Release Day Review: "Tangled in Tinsel" by Stacy Eaton

Synopsis:
Casey Lowe is new in town and hiding from her past. Her next-door neighbor, Thad Wagner, is a sexy police officer, who is good with his hands, and his lips, but Casey refuses to get involved with a married man, and Thad can't seem to understand why she keeps pushing him away. No matter how they try to stay apart, something keeps drawing them together. When an unexpected visitor shows up at Casey's house the week before Christmas, her future is on the line. Will Thad figure it out in time to save her, or will Casey become a conspirator to a murderer?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I've never been disappointed by a Stacy Eaton book, and Tangled in Tinsel is no exception. As with all of Stacy Eaton's books, Tangled in Tinsel is written in alternating first person point of view. I really like how the author will sometimes back track when she changes POVs to enable the reader to see how the OTHER character was feeling when a scene was unfolding. It really helps draw you in and keep you engaged with the story.

There are so many fun misunderstandings in this story that really make it fun to watch unfold. I couldn't wait to find out Corrine's relationship with Thad, and really thought it was fun to see how they interpreted Casey and Brandy's relationship at the beginning.

As with  most of Stacy Eaton's book, there is a suspenseful aspect to the book as well. It's a mystery why Casey has picked up and left her old life behind to move to this small Northern town. And its also suspicious why she went from living in the lap of luxury to barely scraping by. All of these questions are answered and the danger is heightened as an unexpected and unwelcome visitor comes to town. And at just the right time to delay Thad's coming to Casey's rescue when she needs him. But in the end, love prevails, all the questions are answered, and Thad and Casey find their way to each other.

Tangled in Tinsel is the first book in a series of novellas due to release in 2016 in the Celebration series and I look forward to each one of them!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:
Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

Stacy Eaton has been in law enforcement for 14 years, she is currently assigned as the department detective. She is also the departments Crime Scene Investigator.

She uses her knowledge from her job to shape her stories. Give real life twists and turns to the fantasy fiction that she creates and uses her knowledge to enhance her romantic suspense novels.

Stacy is also a photographer, avid reader and a business owner. She also currently serves on the board of directors for her county's domestic violence center. She lives with her husband, her daughter and her two Shiloh Shepherds Garda and Callie in Southeaster PA.

Website:  www.stacyeaton.com

Release Day Review: "Commit if you Dare"

Synopsis:

It's summer vacation and it's going to be a memorable one for Jacklynn Holmes. She's just gotten out of a bad relationship, and all she wants is a hot, sexy fling or two. 

Sports reporter to the Miami Thunders, Emmett Woods has sworn to never again spend the night with a woman, but Jacklynn has him questioning if he should throw that motto out the window. 

Both Jacklynn and Emmett aren’t looking for a relationship, but after one steamy night between the sheets, they can’t seem to get enough of one another. They aren’t the only ones pining away for each other however, as a flirty neighbor and cheating ex-boyfriend butt their noses into the relationship Jacklynn and Emmett are trying to pretend doesn’t exist.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Note: This book is part of Carly Phillips' Dare to Love Kindle World and is exclusive to Amazon.

My Review:

Commit if you Dare is a story of two people who aren't looking for commitment, but find it when they least expect it. Jacklynn and Emmett meet in a bar and agree, honestly, to a one night stand. Almost immediately, they are both regretting making that decision.

What I liked about this book was that it is Emmett, not Jacklynn, who tries to change the rules for their "relationship". Typically, you find its the heroine who wants to change the rules, but not here. Emmett goes to some lengths to track Jacklynn down, running into her with her ex-boyfriend and going way too alpha for her liking. He also manages to track her down at home. It's almost as though he's not sure why he's doing what he's doing, but he can't help himself. And Jacklynn keeps trying to tell herself that it's just a fling and she's not getting in a relationship with him, and it's all for fun - but her heart betrays her in that regards.

I also love the suspense / scorned lover aspects of the story and didn't quite see some of those twists in the story coming.

In true "Dare to Love" fashion, the book is pretty steamy.

I really enjoyed this book from this relatively new to me author.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon

About the Author:

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. Her goal as an author is to have a romance for everyone, whether it’s sweet, sensual, or spicy. She’s had several books on the Amazon best seller lists. When she isn’t writing, she can be found running, talking to her pets, spending time with her family, or lost in some sort of craft. Oh, and she takes kindly to anyone who feeds her cookies.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their herd of cats and one black lab who rules the house.


