Mostly Perfect (The Women of Ambrose Estate) by Heather B. Moore

Lauren Ambrose has made a life for herself as a fledging artist, far from the ancient secrets and cobwebbed past of her family’s historic estate in Texas. Generations of the Ambrose women have suffered at the hands of a curse, and the last place Lauren wants to spend time is at the Ambrose Estate, among the tragedies of the past. But when her grandmother, matriarch of the Ambrose fortune, requires Lauren to attend an urgent business meeting, she reluctantly travels home.

Nick Matthews is ready for a battle. Lillian Ambrose, co-founder of Ambrose Oil, has agreed to hear his investment idea, but no one has ever successfully partnered with the business tycoon. When he arrives at Ambrose Estate, prepared with weeks of research, the last person he expects to meet is Lauren, a dynamic and captivating woman with a past full of secrets. As Nick gets to know Lauren, he discovers she is mostly perfect for him, except for one, major drawback . . . The curse that has the power to destroy everything between them.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Nick, Nick, I love Nick.  😍  And yeah.  That's how I'm going to start out my review.  I love Nick because he pays attention.  It's all in the small things.

The idea behind this series is a fun one.  This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I didn't read the first book by a different author.  I started it but didn't finish it.  It just wasn't pulling me in like I wanted and honestly I just don't have time for books that don't click for me.  I knew I would like this one because I haven't read a Heather B. Moore book that I didn't like.  

There is a family curse that haunts the Ambrose sisters.  It means no falling in love and no getting married.  Lauren has been able to stick to the rules until Nick.  Nick is just determined to win Lauren over.  He is persistent, kind and demonstrative but Lauren is rightly freaked out by the curse and can't help herself- pushing men away is what she does.
The story was frustrating and it was sweet.  I am very interested in the remaining Ambrose sisters now!  I want to know how each of them will deal with love and the curse.

Content:  kissing

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

Love Sidelined (Jennings #3) by Tiffany Odekirk + Win A Copy of This Book!

 

Jason Jennings made a tough call two years ago when he left behind his status as a
hard-partying star quarterback in order to serve the Lord. Recently returned from a mission now, he's ready to get back on the football field at UCAL. But despite turning his life around, his bad boy reputation is proving hard to shake.

Allie Hollis is everything a cheerleader should be--beautiful, outgoing, and smart--but her brilliant smile hides a devastating secret. So when Jason begins to show interest in her, there's no question: her answer is no.

Yet, in the face of Allie's chilly response, Jason's gentle persistence pays off, and a tentative friendship grows. Their chemistry is obvious, but Allie's determination to steer clear of a relationship with Jason goes deeper than he realizes. When the truth of her painful history comes to light, the couple must decide whether they will remain on the sidelines or jump back in the game of love.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I've been looking forward to this book for months, watching it move up the pile as I got closer.  It's been tough to wait but finally, FINALLY, I got to read it!

I think one of the things I love most about Tiffany Odekirk's books is how she is able to make her characters feel so real.  They are imperfect.  They struggle.  There are good moments and bad moments but all the while I feel like I know them.  I am invested in them and I'm rooting for them.  Jason and Allie could be any one of us.  There is bits in each of their stories that every person can relate to in some way or another.  I love when I can connect with characters emotionally and with Jason and Allie it came gradually as I got to know more and more about them.  It was fantastic.

There is real struggle in this book.  Not just between Jason and Allie but in their own personal lives as they battle their own demons.  Even though there was struggle, it never felt overwhelming to me as a reader.  It was balanced nicely with happy moments of fun and love.  There was always hope threaded through every page and I really felt that.  Jason really stole the show for me.  He was so endearing and so all in with Allie.  He was persistent, fun loving and kind.  I loved how those same attributes crossed over to his family and teammates as well.  Yeah, I just loved Jason.

I'm a fan of Tiffany Odekirk's stories.  I'd love to see her branch outside her LDS specific writing and delve into a more secular contemporary clean romance genre.  But, until then, I will continue to enjoy the Jennings series and hope another book is coming!  Baby brother needs a book, I think!

