No Match for Love ~ Release Day Review

Today is the day that No Match for Love will be released, 

and I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts about this book with you.

No Match For Love
By Karen Thornell

Lucas Berkeley has vowed to never marry for love. It's the only way to protect himself from the pain of losing someone dear to him. He knows that pain and since that has walled up his heart. Unfortunately, Lydia Faraway has unexpectedly and without effort gotten through his first layer of defense.

Lydia just wants the chance to live her life. After her parents' death when she was 5 she's been hidden away at isolated estate. But now at 23 her guardian has decreed that she will wed. Thrust into London society, Lydia finds herself at a loss, longing to leave the boredom of society behind. Though a cup of spilled punch proves unexpectedly advantageous when she meets Lord Berkeley.

This is lovely book as two people shaped by loss and pain navigate the expectations of both society and family. Mixed into the blend is an attempt to better the lives of those who are overworked and struggling to support their families on miserly pay. This book focuses mainly on the internal thoughts of Lydia and Lucas as they navigate their feelings for each other, their situations, and their day-to-day interactions with those around them. There are hints of potential romance, mystery, and danger that keep the book interesting and attention holding. Perfect reading for those who prefer their romance clean and sweet.

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:

Lucas Berkeley has a secret—one he cannot risk anyone discovering. After all, a future marquess belongs in drawing rooms, not underground boxing circles. Yet, with a painful past and a need to control every aspect of his life, it is his only outlet. And when his brother begins to court the one woman who could ruin everything, Lucas needs the secret diversion more than ever.

Lydia Faraday is exhausted from living a life in which she has no say. When her taciturn guardian drags her to London, intent on marrying her off, she determines to thwart his plans. If she is to have freedom in any aspect of her existence, it ought to be with whom she marries. And when a solicitor turns up with new information, she thinks that just might be possible. Or it may complicate her future further.

When Lucas and Lydia become entangled in a dangerous scheme, they cannot help but become closer, even as the obstacles between them grow. The last thing either is looking for is love. But their hearts have different plans.

About the Author:

Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

Coming Soon ~ Cornered

 Cornered 

by Lynette Eason, 

Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

is coming to a shelf near you on November 19, 2024!

Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off

the MSRP and FREE shipping!

About Cornered

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Stephanie Holton is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, disillusioned chef Cassie Quinn is picking up the pieces in her hometown of Gossamer Falls. When an opportunity to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort comes her way, she can’t refuse. But when someone in the cutthroat kitchen staff takes things too far, Cassie will need the help of Detective Donovan Bledsoe to find out who is behind the threats if she’s ever going to find true peace—or true love.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young has finally settled into her new life in Texas when she starts getting disturbing phone calls in the middle of the night—and the distinct feeling that someone is watching her. Former detective Briggs Turner steps in to help the intriguing Hawaiian woman, but this web of obsession is far more tangled than either of them realize. Who is the real threat? And how will Briggs face the future if he loses Lahela?

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor ~ Review

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
By Roseanna M. White

This is an enjoyable and delightful retelling of The Nutcracker. The key elements of the story are there but they woven into the story so artfully that if you are not aware of it beforehand you may not notice it.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home at Plumford Manor, especially at Christmas time when she helps transform it into Sugar Plum Manor. Unfortunately as the stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, she'll never inherit her belief home. No it will be passing to distant relative of the earl's, Cyril Lightbourne.

Cyril was a close friend of Mariah after a delightful holiday while both were still children. But time and a misunderstood conversation have reshaped what everyone expected to have happened. Years have passed Cyril and Mariah finally get a chance to rediscover their bonds of childhood friendship.

This is a lovely story that retells a Christmas Classic without resorting to the use of magic or oversized rodents. My favorite scene involves the Christmas display and all the wonders one could conceive of. And when Mariah plans a surprise with the village children she changes this holiday into one no one will ever forget. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, clean read for the Christmas season. 

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:

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once upon a time, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more—but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruel-hearted Lady Pearl. Now, Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

 

Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly returns in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas…and to disgrace Cyril in the process.   

Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.

Cover Reveal for Squire of Truth

Today I'm thrilled to take part in the cover reveal for SQUIRE OF TRUTH by Jill Williamson. This is the first book in the Blood of Kings: Legends medieval romantasy series from Sunrise Publishing. SQUIRE OF TRUTH is a fantasy murder mystery romance perfect for partners-in-crime adventure fans. 

Here's the story: Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage.

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

● ● ● ●

SQUIRE OF TRUTH releases January 7 in ebook, print, and audiobook. Keep an eye on Jill's account for information about pre-order swag, which will be announced soon! You can preorder the book at these locations:

Buy link for retailers: https://books2read.com/squireoftruth  

Sunrise shop buy link: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/blood-of-kings-legends

Between Sound and Sea ~ Review

Between Sound and Sea

By Amanda Cox

This is a split-time story centered around a now abandoned lighthouse. A lighthouse that hides secrets. Joey Harris's life is in shambles thanks to rumors that have basically put her business out of commission, but she's managed to snag a chance to restore a lighthouse that Walt ornate has purchased because of his past connections with it and its occupants in the 1940s.

I love the glimpses into the past as this story unfolds. I'll the prologue was an interesting hook that drew me in. I wanted to know who the old woman was and who the boy she was telling the story to was.

Overall this was a really good read. There was enough mystery to keep my attention and I loved how Joey was able to rise up above the mess and rebuild her life. And then Walt's grandson Finn, at first I wasn't sure if he'd be someone I'd like, he was SO different from his grandfather.

They say don't judge a book by its cover but this one is a great match. I highly recommend this book. I think it would be well suited for a bookclub.

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.

Into the Starlight ~ Review

Into the Starlight

Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3

By Amanda Cabot

After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.

 

After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.

 

As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.

 

Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.

Product Details

Joanna Vaughn has returned to Sweetwater Crossing. Everything, including her, has changed since she left for Europe. Her parents are dead, her sisters are married, her home turned into a boarding house, and she lost her husband. Her homecoming isn't what she expected. And two strangers have  shown up seeking answers from the past. 

Burke Finley has come to Sweetwater with his aunt of the heart Della Samuels seeking  answers about his Uncle Clive Finley and the last days of his life. But all they discover is more questions, questions that led them into danger. 

This is a book that will hols your attention throughout. It is well-written but there are mo!rents that just standoit from others. And the unexpected, well there was more than one thrown in that surprised me. This book is best read after reading the previous two books in the series. It will make the twists more impactful. Highly recommend to fans of historical mystery fiction.

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:

After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
 
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
 
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.
 
Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.

Arabella's Song ~ Coming Soon

 Arabella's Song will be released on September 26, 2024!

Arabella's Song is a work of love, a project I thoroughly enjoyed and dedicated myself to.

It was created as a part of the
Arista Lost Kerchiefs Challenge (2023)
hosted by Kendra E. Ardnek.

The theme behind the challenge was retelling the Goose Girl. Creating a totally new story while keeping key elements intact was indeed a challenge. What did or didn't I like about the original? As with all fairy tales, there is a story underneath; capturing that essence was the end goal. 

But what was that essence?
I'll let you discover that for yourself.

I further challenged myself by adding an additional layer by bringing in the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

I hope you will enjoy Arabella's Song,
the first book in the series The House of Sorah. 

The ebook is currently available for pre-order. But if you prefer to wait, there will also be a paperback edition.