TLC Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Wishing Bridge

The Wishing Bridge

by Viola Shipman

Publisher: Graydon House

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Once the hottest mergers and acquisitions executive in the company, Henrietta Wegner can see the ambitious and impossibly young up-and-comers gunning for her job. When Henri’s boss makes it clear she’ll be starting the New Year unemployed unless she can close a big deal before the holidays, Henri impulsively tells him that she can convince her aging parents to sell Wegner’s—their iconic Frankenmuth, Michigan, Christmas store—to a massive, soulless corporation. It’s the kind of deal cool, corporate Henri has built her career on.

Home for the holidays has typically meant a perfunctory twenty-four-hour visit for Henri, then back to Detroit as fast as her car will drive her. So turning up at the Wegner’s offices in early December raises some eyebrows: from her delighted, if puzzled, parents to her suspicious brother and curious childhood friends. But as Henri fields impatient texts from her boss while reconnecting with the magic of the store and warmth of her hometown, what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in real life. She’s running out of time to pull the trigger on what could be the greatest success of her career…or the most awkward family holiday of her life.

PJ's Thoughts:

Just in time for the holidays, Shipman brings readers a new novel about family, dreams, moral crossroads, and second chances. Shipman has a knack for bringing the small towns of Michigan to life through the pages of his books, immersing me in their traditions, challenges, warmth, and clear-eyed scrutiny. Nobody, but nobody, can open your eyes to your own flaws - or make you feel like a guilty grade-schooler - better than someone who watched you grow up in your small hometown. Something our corporate hot-shot on the verge of losing her job learns when she unexpectedly comes home for Christmas, with less than honorable intentions.  

With a deft hand, and echoes of Ebeneezer Scrooge, Shipman guides Henri on a journey of self-discovery that will determine the trajectory of the rest of her life...as well as the relationship between her and her family. It's not an easy journey. She walks a tight line between villainy and redemption and even though I was rooting for her to do the right thing, I admit there were times when I didn't like her much. But, each time I found myself feeling that way, the author would give us another glimpse of the conflict in her mind, the love in her heart, and the goodness in her soul, and I found myself pulling for her again. She's flawed. She's human. Aren't we all? 

Surrounding Henri is a hug-worthy cast of characters who brought the town of Frankenmuth to life and the spirit of Christmas to my heart. I want to be friends with all of them. Okay, not Henri's boss or her backstabbing colleague, but the rest of them. I want to grab a pint with them at Prost, share dinner at Z's Chicken Haus, tell Santa my Christmas wishes at Wegner's Winter Wonderland (you really are never too old to believe), and join the town for a quiet rendition of Silent Night under a snow-laced covered bridge while celebrating a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another.

These characters made me laugh, they brought me to tears more than once, they reminded me of the importance of connection, of dreams, of family, and of love. And, they filled my heart with the joy and spirit of the season. 

What fills your heart with joy this time of year?

Have you read any Viola Shipman books?

In this book, Henri makes divinity, a candy she learned at her grandmother's knee. Do you have a special recipe you make over the holidays that's been handed down through generations of your family? Or, a recipe you're handing down to younger generations?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 13 will receive a signed print copy of The Wishing Bridge. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

TLC Tour Review - - The Highlander's Kilted Bride

The Highlander's Kilted Bride

by Vanessa Kelly

Clan Kendrick - Book 6

Publisher: Zebra

Release Date: August 22, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Charlotte “Charlie” Stewart would rather don a kilt and ride her horse than simper in a ballroom. But with her younger sister about to be wed, she can’t escape the pressure to be next. A husband has been chosen, and Charlie’s fate seems set. Until an afternoon gallop sends her horse colliding with Kade Kendrick, the broad-shouldered Highlander who was once her childhood pal . . .
 
As a youth, Kade felt overshadowed by his older siblings. Now he’s a renowned musician whose fame provides cover for his other work—as a spy. Home from his latest mission, he’s annoyed to be roped into attending the wedding of a family friend—until it reunites him with the fearless tomboy who has become a breathtaking beauty. And though his thoughts should be on a new concerto, Kade is soon distracted by rival suitors, a dangerous quest—and the unconventional woman who fills his soul with music and his body with desire . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

I fully expected Logan and Donella (The Highlander's Christmas Bride) to finish out Vanessa Kelly's Clan Kendrick series as my favorite couple. Leave it to youngest brother, Kade and unconventional Charlie to slide in at the eleventh hour and steal the title away.

