• Home
  • Book Review
  • Contest
  • Blog Tour
  • Sneak Peek
  • About

Romantic Reads and Such

~ thoughts on romances

Romantic Reads and Such

Tag Archives: Susan Mallery

Spotlight – The Vineyard at Painted Moon

09 Tuesday Feb 2021

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Susan Mallery, The Vineyard at Painted Moon

There is just something warm and comforting about a book by Susan Mallery. I get a little bit happier just holding one in my hands.

*****

The Vineyard at Painted Moon

by Susan Mallery

Blurb:

Step into the vineyard with Susan Mallery’s most irresistible novel yet, as one woman searches for the perfect blend of love, family and wine.

Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.

Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.

Goodreads | Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter Six 

According to Stephanie’s research, the Marington family had been making cheese in eastern Washington for about a hundred years. The milk used to make the cheese came from local cows and nearly half of it was certified organic. They had a good reputation for quality and taste, and from what she could tell, they were looking to expand their brand beyond the local markets and specialty stores. The fourth-generation Maringtons, fraternal twins Jack and Jill—Stephanie had confirmed the unfortunate names—were using social media to make that happen, and they were looking for someone to help with that. 

To that end Stephanie had spent the past week studying the company and researching the market. She had three solid campaign ideas and a lot of numbers on cheese consumption, market entry and partnerships. Her plan was to dazzle and get the job offer of her dreams. The fact that the thought of telling her mother she was leaving Bel Après made her slightly sick to her stomach was something she was going to have to ignore. She needed more than she had, and the only way to make that happen was to be proactive. She was hopeful and nervous, but mostly hopeful. 

After parking in front of the low, one-story building, she gave herself a twenty-second pep talk, grabbed her handbag and briefcase, and walked inside.

 There was no receptionist. Just an open space with a couple of chairs and a hallway leading to several offices. She couldn’t see or hear anyone, which made her wonder if she’d gotten the date or time wrong. She called out, “Hello?”

 “Hey, Stephanie?” A tall, slim man walked out of one of the offices. He smiled when he saw her. “Right on time. I’m Jack.” 

They shook hands. 

Jack had blond hair and blue eyes. His features weren’t unattractive, but there was something very bland about his appearance. 

“Good to meet you,” he said. “Come on back and let’s talk.” 

She followed him into a cluttered office. Papers were stacked everywhere, including on the only visitor’s chair. She waited while he cleared that, trying not to flinch as she inhaled the smell of what could only be called bad cheese. 

“There you go.” He took the seat on the other side of the desk, glanced at his computer screen, frowned, then turned his attention to her. 

“You work at Bel Après,” he said. “That’s wine. I’m not much of a wine drinker myself, but I know enough to put together a pairing. We send out suggestions of what wines to drink with our cheeses. Our customers like that sort of thing.” He stared at her intently, his pale blue eyes watering slightly. “Wine is easy, just so you know. Cheese is hard. I hope you understand that.”

 She had no idea what to say to that comment, so she settled on a faint smile and nod.

 “We’re looking to grow the company,” he said. “Find different markets, have a bigger online presence. Our cousin Bing has been doing our website. He’s a great kid. Computers are his thing, but he doesn’t always take care of everything, you know.” 

“Kid?” Stephanie asked faintly. “As in, he’s young?” 

“Fourteen. He took over the website when he was eleven. He prefers robotics, but family is family, right?” 

Stephanie was saved from having to respond to that by the sound of footsteps in the hall. Seconds later a woman walked into the office. A woman who looked exactly like Jack. Same features, same coloring, same size, same blue shirt and khaki pants. They were identical—except for the whole man-woman thing. 

“I’m Jill,” the woman said, moving papers off the credenza and sitting there. “You’re here about the marketing job, aren’t you?” 

“Yes.” 

Jill looked at her brother, her expression peevish. “I’ve told you, I can handle it.”

 Jack shook his head. “We’ve been over this. We need someone with training.”

 “Oh, please. So she has a college degree. Big whoop. I can do the job in my sleep.” 

“And yet you don’t.”

 “I’m going to tell Dad what you’re up to.” 

Jack offered Stephanie a tight smile. “You’ve worked in a family company, so you understand the push-pull dynamics, I’m sure.” 

Jill turned to Stephanie. “Are you married?”

 “I…what?” 

“Married. A lot of women try to work here because they want to marry Jack. That’s not going to happen. He’s not going to be interested in you. He doesn’t need you in his life. He has me.” 

Okay, so now the creep factor was a bigger deterrent than the cheese smell. Whatever hope she’d had crashed to the ground and crawled away. If the interview was going this badly, there was no chance the job was going to work out.

 “Jill, come on. She’s not here to marry me. She wants a job.” He looked at Stephanie. “Why do you want to leave Bel Après?”

 “I wanted to challenge myself with something new. Your expansion plans are exciting, and I was thinking I could help with that.” 

At least she had been thinking that. Now she was much less sure.

 Jill stood up. “You’re not right for the job. I don’t care what Jack says. You can’t have it.” 

Jack glared at her. “This is my interview, not yours. You don’t get to say.”

 “I get as much say as you get. We’re equal partners. Besides, you know what Mom and Dad are going to think. They don’t like outsiders. I don’t know why you even brought her in for the job.” Jill looked at Stephanie. “You’re not going to get it.” 

“Okay, then.” Stephanie rose and smiled at both of them. “Thank you so much for your time. Good luck with the expansion.” 

With that, she walked out the way she’d come. Once in her car, she breathed in non-cheese-smelling air and told herself at least there was a bright side. She’d wasted—she glanced at her watch—only eight minutes of her life, not counting the research she’d done and, hey, the drive over. But better to know now rather than quit and take the job only to discover she couldn’t make it work. 

Which all sounded great but didn’t shake her sense of disappointment. She hadn’t even had a practice interview. Walla Walla wasn’t a big town, so there weren’t a lot of marketing jobs available, especially with her excluding the wine industry. So she was back to where she’d started—working for her mother and wishing for something more. 

*****

Author Info:

No.1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives – family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*****

Check out the rest of the tour
https://tlcbooktours.com/2020/11/susan-mallery-author-of-the-vineyard-at-painted-moon-on-tour-january-february-2021/

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Book Review – The Summer of Sunshine and Margot

09 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Susan Mallery, The Summer of Sunshine and Margot

We saw a sneak peek of this one earlier this summer and I finally got my grubby little hands on it!

*****

The Summer of Sunshine and Margot

by Susan Mallery

Hardcover: 368 pages

Publisher: HQN; Original edition (June 11, 2019)

Blurb:

The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Review:

These sisters are very different and I love how we feel that in their stories.  Sunshine’s is bigger, louder, and messier but she is oh-so-appealing for it.  Your heart just goes out to her as she struggles to be the person she wants to be and not who she used to be.  Declan and Connor are a perfect match for her – if only they’d met under different circumstances.  Unfortunately they didn’t so there’s going to be some struggles and a lot of bumps along the way.