Website: http://www.laceywolfe.com/

Release Day Review: "The Celebrity Dare" by Kaira Rouda

Synopsis:

Playboy billionaire and son of a New York City real estate tycoon, Mark Dare is living a great life, living in the city and operating his family’s hotels, nightclubs and cruise ships. He loves his job, and his carefree, no-strings-attached lifestyle. When he agreed to be a celebrity judge/investor on the television show, The Celebrity Dare, he doesn’t think about the show as anything other than a unique way to promote the Dare Real Estate Holdings name. By this, the second season, he’s a television pro. When a gorgeous, vaguely familiar blonde woman walks on stage, he’s instantly mesmerized, ready to buy whatever it is she’s selling.

Piper Sloan is a woman on a mission to save the US food supply, one product at a time. An attorney who left her lucrative law firm job to start the business of her dreams, her friends think she’s crazy, and they just might be right. Funds are running low and in desperation, she applies to be a contestant on The Celebrity Dare, certain charming and hunky billionaire Mark Dare won’t remember their one night together, even if it’s something she will never forget. She’s desperate, willing to do anything to keep her fledgling company afloat.

Sometimes chemistry is more powerful than common sense. And the ingredients of love aren’t always what they seem.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

The Celebrity Dare is a novella written in the "Dare to Love" Kindle World. It tells the story of Piper, who has left a lucrative career as a corporate attorney and needs funding to support her vision. She participates in a game show to win her funding and encounters a previous lover, Mark Dare. Mark doesn't even remember her at first, but their chemistry spikes as hot as it did the first time they met. Throughout the story, Piper struggles to fight the attraction, and is wary of reconnecting with Mark because of the way her hurt her the last time.

Mark is immediately attracted to Piper when he meets her, unaware that he'd been with her before. He's horrified as he realizes he's been with Piper before, and commits to making it up to her, and making her his. I enjoyed getting to know both characters and watching them as they found their way to each other.

The story is fast-paced and you immediately connect with the characters. The author does a good job of humbling Mark as he realizes his mistake, yet he remains confident he can win her back. Piper is a confident business woman who is vulnerable because of how she'd been treated. But, together their personalities just click. They each transform through their relationship with each other and find success in and out of the bedroom.

A quick, easy red with a fun happily ever after.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon

About the Author:

Kaira Rouda is a bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women's fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart.  Kaira's work has won the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader's Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer's Digest International Book Awards. Her books have been widely reviewed and featured in leading magazines.

She has written two contemporary romance series: INDIGO ISLAND and LAGUNA BEACH. She has already participated in two Kindle World releases.

Her nonfiction titles, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, and REAL YOU FOR AUTHORS: 8 Essentials for Women Writers (available for free download on her website) continue to inspire.

Website: www.kairarouda.com

Review: "The Virgin Cowboy" by Lacey Wolfe

Synopsis:

This cowboy lands the girl of his dreams, but he's got one little secret… 

Courtney Johnson, single mom and bar owner, hasn't had much luck in the dating department. That all changes one evening when Braden Carver asks her out, and she decides to take a chance with him, even though she's ten years older than him. 

Braden's always felt like he lived in the shadows of his two older brothers, never really being noticed. Before he knows it, he's on the dance floor with the girl he's liked for years, calling her 'sweetheart'. Finally, life is looking up for him. However, his mother isn't pleased when she finds out he's seeing Courtney. 

As their relationship heats up, one thing still lingers—Braden's a virgin. How will Courtney react when she learns of his innocence? Will it be enough to make her walk away, especially with his disapproving mother? 

Content Warning: contains adult language and sexual situations 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

This was my first book by author Lacey Wolfe. I love cowboy stories so I was pretty interested in reading this one. I thought this book was very well written and had compelling characters. I love the dynamic between Braden and Courtney. I love how this was a case of "him mooning over her" when often it's the woman mooning after a guy. They had a rough start getting together and a lot of hiccups along the way, but it was fun to read and experience with them. I loved the banter as Courtney and Braden discuss his virginity. She asked him if he had done some other things and he says, "I'm a virgin, I'm not a prude" and then he proceeded to show her.

I really disliked Braden's mother, but I'm sure that was the point. She was an ugly person to Courtney, looking down on her for her job and her single-motherhood and just about anything else she could. She is definitely a character you love to hate. But, I love how Braden stood up to her and supported Courtney and didn't allow his mother to bully him.

All in all, I loved this book in the Carver Ranch series and while I haven't read the previous ones yet, I fully intend to! I liked getting to know the siblings in this book and I'm sure their love stories are equally as compelling!

