#BookReview Man Candy by Jessica Lemmon @lemmony @readloveswept

#BookReview Man Candy by Jessica Lemmon @lemmony @readloveswept Title: Man Candy

Author: Jessica Lemmon

Series: Real Love #3

Published by: Loveswept on Jan. 9, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 213

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Loveswept, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Dax: After spending the summer buried up to my eyeballs in my family’s affairs, I’m ready for a break. The kind of break where I can spend two solid weeks camping and fishing in the company of absolutely no one. Then I find myself directly in the path of a drop-dead gorgeous tornado by the name of Becca Stone. Who can resist a night with a damsel in distress? Especially when she happens to be a leggy blonde? The last thing I expect is for Becca to show up on my cabin doorstep the next night, shivering in the rain and ready for seconds.

Becca: One minute I’m admiring the rock-hard jaw of the Magic Mike lookalike who walks into my bar, and the next I’m getting fired by my own brother. Loudly. In front of everyone. Luckily Dax Vaughn is a gentleman who aims his white-hot smile at me. Oh, it’s on. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am. Then a torrential storm washes out the main road and causes a massive power outage, giving us two whole weeks to enjoy each other’s company. At which point Dax will go back home, leaving “us” in the rearview mirror. That’s the plan. Or it was . . . until I started falling for him.


Review:

Humorous, captivating, and wonderfully provocative!

Man Candy is a smoldering, sultry tale that takes us into the lives of two main characters. Dax, a handsome businessman hoping a little alone time will help him regroup and focus after the loss of his father, and Becca a spunky, young woman who always seems to be running a little late and never seems to live up to her family’s expectations.

The writing is witty and light. The characters are charismatic, relatable, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is an enticing mix of instant attraction, steamy chemistry, familial drama, playful banter, and heartfelt moments.

Man Candy is the third book in the “Real Love” series, and once again Lemmon has written a novel that has all the swoon-worthy elements you look for in a lighthearted romance, sexy characters, a charming storyline, lots of heart, and a happy-ever-after ending that will make you smile.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House – Loveswept for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Jessica Lemmon

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Jessica is a social media junkie who loves to hear from readers.

#BlogTour & #BookReview That Girl by Kate Kerrigan @katekerrigan @HoZ_Books

#BlogTour & #BookReview That Girl by Kate Kerrigan @katekerrigan @HoZ_Books Title: That Girl

Author: Kate Kerrigan

Published by: Head of Zeus on Jan. 1, 2018

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Head of Zeus, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

You can escape a place. But you can’t escape yourself.

Hanna flees the scene of a terrible crime in her native Sligo. If she can just vanish, re-invent herself under a new name, perhaps the police won’t catch up with her. London seems the perfect place to disappear.

Lara has always loved Matthew and imagined happy married life in Dublin. Then comes the bombshell – Matthew says he wants to join the priesthood. Humiliated and broken-hearted, Lara heads to the most godless place she can find, King’s Road, Chelsea.

Matthew’s twin sister, Noreen, could not be more different from her brother. She does love fiance John, but she also craves sex, parties and fun. Swinging London has it all, but without John, Noreen is about to get way out of her depth.

All three girls find themselves working for Bobby Chevron – one of London’s most feared gangland bosses – and it’s not long before their new lives start to unravel.


Review:

Compelling, beguiling, and undeniably moving!

That Girl is an enthralling story about dreams, courage, heartbreak, goals, secrets, adventure, new love, self-discovery, and friendship all set against the backdrop of 1960s London when King’s Road was alive and grooving and had more than its fair share of velvet, miniskirts, pubs, gangsters, and violence.

There are three main Irish lasses in this novel; Hanna, a young woman running from an abusive past; Lara a hardworking, brokenhearted seamstress; and Noreen a fun-loving gal, looking for a good time.

The prose is expressive and effortless. The characterization is spot on with a wonderful cast of characters, including some determined, fearless women who learn through friendship and compassion to let go of the past and embrace the future. And the plot is the perfect blend of heart, humour, hope, surprises, and drama.