Margot is more formal & reserved and her story matches, except for Bianca.  Matching these two brings out some wonderful comedic moments and I only wish we’d had even more of Bianca’s oddly compelling presence.  Unfortunately some of her more risque choices over the years haven’t gone over as well, especially with Alec.  It helps explain a lot of why he’s the way he is, and why Margot is a good match for him.

If you are looking for a fun read to throw in your bag for a trip to the beach or the pool, this is definitely it.  The Summer of Sunshine and Margot follows the sisters as they fall in love and we effortlessly flow between the two & the people in their lives.  It never felt disjointed (as multi-characters books can) as we get to know everyone and watch as their connections deepen.

*****

Author Info:

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*****

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

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Spotlight – The Summer of Sunshine and Margot

06 Thursday Jun 2019

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Susan Mallery, The Summer of Sunshine and Margot

This one is in my TBR pile and I’m so looking forward to reading it!

*****

The Summer of Sunshine and Margot

by Susan Mallery

Hardcover: 368 pages

Publisher: HQN; Original edition (June 11, 2019)

Blurb:

The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Excerpt:

The smile returned, although with less gut-hitting power. “I tend to fall for men who have unusual occupations or who don’t live wherever I am. A guy in a rock band, a travel photographer, a professional tennis player. One time the family I was working for took me with them to Napa. I met a guy who owned a restaurant and when the family went home, I stayed. On the bright side, he taught me how to cook.”

She looked away. “I was young and reckless and I don’t want do that anymore.” Her gaze returned to him. “I won’t bore you with the details. Let’s just say I woke up alone in a hotel room in London with no job, no boyfriend, no prospects. I flew home and moved in with my sister, then got a couple of jobs because hey, the nanny thing wasn’t working for me or the kids.”

He wasn’t sure what he’d expected to hear, but it wasn’t this. “So why are you back being a nanny now?”

“I’m good at it and I need the money. I want to do something with my life. Get an education, have a retirement account, be normal. Working as a nanny allows me to pay for school, have time to study and not have to worry about rent. I want to keep my head down and be smart. No more loser guys. I don’t want to be that girl anymore.”

The smile returned, leaving him just as speechless as before.

“More than you wanted to know,” she said. “I’m being honest. You have no reason to believe any of this. You don’t know me, which is kind of the point of the conversation, right? But I’m committed to Connor. I’m not going to walk away from him.”

“Because you’re not that girl anymore?”

“That’s the reason.”

It was too much information and he didn’t know what to do with it all. She was right—he had no reason to believe her, and yet he did. Was that dumb on his part or intuition? He had no idea.

“Is that also why you wanted to work for a woman?”

She nodded. “I’ve had a couple of dads get handsy. It’s awkward.”

“I assure you I would never—”

She shook her head. “I know. You don’t have to say anything.”

She knew? How? And what did that mean? Had he become so incredibly sexless that…that… Dear God, he couldn’t even formulate the question, let alone answer it.

She laughed. “You look confused. What I meant is you seem to be an honorable person. I appreciate that.”

“Good,” he said, not sure if it was good or not. Time to change the subject. “About your hours. Are they working for you?”

“They’re perfect.”

She was supposed to be available from 6:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the middle of the day off, five days a week. She also owed him every other Saturday and cooked dinner four nights a week.

“I’m sorry you had to work Sunday when I was on my business trip.”

“Not a problem. You and Connor were gone the previous weekend, so I had that Saturday. Declan, I’m not keeping track of every single minute. If Connor gets up early or stays up late, that’s okay. A lot of my job is being flexible.”

“Thank you.”

He confirmed she knew where all the local stores were, then pulled a credit card out of his desk drawer.

“I ordered this for you,” he said. “It will be easier than giving me receipts and having me reimburse you.” He smiled. “Don’t go to Tahiti on it.”

“Oh darn. And Connor and I were talking about taking a road trip just yesterday.” She took the card. “He seems to be outgrowing some of his pants and his athletic shoes are looking really bad. Do you want me to take him shopping or is that something you prefer to do?”

“You can do it. For the next couple of weeks, I’m going to be knee-deep in the preconstruction planning for the hotel. Once that calms down, I’ll have more time.”

“Okay. Then I’ll get what he needs right now and you can handle the rest. Anything else?”

His gaze moved from her mouth to her— He swore silently, telling himself being a jerk wasn’t allowed. He had to get a grip or, at the very least, get laid. Assuming he remembered how all that happened. He assumed it was like riding a bike—once he and the lady in question were naked, he would know what to do.

“Declan?”

He blinked. “Ah, that will be all.”

She stood and slid the credit card into her back pocket. “Have a good night.”

“You, too.”

He wasn’t sure how good it was going to be but there was a better than even chance he would be taking a shower in a bit. A long one. After he would lie alone in bed both cursing and missing the woman he’d been married to. The one who had betrayed him, then up and died before he could decide if he had forgiven her or not.

*****

Author Info:

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*****

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

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Book Review – California Girls

13 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

California Girls, Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery is one of those authors that I can count on to deliver an awesome read every time.

*****

California Girls

by Susan Mallery

Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: MIRA; Original edition (February 26, 2019)

Blurb:

The California sunshine’s not quite so bright for three sisters who get dumped in the same week…

Finola, a popular LA morning show host, is famously upbeat until she’s blindsided on live TV by news that her husband is sleeping with a young pop sensation who has set their affair to music. While avoiding the tabloids and pretending she’s just fine, she’s crumbling inside, desperate for him to come to his senses and for life to go back to normal.

Zennie’s breakup is no big loss. Although the world insists she pair up, she’d rather be surfing. So agreeing to be the surrogate for her best friend is a no-brainer—after all, she has an available womb and no other attachments to worry about. Except…when everyone else, including her big sister, thinks she’s making a huge mistake, being pregnant is a lot lonelier—and more complicated—than she imagined.

Never the tallest, thinnest or prettiest sister, Ali is used to being overlooked, but when her fiancé sends his disapproving brother to call off the wedding, it’s a new low. And yet Daniel continues to turn up “for support,” making Ali wonder if maybe—for once—someone sees her in a way no one ever has.

But side by side by side, these sisters will start over and rebuild their lives with all the affection, charm and laugh-out-loud humor that is classic Susan Mallery.

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

*****

Review:

Mallery’s newest is definitely more women’s fiction than romance, so you need to be prepared for time spent with the sisters but hardly any with their respective men.

