Book Review – The Rancher Takes a Family

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Book Review, Paula Altenburg, The Montana McGregor Brothers series, The Rancher Takes a Family

The Rancher Takes a Family

The Montana McGregor Brothers series

by Paula Altenburg

Rugged rancher Jake McGregor wrangles cattle better than kids, but when he’s suddenly saddled with three grieving children, he’s determined to step up. His sister’s kids shouldn’t pay for her error in judgment in naming him guardian. Problem is, he doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. And the woman who attempts to help with his every fumble is the one woman he wants to steer clear of…

Lacey Anderson loves a challenge, but Jake’s already broken her heart once. When his tall shadow darkens the doorway of her classroom, she’s ready to shut him out – until she meets her new students, and sees the desperation in Jake’s eyes. Emotional intelligence is so not his forte. But she’s done banging her head against that wall.

Jake, however, is finally ready to learn how to love and Lacey’s the teacher he wants. Is she willing to risk her own heart again to teach him?

Altenburg delivers a sweet second chance romance about an unprepared guy who steps up to take care of his orphaned niece and nephews.  And it is absolutely adorable how these big strong guys are responsible for the oh-so-cute kids.  They each have a connection with a different kid and it wonderfully sets up future stories.  Even better it’s done with just the lightest amount of drama – all three guys are opinionated, but they handle any disagreements pretty well.

There’s also only a little drama on the romance side of things.  Jake and Lacey had a high school relationship but thanks to some miscommunication and assumptions it ended with hurt feelings.  Now, years later, they are thrown back together again thru the kids.  And I am so happy that Altenburg made it so the relationship was about the couple and not some desperate need for a surrogate mom.  Instead Jake is just taking advantage of the situation to reconnect with Lacey and give a relationship as adults a chance.

The relationship portion flows pretty easily and the story is as much about the new family dynamic.  You’ll totally go “awww” over these kids and how the men work to make the adjustment to their new situation as easy as possible.  They do the best they can to help the kids, as they all are having to get used to their loss and the new normal of their lives.  I’m very much looking forward to the next brother’s story so I can spend time with this group again.

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Book Review – Buried Lies

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Book Review, Buried Lies, Crimson Point series, Kaylea Cross

Looking for a little more from your next love story?  Cross’s Crimson Point series definitely delivers!

*****

Buried Lies

A Crimson Point Novel

by Kaylea Cross

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Blurb:

She left her painful past behind.

Poppy Larsen is finally free. She moved to Crimson Point to make a new life for herself, full of bright possibilities. A whole new world awaits her, if she can find the courage to trust again—even her gorgeous neighbor, the town sheriff. But darkness lurks in the picturesque Oregon Coast town, concealing a deadly threat that’s closer than she ever imagined.

Now a killer is watching her from the shadows.

Sheriff Noah Buchanan can’t help but be intrigued by his new neighbor. She’s hard working, sexy as hell, and unlike most of the women in town, she hasn’t thrown herself at him. After it becomes clear that she plans to put down roots here, he finds himself falling more and more for Poppy and her big heart. When someone from her past tries to hurt her, it triggers all his protective instincts. But the real danger is hiding in plain sight. When the unthinkable happens, Noah is thrust into a race against time to save her before it’s too late.

Amazon US | Apple Books | Kobo | Nook

*****

Review:

This is my first by Cross (although it won’t be my last) and I found it to be a tad more romance than suspense, so keep that in mind when you pick it up.  Both parts, I felt, were handled well but if you go in thinking you’ll find an edge-of-your-seat nail-biter, you’ll be a bit disappointed.  Don’t get me wrong – I felt like the mystery worked really well, even if there are quite a few obvious false flags floating around, and I was definitely engrossed when things came to a head with the danger to Poppy.  It’s just that a good part of the beginning of the book is about her hesitation to get involved with Noah and how irresistible he is.

The dynamic among the friends is actually as appealing as the romance for me and I loved how easily they accepted Poppy into their group.  They are all just as honorable as Noah and, like him, care about the people and the town.  It makes it believable that Poppy starts to open up to them, especially Noah.  Cross does a good job of relating Poppy’s hesitancy in getting involved and, while she is a little reserved because of her past, she is also smart and hardworking.  Her appeal as a character makes it rewarding as she starts to trust the others.

While the suspense portion of the story isn’t that big, it is set up well and you get a good feel for the bad guy.  I wouldn’t say that I was sympathetic but I definitely understood where he came from and why he did the things he did.  You know that there is no way that Noah won’t save Poppy, but her experience so engrossing that it bothered me to even try to imagine what she went through.  I don’t think it will satisfy die-hard mystery or suspense readers but it does a great job of adding a little kick to the love story.

