Posts

Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is sports romance. It is the 2nd book in the Playing For Keeps series. It’s is an enjoyable read. I felt so sorry for Peyton. She starts the story finding out the guy she is dating is a married man and to keep this secret she is forced to pretend she is dating another member of the team Ryan.

Ryan has some preconceived ideas about who he things Peyton is. Namely just a women who threw herself at a famous baseball player just to make herself look good and hes not scared to tell her that.
Even though they hate each other they need to put on a good show to convince everyone they are a happy couple.
But what happens when pretending turns real. When anger and hate turned to attraction and want. Will Ryan see how wrong his impressions of Peyton are or will they continue to fight and push away from each other denying their attraction.

This is a story full of angst, friendship, and finding love when you least expect it.

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Gillian Fawell

/0 Comments/in /by

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit this book did not go in the direction I thought it would – the storyline is definitely original and kept me guessing throughout! So really it had a twist of mystery behind it as the characters were gradually built and little tidbits about them were revealed throughout. Jasmine and James have a unique story and one that I enjoyed reading – would recommend!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

View all my reviews

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Angela Shirley

/0 Comments/in /by

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Hunter Montgomery is heart broken and lost, losing a partner is always hard so when he is promoted in Chase Care to Chief Medical Office, he throws all he has at it, it becomes his life until one night in she comes throwing him off balance and re-evaluating his priorities.

Dr Selma Bryant sees him across the room, the guy who she has loved for years but the timing could not be the worst. Selma has agreed to take an assignment in Africa with Doctors without borders to help the current pandemic which is in full swing there but can she help reduce the virus without anything happening to her.

As things get hairy and Hunter and the team make there way to Africa to help, can they save the camp and Dr Bryant?

I love this author and her brilliant writing and character development. This is a spin off series from Chase Security and although this can be read as a stand-alone series, some characters and history maybe useful from reading the Chase Security but not essential.

I loved that the first book is Hunter’s stories, the way the story develops and unwinds is brilliant to read and will have you turning the pages to see what happens next in this thrilling book. Selma is a perfect Ying to Hunter’s character, and they compliment each other brilliantly, also with their back story you fell like you are in the story and following as a friend rather than a reader.

The twist and turns in this well written story will have you up wanting to read the next chapter and before you know it you are at the end of the book and in a huge emotional wreak. Thank you for adding this series to the Chase family and can’t wait to read more in the future.

Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jules Herbert

/0 Comments/in /by

Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Filled with wonderful characters, plenty of heart and some steamy moments this is a book you don’t want to miss. It is the second book in this particular series and can be read on its own and enjoyed but why do that when you could read more from this talented, creative author.
Peyton and Ryan really do not like each other when they first meet but they are then forced into faking a relationship that all too soon starts to feel very real. Neither of them actually wants a relationship which is why it is so much fun seeing them totally fall for each other. No path to true love runs smooth of course and the storyline created in this book is such fun to explore. Some of the side characters really had me wanting to kick their butt! I can’t wait for the next book in this fantastic series.

View all my reviews

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Monique Espitia

/0 Comments/in /by

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must be honest, I did not read the first book in this series. But trust me, I’m going back and reading it just so I can read “The Taste of Light” all over again!

Pedro is the classic dark, brooding, broken, antihero in the beginning of the story. You don’t know whether or not he will have the ability to get his stuff together. It’s pretty marginal. Anne, on the other hand, is everything light! Pedro spends a considerable amount of time trying to convince her that he is unredeemable. This leads to the most tender, heartbreaking, curse shouting, lovers angst you could imagine! As the reader, I couldn’t decide if I wanted Anne to kiss that man senseless or smother him in his sleep! Sometimes both at the same time, (but in which order???)

The story is amazing and the magnetism the two have is otherworldly. (insert swoon here) Happy Reading! Expect to stay up all night!

