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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this small town psychological thriller which had me hooked from page one. Single Mum to a teenage daughter Irena Fishbone is owed ten years of child support by her ex-husband, Jack. Having built up a thriving business which she now runs along with repairing boat engines and her daughter she leads a hectic life. Both Irena, her new boyfriend and Jack are invited to a celebration onboard a ship with a group of their high school friends. Being his usual stubborn self Jack refuses to wear his life jacket infuriating Irena. When they are both swept overboard by a rogue wave and swept away only Irene returns to the boat. Whilst the Coast Guard scours the sea Irena organises her own search party. With Jack still missing Irena becomes suspicious when she discovers damning financial records, furtive friends and obscure messages along with a web of lies. This was a gripping page turner of a read with an intriguing storyline and lots of plot twists. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and I felt fully immersed in the story as the characters and the setting were brought to life through the descriptive narrative.

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery with a real Agatha Christie feel to it which kept me hooked throughout. Professor Lexie Driscoll is looking forward to hosting the first meeting of the ‘Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub’ in a swanky mansion belonging to her best friend, and sharing her love of Agatha Christie. Proceedings take a sinister turn when a friend is murdered and as more members of the new book club are killed, Lexie must use all the knowledge she has learnt from reading Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot solving mysteries into action. As she discovers many secrets she starts to believe she is in Christie’s novel, “And Then There Were None,” Lexie must reveal the killer and save her club. I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery and liked amateur sleuth Lexie as the main character and thought all the quirky characters added to the story. The intriguing storyline featuring a bookclub for lovers of the ‘Golden Age of Mystery’ had me happily turning the pages. Whilst the plot twists and red herrings kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. I look forward to returning to the bookclub in book two soon and wish I could join the bookclub in ‘real life’!

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining, enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. This is book one in a new series about the “hunky” firefighters that “save the day” in the small town of Woodvalley Pines. Libby is new to the town and has a bad start when she’s the victim of a toaster fire which sets her kitchen on fire. To make matters worst she’s dressed in pink Disney pyjamas when the “smokin’” hot firefighters turn up to save the day. Firefighter Zach is half amused and half intrigued by the angry woman accusing him of keeping toaster fire safety a secret, but he’s definitely attracted to her. Libby and Zach’s instant chemistry sizzles off the page and leads to some spicy scenes, however their developing relationship may or may not be a long term romance. No spoilers, as I recommend picking up this fun, humorous, flirty book up and escaping to Woodvalley Pines for a while!

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging YA fantasy story which kept me happily turning the pages. Maddy wasn’t overly pleased with the DNA test she received from her Grams for her birthday, but reluctantly takes the test. She is then shocked to discover that she is one-quarter villain, she didn’t even know it could show up in your blood. She can’t believe the results especially as she always follows all of the rules, from being hyper-aware of traffic laws to following the vague suggestions on posters. Everyone knows that they can depend on Maddy, and that she will always do the right thing in every situation. Maddy wants to discover the truth about her family history but she soon finds herself in the middle of a real-life fairy tale. Suddenly she’s surrounded with magic and mischief but she may also find her HEA that every girl dreams about. Just because she’s a villain by blood doesn’t mean she has to be one, she just has to choose who she will be! This was an entertaining and fun read with an intriguing storyline and quirky characters which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The characters and the setting were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story.

