Wild Hearts (Secrets and Lies - Book 1) by Sharon Sala
Publication Date: 03/31/2015
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 0778318168
ISBN-13: 978-0778318163
(Received for an honest review from Harlequin MIRA)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes
Sharon Sala on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Excerpt from Wild Hearts, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature
Synopsis:
Past Sins Cast a Long Shadow
Dallas Phillips refuses to believe her father committed suicide, even though things were tough on his farm and he was deeply in debt. When she hears he'd told a neighbor about an upcoming windfall, she grows suspicious, and her suspicion only deepens when she realizes someone is lurking in the nearby mountains after dark.
For help, she turns to Trey Jakes, local police chief—and her former lover. As they begin to investigate, another mystery comes to light. Trey's mother is beginning to remember events from thirty years ago, something shadowy that happened in the mountains, and Dallas's father was there, too. Is what happened that night connected to his "suicide"? As they search for the truth, Trey and Dallas struggle to fight their attraction, but they may not be able to fend off another force—a killer who's more than willing to kill again to make sure old secrets stay buried.
Thoughts:
Sharon Sala starts off her new Secrets and Lies trilogy with the first book, Wild Hearts. Readers who are looking for an edgy writer, who develops complex mysteries will love Sharon Sala. She has a unique writing style that will appeal to many different kinds of readers. Sala brings readers a story of a would be suicide that ends up being murder. A murder that brings a lot long buried secrets to the surface in a small town, without a lot of places for a killer to hide... except in plain sight. Well written romantic suspense.
Sharon Sala is one of those writers that really makes you think. She gets deep into the mystery side of her romantic suspense novels and she drags the reader right in with her. Before you know it you are knee deep in clues and finding more motives than you can shake a stick at. In Wild Hearts, readers are treated to a mystery arc that will continue throughout all three of the projected books in the series. So if you were looking for something that would wrap up in a neat little package, this isn't the book. It is however, a very well written mystery that has a bit of a cliffhanger.
The romantic side of things could have been a little better, but the mystery really made up for it. Heroine, Dallas is looking into the suicide of her father. When it becomes clear that this was murder, not suicide, she enlists the help of an old flame, the local police chief, Trey. I liked these two together, but as with any good Sala book, it was more about the mystery than the romantic connection between the hero and heroine. I wanted more interaction and more emotional or even sexual tension. I wanted to like these two together, but they fell just a little flat for me.
I liked the whole past and present colliding atmosphere that Sala created with this book. She gives the reader a current murder to solve, but she makes that murder contingent on a secret from thirty years ago. I liked how Sala connected the different time lines by clues and memories. It was an ingenious idea and she really pulled it off. I want to know what in the world happened back then and how it relates to the events going on in Dallas' life now.
Bottom Line:
Amazing mystery. Eh... on the romance. I thought Sala did a masterful job of setting up this story and drawing the reader in. She gives the reader a strong heroine who knows how to run an investigation. A hero that has all the right connections and a mystery that will keep readers guessing. The killer is hiding in plain sight and the motive is anything but typical. I wanted more from the romantic side of things, but then again this is a Sharon Sala book... heavy on the mystery, light on the romance. You'll definitely want to read it and you'll be chomping at the bit waiting for the next one.
Wild Hearts is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Sharon Sala is a native of Oklahoma and a member of Romance Writers of America. She is a NYT, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, WaldenBooks mass market, Bestselling author of 85 plus books written as Sharon Sala and Dinah McCall. She's a 7 time RITA finalist, Janet Dailey Award winner, 5 time National Reader's Choice Award winner, 4 time Career Achievement Award from RT Magazine, 4 time winner of Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence.
This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek - Book 8) by Brenda Novak
Publication Date: 03/31/2015
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 400
ISBN-10: 0778316726
ISBN-13: 978-0778316725
(Received for an honest review from Harlequin MIRA)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes
Brenda Novak on the WEB: website, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Books in the Series:
Whiskey Creek
1. When Lightening Strikes
2. When Snow Falls
3. When Summer Comes
4. Home to Whiskey Creek
5. Take Me Home for Christmas
6. Come Home to Me
7. The Heart of Christmas
8. This Heart of Mine
Coverart: Click on the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series
Excerpt from This Heart of Mine, courtesy of the author's website
Synopsis:
First love. Second chance?
