The randomly chosen winner of a copy of
Cody's Come Home by Mary Sullivan is:
Laurie G.
Congratulations, Laurie!
To claim your book, please send an email to me at:
theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Laura Florand Winner
The randomly chosen winner of a copy of
All For You by Laura Florand is:
Carol L
Congratulations, Carol!
Please send your full name, mailing address, and choice of print or e-book to:
theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com
Reviews - - Quinn I & Quinn II
Quinn I & Quinn II
By J.C. Cliff
Release Date: February 19, 2016 (Quinn I)
Release Date: April 19, 2016 (Quinn II)
Alexis "Lexi" Moretti is on the run. Vince, her ex, a man she's been good friends with since childhood - has framed her for murder in order to force her to marry him. Lexi may be the daughter of a mafia boss but she's about as far from the stereotypical Mafia Princess as she can get. She's a down-to-earth, animal-loving woman who trusts easily and looks for the best in people. She's tried to give Vince the benefit of the doubt but he's changed from the boy she loved into a monster she no longer recognizes and when faced with the evidence of what he's done, she knows her only option is to get as far away from him as possible. With another friend's help, she disappears onto the Appalachian Trail with a map, a backpack filled with supplies and a plan to reach a safe house many miles away. Unfortunately, Lexi is not an experienced hiker, a fact that's all too evident when her first night on the trail, she can't even get a fire started. How the heck is she going to make it to the other end?
A former Army Ranger, handsome, hard-bodied Quinn works hard and plays harder. King of the one-night stands, he never sleeps with a woman more than once and will never give his heart away. Been there, done that, and suffered a devastating betrayal as his reward. Quinn now runs a private security company with a group of ex-military friends. When the call from mafia boss Tony Moretti comes in, Quinn knows it's time to settle the debt he owes the man for saving Quinn's life during a FBI operation in which the Moretti family co-operated. With his trusty (former military) canine at his side, Quinn heads into the wilderness to track Moretti's daughter and return her safely to her father. He's been told she's pregnant, running away from the baby's father, and, oh yeah, wanted for murder. Quinn and his dog find Lexi the first day, come to her fire-making rescue, and convince her to let them hike with her. It doesn't take long for Quinn to begin questioning what he's been told. After a few days, he's convinced the woman hiking by his side could never murder anyone and when they're ambushed by two men who have clearly been tracking them, he knows things are about to get a lot more complicated. They go off-trail in a race to reach safety but this roller coaster ride is just beginning and things will get worse - much worse - before the end.
Quinn I and Quinn II tell one story in two books with Quinn I ending in a cliffhanger and Quinn II picking up the story from there. I was excited when I read the summary of these books. This is the type of book I usually enjoy: suspense, action, outdoor adventure, an emotional roller coaster and plenty of sizzle...plus a dog that stole my heart right along with Lexi's. The potential was there for a terrific read. Unfortunately, for me, the reality didn't live up to the potential. Both books are written in first person with the hero and heroine's points of view being told in alternating chapters. The writing felt stilted and diminished the tension and emotional impact for me, pushing me out of the story more than it pulled me in. However, the author does tell a good story and the trials Lexi and Quinn endure - and overcome - on the trail and feelings growing between them had me rooting for them to defeat the villains and claim their happiness by the end of book one. Then came book two.
To say I was disappointed in book two would be a massive understatement. Furious would be a better
word. Kudos to the author for having the ability to arouse such intense emotions with her writing but these are not the emotions I desire in the romances I read, even if they are dark erotic thrillers. The mental and physical torture was just beginning for Quinn and Lexi and Lexi, in particular, was about to be taken to a very dark place; a place I do not want my romance characters to ever be taken. There is obviously an enthusiastic reader audience for these books. One has only to browse the numerous 5-star reviews at Goodreads to ascertain that. But not every book written is a good fit for every reader and Quinn II was not a good fit for me. While I was uneasy about the direction the story was taking in Quinn II, I continued to accompany the characters on their journey, hoping the author wouldn't cross my personal line of no return...until she did. If I hadn't made a commitment to review this book, I would have thrown it against the wall right there and then. By the last few chapters of the book, I was fed up with all of the characters. I wanted to tell Lexi to grow a backbone, then run as far and as fast as she could from all the domineering, "I know what's best for you" men in her life. Including Quinn. Lexi and Quinn do finally find their happy ending but, unfortunately, by that time I could find neither joy nor satisfaction in it.
