Thursday, October 31, 2019

Book Review: Purrfect Magic (Whisker Witchcraft, #1) by Samantha Coville

Purrfect Magic (Whisker Witchcraft, #1)
Title: Purrfect Magic (Whisker Witchcraft, #1) 

Author: Samantha Coville 

Stars: 2 

Review:
Puurfect Magic is in need of better editing.  The story lacks focus, characters readers will like and the odd thrown in F word that doesn't really work with this style of writing the author is using.
The characters are flat, wanna be Harry Potter style of story telling but lacks creative energy and desire to keep reading this series.
The author tries her best to create a world of Witches at this all girl school with a girl who is from a famous family and everyone knows her.  Her roommate tries hard to prove she is worthy of the school while Harper flakes off her classes.  The story lacks flow, stand out characters and imagination that is needed for a world of magic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Samantha Coville Purrfect Magic

Synopsis:
Magic is one thing. Three balls of fluff and fur are a completely different story.
The prestigious and highly selective Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft only accepts twenty-five new students every year. But Harper Bishop has been virtually guaranteed her acceptance to the magic academy since the day she was born. One of the many perks of being the daughter of two legendary Warlocks.
But attending the academy was never her dream. Magic, quite frankly, bores Harper out of her goddamn mind. She wants to get out, see the world, experience life in all its glory. Passing on the school isn't an option, however. So she arrives for her first day and begins the countdown to freedom.
Until three tiny kittens start speaking to her telepathically.
Which isn't normal, even for witches.
Now it's not just surviving boring spell classes that Harper has to worry about. Something evil and powerful is coming to the Academy and only Harper and her magical kittens can stop it before it destroys everything in its path. What's the worst that could happen?
 


Kindle Edition137 pages
Published August 30th 2019
About The Author:
Samantha Coville
Samantha Coville is a fantasy author and college senior at the University of Central Florida. Her lifelong love of reading evolved into a passion for writing during the third grade. And then at the age of sixteen her debut novel, Blood Oath, was released. When Samantha isn't writing, she's either watching movies with her fiance Marsean or bowling with friends.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Book Review: This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors #1) by Kate Bateman

This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors #1)
Title: This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors #1)

Author:  Kate Bateman

Stars: 4

Review:
A unique approach by a young 
heiress, to retaining her wealth and obtaining her independence, leads to an interesting marriage. However her new husband, whom she believes is to be transported the next day, is not the seemingly character of I'll repute she believes she is marrying. He is the second son of an broke and destitute Earl, whose brother has become the Earl, following the old Earl's death. As things become clearer and budding love begins to blossom will both parties to this hidden and sham marriage realize the truth of the matter.

I have rated this book 4 stars and must say it was an enjoy read from start to finish.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
Thank You to Frank for the Review

Synopsis:
The first book in a new Regency romance series, an heiress and a rogue accidentally end up in a secret marriage of convenience.

In a desperate bid to keep her fortune out of her cousin's hands, shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed marries a condemned criminal in Newgate prison. The scoundrel's first kiss is shockingly heated, but Georgie never expects to see her husband again. Until she spots him across a crowded ballroom. Notorious rogue Benedict Wylde never expected a wife. He was in Newgate undercover, working for Bow Street. To keep their marriage of convenience a secret, Wylde courts Georgie in public, but the more time they spend together, the more their attraction sparks. Could an heiress with the world at her feet find happiness with a penniless rake? Kate Bateman's This Earl of Mine is a delightful start to the Bow Street Bachelors series, with witty banter, dynamic characters, and swoon-worthy romance.