Kelly incorporates all my favorite facets of this series into this sixth and final book. There's mystery and mayhem, meddlesome family, pitch-perfect humor, heart-tugging romance, a nasty villain, plenty of twists and turns, and did I mention meddlesome family? Oh yes, the Kendricks are at it again. Kade's Grandda Angus is front and center (of course) but this time he has Kade's brother Royal and Royal's wife Ainsley (The Highlander Who Protected Me) helping. I especially enjoyed the relationship that developed between Ainsley and Charlie and the understanding and acceptance that was missing within Charlie's own family.

I loved the romance between Kade and Charlie. These two were perfect for one another. Watching them come to that conclusion and finally claim the love and life that was meant to be was pure joy. There's much more I could say about their journey but each reader should have the opportunity to discover all the delicious little details on their own. 

If you're new to the Kendrick family, you should still be able to read and enjoy this book on its own merits. However, for those of you who have read the entire series (like me), it's very satisfying to tag along on Kade's journey to love after watching him grow up through his siblings' books. The Highlander's Kilted Bride not only offers another fun, swoony, heartfelt highlander romance but also a fond farewell to a much loved family. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Tour Spotlight - - Never Cross a Highlander

Never Cross a Highlander

by Lisa Rayne

Publisher: Entangled Amara

Release Date: December 27, 2022

Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil...who has plans of his own.

Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough...if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn.

As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover.

About Lisa Rayne:

Lisa Rayne is an award-winning author and an advocate for mainstream multicultural fiction. An avid reader, the only thing she likes more than curling up with a good book is writing one. She provides readers with romantic fiction and edgy thrillers featuring smart, sexy characters of diverse backgrounds.

PJ Says:

I've not yet read any books by Lisa Rayne but the premise of Never Cross a Highlander - along with the main characters - sound intriguing. I've downloaded it from Kindle Unlimited and am looking forward to diving into Ms. Rayne's historical Scottish Highlands. 

Have you read any of Lisa Rayne's books?

 

TLC Tour Review - - Mail Order Cowboy

Mail Order Cowboy

by Victoria James

Wishing River - Book 4

Publisher: Entangled Amara

Release Date: December 27, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

Hope Roberts has a strict No Cowboys Allowed policy. Between raising her daughter, running her business, and trying to settle into her new ranch, Hope has no room for romance—especially when it comes to cowboys. What she needs is someone to help fix her ranch. But the only person to respond to her ad is the one man Hope still blames for her husband’s death…

In Wishing River, Dr. Dean Stanton is pretty much a legend. Cowboy, doctor, heir to his family’s ranching empire—everyone knows and loves him…with the exception of Hope. But Dean doesn’t trust a complete stranger to keep Hope and her daughter safe. And despite their troubled past, he’s still the best cowboy for her job.

Bit by cautious bit, Hope’s little family of two is making room for the man she once thought of as her enemy. Until one day, Dean looks like the perfect exception to her “no cowboys” rule. But he’s been keeping a secret from her that could destroy their newfound family…

PJ's Thoughts:

This was my first book by Victoria James. It won't be my last. I'm a pushover for unrequited love...if there's a pathway to a happy ending. In this case there is, though it isn't a clear one by any means. 

James's characters charmed me, intrigued me, and won my heart with their journey to love. I haven't read the earlier books in the series, though I plan to at my first opportunity. I never felt lost or confused by stepping into the series at book four and I thoroughly enjoyed Dean's and Hope's character paths. Having said that however, I get the impression from conversations within their group of mutual friends that perhaps their story arc has played out in the background during those first three books which leaves me with the feeling that, had I read the books in order, my emotional attachment to them would have been even deeper. I guess that's a long way of saying this book stands on its own but might possibly be even better if read in series order.

There are a lot of complicated feelings at play in this book, giving it layers that make the reading experience richer and more complex. The author weaves everything together in such a way that gives the story a realistic, relatable vibe - as if it was happening to someone I know. I appreciate the time she took with Hope and Dean, giving them the space necessary to work through the byproducts of grief and guilt. I adored Hope's daughter, Sadie, wise beyond her years yet still imbued with the wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm of a young child. If I hadn't already been half in love with Dean, his relationship with young Sadie would have sealed the deal. 