Not having read the first book, I’m not sure how well we are supposed to know Poppy and Noah coming into this story.  If it is anything like this book, which set up the next in the series quite nicely, I’m sure that returning readers had an opinion.  It didn’t take me long to get involved, though, so I’m sure you are just starting the series too.  (Being a new reader, I will admit that I felt really bad for Noah’s friend Carter and the troubles he’s experiencing because of the brain injury he suffered serving overseas.  I hate to think about how much I’d feel for him if I’d read both!  But that’s a thing for the next book 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and has been nominated multiple times for the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*****

Giveaway:

5 ecopies of BURIED LIES

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb735/

*****

Spotlight – A Gentleman for Christmas

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A Gentleman for Christmas, Prescott Lane

Reviewers are calling this one an awesome holiday read!

*****

A Gentleman for Christmas

by Prescott Lane

Blurb:

A gentleman can’t always follow the rules.

Some say “chivalry is dead.”

I don’t think so.  Most women I know like a gentleman.

Protective, opens doors, treats women with respect, typically follows the rules.

But a gentleman doesn’t fall for his best friend’s woman. Current or ex.

And that’s what I’ve done.

During the Christmas season of all times — that magical time for decorations, gifts, family . . .

Yes, the girl who was off-limits for so long, who I’ve loved all my life, has come back in town and possibly back to me.

I can’t follow the gentleman rules this time.  There’s too much at stake.  I let her go once.  I won’t let her go again.

What happens under the mistletoe, stays under the mistletoe.

Or does it?

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Qs1li3

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2AUrHUA

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/AGentlemanForChristmas

Nook: https://bit.ly/2yWXz9B

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2OzxTF1

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2DtYxhM

*****

Excerpt:

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.”

Otherwise known as the original bros before hoes commandment.

I’m not advocating calling women hoes.  It’s an expression, so put away your Encyclopedia of Political Correctness.

There are rules in life.  The Ten Commandments were just the beginning.  We have rules for everything.  How to drive.  How to dress.  How to walk across the damn street.  So why not rules for love?  That’s how all this started — a set of rules between my buddies and me.

The Bro Code.

Obviously, bros before hoes is rule one.  We vowed never to let a girl come between us, which meant if one of us liked a girl, she was forever off limits.

Little did I know our teenage pact would launch my multi-million dollar career.  A little tweaking here and some socially acceptable rewording there and The Gentleman’s Handbook was born.

I’ve written books and given seminars on everything from how to find love, to how to propose, to how to have a successful long-distance relationship.  You name it, and I’ve got rules for it.  Personally, I’ve never been much of a rule follower, but that’s my little secret.

The funny thing is I’ve never been in love.  Well, there is this one girl, but we won’t talk about her.  It does no good to think about someone you can’t have and never will.

My lack of emotional commitment hasn’t slowed down my career one bit.  Currently, I have two books on the New York Times Best Sellers List.  My seminars sell out like a Drake concert.

I always find it interesting that the rules started between a group of male friends, but it’s mostly women that come to hear me speak.  Occasionally, you see the poor sap boyfriend who was dragged along to listen, but for the most part it’s all women.

This time of the year is no exception.  December first until January first is important for guys.  Holidays are big for a lot of couples.  If you don’t know what you’re doing for your lady, you better figure it out and fast.  In fact, my rule is that you should be paying attention all year long.

Trust me on this.  If you remember something she mentioned she liked three months ago and surprise her with it at Christmas, she’ll spread her legs before Santa even has time to slide down the chimney.  Let’s be honest, that is always at least part of the goal for guys.

So my current work in progress tackles Christmas.  A how-to guide for the holidays.

The Gentleman’s Rules for Christmas.

*****

Author Info:

Prescott Lane is the Amazon best-selling author of Stripped Raw. She’s got seven other books under her belt including: First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, Wrapped in Lace, Layers of Her, The Reason for Me, and The Sex Bucket List.  She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren’t enough happily ever afters in real life.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottLane1

Twitter: www.twitter.com/prescottlane1

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lfhlrh

Instagram: instagram.com/prescottlane1

http://www.authorprescottlane.com

*****

Book Review – Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas

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Book Review, Joanna Chambers, Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas, Winterbourne series

Heart, heat, Christmas festivities, and two men who finally find someone they can belong to, all combine for a fabulous holiday read!