As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.
Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.
Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both!
Thoughts:
Brenda Novak brings readers the next book in her Whiskey Creek series, This Hear of Mine. This is a poignant, heart warming story about a young woman who has faced just about the worst life can throw at her and survived. Novak always knows just how much realism to add to her stories to draw the reader in and hold them in her grip. This story was a little deeper and a little more dark than some of Novak's work but it all works in an amazing way.
I have read so many good books lately. And every time I read a Brenda Novak book, I get all warm and fuzzy inside. This one however was a little different, that's not to say that I didn't like it, because I did. I loved it. It was just not what I was expecting. It was a story that had many different layers and nuances. It was complex and full of surprises. Phoenix, the heroine was not your typical leading lady. I think Novak wanted to stir things up with this book and she succeeded with flying colors.
Not only does Phoenix get a second chance at love, but essentially she is getting a second chance at life. Her childhood was rough to say the least. She was unpopular, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, who actually gets a chance with a perfect guy. But he doesn't turn out to be quite so perfect. He breaks her heart and leaves her lonely and pregnant. And then to add insult to injury she gets accused of running down his new girlfriend. Talk about a past. This chick has one. I loved the fact that Novak introduced me to this character. She is strong and resilient and truly brave. I loved her. Now she has a second chance with Riley and her son, Jacob.
I loved all of her interactions with Jacob and with Riley. Developing a relationship with a son you haven't really met is quite the challenge. Getting over the heartbreak of the love or your life is another one. Riley's family didn't make it the first time or the second time, but love prevails and readers are treated to a real second chance love story, not only between the woman and the man, but between the mom and son as well. What a great story!
Riley was sexy and confident. But he made some mistakes the first time around with Phoenix that nearly cost him any kind of chance at a happy ever after with her. I liked the fact that he owned his mistakes and learned from them. He is obviously a good dad. Jacob is a wonderful young man and now Phoenix has to decide if taking a chance on Riley is worth the price she may ultimately pay. I loved this couple and the hero, was real life hero. He wasn't a lot of put on and bravado, he was simply a real man.
Bottom Line:
You can't really go wrong with a Brenda Novak book. She is at the top of her field. She writes romances that are realistic and heart felt. Her characters are multi-layered and complex. This isn't just your average boy meets girl and falls in love story. This Heart of Mine will really tug on those heartstrings and it won't be easy to put down. With amazing characters and great attention to detail, Novak puts out another stunner. A great book!
This Heart of Mine is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak has penned over 45 novels. A two-time Rita nominee, she's won The National Reader's Choice, The Bookseller's Best, The Bookbuyer's Best and many other awards. She runs an annual online auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovak.com. To date, she’s raised over $2 million. Brenda considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life.
Total Surrender (Sin Brothers - Book 4) by Rebecca Zanetti
Publication Date: 03/31/2015
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1455574503
ISBN-13: 978-1455574506
(Received for an honest review from Forever)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes
Rebecca Zanetti on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Books in the series:
Sin Brothers
1. Forgotten Sins
2. Sweet Revenge
3. Blind Faith
4. Total Surrender
Coverart:
Excerpt from, Total Surrender, courtesy of the author's website
Synopsis:
A fight he must win . . .
Piper Oliver knows she can't trust him. They warned her that the tall, dark, and sexy black-ops soldier Jory Dean would try to win her over with his steel-gray eyes and deadly charm, but she won't be conned by this man they call a traitor. All she has to do is figure out the science necessary to save his life, and she's done. Something isn't adding up, though, and she won't rest until she uncovers the truth-even if it's buried in his deep, dangerous kiss.
A passion she can't resist . . .
Jory will do anything to reunite with and save his brothers-even kidnap the gorgeous woman who's working to deactivate the deadly chip in their spines. But the forces determined to destroy his family won't let them go so easily. Keeping Piper alive is more than he bargained for-and so is his burning desire for her. But with every second bringing him closer to certain death, can he afford to lose himself in her hot and willing embrace?