Mass Market Paperback336 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by St. Martin's Press
About The Author:
Kate wrote her first historical romance in response to a $1 bet with her husband who rashly claimed she'd 'never finish the thing.' She gleefully proved him wrong. When not traveling to exotic locations 'for research', she leads a not-so-secret double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK, each of which has up to 2.5 million viewers. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England, and writes despite three inexhaustible children /monsters and a number-loving husband who still owes her that dollar.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Book Review: Apple Cider Slaying (A Cider Shop Mystery #1) by Julie Anne Lindsey

Apple Cider Slaying (A Cider Shop Mystery #1)
Title: Apple Cider Slaying (A Cider Shop Mystery #1) 

Author: Julie Anne Lindsey

Stars: 5

Review:
Julie Anne Lindsey is able to write cozy mysteries that readers will be able to connect with as they move from character, murder and trying to solve the case before granny is thrown in jail.
The story moves quickly while giving reader a town farm that will have readers wanting to visit.
The author writing style has changed and evolved in a more confidante writer as readers start with her new series that is a cant miss. The characters come alive on the pages as readers connect with everyone in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Julie Anne Lindsey Apple Cider Slaying. 

Synopsis:
Blossom Valley, West Virginia, is home to Smythe Orchards, Winnie and her Granny's beloved twenty-five-acre farm and family business. But any way you slice it, it's struggling. That's why they're trying to drum up business with the "First Annual Christmas at the Orchard," a good old-fashioned holiday festival with enough delicious draw to satisfy apple-picking locals and cider-loving tourists alike--until the whole endeavor takes a sour turn when the body of Nadine Cooper, Granny's long-time, grudge-holding nemesis, is found lodged in the apple press. Now, with Granny the number one suspect, Winnie is hard-pressed to prove her innocence before the real killer delivers another murder

Paperback320 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
About The Author:
Julie Anne Lindsey is an award-winning and national bestselling author whose bookish heart was once torn between the love of her two favorite genres: toe-curling romance and chew-her-nails suspense. Now, she gets to write both, and she's loving every minute. She’s published more than twenty-five novels since her debut in 2013 and currently writes series as herself, as well as under multiple pen names, for Harlequin, Kensington, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not creating new worlds and fostering the epic love of fictional characters, Julie can be found carpooling her three kids around Northeastern Ohio and plotting with her shamelessly enabling friends. Julie is represented by Jill Marsal at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America. She is the 2019 Director of PAN for RWA’s Kiss of Death chapter. Learn more about Julie at julieannelindsey.com

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Book Review: 50 Hikes with Kids California by Wendy Gorton

50 Hikes with Kids California
Title: 50 Hikes with Kids California 

Author: Wendy Gorton

Stars: 4

Review:
As a parent of children 1\2 who love the outdoors and others who want to see but not get dirty.  This book is a great introduction to families who are looking for a vacation away from crowds and theme parks.
It was an advance copy so it wasn't complete and it has issues that will be fixed I assume after it is published. 
This book will inspire parents to find a love for the outdoors as well as a vacation to California that will have everyone enjoying the adventurous outdoors.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Timber Press for the advance copy of Wendy Gorton 50 Hikes with kids California. 

Synopsis:
Award-winning author and educator Wendy Gorton is back with a brand-new guide to hiking with kids—this time in California! Family-friendly, fun, and trustworthy, 50 Hikes with Kids: California is handcrafted for parents and caregivers who want to spark a love of nature in childhood and beyond. The guide highlights the most kid-friendly hikes in California. Each route is under five miles with elevation gains of 900 feet or less—perfect for little legs. Every entry includes the essential details: easy-to-read directions; a detailed map; hike length and elevation gain; highlights to see along the way; bathroom access; and where to grab a bite to eat nearby. Entries also include full-color photographs and fun activities that will keep kids engaged and having fun along the trail. Not just another guide book, 50 Hikes with Kids will help nurture a life-long appreciation and reverence for the natural world.


