Tag Archives: Julie B

There’s Something About Molly by Christina Hovland -a Review

Posted on by
13

There’s Something About Molly by Christina Hovland -a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Molly Princeton hasn’t met the right guy. Yes, she’s a dating coach. But she’s also a single mom with a rocky relationship history. She may be able to help others find love, but she doesn’t really need it in her life. Happiness doesn’t require falling in love. Winning a matchmaker competition however requires being part of a couple. And darn it, she needs to win this one. That’s when she sets her sights on Gavin Frank—the one man she would absolutely never fall in love with.

Gavin is her nemesis, her best friend’s ex, and yeah, okay, he’s sexy as sin. He’s also off limits. But she’s out of other options. Plus Gavin could use a fake relationship to keep his meddling mother from setting up blind dates with every available woman in the Mile High City. There’s no way he’d fall for Molly. None. Nada.

The two quickly learn there’s a thin line between hate and love, and she finds herself tipping onto the wrong side. For the first time, she doesn’t have all the answers. What the heck is she supposed to do next? Lucky for her, Gavin realizes there’s something about Molly he can’t resist…  

Each book in the Mommy Wars series is STANDALONE:
* Rachel, Out of Office
* There’s Something About Molly
* April May Fall
* Everything’s Fine, Emmaline

 

 

 Review: 

There’s Something About Molly by Christina Hovland is the 2nd book in her Mommy Wars series. Molly being a dating coach would have all the answers to the perfect relationship, well you’d think that. But it’s far from being that easy, having a child and an ex that it’s a hands on father takes up a lot of Molly’s time. 

So Molly doesn’t have the time or the energy for a relationship most days, so she’s resigned herself to the fact she’s going to be a single mum forever….But winning a dating competition may help with her business and her love life, she can put into practice all her knowledge. She just needs a partner. 

Gavin doesn’t want another “blind date” nor does he need his mother to “fix” his love life. Being married to Rachel didn’t end well, the only thing to come out of that marriage was his child, whom he loves very much. He goes work to do as he let both his parenting and husband duties slide. 

They don’t exactly get along, Molly thinks Gavin is a lazy ex and bad dad. And can’t see past that. Gavin thinks Molly is cute, but couldn’t see him dating her as she’s the ex’s friend! That would be weird. Right? 

Both need a partner, Gavin to escape his matchmaking mother and Molly needs to win a dating competition, so reluctantly they agree to “date” one another. What could go wrong? But the more time they spend together, the more they see each other in a different light. They have to keep reminding themselves why it’s only fake dating. Gavin sees another side to Molly, her persona on her web chats is totally different from the real Molly. And he’s falling hard for the real one.

This is the second book in the series, and I read and loved the first one (Rachel, Out of office) but there is no need to read it to enjoy this one. Met both Molly and Gavin in the last book, and I loved Molly already. Gavin was a different story, he seemed to be an errant dad and husband and just not a great character, so I was surprised to find out he was getting a story. 

But with most books you only get one side of the story. And by the time I’d finished this book I was totally in the “Gavin camp”. The book has its funny moments, and a few serious ones too. I loved the segments Molly did for her dating show, most of them did have me chuckling. 

Secondary characters are great too, loved Molly and Gavin’s kids. We get to see the previous characters from the last book. Agnes and Charlie were just great. A beach or home recommendation for this one. Easily read in one sitting, and it will leave you with a big smile. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

Seeder Shadow Wars by J. Houser-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Posted on by
16

Seeder Shadow Wars (Seeder Wars 1) by J. Houser-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Seeder Shadow Wars
(Seeder Wars 1)
by J. House
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Genre: Young Adult, paranormal

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

DATING AND HIGH SCHOOL: HARD ENOUGH. NOW ADD ASSASSINS.

Avoiding assassination wasn’t on Mel’s to-do list for her junior year. Learning she wasn’t human hadn’t made the list, either.

An only child with overprotective parents, Melody Walters just wants a drama-free year—and to be able to date. She gains the interest of more than one suitor, but doesn’t realize any one of them could be an enemy on the hunt. For her, the dating scene could prove deadly.

Mel discovers she’s a member of a botanical race, forced to hide their daughters in the human world until they mature enough for their powers to bloom. Something goes wrong with her blooming process, breaking her cover and jeopardizing the lives of her protectors and the large family she’d never known about.

With the enemy threat ever-looming, in a rush to master her new powers before she’s stranded in the human world forever, Mel struggles to decide who she can trust and if the sacrifice being asked of her is too great.

••••••

REVIEW: Mel is just your typical high school student. The usual dramas that come with being that age…..A possible new love interest and the fact her best friend is in love with her! See totally normal stuff.So when she finds out that she’s not human! Well, that throws up a lot of questions, and she needs answers, like now!

