Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Under the Mistletoe Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 14)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe Collection. Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

In the enchanting novella FORGOTTEN KISSES by Cindy Roland Anderson, costume designer Madison Taylor has no love lost when the male lead playing Sir Lancelot in a TV series is fired. She couldn’t stand working with him anyway. But when she discovers who his replacement is, her heart nearly stops. Caleb Matthews is one of the hottest male actors ever… and not to mention Madison’s former boyfriend. When things got too serious between them, everything fell apart. And now, Madison must play nice or lose her job. She just has to forget all of the reasons she’d fallen for him in the first place.

In THE LAST CHRISTMAS, a sweet romance novella by Annette Lyon, Meredith only has to make it through the Christmas holiday pretending that she and her husband Eric aren’t on the verge of divorce. She doesn’t want to ruin the holiday for her two grown daughters and their boyfriends. But when Eric hurries home after weeks of living in a motel to unpack before their daughters arrive, he starts pressing Meredith with questions about why she filed for divorce. The last thing Meredith wants to do it give Eric a second chance, but it seems that Eric is not willing to let her go without trying to win her back.

In Julie Coulter Bellon’s captivating novella TRUTH OR DARE After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Cami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Cami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a Christmas miracle for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

In the charming novella HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST by Sarah M. Eden, Celeste Lagorio has officially given up on Christmas. A single mother, with her children grown and unable to return for the holiday, Celeste determines to take a break from everything. When her single neighbor and almost-best-friend, Mike Durham, discovers her non-plans, they discuss things they’ve always wanted to do, but never had time. Mike and Celeste put together a friendly competition of checking off the things on their bucket list, all the while drawing closer and discovering they have more in common than they thought.

In CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY, a delightful novella by Heather B. Moore, Monica is on the verge of buying her dream store, but when she tells her boyfriend, he turns it into an embarrassing public argument. Heartbroken, but determined to follow her dream, she goes to her employer’s Christmas party to play Mrs. Claus, only to be paired with someone unexpected. A young Mr. Claus who is the complete opposite of her ex-boyfriend in all the most important ways. Yet, Monica is not sure she can risk opening her heart again.

In Jennifer Griffith’s exciting novella FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE, pilot Juliet Law has been in a holding pattern, dating the wrong guy, until she gets a holiday shake-up: old flame Tag McClintock e-mails her to ask for second date—after ten years. Their first date, back in high school, had been an unmitigated disaster culminating with Pepto Bismol and the police. Still, Juliet would have gone out with Tag again the next day—and the next—had he asked. So now that he’s finally popping up in her in-box again, Juliet must decide whether to say yes to the date, even if it puts her at risk of another decade of carrying a torch for Tag McClintock. Will their second date be their last? 

MY THOUGHTS;
Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson
Loved this story. What a great opening to the book. Finding trust in a relationship can be so hard. I love the advice given in this story. Brutal honesty all the time. Yes it will be difficult be definitely worth it! I'm all for second chances too. Sometimes there is just too much there to let things good so easily. 

The Last Christmas by: Annette Lyon
 Every marriage goes through rough patches. Communication it key! What one of you may see as an issue, the other may not see it that way. I'm glad to see that they also gave things a second chance. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without one! Another great story!

Truth or Dare by: Julie Coulter Bellon
I had gotten a sneak peak of this book and couldn't wait to read it! It was so good! I would love to see more to this story about Cami and Jonah someday! I don't have many people I talk to from back in my High School days...but that was a long time ago for me...It would be nice to have more life long friends! I loved that their friendship picked right up where it left off. Loved it Julie! 

Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden
This novella was so cute! I love the idea of a Holiday bucket list I think I am going to talk my hubs into doing one with me this year! It was great to see 2 people who were such great friends come together. Our spouses are always our best friends anyway! Great addition to the set of stories! 

Christmas Every Day by: Heather B. Moore
Monica is the sweetest girl who drops everything for others. She even loves working in A year round Christmas store. I love that when she does so much for others it finally comes full circle is able to find her Rescuer during hard times. This was such a fun Christmas novella I loved it! Great job Heather!

First (and Last) Christmas Date by: Jennifer Griffith.  
This was a great ending to an awesome set of novellas! Loved this one too. My favorite part was, "Life isn’t about doing things perfectly. It’s about experiencing stuff. Together. The good times are fine. They’re great. But the bad times all go into the mixer of experience and memory, and it polishes them up, like a rock tumbler. They become beautiful.” This is exactly how my marriage and my life go. It was a great lesson for the story! 

If you are looking for a good read definitely get this one I finished it in a day! 

Note: I was asked by the Authors to read this book and give it an honest review but I loved it so much I also bought it on my own!

Bride of Pretense: Historical Western Christian Romance (Brides by Mail Book 1)


To learn more about Amanda Tru and her books visit her blog: http://amandatru.blogspot.com

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Stealing a groom is not for the faint of heart.... or the hapless Adelaide Delaney!

