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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The Cumberland Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #5) by Shannon McNear

Love and Adventure Are Discovered on the Wilderness Road
 In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and to see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naïve Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict. Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I really love historical fiction and I love the time and setting for this book.  It was such a time of turmoil and unrest as white settlers continued in their westward movement, pushing into the lands inhabited by the Shawnee and other Native American tribes.  Tensions were high and I could really feel that in this story.  

This story has a really slow start and I was beginning to get impatient but I'm glad I stuck with it because once I reached about halfway through, things really began to pick up and I was completely engrossed.  I loved Thomas and his unique upbringing that gave an inside look into the Shawnee and their point of view.  There was such a feeling of adventure and danger throughout the whole story, especially in the last half.  Kate is an interesting character with her desire to document people's lives and stories.  She is brave, uncomplaining, and kind.  She compliments Thomas fantastically and it was awesome when he finally realized it.

I would give the first half of this book 3 stars, the last half 5 stars.  So, I guess that makes it a solid 4 stars from me.

Content:  some violence, mild peril, kissing.  This is a Christian fiction book, a bit heavier on the Christian elements.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.
 

Monday, October 29, 2018

The Rogue Warrior (Navy SEAL Romances 2.0) by Cindy Roland Anderson


His job was to protect her, not fall in love with her. 

When Logan Steele is hired to protect an archery champion who is being stalked, the former SEAL automatically assumes his client is a man. Then he meets Weslee Campbell, a beautiful woman with the prettiest light blue eyes he’s ever looked into, and he knows his life is about to change forever. That is, if his fear doesn’t get the best of him. For a man who has faced enemy insurgents, rescued innocent people in the line of fire, and piloted a helicopter without experience to save his SEAL team, he shouldn’t be afraid of anything…yet meeting a pretty girl with a heart of gold has him questioning if he’s brave enough to fall in love.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Oh.  Oy.  This book was filled with the zingiest attraction and the yummiest kisses.  Ooh la.  Yes.  This just might be my new favorite book by Cindy Roland Anderson.  It definitely hit my sweet spot for romance!

This author has a way of weaving stories and creating characters that just speak to my happy place.  There is always great dialogue, moments that make me smile and that great build up of emotions and attraction that pull me in from the very beginning pages.

I loved the first meet for Logan and Weslee!  It really set the tone for the whole book.  Weslee is so sweet, so kind.  It was easy to like her and to feel for her.  Logan was all man, all the time.  His protective nature was sexy and I was all in.  

One of the things I love about this author is her book covers.  She really puts in all the effort to make them unique with her own photos, and to make sure they represent what you will find inside the book.  I'm going to include a little bit about what the author said about this particular book cover because I really love the story behind the cover here.

"Shooting the cover of the book was so much fun. I know there aren't any cute shoes, but you can't ever go wrong with a nice-looking guy with some serious muscles! My first ever male cover model was awesome to work with...especially with his cute wife there to help get the perfect picture. Notice the two thin bracelets he's wearing? Trevor's daughters made them for him a while ago and he hasn't taken them off, so I certainly wasn't going to make him cut them off! At first, we thought we'd cover them up but then I decided to add them into my storyline, and they became such an integral part of the story, making it so much better. I can't wait for you all to read it!" 

So fun, right?  I just loved this book- from cover to cover.  😍💗

Content:  kissing, mild peril and violence

- I bought a copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, October 26, 2018

Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen


Harper is an event planner with dreams of taking over the Charleston wedding scene . . . until she meets the biggest Bridezilla of her career. She needs the job, but the only way to keep it is to hire a temperamental chef with big dreams of his own.

Janie is a classical cellist booked to play a posh Charleston wedding. She’s excited to have the lucrative gig until the groom’s brother, Emmett, shows up and asks her to help him play a song he wrote for the happy couple. The only trouble? Emmett is her unrequited high school crush.

Lily has been Dahlia's best friend, partner-in-crime, and now her maid of honor . . . until suddenly there's no wedding, and she's left to clean up Dahlia's biggest mess of all. She's been friends with Deacon, the jilted groom, for just as long, and it's up to her rescue him after Hurricane Dahlia blows through.

Sutton is a photographer running from her past. Only the pleas from her best friend to photograph her wedding could bring Sutton back to Charleston. Her plan is to get in and get out before her ex knows she and their daughter are in town. At least it’s the plan until she meets Max, who turns out to be the safe place she didn’t know she was looking for.

Can each of these couples trust their growing chemistry, or are they on the verge of new disasters?


