Review: Falling for the P. I. by Victoria James

Posted August 11, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Falling for the P. I.
Series: Still Harbor #1
Author: Victoria James
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 10, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

She could never trust a cop…

Teacher Kate Abbott’s fresh start in Still Harbor was the beginning of the life that she and her two best friends always imagined for themselves. Still, being a working single parent of a special needs daughter hasn’t exactly improved Kate’s love life. But Kate’s preference for nachos over men quickly disappears when she meets the oh-so-sexy Matt Lane.

Until she finds out he’s a cop.

Matt is a former cop-turned-private investigator, and he knows fear when he sees it. A cop clearly spooked Kate…or hurt her. Still, something about the gorgeous professor catches his attention, and despite his “no settling down” policy, he can’t resist her. But all of the attraction in the world won’t be enough to overcome Kate’s past.

Read on for my thoughts on Falling for the P. I. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Promise of Home by Wendy Vella

Posted August 11, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Promise of Home
Series: Lake Howling #1
Author: Wendy Vella
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 8, 2015
Publisher: Vella Ink
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When Branna O’Donnell heads back to Lake Howling, Oregon, she’s not sure what to expect. It’s a place that holds plenty of memories, both good and bad, but Branna is determined to find some peace there from the demons of her past. However, she soon realizes that living in a small town again comes with complications, and one of them is named Jake McBride.

Once the town golden boy, Dr. McBride has returned from Iraq angry and, like her, shouldering a few emotional scars. They strike sparks off each other from the outset, and Branna knows that if she gives in to the attraction between them it’s going to result in a world of pain. The problem is she’s not sure how to walk away.

Read on for my thoughts on A Promise of Home. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Sweet Nothing by Alison May

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

Title: Sweet Nothing
Series: 21st Century Bard
Author: Alison May
Genre: Retelling, Contemporary Romance
Published: August 7, 2015
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Would you risk everything for love?

Independent, straight-talking Trix Allen wouldn’t. She’s been in love once before and ended up with nothing. Now safely single, Trix is as far away from the saccharine-sweet world of hearts and flowers as it’s possible to be.

Ben Messina is the man who broke Trix’s heart. Now he’s successful the only thing rational Ben and free-spirited Trix see eye-to-eye on is the fact that falling in love isn’t part of the plan. But when Ben’s brother sets out to win the heart of Trix’s best friend, romance is very much in the air. Will Trix gamble everything on love and risk ending up with zero once again?

Read on for my thoughts on Sweet Nothing. No true spoilers, promise.

Get Your Maggie Shayne Fix – New Releases Out Now

Posted August 5, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

I am officially a happy camper today – and also officially taking some time off to go read without distractions.

Why? New Releases!

Twilight Vendetta – the second novel in the Wings in the Night Reborn series is out.

And if that is not enough –

Maggie Shayne’s novella Dead by Twilight in Edge of Darkness is also just out.

And if you haven’t read the first novel in the Wings in the Night Reborn series yet – now there is no excuse because –

for a limited time Twilight Guardians is free at Amazon for the Kindle.

What are you waiting for? Go. Shoo. Pick up at least the first novel now and discover a fantastic paranormal romance series.

Review: Exposing The Heiress by Jennifer Apodaca

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

Title: Exposing the Heiress
Series: Once A Marine #3
Author: Jennifer Apodaca
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 4, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Ignite
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

This Marine will protect her at all costs…

When wealthy heiress Alyssa Brooks finds out her stepfather has been paying her fiancé to marry her, she’s humiliated and betrayed. She quickly breaks the engagement, only to be blackmailed by her now ex-fiancé, who threatens both Alyssa and the son she gave up for adoption. With nowhere to go, she turns to the one man she can trust.

Former Marine sniper Hunter Reece’s lethal skills could save Alyssa’s life. But his little sister’s best friend has turned into a woman, who is an irresistible mix of secrets and sexiness. And while Hunter can trust himself to protect her, he can’t trust himself to keep his attraction hidden…or even pretend to be the man that Alyssa remembers.

Because the only way to keep the lovely heiress safe is to become the one thing he knows she could never love…a killer.

Read on for my thoughts on Exposing the Heiress. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Falling Under by Lauren Dane

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

Title: Falling Under
Series: Ink & Chrome #2
Author: Lauren Dane
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 4, 2015
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The men of Twisted Steel are great with their hands.

And they’re not afraid to get dirty.

Duke Bradshaw, co-owner of the Twisted Steel custom motorcycle and hot rod shop, may devote his days to chrome and leather, but his nights belong to Carmella. His sultry redheaded neighbor has a smile like an angel and a body built for sin, and for the past year both have dominated Duke’s dreams. When a problem at Twisted Steel requires a fast fix, Duke sees his chance to finally make his fantasy a reality.

Ever since she first heard the low rumble of his engine, Carmella Rossi has wondered if Duke Bradshaw handles his women as expertly as he handles his bike. When he shows up at her door offering her a much-needed job at his shop, she gets her chance to find out. Beneath Duke’s masterful touch, Carmella soon submits to a world of unimaginable pleasure.