I also enjoyed how the author contrasted the dysfunction of Dean's family with the love and support of Hope's, clearly showing that money does not equal happiness and that the face families show to the world does not always equate to what's happening behind closed doors. 

I don't know if Victoria James has plans to write a story for Dean's brother but I'd like to go on record as saying I'd love to read it. In the meaning, I'll be going back to the beginning to read the first three books in the Wishing River series. And adding Victoria James to my must-buy, western contemporary romance author list. 

~~~~~~~~

Have you read Victoria James?

Have you read any of the Wishing River series?

How do you feel about unrequited love in the romances you read?

Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Sweetheart Fix

The Sweetheart Fix

by Miranda Liasson

Blossom Glen - Book 2

Publisher: Entangled Amara

Release Date: November 29, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Juliet Montgomery absolutely loves her small town of Blossom Glen, Indiana, and everyone loves her. Except for the fact that she’s a couples counselor who suffered a very public breakup that no one can forget. And now her boss asks her to take a step back…which is exactly when the town’s good-lookin’ and unusually gruff mayor offers her an unexpected job.

Jack Monroe absolutely loves being the mayor of his small town. Except when he actually has to talk to people. Can’t he just fix the community problems in peace? Like right now, he’s mediating the silliest dispute two neighbors could possibly have. When the town sweetheart steps up and solves everyone’s problems in five minutes flat, Jack realizes what this town really needs…is a therapist.

Juliet is able to soothe anyone—other than the surly mayor, it seems. But there’s a reason they say opposites attract, because all of their verbal sparring leads to some serious attraction. Only, just like with fireworks, the view might appear beautiful—but she’s already had one public explosion that’s nearly ruined everything…how can she risk her heart again? 

PJ's Thoughts:

When I pick up a book by Miranda Liasson, I always feel like I'm about to make new friends, in a place I'd be happy to visit. Her fictional communities are warm and welcoming but also realistic. I grew up in a small town. There are pros and cons to everyone knowing your business and Liasson explores both. But it's her characters that shine. Whether it's the lead couple, their friends and families, two neighbors feuding over a tree on their property line, or a lonely old man who has forgotten what it feels like to be a part of the community, Liasson give each of them the care and attention they deserve. And, in doing so, she makes me care about all of them. 

I wouldn't call Jack and Juliet enemies but they certainly start out as adversaries. I love how they challenge each other. The banter between them is terrific. Each of them has reasons for being wary of relationships but that doesn't stop the attraction between them from growing, especially as they spend time together at City Hall and start peeling back those layers that hide the hurts and vulnerabilities acquired over the years. I enjoy how their friendship evolves and solidifies before they take that next step into romantic feelings, though the zing of attraction is there from the start. I also appreciate that the author takes her time with them, leading them to fully confront the emotional baggage they carry before allowing them to claim their happy ending. They're so good together. I laughed, cried, and sighed with happiness with them every step of the way.

It was fun to see all the characters from book one again in this book as well as meet a few new ones. There are no secrets in Blossom Glen as Jack and Juliet are quick to discover. Everyone has a stake in their relationship and isn't above offering advice...in the most loving and helpful way, of course. I enjoyed watching Leo and Tessa (The Sweetheart Deal) preparing for parenthood, as well as catching up with other members of their families. And I am already eager to discover what the future will hold for youngest sister, Viv. Will she head overseas again or will love, family, and a new purpose in life hold her closer to Blossom Glen? Only time will tell.

If you enjoy small-town romance with fully-developed, relatable characters, low steam but deep passion, humor, and heartwarming happy endings, give The Sweetheart Fix (and book one, The Sweetheart Deal) a try. They both have my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Have you read Miranda Liasson yet?

What do you enjoy about small-town romance?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 8 will receive a print copy of The Sweetheart Fix and The Sweetheart Deal.

U.S. only

Must be 18

Void where prohibited

TLC Tour Review - - The Gunslinger's Guide to Avoiding Matrimony

The Gunslinger's Guide to Avoiding Matrimony

by Michelle McLean

Gunslinger - Book 2

Publisher: Entangled:Amara

Release Date: July 26, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, desperate-to-retire gunslinger Adam Brady has exactly two rules. And one of them is never, ever get married. So he’ll be danged when his dreams of permanently avoiding the bounty hunter on his tail in Desolation, the only town where notorious men like him can find respite, comes with one helluva string attached. The town has a new rule: gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry.