Finding out those answers (will make sense of the prologue) only make her life more complicated!Oh and her bitter enemy The Ivies) want her dead! Wait! She has enemies that want her dead! Could her life get anymore complicated? Well yes it can, she can also wield magic!And her parents decide to foster a child, but not a little one! No he had to be an annoying senior in her school!!

So where does her best friend Zach and her new love interest come in?Can they be trusted?Mel begins to look at everyone as a potential enemy!

Wow! That was totally different from anything I’ve read so far.What a great story.Very detailed, very meticulous and well thought out. Lots of background story (which will also make the prologue make sense)Seeders are supernaturals who give life to seeds that will eventually grow into the next generation.The bad guys are the Ivies, they want to annihilate the seeder population from existence, and by separating the next generation and hiding them from the Ivies, the Seeders can try to guarantee that it doesn’t happen.

So will Mel ignore her growing power’s? Or will she go home to Green Lands and learn more about her heritage and help in the fight to win against the enemy? But if she does that she’s going to have to leave all and everyone she knows and loves…..

And now I’m anxious to read what happens next.
It doesn’t hang on a cliffhanger, but it does leave it open to another book (which I’m hoping will be soon) ?

I’d highly recommended this book to lovers of the paranormal and the readers who like something a little different.

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

FOLLOW : Facebook / Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Twitter /

J. Houser: I’m a debut indie author, but I aspire to be a multi-genre hybrid author. From adult sci-fi post-apocalyptic romance to young adult dystopian romance, to sweet contemporary romance… Apparently, I have a hard time not writing romance… But, I’m not good at limiting myself to just one kind of story.

TRC:Who or what influenced your career in writing?

J. Houser: I have a hard time answering this because I honestly have never been a huge reader. Perhaps it’s the ADHD, but I have a hard time just focusing on one thing. Once I get into it, I binge-read, but I have a hard time allowing myself to invest that much of myself most of the time. I wasn’t the stereotypical writer that knew as a kid they wanted to do this and constantly wrote stories and begged people to read them. My first novel was written after I turned 35. Once I realized it could be fun to write a journey that I could share with others, something clicked.

TRC:What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

J. Houser: It’s been a TON of learning as a debut indie author. From endless revisions to losing my mind trying to work with the printer … there’s been a lot of learning along the way! I’m hoping that means future releases will go much smoother as I’ve grown so much in this process!

TRC:Would you please tell us something about the premise of SEEDER SHADOW WARS?

J. Houser: SEEDER SHADOW WARS started from a snippet of a dream I had. I had been interested in writing fantasy but wanted something different from the usual tropes. Botanical beings became a thing! Immediately, I knew it involved hidden identities and assassins, and in the mix of it all were clueless humans in their own world.

TRC:What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning SEEDER SHADOW WARS?

J. Houser: I’m very much a discovery writer. I don’t plot much and I had no idea what was going to happen until I wrote it. I find it fun to join the journey with the characters. That said, I wrote the entire trilogy before moving to final edits on book 1 because I had to go back and add a lot more foreshadowing or editing of the magic system to ensure it all made sense.

TRC:How many books do you have planned for the series? Will Melody Walters be the lead heroine in each of the stories?

J. Houser: It all started out as a standalone. Then I found I needed to know more about the world and people involved. It then turned into a trilogy. And then a fourth and fifth book were written… And I have at least 2 more books planned. I might have an addiction. But my beta readers love the couples and so do I, so the series will continue as long as there’s a new unique story worth sharing. Melody Walters is still very present as a POV character in the other books of the main trilogy, but in book 2 we meet another heroine that is a little more front and center in books 2 & 3. One of the other drafted books is the love story and behind-the-scenes of Mel’s parents.

TRC:Believability is an important factor in writing and reading paranormal/fantasy story lines. How do you keep the story line believable in a genre that often crosses the line between reality and fantasy?

J. Houser: Because our heroine grew up thinking she was human, it’s easy for me to get into her head. I try my best to not have overpowered, unrealistic characters. How many teenage girls do you know that are prepared to take on assassins? I really focus on the interiority of the characters for their arcs, making the story character-driven instead of plot-driven. I try to address (throughout the series) a variety of themes like mental health and discrimination. I feel like doing so in a fantasy setting makes more serious conversations accessible. Another thing that helps with believability for me is hard magic—there have to be rules, consequences, limitations.

TRC:Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

J. Houser: Absolutely. We all know ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ is a saying about people and not actually books. We shop with our eyes first.