Overall, I have to say that Kerrigan has done a smashing job on this novel. That Girl is truly a fantastic read with a little bit of everything, suspense, romance, and even a dab of dark comedy and just in case you couldn’t tell already, I absolutely loved it!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                            

 

 

Thank you to Head of Zeus for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kate Kerrigan

Kate Kerrigan lives in County Mayo, Eire, with her husband and children. Her novels include Recipes for a Perfect Marriage, shortlisted for the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award and Ellis Island, which was a TV Book Club Summer Read.

 

#BookReview Cowboy’s Legacy by B.J. Daniels @bjdanielsauthor @HarlequinBooks

#BookReview Cowboy’s Legacy by B.J. Daniels @bjdanielsauthor @HarlequinBooks Title: Cowboy's Legacy

Author: B.J. Daniels

Series: Cahill Ranch #3

Published by: Hqn on Nov. 28, 2017

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8/10

Nothing will stop a Cahill cowboy from protecting what’s his

After a rocky marriage and even rockier divorce, Sheriff Flint Cahill finally has something good in his life again. Maggie Thompson’s down-to-earth charm and beautiful smile hooked him from the start. When she disappears on the day they plan to start their lives together, all signs point to abduction—and his ex-wife.

Functioning on adrenaline and instinct, Flint must call on his every resource to bring Maggie home before it’s too late. His past and future are blurred. Maggie’s only chance at surviving her abductor and a raging winter storm depends on an old vendetta that could destroy it all. But the Cahills don’t give up easily, and Flint’s love will have to be strong enough to conquer anything, including the unimaginable.


Review:

Suspenseful, intricate, and action-packed!

Wild Ride Cowboy is a fast-paced thrill ride featuring the desperate and determined Sheriff Flint Cahill as he races against time to find his missing, injured girlfriend Maggie who seems to have vanished into thin air.

The writing is taut and tight. The characters are multifaceted, resilient, and troubled. And the plot, including all its compelling subplots, quickly unravels and intertwines taking you from the snowy hills of Montana across state lines and back again in an engrossing mystery filled to the brim with suspects, clues, red herrings, solid deductions, swirling emotions, and a sliver of romance.

Overall, Wild Ride Cowboy is an enjoyable, entertaining whodunit with a satisfying ending, and even though it’s the third book in the “Cahill Ranch” series, it can certainly be read as a standalone novel.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                            

 

 

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About B.J. Daniels

B.J. Daniels’ life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.

She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomcat named Jeff. When she isn’t writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis.

Mount TBR 2018 Challenge #MountTBR2018

 

So here’s one more challenge, Mount TBR 2018 hosted by Bev at myreadersblock, that I have decided to join this year to try to reach my goal of reducing all the unread amazing books I seem to have purchased over the past few years and have never had the time to read.

 

Here’s a look at just one pile I hope to make a dent in:

 

 

(To see what I actually get read be sure to come back and check out the bottom of this post!) 

 

Challenge Levels:

Pike’s Peak: Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Blanc: Read 24 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Vancouver: Read 36 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Ararat: Read 48 books from your TBR piles/s
Mt. Kilimanjaro: Read 60 books from your TBR pile/s
El Toro: Read 75 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Everest: Read 100 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Olympus (Mars): Read 150+ books from your TBR pile/s

 

The Rules

*Once you choose your challenge level, you are locked in for at least that many books. If you find that you’re on a mountain-climbing roll and want to tackle a taller mountain, then you are certainly welcome to upgrade.  All books counted for lower mountains carry over towards the new peak.

*Challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2018.

*You may sign up anytime from now until November 1st, 2018.

*Books must be owned by you prior to January 1, 2018. No library books. If you’re looking for a library book challenge or one that counts books on your non-owned TBR list, then there may be challenges out there that do that. This one does not.

*Rereads may count only in the following circumstances: If you did not own the book when you read it long ago and far away [based on your age, you can decide what that might mean] and you bought the book pre-January 1, 2018 intending to reread it now that it’s your very own.  [To clarify–the intention is to reduce the stack of books that you have bought for yourself or received as presents {birthday, Christmas, “just because,” etc.}. Audiobooks and E-books may count if they are yours and they are one of your primary sources of backlogged books.]

*You may count any “currently reading” book that you begin prior to January 1–provided that you had 50% or more of the book left to finish when January 1 rolled around.  I will trust you all on that.