Thoughts:
Rebecca Zanetti wraps up her explosive Sin Brothers series with the final book, Total Surrender. Readers who are looking for a book that is a cross between romantic suspense and military suspense will love this one. The status of Jory, the youngest of the Dean brothers has been in limbo for most of the series, but... he's alive, if not completely well. Zanetti gives readers the conclusion to a series that has rocked from the first book to the last. A great final book in this amazing series!
Ah, Jory! Readers who are familiar with the Sin Brothers series have been waiting for this story for quite a while now and Zanetti certainly does not disappoint. The Dean brothers all have a kill chip in their spines. They are set to detonate in a very short time. Jory's chip was damaged in a shooting incident that caused his brothers to believe him dead. Now Piper, a master hacker has the task of figuring out how to save Jory's life. What an amazing premise for a story.
First you have a set of very hot and sexy brothers. Jory just happens to be the youngest and a black ops soldier. Talk about explosive... literally. Zanetti does an wonderful job with building the world the Dean brothers live in. Jory has been held captive for the last two years at the very facility his brothers escaped from. The Commander is, well still in command. I liked the fact that Piper, a hacker, has no idea she is working for the wrong side. She believes she is trying to help Jory, when in fact things are not quite what she thinks.
I loved the connection between Piper and Jory. Jory was one of those alpha male characters that puts his all into everything from trying to be reunited with his brothers to his love and respect for Piper. When he fought he put it all out there. When he loved he loved he was all in. Zanetti gives readers a character that is both strong and passionate. I also liked the fact that Piper was intelligent and self reliant. These two characters together were fiery and stormy. The sexual chemistry was really hot... no pun intended.
Bottom Line:
This book was a very well written romantic suspense with military overtones. I thought the premise for the entire series was top notch and Zanetti brings it all to life in such an amazing way. The reunion of the brothers was pretty awesome and the relationship between Jory and Piper was everything I wanted in a good romantic suspense novel. I can't say enough good things about this one. If you haven't tried this series you are really missing out!
Total Surrender is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
Please visit Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccazanetti.com/
Suspendered Sentence (Amish Mystery - Book 4) by Laura Bradford
Publication Date: 03/03/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425273024
ISBN-13: 978-0425273029
(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes
Laura Bradford on the WEB: website, facebook, goodreads
Books in the series:
Amish Mystery
1. Hearse and Buggy
2. Assaulted Pretzel
3. Shunned and Dangerous
4. Suspendered Sentence
Coverart:
Excerpt from Suspendered Sentence, courtesy of the author's website
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of Shunned and Dangerous returns to the Amish community of Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherly has come to appreciate a simpler, more peaceful way of life. But dark secrets are about to complicate things—and lead to murder…
After the Stoltzfus barn catches fire, Claire is awed by the response of the community. Hundreds of Amish men gather together to raise a new barn for the family in a matter of days. But in the midst of the work, a human skeleton is unearthed. Found with the remains is half of a friendship bracelet last seen on Sadie Lehman, an Amish teen long believed to have left her strict upbringing for the allure of English ways.
Now Detective Jakob Fisher—once a member of the Amish community himself—is determined to solve the young woman’s murder. With Claire’s help, he must dig into the past and bring to light long-buried secrets—secrets that someone is willing to kill to protect…
Thoughts:
Laura Bradford returns to Heavenly, Pennsylvania in her latest Amish mystery, Suspendered Sentence. Readers who love Amish fiction won't be able to put this one down, as the skeleton of a young Amish bride is found after a fire. This story has a lot of heart and the emotions of the characters are strong and can be felt by anyone who reads it. Bradford does an excellent job with both characterization and the mystery elements of the story, but where she really shines, is in the treatment of the Amish culture and lifestyle. A great addition to the series!
There are so many things that I like about this series. As always I feel like Bradford has an empathy with for Amish people. She somehow has an understanding of who they are why they do the things they do. Mysteries are founded on motivations and the whys and wherefores of a crime and I think it essential with an Amish tale that the author can kind of get into the mind of those involved. Bradford is able to do this easily and the emotions and actions of her characters seem realistic an authentic.