*****

Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas

Winterbourne Series Volume #2

by Joanna Chambers

Length: 30,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Blurb:

Lysander Winterbourne has been living happily at Edgeley Park for the last eighteen months. By day he is Adam Freeman’s estate manager, by night, his lover…but Adam never speaks of his feelings and Lysander has no idea whether their relationship is any more than a convenient arrangement for Adam.

When the two men are invited to Winterbourne Abbey for a family Christmas, matters quickly come to a head. Snowed in at the Abbey with a house full of guests, Lysander has to face up to shocking revelations, long-held secrets and a choice he never expected to have to make…

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | Barnes & Noble

Volume #1 – Introducing Mr. Winterbourne – CURRENTLY FREE 
Amazon US | Amazon UK

*****

Review:

While Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas can technically stand on its own I really thing you need to read Intoducing Mr. Winterbourne to really enjoy the relationship between Lysander and Adam.  It’s a novella but so it is a short read but makes up for it in content.

Lysander has his eyes opened to the elitist attitudes of his friends and family when he’s roped into taking Adam around town for a few days.  As he’s taking a closer look at the people he’s known for years, he’s also getting a chance to get to know Adam better.  Adam is also seeing below Lysander’s polished surface and finding someone he wants to get to know even better.  If they can only trust each other …

The relationship between the two may have developed quickly – the entire story is one day – but it is well-written and believable.  The connection between the two is portrayed very well, as is the fear of sharing their true selves.  But while IMW is well-written, it is a little open-ended and leaves the reader with a few questions that are answered in MWC.

Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas picks up a year and a half after IMW and I kinda wish we’d gotten to see those months.  Chambers does a good job of conveying their connection, as well as their uncertainty of where the future is going and why they are hesitant to talk to each other about it.  While Christmas with Lysander’s family doesn’t really do much to further deepen their relationship, it creates that moment of truth that main two need in order to settle in completely to their relationship.  It also introduces other characters (& couples up a few of them) and lays the ground work for possible future stories.

While both MWC & IMW are sexy, they are just as much about the emotions between them.  These two complement each other well, with Adam being staid & reserved and Lysander more playful & charming.  But they also live in a world where they have to fear discovery and punishment, which I feel like Chambers kept in mind well as they struggled to find their way.  With a satisfactory resolution here, I’m intrigued to see what Chambers has in mind next!

*****

Author Info:

Joanna Chambers always wanted to write. She spent over 20 years staring at blank sheets of paper and despairing of ever writing a single word. In between staring at blank sheets of paper, she studied law, met her husband and had two children. Whilst nursing her first child, she rediscovered her love of romance and found her muse. Joanna lives in Scotland with her family and finds time to write by eschewing sleep and popular culture.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

Backlist Ebook from Joanna Chambers

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3e0e9a43496/

*****

November 19 – Boulevard des Passions, My Fiction Nook, OMGReads

November 21 – Diverse Reader

November 23 – Mirrigold

November 26 – Romantic Reads & Such, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews

November 28 – Drops Of Ink, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, We Three Queens

November 30 – Kimmers Erotic Book Banter, Lillian Francis, BooksLaidBareBoys

Spotlight – The First Rule of Hook-Ups

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Breakup Bash series, Nina Crespo, The First Rule of Hook-Ups

The reviews coming in are almost exclusively 4 & 5 stars.  Get your copy and find out why Alexa and Raphael are getting all the feels … with a good dose of heat!

*****

The First Rule of Hook-Ups

Breakup Bash series

by Nina Crespo

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Someone once told me that there are worst things than being left at the altar. Well, not many, in my experience. That was six months ago, though, and my life has moved on. Heck, I have a new job lined up and I’m leaving town.

But, I can’t deny that my love life kind of sucks.

That’s why I let my friends convince me to join them for Club Escapade’s Breakup Bash. And we might just be disillusioned enough to actually enjoy it. Last time we were here, it was for my bachelorette party. That night, I met one of the dancers – Raphael – and when he flirted with me, I almost forgot I was engaged. And there’s a part of me that never forgot him.

Now, it seems my friends have wandered off and I’m thinking about calling it a night. Until the music begins and I see Raphael, my secret fantasy, on stage. And this time, I’m definitely not engaged…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo | Google

*****

Excerpt:

Raphael and Alexa have their first argument and learn how to make up.

~

She held it away. “It’s rude to take someone’s coffee.”

“Is it? What about cheating on your husband, boyfriend, or whoever that was?”

Shock and sadness momentarily shadowed her expression. “I’m not a cheater. Brad, my ex-fiancé, was.” She plunked the cup on the nightstand, whipped back the covers, and got up.

The dark brew rocked dangerously close to the edge.