~PJ
By J.C. Cliff
Release Date: February 19, 2016 (Quinn I)
Release Date: April 19, 2016 (Quinn II)
A former Army Ranger, handsome, hard-bodied Quinn works hard and plays harder. King of the one-night stands, he never sleeps with a woman more than once and will never give his heart away. Been there, done that, and suffered a devastating betrayal as his reward. Quinn now runs a private security company with a group of ex-military friends. When the call from mafia boss Tony Moretti comes in, Quinn knows it's time to settle the debt he owes the man for saving Quinn's life during a FBI operation in which the Moretti family co-operated. With his trusty (former military) canine at his side, Quinn heads into the wilderness to track Moretti's daughter and return her safely to her father. He's been told she's pregnant, running away from the baby's father, and, oh yeah, wanted for murder. Quinn and his dog find Lexi the first day, come to her fire-making rescue, and convince her to let them hike with her. It doesn't take long for Quinn to begin questioning what he's been told. After a few days, he's convinced the woman hiking by his side could never murder anyone and when they're ambushed by two men who have clearly been tracking them, he knows things are about to get a lot more complicated. They go off-trail in a race to reach safety but this roller coaster ride is just beginning and things will get worse - much worse - before the end.
Quinn I and Quinn II tell one story in two books with Quinn I ending in a cliffhanger and Quinn II picking up the story from there. I was excited when I read the summary of these books. This is the type of book I usually enjoy: suspense, action, outdoor adventure, an emotional roller coaster and plenty of sizzle...plus a dog that stole my heart right along with Lexi's. The potential was there for a terrific read. Unfortunately, for me, the reality didn't live up to the potential. Both books are written in first person with the hero and heroine's points of view being told in alternating chapters. The writing felt stilted and diminished the tension and emotional impact for me, pushing me out of the story more than it pulled me in. However, the author does tell a good story and the trials Lexi and Quinn endure - and overcome - on the trail and feelings growing between them had me rooting for them to defeat the villains and claim their happiness by the end of book one. Then came book two.
To say I was disappointed in book two would be a massive understatement. Furious would be a better
~PJ
Monday, April 18, 2016
Review - - NUTS
NUTS
By Alice Clayton
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: October 20, 2015
But then Roxie meets Leo Maxwell of the New York Maxwells—that aloof, rich family who own the mansion down the road to which most locals like Roxie were never invited. But this Maxwell is farming the land and bringing her walnuts. He’s warm and engaging. And hot. Roxie comes to find out Leo is deeply involved in the slow-food movement and with his ingredients, she could actually make something special in the diner—something besides the meatloaf that’s been on the menu forever.
And maybe Roxie might be able to make something else special with Leo… something that could make her see herself in Bailey Falls for just a while longer.
Sigh. How do I say this? Alice Clayton can write. But there is an unwritten contract between romance writer and reader in which the writer makes the effort to create something that will take the reader to another place, and said reader plunks down the money necessary to experience that escape. That’s the deal.
NUTS hinted I’d be whisked away but could never quite deliver because the writer kept inserting herself into the story. When I wanted to get lost in Roxie and Leo, all I could see was Clayton.
And maybe Roxie might be able to make something else special with Leo… something that could make her see herself in Bailey Falls for just a while longer.
Sigh. How do I say this? Alice Clayton can write. But there is an unwritten contract between romance writer and reader in which the writer makes the effort to create something that will take the reader to another place, and said reader plunks down the money necessary to experience that escape. That’s the deal.
NUTS hinted I’d be whisked away but could never quite deliver because the writer kept inserting herself into the story. When I wanted to get lost in Roxie and Leo, all I could see was Clayton.
Here’s an example:
“Tonight, I was having Leo. Over for dinner. Yes, that period was intentional.”
So now I’m aware of Clayton writing the book, which made me aware of my reading it as opposed to the illusion of living through this relationship alongside the hero and heroine. And Roxie isn’t writing (though the book is from her POV). Roxie is a chef. This breaking-the-fourth-wall business might be a fun one-time tool were NUTS not riddled with it. And it may be Clayton’s thing, but I found it more disruptive than amusing as every instance yanked me clear out of the story. Exhausting. I could sense the author writing, which lead me to feel her as EVERY character when I only want to know her as the distant omniscient creator of said characters. Otherwise I’m robbed of the experience of getting lost in Roxie and Leo's relationship.
“Tonight, I was having Leo. Over for dinner. Yes, that period was intentional.”