*You may count “Did Not Finish” books provided they meet your own standard for such things, you do not plan to ever finish it, and you move it off your mountain [give it away, sell it, etc. OR remove it from your e-resources]. For example, my personal rule (unless it’s a very short book) is to give a book at least 100 pages. If I decide I just can’t finish it and won’t ever, then off the mountain it goes and I count it as a victory–the stack is smaller!

*Books may be used to count for other challenges as well.

*Feel free to submit your list in advance (as incentive to really get those books taken care of) or to tally them as you climb.

*There will be quarterly check-ins and prize drawings!

*A blog and reviews are not necessary to participate. If you have a blog, then please post a challenge sign up and link THAT post (not your home page) into the linky below. Non-bloggers, please leave a comment declaring your challenge level–OR, if you are a member of Goodreads, I will once again put together a group for the challenge there. Feel free to sign up HERE if that’s where you want to participate. At the beginning of the year, I will update the sidebar link called Mount TBR Review Headquarters for current reviews and progress updates.

 

So based on the rules I have decided to challenge myself to climb:

 

Mount Blanc: Read 24 books from your TBR pile/s

 

 

And here are the books so far that I’ve read toward the Mount TBR 2018 Reading Challenge:

 

  1. More Bitter Than Death – Camilla Grebe (Published May 31, 2013)

  2. The Widow – Fiona Barton (Published Feb. 16, 2016)

 

 

 

Total Books Read So Far: 2

#BookReview #BlogTour What She Left by Rosie Fiore @rosiefiore @AllenAndUnwinUK @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour What She Left by Rosie Fiore @rosiefiore @AllenAndUnwinUK @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour What She Left by Rosie Fiore @rosiefiore @AllenAndUnwinUK @rararesources Title: What She Left

Author: Rosie Fiore

Published by: Allen & Unwin on Aug. 17, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 383

Format: Paperback

Source: Allen & Unwin, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Helen Cooper has a charmed life. She’s beautiful, accomplished, organised – the star parent at the school. Until she disappears.

But Helen wasn’t abducted or murdered. She’s chosen to walk away, abandoning her family, husband Sam, and her home.

Where has Helen gone, and why? What has driven her from her seemingly perfect life? What is she looking for? Sam is tormented by these questions, and gradually begins to lose his grip on work and his family life.

He sees Helen everywhere in the faces of strangers. He’s losing control.

But then one day, it really is Helen’s face he sees…


Review:

Absorbing, intense, and immensely sobering!

What She Left is an emotional, character-driven novel that delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife and highlights the detrimental physical and psychological effects the breakdown of a marriage can have on the whole family unit.

The prose is fluid and well turned. The characters are multifaceted, desperate, determined, and raw. And the plot, using multiple perspectives, is an engaging story about life, loss, love, family, secrets, lies, collusion, selfishness, friendship, and the importance of self-identity.

What She Left is a poignant, clever novel that reminds us that true happiness comes from honesty, trust, and never losing sight of your own desires, needs, wants, and dreams.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

       

 

 

Thank you to Rosie Fiore, Allen & Unwin and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Rosie Fiore

Rosie Fiore was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She studied drama at the University of the Witwatersrand and has worked as a writer for theatre, television, magazines, advertising, comedy and the corporate market.

Her first two novels, This Year’s Black and Lame Angel were published by Struik in South Africa. This Year’s Black was longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award and has subsequently been re-released as an e-book. Babies in Waiting, Wonder Women and Holly at Christmas were published by Quercus. She is the author of After Isabella, also published by Allen & Unwin.

Rosie’s next book, The After Wife (written as Cass Hunter), will be published by Trapeze in 2018, and in translation is seven countries around the world.

Rosie lives in London with her husband and two sons.

 

#BookReview Romantic Behavior by L.A. Witt & Cari Z @GallagherWitt @author_cariz @RiptideBooks

#BookReview Romantic Behavior by L.A. Witt & Cari Z @GallagherWitt @author_cariz @RiptideBooks Title: Romantic Behavior

Author: L.A. Witt, Cari Z.

