A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Poignant, romantic tale
First book in the Vine Valley series this spicy story was an entertaining read. Filled with drama, chemistry, romance and humour, I quickly devoured it. Laurent and Phoebe were easy to relate to and had me hoping for their happy ever after. A brilliant afternoon delight. Recommend.
When Toni Cooper meets Micky Wilson on a Mediterranean island, it’s not long before their hot and steamy nights have her falling head over bikini.
Add to the mix;
An ex-wife – She can deal with it
An ex-boyfriend – He’s an ex for a reason
But – there’s always a but. How do you guard your heart, when the guy you’ve fallen for has made it clear he doesn’t do the love thing.
Marina was born and raised in London, with frequent plane journeys to other parts of the world. Her annual school report always said she’s a daydreamer and needs to live in the real world. She says, if you don’t dare to dream, you’ll only ever see the world in black and white. Her main goal in life is to inspire her children to follow their dreams, and to know that with hard work and effort, anything is possible. She likes to read and write romance that’s fun, flirty, steamy, and sexy, but always with a happily ever after.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Don’t mess with Taz’s family, you won’t live to regret it.
I may look rough and hard.
But looks can be deceiving.
Sure, my hair is colorful and wild.
However, my penchant for numbers and organization
Has me bordering on the quiet, shy, nerdy type.
But when my son is concerned,
I can get as wild as they come.
After all, my son is my life.
When my ex comes back with a vengeance,
I’ll do anything in my power to protect him–
Even enlist the help of Travis “Enforcer” Milford.
He and his brothers from the Intruders,
Coupled with my sisters in the Devil’s Handmaidens,
Our enemies don’t stand a chance.
Now, between the two clubs their appearance tells it all.
The men are strong, rugged, handsome, and powerful,
While the women are beautiful, smart, and cunning.
And Enforcer would do anything for me and my son.
Believe me, if anyone hurts that boy,
They’ll regret the day they messed with us.
Devil’s Handmaidens MC is a multi-author world focusing on a badass all-female MC with various chapters/locations written by some of your favorite MC authors.
WARNING: The Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter of the Devil’s Handmaidens MC is a Romantic Suspense series filled with drama, a bit of angst, maybe some tragedy, and women who are bad a$$. These characters are flawed, some may be broken. If you’re looking for a safe, sweet romance with nice heroes and heroines who are perfect all the time, this is NOT the series for you.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl
USA Today Bestselling author, D. M. Earl creates authentic and genuine characters while spinning stories that feel so real and relatable that the readers plunge deep within the plot, begging for more. Complete with drama, angst, romance, and passion, the stories jump off the page.
When Earl, an avid reader since childhood, isn’t at her keyboard pouring her heart into her work, you’ll find her in Northwest Indiana snuggling up to her husband, the love of her life, with her seven fur babies nearby. Her other passions include gardening and shockingly cruising around town on the back of her 2004 Harley. She’s a woman of many talents and interests. Earl appreciates each and every reader who has ever given her a chance–and hopes to connect on social media with all of her readers.
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The dedication had me smiling and pouring a glass of Chardonnay to begin my journey
“ Dedicated to wine . This series exists because of my love for you .” 🍷🥰📚❣️🤣
Laurent and his family have been running Vine Valley for over fifty years and if memory serves me right Laurent would be 3rd generation to run it alongside his siblings , I love his heart and how he wants to honour his grandpa and his legacy ❣️
They all seem to know their place and things run like a well oiled machine , we’ll mostly because life isn’t perfect 😉
Laurent = Sales and he’s got a serious knack for business and has taken the vineyard to new highs
Rhone is assistant winemaker and a bit if a free spirit
Nero is a real flirt and I think he could charm a nun out of her habit 🤣🙈
These boys are a good bunch and each brings something to the party and they’re just awesome !
Now Phoebe our blue green eyed blonde beaut was fortunate enough to grow up with this lot but her bond with Laurent was different and they made a pact to marry each other if they reached the ripe old age if 40 and were still unattached and when Phoebe marches in to lay claim to their pact I pour myself another glass of nectar of the gods (wine)🤣let the games begin
Phoebe has a strained relationship with her family and when het stepsister is getting married she needs Laurent to save face and he agrees but he has 1 condition to this agreement and Phoebe thinks she’s fine but Laurent isn’t an easy man to resist ….
