Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Review: The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden


https://amzn.to/2nnQRXf

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?


My Review

I'm always impressed by the amount of historical detail and circumstances the author weaves into the story that I had never considered, especially at a time when more women are making their way into the workforce. It makes me excited to think about these pioneers and how they contributed to our nation. Washington D.C. is a fascinating setting and I loved seeing the city through the eyes of Annabelle. She is driven with such purpose, whether it be analyzing grain samples or persuading someone to her way of thinking. Gray is more complex, and the pair was an interesting match. I didn't sense much romantic chemistry between them, but rather a deep respect for the challenge they present each other and the unlikely friendship that blossoms. Secrets and political motivations threaten their relationship, but I admired their integrity as they navigate the obstacles they endure.

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


Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Review & Giveaway: Secrets & Suitors by Joanna Barker



https://amzn.to/2p4KsB6

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/secrets-and-suitors?variant_id=179517-paperbackhttps://www.seagullbook.com/secrets-and-suitors-barker-joanna.htmlhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.
 

Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.


My Review

Poor Nora! I really struggled with the first part of the book because Nora feels hopeless and resigned, and the author did a great job of connecting the reader to her emotions- so I was feeling sad and frustrated as I read. Things picked up when the setting moves to London and Nora begins to develop hope for another plan for her future. I found the evolving dynamics of her family interesting and I appreciated that we got to see the more complex layers of her parents and especially her father, who is not the villain he seems to be in the beginning. Nora has a strong bond with her sister and brother, and it added a nice element to the story. Nora also evolves and grows through her experiences and she is a much stronger person for it by the end, where she refuses to let the secrets stay hidden so she can grasp the future she wants with both hands- not just who she marries, but a warm and loving family.

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

About the Author

Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram




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Monday, October 7, 2019

Review: Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy


https://amzn.to/31UIzpp

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David's father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?


My Review

I'm so happy for the start of a new series by Mary Connealy! I adore her down-to-earth characters, the adventure found in the remote wilderness setting, and the sweet romance that develops naturally. Jo and her sisters are an anomaly- three women surviving and thriving without any contact with the outside world. They are an interesting blend of naive and savvy, having a strong moral code instilled by their grandma and survival skills taught by their grandpa, and each girl has a different blend of caution, curiosity, and fear when it comes to their new neighbors. Jo is the most eager to associate with Dave and his family, while Ilsa is compelled by her healing skills to help with Dave's father's injuries, and Ursula fights against the new relationships the entire time (her story will be interesting to read!) Of course there are humorous misunderstandings with certain expressions the girls aren't familiar with and the two Bibles they quoted from especially had me chuckling. There is a nice blend of action, suspense, relationship-building, humor, and romance as Jo is torn between loyalty to her sisters and the way they were raised, and the comfort and love she experiences with Dave and his family. The story wraps on a satisfying note, but the conflict with the land-grabber and his hired gunmen will continue into the next book.

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



The Brides of Hope Mountain series continues in March 2020 . . .

https://amzn.to/30VL3Cs


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Synopsis

After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.

Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he's determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they'll never forget.




Review: Foremost by Jody Hedlund


Book Two in The Lost Princesses series

 https://amzn.to/2mneMWP

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.

When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.

When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return?


My Review

This series keeps getting better! The author draws the reader in immediately and I felt like the characters really came to life. There is quite a bit of adventure in this one with hidden passages, caves, mazes, dangerous creatures, and as always the king's soldiers on their heels. Poor Edmund has quite the unrequited love for Maribel, and it was sweet to see her become aware of his deeper feelings and have her own awaken as well. She's a bit stubborn with her thinking that her only path is to be a healer and nothing else, but fortunately her sister the queen helps open her eyes and opportunities. Maribel is full of compassion for those she helps and she's easy to like, even when she is being a little frustrating ;) I felt satisfied with this story as a part of the whole, and eagerly anticipate the final book in the series!

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




Be sure to read the other books in The Lost Princesses series . . .