TRC:When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

J. Houser: There’s some give and take, but as a discovery writer, they often tell me along the way who they are and what they’re going to do. I sometimes sit back and question a scene, asking if it’s really true to what they’d do. There have definitely been revisions along the way. In the end, when I question if their choice is the right one, I’ve been known to say ‘At some point, you have to let the characters be who they are.’

TRC:The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

J. Houser: We need moments of introspection now and then. If we don’t understand the reasoning behind their actions, then we don’t care or relate. I’ve learned that a lot from beta readers. When I haven’t done a good job at showing the character’s emotions and inner thoughts, they can easily come off as careless, stupid, weak, or rude. But once we see their perspective—even if we don’t agree with their choices—we can understand it. In books from other authors that I’ve failed to enjoy, we lack that interiority, that understanding of what makes the characters tick. I feel disconnected and tend to judge the characters more harshly. Awkward prose that makes me stumble (like excessive or weird metaphors every other paragraph when describing how their heart is beating) really makes them feel more distant.

TRC:Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

J. Houser: Very rarely. I have sometimes listened to ‘study music’ to drown out other noises, but I could never write with lyrics on. I get too distracted and it takes me out of the place I need to be.

TRC:What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

J. Houser: As an indie author, I feel like there’s such a nasty stigma about self-publishing. Which is completely understandable, because I’ve read those poorly edited books out there, too… But as someone that’s utilized beta readers, critique partners, editors, etc, I’d like to believe that people could give us more of a chance to see if we’ve made the investment. We don’t all just jot down some thoughts, doodle a cover, and slap it on Kindle.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, knows about you?

J. Houser: That I’m absolutely terrified to be focusing so much on my publishing career, lol. I’ve quit my day job. I know that’s not the ‘smart’ thing to do. I’ve been told I’m brave. But really, it’s a combo of self-acceptance of where I’m at in my life, and absolute desperation in wanting a fulfilling, creative career. I’ve always been a good employee, but my personality and mental health don’t fair all that well in a traditional workplace. I’ve always had the drive, but not the courage, to be an entrepreneur. Creating and sharing are a major part of who I am.

TRC:Who or what influenced your path towards a young adult, paranormal story line?

J. Houser: I’m often drawn to writing YA books because I like the themes (i.e. self-discovery, navigating big changes in life) and because I tend to like things a bit ‘tamer.’ No on-page sex or tons of swearing. They say to write what you want to read. And as crazy as it sounds, as a woman in my mid-thirties—I feel like I relate to these teens after having gone through a divorce. I find myself back at square one asking, like them, ‘where to now?’ As for fantasy or paranormal… I grew up watching Star Trek and Stargate with my dad. Yeah, those are sci-fi, but it’s in the same arena. There’s a fun escapism involved.

TRC:On what are you currently working?

J. Houser: Everything and nothing? As a writer with ADHD, I’m often working on multiple manuscripts at a time. Though lately, I’ve been so occupied with learning things like formatting and marketing that I haven’t had time to just sit and write all of the stories mentally plotted in my head. Next, I’ll probably rewrite the short story that takes place between books 1 & 2 in this series that will be a preorder bonus for readers.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Pizza

Favorite Dessert
Chewy brownies

Favorite TV Show
I don’t actually watch TV much. I mostly binge Youtube.

Last Movie You Saw
One of the newer Disney ones… can’t remember the name.

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Depends on the mood and what it’s paired with.

Secret Celebrity Crush
I’m weird. Don’t really have one.

Last Vacation Destination
Utah to visit family for Christmas

Do you have any pets?
My mini poodle/bichon frise pup, Mia. We’re each other’s emotional support creature.

Last book you read
Book 2 in my series as I edited? lol. I think it was The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson.

TRC:Thank you J. Houser for the great interview answers. Congratulations on the release of your first novel SEEDER SHADOW WARS

J. Houser is graciously offering an ebook copy of SEEDER SHADOW WARS to two (2) commenters at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE & follow J. Houser on FACEBOOK

4. Please sign up for J. Houser’s NEWSLETTER

5. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK .

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY

10. Giveaway runs from September 17-22, 2021

Share

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

Posted on by
12

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N /  Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball.

Until one man suddenly changes everything…

Beckett Stanton is out and proud—and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing.

For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

 

 

Review: 

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is the 7th book in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Donovan is a sports personality, so has an image to uphold. The last thing he needs is to be found out that he’s gay! So much pressure and financial worry has Donovan firmly in the closet! 

Beckett a financial genius, gay and proud of it. It’s taken him a long time to accept and live himself, and he’s dated men who are scared of being found out, he’s not going to do that to himself again. He wants a man to openly show his love. 

I loved the beginning of this story, the moment their eyes locked across the crowded restaurant, the chemistry practically sizzled off my kindle. Introductions are made and Donovan is just a gibbering wreck, he knows Beckett knows he’s gay, and hopes that he stays quiet. But at some point he wants to get to know this man. But working together is going to cause all types of hassles. 