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story celebrating female friendships and women choosing their own destiny’s. I was captivated from start to finish by this book about two friends Lydia and Kate, who decide to retrace their wild youth and go on a worldwide voyage. Lydia is a widow living and working as a teacher in a small town but is feeling lonely following her husbands death. Having married and built a successful career Kate is now divorced and facing professional failure, having hit rock bottom she believes she has only one option. However, her longtime friend Lydia offers her a different option, and with one hoping to heal her heartache and the other needing to find a meaning in life again, they travel to all the exotic locations they visited when they were younger. Amidst the heartache and loss their passion for life and love is reignited, but Kate still has plans to end it all. When a surfer from Lydia’s past offers her a second chance at romance and love she is forced to choose between saving herself or Kate. This heartfelt story took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey and it does deal with some upsetting and difficult themes. However, these are handled with sensitivity and honesty and overall I found the storyline to be an inspirational one. I found both Lydia and Kate likeable and relatable and I felt instantly engaged with them and invested in their journey. The wonderful places they visited came to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in the story.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance, with a second chance theme which kept me happily turning the pages. Anne was rather cynical about falling in love and Declan didn’t plan on marrying for love, until they met and fell in love with each other. However, Anne’s world was shattered with one text from Declan on their wedding day simply saying “I’m not coming.” Unknown to Anne an agreement that Declan made years before he had even met her resurfaced presenting him with a dilemma, ultimately he had no choice but to hurt Anne. Years later and Declan is back in Anne’s life and is demanding that she give him a second chance, but she’s now engaged to another man. However, having found her again Declan is not about to let her marry someone else, and is determined to do anything to make her give him a second chance. Anne was a very likeable and relatable character, whilst Declan was a more difficult character to like especially as he was a real player at the beginning and slightly arrogant. However, he changes once he falls in love with Anne and the chemistry between them really came across in the story. The storyline had plenty of drama, suspense, angst and of course romance, and along with the plot twists I was hooked from start to finish.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining read with an intriguing storyline which kept me hooked throughout. Full of drama and suspense this was a real page turner, and the mystery element kept me guessing especially with the plot twists and red herrings. Nine months after her wedding Erica’s husband is away on another business trip when two thugs turn up, claiming he owes their boss a large amount of money from a gambling debt. Not wanting to stay at their apartment and fearing for her life a frightened Erica returns to her childhood Long Island home. She’s not been back long and with her aunts who raised her being just as interfering and controlling as always, she remembers why she escaped and has not been back for three years. Erica has a trust fund from her parent’s life insurance and her plan is to ask the family attorney for an advance so she can pay of her husbands debt and return to her life. However, she is shocked when he refuses saying that if she waits until her twenty fifth birthday she will inherit millions. With not long to wait she agrees but discovers that her aunts are keeping secrets, and with her husband still missing and people turning up dead, she realises that someone is trying to kill her and before her birthday. I felt fully immersed in this story as the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life. I liked the mix of characters, some likeable and some not but who all brought their own personalities to the story. An enjoyable and engaging book.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging novella which is the prequel to the ‘Echo Series’. The story focuses on ER Doctor Gene Rowland and how he met his wife Amanda. Gene has returned to his childhood home looking to rekindle his love for medicine. He wasn’t expecting a dramatic home coming, but ends up rescuing the towns baker Amanda following a bizarre accident. Gene then helps Amanda figure out what happened and also nurses her himself. He must then juggle his role as the town’s new doctor with the growing attachment he feels for Amanda, his patient. Their developing relationship soon becomes the local gossip, however he quickly realises that he can’t deny his feelings for Amanda. It’s obvious that she’s the love of his life and will be the mother of his children. Having read the books in the series it was nice to discover how Dr Gene Rowland, who is Dean Rowland’s (from another story) big brother and Amanda met. This is a heartwarming romance with just enough drama and mystery to keep me hooked and happily turning the pages.

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping Italian murder mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Having read and enjoyed previous books in this series I was looking forward to being back with the stubborn detective, and I was not disappointed. This time State Police Maurizio Scala has an unexpected investigation when the bodies of two cousins, known to be involved in marijuana dealings are found. Scala soon discovers that there is a power struggle happening in the criminal underworld which the cousins murder could be linked to. However, the detectives dedication effects his personal life as he tries to balance his family responsibilities and the demands of his job. Scala’s investigative skills are put to the test when the Centocelle community becomes unsettled following another tragedy. This was a real page turner and the suspense built chapter by chapter making it hard to put the book down. Scala is a great main character who is brought to life alongside the setting through the descriptive narrative. I look forward to being back with the detective soon!