Content:  LDS religion specific, Christian (talk of God, praying, attending church), talk of after effects of rape and alcohol abuse, kissing

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

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Loving Like Jane (Princeton Ladies Book 1) by Connie E. Sokol

Allie’s dream of writing a best-selling novel for a top literary agent is finally coming true. Except, she's already agreed to go on a bucket list Jane Austen Tour for three weeks with her newly-divorced aunt and widowed mother. To complicate matters, Allie can’t decide what the Best Novel Ever idea should be, and the first three chapters are due in, what else, three weeks. Determined to buckle down, Allie devotes her time to writing while refusing to engage in the trip’s delights, or gorgeous but enigmatic Beckett, the assistant tour director. Despite her attempts to stay focused, Allie is drawn to Beckett's quick wit, Jane Austen wisdom, and deciding if his help will further her dreams or get in the way. Join Allie on her inspiring, hilarious, and romantic adventure as she learns how loving like Jane Austen creates unexpected changes that could lead to the life she loves.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

Wowza, this is a looooooooong book.  I didn't realize going into it that it was so long.  It's not that I necessarily have any against long books but when they start feeling long, then it's probably too long.  (if that makes any sense at all)  I will admit to skimming a bit because the story just started dragging and I became impatient.  It's funny because the author in this book, Allie, is given advice to cut her book down.  I feel like this book needed some of that.

Having said that, there was honestly so much about this book that I did like.  The Jane Austen quotes to begin each chapter and all the tidbits of her life incorporated into the story were fun!  Allie was so gentle with her mother and aunt.  I loved her desire to be an author and to write something special.  I love how she increasingly drew inspiration from Jane's life and words.  Beckett was sweet.  It was all in the thoughtful little things he said and did for Allie that made me love him.  He was definitely my favorite person in the book.  I enjoyed the moments of connection and growing attraction between Beckett and Allie and even some of their playful banter.  There were lots of really good moments.

I didn't love the last third of the book.  I think that's where things got longest for me.  The switch in locations and the new obstacles made for a totally different feel- almost like it should have been a different book.   🤷

A solid 3/5 stars for this book.

Content:  kissing

I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited. 

A Recent Reading Roundup

I don't know if this will come as a surprise or not but not all books I read make it to the blog.  😲  Sometimes I only post on Facebook, Amazon or Goodreads.  It just depends on why I'm reading the book and what I've promised to do.  Sometimes I'm part of a blog tour, sometimes I'm asked by an author to review and sometimes I'm just reading books because I have an extra minute and wasn't part of a review group.  These are books I've bought or picked up with Kindle Unlimited so reviews only go on Amazon and Goodreads.  That's what the following books are part of- books I picked up with only a review on Amazon when I was done.  They are only a couple sentences, but hopefully it's enough to spark your interest.

First book, Million Dollar Date by Susan Hatler:

Abigail Apple is running late to meet her blind date when she’s pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, the follow-the-rules cop doesn’t care that she’s late, let alone that she’s heartbroken because her favorite dog rescue is in danger of being closed. Now she has to meet her date with mud drying on her heels, dog hair covering her dress, and the smell of a barn perfuming her hair. When she arrives, however, Abigail learns her handsome blind date is none other than the cop who pulled her over.

Abigail has no intention of staying until she learns Cooper Hill is heading a committee for the city that will award a six-figure donation to a charity of their choice. So, what’s a girl to do? Abigail decides a second date is the perfect way to convince Cooper to vote for the dog rescue. Soon, however, Abigail is less interested in Cooper’s vote than she is in his deep voice, kind heart, and tender touch.

Will this follow-the-rules cop and this follows-her-heart animal lover learn that despite poor first impressions, second chances can lead to love?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This book was entertaining and fun. I love when books make me smile and this one definitely did that. Awesome dialogue, likeable characters, sweet romance and doggies! Save the doggies! I also love the cover with that bit of blue sparkle. I'm excited for more in this new series by Susan Hatler!

Second up is D is for Doctor (ABCs of Love Sweet Romance Book 4) by Brenna Jacobs:

ER doctor David Daniels thinks his neighbor, Avery, is way out of his league. But chemistry is chemistry, and he's pretty sure they have some. If only she wasn't dating someone else . . .