While on a trip to meet her fiance in an arranged marriage, Adelaide Delaney meets Charlotte, a mail order bride who is on her way to marry a rancher. When their bags, along with their train tickets, are accidentally switched, Addie impulsively takes Charlotte's place.

Simply wanting to avoid the marriage her father has arranged, Addie never imagines the difficulties of being a rancher's wife, leaving a trail of hilarious catastrophes in her wake.

Will there be any truth beneath the pretense? Or will Addie decide that she is a poor substitute for Josh Harding's bride?

MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this novella. I wish it were a little longer but it was still such a great story. Both Addie and Charlotte are at a point of self discovery and they both end up taking unknown paths in their lives. All the mess that Addie gets herself into cracks me up! Even though she never thought she would take a new path in her life, things really worked out for the best! I can't wait to read Charlotte's story! Another great book Amanda and what fun to write with your sister! Great job! I recommend anything and all that Amanda writes! Start with Baggage claim you'll be an instant fan from the first page!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Death of the Couch Potato's Wife (Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by: Christy Barritt

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Welcome to Boring, Indiana, home to patio cookouts, homeowner dues, carpeted lawns, and neighbors so welcoming they’re dying to meet you — literally.

City slicker turned suburbanite housewife Laura Berry isn’t taking well to life in her new neighborhood. She moved to follow her husband’s dream, and now she can’t tell if she’s clinically depressed or just bored half to death. But Boring becomes anything but when Laura discovers her neighbor Candace Flynn face up on a sofa with her hand buried in a snack bag. With a healthy dose of neighborly suspicion and street smarts, Laura sets out to find Flynn’s killer, but her curiosity becomes desperation when the killer targets Laura.

Someone is determined to stop her from digging deeper into the murder, but Laura is just as determined to figure out who’s behind the death-by-poisoned-pork-rinds.

MY THOUGHTS:
This was such a fun mystery about a city girl who moves to a small town and her next door neighbor is murdered. She decides that she wants to try to solve the murder. I love Christy's squeaky clean series so it was fun to read another of her mystery books. This one will have you guessing until the end! My favorite line from this book..."I understand that sometimes life takes you in a different direction than you'd planned, and you can either pout about it or make the best of it."As always Christy's books are awesome!

All Hallows' Eve Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 13)


AUTHORS: Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, Lisa Mangum, Jordan McCollum, Elana Johnson,

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance
**Amazon Top 10 in Gothic Romance**
**Amazon Top 25 in Mystery & Suspense**

Another addition to the popular Timeless Romance Anthology series. ALL HALLOWS' EVE is not to be missed. Romance, thrills & chills. Need we say more?

In Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.

In Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.

In SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B. Moore, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.

In Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS’ SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?

In Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.

In Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years.

MY THOUGHTS:

Of Ghosts and Gardens: Sarah Eden 
This was such a cute story of a ghost trapped I between worlds and no one has ever tried to figure out why. When Burke comes to town wanting to see the Ghost, he doesn't plan on building such a quick relationship with the family that lives in the house with the Garden where it resides. Enid and Burke finally figure out the Ghost is trying to tell them something and make it their mission to find out what. It was a great story with a happy ending! 

It's You: Annette Lyon 
This was an interesting twist on why a ghost would remain in between worlds. It was a great story though and I liked the instant friendship that Charlie and Anna formed. Sophia's Curse by: Heather B. Moore This novella was full of surprises. Two families suffering from a curse on All Hallow's Eve with no obvious end in sight. Usually a crush from afar stays just that. Not in this case....I liked it. It was a great addition to the set! 

The Sirens' Song by Lisa Mangum 
Wow this novella was so different from anything I have read. It was definitely an interesting one with lots of twists. I don't want to give up too much of the story but I was happy with the ending and that he didn't lose what what most important to him. All in all it was a good story! 

The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCullum 
Life thru the eyes of murderers, that is some creepy stuff. A dream Alex has leads her to her long lost love. Can they give it a second chance, even with possible murderer in the way? This was a fun story even if that thought creeps me out lol 

The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by: Elana Johnson
I loved the twists in this story. Not what I expected at all. I thought this was a great ending to this set of novellas. A historical mansion haunted by those gone before. I think this one was probably my favorite of the set. A must read!

All in all this was a fun set to read with Halloween approaching!

NOTE: I was given this book by the Authors in exchange for an honest review!

Monday, September 7, 2015

Mending Hearts by: Kimberly Krey

** ATTENTION** TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF MENDING HEARTS, ROUGH EDGES (book 1 of the Second Chances series) IS JUST .99 cents FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY (regularly 3.49)

*Though Mending Hearts is part of a series, this book, like each of Kimberly Krey's novels, stands alone.

A couple on the verge of divorce decides to give their marriage one last try. But will they be able to get past the issues holding them back?