I'm so glad I got to read this book!  I just adored it.  These authors did a fantastic job of creating a world of characters around one specific event- a wedding gone wrong.  Each story was individual and unique but it was that wedding link and some references to characters in the other stories that gave it that feeling of continuity and community.  We see the wedding from the viewpoints of the wedding planner, the brother and a performer, the maid of honor and the groom, and the photographer and groomsman.  

I loved the Charleston setting and the clear "southern" influence.  Although, one story is set mostly in New York and that was fun too!

There is definitely no favorite for me in this collection.  I loved them all and I think this was a very fun idea.  I hope these authors will do this again!

Content:  clean romance, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

A Christmas Courting by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball + $25 and Book Giveaway!



This holiday season fall in love, with heartwarming tales of Christmases past in A Christmas Courting, an enchanting collection of Regency romances.

Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore

Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit.

A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton

When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christopher will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted--but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love.

Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson

From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will he be too late to claim her heart?

Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball
Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever.


Ooh, if you are looking for Christmas romance, you don't want to miss this collection!  All four of these novellas are utterly charming.  I loved how in each one of them, the romance came as a surprise and changed the feeling of melancholy to a feeling of joy and happiness.  It was so satisfying!  What a great bunch of authors!

The Christmas/holiday/winter spirit is strong in these stories.  There is ice skating, caroling, sledding, yule logs, mistletoe, dancing, Christmas decorating and even plum pudding!  This book will definitely get you feeling the holiday spirit and aren't holiday romances just extra magical?  I think so.  <sigh>

Content:  kissing, clean

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.




Schedule:
*Oct. 29th: http://www.iamareader.com/
 
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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Wrath of the Dragon King (Dragonwatch #2) by Brandon Mull


War has come to the dragon sanctuaries of the world and nowhere is the danger more intense than at Wyrmroost. After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Kendra and Seth, Celebrant, King of Dragons, prepares to unleash his fury and take control of his native preserve. Armed with information from a new ally Ronodin, the dark unicorn Celebrant seeks a legendary talisman the dominion stone.

However, the powerful stone is protected by a cursed castle. Upon entering the castle fortress, an unyielding power strips all magical beings of their power and forces Celebrant to take his human avatar form. Kendra and Seth must enter the cursed castle as well. The race is on. Will the two young caretakers rally enough support from the creatures of Wyrmroost against the greatest threat the magical community has faced in ages? Can they foil Celebrant's plan and beat him to the mighty dominion stone? Or will all hope be shattered by the wrath of the Dragon King?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

 Review by Brandon (my husband):
 Many people have a place they love to go where imagination runs wild and reality is forgotten, the Fablehaven universe is that place for me, I’m so glad Dragowatch continues the adventure.  This is a middle grade fantasy adventure series.
Seth is back along with his humor; his interactions with other characters are pure entertainment. Kendra helps balance Seth with her thoughtful nature and if I had a journey through the Bewilderness I’d pick Kendra every time. Thank goodness for the somber knight and his trusty ride! Teamwork is on full display as a group of friends work together to solve mysteries and win a contest with the world at stake.
At this point I feel like I’m part of the family. As with the other Fablehaven adventures, Wrath of the Dragon King is well written and even though I’m not a “young” reader I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone that can read… lots of fun. 
 - I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

From AimeeThis reviewing gig is becoming a family affair!  I recently added my daughter, Jaalah, into my reviewing schedule and now I've added my husband, Brandon too.  He loves this series and when I was asked if I wanted to read and review this book, I had to say no because I am just completely booked up for reviews.  Brandon was not happy with me.  At all.  So, he offered to review it and the publisher agreed (after laughing a bit at our proposal).  This is his first review and I have to say that I'm pretty proud of him!  It only took him two tries to get enough in there to satisfy me.  haha

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Dance of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #1) by Mary E. Pearson


A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Have any of you read the Remnant Chronicles?  I fell in love with that series so of course I was so excited to see this new off shoot series.  The story has characters from the previous series and is set in the same place (ish) so things feel familiar, yet different.

Woosha, Kazi and Jase are two explosive people!  Determined, stubborn, fierce, loyal, dangerous.  They are the kind of people you want to have on your side.   As they play this cat and mouse game of control and secrets, they move closer together, then farther apart, then back together again.  It's quite the dance which makes the title of this book perfect.  

This story is full of intrigue, action, a little romance and always danger.  I loved that the story started out with a great forward momentum that didn't ever let up.  It was exciting and I loved it.  I cannot wait for the next book!!

Content:  violence, kissing, mild swearing, mild innuendo 

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.
 

