Showing posts with label LDS Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDS Fiction. Show all posts

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Deadly by Design by Paige Edwards


For up-and-coming Formula One engineer, Jack Pressley-Coombes, there is nothing better than the smell of rubber and the roar of a racecar engine. When he witnesses a crash at the first international grand prix of the season, Jack makes a shocking discovery. His design is on a competitor’s car.

To keep Davis Racing LTD, his British Formula One employer from closing its doors, Jack goes undercover for MI6 to ferret out the company saboteur. When the investigation interferes with his and Gillian Buchanan’s blossoming romance, Jack can’t extricate himself from the web of deceit. But he’s not the only one with something to hide. Gillian too carries secrets. With time running out for Davis Racing, the evil which walks its corporate halls turns in Jack’s direction and threatens all that he holds dear.


There was a lot to like about this book.  The story grows steadily (although sometimes a bit slowly) and I could feel the tension and danger mounting.  I happen to like the fact that I knew the "bad guy" from early on.  It made each moment paths crossed even more nail biting. The last third of the book was my favorite as the story reached it's climax and all things came crashing together.

I really liked Gillian with her struggles and past.  I loved her determination and her spunk.  She was an easy character to root for.

Jack?  I could take him or leave him, either way.  He lacked in the personality department a bit.  His integrity is probably his most redeeming quality and that is definitely something I value in someone.  I didn't really feel that spark of chemistry thrumming between the characters because, well, Jack.  He's not really a butterflies in the tummy kind of guy, I guess.  But, Thierry made up for lots of things in the personality department.  She was a great addition to this story.

I don't think I liked this book as much as the previous book (Catherine's Intrigue) by this author but it was still good.  I enjoyed seeing Catherine and Nick and their bit of happily ever after thrown into this book.  I don't think you need to read the previous book to enjoy or understand this book but it will probably help you enjoy the characters more if you do.

This book releases April 1st.

Content:  This book contains religious content specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Mild peril, death, kissing.

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

Thursday, September 26, 2019

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.


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.



 
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Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Undercover Honeymoon by Kari Iroz + Win This Book!


Wedding bells are finally ringing for Jacklyn “Jack” Wyatt and her FBI-agent fiancé, Damon Wade. After their adventurous beginning, the happy couple finds the relative calm leading up to their big day a huge relief. Unfortunately, it seems the peace and quiet were too good to last. As they embark on their honeymoon, a weeklong cruise, Jack can’t shake the feeling that something is off with her new husband. When she stumbles upon a secret plot—one in which her husband is a key player—she realizes this getaway will be anything but smooth sailing. When she delves into the shady happenings aboard the ship, Jack realizes Damon’s involvement is just the tip of the iceberg—she has become an unwitting player in a deadly conspiracy, and in such close quarters, there is no escape. Now, Jack has no choice but to work with her new husband to unravel the truth before their happily ever after—and their lives—are ended all too soon.


Just as an FYI up front, this book contains some religious elements specific to the LDS religion.  

This is the third book in this series even though it isn't labeled as a series.  I don't know why it isn't.  (I'll list all three books below)  Even though the author does a good job of filling in the past with enough to get by, I would highly recommend reading this series in order.  It will mean so much more if you do.  And it's such a fun set of books, you really can't go wrong.

Jacklyn "Jack" is an amusing character.  She always has an inner dialogue running in her head and most of the time it is greatly amusing.  I like to be amused.  Actually, Jacklyn reminds me a bit of Julia in the Spinster series if you've read those.  Maybe a titch less sarcastic, but it's the first person inner dialogue that makes me feel that way.

The first half of this book is really more familial.  Jack and Damon are getting married so we see the build up to that.  Bridal shower, picking up the dress, wedding preparations.  Then they leave on their honeymoon and that's where things really start to pick up.  I enjoyed the first part of the book well enough but it was the second half that finally sucked me in and had my undivided attention.  The pace picked up, the danger increased and I felt more invested in the plot.  I think I like the previous book better but this one was still very good- fun mixed with danger in an exotic location.  Maybe not the best book to read on a cruise ship vacation though!!  haha.

Content:  some violence, peril, kissing, LDS fiction (some religious elements)

Date with Danger (book 1)



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Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Catherine's Intrigue by Paige Edwards + $25 and Book Giveaway!


To fulfill her mother's last request, twenty-four-year-old historic design specialist Catherine Pressley-Coombes travels to England in order to investigate an elusive family line. Armed with an illegible diary, she is determined to discover the identity of her mysterious ancestress. Distracted by an Elizabethan manor and unused to British country roads, Catherine runs her car into a ditch. Luckily, Nick Davidson, a handsome, hard-working local rides in on his tractor to save the day. As the down-to-earth manager of his family's estate, Nick also happens to be one of England's most eligible aristocrats.