Without realizing it, Adam stumbles into a big town wedding and accidentally marries Nora Schumacher, a sassy-mouthed mountain of a woman with legs as long as his wanted poster. So what’s a gunslinger to do but get himself unhitched and find a job. Any job. Except Adam keeps getting fired, one odd circumstance after another. And he’s running out of options.

Desolation was supposed to be his safe haven. Except, he’s not only running from his past but from the irresistible woman he married. And worse, he’s finding that he rather likes the enticing, if damnably independent, wife of his. But some men just aren’t the marrying kind. Only, if he leaves, his own life won’t be worth living. If he stays, he puts the lives of his newfound family and the woman he loves on the line. So much for Desolation being the answer to all his problems.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is the book I had no idea I needed but am oh, so happy I found. I was grinning a few pages in, laughing out loud before the end of Chapter One, and head over heels in love the rest of the way. 

If you're in the mood for a feel-good western with snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud humor, sweet emotion, meddling townspeople, characters you can cheer for, and a story that unfolds in your mind like a movie on the big screen, this is the book for you.

It seems that many of the books being marketed as "Rom-Com" these days are anything but. That is not the case with this one. Labeled as a "Clever Western Romantic Comedy," it's a story that delivers on all points. The pace never slows, McLean's comedic chops are on full display, the characters are engaging, and the "OMG, what's next?" storyline kept me eagerly flipping pages from start to finish. I lost count of the number of times I had to stop and share lines I was laughing over. One of my favorites is this exchange between Adam and Nora when Adam declares, "Darlin', I've wanted you from the moment you dropped a body at my feet." It says so much about this couple and their hilarious "courtship." 

While the humor is plentiful, McLean balances it nicely with a depth of emotion that tugs at the heart. There were more than a few "ahs" to go along with all of the "hahas." I also loved how she wove the citizens of Desolation in and out of the story, showing us bits and pieces of their personalities and dropping hints here and there that make me want to know more about them. Here's hoping they all have a story planned for down the road because I want more, more, more of Desolation and those who call it home. 

This is the second book in Michelle McLean's Gunslinger series. It can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone (as evidenced by my unrelenting laughter) though the main couple from book one, Hitched to the Gunslinger, do have large roles. If you're like me, you'll be downloading Gray and Mercy's story the minute you finish this one. 

TLC Tour Review - - It Takes a Villa

It Takes a Villa

by Kilby Blades

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Release Date: May 24, 2022

Reviewed by Hellie

 

For the reasonable price of $1, Natalie Malone just bought herself an abandoned villa on the Amalfi Coast. With a detailed spreadsheet and an ancient key, she’s arrived in Italy ready to renovate—and only six months to do it. Which seemed reasonable until architect Pietro Indelicato began critically watching her every move… 

From the sweeping ocean views to the scent of the lemon trees, there’s nothing Pietro loves more than his hometown. And after seeing too many botched jobs and garish design choices, he’s done watching from the sidelines. As far as he’s concerned, Natalie should quit before the project drains her entire bank account and her ridiculously sunny optimism. 

With Natalie determined to move forward, the gorgeous architect reluctantly agrees to pitch in, giving her a real chance to succeed. But when the fine print on Natalie’s contract is brought to light, she might have no choice but to leave her dream, and Pietro, behind.

 

Hellie’s Heeds 

Part Under the Tuscan Sun and part Money Pit, this contemporary romance blends romance, humor, poignancy, and HGTV renovations into a happy beach read. Natalie, the heroine, is both starting over and fulfilling her grandmother’s dying wish, to live and thrive in Italy. She has big plans for the huge DIY project she has picked for herself, wanting to invest her small nest egg into creating a B&B out of a beloved old Italian inn. Pietro is the poor beleaguered son of his father, the mayor, of this town who has started this program of “selling” DIY renovations for one euro, giving hopeful ex-pats (or really anyone with the necessary 75,000 euros to try) a chance to create a life in Italy. Pietro is an architect who has constantly warned the council his father sits on that this program is not sustainable; and when he meets the hopeful (and somewhat desperate) Natalie who plans to renovate a huge villa all by herself in six months, his concerns only seem more validated.

 

