Review & Giveaway - - Seductive Scot

Seductive Scot
by Julie Johnstone and Cecilia Mecca
Highlanders Through Time - Book 3
Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing
Release Date: April 23, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 

He crossed time on a mission to rescue his family but discovered the one woman with the power to save him.

Reikart McCaim doesn’t want to be saved—despite the fact that he’s a time traveler from 2020 New Orleans stuck in medieval Scotland. He holds his jagged secrets close to his chest and wants to keep them that way. Even if he could open up to the incredible woman fate has tossed in his path, they’d both be shredded by the things he can’t let go of. Still, he needs her help. In his time, his father lies in a coma with only one wish: to see Reikart’s mother again, whom he’s always claimed was a time traveler pulled back to her true time. Two of Reikart’s brothers already traveled back to search for her, but they are missing, too. Now, Reikart must find his family and secure the magic cross they need to return to their time. And the lass who is everything he wants but cannot allow himself to have is the only one who can recover it.

Deirdre Irvine’s life is a disaster, and it’s about to get a whole lot messier. She’s been betrayed by her brother, and she finds herself unwittingly embroiled in a plot to gain control of the Scottish throne. Not to mention she’s harboring enormous guilt over failing the sister she adores. So when the unexpected chance to prove herself to her sister arises, Deirdre will do anything to use the opportunity to her advantage. It doesn’t matter that it means putting herself in danger and joining forces with a man who claims he’s from the future. But she is woefully unprepared for the jeopardy he puts her heart in.

For a scarred man and wounded lass, their greatest obstacle may not be the centuries that divide them, but the walls they’ve erected themselves. As Deirdre’s and Reikart’s lives intertwine and they’re confronted with dangerous enemies, she’s about to discover a strength she never knew she had, and he’s about to learn that facing his ghosts may be the only way to save not only himself but the woman he now loves.

PJ's Thoughts:

After reading Sinful Scot, book one in the Highlanders Through Time series, I was convinced Deirdre Irvine was a scheming traitor who had betrayed both her country and her sister. Imagine my surprise when I discovered she was the heroine of book three! Clearly, matters were not as they appeared in regards to her culpability. Or, so I hoped. As for Reikart, he is certainly more than he appears at first glance. Even his family is unaware of the magnitude of the immense burden of guilt he carries and how it continues to impact his life. Only a woman with Deirdre's strength and determination could have any chance of breaking through his barriers to release his guilt and bring hope - and love - to his future. But even that may not be enough to see these two through to a happily ever after.

I loved this book. It's my favorite of the series so far. The first two books of the series were filled with a lot of danger and action (which I enjoy) but, while this one has its share of that, the primary focus is on the characters, their individual growth, and the evolution of their relationships. Both of them have heartbreaking, emotional wounds that have not healed. Deirdre is determined to earn back her sister's love and trust while Reikart is determined to never open his heart to love again. Both also have a burning desire for the other that cannot be quenched. And, both will do whatever is necessary to keep the other safe. They broke my heart, then filled that same heart with joy. I couldn't get enough of them. 

While there's an abundance of deep emotion in this story (parts were heartbreaking and, yes, there were tears), Johnstone maintains that emotional depth without allowing it to become too dark by lightening the story with well-placed humor and some delicious sizzle. I especially enjoyed the snappy banter between Deirdre and Reikart, and the unabashed matchmaking going on at the hands of Reikart's mother and aunt, and Deirdre's sister (now also Reikart's sister-in-law). And, as always, the historical facts and figures interwoven throughout add an enjoyable realism to the tale. 

I've loved getting to know these brothers, each so different from the others yet all undeniably bound to one another by the love and loyalty of family. I'm already sad about the prospect of saying goodbye to them and yet also eagerly anticipating the fourth, and final, chapter of their journey, youngest brother Ian's story, in book four: Scandalous Scot. 

If you enjoy time-travel romances, you'll want to be sure this series is on your must-read list. If you haven't discovered time-travel yet, the Highlanders Through Time series is a great place to begin. I recommend reading the books in order: Sinful Scot, Sexy Scot, Seductive Scot, and (coming May 19) Scandalous Scot. 

~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of the books in this series yet?

If you could time travel, where would you go?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 24, will receive an e-book copy of Seductive Scot.

