Springback (Ring of Time #1) by Jana Miller {Review}

Springback (Ring of Time #1) by Jana Miller

Kindle Edition, 325 pages

Published July 5th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Just because someone CAN rewind time…doesn’t always mean they SHOULD.

Sixteen-year-old Chloe has always used her rewinding ability to keep her life as smooth as possible, flying under the radar. But when the golden strands of time start zapping her with erratic sparks, she fears that time itself might be in danger and reluctantly confronts Jake, the careless senior she suspects has the same power.

Their investigation into family secrets leads to a mystery surrounding an ancient amulet, and the two find themselves scrambling to locate the amulet before someone else does—someone who will stop at nothing to strip Chloe of her ability, even if it means erasing lives altogether.

When she discovers the truth about a tragedy that has shaped her life, Chloe is faced with heart-wrenching decisions—and the question she’s been avoiding for seven years: does this extraordinary ability give her any right to manipulate other people’s lives?

Springback is a suspenseful contemporary YA sci-fi adventure featuring a unique twist on time travel. Even more than being about supernatural abilities, it’s a story about being real, forgiving yourself, and making tough choices.

My Review: 4 Stars

I'm always good for an intriguing young adult fantasy and this one was definitely unique for me. In fact, thinking about the ability to have some control over time was kind of overwhelming. Chloe discovered her unique power to rewind time and live it over again years ago, but an unexpected outcome that resulted from a school assignment made her realize that she's not alone. The adventure that comes from this discovery was mind boggling at times, yet entertaining and engaging.

It's always fun to think about what superpowers you could have, but this made me think about the downside of said powers. Chloe and her friends find that they have to be forgiving and true to themselves, but they learn that it's not always easy.

This is an interesting time travel story with a slight suspenseful mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Content: clean

  

Love and Second Chances (Belfast Series Book 2) by Shannon Guymon {Revview}

Love and Second Chances (Belfast Series Book 2) by Shannon Guymon

Kindle Edition, 249 pages

Published November 11th 2019 

 

    

 

Donovan needs a distraction and Charlie needs a reason to believe in love again – will these two ever figure out that the best recipe for romance begins with two people and a little faith?

Charlie Walsh is running from her toxic past and desperate for a new start in Belfast, Maine. Following Riley's example of reaching for the stars, Charlie wants to open her own Bed & Breakfast. One problem: Riley and Mac break up, leaving Charlie holding the bag on her fixer upper. She has to figure out how to get those two back together, but in the meantime . . . Donovan Fitzpatrick is turning out to be quite the distraction!

Will Crystal break up this new love before it even has a chance to get started? Or will Charlie and Donovan let go of their pasts, and hang on to what matters most? Each other.

A full length romance novel with a Happily Ever After that’ll make your mouth water.
Book 2 in the Belfast Series continues the story of Riley and Mac and their story from Love and Karma, Book 1.  

 

My Review: 3.5 Stars

 

I love a good small town romance series! The characters are always heartwarming, and somewhat quirky, and the town has all the nostalgic feels that make me want to go back to simpler times. Of course, no town is perfect, but I'm beginning to see that Belfast is one of those small towns that is completely riddled with drama. 

Maine is a place that I would love to visit someday, but definitely not in winter, if it's anything like the book describes. Cold, cold, and more cold.  I was so excited to warm up with a great romance and loved the moments between Charlie and Donovan, but I wished it would've just focused on them. Personally, I prefer my small town romance series to highlight one couple per book, so that I can dive into each couple's lives more fully, which allows me to bond with them. This story meddled in the lives of three couples and not one of them was without a whole luggage set overflowingly stuffed with baggage. I know there has to be conflict to propel a story forward, but there was a lot more than I wanted and I felt like I had whiplash from all the back and forth emotions.

Now that all that's out of the way, I did enjoy learning more about the dynamics of the residents of Belfast better. I loved the food description, especially the hot chocolate, the loyal friendships, and I did enjoy the way Charlie and Donovan both met and grew together. There was definitely some chemistry between them that defrosted the icy chill in the Maine air.