So now I’m aware of Clayton writing the book, which made me aware of my reading it as opposed to the illusion of living through this relationship alongside the hero and heroine. And Roxie isn’t writing (though the book is from her POV). Roxie is a chef. This breaking-the-fourth-wall business might be a fun one-time tool were NUTS not riddled with it. And it may be Clayton’s thing, but I found it more disruptive than amusing as every instance yanked me clear out of the story. Exhausting. I could sense the author writing, which lead me to feel her as EVERY character when I only want to know her as the distant omniscient creator of said characters. Otherwise I’m robbed of the experience of getting lost in Roxie and Leo's relationship.
Otherwise, the writer has broken that romance writer/reader contract I mentioned.
As for the chemistry between hero and heroine, Roxie used to be shy but has learned to assert herself, probably stemming from the bravery it took to leave her hometown in the first place. So now Roxie is an aggressive flirt—using painfully obvious innuendo when speaking to Leo, throwing herself at him, and sitting in his lap when it’s too soon in the relationship for any self-respecting woman to do so. Such behavior whittled away the potential for some really great sexual tension between them. Roxie actually embarrasses me she’s so available to Leo, which made their interplay a tad tiresome because there was no chase. In addition, Roxie engages in this rapid fire banter that is very difficult for me to buy from someone who was once so painfully shy.
As for the chemistry between hero and heroine, Roxie used to be shy but has learned to assert herself, probably stemming from the bravery it took to leave her hometown in the first place. So now Roxie is an aggressive flirt—using painfully obvious innuendo when speaking to Leo, throwing herself at him, and sitting in his lap when it’s too soon in the relationship for any self-respecting woman to do so. Such behavior whittled away the potential for some really great sexual tension between them. Roxie actually embarrasses me she’s so available to Leo, which made their interplay a tad tiresome because there was no chase. In addition, Roxie engages in this rapid fire banter that is very difficult for me to buy from someone who was once so painfully shy.
The other issue I have is with the obstacles. Every romance has obstacles, but Clayton’s are of the saved-by-the bell variety. Literally. When Roxie and Leo are about to have sex, the ill-timed phone rings. Another time, a bee flies into her bra. It’s these silly external obstacles as opposed to some internal, psychological one--or a more serious external one--which frustrate me, in part, because I know Clayton has talent. There are sublime paragraphs—sections I highlighted so I could go back and reread them. That’s why I gave her three stars, which, on the Dish, is “satisfying” as opposed to a two star “not my cup of tea.”
Perhaps this is why I’m reacting so strongly to the book. I feel as though Clayton clearly has the potential to take me and every other reader away but through misguided author choices, falls short.
Is NUTS a good romp? It could have been. It promised to be. But it wasn’t for me.
~J Perry Stone
Is NUTS a good romp? It could have been. It promised to be. But it wasn’t for me.
~J Perry Stone
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Review - - When You Touch Me
WHEN YOU TOUCH ME
By Marilyn Baxter
Barefoot Bay Kindle Worlds Novella
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Jillian Logan loved the years she spent in Arizona, honing her skills in massage therapy and alternative healing. She has a real gift and hopes to open a business of her own where she can make a difference in people's lives. Family responsibilities following her mother's death have brought her home to Florida where there are fences to mend with her younger sister and decisions to be made regarding the family business before Jillian is able to pursue her own dreams. She's recently accepted a job in the spa at the Casa Blanca resort where, as Baxter puts it, "The good fortune gods had cracked open the skies and poured sunshine and rainbows all around Jillian Logan." The good fortune has a name: Sam Hartman. He's her new client, an injured soldier she's sure she can help if only she can get him to stop hitting on her long enough to focus what she can do for him...out of bed!
Sam Hartman is at a crossroads. Seriously injured in Afghanistan, he's out of the military with no idea of what is ahead. The wealthy mother of the soldier whose life he saved has gifted him ten days at Barefoot Bay's exclusive spa. He's envisioning good booze and hot women. What he gets is a gorgeous, no-nonsense massage therapist who is forcing him to face the fact that his wounds are more than skin deep. Sam's not ready to admit that he's suffering from PTSD or that Jillian may be able to help him heal. Yes, her massages are beginning to reduce his pain but he'd rather coax her into his bed and lose himself in sex than open himself to her "voodoo" methods of therapy. It's a classic battle of wills with both of their futures on the line.