Nick is certainly not the kind of man Catherine would fall for a man dogged by media and rumor. So why does she find the English lord so irresistible? Even though she can't overlook their differing values and beliefs, as she and Nick spend time together, their attraction deepens. While she battles through romantic turmoil, Catherine is beleaguered with far more sinister concerns: a series of unexplainable misfortunes that are not mere accidents. With her heart on the line, Catherine discovers her life is in jeopardy, and she has no idea who the perpetrator is but she has a growing suspicion that the danger might be connected to whatever secrets lie hidden in her ancestor's diary.


First I have to say that this book is LDS fiction with lots of the story revolving around the LDS religion (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) .  Praying, reading scripture and other things specific to the LDS religion are a prominent part of this story.

I love a good mystery/suspense story!  Usually in a mystery/suspense book I am as clueless as the characters, waiting until the very end for the big reveal.  But not this book. From the very beginning I had a clear idea of the "bad guy" and  every single move they made.  It made me feel both knowledgeable and crazy.  I was always cringing and thinking:  Don't talk on that phone!  Don't go there!  Don't do that!  Look over there!  Watch out!  And those characters never, ever listened to me!  😖

The story had a good build in intensity and the story moved along with decent pacing.  The religious aspects slowed the pacing down a bit but still, the build was there and I felt it.  I liked the story, the concept and characters.

Content:  some violence, human trafficking, death.  Religious aspects mentioned above.  Kissing.

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

 
*March 22nd: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/


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Thursday, January 17, 2019

Meant for You (Playing for Keeps #4) by Ranee S. Clark


A year after her divorce, Chelsea Lewis spends most of her days working part-time at her cousin’s bakery and hiding veggies in her picky son’s lunches. Then she reconnects with an old friend who helps Chelsea in all the ways she’s forgotten she needs—including romantic ones.

Former football player, DJ Kaiser, is back in his hometown, working as a fireman to serve his community, but after nearly burning down his own house with a barbeque and wrecking the Chief’s truck, his mistakes are stacked against him—until he sets out to ease the stress of Chelsea’s load. Serving her has him feeling like a hero again.

When Chelsea’s ex shows up and begs Chelsea to move closer so his young son doesn’t grow up without his father, Chelsea and DJ have to consider what’s best for Chelsea’s little family, even if that means sacrificing the relationship that has saved them both.

 * Goodreads * Amazon

Wow, this book had an interesting dynamic going on.  Chelsea, divorced single mom, is back home where she runs into former best friend, DJ, who is the best friend of her ex husband.  So when DJ and Chelsea start acting on those feelings of attraction things become a bit dicey.  How exactly does the best friend start dating the ex wife?  Yikes, right?  Somehow Ranee Clark pulls it off but it is tricky there for awhile. 

I always love a good friends turned lovers kind of story.  This one had a bit of a twist with that whole dynamic (and just wait until you see where it all goes!) but all is well that ends well.  DJ was such a good guy that I was rooting for him from the very beginning.  I liked Chelsea okay, but it was DJ who stole the show for me.  The struggles for both characters definitely felt real.

This was a cute story and I enjoyed the journey!

Content:  teen intimacy resulting in pregnancy is talked about with no details.  Mild romance with kissing, mild religious content (talk of going to church, specific to the LDS religion) 

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

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Love Unscripted by Tiffany Odekirk + $25 and Book Giveaway


Evie Jennings doesn't believe in happily ever after—it's been a year since moving home to Los Angeles to gather the pieces of her broken heart after her divorce, but she is only going through the motions. That is, until a chance encounter on her college campus brings about an unexpected turn of events: Evie finds herself face-to-face with the heartthrob whose poster decorated the wall of her teenage bedroom. And he's desperate for her help.

Hollywood sensation Ridge Dashly is facing a career crisis—a bad review threatens his A-list status. Desperate to win back the favor of the media and his fans, Ridge reluctantly agrees to enroll in college, never dreaming he'll meet someone who can see past his fame to his true self.

As their paths continue to cross, Evie's seeming disinterest intrigues Ridge, and the pair form a tentative friendship that slowly grows into something more. But when confronted with the unrelenting paparazzi and the nagging shadows of their pasts, will they follow everyone else's script or fight for their own happy ending?


When I picked this book up I was so excited because this is a nice thick book and I knew if the story was a good one, I was in for a treat.  And yay!  It was a good one- a journey of forgiveness, love and new beginnings.

Evie is a broken and hurt woman.  She's made some mistakes, she's been burned by love and now she is lost and aimlessly drifting along instead of really living.  She is trying to find her footing again.  Enter Ridge, who challenges Evie and helps her begin on the path to find herself and forgive herself.

Both of these characters are vulnerable which is what connected me to them.  It was their flaws that helped me relate, and their strengths that helped me admire them.  I felt so connected to their stories.  I loved the beginning meeting (in a bathroom!) and I loved the ending.  This was a very satisfying read.