Donovan is dismayed that Beck is going to be working at the club he’s at! People will only have to look at them and know he fancies Beck! Beckett Stanton is a wonderful character, gentle, kind and totally gets where Donovan is coming from. He’s patient when Donovan has a melt down, he’s assertive when needed, and such a foil for the rough and gruff rugby player. He sees the real Donovan and does his best to bring that side out. 

It’s about weighting up the pros and cons of a relationship. It’s about doing what’s right for you, and damn the consequences. But in Donovan’s case, he has his career/family to think about, what will his daughter think? What will his family and fans do? 

But spending time with Beckett has him questioning those values. What if he misses out on the best thing that will ever happen to him? Doesn’t he deserve happiness? Yes he could wait until his career is done. But would Beck wait that long? 

Beck understands where Donovan is coming from, but he won’t be a dirty little secret. He’s allowed to show his love, and if Donovan doesn’t want to show the world, then he’ll find someone who will! 

It does slow down a little, and the constant looking over his shoulder has me wanting to shake Donovan, you understand his reluctance, but he going to lose Beck if he’s not careful! 

This book is in a series, I’ve not read any of the previous books, but I probably will go back at some point. It doesn’t spoil this book if you don’t read the others first, but I was surprised to find it’s an MM (male/male) read in a FM (female/male) series (I’ve noticed a lot of authors branching out recently, which is good, nothing wrong with a little change up).

It’s also a sports romance (not a big fan) but it’s written really well. A slow burn romance that will tug at the heartstrings and the face muscles. It’s left me with a smile ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Vampire in the Kitchen by Rhiannon Hartley-a review

Posted on by
12

Vampire in the Kitchen (Raising Hell Downunder 5) by Rhiannon Hartley-a review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2021

Vampire chef + corporate shifter = a recipe for bliss?

Or will this pair just cook up trouble?

Between the demands of his job, and his team-building obsessed boss, wolf shifter Eric is just trying to make it to Friday. Romance is the last thing on his mind, until a chance meeting changes everything.

His childhood friend’s little sister is all grown up and he can’t help but notice her. She’s gorgeous, gregarious, and – apparently – newly undead.

Sous Chef Sophie was blissfully unaware of Sydney Australia’s paranormal underworld…

…until she became a part of it.

It’s going to take more than black pudding to satisfy this former foodie’s newfound bloodlust. Luckily, Eric, her older brother’s best friend, has come back into her life just in time to help her deal with this unexpected turn of events.

When sparks fly between the two, Eric’s ready to forget the promise he once made his best friend to never make a move on his sister.

But happily ever after is an eternal commitment for a vampire. Can this solitary wolf shifter prove he’s worthy of Sophie’s forever?

••••••••••

REVIEW:What a fun read, totally different from most supernatural books I’ve read, a lighthearted and charming book.

I Loved his best friends (Benji, james and Damien), they were funny, but really supportive of both Eric and one another. Moving back to the town he grew up in was going to prove strange, but with the support of his friends it’s not really going to be a problem. Will it?I liked Eric, unlike most most werewolves I’ve read, he’s not Uber arrogant. He’s a nice guy, and really supportive.

Sophie is a chef, loves her food and her job. Seeing her familySophie is a great character, very funny and such a positive person. She manages to spin most things into a positive.So how will she cope when her cravings for raw meat and blood become a problem?

Her best friends Mike and Kristen were great, supporting her when she needed it the most.

Laughed through most of this book, I loved the inventive ways Sophie combined her new love of raw meats and blood. And I had to chuckle at the way Eric and his friends bantered with one another.

Both Eric and Sophie have history, his best friends are her brothers, but it’s been a while since they’ve seen one another.

Sophie goes to a party, meets an enigmatic stranger…..Wakes up the next morning with a blurred memory and a headache/hangover.From there in, things take a strange turn….

When Eric and Sophie meet up both are surprised at the feelings they have.Misunderstandings stand in the way of them getting to know one another. Until an incident changes their circumstances.

So can Eric and his Wolf teach Sophie all about the supernatural world? And will he listen to his Wolf and claim his HEA?

This is from an ongoing series. But it can be read without reading the others. I have to read any of the previous book, but I’m definitely interested in reading more from this author.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ? B

Share

Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean – a Review

Posted on by
12

Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description :
Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement. His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible. But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself. There goes his peace and quiet…

 

Review:

Hitched by a Gunslinger by Michelle McLean is a historical western romance. Had to laugh at our gunslinger he really was a lazy bum!! Any chance at a nap he took it ?

