Monday, March 18, 2024

Review - - The Catch

The Catch
by Amy Lea
The Influencer Series - Book 3

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Reviewed by Hellie

 

 


In a last-ditch effort to rescue her brand from the brink of irrelevance, Boston fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. The only thing scarier than nature itself? The burly and bearded bed-and-breakfast owner and fisherman, Evan Whaler—who single-handedly disproves the theory that Canadians are “nice.”


After a boating accident lands Evan unconscious in the hospital, Mel is mistaken for his fiancĂ©e by his welcoming yet quirky family, who are embroiled in a long-standing feud over the B&B. In a bold attempt to mend family fences, Mel agrees to fake their engagement for one week in exchange for Evan’s help with her social media content.


Amid long hikes and campfire chats, reeling in their budding feelings for each other proves more difficult by the day. But is Mel willing to sacrifice her picture-perfect life in the city for a chance at a true, unfiltered love in the wild?


Hellie’s Heeds:


I’ll be honest–I read this for the fisherman. Mel’s profession is such that I was like, “Ugh, so she’s basically a Kardashian?” and I almost passed up this gem. However, I have to commend Amy Lea for creating a character so likable and even relatable that I was on Team Amy by the end of the third chapter. Evan is a delightfully grumpy fisherman–but oh, so much more. It could be that I too adore a great plaid flannel shirt and that I don’t understand the allure of multiple steps for makeup and serums to create the “perfect flawless look.” I mean, sure, yes, people who do all those steps do have a very flawless pretty look–but at what cost? 


This premise was basically a premise of the famous rom-coms, While You Were Sleeping and The Proposal–taking the best of both worlds (i.e. Sandra Bullock, most beloved heroine of all time; and Betty White, most beloved mamaw of all time) and adding laugh-out-loud scenarios like The Time Evan Took Mel on a Boat and She Nearly Drowned Him and also, What Not to Do When Peeing in the Woods. There is lots of laughter and also lots of poignant and thoughtful moments that really humanize both Evan and Mel–they feel like your besties that you hope will work out in the end. 


I also live for a heart-tugging Black Moment for our characters–and it was there in spades–but also, oh, the Make Up (Grovel) scene! This was just a very satisfying story that hit all its beats that felt true to the characters and the stories. Please add it to your reading list–I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.


Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Review - - Lady Codebreaker

Lady Codebreaker
by K.D. Alden
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: March 12, 2024
Reviewed by PJ




Grace Smith has never been one to conform to society’s expectations. She flees small-town Indiana to seek adventure—and finds more than she bargained for when she’s hired by an eccentric millionaire to learn codebreaking. Soon she’s using those skills to help head the government’s fledgling cryptanalysis unit.


During Prohibition, Grace takes up the fight against rumrunners—not to mention Al Capone himself. And as the country careens from one Great War to another, it’s Grace who must crack the secrets of foreign governments, catch spies, and derail saboteurs . . . before it’s too late.

With wry wit and sheer grit, she forges her own path as a codebreaker, wife, mother. She’s spent a lifetime going up against powerful men and winning. But as war rages and the stakes grow impossibly high, Grace faces a truly impossible choice: her family or her country?

PJ's Thoughts:

When a book keeps me eagerly flipping pages until the wee hours of the night then sends me scurrying down internet rabbit holes to uncover all the information I can find about the real woman upon whom it's based, that's a book I'll be encouraging all my friends to read. 

Spanning four decades (1917 - 1958), Lady Codebreaker is a seamless blend of fact and fiction based upon the life of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, widely recognized as American's first female cryptanalyst and instrumental in key events within 20th century American history. Opening the book in 1958 with a startling scene that hooked me immediately, the book then goes back to 1917 where it all began for main character Grace (and real life Elizebeth) and takes readers on a fascinating, sometimes dangerous, frequently suspenseful, ride through two world wars, Prohibition, inter-agency intrigue, and the evolution of a unique marriage (for the era) as well as an extraordinary career. One of my favorite parts of the book was watching how Grace and Robert evolved over the course of four decades, both in their personal relationship as well as their individual careers. This is not only a story of intrigue and suspense. It is also a complex, deeply emotional love story told in such a way that I felt as if I was right there with them through every peak and valley, wholly invested in their love, their health, their happiness, and their success. 