I laughed hard , I cried even harder especially where Phoebe really opens up to Laurent I just really felt Phoebe there and yes I even got angry for many reasons , there were so many emotions going through me while reading about Laurent and Phoebe and their road to their own HEA …. Every page was great and every sip was mighty fine 😉
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good 4 star read. I really enjoyed the characters. I like that Annie was a strong character. I had some LOL moments while reading. I have to say I also liked Craig’s aunt. Craig offers to help Annie drum up business for her B&B while he is in town for a wedding. Will they be able to keep it professional? Overall I really enjoyed the book. The author does a great job with her writing and pulls you right in. I am looking forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Book of Hours wasn’t bad. However I feel like I short changed myself by not reading book 1 first. There’s a lot of buildup that would’ve made more sense if I read that first, but I digress. In saying that you could still navigate this book without it. Now my goal is to go back and read it, then reread this one. I was drawn to this book just by the name of the antagonist of the story. No book I ever read has anything good come from that name, no matter the spelling, Wickeham. The name drew me right into Gabriela and Richard’s story. Their triumphs. their love, their fierce protection of one another and those they love.
Gabriela and Richard have a past that developed and came together in book 1. But it ended in their separation. This book throws them back into each other’s lives to navigate the threats against her and her family. Also forces them to address the elephant in the room, their love for one another.
The author didn’t short change the drama and suspense. Keeping one turning the page wondering what’s around the next corner.
In saying all that, could you read this as a standalone novel, sure I did. However I think it would’ve been so much better if I read it as a set.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a way to continue Skylar and Damon’s story than with this 4th installment of The Hidden Valley Elite Series, Brutal Nights! The world building and character development of Isla Vaughn is spot on! She delivers such detailed writing in easy to read, quick books. There is so much packed into this book; drama, lies, mean girls, romance, attraction, all mixed with an underlying danger. Brutal Nights was more of a roller coaster, mentally, than its companion Brutal Days. It was filled with lots of twists and turns and lots of back and forth banter between Damon and Skylar. However, both are filled with the same realistic, troubled, brutally relatable characters that the reader can’t help but connect with. The Hidden Valley Elite Series continues and I cannot wait to read more from Isla Vaughn!
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After a failed engagement, Annie moves to Montana and opens a B&B. The problem is that she doesn’t have any customers. When her sister suggests she ask for help from Craig, Annie flat out refuses. She is highly attracted to him and gets all flustered when he is around. When Craig convinces her to let him help, he also suggests they date for the two weeks he is in town.
Opinion
This shot book packs a punch. It is the second in the Millers of Marietta series but the first that I have read. With quite a few places where Winckler had me laughing out loud, there was an equal amount of swooning scenes. This book is a great read for any romance reader.
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this story, not only was it a delightfully sweet rom-com, but it was filled with hilarious side characters, hysterical one-liners, and intrigue and suspense. I always love getting the different POV’s from both main characters so we can see what they both are thinking and how they are interpreting the different situations. The chemistry between Sunny and Carter was absolutely steaming and I love that the author wasn’t shy with her descriptions of the bedroom scenes. I absolutely adored Sunny elderly grandfather and found his conspiracy theories priceless. It looks like this is book 2 in a series about Carter’s family and I will definitely be checking out book 1 and the follow up books as well!
Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute second-chance romance. This book is part of the Ladies of the Links series. However, it can be read as a stand-alone, which is what I did. I love that our main characters meet up again six years later and pick up together with their children as if no time has passed. I will be adding Book 1 to my TBR.
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Enjoyable small town second chance romance that gave me romance, fear, family drama, past hurts and a love that never died.
Years ago, Phoebe left Laurent without saying goodbye and no explanations…not even a letter on why she is leaving…knowing there was a pact made that if they were not married by the time they were 40…they would get married. When Phoebe comes barreling in wanting to take that pact with Laurent and put it to use….Laurent is not sure what to think. Phoebe believes she has a sure plan and Laurent buys into the charade and save face for Phoebe and her overbearing family.
As the heat rises between Phoebe and Laurent…their attraction and love for each other never wavered from years ago….but what can happen when total utter fear from Phoebe on taking any forward steps with Laurent make her want to run..
This is a very good start to the Vine Valley series and I am looking forward to more. While sometime Phoebe frustrated me and my heart really hurt for Laurent…..I got what she was feeling and why.
Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great airport/travel book – easy to read, story was great and the characters were totally relatable. It isn’t a surprise that a marriage can feel detached once you have careers and kids – it was fun to read how Anthony and Natalie find a way back to each other. Anthony is a sweetheart – and finds himself in a sticky situation after he and Natalie make some promises to put each other first. I was sure glad he figured out a way to get out of that one – with the help of his friends!! I believe this is part of series – I will probably read the others!
Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Ground Rule series and it’s another great one! As always, the author’s writing is easy to follow, flowing nicely and descriptive. The chemistry between Heath and Grace jumps off the page, and you can’t help but love them together.
I enjoyed seeing the ‘typical arrogant jock’ have more to him than meets the eye, and when you get past the initial exterior, there’s more to him than expected. Heath and Grace pair up nicely and you can’t help but root for them.
I can’t believe I’ve caught up on the series and am left wanting more yet again.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caitlin DeDannan is a young woman who is in the prime of her life, but it isn’t all smooth sailing, so when she finds herself swamped with work, nursing a broken heart and burnt out, she finds herself looking forward to some time off to relax and escape it all. Evariste Gage Arsceneaux is a young man in appearance, but he is also a few hundred years older and a vampire, but since losing his wife, he has felt lost, she was the light in his life and without her there, he has thrown himself into work and building up the company he heads.
A couple of days before her well needed trip away, she is called into a meeting with her boss and two clients, this is where a bomb is dropped and she is asked to complete an investigation while she is away, she is not impressed in the slightest and makes it known, but in the end she reluctantly agrees. Evariste has always known that people would want to buy him out of his business and up until now, they have all backed off after the first no, however, the latest annoyance is not being dissuaded, to the point that they have managed to wrangle an inspection and he isn’t in the least impressed and intends to being anywhere but the premises throughout.
When Caitlin arrives at her destination, she is happy with how her visit starts, but as soon as she goes to carry out the inspection, the grumpy workaholic is nowhere to be found, however she is invited to meet him and this is where everything changes. Evaluate, despite his best efforts is forced to meet the investigator, however, as soon as he lays eyes on her, he is ecstatic, it is someone who he has been searching for and someone who could be the answer to his prayers, but can he convince her of all that, or will bring professional win out over the passion brewing between them?
This is a romantic suspense full of action, adventure, twists, turns and of course vampires where you are lead into a world of intrigue and passion and will not be able to put this book down until you have consumed it in its entirety.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Smooth Hoperator
By: Sylvie Stewart
This is the second book of the Love on Tap series, but it definitely functions as a Standalone. This is a grumpy / sunshine book and I loved each and every moment. It also features some mystery with Sunny, the librarian and Carter.
Sunny is such a wonderful person, the type of person who definitely never says no to anyone. This type of attitude definitely has gotten her into some trouble in the past. Carter used to be a politician but is now working as a brewmaster.
Carter and Sunny have amazing banter. I really liked watching the two of them get to know each other and become more of a relationship. They had decent chemistry and I loved reading about them interacting with one another.
I definitely recommend reading this, it is a quick read and a fun rom com! Definitely would make a good beach read!
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a little gem of a series, Cruel Start is the next book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. This book is the start of Phoenix and Aspens story. When they accidentally bump into each other after new girl in town, Aspen, is cliff diving at a local party spot, the two have instant chemistry. However, despite their attraction, Phoenix has a strict one night only policy which means he pushes Aspen away. When their one night together leads to an unexpected surprise, time will tell if they can get over their issues and work it out. I am really enjoying this series and each books is better than the last. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see how the couple’s story pans out.
Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book can be read as a stand alone but is the 3rd book in the Ground Rule Series. Grace is a hardworking independent woman who loves her animal shelter and all the animals that come through it. Heath is a professional baseball player. They met months ago at a fundraiser. Sparks ignite when they run into each other again when Heaths sister has a baby. This wonder story has enemies to lovers, sports romance, adorable animals, and spice sprinkled all in. Another wonderful story to add to this series!
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an adorable story of Natalie and Anthony. A husband and wife and have lost their way with each other. Between their work and kids, they have let their priority for each other slip. This story is an adorable rekindling of their love during a week long unexpected vacation and a town rallying behind them to help out! Another hit from Buckeye Falls!
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is book 2 in the Love on Tap series, and is a great addition. While it does overlap with the end of book one a bit, it can absolutely be read as a standalone, but I don’t think you will want to let these characters go any more than I did. Carter was on a rising path in the world of politics in Washington, D.C. until he hears something he shouldn’t have, and is forced to flee to the safety of his hometown and content himself with working in his family’s brewery and bar, though he is far less than happy with this outcome. Sunny is a librarian in a small library, and while she may have her rough spots, her name is generally very fitting for her personality. When Carter’s investigation into the situation that made him run from D.C. throws them together, along with Sunny’s grandfather, danger seems to be around every corner, until it can be deal with, once and for all. This is a guaranteed happily ever after, with plenty of wit, heart and drama to keep you reading.