Avery Middleton thinks her neighbor is cute in a dorky brother kind of way. But the more she gets to know him, he seems a little less like a brother and a lot more like the sexy doctor next door. If not for her recently rekindled relationship with a boyfriend from the past, she might give the doctor a second look.

When David learns something incriminating about Avery's boyfriend, he's forced to decide: play it safe or risk his friendship with Avery and possibly his career to tell her the truth.

Will the sparks between David and Avery be enough to turn their friendship into more?

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Very cute! I loved the setting (think beach!) and I loved David. Bumbling, blushing, sincere David. He was the star of the show. Fun addition to this series!



The next book is Something New by Joanne Bischof

After waiting four years for her best friend to return from sea, Wren Cromwell's dream of building a life with Tate Kennedy has wilted during his unexpected absence. Then, just as suddenly as he departed the mountain of their childhood, he returns, bringing with him tales of Norway's icy fjords and his time aboard ship on the North Sea. As spring unfurls around them, so unfolds a new hope in Wren's heart, and a new chance at love on the horizon. But with Tate's longing for exciting voyages still alive, will he vanish to the high seas again, or will this land he's returned to, and Wren's steadfast love, be enough to nurture his adventurous spirit?

* Amazon * Goodreads * 

How very, very sweet and gentle. I loved this tender story of reconnecting love and I loved Tate. He has to be the sweetest man ever. His devotion was demonstrated in his every thought and action. 💙 This is a novella length story.

Last one!  Sea of Flames (Star Crossed Academy #1) by Wendy Knight:

He's loved her since he was five years old. And he will never feel her touch.
Adara is literally fire, and Beck is ice. Even the barest hint of touch burns them both.
He loves her with everything he has. Which is why he has to let her go.
Beck and Adara were raised together at Vitolas Academy, an elite boarding school for elementals. They learned to add, subtract, read, and harness the powers flowing through them.
They learned to fight.
To become soldiers.
Warriors.
Hunters.
But never lovers. It would hurt too much.
It takes everything Beck has to keep Adara at arms' length. She deserves a life with physical affection, and that's a life he can't give her. Not without a miracle.
A miracle that might come from the last source he expects--the monsters that he's spent his whole life learning to fight. The monsters that threaten his whole world.
The monsters that hold the key to Adara's heart and soul.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I was in the mood for something different than what I've been reading so I decided on a paranormal book.  With elemental powers, these characters are fighting the classic fight of good vs. evil.  They are being trained to use their powers to fight against the chaos.  It's YA and the main characters are mostly high school age but it didn't feel overly teenage dramatic.  In fact, I enjoyed it enough to pick up the following books in this series (there are six total).  Yup, I read them all in one weekend.  It was a good side binge from my regularly scheduled reading.  ;)  You should definitely read these books in order because it's a continuing story line with each book focusing on different characters, although all characters are present throughout all the books.  I loved the growing connections between the characters and how they all learned how to work together to make everyone stronger.  There was a strong sense of loyalty and family which I am always drawn to.  

Content:  some mild swearing 

 

Cash Valley by Ryan K. Nelson

When FBI Agent Alex Travis receives an anonymous phone call on a September morning in 1954 with a tip concerning the now cold case of the Cache County Bank robbery, it has his undivided attention. The tip leads Travis to the top of the secluded Green canyon in Logan, Utah, where a young man named Jack Pepper proceeds to tell a story spanning the two years from the time of the robbery, when he and his girlfriend, Kate Austin, stumbled upon the crime of the century for the Cache valley. Travis must decide if he is dealing with the suspects or the victims of one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history.

To get the answers, it will take one more trip up the canyon, to the entrance of the Spring Hollow mine, where the daylight ends and the cold dark begins.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

The way this mystery unfolded was not quite like any mystery I've read before.  It was, for the most part, interesting but sometimes I felt like the story was dragging a bit.  The pacing is slow up until the end and yet, I was curious the whole way through.  How would things end?  What was going to happen?  

This book is plot driven for sure.  I don't know that I had a lot of emotional or personal connections to the characters, but I liked them well enough.  I was definitely interested in the story which is mostly told in a series of flashbacks and verbal memories from one character to another which is what made it so different, I guess.  It's not heart pounding or dynamic but there is definitely something there that kept me reading to the end.  It felt like a story that might be told around a campfire late at night.