Natalie meets other “hopefuls” in the program; and soon she finds camaraderie in all the expected and unexpected pitfalls of DIYing an old house. Pietro–drawn to Natalie despite himself–finds himself pitching in to help her, especially when he learns more about her plans for the villa and that her changes to the place are fitting for the theme of the project. They grow closer with each project, but their young relationship is threatened when one of the DIY houses’ collapses and the town council has to re-evaluate the project and then re-inspect each place and give specific instructions for tenants to repair in order to meet the terms of the agreement. Natalie finds she only has 30 days to make repairs she can no longer afford. And the man who has been helping her, Pietro, seems to have had his own agenda the whole time. It takes Pietro all his efforts–and those of the villa–to win her back.  

I think what I liked most about this book was the theme (so to speak) of looking forward and letting go of things that no longer serve you. As someone who struggles a lot with letting go, I found one of the scenes in this book particularly poignant and made me stop to think, “Ah, yes, wisdom.” I love when my romances do that. I think in nearly all the romances I’ve read, there’s at least one of those scenes. They’re why I like to read romances, really. I mean the romance is great–but the little fortune cookies of wisdom? I love that. The other thing I loved about the book was the lemons. I swear more than once this book sent me on internet searches about lemons–and I’m now determined one day, when I’m a homeowner, I will have a lemon tree. But I also just want to go to Italy and enjoy their lemons. This book felt very much a love letter to the region, which I enjoyed.  

If I had to critique–and this is probably just me–I didn’t always connect with the characters per se with their love scenes. (I tended to gloss over them or stop and try to figure out why I was glossing over them.) Again, like humor, love scenes are subjective. Or it could be that I didn’t connect with the hero and heroine so much that I was particularly engaged when their love scenes rolled around. While I like Natalie and Pietro a lot–both very thoughtful and giving characters with real flaws that I could relate to, maybe it was that I didn’t quite understand their connection. I don’t know. I just know it was the reason I couldn’t quite give this a 5 star from me. Again, I think ratings are rather subjective.  

But if you loved Under the Tuscan Sun as I did and if you are tolerant of knowing a bit too much about home renovations (i.e. it will dull any desire you may have had to DIY your own house), you will absolutely want to lose yourself in the story about the Italian coast, lemons and limoncello, and a villa who comes together for the benefit of all the inhabitants. 

 

Tour Review - - The Bachelor Betrayal

The Bachelor Betrayal

by Maddison Michaels

Secrets, Scandals, and Spies - - Book 2

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Release Date: March 8, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

He wants justice

Underestimating Marcus Black is the last thing his enemies ever do. After all, the respected Earl of Westwood is a deadly threat… when her Majesty needs him to be. And his only goal is to avenge his brother’s murder. Which would be much easier if the viciously-skilled Lady Kaitlyn Montrose wouldn’t swoop in, knee him in the bollocks, and then run off with his only lead…

She wants revenge

Kat is determined to avenge her beloved uncle’s murder and nothing will stop her. Especially not the devastatingly handsome, and equally lethal Marcus Black. The fact that he’s after the same target is a complication she hadn’t planned on. And as much as she enjoys taunting him, she has a job to do—one that doesn’t include sparring with the infuriating man at every turn. Except Kat has a new plan… one that Marcus will just hate.

Now they’ll have to work together… if they don’t kill each other first

Individually, Marcus and Kat are deadly. If they worked together, they could be unstoppable. But when attraction gets in the way of vengeance, it’s more than hearts on the line. And only one person can win…

PJ's Thoughts:

If you enjoy plenty of action and suspense mixed in with steamy historical romance, you are going to love The Bachelor Betrayal. It's the second book of a series but stands well on its own, though I will definitely be going back to read book one, The Bachelor Bargain.

Michaels tossed me straight into that action from the first pages of this fast-paced story and didn't let up until the final, breath-stealing conclusion. I loved that Kat was as skilled, confident, and fearless as Marcus. In fact, in many ways she was more so, as he soon learned. She had been trained by her uncle since childhood, after all, but she was more than a one-note weapon. The author did a good job of allowing her emotions to evolve, showing a softer side without losing that finely-honed edge.  

Marcus is a man with baggage. A lot of baggage. He's also a man on a mission and isn't about to be led off course by a slip of a woman. Until he encounters Kat, all grown up and not willing to take a back seat to anyone when it comes to avenging her uncle's death. I really enjoyed the chemistry between these two, the snappy banter, how they challenged one another, and ultimately became a formidable team. I loved how Marcus came to respect Kat's abilities, how he desired her, fell in love with her, but never diminished her. How they worked together, each taking the lead at different times.