Mercy needs help! After her father died (an accident they say! Mercy says Murder!) she’s had nothing but hassle from the local landowner, he wants her land and he’s offering money or marriage! Neither is on Mercy’s mind and certainly not him! She loved her father (even though he was a drunk and a gambler) and will farm this land one day with a husband she loves.

Gray just wants some peace and quiet.  Gunslingers don’t get either! Someone is always trying to prove something! Do when his horse decides to stop for a munch on an orchard, Gray has no choice but to wait as the horse has its fill! And from there he becomes embroiled in not only Mercy’s issues but the town as a whole!

Supporting characters like Sunshine was great, a nuisance but just what Gray needs to remind him that he’s human and needs a friend (even though he wants to shoot him most days!). Loved the horse and goat, proper characters that you’ll love ?

The town doesn’t take to him at firs, they only see the gunslinger, but as he grows on the town, they decide to make him sheriff!

This book is easily read in an afternoon, it’s a slow burn between Mercy and Gray. And it’s funny to see them try to grab a little alone time, and are constantly thwarted!

Can Mercy convince Gray to make a go of their marriage and a job as sheriff? And will the landowner get the hint that he’s not wanted by the town and by Mercy?

I love to see sunshine get a story and maybe a HEA for a certain doctor and madam ?

Love this authors writing, you can be assured of laughter, murder and a fun time ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Highlander’s Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Highlander’s Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

Description
Beck Macquarie, captain of the Calypso and second brother to the Macquarie chief, can’t stop himself from helping out the less fortunate. So of course, when a beautiful woman frantically waves him down, begging for his help, he stays true to himself and rescues her. What he isn’t expecting is for her to go full pirate on him — exposing the sailor’s breeches under her skirts and commandeering his ship.  

When Eliza Wentworth learns her pirate family has been captured by the English, she’ll do anything to save them, even taking over an unsuspecting Scotsman’s shi. When he offers to help her after not apprehending her, she agrees. Besides, he is brawny, kind, and the perfect man to teach her about the pleasures that can be found in and out of his bed… Spending some time on shore with him won’t be too much of a hardship. Until she ultimately has to betray him and risk losing everything she didn’t know she wanted. 

 

 

Review:

The Highlander’s Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum is the 2nd book in her Brothers of Wolf Isle series. Reading the description did have me chuckling. A female pirate, and one that isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. It sounded like quite a ride. 

Eliza was brought up with seawater flowing through her veins. She loves the sea, and she absolutely adores her family. But it wasn’t always that way, her parents her brutally murdered by the pirate Jandeau!

Being rescued by a Privateer (A privateer is a private person or ship that engages in maritime warfare under a commission of war)  John Pritchert  gave Eliza a new family to love and care for, they continue to hunt Jandeau and rescue as many as they can from his clutches! So when she finds out that John has been taken and held by the British. Eliza will do whatever it takes to free them. 

Beck is brother to Adam Macquarie (Chief on Wolf Isle) second son and probably more of a gentleman than his brother. The curse of the Isle and his clan is still in force ….. So he’s left the isle to find love (all his clansmen have to find love to break the curse!) 

Chemistry is almost instant, but Eliza is wary, and Beck knows that it’s hopeless to fall for this fiery beauty!! She won’t give up the sea, so entertained her would just be a waste of time…..Spending so much time with the gorgeous captain is going to cause heartbreak for Eliza, but it’s her family that has to come first. 

A really great way to spend an afternoon, and it’s nothing less than what I’ve come to expect from this author. She brings whatever world we are in at the moment come to life. Very descriptive and beautifully written. 

This is the second book in the brothers of Wolf Isle Series. It’s not necessary to read book one in this series, but there are a few things that will make this book make a little more sense. 

So can Beck convince Eliza to give up the sea and her family? Can Eliza rescue her adoptive father John? and what will she do if she ever comes face to face with her hated enemy Jandeau? 

A highly enjoyable read. Plenty of action and adventure with enough romance to keep me happy. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

King’s Queen (Oil Kings 5) by Marie Johnston-Review tour

Posted on by
11

King’s Queen (Oil Kings 5) by Marie Johnston-Review & Excerpt tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2021

When Aiden King asked me out years ago, I couldn’t believe it. Six months later, I went from mousy librarian to wife of the most wanted bachelor in town. Heck, in the state, probably the country. I moved from a trailer house to a mansion by the river.

Turns out, I shouldn’t have believed it. After years of being alone while Aiden put in long hours at the office, I learned his secret. He needed to marry for a year to fulfill his trust requirements, and the nerdy girl from the wrong side of the tracks was an easy target.

I never thought I’d be the girl asking a handsome millionaire for a divorce. Now, I just want to limp my pride back to my family and find myself again. I want to forget the question that’s eating at me. If he only needed to be married for a year, why has it been five years since we said I do?