I think I would describe this book as a gentle mystery with a western feel to it.  If you love mysteries, you should give this book a look.  It's also on Kindle Unlimited!

Content:  some violence, death, kissing, peril

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

 

The Marquess Meets His Match by Julie Coulter Bellon + Giveaway!

A traitor with a deadly plan. Two agents sent to expose his identity before he strikes. But danger is closer than they think . . .

Lord Christian Wolverton―known as Wolf in a covert group operating during the war against Napoleon―has been called home from his military duties. For the moment, his family responsibilities require him to suspend his more clandestine activities. But information falls into his hands that a traitor will soon try to tip the scales back into French favor and Christian doesn't have much time to stop it from happening.

Going to the one person who can help him, the powerful Duke of Huntingdon, Christian comes face to face with Lady Alice. She's a beautiful member of the ton with a very big secret―she's also a trained agent and already on the case. Forced to partner with her to lure the traitor out of hiding, Christian wants to quickly close the case himself, before Lady Alice is more closely involved. But Lady Alice has ideas of her own and she's going to prove her theories correct―with or without him.

Danger is closer than they think, however, and it's a race against time to expose the traitor's identity before British lives are endangered. Both Christian and Alice have strong opinions on who he is, but which one will be proven right and can they catch him before it's too late?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

What a fun romp this book is!  There is mystery, intrigue, danger and yes, a growing romance.  Lady Alice is fantastic- a trained secret agent with plenty of moxie.  She is strong, brave and smart but also very feminine and classy.  She felt like the perfect heroine to me.  I love how she stands her ground with Lord Wolverton and how much he grows to respect and enjoy that.  ;)

The story was entertaining, the plot moved at a great pace and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited.

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense books. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense and The Captain was a RONE award finalist for Best Suspense. Most recently, her books The Capture and Second Look were both Whitney finalists for Best Suspense/Mystery.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. In her free time she loves to read, write, teach, watch HawaiiFive-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Aftermath (Love in Chaos #2) by Amy Matayo

According to Riley Mae Floss, life is a ten-page menu of possibilities. As the owner of a cupcake shop in small-town Missouri, she thrives on candies and rainbows and spreading joy every chance she gets. Even her hair is the color of bubble gum. Life is just the way she likes it, so why would she want anything to change now?

But when a tornado rips into Riley Mae’s southern town and destroys nearly everything in its path, her happy little life changes in less than forty-two seconds. Buildings gone. Homes carried away. People missing or even dead. Her bakery a shell of what it once was; also her life. Riley Mae’s picture-perfect world is shattered, and everyone she cares about has been hurt in the process.
According to insurance adjuster Chad Gamble, life always works out exactly the way it’s supposed to…for other people. As for him, life is a bit of a crapfest—one where he never wins the prize, makes the starting team, or gets the girl. He’s straight-laced, suit-and-tie, all-business, and sees the world for the color it is: muted gray with a little black around the edges.

So when Chad Gamble walks into Riley Mae’s ruined bakery to “assess the damages”—his words, not hers—he has no intention of getting bogged down by sentimental nonsense. Sparks immediately start to fly, and not the good kind. Who does this pushy, pink-haired chick think she is, treating him like an outsider when all he came to do was help? He can’t figure out why the locals like her so much.

Or worse, why he can’t stop thinking about her.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

Wa-hoo!  I love reading books by Amy Matayo!  It is always so exciting when I sit down and get to open to that first page that will start me on a roller coaster of emotions with characters I will grow to love. 

This book was so good.  So full of grit and charm.  There is tragedy and adversity with struggle around every turn.  It's in those moments of struggle, when things seem to be at their worst, that the core of who we are really emerges.  Riley is, at her core, generous and compassionate.  She sees human need and gives of herself, whatever she can, to fill those empty places even when she is breaking apart too.  I absolutely loved her.  

"Rescuing people isn't always about pulling them from the depths.  Sometimes it's about being there, being present, letting someone know you care without words or platitudes or even heroic acts of courage.  Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is just listen without walking away."