Hell. He hadn’t considered the guy she was supposed to marry had turned into a jackass. Rafe set his coffee next to hers. He snagged her arm before she reached the bathroom. “I shouldn’t have made an assumption about who you were talking to on the phone.”

Alexa’s gaze remained on his chest, but she let him pull her close. Her cell phone jingled. Concern overshadowed her defiant expression. “I’d better get going.”

The prospect of engaging with whoever called had dimmed the radiance that had grabbed him the first time he’d laid eyes on her.

On impulse, he cupped her face. “Not until you accept my apology. I’m sorry.” He kissed her.

Little by little, the rigid line of her lips softened, and she leaned against him.

Warmth and sweetness saturated his mouth as he plunged his tongue into hers and conveyed what he wasn’t saying aloud. He was sorry. Sorry for trying to take her coffee. Sorry she had to leave and deal with whatever weighed her down. But he wasn’t sorry that Brad had fucked up. Did that make him a bastard right along with her ex? Rafe grasped her hips and pressed his rigid cock against her. All he had to do was free himself and glide into her softness and heat.

He’d bring them both pleasure and erase her unhappiness. She eased back. “I can’t be late.”

“I’ll make it worth your while.” He nuzzled and nipped her throat. Yeah, his intention was to enjoy one night with her and move on, but kissing Alexa was a game changer every damn time. She’d remained in his mind, ever since the first time he’d laid eyes on her. He needed to figure out why. After he got her back in bed.

*****

Author Info:

Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing. Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after.

Stay connected with Nina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, or through her newsletter.

*****

Giveaway:

Set of Nina Crespo’s book cover wine charms

$20 Amazon Giftcard

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb720/

*****

Book Review – Wicked Whiskey Love

Tags

Book Review, Melissa Foster, The Whiskeys series, Wicked Whiskey Love

Yes, we have seen Bones recently but it definitely doesn’t hurt to revisit a Whiskey story (and I somehow signed up for two tours by accident because I love these stories SO very much 🙂 )

Plus you have a chance to win a copy of Tru Blue and if you haven’t read Truman’s story yet … well, I’m not sure why that would be … enter to win a copy today!

*****

A new, emotionally riveting, sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Fall in love with Bones Whiskey in WICKED WHISKEY LOVE, an emotionally riveting, sexy new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. A magnificent love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, families, bikers, babies, and more!

Wicked Whiskey Love

by Melissa Foster

Blurb

After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she’s finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. She’s still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle–and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn’t come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want–and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah’s worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble KOBO iBooks GPlay Paperback

*****

Review:

Like all the Whiskey stories, Wicked Whiskey Love is about family, not necessarily the one you are born with but the one you surround yourself with.

Sarah definitely didn’t have the best of the first but she’s doing everything she can to reconnect with her siblings and make a better life than she had for her kids.  Being adopted by the Whiskeys is definitely doing a lot to help her regain her trust in people and her faith in herself.

Bones may not have always had every physical want met but he had what was important.  He knew his place in life and he had people that loved & cared for him.  His parents and the Dark Knights made sure that he grew up knowing right from wrong and was willing to fight for others when needed.  It’s the Whiskey way and it’s turned out some dang fine men.

Sarah is skittish about trusting people, but Bones is patient and he’s going to convince her that he (and his family) want the best for her, will be there for her & her family when she needs them.  It truly touches the heart to see her slowly open up and accept that she’s worth their attention & affection.  (And Bones with her kids will have you swooning – so adorable!)

While Bones does a lot of the work in winning Sarah over, it is a group thing and seeing the collective Whiskeys step up to be there for each other is just so very awesome.  They may not do things the conventional way but the Whiskey way has a lot of heart & good intentions and that’s what is important.

*****

For more hot Whiskey love, check out Melissa’s other Whiskey novels.

TRU BLUE
TRULY MADLY WHISKEY
DRIVING WHISKEY WILD
MAD ABOUT MOON (Releasing April 2019)

And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!”New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

“Melissa Foster writes worlds that draw you in, with strong heroes and brave heroines surrounded by a community that makes you want to crawl right on through the page and live there.” – New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent

Tru Blue

There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman’s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble KOBO iBooks

Truly, Madly, Whiskey

Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends.

Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his.

The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotionally charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble KOBO iBooks GPlay Paperback

Driving Whiskey Wild

Special Forces veteran and Dark Knights Motorcycle Club member Bullet Whiskey lives to protect his family, their bar, and the residents of his small hometown. He’s rough, unapologetic, and haunted by a secret, painful past. He’s also a master at keeping people away, and when his sister hires gorgeous and sweet Finlay Wilson to help expand their biker bar, he knows just how to get rid of her.