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Monique Espitia

/0 Comments/in /by

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has several popular tropes rolled into one. Enemies to lovers, second chances, to name a few. Lots of interesting twists and turns and you realize all is not what it seems as you follow Jasmine’s story. She is a hard worker who is giving her business everything she has. There is not time for her own happiness, as her company demands so much from her physically and mentally. Que her “best friend/business partner” who you just can’t help but dislike. She is inconsiderate to Jasmine’s feelings and all about herself. So when Jasmine realizes that the only man to spark a fire inside of her, a complete stranger at the time, is engaged to her bff she is stunned. Then she gets the “honor” of organizing both the engagement party and wedding! Sheesh! Jasmine can’t catch a break, yet, she doesn’t really put her foot down either. What is a girl to do? Read the story and find out more!

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and it was okay. The beginning seemed too fast paced for the plot. Towards the end it got better but seemed rushed due to the length of the book. Carmen and Patty were my favorites. I would’ve loved for the book to have been longer with more character development.

View all my reviews

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by April McCoy

/0 Comments/in /by

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A book of love that is not the standard make believe, wish it were real kind. This book was captivating, thrilling and impossible to put down! I spent too much time hoping and praying for the ending to be what I wanted and was enamoured by their love story! Definitely worth a read!!

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Robin Rankin

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Married Blind: A Marriage of Convenience Hollywood Romance (Kings of Screen Book 2)

What a read! I managed to read this while sick in between my naps and may have dropped my phone/kindle on my face once or twice.

I fell in love with Finn and Abi almost immediately. She would do anything to help her sister and he would do anything to save his career, but the reality shoe he gets roped into may be his limit.

Lots of laughs and colorful characters as well as some tears. Now that I have found these four men I have no intention of forgetting them.

View all my reviews

Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book #2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Angela Hayes

/0 Comments/in /by

Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

Throwing the Curve is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series by Lauren Fraser. It is a contemporary sports romance (baseball) with a bit of an enemies to lovers element, fake dating, finding love unexpectedly, opposites attract, friendship, team dynamics, drama, chemistry, and angst.
This is Ryan and Peyton’s story, and although I liked the premise of the story, it didn’t ‘blow me away’ like I had hoped it would. And as with the last instalment, I thought it was an ok read- again, this just missed the mark or me.
I really had trouble connecting with the characters, and so that prevented me from fully immersing in the story and/or investing in the characters and the outcome of their tale. I have also read similar stories in the past, which made this quite predictable.
But, having said that, if you are looking for a quick and easy sports romance that has just enough angsty drama to keep things moving, then this might be the book for you.
The series contains:
-Too Far (Book #1)
-Everything to Me (Book #2)
-Throwing the Curve (Book #3)
-Sliding Home (Book #4)  (releasing in July 2023)

Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lauren Fraser.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Ayla Phipps

/0 Comments/in /by

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first book in the Winemakers series, The True Purpose of Vines, I was hooked on Giovanna Siniscalchi’s amazing work. This book like the first has a dual perspective, Anne Maxwell, the younger sister of Griffin from book one, and Pedro Daun, who was also first introduced in the first book.
Anne is a kind, sweet and naïve girl in the beginning, looking for her happily ever after. Pedro is in part a villain in the beginning of the book, running from a past that has haunted him for more than a decade. When first meeting Anne knew nothing of who Pedro was but could see something in his eyes that said she found her person. Pedro did the only thing he could do; he took her with him to protect her from the guilt of his past. A wild journey across the country, each fighting their own battles within them while running for their lives. Over the course of this beautifully written book the author immerses the reader in the story, leading the characters to not only enter your heart but to steal it away. Anne shows an unimaginable amount of kindness and an unwavering determination to break down Pedro’s walls and show him love. The way she deals with the violence and takes everything in turn never altering who she is, is admirable. In turn Pedro finds that he not only craves her touch but that she has became his very breath giving him life. When the sins of his past threatens to soil the pureness of her soul.
Will Pedro allow Anne into his heart? How will Anne deal with the truth of his past? Is love truly strong enough to overcome all? Once again, the author builds not only an amazing world, but her characters leap off the page filling your heart with their story. I couldn’t help but route for Pedro and Anne, not only for him to overcome the sins of his past but for Anne to be at his side the entire way. I am officially hooked on Giovanna Siniscalchi, I went too long without her beautiful work. The third book in the Winemakers series, The Truth about Myths comes out September 20th, 2023, and I already have a countdown to see where this world goes next.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Julie Johnson

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abi is pretty deep in debt due to her sister’s cancer diagnosis. Unsure of how to pay all these bills, a friend suggests to Abi to apply for the Married Blind television show. Abi thinks about and decides she really has nothing to lose. For 3 months she is going to hang out with a complete stranger who she’ll be married too. However, should she choose, she can walk away at the end and still get paid.