Paperback284 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by Timber Press

About The Author:
Wendy Gorton
Wendy Gorton holds a master's degree in learning technologies and is a former classroom teacher. She worked as a National Geographic Fellow in Australia researching Tasmanian devils, a PolarTREC teacher researcher in archaeology in Alaska, an Earthwatch teacher fellow in the Bahamas and New Orleans, and a GoNorth! teacher explorer studying climate change via dogsled in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Today, she is a global education consultant who has traveled to more than fifty countries to design programs, build communities, and train other educators to do the same.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Book Review: Christmas Past by Mary Burton

Christmas Past
Title: Christmas Past 

Author: Mary Burton

Stars: 3

Review:
I love Mary Burton Stories she is able to bring the dark and light to her stories but this one feels forced, the characters fall flat and lacks the suspense that usually Mary Burton is known for. While the story is a short story/Novella it lacks story that is engaging from her past books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Mary Burton Christmas Past.

Synopsis:
Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift - a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer's identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden's help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire.

Kindle Edition100 pages
Published November 21st 2013 by Penguin (first published December 20th 2012)

About The Author:
Mary Burton, whose latest novel is Hide and Seek, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.

Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense. Upon publication, her novels, including 2018’s Cut and Run and Her Last Word, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Book Review: Bishop's Queen (Endgame Trilogy #2) by Katie Reus

Bishop's Queen (Endgame Trilogy, #2)
Title: Bishop's Queen (Endgame Trilogy #2) 

Author: Katie Reus 

Stars: 4 1\2 

Review:
 Katie Reus has a formula when she writes books.  Most of her stories have the same type of flow and with each story it stays the same.  Not goo or bad just stays the same.  Endgame series seems to slight change the flow.  Her writing style is easy quick read but she is able to bring hearts a story of heart.  Isla was in book 1 of of the series and while this can be a stand a lone but readers will love this story more if they read book one. Readers will feel Isla pain and heart ache and why she does what she does in the book.
Quick fast romance with very little suspense but still worth the read.
Thank you Netgalley and the author Katie Reus for the advance copy of Bishop's Queen.  I can't wait to read the next in the series.


Synopsis:
They used to call Evan Bishop the golden boy. He had it all and was about to close the business deal of a lifetime, then marry the woman of his dreams. But everything goes to hell when a faceless enemy wants to destroy his family’s empire and see him dead. Except the bomb meant to kill him fails. He wakes up from a coma to find his face scarred and his brother missing and wanted for murder. Now that he’s damaged, he hides away from the world—including the woman he loves. He refuses to be a burden to her, so even though it destroys him, he sets her free.

Isla MacDonald isn’t walking away from Evan just because he’s decided to shut her out of his life. He blames himself for the bombing that got her father killed and nearly killed him—but he’s wrong. After all attempts to see him fail, with a broken heart she tries to resume her life and take over her father’s firm. Though it’s not her dream, she wants to honor his legacy and finish the deal that will save thousands of jobs. But when someone tries to kill her—twice—she needs a bodyguard. To her surprise Evan steps up and insists on protecting her, putting on a show as the caring fiancé. But he won’t let her back into his life or into his heart. To have any chance at a future together, they’ll have to resurrect the past and stay alive long enough to expose the man determined to see them both dead.


About The Author:
Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, & IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Book Review: Whisper of Bones (Widow's Island #3) by Melinda Leigh

Whisper of Bones (Widow's Island #3)
Title: Whisper of Bones (Widow's Island #3)

Author: Melinda Leigh

Stars: 4 1\2 stars

Review:
Whisper of the Bones is a short novella that Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot have written together using several different characters different points of views.
After finishing the book I had to go back and reread the first book. I was a little lost. The author crammed a lot of things into a short amount of pages an while sometimes it works this time I have to admit something was missing. The connection between the two lead characters in this book didn't seem connect. Male lead even brings up the amount of dead bodies that seem to be found on this small island since he came home.  I get the idea the island is purging its self of the evil but something just doesn't quite flow as well as before.
Thank you to the Author Melinda Leigh and Netgalley for the advance copy of Whisper of Bones

Synopsis:
When a body washes up on the state park beach, Deputy Tessa Black’s experience as a former Seattle detective tells her that the death was not an accident. All evidence points to another murder on the remote island.