After losing her boyfriend and her father, Finlay moves back to her hometown to be closer to the little family she has left. She needs her temporary job at Whiskey Bro’s to get her catering business off the ground, and she’s determined not to let the gruff, arrogant mountain of a man Bullet Whiskey scare her off.

Finlay is everything Bullet has never wanted. She’s afraid of his dog, afraid of motorcycles, and sweet enough to give him cavities, but as she weaves her way into the hearts of everyone around him, he’s powerless to resist her charms. Passion ignites, but trust doesn’t come easily, and when their pasts collide, Bullet finds out the true meaning of protecting those he loves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble KOBO iBooks GPlay Paperback

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook
or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Website Facebook Twitter Google+ Goodreads Pinterest Amazon Author Page

****

Giveaway:

Tru Blue ebook – 2 winners – Open Worldwide

(Ends on Sunday, November 25th)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b25fc618422/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

*****

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Spotlight – Chasing Shadows

Tags

Catherine Bybee, Chasing Shadows, First Wives series

I just love when I see that Catherine Bybee has a new book … and this one is one of Amazon’s Best Books of the year!

*****

Chasing Shadows

First Wives series

by Catherine Bybee

Release Date: November 13, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Blurb:

Avery Grant doesn’t date. Her first marriage was a mutually beneficial contract that gave her the financial freedom she needed to step away from her controlling parents. Wealthy and single, the last thing she’s looking for is love sneaking in to mess up her life plans. And after a brutal attack, she’s determined to never be vulnerable again, even if the new man in her life helps her feel safe.

Mesmerized from the moment he sets his eyes on Avery, Liam is driven to learn everything about this tough, sexy, challenging woman. Breaking down her defenses won’t be easy, but Liam refuses to be pushed away. All he needs is a tiny crack in Avery’s armor to wiggle his way into her heart.

But when a terrifying lie about her attacker’s fate comes to light, Avery’s past returns to haunt her. Now she’s willing to put herself in danger to get the answers she needs. That means jeopardizing the best thing that’s ever happened to her: Liam.

*****

Excerpt:

Avery’s head shot up at the sound of a female voice calling her name.

“Lori?”

Oh, damn…

When Lori was at their table, Avery detached from Liam’s side and stood for a hug. “What are you doing here? Where’s Reed?”

Lori eyed Liam while she answered the questions. “Reed’s on his way down. We’re going out to dinner. Wanted a drink first.”

What were the chances of Lori excusing herself before Avery was forced to make an introduction?

Lori reached out a hand toward Liam. “I’m Lori.”

Liam stood; a broad smile matched his broad chest. “Liam Holt.” Once he released Lori’s hand, he pulled out a bar stool. “Sit, we just ordered drinks.”

Avery wanted to elbow his ribs.

Instead, she smiled.

Liam signaled for Nikki.

“Liam, huh? Avery hasn’t mentioned you.”

He pulled Avery’s chair closer to his and waited for her to sit. “We haven’t known each other long.”

Lori sent a questioning look to Avery. Instead of adding to Liam’s explanation.

“I’ve known Lori for a few years. We live in the same building.”

“What do you do, Liam?”

Small talk … is that what this was going to be?

Lori signaled Reed when he walked in the door. “This is my husband.”

Avery laughed. “You love saying that, don’t you?”

Lori nodded.

“They’re newlyweds,” Avery explained.

Once again Liam stood when Reed approached the table.

“Look who I found,” Lori said.

Reed kissed Avery’s cheek. “I haven’t seen you here in a while.”

“That’s because you two never come up for air,” Avery teased.

“This is Liam … Avery’s friend.” Yeah, Lori wanted more details.

The men shook hands.

“Have I ever met one of your friends?” he asked.

Avery glared. “Smooth, Reed … really smooth.”

Lori nudged her husband’s arm. “Stop teasing.” She turned her focus on Liam. “Avery keeps her private life private.”

Avery tried not to flinch when Liam placed a hand over hers. “I’ve figured that out recently.”

“How did you two meet?” Reed asked.

Avery said “the gym” at the same time Liam said “a bar.”

Lori’s lawyer radar spiked. Avery saw it in her eyes. “Those two things are worlds apart.”

She caught Liam’s hand and squeezed.

“The first time I saw you was at Pug’s Bar. I approached you at the gym.”

“I knew it. That was you at Pug’s. How did you figure out where I worked out?” She’d been asking herself that question for over a week.