Well, two of the sisters – one of them definitely has a bit more of a love story going on, without shortchanging any of her personal growth and development.  There is a new(ish) man in Ali’s life and he helps her see herself differently.  She listens and learns and finds her true self buried behind years of doubt.  I really like the woman she becomes and where her life is heading.

Finola has to do a lot of self-evaluation.  With the betrayal by her husband it is easy to lay the blame totally on him but every relationship has two people in it.  No one wants to hear that some of the fault is their’s when a spouse cheats and Finola is no different.  But time and a few tough conversations has her looking at herself and exactly how much she’s invested in the people around her.

Zennie is probably the hardest for me to connect to.  I get where she’s coming from and really you can’t understand what pregnancy does to you until you actually experience it (man, those hormones!), but it’s such a unique situation.  I did enjoy how Mallery explores, at least for a while, the idea that not everyone wants or needs to be coupled up.  That is the most interesting part of Zennie’s story – her comfort with her life as it is, with friends, family, work, and hobbies.

My only real complaint is that, with three sisters all having a big part of the story, there is a lot of back and forth between them.  It is kinda hard to really get into one part of it knowing you are going to be pulled out and into another.  After a while I got used to it but I don’t think that I was ever fully able to commit.

Charm, though, is always a mainstay of Mallery’s stories and this one is no different.  There is plenty to smile about but she also delivers on the harder emotions as the sisters evaluate themselves and their lives.  It’s not easy when you have to face your shortcomings but these women manage to come out of it stronger.

*****

Author Info:

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*****

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

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Book Review – When We Found Home

31 Tuesday Jul 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Susan Mallery, When We Found Home

If you are looking for an end of summer read, you can’t go wrong with a new story by Susan Mallery!

*****

When We Found Home

by Susan Mallery

Blurb:

Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old. Calli

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order e doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love. But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit…until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

In this emotional, funny and heartfelt story, Susan Mallery masterfully explores the definition of a modern family—blended by surprise, not by choice—and how those complicated relationships can add unexpected richness to life.

Goodreads | Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Review:

I love Susan Mallery’s writing style.  She does a wonderful job of giving readers all the feels while adding in just the right amount of quirk and fun.  And with When We Found Home, she doesn’t disappoint.

Malcolm joined the Carlesso family when he was 12.  And while he had a great relationship with his mom and formed a bond with his new-found grandfather, his dad was pretty awful… and now they are finding out just how awful with the addition of a couple of half sisters.  You just have to feel for Malcolm as he struggles to relate to his new family dynamic.  His has no idea how to connect with his 12 year old half sister, Keira, and the sudden appearance of a new sister only a couple of years younger than him makes it even more complicated.  Luckily, with the help of a lovely barista, he just might figure things out.

Callie has gone from having nothing to having everything, including a family, and she’s just not sure how to handle it.  Adding in an intimidating and emotionally distant brother doesn’t help.  But the relationship she forms with her new little sister, as the two of the bond over their now drastically different circumstances, will just melt your heart.  Throw in a guy who thinks she hung the moon, and her life might become just about perfect.

Keira is the one I wanted to cuddle the most out of the group (although Malcolm comes in a close second – the man is just clueless but he does try … ish).  Her childhood was awful, including a druggie mom and a stint in foster care.  It’s no wonder that she’s convinced her new posh life won’t last.  Luckily an accident, a friendly barista, and the appearance of her new half-sister just might be the catalysts to help her trust in her new situation.

Mallery uses her trademark wit & snappy dialogue, along with engaging & well-developed characters, to deliver a wonderfully emotional read.  While there is a romance for both Malcolm and Callie, its the three of them trying to figure out how to become a family that really steals the show.  The complications from being thrown together at this point in their lives make it even that much harder to find a way to connect but with a little guidance, some honesty, and sheer will, they just might make something wonderful out of a terrible beginning.

*****

Author Info:

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a Taste of Seattle gift bag, including:

An “I [Heart] Happy Books” tote bag

Starbucks Pike’s Place ground coffee

Seattle Chocolates gift set (3 truffle jars)

Cucina Fresca marinara sauce

Sahale Snacks (6 packs)

Maury Island Farms jam (2 jars)

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/12a5ba191/

*****

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

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Spotlight – Sisters Like Us

02 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Sisters Like Us, Susan Mallery

I hope everyone had a great holiday and that you are excited to see what great things 2018 has in store!  I’m happy to get back at it and super thrilled that I get to kick off things with the latest for the always awesome Susan Mallery – she’s been one of my favorite authors for a while now and it never fails to make me smile when I see that she had a new book coming out 🙂

*****

Sisters Like Us

by Susan Mallery

Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: MIRA (January 23, 2018)

Blurb:

The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…

Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.

Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.

Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

“Fresh and engaging… There’s a generational subtext that mirrors reality and the complexities of adult relationships…filled with promise of a new serial that’s worth following.” -Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Mallery enthralls [and] thoroughly involves readers in the lives of her characters as they face realistic, believable problems and search for their own happy endings.” -Publishers Weekly

Goodreads | Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter One

There wasn’t a holiday on the calendar that Harper Szymanski couldn’t celebrate, cook for, decorate, decoupage, create a greeting card about or wrap in raffia. There were the biggies: birthdays, New Years, Fourth of July. But also the lesser celebrated: American Diabetes Association Alert Day, Auntie’s Day, National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Why weren’t there greeting cards to honor that? Didn’t everyone need a good massage?

Despite a skill set that made Martha Stewart look like a slacker, Harper had never figured out a way to monetize her gift for setting a table to commemorate anything. She’d tried catering about ten years ago, but had quickly discovered that her need to overbuy and overdeliver had meant losing money on every single job. Which left her in the awkward position of trying to make a living the hard way—with two semesters of community college and sixteen years of being a stay-at-home mom.

Retail jobs and the pay that went with them hadn’t been close to enough to support herself and her daughter postdivorce. Three online aptitude tests had left her even more confused—while getting her degree in biochemistry and going on to medical school sounded great, it wasn’t actually a practical solution for an over-forty single mom with no money in the bank. Then an article in the local paper had provided an interesting and almost-viable idea. Harper had become a virtual assistant.

If there was one thing she knew it was how to take care of the details. You didn’t get good at a basket weave Fourth of July cake without paying attention. One year after filing her business permit, Harper had five main clients, nearly a dozen more who used her services intermittently and almost enough income to pay her bills. She also had her mother living in the apartment over the garage, an ex-husband dating a gorgeous blonde who was—wait for it—exactly fourteen years younger than Harper because they shared a birthday—a sixteen-year-old daughter who had stopped speaking to her and a client who was desperately unclear on the concept of virtual in the world of virtual assistants.

