Book Review: The Christmas Village by Annie Rains

 

                                                                     Kindle Edition
                                                  Published October 12th 2021 by Forever

                                                                        Buy on Amazon

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains delivers a tender trade paperback romance that will appeal to readers with its warmth and bestselling themes!

Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother's bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent's winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.

When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he's grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn't make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he'd give anything to get back in Lucy's good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?

                                                         MY REVIEW:

The Christmas Village by Annie Rains
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother's bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane.
When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he's grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn't make it easy to live next door.
This reminded me of what a Hallmark movie would be. All the feels and wanting to live in the town and having really great neighbors.
The sparks between Lucy and Miles was the topping to this story.
This is the 2nd book of the series and just as good as the first one.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the book to review.

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                                                                       Annie Rains


Website
http://www.annierains.com/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/AnnieRainsBooks

Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks




Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1

For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com

Book Review: Harmony of Fire by Brian Feehan

 

                                                                     Kindle Edition
                                                Published June 28th 2022 by Berkley books

                                                                   Buy on Amazon

The We walk among us--beings who existed long before humans ever did, filled with powerful magic. Owen and Alice are both Etherealist, rare humans born with magic and a target for those We that wish to take it from them. At nine years old and against her will, Alice's soul was tied to one such powerful and evil We. She escaped and was trained as a weapon so she might one day break the bond and safely return home. Owen is a musician who is trying to outrun his past while keeping those around him safe in an increasingly dangerous world. Only through finding each other do either Alice or Owen have a chance of survival.

                                                                     MY REVIEW:

Harmony of Fire by Brian Feehan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The We walk among us--beings who existed long before humans ever did, filled with powerful magic. Owen and Alice are both Etherealist, rare humans born with magic and a target for those We that wish to take it from them.
When Alice was 9 her soul was tied to a powerful evil We. She ended up escaping with the help of a priest. She was then trained as a weapon so she could break her bon and be able to go home.
Owen is a musician who is trying to outrun his past and keeping people close to him safe.
The book changes from the past to the present until the present is of Owen and Alice meeting each other.
At first Alice tried killing Owen and everyone he cares about but the dynamics change.
At first I wasn't real thrilled with the book but after awhile I got into it and needed to know what was going on. There is a lot of violence and death but not to much detail. There are a few sex scenes as well just go give you a warning.
This is the first book for this author and I think he will go far. a NY Times Bestseller, Christine Feehan, is his mother.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the book to review.

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                                                                        Brian Feehan

Born The United States

Website
https://www.brianfeehanauthor.com/

Genre
Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy


Brian Feehan is a 2nd generation author, son to #1 New York Times Bestselling author Christine Feehan. He lives in a small coastal town in Mendocino County Ca with his son and the love of his life Michelle. He loves spending time with family, playing tennis, cooking, reading, and of course writing.

Book Review: Red on the River by Christine Feehan

 

                                                                  Kindle Edition

                                       Expected publication: June 28th 2022 by Berkley Books

                                                           Buy on Amazon

#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan goes all in with this sexy romantic thriller set among the dangers--both man-made and natural--of Nevada's breathtaking landscape.

Vienna Mortenson isn't your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there's no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She's not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.

Zale Vizzini's job constantly puts him in harm's way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn't exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he's determined to win her back, and he's ready to lay all his cards on the table.

As their friends' wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna's heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them....

                                                   MY REVIEW:

Red on the River by Christine Feehan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book of the series and just as good. But it can be read as standalone snce it gives you background information from the first book.
This story is about Vienna Mortenson and her gift. Vienna Mortenson isn't your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up.
She's not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance..
Zale Vizzini's job constantly puts him in harm's way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn't exactly a recipe for a stable relationship.
As their friends' wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna's heart.
Vienna can see the other player's cards when she plays poker with them. Like having xray vision. Her life becomes in jeopardy and Zale shows up just at the right time but she is not happy to see him as he had already broken her heart and isn't going to let that happen again.
Loved Zale and Vienna.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC to review.


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                                                              Christine Feehan


Born The United States

Website
http://www.christinefeehan.com

Twitter
AuthorCFeehan

Genre
Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy




Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...

Book Review: The Girl Who Survived by Lisa Jackson

 

                                                          Kindle Edition, 452 pages
                                                     Expected publication: June 28th 2022

                                                        Buy on Amazon

In this deviously volatile, deliciously creepy thriller from the #1 New York Times bestseller, the lone survivor of a brutal family massacre must uncover the awful truth about the fateful night that left her forever marked…

Has she already had her last chance to be the final girl?

All her life, she’s been the girl who survived. Orphaned at age seven after a horrific killing spree at her family’s Oregon cabin, Kara McIntyre is still searching for some kind of normal. But now, twenty years later, the past has come thundering back. Her brother, Jonas, who was convicted of the murders has unexpectedly been released from prison. The press is in a frenzy again. And suddenly, Kara is receiving cryptic messages from her big sister, Marlie—who hasn’t been seen or heard from since that deadly Christmas Eve when she hid little Kara in a closet with a haunting, life-saving command: Don’t make a sound.

As people close to her start to die horrible deaths, Kara, who is slowly and surely unraveling, believes she is the killer’s ultimate target.

Kara survived once. But will she survive again? How many times can she be the girl who survived?

                                                 MY REVIEW:

The Girl Who Survived by Lisa Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

20 years ago, most of a family was murdered. 18 year old Marlie woke up her 7 year old sister and told her to be quiet and to follow her. Marlie locked her in the attic and told her not to come out until Marlie got her. There is a bad person and something bad going on. Kara waited and then picked the lock. Went downstairs and found her parents and step siblings all dead except for Jonas and Marlie was missing, Jonas was injured and told her to get help and run.
Present day and Jonas is getting out of prison for killing his family, which he denies and Kara doesn't really know what happened. There was a neighbor who had saved Kara but had died while saving her. His son is now a reporter and wants answers.
The investigators want to really know what happened and are getting back into finding answers.
We find out that Jonah's attorney and Kara's aunt have depleted the inheritance and Kara is supposed to be getting it all real soon.
Then murders start happening again and left me with questions and having a hard time putting the book. down and finding out who the murderer really is.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the book to review.

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                                 Lisa Jackson


Bornin The United States

Website
http://www.lisajackson.com/

Twitter
readlisajackson

Genre
Suspense, Mystery & Thrillers


URL
https://www.goodreads.com/readlisajackson



Lisa Jackson is the number-one New York Times bestselling author of more than 85 novels, including Afraid to Die, Tell Me, You Don’t Want to Know, Running Scared, Without Mercy, Malice, and Shiver. She is also the co-author of the Colony Series, co-written with her sister, Nancy Bush. There are over 20 million copies of Lisa Jackson’s books in print in twenty languages.

Before she became a nationally bestselling author, Lisa Jackson was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, the USA Today, and the Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.

With over thirty bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity – and back – in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional and downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims, and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.

Book Review: Summer on Blackberry Beach by Belle Calhoune

 

                                                                    Kindle Edition
                                            Expected publication: June 28th 2022 by Forever

                                                                   Buy on Amazon

A faux summer fling seemed like the perfect solution . . . until they start falling in love for real.

Teacher Stella Marshall’s summer break has just began, but the gossip is already sizzling: Luke Keegan’s back in town! Stella’s high school crush is all grown up and smolderingly sexy. She might even consider a fling with the former Navy SEAL, if she hadn’t already sworn off all romantic entanglements. But there isn’t a single thing she can do to stop the rumor mill whispering about her and Luke being together—unless . . .

A showmance! Luke never thought he’d propose a fake relationship, but it’s the only way to stop the runaway speculation about their love lives. Pretending to date a woman as stunning as Stella is easy. Not actually falling for her is the hard part. Luke isn’t sure he deserves a hometown happy ending, when members of his SEAL team never made it back at all. But there’s real attraction buzzing between him and Stella . . . and he knows she feels it too. Could their faux summer romance lead to true love?

MY REVIEW:

Summer on Blackberry Beach by Belle Calhoune
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stella Marshall was supposed to get married but her fiance broke up with within days of the wedding. Claiming he was in love with his ex. Who he married and had a child with.
Luke Keegan comes back into town after being wounded in the military and the person who Stella had a crush on in high school.
They both decide to have a fake relationship to keep other away and to stop having people set them up on dates.
Stella is not to trusting of men at the moment and Luke has a lot of baggage thinking it is his fault 2 men died on his watch in afghanistan.
These 2 were so funny and you knew they would end up falling for each other but getting to that journey was the fun part. Stella has a sister getting married and Stella is trying to help her with the wedding and then they have an 11 year old sister, turning 30 lol. She is quite a spunky thing and very nosy and gossipy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the book to reveiw.

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                                                                       Belle Calhoune


Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, The United States
November 16

Genre
Romance, Spirituality, Fiction



URL
https://www.goodreads.com/BelleC


Belle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.

Book Review: Sea Glass Summer by Miranda Liasson

 

                                                                     Kindle Edition

                                               Expected publication: June 28th 2022 by Forever
                                                                    Buy on Amazon

A moving, uplifting novel about motherhood, starting over, and an unexpected summer romance…

Kit Blakemore is ready to live again. After her husband died while serving in the military, she was in a haze of grief. Now she wants to reclaim her former self—finish her degree and find a better career to provide for their sweet little boy, Oliver. To do that, she’ll need to sell her late husband’s dilapidated Victorian in Seashell Harbor. But first, Kit intends to give Ollie the kind of unforgettable seaside summer she had growing up, making lifelong memories and friendships.

Of course, nothing goes exactly as she planned. Ollie is struggling with his confidence, and frankly, so is Kit. But everything changes when her husband’s best friend, Alex de la Cruz, returns to town, offering to help her renovate. She doesn’t expect Alex to temporarily move in…or for him to bond with Ollie…or for her numb heart to begin thawing. Slowly he’s helping Kit and Ollie heal, and it scares her to death.

Kit swore she wouldn’t leave herself open to the pain of loss again. But if she’s going to teach her son to be brave and move forward, Kit must first face her own fears.

                                                            MY REVIEW:

Sea Glass Summer by Miranda Liasson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kit's husband had died while serving in the military and she is learning how to live without him and to raise their 5 year old on. She moved home to live with her parents and to deal with her grief and to figure out what she wants to do with her life. Her husband left behind a old house to be sold.
Alex de la Cruz was her husband's best friend and served in the military together. He has guilt over his friend's death and vowed to help Kit and fix up the old house to be sold.
Alex and Kit also knew each other in high school as all 3 of them went to school together.
We also see Hadley and Darla from the first book of this series be there for her. All 3 of these women had been friends for years and they are there for each other in both books. I love their friendship and how they call out BS on each other but still remain friends.
Kit does not want a relationship again and to be hurt but there is an attraction there between Kit and Alex. Throw in some kitties, dogs and romance and this ended up being a fun read.
Thank You to Forever and NetGalley for this book to review

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                                                          Miranda Liasson


Born
September 17

Website
https://mirandaliasson.com

Twitter
mirandaliasson

Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Humor and Comedy



URL
https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscommiranda_liasson



Miranda Liasson is a bestselling author who writes about the important relationships in women’s lives as well as the self-discovery and wisdom gained along the way. Her heartwarming and humorous romances have won numerous accolades and have been praised by Entertainment Weekly for the way she “deals with so much of what makes life hard . . . without ever losing the warmth and heart that characterize her writing.” She believes that we can handle whatever life throws at us just a little bit better with a laugh.
A proud native of Northeast Ohio, she and her husband live in a neighborhood of old homes that serve as inspiration for her books. She is very proud of her three young adult children. And though every day she thinks about getting a dog, she fears a writer’s life may bore the poor animal to tears. When she’s not writing or enjoying books herself, she can be found biking along the old Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trails in the beautiful Ohio MetroParks.
Miranda loves to hear from readers!

You can learn more at:
MirandaLiasson.com
Twitter @MirandaLiasson
Facebook.com/MirandaLiassonAuthor
Instagram @mirandaliasson

For information about new releases, sales, and other news, feel free to sign up for her newsletter at http://www.mirandaliasson.com/#mailin....

#Forever #Mirandaliasson

Book Review: Suspects by Danielle Steel

 

  

                                                                           Kindle Edition, 272 pages

                                                                   Expected publication: June 28th 2022

                                                                              Buy on Amazon 

A dedicated CIA agent becomes an unexpected ally to a woman haunted by the kidnapping of her family, in this thrilling novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

Theodora Morgan is fashion royalty. Founder of a wildly popular online shopping service, she is one of the most successful businesswomen in the world, although she prefers to keep a low profile, especially over the last months. It was a year ago when the unthinkable struck her family, and her husband, industry mogul Matthieu Pasquier, and their son were kidnapped and held for ransom—a nightmare that ended in tragedy.

The case has gone cold, despite evidence linking the crime to Matthieu’s Russian competitors. Theo has reluctantly gone back to work running her company. On the flight to a launch party for one of her highly anticipated pop-up shops in New York City, she crosses paths with high-society networker Pierre de Vaumont. Theo politely invites him to her event—unaware that Pierre has been flagged by the CIA.

Senior supervising CIA operative Mike Andrews investigates Pierre’s suspicious Russian contacts and clears him to enter the country, but when he realizes that Theodora Morgan is on the same flight, he becomes concerned for her safety. Posing as a lawyer, Mike begins a covert mission—starting with Theo’s opening party. When Mike and Theo meet, their connection is instant, but Theo is completely unaware of Mike’s true objective or identity… or that the life she is rebuilding is in grave danger.

                                                   MY REVIEW:

Suspects by Danielle Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Theodora Morgan is a high fashion businesswoman. She doesn't like to be in the limelight and keeps a low profile. A year ago her husband and 13 year old son were kidnapped and held for ransom. Things did not go well and they were killed.
It is still an ongoing investigation where there doesn't seem to be any leads. Theo has decided she needs to get back into work and goes to NY and a few other places to open up pop up stores.
She crosses paths with high-society networker Pierre de Vaumont. Theo politely invites him to her event—unaware that Pierre has been flagged by the CIA.
Senior supervising CIA operative Mike Andrews investigates Pierre’s suspicious Russian contacts and clears him to enter the country.
Posing as a lawyer, Mike begins a covert mission—starting with Theo’s opening party. When Mike and Theo meet, their connection is instant. He doesn't know why he is drawn to her and she is really nice to him.
The friendship these 2 make seems instant but natural and they start seeing each other. He is very concerned though for her safety and has people checking up on her and about the case involving her husband and son.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the Ebook to review.

View all my reviews

Danielle Steel

Born in New York, New York, The United States
August 14, 1947

Website
http://daniellesteel.com

Twitter
daniellesteel

Genre
Fiction, Romance


Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

daniellesteel.com
Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Twitter: @daniellesteel
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Book Review: Murder at Sunrise Lake by Christine Feehan

 

                                                   Kindle Edition, First Edition, 428 pages

                                                     Published June 29th 2021 by Berkley

                                              

                                                         Buy from Amazon 

It starts in her dreams. Hideous flashes from a nightmare only she can stop. Images of a murderer stalking the ones she cares about most...

Stella Harrison thought she got away from the traumas of her past. Running the Sunrise Lake resort high in the Sierra Nevada mountains has brought her peace, even though she doesn't truly share her quiet life with anyone. Not even Sam, the hired handyman that notices everything and always seems to know exactly what she needs.

Stella doesn't know anything about Sam's past, but somehow over the last two years his slow, steady presence has slipped past her defenses. Still, she knows she can't tell him about her recent premonitions. So far there's been no murder. No body. No way to prove what's about to happen without destroying the life she's built for herself.

But a killer is out there. And Stella knows that this time she'll do whatever it takes to stop him.

                                                     MY REVIEW:

Murder at Sunrise Lake by Christine Feehan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book grabbed me right from the start. I read it because I had the 2nd book to review and wanted to read this one first and I am so glad that I did. I could not put this down.
Stella Harrison is running the Sunrise Lake resort high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. She had a tragic childhood that makes her not trust and is quiet about her past.
Sam is her hired handyman and he is also quiet and Stella doesn't know anything about his past. The chemistry is there between them.
They have a small group of friends that all get along and also have secrets from their pasts.
Then there is a killer out there which has them watching out for each other and start looking at others as to who would want to kill.
I loved Sam and Stella together. He is so in tune to what she needs that she doesn't even have to ask him. He just shows up with whatever she needs.



View all my reviews

                                                                          Christine Feehan


Born The United States

Website
http://www.christinefeehan.com

Twitter
AuthorCFeehan

Genre
Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy




Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...

Book Review: The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis

 

                                                               ebook, 384 pages
                                      Expected publication: June 14th 2022 by William Morrow
                                                               buy on Amazon

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way.


Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she's never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.

Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn't seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.

But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it's Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she's going to choose love ... or walk away from her own happiness.

                                                          MY REVIEW:

The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't realize this was the 2nd book to a series and I did not read the 1st book. I don't think it matters as it felt like a standalone.
April became pregnant at 15 and raised Tae all alone. Tae's father had died before she was born and they were pretty poor growing up.
Tae is pretty much broke when she starts her own business as an event planner and helps a company, who she finds out, the co partner is someone from her past. A marine who she new in high school.
Riggs is home to help his brother, Jake, who was wounded and now in a wheelchair. Riggs did not expect to meet Tae, who was a troublemaker in high school.
They end up bumping into each other and the sparks fly. Then a secret is revealed and Tae doesn't know what to think so her and Riggs try to uncover the truth but who is going to get hurt?
I really liked the bond between April and Tae and they seem more like sisters because of the small age difference. Riggs and Jake had a tough childhood and are getting over that.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the book to review.

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                                                                      Jill Shalvis


Website
http://jillshalvis.com

Twitter
JillShalvis

Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit



Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is … mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning heartwarming and full of humor novels wherever books are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. Her most recent book, THE FAMILY YOU MAKE is out now, and almost here is THE FRIENDSHIP PACT!

Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill:
http://instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://facebook.com/JillShalvis
http://twitter.com/jillshalvis

Book Review: Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown

 

                                                             Kindle Edition, 299 pages
                                            Expected publication: June 14th 2022 by Montlake

                                                                  Buy on Amazon

Back home is the best place to start over in a heart-stirring Texas romance about friendship, second chances, and small-town scandals by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.

Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage.

Risa’s headed for divorce, Mary Nell’s been kicked to the curb by her leech of a boyfriend, and Haley was just blindsided by a shocking family secret. But restless army veteran Jessica Callaway, looking to plant roots, has an idea: corral her fellow former cheerleaders and renovate an abandoned church smack-dab in the middle of three dry counties into a bar. Throw in a grill and Wade Granger—a onetime nerd turned surprisingly crush-worthy investor—and their lives are on tap for a turnaround. Amen to that.

Except for one hitch: the white-clapboard dream is causing a ruckus. With a renewed bond, hard work, and the promise of romance, Jessica and her friends aren’t backing down. For Riverbend, this is going to be a homecoming—and a scandal—to remember.

                                                          MY REVIEW:

Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second Chance Romance later in life. I was hooked from the first page.
Jessica pulled up to the old church parking lot. Her uncle had left this and his fortune to her, in his will. What was she going to do with an old church? As she is contemplating this, Wade Granger pulls up and they start talking and before to long her best friends show up. Risa is getting divorced and has teenage twin daughters. She has been pretty much bossed around her whole life. Mary Nell was dumped by her loser boyfriend of 20 years. Haley's mom died and she is dealing with that and found out about a family secret. These friends were cheerleaders in high school and all need each other right now. Wade was the nerd in high school and wasn't in their social circle.
Now all of them are drawn together and decide what the town needs is a bar and grill and they are all going to work together.
With 1 woman in town who is so against this that she is going to make this dream very hard for them but they don't give up. I loved all of these characters and how they stick together like family with a little bit of romance thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley and #Montlake for this book to review.

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                                                                          Carolyn Brown

Website
http://carolynlbrown.com/

Genre
Romance



Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!

#Montlake #NetGalley

Book Review: Coming Home To Seashell Harbor by Miranda Liasson

 

                                                               Paperback, 384 pages

                                                           Published May 4th 2021 by Forever
                                                                       Buy on Amazon

An emotional novel about first love, second chances, and what it means to follow your heart from this award-winning author who "writes with humor and heart" (Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author).

Hadley Wells swapped her dreams of saving the planet for the glamour of Hollywood. But when a very public breakup reveals cracks in her not-so-perfect life, she returns to her hometown to reassess what it is she truly wants. Unfortunately, Seashell Harbor has some trouble of its own—including the first man to ever break her heart.

A serious injury forced footballer Tony Cammareri into early retirement—now he’s determined to reboot his life with a splashy new restaurant venture. He knows better than to expect a happy reunion with Hadley, but he’s determined to make up for the way things ended between them. Yet when Tony and Hadley end up vying for control of the town’s future, they find themselves once again on opposing sides.

As their rivalry intensifies, they must decide what’s worth fighting for—and what it truly means to be happy.

MY REVIEW:

Coming Home to Seashell Harbor by Miranda Liasson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hadley moved to Hollywood to have career to be proud of and be successful. When a very public breakup makes her go back home for some time off things did not go the way she thought it would.
Tony Cammareri was a football player who had recently gotten injured and stopped his career. Now he wants to use his stardom to build a restaurant to prove to himself and the world that he is not a failure.
When Hadley gets home she finds out her grandmother had been hurt and was in the hospital. Maddy owns a doggy daycare and has for years but talk of retiring has Hadley upset as she has loved the business since she was young.
Maddy is talking about selling the building to Tony, which has Hadley ready to fight for the building and business.
Tony and Hadley were an item in high school but Tony broke things off right before college on a sticky note and had broke her heart. She never forgave him.
Now these 2 are fighting each other to have Maddy decide who should get the building.
I laughed at some of their antics and I loved getting to know the dogs and people in this book.
Thank you to Forever for a copy of the book to review.
Miranda Liasson knocks out another great book.

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                                                                     Miranda Liasson


Born
September 17

Website
https://mirandaliasson.com

Twitter
mirandaliasson

Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Humor and Comedy



URL
https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscommiranda_liasson



Miranda Liasson is a bestselling author who writes about the important relationships in women’s lives as well as the self-discovery and wisdom gained along the way. Her heartwarming and humorous romances have won numerous accolades and have been praised by Entertainment Weekly for the way she “deals with so much of what makes life hard . . . without ever losing the warmth and heart that characterize her writing.” She believes that we can handle whatever life throws at us just a little bit better with a laugh.
A proud native of Northeast Ohio, she and her husband live in a neighborhood of old homes that serve as inspiration for her books. She is very proud of her three young adult children. And though every day she thinks about getting a dog, she fears a writer’s life may bore the poor animal to tears. When she’s not writing or enjoying books herself, she can be found biking along the old Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trails in the beautiful Ohio MetroParks.
Miranda loves to hear from readers!

You can learn more at:
MirandaLiasson.com
Twitter @MirandaLiasson
Facebook.com/MirandaLiassonAuthor
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