I'm crossing my fingers that the next installment will zoom in on one couple and allow me to selfishly enjoy their path to true love. :)

Content: mild romance; a lot of mean-girl drama and emotional abuse; very mild language

To Love a Governess (Timeless Regency Collection) {Review}

To Love a Governess (Timeless Regency Collection)

Paperback, 320 pages

Published November 19th 2019 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Governesses are not supposed to fall in love. Governesses are not supposed to marry. Governesses don't always follow society's conventions.

Til’ All the Seas Gang Dry by Josi S. Kilpack
It has been six years since Dina left London and David and whatever fantasy she had allowed to grow in the months of flirtation that had nearly overtaken them both. Now, David is getting married and he and his fiancé are guests at the home where Dina works as a governess. Convinced the connection they felt was nothing more than childhood fancy, Dina is taken by surprise to find that her feelings have not changed, and, she fears, David’s have not either. Still, she is determined not to interfere with the life he has worked so hard to build … until she realizes that his fiancé is not nearly as committed to him as he is to her. No one will trust her motivations for revealing the truth, not even David, and she could ruin everything she had built here, but if it spares David heartbreak, is it worth the sacrifice?

The One-Year Governess by Heather B. Moore
When Emmeline Finch's best friend becomes betrothed to the man Emmeline had picked out for herself, she decides she needs to get away for one year. Her aunt has the perfect solution. Become a governess for two children who are under the guardianship of their uncle, Captain Jasper Ridout. But when Emmeline arrives at the home, she finds the Captain not at all ancient as she assumed, but a man only a handful of years older than she, and most certainly single.

Visible by Julie Daines
Orphaned at a young age, Sarah Woolsey’s prospects for a meaningful future are grim, especially as a housemaid in the home of the handsome but aloof Arthur Selwood. When an abandoned child is left at Mr. Selwood’s door, Sarah is elevated from housemaid to governess in the blink of an eye. But with a man she’s running from closing in, Sarah is desperate to escape. Leaving would mean breaking the trust of the child she’s come to love, not to mention her growing attachment to Mr. Selwood.

My Review: 5 Stars

I've always been a little fascinated with a good governess story, especially because of The Sound of Music. In TIL' ALL THE SEAS GANG DRY, we are treated to a Scottish governess who meets up with her childhood friend, turned first love, once again and the sparks are still there. I loved the twists and turns that emerged in this sweet friends-to-lovers story and found myself smiling a lot at the great characters and swoon. This was the perfect start to the set.

This collection continues with THE ONE-YEAR GOVERNESS, which was the scrumptious middle filling of the book. Emmeline is looking for a break and forces her way in as governess for a newly retired naval captain who has inherited two children. I loved the sweet and matter-of-fact interactions that resulted and these characters all stole my heart. Emmeline completely wormed her way into everyone's heart, including mine and I couldn't get enough of her unexpected romance.

The icing on the cake was VISIBLE. Sarah has a way of talking too much, which inadvertently lands her in some sticky, yet adorable, situations. She was quickly raised from housemaid to governess, and her heart and desires quickly shift with that change. I loved Sarah's character and, once again, swooned with her romantic whispers. This whole collection was purely delightful and I enjoyed it all immensely.  

Content: mild romance

Home for Christmas by Catherine Lanigan {Blog Tour Spotlight/Guest Post and Giveaway} #HCTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Home for Christmas

(Shores of Indian Lake #12)

By Catherine Lanigan

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

November 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming



Can a magical Christmas under glass…



…bring them back together for good?



Widowed dad Adam Masterson still doesn’t understand why Joy Boston left Indian Lake and broke his heart all those years ago. Now she’s returned to sell her grandfather’s beloved poinsettia greenhouse—and Joy and Adam’s connection is as strong as ever. But Joy has a life in New York. And Adam has only until Christmas to convince Joy that she belongs in Indian Lake—with him.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Harlequin | iBooks

Other Books in the Series

Guest Post

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

I get it that a lot of people don’t bake anymore. Slice and bake or pick up from the local bakery

or grocery store. As long as they look like Christmas cookies that’s good enough, right?