The victim is a local contractor with a shockingly long list of enemies. The more locals Tessa interviews, the more people she suspects—from the bitter ex-wife and estranged current wife to disgruntled former clients and employees. They all have different reasons to want him dead.

As Tessa’s investigation heats up, arson and a vicious assault convince her the killer is desperate to hide his crime—and that she’d better solve the case before he claims another victim.


About The Author:
Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 7.5 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles

Monday, October 21, 2019

Book Review: Dark 'N' Deadly (Federal K-9 #3) by Tee O'Fallon

Dark 'N' Deadly (Federal K-9 #3)
Title: Dark 'N' Deadly (Federal K-9 #3)

Author: Tee O'Fallon

Stars: 4


Review:
When I first started Federal K-9 series I wasn't convinced it was end up being the same story over and over again.  The author has found a flow to her stories each one writing style, story and flow improves.  Readers will find themselves wanting excited for the next book in the series.  
The story follows the traditional best friends little sister romance story line but it takes a twist that readers will given to them right away.  Yet they find themselves invested in the different characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Tee O'Fallon Dark n' Deadly.


Synopsis:
ATF Special Agent Eric Miller and his explosives detecting K-9, Tiger, pull over a truck, the contents of which are explosive. Literally. More shocking, the driver is the kid brother of a woman he left behind. One who still haunts his days and his nights.

They’d never so much as kissed, but Tess McTavish never forgot the handsome, dangerous agent who vanished in a shroud of mystery. Now the last thing she needs is an ATF agent with his own agenda. Doesn’t matter that Tess and her brother are innocent. If Eric learns the truth of their past, they’ll never be free.

Eric’s drive for revenge against the man who targeted him and his colleagues in a deadly explosion still burns hot inside him. Another bomb is about to be detonated and he’s sure there’s a connection between that man…and Tess’s family. But Eric and Tiger will do everything they can to protect the woman he’s falling for from what’s coming


ebook400 pages
Expected publication: October 21st 2019 by Entangled: Amara

About The Author:
Tee O’Fallon has been a federal agent for twenty-three years, and is now a police investigator, giving her hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement that she combines with her love of romantic suspense. Tee’s job affords her the unique opportunity to work with the heroic men and women in law enforcement on a daily basis. Besides writing, Tee loves cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and all creatures canine.

Tee is the author of the Federal K-9 Series and the NYPD Blue & Gold Series.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Book Review: The Dinner Party by R.J. Parker

The Dinner Party
Title: The Dinner Party

Author: R.J. Parker

Stars: 4

Review:
Thee Dinner Party starts off with reader feeling they are in a book version of the game Clue. The characters are interesting and will have readers excited to find out the truth.  Not sure what happened but somewhere in the story it starts to fall apart with characters added fighting that didn't enhance the story or drive it forward.
The ending was confusing ended the once exciting story to a mess of questions.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of R.J. Parker The Dinner Party

Synopsis:
All your friends are invited. But which of them will survive?
An addictive and twisty psychological thriller about the dark secrets that lie within a peaceful neighbourhood.

Eight friends. Eight secrets. One killer.

A group of old friends gather in a peaceful suburban street for a dinner party.

They are expecting a fun evening of wine, food and pleasant company. But then they start to play the game…

It’s about trust and dark secrets – it tests marriage to its limits – and none of them can begin to imagine its consequences.

Because the next day, two guests are dead and the others are trapped in a nightmare


About The Author:
RJ Parker, P.Mgr., MCrim, is an award winning and bestselling true crime author and co-owner with his daughters of RJ Parker Publishing. Inc. He has written 17 true crime books, available in eBook, paperback and audiobook editions, and have sold in over 100 countries. He holds Certifications in Serial Crime and Criminal Profiling.