One of the things I love about the Amish community is just that, their sense of community. They protect each other, help each other and share in the joys and sorrows of all their members from young to the old. The barn raising depicted in Suspendered Sentence is something I remember from childhood and it is crucial to the story, since that is where the remains of the young Amish woman are found. That is one of those events that draws in the community, Amish or otherwise. It is a show of solidarity and unity and I think that is huge in this culture.
The mystery was poignant and very engaging. The Amish bride who died was thought to have just run away and that made it all the more mysterious. I thought Bradford did a great job of tying in the girl's diary and tying her to several of the people in heroine, Claire's life. It gave Claire the motivation to investigate. Jakob's involvement, as always, was amazing. I really like him as a character and Bradford shows even more depth to his character in each book. The clues were not easy to follow and involved more than one death, but eventually the reader will thoroughly surprised by the outcome. Claire's life is never a breeze, but she still finds time for her family and friends and is a wonderful cozy heroine.
Bottom Line:
Laura Bradford has a knack for writing about the Amish lifestyle and culture. She is able to get to the heart of the Amish community and bring out some of the qualities and features readers may not know about them. I loved the barn raising theme and the addition of the girl's diary was a great way to get inside the head of the victim. This was my favorite of the series so far and I think readers will get a lot more out of this than just a mystery.
Suspendered Sentence is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend’s house more than thirty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil. From that moment forward, she never wanted to do or be anything else. Today, Laura is a national bestselling mystery and award-winning romance author. Her national bestselling Amish Mystery series includes Hearse and Buggy, Assaulted Pretzel, and Shunned and Dangerous. She lives in Yorktown Heights, New York, with her husband and their blended brood.
Giveaway Details:
The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Suspendered Sentence by Laura Bradford.
~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, April 13th.
1. Please leave a comment. Ever been to a barn raising or something similar?
2. Please fill out the FORM.
Ladle to the Grave (Soup Lover's Mystery - Book 4) by Connie Archer
Publication Date: 03/03/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Obsidian Mystery
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425273113
ISBN-13: 978-0425273111
(Received for an honest review from Obsidian Mystery)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes
Connie Archer on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Books in the series:
Soup Lover's Mystery
1. A Spoonful of Murder
2. A Broth of Betrayal
3. A Roux of Revenge
4. Ladle to the Grave
Coverart:
Excerpt from Ladle to the Grave, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature
Synopsis:
By the Spoonful is Snowflake, Vermont’s most popular soup shop, but owner Lucky Jamieson doesn’t have any time to enjoy her success—she’s too busy trying to keep a lid on false accusations against her loved ones…
It’s almost May, and some of the local ladies have organized a pagan celebration in the woods to welcome spring. But the evening goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees winds up dead, apparently poisoned by an herbal concoction prepared by Lucky’s grandfather, Jack.
Lucky’s sure her grandfather could not have made such a tragic mistake. But before she can clear him of suspicion, her best friend, Sophie, is diverted from planning her wedding to By the Spoonful chef Sage DuBois when she finds a dead man floating in the creek on her property. Now it’s up to Lucky to get both Sophie and Jack out of hot water before a killer stirs up more trouble…
Thoughts:
Connie Archer brings readers the fourth book in her Soup Lover's mystery series, Ladle to the Grave. In this book readers get two for the price of one, since there is more than one murder for soup restaurant owner, Lucky to solve. Readers looking for a charming small town mystery with reoccurring characters and plenty of mayhem will love this one. Archer has an eye for detail and her characters both villains and heroes are well drawn and easy to relate to. A great addition to this very popular series!
Snowflake, Vermont is the kind of New England small town I've always dreamed of living in, minus the murders that do seem to occur on occasion. Archer brings Snowflake to life with her vivid imagery and details. Readers know everything about this little town, from the details in the lives of it's citizens to the descriptions of the shops and places that make the town seem so real. Archer shows us how important the right setting can be for a mystery series.