When You Touch Me is a well-constructed story of healing and hope set within the Kindle World of Roxanne St. Claire's Barefoot Bay. Baxter's characters are multi-layered and fully developed, with real-life issues to which I had no difficulty relating. And it's clear the author has done her research regarding PTSD and the issues facing soldiers returning from duty in the Middle East. Fans of St. Claire's Barefoot Bay series will enjoy cameos by some of her characters, especially Jamaican dynamo and Casa Blanca housekeeper Poppy, though readers new to the setting will lose nothing by not having read St. Claire's books first. When You Touch Me flows well, eliciting both laughter and tears, and left me with "full book" satisfaction even though it is a novella of only 117 pages. The secondary characters add to the richness of the story without detracting focus from the main characters and I'd love to see more of them. I'm especially intrigued by Jillian's sister and also by Sam's brother. I'm hoping Marilyn Baxter has plans to write more stories set within the Barefoot Bay Kindle World. I can't be the only one who wants to read them!
~PJ
By Marilyn Baxter
Barefoot Bay Kindle Worlds Novella
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Sam Hartman is at a crossroads. Seriously injured in Afghanistan, he's out of the military with no idea of what is ahead. The wealthy mother of the soldier whose life he saved has gifted him ten days at Barefoot Bay's exclusive spa. He's envisioning good booze and hot women. What he gets is a gorgeous, no-nonsense massage therapist who is forcing him to face the fact that his wounds are more than skin deep. Sam's not ready to admit that he's suffering from PTSD or that Jillian may be able to help him heal. Yes, her massages are beginning to reduce his pain but he'd rather coax her into his bed and lose himself in sex than open himself to her "voodoo" methods of therapy. It's a classic battle of wills with both of their futures on the line.
When You Touch Me is a well-constructed story of healing and hope set within the Kindle World of Roxanne St. Claire's Barefoot Bay. Baxter's characters are multi-layered and fully developed, with real-life issues to which I had no difficulty relating. And it's clear the author has done her research regarding PTSD and the issues facing soldiers returning from duty in the Middle East. Fans of St. Claire's Barefoot Bay series will enjoy cameos by some of her characters, especially Jamaican dynamo and Casa Blanca housekeeper Poppy, though readers new to the setting will lose nothing by not having read St. Claire's books first. When You Touch Me flows well, eliciting both laughter and tears, and left me with "full book" satisfaction even though it is a novella of only 117 pages. The secondary characters add to the richness of the story without detracting focus from the main characters and I'd love to see more of them. I'm especially intrigued by Jillian's sister and also by Sam's brother. I'm hoping Marilyn Baxter has plans to write more stories set within the Barefoot Bay Kindle World. I can't be the only one who wants to read them!
~PJ
Review - - Hold Your Breath
Hold Your Breath
By Katie Ruggle
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Escaping her controlling family back East and the future they have mapped out for her, Louise "Lou" Sparks is finding a place for herself in the Colorado mountains. As the newest member of Field County's ice rescue dive team, she's making friends and finally letting her fun-loving, smart-mouthed personality shine after years of suppressing it to keep peace with her parents. Everything is heading in the right direction for Lou until her first frozen lake training exercise. Leave it to her to be the one who goes into the water alone and comes out with a headless corpse attached to her feet. From the looks gorgeous dive leader, Callum Cook gives her, she's sure he already thinks she's hopeless. She can just imagine what he'll have to say about this!
As the leader of Field County's ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook takes his responsibilities very seriously. When lives are at stake, order is necessary and Callum is nothing if not orderly. Some might say OCD orderly. A stoic man not given to humor - team members swear they've never even seen him smile - Callum isn't quite sure what to make of the new member of his dive team. Petite, blonde, and sassy, with a mouth that never quits, Lou Sparks has him intrigued, exasperated, and befuddled, something nobody has ever accomplished. He manages to keep his distance from her until the day she snags a corpse and decides to investigate the guy's death on her own. He offers his assistance - someone has to keep her out of trouble - but when it becomes apparent that someone has Lou in their sights, all bets are off. He's not leaving her side, no matter how much she insists she can handle things on her own.
I loved these two so much! They are total opposites - think Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple - which makes the way they play off one another deliciously fun. Pair a solemn, orderly man who probably makes his bed with hospital corners and has the contents of his closet color coded and precisely folded with a woman whose mouth has no filter and who chooses what to wear by invoking the "smell test" and you know it's going to be one fun ride. I appreciated that their romance built slowly as they got to know one another, making it realistic and believable. I especially enjoyed watching both Lou and Callum grow over the course of the book, with him softening a bit and learning to find enjoyment (yes, he can smile) and Lou realizing that, with the right man, it was okay to let someone else take control without diminishing her own strength and independence. The mystery of Lou's stalker and the suspense within the book are exceptionally well written. The author had me on the edge of my seat many times and wove in enough twists and turns to keep me from figuring out the villain's identity until the reveal. I love when they can do that!