Finn is a television celebrity who’s had his share of scandal and controversy. The solution to repairing his reputation, according to his agent, is to secretly join the show Married Blind and get married. They’ll keep things on the down low while the show is taping and then once they’ve had time to get to know each other somewhat, they can go public. Finn’s not the least bit thrilled with this idea but knows he needs to do something to save his career.

Is it love at first sight? The attraction is there but not sure one could say it was love. Join Finn and Abi as they learn to be husband and wife while just meeting for the first time at the alter. Bonus feature is that Finn is Irish and his friends are all European. The author is also British and uses language from that part of the world. I learned a few new terms! This book is spicy and full of a story of love and redemption.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Christie Mitchum

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not usually a fan of Hollywood romances, but I decided to give this one a try since I have read Morgana Bevan before and LOVED her writing! She didn’t disappoint me in the slightest! It was a 5-star read for me!

Abi and Finn are very engaging and complicated characters. I wasn’t too much of a fan of Finn’s in the beginning, but I came to love him by the end of the book. I think I sort of felt like Abi did as she walked down the aisle to meet him for the very first time. He was very sexy and gorgeous to look at, but as soon as he opened his mouth, it didn’t matter how sexy he was. As each chapter progressed, Bevan kept giving me glimpses of him. He wasn’t such a bad guy, just a guy who had been hurt and was afraid of Abi hurting him as every other woman had done. And, Abi, who wouldn’t love her? She was a strong, strong woman who had been dealt some bad cards in life, but she never gave up. Her strength was inspiring, and I loved her relationship with her sister! Because the chapters were told from both Finn’s and Abi’s POV, I was really given an insight into who they were. That was why I opened my heart to Finn! I just kept hoping he would finally open his eyes and not let her slip through his fingers!

There are so many movie star romances out there and that may be why I’m not such a huge fan! However, Bevan really made this one stand out. First, it wasn’t just a movie star romance, it had to do with being on a reality show as well. Second, the book starts with marriage instead of ending with marriage. The question is…will this marriage last? I highly recommend you read this little gem to find out. I don’t think you will be disappointed, and the icing on the cake, Bevan gives us just a little hint of what is coming in the next book, and it appears that it is going to be just as good!

View all my reviews

Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Fear Inc.: Volume ThreeFear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love the cover, simple yet effective or maybe it’s just the model and lighting. This is the third book and it is a standalone. These books centres on the men who work at a security firm Fear Inc. What more could you ask for with a best friend’s sister, frenemies to lovers, close proximity, second chance romance trope.
This is Kasper “Gutter Mouth” and Krysta’s story where the chemistry is sizzling hot but not before all the angst and pain has poured out.
He threw her away. He broke her. She can’t stand him for all the hurt he has caused or does she? She was nothing more than a dirty little secret. Well she doesn’t need him. Now it was suddenly all too late.
He doesn’t do love. They all know the score. He drops them like hot cakes and moves on. He can be an ar%ehole. Until HER but he threw her away and he broke HER. Now his worst nightmare was happening right in front of him and he can’t do anything to stop it. All he knows is that he will stop at nothing to get her back.
It is a quick and easy read that is action packed and one that has you wanting more.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Stephanie Chapman

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Married Blind is a slow-burn romance featuring Finn Mcarthy and Abi Johnson. Finn’s agent insists he participates in a reality show that has celebrities marry normal people. Begrudgingly, he agrees. Abi’s sister, Eva, and best friend, Roseline, send her the application to join the show. Abi agrees because of the promised money that would help pay off her sister’s medical bills. Interspersed throughout the story are interviews from Tyler. Finn adamantly skirts around the questions. When Abi is surprised to see she is being married to Finn, she decides she will try to make the relationship work. Finn has already decided that after the three months of the show, he would get a divorce and possibly get more work. However, the honeymoon in Bora Bora seems to show Finn and Abi that Tyler had intentionally exploited some of Abi’s fears to force them to interact. Finn was initially attracted to Abi, and he fights the feelings. Abi doesn’t know when Finn is being himself or acting.

