Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Book Review: Edith from Wessex by Regine Sondermann

Edith from Wessex by Regine Sondermann



Publisher & Release: Self-published, April 7, 2016

Time and setting:  9th Century, Europe

Genre: Historical Fiction/Dark Ages

Length:  131 pages

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

“You’d like to love me, but you don’t really know me.” With these words, Queen Edith begins to speak to us, as if she were still able to address us, though she lived over a thousand years ago. Magdeburg author Regine Sondermann draws the reader close to this woman from the early Middle Ages, about whom little was known until now. She was young and came from England. She died at the age of 36, and she was laid to rest in the Magdeburg Cathedral. The author sifted through documents and history books to discover small shards of Edith’s short life, like a ceramic bowl destroyed long ago. She has pieced them together in this story of a woman and her family, which takes the reader to an unfamiliar land that seems so close but is infinitely far away.

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Vikki’s Musings

Edith from Wessex is an excellent historical fiction novel. It gives the reader a glimpse of what it must have been like during this period of history. This book is based on a real character and is more of a biography. Edith is a fascinating person, and I enjoyed getting to know her. I’m glad I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book starts out with Edith as a sixteen-year-old destined to marry Otto the Great. It follows her life from that point on until her death at thirty-six. While romantic love does not come to her, she does learn to care for Otto, and he for her, but this was a brutal time, and Otto is a barbarian.

I loved her care and nurturing nature with her two children. She was also completely loyal to her family throughout her entire life, yet never saw them after marrying Otto. She is truly a remarkable woman in many ways. She refused to allow hardship to get her down.

Of course, I read this book’s translation, and I’m sure something was lost from the original as it was written in this author’s native language. At times the turn of phrase was a bit too modern for the dark ages, or at least what I believe it must have been like.

I enjoyed Edith from Wessex a great deal from the descriptions of the life and times to the internal thoughts of the character. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel. Happy reading!




Monday, August 29, 2016

Highland Temptation by Jennifer Haymore
(Highland Knights, Book 4)




Publisher & Release: Loveswept, August 23, 2016

Time and setting: 1816, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length:  220 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

When Lady Emilia Buchanan discovers that her despicable father has been scheming against the crown, she turns to the Highland Knights for protection—and retribution. Spirited away to a safe house on the outskirts of London, Emilia is surprised to find herself sharing close quarters with a soft-spoken, musclebound Highlander. Before long, curiosity gives way to an alarming attraction. Emilia has learned firsthand from her father that men are not to be trusted. She just never met one so honorable and loyal, so powerful and, yes, tempting.

Ever since Waterloo, Colin Stirling has struggled with memories that haunt him night and day. Driven near to madness, he no longer trusts himself with meaningful relationships of any kind. At least in this temporary sanctuary, Colin can withdraw from the world—that is, until his stunningly gorgeous charge learns the full depth of his pain. In Emilia, Colin sees a kindred spirit with battle scars of her own. He also senses a chance to heal . . . and to find love.

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Vikki’s Musings

I have been a fan of Jennifer Haymore’s book ever since I read A Hint of Wicked years ago. She is one of my auto-buy authors, and I have yet to read one of her books that I did not fall in love with her characters. While her stories are always well-developed, her characters are complex and steal the show. I accepted Highland Temptation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, in exchange for an honest review, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this remarkable book.

After a brutal beating, Emilia Buchanon runs in terror from the one man who should protect her above all others, her father. Months ago, the Highland Knights had protected her father, and she had met the handsome Sir Colin Stirling.

When he becomes her protector and takes her to safety, she finds out that at last, there is an honorable man willing to protect her with his life. When her father catches up with them, Colin is determined to get her back.

Can he find her in time, or will her father exact his revenge on his only daughter before Colin can make her his own forever?

Highland Temptation starts out fast and stays that way until the end. There is plenty of action from the first page until the end. The plot is well thought out and the romance is satisfying. The chemistry between Emilia and Colin is fantastic. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

Emilia is an endearing character. She has not had an easy time of it since her mother passed. Her father is a physically abusive bastard. Under the circumstances, it’s no wonder she is wary of men. Her self-esteem is extremely low, but her inner core is too strong for him to permanently break her. She really comes into her own under Colin’s tender care.