Well, not in my house. Every year I make hundreds—bordering on a thousand—Christmas

cookies for friends and family. I mail them all over the country and to Canada. I know. I must be

nuts. That’s another thing. I order my nuts from a local charity every year. If I’m not Suzanne’s

larger client/supporter, then the honor must go to a retailer. I plow through a lot of nuts, butter,

flour and sugar.

In HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Mrs. Beabots is in her kitchen making several kinds of cookies to

give to her charities and friends. Little Titus is all about the end result and licking those beaters.

But when he reaches for a beater while the mixer is still going, Adam, helicopter Dad, nearly

loses it. Calm Joy embraces frightened Titus and saves the moment for both father and son. And

Adam sees the compassionate side of Joy he’d forgotten.

Join me in a sniff of sugar, cinnamon and butter baking in the oven as you read the pages of

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.

Merry Christmas to All!

Catherine

About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and HERS TO PROTECT (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | BookBub | Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive a $100 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

- Two winners will each receive a signed copy of Home for Christmas with a bookmark (US only)

- Ends November 27, 2019

ENTER HERE

Faceoff (Northbrook Hockey Elite #1) by Rebecca Connolly {Review}

Faceoff (Northbrook Hockey Elite #1) 

Kindle Edition, 191 pages

Published November 12th 2019 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

    

She isn’t supposed to want him. He isn’t supposed to want her. But wanting each other is inevitable.

Clint McCarthy has finally achieved his dream of playing for a professional hockey program, and is eager to make his mark with his new team. While getting settled in his new city, he happens across Bree Stone, whom he has known for years, with their respective brothers both being in the famed Belltown Six Pack. But for the life of him, he can’t remember Bree ever looking so attractive. Or being so captivating. Or taking over his every waking thought.

In the middle of her graduate degree, Bree has no time or desire for working on her dating life, or lack thereof, but the impossibly handsome Clint McCarthy coming back into her life makes everything complicated. She shouldn’t be focusing on him, or on them, not when her professional future hangs in the balance. But once she hears about Clint’s past with the Northbrook Hockey Elite program, and where that program stands now, Bree just might find a way to make her career, and a future with Clint, come to life.

My Review: 5 Stars

Time can really change the way you view a person, as Clint and Bree found out. They're the younger siblings of two members of the Belltown Six Pack and when they end up in the same city and run into each other, sparks definitely fly, as they see each other in a whole new light.

I'm so excited for this new sports series. I don't know a lot about hockey, but as it turns out, my youngest daughter is preparing to play and this is the perfect chance for me to learn about the sport. I loved learning right along with Bree and wow, I'm super excited for this series!

It was a treat to come back home to the Belltown Six Pack, as they were all over in this story, but a new group of athletes has emerged and I'm just as excited to get to know this group, especially the one who made a horrible first impression.

Because Clint and Bree have a connected past, their romance blooms almost instantly and I couldn't get enough of the swoon and chemistry--it was delicious! Bring on the hockey and the love!

Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing)

Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite!

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Northbrook Hockey Elite Series:
Faceoff
Powerplay
Rebound
Crosscheck
Breakaway
Shootout

Her Guy Next Door Fake Fiance (Echo Ridge #5) by Rachelle J. Christensen {Review}

Her Guy Next Door Fake Fiance by Rachelle J. Christensen

Kindle Edition

Published November 13th 2019 by Peachwood Press 

   

An auto accident with a bad boy sparks a fake engagement…is it fate or a heartbreaking mistake?

After her fiancé dumped her just months before their wedding, Liza Sorenson swore off dating. The holiday season is ruined when Liza is forced to attend a design conference and meet with her ex—the guy who now wants her back. She needs help to fend off her ex, so when she gets into an accident with Jaime Maldonado, she sees an opportunity.

After a run-in with the police, Jaime becomes the “bad boy” of Echo Ridge. He needs to present a good image to fight off his ex-wife and win an upcoming court battle involving the custody of his son. An auto accident is the last thing he needs until he realizes he might be able to use it to his advantage.

Jaime and Liza enter into a fake engagement, each with the intention of using the other to solve their problems, but they didn’t bargain on getting their hearts entangled with their agreement. Liza is hesitant to trust and Jaime is hiding a secret bigger than she could ever imagine. Will this fake engagement damage their hearts or help them find a way to heal?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love Echo Ridge and I was so excited to get more of this charming mountainous town. Liza and Jaime have a somewhat traumatic first meeting, but that doesn't stop the interest from sparking. I loved their interactions and enjoyed watching the way the story unfolded.