This book introduces many secondary characters who have roles of varying importance within Hold Your Breath but are used to establish the landscape of Field County and, hopefully, begin to set the stage for future stories. I'm already intrigued by several of them.
Katie Ruggle is an exciting new voice in contemporary romantic suspense and I'm so happy I discovered her straight out of the gate. I have fallen in love with her characters and, of course, want all of the men and women of Field County to find their happy-ever-after. I'm hoping she has a very long series planned!
~PJ
By Katie Ruggle
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 5, 2016
As the leader of Field County's ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook takes his responsibilities very seriously. When lives are at stake, order is necessary and Callum is nothing if not orderly. Some might say OCD orderly. A stoic man not given to humor - team members swear they've never even seen him smile - Callum isn't quite sure what to make of the new member of his dive team. Petite, blonde, and sassy, with a mouth that never quits, Lou Sparks has him intrigued, exasperated, and befuddled, something nobody has ever accomplished. He manages to keep his distance from her until the day she snags a corpse and decides to investigate the guy's death on her own. He offers his assistance - someone has to keep her out of trouble - but when it becomes apparent that someone has Lou in their sights, all bets are off. He's not leaving her side, no matter how much she insists she can handle things on her own.
I loved these two so much! They are total opposites - think Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple - which makes the way they play off one another deliciously fun. Pair a solemn, orderly man who probably makes his bed with hospital corners and has the contents of his closet color coded and precisely folded with a woman whose mouth has no filter and who chooses what to wear by invoking the "smell test" and you know it's going to be one fun ride. I appreciated that their romance built slowly as they got to know one another, making it realistic and believable. I especially enjoyed watching both Lou and Callum grow over the course of the book, with him softening a bit and learning to find enjoyment (yes, he can smile) and Lou realizing that, with the right man, it was okay to let someone else take control without diminishing her own strength and independence. The mystery of Lou's stalker and the suspense within the book are exceptionally well written. The author had me on the edge of my seat many times and wove in enough twists and turns to keep me from figuring out the villain's identity until the reveal. I love when they can do that!
This book introduces many secondary characters who have roles of varying importance within Hold Your Breath but are used to establish the landscape of Field County and, hopefully, begin to set the stage for future stories. I'm already intrigued by several of them.
Katie Ruggle is an exciting new voice in contemporary romantic suspense and I'm so happy I discovered her straight out of the gate. I have fallen in love with her characters and, of course, want all of the men and women of Field County to find their happy-ever-after. I'm hoping she has a very long series planned!
~PJ
Friday, April 15, 2016
On Second Thought - - Morning Glory
Morning Glory
By LaVyrle Spencer
Publisher: The Axelerod Agency
Release Date: April 1, 2011
(Originally published 1989 by HarperCollins)
(Originally published 1989 by HarperCollins)
The year is 1941. The place is Whitney, Georgia, a small
town far removed from the warm, fuzzy places romance readers often encounter. Elly Dinsmore, recently widowed with two small children and pregnant with her third
child, desperately needs help on her farm. Isolated from the town by her illegitimacy
and by her closed, shuttered upbringing at the hands of fanatical grandparents,
she is known as “Crazy Elly” in town. Unsurprisingly, she works at avoiding
contact with the people who scorn her. Elly is competent and determined, but
even so she can’t take care of the farm alone. She needs a husband, and so she
places an advertisement in the local paper: “WANTED—HUSBAND. Need healthy man
of any age willing to work a spread and share the place. See E. Dinsmore, top
of Rock Creek Road.”
Will Parker, a foundling, a drifter and an ex-convict
recently released from Huntsville State Penitentiary (Alabama), has just been
fired from his job at the Whitney sawmill, and he knows how slim his chance of
finding another is. Three green apples and a quart of buttermilk, stolen, and
$9.00 for three day’s work are all that stand between him and starvation. When
he sees the unusual ad in the Help Wanted section, he is desperate enough to
check it out. Thus, two lonely outcasts, a woman who has spent her whole life
in Whitney but never belonged there and a man who doesn’t know where he was
born and has called no place home, meet and eventually agree on a marriage of
convenience.
Their marriage begins with minimal expectations on both
sides, but it becomes more than either Elly or Will expect. But when World War
II breaks out and Will joins the Marines, they must endure separation as Will serves
in the South Pacific and Elly’s narrow world broadens to include two new
friends. Will returns, a wounded war hero with a Purple Heart as evidence of
his valor. Shortly afterwards, a local woman of dubious virtue is murdered and
Will is charged with the crime. The reclusive Elly must conquer her own fears
and fight to prove the innocence of the man she loves.