*Must be 18 or older

Review - - Beachside Beginnings

Beachside Beginnings
by Sheila Roberts
Moonlight Harbor - Book 4
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: April 21, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

Moira Wellman has always loved makeovers—helping women find their most beautiful selves. Funny how it’s taken her five years with her abusive boyfriend, Lang, to realize she needs a life makeover. When Moira finally gets the courage to leave Lang, the beachside town of Moonlight Harbor is the perfect place to start over.

Soon Moira is right at home, working at Waves Salon, making new friends and helping her clients find new confidence. When she meets a handsome police officer, she’s more than willing to give him a free haircut. Maybe even her heart. But is she really ready for romance after Lang? And what if her new friend is in hot pursuit of that same cop? This is worse than a bad perm.



PJ's Thoughts:

What better place to start over than Moonlight Harbor, where new friendships and new beginnings await? I've grown to love this little town and the characters who call it home, and Moira is one of my favorites. I loved watching her evolve throughout the book, gaining strength and confidence while  slowly taking back her life after escaping an abusive relationship. Roberts handles Moira's situation with care, acknowledging its gravity without abandoning hope or giving us a story that is all darkness and no light. Beachside Beginnings contains the author's signature humor and warmth, along with more than a few quirky characters, while also layering in substance and emotion. 

Moira is due some good romance and blushing police officer, Victor King is the man for the job. He's so darn adorable and exactly what Moira needs in her life. She needs friends too and Moonlight Harbor is filled with interesting women ready to step in. It's going to take a village to bring Moira back to the strong, confident woman she was before her ex ripped apart her life, and the friendships she forms in this small town help her do just that. I love that Roberts' takes that street both ways by also taking us along on the journeys Moira's new boss and new friends are traveling. It was satisfying to see these women come together to help one another become their best selves, address difficult situations in their lives, overcome fear to take the first tentative steps into the next chapters of their lives, and triumph over the obstacles standing in the way of their happiness...which, as they learn, can sometimes be themselves.

This is book four in Sheila Roberts' Moonlight Harbor series.  You don't have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one but, if you have, it's fun to catch up with ongoing characters and story lines, especially a certain pastor and the woman who loves him, and a certain motel owner whose heart is being pulled in two very different directions.

Moonlight Harbor is a great place to lose yourself for a few hours and Beachside Beginnings is an empowering, heart-tugging way to do it. 

Release Day Review - - The Wedding War

The Wedding War
by Liz Talley
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date: April 21, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

Once upon a time, Melanie Layton and Tennyson O’Rourke were inseparable—but their friends-4ever promises were shattered when an explosive secret was revealed at Mel’s wedding, a secret that destroyed her family. The two haven’t spoken for the past twenty-some-odd years, and they’d be happy if they never crossed paths again.

But now Mel’s daughter and Teeny’s son have fallen in love—and announced their engagement.

Which means the two women must tolerate one another and play nice long enough to plan their children’s dream wedding. From the beginning, they clash. Melanie imagines a classy, elegant event, in keeping with tradition. Teeny’s vision is a bit more extravagant, and thanks to her habit of marrying well, she’s got the cash to plan the flashiest wedding of the season.

Complicating matters are the men in their lives: Tennyson is falling for the wrong guy, and Melanie is trying to hold on to a flailing marriage. Amid the flurry of cake tastings, dress fittings, seating charts, and bridal showers, Mel and Teeny confront their past mistakes—with twenty years of pent-up drama.

When the day of the wedding finally arrives, their friendship might just be something old and something new.

PJ's Thoughts:

I have the feeling this is going to be one of those books that readers will either love or hate (I enjoyed it). It's a poignant, humorous, and sometimes shocking look at the lives of two women, childhood best friends, who, after a life-changing betrayal, are brought together once again when their children fall in love. The characters are not always nice and some of their antics would have even Reality TV housewives doing a double take. I don't know if I would have ever been able to forgive the betrayal that ended their friendship but, in spite of that, I couldn't help but hope that there was still goodness lurking in the depths of one and strength to be found in the other. And, as dysfunctional as their relationship was, I really hoped that they would be able to find a way to, if not repair their former friendship, at least forge a new one going forward. The resolution Talley created is one in which I was able to believe and appreciate. 

Teeny and Mel are flawed, complex women who took me on quite the emotional ride. I laughed, cringed, laughed, gasped, cringed some more, and also shed a few tears before reaching the end of their story. It's a humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, frequently over the top, no holds barred look at a friendship that's gone off the rails, but just might find its way back on track, and I could not look away. 