Lucky is as always very protective of her family and her friends. In Ladle to the Grave she has to deal with suspicion being thrown on not only her grandfather, but her best friend Sophie as well. Two murder's instead of the customary one in cozy mysteries, makes the reader feel like they really get their money's worth with this one. Not only is the mystery well thought out and executed, the reader is able to discover the clues right along with Lucky. It didn't wrap up to quickly and it wasn't too apparent who the villain or villains could be. A complex but very entertaining mystery.
One of the parts that I like best in this series are the reoccurring characters. We get to learn new details in every book about Lucky and her family, her doctor boyfriend and other members of the community. In this one we get to see the planning of Sophie's wedding to the chef at Lucky's restaurant. It was fun to check in with everyone and find out what was new. Archer always makes it a good visit with old friends as well as a top notch mystery.
Bottom Line:
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Archer's eye of detail makes the setting come alive and the people of Snowflake seem like old friends. You two mysteries wrapped up in one in this one and there's plenty going on in town to give the readers even more to like about it. A great addition to the series!
Ladle to the Grave is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Connie Archer is the author of the Soup Lover's Mystery series set in Snowflake, Vermont. Spoonful of Murder, the first in this series, is now a national bestseller. Connie was born and raised in New England and now lives on the other coast.
Giveaway Details:
The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Ladle to the Grave by Connie Archer.
~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, April 13th.
1. Please leave a comment. What's the strangest cupcake flavor you have ever heard of?
2. Please fill out the FORM.
Horse of a Different Killer (Call of the Wilde - Book 30 by Laura Morrigan
Publication Date: 03/03/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425257215
ISBN-13: 978-0425257210
(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes
Laura Morrigan on the WEB: website, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Books in the series:
Call of the Wilde
1. Woof at the Door
2. A Tiger's Tale
3. Horse of a Different Killer
Coverart:
Excerpt from Horse of a Different Color, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature
Synopsis:
Animal behaviorist Grace Wilde’s psychic ability gives her insight into the minds of all kinds of creatures. If only humans were as easy to read…
Dead men may tell no tales, but they can screw up your life with a few phone calls. Grace’s abusive ex-brother-in-law, Anthony Ortega, needs her help—at least that’s what he said on the messages he left before his sudden death. Grace is inclined to let the matter rest in peace, but when her sister is named a suspect, Grace decides to get to the bottom of the cryptic calls.
Her only lead is Ortega’s fiancée, who believes that he had arranged to surprise her with the purchase of a Frisian gelding named Heart. The horse was being stabled at the R-n-R Ranch—but was taken in the middle of the night. Now, with her sister in trouble and a missing horse on her hands, Grace hopes the information harnessed from her psychic skills will be enough to rein in the killer…
Thoughts:
Ever wonder what your dog or cat is thinking? Laura Morrigan's heroine, Grace doesn't need to, she's an animal psychic who can communicate with her clients. Horse of a Different Killer, the latest book in the Call of the Wilde series, and readers will not only love the animal/human interactions, as well as, the mystery surrounding the death of Grace's ex-brother-in-law. If you love animals and mysteries this series has got it going on. A good addition to the series!
I always love seeing a new book in this series come out. Laura Morrigan gives the series a hint of the paranormal as the heroine can telepathically talk to animals, but she doesn't go overboard with it. If you think about it, this was a really risky idea for the author. There was the chance that Grace's abilities could come off as cheesy or unbelievable, but Morrigan is really able to ride that fine line between a good theme and a bad joke. Grace's interactions with the animals put into her path are not always informative, but they do seem necessary to the story and not what I would call filler. It wasn't just a scheme to add something new to a cozy series, it was well thought out and planned. Well done!
This time Grace's sister is fingered for the crime of killing her ex. What better reason can a sleuth have to investigate than proving a loved one's innocence. Grace and her sister are light night and day. So very different from each other, that they compliment each other. There interactions are fun to read and endearing. If I lived with my sister I would probably pull my hair out.. but these two make it work and Grace has to find the real killer to get her sister out of hot water here and it all worked well. I thought Morrigan not only gave readers a good mystery but a great story of family love as well.
