Review: A Highlander's Passion

A Highlander's Passion (Highlander's Beloved - Book 2) by Vonnie Davis

Publication Date: 04/07/2015
Publisher: Random House
Imprint: Loveswept
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 257 (print)
File Size: 3967 KB
ASIN: B00N6PD78S


(Received for an honest review from Loveswept)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, itunes, Kobo

Vonnie Davis on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Highlander's Beloved

1. A Highlander's Obsession
2. A Highlander's Passion

Coverart: 

Synopsis:

Two of the wildest hearts in Scotland fight for their destiny in this searing-hot romance, sure to be devoured by fans of Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series and Shelly Laurenston’s Pride Stories.
 
As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he’s running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn’t worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.

Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and whose piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life’s purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.

Thoughts:

Vonnie Davis brings readers the second book in the Highlander's Beloved series, The Highlander's Passion. The Matheson brothers are back and this time it's Bryce who must learn to move on and find love again. Davis combines both the charm of the Highlands and the allure of magic to give readers a fantastic paranormal read. It's not werewolves or vampires either, these are bear-shifters, what an invigorating idea! Readers who like their romances with a lot of steam and a Scottish brogue will find this one irresistible.

The Highlander's Beloved series has taken hold of my imagination and my heart. I love the way that Vonnie Davis has combined two of my favorite things and made a series out of it. I love Scotland, for a lot of reason, the most prevalent being that I am of Scottish ancestry myself. But I love a good paranormal romance, as well. And having them both together in one book is always a pleasure. 

I take the Scottish aspects of these kinds of books very seriously and apparently so does Vonnie Davis. It's not easy to get a Scottish brogue right on the page. I've heard it often and it's hard to write. Davis has certainly done her homework. I love the way a Scot sounds, the way the words flow off the tongue, so hard to get right in a book, but Davis does it with style. Not only that, but her descriptions of Scottish life, both contemporary and in the past are spot on. I like to see the Highlands written in a way that celebrates the spirit and heart of it's people and Davis does that very well here.

In the first book in the series, The Highlander's Obsession, we had a veterinary student who could hear the thoughts of animals. In this book we have a witch, with a passion for helping others. There are also castles and ghosts and lots of other little details that will keep the reader glued to the pages. The passion is fiery and the characters spirited and full of zest. Not only does the author excel at the paranormal aspects and the Scottish aspects of the book but she gives all the little things just as much detail as the big ones.

Let's talk about shifters. Now, many of you know I love a good paranormal read and I like shifters in general. Of course the most popular paranormal titles usually involve werewolves the most famous of shifters or vampires. Vonnie Davis takes a different route. Her shifters are bears. I thought that was so original and what a great animal to choose. One of the kings of the forest and what do you have a lot of in Scotland?  Lush old world forest lands. A perfect match. It was both refreshing and really interesting. I liked the details of the pack and how it worked. I liked the details of Kenzie's Wiccan beliefs as well. Davis combines a lot of different details her to give the reader an amazing read.

Bryce is a widower and he has had a hard time moving on. He tried with Kenzie, but in the end was unable to let her know how he really felt. Which led Kenzie into a terrible marriage with someone else. As fate would have it, she is once again free in this novel. Now Bryce has to show her how he feels and he can't hold back a second time, because now she has been hurt too. The passion is fierce in this one. These are two characters that have strong determination and a deep regard for what they are and how they use the gifts they have been given. When Kenzie uses her powers to help those less fortunate, she gets herself into a mess and it's up to a Highland bear shifter to help her get out of it. It makes for a steamy read, and really great romance.

Bottom Line:

I can't recommend this one enough. I thoroughly loved it. I liked the characters, the background of the series. It was set in Scotland and had men in kilts. What more could you ask for in a great book? Witches and castles and ghosts. Family and love and commitment. This one has it all. You've got to check it out!

The Highlander's Passion is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Vonnie Davis, who studied English at Penn State, likens herself to a croissant: crusty, wrinkled, flaky—and best served with strong coffee. After a career as a technical writer, she’s spending her retirement playing fairy godmother to her characters, giving them their happily-ever-afters. Six fantastic, talented kids call her “Grandma” and brighten her world in so many ways. She lives in Southern Virginia with her husband, author Calvin Davis.