Lavyrle Spencer retired almost two decades ago, and younger
romance readers may be unfamiliar with her work. However, during the 1980s and
90s, she was one of the most popular writers in the genre, earning best-seller
status routinely. She was already a member of RWA’s Hall of Fame in 1990 when Morning Glory, her fifth Rita winner,
was named Best Romance of 1989. It is one of the most enduring novels from the
Golden Age of Romance, and more than a quarter of a century after its initial
publication, it remains one of the books most often recommended to new readers
as representative of the best the genre has to offer.
Spencer understood the power of revealing the extraordinary dimension
in the lives of ordinary people. Elly and Will are not particularly
good-looking, wealthy, educated, or talented. They have led deprived lives, have
never felt a sense of community, and have a most humble sense of their own
worth. While Elly loves her children deeply and has known a degree of
happiness with her first husband, it is Will who sees who she is and values her
for all he sees. For him, Elly and her children become the family he has
always longed for and never had. Some of the novel’s most poignant moments
occur as Will slowly realizes he has found his place and his people.
Spencer does a superb job of taking the reader into the
inner worlds of both Elly and Will. There is a particularly lovely bedroom
scene, one that gives new meaning to that term as defined by twenty-first
century readers. With moving simplicity, Spencer juxtaposes the thoughts of her
hero and heroine in poetic parallelism. Every syllable in the passage counts.
They lay flat, quivering inside,
disciplining themselves into motionlessness. From the corner of her eye she
glimpsed his bare chest, the looming elbows, the hands folded behind his head.
From the corner of his eye he saw her pregnant girth and her high-buttoned
nightie with the quilts covering her to the ribs. Beneath her hands she felt
her own heartbeat driving up through the quilt. On the back of his skull he
felt the accelerated rhythm of his pulse.
The minutes dragged on. Neither moved. Neither spoke. Both
worried.
One kiss--is that so hard?
Just a kiss--please.
But what if she pushes you away?
What is there for a man in a woman so pregnant she can scarcely
waddle?
What woman wants a man with so many tramps under his bridge?
What man wants to roll up against someone else’s baby?
But most of them were paid, Elly, all of them meaningless.
Yes, it’s Glendon’s baby, but he never made me feel like this.
I’m unworthy.
I’m undesirable.
I’m unlovable.
I’m lonely.
Turn to her, he thought.
Turn to him, she thought.
The secondary characters are also vivid and unforgettable.
Although all of them are skillfully drawn, Miss Gladys Beasley, the town
librarian, is especially memorable. Intelligent, respected, and tough-minded,
she is also a wise woman who sees Will’s worth and becomes his friend and
mentor. She too becomes a part of Will’s family and is instrumental in seeing
that he and Elly become part of the community. Some of the scenes between Will
and Miss Beasley are as tender and moving as the love scenes between him and
Elly.
This novel has a rare sweetness—not in any sappy, saccharine
sense, but in the sense that “sweet” was used in earlier times to mean
untainted, sound, and wholesome. It is one of those books that I love more each
time I read it. I give it my highest recommendation.
~Janga
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Today's Special - - Bachelor for Hire and Falling for Her Bachelor
Hey everyone! Charlene and Robin here. We’re so happy to be
celebrating the release of our Bachelor Auction books together! And being that
we’ve never personally participated in a bachelor auction, we thought we’d have
some fun and share our dream auction participants with you today.
It was tough narrowing it down to four, but since our series
centers on four guys—high school football friends reuniting for a worthy
cause—we picked that special number. So, here they are! The guys we’d like to
bid a chunk of change on are…
Sign us up for any outdoor activity with the sexy, hot Chris
Hemsworth!
We know we’d laugh until our stomachs hurt with the adorable
Chris Pratt.
That tie is definitely coming off gorgeous Theo James if we
get our hands on him.
And the very handsome Shemar Moore makes us want to stay
quiet so we can just stare at him and listen to him talk all day.
So tell us, who is your ultimate bachelor auction pick?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When Navy firefighter Nick Palotay
returns to Marietta to go on the bachelor auction block for a good cause, he
expects it to be risk free. But when he needs someone safe to bid on him and
his sister’s best friend is coaxed into stepping up, Nick isn’t prepared for
the effect Cassidy has on him. She sends his mind to all kinds of dirty
places…places his battered heart can’t afford.
Freelance photographer Cassidy Ware is
in waaay over her head. She’s always been Nick’s other little sister, but she’s
all grown up now and just a glance from him leaves her hot and bothered. Still,
she can stay immune to his charms and keep him at an emotional distance because
she’s got an agenda, too. She’ll help the too-handsome Nick with his charitable
deed, and, in return, he’ll help her keep an unwelcome suitor at bay.