Series: Bad Behavior #4

Published by: Riptide Publishing on Jan. 15, 2018

Genres: Romantic Suspense, LGBTQIA

Pages: 106

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Riptide Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Detective Andreas Ruffner is no fool—he’s found a man who loves him, puts up with him, and has stuck with him through hell and back, and it’s time to put a ring on it. Darren Corliss is the love of his life, and he wants the whole world to know it.

Now the fun part—the wedding!

Well, after the not-so-fun part of planning the wedding in between dealing with overbearing and impossible-to-please family members. With future mothers-in-law driving them both up a wall, the guest list growing out of control, and the wedding getting ever more complicated, Darren and Andreas have to wonder if they’re in over their heads.

But they’re going to make it to the altar if it kills them . . . and at this rate, it just might.


Review:

Humorous, satisfying, and sweet!

Romantic Behavior is a light, easy read that takes us back into the world of Darren and Andreas where this time they’re not on a hunt for a serial killer or in a race to save lives, but instead they’re in a battle to say “I do.”

The writing is smooth and solid. The characters are determined, exhausted, and committed. And the plot, although a little less sexy than I would have liked, is filed with all the excitement and stresses of planning a wedding, including mother-in-laws, wedding planners, guest lists, flowers, romance, and heartfelt vows.

Romantic Behavior is the fourth and final novel in the Bad Behavior series that has a lovely, happy-ever-after ending that sees these two partners in crime finally becoming partners for life. 

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Cari Z.

Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

About L.A. Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies.

She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut...

It’s Monday (January 15, 2018)! What Are You Reading! #IMWAYR

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn at Bookdate is a weekly post to share what you’ve recently finished reading, what you’re currently reading, and what you plan on reading this upcoming week.

 

What I Read Last Week (ARCs ):

 

Title: The Pearl Sister (The Seven Sisters #4)

Author: Lucinda Riley

Immediate Thoughts: Poignant, heartwarming and incredible fascinating.

Rating: 10/10

Publication Date: January 23, 2017

 

 

 

What I Read Last Week (Author/Publisher Books):

 

Title: The Lullaby Girl (Angie Pallorino #2)

Author: Loreth Anne White

Immediate Thoughts: Impressive thriller with a little romance. Loved it.

Rating: 10/10

Publication Date: November 14, 2017

 

 

 

                   

 

 

What I Read Last Week (Off My TBR ):

 

Title: Trouble Next Door

Author: Stefanie London

Immediate Thoughts: Lighthearted, humorous, and flirty!

Rating: 9/10

Publication Date: November 13, 2017

Added to my TBR: January 1, 2018

  

Title: The Rule Book (The Rule Beakers #1)

Author: Jennifer Blackwood

Immediate Thoughts: Romantic, charming, and exceptionally funny!

Rating: 8/10

Publication Date: May 9, 2016

Added to my TBR: May 9, 2016

 

 

What I’m currently reading:

 


 

What I’m reading next:

 

                                

 

 

Current Stats:

# of NetGalley ARCs Read This Week: 1

# of Publisher/Author Books Read This Week: 3

# of Books Read off my Goodreads TBR This Week: 2

# of NetGalley ARCs Outstanding: 22

# of Publisher/Author Books Outstanding: 26

# of Books Still on my Goodreads TBR List: 893

 

Have you read any of my upcoming reads? What do you have coming up?

Happy Reading!

#BookReview Dreaming of Florence by T.A. Williams @TAWilliamsBooks @canelo_co

#BookReview Dreaming of Florence by T.A. Williams @TAWilliamsBooks @canelo_co Title: Dreaming of Florence

Author: T.A. Williams

Published by: Canelo on Jan. 8, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 254

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Canelo, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Fresh pasta, red wine, fine art… and love? Find enchantment this year in the magical city of Florence

When Debbie Waterson’s bicycle crashes into handsome doctor Pierluigi, she wonders if her luck has changed. Determinedly single after ending a long relationship, at last, a man worth bumping into!

Inspired to visit Florence, she soon runs headlong into that old foe: reality. But is Pierluigi the man of her dreams? Then there’s her booze obsessed boss, his forbidding secretary and her noisy inconsiderate neighbours. But could her luck be about to change? Will she find love after all?


Review:

Absorbing, enchanting and beautifully written!

Dreaming of Florence is a charming, romantic story about taking chances, overcoming challenges, developing new relationships, finding happiness, and falling in love.