Alden brought both the characters and settings to life on the pages of this book, immersing me into the smoke-filled decoding rooms, tense family altercations, sparkling dinner parties, danger-filled Coast Guard raids, hospital psychiatric wards, and much more while shining her spotlight on a variety of topics including mental illness, inter-faith marriage, power hunger, and the inequality between women and men of the time. Key among those topics is the hurdles Grace, and other women in her field, were constantly forced to overcome simply because they were women; how they were patronized, dismissed, yet continued to give their all in support of their country when they knew they would not be the ones credited for their work. Alden took her time with each of them, giving the women - and some men also - distinct personalities, layers, and texture, making me care about them. The villains (both fictional and real) are also vividly portrayed, eliciting emotions in Grace (and me) that ranged from distaste to fear to outright revulsion. There may also have been cheering when justice prevailed, especially when due to Grace's efforts. 

If you enjoy compelling historical fiction that incorporates a fascinating blend of actual events and people with those of the author's imagination, that immerses you in our nation's history, and puts a human face on events you may have learned in class as well as those you discover in this book, give Lady Codebreaker a try. I couldn't put it down. 

Note: Once you finish reading the book, do look up the real Elizebeth Smith Friedman and William F. Friedman upon whom Grace and Robert are based. What they accomplished in support and defense of the citizens of the United States was amazing. 


Monday, March 11, 2024

Review - - This Could Be Us

This Could Be Us
by Kennedy Ryan
Skyland - Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Reviewed by PJ


Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She 
fixes everything. She’s a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrette for that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion.
 
But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost. She's too busy keeping a roof over her daughters' heads and food on the table. And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise.
 
But then an unlikely man enters the picture—the forbidden one, the one she shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. She's lost it all before and refuses to repeat her mistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trust 
herself?
 
After all she's lost . . .and found . . .can she be brave enough to make room for what could be?

PJ's Thoughts:

This story. OMG! I loved this story! If you haven't yet read Kennedy Ryan, pick up a copy of This Could Be Us and let her carry you away on a wave of emotion before gently depositing you onto an island of hard-earned happiness. It's a ride worth taking. 

There's so much to love about this book. I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll try to steer clear of specifics but here are some of the things that make it special. 

Autism representation: This is a topic with which Ryan has personal experience and it shows in her writing. Her characters on the spectrum are realistic, layered, whole individuals, written with a caring, relatable hand.  

Finding your voice again: Soledad's journey out of the ashes of her shattered life is a blueprint for all women. I loved how she gradually rediscovered her strengths, her persistence, her worth. I admired the example she set for her daughters, how hard she fought for them. And I cheered her on as she learned to once again love and trust herself. She's one of my favorite characters that I've met in a book this year.

The single dad we all deserve: It's the bad boys who get all the attention (don't get me wrong, I do love a bad boy as well as a redeemed rake) but Judah is the good guy we need, the one we all deserve. Best friends with his ex and her new husband, successful, loving co-parent of twin boys with Autism, worthy of trust, determined to do the right thing, respectful of Soledad's journey, supportive, and sensual in all the best ways. A lifetime love. 

The bonds of friendship: Get you some girlfriends like Soledad's. These women are the ride-or-die women you want in your corner. I love how these friendships are portrayed in this book, how they have one another's backs, the lengths to which they will go to support, lift up, encourage, and love one another. I love the example they set for the younger generation of girls in their lives. 

In short, this book is a shining star of emotion, friendship, mothers and daughters, starting over, self love, romantic love, and finding - and using - your voice. I loved it. 



Thursday, March 7, 2024

Tour Review - - Kilt Trip

Kilt Trip
by Alexandra Kiley
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
 


Ready or Scot...


Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.

Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.

As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?

PJ's Thoughts:

If I hadn't already been dreaming of exploring Scotland, charming Logan with his sexy brogue and love of his native land would have done the trick. Not to mention the kilt. The man wears a kilt.  I mean, how am I supposed to be immune to gray eyes, broad shoulders, dimples, and a kilt? Addie sure isn't. Until she discovers exactly who Logan is and that their plans for his family's company don't exactly mesh. Then all bets are off.

I enjoyed Addie's and Logan's journey. It's filled with humor, charm, great banter, swoony romance, self-discovery, and a surprising amount of emotional depth. The author takes her time with both main characters, unveiling their layers while at the same time exploring the hidden treasures of Scotland. The sense of place is strong in this book. By the time I finished, I felt like I too had taken one of Logan's guided heritage tours to the out of the way places that make Scotland special.