 

Liza and Jaime both have pasts to overcome and I love that they're each flawed in their own ways, but work so hard to become better. Liza needs a nudge to follow her dreams, and her somewhat blunt and winsome personality are just what Jaime needs. While Jaime was juggling a crazy ex and a hostile teen son, he still found time for Liza and his encouragement was so sweet. These characters are realistic and far from perfect, but that's exactly what makes them lovable.

I couldn't help myself--I was cringing during some of their fake fiance moments because I just knew things were going to blow up, but this train wreck completely engaged me and surprised me with its twists a few times. Liza and Jaime had a great chemistry and this was a great addition to this romantic series.

Content: mild romance (talk of cheating); very mild violence (emotional abuse)

The Double Date Disaster by Susan Hatler {Review}

The Double Date Disaster by Susan Hatler

Kindle Edition, 113 pages

Published November 6th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

City girl Jennifer Page works sixteen-hour days and has little time for love. But when her best friend proposes they go on a blind double date, Jennifer doesn’t hesitate to say yes. What’s better for her overworked soul than time with her best friend, a new sushi restaurant, and a cute guy?

Outdoor adventurist Dylan Douglas is surprised when his blind date shows up for whitewater rafting dressed to the nines in high heels. Turns out the only experience she has with the outdoors is when she almost got eaten by a bear as a kid. Despite the mix-up, Jennifer continues with the date and Dylan admires her spunk.

Jennifer and Dylan have little in common, but he turns out to be fun and insightful. As they spend time together, Jennifer realizes an adventurist girl has been hiding inside her this whole time. Will their differences tear them apart or teach them that a rafting disaster can turn into the love of a lifetime?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

What happens when you're completely overworked and have no time for life? Disaster. I was completely embarrassed for Jennifer, as mistake after misunderstanding happened when she finally made time for a date, but I couldn't stop laughing.

 

Jennifer is a workaholic and Dylan, her blind date, was very, very good for her. I loved how opposite they were and how Dylan helped Jennifer see that there's more to life than work. I also loved that Jennifer could laugh at herself and not take herself too seriously.

 

Once again, Susan Hatler delivers a hilarious romantic comedy that brings both laughter and swoons to the reader. This short little morsel was the perfect afternoon diversion and I look forward to more.

 

Content: mild romance

The Christmas Cookie House by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

The Christmas Cookie House by Jennifer Griffith
ebook, 192 pages
Published: November 5, 2019
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
*As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small kickback with qualifying purchases.

   

Christmas, love, and a batch of cookies.

Leela Miller’s mom passed away last spring. Now, Leela is desperate to fill Mom’s shoes in the Ladies’ Auxiliary by chairing the Cookie House fundraiser. The hitch: mean-eyed Mrs. Coldicott refuses to host the event at her Society Row home as planned.
Leela must find a new venue big enough and fancy enough to draw in customers, or Mom's event might get canceled. There's only one perfect place: the Layton Mansion.

New vet school graduate Jay Wilson has been remodeling the Layton Mansion since he inherited it this summer. It’s almost Christmas, and the house is nearly ready to flip!

If he can get a good price for it, he can buy a partnership at a veterinary clinic out of town.

However, by stipulation of the will, Jay can't sell the house until he cleans out the attic.

Jay needs help completing the enormous task before his deadline. The beautiful Leela will eagerly help—if he agrees to allow her to use the house for her event. But, when Jay learns that the Cookie House event is the same day as his sale deadline, will he sell the house out from under the girl he might just be falling in love with?

My Review: 4 Stars

It's no secret that I'd rather read than watch TV or movies, but a book that reads just like a Hallmark movie is a definite bonus. I love getting that feel-good fix that the Christmas season brings and this story brings a lot of holiday feels. 

Leela is under pressure to find a location for the annual Cookie House fundraiser and has the perfect place--the Layton mansion. A load of complications arise, making this book full of drama, ingenuity, and a budding romance. 