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance and having read and enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to being back in Emerald Creek and I was not disappointed. Living in Emerald Creek divorcee and single mother Shayna is used to being known as a ‘small town girl’, or ‘that poor girl’ or even as a ‘victim’. However, when Burke arrives in the town he sees a smart, interesting and beautiful woman and Shayna starts to feel like that when she’s with him. Burke can’t believe that she doesn’t know how amazing she is and is determined to be the man to show her. Despite both Shayna and Burke having had difficult relationships in the past and against their better judgment they can’t deny that they are falling in love with one another. Once again the setting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I really felt the small town vibes of Emerald Creek. Shayna and Burke are both likeable and relatable characters so it is easy to feel invested in their story. Their chemistry came across in the narrative and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their well deserved HEA. No spoilers as I recommend reading this book!

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging romance with a paranormal feel to it in the ‘Divine Vintage’ series. It can be read as a standalone story, however having read and enjoyed the previous books I recommend reading the series. Justine Saunders is an Assistant Museum Director and she’s excited to have the opportunity to look through the vintage treasures of a recently deceased actress. Screenwriter Jackson Maddox is keen to finish sorting out his late mother’s affairs so he can escape the ‘one-horse’ town in which she grew up in. It’s when Jackson decides to ‘unload’ the old clothes to a historian at the museum that him and Justine meet. They soon get stranded together by a snowstorm and Justine is not impressed by the surly Jackson, but she also has the very real ghost of his mother to deal with as well. Justine is able to help solve the mystery of Jackson’s paternity as she discovers a way of identifying his “famous” father, whom his mom protected to her death. Meanwhile Justine’s job at the museum is in jeopardy but she then has the opportunity to move to the big city. I was hooked throughout and was kept happily turning the pages. I liked how Justine and Jackson’s relationship developed as the story went on. The characters and setting came to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story.

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Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Break Bone Fever (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #1)Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping murder mystery which had me hooked from start to finish. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Louise Finnerty and Dr. Marnie Liccione a paediatrician team up to investigate the death of their friend. Dr. Gennifer Drake’s body washed up on a beach on Galveston Island and the pair soon discover that Gen was researching a deadly new form of dengue fever. This mosquito borne illness, known as Break Bone Fever was threatening the United States, so Louise and Marnie must discover the truth about Gen’s murder whilst facing a coming epidemic. Wondering if Gen’s transgender status was a factor in her murder, and with the help of an unconventional police detective and an editor, they learn there may be a connection to Q-Anon conspiracists. Meanwhile lies are being propagated by a cabal inside the Environmental Protection Agency putting lives at risk. This is a fast paced story with an action packed storyline and plenty of plot twists. The main characters, Louise and Marnie are both likeable and relatable and they work well together. I look forward to the physicians teaming up again soon in the next book in this new series.

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping medical murder mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Physicians Dr. Marnie Liccione and Dr. Louise Finnerty have teamed up again, this time to investigate whether the violent death of a patient whilst at a Colorado VA Behavioral Health clinic was suicide or murder. The pair must discover if young veteran Josh Baker is another victim of the suicide epidemic or if he was murdered. As Marnie and Louise investigate in order to give Josh’s widow some answers, they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme with a link to those involved in the illegal sale of the deadly opiate krokodil. Getting closer to the truth surrounding Josh’s death puts both their lives in danger. This is a fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns which kept me guessing as to the outcome. Marnie and Louise are once again a great team, and both the characters and the setting of a VA Behavioral Health Clinic came to life through the descriptive narrative. I thought the issues raised in this story regarding PTSD were dealt with honestly and sensitively. I look forward to the physicians next investigation!

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The Better Man (A Silver Buckle Romance Series) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Better Man (Silver Buckle Brides, #2)The Better Man by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Laramee Stone returns to her family’s Colorado ranch after leaving five years ago following a family tragedy. Meanwhile, Jamie Cannon, after making some youthful mistakes is now a successful partner in his family’s real estate business. Jamie arrives at the Stone’s remote ranch to carry out an appraisal as Laramee’s ailing parents are considering selling the place. Whilst Jamie is dedicated to fulfilling his assignment, Laramee is just keen to get him to leave her family’s ranch. However, with her family’s financial future at stake the couple reluctantly agree to work together. They soon discover that they have both had tragedies happen in their pasts, but just as their relationship develops Laramee’s ex-fiancé returns. Sutton makes it very clear that he wants to get back together with Laramee and having discovered Jamie’s past makes it clear that he thinks he is the better man for her. Jamie must then decide if he can make Laramee happy despite his past baggage and if so needs to tell her how he feels. Both Laramee and Jamie are likeable and relatable characters who’s chemistry came across in the narrative. The Colorado ranch setting was brought to life through the descriptive narrative helping me feel immersed in the storyline. An enjoyable and engaging romance which I recommend reading.