But history has taught Carmella how bad a boy boy can be. If she doesn’t put on the brakes fast, her hard-bodied heartbreaker could drive her right over the edge . .

Read on for my thoughts on Falling Under. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Make You Burn by Megan Crane

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

Title: Make You Burn
Series: Deacons of Bourbon Street
Author: Megan Crane
Genre: Contemporary Romance, MC
Published: August 4, 2015
Publisher: Random House Publishing – Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Meet the Deacons of Bourbon Street, bad boy bikers who are hell on wheels—and heaven between the sheets. Megan Crane revs up an irresistible new series co-written with Rachael Johns, Jackie Ashenden, and Maisey Yates.

Sean “Ajax” Harding’s oaths are inked into his skin. Once second-in-command of the Deacons of Bourbon Street motorcycle club, he left New Orleans to protect the brotherhood, and only the death of his beloved mentor, Priest Lombard, could lure him back. Walking into the old hangout gives him a familiar thrill—especially when he gets an eyeful of the bar’s delectable new owner. A wild ride with her is just the welcome Ajax needs. Then he realizes that she’s Priest’s daughter, all grown up and totally off limits.

Sophie Lombard loved her father, not his lifestyle. She’s done with bikers . . . until Ajax roars into town—arrogant, tough, and sexy as ever. And although he treats her like the Catholic schoolgirl he once knew, Sophie’s daydreams tend to revolve around sin. With the very real possibility of heartbreak looming, Sophie knows better than to get too close to an outlaw. But every touch from Ajax is steamier than the Louisiana bayou—and heat like this may just be worth getting burned.

Read on for my thoughts on Make You Burn. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Smoke on the Water by Lori Handeland

Posted August 5, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Smoke on the Water
Series: Sisters of the Craft #3
Author: Lori Handeland
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: August 4, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Abandoned beneath a black willow tree on the banks of a northern Wisconsin creek, Willow Black spent her entire childhood in foster care. Her entire life she’s had terrifying visions, and it is these visions that eventually land her in a psychiatric facility. And so Willow takes her meds and believes she is getting better. Until she meets a fellow patient who doesn’t think she is crazy at all. She thinks Willow is a witch.

Willow’s psychiatrist, Dr. Sebastian Crane, works hard to resist his feeling that he and Willow are destined to be together while also working to convince her that strange occurrences aren’t the result of witchcraft… until he is thrown into the middle of a storm of supernatural events that can’t be explained any other way.

Reunited after four hundred years, three sisters join together to vanquish the power that tore them apart…and embrace the sorcery that is their birthright.

Abandoned as an infant, Willow Black spent her childhood in foster care, the object of whispers and pity…and rumors about being certifiably crazy. Telling your young friends that you can foresee the future-and summon the rain-is a surefire way to end up in the psychiatric ward. But when Dr. Sebastian Frasier arrives at the facility, Willow’s whole life takes a turn. Sebastian is the handsomest man she’s ever actually laid eyes on-even though he has been in Willow’s visions for years. But not even she could have predicted the storm of passion that engulfs them both. With Sebastian by her side, Willow is emboldened to embrace her history, and the sisters she never knew. Soon, the true power in her blood awakes-and the battle she was born to fight begins. While the tempest rages, Willow must depend on the friends and family she’s found-and the man she has loved forever.

Read on for my thoughts on Smoke on the Water. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: His Every Need by Terri L. Austin

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

Title: His Every Need
Series: Beauty and the Brit #1
Author: Terri L. Austin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

How far will she go to hold on to her family home?

When Allie Campbell’s father loses their home to British tycoon Trevor Blake, she pleads for more time to pay off the loan. But Trevor refuses to acknowledge his own family, so he’s completely unconcerned with hers. Allie impulsively offers to do anything to keep the house, so he teasingly tells her to move in with him and cater to his every need. To his amazement, she agrees.

Read on for my thoughts on His Every Need. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: To Be His by Terri L Austin

Posted August 2, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: To Be His
Series: Beauty and the Brit (companion novella)
Author: Terri L. Austin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 1, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

I didn’t amass an empire without taking risks, but I’m not a complete arse. So yes, when I offered to trade Allie Campbell three months as my mistress for her family home, it was a joke. Only thing is, she wasn’t laughing…and she bloody well took me up on it.

Well, all right then; I could play that game. I figured I’d take her on, we’d have some fun, and in three months, she’d walk away with her family intact and I could get back to what I do best: making money.

But I’d made one mistake along the way. I stupidly assumed that after having her, I could walk away. I was wrong. I don’t know how long this feeling-this consuming need-will last, but I’m not ready to let her go.

Not now. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

Read on for my thoughts on To Be His. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: She’s The One by Kim Boykin

Posted August 1, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: She’s the One
Series: Island Bliss #32
Author: Kim Boykin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 10, 2014
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Melissa Bliss has just set a personal record. She’s matched up 49 couples, and she’s just itching to make it 50. While most days find her working at her Isle of Palms vacation property, Island Bliss, her true passion lies with matchmaking, a gift handed down through generations. Melissa cherishes using her gift to find the perfect match for friends, lonely hearts visiting the island and anyone but herself.