Monday, October 22, 2018

The Secretive Wife (More Than A Wife, #2) by Jennifer Peel


I have a famous secret, but it's not the biggest one I keep.

From an outside view, my life would be the definition of boring. I'm married to a landscaper, albeit a very attractive one, I drive an old cheap car, and I write articles for an online magazine. So, maybe I've been a constant fixture on the New York Times Best Sellers list for the last few years, but that secret is locked safely in my attic.

Here's a word of advice. If you want to keep a secret, don't tease your mother-in-law about what's in that attic, especially when her life goal is to save her son from you. Now that my famous secret is out, past acquaintances willing to do anything to get their own fifteen minutes of fame are lying to the media about me. But my biggest problem isn't the lies in the press, it's the truth I'm forced to face. The secret I've kept from everyone, even my husband, the man I love, the first person who made me feel like I belonged somewhere.

Now I have no other choice but to tell the truth and face my biggest fear, that Peter and I were never meant to be together and my secrets could take him away too.


💗💙💚💛💜

Hang on to your heart with this one friends, because Jennifer Peel once again delivers an emotionally gripping story of love, loss and forgiveness that you will not be able to let go of.  I am, even days later, still fully entrenched in the world of Delany and Peter.

This story is told in the first person and Delany's whirling emotions became mine so quickly.  She is witty, smart and handles difficult situations with humor and (most of the time) grace.  I really love her.  And Peter?  Yeah.  He's a rock star right along with Delany.  

This story was like a roller coaster of emotions.  The highs are high, the lows are low.  By the end of the book your hair will be a mess, your eyes will be watering and your heart will be pounding but you'll want to go right back and start it all over again.  That's how I felt.   I love books that make me feel something, with characters that I cannot help but root for.  That's why I am such a fan of Jennifer Peel's books.  She always delivers this.  Always.

My best recommendation? Get this book.  Grab a fan and some tissues. You will need them both.

Content:  Some innuendo and talk of intimate relations between a married couple with no details but it is a married couple so you know that sexual relations are a part of their marriage.  Mild swearing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but I also bought my own copy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Echo Ridge Romance Collection: Four Contemporary Christian Romances by Rachelle Christensen

Echo Ridge Romance Collection: Four Contemporary Christian Romances: Rachelle's Collection 


The Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Rachelle J. Christensen
Kindle Edition, 545 pages
Published October 10th 2018 by Peachwood Press 
Come back to Echo Ridge and delight in 4 contemporary romances from Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachelle J. Christensen! Each heartwarming, inspirational story is set in beautiful upstate New York. This box set includes bonus epilogues and a sneak peek of Rachelle's new book! Savor a recipe with each of the stories and come back for more.

HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.

THE KISS THIEF As the head librarian of the Echo Ridge Library, Britta Klein thrives on order and categorization. Unfortunately, the old church-turned-library is in desperate need of a renovation. The Harvest Hurrah fundraiser seems to be the answer, but plans keep going awry. With help from Milo Geissler, accomplished musician, piano tuner, and kiss thief, each catastrophe is narrowly avoided. When Milo goes to great lengths to help Britta find a key classic book, she begins to wonder if there is more to life than books and order. Can she allow this man who speaks the language of music to tune her heart to a new song? Welcome to Echo Ridge, New York where romance finds its way into the hearts and lives of the people who walk the streets of the close-knit community. NOTE TO READER: THIS VERSION of The Kiss Thief contains a BONUS EPILOGUE!

THE PRINCESS BRIDE OF RIODAN When a mysterious man offers to help Elise redecorate the old Bed & Breakfast, she gladly hands him a wallpaper steamer. After she discovers his true identity, she doesn’t know whether to curtsy or run and hide. Unfortunately, hiding isn’t an option because her heart is already tangled up with the handsome prince. At the same time, Elise’s old crush from high school wants a relationship and she’s forced to decide whether to chase after a fairy tale ending or stay grounded in reality.

COMING HOME TO LOVE Do you remember your first love? Have you ever wondered what would happen if you had a second chance to follow your heart? When Laney Richins left Echo Ridge, New York eight years ago, she vowed she’d never return, but life had other plans. Those plans included her cute little boy and a divorce, so Laney moved back home and started over. Working in the flower shop seems like the perfect plan until Billy Redford, the man she should have married shows up. Billy Redford’s heart was broken when his high school sweetheart turned her back on him and fled Echo Ridge for the big city lights. Running into Laney in Echo Ridge now brings up past feelings he thought were long gone. She’s prettier than ever, still seems to read his mind, and despite his protests ends up on the building and decorating committee with him for the Homecoming dance. Billy knows how to build just about anything, but he isn’t sure he knows how to mend a broken heart.