Colin is my favorite kind of hero, a man who has suffered great hardship but refuses to let it destroy him. He is a true warrior determined to protect Emilia, even if it may mean giving his life to do so. He suffers greatly from what is known today as PTSD. In his time, he believes it’s madness. I loved how Emilia is able to convince him she loves him even when he is in the throes of one of his episodes.


Highland Temptation is a great adventure with plenty of perils along the way. If you enjoy an emotionally-charged romance with amazing characters, then you will love this book. While this is not my favorite one of the series, it is still a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed getting glimpses into the lives of the other knights and their fair ladies. I can’t wait to read the stories of the other still unattached knights in this great cast of characters. Happy reading!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Carnal Hunger by Tory Richards

Blitz: August 25, 2016

Hosted by: Sizzling PR


Straight out of prison and into the president's chair of the Mad Dogs' MC! VD's set for taking the reins, but he's not ready for the impact one curvy little brunette has on his libido the second they lock eyes. It's instant, it’s hot, and it’s consuming! It's the forever-after kind of shit he's not looking for, especially when the trouble that’s heading the club's way threatens to rip them apart.

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Excerpt:

“Looks like you’ve been stood up.” Humor danced in his eyes. I decided not to mention my connection to his club. “It’s not the first time,” I smiled back. “Can we drop you off at the hospital?” I was so tempted to say yes, anything to spend more time with this sexy hunk, but I knew that I wouldn’t. I was sure someone would come for me. “That’s very nice of you, but I’d better not.” As I declined I saw Dickie’s brother, Marvin, walking up the stairs, and with a sinking heart I knew that he’d come for me. Marvin had never been my favorite person. He was nice enough, but he tried too hard, and he always came on to me. He couldn’t seem to get it through his head that I wasn’t attracted to him. Something in my face must have revealed how I felt. “Are you sure about that, darlin’?” His gaze moved back and forth between me and Marvin. He must have guessed that Marvin was my ride. I returned his grin with a sigh of resignation. “He’s harmless.” “But you don’t like him.” “Very intuitive,” I commented with surprise. “I’d better watch my expressions from now on or they’ll get me into trouble.” Without warning he wrapped a large hand around the back of my neck and pulled me closer. I caught my breath, my hands automatically landing on his chest. “Maybe this will help him get the message, yeah?” I didn’t think he’d really kiss me until he was doing it. I swooned against him like a smitten teenager kissing her favorite rock star. It had been years since I’d been kissed like this, so long that it felt like my first kiss, and let me tell you, the man knew how to kiss. It was no soft, sweet, brushing of our lips, either. There was nothing shy about him. He crushed my mouth beneath his in a rough claiming that left no doubt to anyone observing that I was his. Well, at least for that moment. I should have gotten angry at his highhandedness, but it was all I could do to grip the front of his jacket to keep from sinking to the floor. My white cotton panties were instantly wet and I was burning up inside, sure that everyone there knew exactly how I was feeling at that moment. A fireball of need uncurled deep in my belly as he continued to work his masterful mouth against mine, being as bold as to force mine open for his probing tongue. Oh. My. God. Desire thrummed through me as if someone had shot me up with a powerful aphrodisiac, and the moan I let loose sounded like a canon blast going off. I’d never felt anything like it. He was fucking my mouth, there was no other explanation, working his tongue in and out, and that’s when I felt his erection against my belly. Sweet Jesus he was going to have to pick me up off the floor if he didn’t release me soon. His low growl vibrated through me, adding to the sweet intensity. Holy-fucking-smokes! When he finally pulled back it wasn’t far enough. Our breaths collided, warm and erratic. I knew that I was shaking badly. His eyes stayed glued to mine for what seemed like a hundred years, intensifying the electricity of the unexpected kiss. Hell, it had been more than just a kiss. The man had touched my soul. If it hadn’t been for the clearing of someone’s throat I might have remained against him until the end of time. I don’t know how I managed it but I stepped back, shaken, and certain that my face was as red-hot as I felt. He appeared unaffected though, his expression stretched taut over his square jawbone. Yet I knew that he was affected. His hard-on was unmistakable, and his eyes were glazed with dark passion, and something else that I couldn’t quite identify. Satisfaction?

