Tuesday, February 19, 2019

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Danielle Thorne, Sale & Giveaway

  


  



 

Valentine Gold by Danielle Thorne 

When Natalie Boyd inherits an old cabin in the north Georgia mountains, she thinks it could be the answer to all of her problems. She’s ready to start over after a heart-breaking divorce, and the cabin on the banks of a river once mined for gold is the perfect hideaway for her new, reclusive life. No sooner does she settle in, and Natalie realizes that living in the shadow of Good Hope Mountain isn’t what she expected. 

Her new neighbor, Jonathan Wilby, has plans for his property as soon as winter’s over, and that means noise, traffic, and people. To make things worse, he’s drop-dead gorgeous and could charm the skin off a snake. Natalie braces herself to do battle over the land and to resist Wilby’s charms, but her healing heart, an incredible discovery, and unexpected friendships along the way bring a gold mine of change she never expected – and just in time for Valentine’s Day. 
 
     




  

This story reels you in from the beginning. Natalie and Jonathan's story is relatable. The story was sweet and I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend this book! 

 I liked how the author went beyond a mere romance. A sweet romance that uplifts and helps you remember the nuances to falling in love ❤   


  


  


  



   

Author Danielle Thorne 


Danielle Thorne is the author of classic romance and adventures in several genres. She loves Jane Austen, pirates, beaches, cookies, antiques, cats, dogs, and long naps. She does not like phone calls or sushi. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, Danielle saw early work published by Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, and… you get the idea. Besides writing, Danielle has edited for both Solstice and Desert Breeze Publishing. Her growing blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on writing, life, and the pursuit of peace and happiness. Currently, Danielle freelances as a non-fiction author while waiting to hear from readers like you through her website. During free time, which means when Netflix is down, she combs through feedback and offers virtual hugs for reviews. Her next historical romance is coming soon. 

  




 

    



 



  

   

 Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/12/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  





Monday, February 18, 2019

Review: Let's Begin Again by Heather B. Moore


Heidi Reads... Let's Begin Again by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Maurie's dreams are finally coming true, but when Grant Shelton shows up at her doorstep, she discovers that she's left love out of the equation.
 

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Pine Valley!

When Maurie Ledbetter moves back to her hometown to open her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant Shelton shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job. Seeing Grant again brings back Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood, and she doesn’t know if spending time around Grant is the best way to move on. But when she discovers Grant has gone through difficulties of his own, Maurie realizes that he might be the key to her own healing.


My Review

Another winner of a story from the Pine Valley series I so quickly fell in love with! The beginning of this story was familiar to me since the author had published it in a novella collection, but added so much more content to this book and really made the characters that I enjoyed in the short story come to life. It was gratifying to see where their story led and how they dealt with the challenges in their lives and relationship. I admired Maurie's resilience after a dysfunctional childhood and time in foster care, the way she stayed strong and learned from those who showed genuine love for her. Grant struggled more as an adult with his failed marriage and desire to keep his son in his life, and Maurie supports and encourages him as he puts his life back together. Their curiosity about each other as youth picks right back up as adults, and they had *fantastic* chemistry! I also loved Maurie's best friend/business partner with her quirky personality, and I have my fingers crossed that she gets a Pine Valley story of her own!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the other amazing books in the Pine Valley series
(They can easily be read in any order)


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#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Lucy McConnell & Giveaway

 

 
  


  

 Her Beast of a Billionaire Boss by Lucy McConnell 

When Bella Creer’s father has a heart attack and is unable to finish his contract for Adam Moreau, a ruthless lawyer based in Seattle, she steps in to take his place and save The Cove Phase II. 

Adam, a billionaire who lives in a secluded castle on a cliff, is gruff, demanding, brilliant, and injured. An acid attack left its mark on Adam’s face but it’s his heart wounds that Bella sees clearly. 