Prequel Novella
https://amzn.to/2MIerJS

Book One
https://amzn.to/2NEPFde

Book Three
https://amzn.to/2NS7JRj
Releases October 29, 2019

Blog Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson


Edge of Truth JustRead Blog Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz and Giveaway for Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson 
Title: Edge of Truth
Series: Law Enforcement Heroes  
Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson  
Publisher: Sweet Rose Press  
Genre: Romantic Suspense  
Release Date: August 6, 2019  

Two DEA agents. One undercover mission. Lives changed forever.

The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.

A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them? Or will they die trying?

Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository


EXCERPT


If drugs were passing through here, they were doing an exceptional job of hiding them. He saw no signs of anything unusual. The barn door opened wide and sunlight streaked in outlining the silhouette of a cowboy.

“Can I help you?”

Jeff rose to his full height. “I’m Eric’s brother, Jeff.”

“Uh-huh, and I’m the Lone Ranger. Eric ain’t got no brother.”

Although the man’s claim should have surprised him, it didn’t. He and Eric weren’t close, so there was no reason anyone here would know about him. Jeff squinted. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“I didn’t throw it.” He turned and stalked out. 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Rose Johnson

Award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/  

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub
 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card

Edge of Truth JustRead Giveaway  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 7, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm October 14, 2019. Open internationally as long as winner can accept gift card from US Amazon. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Friday, October 4, 2019

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: My Fair Spinster by Rebecca Connolly


My Fair Spinster Blog Tour

About the Book

My Fair Spinster

Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Publication date: October 1, 2019

The spinster next door…

Grace Morledge is a failure. Or so her father believes, as she is unmarried despite her advantages. In his mind, Grace must have significant flaws to be a spinster and something must be done about them. To her mortification, he demands she be fully examined and all flaws recorded. And the man he chooses is the worst possible candidate of all.

Aubrey Flint, Lord Ingram, has known Grace since childhood, but he never anticipated Lord Trenwick demanding he examine her for flaws. How can perfection have faults? Reluctantly, he accepts the assignment, and finds far more than he bargained for, and perfection becomes more and more tempting.

About the Author


Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.


Excerpt

"They were smart to include you."  

Grace jerked slightly to look at him again. "What?"  

He nodded fervently. "I mean it. Georgie is no fool, Grace, and I have no doubt she made a study of the other unmarried women in Society. You are the best of the lot. It was only natural they should choose you."  

Her heart leapt for joy and seemed to be burning within her. "You don’t know the rest of the lot, Aubrey." 

"Don’t have to," he quipped. "I know you." 

Oh, but the look in his eyes made her feel like a lovesick girl of twelve again, and it was all she could do to keep from smiling an accompanying lovesick smile that would have been entirely too obvious.  

 Not that she was lovesick. She was simply touched. And embarrassed. And perhaps a bit feverish.  

That was all.  

Aubrey blinked and the look was gone. He slapped his thighs and rose fluidly, running a hand through his hair and disheveling it in a way that reminded her of the boy she had known in Derbyshire, and her heart lurched. 

"Well, I suppose that’s enough for today," he rambled, his words not quite as crisp as normal. "I will see you tomorrow at the Sterlings’, and I will assess your interaction with various people at that point."  

Grace slowly rose, watching Aubrey curiously. "Very well. Miranda will be there, you know. We could confront her."  

"Yes, yes, excellent thought," he replied absently. "I’ll bring my suit of armor for whatever she tosses in retaliation." 

Grace laughed at the image that brought, and Aubrey seemed to shudder at it.  

"Right," he said, turning to her and bowing. "Good day, Grace."  

"Good day, Aubrey." He left before she finished, and she stared after him, still curious. 

What in the world?  

Then her mother crossed the corridor, casting another knowing look at Grace. All curiosity and delight evaporated swidftly, and Grace snapped back into discontent, moving quickly towards the music room. 

He was not good for her.  

He couldn’t be.