This was a great unpredictable romance book. The involvement of the reality show and the various obstacles the couple faces mix comedy, and steamy moments to keep any reader’s interest. The end of the book had me in tears.

View all my reviews

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Felicia Bates

/0 Comments/in /by

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ve read a couple other books by this author but as a nurse that loves military and medical themes, I couldn’t pass up this book. It’s the first in a series that follows the main characters Hunter and Selma. It’s longer than a lot of books I read but overall, it kept my attention from start to finish. There were parts that reminded me of a military/medical show I used to watch a couple years ago while still feeling unique and not a “rip off” of something else. There were a couple times I found myself frustrated with the characters, specifically Selma but overall, they were likable. I do like that this is part of a series and I will read more from the author.

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Vanessa Estrada

/0 Comments/in /by
Vanessa Estrada rated a book it was amazing

less than a minute ago
My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats

My Pearl Heart

by J.N. Sheats (Goodreads Author)
First off, just wanted to say that I really loved the writing style. It was super easy and enjoyable for me to read. Second, this book made me feel all the feels. I really got invested in the characters. At first I was iffy about it, since she was betraying her friend and James was cheating!! But it all got resolved so it’s ok. Recommend this book as a quick sweet palate cleanser.

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Emmye Marihugh

/0 Comments/in /by

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a stand alone great novel. I have to admit there are a lot of phrases and words I didn’t get and I had to google. I still don’t completely comprehend all of it and for that I have it a 4 star review. I didn’t feel lost as far as the story line went. The characters are great and very in depth. I’m not a very cultured person but I really enjoyed getting an insight on foreign country’s history. Even if it wasn’t based on a real story. I would definitely read more of Giovanna Siniscalchi.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tia Martel

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abi is too busy for dating. So when an opportunity to get married instead of dating falls into her lap, she takes it. Takes the break from work, and takes a break from all the stress in her life. Or as much stress as you can when cameras are on you and you’re new marriage.

Finn has messed up one too many times and now, at the push of his agent, he has to get married. On tv. To a stranger.

For an actor, playing the loving husband on camera for three months is nothing, right? Except, Abi seems like the perfect woman for Finn. So now? He’s struggling to find balance between tv and reality and holding on to his heart.

I devoured this book. It’s basically everything I love in a quirky billionaire never-met-before romance. Toss in a hunk with an accent and it’s swoon worthy. It was fun, witty, sarcastic and an absolute blast to read. Every attempt to make it last longer didn’t happen and I was done in a day. I’m excited for more in this series of stories for sure.

View all my reviews

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Katie Turner

/0 Comments/in /by

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi is the second book to the Winemakers series. I have to say this book was absolutely beautiful in every way. From the setting of Portugal 1872 to the character growth of Pedro, who is previously portrayed as a bad guy. I really loved Anne. She is not just a proper lady who teaches Tony English, but also has the ability to be tough when required. These characters have so much depth and layers, along with the plotline. I absolutely implore you to give this story, as well as the previous book ‘The True Purpose of Vines’, a chance if you love a good historical romance. The author has a fantastic way of ensnaring you into her writing and helping you visualize everything as you read along.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finn McCarthy needed to do the reality show to salvage his professional image. Abigail Johnson was working three jobs to help pay for her sister’s medical bills. What could possibly go wrong with marrying a complete stranger and the next three months together being filmed for the world to watch? An entertaining read that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

View all my reviews

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Juls Dick

/0 Comments/in /by

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Handle with Care is the first book in the Chase Care series by R.L Dunn. I have read all of the previous series and loved them. I was not disappointed by this book. Hunter and Selma are deeply in love after getting a second chance with each other later in life. When Selma has a sudden surprise she flees to Africa as part of a relief effort but she is not aware of the danger she will be in. This is a fantastic book, fast paced, exciting and full of intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait until book 2 comes out. I recommend to fans of romantic suspense.