About the Author:

Tory Richards is a fun-loving grandma who writes smut. Born in Maine, she's lived most of her life in Florida where she went to school, married, and raised a daughter. Penning stories by hand and then on a manual typewriter at the age of thirteen, Tory was a closet writer until the encouragement of her family prompted her into submitting to a publisher. She's been published since 2005, and has since retired from Disney so she can focus on family, traveling, and life in general.
*Note: Newsletter subscribers can enter into an Amazon GC giveaway every month on my website, sign-up located here: http://extrasinfo.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Excerpt Book Tour: Love to Win by Lisa Ricard Claro



Fireflies Series, Book Three
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: July 30, 2016
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She hates to lose…
Competitive barista Brenna Kinkaid loves a challenge, and she’ll do whatever it takes to win, especially when it comes to her nemesis, Dante Caravicci. But when forced to team up to save their best friends’ wedding, Brenna recognizes that Dante might just be her ultimate win.
He plays to win…
Restaurateur Dante Caravicci won’t quit anything until he can claim success. He’s bided his time, but he’s used to taking big risks and surviving, so he figures he’s got nothing to lose by playing for Brenna.
Hearts at risk…
These two fall fast, and it looks like a win-win—until a competition pits them head-to-head and one of them goes way too far. A nudge from an improbable source may be the only way these two competitors will ever admit that the only way to win is to lose their hearts.


Other Books in the Fireflies Series:

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Publisher: Black Opal Books
Published: June 2015

She can’t let go of her dead husband…
Maddie Kinkaid believes her late husband, Jack, gives her advice on everything from ordering a pizza to hiring a carpenter, so when she finds Caleb Walker’s business card on Jack’s desk, she’s convinced that he’s the guy to remodel her kitchen.
He can’t decide if she’s worth the risk…
Caleb is a single father, and protecting his young son means avoiding romantic entanglements. But there’s heat in every kitchen, and sparks ignite between Caleb and Maddie—until disaster strikes.
When Jack goes silent, Maddie’s guilt consumes her, and it looks as if she and Caleb will never find their happily-ever-after—at least, not without a little help from Jack…
LOVE BUILT TO LAST began as the award-winning short story Fireflies, and is now the first novel in the Fireflies series.




Excerpt

“Well, I like that,” Brenna said. “My own mother likes your cake better.”

Dante regarded her with amusement. “Not everything has to be a competition between us, does it? What difference does it make which of us bakes the better cake?”

“Or sautés the better shrimp?” Brenna said, remembering Dante’s shrimp dish from Thanksgiving that she, Rebecca, and Maddie had all deemed to be almost better than sex. Not that she’d tell Dante that. She blew out a tired sigh. “I’m sick of losing to you in the food department. I try to so hard to be creative, and you whip something up at the last minute that takes home the gold.”

“Is it really that big a deal?” He raised his brows.

Brenna stared at him a moment and made him laugh when she said, “Bet your ass! I hate coming in second on anything, especially to you. And say what you will—” She poked his chest with her finger for emphasis. “—but you’re just as competitive as I am.” He moved back a step and she poked him again. “You don’t like to lose at anything either.” One more poke. “You always do whatever you have to do to win.”

Dante’s eyes narrowed, but his lips curved. He stepped forward against the press of her finger, forcing her to step back—once, twice, thrice—and she sucked in a breath when her hips bumped against the counter. She reached behind her to grab the edge of the countertop, and her eyes widened when Dante rested his hands on either side of hers, hemming her in as he had done in the storeroom.

Brenna’s heart sped to triple speed. Dante leaned down and she parted her lips, in spite of herself, when his mouth stopped a mere breath away from hers, so close she swore she felt the radiating heat. A second passed, and another. His gaze dipped to her mouth. Brenna licked her lips and her eyes fluttered shut in anticipation, and then the stubble darkening his jaw tickled the skin of her cheek with the barest touch, and his warm breath against her ear made her shiver when he whispered, “You’re right. I’ll do whatever I have to do to win. You’d do well to remember that, sweetheart.”

He pressed his lips against the tender skin just below her earlobe and made her shiver again, then stepped back. Brenna stared at him, her mind whirling.