The mystery facet of this book was tightly plotted, with numerous twists and turns along the way that kept me guessing right up until the final reveals. I'm not easily stumped when it comes to mysteries, but Michaels did an outstanding job of keeping me on my toes. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, there came another twist and off we went again with a new suspect. I loved it!

This was my first book by Maddison Michaels. It certainly won't be my last. I very much enjoyed her writing voice, characters, and romance mixed with danger and suspense. 

 

Excerpt Tour - - The Summer Getaway

The Summer Getaway

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: March 15, 2022

One woman discovers the beauty in chaos in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

With her divorce settlement about to run out and a mortgage she can’t afford, Robyn Caldwell needs a plan for her future. She nurtured her family and neglected herself. But how’s she supposed to think when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could bring everything crashing down on Robyn’s head? So when her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane.

But it’s hard to run away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she left behind follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances—on dreams, on love, on family. Life is meant to be lived on purpose. All she has to do is muster the courage to take a chance on herself.

EXCERPT #12

THE SUMMER GETAWAY

Her ex-husband groaned. “Can’t you tell her? She’ll take it better from you.”

“No, I can’t. Not only won’t she take it better from me, I’m not willing to be yelled at for you. This is your responsibility. Tell her.”

He sighed heavily. “You used to be a lot more fun to be around. Fine. I’ll talk to her. She’s not going to care.”

“I hope you’re right.” She rose. “Okay, thanks for stopping by.”

“That’s it?”

“Did you have something else to talk about?”

“No.” He stood. “You used to offer me a drink when we talked like this. And a cheese plate.”

She ignored her guilt. “I was running late. Next time.”

He studied her for a second. “Are you going to marry Jase?”

“What?” Her voice was nearly a yelp. She lowered it. “No.”

They hadn’t even discussed living together. Marriage? She wasn’t ready to marry him or anyone. Four years after her divorce, she was finally starting to consider her options. She couldn’t imagine committing to someone else in that way. Living with Jase was one thing, but marriage? Not anytime soon.

“I just wondered,” he said. “You’re different these days.”

She doubted he meant the words as a compliment.

“Good to know. If you think of it, text me after you talk to Harlow so I can brace myself.”

“Sure.”

They walked to the front door. Before he stepped onto the porch, he looked at her.

“You know, most of our years together were pretty good.”

The statement caught her off guard. Is that how he saw things? Her view was entirely different. Not that she would say that to him—there was no reason to revisit that well-trodden road.

“They were,” she lied, going for the kind response rather than the honest one.

“I think about that sometimes.”

With that he turned and walked away. Robyn closed the front door behind him, then leaned against it. The list of things that had gone wrong in their marriage seemed a lot longer than the list of what had gone right. Four years after the fact, she was clear on where she’d screwed up and where Cord had, as well.

They’d married too young. They’d had kids too young. They’d put all their energy into growing the business and raising their family rather than paying attention to their relationship. And when Cord had cheated, six years in, they’d dealt with the betrayal and the pain, but never the why.

Looking back from a safe emotional distance, Robyn thought maybe that had been the first big crack. They should have gotten down to the real issues between them, but the hurt had been so big, she hadn’t been able to think about anything else.

Marriage was hard, and sometimes people failed. Robyn accepted that and knew if there ever was a next time, she was going get it right.

 

 

Tour Review - - Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke

by Michelle McLean

Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous

Release Date: February 14, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society's rules - until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family's ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She'll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke...and she has just the rakish fellow in mind. 

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn't excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty - especially where it concerns producing a son. And that's where he can't quite resist Arabella's distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she'll give him an heir. 