***

Work has become my identity. I went into the family business and the responsibility is staggering. One mess up and people can I die. I know that all too well and I’ve dedicated myself to doing better. I’m exceptional at my job. Meticulous. Dedicated.

But for a guy who’s such a perfectionist, I really messed up my marriage. It took Kate walking out to get me to wake up and realize what an empty existence I’ve built.

So what does a workaholic do when he realizes his work, and especially the money, means nothing to him? That there’s only one obsession he’s ever had, and she’s staying with her rowdy, overprotective family?

Kate’s always been the only one for me. It’s time for this King is going to loosen his tie and win back his queen.

•••••••

REVIEW:  We start briefly in the past…..

Kate has loved Aiden for years. Seeing him beat her brother at wrestling was the start of her fascination.Years later an opportunity comes to watch him in action at his family’s company she jumps at the chance.He won’t remember her. Will he?

A whirlwind romance has Kate and Aiden married within moments of meeting.It’s all she’s ever dreamed of…..But the reality four years later is not what Kate had envisaged!Late nights, time away and hardly any contact has Kate clinging to her marriage! But the final blow in their marriage is when Kate finds out her husband only married her for money! She needs to go …. And divorce is her only option!

A second chance is all Aiden wants with his wife. But how can he balance his home life when being the CFO of the family company is all he knows?!

This was my favourite in the series. We got to see this couple married from the first book, but not was mentioned, but as the series progressed we find out snippets, we find out that Aiden puts too much time into work and not enough time with Kate.And now we get to read all about their story….

Aiden being the eldest King had been groomed to take over the family company. But what most people don’t know is that Aiden never wanted it, wanted the freedom his brothers had, but his grandfather gave him such a lecture that Aiden knew he’d never have the life his brothers would get. And when his mother died, and his father went off the rails, Aiden stepped into that role too!But the last straw comes when Kate hands him divorce papers.
The day he’s dreaded for so long to has happened! He should have just told her about his mother’s will!!Kate is his one moment of happy, his point of peace and contentment. He needs her in his life. And he’s not going to give her up…..

Kate is absolutely devastated! Not only did her husband marry her for money, but his whole family knew! Even the women that married her brothers -in -law, everyone but her! It was cruel and it bashed an already fragile ego!Kate knew she would lose her husband one day, she was never smart enough, pretty enough or dress correctly. But over the years Kate tried really hard.But no more! She’s free, and she’s going to live her own life.

So can Aiden really change his outlook on life? Can he show Kate she means more to him than money?And can he open up to his family and tell them all the secrets he’s held in his heart for so long?

And the final note belongs to their father. And he does make me smile with what he says.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
King’s Crown
King’s Ransom
King’s Treasure
King’s Country

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

Can I get a room for the next three nights?” Preferably as close to Kate as possible? I glanced up. Seven levels. What were the odds I’d land on the same floor?
“I’m so sorry, sir. We don’t have any vacancies.”
None? It was December. A slow month for conferences and sporting events. Ah. “Construction?”
Her smile was sympathetic. “I’m sorry. I can help you find a room in a hotel nearby.”
I hadn’t expected to spend a lot of time with Kate while she was at her convention, but I’d at least hoped to be under the same roof. The roof might house a few hundred rooms, but I’d remained optimistic.
Kate’s attention was on us. “No opening?”
I tucked my wallet back into my slacks. “No problem. I’ll talk with Luna about the bedroom.” Could I use it when the plane wasn’t in use? I didn’t care to sit in another hotel.
“On the plane?” Kate glanced at the young man helping her, then at the woman assisting me. Her gaze landed on me, full of resolve. “Just stay with me.”
“This is your conference.” I could fist pump right now, but I hadn’t meant to intrude this much on her weekend. She was technically working, after all.
“It’s all right, Aiden.”
I thanked Cynthia for her time, gathered my suitcase and Kate’s, and shouldered my tech bag while she finished up.
On the way to the elevator, she handed me a key, hesitant. “There’s two beds. Two queens.”
Damn. “All right.”
Still. Progress was progress. We were talking. She hadn’t asked when we were going to sign the divorce papers. I was making progress whether I was back in her bed or not.