In addition to the romantic journey, there are also complicated family dynamics at play in this story (on both sides). The author uses those relationships to bring forth facets of Addie's and Logan's personalities, vulnerabilities, strengths, fears, and flaws in helping them grow individually and as a couple. I was curious when the "black moment" arrived how she would go about bringing them back together. It seemed pretty hopeless. Ultimately, it was accomplished in a satisfying manner that left me confident in this couple and their happily ever after. And, even though he's taken, I still want to go on one of Logan's tours. 

This adversaries-to-lovers romcom is Alexandra Kiley's debut novel. Based on how much fun I had exploring Scotland with Addie and Logan, I'll be keeping my eyes open for more stories from this new author. 




Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Winners - - March Coming Attractions

 




The randomly chosen winners

from the March Coming Attractions post are:

Laurie Gommermann

(Game On and The Love Con)

Martha Lawson

(The Duke's All That)

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com



Review - - Every Single Secret

Every Single Secret
by Christina Dodd
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Reviewed by PJ


Never whisper the truth. Never reveal the past.


In an isolated lighthouse on the California coast, Rowan Winterbourne lives a solitary life with only her secrets for company. For she has a mission that drives her—to avenge herself against Gregory Torval, the powerful drug and arms dealer who murdered her mother and vowed to eliminate everyone in her family.

Then Joe Grantham arrives at her door and, for the first time, Rowan lets her guard down—a dangerous mistake when he blackmails her to go with him to Torval's private island. There Torval’s decadent birthday celebration rages, and while Joe pursues his own agenda, she’ll provide the perfect distraction.

On Raptor Island, Torval’s will is law and Joe, the closest she has to an ally, is an enigma she can’t trust. One false move, one careless word, and Rowan will die. As dark truths are uncovered, one by one, Rowan recognizes her last chance for the revenge has come. But is it worth everything she must sacrifice to get out alive?

PJ's Thoughts:

Christina Dodd is a master of the plot twist and Every Single Secret is littered with them, beginning with a doozy in Chapter One. It sets the tone for this suspense thriller that had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. Who to trust? Who not to trust? What's the truth? What's not? And when the truths begin to surface? Yikes! How could things get any crazier than this? Well, this is Christina Dodd and her creative imagination is off the charts. There's still more to come, right up until the very end which, for me, came around 3:15 AM. I challenge you to put this book down before you finish because, for me, that was just not going to happen.

Rowan and Joe are multi-faceted characters who drew me in with their secrets and their hidden layers. Both are well developed, intriguing, and practically begged me to be in their corner. But can they be trusted? They're the primary focus of this book but by no means the only characters with significant roles. Dodd surrounds them with a secondary cast that is anything but wallpaper, giving depth and texture to several secondary characters who generate doubt, conflict, danger, poignant emotion, unlikely support, and offbeat humor. Even in the most dire of circumstances, Dodd has the ability to sneak in her quirky humor...which I love. 

Every Single Secret is going to my Dodd keeper shelf (yes, she has enough keepers to warrant her own shelf) where I'll no doubt revisit it when I'm in the mood for twisty suspense, wry wit, and characters who pull me in and refuse to let go. If that's your jam, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Every Single Secret



Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Review - - Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man

Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man
by Violet Marsh
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Reviewed by Santa



Lady Charlotte Lovett should have never run away upon discovering her betrothal. But when one has been promised to a man who, rumor has it, killed his previous two wives, one does what one must. The only thing that can get her out of this engagement is proving that Viscount Hawley is as sinister as she thinks he is. And the person who would know best is his very own brother.


In many ways, Dr. Matthew Talbot is the exact opposite of his sibling—scholarly, shy, and shunned by society. But like his brother, he has secrets, and he doesn’t need Charlotte exposing them in her quest to take down the viscount. It only seems prudent to help her while keeping her from poking her nose in all the wrong places.  But as they put their hearts at risk to grow closer to each other, they are also getting closer to a dangerous confrontation with Hawley.


Santa Says:

Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man by Violet Marsh which takes place in Georgian England is a story full of intrigue with an interesting cast of characters including a truly vile villain, a one eyed parrot who runs recognizance and did I mention a companionable monkey? All this adds up to a delightful five star reading for me! 


While at the modiste, Lady Charlotte’s mother blithely announces that she is to be married to Lord Hawley. Lord Hawley is a duke’s heir. The joining of two ducal houses is a common occurrence for the time period. But sinister rumors swirl around him as he has already buried two wives who have both died under mysterious circumstances. Lady Charlotte does what any level headed person would do. She gathers her skirts, pulls her panniers sideways through the door and RUNS!