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous book in this series I was looking forward to being back with coroner’s assistant Daniel O’Halleran, and I was not disappointed. This is an enjoyable and engaging historical crime novel with plenty of drama and suspense which had me hooked throughout. Colin Brissedon arrives at work to find that his new boss, who had threatened to fire him, has been murdered and he then becomes the prime suspect. However, his sister Kathleen does not believe her brother is capable of murder and neither does Daniel, but the coroner’s assistant will need evidence. During his investigation Daniel learns that the victim, a prominent attorney was not very well liked and more than one person would have a reason for killing him. Meanwhile, Kathleen decides to conduct her own investigation against Daniel’s wishes and he is worried for her safety. Daniel needs to find the integral clue that will help him solve the mystery, if he doesn’t then the murderer will be free to kill again. Once again the characters and the setting were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story.

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What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read which kept me happily turning the pages. Barbara, a confident Black lawyer balances her career within the NYC corporate world with family expectations. Sadly whilst her career is going well her engagement ends leaving her heartbroken. Barbara decides to go alone to the island paradise where the wedding was going to be, as the destination wedding is non-refundable. Here she meets Sebastian, also a lawyer and they have an instant connection. Although they come from different worlds, Barbara from a moneyed background and Sebastian from a poor family the couple see past their differences.
Sebastian is then given the job meant for Barbara and she suspects it’s due to racial discrimination. When Barbara challenges her boss in court the couple find themselves on opposite sides of the battle. However, although Sebastian is supportive of Barbara their love is tested as they decide what they will risk for justice. I was hooked throughout by this fast paced contemporary romance, which along with a spicy love story also deals with social justice. I love that Barbara is a strong, independent heroine who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The chemistry between her and Sebastian really came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral MysteryRhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery with an intriguing storyline which had me hooked throughout. Elena del Carral has been invited to dance at a Gala Performance by the founder of the world-renowned Terpsichore Ballet in New York City, Derek Michaels. Elena will also be auditioning for an unfinished ballet named Black Rhapsody by the late René Fauchier. This performance will enhance her career both as a principal dancer and a choreographer. However, Elena has a secret regarding the ballet, Black Rhapsody, and by returning to New York her revelation causes a chain of events including an attempted murder. This story had me gripped until the last page and the mystery element really kept me guessing. The world of the ballet really came to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. I love the likeable and relatable Elena, and I look forward to future books in this series.

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Texas Winds by Dana Wayne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Texas WindsTexas Winds by Dana Wayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a enjoyable read which kept me happily turning the pages. The heartwarming storyline had me hooked and I felt engaged with the likeable and relatable main characters. The story is set four years after Jake Holloway discovered that his wife had been unfaithful as she lay in a coma, she was also pregnant and Jake does not know if the child is his. Jake is now emotionally closed off and is definitely not going to risk his heart with another relationship. Lexie Morgan thought she was going to get her HEA but was left standing at the alter alone. Lexie decides to start a fresh and moves away from her old life, and this is where Jake and Lexie meet. Their instant attraction takes them both by surprise but they both try to ignore their feelings. However, when Lexie is forced to accept Jake’s help neither of them can deny their growing connection. When Lexie meets Katie, Jake’s shy four year old daughter she knows they are all meant to be together. Just as their relationship is developing their past traumas threaten their fragile bond, and they have to decide if opening up their hearts to love once more is worth the risk. This was an emotional read which kept me captivated throughout and I really felt the chemistry between Jake and Lexie. I enjoyed how their relationship developed throughout the story and I found having both their POV’s made me feel more invested in their romance. The characters and setting were brought to life by the descriptive narrative which made me feel immersed in the story. I recommend picking up this book!