Shane Carver would like to make a match with Melissa since he met her six months ago. Trouble is, Melissa’s believes Shane’s perfect match is the tall, stacked brunette who’s new in town. While Melissa admits she has strong feelings for Shane, going against her matchmaking gift when all signs point to a different soul mate for Shane, isn’t an option.

To prove that Melissa’s the one for him, Shane will have to convince her to go against everything she thinks knows about true love and perfect matches and for once to listen to her own heart.

Read on for my thoughts on She’s the One. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Impossible by Laurel Ulen Curtis

Posted July 31, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Impossible
Series: Huntsford Hearts #1
Author: Laurel Ulen Curtis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 28, 2015 (original June 24, 2013)
Publisher:
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley & Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

One Accident. Two losses. Three years.

Veronica Russo chases storms, but runs from her past by staying firmly in the present. Unwilling to consider the possibility of a future, she’s checked out of life by using solitude and standoffishness as her armor and a sharp tongue and quick wit as her weapons.

Coleman Cade is a walking contradiction- just like his mismatched eyes. A rough and manly bull rider with a playful side. A ladies man with thousands of willing victims, but what he really wants is one woman. The right woman.

Will Roni be able to let go, move on, and find a way to fulfill her dream of having everything? Or will unsubstantiated choices and unresolved demons stand in the way of their happily ever after?

In order to overcome past tragedies and find true happiness- in order to have Everything- Roni needs to do one thing. Find the impossible.

Read on for my thoughts on Impossible. No true spoilers, promis.

How Much Do Book Covers Matter?

Posted July 30, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Lately when I browse through Amazon or even my local Wal-Mart on the look out for new and interesting books – I could swear I’m seeing double or even triple.

I’m seeing books with the same cover. And to be frank – I don’t like it.

Book covers are often a way that I identify whether I’ve read a book before or not… OR… I know a book is coming out, have a picture of the cover in my mind and in a hurry pick up a book… the wrong book. Yeah, I know my bad.

I freely admit that I love book covers, they are a special kind of art and as such I often will pick up a book purely because the cover draws me in. So when I see that same cover on more than one book it’s not only confusing – it’s also annoying to me.

Okay, I’m not trying to be rude here – I suppose there could be a hundred and one reasons for using the same cover for totally different books. I simply don’t understand why.

To me as a reader, the cover is part of the book’s story. I might visualize the characters based on the cover photo, or even a location that is unique to one story because it fits the story perfectly. There is an emotional attachment to book covers for me – and I know I’m not alone in this.

How about you?

Review: I Don’t Want To Talk About It by Jane Lovering

Posted July 30, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: I Don’t Want To Talk About It
Series: Yorkshire Romances #5
Author: Jane Lovering
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 31, 2015
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

What if the one person you wanted to talk to wouldn’t listen?

Winter Gregory and her twin sister Daisy live oceans apart but they still have the ‘twin thing’ going on. Daisy is Winter’s port in the storm, the first person she calls when things go wrong …

And things are wrong. Winter has travelled to a remote Yorkshire village to write her new book, and to escape her ex-boyfriend Dan Bekener. Dan never liked her reliance on Daisy and made her choose – but Winter’s twin will always be her first choice.

She soon finds herself immersed in village life after meeting the troubled Hill family; horse-loving eight-year-old Scarlet and damaged, yet temptingly gorgeous, Alex. The distraction is welcome and, when Winter needs to talk, Daisy is always there.

But Dan can’t stay away and remains intent on driving the sisters apart – because Dan knows something about Daisy…

Read on for my thoughts on I Don’t Want To Talk About It. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Midnight Kiss by Nancy Gideon

Posted July 30, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Midnight Kiss
Series: Touched by Midnight #1, Midnight #1
Author: Nancy Gideon
Genre: Paranormal
Published: July 12, 2015 ebook edition (original May 1, 1994 by Pinnacle)
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley (& an original paperback owned)
Cover Description:

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon’s Touched by Midnight series.

A DARK CURSE

Miss Arabella Howland is content to forgo the London marriage mill to assist her father in his research, especially when it comes to his intriguing patient, Louis Radman. But it’s not long before Bella’s curiosity alerts her to the danger of her father’s work . . . and to the fact that Louis is not who or what he seems.

A BRIGHT PROMISE

After centuries struggling with his vile existence, Louis Radman will soon be free of his affliction, thanks to his very capable physician. Unfortunately, his heart is less secure around the man’s tempting daughter. His yearning to walk in the light once more is complicated by his desire for the delightful Bella, who is as intelligent as she is fearless. But if history has taught him anything, it’s not to tempt fate.

AN UNFORGIVING PAST

Still, happiness has a price and Louis is soon reminded that mortality comes with unfortunate limitations. To protect his new bride, he must face the demons from his past who wish to pull him back into their vampiric fold.

Yet, if he’s forced to return to his midnight world, will he lose his beloved Bella forever?

Read on for my thoughts on Midnight Kiss. No true spoilers, promise.