Tag Archives: romance
Thrills Abound in A Secret to the Grave by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor
Giveaway – Fading by Cindy Cipriano @CindyCipriano @XpressoReads
Giveaway – Losing Adam by Adrienne Clarke @clarkeadrienne @XpressoReads
Hijacked Honeymoon – Cloak and Mirrors by P M Terrell @pmterrell
Ireland Bound in Dylan’s Song by P M Terrell @pmterrell
Deception Bay by Chris Patchell @chris_patchell
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I have been reading Chris Patchell for some time now and am always eager to get my hands on another one of her books. Deception Bay is another mystery that had me wondering what was buried beneath the waves and hooked from the beginning.
MY REVIEW
I know some people don’t like a prologue, but I love to be teased and it hooked from the opening pages, and Chris did that very well.
It didn’t take me long to figure out some of the mystery from the prologue. I’m still working on the whys,and I don’t have any idea of the who, so the mystery is still very much alive.
Austin’s heading home, to Whidbury Island to see about his mom, who has been in an accident. He has a panic attack on the ferry and meets Ellie.
The cat…he named it CAT, after Inspector Clouseau’s valet. I have always loved the Pink Panther series and the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. CAT does sneak attack him when he comes into the house, freaking him out, and it makes me laugh every time I think about it.
From Wikipedia
If he wasn’t a writer, I might mistake him for Rockford, from the Rockford files. He’s constantly getting beat on.
But who would want to hurt his mother? His mother had issues before she was hurt, so I have a feeling he came to visit but may never leave.
He is forced to face his past and the inner demons that he can’t seem to get past. He grows, changes, forgives and solves a couple of mysteries too.
Three deaths, past and present.
Well, all in all, a wonderful tale of romance, murder and mystery, and love, forgiveness and laughter.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deception Bay by Chris Patchell.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
She’s armed. He’s dangerous. Together, can they stop a killer from tearing a small island community apart?
When wise-cracking cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, left his hometown on Whidbey Island for the bright lights of New York, he vowed he would never go back. But some promises are impossible to keep, and when Austin discovers that his mother has suffered a serious accident, he has no choice but to return. Austin soon learns that her accident may be no accident at all, and secrets that were laid to rest after his brother’s tragic death off the coast of Deception Bay, have now begun to surface.
Austin finds himself in the center of a real-life murder mystery, when Police Chief Ellie Sharpe uncovers a curious connection between the author and the death of a local businessman. Born and raised on Whidbey and trained as a New York cop, Ellie is smart, and tough, and determined to solve the mystery behind the killing before more people die. Sparks fly as the two pair up to figure out who is responsible for the murder. The closer they come to discovering truth, the more desperate someone is to keep the sins of the past from coming to light.
Someone close to Austin harbors a deadly truth. Can Ellie unmask a killer before Austin becomes one more secret buried beneath the waves of Deception Bay?
ABOUT CHRIS PATCHELL
Chris Patchell is the bestselling author of In the Dark and the Indie Reader Discovery Award winning novel Deadly Lies. Having recently left her long-time career in tech to pursue her passion for writing full-time, Chris pens gritty suspense novels set in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her family and two neurotic dogs.
MY CHRIS PATCHELL REVIEWS
Grand Finale – His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel @TaraRandel @PrismBookTours
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
His One and Only Bride
By Tara Randel
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Note from the Author
Greetings everyone! I hope you’re settling into the new year. It’s a great time of expectation, hope and looking forward to the surprises and adventures 2018 will bring. I’m excited about the release of my newest Harlequin Heartwarming book, His One and Only Bride. If ever there was a story about fresh starts, this is it.
. . . Hopefully, you’ll enjoy Mitch and Zoe’s journey as they discover what is really important in life.
Happy reading!
— Tara
underneath the covers – Excerpt
“Do you remember where our lockers were?” Mitch asked, thankfully changing the subject.
“I haven’t thought about high school in years.” She looked around to get her bearings. “Down this hallway?”
“Looks right.”
She ran her fingers over the cold metal of the lockers, could still make out the numbers on the doors despite the limited light. “Twenty-three, twenty-four…Here we go. Twenty-five. My old number.”
“Wonder if the combination is the same.”
“Who even recalls those numbers?”
“I do. Yours was ten-fourteen-one.”
She stared at him, incredulous. “How, after all this time, can you rattle off my combination?”
“Certain things are imprinted on my memory.”