As she takes on the management of a multi-billion-dollar project, Bella’s confidence in herself strengthens and her attraction to Adam grows. But Adam didn’t become the best lawyer in the state by making friends and the wolves circle, ready to attack him at his weakest. Bella will have to be stronger than she’s ever been just to survive. And, before it’s too late, she’ll need to realize that her true power lies in her ability to love beyond measure. 

This clean romance will sweep you away to a castle where maids do your laundry, a cook makes lobster for dinner, and there's a beauty parlor in the basement.  

Welcome to The Cove 
 
With heavy iron gates, two security stations, and a groundskeeper's cottage, The Cove has everything a billionaire could ask for in a home. Dubbed Billionaire Bachelor Cove because of the resident's single status and income portfolios, The Cove is the perfect place to hide away from the world. But, as the residents soon find out, they can't hide from love.  

  




"I loved this story and the authors style of writing. The story flowed easily and held my attention. Good , clean with no sex or swear words. Would recommend to all ages." 

"Brilliantly scripted and a fun read! The characters are engaging and strong. They draw you in and have deep chemistry in this sweet and clean read. I didn't want this story to end though I was itching to see how the nicely crafted story concluded. I especially love that the story seemed to occur over a long time span and conversations/interactions were not superficial. Am glad it's part of a series and hopefully we'll encounter the characters again." 

"I really enjoyed the characters, the subtle plot twists, and the growth of the main characters' relationship. It was a fun read and hard to put down." 

  
 





  
 
Uncle Philip broke the silence and Adam’s concentration. “You remind me so much of your father.”

Adam slapped the folder shut. He had enough information to win the case. “I hope you mean that as a compliment, because it’s been said both ways many times.”

The lines around Philip’s eyes had softened. “Same noble brow. Same wavy blond hair. Though I think you’re an inch taller than him.”

“The old man just rolled over in his grave.” His father never gave him an inch in life; it was unlikely he’d give him one in death.

“I offered to take you, you know. After Alicia passed.” Philip ran his thumb over the swollen knuckle on his ring finger. “Your father had other ideas.”

Adam stared out the window as the early days of boarding school, the loneliness, and the emptiness of a child still mourning his mother washed over him like a soft Seattle drizzle. He took in the man across from him. A simple man with a simple life—a life that would have made Adam soft. “Thank goodness for that,” he muttered. At least his father had saved him from a small and unimportant life.

Uncle Philip sighed. “You have more in common with him than your looks.”

This time Adam understood that the words weren’t a compliment, though they were spoken with honesty. The realization unexpectedly stabbed, like a thorn in his flesh. No matter. He would shortly prove that being fierce was better than being … whatever it was Uncle Philip wished him to be. He lifted the folder. “This should only take a moment, and you’ll be on your way.”

The car stopped in front of King County Courthouse. The aged gray building was shaped like a letter H, with two columns of justice connected by a tunnel of office space. There were decorations on the exterior to recommend it as an architectural beauty.

Impatient, Adam threw open the door before his driver had a chance to open it for him and marched towards the entry. He was single-minded in his movements and didn’t notice the woman in the yellow dress until their hands touched on the door.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, a smile blossoming on her face.

Feeling a jolt up his arm, Adam gave her his full attention. Her brown hair was pulled back in a style reminiscent of the 1940s with a few thick, loose curls bouncing to her chin and framing her enchanting, heart-shaped face. She had large, doe-like brown eyes that dropped demurely as his cheeks colored.

He never blushed. The sensation was enough to knock him off his course. She smelled of lilacs and fresh rain.

“I’m so sorry. You go first,” she said. Her voice was strong and yet a caress that drew him near. He had the strangest feeling that he’d like to slay a dragon.

He thrust the door open and motioned for her to enter. “I insist.”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks dusted pink, and for the first time in his life, Adam was quite out of his mind over a woman. He couldn’t remember where he was going or why it was important.

“You look lovely,” he said, not even sure the words made it out of his mouth. He didn’t throw out compliments to strangers. Heck, he didn’t compliment anyone.