Friday, October 19, 2018

The Fearless Warrior: Navy SEAL Romances 2.0 by Kimberly Krey


When Jace moves in with Amy to protect her from a predator, romance blooms, and Amy wonders who will protect her heart.

Denver’s Average Amy does TV reviews for the latest trends, but when her name ends up on a human trafficking website, life feels anything but average. Especially when old crush turned hot Navy SEAL Jace Burns shows up at her door offering protection. Protection from who? What? And did she already mention hot?

Jace Burns is known for his fearless nature. He’s risked his life overseas, endured time as a prisoner of war, and was even presumed dead. Too bad all that goes out the window when he comes face to face with Amy Nelson. He hadn’t paid close attention to her in high school but he’s paying attention now.

While romantic sparks fly and the danger begins to grow, one question fills Amy’s mind: Are Jace’s feelings real, or is he using her to help take down the threat?

 * Goodreads * Amazon

 Ummmmm.  Yumma.  Yes.  

I think that right there is enough of a positive endorsement that you should read this book but I guess I'll try to drum up a few more complete sentences just in case you need more.

I loved that Jace and Amy have history.  They knew each other before, in high school, so their attraction wasn't something new.  It provided a fun starting point when they cross paths again.  Yay for zingy attraction and yummy kisses.  Jace just oozes manly strength, with the smarts to back it up.  He's playing for keeps and it's so attractive.

Also, the main character's name is Amy Nelson.  That's pretty much my name (first name spelled a little different, and before I was married, but still)  Every time I read it, it just felt so weird.  My name.  In my head.  But not me.  haha 

This is the perfect book to snatch up when you are looking for romantic "take me away" story.  The added bit of light suspense was bonus for me.  I loved it.

Content:  mild violence, human trafficking, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 
 

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore

 

What do a crooked detective, an upstanding psychiatrist, and a teenager who can’t remember killing her parents all have in common? Nine years of lies.
He hid her away from society so she couldn’t turn him in. But, in the end, he couldn’t hide her forever. 


Review by Jaalah: 

Breaking Jess was such a good read from start to finish. I found myself hanging onto the words in suspense- waiting for the next discovery in this engaging mystery. I thought I knew from the beginning what was going to happen (I’m good at guessing the who-done-it), but when the big climax did roll around, I was completely satisfied to find an ending better than I expected. H. B. Moore did more than just the perfect mystery, however. Readers are also provided with a realistic tale, intriguing and complex characters, and a twist of love that seems tangible and complicated. Through the whole book, I found myself waiting on edge for what was going to happen next to Jess and Logan, and as things began to play out, my poor husband heard every detail. That’s what constitutes a good book when you can’t help but share the story.  

Content:  mild swearing, some violence, implied sexual situation with no details

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Night at the Opera (An American Heiress Book 1) by Stacy Henrie + Win This Book!


When American heiress Gwen Barton aids an injured gentleman in an opera box in London, she shares a kiss with the stranger that changes her life. More determined than ever to be herself, in spite of the limp she’s sustained since childhood, she will marry for love and not a title. She also resolves to learn the identity of the man she helped—and kissed. Surely he can’t be the irritating Avery Winfield, though. But as circumstances continue to throw Gwen and Avery together, she begins to wonder if there is more to this man than she first thought.

While most of London only knows him as the nephew of a duke, Avery Winfield is actually working for the Secret Service Bureau to ferret out German spies from among the ton. It’s a profession that gives him purpose and a reason to remain a bachelor. But the more he interacts with Gwen Barton, an heiress from America, the more he begins to question his plans and neglected faith. Then he learns Gwen is the young lady from the opera box who helped him. Now his most important mission may have nothing to do with saving Britain from danger and everything to do with risking his heart for the woman he met that night at the opera.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

First I have to say that I really love this cover.  It feels so classy to me and is a great representation of what lies inside.

This book has the most excellent first meet between Gwen and Avery!  They can't even see each other clearly and they have no idea who they are meeting, but yum, is it good.  It set the tone for the whole book with the intrigue and mystery and I really loved it.

The characters felt solid in my mind, believable and so easy to like.  I was drawn to them from the very beginning.  As their interactions increased in frequency, the build up of emotions and mystery also increased.  It all felt very gentle but the arc was definitely there and I couldn't help but feel it.  I really loved the ending too.  It left me with all sorts of fuzzy, good feelings

Content:  mild peril, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Links:  


BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-henrie




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