View all my reviews

The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Ayla Phipps

/0 Comments/in /by

The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. (The Winemakers Book 1)The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Giovanna Siniscalchi. The title grabbed my attention, and I found the synopsis interesting. Personally, I don’t usually read historical romance books, but I was intrigued, and the author did not disappoint. Taking place in Portugal in 1870 this book has dual perspectives. Winemaker Julia Costa, who is out to prove that a woman in this time can make wine not only as good as a man but better. And Griffin Maxwell a proper Englishman who recently inherited his uncle’s vineyard. As a favor to his boss, he checks in on the investment he made to Julia’s late husband.
The two main characters have one main thing in common, their main goal is to provide for their families no matter what. Julia has a 7-year-old son named Tony, as well as her Aunt Rosario and cousin Amelia living with her. Griffin has his mother and younger sister Anne that he is providing for. Griffin has one main goal to give his family the security they have not had since he was 17, in this pursuit he wants to become partners with his boss Mr. Croft. Croft on the other hand has another plan, he doesn’t want Griffin as a partner but as a son. Shocked by this Griffin initially is taken aback but at 31 years old he knew it was time he should marry, and this would give his family their security and status back. Julia’s main goal is to become the best vineyard, to bring wine into the future no longer selling wine by unmarked vats and barrels but glass bottles, marked with her vineyard showing proudly that the wine is from her lands. An intense initial meeting leads to Julia and Griffin at odds, until a mysterious plague threatens to destroy everything, forcing them to work together.
Will they solve the mysterious plague killing the vineyards? Who will Griffin marry? Will Julia’s secret valley be successful? The world that author creates is beautiful, with some humor sprinkled in this was an amazing read. Such diverse characters in a historical time were refreshing to read about and see how they overcame every hurtle before them. I can’t wait to read book two The Taste of Light, the main characters are Anne Maxwell, Griffin’s little sister, and Pedro Daun, who was mentioned by Aunt Rosario as a perfect match for Amelia.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Married Blind: A Marriage of Convenience Hollywood Romance is the second book in the Kings of Screen series. This can be read as a standalone book. Abi barely keeps afloat with her bills and helps her sister out. Finn, a notorious playboy, needs to rehab his image to save his career. The two come together on a reality show where they must marry and play nice for three months. Of course, nothing good comes easy, but there is a HEA.
I enjoyed the characters of Abi and Finn. I am not a fan of reality shows, but I might have watched if this was an actual show. The two are good together with their banter and tension. I enjoyed the difference in their backgrounds and that they were not both Hollywood types or a normal Joe. The contrast helped with bringing the two together. I enjoyed this book and will be checking out more from this author.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Santana Hicks

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abi and Finn both sign up for a TV show called ‘Married Blind’. Basically they were to get legally married and stay together for 3 months being recorded along the way. After the 3 months are up, the couple are asked if they want to divorce or stay married.

Abi was doing it for the money to pay off her bills (with a slight hope of finding Mr. Right) while Finn, an actor, was doing it to up his image after a previous scandal.

Finn was going in with walls up. He could play the loving husband in front of the cameras but vowed to not get attached. With his emotions all over the place, Abi had no idea what was real and what was acting. One thing was clear though. The sexual tension was undeniable. Finn was having trouble staying away from Abi who seemed to be the perfect fit for him. A person can only deny their true feelings for so long before a line is crossed.

This book was an emotional ride. It made me smile, it made me cry. Meanwhile there was a lot of steam between the couple. I was not expecting the amount of spice in the book after reading the synopsis but boy, I am not complaining! I am not usually a fan of romance without a fantasy aspect to it but I really enjoyed this one! The author did a really good job portraying the emotions of both characters. Highly recommend reading this one!

View all my reviews

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

/0 Comments/in /by

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pedro Daun, the Count of Almoster, has shut himself away from the rest of the world in his winemaking property. Feeling bitter over the loss of his bride to another man, an Englishman whom he hates, he drinks port in the hopes that he will be able to forget his painful past.

Anne Maxwell has recently moved to Douro to help her sister-in-law and is hoping to meet the perfect man with all the qualities she seeks. When Anne arrives at the home of Pedro it turns both of their world’s upside down.