A deal’s a deal, but when their
“business transaction” turns into more pleasure than duty, can they walk away
from each other without losing what matters most?
Falling for her Bachelor
By Robin Bielman
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Robin Bielman is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I love the passion, banter, sass, and sizzle that she brings to her books. But I especially enjoy her multi-layered characters, well-constructed stories, and the emotional depth she brings to both. Falling for her Bachelor utilizes one of my favorite romance tropes: falling for your best friend's big brother. Growing up, I always wanted an older brother with a hot friend I could crush on so I find an extra bit of satisfaction reading about it in my romance novels. Cassidy and Nick are a terrific pair. Both are at a crossroads in their individual careers. Both have had heartbreak and trauma in their pasts. Both are surprised by the sizzling chemistry between their grown-up selves. And both need to confront their fears before they can move on to a relationship. Bielman guides them through all obstacles with humor, passion, caring, acceptance, and forgiveness. And I was right there with them every step of the way. I highly recommend Falling for her Bachelor. If you're like me, you'll probably fall for Cassidy's bachelor right along with her!
~PJ
Falling for her Bachelor
By Robin Bielman
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Robin Bielman is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I love the passion, banter, sass, and sizzle that she brings to her books. But I especially enjoy her multi-layered characters, well-constructed stories, and the emotional depth she brings to both. Falling for her Bachelor utilizes one of my favorite romance tropes: falling for your best friend's big brother. Growing up, I always wanted an older brother with a hot friend I could crush on so I find an extra bit of satisfaction reading about it in my romance novels. Cassidy and Nick are a terrific pair. Both are at a crossroads in their individual careers. Both have had heartbreak and trauma in their pasts. Both are surprised by the sizzling chemistry between their grown-up selves. And both need to confront their fears before they can move on to a relationship. Bielman guides them through all obstacles with humor, passion, caring, acceptance, and forgiveness. And I was right there with them every step of the way. I highly recommend Falling for her Bachelor. If you're like me, you'll probably fall for Cassidy's bachelor right along with her!
~PJ
Purchase links:
She needed him to guard her body, in
more ways than one…
Ex-Army sergeant and security expert,
Cody Matthews recently walked away from his company to work The Lucky B Ranch
just outside of Marietta, Montana. The ranch is his refuge, but his hiding out
is short-lived when he’s recruited into the Marietta Bachelor Auction and his
high school ex-crush bids a small fortune to spend one weekend with him.
Hollywood starlet, Hayley Dawn O'Malley
has had decent, honest, sexy Code Matthews on the brain ever since she left
Marietta after high school to pursue her dreams. But now she’s back in town and
someone is threatening her. Cody, a natural-born protector, is the only man she
trusts to keep her safe.
Spending their weekend date in a remote
cabin, Cody plays the role of reluctant bodyguard, yet Hayley isn’t going to let
the tormented man deny his feelings for her, no matter the threat to her body
or her heart.
Bachelor for Hire
By Charlene Sands
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Release Date: April 5, 2016
I enjoyed Bachelor for Hire, my first book by Charlene Sands. Second-chance romances have always been one of my favorite romance tropes and Sands does a good job with this one. She's created complex, likeable characters in Cody and Hayley and layered in a suspense thread with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The secondary cast adds to the richness of the story with Cody's Uncle Brand being a particular favorite. While there were times that I felt the story lagged a bit, all in all, it was an enjoyable read that will have me seeking out this author again.
~PJ
Purchase links:
USA Today Bestselling
Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school
sweetheart husband, two sons, and one crazy-cute dog who loves to chew on
everyone’s socks. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be
found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, eat cupcakes, and
dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches
herself to be sure it’s real.
She loves to connect
with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com.
Places to find Robin Bielman:
Charlene
Sands is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical romance.
She has been honored with the National Readers Choice Award, the Booksellers
Best Award, The Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award and Romantic Times
Magazine's Best Harlequin Desire Award of 2014. She is an active member of Romance Writers
of America. When not writing, she spends
time with her four "princesses", enjoys sunny Pacific beaches and
yummy chocolate mocha cappucinos! Sign
up for her newsletter for fun and exclusive prizes at www.charlenesands.com and
on FB and Twitter!