And Chad?  He really is a man who shows up.  Whatever the motivating factor, he shows up and acts like a man.  A good man.  Yes, please.

I loved the sparks.  I loved the cupcakes.  I loved the sense of triumph in tragedy.  I loved seeing characters from the previous book in this series.  I loved the love.  The growing, palpable love. 💙💙  I was so invested, from beginning to end.

Content:  a couple instances of mild swearing, peril, kissing

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

 

Springback (Ring of Time #1) by Jana Miller

 

Ever since discovering her ability to rewind time seven years ago, Chloe has been reaching—for a worthy use of her ability, for redemption from her past, and for the kind of validation she’ll never find as long as she has to keep this secret.

By the time she’s sixteen, Chloe has decided that rewinding is not a gift at all, but punishment for her part in the tragedy that has shaped her life for so many years. And when she discovers others who possess the same ability, she has no idea whether she can trust them--or the information they offer about her own history.

Secrets of the past combine with rivalries of the present to set off a series of painful events and impossible discoveries, and soon Chloe finds herself in a race to piece together a puzzle of ancient relics, family feuds, and strands of time as she seeks to defuse the threat to her family, her powers, and the fabric of time itself.

*Note: This is a standalone novel; while there will be a sequel, the story comes to an end with no cliffhanger.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

I think it's important as a reader, to step outside your usual genres and throw in something a little different.  It helps keep things fresh and balanced.  This book was definitely outside my usual genres and probably not something I would gravitate to on my own.  This is a YA book, on the younger side of YA and probably even fitting for a middle grade reader.  It is clean- no swearing, no sexual content.  There isn't even any type of romance at all. 

So, there were some things I really liked, some that were okay and some things I didn't like.  I really liked the "rewinding" idea.  Being able to go back in time to fix something or alter something.  I can think of many times I wish I could've had that power!  The author did a great job of creating a visual for me of how the characters were accomplishing that.  I also really liked that there were rules of sorts- parameters set within that ability.  Consequences even.  It made the idea seem more valid and possible because of those things. 

I was so interested in the first bit of the book.  It was new and fresh and I was wholly invested in Chloe and Jake meeting, rewinding, meeting, rewinding etc..  The middle part of the book got a bit slow.  There isn't a lot happening and the forward progression is, for lack of a better word, slow.  The last handful of chapters of the book pick up and things start happening faster which was good.  The story needed some climactic build up.  Most of it is at an even level.

I think the thing I had the hardest time with was the emotion.  When you don't have strong emotional connections happening, it's harder to invest your own emotions.  I didn't feel an emotional pull to any of the characters.  They were likable but nothing really drew me into them.  If you don't have strong characters with lots of emotion, you better have a gripping, fast moving plot to make up for it.  I didn't really get either of those things.  BUT, I think this book would be great in the hands of the younger crowd or for parents to read with their tweens.  It sparks the imagination and gives plenty of room for conversation about what you might "rewind" and why.

Content:  mild peril

- I picked this book up on KU

 

On Tour With Always (The Lost Princesses #0.5) & Evermore (The Lost Princesses #1) by Jody Hedlund + Win This Whole Series (ebook or paperback)!

 

Always

  (The Lost Princesses #0.5) By Jody Hedlund 

Christian YA Historical Romance 

Paperback & ebook, 136 Pages 

August 13th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository  

Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

I've been anticipating this book and this new series by Jody Hedlund since I first heard about it!  I was so anxious to get started.  This novella really sets the stage for the following books.  It's an in-depth look into the series of unfortunate events leading up to the lost princesses.  Honestly, it was heartbreaking.  Two countries are at war, there is death and destruction everywhere.  King Ethelwulf is a brute and will stop at nothing to gain the victory, the throne and the treasure.  What he doesn't count on is the loyalty and devotion of two brave people who are willing to risk everything to see the future of their country preserved through the three young princesses.

Both Lady Felicia and Lance are fierce in their loyalty.  The vows they made to the queen and king are binding to them and come before all else.  I loved them both.  They fought hard, they committed and they stayed the course no matter what was against them.  How can you not love that?!   Honestly.