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Tour Review - - Sunrise on Half Moon Bay

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay
by Robyn Carr
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

PJ's Thoughts:

Once again, Robyn Carr has brought a story to life that engaged my interest, and my emotions, from start to finish. Using flawed characters, and realistic situations, she takes readers on one family's journey of heartbreak, self-discovery, reconciliation, unexpected change, and new beginnings. I couldn't put it down.

Of the two sisters, I had a greater affinity for Justine, the older sister whose marriage is falling apart. That may be due to my age, or the fact that I'm the (take-charge) oldest in my family and have a sibling twenty years younger. But in Addie, Carr has also created a younger character who put her life on hold to spend the past eight years as a caregiver. I'm sure many readers, myself included, who have walked that path will also be able to relate to the difficulties Addie has moving forward once those duties come to an end. (I'm glad Carr shows the importance of therapy in dealing with Addie's issues as well as for Justine's daughters). I suspect most readers will identify with one sister or the other, while still more will feel a greater empathy for Justine's teenage daughters as they navigate the changes brought about by the divorce of their parents and the fall-out from their father's ongoing actions. That's part of Carr's skill as a writer: creating a community of unique characters who appeal to a broad range of readers and then bringing them together to create a heart-tugging whole that can be appreciated by all. In this book, she utilizes those skills to allow readers into the thoughts and emotions of each of the women, allowing us to experience their strengths, weaknesses, joys, and fears as they work to overcome the challenges life - and a self-absorbed louse of a husband - have put in their way, strengthen their familial bonds, and redefine what they want their futures to be. I spent a lot of time cheering them on.

In addition to the primary characters, Carr has also assembled a cast of secondary characters who add depth, conflict, and hope to the story. I especially enjoyed the social workers at the workplace reentry center where Addie works. There are also love interests for both Justine and Addie (great guys I was pulling for all the way) who play significant roles in their lives and their personal evolution, though this is not a book that I would classify as romance. It's more women's fiction with romantic elements. The most important journey here is that of the women. Sunrise on Half Moon Bay is an emotion-packed, empowering story that I enthusiastically recommend. 


Buy Links: 

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Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women's fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at www.RobynCarr.com

Author Website:  

Twitter: @RCarrWriter

Facebook: @RobynCarrWriter

Instagram: @RobynCarrWriter

Goodreads 

Review - - Smash and Grab

Smash and Grab
by Lori Matthews
Callahan Security Series - Book 2
Publisher: Wild Coyote Press
Release Date: April 9, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

Logan Callahan, the CEO of Callahan Security, knows he’s out of his depth.

The woman he came to the Bahamas to investigate was kidnapped, and he was taken right along with her. He knew the sexy lady lawyer was trouble. He just had no idea how much.

Taken. Again. Lacy Carmichael on the other hand, was not new to the “Kidnap and Ransom” game. After all, when your father was one of the largest arms dealers in the world, danger comes with the territory, and she’d learned how to talk or fight her way out of almost anything.

But this time Logan was grabbed with her, so she’ll have to reveal all her secrets in order to save both of their asses.

If only she wasn’t so damned smart and sexy, Logan would find staying level-headed much easier. After all, she could be the spy his brothers are looking for.

Searching for a way out of the mess, and fighting their mutual attraction, will take all of Logan’s and Lacy’s collective skills.

Unfortunately, deception and betrayal by those they trust the most changes the rules of the game, and they find themselves battling for both their lives and their love.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is only the second novel Lori Matthews has published but she is fast becoming one of my go-to romantic suspense authors. Filled with suspense, romance, and plenty of danger, Smash and Grab continues the mystery begun in book one, Break and Enter, while adding a new twist into the mix. The chemistry between Lacy and Logan sizzles and it was fun to watch the two former legal adversaries begin to view one another in a new light as they're forced to work together to outwit their kidnappers. We discover that both characters are much more than expected. The guy we met in book one is not at all the person I expected Logan to be in book two. I loved his hidden depths! Lacy, on the other hand, is a well of secrets and contradictions with family complications - and expectations - that have been steering her toward an inescapable destination. Understandably, as truths are revealed, trust is tested, and Matthews inserts enough twists and turns into the story to keep me (and Logan) wondering right up until the end just how everything will turn out. It's a wild ride and oh, so worth it. 