Places to find Charlene Sands:
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Review - - Cody's Come Home
Cody's Come Home
By Mary Sullivan
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Ten years ago, Cody Jordan left his small hometown of Accord, ready to set the world on fire. Now he's back, a broken man, devastated by the death of his baby and the end of both his marriage and career. His life is in shambles and he has no idea how he's going to climb out of the downward spiral it has become...or if he even wants to. When his childhood friend goes missing then becomes the target of a deadly stalker, Cody comes to the rescue. But will reuniting with the woman with whom he has always shared a special bond be enough to pull him from the depression that has overtaken his life? And is he ready to let her adorable daughter into his heart when it's still broken from the loss of his own precious child?
After her stifling, five-year marriage to a controlling man ended in divorce, Aiyana Pearce returned home to forge a new independent life and career. The nature photographer has always felt safe hiking the mountains surrounding Accord until the day a stalker with a rifle changes everything, leaving Aiyana and her friends looking over their shoulders and wondering if the traumatic events that changed their lives years ago have come back to haunt them a second time.
Cody and Aiyana were good friends when they were young and, one summer, were almost more. The feelings were there but, knowing she was too young, Cody never acted on them. Now that fate has brought them back together, will it give them a second chance?
Cody's Come Home is the first of Mary Sullivan's books that I've read. It won't be the last. I was drawn into the story and characters, Cody and Aiyana in particular, from the beginning of the book and they all held my attention to the very end. Secondary characters added to the richness of the story, hinting at possible future stories without drawing focus away from the primary characters of this book. The suspense thread was well constructed and even though I figured out the stalker about mid-way through the book there were still enough unanswered questions to keep me guessing until all was uncovered near the end. But, while I enjoyed the suspense, it was the emotional journey of Aiyana and, especially, Cody that endeared me to these characters and their story. Sullivan takes her time with these characters, realistically showing Cody's grief in all its stages (including a powerful scene in the final chapter) and giving both Cody and Aiyana the time they need to heal individually before opening their hearts to the possibility of love and a life together. I especially enjoyed Annie, Aiyana's adorable young daughter, who brought the light and love that only an innocent child can and was instrumental in healing Cody's heart. She steals the final scene of the book and had me grinning with joy while wiping tears from my eyes, confident in a happy future for these three.
I highly recommend Cody's Come Home and hope Ms. Sullivan will bring us more stories from Accord. If she writes it, I'll be buying it.
~PJ
Do you enjoy Harlequin category romances?
Do you have a favorite Harlequin line? (I love Superromance!)
Have you read Mary Sullivan's books yet?
I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Cody's Come Home to one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post. The winner will be chosen from all comments left before 11:00 pm, EST, April 14th.
By Mary Sullivan
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Release Date: April 5, 2016
After her stifling, five-year marriage to a controlling man ended in divorce, Aiyana Pearce returned home to forge a new independent life and career. The nature photographer has always felt safe hiking the mountains surrounding Accord until the day a stalker with a rifle changes everything, leaving Aiyana and her friends looking over their shoulders and wondering if the traumatic events that changed their lives years ago have come back to haunt them a second time.
Cody and Aiyana were good friends when they were young and, one summer, were almost more. The feelings were there but, knowing she was too young, Cody never acted on them. Now that fate has brought them back together, will it give them a second chance?
Cody's Come Home is the first of Mary Sullivan's books that I've read. It won't be the last. I was drawn into the story and characters, Cody and Aiyana in particular, from the beginning of the book and they all held my attention to the very end. Secondary characters added to the richness of the story, hinting at possible future stories without drawing focus away from the primary characters of this book. The suspense thread was well constructed and even though I figured out the stalker about mid-way through the book there were still enough unanswered questions to keep me guessing until all was uncovered near the end. But, while I enjoyed the suspense, it was the emotional journey of Aiyana and, especially, Cody that endeared me to these characters and their story. Sullivan takes her time with these characters, realistically showing Cody's grief in all its stages (including a powerful scene in the final chapter) and giving both Cody and Aiyana the time they need to heal individually before opening their hearts to the possibility of love and a life together. I especially enjoyed Annie, Aiyana's adorable young daughter, who brought the light and love that only an innocent child can and was instrumental in healing Cody's heart. She steals the final scene of the book and had me grinning with joy while wiping tears from my eyes, confident in a happy future for these three.
I highly recommend Cody's Come Home and hope Ms. Sullivan will bring us more stories from Accord. If she writes it, I'll be buying it.
~PJ
Do you enjoy Harlequin category romances?
Do you have a favorite Harlequin line? (I love Superromance!)
Have you read Mary Sullivan's books yet?
I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Cody's Come Home to one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post. The winner will be chosen from all comments left before 11:00 pm, EST, April 14th.
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