These characters are quirky and fun, bringing a light element to the drama, which really is the perfect recipe for a Hallmark show. Although a tad bit predictable, it's exactly what the heart needs to warm and swoon. 

I can always count on this author to deliver a charming story and the gingersnap cookies that are mentioned throughout sound like they're to die for! 

Content: mild romance 

The Girl in Gray by Annette Lyon {Review}

The Girl in Gray by Annette Lyon

Kindle Edition, 318 pages

Published October 29th 2019 by Blue Ginger Books 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I received a small kickback with qualifying purchases.

 

    

 

A country fighting to stay free.
A woman with an impossible decision.
In November of 1939, Sini Toivola is sure of two things: she loves Marko Linna, and she has a comfortable life in Helsinki. But when the massive Soviet army invades her beloved homeland and Marko spurns her affections, her life is turned upside down. Needing a fresh start, Sini decides to join the female volunteer corps—the Lotta Svärd—and is sent to serve near the front lines. Service at a field hospital proves a good distraction—until Sini discovers a Russian soldier lost behind their camp. Duty requires her to turn him in, but her heart begs to keep him safe and help him escape. Torn between love for her country and love for her enemy, Sini must choose—but no matter what choice she makes, heart-wrenching consequences await them all.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

War isn't pretty and this author does a fantastic job of creating a real, raw, and gritty tale of the effects of the fighting between Russia and Finland during WWII. 

 

Sini wants to do whatever she can to support her country and its efforts in the war and finds herself serving as a Lotta, working in the kitchen and as a medical assistant. I love how Sini learns to look beyond a face to find a person's true self through her experiences and how she discovers core values and priorities.   

 

I also loved the play on the title. Sini dresses blandly and in gray wool with her assignment, but she also learns that life and war isn't always clear cut between black and white, or good and evil. She finds there are a lot of gray areas and ends up smack in the middle of one.

 

I love a good history lesson, mingled with fiction and romance, and I haven't read much about WWII that takes place in this area. I enjoyed learning more and connecting with the emotions of these characters, as they not only battled the enemy, but battled their feelings and themselves. This story is gripping and definitely tugs at the heart.

 

Content: moderate romance (kissing, one scene that nudges the envelope and then fades-to-black); moderate violence (war stuff that is semi-graphic at times, but not over the top); mild language 

Catch a Falling Star by Cindy Roland Anderson {Review}

Catch a Falling Star: Hudson Brothers Romance (The Royal Palms Resort Romance #4) by Cindy Roland Anderson

Kindle Edition, 212 pages

Published October 18th 2019 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small kickback with qualifying purchases.

 

    

 

She dreams of happily ever after. He doesn’t believe in love. What happens if their hearts belong together?

Londyn Montgomery has had enough of doing what her parents want, especially when they’re determined to marry her to a man who isn’t faithful to her. She decides to run away, hoping to find out who she is and what she wants out of life. In her desire to escape a life of being controlled, she speeds straight past Sheriff Owen Hudson and narrowly avoids a ticket. She vows to stay off his radar, but destiny has other ideas, placing Owen and Londyn on a path that leads straight to a future neither one of them planned for. 

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I'm finding that this author is the queen of writing the cutest first encounters ever! And don't worry--the fun didn't stop there. I couldn't wipe the dorky permagrin off my face throughout this one, although there were times when the grin turned into a full fledged smile of swoon, because this one was super swoony!

 

Brooding and handsome Sheriff Owen swept me right off my feet as the instant and intense attraction zinged between him and Londyn. I absolutely loved Owen and Londyn, flaws and all, and their chemistry was flammable--I couldn't get enough. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch Londyn find herself, but the Southern charm that oozed through the pages definitely helped and gelled it all together. I loved everything about this story!

 

I cannot wait for the rest of the Hudson brothers series because these men are gentlemen, devastatingly handsome, and insanely intriguing. Bring them on!

 

Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo/affair, kissing--some passionate)

Heart Thief (A Love Under Wraps Novel) by Taylor Dean {Review}

Heart Thief (A Love Under Wraps Novel) by Taylor Dean

Paperback, 295 pages

Publication: November 1st 2019 by Taylor Dean Books

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

I was warned about him. I should’ve listened. But I didn’t.