“It’s late. I’ll follow you home when you’re ready to go, make sure you get there safe,” he said. “And relax, I don’t expect to be invited in. I know you just want to be friends.”

Brenna still gripped the edges of the counter, her eyes wide and lips parted in surprise when he disappeared out to the porch.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Ricard Claro is a professional editor, award-winning author, and Pushcart Prize nominee with published articles and stories spanning multiple media. She resides in Georgia with her husband of more than three decades and counting, is mother to three (a ruggedly handsome son and two stunningly beautiful daughters—​Lisa might be a little biased), and dreams of one day living at the beach. Seriously dreams of it. As in, she’s already decorating her dream beach house. In addition to an array of sand dollars and seashells, she keeps a framed sign hanging in her office: Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses Welcome Here.
Lisa is also a lover of dogs and cats, and has a heart for rescues. This is why you will find a rescued pet companion in every one of her books. Sometimes they are part of the story line (Pirate the dog, in Love Built to Last), and sometimes they’re already ensconced in their forever home with one of Lisa’s characters (Pavarotti the cat, in Love to Win). As you read Lisa’s books, watch for the rescues!
While Lisa is a fan of storytelling in all genres, Romance is her favorite because she believes everyone deserves love and a happily-ever-after. But she adores a little mystery now and then, too, so keep an eye out for Lisa’s authorship of a whodunit one of these days soon.

Contact Links

Purchase Links



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Monday, August 22, 2016

Book Review: Where the Heart Is by Jennie Marsland

Where the Heart Is by Jennie Marsland


Publisher & Release: Tirgearr Publishing, September 7, 2016

Time and setting: 1861, Rural England

Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian

Length:  199 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

When Rochelle McShannon moves with her father from Morgan County, Georgia to the Yorkshire Dales, she thinks she’s leaving behind everything that matters to her. Her mother has passed away, her twin brother is going west to avoid the looming Civil War, and her family’s unpopular views on slavery and secession have destroyed her relationship with the man she hoped to marry. If returning to her father's childhood home eases his grief, Chelle asks for nothing more.

Martin Rainnie understands grief. Since the loss of his wife in childbirth, he’s known little else, except anger. He’s retreated to his farm and turned his back on the world, including his baby daughter, who’s being fostered by Chelle’s relatives. With little Leah drawing them together, Martin begins to wonder if he can love again – and convince Chelle to do the same.

But the war overseas has far-reaching consequences, even in a small English village. Can Martin and Chelle overcome danger, loss, and bitterness to make a home where the heart is?

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Vikki’s Musings

I always know I am in for a treat when Jennie Marsland has a new book coming out. When she asked me to read Where the heart Is in exchange for an honest review, I eagerly accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Rochelle McShannon and her father leave America because they do not want to become involved in the struggle between the north and the south. It would have been impossible to continue leaving in Georgia when they opposed the reasons the south wanted to leave the union.

They arrive at her uncle’s home, her father’s birthplace, in the dales of Yorkshire. Rochelle hopes it will heal their grief over losing her mother and her additional grief of losing her intended because of the conflict in America.

Matthew Rainnie is grieving for his wife who died in childbirth. Although his daughter lives, it is too painful for him and the child fosters with Rochelle’s family. When he comes close to losing Leah to fever, he realizes she belongs with him.

When Matthew and Rochelle are thrown together while nursing his daughter back to health, he begins to believe it is possible for him to love again. All is not easy for the pair, though. They must overcome much before they can find their happy ending.

I enjoyed the gently growing romance between Rochelle and Matthew. Their mutual love for Leah brings them together and becomes the glue to their budding friendship. There is a warmth and peace in Rochelle that Matthew desperately needs to heal his heart over losing his wife.

Rochelle is patient and feels they are kindred spirits because she has her own grief to bear. Rochelle’s character is a nurturer and that comes through in her love for his daughter. She is also a loving daughter and puts others before her wants and needs.

I truly liked Matthew’s character. At first, I was not sure because he had abandoned his daughter and refused to spend time with her, but as I got to know his character, I could feel the pain he experienced over losing his wife. I liked that once he made up his mind that he loved Rochelle he did not give up until he won her heart.