Now the deal's been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they're both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love. 

PJ's Thoughts:

This book is like a warm hug tucked between bookends of witty charm and laugh-out-loud humor. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire time I was reading. I'd never read Michelle McLean before this but after finishing Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke, I want to read everything she's ever written. 

McLean plunges the reader straight into the story with a "meet cute" that immediately captured my interest, followed by a proposition (proposal?) that sealed the deal. I was captivated within the first few pages and knew I would not be putting this book down anytime soon.

Silas and Arabella fairly leaped from the pages. These two were so wonderfully developed, with quirks and flaws and good hearts beneath it all. They have such a great dynamic with Arabella charging so delightfully and unexpectedly into Silas's life and taking him by surprise at every turn. Silas, in return, turns all of Arabella's notions on their head, in the best possible way. I loved their rules. The scene where they concoct them - with Arabella's good friend acting as skeptical scribe - is hilarious and watching them do their best to adhere to them (when they aren't breaking them) is an absolute delight. They are both so sure of what they want from life - love is not on the list - but sparkle so sweetly as they finally discover the joys of opening their hearts (following the requisite misunderstanding and a bit of angst). 

Their chemistry is off the charts and the steam they generate is creative, explosive, and a bundle of fun. What these two can get up to in a carriage, behind a leafy tree, and in dark corners of a ballroom kept me gloriously entertained and grinning from ear to ear. 

The secondary cast of characters are also richly depicted, adding humor and emotion to the overall story. I like that everyone was given a happy ending while at the same time not downplaying the bumpy road ahead for those who ran afoul of society's strictures. 

If you're a fan of Tessa Dare or Julia Quinn, this book should be right up your reading alley. Like books by both of the afore-mentioned authors, I have no doubt Ten Rules for Marrying A Duke will be a book I turn to more than once when needing an uplifting dose of laughter, sizzle, fun antics, and joyful happily ever after. 

 

Tour Review, Excerpt and Giveaway - - The Sweetheart Deal

The Sweetheart Deal

By Miranda Liasson

Blossom Glen - Book 1

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Pastry chef Tessa Montgomery knows what everyone in the teeny town of Blossom Glen says about her. Spinster. Ice Queen. Such a shame. It's enough to make a woman bake her troubles away, dreaming of Parisian delicacies while she makes bread at her mother's struggling boulangerie. That is until Tessa's mortal enemy - deliciously handsome (if arrogant) chef Leo Castorini, who owns the restaurant next door - proposes a business plan...to get married.

Leo knows that the Castorinis and the Montgomerys hate each other, but a marriage might just force these stubborn families to work together and blend their businesses for success. The deal is simple: Tessa and Leo marry, live together for six months, and then go their separate ways. Easy peasy.

It's a sweetheart deal where everyone gets what they want - until feelings between the faux newlyweds start seriously complicating the mix. Have they discovered the perfect recipe for success...or is disaster on the way.

PJ's Thoughts:

There are so many delicious threads to pull in this story and Liasson expertly handles them all. We have rivals forced to work together to save both of their family businesses. Stubborn families set on doing things their own way along with nurturing a generations-old feud. A hero who made his mark in New York and is now back to help guide his family restaurant into the future - if his father will just listen to his ideas. A heroine who dreams of leaving their small town to pursue her own dreams, a secret she's been keeping since high school, and inconvenient feelings she's beginning to have for her convenient husband who - oops - is having feelings too.

I laughed, I cheered, I may have shed a few happy tears too. These characters were so relatable. I understood Leo and Tessa both wanting to make their own mark, the frustrations they faced with their parents, Tessa's feelings of being "stuck," even though the sacrifices she willingly (and in some cases, secretly) made were for the people she loved. I really enjoyed the growing relationship between her and Leo. Liasson realistically portrayed the ups and downs that come with that type of situation. I had no idea how she was going to pull everything together in a way that would make everyone happy but she accomplished it in the best possible way that left me thoroughly satisfied. I appreciated the complex dynamics that often occur when an adult child attempts to steer a family business in a new direction. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that both Leo's and Tessa's families are in the food industry, owning an Italian restaurant and boulangerie, respectively. My advice is to have both napkins and snacks at hand while reading this book. If you have freshly baked bread or pasta, all the better. 