She heads to her cousins' coffee house, the Black Sheep. Naturally Charlotte’s family shuns them for being in trade <gasp!>  and for her mother’s sister who ran off and married a pirate <double gasp!>. Lady Charlotte knows that she can start there to learn all she can about who Lord Hawley is and if he really has killed off his wives. Her cousins, the mistresses Wick, are leery of her being there but Lady Charlotte has a plan. She proposes a secret salon in the back room of the coffee house that allows both men and women so she can ferret information on Hawley.


Lord Hawley’s brother Dr, Matthew Talbot happens to be Charlotte’s twin brother Lord Alexander’s best friend. Matthew is a third son and is Lord Hawley’s opposite in every way. He has secrets of his own. One of those is the regard Matthew has always had for Charlotte. Another is that he, too, suspects his brother of foul play and, unbeknownst to Charlotte, is also investigating him. But time is running out for Charlotte as their official engagement looms on the horizon. 


Matthew and Charlotte along with their friends come together to work on Hawley’s downfall.  There were times when I highly doubted they would meet that goal. Hawley seemed to be one step ahead. That is a credit to Ms. Marsh’s writing. I really wanted to see what would happen. I also became invested in Charlotte and Matthew and their friends. I also look forward to reading more about these characters in future books. I do love a series! I highly recommend you grab this book and the beverage of your choice and settle in for a great read!


Monday, March 4, 2024

Winner - - The Bookstore on Amelia Island

 



The randomly chosen winner

of a print copy of

The Bookstore on Amelia Island is:

Amy Higgins

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com


Sunday, March 3, 2024

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - March 2024

 



It's March! Wait, what? March? How did that happen? Somebody needs to slow this train down. Don't they know how many books I have to read? Pretty sure you can all relate!

Here's what's happening on the blog this month. 



We launch the month on Friday, March 1 with a review of Hope Holloway's The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island. This closed-door romance that's the fifth book in Holloway's Seven Sisters series is strong on family, humor, and heart. 






Tuesday, March 5 brings Santa's review of Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man, a witty historical romcom by Violet Marsh.







I'll be sharing my thoughts about Every Single Secret by Christina Dodd on Wednesday, March 6. I'm excited to dive into another twisty thriller by one of my favorite authors. 








Thursday, March 7 brings a tour review of Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley. I'm enjoying this charming, and surprisingly emotional, contemporary romance set in Scotland.







Be sure to check out my review of This Could be Us by Kennedy Ryan on Monday, March 11. I'm always guaranteed an emotional ride when I pick up one of Ryan's book. 





Tuesday, March 12 brings a review of Lady Codebreaker by K.D. Alden. I'm eager to read this historical fiction novel based on the true story of a woman who used her codebreaking skills to upend Prohibition gangsters and WWII Nazis. 







Stop in on Tuesday, March 19 for my review of The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett. I'm a fan of Everett's Victorian romances. This one pairs a lady apothecary with a stoic private investigator. 





Thursday, March 21 brings a review of Cut the Cake by Leigh Duncan. This sweet contemporary romance is a retitled reissue of A Simple Wedding, originally published by the now defunct Hallmark Publishing. Cut the Cake is book one in Duncan's Heart's Landing trilogy and will now be available to purchase or download from Kindle Unlimited. 





I'm so excited to read Can't We Be Friends: A Novel of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Eliza Knight and Denny S. Bryce. Stop by on Friday, March 22 to read my review.






Santa returns on Tuesday, March 26 with a review of A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins. I love the blend of mystery and romance in Collins' novels.






I'll be sharing my thoughts about Wilde for You by Jennifer Ryan on Wednesday, March 27. This second book in Ryan's Dark Horse Dive Bar series had me eagerly turning pages from start to finish. 






Cathy Maxwell's One Dangerous Night kept me up reading most of the night and changing my mind about two secondary characters from previous books. Stop by on Thursday, March 28 to read my review. 






We're rounding out the month on Friday, March 29 with a review of Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune. This is book one in Calhoune's new trilogy about three brothers who return to the small Alaska town where they spent their childhood. 





What are you looking forward to this month?

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, March 5 will receive print copies of Game On and The Love Con by Seressia Glass.

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, March 5 will receive a print copy of The Duke's All That by Christina Britton. 

*U.S. only
*Must be 18