If you enjoy a romance with an interesting plot and great characters, then you will enjoy Where the Heart Is as much as I did. This book while set in England, and the characters are not lords and ladies, so it gave me a chance to see how the lower middle class lived. Happy reading!

Friday, August 19, 2016

Book & Audio Review: Bluegrass Undercover by Kathleen Brooks

Bluegrass Undercover by Kathleen Brooks



Publisher & Release Date: Laurens Publishing, November 17, 2013

Time and setting: Present Day, Kentucky

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  242 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

This is the first book in the New York Times Bestselling Bluegrass Brothers series. This series is the follow-up series to Kathleen Brooks' bestselling Bluegrass Series.

When danger and passions flare it's best to find cover...

Cade Davies is a former Special Forces soldier who is now a high school teacher and football coach. And something is trying to kill his players. He's been too busy trying to keep his players alive, while also avoiding the Davies Brothers marriage trap set by half the town, to pay attention and to the fiery redhead who has swept into his small town.

DEA Agent Annie Blake was undercover to bust a drug ring that preys on high school athletes in the adorable, small town of Keeneston. She had thought to keep her head down and listen to the local gossip to find the maker of this deadly drug. What Annie didn't count on was becoming the local gossip. With marriage bets being placed and an entire town aiming to win the pot, Annie looks to Cade for help in bringing down the drug ring before another kid is killed. What she didn't intend on was becoming the next target.

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Vikki’s Musings

This is not the first book I have read by Ms. Brooks and it will not be the last! I just love Kathleen Brooks writing style. She has me laughing at loud to the point tears are rolling down my cheeks. I always know I'm in for a treat when reading one of her books, and I love this series!

Annie Blake goes undercover to find the leader of a drug ring targeting young football players. When she shows up at Keeneston High School as the guidance counselor, she meets the football coach, Cade Davies, and thinks she needs her help him when one of his players gets out of hand.

Cade is a former Special Forces soldier and more than able to handle this aggressive teen, but he finds this feisty woman entrancing and cannot get her out of his mind. When they join forces to find the ringleader, sparks fly all over the place.

Can Cade win this incredible woman’s heart as the work together, or will Annie fortify her walls, keeping them both from a forever kind of love?

Wow, just wow. I just loved this fast-paced, action-packed read from the first page to the last. This one is slap-stick funny. The three old ladies that run the small town café had me belly laughing. It’s unusual to find a story with so much intrigue and humor rolled into one book.

Annie is a great character. She did not have an easy time growing up, but she’s a spunky kid archetype and does not let anything or anyone stand in her way. She’s out to save these young athletes, and she does it in a big way.

I fell in love with Cade’s character from the start. He’s an all-around good guy with sexiness galore. He is determined to help find the culprit behind this new drug harming his team. I loved his openness with Annie and his patience as she begins to open up and let him in.

Eric G. Dove is one of my favorite narrators. He reads with a good amount of emotion, truly bringing the characters to life. He is perfect for Ms. Brooks' books. I always enjoy his performances and love to listen to him.


I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys plenty of action and humor in their stories with a delightfully sweet romance thrown in. The small town atmosphere adds greatly to the story. You will find all this in this great series. Can’t wait to read the next one. Happy reading!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Book Review: Lily Anne of San Francisco by J. Y. Flynn

Lily Anne of San Francisco by J.Y. Flynn



Publisher & Release: Homefires Press, April 26, 2016

Time and setting: 1904-1936, San Francisco

Genre:  Historical Romance

Length:  405 Pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating: 3 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In 1904, Lily Anne O’Brien arrives in San Francisco, a city teeming with promise, not unlike the twelve-year-old herself. Captivated by the curiosities of North Beach, Chinatown, and the wicked Barbary Coast, she reciprocates by beguiling San Francisco society with her angelic singing voice and seductive beauty.

The Great Earthquake of 1906 destroys her home. To remain in San Francisco, she scandalously marries Kevin O’Riley, a twenty-seven-year-old gambler. At age 15, she gives birth to a daughter, Charlotte, who is destined to live in the shadow of her mother’s beauty, talent, and limitless self-regard.