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

 

Share

A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K Hamilton-Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
25

A Terrible Fall of Angels (Zaniel Havelock 1) by Laurell K Hamilton-Review, Interview & Giveaway

A TERRIBLE FALL OF ANGELS
Zaniel Havelock #1
by Laurell K Hamilton
Release Date: August 17, 2021
Genre: adult, paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 17, 2021

Meet Detective Zaniel Havelock, a man with the special ability to communicate directly with angels. A former trained Angel speaker, he devoted his life to serving both the celestial beings and his fellow humans with his gift, but a terrible betrayal compelled him to leave that life behind. Now he’s a cop who is still working on the side of angels. But where there are angels, there are also demons. There’s no question that there’s evil at work when he’s called in to examine the murder scene of a college student—but is it just the evil that one human being can do to another, or is it something more? When demonic possession is a possibility, even angelic protection can only go so far. The race is on to stop a killer before he finds his next victim, as Zaniel is forced to confront his own very personal demons, and the past he never truly left behind.

The first in a new series from the author of the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series.

•••••••••

REVIEW:For those of you who’ve read other works by her, this is different from what your use to.

Angels that walk among us and Demons that no longer hide in the shadows!

Unhappy with the life he life was going, Zaniel Havelock left the College of Angels, walking away from all his friends and everything he’d had become comfortable with. But the one he he couldn’t seem to give up was his ability to communicate with the angels.He now uses those said talents to aid him in his job in the police force, but it’s a branch not many get on. It’s the paranormal unit of the police force. Zaniel works alongside colleagues with different faiths and special skills (psychic’s mainly) This task force is charged with keeping the peace between humans/angels/demons. And it’s not an easy thing to do most days.

So we have a new case for Zaniel to work…..At first glance it’s a case for homicide, but upon closer inspection there seems to be an angelic side to this case.

Could an Angel have killed the victim? Why?

We also have demons to contend with, and like angels there are demons that are different from their kind. What are they up to? And when they start doing things they shouldn’t be able to do, Zaniel has no choice but to reach out to old friends. But with old friends come the old betrayals and secrets, and it’s those secrets that he’s keen to see kept buried!!

There is a religious tone to this book, but not enough to put me off from reading it. And with a new book/series comes the obligatory backstory and world building, which happens to be one of my favourite parts in a book.

Now It makes a change to see a male in the lead in this authors work, it’s usually a kicka$$ female. And the use of bedroom antics is missing too. It seems to be focusing on the detective work rather than orgies and bed hopping! a story a lot good versus evil. About personal choices and how the wrong choice can take you down a path that’s hard to turn from. It’s a murder/mystery story with an angsty romance thrown in (Zaniel is married!)

So who did kill our victim? Is there something more going on? I’m hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next book out.

Copy supplied by the publisher

? Reviewed by Julie B.

TRC:  Hi Laurell and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of A TERRIBLE FALL OF ANGELS.

Laurell: Thank you so much, I’m so excited to finally be able to share the book with readers.

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. For our followers who do not know Laurell K Hamilton, would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Facebook /  Twitter / Instagram/ Goodreads / Website / Pinterest

Laurell: I pioneered the genre of Urban Fantasy which would become Paranormal with the Anita Blake series and then the Merry Gentry series. I also created the idea of reverse harems, though I preferred the term hisem. I write mysteries set in alternate modern America where the supernatural is a given. In the Anita Blake series, it would be like waking up tomorrow with vampires, zombies, shapeshifters and more are real, and everyone knows about them. Anita starts out as a consultant for the local police and a vampire hunter because vampires are considered too dangerous to be imprisoned. If they kill someone, a warrant of execution is issued and a vampire executioner hunts them down. Anita also doesn’t date vampires or any supernaturals at the beginning of the series. Twenty-eight books later, a lot has changed.

For Merry Gentry, Celtic myth and folklore is real and the fey were kicked out of Europe after the last Great War in the 1700s. President Thomas Jefferson offered them a new home here in America where they used the indigenous site of the Cahokia mounds in Illinois as their new fairy mounds, their sithens. For those who aren’t familiar with the Cahokia, it was an abandoned site long before America was a country. Merry is the first faerie princess born on American soil, but when A Kiss of Shadows begins, she’s hiding from her relatives int the Unseelie court because there were too many assassination attempts. She’s in Los Angeles working as a private detective for Grey’s Detective Agency that specialises in supernatural problems, magical solutions.

TRC:   What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first book? The new series?

LAURELL:  The book that launched my career, Guilty Pleasures was the first Anita Blake novel. It was rejected over two hundred times, because in the late 1980s there was no market for mixed genre. The fact that vampires in my world weren’t secret but just legal citizens and known to everyone were the reason a lot of horror editors rejected it. I got some lovely rejection slips. Horror editors thought it was fantasy, who thought it might be science fiction, who thought it was mystery. A lot of editors loved the book, but they couldn’t figure out how to market it, so they passed. This was before self-publishing or online publishing was really an option if you wanted a career. Admittedly it was also a time when there were enough traditional publishers to have two hundred separate rejections from major houses. Times have changed a lot since Berkley first offered me a contract for the first three Anita Blake Novels. As for publishing my newest book, A Terrible Fall of Angels, there was no problem with my publisher because I’m one of their bestselling authors with two bestselling series already under my belt. It’s my 41st novel.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of A TERRIBLE FALL OF ANGELS?