“You don’t have to drop off your bills every month,” Harper said as she set out coffee, a plate of chocolate chip scones that she’d gotten up at five-thirty that morning to bake fresh, a bowl of sugar-glazed almonds and sliced pears.

“And miss this?” Lucas Wheeler asked, pouring himself a mug of coffee. “If you’re trying to convince me coming by isn’t a good idea, then stop feeding me.”

He was right, of course. There was an easy, logical solution. Stop taking care of people and they would go away. Or at least be around less often. There was just one problem—when someone stopped by your home, you were supposed to take care of them.

“I can’t help it,” she admitted, wishing it weren’t the truth. “It’s a disease. I’m a people pleaser. I blame my mother.”

“I’d blame her, too, if I were you.”

She supposed she could take offense at Lucas’s words, but he was only stating the obvious.

In some ways Harper felt as if she was part of the wrong generation. According to celebrity magazines, fifty was the new twenty-five, which meant almost forty-two should be the new what? Eleven? Everyone else her age seemed so young and carefree, with modern attitudes and a far better grasp of what was in style and popular.

Harper was just now getting around to listening to the soundtrack from Hamilton and her idea of fashionable had a lot more to do with how she dressed her dining room table than herself. She was like a 1950s throwback, which might sound charming but in real life kind of sucked. On the bright side, it really was her mother’s fault.

“Speaking of your mother, where is she?” Lucas asked.

“At the senior center, preparing Easter baskets for the homeless.” Because that was what women were supposed to do. Take care of people—not have actual careers that could support them and their families.

“I, on the other hand, will be paying your bills, designing T-shirts for Misty, working on the layout of a sales brochure and making bunny butt cookies for my daughter.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “You do realize that bunny butt is just a polite way of saying rabbit ass.”

Harper laughed. “Yes, but they’re an Easter tradition. Becca loves them. Her father is dropping her off tomorrow afternoon and I want the cookies waiting.”

Because maybe if there were bunny butt cookies, her daughter would smile and talk to her the way she used to. In actual sentences that shared bits of her life.

“You sorry you didn’t go?” Lucas asked.

“To the memorial? Yes.” She thought for a second, then added, “No. I mean I would have liked to pay my respects and all, but Great-Aunt Cheryl is gone, so it’s not like she would miss me showing up.”

The drive from Mischief Bay to Grass Valley would take practically the whole day. Harper couldn’t imagine anything more horrible than being trapped in a car with her ex, his girlfriend and her daughter. Okay, the Becca part would be great, but the other two?

The worst of it was that while Great-Aunt Cheryl was actually Terence’s relative, Harper had been the one who had stayed in touch, right up until her death two months ago.

“Terence is forty-four. What is he thinking, dating a twenty-eight-year-old?” She glared at Lucas. “Never mind. You’re the wrong person to be having this particular conversation with.”

Because while her client was a handsome, single, fifty-year-old man, he also dated women in their twenties. In his case, their early twenties.

“What is wrong with you?” she demanded. “Is it all men or just you and my ex? Oh, dear God, the one thing you have in common with Terence is me. Did I do something to make you all date twenty-somethings?”

*****

Author Info:

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women’s lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan’s books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on “the new queen of romantic fiction.” (Walmart) Booklist says, “Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling,” and RT Book Reviews puts her “in a class by herself!”

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month, January of 1992. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool’s Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they’re an integral component to a happy life.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

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

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Spotlight – Second Chance Girl

28 Thursday Sep 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Happily Inc Series, Second Chance Girl, Susan Mallery

After the awesomeness of You Say It First, Susan Mallery invites you back to visit Happily Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale …

*****

Second Chance Girl

Happily Inc #2

by Susan Mallery

Blurb:

From the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Susan Mallery, read the second irresistible installment in the Happily Inc series!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

Get your copy of SECOND CHANCE GIRL here!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jviDyX

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2f0uSyi

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2x8frhe

Nook: http://bit.ly/2x5y3gk

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2x5h8KW

Powell’s: http://bit.ly/2x8l2UX

iBooks: http://apple.co/2x4ZgQl

BAM: http://bit.ly/2jvkyn9

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2f01EQd

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2xFiEq6

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2y3yebo

Audible: http://adbl.co/2wgKDfC

*****

Excerpt:

The Sweet Dreams Inn off of Eternal Drive was the stuff of nightmares—at least for Ulrich. His plan had been to leave Happily Inc after he concluded his business with Violet Lund—thief and swindler—return to Los Angeles and catch a flight back to England. Only nothing had gone according to plan.

His meeting with the surprisingly attractive and very animated woman had left him feeling both awkward and confused. She had been able to produce a bill of sale for the buttons his grandmother had sent, and buttons were not what had been stolen from the house. Was she not the thief and if not her, then who?

Ulrich had driven to LA only to reschedule his flight and return to Happily Inc. The Sweet Dreams Inn had been the first hotel he’d seen, so he’d pulled in. Too late he’d discovered it was a themed hotel with each of the rooms representing something ridiculous. For reasons not completely clear to him, he’d agreed to a couple of nights in the Drive-In room, which was how he found himself with a mattress fit into a red, 1959 Cadillac convertible, a television the size of a movie screen and a sitting room decorated like a concession stand. Even he had to admit the car was beautiful—with big fins and white-walled tires. Still, it wasn’t where one expected to sleep. Regardless of the strange surroundings, the Wi-Fi was excellent and the kitchen delivered meals to his room.

Ulrich had spent nearly a day researching Violet Lund and antique buttons only to come to the conclusion that it was more than possible that she had been telling the truth. There was money to be made in the world of buttons. Even more troubling, it seemed Miss Violet Lund was nothing more than a very honest shopkeeper.

She had no criminal record, no trouble with the IRS, not even a ticket. He’d used several online sites to investigate her and she’d come back annoyingly normal and law abiding. How could he have been so wrong?

He was never wrong—he made it a point to be sure of things. He’d only been seriously fooled once in his life and that had been by his ex-wife Penelope. In that case, the deception had been deliberate—at least on her part. Thinking about that didn’t help him at all, and he mentally turned his back on his former wife. The bigger question was what to do about Violet. He’d slept on the information, then had woken up in the morning with no clear idea of what to do next.

After showering, he ordered breakfast and knew he had to come up with a plan—only he had no idea what it would be. He opened another file on his computer and reviewed the list of missing items provided to him by his housekeeper and his own investigation.

The trouble had started three months ago when Ulrich had ordered a complete inventory of the house, including the attics. The project had taken over a month and they’d discovered some truly wonderful pieces. But many things had also been missing.

The public rooms were closely monitored and protected, and the guests who stayed in the hotel wing didn’t have access to the private residence without an escort. The previous inventory had been conducted by his father, nearly five years before. Ulrich had no way of knowing what had been taken when. Or so he’d thought.