Based on actual people and events known to the 91-year-old author, Lily Anne’s story is rich in historic detail and covers five decades of the love affair between the flamboyant woman and her vibrant city. She transforms from reckless teenager, to divorced single-parent, to successful entrepreneur, and ultimately becomes an eccentric relic of a by-gone era.

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Vikki’s Musings

I received a request from the author’s daughter to read Lily Anne of San Francisco in exchange for an honest review. The book description was fascinating, so I accepted it for review. I must say Lily Anne was an interesting character. This is definitely a biography of her life from twelve years old until her death.

Lily Anne O’Brien starts her life adventure on a train traveling to San Francisco. Her family is moving to the area for her father’s health. When she arrives in the city, she immediately falls in love with it and makes up her mind she will never live anywhere else.

Lily has an angelic voice and is lovely beyond words. Although the weather in San Francisco does not help her father, and her parents move to San Jose area, Lily Anne stays in her beloved city with her aunt and uncle so she can study for the opera, even though, she does not really want an operatic career.

She meets Kevin Riley and he falls madly in love with this very young girl. During the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, he has the opportunity to help her get out of the city. They have been meeting secretly for quite some time. He convinces Lily Anne and her father to allow them to marry, even though, she is only fourteen. By the time she is fifteen–on her birthday by the way–she gives birth to Charlotte.

As a gambler, Kevin ends up having to leave to avoid arrest. Lily Anne has no intention of leaving San Francisco and the couple divorce. She goes on the successfully start a hat shop and continues going to parties and singing.

The reader sees all Lily Anne’s good points and bad. She has an indomitable will that leads her to make careless and thoughtless decisions throughout her life. I found her one of the most narcissistic individuals I have ever encountered. She is a master manipulator and will step on anyone to get her own way, even her daughter. She controls Charlotte by telling her if she disobeys, Lily Anne will end up in heaven singing with the angels. There are other things she tells her child to keep her under her control, but I do not want to give away everything.

There are many colorful characters in this book, from Kevin, the gambler, to Walter Sherman, the doctor who delivers Charlotte and saves Lily Anne’s life. I loved her cousin, Peggy, and Brenda the nurse who worked for the good doctor.

Now, this is why I gave this book 3 Gold crowns. There is constant head hopping from one sentence to the next. Almost every character has a point of view. I found that very distracting. Ms. Flynn goes into too much detail in describing the costumes and the character’s surroundings to the point it became annoying.


Now I did enjoy the detail involving the earthquake that made for fascinating reading. All in all, I did enjoy Lily Anne of San Francisco, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. If you can overlook the mechanics of Ms. Flynn’s writing style you will enjoy this book. Happy reading!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Book & Audio Review: Showing Jessie by JoMarie DeGioia

Showing Jessie by JoMarie DeGioia
(A Cypress Corners Novel)



Publisher & Release Date: Bailey Park Publishing, June 3, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, Cypress Corners, Florida

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  306 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The guy who wants to settle down

The girl afraid to lose herself again

Showing her hand…showing his heart

And a chance to have forever

Jessie Wilde survived an abusive boyfriend and now just wants to live her own life. Her enthusiasm and expertise sell the environmental features of the idyllic town of Cypress Corners but she doubts her own worth, often hiding behind her glasses and bulky clothes.

Former beach bum Noah Brady builds houses but he wants to make a home for himself and his young son. He doesn’t know if he has it in him, though. He’s never been a commitment or future kind of guy.

When he meets Jessie, and gets to know the sweet smart girl inside, he has to figure out how to do this relationship thing. He’s starting to think she just might be his forever.

Can Noah show Jessie there’s more to life than just surviving?

Or will her fear of the past keep her from reaching for her future?

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Vikki’s Musings

I’ve become quite a fan of Cypress Corners. Showing Jessie is the fifth book in this delightful series. Each story in this unique setting has been an enjoyable read. When Ms. Stetson asked if I would be interested in listening to this recording, I immediately accepted the offer. Showing Jessie is an excellent addition to this series. I’m glad I had an opportunity to listen to it.

As with all Ms. DeGioia’s books, Showing Jessie is an easy read. The pacing is fast, and I love the small town atmosphere of Cypress Corners. Not only did I enjoy the hero and the heroine, I had the chance to find out what the Chapman siblings are doing.  