The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a sequel to a previous book by this author, but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book, but did not feel like I was missing much in the way of context. This book will keep you guessing at first, and then on the edge of your seats from there. Gabriela Martinez is a very talented illustrator, mother and wife. She is also in grave danger due to a manuscript that she is auctioning off in an effort to raise money for a children’s charity run by her cousin, a priest in California. When she refuses to sell her manuscript ahead of the auction to a man who has decided that he is entitled to it, he puts her life, as well as that of her children, in danger. When a former protector and lover from years past, Richard Harrison, learns of the issues, he immediately flies from him home in London to protect Gabriela with everything he has. This book takes place in Los Angeles, California and London, England in 1997, which allows for some of today’s tech to be left out, allowing for greater freedom in how the story plays out. This is an excellent read that makes me want to go back and read book 1!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/148021433-house-of-arsceneaux” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”House of Arsceneaux” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683214264l/148021433._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/148021433-house-of-arsceneaux”>House of Arsceneaux</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13502692.Caterina_Novelliere”>Caterina Novelliere</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5679657023″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
First I really enjoyed how there was a page just for terminology being used in the book, so you could refer back to what words or sayings mean.<br />Love the fact that it takes place in New Orleans, and that it feels more like an old vampire story. This is a love story of Caitlin and Gage (or Evariste) that has spanned for centuries.<br />Caitlin is an independent woman, she works for her guardian. Gage is a grouchy businessman. He believes Caitlin is his dead wife come back to life. You follow the story through, you get to meet death, and Lilith, four horseman. There’s so many wonderful characters. Caitlin is a bada** who goes through centuries of find her love, loosing him. A family battle that has also spawned for centuries. I LOVE this book!!
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a great story about Craig and Annie. And we get to see Vivian and Aiden from book 1 (not needed to read this one but you’ll want to anyways)
These 2 fought against their feelings every step of the way until the very end. I loved that Annie was passionate about what she was doing and wanting to do it all on her own but knew she needed a little help with marketing.
I loved that these characters felt real and down to earth and not overly done. I could feel the small town vibe and the love for one another between the families and friends. Can’t wait for the next one!
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just loved the dedication
“ Dedicated to those who never got to say goodbye. Because the living is left to them “ this really hit home for me as I lost my mum and a very dear friend and I never got to say goodbye and I’d like to think I’m living my life in a way that honours them ❣️
Tessa met Simon on a Boeing 777 heading for La Gaurdia from Boston and it was an instant click ….
I can’t really explain it but watching it unfold was magical
Tessa being an author lives life and what it throws in our way through the eyes of others , she observes and her writing is a mix of reality and fiction ….
Simon is a committed scientist dealing in facts so these 2 amazing peeps are like worlds apart yet they’re perfect for each other ❣️
They meet sporadically across the world over the years and what starts as stolen moments soon deepens and Simon takes a bold step but then tragedy strikes and my heart shatters for everyone involved , I stopped reading for a day just to pull myself together and once I gathered myself I dove back in and what an emotional rollercoaster it was and oh so beautiful 😍
Simon and Tessa fought hard for their happily ever after and what a privilege it’s been to be part of their journey ❣️📚
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a dark Mafia Romance. I love these types of stories that are full of danger, Suspense, revenge and a hot and steamy romance and this book has all that and more.
The author does an amazing job with the characters and their story. I loved how we got a complete back story to Salvatore which really helped me understand why he was so consumed with his need for revenge. After reading about all his struggles it is easy to understand why he grew up to be the way he is.
Salvatore was orphaned and left alone and penniless when he was a child. He had to fight every day to survive. The only thing that kept fueling his drive was getting revenge on the man who put his family in that position Alessandro Giordano.
The way Salvatore saw things to get revenge he would take something Alessandro adored and destroy it. That something was his daughter Serafina.
Serafina has grown up with a very protective family. All she wants is to spread her wings and be free. So when she meets a strong powerful man who offers her exactly that opportunity she doesn’t think twice before accepting and becoming his wife. But is Salvatore the Knight in shining armour or is he a devil in disguise?