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • iBooks

About the Author:

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. Her goal as an author is to have a romance for everyone, whether it’s sweet, sensual, or spicy. She’s had several books on the Amazon best seller lists. When she isn’t writing, she can be found running, talking to her pets, spending time with her family, or lost in some sort of craft. Oh, and she takes kindly to anyone who feeds her cookies.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their herd of cats and one black lab who rules the house.


Website: http://www.laceywolfe.com/

Review: "Fighting for Forever" (part of Love Ever After box set) by Elena Aitken

Synopsis:

Ever since falling in love at The Springs, Rhys and Kari have been living a fairy tale, but fairy tales aren't real. Or are they? When Kari runs from the idea of forever, Rhys will have to fight for them. But will it be enough?

"With the right person, marriage isn’t a life sentence. It’s a life."

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Fighting for Forever is a follow-up short story to Falling Into Forever. It gives us a short catch up with Rhys and Kari. When we last saw them, they were living happily together. Kari had jettisoned her ex-husband and was living happily with Rhys. So, what could be the problem? Well, Rhys wants to propose and Kari is afraid. In true small town fashion, an innocent conversation between two people spreads the word and both Rhys and Kari are given a moment's pause due to well-meaning friends' input. The reader doesn't know until the very end whether Rhys and Kari will get their fairy tale proposal or not. I love how the author gives us the answer to our burning question - will they or won't they ... get engaged. I also love how the author includes so many of our favorite characters in this short story.

Links:

Fighting for Forever is released as part of the Love Ever After box set.

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

I’ve been writing in one form or another since elementary school but although I always knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, instead I earned university degrees in Marketing and Psychology and writing got put on the back burner. After my twins were born I was buried in diaper changes, middle of the night feedings and mountains of laundry—obviously it was the logical time to start writing again. I guess it took me while to grow up. 

I turned to non-fiction and became a regular contributor to local parenting magazines, published in four Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, and a compilation by Seal Press. It wasn’t until 2005 that I tried my hand at writing fiction and wrote my first novel. It’s buried on my hard drive where it should be, and ever since I just keep writing more.

Like a lot of my readers, I’m a busy mom. It often feels like life is pulling us in a million different directions, which is why I love to write romance!

There’s nothing better than knowing you have an escape waiting for you at the end of a long day in the form of a good book.

I’m lucky enough to live in the shadow of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the foothills of Alberta, where I can write the stories I love. Whenever I get the chance, I escape into those amazing mountains and I can usually be found sitting with my feet in the lake, working on my next book. As well as contemporary romance novels, I also like to write women’s fiction and my collection of stand alone novels are all part of the Escape Collection. I’m always trying something new, so stay tuned to see what’s next!

Website: http://elenaaitken.com/

Review: Laguna Heights (part of the Love Ever After box set) by Kaira Rouda

Synopsis:

In high school, Annie Johns was the calm, supportive sidekick to the rest of the tumultuous female stars of the hit reality TV show, Laguna Nights. Today, she's living the happy life as a mom that she predicted on the show long ago. There's only one problem: the secret from her past that haunts her most nights, a secret that if revealed could ruin everything she shares with her husband, Hank, the man who saved her from the heartache.

My Review:

Laguna Heights is book two in the Laguna Beach series. We met Annie briefly in book one, and this book is hers. The book alternates between present and past, showing us Annie's college experiences, her brush with a violent boyfriend, and how she met and fell in love with her husband. I really like how the author shows us how loyal college friends can be. Annie has both girl and guy friends that support her and lead her in the right direction when she gets into a situation she's having difficulty getting out of. In the present, I love how her husband is supportive of her as her past comes back to haunt her. This book is a good example of young love, and mature love, all wrapped up into one.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Laguna Heights is released as part of the Love Ever After box set.

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

Kaira Rouda is a bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women's fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart.  Kaira's work has won the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader's Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer's Digest International Book Awards. Her books have been widely reviewed and featured in leading magazines.

She has written two contemporary romance series: INDIGO ISLAND and LAGUNA BEACH. She has already participated in two Kindle World releases.

Her nonfiction titles, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, and REAL YOU FOR AUTHORS: 8 Essentials for Women Writers (available for free download on her website) continue to inspire.

Website: www.kairarouda.com

Release Day Spotlight: "Love Ever After" Box Set

We'd love for you to help us celebrate the release of LOVE EVER AFTER: Eleven ALL-NEW romances in one exclusive collection by your favorite authors!