ALL Paperbacks under RJ Parker Publishing are in the KINDLE MATCHBOOK program: When you purchase any print book, you get the eBook for FREE

Besides gifting books to his cause, Wounded Warriors, and donating to Victims of Violent Crimes, RJ has daily contests on Facebook where he gifts eBooks and autographed books.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Book Review: Classic Murder: Mr. Romance by Mary Martinez

Classic Murder: Mr. Romance
Title: Classic Murder: Mr. Romance 

Author:  Mary Martinez 

Stars: 3 1\2 

Review:
Classic Murder: Mr. Romance is a traditional romance story with a mystery thrown in to give the characters a reason to be together. 

The story has a decent flow but the story tries to pull off a Carey Grant style characters but he falls just a little flat.  It has the feel of Dial M for murder but doesn't quite pull off the charm of that the author might have been hoping for.  At least with this review>

The author tries to create humors moments which work but also some fall flat.  The story is cute, with sex after the characters have developed a relationship.  
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Mary Martinez Classic Murder Romance

Synopsis:
Billionaire Adam Fernando Russo has a lifestyle most men only dream of. But when the front page headline of the New York Times reads: "Another victim falls prey to
Mr. Romance. Who is next?", he realizes his way of life is not only frivolous but deadly. Once dubbed “Mr. Romance”, he’s no longer New York’s sweetheart. His weekend
dates are mysteriously falling prey to a murderer.

Katie Sinclair, Adam’s executive assistant, knows he’s innocent. With his airtight alibis, the police are also at a loss. Together, Adam and Katie discover the murderer is copying classic Cary Grant movies. Their plan to prove this is the link between the murders goes astray just as Adam realizes the perfect woman has been by his side all along.

Can he save her in time?


Kindle Edition
Published May 28th 2018

About the Author:
ary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing, and Italy for the wine. And most recently she discovered she was Irish and Scottish, of course they had to visit Ireland and Scotland. Mary fell in love with both, but the green hills of Ireland felt like home. With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters.

They are avid concert ‘Ho’s’! Yes, they pretty much want to do them all. They love outdoor amphitheaters the best and attend as many during the warmer months as possible.

Mary and her husband are also enthusiastic college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES, University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999.
GO UTES!

Monday, October 14, 2019

Book Review: My Forever Plus-One by Shannyn Schroeder

My Forever Plus-One
Title: My Forever Plus-One 

Author: Shannyn Schroeder

Stars: 3 1\2

Review:
Best friend romance stories are hard to be creative and made it just different enough from other authors out there.  The book is interesting with both leads having been divorced and marriage not what they expected it to be.
The best friends are very much apart of each other lives and it isn't until a mutual friend points out how much it would hurt the other if they were not together. 
The story moves quickly making it a easy beach read for those needing a happily ever after.
The story is basic doesn't add to or stand out in the romance genre. 
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Shannyn Schroeder My Forever Plus-One

Synopsis:
Evelyn is a woman who has everything--a successful career as a TV producer, and her best friend—sexy firefighter Owen Hanson—who looks mighty fine as her plus-one to awards dinners and backyard picnics. But something is missing and it’s not just the sex.

Owen Hanson is living the dream—a Chicago firefighter who volunteers at a youth center on the Southside and he’s got his best friend Evelyn—who knows him better than anyone. When Evelyn starts hinting about wanting something more, Owen panics.

Sex changes everything but taking their relationship to the next level surpasses even their wildest dreams. Until Evelyn’s ex-husband shows up and could make even the most perfect couple crash and burn



ebook200 pages
Expected publication: October 14th 2019 by Entangled tangled Publishing, LLC
About The Author:
Shannyn Schroeder
Shannyn is a former English teacher, who now works as a part-time editor while raising her three kids.

Even though she wrote from high school through college (mostly poetry), she'd never considered a career as an author. Writing fell by the wayside as she focused her energy on creating lesson plans and new and fabulous ways to torment her teen students. One group in particular dubbed her "The Torture Master," a title she carried into motherhood.