The prose is light and incredibly atmospheric. The story is warm, engaging and full of tender moments, dramatic events, humorous hijinks, betrayals, acts of kindness, self-discovery, and friendship. And the characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are fresh, endearing, and quirky, and a setting, the City of Lilies, that is a character itself with its Renaissance architecture, lush landscape, and must-see monuments. 

Overall, Dreaming of Florence is another sophisticated, sweet, entertaining tale by Williams that once again highlights his phenomenal ability to bring a city to life through his remarkable knowledge and passion for its food, culture, and history.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

           

 

 

Thank you to T.A. Williams and Canelo for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

About T.A. Williams

T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to run one of the best-known language schools in the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks a number of languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

Beat The Backlist Challenge 2018 @BeatTheBacklist #BeatTheBacklist!

 

 

So as one of my goals this year is to reduce my TBR list and not only read all the wonderful ARCs I receive but some of those amazing books I’ve purchased over the past few years I have decided to join the 2018 Beat The Backlist Challenge hosted by Austine at novelknight.com

 

So here are some of the books I hope to get read this year:

 

 

(To see what I actually get read be be sure to come back and check out the bottom of this post!) 

 

GUIDELINES/RULES:

 
THE CHALLENGE WILL RUN FROM JANUARY 1, 2018 to DECEMBER 31, 2018.
 
BOOKS MUST BE RELEASED PRIOR TO 2018 TO COUNT FOR THIS CHALLENGE.
 
WHAT COUNTS AS A “BOOK” FOR THIS CHALLENGE?

Any novel, novella, graphic novel, manga, or anthology bind-up counts for this challenge. They can be in any format as well (print, eBook, audiobook, etc).

 
I STARTED A BOOK IN 2017 AND FINISHED IT IN 2018. DOES IT COUNT?

No. Only books started and finished in 2018 will count for this challenge but don’t let that stop you from finishing any books started prior to 2018! This is to make it fair for everyone participating.

 
DO RE-READS OF BACKLIST BOOKS COUNT?

Yes! As long as you started re-reading the book in 2018 it will count for the challenge. But remember, this challenge is about knocking books of your TBR so don’t forget about the books you haven’t read yet!

 

And it looks like I’m on Team: Book Bards!

 

 

Go Team Book Bards!

 

And now what I’ve read so far towards this challenge (updated regularly):

                    

 

Total Books Read: 3

#CoverReveal The Magic of Stars by Jackie Ladbury @JackieLadbury @rararesources #magicofstars

 

 

Synopsis:

Sapphire Montrose always felt like a loser in the struggle of life, but when she becomes the airline manager of a run-down airline she starts to believe she is a winner – until she unwittingly propositions her new boss and all her hard work is undone.

In a moment of recklessness air stewardess, Sapphire Montrose throws caution and her dress to the wind by propositioning a handsome stranger in a hotel in Florence, only to find herself waking up alone and embarrassed in her hotel room.

Unfortunately for Sapphire, it turns out that her new boss, Marco Cavarelli, is the man she failed to seduce and she is now fighting for her job and her self-respect when he tells her there is no place in his revamped airline for an alcoholic woman with lascivious tendencies. To make matters worse she is increasingly attracted to him and he seems to be giving out the same vibes. Or is he simply testing her? One wrong move could be the end of her career. But what if he really is offering love – and is he worth the risk?

 

About the Author:

Jackie Ladbury was desperate to become a journalist when she left school but was ousted within minutes on the day of the exam at her local rag because she’d forgotten to bring a pen.

Short and sharp lesson learned.

Her budding writing career was not on hold for long, though, as Jackie found herself scribbling love stories of pilots and ‘hosties’ while she flew in aeroplanes of various shapes and sizes as a flight attendant herself.

Fast forward a good few years and, after being short-listed in a couple of prestigious romantic writing competitions, Jackie decided it was time to discard her stilettos, say goodbye to the skies and concentrate on writing romantic novels, where the only given is a guaranteed ‘happy ever after.’

 

For more information on Jackie Ladbury, visit her at the following:

Facebook – jackie.ladbury

Twitter – @JackieLadbury

The Write Romantics – thewriteromantics.com/

Website – jackieladbury.com/

 

Available Now