Meet Again ~ Review

Meet Again

By Abi Sabina

Four years ago, the plans they had been making came to a sudden halt. He left everything they had behind before they had a chance to make a future together. But now he is back in town, and she has to work with him to create a special day for their soon-to-be-married best friends. 

When Hudson Remington set aside what he wanted to follow his parents scripted plans for his life, he lost the only woman he ever loved. Lex never was good enough for his parents, and he managed to let them come between them, but now he's back, and he'll do anything for s second chance with her. 

But Lex isn't sure she wants to take a second chance at a twice-broken heart, especially if he will return to New York and walk out of her life again.

Meet Again is a book of second chances, and not all second chances are of the romantic kind. Everyone knows Lex and Hudson are perfect for each other. But getting there will be the problem when hearts are on the line. Can they get past everything that has pushed them apart to get to their happily-ever-after? Or are they fated for another heartbreak?

This is a sweet, clean read that finds everyone rooting for true love to have its day. Now the unhappy-no-longer-a-couple just has to give love a chance. Easier said than done, and Lex isn't planning on talking anytime soon.

If you are looking for an easy-to-read romance that will fit into your purse and fill those free minutes you may have during the upcoming summer holiday, this is the one that you'll want with you. Sweet but not sweet tea sweet, with a touch of comedy (there is an incident with pie), and clean reading - this one has everything you need to enjoy it, and it will be a guilt-free pleasure.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Release Date: May 5, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Clean

About the Book:

I should've known I couldn't avoid seeing Hudson Remington again for the rest of my life, especially when we share best friends who are getting married.

Does that mean I'm prepared to run into him? Nope. Not one bit. I am less prepared when my best friend requests he and I plan a joint bachelor party. Of course, I'd be stuck with the man who broke my heart. Why would the universe stop at a simple encounter?

It would be a piece of cake if Hudson returned to New York and stopped taking over the streets of our hometown. Instead, he decides it's time for a walk down memory lane.

I refuse to get caught up in everything that is Hudson. From his tailored suits to his dazzling smile and coffee delivery, the man yells trouble for my heart. A second chance is not part of my plans, but it seems said heart has other ideas. I don't think I'll recover from another Hudson-heartbreak.

Only $0.99 (Also available in Kindle Unlimited) https://amzn.to/3GcvY60

An Unfamiliar Duke ~ Review with Giveaway

An Unfamiliar Duke

Georgian Gentlemen #4

By Sian Bessey 

For the last ten years, Rosalind Ainsworth and Sebastian Lumley have not set eyes upon one another, and now there are just weeks until their arranged marriage is to take place. The contract their fathers put into place nearly twenty-one years ago is unbreakable, no matter what Rosalind or Sebastian might wish.

About to marry a woman he doesn't know, Sebastian is compelled to return to London, taking an opportunity to get to know her in the short time they have left before her twenty-first birthday. But can the future that neither wanted be the one they have long desired?

Sebastian has spent many an hour tinkering away with calculations and detailed schematics, helping inventors perfect their designs and bring them into actualization. Getting lost for hours amongst his work will no longer work - not if he wants more than a cold shoulder or an icy glance from his wife. 

Rosalind is more than a pretty face and a rich dowry. But getting anyone to know her for herself is impossible, especially when they hide themselves away for hours at a time. All she wants is to not be closed out of her husband's life. 

I really like the opening scene for this book as it sets the entire book on its course at least as far a Rosalind and Sebastian's relationship is concerned. But how do you get past childhood impressions? This is the task before these two as they navigate a world in which they never had a choice. Is love a feeling or a decision? This is what they both must decide for themselves.

An Unfamiliar Duke is the fourth book in the Georgian Gentlemen series and can easily be read as a standalone title. I highly recommend this book as it a good book-cation away from the everyday when you just need a little break or some me-time.

I was provided a copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One Fine Day ~ Review

One Fine Day

Hearts Bend Collection #1

By Rachel Hauck

 and Carrie Padgett

Chloe LaRue feels at loose ends with her husband's death, leaving her life in Paris behind and returning to her childhood home to help out her mother. She never expected to become the manager and head baker of her hometown bakery. Nor did she expect to be working for her teen love.