*****

AND don’t miss the first standalone title in the Happily, Inc. Series, YOU SAY IT FIRST! Grab your copy today!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2v8LYiZ

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2vPA7bW

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2whleC3

Nook: http://bit.ly/2uYd5yk

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2ic2aiq

Powell’s: http://bit.ly/2idcg2G

iBooks: http://apple.co/2uYHtbC

BAM: http://bit.ly/2woIihs

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2wovrMh

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2uONR9o

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2woHZDA

Audible: http://amzn.to/2woIxJE

*****

Author Info:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. She’s best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her online at SusanMallery.com.

Website: www.SusanMallery.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/susanmallery

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SusanMallery

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanmallery

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susanmallery/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/susanmallery

Newsletter: http://www.susanmallery.com/join-mailing-list.php

*****

Giveaway:

$100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice)

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9172c1a0383/

*****

Susan Mallery’s SECOND CHANCE GIRL – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

September 18th

A Southern Girls Bookshelf – Excerpt

Fire and Ice Book Reviews – Review

Little Bookworm Reviews – Review

The Butterfly Reads – Review & Excerpt

September 19th

Collector of book boyfriends – Excerpt

I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt

Mama She’s Crazy About Books – Review

Ramblings From This Chick – Excerpt

September 20th

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

It’s all About the Romance – Review & Excerpt

Rachel Loren’s Love of Reading – Review & Excerpt

Stephanie’s Book Reports – Review & Excerpt

September 21st

Adventures in Writing – Excerpt

Books and Things Blog – Review & Excerpt

Reading Reality – Review

Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance – Excerpt

September 22nd

Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt

Jen’s Reading Obsession – Review & Excerpt

KDRBCK – Review

Romancing the Readers – Review

September 23rd

Brittany’s Book Blog – Excerpt

OMGReads – Review & Excerpt

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

September 24th

E-Romance News – Excerpt

K.T. Castle – Excerpt

Melena’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Nicole’s Book Musings – Review & Excerpt

September 25th

For the love of romance – Review & Excerpt

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review & Excerpt

Smokin Hot Reads Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

September 26th

Always a happy ever after – Review & Excerpt

Bookishly Yours – Excerpt

Cesya MaRae Cuono, Author – Excerpt

Lattes & Paperbacks – Review & Excerpt

September 27th

Loves Great Reads Blog – Excerpt

Pervy Ladies Books – Review & Excerpt

Reads & Reviews – Review

Thoughts of a Blonde – Excerpt

September 28th

I’m A Book Shark – Review & Excerpt

Romantic Reads and Such – Excerpt

Tales From A Bookworm – Review & Excerpt

September 29th

Gataleitora – Review

Nose Stuck in a Book – Excerpt

Remarkablylisa – Review & Excerpt

TBR Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

September 30th

A geordielass honest blog on reviews – Review

Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review

Sofia Loves Books – Review & Excerpt

Two Book Pushers – Review

October 1st

Miss Riki – Review & Excerpt

Shannon’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

The Book Maven – Review

October 2nd

Crazii Bitches Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

From the TBR PIle – Review & Excerpt

Living In Our Own Story – Review & Excerpt

Booknerd1107 – Review & Excerpt

October 3rd

Katy and Zetti’s Book Ramblings – Excerpt

I love My Bookgasms blog – Review & Excerpt

Readaholic – Excerpt

Renee Entress’s Blog – Review & Excerpt

October 4th

Booked All Night – Review & Excerpt

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC – Review & Excerpt

My Nook, Books & More – Review

Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored – Review & Excerpt

October 5th

Book Reviews By Lexi – Review

Mean Girls Luv Books – Review & Excerpt

The bookworm chronicles – Excerpt

Sweet Red Reads – Review & Excerpt

October 6th

Book Lovers Hangout – Review & Excerpt

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

Lover of Big Books Cannot Lie – Review & Excerpt

Shelf_Life – Review & Excerpt

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Book Review – You Say It First

24 Thursday Aug 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Happily Inc Series, Susan Mallery, You Say It First

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances Susan Mallery, comes the first standalone title in the Happily, Inc. Series—YOU SAY IT FIRST! You’re invited to visit Happily, Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale. Where people live… wait for it… happily ever after.

Order your copy today!

*****

You Say It First

Happily Inc series

by Susan Mallery

Blurb:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc, a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale…

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks–mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won’t let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he’s all in.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but to cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

Get your copy of YOU SAY IT FIRST here!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2v8LYiZ

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2vPA7bW

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2whleC3

Nook: http://bit.ly/2uYd5yk

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2ic2aiq

Powell’s: http://bit.ly/2idcg2G

iBooks: http://apple.co/2uYHtbC

BAM: http://bit.ly/2woIihs

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2wovrMh

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2uONR9o

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2woHZDA

Audible: http://amzn.to/2woIxJE

*****

Excerpt:

The afternoon passed quickly. Alan stayed with Catherine, the beauty team arrived and did their thing. At five, the ushers were seating the guests, and at five forty-five, the beautiful bride walked down the aisle. Pallas stood in the back next to Alan as they watched the ceremony move smoothly forward.

“See,” he whispered. “It’s fine.”

“You were right.”

“Three of my favorite words. I’m going to make you repeat them again and again.”

Pallas left to check on the catering. Silver had her trailer set up and was mixing the signature drinks; the bride’s specially hired DJ had already started setting up his equipment. Nick, who only needed to be a courtier for the procession, had already changed back into street clothes.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Much. I still think the server costumes are a little slutty, but that wasn’t my call. We have food, we have drinks, we have music.” She glanced over to where the DJ had set up his equipment. “I’m going to start breathing more deeply now.”

“Good.” Nick put his arm around her. “Want me to take your picture with the zebras?”

“Maybe later. Do they seem calm? They were tense when they arrived.”

“I gave them valium. They’re fine.”

She spun toward him and grabbed his arm. “Don’t joke about that. I mean it. I’m one crisis away from snapping.”

“Sorry. No drugging zebra jokes, although that really kills my best material.”

Pallas returned to the main building and waited for the service to end. She made sure everyone made their way to the reception area and was grateful when Catherine gave her a thumb’s-up.

While the wedding party took postceremony pictures, Pallas made sure the guests had plenty to drink and that the appetizers were circulating briskly. She was so focused on that she almost didn’t hear the loud shrieks from the far side of the open area. Almost.

“Oh no! They’re loose.”

Pallas hurried to the gates just in time to see three zebras running down the road.

“Should have let me drug them,” Nick murmured as Carol and Cade got in his truck and hurried after them. Pallas spotted four teenage boys laughing by the temporary fencing. She narrowed her gaze and started toward them.