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Perfect (Perfect Series) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Perfect (Perfect, #1)Perfect by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this heartwarming, sweet, clean, contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. As a Asian American with a single-parent upbringing Chloe is not going to compromise with romance and success. Having had a long distance relationship with her high-school sweetheart all through college, now she’s completed her business classes she’s ready for a new start. Unfortunately just as Chloe is moving on with a hunky basketball player her high-school sweetheart proposes to her, but she worries that following her heart could be the end of her bright future. Chloe then successfully becomes a rising star in the fashion industry and among the many new choices she faces, who she dates and falls in love with is a major one. Having five different men as potential husbands means Chloe must get her decision right. The question of who she should be standing at the alter with, saying ‘I do’, and having her HEA with is the basis of this novels intriguing storyline. This is an engaging romance with likeable and relatable characters and I felt invested in the outcome of who Chloe would marry. The story had plenty of lighthearted moments, witty banter, PDA, and of course plenty of romance.

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Stars in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Stars in the CityStars in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable YA romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Soap opera actress Valeria Joseph seems to have it all, as working on the daytime soap Charmed Lives everyone wants to be her. When her friend Cecily arranges for her to meet rising pop star Dex Doyle the pair become the ‘it couple’. Valeria then bumps into Davis who was her first love and the one she never got over, who is now a college basketball player. With Valeria finding being in the spotlight challenging and Davis having his own high pressure stressors they are able to support one another. They soon find themselves falling back in love however, Dex is still crazy about her and is causing problems, whilst the publicity surrounding Valeria only gets worse when an award show event trends on social media for all the wrong reasons. With her life so full of drama her and Davis might have to fight to find true love. The New York City setting came to life through the descriptive narrative which made me feel immersed in the story. I felt engaged with Valeria in particular and so was invested in the outcome of the story. No spoilers, I recommend picking up the book!

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Scotland: Stunning, Strange, and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland (The Hidden Gems Series) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Scotland: Stunning, Strange, and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland (The Hidden Gems Series)Scotland: Stunning, Strange, and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting and informative guide to ‘Hidden Scotland’ which I found to be an enjoyable read. I enjoyed discovering about a country bursting with history and beauty, the ‘land of whisky and tartans’. The author is an obvious seasoned traveler who not only knows about Scotland’s legendary landscapes but is also knowledgeable about the many stories and myths surrounding it. I particularly enjoyed the information on Scotland’s geographic phenomena and the many historical sites to visit. This was a fascinating guide with a difference, and it definitely gave me greater knowledge about both the hidden places, and the more well known ones. The guide also includes practical information including budgeting advice and detailed plans of places to visit, and how to explore whilst avoiding the crowds. The narrative is written in a knowledgeable, friendly, conversational style which is easy to read, understand and navigate. I would have liked a few more maps to have been included as I feel these would have been helpful when planning itinerary’s. This really is an invaluable resource for anyone visiting Scotland and those just interested in learning more about this magical place.

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England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England (The Hidden Gems Series) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England (The Hidden Gems Series)England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting and informative guide to ‘Hidden England’ which I read from cover to cover. As I live in England I as was pleased to see some of my favourite places mentioned in the book, but I also liked discovering new ones which really are off the ‘well-trodden’ paths. The author obviously knows England well and has done her research as this comes across in the quality of the information included. I love how the author has included English history, local myths, superstitions, as well as information on everything from Gods and Saints to what the best food and drinks to try are. The ‘Plans and Mechanics’ chapter is particularly useful for those travelling to/around England as its full of practicalities including tips and budgeting advice. I particularly found the write ups on geographical marvels and historical sites fascinating and it definitely gave me greater knowledge on places that were both known and not known to me. The narrative is written in a knowledgeable but lighthearted, friendly and easy to read style, and I found the resource section at the end very helpful. I would have found an index at the end helpful in order to refer back to specific places more easily, and although I enjoyed the pictures that were included I felt that more photos would have added to the over all look of the book. Overall this is a guide with a difference and it really does let you discover the hidden gems of the English realm.