“That wasn’t hard. Leslie had a gym bag.”

“Who’s Leslie?” Lori asked.

Avery didn’t look away from Liam. “A friend. So your job at the gym wasn’t on accident?”

“I might have approached Brenda about a side job so I could meet you.”

Avery’s jaw dropped.

“Who’s Brenda?” Reed asked.

“The owner of the gym,” Avery and Liam said at the same time. “How did you know I was there on Tuesday and Friday nights?” She wasn’t sure if his actions were exciting or scary.

“Appointment book. Brenda’s office is always open.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Lori placed a hand between the two of theirs. “You see Avery in a bar. You search out a location of her gym, follow her to it, get a job there, and now you’re both here having drinks?”

Liam offered a brief, unapologetic nod.

Lori grabbed Avery’s hand. “How well do you know this guy?”

Avery liked the gleam in Liam’s eyes. “He’s safe.”

“What he just described is a little too close to stalking for my taste.”

Reed placed a hand on Lori’s shoulder. “Simmer down, Counselor. If Liam had an ulterior motive, he wouldn’t have told us all that.”

“I wanted to meet you,” Liam said.

“Yeah, well, you’ve met her.” Lori wasn’t happy.

Nikki showed up with Avery’s and Liam’s drinks.

“My usual, Nikki,” Lori told her.

“Hon, our reservations are in thirty minutes. Maybe we should go.”

Lori looked at Reed like he was crazy. “We aren’t leaving him with her. He could be a sociopath.”

Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “I’m not.”

“That’s what they all say.”

Avery put a free hand in the air. “Chill, Lori.”

Avery realized that her other hand had somehow ended up back in Liam’s. His thumb stroked the underside of her wrist in a strangely calming way.

“Do you want a drink, Reed?” Nikki was still standing there, watching the four of them.

“No, thank you. We’re leaving.”

Lori pushed back her chair. “We’re going to talk about this later,” she warned Avery. “And you … just so you know, I’m an attorney, and my big, burly husband here is in private security. He has even bigger friends.”

Liam reached into his back pocket and removed his wallet. From it, he pulled out what looked like a business card. “I have nothing to hide.”

Lori glanced at it briefly before Reed snatched it from her fingertips. “C’mon. Let’s leave them to their date.”

Liam stood again and shook Reed’s hand before he ushered Lori out of the bar.

“That was intense.”

“My friends are protective.”

“Understatement.”

“You really went through all that just to meet me?”

Liam picked up his cocktail for the first time. “Worked, didn’t it?”

Avery let loose his hand and lifted her glass to his. “Yes, it did.”

*****

Author Info:

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written twenty-eight books that have collectively sold more than five million copies and have been translated into more than eighteen languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite Series, the Weekday Brides Series, the Most Likely To Series, and the First Wives Series.

Website: http://www.catherinebybee.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinebybee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2905789.Catherine_Bybee

*****

Giveaway:

Digital Copy of Catherine Bybee’s CHASING SHADOWS and $25 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f206/

*****

Spotlight – Our Sweet Destiny

Tags

Addison Cole, Our Sweet Destiny, Sweet with Heat: Weston Bradens

Star-crossed lovers will find out if love really can conquer all in Addison Cole’s latest (the sweet version of one of Melissa Foster’s much loved romances, Destined for Love).

*****

Our Sweet Destiny

Sweet with Heat: Weston Bradens #2

by Addison Cole

Releasing Nov 14, 2018

World Literary Press

Blurb:

After ditching a troubled relationship—and her veterinary practice in the process—Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is…until her horse is injured and the son of the man her father has been feuding with for more than forty years comes to her rescue. She’s spent forever trying to deny her attraction to headstrong, too-handsome-for-his-own-good cowboy Rex Braden. The last thing she needs is that particular man complicating her life.

Fiercely loyal Rex Braden has never put anyone or anything before his family. Despite the irate family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, unleashing fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love—causing the rebel in each of them to rear its powerful head.

Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained as Rex and Jade find out if true love really can conquer all.