*****

Review:

With her Fool’s Gold series, Mallery is known for bringing readers quirky, humorous stories that somehow manage to be lighthearted with depth.  And with Happily Inc she does it again!  SQUEEEE!  As we’ve come to expect, her characters are great with the zingers but can bring you to tears … and not just with laughter.  They have issues – real ones that you can totally get behind – and they have to deal with them before they can find their happy.

Pallas’s has to do with her mother.  For some reason her mom is really hard on her and nothing Pallas does is good enough, although she’s spent her whole life trying.  She’s at a crossroads in her life, though, having just inherited a wedding planning business while her mom wants her to work for the family bank.  Pallas has to decide what is right for her.

Nick’s issues have to do with his father and returning readers from Fool’s Gold will be familiar with the backstory (but new readers should have no trouble catching up – Mallery’s a pro at giving you the info you need).  His stay in Happily Inc is just a stop on his way to whatever he’s doing next, giving him a chance to connect with his brothers.  He definitely didn’t plan on Pallas and the kinds of feelings he’s developing for her.  He’s seen what that does to a person and he has no intention of getting that involved.   If you are familiar with Mallery’s work you know how that turns out … when does anything go as you expect it to?  🙂

For me the fluidity of Mallery’s stories really keeps me coming back for more.  I mean, the snappy dialogue and fun people are definitely at the top of that list, but she knows how to wrap everything together so that it works seamless towards that HEA.  Both Nick and Pallas work on their family issues (although Nick’s can’t be 100% resolved because he has brothers who need their own stories) and their concerns over the future, including whatever hangups are involved with committing to their relationship.  It’s pretty common in Mallery’s stories but she makes it seem fresh when she does it.  Every.  Single.  Time.  I don’t know how but she’s gotta have some kinda of magic going on.  And I am so ready to see what she has in store for us next!

*****

Author Info:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. She’s best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her online at SusanMallery.com.

Website: www.SusanMallery.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/susanmallery

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SusanMallery

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanmallery

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susanmallery/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/susanmallery

Newsletter: http://www.susanmallery.com/join-mailing-list.php

*****

Giveaway:

$100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9172c1a0378/

*****

Tour Schedule:

Susan Mallery’s YOU SAY IT FIRST – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

August 21st

Booked All Night – Review & Excerpt

I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt

Katy and Zetti’s Book Ramblings – Excerpt

August 22nd

A Southern Girls Bookshelf – Excerpt

Booknerd1107 – Review & Excerpt

Ficwishes – Excerpt

Readaholic – Excerpt

August 23rd

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

It’s all About the Romance – Excerpt

Rachel Loren’s Love of Reading – Review & Excerpt

Stephanie’s Book Reports – Review

August 24th

Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt

Books and Things Blog – Review & Excerpt

K.T. Castle – Excerpt

Reading Reality – Review

Romantic Reads and Such – Excerpt

August 25th

Living In Our Own Story – Review & Excerpt

Lover of Big Books Cannot Lie – Review & Excerpt

Nose Stuck in a Book – Excerpt

Thoughts of a Blonde – Excerpt

August 26th

Mean Girls Luv Books – Review & Excerpt

Melena’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

August 27th

Adventures in Writing – Excerpt

Forget the Housework, I’m Reading… – Review

Nicole’s Book Musings – Review & Excerpt

August 28th

Mama She’s Crazy About Books – Review

The Butterfly Reads – Review & Excerpt

Two Book Pushers – Review

August 29th

Little Bookworm Reviews – Review

Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance – Excerpt

Shannon’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Tales From A Bookworm – Review & Excerpt

August 30th

Collector of book boyfriends – Excerpt

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review & Excerpt

Jen’s Reading Obsession – Review & Excerpt

August 31st

Miss Riki – Review & Excerpt

Remarkablylisa – Review & Excerpt

Sofia Loves Books – Review & Excerpt

September 1st

Bookishly Yours – Review & Excerpt

Fire and Ice Book Reviews – Review

Romancing the Readers – Review

TBR Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

September 2nd

Cesya MaRae Cuono, Author – Excerpt

Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review

Moonlight Rendezvous – Review & Excerpt

September 3rd

E-Romance News – Excerpt

Francoise’s Reading Corner – Review

Ramblings From This Chick – Excerpt

Sweet Red Reads – Review & Excerpt

September 4th

Crazii Bitches Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

I’m A Book Shark – Review & Excerpt

Pervy Ladies Books – Excerpt

Shannon’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

September 5th

From the TBR Pile – Review & Excerpt

My Nook, Books & More – Review

Renee Entress’s Blog – Review & Excerpt

The bookworm chronicles – Excerpt

September 6th

A geordielass honest blog on reviews – Review

Book Reviews By Lexi – Review

Lattes & Paperbacks – Review & Excerpt

KDRBCK – Review & Excerpt

September 7th

Brittany’s Book Blog – Excerpt

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC – Review & Excerpt

OMGReads – Review & Excerpt

Romance as a first language – Review & Excerpt

Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored – Review & Excerpt

September 8th

Book Lovers Hangout – Review & Excerpt

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

Smokin Hot Reads Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

The Book Maven – Review

The Lovely Books – Review & Excerpt

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Spotlight – Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

03 Wednesday May 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Secrets of the Tulip Sisters, Susan Mallery

I have never been afraid to share my love for Susan Mallery and now is your chance to preorder her next fabulous read coming out this July!!!

(And make sure you enter for your chance to win some flowers … just in time for Mother’s Day in case you need a little help 😉 )

*****

Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

by Susan Mallery

Hardcover: 416 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (July 11, 2017)

Blurb:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Daughters of the Bride comes the charming tale about the problem with secrets, the power of love and the unbreakable bond between sisters

Kelly Murphy’s life as a tulip farmer is pretty routine—up at dawn, off to work, lather, rinse, repeat. But everything changes one sun-washed summer with two dramatic homecomings: Griffith Burnett—Tulpen Crossing’s prodigal son, who’s set his sights on Kelly—and Olivia, her beautiful, wayward and, as far as Kelly is concerned, unwelcome sister. Tempted by Griffith, annoyed by Olivia, Kelly is overwhelmed by the secrets that were so easy to keep when she was alone.

But Olivia’s return isn’t as triumphant as she pretends. Her job has no future, and ever since her dad sent her away from the bad boy she loved, she has felt cut off from her past. She’s determined to reclaim her man and her place in the family…whether her sister likes it or not. For ten years, she and Kelly have been strangers. Olivia will get by without her approval now.

While Kelly and Olivia butt heads, their secrets tumble out in a big hot mess, revealing some truths that will change everything they thought they knew. Can they forgive each other—and themselves—and redefine what it means to be sisters?