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Before You Say I Do by Marina Hanna – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Before You Say I DoBefore You Say I Do by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. After her ex-boyfriend’s behaviour leaves her not wanting another relationship, and being untrusting of men Emma sticks to one-night stands. Then she has a passionate night with the confident, handsome Liam with his seductive smile, and soon it’s another night followed by another night of him satisfying her needs, and before she knows it they are friends with benefits. As Liam manages to break through Emma’s walls she starts to fall hard and even starts dreaming of a HEA. However, Liam has his own commitment issues and does not want a relationship. That doesn’t stop Emma saying yes when Liam makes her an offer she can’t refuse, but then when her ex turns up unexpectedly she feels her life is spiralling out of control. Neither Emma or Liam planned on falling in love but now they are worried they are going to end up with a broken heart, if they are not honest with one another. I love Emma and Liam as they are both likeable and relatable characters who’s chemistry sizzles off the page. I like how their relationship develops throughout the book. I was hooked by the storyline and I felt invested in the main characters, whilst the romance and steamy scenes kept me reading late into the night.

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Charlotte’s Control (The Control Series) by Maggie Sims – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Charlotte's Control (The Control Series)Charlotte’s Control by Maggie Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance which had me hooked throughout. In this reverse age-gap story the thirty year old widow Charlotte, Dowager Countess of Peterborough and the younger William Stanton, heir to the Earl of Harrington start a passionate and steamy affair. However, William who is having to manage the Earldom for his drunken father, must make an advantageous marriage to a wealthy debutant. Whilst Charlotte is happy forgetting proper etiquette and reclaiming her femininity and powers of seduction, she knows the affair can’t continue and that William must marry. Meanwhile William is willing to defy the rules of Society and marry Charlotte, but she knows that he will need an heir and that is one thing she cannot give him. I felt fully immersed in this story as both the characters and the setting come to life through the descriptive narrative. I liked how Charlotte was older than William as that is not the norm in romances. The chemistry between her and William sizzled off the page, leading to some rather steamy scenes which do include a BDSM element. The storyline, characters and setting all kept me happily turning the pages!

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The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Winemakers - Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical RomancesThe Winemakers – Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the fact that all three books in this series are in a boxset as it meant I could ‘binge read’ the whole series. Each book is an enjoyable and engaging historical romance which transported me back to Portugal in the 1870’s, and to the sun drenched Douro Valley amongst the vineyards. In ‘The True Purpose of Vines’, Julia Costa is the best winemaker in Douro but has debts following her husband’s death. When Englishman Griffin Maxwell turns up threatening her vineyards the pair clash, but they must work together when the vineyards are in danger from a mysterious plague. They must decide to either allow their cultural differences to keep them apart, or fight for love.
In ‘The Taste of Light’, Aristocrat Pedro Daun is haunted by his sins, so when he meets Anne Maxwell despite their instant connection he acts badly, not wanting her soiled by his past. Following a false accusation against Pedro the couple are forced to run, whilst hiding from an enemy the couple’s passion is ignited. In ‘The Truth about Myths’, we get a rare look into Portuguese royalty’s world. Princess Isabel de Orleans travels to Spain to help with a diplomatic crisis on behalf of her brother, the King. Accompanying Isabel is Henrique, Viscount Penafiel who she sees as a charming rake. However, their mutual attraction turns to lust when she sees a different side to him. As political concerns escalate and with both Portugal’s independence and Isabel at risk Henrique takes drastic action to save his country and Isabel.
Each story is a wonderfully written and obviously well researched historical romance and I was captivated throughout each story. The beautiful settings are brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and along with the added historical details I felt transported back in time and place to Portugal and the vineyards. The characters are all likeable and relatable and I loved how each couple’s chemistry came across in the story and how their relationships developed. The mix of winemaking, Portuguese culture, amazing settings, exciting storylines and well defined characters, and of course romance made each novel in this boxset a real page turner. I definitely recommend ‘binge reading’ them all!

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Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances 1)Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a heartwarming “Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance,” which had me captivated from the moment I picked up the book until I closed it again having read it in one sitting! Having joined a book club after the death of her husband Laura has settled for the single life. However, when her new book club friends tell her to ‘take a chance’, she decides to take her dream trip to England. Whilst in a London park Laura has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger which leads to them meeting again. As the attraction between Laura and Hugh grows she has to face her fears, but with the encouragement of her book club friends she’s able to face her feelings head-on. Just as Laura starts to believe that two lonely people from different worlds can discover love she finds out that Hugh has been keeping a secret from her, which may result in Laura having a broken heart once again. This was an enjoyable and engaging read and I literally could not put the book down as I felt invested in Laura’s journey right from the start. She is such a wonderfully detailed character and the connection between her and her book club friends really came across in the narrative. I love the fact that this is a later-in-life romance and the main characters are both likeable and relatable. The chemistry between Laura and Hugh really came across in this sweet romance, and I liked how they both brought their life experiences to the relationship and how their connection developed throughout the story. An Uplifting read, and I look forward to the next book in this new series.