After the birth of baby number two, Shannyn resigned from teaching and fell in love with reading romance novels. She read so many books so quickly that her husband teased, "If you're going to read so many damn books, why don't you just write one?"

So she did. And she hasn't looked back since.

She is recovering from her Diet Coke addiction, fears putting her foot in her mouth on social media, and has a renewed appreciation for the bad girls of the world.

Shannyn is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel. 


Friday, October 11, 2019

Book Review: Practicing Murder by Erin Unger

Practicing Murder
Title: Practicing Murder

Author: Erin Unger

Stars: 3

Review:
The story starts off fine and the story moves a little slow for the story line.  It lacks focus in some areas.  While others have more detail than is needed for the scene.  The christian side of the story was sweet without being in your face religious.
The book cover is very eye catching and beautifully done. The author way of writing a small town worked for this book but fell short at times.  It is a quick beach read.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Practicing Murder By Erin Unger

Synopsis:
Graduate student Maddie Clare is never talking to her ex-boyfriend Joze Evans or God again. Still broken from Joze's betrayal, Mattie has to go home for her Aunt Lonna's funeral. But after a run-in with a stalker who insists Maddie knows the secret that had Aunt Lonna investigating him, Mattie is afraid for her life and must accept Joze's protection. 

As the stalker draws closer, Maddie and Joze have to face the past and a love that never died. Maddie sees she needs God's help to end her fears and to get through the new danger. 

Can Maddie stay out of the stalker's grip long enough to figure out who he is and what secret he possesses? And how will Joze keep Mattie from being buried with the stalker's true identity?


Kindle Edition169 pages
Published March 29th 2019 by Harbourlight Books

About The Author:
I was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and running for dear life from the cows that grazed in the fields surrounding my home. There were friends in abundance who goaded me into truth or dare many a time. I learned to imagine the best and worst of life in those years. That imagination grew as I became a voracious reader of Nancy Drew and later Mary Higgins Clarke.
After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel but too young for real life, I have enjoyed an exciting life with my hubby and best friend. We have five mostly children who are almost too old to believe and a couple grandkids.
Art has been a great hobby for me over the years. I love to leave the world behind for a few hours to paint with acrylics and have been commissioned by two camps to do murals. My true love is portraiture painting.
It took years for me to discover that one of the gifts God gave me was writing. But once I knew what I was meant to do, I worked hard to become a writer. I’m an active member of ACFW and regularly attends, writing workshops and conferences. I am an avid reader of books on writing and make it a priority as I continue to write. It’s not unusual for me to travel all over Virginia to participate in writers groups, for I’m truly a people person who wants to encourage other writers on their journey.
I was first published in Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans as a teenager. I illustrated a children’s book, Memphis Learns the Hard Way in 2013.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Book Review: Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas (River Ranch #3) by Soraya M. Lane

Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas (River Ranch, #3)
Title: Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas (River Ranch #3) 

Author:  Soraya M. Lane

Stars: 4

Review:
With the Christmas season fast approaching this a wonderful feel good modern day western romance. Our reluctant hero has returned home, for a Christmas visit to his ailing father, and upon arrival he meets his father's beautiful caregiver. He is unable to place her although she seems to be very familiar. He had left home permanently ten years before to avoid watching his mother succumb to cancer. The caregiver, as it turns out, is his girlfriend at that time. She is now divorced with a six year old son. It is soon apparent that this heat between them is still smoldering and will not take much to turn it into a raging inferno. The only question is whether he can overcome his past painful memories and secure a bright future. 

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
Thank you Frank for your Review.

Synopsis:
He left town and never looked back.
Cody Ford is a Wall Street honcho with humble Texas roots. This holiday season, he’d be content to just stay in New York and not face his family―and dodge their questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down. . .and if he will do so back at home. But his father isn’t getting any younger, and Cody doesn’t want to miss any last chances to see him and the rest of the folks back on the ranch. The last person Cody was expecting to see? His one-time girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, who’s been working as his dad’s new live-in nurse.