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/LEABSAMZ

Barnes and Noble:http://smarturl.it/LEABSBN

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/LEABSKB

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/LEABSiB

For a limited time, get eleven ALL-NEW romances in one EXCLUSIVE collection! Cowboys, rock stars, hockey players, shifters, vampires and more! 

Yours To Teach (Captured and Claimed #2) by Cathryn Fox: After an introduction to the darker side of pleasure, Rebecca is anxious to experience the lifestyle to its fullest. Whisked away to a private resort by her lover, she is given a deeper glimpse into BDSM. Humbled that Rebecca has placed her trust in his hands, Quinn intends to take her training slowly. But when he sees her interest, he can’t help but think he needs to start sooner rather than later. 

Forever Begins With a Kiss (Wardham #8) by Zoe York: Chase & Mari tie the knot. WARNING: This book overflows with sexy hockey players, frothy wedding details, and frivolous sex scenes. 

Reign of the Vampire Book 1 by Sharon Page: Moving to Manhattan to work, Lauren is drawn into the world of seductive biker vampire Batiste Carlyle and his eternal battle with his destructive billionaire brother Renoir. As Lauren uncovers secrets of her past, she begins to trust Batiste, until he takes her captive… 

Project Virgin by Megan Crane: First-year lawyer Scottie Grey breaks off her long engagement to a cheating liar and decides it's high time she got rid of her virginity instead of saving it for a wedding day that might never come—maybe to San Francisco's infamous and most intimidatingly sexy attorney Damon Patrick? 

Committed (Lost in Oblivion, #3.7) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott: With the crash and burn of Simon Kagan's singing career, things have been a little off between him and Margo Reece. The passion is there—it's always there—but he wants to make sure she knows just how invested and committed he is to making her happy. Even if that means breaking out a ring and convincing her to wear it. 

All About the Bear by Biana D'Arc: Welcome to Grizzly Cove, where the sheriff has more than the peace to protect. The proprietor of the new bakery in town is clueless about the dual nature of her nearest neighbors, but not for long. Sheriff Brody will clue her in and convince her to stay calm—and in his bed—for the next fifty years or so. Yeah, that might be enough. Then again, maybe he’ll keep her forever. 

Fifteen First Dates: Date One by Elisabeth Grace: Follow along with Tessa Woodrow as she plummets headfirst back into New York City's dating pool and finds out the waters are choppier than she remembered. 

Longing for Langston (Mavericks of Meeteetse Prequel) by Renee Vincent: Tired of living in his brother’s shadow, Brody Galven wants the folks of Meeteetse to realize he’s no longer a bad boy screwup. He also wants his childhood best friend, Olivia Langston, but admitting he loves her is out of the question…even when she’s about to walk out of his life forever. 

Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach #2) by Kaira Rouda: Annie and Hank created a perfect life in beautiful Laguna Beach but when a dark secret is revealed, will their marriage survive? 

Peppermint Stick by Nina Lane: Heir to Sugar Daddy Candy, rakishly charming Ryan Stone sets his sights on the shy, inexperienced secretary his brother recently hired. And when Ryan discovers the secret behind Jane's sexual repression, he's determined to make her loosen up in all sorts of devious ways...

Fighting for Forever (The Springs) by Elena Aitken: Ever since falling in love at The Springs, Rhys and Kari have been living a fairy tale, but fairy tales aren't real. Or are they? When Kari runs from the idea of forever, Rhys will have to fight for them. But will it be enough?

Review: "Anchored in the Bay" by Rachelle Paige

Synopsis:

When Emily balked at running away with her childhood sweetheart, Ed, eight years ago, she had no idea he’d disappear from her life. In the years since, she’s managed to push past her pain to open her own business and find love again. Her life feels good, until Ed shows up on her doorstep. 

Ed vowed he’d never come back for her. But no matter how many miles, or blondes, he’d put between them, he couldn’t shake her hold on his heart. He’d pictured himself stepping back into her life, but hadn’t counted on her despair over his business or that she’d be pregnant. 