Bottom Line:
The mystery in this one was strong. Morrigan had me in the dark for much of the book. I didn't figure it out as quickly as I would have liked, but that made it all the more satisfying when I did. I love Grace and her unique way of investigating. If anyone really knows what happened it's probably the furry friends who nobody thinks about. The missing horse from which the name is taken was a big part of the story, but the fainting goat... stole the show! A good addition to a unique and different series.
Horse of a different killer is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Laura Morrigan is a Florida Native whose work at a local zoo, helping out with everything from “waste management” to teaching an elephant how to paint, served as inspiration for her Call of the Wilde Mysteries. She still lives in Florida and is working on the third book in the seires.
Giveaway Details:
The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Horse of a Different Killer by Laura Morrigan.
~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, April 10th.
1. Please leave a comment. If you could talk to any type of animal what would you talk to and what would you talk about?
2. Please fill out the FORM.
My Highland Lover (Highland Hearts - Book 1) by Maeve Greyson
Publication Date: 03/24/2015
Publisher:Random House
Imprint: Loveswept
Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel
Pages: 291 (print)
File Size: 1151 KB
ASIN: B00N6PD7E2
(Received for an honest review from Loveswept)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, itunes, Kobo
Maeve Greyson on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Synopsis:
Maeve Greyson unleashes a thrilling tale of magic and desire as a feisty Southern gal falls into the arms of a rough-hewn Highland chieftain.
As the proprietor of a homeopathic store in rural Kentucky, Trulie Sinclair knows that her neighbors think she’s strange—but they have no idea how strange she really is. Trulie was born in Scotland in the thirteenth century to a line of time-traveling Highlanders. When Trulie’s grandmother convinces her to return to their homeland, Trulie jumps back in time, right onto the powerful chest of Gray MacKenna. Just as his steely good looks send ripples through her body, their fierce attraction will send ripples through the ages.
After his parents are murdered, Gray is consumed by thoughts of revenge. As the new chieftain of the MacKenna clan, he has reason to believe that there’s a traitor in his midst, and nothing—not even the bonny lass who suddenly drops from the sky—can distract him from his single-minded pursuit of the culprit. But when Gray learns that this sassy beauty possesses gifts beyond the sparkle in her eye, he allows his gaze, and his heart, to linger. While he hunts for the murderer, Gray finds in Trulie a precious companion—and a timeless love.
Thoughts:
Maeve Greyson brings readers the first book in her new Highland Heart's historical time travel romance series, My Highland Lover. Reader's who love historical romances, but also love the paranormal will fall in love with this kind of romance. There is a little bit of time travel, a little bit of magic and even a little bit of murder. Greyson's sense of imagery and descriptive prose is wonderful. Reader's will feel as though they have been transported right along with the heroine, Trulie into 13th century Scotland. A great start to a new series!
I love Scotland, sooo much! I love the place, I love the legends. I love movies about it. But, I especially love books about it. When an author gets it right when it comes to Scotland, I feel very satisfied for them. The Highland spirit is sometimes very hard to capture on paper and I think Maeve Greyson did a wonderful job with that. From the Scottish brogue to the authentic setting and customs, Greyson proves that she did her homework. And reading it made me like Scotland even more.
Trulie isn't really a true Kentucky girl, but I did love the fact that Greyson's modern day setting was in my home state. As a heroine Trulie didn't strike a perfect cord with me, she seemed a bit reluctant to return to the 13th century but she eventually grew on me. I thought Greyson's time travel elements were unique and well drawn, not your average time machine for sure. Trulie was a good match for her Highland hero when she finally got used to the idea.
Gray was pretty amazing. I loved the way he talked, the way he acted and just about everything about him. The mystery surrounding the death of his parents added a different layer to the story and I think Greyson did gave readers more than just a romance here. Gray was a very sexy hero and the intimate moments he and Trulie share together were sultry and passionate. He was a good leader to his people and he proved he could go with the flow when a girl drops out of the sky and practically into his lap.
Bottom Line:
This was a very well written Highland romance, with the added mystery surrounding Gray's parents and the time travel elements. There was something here for a lot of different kinds of readers. Mystery, romance, paranormal elements, Greyson gives us all of them and more, even a little bit of humor coming from the matchmaking efforts of Granny and her friends. This was a great start to a new series!