It’s All About the Romance – Your Wedding Day…and the Photographer
In His One and Only Bride, Mitch is an injured photojournalist back in the small town where he started his career. He reluctantly embraces the role as the town photographer, covering weddings, family events and studio shots. He quickly discovers he loves weddings and soon becomes the go-to guy in town.
An important and memorable aspect to the overall wedding experience are the pictures commemorating the event. A photographer’s job is to catch the overall joy of the ceremony and the fun of the reception. Much weight is placed on the photographer to catch all these special moments. So as a wedding professional, what are some of the tips of the trade? . . .
Becky on Books – Review
“Finally, an HEA for Zoe! . . .
Though it was frustrating at times to read about the walls these two put up between themselves, both before and during the novel, it did serve to make their ending that much sweeter. A heartwarming side romance between secondary characters and Zoe and Mitch’s absolutely adorable one-year-old son really added to the experience.”
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Excerpt
Mitch expected his wife’s surprise. After all, to her, he’d risen from the dead.
His hand gripped the cane that had become his lifeline. He wanted to heave it over the railing, but that meant lifting an arm that still needed rehab to function properly. Instead of cataloging his injuries, he focused on his shell-shocked wife.
“I don’t understand. We were told…I thought you were…”
“Dead?”
She reached out to place her palms on the deck railing.
“The report was mistaken.”
“But…How…Why?”
Rockin’ Book Reviews – Reviews
“This is a very predictable story but very well-written in a smooth, flowing manor. The characters are easily connected with and the scenes easily visualized.
There were a few twists.” – LAWonder10
“I really enjoyed reading this book. It has suspense, romance and a lot of other fun happenings. . .
I would highly recommend this book to other readers.” – Vickie
Book Lover in Florida – Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
The wedding day can be stressful, but if you plan in advance and cover your bases, the day can go off without a hitch. Here are some tips when hiring a photographer.
The Search
Start your search by getting a list of local photographers and reading reviews from recent newlyweds. Review websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they’ve shot, which will give you an idea of their style. Visit their social media pages. Look for feedback from previous clients. . . .
A Baker’s Perspective – Review
“This was such a fun story to read. . . . But in this story, there was so much more to their separation, not just his job. And that is what makes this story so great. . .
There’s a tenderness you start to see between Zoe and Mitch as the story moves on, and it really does give the reader hope that even amongst the greatest conflict in our lives, there really is a chance to make it all okay. I think romance readers will want to dive right in and see how these characters come together.”
Heidi Reads… – Excerpt
“Come see your son.”
Leaning on the cane, he made his legs move forward. When he came to the side of the crib, he gazed down at the sleeping boy, who had one thumb brushed up against his lips. Mitch’s breath caught and completely left him for a moment.
Zoe moved to give him better access. He stepped closer. Leo’s chest rose as he inhaled and exhaled. Mitch stared, then began taking inventory, like he imagined a father would upon the delivery of his child. Ten fingers and toes. Light colored hair, standing on end. Chunky little legs. Rosy skin. Spiky eyelashes caressing his cheek.
A longing, unlike any he’d ever experienced before in his life, pummeled him. This was his son. His flesh and blood. A miracle.
Locks, Hooks and Books – Review
“His One and Only Bride is part of The Business of Weddings series and my first introduction to Tara Randel’s writing. I thought it was pretty good. It is full of drama and sweetness, with a little bit of mystery. I loved seeing Mitch and Zoe together and kept wondering what would happen next. Such a good heartwarming story.”
Bookworm Lisa – Review
“I enjoyed the emotions in the book. I felt like it captured the characters thoughts and the angst of their relationship. . .
. . . The book has mystery! That is a wonderful bonus for a reader.
If you love second chance romance with a bit of mystery you should pick this one up.”
Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt
“So, what do you think?” she asked.
“I think I can’t wait to get to know him.”
The frown again.
“What?”
“I just can’t picture you staying in Cypress Pointe long enough for any quality time with Leo.”
“My priorities will change.”
“Really?” Disbelief tinged her voice. “For how long?”
Remembrancy – Review
“My second favorite trope in the romance genre (just behind the friends to more theme) is second chance at love. And boy, oh boy, does His One and Only Bride hit that nail on the head. . .
Though this book is the finale of a series, it’s the first one I’ve read and, while I was curious about the supporting cast, I was never taken out of Zoe and Mitch’s search for their true HEA.”