Now Ed is fighting both for and against her to win her heart once and for all. But can they find their way back to each other, through years of hurt and with an unexpected baby on the way? 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

This is the first book that I've read by this author and I was very pleased. This was a fun read with a wide variety of characters. I struggled the most, however, with Emily's character. I didn't like how she let her friend steamroll over her at the beginning of the book. I didn't like the dynamic of the relationship between Emily and Jessica at all - until Jessica finally came to town and I liked her much more after she was there, with Emily, helping Emily. Until then, Emily just continued to allow her friend to walk all over her with a "I'm busy" mantra, with zero respect for Emily's life, and Emily's responsibilities. The other aspect of Emily's character I struggled with was how she was waffling between Ed and Ryan. She wasn't honest with Ed. She wasn't honest with Ryan. And she wasn't honest with herself during the months when the three of them were living in the same town. I really felt that Emily owed it to Ryan to "finish" that relationship, or not, before she did anything that might lead towards one with Ed. But her actions betrayed her and I wasn't sure I liked her for that. I didn't like how abrupt the ending felt (I can't really say more without giving away spoilers) when the story was moving along and then "bang, bang", decisions have been made and life goes on.

All of that said, the storyline moves at a very good pace. I LOVE the character of Francois and I could just picture him in my mind any time he was in a scene. The setting on an island in eastern Canada sounds delightful. There were many twists and turns that I just didn't see coming and things worked out the way they were supposed to work out in the end.

It may sound like I didn't like the book based on my comments above, but that's not actually the case. I didn't like the decisions the character was making, but the book was well written, paced well, and easy to read. You don't have to like the characters of a book, per se, to like the book and that was the case here. Would definitely recommend it to someone looking for a light, romantic read with a happily ever after.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon 

About the Author:

I’ve spent my entire life lost in daydreams and a few years ago put pen to paper and drafted my first novel. Since then I’ve continued to imagine and create. I’m delighted to share my stories with you.


I write romance novels set in some of the most beautiful small towns in America. These real places are magical and inspiring. I hope you’ll agree.

Website: http://rachellepaige.com/

Review: "Cowboy Payback" by Donna Michaels

Synopsis:

Brett's Story--Finn's twin brother from Cowboy-Sexy/Fiance!

Former Marine Captain Brett Brennan loves a good practical joke—when he’s the prankster not the prankee. Unfortunately, his twin brother has learned a lesson or two from the master and springs Operation Payback on him, thrusting Brett into a fake engagement to his former corporal, Trisha Jennings, in front of her matchmaking, District Attorney father.

Relationships are so not his thing, but realizing Trisha is struggling to come to terms with a horrific incident from their recent deployment, Brett takes matters into his own hands, using their fake relationship to keep her on his family’s resort ranch, the perfect place for her to find peace and heal. After all, he would never let one of his own men down.


Except, Trisha is no longer a corporal under his command. Out of uniform, she is all woman, and his unexpected attraction to her soon has him forgetting their prank relationship is only for show. Who knew payback could be so sweet?

My Review:

I can't say enough good things about Cowboy Payback. This is the story of two former military members, dealing with re-entry from their most recent deployment, leaving the military, and on top of everything else, a fake engagement started by Trisha and kicked into high gear by Finn, Brett's twin brother who is looking for an opportunity for payback for his brother's recent prank.

The author includes an underlying storyline about PTSD. The reader sees aspects of PTSD in Trisha early, and I found it interesting and refreshing that it is the heroine who is experiencing PTSD. The author provides an accurate and sensitive depiction of PTSD, from the nightmares, to the triggers, to zoning out. I love how Brett recognizes the PTSD and immediately sees that as an opportunity to help her. To help her heal. He's not shy about expressing his own needs, saying to her that the ranch and his special place is where he goes to heal. I especially like when Brett brings the therapist to the house to confront Trisha, he explains to Trisha that she's been going to therapy on Wednesdays - that on Wednesdays, "I take care of me". I think that is a great, positive, constructive way to convey therapy to a skeptic.

Brett is a very sensitive character. You wouldn't expect a former Marine to show a sensitive side. His leadership skills in the military come through in his dealings with everyone he encounters. He's just a wonderfully delightful character and a good man. He's caring, sensitive, and considerate, and he figures out early on what he wants and is confident in his pursuit of that - and the object of that pursuit is Trisha.

Trisha is also a great character. Also a former Marine, it's fun to watch her try to change the nature of her relationship with Brett, and her inability to stop calling him "Sir". She is a strong but feminine character, who is also has a take-charge personality and cares about the feelings of those around her. That's why the PTSD hit her so hard - the deep feelings she had been feeling for the people she met during her deployment and their ultimate death. The fog of war causes guilt that is typical of soldiers with PTSD.