Review and Giveaway: The Darling Dahlia's And the Eleven O'Clock Lady

The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady (Darling Dahlias - Book 6) by Susan Wittig Albert

Publication Date: 09/01/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0425260623
ISBN-13: 978-0425260623

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, itunes

Susan Wittig Albert on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

The Darling Dahlias

1. The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree
2. The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies
3. The Darling Dahlias and the Confederate Rose
4. The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star
5. The Darling Dahlias and the Silver Dollar Bush
6. The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert transports readers to the summer of 1934, when a sensational murder shakes up the small Southern town of Darling, Alabama—and pulls in the ladies of the Darling Dahlias’ garden club, who never let the grass grow under their feet when there’s a mystery to solve…

The eleven o’clock lady has always been one of garden club president Liz Lacy’s favorite spring wildflowers. The plant is so named because the white blossoms don’t open until the sun shines directly on them and wakes them up.

But another Eleven O’Clock Lady is never going to wake up again. Rona Jean Hancock—a telephone switchboard operator who earned her nickname because her shift ended at eleven, when her nightlife was just beginning—has been found strangled with her own silk stocking in a very unladylike position.

Gossip sprouts like weeds in a small town, and Rona Jean’s somewhat wild reputation is the topic of much speculation regarding who might have killed her. As the Darling Dahlias begin to sort through Rona Jean’s private affairs, it appears there may be a connection to some skullduggery at the local Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Working at the camp, garden club vice president Ophelia Snow digs around to expose the truth…before a killer pulls up stakes and gets away with murder.

Includes Southern-style Depression-era Recipes

Thoughts:

Susan Wittig Albert brings readers another great book in the Darling Dahlias series with her latest, The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady. The title for this one says it all. As usual Albert makes a play on a flower by using the wildflower, the Eleven O'Clock Lady and pairing it with a woman who has a late night life that ends in her death. Albert once again excels at Southern charm and culture as the ladies from this garden club are on the case. Albert offers suspense with a nice up of sweet tea. A great addition to the series!

What I liked:

There has been a lot said about the South and Southern Bells and all of that down through the years and I think Susan Wittig Albert took it all to heart. The Darling Dahlias are the epitome of what Southern matrons are known for, hospitality, charm, and of course, gossip. That's what makes this group infinitely interesting. There is always some story or scandal that the Dahlias get mixed up in and it's usually a fun romp trying to figure it all out. Albert once again delivers with her latest book, The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady. It's full of that down home atmosphere with a little bit of murder thrown in just for kicks, LOL!

Rona Jean Hancock is known as the Eleven O'Clock Lady in Darling, Alabama. She finishes her shift as a telephone operator and then it's time to party. But her exploits seem to have ended her up in quite a pickle. In a car with a silk stocking around her throat. Now it's up to the Dahlias to piece it all together and find the killer. Albert gives readers an engaging story about a woman who was known for listening in on conversations, as well as, being a party animal. I thought the mystery was interesting and had a lot more intrigue and suspense than the last Darling Dahlias book. I was on the edge of my seat a couple of times. I settled into an idea of who I thought the killer was only to be completely surprised in the end. Another great whodunit, that brings Dahlia, Ophelia Snow to the forefront.

I always enjoy the fact that all of the Dahlias are involved in most of the mysteries, but there is generally one or two that stand out. This time it was Ophelia, the vice president of the club that takes center stage as she starts to investigate a few leads coming from the local Civil Conservation Corp camp. I liked learning new things about Ophelia and her connection to the other Dahlias. It's always nice to focus on a different member of the group. A nice touch for this one.

What I Didn't Like:

Sometimes I get a little confused by the voice in Susan Wittig Albert's books. It may be because I have read her other series, The China Bayles books. That series also has an herbal/plant theme. I find myself wondering what China would do in the situations that the Dahlias get into, because most of those books are more suspenseful than the Darling Dahlias books. I like a sense of urgency and though this book has more than the last book in the series, a little more tension and angst is never a bad thing. Certainly not a deal breaker. This was still a great book!

Bottom Line:

I love the Depression Era setting and the wonderful characters that Susan Wittig Albert has created in the Darling Dahlias series. I like the Southern charm and the historical significance of each book. The mysteries may not be quite as suspenseful as some cozies, but there is something about this group of ladies that is compelling and engaging. I want to know more about them and the messes they get themselves into. It is always a pleasure to return to Darling, Alabama!