Of course, I also thought Ryker Martel was about to propose. He didn’t.

I was ready to say yes. He was ready to wait a little longer.

Now he’s out of the country on an extended business trip and I’m staying in his penthouse apartment with seeds of disillusionment taking over my soul. Ryker reminded me that his estranged brother might show up out of the blue at his penthouse. He told me to let him know right away if he did. He’d take care of it.

His brother is bad news. The rebel, the black sheep of the family. “Don’t trust him,” Ryker said. “Stay as far away from him as possible. He’s a thief, a snake.”

Warning duly noted. And ignored.

I considered myself equipped to handle whatever was thrown my way. I was wrong. Nothing prepared me for Zane and the havoc he would wreak in my life—and in my heart. He turned me upside down and knocked me sideways. Falling for the other brother is never a good idea. Keeping it a secret, even worse. Especially when he proves to be the thief he was purported to be.

My heart will never be mine again and I want it back. But it has been stolen and I’ll never be the same.

Never.

A stand-alone novel from the LOVE UNDER WRAPS series.

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! This is a favorite and my heart was completely stolen with this swoony romance Mila is a professional pianist and her boyfriend, Ryker, asks her to be caretaker to his penthouse while he's out of the country on business. But when his estranged brother, Zane, shows up, all bets are off. 

Zane and Mila fit together and complement each other like a hand to a glove and like peanut butter and chocolate. I love how real Zane is and how he subtly starts carving his way into the center of Mila's heart. Whereas Ryker is only falling, Zane is already there. His adoration, passion, and genuine care and concern won me over from the get-go. 

There's something about a forbidden and secret romance that adds an element of excitement and fuels an already combustible chemistry to high swoon levels. Taylor Dean writes a magical escape that captivated me from start to finish with its charm. I absolutely adored these characters and lived vicariously through them from China Town to Jeopardy to Lucky Charms. I'm still swooning over here.



Content: mild+ swoony romance (kissing, some light innuendo)

 
Don't miss the other titles in the Love Under Wraps stand-alone series:

December 2019
Rules are Made to be Broken
by Mylissa Demeyere

January 2020
A Wrinkle in Forever
by Charissa Stastny

The Ranger's Mountain Bride (Maplewood Book #5) by Elizabeth Bromke {Review}

The Ranger's Mountain Bride (Married in Maplewood, Maplewood Book #5) by Elizabeth Bromke

Kindle Edition

Publication: November 5th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy through BookSprout. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small kickback with qualifying purchases.

 

    

 

A feisty reporter. A rugged Arizona ranger. And one sweet, small-town scandal...

Bo Delaney needs a juicy story, but small-town news is slow. She would be willing to set aside her career, if her boyfriend, Keegan, would just pop the question already. Frustrated and antsy, she strikes a deal: Bo promises to to stay in town and give Keegan time if he can get her early access to Maplewood's biggest stories. After all, as a search and rescue ranger, he lives the news.

Keegan Flanagan is afraid to commit to one more thing. On the brink of a promotion and trying to carve out time for date nights with Bo, all he wants is to keep things in order. That is until Keegan and Bo become ensnared in a scandal worthy of a tabloid. 

Can Keegan and Bo survive the rumor mill? Or will the Maplewood news cycle tear them apart? Order The Ranger's Mountain Bride, a sweet, small-town romance, today.
 

My Review: 5 Stars

Bromke has done it again! This author has delivered another sweet, small town romance with characters who are completely heartwarming.

I grew up in a small town and now live in a busy, thriving suburb, but this series sends me back to simpler times in a beautiful mountain setting with familiar friends. The root of the warm fuzzies for me is the feeling of nostalgia. Bo and Keegan struggle to articulate their feelings, as they don't know what they truly want from their on-again-off-again relationship, but a deal and a challenge help to put things into perspective and I loved watching them recognize their priorities and deep down desires. Their conflicting jobs brought a lot of entertainment to the story, and I especially enjoyed reading Bo's articles.

This beautiful romance and relationship is so sweet and pierced my heart with its lazy tendrils of friendship, old-fashioned values, and respect. My soul now craves to live in Maplewood.