Content:  This is an LDS specific book so there are many religious elements (talk of God, repenting, forgiving, praying), kissing, mention of a couple different forms of addiction (prescription meds, pornography) 

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



Schedule:
*Sept. 28th: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/


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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

On Tour With Short Investigations by Clair M. Poulson + $25 and Book Giveaway!


In the sleepy town of Heber, a strange 911 call is made to report an unthinkable crime: someone has murdered a woman . . . and her body has been found in Rhett Ketchum’s barn. Rhett, a well-known rodeo cowboy, is placed firmly at the top of the suspect list—the only problem is, he’s innocent. As officers search tirelessly for the evidence needed to lock him up, Rhett takes matters into his own hands.

Max and Patches Fisher are the father-daughter duo behind the unconventional PI firm Short Investigations, and they agree to undertake the task of proving Rhett’s innocence. Soon the list of suspects begins to grow, and Rhett feels a glimmer of hope—and an undeniable attraction to Patches. But when the officers on the case become targets themselves, it seems they may be the ones in need of protection. As events take a deadly turn, it’s up to Max and Patches to uncover the truth before time runs out.


I've been reading Clair Poulson books for a long time now so I know exactly what I'm going to get when I pick up one of his books.  I'm sure my reviews all sound about the same but that says something about his consistency.  

One thing I know going into Clair Poulson books is that the characters aren't going to overwhelm me with personality.  I won't fall in love with them.  Any type of romantic starts to a relationship are going to be hard for me to feel.  These books are more plot driven than character driven.  But I always know this going in so it's all good.

This was a great murder mystery.  Actually, it started out with one mystery and ended with three!  There were so many things swirling around in this story which had me interested from beginning to end.  The list of suspects grew and I was right there, suspecting them all!  This is the consistent part I was talking about before.  Clair Poulson knows how to write up a good, interesting mystery.  I actually think this one might be one of my favorites.  

Content:  some violence, death (described in some detail), peril.  LDS fiction so some things specific to that religion are made (not drinking, smoking) but nothing preachy.  Characters offer a prayer for help.

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


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Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Perfect Set by Melanie Jacobson + $25 and Book Giveaway!


Bree Mercer is an ambitious sports reporter who has risen through the ranks to land her dream job. Basking in the sun, sea, and seriously cute guys in her new singles ward, things couldn't be better. That is, until she's assigned to write a feature on the one person she can't stand—professional beach volleyball player Kade Townsend. A typical cocky athlete, Kade's previous attempt to woo her was foiled by Bree's hard-and-fast rule: don't date athletes. Ever.

Kade loathes the media, and for good reason: when his hard-partying ways were exposed by a reporter who claimed to be his friend, the scandal rocked his entire family. Now reformed, Kade has put his life back together, and he has no interest in talking to reporters—least of all Bree Mercer. But when the pair is thrown together despite their best efforts, their chemistry is undeniable. They can't seem to put the brakes on their feelings—until their connection threatens Bree's reputation and Kade's hard-won redemption. Now they must decide if there is a place for love in their plans for the future.


I love this cover!  It is a perfect representation of what is inside.  Plus, it's just cute!!  I love it.  I also loved this story.  

There was a perfect balance of tension and banter between these two characters.  The chemistry was sparking throughout the whole book.  I loved how I got to know both Bree and Kade more and more as the book went on- their likes, their personalities and what made them tick.  I really felt like I was getting to know them like I would get to know someone in real life.  And perhaps most importantly, even with their obvious flaws, I liked them!  

I read through this book so quickly.  It was a fun, diverting story and it made me happy.

Content:  LDS fiction so some mention of going to church and some things specific to the LDS religion (not drinking coffee, temples) but nothing preachy.  Mention of pornography addiction.  Kissing.

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


Schedule:
* May 25th: http://www.iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
 
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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Brush with Love by Lisa McKendrick


Lana, a talented Ivy League artist, and Walt, a small-town farmer, couldn't be more different. She arrives in Bluegill, Idaho, ready to spend the summer painting, excited to study under Walt's grandpa, a brilliant but aging artist. The more she is thrown together with Walt though--and the more she spends time with him--the more she realizes her heart may be drawing up its own plans. As the weeks pass, Lana realizes she'll have to choose between following her dreams or following her heart.


First I have to say that I really love this cover.  I love the colors and how perfectly it represents what is inside.

Although this book started out slowly for me, I enjoyed the gentle progression of getting to know the characters.  Lana is an interesting girl- full of contradictions, really.  Other than being able to paint, I'm not sure she really even understood herself.  I certainly didn't for most of the book but she pulled through in the end and I loved her for that.  