Our Sweet Destiny is a Sweet with Heat novel and conveys all of the passion you’d expect to find between two people in love without any graphic scenes or harsh language. If you’re looking for a more explicit romance, pick up the steamy edition, Destined for Love, written by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Addison Cole is Melissa’s sweet-romance pen name.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41646936-our-sweet-destiny

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/229458-sweet-with-heat-weston-bradens

KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/OSD_Kindle

iBOOKS: http://smarturl.it/OSD_iBooks

KOBO: http://smarturl.it/OSD_Kobo

NOOK: http://smarturl.it/OSD_Nook

GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/OSD_GPlay

PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/OSD_Pb

*Sweet with Heat: Weston Bradens series titles

A LOVE SO SWEET – Now Available

KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/ALSS_Kindle
APPLE: http://smarturl.it/ALSS_iBooks
KOBO: http://smarturl.it/ALSS_Kobo
NOOK: http://smarturl.it/ALSS_Nook
GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/ALSS_GPlay
PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/ALSS_Pb

UNRAVELING THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE – Releasing January 23rd

KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/TAL_Kindle
APPLE: http://smarturl.it/TAL_iBooks
KOBO: http://smarturl.it/TAL_Kobo
NOOK: http://smarturl.it/TAL_Nook
GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/TAL_GPlay
PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/TAL_Pb

*****

Excerpt:

Jade stood in the road, watching Rex’s truck disappear around the corner. Everything she thought she’d known about Rex Braden when they were younger seemed to still be true. He was a grumpy, cocky, beautiful man. Darn him. She had to admit, though, the fact that he’d actually spoken to her—and helped her get her horse out of the ravine—was far more than she’d ever thought possible between a Johnson and a Braden.

She walked Flame down the long driveway and into the barn. The familiar smell of manure and hay wrapped around her like a warm hug. The smell was too pungent for most people, but to Jade it represented everything she’d ever known and loved. It represented home. The sounds of the other horses brought a smile to her face, as she’d soon be setting them free in the pasture. She stroked Rudy’s jaw as she passed his stall. Rudy was one of her favorite horses. He was a bright red sorrel with white stockings and a blaze, and he was not only magnificent to look at, but his spunky personality reminded Jade of herself. She wasn’t exactly a rebel, but she wasn’t a conformist either, often leaving her family and friends, and even herself, to wonder what she might do next.

She was relieved to find that Flame was no longer favoring his leg. She turned on soothing music and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down before moving to Flame’s side. She closed her eyes for just a moment to focus her mind on Flame instead of Rex. She concentrated on his breathing and found the rhythm of his breath and his heartbeat. She ran her hands along Flame’s back and sides, soothing his body with a series of slow, gentle strokes. She felt her body relaxing as the music and the feel of the horse calmed her as much as she did him. Jade had always believed that touch could heal, and although she put medicine first, she believed in a more holistic, compassionate approach to animal health care, and she included touch, which she also studied, in most of her healing protocols.

She wondered what Rex would be like if someone took the time to touch him in a soothing way. He reminded her of an injured animal. At first glance, they were cute and you just wanted to touch them, but get too close and they would bare their teeth. Jade knew the secret, though. Once she moved past those teeth and soothed their injuries, they were just as gentle as she first imagined they might be.

Yeah, right.

She really wasn’t sure what to make of Rex. One minute he was mean as a snake and the next he was going out of his way to help her. She’d thought there was a flash of something between them when she’d been practically knocked into his lap. She had the overwhelming urge to kiss him, but then she looked into those dark Braden eyes and she saw a flash of something dangerous there—the heat of which she might not be able to resist—and she bolted. Besides, he ran so hot and cold that he’d probably reel her in only to turn her away, and she was not going to be the girl Rex turned down. That would be all she needed. Especially in their small town.

*****

Author Info:

Addison Cole is the sweet-romance pen name of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language.

Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Visit Addison on her website or chat with her on social media. Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM

*****

Giveaway:

Win a print copy of A LOVE SO SWEET

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81385/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – On Magnolia Lane

Tags

Blue Ridge Romance series, Book Review, Denise Hunter, On Magnolia Lane

Hunter’s latest is stuffed to the edges with beautiful, realistic, and emotional moments.

*****

On Magnolia Lane

Blue Ridge Romance series

by Denise Hunter

Paperback: 336 Pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 6, 2018)

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes the final book in Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series.

Pastor Jack McReady has secretly carried a torch for Daisy for two long years. She’s a member of his congregation, after all, and she’ll never see him as more than a trusted counselor. Jack’s best friend Noah has taken every opportunity to encourage his lovesick friend, but when Noah catches wind that Daisy has joined an online dating site, he takes matters into his own hands and orchestrates a meet-cute of the most unconventional kind.

Owner of the local flower shop, Daisy Pendleton is content with her small-town life, but she’d sure like someone to share it with. After several disastrous first dates, she’s about to give up—and then she finds a seemingly wonderful man online. Daisy gets to know TJ through a series of messages but finds herself spending more time with Pastor Jack outside of the church at the same time. What she doesn’t know is that her online prospect and Jack are one and the same.