A wonderful follow-up to Cowboy-Fiance and a great read from author Donna Michaels.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Links:
Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Review: "After the Fire" by Cora Seton

Synopsis:

After five long years, cowboy and fire fighter Adam Carter still can’t figure out how he lost smart, sexy Brynn Nelson to the laziest, orneriest cheat in town, but when a series of fires keeps bringing his crew to her door, Adam knows he has to find the answer before things turn deadly. A Chance Creek novella.

My Review:

I love coming back to Chance Creek. And, I love first love, second chance type stories. That's what we have in After the Fire. I love Adam as a hero. We meet Adam and Brynn near the end of a five year "hell" for Brynn and spend most of the book peeling the onion back on what really happened years ago that forced Brynn into a loveless marriage and her sister out of town. The book also includes a wonderful villain that is very easy to hate, but in the end, our hero and heroine get their happily ever after, after the fire - the last fire!

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle eight years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia. Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini.

Website: Visit www.coraseton.com to read about new releases, locate your favorite characters on the Chance Creek map, and learn about contests and other cool events!

Release Day Review: "The Color of Time" by Julianne MacLean

Synopsis:

They say it’s impossible to change the past...

Since her magical summer romance at the age of sixteen, Sylvie Nichols has never been able to forget her first love. Years later, when she returns to the seaside town where she lost her heart to Ethan Foster, she is determined to lay the past to rest once and for all. But letting go becomes a challenge when Sylvie finds herself transported back to that long ago summer of love…and the turbulent events that followed. Soon, past and present begin to collide in strange and mystifying ways, and Sylvie can’t help but wonder if a true belief in miracles is powerful enough to change both her past and her future....

Genre: Contemporary Romance - Paranormal

My Review:

I never know what to say about a Julianne MacLean book, except to say YOU HAVE TO READ IT. I always find myself very introspective after reading one of her books and The Color of Time was no exception. We met Sylvie Nichols in the previous book The Color of Joy, so we got to know a little bit about her in advance of this book. Or did we? In The Color of Time, the author attempts to answer the age old question: "What if you just did one thing different, would life have the same outcome?" She demonstrates how that question can be answered through Sylvie's experiences. Several of them.

What's unique about Sylvie's experiences is that while she was actually dreaming, her alternative realities are real to her. They are real to us. They happen. As the story progresses, you find yourself wondering which reality is the REAL one. And you are as heartbroken as Sylvie each time when you find out something you experienced wasn't real - because it happened. It had to have happened.

Ms. MacLean's character development is strong, as always. Her characters are what draw you into her books and the emotions they experience are read to the reader. It's very easy to be drawn into a Color of Heaven book and experience it right along with the characters, emotions and all.

This is not your typical paranormal, where you would expect magical powers, fantasy characters and the like. Sylvie's experience of alternate realities is the only paranormal aspect to this story - the characters and storyline are rooted in reality and the everyday experiences in a wonderful north eastern town.

In the end, Sylvie's story ends up the way it was meant to be, but she and the reader take a wonderful, heartbreaking, mysterious path to get there. It's so difficult to discuss much about this book without divulging spoilers, so I'll just reiterate what I said at the beginning. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author who has sold more than 1.3 million books in North America, and her novels have also been translated into Spanish, German, Portugese, French, Japanese, Turkish, Russian, Dutch, and others. She has written twenty historical romance novels, including the bestselling Highlander Trilogy with St. Martin's Press and her popular Pembroke Palace Series with Avon/Harper Collins.  She also writes contemporary mainstream fiction, and her 2011 release THE COLOR OF HEAVEN was a USA Today bestseller. She is a three-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers' Best Award, the Book Buyers Best Award, and a Reviewers' Choice Award from Romantic Times for Best Regency Historical of 2005. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, and a degree in Business Administration from Acadia University.  She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and daughter, and is a dedicated member of Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada.

Website: http://www.juliannemaclean.com/

Review: "It Had To Be Love" by Tamra Baumann

Synopsis:

Tara Carter isn’t looking for romance. She’s content seeing patients at her new practice by day, then going home and cuddling with her puppy at night. Her new life in the tiny town of Anderson Butte, Colorado—known by celebrities as the place to lie low—is the perfect respite for a woman with a whopper of a secret. There’s just one problem: the town’s sexy sheriff knows she’s hiding something.

