cowboy by Eve Gaddy

Posted June 3, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: One Night with the Cowboy
Series: Whiskey River #2
Author: Eve Gaddy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 3, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

Meet the Kellys of Whiskey River, Texas, men who have always gone through life, and women, with their father’s legendary charm.

Trey Kelly has it all. Eldest son of Boots Kelly, Trey runs the Kelly ranch, and Trey’s heart is with his “babies”, Kelly’s Champs, the World Champion cutting horses he breeds and sells. Women love Trey and he loves women, but he’s never met the one he wanted for keeps. Until…

Reclusive Ariana Wright‘s lavender farm sits next door to the Kelly spread. Ariana is a smart, ambitious chemist and after the car accident that left her scarred, the success of her new line of lavender-based beauty products is all Ariana is interested in.

Convincing Ariana to take a chance on love is a task that takes all of Trey’s cowboy determination. But can Ariana let go of the wounds of the past and give herself more than one night with the cowboy?

Read on for my thoughts on One Night with the Cowboy. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: In The Air Tonight by Lori Handeland

Posted June 3, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: In The Air Tonight
Series: Sisters of the Craft #1
Author: Lori Handeland
Genre: Paranormal
Published: June 2, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

Four centuries ago, in a small Scottish village, three baby girls escaped the wrath of a witch hunter. Today, one young woman will learn about her secret history, her heart’s destiny, and the sisters she never knew she had...

With her blue-black hair and dark eyes, Raye Larsen has never fit in with the Scandinavian community of New Bergin, Wisconsin. Being adopted is part of the reason she feels like an outsider, but what really sets Raye apart is her ability to see dead people. Everywhere.

She’s learned to keep her visions to herself . . . until she stumbles onto the ghost of a murder victim who needs Raye’s help. Enter Bobby Doucet, a distractingly handsome homicide detective who has been tracking a killer all the way from New Orleans. Could this be the break in his case he’s been looking for all along?

Meanwhile, the deeper Raye gets involved with the case—and with Bobby—the closer she comes to unlocking the mystery of her own origins. What she discovers about herself could destroy everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves. Is finding the truth worth the risk?

Read on for my thoughts on In The Air Tonight. No true spoilers, promise. Read More

Would you read Christian Grey’s viewpoint?

Posted June 3, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

Word is out that E. L. James will be releasing Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as told by Christian – just in time for his birthday on June 18th. Here is the blurb from the Amazon page of this not yet pre-orderable item…yet. I give you..Christian’s view:

In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

CHRISTIAN GREY exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty – until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him – past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

I confess I probably will – we shall see what June 18th brings.

Thoughts?

Review: Love On A Spring Morning by Zoe York

Posted June 3, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Love On A Spring Morning
Series: Pine Harbour #3
Author: Zoe York
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 2, 2015
Publisher: ZoYo Press
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley

Duplicity. Desire. Denial. They were doomed from the start.

Ryan Howard has zero interest in the movie being filmed in Pine Harbour or the high maintenance stars staying in the cottages at the end of his lane. He’s just barely holding on to the raw remains of his life and the fantasy world being concocted around him is, as far as he’s concerned, a complete waste of time and energy. The one bright light in his life is an intern on the set, Holly Cresinski, and their quiet conversations at the end of the day on his back porch.

Holly hates her life, too, which is entirely unfair because she’s blessed beyond measure. She’s at the top of her career–as film actress, Hope Creswell–and surrounded by people that mean well. But Ryan makes her laugh, and cry, and before she can find the words to explain her deception, he kisses her.

Read on for my thoughts on Love On A Spring Morning. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Never Resist a Rake by Mia Marlowe

Posted June 3, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Never Resist A Rake
Series: Somerfield Park #2
Author: Mia Marlowe
Genre: Historical, Regency Romance
Published: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

John Fitzhugh Barrett is surprised to discover that instead of being a bastard, he’s the legitimate heir to the Somerset marquessate. Once word gets out that he must continue the Somerset line, eligible bachelorettes from across the country descend upon Somerfield Park, hoping to snatch John up before it’s too late. But John has no interest in a woman who’s only after his title.

Rebecca Kearsey, the daughter of a threadbare viscount, is the only one who understands. However, as her desire for John begins to build, she becomes painfully aware that she isn’t considered grand enough by Polite Society to be a future marchioness. Intrigued by the idea of challenging society’s rigid values, John’s interest in Rebecca grows. But can she show him that love is more than just childish rebellion?

Read on for my thoughts on Never Resist A Rake. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon

Posted June 3, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Lake Season
Series:
Author: Hannah McKinnon
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Published: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Atria Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Blurb:

Set in the weeks leading up to an idyllic New England wedding, this “enticing and refreshing” (Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author) novel sparkles with wry wit, sweet romance, and long-kept family secrets.

Iris Standish has always been the responsible sister: the one who studied hard, settled down, and always made the right choices—even when they came at the expense of her passions. Meanwhile, her sister Leah dropped out of college to “find herself” by hiking through Yellowstone and switches jobs nearly as often as she switches lovers, leaving Iris to pick up the pieces in her wake.

But now Iris’s life is coming apart at the seams, and when Leah calls her back to their childhood home with a desperate cry for help, she is thrust headfirst into preparations for her sister’s wedding to a man their New Hampshire clan has never met…with her own marriage and family on the brink.

Still, despite the rush of dress fittings, floral arrangements, and rehearsal dinners, Iris is learning to put herself first. And amid a backdrop of late-night swims and a soul-restoring barn renovation comes Cooper Woods, a high school crush who beckons with the promise of a new start.

While Leah faces a past that has finally caught up to her, Iris prepares to say goodbye to a future that is suddenly far from certain. As Hampstead Lake shimmers in the background, Iris must decide when to wade in cautiously and when to dive—and, ultimately, how to ferry herself to safe harbors in this novel of second chances and the ties that bind.

Read on for my thoughts on The Lake Season. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Don’t Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell

Posted June 2, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 2 Comments

Title: Don’t Turn Around
Series: DC Jennifer Knight series #1
Author: Caroline Mitchell
Genre: Supernatural Crime Thriller, Mystery, Paranormal
Published: April 24, 2015
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Author, Personal Collection
Cover Blurb:

You don’t know him. But he knows you.

Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him.

As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave.

When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murders mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper – from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict.

Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play …

With her mother’s terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer – but to save herself and those she loves.

Read on for my thoughts on Don’t Turn Around. No true spoilers, promise.