I can't wait to find out what Matthews has in store for us in the next Callahan Security novel!

Donna Kauffman - - Rest in Peace

I'm so very sad to share the news of the death of Donna Kauffman. The romance community has lost another beloved author. (Read her USA Today obituary) 

I didn't know Donna well but I did have the opportunity to meet her in person on several occasions. One of those was at last year's Book Lovers Con (photo below). 

Liz Talley, PJ, Donna Kauffman, Sally Kilpatrick

As usual, Donna was upbeat and joyous. In fact, I can't remember a single encounter with her over the years when she wasn't smiling, gracious, and kind. 

Donna's most recent book, Under a Firefly Moon, was released in January and takes readers back to Blue Hollow Falls for another witty, heart-tugging story. As is typically the case with her books, it has garnered plenty of wonderful, 5-star reviews. 

My condolences go out to Donna's family, friends, and all who loved her and her stories. May she rest in peace and may her kindness and joy be a guiding light to us all. 

Winners - - Beachside Beginnings

The randomly chosen winners of a copy of

Beachside Beginnings by Sheila Roberts are

dstoutholcomb

and

Chrisbails

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Sexy Scot

Sexy Scot
by Cecilia Mecca and Julie Johnstone
Highlanders Through Time - Book 2
Publisher: Altiora Press
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

When his older brother disappears before his eyes, Greyson McCaim is determined to find him—even if he has to travel back in time. Because it turns out their “crazy” father was right: their mother didn’t leave them willingly. She’s a time traveler, and someone pulled her back to her original home in medieval Scotland. Now Rhys is there too while the other McCaim brothers are stuck in modern-day New Orleans. They keep reciting the chant that sent Rhys back, and it finally works—but only for Greyson. Miserably unprepared for medieval life, he is saved by fate’s choice to dump him at the feet of the uncle he never knew he had. The two set off to learn what happened to Greyson’s mother and brother, but their mission is derailed when they encounter an earl’s daughter in need of help.

Marian is sent from the only home she’s ever known to marry a stranger—a Scottish noble with a poor reputation. But her fear of the unknown is soon replaced by a completely different terror when her traveling party is viciously attacked by reivers. The Scot who saves her is unlike anyone she’s ever met—his accent is strange, his words stranger, and he’s completely oblivious to etiquette. And yet this man awakens something in her, as does her newfound freedom from her father. 

Greyson’s secret opens a whole new world for Marian, and her love makes him a stronger man. But Greyson’s family is at the center of a conspiracy that promises to change Scotland forever, and from the perspective of history, he knows it doesn’t turn out well. Can Greyson and Marian possibly find a happy ending?

PJ's Thoughts:

Between my love of time travel romance and my fascination with Medieval Scotland, I could not be more excited about this new collaboration between Cecilia Mecca and Julie Johnstone. Book two, Sexy Scot, follows second brother, Greyson McCaim's journey into the past as he attempts to find both his missing mother as well as older brother, Rhys. 

I love a fish out of water story. In most of the books I read, it's the heroine who finds herself out of her comfort zone but, in this book, it's our 21st century hero who is hurtled back in time and I couldn't be happier. Between his clothes, speech, and strange views, especially in regards to women, fitting in is a constant struggle. Navigating the slippery slopes of Medieval Scotland is no easy task but Grey is up for the challenge. Watching him slowly claim his heritage, the respect of his clan, and the Medieval woman at his side was thoroughly enjoyable. 

Marian may start out as an innocent, sheltered Medieval lady, little more than a bargaining chip in the political maneuverings of men, but she becomes much more. It was immensely satisfying to watch her grow into a woman unafraid to make difficult decisions and go after what she wants. I have no doubt she will be able to hold her own in modern-day New Orleans...if she and Grey ever make it there.

There are two more McCaim brothers waiting for their stories and I cannot wait to find out what happens. Will Ian and Reikart travel 700 years into the past to join their mother and brothers? Will their father recover? Will any of them make it back to present-day New Orleans? Will they want to?  This series has me hooked and I can't wait to discover all of the answers.

I definitely recommend reading these books in order. Books  one and two, Sinful Scot and Sexy Scot are now available. Book three, Seductive Scot will be released April 23. I already have it pre-ordered. 