Sheriff Ryan Anderson, weary of small-town drama, has sworn off dating locals and thinks a fresh start in a bigger city is in order. However, the more he gets to know Tara, the more his heart tells him that she could be the woman of his dreams. But he wants to get to the bottom of whatever she’s trying so hard to keep under wraps. Can he uncover her secret before it drives them apart forever?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

It Had To Be Love is the story of Tara and Ryan set in the wonderful, fictional town of Anderson Butte, where all of the businesses are part of one big corporation, and where everyone gets a 401(k) and health benefits, as long as they follow the rules. It's a fun, interesting concept. There is also an underlying story a la "the Hatfields and the McCoys" between the Andersons and the Grants which is exacerbated in this story by the mystery of a hidden moonshine recipe and barrels of aged whiskey! All of this, though, just serves as the setting for their wonderful, suspenseful love story.

You would expect the two least likely to get together would be a straight-laced sheriff and a woman with a secret she's keeping - but it works. Ryan has a strict "no dating in town" policy and has taken it to the point that he's decided to move in order to find a wife and start a family. But he's intrigued by the new resident of Anderson Butte who he KNOWS is keeping secrets. He can't help himself but trying to solve that mystery. I love how this relationship develops, with Tara letting little bits of her secret be revealed as she and Ryan get closer. Ryan and Tara have a wonderful repartee and the author does a great job of writing Tara's dialogue to deflect Ryan's question, and Ryan's dialogue as a character who clearly doesn't like or need to talk much. I thought his "mid-week" phone call to Tara was fantastic, because she told him that's what a good boyfriend does. It was like he was "checking the box" and it was hilarious!

There are suspenseful undertones throughout the story as Tara's secret is revealed and the suspense both draws Tara and Ryan together and pushes them apart. Add in the wrench of an old girlfriend all of a sudden available, meddling sisters (who are a wonderful addition to the comedic element of the story), and let's not forget Grandma, who is still toting her shotgun but has added night vision goggles to her arsenal. Ryan's mild-mannered personality is the perfect peace maker for all of the crazy personalities in his family and in town. A great addition to the Anderson Butte series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble (PB) 

About the Author:

Tamra Baumann became hooked on writing the day she picked up her first Nora Roberts novel from her favorite bookstore. Since then, she’s dazzled readers of contemporary romance with her own lighthearted love stories. She was the 2012 Golden Heart winner for Contemporary Series Romance, and has also received the Golden Pen Award for Single Title Romance. Born in Monterey, California, she led the nomadic life of a navy brat before finally putting down permanent roots during college. When she’s not attending annual Romance Writers of America meetings, this voracious reader can be found playing tennis, traveling, or scouting reality shows for potential character material. She resides with her real-life characters—a husband of thirty years, two kids, and their allergy-ridden dog—in the sunny Southwest.

Website: http://www.tamrabaumann.com/

Review: "If I Didn't Know Better" by Barbara Freethy

Synopsis:

Mia Callaway thought she had the perfect guy and the perfect job...until she didn't. After a run of bad luck, Mia is looking for an escape, so she agrees to go to Angel's Bay to clean out her aunt's house. She has no idea that the wounded soldier next door and his adorable, but also wounded, daughter are about to change her definition of perfect. Add in stolen art, a family secret, and a town where miracles can happen, and Mia's escape turns out to be the greatest adventure of her life. 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

If I Didn't Know Better is the story of two people who have reached a fork in the road and have to decide which path to travel. Mia has recently left her job and her love behind and headed to Angel's Bay, the setting for another series of Barbara Freethy's books. She's there to clean out her beloved aunt's house, supposedly, but what she's really trying to do is find herself and I believe that she thinks that connecting with her aunt through her things that she might herself among the piles and boxes. 

Jeremy grew up in Angel's Bay but hasn't substantially returned until now. After finding himself the full-time caregiver of a daughter he didn't know about, he seeks the calm of Angel's Bay to help his daughter heal. To help himself heal. He is also trying to determine his future as an injury on duty with the military has derailed his future. Neither comes to Angel's Bay expecting to find love but that's what they find - love that starts on the roof of a house.

I loved coming back to the Angel's Bay setting and catching up with a few characters, and meeting a few more that hopefully the author will tell us more about in future stories. As with most Barbara Freethy stories, there is a mystery element to this story. Hidden paintings, disgruntled neighbors, and mysterious break-ins all lead Mia to wonder what was going on with her aunt. The mystery drives Mia and Jeremy apart until a pivotal time, when Jeremy finally allows reason to rule over emotion and reaches out to Mia at just the time to save her from danger. The only negative I had was that the ending felt rushed. I felt the story was moving along at a good clip, clues to the mystery were being exposed, the relationship between Mia and Jeremy was growing and then, boom, villain shows himself, a bit of danger and then the mystery is solved. A quick epilogue followed and the book was basically OVER. It felt very abrupt rather than having the culprit revealed more slowly. The ending just felt a bit different than previous Barbara Freethy novels. 