My Highland Lover is available NOW from your favorite digital bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them. That’s Maeve Greyson’s mantra. When she’s not working at the steel mill, Greyson’s writing romances about sexy Highlanders and the women who tame them. Tucked away in a five-acre wood, Maeve listens to the wind singing through the trees and hears her characters telling their stories. Her work is proofed by her sharp-eyed dog, Jasper, and her greatest supporter is her long-suffering husband of more than thirty-five years who’s learned not to throw away any odd sticky notes filled with strange phrases.
Trust the Focus (In Focus - Book 1) by Megan Erickson
Publication Date: 03/17/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: InterMix
Genre: New Adult (m/m)
Pages: 219
File Size: 733 KB
ASIN: B00LMGLZPU
(Received for an honest review from InterMix)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, itunes, Kobo
Megan Erickson on the WEB: website, twitter, facebook, goodreads
Synopsis:
From the author of Make it Count comes the first novel in the In Focus series…
With his college graduation gown expertly pitched into the trash, Justin Akron is ready for the road trip he planned with his best friend Landry— and ready for one last summer of escape from his mother’s controlling grip. Climbing into the Winnebago his father left him, they set out across America in search of the sites his father had captured through the lens of his Nikon.
As an aspiring photographer, Justin can think of no better way to honor his father’s memory than to scatter his ashes at the sites he held sacred. And there’s no one Justin would rather share the experience with more than Landry.
But Justin knows he can’t escape forever. Eventually he’ll have to return home and join his mother’s Senate campaign. Nor can he escape the truth of who he is, and the fact that he’s in love with his out-and-proud travel companion.
Admitting what he wants could hurt his mother’s conservative political career. But with every click of his shutter and every sprinkle of ash, Justin can’t resist Landry’s pull. And when the truth comes into focus, neither is prepared for the secrets the other is hiding.
Thoughts:
Megan Erickson brings readers the first book in a new series, Trust the Focus. This is a new adult novel with a m/m lead couple. Erickson gives readers a lot to focus on in this one, from the grief of losing a parent to the confusion of not being able to meet the expectations of people around you. This is a book about discovery, exploration and figuring out who you really want to be. It also dealt with sexual orientation and figuring out what you are passionate about in life. Erickson hits it out of the park with this sultry coming of age story!
I wasn't too sure what to expect with this one. I will have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I was skeptical about reading a book with a m/m lead couple. I have read books where m/m relationships are secondary but not the main focus of the story and I was worried it would not be my cup of tea. I do believe that love is something we can't take for granted in life no matter we may find it. Erickson surprised me with her realistic and poignant portrayal of a young man on the brink of taking his next step in life. She made me believe in Justin's exploration of his life and his sexuality. This part of the book was very well written and very entertaining.
Justin was such a wonderful main character. It was easy to feel not only his grief over losing his beloved father but his passion for photography. It was not just a past time for him and loved the way he honored his father's memory by scattering his ashes in the places he loved to photograph. I thought Erickson excelled with her character development. Justin came across as a young man, with a good head on his shoulders, but one who was expected to live a life he didn't believe in. Erickson really worked hard to show the way that Justin was feeling and the reader will be able to feel it as well.
Landry was a gem as well. He was one of those friends who is happy to be right there with you no matter what the circumstances are. He obviously loved Justin and his father. I liked the fact that he let Justin make his own decisions. Nothing felt forced or unnecessary. He just let him figure it out on his own and waited in the wings. I thought they made a great couple and the love scenes were scorching. Landry was a real lover and he understood that he needed to put Justin first. It was a beautiful romance. Very well done.
Bottom Line:
Justin's problem with his mom was a hard thing. Anyone wants to make their parents proud. But Justin just did not want what she wanted for him. It was nice to see him find his courage to live the life he wanted to live. I loved his connection to his father and how much he meant to him and I loved the photography aspect of the story. But most of all the romance between Justin and Landry was sexy and heart warming. There will be tears with this one. Be prepared.
Trust the Focus is available NOW from your favorite digital bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Megan Erickson worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.