1

Review
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Another fun installment of the Spinster Chronicles! I love how the author shows the variety of personalities of the different young ladies and their relationships with each other through the dialogue and banter they share. The books don't have to be read in order, but readers will definitely want to get to all of them at some point because the friendships they share make the characters from the previous books more than just a cameo appearance, but rather a strong supporting cast. I've been excited to read Grace's story and see how she manages to find love in spite of her overbearing, over-managing, somewhat tyrannical father. The fact that Aubrey is a family friend from Grace's childhood made me love the story even more, I'm a sucker for the friends-to-lovers theme. But since this one was more like reunited-friends-to-lovers, we get to see them get to know each other again and develop a more meaningful friendship that blossoms into romance. A story that was so enjoyable to read and savor! 

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


Giveaway

MFS Tour Gieaway

Giveaway ends October 4 at 11:59pm MT. Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

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Tour Schedule

Check out the tour schedule HERE.







Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Release Blitz & Giveaway: Keeping Her Close by Carol Ross #KeepCloseBlitz


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
Keeping Her Close
By Carol Ross

https://amzn.to/2oJXrbtKeeping Her Close
(Pacific Cove #3)
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
October 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Hired to protect her

…unable to resist her

The job sounds simple: teach a businessman’s daughter how to stay safe. But former navy SEAL turned bodyguard Kyle Frasier has a personal motive, too. Harper Jansen is his late best friend’s fiancée. Loyalty demands he protect her, not that Harper looks in need of rescuing. In fact, it’s Kyle who needs help—balancing duty with his desire to build a life with the one woman he shouldn’t want…

(Affiliate link included.)

Excerpt

“So…” she drawled. “How are we going to do this? Lecture and then lab? Or do you have like a personal security textbook, Stay Safe 101? Just to warn you, I’m awful at pop quizzes. After the first one, I will resent you for the entire semester and not perform to my highest capability.”

Kyle sat back in his seat, seeming to relax a bit as he pondered her tongue-in-cheek questions. And probably her. Had he been nervous that she wouldn’t agree to hire him? That thought was rather endearing. It made him seem both human and normal, and it gave her confidence in her decision.

But only briefly because his expression went stony again. Like granite. Hard, scary granite.

Leaning forward, he placed his forearms on his thighs and tented his fingers. “It’s all lab, Harper. One hundred percent hands-on. And we’re going to start by getting you in shape. Calisthenics for one hour every morning at 4:30 a.m., followed by a five-mile run on the beach.” Tipping his head, he added, “But not your typical run. Every other day, we’ll add an obstacle course to simulate tactical evasion. And three days a week, we’ll have what I like to call target practice.”

What. The. Whatty-what? Harper opened her mouth, shut it and finally managed to stutter, “Um, target what? I don’t know how to… I mean, I don’t—”

He straightened, interrupting her with a stop-sign hand. “Relax, it’s not what you think. You won’t be doing any shooting. I’ll be shooting at you with a paintball gun while you try to dodge it. The less paint on your person, the more lunch you earn. Positive reinforcement can be helpful in specific, isolated training situations.”

Harper knew she was gaping. Was he out of his mind? Had the word normal actually crossed her mind in conjunction with this lunatic? He was as messed up as Owen. More, possibly. She was still trying to decide how to proceed when his face broke into a wide smile, or at least she hoped it was a smile. The whole time he’d been here she’d yet to see it, so she couldn’t be sure. She kept still, waiting, in case she was misinterpreting the gesture. Maybe he was wincing or had something stuck in his teeth.

Finally, he said, “Harper, I’m joking. I do have some basic protocol that we’ll cover. Your dad wants you to become an expert with your security system. But otherwise, we’ll just plan on doing this situationally, taking it one day at a time. Does that work for you?”

Huh. She had not seen that coming. But she also liked it. A grin crept over her, and she laughed. He joined her, and Harper was momentarily mesmerized by the deep, rich sound. The smile that lingered transformed him. Harper met his gaze and warmth spread through her chest, making her head a little light, her thoughts a bit fuzzy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed like this, felt so at ease.

That thought was sobering in itself, melting her laughter away. Because this situation was anything but easy; she officially had herself a bodyguard.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.


Blitz Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a copy of of Keeping Her Close (ebook if outside the US, signed print if in the US)
- 2 additional winners will receive a copy of Keeping Her Close (ebook if outside the US, signed print if in the US)

Ends October 5, 2019

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