Despite the abrupt ending, the story was otherwise well developed and well written. I love the peek back into the San Francisco Callaway family and loved started to get to know the other Callaways and look forward to their stories.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

I grew up in a world of books. My mother was a voracious reader and passed on her love of fiction to me. Some of my earliest memories were reading with my mom and going to the library. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Communications, I went into public relations and spent many days writing nonfiction business articles when what I really wanted to do was write novels.

I wrote my first novel in my late twenties and was lucky enough to have it published two years later. A career in traditional publishing followed as I published books with Silhouette Romance, Harper Collins, Penguin and Simon and Schuster.

In 2011 I decided it was time to start publishing my own books. The digital revolution had made that possible with retailers like Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Google and Kobo opening their doors to authors. I formed Fog City Publishing and began by releasing some of my backlist books. New novels quickly followed, and I had tremendous success with new readers discovering my work each day. It’s been a thrilling few years. I hit #1 on the NY Times Bestseller List in 2012 with my novel Summer Secrets and since then nineteen other titles have hit both the NYT and USA Today Bestseller Lists. I’ve also sold 5 million books! And in July 2014, I was named the Amazon KDP Bestselling Author of All Time! Did I say it’s been a thrilling few years?

I’m currently writing a family series: The Callaways which feature love, mystery and adventure! The first eight books are now available. Book #9 IF I DIDN’T KNOW BETTER will be out in August of 2015.

I’m also in the middle of a fun series of short romances Bachelors & Bridesmaids. The first four books of that series are available with more coming this year.

In 2015 I will also be releasing a new romantic suspense trilogy: Lightning Strikes. The first book in the trilogy, BEAUTIFUL STORM will be out October 1, 2015.

When I’m not writing, which is almost never, I’m enjoying my family and the usually good California weather. A native Californian, I’ve lived at both ends of the state, and while I sometimes miss the hot summer nights of Southern California, I love the beautiful bays and hillsides of Northern California and the intriguing city of San Francisco, one of my favorite settings.

Website: http://www.barbarafreethy.com/

Review: "Fall Fast" by Zoe York

Synopsis:

What started as a SEALs Undone short story continues…


Snowed in at O’Hare Airport with a sexy flight attendant–Navy SEAL Nathan Meyers isn’t complaining. But one night with his mystery woman isn’t going to be enough,,,

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Fall Fast was originally published as a newsletter short story in the middle of Zoe York's SEALs Undone series. I'm thrilled that she has followed through and expanded this into a full novella. I read the original short story and was intrigued with how she structured the introduction of the characters and where she left off at the end of the short story - with the anonymous couple going their separate ways and one leaving a clue for the other. 

Zoe York creates fantastic alpha-male characters in this series. Nathan, like the other SEALs on his team, is a warrior through and through. We see a lighter side of him too, though, as he thinks about visiting his sister and having "Uncle Nathan Fun Times" with his nieces and nephews. You also see his lighter side when dealing with his teammates in non-business activities. He's got a great sense of humor. But also like every SEAL in the series, he's got an amazing sensitive side. He decides that what he wants early on is Emme. He truly did "Fall Fast". But he understands why she's hesitant to get involved in a new relationship and he waits patiently until he knows she's ready. When she finally admits that she's ready, I laughed at his response. "Okay? Shit, I should have been pushy before." - that was a text!

And in true SEALs Undone fashion, Nathan comes completely unglued when it comes to falling in love with Emme. He gets so completely in his head and literally tongue tied as he finds himself needing to lay his heart of the line. Luckily, Emme is as careful with his heart as he is with hers. A happy edition to the SEALs Undone series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Links:

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes and Noble - iBooks

About the Author:

I’m a busy working mom of two young boys, and for as long as I can remember, I have been a voracious romance reader. In early 2012, I got an idea for a novel. Then another, and another. My Google Drive account exploded with outlines and chunks of text and character bibles.

Over Christmas, I started a holiday novella. By the end of January, it was clear I was going to wander past novella length, and the story wasn’t limited to the holiday season. And it wasn’t just one book, anymore – it was also an introduction to a small town, Wardham.

Two years later, I can’t believe how much my life has changed. I published my tenth book earlier this fall, and have been blessed to be involved in the bestselling SEALs of Summer and SEALs of Winter boxed sets with some of my favourite author friends.

Website: http://www.zoeyork.com