She never forgot him. Can she ever forgive him?
Lexi still holds a grudge against Cody. Back then, the college-bound heartthrob believed he was too good for a small-town girl like Lexi. But now Cody can’t help but see her in a whole new light. Could it be that this beautiful single mother with an unbeatable can-do spirit is the one he’s been waiting for all along? That depends on whether Cody can prove to Lexi that, this time, he means business―and if a sudden snowstorm can lend just the right amount of Christmas magic to help move things along



Mass Market Paperback304 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by St. Martin's Press

About The Author:

As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.

Add my upcoming release, The Spitfire Girls, to your Goodreads shelf today!

For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on twitter @Soraya_Lane. She would love to hear from you.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Book Review: Rules in Deceit (Blackhawk Security #3) by Nichole Severn

Rules in Deceit (Blackhawk Security #3)
Title: Rules in Deceit (Blackhawk Security #3)

Author: Nichole Severn

Stars: 4

Review:
Nichole Severns is able to write a security style series that is a balance, romance, action, character building that the author creates in her story telling.
Rules In Deceit have a the traditions of Harlequin Intrigue but the author add her own style to this series.
The story moves quickly with action, romance, sex, action and an ending readers will enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Intrigue for an advance copy of Nichole Severn Rules of Deceit. 

Synopsis:
Blackhawk Security’s Elizabeth Dawson believes ex-government programmer Braxton Levitt betrayed her, but now he’s the only one who can keep her safe. A killer steps ahead of them is methodically hunting the pregnant analyst to access her top-level software program. But as Braxton and Liz race to stop him, their broken trust—and most intimate secrets—could end more than their lives.

ebook256 pages
Expected publication: November 1st 2019 by Harlequin Intrigue

About The Author:
Nichole Severn writes explosive romantic suspense with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and a hell of a lot of guns. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and from Nevada State College with a degree in English Literature. She's a member of Romance Writers of America.

She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself running, rock climbing, practicing yoga, and snowboarding

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Book Review: Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me by Julie Wright

Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me
Title: lass Slippers, Ever After, and Me

Author: Julie Wright 

Stars:

Review:
Glass Slipper will have readers laughing, crying and smiling from first to last page. This take on the Cinderella Fairy Tail will have readers falling in love with author Julie Wright. 
The story does fall the story line but what the Author changed was how the female lead character changes everything about herself.  While sometimes we all need make overs this one seemed or felt a little extreme for the characters reader fell in love with.
Julie Wright has the ability to write fun, witty dialogue that flows and feel natural.
Thank you to Netgalley for the Advance copy of Julie Wright Glass Slipper, Ever After Me.

Synopsis:
When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.


Paperback336 pages
Expected publication: October 21st 2019 by Shadow Mountain

About The Author:
Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written over twenty novels since then. She is represented by Sara Crowe. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her book Cross My Heart and a Crown Heart recipient for the novel The Fortune Café.

She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

She hates mayonnaise.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Book Review: The Unicorn Whisperer (Phoebe and Her Unicorn #10) by Dana Simpson

The Unicorn Whisperer (Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series Book 10)
Title: The Unicorn Whisperer (Phoebe and Her Unicorn #10) 

Author: Dana Simpson

Stars: 5

Review:
This book is perfect for girls and boys who believe in Magic and loves Unicorns.  This book will appeal to all ages from little who love to listen to their mothers read books and to girls who love to read on their own.
The story flows well engaging, the author writes without dumbing down the readers. The art or Illustrations are well done and fit well into the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Andrew McMeel Publishing for the advance copy of Dana Simpson The Unicorn Whisper 

Synopsis:
For 9-year-old Phoebe Howell and her sparkling companion, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, every day is an adventure. In this latest installation of Dana Simpson's award-winning Phoebe and Her Unicorn series, Phoebe navigates the challenges of school life with a little help from her unicorn friend, who is always ready with the perfect spell for the occasion. But as the magic spells mount up, both Phoebe and Marigold find themselves wondering if sometimes they might be taking things just a little too far..