Told with Mallery’s trademark heart and humor, the Tulip Sisters are in for the most colorful summer of their lives…

Add to Goodreads

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Excerpt:

“This is going to take a while. Are you two willing to come back in a couple of hours or do you want to call it a night?”

Jeff glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly six.

“Buy you a burger?” he asked Helen.

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Jeff returned his attention to Isaak. “We’ll be across the street.”

“Great. I’ll come get you there.”

Jeff locked his guitar in his truck before they headed across the highway to the Tulip Burger restaurant. While Helen didn’t mind that their town was all things tulip, she felt the new owners of Tulip Burger had taken things too far. There were stencils on the wall, a tulip-shaped blackboard with specials and tulip-printed napkins. Cute, but not necessary. Tourists already knew where they were—there was no reason to drill home the point.

They took a seat at a booth in the back. Helen knew better than to read too much into the dinner invitation. New band disagreements were frequent, which meant she and Jeff often had time to kill between sessions. What she didn’t know was whether or not she wanted to return to the previous topic. While it might help get her closer to her goal of being his love slave, there was also the risk of him saying something like, “I will only ever see you as my friend.”

Helen stared at the menu. They had a really nice grilled chicken salad. If she asked for dressing on the side, she would have made it nearly twelve hours on her new low-carb, low-fat diet and wouldn’t that be special.

“Want to split the bacon cheeseburger?” Jeff asked.

Because while the decorations might be tacky, the food was amazing and the bacon cheeseburgers were huge and delicious and, well, damn.

Helen’s stomach grumbled, which she took as a vote of “yes, please.” Oh, why did she have to be weak? Or fat?

“Sure,” she murmured, then waited for the wave of guilt.

Their server came over. Jeff ordered for them, asking for extra fries and suggesting a chocolate milkshake. In deference to the now broken diet, she said she would just have water.

“We’re getting Christmas orders,” Jeff said when their server had left. “It’s June. What are they thinking waiting so long? We have to grow the tulips from bulbs, which we have to order. It’s not like we can put on an extra shift in the factory.”

“Maybe if you put up inspirational posters they’d grow faster.”

“Are you sassing me?”

“Actually I believe I was sassing the tulips.” She sipped her water. “I get that you’re growing flowers, but it’s still strange to me that flower distributors have to order flowers so far in advance. The most I have to do is make sure my food orders are done two weeks out. What if the bulbs don’t work?”

“They’ll be fine.”

“Still, it seems risky. You put a bulb in the ground and expect there to be a flower. You even know exactly which one it is. That’s a lot of trust.”

“It’s farming, Helen. Don’t make it into magic.”

“I think there’s an element of magic. I mean, come on. Eggplants. Who saw that coming?”

~

A burger and more fries than Weight Watchers would approve of later, Helen pushed her plate away. The chef had tossed a little avocado on their burger, taking it from delicious to heavenly. She would, she swore, start her diet tomorrow. Again.

Jeff moved his glass of iced tea in a circle on the table. He looked at her, down at his drink, then back at her.

“Before you were asking me about the women I sleep with.”

Had Helen been drinking, she would have choked. As it was, she tried not to flinch and still had to clear her throat before speaking.

“That’s one way of putting it,” she murmured. “I was just wondering about, you know.”

“Not really.”

She tried desperately to think up something to say. If she wasn’t desperately in love with him, what would she want to know?

“How do you do it?” she asked, then held up a hand. “The logistics of finding someone. I know how to have sex.”

He smiled. “I would hope so.”

“It’s the other stuff.”

“Why are you asking?”

Because I want you desperately and I’m hoping you’ll make the jump from friend to more than friends, pull me close and ravish me with a fiery passion. She glanced around the diner. Okay, maybe you’ll just suggest we go back to my place.

“Helen? Why are you asking?”

“I’ve been divorced for years and I need to do something.”

“You don’t want to date anyone in town?”

“Um, well, that’s hard to say. There aren’t a lot of single guys. Sven is Kelly’s ex, so that would never work. Griffith is into Kelly, so again, a problem. Now that I think about it, your daughter is creating trouble in my personal life.”

“You want to date Sven and Griffith?”

“No, but blaming Kelly means it’s not my fault.”

“I respect that. There’s Ryan.”

Helen wrinkled her nose. “Thanks, but no. He’s flaky and not my type.”

“Plus he’s too young for you.”

She glared at him. “Excuse me? He’s what, five years younger than me. That’s a perfectly acceptable age gap.” Jeez, if Jeff didn’t think five years was okay, what was he going to say about their sixteen-year difference?

“You’re an old soul. Ryan isn’t.”

“That’s amazingly similar to calling me old.”

“You know I didn’t mean that. You’re on a tear tonight.”

“Not really. Just sassing you.”

“You said it was the tulips.”

She grinned. “I lied.”

“You don’t have to sound so cheerful about it.”

“Why not? I’m a cheerful person. Now about your women… How does it happen. Do you go to bars? Is there a website? And why haven’t you ever brought someone home? Don’t you want to get married again? I know things with Marilee weren’t great, but it’s been forever. You’re still a relatively young man. Don’t you ever want more? Someone to care about you and be a part of your life?”

His steady gaze warned her that she might have gone too far with that last bit, but she figured Jeff would chalk it up to enthusiasm rather than a plea for attention.

“Helen,” he began, then stopped. His tense expression relaxed.

She turned and saw Isaak walking toward them.

“Timing bites,” she muttered.

“Depends on how you look at it.”

“You would say that.”

Isaak slid in next to her and reached for a fry. “We have made our musical selections.”

“Great.” Jeff was already standing. “Can’t wait to hear what they are.”

“Someone’s enthused.”

Isaak grabbed two more fries, then rose. Helen followed, then moved close to Jeff.

“Chick, chick, chicken,” she chanted softly.

“You know it.”

*****

Author Info:

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women’s lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan’s books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on “the new queen of romantic fiction.” (Walmart) Booklist says, “Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling,” and RT Book Reviews puts her “in a class by herself!”

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month, January of 1992. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool’s Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they’re an integral component to a happy life.

Connect with Susan

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a beautiful bouquet of tulips at each tour stop!

The winner can decide if they would like the bouquet for themselves, their mother (Mother’s Day gift!), a sister, daughter, friend, anybody!!

**US ONLY**

We will need your winner’s PHONE NUMBER, name and address of the recipient, and the name of the person gifting it in order for them to receive their tulips, so please be comfortable providing this information.

Winner for this stop will be chosen randomly from the comments.  I’m curious how many of you have enjoyed Susan Mallery’s work before and if you have what your favorite book is.  It’s not an easy choice for me but I’m awfully partial to Falling for Gracie – it will always have a special place in my heart 🙂

You have until 6 PM CST on Thursday, May 4th to enter, so leave a note and good luck!