Jorie Loves A Story – Review
“I quite literally moved through this novel with all the emotions stitched inside it – you even get a jolt of an alert realising there is a dearly dangerous ‘suspense’ element lingering just out of sight for you to grasp and hold a breath to see how it will resolve! Meanwhile, the solidarity of the friendships, the humbleness of the character’s journey towards redemption, forgiveness and a second chance at starting over their lives is what grounds you into the background. You want to rally behind these characters because of how earnestly their attempting to right the wrongs of the past whilst owning to the realities of their futures. This is what makes Contemporary Rom engaging as it feels more like a slice of our reality knitted into the foreground of a modern fictional setting.”
I Am A Reader – It All Leads Up To a Day
Weddings are a beautiful event. The dress. The flowers. The reception. But it doesn’t just materialize out of nowhere. So what goes in to planning a wedding? . . .
Reading Is My SuperPower – Review
“His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel is beautifully written with a sweet message & layered characters. Zoe’s hesitancy to welcome Mitch back with open arms is believable and sincere, as is Mitch’s struggle to adjust to life back home with a host of injuries and regret. If you want to renew your belief in the power of love and authentic forgiveness, this is a great choice for your TBR pile!”
Nicole’s Book Musings – Excerpt
Zoe glanced at Mitch’s handsome face. Despite the paleness and general look of exhaustion, she saw real humor light his eyes for the first time since he’d been home.
“I always imagined I’d have to keep an eye on you two. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of don’t-tell-Mom moments in my future.”
“Does that mean you won’t fight me about being active in Leo’s life?”
“Not unless something happens to warrant it.”
Zoe reached out to touch his arm, then pulled back. Touching probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Not yet.
Two Girls and a Book – Review
“There’s a little mystery, a lot of romance and a precious baby named, Leo that made this an enjoyable read. This is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Randel and I was impressed with her writing. I look forward to reading more of her work. This is a clean romance that can be read in a short time.”
Thoughts of a Blonde – Review
“A presumed dead resurrection is always a drama-filled subject that we don’t get to read all that often, so the turmoil it brought forth in this latest book in the Business of Weddings series really packed a punch.
. . . Overall, an emotional read with relatable characters and a strong storyline!”
The Bookworm Chronicles – The Big Event-The History of Weddings
How did this special day of joining yourself to the love of your life come about? Today, we see huge weddings on televisions and in magazines, but how did many of the traditions we love today come about? . . .
Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt
They’d taken a few steps when Mitch stopped.
“Something wrong?”
“This is the place we shared our first kiss.”
Her stomach fluttered. He was right.
With the life-altering events of the past week and watching Mitch’s near-meltdown just a short while ago, Zoe had forgotten. How could she have failed to recall such a momentous event?
“It was junior year.” Mitch grinned at her. “We’d been flirting and I was determined to make us a couple. When I suggested it here, you got all teary, said yes and then I kissed you.”
Okay, if she were truthful, maybe she didn’t want to remember that night. The sweet memory brought a pinch of pain in the vicinity of her heart.
“That was a long time ago.”
“Doesn’t make it any less memorable.”
Inside The Mind of Mind of an Avid Reader – Review
“The emotional turmoil of this book had me from the first chapter. I had to know what happened next. Mitch and Zoe have been through so much. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The depth of this book is so unreal. The mindset of these characters will take your breath away.”
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…
His One and Only Bride
(The Business of Weddings #5)
Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
He never thought he’d see her again!
After being reported missing, presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife, Zoe, again. Yet here he is back in their coastal Florida town, where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.
Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there…
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn’t come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Tour Giveaway
– US PRIZE PACK: Signed copies of Rival Hearts, The Bridal Bouquet and The Wedding March, a Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag, a 2018 appointment planner and a $25 Amazon gift card
– US residents only
– Ends January 31st
Giveaway – Elements of Mischief by C M Stunich & Tate James @CMStunich @XpressoReads
Elements of Mischief
C.M. Stunich & Tate James
(Hijinks Harem #1)
Publication date: October 4th 2017
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Four hunky, supernatural plumbers.
One reluctant, slightly drunk human.
A match made in heaven…or in the bathroom, rather.My name is Arizona Smoke, and I’m the proud owner of a house haunted by my dead Gram, best friend to a cocktail dress loving werewolf, and apparent soul mate to four plumbers who also happen to be elemental dragons. Besides rippling pectorals, tattoos, and…uh, nice, long pipes, the guys also have control of the elements.
Supernatural law (whoever heard of such a thing anyway?) dictates that since I stumbled upon the guys in their alternate forms, I have to marry them. All four of them. Oh, and apparently one lousy (okay, awesome) night of sex means that I’m an elemental, too—and no amount of magical penicillin can cure this disease.