Sam Hardy wanted nothing to do with Hearts Bend, his father, or his bad memories, but he is now part-owner of Haven's Bakery and boss to his teenage crush. Add to this that his football career is in jeopardy thanks to his ACL injury, and his life is not where he wants it to be. At least reconnecting with Chloe is an unexpected bonus.

Could this be a second chance at their first love? A chance to move past the pain of the past?

This is a sweet story that you will want to add to your Summer TBR, whether you are enjoying a staycation or one away from your everyday. So take a trip to Hearts Bend, TN, with this new release from Sunrise Publishing. And be sure to have a tasty sweet treat near at hand to satisfy the cravings this book is sure to inspire.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

All she wants is a fresh start…

Chloe Beason LaRue left Hearts Bend after high school, determined to never look back. She shed her unrequited crush on Sam Hardy, moved to Paris, went to pastry school, found a good job, fell in love, and got married. She was happy in France. Then her husband tragically died. Now, Chloe just wants to move forward…but when her mom’s health is in jeopardy, Chloe heads right back to Hearts Bend where she’s hired as head baker for Haven’s, the premier bakery in town. She has no idea that moving home will push her right into the arms of the man who broke her heart.

He’s not looking to fall in love…

Tennessee Titans quarterback Sam Hardy has too many broken memories in Hearts Bend to Return. But when he’s sidelined by an injury, he desperately needs to invest in something to safeguard his future. Haven’s Bakery is up for sale—and his business partner believes the deal is too good to pass up. He has no idea that the owners have hired the one girl he can’t seem to forget…and the last thing he expects is to be her boss.

But it’s a recipe for romance…

Back in Hearts Bend for the first time in ten years and thrown together at Haven’s Bakery, Chloe and Sam have a second chance at first love. Indeed, the more time Sam spends selling pastries, the more he sees a new future. But when Paris beckons Chloe back, where does her heart belong? Can they find the recipe for leaving regrets behind and start something new?

Escape to Hearts Bend for a sweet story of romance, faith, and an unexpected happy ending.

Be sure to enter the Giveaway taking place on Instagram. Visit my account for more information and to enter.

The Element of Love ~ Review

The Element of Love

The Lumber Baron's Daughters #1

By Mary Connealy

The Stiles daughters are unique and unusual for the world they live in. Raised by their parents to inherit and run their father's lumber dynasty, their greatest assets are their minds, and to survive on their own and thwart their stepfather's plans, they will need them.

Welcome to 1872 California and the first book in The Lumber Baron's Daughters. In this book, we aren't given a lot of backstory. What we do know is that Michelle, Jilly, and Laura Stiles have to leave in the dead of the night, taking a treacherous and life-threatening path down the mountain that they call home. And to help facilitate their escape, their mother, Margaret, will do what she has to, even if it puts her in danger. More than a year ago, Margaret married Edgar and soon regretted the biggest mistake of her life - marrying a monster in disguise. To rescue their mother and to take control of the dynasty their father built, all three girls must marry to come into their inheritance - one-third share of the business. But can they find men of worth to marry in a hurry? Only time will tell.

This book focuses on the youngest daughter Laura and her quest to find a husband, and she seemingly has the least reservations of the three sisters about this plan. And at her urging, the three join up with a mission group seeking to bring aid to the families of those trapped by the lure of gold's tantalizing promises. This in itself proved to be an adventure itself as normal "womanly" tasks hadn't been a part of their upbringing.

Overall I found this to be an intriguing and interesting story, and I look forward to seeing exactly what happens next with Michelle and Jilly. And as to what exactly happens with Laura, did she marry? If she did, did she regret her choice as her mother did with Edgar? For those answers, you are going to have to read the book. This book has plenty of moments of intensity that will keep you reading late into the night with the oft thought sentiment, "Just one more chapter," so plan accordingly.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She mixed danger, desperation, and deception together. Love was not the expected outcome.