I didn't understand Grandpa's motivations when it came to his grandson, I just don't understand how love could mean doing what he did, and while I cannot explain it more without giving things away, that was my biggest peeve with this book.

My favorite bits of this book always involved Walt.  He was easily the winning character for me.

There was an emotional disconnect between me and the characters so I wasn't really "feeling" it, but I did enjoy the story, the setting and the ending.  

Content:  This is an LDS fiction book so there are some mentions of things specific to the LDS religion but nothing preachy.  Clean romance, some kissing.

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

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Wish Me Love by Michele Ashman Bell + $25 and Book Giveaway



Charlotte Wells does not date. After surviving a broken engagement, she’s taken a leave of absence from the social scene. So when her best friend and coworker, Jack, challenges her to get back in the game, she’s not so sure she’s ready to play. But ultimately, curiosity gets the best of her, and Charlotte accepts the daunting challenge: she will attempt to have fifty first dates in her effort to find “the one.” Unfortunately, she quickly realizes that the dating pool mostly holds clown fish as she goes on one lousy outing after another. Without a good man in sight as summer ends, Charlotte cuts her losses and sets her sights on a fun-filled trip to her cousin’s destination wedding in Brazil.

Brazil is a land of beautiful sights and delicious offerings—including Max, the charming brother of her cousin’s new husband. Max has all the makings of a Prince Charming in soccer cleats, and Charlotte’s happily ever after seems to be within reach. But love is a funny thing, and soon Charlotte finds herself wondering: could it be that her true love has been right in front of her all along?


First of all, I really love this cover.  It's so bright and happy.  And, like the character in this book, my grandma had lilacs in her yard and I loved them.  I planted a lilac bush in my yard and it always reminds me of her.  

This is an LDS fiction book.  There are religious elements in it- more than just casual Christian mentions.

I loved the characters in this book.  I think Charlotte and Jack are fantastic and I would love to have them as my friends!  They have so much personality and it's well defined so that I feel like I know them.

The book takes a location change to Brasil and it was fun!  It made me want to visit there myself.  I loved the bracelet and wishes part of the book too.  It made Charlotte's life feel a bit magical.

The story lost some momentum for me in the middle when the more religious elements came into play.  I'm a religious girl, but I felt like this just slowed the story down and went on too long.  That's just me though.  The HEA ending happened VERY fast.  Over in an instant.  I guess I just wanted more between the couple AS a couple- I waited so long for it.  No epilogue.  <sigh>  It's okay though.  I really did enjoy this book for the most part.  

Content:  Just the religious themes mentioned above.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Safe House by Shannon Symonds + Enter to Win This Book


As a victim’s advocate, Grace James is used to rushing into trouble to save her victims from abuse or assault. And with a handsome officer like Joe Hart at her side, Grace is sure there’s nothing she can’t do. But an ominous storm brewing on the Oregon horizon is about to change everything—and bring with it dangers and revelations Grace and Joe never expected.




I first have to say that I think the information and overall message of this book is so important.  I haven't had a lot of experience with domestic violence and knowing there are so many women and children (and men) in the world suffering through this is heartbreaking.  The author of this book works as a victim's advocate so her personal, first hand knowledge and experience go a long way in making this novel valid and real.  And honestly?  Thank goodness for Shannon and people like her to help, support and love to people when they need it the most.

As for the book itself, I had a hard time settling into it.  The scenes jump around a lot and it made it hard for me to connect on an emotional level to the characters.  Just when I would start getting a feel for a person and their situation, their personality, I would be shifted to a different person in a different place.  It just made it hard to keep people straight in the beginning and connect to them.  By the end I had all the characters down but the emotional connection to them was still missing.  

I did feel the build of intensity in the story though.  Things escalate steadily to provide an end to this book that is dramatic and intense.  I loved the feeling of community and faith among the characters.  This book gave me insight to the lives of those who suffer from domestic abuse and I'm always grateful when I read a book and walk away feeling like I know more than I did before.

Content:  Some violence, domestic abuse.  Mentions of pornography, infidelity and a hint of an attempted rape.  Characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so there is talk about religion, God and praying.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Cedar Fort.  All opinions expressed are my own.


Shannon Symonds currently works as an Advocate serving victims of intimate partner or family violence. Shannon responds with law enforcement to the scene of domestic or sexual assaults, works with victims, accompanies them to the hospital and provides follow-up care. She is a trained trauma and recovery specialist, has completed the Oregon Coalition training as a professional advocate, has completed training as a parent educator, Head Start Teacher, early childhood education certification and one year program, an Associates Degree with an emphasis in Social Services, has worked and trained as an advocate for over 15 years total. She is the recipient of the Oregon Trial Lawyers award for her work to change housing for victims of domestic violence. She is a confident trainer and speaker, and is comfortable working with the public.

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Safe House by Shannon Symonds

Safe House by Shannon Symonds

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