Is Serafina swapping one guilded cage for another? What happens if Salvatore’s plans for revenge change? If he falls for Serafina could he still use her in his plot for revenge against her father?
It was a gripping story that I couldn’t put down. The story was fast paced and flowed really well.
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brace yourself for a laugh out loud kind of read and these are characters that become friends ❣️📚
Bailey and Dayton are brother and sister . Bailey has flaws and Dayton has taken it upon himself to “ fix” her flaws which I get to a degree but at the same time I just want to clip him around the ear because live should be unconditional. Bailey works at a frozen yoghurt / ice cream parlor called Froyo , her work friend Marnie has a “ gift” she believes she can match up couples by their choice of frozen yogurt, ice cream and toppings and while I think she may have a magic touch she really had me in stitches at times and she’s a really good friend to Bailey 🫶🏼
Then there’s our local odd ball Tanner who I should say is a good reminder of do not judge a book by its cover , he’s actually a real sweetheart and quite easy on the eye 😉with a heart of gold and one of my favourites ❣️
When the parlour is in trouble they all stand together to save it , which says alot about our little Froyo family and it’s visitors ❣️
I loved that words like “ nincompoop “ are used 🤣I enjoyed copious amounts of frozen delights and their adds ons 🥰 and Bailey I love you just the way you are ! You are uniquely you flaws and all x
Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
So I really wanted to love this story but honestly it was a struggle for me. My biggest issue was the marriage between the two. She was sixteen and felt the wedding night felt like child porn. Blech! I skipped past this scene. The rest is very slow moving with broody characters. All the introspect and such was just not for me. I was also expecting a lot of mafia jazz and again its very minimal. The story focuses on the connection between the two. So after all that what did I like? The family development between the two rival families. This is a good love story with angsty moments. The secondary character I really got to know them more than just a little bit. I have read other nooks by this author and really enjoyed them but this one did not fit that bill for me.
If you want in depth characters with a lot of thinking in their heads this one’s for you. I am interested in Dante and Gi’s story.
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a good story that drew me in slowly. I think its the whole siblings running a vineyard and knowing all of their stories will be coming. I really liked Laurent. He seems down to earth, kind and easily forgives. I actually felt sorry for him different times throughout the story. Phoebe is so frustrating! She is so nice to him them leaves like a thief in the night time after time. Luckily for her that Laurent is a forever kind of guy and his heart is set on her.
The secondary characters are great. The town-folk to the siblings and friends. I feel there are some amazing upcoming stories. They all have a wonderful camaraderie with each other.
This is a good story that grew on me. At times it seemed a little slow and I admittedly skipped forward to the conversations when the author was scene setting or reminiscing with characters. I do look forward to more in this series.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brutal Nights was intense and angst-filled. It was full of love, spice, romance and dramatic. I loved following Damon and Sky’s story. Personally, I would read the stories/books in order for the best experience of the series.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first meet Angelo he just won my heart , this was my introduction “ Watching someone you love get their heart broken time after time and not being able to take away their pain is crippling.”
I could identify with him as a friend and as a parent I’ve been in this position but there’s so much more to this beautiful person ….
Angelo fell in love with Lucia at a very young age and their lives have been intertwined since childhood, they’re always together at school and at university but Angelo is older than her so his first and foremost role in her life is protector so naturally she wants him to be her first but he turns her down but girl his heart is in the right place 🤔🥰
Angelo has the voice of an angel but instead of following his heart to have a career in music he goes into the business world of accounting and he plays music on the side 🥰
Life throws Lucia a curveball and she heads home and home is not a place but a person Angelo receives her with open arms and is ready to walk a difficult journey with her … there’s loss , love , tears and some very real moments 🫶🏼
I loved how the families mould together and the love and support shared amongst them , I did get frustrated at times with Angelo and Lucia but the road to HEA is never going to be easy it 🤔 I loved every moment of being part of their journey and I’ll warn you in advance , keep the Kleenex stock on hand and make sure you have some comfort food ❣️📚😉
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have absolutely loved this entire series, honestly, enough that I will likely read again soon! I do not do that often, so that speaks volumes for this series and author!
Brutal Nights is a continuation of Damon and Sky’s story. I’m captivated from the very start with each book and this one was no different. There is so much drama, heat, and angst in this book, Damon and Sky might just be my favorite couple from this series. I am and always will be a sucker for the bully romance trope. Please, if you are a fan of this genre, do yourself a favor and read this series, you will not be disappointed!