Noah is an awesome hero. He’s of course good looking, but he’s also a genuinely nice guy. He’s uncomplicated, and he’s just perfect for Jessie. While his son was definitely not planned, but instead the result of a one-night stand, Noah has accepted full responsibility for him and did right by the boy’s mother. It would have been easy for him to just do the minimum, as many men would have done in this situation, but Noah is a great father instead. Just loved his character from start to finish.

Now Jessie, her character is much more complicated, which worked well for this story, creating a good bit of conflict for her to resolve. At times I did get a bit frustrated with Jessie. She struggles so much with accepting that Noah really cares about her. The ex really did a number on her self-esteem. All in all, I did enjoy her character, but just not as much as I enjoyed some of the other heroines in this series.

Now, I listened to the audio version performed by Wendy Rich Stetson. As always, Ms. Stetson truly brings the characters to life for me. From the delightful southern-bred older lady, Lettie, with her scandalous comments, to the young receptionist at the sales center where Tammy and Ben work. She gives each character a distinct voice, making it easy to recognize who is speaking, even if the author didn’t use many dialogue tags.

The author does that very well, by the way. That’s so important in an audio recording. Too many he said, she saids, become tedious to listen to, but that is definitely not the case with Ms. DeGoia’s books.

This is not the first performance I’ve listened to by Ms. Stetson and it will definitely not be the last. I love Ms. Stetson’s smooth voice and well-modulated tone a great deal. With each performance, her skill as a narrator shows amazing growth, and I’ve enjoyed seeing her brilliance only become brighter.

If you enjoy light-hearted, witty contemporary romances with plenty of heat between the sheets, then you will enjoy Showing Jessie. I highly recommend this book, along with the other four books in this great series. Happy reading!



Friday, August 12, 2016

Book Review: Montana Rescue by Kim Law

Montana Rescue by Kim Law




Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, August 23, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, Montana

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  300 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Championship bull rider Nick Wilde is the face of Montana Pro Rodeo, with all the acclaim and fans he can handle. But is that enough? Contemplating his next career move, he’s come home to his family’s cherry orchard—and to his childhood crush, helicopter pilot Harper Stone. But Harper’s not quite the sexy, badass girl he once lusted after. Recently widowed, she’s broken in two. Wanting to help her move on, Nick finds himself aching for the kind of stability he never had as a child.
True love comes once if you’re lucky, and Harper already had her shot. An accident took her husband eighteen months ago and left only pain and guilt in his place. Now Nick is waking up her body and heart to everything she might still have to gain…or lose. A second chance is more than she thinks she deserves. But with a man like Nick doing the persuading, maybe it’s time to try.

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Vikki’s Musings

I have become an avid fan of Kim Law’s books for quite some time now. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read Montana Rescue in exchange for an honest review, I immediately accepted. I read Montana Cherries last year, and I believe it was the best book I read in 2015. I had very high expectations for Montana Rescue, and I am happy to say this book fulfilled all of them.

The plot is compelling, drawing me in from the start, and the characters are deeply complex. The pacing is excellent, making this book a fast and enjoyable read. As always Ms. Law’s books, her writing is deeply emotional. On several occasions, I had to wipe tears away.

Nick is a fantastic hero. He’s what I would term a really nice guy who did not have an easy time growing up. His mother definitely made feel he was not worthy of love. My heart ached for the little five-year-old boy who was asked to keep such a terrible secret. It is understandable why he has never had an emotional relationship before he meets Harper, and that is when the sparks fly.

Harper’s character is so tough on the outside because she has built a brick wall that separates her from everyone, even her family. I loved how she begins to open up to Nick, but then she runs scared, afraid to let him in.  At times I wanted to shake her, but only in a good way. Her back story is so tragic that it hurt my heart. She truly deserves to have a second chance at love.

The chemistry between Nick and Harper is combustible. Ms. Law uses a masterful touch when building the sexual tension between this pair. Her love scenes are very moving and emotional.


If you enjoy a romance with plenty of heart and characters that touch your soul, then you will love Montana Rescue as much as I did. It was such a pleasure to visit with the great characters from Montana Cherries, especially Haley and Jenna. Those two little girls added light and laughter. If you have not read Montana Cherries I do highly recommend it. Happy reading!