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Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Before I Let You GoBefore I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a captivating romance with a paranormal twist which kept me hooked throughout. Having inherited a house from a long-lost relative off the coast of Guernsey, Elsbeth embraces the chance to start again. Elsbeth moves into the remote cottage and enjoys her new idyll surrounded by crystal waters and gray seals. However, when a mysterious stranger turns up her new life is threatened as Bishop claims to be an angel searching for his bones. As Elsbeth and Bishop grow closer they uncover dark secrets about the cottage and learn about the double murder that happened there. The more they discover about its history the more of Bishop’s past comes to life, and Elsbeth has to confront her own demons. The engaging storyline kept me gripped, whilst the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life, which made me feel immersed in the story.

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow #2)Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging sweet fantasy romance set in the magical small town of Emerald Hollow, which kept me happily turning the pages. Holly Claus, the main character from the previous book is now permanently living in Emerald Hollow. The small town is experiencing unusual occurrences, including tulip super blooms and an influx of people visiting the magical festivals held there. When a man shows up during a snowstorm with amnesia local Sofia Reyes is skeptical of his story and his lack of past memories. Sofia offers to help him discover his identity, however the more time they spend together the less she can ignore her attraction to him. Their relationship develops as they get to know one another better following trips to the library and to the epic tulip festival. Sofia also feels a magical pull towards him which he also feels, but she’s worried about risking her heart on someone whose past is a mystery to them both. Meanwhile, Holly is about to uncover some magical secrets which are decades old and which will affect the human residents of the town. Once again the magical town and its residents are brought vividly to life through the wonderful narrative and imaginative world building. I felt fully immersed in Emerald Hollow and enjoyed ‘catching up’ with Holly and Ash, but also loved the main characters of this story, Sofia and love interest Isaiah. I like the multiple POV’s and the magical realism which is sprinkled through the story. I look forward to returning to Magical Emerald Hollow soon!

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having been introduced to the main characters in the first book in this series I was looking forward to continuing with their story, and once again I was kept happily turning the pages. In ‘Hidden Mischief’ we are introduced to the BDSM club owned by Zachary ‘Club Shattered Embrace,’ and follow Zachary and Ashton as they began their romance and develop their Dom/sub dynamic. This storyline continues with their romance and follows them as their relationship develops. This is a hot and steamy romance between a couple who’s chemistry sizzles off the page and results in some rather steamy scenes. As Zachary and Ashton explore the BDSM lifestyle their connection grows and they enjoy doing scenes together both privately and at the club. However, work wise when an opportunity arises for Ashton to lead a dream team of the world’s best researchers, it means moving to Atlanta. A dangerous rival of Zachary’s makes Ashton a pawn in a deadly game forcing him to reveal past sins in order to keep her safe. I was hooked from start to finish and the exciting plot kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story, although I was hoping this opposites attract couple would get their HEA. No spoilers, I recommend reading both this book and the previous one!

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series Book 9)Make Me Burn by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me hooked throughout. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone story. Billionaire Logan Bennett always thought his best friends little sister, Jink was a firecracker but she was off-limits however, she’s now all-grown-up! Jink always found Logan attractive but now she’s older she’s hoping he won’t still see her as his best friends little sister. Unfortunately Logan and best friend Victor are no longer friends and have an ongoing feud which Logan knows will only get worse if he starts dating Jink. Jink doesn’t want to settle for a boring romance and wants a man who knock’s her off her feet, and who she can share a passionate love with but, the only man to make her feel that way is Logan. This is a steamy romance between two people with chemistry that sizzles off the page. Logan and Jink are both likeable and relatable characters and the storyline is full of angst.

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