Content: mild romance with some light innuendo.

To Die To Sleep by Stephanie Black {Review}

To Die To Sleep by Stephanie Black

Paperback, 272 pages

Publication: November 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small kickback with qualifying purchases.

 

    

 

After surviving a difficult year, Natalie Marsh is heading for Ellsberg Keep, an exclusive mountain resort that promises to provide the tranquility she desperately needs. She’s eager to relax and to reconnect with her estranged cousin Lily, who works as the Keep’s nurse—a reunion that begins abruptly when an accident on the winding mountain roads lands Natalie in the infirmary in the care of her cousin. They have little time to bond over childhood memories, however. Everything is thrown into chaos when the owner of the Keep is rushed to the medical wing, wildly delusional and raving about a murder plot.

Despite Lily’s care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she’s to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man’s son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth.

My Review: 5 Stars

Ellsberg Keep is a mysterious place shrouded in death and danger, and when Natalie finds herself right in the middle of the peril, she can't seem to tear herself away, even though she's had a rough year.

Natalie is a solid character. As a psychologist, she has experience dealing with the crazy, yet nothing could have prepared her for what she finds at Ellsberg Keep. I loved the anticipation of wondering what would happen next and thrilling whodunit element that kept me guessing. 

Stephanie Black has created a subtly suspenseful story with characters who are alarmingly deceitful. I had no idea who to trust and who was going to die next. Some characters are completely creepy, with their psychotic behaviors, and others seem normal, but aren't. Relationships aren't always as they seem. I completely enjoyed this story and always look forward to more of these puzzling novels.

Content: mild+ violence (death--not graphic)

Autumn/Halloween Countdown Blitz 2019: Day 11

Arabella Sheraton grew up on a diet of Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, and many other writers of that period. From Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, Arabella has found both enjoyment and inspiration in sparkling, witty Regency novels. She also loves history and generally finds the past more fascinating than the future. Arabella wrote her first Regency romance to entertain her aged mom who  loved the genre. Arabella is honoured to share the adventures of her heroes and heroines with readers. 

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A sparkling traditional Regency romance to enchant fans.

When the young and handsome Earl of  Pennington discovers the inheritance from his great-uncle depends on him marrying at midnight on the eve of his thirtieth birthday, he is irate.

Marriage is not part of his plan to save his  impoverished estates. He crosses paths unexpectedly with the beautiful Roxanne Chesney, who is fleeing from her abusive husband. 

He offers her a contract: marriage for six months to help him fulfil the conditions of his great-uncle’s will, enabling him secure his inheritance. In return he will pay her a small fortune. 

Can Roxanne resist this offer? What about the revolting Edgar Doyle who forced her into a loveless marriage that has not been consummated? Roxanne has escaped Edgar’s clutches, but she wonders how long she will manage to evade him. The earl’s contract has no strings attached. The offer is irresistible except for the fact that Roxanne is already married!

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Q & A With the Author:

1.     When did you write your first novel? My mom asked me to write her a Regency romance story because she was tired of the ones she’d read before. I had already written a children’s novel, so I felt quite confident and I love the Regency era.

Coming from a background in publishing, it feels as if I have been writing forever.

2.     What drove you to write / why did you become an author? I always wrote for fun, then I drifted into editing and publishing, and then suddenly I was writing books. Once you have started, it’s impossible to stop.

3.     How do you create your characters? Interestingly, all I do is think of a catchy title and the rest all sort of happens by itself, as if the characters are waiting in the wings and just need me to create the title to bring them to life.

4.     What is one thing you love about Fall /Autumn? The weather is so lovely and cool, not the heat of summer or the biting cold of winter. Fall is just in between and very comfortable.

Plus, the leaves are changing colour and I love that.

5.     Who is the person or group of people that most support you in your writing? My mother was my biggest supporter and fan. Without her I would never have been able to write full time and without her encouragement, I might have given up. Sadly, she has passed on, but I think of her every day and her encouragement is evergreen in my mind.

6.     What is your favorite Halloween Memory? Telling my three younger brothers and their friend spooky stories about a haunted house and a gang of intrepid youngsters who fight off vampires, werewolves, skeletons and the like to survive!

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