LAURELL:  The powers of Heaven and Hell have a treaty to prevent Armageddon, which is publicly known and part of history. This treaty saved the world from the final battle that would have ended everything as we know it. There are rules about how many demons can come up to Earth and what they can and can’t do to torment humans. Detective Zaniel Havelock and the other members of the Metaphysical Coordination Unit are part of a group that literally polices the angels and demons that come into contact with the mortal world. The nickname for their unit is the Heaven and Hell Squad. They are also called in when other supernatural crimes happen, but Zaniel’s ability to communicate with angels makes him the go-to expert whenever Celestial beings are involved.

How many books do you have planned for the ZANIEL HAVELOCK series?

LAURELL:  Between four and thirteen. Of course, when I started the Anita Blake series, I thought thirteen and I’m working on book twenty-nine, so I won’t really know until I get there.

TRC:  What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning A TERRIBLE FALL OF ANGELS?

LAURELL:  The sticky note with the first line of the book was up on my office wall for almost ten years. I hadn’t been reading, watching, or even thinking about angels at the time, at least in the front of my head. I’ve learned to pay attention to my subconscious and those signals from my muse, so I started searching for nonfiction books about angels, rereading Biblical teachings or insights about the angelic and other world religions. A lot of people forget that when you speak of angels, messengers of God, for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, you’re talking about the same angels. I also researched the lives and folklore around the saints and prophets. As I was finally sitting down to write Zaniel’s story I found books on modern new age and magic about angels. The changing attitude towards them from Biblical times to now was fascinating to me both as a person and as a writer.

TRC:  Do you plan a cross-over story line between the new series and your Anita Blake series?

LAURELL:  No, though an interview question from the local Kirkwood Library did give me an idea where all my universes could collide. I don’t think I’ll do it, but it’s intrigued me.

TRC:  Do you have plans to continue the Anita Blake series or are you going to concentrate on ZANIEL HAVELOCK?

LAURELL: I’m currently writing the next Anita Blake novel and I have no plans to stop writing Anita.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

LAURELL:  I think covers have become even more important in the age when so many people decide what to read from a thumbnail image online.

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

LAURELL:  I’m a character driven author. I’ve thrown out entire plots, and up to a third of a novel because a character had a better idea.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavour?

LAURELL: Robert Frost said it years ago, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” If the writer doesn’t care deeply about what they’re writing how can they make anyone else care? A lot of writers make the mistake of jumping on trends and writing what’s hot without giving themselves a chance to find their own unique voice as a writer. Even if the writer makes a living or a career out of imitating a style that’s not truly their own, they are still cheating themselves and the readers. They cheat themselves by having missed the stories and worlds that only they could have written. They cheat the readers because if you are only imitating someone else’s voice/world/character then it shows. It can be fun, but it’s never as good as the original. It’s like the difference between a masterpiece and a good copy. The imitation never moves you as much as the original art. Some part of you knows a fake when you see it or read it.

TRC:  What is something that few, if anyone, knows about you?

LAURELL:  I’m a huge Disney fan.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

LAURELL: The twenty-ninth Anita Blake novel, but I will have to stop briefly to finish a short story I’m writing for the anthology, No Game for Gentlemen. I’m also making notes on the next Zaniel Havelock book, and the next Merry Gentry novel.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – tea

Favorite Dessert – cupcakes

Last Movie You Saw – the new Suicide Squad

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Milk

Last Vacation Destination – Florida Keys

Do you have any pets? – Two cats, two Japanese chins, all rescues.

Last book you read – The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell

TRC:  Thank you Laurell for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of A TERRIBLE FALL OF ANGELS. We wish you all the best.

LAURELL: Thank you for inviting me.

Laurell K. Hamilton is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series and the Merry Gentry, Fey Detective series. With more than 40 novels published and 20 million books sold, Laurell continues to create groundbreaking fiction inspired by her lifelong love of monster movies, ghost stories, mythology, folklore, and things that go bump in the night. She lives in St. Louis with her family. In her free time, Laurell trains in Filipino martial arts with a specialization in blade work. Learn more online at laurellkhamilton.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Laurell K Hamilton’s publisher (Penguin/Random House)  is graciously offering a paper copy of A TERRIBLE FALL OF ANGELS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE & follow Laurell K Hamilton on Facebook

4. Please Follow Laurell K Hamilton on Twitter

5. Please LIKE / FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway is open to US only

10. Giveaway runs from August 17-21, 2021

Share