The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Susan Wittig Albert grew up on a farm in Illinois and earned her Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley. A former professor of English and a university administrator and vice president, she is the New York Times bestselling author of the China Bayles Mysteries, the Darling Dahlias Mysteries, and the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. Some of her recent titles include Death Come Quickly, Widow’s Tears, The Darling Dahlias and the Silver Dollar Bush, and The Tale of Castle Cottage. She and her husband, Bill, coauthor a series of Victorian-Edwardian mysteries under the name Robin Paige, which includes such titles as Death at Glamis Castleand Death at Whitechapel.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady by Susan Wittig Albert.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, September 15th.

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2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review: The Amish Bride

The Amish Bride (Lancaster Courtships - Book 1) by Emma Miller

Publication Date: 08/18/2015
Publisher: Harlequin  
Imprint: Love Inspired
Genre: Amish Historical Romance
Pages: 256
ISBN-10: 0373879806
ISBN-13: 978-0373879809

(Received for an honest review from Love Inspired)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, itunes

Emma Miller on the WEB: Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Fantastic Fiction

Excerpt from The Amish Bride, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature

Synopsis:

An Unexpected Courtship

Ellen Beachey's dreams of being a devoted Amish wife and mother are finally within her reach. But she didn't expect she'd have to choose between two brothers. Golden-haired Micah has a heart filled with adventure and a ready smile. Serious but gentle elder brother Neziah is a devoted and caring father of two. But Ellen and Neziah share a heartbreaking past that might prevent any hope of a future. Ellen never imagined an arranged union as a way to find true love. She wants to be loyal to her family, but she needs to follow her heart…if only she can figure out what it wants.

Lancaster Courtships: Life and love in Amish country

Collect all 3 book in the series! 

The Amish Bride by Emme Miller

The Amish Mother by Rebecca Kertz

The Amish Midwife by Patricia Davids

Thoughts:

Emma Miller brings readers the first book in Love Inspired's new Lancaster Courtship series, The Amish Bride. Readers who are looking for an Amish romance that is a little on the lighter side, will enjoy this one very much. Miller, takes the idea of Amish courtship and gives it a good spin by giving the heroine, Ellen a difficult choice between two brothers. Miller's knowledge of the Amish community and it's practices is authentic and heartfelt. She uses a deft hand with her characters making them approachable and relatable, even though they come from a culture most of us don't know a lot about. 

In my opinion Harlequin often gets a bad wrap because their books are basically considered mass produced. Too quick, too fast, and not as good as others. It's often considered a good place for an author to get their feet wet but only until they get picked up by one of the bigger publishing houses. I disagree with this for a lot of reasons. I have read several books and authors from the Harlequin stable that a very well developed and have all the earmarks of books you would find from any of the top named houses. I like the fact that they are willing to take on new authors, that they don't shy away from giving someone a chance. They have a lot of different imprints that appeal to a variety of readers. As a reader I hope you will give more Harlequin authors a chance to impress you. I know you will find some that you will love.

In the past I have tended to shy away from a book series that has more than one author, because I think it creates too many loose ends and the voice is not consistent enough for me. But I decided to give this one a try. The Amish Bride by Emma Miller is from the Love Inspired imprint and is the first in the new Lancaster Courtships series. There are two other authors in the series as well, Patricia Davids and Rebecca Kertz. 

I wanted to give this particular book some attention because I liked Miller's take on Amish romance. She takes a light approach to a life changing decision for her main character. But she still instills in reader the urgency of Ellen's situation and the depth of her commitment to her family. One thing about the Amish that always seems inspiring to me is the way they take care of their own. There are definitely some rules that must be followed, but they still seem very solid on helping one another and family means everything to them and that is very apparent in Miller's writing.

I liked the fact that Ellen has a history with one of the brothers. Neziah, seems more reserved and less flighty than his brother, Micah. I liked his presence in this story. He came across as strong and reliable. While Micah tended to be more outspoken and jovial. There were certainly good reasons for Ellen to choose either brother. Given that she only had a month to choose, these guys had a lot to do in the way of making her choice easier. I liked the general competitiveness between the brothers and thought it added both humor and liveliness to the story. 