Her smile deepened. “Thank you. I’m meeting my fiancĂ© upstairs. We’re getting married today.” She nodded once, her smile lighting up the entire lobby and cracking through the plaster he’d applied to his heart long ago, and then she was off to the elevators and he was left feeling as though he’d missed the opportunity of a lifetime.



 


    

Author Lucy McConnell 
 

Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. After graduating from the University of Utah, she became an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, on a bike, in the kitchen, or on a horse. 

 





  

  

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/11/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   





Sunday, February 17, 2019

Review: Never Vie for a Viscount by Regina Scott


Heidi Reads... Never Vie for a Viscount by Regina Scott

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The perky Lydia Villers is determined to leave behind her life as a social butterfly and do what she’s always dreamed of doing, pursue a career in natural philosophy. A shame the only scientist available to assist her is the one man she had once hoped to wed.

The brilliant Frederick, Viscount Worthington, Worth to his friends, has been betrayed too many times, including by the bubbly beauty who now wants to work at his side. How can he believe Lydia’s intentions are true this time? After all, someone is intent of sabotaging his efforts to create the perfect hot air balloon. But with the help of Miss Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune, the enthusiastic young lady and the wary lord might just discover that only together do they make the perfect chemistry.


My Review

I enjoyed getting to know Lydia better and how her curious mind works. The world of inventors and scientists during this era was fascinating and I found the procedures for testing the materials enlightening. There was a big focus on the work of creating and testing the hot air balloon and the challenges involved, which was great, but I felt like it detracted a bit from the development of the romantic relationship between Lydia and Worth. There is some conflict and scandal with a rival scientist and some suspense with the sabotage that brought excitement to the story. To fully understand Lydia's relationship with her brother and friends that are either mentioned or make an appearance, I recommend reading the previous books in the series. The author includes some backstory but I think this is a series best read in order. I like the writing style and unique plots she comes up with! Looking forward to the next book and also seeing if secondary characters Miss Thorn and Julian will finally get together!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Excerpt

Lydia was the picture of domesticity. Scarlet fabric flowed across her lap to pool on the floor on either side of the spindle-backed chair. Head bowed so the glow from the lamp on the table beside her glinted on pale curls, she took careful, even stitches. Something inside Worth unfurled, warmed, as if he’d come to the hearth after a long time in the snow.

She inserted her needle in the pin cushion on the table, smoothed her hands over the fabric, picked it up, and …

RIP!

He took a step back, and she must have noticed the movement, for she glanced up with her usual sweet smile.

“Experiment number twelve,” she announced.

He ventured into the room, feeling as if the walls leaned too near on either side. Now that he looked closer, he could see any number of holes in the fabric, thread hanging.

“Unsuccessful?” he asked.

“I suspect it depends on your measure of success,” she said, voice cheerful. “Miss Pankhurst advised me to attempt a stronger bond between two panels. I have attempted several lengths of stitches and now width, as in rows set side by side. So far, none has prevented the fabric from tearing on a good tug.”

“Perhaps you should test the strength of your thread,” he suggested.

She held up the spool. “I was only given one strength. Perhaps you could remedy that.”

“I’ll speak to Charlotte.”

She nodded. “Nothing coarse, I think. Silk, three-ply at least, undyed.”

Here less than a day and already she was dictating. “Rather specific. Your reasoning?”

“A hypothesis, if you will.” The world sounded strange on those rosy lips. “Miss Pankhurst reports that the more tightly woven fabric best meets the criteria you provided her, which she is, apparently, not at liberty to tell me. The combing and dying process must provide some stress on the thread. Therefore, tightly woven, undyed thread might also meet your criteria.”

Flawless. He bowed to her. “Madam, you impress me.”

She picked up her needle and drove it into the fabric. “I also hypothesize that you are too easily impressed.”

Worth straightened. “Based on what evidence?”

She began sewing again. “You must have accepted my brother’s word before pursuing me last year, though I’m certain you could have found evidence to suggest it wasn’t your best course. You accepted my word initially, with insufficient evidence in the end to sustain it. You obviously accepted someone else’s word against mine.