I loved the pacing of this book- fast and exciting.  There was hardly time to breathe!  I am so glad I got to immediately read the next book without waiting.  #EverTour

Content:  peril, some violence, kissing

 

Evermore  

(The Lost Princesses #1) By Jody Hedlund 

Christian YA Historical 

Paperback & ebook, 222 Pages 

August 27th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

 Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository  

Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

Jody Hedlund has a gift for writing.  No doubt about it.  This Lost Princesses series falls right in my sweet spot for reading.  I am transported to the world she created with characters I can love and root for without even thinking about it.  I love it.

Lady Adelaide is exactly how I think a lady should be.  Smart, compassionate, strong and passionate.  She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes is right but she does it in a smart and compassionate way, ensuring the loyalty and love of all those who feel the effects of those traits.  Lady Adelaide is everything you would envision a young queen to be. 

The pacing in this book is excellent.  I had heart pounding moments of running and fighting, heart warming moments of character development and connection, heart skipping moments of new love and attraction and even a couple heart breaking moments of loss.  My heart sure got a workout!  It was an awesome ride from beginning to end. But wait, it isn't over!  The next book will be coming out at the end of this month and I cannot wait!  What a fun series this is.  Oh, and don't even get me started on these gorgeous covers.  They are absolutely beautiful, right?  #EverTour

Content:  violence, peril, kissing


Other Books in the Series

 

Coming late September and October. Pre-order now!

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram│BookBub

Tour Schedule

 On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive the prequel and all three books in The Lost Princesses series (Always, Evermore, Foremost and Hereafter) in paperback or ebook (winner's choice, if winner is outside the US ebooks only) Ends September 25, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Ford (The Montana Marshalls #3) by Susan May Warren

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?

And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

Oooooh.  I think this might be my favorite of this series so far.  That is saying something because I loved Knox and Tate!  But Ford. . . Ford was, wow!  Intense, fast paced, full of danger, growing attraction and yummy kiss scenes.  Yup, I had a hard time putting this one down.  Maybe part of my extra love for this one was because I actually got TWO love stories in one.  RJ (Ruby) has her own story going in this book running parallel to Ford's as he tries to find her.  In Russia.  They eventually intersect but until then we have RJ and York, which was also so, so good. 

The hardest part about this book is reaching the end and now I have to wait for the next book to see how things play out.  I hate waiting.  I'm feeling almost desperate but in the most amazing way.  I can't wait to read Wyatt!! 

You really need to read this series in order.   If you haven't started it yet, you are in for a treat!

Content:  peril, violence, death.  Kissing.  Christian fiction.

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

The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school and a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.

Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers--and his profits. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the rights of the less-fortunate.

Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered.

For the first time, Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book * 

It is always, always, a pleasure to read Sarah Eden's books.  She has a remarkable gift for crafting a story that wraps itself around my heart.  I think what I love the most is how she takes the dark, hard and difficult circumstances of life and balances that with hope through a few good people trying to make a difference.  That, in turn, gives me hope.  I've been a bit heartsick lately for how difficult and cruel this world is.  The future doesn't always look so bright and I've been trying to remind myself that there are lots of good people in this world, trying to combat the evil, one person at a time.  I was worried that this book would just add to my disappointment in humanity based on what this book is about but I shouldn't have worried.  The hope was stronger than the evil and the good people made a difference.  I needed that reminder.  Even though this is a work of fiction, it portrays real life.  There are people out there rescuing and loving.  They are making a difference for the one.

I love Fletcher.  He won me over in the first few chapters because he's the underdog that everyone wants to root for.  Fletcher is scrappy, determined and has a heart that lends itself to helping the downtrodden- especially the children.  He's a gem and Elizabeth thinks so too.  😉  Elizabeth is pretty great herself.

There are stories within the story as Fletcher and Elizabeth are both writers and we get a sample of the "Penny Dreadful" stories they create.  It gave me a glimpse into both of their worlds and their hearts.  It was fun!

I really loved this book.  From beginning to end.  I felt as though I was right there with Fletcher and Elizabeth through it all.  It was fantastic.

Content:  peril, abuse (with no specific details), some mild violence, kissing

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