Just as Daisy’s love life starts to look promising, a mysterious woman appears in town. Daisy is faced with a revelation about her family that turns her world upside down, and she looks to both TJ and Jack for help.

Jack must find a way to reveal himself as her online suitor without breaking her heart and losing her trust. As Daisy faces Jack’s betrayal, she’ll have to learn to extend grace to herself, her family, and the man she’s grown to love.

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Review:

From the very first page, I fell for Pastor Jack.  I love that Hunter made sure to emphasize that, while he is the spiritual leader of his church, he’s also a man.  He’s developed feelings for a friend but unfortunately she seems oblivious, which is very frustrating for him.  And in a moment of weakness he connects to her through a dating site … while hiding his identity.  You know it isn’t going to end well, yet you easily understand how he found himself caught up in the deception.  It lets you seen the more human side of him right along with Daisy.

Daisy is a sweet and caring person but she is a little stuck on how some things from her past affect how she feels about herself.  And she’s definitely a little clueless when it comes to Jack 🙂  She has a habit of putting people up on a pedestal and unfortunately that’s what she’s done to him.  But life tends to knock them down and things are quickly going to get complicated for her.  When the dust settles, she’s definitely done some growing up and has a few things to come to terms with, including her feelings for Jack.

Packed full of emotions, On Magnolia Lane wonderfully explores the idea of identity and perception, secrets and forgiveness.  All while delivering a tender love story that, more than once, made me give a little happy sigh.

(Part of a series but can easily stand alone.)

*****

Author Info:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Visit TLC Book Tours to check out the rest of the tour

https://tlcbooktours.com/2018/07/denise-hunter-author-of-on-magnolia-lane-on-tour-november-2018/

Book Review – A Christmas Date

Tags

A Christmas Date, Book Review, Camilla Isley, First Comes Love series

Who’s in the mood for a light-hearted, yet emotional, holiday HEA?

*****

A Christmas Date

First Comes Love #3

by Camilla Isley

Genre: Chick Lit, Romantic Comedy, Holiday Romance, Adult (Clean, sweet romance)

Length: 55k Words/220 pages

Publication Date: October, 25 2018

Blurb:

No one wants to be single at the holidays.

Even Little Miss Grinch, Nikki, a successful and independent woman, must face her bachelorette status at the most horrible time of the year.

December is her personal version of holly-jolly hell: a merry torture made of couples kissing at every corner, forced vacation days, and an inescapable family reunion.
And when her baby sister announces she’s engaged—to Paul, the man Nikki is secretly in love with—and that he’s spending the holidays with them, Christmas starts looking bluer than ever.

Nikki can’t possibly survive an entire week trapped home as the family’s spinster. But she has no time to meet men or to try the newest dating app, she’s too busy working as a video producer for an advertising agency.

So what’s a girl to do?

Nikki has the perfect solution: to hire a fake boyfriend.

Luckily, her job gives her access to an endless catalog of gorgeous actors to choose from.

But Nikki will soon discover that keeping business and pleasure from mixing isn’t so easy, and that she might not be immune to a little mistletoe magic. Especially not when she picked out the perfect man as her Christmas date…

A fun, festive romantic comedy with lots of bad behavior and Christmas spirit. Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously hilarious novel down.

(Each novel in the series reads as a standalone.)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35421840-a-christmas-date

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GBXB5PK

Apple Books: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-christmas-date/id1424973663

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-christmas-date-camilla-isley/1129274291?ean=2940155770961

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9788887269253

Google Play:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Camilla_Isley_A_Christmas_Date?id=p4ZoDwAAQBAJ

*****

Read an excerpt:
https://camillaisley.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/a-christmas-date-camilla-isley.pdf

*****

Review:

I love Diego and Nikki together.  Even though they start this adventure as strangers there is a great connection between them.  One where they are able to find a way to enjoy even the most absurd of moments – and Isley delivers quite a few giggle inducing bits 🙂

But it’s the relationship between Nikki and her sister that is the catalyst for a lot of the more emotional parts … as well as any trouble that comes their way.  There’s definitely sibling rivalry at play that has created a distance between them that, thanks to some honest communication (finally), they are able to address.

You have to be OK with a ninsta-love kind of situation because Nikki and Diego don’t know each other very long.  But there is an intensity to their situation that helps them get closer quicker that works as a king of long, drawn-out meet cute.  And a start to what will definitely be a happy ending for them all.

*****

Author Info:

Camilla’s an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband in an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

https://www.camillaisley.com

Twitter: @camillaisley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camillaisley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/camillaisley