I am now completely invested in the town of Blossom Glen and her citizens. I'm excited to discover what Liasson has planned for Tessa's sisters as well as their friends. I don't know how many books she has planned for this series but I'll be here for all of them.

~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT from THE SWEETHEART DEAL

At first glance, the Castorinis’ place was dark, but then she noticed a very faint glow. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see Leo hunched over a laptop, a small lamp burning at his table. 

Call it the moon, call it desperation, call it whatever you wanted, but something made her rap on the glass. 

Leo jerked his head up. His brows lifted in surprise, and he gave her the hold-on-a-sec sign. 

Her stomach tumbled. What have I just done? 

“Hey,” he said as he pulled the door open. His usually perfect hair was a little disheveled, like he’d been raking his hands through it. Dark, dangerous stubble shadowed his face. His discerning gaze skirted quickly over her from head to toe, like he was trying to find some visible reason she’d be here. 

This had been an awful idea. 

On closer examination, she noticed he had circles under his eyes, and his button-up shirt was halfway untucked. Could it be that he was feeling the same stress that she was? 

“Did you need something?” he asked. 

“Yes?” 

He smiled a little, then stepped aside to let her pass. “Come on in. It’s safe. I’m the only one here.” His voice was low and gravelly, in a way that reminded her of a sexy model in a cologne commercial as he awakened in a breezy-curtained villa, throwing back the silk sheets and walking naked to his balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea. 

Okay, stress was making her imagination go wild. And also, safe felt like a real misnomer. 

She followed Leo back to the table where he’d been working and ran her hand along her carelessly swooped-up bun, thinking she must look a mess after working all day and into the night. But why should she care? She wasn’t here to impress. 

As she sat down across from him, he asked, “Do you have good news for me?” He gave her a hopeful look that made her want to lie. That made her think that maybe they weren’t so different. They both loved their families. They both wanted their hard work to bring success. 

But this was business, so she straightened her spine. “No deal with the bread. My mom won’t have it. She’d rather be bankrupt than have us bake for your restaurant. I’m sorry.” 

He sighed heavily, and for the first time ever, he didn’t seem to be shrugging things off with a smile. 

“Any luck on your end?” she asked. “I mean, about selling your ideas to your dad?”

He sat back, tossing his pen over the many scattered papers. “No,” he said simply. Just one word, jam-packed with frustration. 

She should just go home. What was the point of continuing a conversation? Yet she recognized a look in his eyes—the same desperate desire to do something to stop these ships from sinking. And…and she was now past want. She needed that wine. 

“I—” She felt her voice giving out. “I actually was wondering if you had any wine. I mean, I’d pay you for it.” 

He looked her over in what she was coming to learn was a thoroughly assessing way of his, a mixture of curiosity and something more intense that made her feel stripped down to the bone. “What are you doing downtown at this hour?” 

She hitched a thumb toward the bakery. “I was just sneak baking.” She mentally head slapped herself. Why had she confessed that? It was private. To most people, anyway. 

He frowned. “What’s sneak baking?” 

“Oh. Sometimes I go in after hours and bake whatever I want. It’s…a way of unwinding, I guess. Being creative. Forgetting about everything else.” 

“I might have to try it. Because all I do after hours is pore over the numbers. And then I can’t sleep.” 

“I hear you,” she said. 

“You probably shouldn’t be downtown alone at night.” 

In Blossom Glen? Tessa waved a hand dismissively. “Like you?” He smiled a little at that. “I’ve been doing it for years. It’s my therapy.” 

His lips cracked a slight smile. “Wine sounds like a great idea.” That warmth in his eyes was back, and it was directed at her. Only briefly, though, and then he got up and went to the back room. 

She was hungry—yearning, even—for what was really at stake here: her dreams, her life, a way out—and her imagination was in overdrive lately. But while she was way too smart to make the same mistake that she made when she was eighteen, to think that Leo had actually liked her, she knew what it meant when a man looked at her a certain way. 

Heat and desire from her nemesis. Now that was a real recipe for disaster.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information about Miranda Liasson and her books, visit her website or follow her on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Do you enjoy small-town romances?

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Today is Valentine's Day. How are you celebrating? 

Because it's Valentine's Day, Miranda very graciously offered this giveaway package to one randomly chosen reader who posts a comment before 11:00 PM (EST), February 15. Good luck!

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