*****

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

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Book Review – Marry Me at Christmas

13 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Fool's Gold series, Marry Me at Christmas, Susan Mallery

cover69885-mediumMarry Me at Christmas

Fool’s Gold series

by Susan Mallery

Wish upon a Christmas star with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s sparkling Fool’s Gold romance!

To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!

Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.

Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?

I’ve missed a few of the Fool’s Gold books over the last year or so (which is actually sad because I LOVE this series and have never read a bad one).  I don’t know why I’ve fallen behind but I’m slowly trying to make up for it … which is why we have a Christmas story 6 months late 🙂

While this is a holiday story, other than the snow and the occasional reference to holiday decorations, the plot could be any time of year.  It focuses on Madeline, who has a huge crush on movie star Jonny Blaze … and finds herself working closely with him to plan his sister’s wedding.  I’m not sure any of us would handle ourselves with as much grace in that situation!  But it doesn’t take her long to get over being tongue-tied and star struck, discovering that he’s actually a normal man under it all.  A good guy who loves his sister, wants to be treated like a normal person, and is afraid of saying I love you.

Props to Mallery for shaking things up a little and not making Jonny run for it when he starts to fall, regardless of his hangups.  He’s got some fears, thanks to losses in his life, but he handles it like a man.  And anytime there is any kind of freak out with either of them it is resolved quickly and without a lot of drama, which is refreshing in contemporary romances.

With Mallery’s books I always think “just one more chapter” which turns into one more and one more and then an hour has gone by.  Here it is so easy to get caught up in getting to know these two characters, learning their motivations, and falling in love with both of them as they fall in love with each other.

(If you’re like me and missed a few stories or if you are new to Fool’s Gold, don’t be afraid to pick up this story because like most of this series it can stand on its own.  And you definitely won’t mind getting to know the sexy, grounded, good-hearted action star and the small town girl who steals his heart.)

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Recent Posts

  • Spotlight – Deep River Promise
  • Spotlight – Twin Games in Music City
  • Spotlight – Summertime Guests
  • Spotlight – Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay
  • Spotlight – My True Love
  • Spotlight – Give Love a Chai
  • Spotlight – Mad About Ewe
  • Spotlight – The Bookstore on the Beach

 

 

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Romantic Reads and Such on WordPress.com

Facebook

Facebook

Twitter

Follow @romanticread

Email me

romanticread@gmail.com

Goodreads

 

 

Deep River Promise

Twin Games in Music City

Summertime Guests

Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay

My True Love

Give Love a Chai

Mad About Ewe

The Bookstore on the Beach

Always

The Trouble with Picket Fences

Weights of Wrath

Under Pressure

The Path to Sunshine Cove

Someone to Trust

The Setup

Heart Smart

Street Smart

Meant to Be

Summer by the River

Mr Right Across the Street

The One That I Want

Yes & I Love You

Stalked by Secrets

Eye Candy

Dewey Belong Together

To Catch a Dream

Four Weddings And A Swamp Boat Tour

The Surprise Bollywood Baby

Tru Blue

Archives

  • April 2021 (7)
  • March 2021 (21)
  • February 2021 (11)
  • January 2021 (14)
  • December 2020 (13)
  • November 2020 (13)
  • October 2020 (13)
  • September 2020 (5)
  • August 2020 (10)
  • July 2020 (4)
  • June 2020 (13)
  • May 2020 (11)
  • April 2020 (12)
  • March 2020 (14)
  • February 2020 (11)
  • January 2020 (10)
  • December 2019 (5)
  • November 2019 (10)
  • October 2019 (12)
  • September 2019 (14)
  • August 2019 (6)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (18)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (16)
  • March 2019 (20)
  • February 2019 (19)
  • January 2019 (14)
  • December 2018 (12)
  • November 2018 (18)
  • October 2018 (22)
  • September 2018 (20)
  • August 2018 (17)
  • July 2018 (15)
  • June 2018 (21)
  • May 2018 (16)
  • April 2018 (21)
  • March 2018 (20)
  • February 2018 (21)
  • January 2018 (22)
  • December 2017 (21)
  • November 2017 (19)
  • October 2017 (25)
  • September 2017 (22)
  • August 2017 (21)
  • July 2017 (21)
  • June 2017 (29)
  • May 2017 (29)
  • April 2017 (23)
  • March 2017 (25)
  • February 2017 (23)
  • January 2017 (22)
  • December 2016 (22)
  • November 2016 (27)
  • October 2016 (28)
  • September 2016 (20)
  • August 2016 (23)
  • July 2016 (21)
  • June 2016 (24)
  • May 2016 (26)
  • April 2016 (25)
  • March 2016 (24)
  • February 2016 (39)
  • January 2016 (24)
  • December 2015 (25)
  • November 2015 (27)
  • October 2015 (27)
  • September 2015 (27)
  • August 2015 (36)
  • July 2015 (31)
  • June 2015 (21)
  • May 2015 (24)
  • April 2015 (30)
  • March 2015 (30)
  • February 2015 (26)
  • January 2015 (22)
  • December 2014 (21)
  • November 2014 (32)
  • October 2014 (34)
  • September 2014 (28)
  • August 2014 (34)
  • July 2014 (45)
  • June 2014 (44)
  • May 2014 (44)
  • April 2014 (38)
  • March 2014 (42)
  • February 2014 (38)
  • January 2014 (36)
  • December 2013 (32)
  • November 2013 (35)
  • October 2013 (33)
  • September 2013 (24)
  • August 2013 (19)
  • July 2013 (20)
  • June 2013 (18)
  • May 2013 (19)
  • April 2013 (19)
  • March 2013 (22)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (17)
  • December 2012 (8)
  • November 2012 (16)
  • October 2012 (12)
  • September 2012 (11)
  • August 2012 (13)
  • July 2012 (3)

 

 

NetGalley Professional Reader

Professional Reader

NetGalley Top Reviewer

Reviews Published

NetGalley 80% Feedback

80%

NetGalley Frequently Auto-Approved

Frequently Auto-Approved

NetGalley 500 Book Reviews

500 Book Reviews

NetGalley Challenge 2016

2016 NetGalley Challenge

NetGalley Challenge 2015

Challenge Participant

 

 

sign up to have great new reads sent right to your email

Pump Up Your Book
Book Unleashed

Featured Book Reviewer

FTC Disclaimer

I have received ARCs of books free from BookTrib.com to review but the majority of the stories are either bought by me or provided for free from the publisher. The opinions I share are my own and in no way are influenced by an author or publisher. There is no promise of a positive review by any party and there is no additional compensation. Unless otherwise noted, I am not affliated with any contest or other event mentioned on this blog and I do not receive a paid endorsement for any posts.

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    <span>%d</span> bloggers like this: