Monday, November 30, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Thank You Next


DESCRIPTION:

Seriously, why do guys on dating apps think I want a picture of what’s in their pants? I could open an art gallery with the collection I’ve got.

Zoe
really doesn’t want to die alone and surrounded by cats. But it’s not looking good: she’s had sex precisely twice in the last year, and her feline friend isn’t the kind of male company she wants in bed…

Her top dating disasters include:

1) The guy who kissed her hand, took out a violin and serenaded her in public.
2) The guy who force-fed her oysters (she can confirm that they’re not an aphrodisiac).
3) The guy who was so hungover he turned up with his t-shirt on inside out, sweating sambuca.
4) The guy who brought his actual kid on a dinner date.

And don’t even get her started on the dick pics, or how on earth you’re supposed to know whether a total stranger is an axe murderer or not.

Zoe's ready to give up on the search for love, until her friend has an idea. Robbie lives by his horoscope, and he’s sure she’s got this dating stuff all wrong. He dares her to work her way through the zodiac until she finds The One.

Usually Zoe would laugh at such a suggestion, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Could love be written in the stars? Or is she destined to end up alone, eating take-out in bed and watching endless re-runs of Friends?

A feel-good, fresh and fabulous page-turner for anyone who has torn their hair out over their love life, drunk their weight in wine to survive an awful date, or stared at their phone, willing it to ring. Fans of rom-coms by Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk and TV shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin will absolutely love this laugh-out-loud tale.

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08HM4FMRZSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/O58D50BlJJw
Kobo: http://ow.ly/JEWe50BlJHu
Google: http://ow.ly/e1Y450BlJLr


MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title
:   Thank You Next
Author:  Sophie Ranald
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Humor; Romance
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   241
Date of Publication:   November 30, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

No matter what Zoe does or who she meets her dates simply do not work out. Dating for Zoe proves to be one disaster after another. Zoe decides to take online dating to a whole new level, and that is by using a horoscope dating app to find the perfect man.
 
Her series of dates were interesting, to say the least. Just one example: a date where she was serenaded then treated abominably when she told the guy she wasn't interested. Next. Next. Next. One zodiac guided date after another leads to bigger and bigger disasters. However, Zoe refuses to give up. There has to be the right guy out there. Somewhere.

Zoe's number one confidant is good friend and employee Robbie. Bouncing scenarios and ideas off of him, Zoe is determined to find the right man, no matter how many duds she runs into along the way.

This quick read by Sophie Ranald was an enjoyable read, easily devoured in one sitting. To imagine people going through what Zoe did in this book was indeed cringeworthy at times, but love is something most people want. For this book to be considered humor was a bit of a stretch to me because Zoe's disappointment was more than palpable. 

Zoe's job as a chef and her friendship with Robbie were nice aspects of this book. There were some very serious moments in this book, especially concerning another friend of Zoe's, Dani. Finally, I especially loved the fact that Zoe did seem to zone in on the right guy, despite the uncertainty she faced. Watching her travel the ride from internet dating to true love was quite enjoyable to read. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sophie Ranald is the youngest of five sisters. She was born in Zimbabwe and lived in South Africa until an acute case of itchy feet brought her to London in her mid-20s. As an editor for a customer publishing agency, Sophie developed her fiction-writing skills describing holidays to places she'd never visited. In 2011, she decided to disregard all the good advice given to aspiring novelists and attempt to write full-time. After one false start, It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister's Boyfriend (Wouldn't It?) seemed to write itself. Her second, third and fourth novels followed. Sophie also writes for magazines and online about food, fashion, finance and running. She lives in south-east London with her amazing partner Hopi and Purrs, their adorable little cat. 

To find out about Sophie's forthcoming releases and get access to free books and special offers, sign up to her newsletter at sophieranald.com
or

Author Social Media Links:
Website: sophieranald.com 
Twitter: @SophieRanald 
https://twitter.com/SophieRanald
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SophieRanald

Sunday, November 29, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Pretending

 

DESCRIPTION:

In this hilarious and heartbreaking debut novel perfect for fans of Fleabag, a woman struggling to move on after a traumatic relationship pretends to be “the perfect girl” in an act of vengeance that goes awry when she finds herself emotionally compromised.

He said he was looking for a 'partner in crime' which everyone knows is shorthand for 'a woman who isn't real'.


April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal - yet she can't seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she's found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry. Until she realizes that what men are really looking for is Gretel.

Gretel is perfect - beautiful but low maintenance, sweet but never clingy, sexy but not a slut. She's a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems.

When April starts pretending to be Gretel, dating becomes much more fun - especially once she reels in the unsuspecting Joshua. Finally, April is the one in control, but can she control her own feelings? And as she and Joshua grow closer, how long will she be able to keep pretending?

BUY LINKS:

MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title
:   Pretending
Author:  Holly Bourne
Publisher:  Hodder & Stoughton
Genre:   Women's Fiction
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   416
Date of Publication:   November 17, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

Well over 100 times. What, may you ask? The phrase "I Hate Men". I must to admit asking myself why I kept reading a book that opened with and kept using that very phrase. But, read on I did and I truly get why our primary protagonist April had that view of men. Dating was an ultimate fail for April and she truly wants that to change that. 

Then there is Gretel. The ideal woman as far as April is concerned. So, in her own way she begins to catfish her future dates by becoming the true embodiment of the person Gretel is - brash, beautiful, fun and more. When April is Gretel she has confidence, confidence she never had before. However, all the while the men she begins to meet continue to disappoint her in one way or another. Then, April meets Joshua - as Gretel - and things begin to look up. 

What will April do now? How will she be able to become herself without losing Joshua once he discovers the truth?

There is a catch while reading this book. It is THE very reason April hates men and this is where this review is forced to take on a more serious note. April dealt with sexual assault in a previous relationship. This makes it necessary to present the reader of this review with a trigger warning. I never had the exact experience that April had, but I had enough of life's bad experiences that this was almost enough to stop me from reading this book more than once.

That being said I did read the book through. I really got into April's head and even her heart. I could see why she felt she had to become someone else, and I really began to feel for her when it seemed she finally found the right guy. This led me to want to know how that would work itself out.

This book is said to be humorous. That would be about my only real negative beyond the triggering effect this book had. I felt it to be quite serious, even if April went through a comedy of errors during some of her dates. 

So, dear reader, if you can get past the negative points I bring out in this review, then take this book, grab a cup of coffee and find a comfortable spot and take the ride with April/Gretel/April as we see her looking for love. I think as this book deals with serious issues it does indeed deliver important and powerful lessons. 

Having not read Holly Bourne before I cannot speak as to whether or not this is her style of writing. But, for an American debut novel, she certainly has made herself stand out.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy the following excerpt:
I hate men.

There, I’ve said it. I know you’re not supposed to say it. We all pretend we don’t hate them; we all tell ourselves we don’t hate them. But I’m calling it. I’m standing here on this soapbox, and I’m saying it.

I. Hate. Men.

I mean, think about it. They’re just awful. I hate how selfish they are. How they take up so much space, assuming it’s always theirs to take. How they spread out their legs on public transport, like their balls need regular airing to stop them developing damp. I hate how they basically scent mark anywhere they enter to make it work for them. Putting on the music they want to listen to the moment they arrive at any house party, and always taking the nicest chair. How they touch your stuff instead of just looking; even tweak the furniture arrangement to make it most comfortable for them. All without asking first—never asking first.

I hate how they think their interests are more important than yours—even though twice a week all most of them do is watch a bunch of strangers kick a circle around a piece of lawn and sulk if the circle doesn’t go in the right place. And how bored they look if you ever try to introduce them to a film, a band, or even a freaking YouTube clip, before you’ve even pressed Play.

I hate their endless arrogance. I hate how they interrupt you and then apologize for it but carry on talking anyway. How they ask you a question but then check your answer afterward. I hate how they can never do one piece of housework without telling you about it. I hate how they literally cannot handle being driven in a car by a woman, even if they’re terrible drivers themselves. I hate how they all think they’re fucking incredible at grilling meat on barbecues. The sun comes out and man must light fire and not let woman anywhere near the meat. Dumping blackened bits of chicken onto our plates along with the whiff of a burp from their beer breath, acting all caveman, like we’re supposed to find it cute that we may now get salmonella and that we’re going to have to do all the washing up.

I hate how I’m quite scared of them. I hate the collective noise of them when they’re in a big group. The tribal wahey-ing, like they all swap their IQs for extra testosterone when they swarm together. How, if you’re sitting alone on an empty train, they always come and deliberately sit next to you en masse, and talk extra loudly about macho nonsense, apparently to impress you. I hate the way they look at you when you walk past—automatically judging your screwability the moment they see you. Telling you to smile if you dare look anything other than delighted about living with stuff like this constantly fucking happening to you.

I hate how hard they are to love. How many of them actually, truly, think the way to your heart is sending you a selfie of them tugging themselves, hairy ball sack very much still in shot. I hate how they have sex. How they shove their fingers into you, thinking it’s going to achieve anything. Jabbing their unwashed hands into your dry vagina, prodding about like they’re checking for prostate cancer, then wondering why you now have BV and you still haven’t come. Have none of them read a sex manual? Seriously? None of them? And I hate how they hate you a little just after they’ve finished. How even the nice ones lie there with cold eyes, pretending to cuddle, but clearly desperate to get as far away from you as possible.

I hate how it’s never equal. How they expect you to do all the emotional labor and then get upset when you’re the more stressed-out one. I hate how they never understand you, no matter how hard they try, although, let’s be honest here, they never actually try that hard. And I hate how you’re always exhausting yourself trying to explain even the most basic of your rational emotional responses to their bored face.

I hate how every single last one of them has issues with their father.

And do you know what I hate most of all?

That despite this, despite all this disdain, I still fancy men. And I still want them to fancy me, to want me, to love me. I hate myself for how much I want them. Why do I still fancy men so much? What’s wrong with me? Why are they all so broken? Am I broken for still wanting to be with one, even after everything? I should be alone. That’s the only healthy way to be. BUT I DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE. I hate men, that’s the problem. GOD I HATE THEM SO MUCH—they’re so entitled and broken and lazy and wrong and…and…

Hang on…

My phone.

HE MESSAGED BACK!!!

WITH A KISS ON THE END!

Never mind.

Forget I said anything. It’s all good.

Excerpted from Pretending by Holly Bourne, Copyright © 2020 by Holly Bourne. Published by MIRA Books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Holly Bourne is a bestselling UK-based YA and Adult Fiction author and is an Ambassador for Women’s Aid. In 2019, she was an Author of the Day at the London Book Fair, and was named by Elle Magazine’s weekly podcast as one of “Six Female Authors Changing the Conversation in 2019”. Pretending is her US debut.

SOCIAL LINKS:
Author website: https://hollybourne.co.uk/
Twitter: @holly_bourneYA
Instagram: @hollybourneya
Facebook: @Holly.BourneYA

Saturday, November 28, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Her Sister's Child


DESCRIPTION:

She rolls over and reaches for her instinctively: her baby. Her hand hits air and flaps redundantly. She stumbles out of bed and switches on the light. But this only confirms it. The baby is gone. Someone has taken her.

Sixteen years ago, Lizzie Armitage woke to find her newborn baby gone. Just days later, Lizzie was dead.

Her sister Paula swore she would do everything she could to find the child. If she hadn’t promised to keep Lizzie's pregnancy secret, maybe the baby wouldn’t have disappeared. And maybe Lizzie would still be alive. But, in nearly a decade, Paula’s never found any trace. Until now…

When Paula bumps into an old friend from the past, she realises she wasn’t the only one who knew about her sister’s child. Someone knows what happened that day. Someone knows where Lizzie’s baby went.

But can Paula find out the truth before another family is ripped apart
?

A twisty, unputdownable psychological thriller that will keep you hooked until the last page. Fans of Behind Closed Doors, Friend Request and The Girl on the Train will love Her Sister’s Child.


BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08GP5YM7DSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/8m1N50B9xkB
Kobo: http://ow.ly/DS3T50B9xhC
Google: http://ow.ly/nCc750BalSP


MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title
:   Her Sister's Child
Author:  Alison James
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Psychological Thriller
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   320
Date of Publication:   November 24, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

In this gripping psychological thriller, Paula Armitage has never gotten over the fact that her sister Lizzie at first disappeared years ago and then was found dead. What is more is that at the time Lizzie was pregnant, and she kept this a secret from their mother. To add to this, Lizzie's baby completely disappeared at the time, and this fact remained secret for years as well.

As the story fast forwards to the present, Paula decides it is high time to try and discover what happened to the baby. There are two other principal characters in the story, a social worker named Marian and a young girl - actually a teen mother - named Charlie. What do Paula, Marian and even Charlie all have in common and what are the threads that are slowly pulled together that eventually work to connect them?

As the drama unfolds we learn what happened when Lizzie died. Then we see the drama that Charlie experiences. We also see the actions of Marian, who was a social worker at the time. The drama is heightened when Charlie, who was living with her boyfriend at the time, is about to return home to her parents with her newborn baby. Something terrible happens and it is this very action that begin to pull this thrilling story together.

I love how this story was told - seemingly from three different perspectives - leaving the reader clues ass to how each of them would indeed connect. Beyond being a thriller, this story was quite emotional on several levels, even shocking at times. As I was reading this story, my heart broke at times, and I could not help but wonder if there would be any type of good resolution. This book was impossible to put down and proved to be an excellent read.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion..


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the Cotswolds, Alison spent most of her formative years abroad. She studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after her two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, Alison worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.

Author Social Media Links:
Website: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.james.90226628
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonJbooks

d

Friday, November 27, 2020

BLOG TOUR - His Holiday Prayer

DESCRIPTION:

A new beginning could be closer than he thinks. What he wants for Christmas may not be what he needs. After receiving an unexpected job offer in Texas, widower Tucker Rainbolt decides he and his twins need a fresh start. But moving on means leaving his best friend, Jena Harper, and their vet clinic behind. For the first time, Tucker sees Jena as more than a buddy. What if leaving isn’t the answer? Maybe what he’s been missing has been right beside him the whole time…

From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

BUY LINKS:


MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title:   His Holiday Prayer
Author:  Tina Radcliffe
Series:  Hearts of Oklahoma #3
Publisher:  Love Inspired
Genre:   Romance
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   224
Date of Publication:  December 1, 2020 
My Rating:   4 Stars

Despite the opportunity for someone new in his life, widower Tucker Rainbolt is ready to pack up his twin babies and start a new job and ultimately a new life. As his time to make the changes in his life draws ever closer, he cannot help but be forced to fight growing feelings for best friend Jena Harper. They are not only close as friends, but they also work together at a vet clinic. Why is it as he thinks of moving away does Tucker realize that he sees Jena as more than a friend, especially when it soon becomes apparent that she just might feel the same?

It was so nice to see Tucker's heart opening to Jena, all while being a fabulous father. In the terrific story of friends to lovers the transition was handled quite well. Watching characters realize they are in love is one of the sweetest things to me, and one of the favorite types of books for me to read.

Not only do readers get to see this romance blooming, efforts at animal rescue are at play since this is where Tucker and Jena work. Lastly, what makes this story work is that it is set in the holiday season, giving everything a nice warm vibe. 

This book is the third in the Hearts of Oklahoma series. Even though I didn't get the chance to read the first two, I was able to be quite invested in this story and did enjoy the other characters that showed up as this story was being told. Both Jena and Tucker are wonderful characters and I am glad that I got to read this delightful book and see how they found love and made such a fine family with his gorgeous twin girls. 

Many thanks to Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


Please enjoy the following excerpt:
Excerpt for HIS HOLIDAY PRAYER by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired)

“Looking good, Muffin.” Jena Harper examined the suture line on the English bulldog, then removed her gloves with a snap. She gave the dog a gentle massage behind the ears before turning her over to the clinic technician.

“Any special orders, Dr. Harper?” Pilar Lopez asked.

“No, her incision looks great. Give the Tuttles a call and let them know their princess is ready to pick up.” Jena glanced at the clock. “Remind them that the clinic closes early on Saturdays.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Thanks, Pilar. And thank you for working overtime until we find a second tech,” Jena said.

“No problem, Doc. Mind if I take off after I call? My son has a scout meeting.”

“Go ahead, and have a great rest of the weekend.” Jena headed to the sink, scrubbed her hands and rinsed them before pushing through the swinging door to the staff area where her partner at Rebel Vet and Rescue, Tucker Rainbolt, stood at the counter in the file room, documenting in a patient chart.

“Thanks for handling those last few appointments, Tucker,” she said.

He yawned and ran a hand through short, caramel-colored hair. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“Yes, but you already put in the entire morning out at Rebel Ranch treating that stallion.”

“Small animals are a nice change of pace from the equine clinic. Hopefully Monday and Tuesday will be quiet for you, since I won’t be around to help.”

“Ah, yes. You’re headed to Texas.” She shook her head. “Explain to me why you’d want to speak at a university whose football team annihilated us this year?”

Tucker chuckled. “Life is not just about animals and Oklahoma State football, Jena.”

She opened her lab coat to show off her OSU Cowboys black-and-orange sweatshirt, which managed to be both gaudy and tacky. “Says who?”

He stopped writing and looked at her. “You never cease to amaze me.”

“I consider that a compliment.”

“Don’t you ever feel a little stifled in Rebel?” he asked.

“No. I love this town.” Rebel was idyllic. Small enough that you knew nearly everyone’s name. Then from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the population swelled with tourists. There was always something going on thanks to nearby Rebel Lake and Keystone Lake. Yes, Rebel, Oklahoma, was pretty much perfect.

“Hmm,” Tucker murmured. “I guess the difference is that you don’t have two older brothers who hover over you at every turn.”

“You have a supportive family who are concerned about your well-being. You’re very fortunate.” Tucker had no clue what it was like to have zero family, and she prayed he’d never know that feeling of being alone in the world.

“Yeah. Extremely fortunate,” Tucker agreed. “But all that concern comes at a price.” He released a slow breath.

“I’ll forever be the little brother. Even more so since we lost Levi and Megan.”

Jena grimaced. It hadn’t been her intention to bring up memories of those dark times when Tucker lost both his wife and his younger brother in separate incidents but so close together.

“It’s not their fault,” he said. “And it is getting better since both Reece and Mitch got married. Eventually, the folks in this town will ease off, too.”

“The town?”

“Jena, the pastor’s wife will pick up her dog shortly. When she does, she’ll bring me a casserole. The woman has had my name on her outreach calendar for over four years, since Megan passed. When I suggest removing me, she won’t hear of it. Ridiculous, but there it is.”

“Oh, wow. I had no idea. And I feel like a jerk of a friend for not noticing. I’m sorry, Tucker.”

“Don’t apologize. You’re the only one who doesn’t treat me with kid gloves.”

She chuckled. “No, I can’t say that I do.” Often the two of them had running disagreements about all sorts of things. She definitely had no fear of telling him the truth about…pretty much everything. That’s what made them such good friends. They could and did talk.

“Sometimes, I wonder if maybe there’s something else out there for me.” Tucker stared through the storefront window of the clinic as though he was a million miles away from Rebel.

Panic gripped Jena around the middle as the reality of his words sank in. “You’re not thinking of leaving Rebel, are you?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Good.”

When the front door bells chimed, they both turned toward the sound.

Tucker followed Jena to the reception area just in time to see Saylor Tuttle sashay through the doggie entrance, holding a foil-covered pan and bringing with her the unmistakable scents of gardenia perfume and tomato sauce, along with a chilly late October breeze.

“Tucker,” she said. “So glad you’re still here.” The pastor’s wife slid the casserole onto the counter and then patted her sky-high, silver bouffant hair.

Turning slightly toward Jena, Tucker raised his brows with a ‘see what I mean’ expression.

“Thank you, Mrs. Tuttle.” He smiled. “You know you can take me off the list any time now, right?”

“Nonsense. It’s an honor for the ladies’ outreach to assist you during this difficult time.”

“Let me go get Muffin,” he said.

“Muffin is healing nicely,” Jena said to Mrs. Tuttle. “Keep the E-collar on to prevent her from messing with the incision line and continue cleaning the area as you have been.”

The older woman leaned across the counter. “You know, honey, if you’d marry him, I could take him off my calendar.”

“Excuse me?” Jena inched away from the desk, eyes rounding as she processed the woman’s words. “Are you talking about Tucker?”

“Who else? He’s a catch and you’re the most likely candidate.”

Jena took a breath. It wouldn’t do to insult the pastor’s wife, so she measured her response. “Tucker and I are friends. We went to college together and started the clinic together. I’m the twins’ godmother.” She raised a hand, then lowered it to the counter, still stunned. Never in a couple zillion years would she ruin their friendship and their professional bond by crossing that line.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western NY, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include: Certified Oncology R.N. and library cataloger. She recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to the Phoenix, Arizona area, where she writes heartwarming and fun inspirational romance.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Christmas Protection Detail

DESCRIPTION:

He’ll do anything to protect a baby in jeopardy…

When a call from a friend in trouble leads Nick Delaney and Deputy Kaitlyn Lanz to a car crash that killed a single mother, they become the baby’s protectors. Now figuring out why someone is after the child is the only way to save her. But they must find answers soon…or this baby’s first Christmas might just be Nick’s and Kaitlyn’s last.

From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

BUY LINKS:
MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title:   Christmas Protection Detail
Author:  Terri Reed
Publisher:  Love Inspired Suspense
Genre:   Romantic Suspense
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   224
Date of Publication:   December 15, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

Nick Delaney and Kaitlyn Lanz, a deputy, are about to find themselves involved with a baby. Circumstances are quite sensitive, especially due to the fact that the baby's mother died in a car crash. Not only do Nick and Kaitlyn work hard to protect the baby, they soon realize that they must worry about their own safety as well.

Their story begins when Nick gets a phone call from a friend desperately asking for help. Before he can go to her aid, the worst happens and he finds her hanging on for dear life, and her small baby tucked into the back of her car. Practically before Nick can figure out what to do he finds himself nearly shot, and that is how he comes into contact with a sheriff's deputy, Kaitlyn. Because Nick was friends with the baby's mother, he takes responsibility for the baby. He could barely act quick enough when he realizes that someone is after the small child. Kaitlyn steps in and protects the both of them.

This thrilling story starts with action and danger and it never lets up for a minute. Along the way, not only to Nick and Kaitlyn begin to care for one another, they fall for the baby as well. Excitingly, this was a very quick and satisfying read. I couldn't help but wonder how indeed things would work out for Nick, Kaitlyn and the baby, and I definitely enjoyed the journey as well as the conclusion.

Many thanks to Love Inspired Suspense and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy the following excerpt:
Excerpt for CHRISTMAS PROTECTION DETAIL by Terri Reed

Deputy Kaitlyn Lanz climbed the short stepladder to reach the last few branches needing to be decorated on the Christmas tree in the Bristle Township Community Center. The combined celebration of the season and the retirement of Bristle Township’s sheriff, James Ryder, was in full swing all around her. Christmas tunes played from the speakers mounted to the ceiling. The music competed with the many conversations taking place.

It seemed the whole town had turned out for the festivities. Kaitlyn had to admit she was pleased that so many people wanted to wish her boss—uh, former boss—well.

She sent up a quick prayer that nothing would mar the festive event. For some reason, she’d been anxious lately. Nothing specific, just a vague sense of doom that hit her at odd times. She chalked it up to losing the sheriff to fishing and traveling.

It had been several months since there’d been any real trouble in town or any need for the mounted patrol to mobilize. Not that she was complaining, because she loved being a part of the Bristle County sheriff’s department’s long tradition of patrols on horseback.

Like similar units in many Western states, the mounted patrol was comprised of both armed deputies and unarmed civilian volunteers, also referred to as auxiliary members. They provided search and rescue, as well as community and forest patrols. It was one of the various aspects of her job as keeper of the peace that utilized her many skills. She took pride in her job and always strove to do well at protecting the citizens of her town.

But tonight, she wasn’t going to let anything keep her from enjoying the party.

“A little to the left.”

The deep baritone voice caused her to jerk and fumble with the ornament she was attempting to hang on the large Douglas fir tree standing in the corner of the community center. Balanced on top of the stepladder to reach a high branch, she wobbled. So much for enjoying the party. Nick Delaney, the second in line to inherit the Delaney fortune, had become the bane of her existence over the past year.

He grasped her by the waist with surprising strength, stabilizing her on the short ladder. “Steady there.”

She threw an irritated glance over her shoulder at the man. “I’ve got it.”

“Of course. But maybe hang it a little to the left,” he said, directing her placement of the glittery ornament.

Her heart thumped maddeningly. And not because she’d almost fallen from the ladder. Nick looked good tonight. As always. So maddening. Could he, just once, be unattractive?

He was dressed to impress in crisply creased black slacks and a finely tailored gray sport coat over a dark green mock turtleneck sweater. His dark hair was swept off his forehead to accentuate his chiseled cheekbones. His dark eyes sparkled, and his grin was much too confident.

From the moment she’d met the younger son of the local eccentric billionaire, Nick’s arrogance had rubbed her nerves raw.

Abruptly, she turned back to the tree, placed the ornament where she had intended and stepped down from the ladder, forcing him to release his hold and move back to give her room. “I like it where it is.”

He shrugged. “You know best, Deputy.”

She gritted her back teeth. He made the moniker sound pretentious. Turning her attention to the tree, she realized with a sinking sensation he’d been right. The turtledove glass bauble she’d brought from home needed to be a bit more to the left for symmetry.

Ah, well. She wasn’t perfect and neither were her ornament hanging abilities. But she certainly wouldn’t give Nick the satisfaction of knowing she regretted not listening to his advice. Had it been anyone else, she no doubt would have adjusted the ornament accordingly. What was it about Nick that put her on edge all the time?

She had a suspicion her irritation stemmed from the fact that he reminded her of her college boyfriend, Jason. A relationship that hadn’t ended well.

“Here.” Nick thrust a red box with a white bow at her.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning, multipublished author Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction at an early age and declared she would one day write a book. Now she's fulfilling that dream by writing for Love Inspired. She is a member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit her online at www.terrireed.com or email her at terrireed@sterling.net or leave comments on http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/ or www.loveinspiredauthors.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Dead Girl Walking


DESCRIPTION:

‘“911. What’s your emergency?”

“He came for her. She’s been shot,” says a desperate voice, as footsteps echo down an alley. “She’s dying.”

“Oh no, oh no, he’s coming back. Please, come quickly––” And then a click, and the drone of a dial tone.

The beautiful young woman on the stretcher could be on her honeymoon. Chestnut hair tumbles around a pretty face, rose petals tangled in the loose strands. But the bandage around her forehead tells a different tale, as Emergency Room Nurse Jessie Novak desperately battles to keep her alive. Jessie’s thoughts are racing—who shot this beautiful young woman and more importantly, why?

Ann Hart’s life hangs by a thread, and Jessie cannot bear to see this beautiful young woman die without justice being done. Being a nurse is like hunting for clues, and Jessie is sure she can find the person who hurt Ann. She also asks her friend Detective Sam Dallas for help digging into Ann’s past. But then Jessie receives a gift that sends shivers up her spine: a huge bouquet of blood-red roses, just like the ones in Ann’s hair…

As the first snowflakes start to fall, another body turns up. Jessie is sure that she’s in danger too—since the roses, someone has been watching her… Sam is reluctant to see the link but Jessie knows she must find the culprit before he strikes again. He is stalking her through the frozen streets and he doesn’t want his fun to stop. Can Jessie turn the tables on the killer, or is she just a dead girl walking?

A totally addictive mystery novel that will leave you gasping for breath and have your heart thumping! Fans of Lisa Regan, Gregg Olsen and Tess Gerritsen will be completely hooked.

BUY LINKS:

MY THOUGHTS:

Title
:   Dead Girl Walking
Author:  Roberta Gately
Series:  Jessie Novak #1
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Mystery/Thriller
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   307
Date of Publication:   November 24, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

Jessie Novak is an emergency room nurse who goes a step further when it comes to one of her patients. A young woman is barely recovering from a gunshot and Jessie is determined to get to the bottom of things. When the woman's husband has minimal injuries, Jessie begins to question the crime that just might take this young woman's life. Beginning with her friend, Detective Sam Dallas, Jessie begins asking questions and leaving no stone unturned when it comes to solving this crime. 

Jessie stops long enough to consider her romantic prospects, including wondering whether or not she is drawn to Sam. However, danger is lurking right at Jessie's feet, especially when another person turns up dead. Can Jessie act quickly enough to solve the crimes? Furthermore, what about the suspicions Jessie had from the very start? How can she shake things up enough to find the killer, all while remaining safe from harm?

I love when I get the chance to read the first book in a new series. I enjoyed meeting Jessie and seeing how determined she was from beginning to end, even when her personal life takes surprising turns. It ought to be interesting to see what else Jessie falls into, especially when things got truly hairy the closer she got to solving the crimes at hand. This book sort of reminded me of a cozy mystery with Jessie becoming an amateur detective, but it was a bit more gritty, which gave this story a very nice edge. 

I loved Jessie as the primary protagonist and the supporting characters were great additions to what turned out to be a very good story. There were a few twists that proved very interesting and this all led to a very good conclusion. Roberta Gately is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more of her as this series continues. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roberta Gately, lives in Boston where she works as a nurse at the Boston Medical Center. It was in the ER where she developed an interest in the investigations behind the crimes and the victims she encountered. Working in a busy ER is much like being a detective—the search for answers is a methodical process, not unlike the work required to solve a murder!

Her crime series with Bookouture stars the brave and brilliant ER nurse Jessie Novak who teams up with her detective friend to solve tricky Boston murder cases. Expect addictive mysteries, breathtaking suspense and a gutsy heroine you’ll never forget. When she’s not writing or working at the hospital, Roberta enjoys reading, working out and spending time with friends and family.

She has also worked in humanitarian aid, providing medical care in some of the world’s bleakest spots ranging from Africa to Afghanistan. Her two previous novels, Lipstick in Afghanistan and The Bracelet were based upon her experiences of nursing abroad. Her memoir—Footprints in the Dust tells the true stories of some of the extraordinary people she met.

Author Social Media Links

Roberta loves hearing from readers and you can get in touch with her using the links below.

Author website: robertagately.com

Sunday, November 22, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Flirtation and Folly



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Marianne Mowbrey is a responsible country rector’s daughter who longs for the novelty and excitement she reads about in novels. When her crusty Aunt Harriet agrees to give her a Season in London, Marianne vows to dazzle the world, win a husband, and never go home again. But the Londoners who determine social success are inclined to pass over plain Marianne in favor of her beautiful, reckless younger sister.

In a world of ambition, fashion, flattery, and deceit, how can Marianne stay true to her real self—when she is not even sure what that real self is?

Available on Amazon

MY THOUGHTS:

Title
:   Flirtation and Folly
Author:  Elizabeth Rasche
Series:  A Season in London #1
Publisher:  Quills & Quartos Publishing
Genre:   Historical Romance
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   326
Date of Publication:  November 9, 2020 
My Rating:   3 Stars

In this delightful book by debut author Elizabeth Rasche, we get a very nice story about Marianne and the opportunity she gets for a London season. Her aunt has offered for Marianne to have a season, and this comes with all the benefits, including beautiful garb, balls and everything else. Marianne has spent years devouring romance novels and she uses vicarious ways to seek her future.

This book is a bit different from other historical romances that I have read. We do not get the male protagonist's view at all. We get everything from Marianne's point of view. Also, this is a very "sweet" romance. There is a happy ending after the conflicts presented are resolved.

With that being said, I did truly enjoy this book! I read a lot of inspirational romance so I am used to the sweet sort of story. So I did find Marianne's journey to be one of great enjoyment. Her journey was not an easy one, but she handled everything with grace. Another thing that I saw while reading this book is the fact that it is a debut novel. I think the author did a fine job getting her feet wet in one of my most enjoyable genres. 

I liked seeing Marianna decide what her future would be as her heart warmed to the man who would one day be her husband. The writing was enjoyable, the drama and the conflicts were reasonable and this makes me eager to continue this series to see who has the next story and how it will be developed. 

Many thanks to Quills & Quartos Publishing for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, November 10
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, November 11
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Thursday, November 12
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, November 13
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Monday, November 16
Feature at I'm Into Books
Review at Probably at the Library

Tuesday, November 17
Review at Bookworlder

Wednesday, November 18
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Thursday, November 19
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Friday, November 20
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, November 21
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Sunday, November 22
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Monday, November 23
Review at Jessica Belmont

Tuesday, November 24
Review at Novels Alive
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Flirtation and Folly by Elizabeth Rasche! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on November 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Flirtation and Folly

About the Author

After acquiring a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Arkansas, Elizabeth Rasche taught philosophy in the U.S. and co-taught English in Japan. Now she and her husband live in northwest Arkansas, the ‘garden of America.’ (At least, she has only ever heard Arkansas called so.) She dreams of visiting Surrey (if only to look for Mrs. Elton’s Maple Grove), Bath, and of course, London. When she has a Jane Austen novel in one hand, a cup of tea in the other, and a cat on her lap, her day is pretty much perfect.

Elizabeth Rasche is the author of The Birthday Parties of Dragons and her poetry has appeared in Scifaikuest. Flirtation & Folly is her first historical fiction novel.