Pedro and Anne appear to be exact opposites of one another. Pedro is abrasive and has been jaded by his past. Anne is naïve and yearning for unconditional love. When fate throws the two of them together as they outrun one of Pedro’s enemies, Pedro and Anne learn more about each other. She sees a softer, gentler side of Pedro that others have not seen, and knows that he too is yearning to be loved. Pedro sees Anne as an angel and although he yearns to be with her, he fears that he will ruin her with his sordid past.

This book was beautifully written, and the details were exquisite. Each scene was written so vividly that it felt as though you were there with the characters in that time, and at that place. The characters of Pedro and Anne were masterfully written. Pedro seemed harsh, cold, bitter, and cruel at first glance but as the story unfolded, we learn more about what he has endured and why he is that way. His pain, his, suffering, and his trauma, have all helped to shape him into the man he is. Underneath that cold exterior beats the heart of a man who yearns to be loved but is terrified of being hurt again. Anne comes across as naïve, and oblivious to the harshness of the outside world. Yet, as her story unfolds, we learn that there is much more to her than we think and that she is courageous and strong when necessary. Beautiful love story like no other!

View all my reviews@tarab

A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Lisa Helmick

/0 Comments/in /by

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok I had a lot of feelings about this book. I liked the idea of it. I struggled at times with the ages vs actions of the two main characters. She seemed very childish one min then adult-ish the next. He seemed amused about his bride then became sullen. The storyline rolls along nicely but at times it felt too slow. I stuck it out and decided I was glad I did as the ending is kinda fun.

Overall this would be a good story for a younger audience. I think they could identify a bit with both main characters. There is some nice humor in here. I did have a good feeling after finishing the last page.

View all my reviews

Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

/0 Comments/in /by

Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Underboss’s Retaliation is a dark mafia romance about enemy families. Dominic is the new underboss of the Larussio family. The Larussio family is trying to retaliate against the De Rosa family ever since they attacked and killed a handful of people from their family at a wedding. While Dominic is getting his revenge on the De Rosa’s, they capture the boss’s daughter. Emelia De Rosa is an educated female, but very much hidden from the work of her father’s life. She was taught how to somewhat protect herself, but not enough. She is feisty, and Dominic is highly attracted to that. While she tries to escape, she realizes that she is highly attracted to Dominic as well. The two of them know that this match can not happen, but can they resist each other? What does this mean for Emelia – she is the prisoner and the enemy’s daughter?
I enjoyed this book very much. I love a good dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers trope. I thought the story was quickly moving which kept my interest. The main characters were also loveable, even Dominic. Dominic is demanding, strong, and a little possessive, but also has respect for women. He shows a lot of honesty in her presence when he can. This mafia family takes care of their own which allows Emelia to feel pretty safe, even when she shouldn’t. Emelia is a great character. She is feisty, smart, and witty, but also very understanding. She also shows how much family means to her and that she too is willing to protect family, if they are deserving of it. This is the second of the series that I have read and probably will continue to follow the story.

View all my reviews

A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Jess Dimmock

/0 Comments/in /by

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really great medieval tale! The female lead is strong without tragedy, and the male lead doesn’t have that “Prince Charming” attitude where you want to reach into the novel and slap him.
Through the novel we get to see so much character growth without it being shoved in your face and lots of characters that aren’t what they seem. The world building is beautifully done and the adversity of the situation is done so well without bogging down the story in a constant feeling of depression! This is just an all-around tale written so well I put it on par with the likes of Tamorah Pierce. I think this one should be that book people will talk about and recommend to all their friends with teens and pre-teens, or even adults just looking for a feel-good read!

View all my reviews

Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Terrific sports romance. Peyton dumps first class loser for an all-star. Peyton finds herself in a predicament with Ryan and has to go through fake dating with him for a bit. This story was quite entertaining because deny it (as they tried), the chemistry was there. They fell in love. The drama, hijinks, and watching Andy get whats coming to him is worth it. My favorite part is seeing Ryan help at the center. These two are wonderful. It’s a book worth reading. There’s action, baseball, and loads of fun. The characters are exciting. The writing is modern and keeps you engaged.

View all my reviews