With their sharp engineering minds, Laura Stiles and her two sisters have been able to deal with their mother's unfortunate choice in husband until they discovered his plans to marry each of them off to his lecherous friends. Now they must run away--far and fast--to find better matches to legally claim their portion of their father's lumber dynasty and seize control from their stepfather.

During their escape, Laura befriends a mission group heading to serve the poor in California. She quickly volunteers herself and her sisters to join their efforts. Despite the settlement being in miserable condition, the sisters are excited by the opportunity to put their skills to good use. Laura also sees potential in Caleb, the mission's parson, to help with gaining her inheritance. But when secrets buried in Caleb's past and in the land around them come to light, it'll take all the smarts the sisters have to keep trouble at bay.

Her Amish Springtime Miracle ~ Spotlight with Excerpt and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Her Amish Springtime Miracle by Winnie Griggs, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Her Amish Springtime Miracle 

Series: Hope's Haven #2 

Author: Winnie Griggs 

Publisher: Grand Central/Forever 

Release Date: May 24, 2022 

Genre: Christian Amish Romance 

In this delightful and heartwarming novel, an orphaned baby brings together an unlikely couple who learn the true meaning of family. 

When Hannah Eicher discovered sweet baby Grace in her barn last spring, the adorable infant seemed like the answer to her prayers. The young Amish baker has always wanted a familye of her own and now that she’s fostered Grace for nearly a year, her adoption application is almost certain to be approved. But an unexpected visitor to Hope’s Haven could change everything… 

Englischer paramedic Mike Colder is only returning to his childhood hometown to locate and adopt his late sister’s baby. But when the trail leads to Hannah and Grace, Mike’s determination falters. With Hannah, the simple life he left behind suddenly seems appealing. Despite their wildly different worlds, can Mike and Hannah give each other—and Grace—the greatest gift of all: a life together? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Also in this series

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Excerpt

Did she know she had a smudge of flour on her cheek? Even though he thought she looked

absolutely adorable, he couldn’t resist reaching up to brush it away.

As soon as his hand touched her face, sensations jolted through him with the force of a

flashover—sudden, overwhelming, undeniable.

She felt it too. He could see it in the way her eyes widened and darkened, in the sound of her

breath catching in her throat. For that moment in time everything shifted.

They weren’t Amish and English.

They weren’t Ohioan and Missourian.

They were just a man and a woman.

And standing right here in his mother’s kitchen, he wanted nothing more than to take her in

his arms.

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About the Author

Winnie Griggs is the multi-published, award-winning author of romances that focus on small towns, big hearts, and amazing grace. Her work has won a number of regional and national awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Winnie grew up in southeast Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. Eventually, she found her own Prince Charming, and together they built a storybook happily-ever-after, one that includes four now-grown children who are all happily pursuing adventures of their own. When not busy writing, she enjoys cooking, browsing estate sales, and solving puzzles. She is also a list maker, a lover of exotic teas, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.

Connect with Winnie: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a print copy of Her Amish Wedding Quilt (Hope's Haven #1), an insulated book lover mug, a dragonfly bookmark, a home-sweet-home figurine, and a pocket nail file!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 17, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 24, 2022. US/CAN only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize (*winner may select an alternative title from the author's backlist if necessary). Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Old Loves Die Hard ~ Review with Giveaway

Old Loves Die Hard

A Mac Faraday Mystery #2

By Lauren Carr

Mac Faraday's life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when his ex-wife "drops in" on his new life. Just over a year ago, his wife left him for the promise of a better life, one that had more money attached to it. And on the day his divorce from Christine was finalized, Mac inherited millions from his biological mother. And now she's back seeking a second chance. But Mac has moved on, and instead of inviting Christine back into his life, he puts her up for the night at the Spencer Inn. And now he is about to become suspect number one in her suspicious death and the murder of the man she left him for. 

As Mac, Archie Monday, and the Spencer police force seek answers, more bodies start turning up. And there is an interesting and unexplained link to several past murder cases. And someone seems determined to keep Mac from discovering the answers he seeks, and they are more than willing to permanently silence his questions.