Paperback176 pages
Expected publication: October 8th 2019 by Andrews McMeel Publishing

About The Author:
Dana Claire Simpson grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, drawing the entire time. She eventually graduated from The Evergreen State College, despite having spent all her time drawing, and not always for credit.

Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.

She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Book Review: Muddy Waters by Candace J. Carter

Muddy Waters by Candace J. Carter
Title: Muddy Waters 

Author: Candace J. Carter 

Stars: 4 1\2 

Review:
A fantastic western themed murder mystery that, other than the prologue, takes place in North Carolina. The main character is both likeable and realistic. He comes across as a real person caught up in circumstances but is determined to solve the murder of his old friend. In fact he is a range detective, in Colorado, and has returned to his home to be best man at his Uncle's wedding. He reconnects with his old girlfriend and finds what he has missed and considers returning in spite of being estranged from his father. The conclusion will leave the reader wondering what vital clue they missed.

I have rated this book 4.5 stars. 

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Synopsis:
Candy Carter, a former park ranger, gives us an exciting outdoor mystery featuring a new sleuth. Handy with a six-shooter, Henry “Whispering” Smith is a range detective for the Colorado Plateau Cattlemen’s Association. The action begins when he apprehends an old acquaintance moving cows that belong to someone else. Shots ring out from the bushes and bullets fly. In the aftermath Henry is faced with arresting an old friend who’d just saved his life. We travel with Whispering Smith from Colorado Plateau to the North Carolina mountains in this fresh, new mystery from an “author of great promise.”

Kindle Edition220 pages
Published October 6th 2018
About The Author:
Candace J. Carter
Candace J. Carter is a South Carolina-based writer. She graduated from Iowa State University following military service and spent much of her professional career with the U.S. Department of the Interior. She has worked with several threatened and endangered species in both Colorado and Florida, including the black-footed ferret, Florida scrub-jay, and four species of sea turtles. She is retired from the National Park Service. Muddy Waters is her first mystery, and the first in the Henry "Whispering" Smith series.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Book Review: The Wendy (Tales of the Wendy #1) by Erin Michelle Sky

The Wendy (Tales of the Wendy, #1)
Title: The Wendy (Tales of the Wendy #1)

Author:  Erin Michelle Sky

Stars: 5

Review:
Wendy is a beautiful tale of a story most have read, watched or listen to over the years.  The author has the ability to create a balance of humor and danger bring readers excitement for all ages.
The authors ability to take a beloved story creating in such a way that she was able to make it her own.
Everyone will fall in love with Wendy.
Thank you to the Netgalley and the publisher Trash Dog Media LLC for a copy of Erin Michelle Sky The Wendy.

Synopsis:
London. 1789. More than anything in the world, Wendy Darling wants to be the captain of a ship, but women aren't allowed in the Royal Navy. When she learns the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the fight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic.

But the secret service isn't exactly what she hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn't as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn't blinded by her gender might be the worst friend anyone could ask for.

Anyone, that is, except Wendy Darling.
 


Hardcover294 pages
Published January 16th 2018 by Trash Dogs Media LLC

About The Author:
As a child, Erin fell in love with llamas and with the books of Anne McCaffrey, whose Dragonriders of Pern series inspired her to become a writer. When she finally met Anne McCaffrey at a fantasy convention some two decades later, she wept uncontrollably throughout the entire affair. She does significantly better with llamas.

Steven Brown spent his childhood reading anything he could get his hands on, sharing his favorite stories with his younger brothers and then acting them out, especially if this required sword fighting on horseback. When they ran out of books, he wrote his own, including his brothers as the main characters by sketching original illustrations on magazine clippings.

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