Review - - The Money Man

The Money Man
by Nancy Herkness
The Consultants - Book 1
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

New Jersey bookkeeper Alice Thurber has a carefully constructed risk-free life. Everything in perfect balance. Until little discrepancies show up in her clients’ accounts. Most would ignore it. Not the impeccably precise Alice. In desperation she reaches out to a high-powered consulting firm for help. New York City’s movie-star handsome financial wizard Derek Killion reaches back. All he has to do is smile and Alice’s fantasies stir. A girl can dream, can’t she?

A cofounder of KRG, Derek’s promise is to advise small-business owners in trouble. He never guessed that assisting the diffident but sexy Alice would be so captivating and make it so hard to keep his desires in check. But just as intriguing is the alarming puzzle behind the computer glitch that’s unsettled his client. As the investigation unfolds, they must also confront an attraction too palpable to ignore. Every new dark twist they follow is only bringing them closer together—in passion and in danger.

PJ's Thoughts:

Think a romance between two accountants is destined to be a snooze fest? Think again! Nancy Herkness has created a story filled with mystery, danger, intriguing characters, and sizzling romance that reeled me in and refused to let go. 

Derek and Alice are adorable together. I enjoyed their set-the-sheets-on-fire chemistry and the surprisingly sexy math humor only the two of them "get." Derek is such a good guy. I love how protective he is of Alice but also how much he likes, respects, admires, and desires her. His grand gesture at the end of the book will win the heart of every regency romance fan who picks up this book. And buttoned-up Alice, when she finally steps out of her tightly controlled comfort zone, has all the makings of a truly awesome, kick-ass heroine...with an analytical brain and a cat-loving, marshmallow heart. 

The secondary characters add another layer of richness - and danger - to the story. Natalie and Dawn are the kind of friends every woman should have in her corner. We see enough of Leland and Tully, Derek's partners at KRG, to have me salivating for their stories. And, let me just say, Nancy Herkness knows how to create a truly chilling, and realistic, villain. Don't turn your back on these guys. 

If you're looking for fast-paced action, likable characters, twists and turns, sizzling chemistry, a touch of danger, and a swoon-worthy happy ending, I enthusiastically recommend The Money Man by Nancy Herkness.

Review - - Tough Talking Cowboy

Tough Talking Cowboy
by Jennifer Ryan
Wild Rose Ranch - Book 3
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 

Ex-Army Ranger Drake McGrath has come home to Montana, locked in a battle with himself, lashing out at those who love him most—driving away his ex-fiancée and alienating his family. But Adria Holloway sees beyond Drake’s tough talk to the raw pain beneath.

Raised with her twin sister Juliana by a neglectful mother at the Wild Rose Ranch, Adria also struggles to put the trauma from her past behind her. To help them both, she makes Drake a shocking deal—a no-strings relationship that’ll help them both face down their demons. Maybe it’s a way for her and Drake to heal each other, one sizzling night at a time…

The heat between them is instant and incredible. But the biggest challenges are yet to come. With Juliana battling her addiction and Drake working on his issues, Adria realizes she can’t save everyone. But Drake and Adria discover love can survive tragedy and loss—and they can have the life they never thought possible if they just hold on.

PJ's Thoughts:

Jennifer Ryan excels at dragging me through emotional quagmires and Tough Talking Cowboy is no exception. Forget keeping a tissue close to hand. I needed the whole darn box for this story. The hands life has dealt Drake and Adria are not just heartbreaking, they're heart crushing. Ryan takes them to some very dark places and, at times, the reader has to wonder if light, and love, will ever find its way into a tortured soul. It's a testament to the author, and the resilience of the human spirit, that even in the midst of these times, she never allows the reader to lose hope. 

Drake and Adria captured my heart and I'm not sure they're ever going to let go. Only a woman who had survived Adria's past could have looked beyond the barrier of Drake's anger, guilt, and grief to the love and hope buried deep inside. The example she sets with the future she is building for herself, and the courage she shows in the way she reaches him is remarkable. And only a man as strong as Drake could have reclaimed the life, and love, he so desperately wants, to be there for the woman he loves when her world is turned on end. 

I shed a lot of tears while reading this book but I also turned the final page filled with hope and joy for a couple whose love triumphed over tragedy and was stronger for it. Tough Talking Cowboy is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of love. I will not soon forget these characters, or their story. 


Content Warning: child pornography, addiction, PTSD

Winner - - Coming Attractions

The randomly chosen winner of a 

$10 Amazon e-gift card is:

Virginia C

Congratulations!

Please send your email address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com