All I wanted was hot running water and toilets that flushed, but now I’m dealing with monsters lurking in the sewers, supernatural politics, and four penniless (but totally hot) plumbers living in my crumbling old Victorian.
I’m Ari Smoke, wine aficionado, ex-barista, and a girl who is completely out of her element.
Having four hot husbands is nice…but the death threats, not so much.
EXCERPT
The sound of shattering glass echoed through the huge, empty kitchen as my wine slipped from my fingers and I choked over what I’d just heard. Clutching my phone to my ear, I took a breath before responding.
“It’s going to cost me how much?” I needed to clarify because surely I’d just heard him wrong.
“Seventeen thousand, ma’am. And to be honest, that’s a stretch. If we ran into any more unexpected problems along the way, that price would go up.” The man on the other end was so matter-of-fact about it. So uncaring that he was delivering such gut-wrenching news to me. “Look, I’m not going to fuck around on this. It’s a seriously old house, and no one has touched that plumbing practically since the day it was installed. I just don’t think I have the manpower to spare on a job like this right now.”
“But what am I supposed to do?” I hated the fact that my voice had just come out in a whimpering squeak, like a pathetic little girl. I was a tough bitch normally, but not having a toilet in the house was rough. For the last few days, I’d been walking three blocks to an antique store just to pee. “I can’t live here without any plumbing, and I already gave up my apartment …”
Of course this guy didn’t care about my problems. He didn’t care that my grandmother had just died and left me her crumbling Victorian mansion, or that I had just spent nearly every cent to my name on her funeral. Truth was, I would have had to give up my apartment regardless, because I no longer had any way to pay my rent since I was fired from my job at the local coffee shop. They simply hadn’t understood why I needed so much time off to care for my grandmother in her final weeks. It was kind of lucky, in that case, that Gram had left me this house or I really would have been out on the street.
“I’d usually tell you to sell it, but no one will buy it without working plumbing so you don’t really have a choice here, ma’am.” The man was still speaking, oblivious to my descent into desperation, and I sucked in a shaking breath, swiping the dampness off my cheeks with the back of my hand.
“Can you recommend anyone else?” I asked politely, but my voice shook like a leaf in a blizzard. There wasn’t anything quite so stressful as having toilets that didn’t flush. “I’m not from around here so I don’t know where else to find good plumbers.”
A long sigh came down the phone.
“Yeah, look, I’ll put in a good word for you with my son and his friends. They’re just starting out with their own business, so they’ve probably got the time free to take on a job like this. He might cut you a deal or a payment plan or something, but no guarantees. At least you’ll know he learned from the best.”
“Oh, god that would be … fucking incredible!” Relief flooded over me. This plumbing needed fixing, but I was flat broke. The next door neighbor’s tree roots had messed up all of the plumbing in Gram’s mansion, meaning none of the taps, toilets or anything was working. It had been years since Gram had done any maintenance whatsoever, so who knew how bad the damage was?
“Don’t thank me yet,” the man grunted, “these boys are known around these parts for having a bit of a wild streak. Personally, I wouldn’t hire them—even with my son involved—but you’re not exactly in a position to be picky so …”
“Uh, right.” Asshole, no need to rub it in. “So do you have a contact number for them?”
“No need. I’ll let them know about the job and they can get in touch with you.” He sounded a bit reluctant, like he was already regretting his suggestion. Hopefully not because of how big this job was? Or maybe he was worried about those famed wild streaks?
But please. Plumbers? How crazy could they be? I imagined them all in their late forties with big bellies and butt cracks covered in wiry hair. No, thank you. How much action could they really be getting?
“Thank you so much, sir. I really appreciate it,” I gushed politely. Never hurt to have manners. More flies with honey and all that … Or wait, flies were actually more attracted to shit, huh? Which is what I was going to be ankle-deep in if I didn’t get this plumbing fixed.
“Don’t thank me yet,” he muttered, then disconnected our call.
Strange man. Fuck I need more wine.
I eyed the mess of glass and liquid on the tiled floor, then shrugged to myself and grabbed the bottle. No one else was here to judge me. Swigging straight from the bottle, I headed back into the living room to watch Pretty Little Liars, my guilty obsession.
Hey, it was better than the Maury Show, right?
But only by a little.
Author Bio:
Tate James was born and raised in the Land of the Long White Cloud (New Zealand) but now lives in Australia with her husband, baby and furbaby.
She is a lover of books, red wine, cats and coffee and is not a morning person. She is a bit too sarcastic and swears too much for polite society and definitely tells too many dirty jokes.Author links:
Website / Facebook / InstagramC.M. Stunich is a self-admitted bibliophile with a love for exotic teas and a whole host of characters who live full time inside the strange, swirling vortex of her thoughts. Some folks might call this crazy, but Caitlin Morgan doesn’t mind – especially considering she has to write biographies in the third person. Oh, and half the host of characters in her head are searing hot bad boys with dirty mouths and skillful hands (among other things). If being crazy means hanging out with them everyday, C.M. has decided to have herself committed.
She hates tapioca pudding, loves to binge on cheesy horror movies, and is a slave to many cats. When she’s not vacuuming fur off of her couch, C.M. can be found with her nose buried in a book or her eyes glued to a computer screen. She’s the author of over thirty novels – romance, new adult, fantasy, and young adult included. Please, come and join her inside her crazy. There’s a heck of a lot to do there.
Oh, and Caitlin loves to chat (incessantly), so feel free to e-mail her, send her a Facebook message, or put up smoke signals. She’s already looking forward to it.
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway – Temptation Trials Part II by B Truly @BrandyTruly @XpressoReads
Temptation Trials Part II
B. Truly
(Temptation Trials #2)
Publication date: September 26th 2017
Genres: Adult, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Romance
The Bachelorettes Meet The Devil’s Advocate
Lust, one of the seven deadly sins, is sweeping the nation into its seductive web. In this dystopian society, Cali and Stefani have to comply by the Regime’s strict rule of arranged marriage. But Eminence, the world dictator, doesn’t play fair.
Against all odds, they both decide to put their relationships through the ultimate test on The Temptation Trials—a reality TV show where every temptation of the flesh is set before them.
As participants on the show, they soon learn that losing may cost them more than the men they love. Cali’s torn, unsure of what her future holds with Cade. Stefani worries whether her relationship with Tobias can be salvaged.
Love can be blind. The betrayal they face from the Trials burden them. Will love be their redemption, or will it destroy them?
A million questions torment their minds.
Can you love two people at once? If a person is chosen for you, can those feelings be real?
Cali and Stefani must overcome heartbreak and pull together with their loved ones before it’s too late. The abominable truth is unveiled, which sends them on a journey that will jeopardize their lives.
The will of the weak is his for the taking. Can love save their souls?Rated Mature 18 +
Adult, Dystopian, Romance and Urban Fantasy with sexual content. This riveting conclusion is not a stand-alone. Temptation Trials Part I must be read first.
EXCERPT
Chapter 1
* * * Stefani * * *
Glazed, cryptic eyes pierced through me, reminding me of a strung-out junky. His face seemed vaguely familiar, right down to his golden curls. Just couldn’t put my finger on where I’d seen him before. An eerie thrill rippled my spine. The way he was staring creeped me out. I quickly skirted past him, only to have Blondie clasp my arm. Okay, now I was officially freaked.
“Let go of me!” I seethed.
“The time has come,” he blurted.
“What are you talking about?”
“The decision is made … binding.”
This dude was clearly psycho. He spoke in riddles, none of which I understood. “You’ve got me confused with someone else.”
“No, you’re the one.”
My purse, where I normally kept my Taser, was nowhere to be found. He’d better be glad or I’d light his ass up. This whole scene was turning more bizarre by the second. I couldn’t figure out where I was. My surroundings were dim and heat began to consume me. Blondie leaned closer to me. Being nearer, I got a better look at his dilated eyes. His pupils were diamond-shaped, not the usual round. His grip tightened.
“Asshole. Take your hands off me!”
“You’re chosen, and you’re coming with me.”
Though I struggled against him, it didn’t do any damn good. Bright light blazed up ahead, mixed with smoldering heat. I soon realized the light and scalding warmth was coming from giant flames. Doubling my efforts, I fought harder, to no avail. Blondie’s face became a blur, and darkness encompassed me—the scalding heat grew stronger. Time seemed to stand still—my mind swirled in a haze. The only thought that became clear, which seemed to chisel into my mind, was that I had to make the right choice.
Author Bio:
B Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old and is grateful to have accomplished this dream. She has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of action and suspense. She writes New Adult and Adult Romance, Fantasy, Sci-fi, and Paranormal.
B Truly has three wonderful children and a husband who defines the person she today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Sugarland, Texas.
GIVEAWAY!