"A heart-warming romance," Jamie Brook Thompson


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Candice is through with married life and all it entailed:
infertility, an adoption gone wrong, and the death of
her husband's twin brother. Now that they've been
separated for nearly a year, Candice is finally ready
to set Logan free. But when he steps back into her life,
Candice begins to have second thoughts. Even
though she hasn't fully healed from the heartache
she endured over their married years, she can't
fathom the thought of losing him a second time.

Can Candice let go of past hurts and give Logan a
second chance, or will her fears keep them apart?

Logan has spent the months of separation giving
Candice the space she needed. But when he
discovers that Candice is about to file for a divorce,
he decides he better take action quick. He didn't spend
the best years of his life with this woman, only to let her
slip away. Yet just when the opportunity comes
again - his chance to finally make things right -
an entirely new force threatens to tear them apart.
Will opposition keep the heart-broken couple from
getting back together or will they have the strength
to break through the barriers, no matter
what their future might bring?

MY THOUGHTS:




I love this second chance series. Sometimes there are things worth fighting for. Candice and Logan had a rough time in their 10 year marriage. They got caught up in trying to have a baby and they forgot that keeping their relationship with each other is just as important as one you would want with your child. Even if you don’t have a struggling marriage it is important to remember to be there for each other. You should always keep the lines of communication open. You should not be afraid to share your feelings with one another. That is everything that this book covers. I love the way Kimberly has them build their relationship and trust back up with each other. She is able to write about romantic moments without smut  and  when she is writing a love scene she does it tastefully. I love all of Kimberly’s book and can’t wait for the next one!



Note: I was given an advanced copy of this book by the Author, in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 1) by: Rachelle J. Christensen


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she is especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adris world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adris impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success--that is, until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is n to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim. With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

 MY THOUGHTS:

I loved this book. First off, I enjoyed how she incorporated a craft with every chapter. Besides reading, crafting is another of my hobbies. It was fun to see Rachelle's ideas and to look her up on Pinterest and the Internet. I loved the mystery and suspense of this book. It will keep you guessing to the end. Adri had a rough past year and the hits just keep on coming. You find yourself hoping she will get her happily ever after! It was a great book! Can't wait to read the next one!



Ring Around the Rosie (Hostage Negotiation Team #4) by: Julie Coulter Bellon

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Revenge is a dish best served cold . . .

As the ex-wife of a law enforcement officer, Sarah Reed has known loneliness and loss. In order to cope, she makes a life for herself that’s full of routine while building a wall of ice around her heart. Everything about her is as predictable as she can make it until a tiny detour for her ex-husband, Ron, changes her life forever. Caught in a bomb crisis, Sarah is taken hostage by a man who wants Ron and everyone around him to suffer---and his idea of suffering is more terrible than Sarah had ever dreamed.

Captain Ron Reed has seen the worst of humanity in his job with the Hostage Negotiation Team, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance---literally. Aaron Starks, a criminal explosives expert, has stolen next-gen bomb technology and uses it to force Ron to bargain for the lives of his team and his ex-wife, Sarah, the woman he still loves. But the situation escalates when Ron discovers that Starks has an even bigger objective in mind---using the bomb to show how vulnerable America and her people truly are.

Ron is willing to risk everything to save his country and those he loves, but when negotiations break down, will his sacrifice be too little too late?


MY THOUGHTS:
This book was everything I expected #4 to be. It was full of action and suspense from the start. Julie was able to keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I love how she is able to pull a female and male audience with her books. Because men love the action and the hostage negotiation part of it. Whereas, a woman can still enjoy them just as much because she throws in hints of romance throughout. I loved Sarah and Ron's story and how they were able to remember what they once had and work together as a team! Another great book Julie! Can't wait to read more!


Marrying Christopher (A Hearthfire Romance Book 3) by: Michele Paige Holmes


ABOUT THE BOOK:
From Amazon Top 100 Regency Romance author, Michele Paige Holmes, comes MARRYING CHRISTOPHER, a regency romance from the Hearthfire Romance series.

Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.

Other Hearthfire Romances:
Saving Grace
Loving Helen

MY THOUGHTS:
I don't read a lot of historical romances but I really enjoyed this one. Marsali was a girl born in a well to do family. After both her parents die, she gets shipped off to her Aunt and Uncles who treat her like a slave. When she is able to scrape enough money together to escape and sail to America, she thinks she can finally live a better life. Christopher is a man whom has helped raise his sisters most of their lives. After they both marry he is ready for his own freedom. Both Marsali and Christopher are set to sail on the Amanda May to America. Neither expected to form such a quick relationship with one another but they became good friends very quickly. When Christopher learns of Marsali's upcoming job in America he is worried for her. He and the ship Captain come up with a plan to hopefully make things better for her.....This book is full of emotion. It will have you cheering, crying, your heart breaking, and even joyful. I love that it wasn't just a predictable romance and that there were many twists in the story. It was a great one for sure!