Now I enjoyed this book in the audio format, which was narrated by James C. Lewis. I found the narration to be well done, though I did play it back 1.4 times its normal playback speed. I listened to it at the pace I would have been reading it in print. At the default speed, this book comes in at less than 8 hours of listening - perfect for a week of commuting, exercise, or chores. 

I do have to admit Gnarly is my favorite character - I just love all the antics and trouble he gets into. I mean, who wouldn't want to inherit a German Shepherd with a knack for committing crimes on a regular basis? And a dishonorable discharge in his past? Gnarly is a unique and memorable character who, in my opinion, makes the series what it is.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In Old Loves Die Hard, Carr picks up where she left off in It’s Murder, My Son. Mac Faraday is settling nicely into his new life at Spencer Manor when his ex-wife Christine shows up—and she wants him back! Before Mac can send her packing, Christine and her estranged lover are murdered in Mac’s private penthouse suite at the Spencer Inn, the five-star resort built by his ancestors.

The investigation leads to the discovery of case files for some of Mac’s murder cases in the room of the man responsible for destroying his marriage. Why would his ex-wife’s lover come to Spencer to dig into Mac’s old cases?


With the help of his new friends on Deep Creek Lake, Mac must use all of his detective skills to clear his name and the Spencer Inn’s reputation before its five stars—and more bodies—start dropping.

"The plot gave a touch of crime drama to this cozy without losing the cozy charm. ... There is suspense and twists that keep the pages turning. ... I think Ms. Carr is just hitting her stride and I suspect that we shall see each new book surpass the last." -- review by Ariel Heart, Mystery and My Musings

"As in any good who-done-it, there are red herrings and plot complications in Old Loves Die Hard and fans of mysteries and police procedurals will get a kick out of Lauren Carr's books." - review by David M. Kinchen, Huntington News

Giveaway

Prizes: ​ $50 PayPal Gift Card courtesy of 

Lauren Carr, author of SHADOW OF MURDER

(ends July 1)

SHADOW OF MURDER (Mac Faraday Mysteries) Tour Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title: Old Loves Die Hard by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 2)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 318 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  April 23, 2011
Content Rating: PG-13 - Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language. No F-Bombs

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Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors. Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

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Tour Schedule can be found here

Games in a Ballroom ~ Review

Games in a Ballroom

By Jentry Flint

Emerson Latham has been subtly courting Olivia Wilde. There's just one little problem Olivia has no idea that he has been doing so. No, she thinks his one offered dance at each ball they attend is because they used to be neighbors, and he is asking out of pity. Somehow he needs to redouble his efforts so that she realizes that she is the only one for him, and he needs to do so before her father manages to snag a titled gentleman who needs his money.

The only plan Emerson can come up with is to play an elaborate game of It while they and their friends spend their nights among society. But playing it while dancing and mingling amongst the ton, can they hope to pull such a thing off while keeping everyone else, especially their parents, oblivious to their antics? 

Games in a Ballroom is a mostly fun read, except when Liv's father is in a scene. Uncouth brute doesn't do him justice, and one can't but hope that he is frustrated in his attempts to move up the social ladder on his daughter's shoulders. And I love how Emerson's friends stick by him as he works through his new responsibilities following his father's death, helping him to not lose himself and aiding him in his attempts to win Liv's heart. I wouldn't mind a book or two that focuses on Bradbury and/or Northcott - the glimpses from this book were intriguing. Games in a Ballroom is one book you will want to add to your TBR pile, especially if you love historical, Victorian-era romance. Let the Games commence!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, if only to increase his own standing and reputation in society. But the men her father deems acceptable are, at best, boring and uninspiring, and at worse, are as brutish as her father and are only looking to increase their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including the handsome Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after the death of his father. Though he might still be learning what he needs to do as the head of his household, one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. However, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the season kicks off, Emerson proposes a bit of fun with a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is more wary. After all, the game must be played in secret, and they must be discreet when tagging each other at dinners and balls and the theater. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s father, who has an explosive and, at times, violent temper.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?