Ellen was a great character on her own. She had a strength that came from within. Her faith and her family meant the world to her. She is past the point to marrying young. In her thirties, she takes care of her ailing mother and works diligently in the family store. I liked her a lot. She was content with her lot, but finding a husband, even later in her life, afforded her a lot of opportunities that she wouldn't have otherwise. Making this choice all the more important to her future. 

Bottom Line:

There were several story threads woven throughout the book, that didn't come to a climax before the end. The situation with Ellen's mother, the Amish girl who couldn't make it on the outside and others. I hope they will be followed up on in the next two books. I'm not sure how I will like going into the next book with a different author, but I am trying to keep an open mind. I truly enjoyed, The Amish Bride and I'm looking forward to what happens next in the series. Miller gives readers a very tender, yet light hearted look at Amish relationships and if this kind of story isn't on your radar... it should be.

The Amish Bride is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Emma Miller lives quietly in her old farmhouse in rural Delaware amid fertile fields and lush woodlands. Fortunate enough to be born into a family of strong faith, she grew up on a dairy farm, surrounded by loving parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Emma was educated in local schools, and once taught in an Amish schoolhouse much like the one at Seven Poplars. When she's not caring for her large family, reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.

Review: Born on the Bayou

Born on the Bayou: A Memoir by Blaine Lourd

Publication Date: 08/18/2015
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Imprint: Gallery Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Pages: 224
ISBN-10: 1476773858
ISBN-13: 978-1476773858

(Received for an honest review from Gallery Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, itunes

Blaine Lourd on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt from Born on the Bayou, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature

Synopsis:

In the tradition of the modern classics The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer and The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr, Blaine Lourd’s meaningful debut Born on the Bayou is a powerful gothic memoir set in the bayous and oil towns of 1970s Louisiana.

In honest, confessional prose, Born on the Bayou—a rollercoaster rags-to-riches story—transports us to a pocket of the South where Lourd learns how to be a man from the two people he looks up to the most: his larger-than-life father, “Puffer,” a prominent figure in the oil business, and his successful older brother, Bryan. With an eye turned perpetually toward the gruff and distant Puffer, Lourd illustrates how those closest to us can cause the most hurt, even as we seek their approval.

Whether he’s learning how to skin a duck at age ten, enjoying his first beer at thirteen, or detailing the finer points of ride-on lawn mowing, Lourd gets to the heart of being a Southerner with rawness and grace. From his early childhood through his eventual pilgrimage to the West Coast, he beautifully details what it means to have tangible roots to a place so ingrained it is a part of your own being.

From barreling down the low country roads in a shiny Thunderbird to chasing women and learning to be a gentleman, Born on the Bayou is one man’s struggle against the forces of family love, loyalty and obligation, and the ties that keep us tethered to our roots no matter how far we run.

Thoughts:

Blaine Lourd is a Los Angeles businessman. But his poignant new memoir, Born on the Bayou tells the story of a young boy growing up in "Cajun" country. This is a father-son tale that will make you smile, make you nostalgic and make you contemplate the relationships in your own life. Lourd is a born storyteller and his book is both raw and sentimental. Readers who love non-fiction and memoirs should not miss this one. It was amazingly detailed and full of sharp intellect and a true sense of family. Lourd proves that you might take the boy out of the Bayou but you never take the Bayou out of the boy!

I read non-fiction on occasion and truly enjoy it. I have often found that true life experiences are sometimes more interesting than most fiction. Memoirs are a favorite of mine for a lot of reasons. I like the intimacy that the reader gets from the story. It's like being a part of that person's life for a little while. I like the realistic portrayals of hard times and good times. I like the honesty in it. And wow, did Blaine Lourd deliver with his new memoir, Born on the Bayou. 

This is such a good memoir. I found myself wondering things about when I wasn't reading it. Lourd has a wonderful voice for writing. His storytelling ability is memorable. I think this is one that will stick with readers for awhile. It is basically, a father-son story. Lourd tells about his life in Southern Louisiana and how it shaped him into the man he became. It has everything from hunting to chasing women and will draw the reader like bees to honey.

Lourd grew up in the 70's during the oil boom and subsequent collapse in the early 80's. His father, known to many as "Puffer", was a trucker who taught his boys about becoming a man. It is a candid story that doesn't hesitate to show the good and the bad of this man's life and how his influence changed his sons for the better and the worse. I loved the admiration Lourd felt for his older brother and his acceptance of his fathers flaws. I found myself wanting to know more than even the memoir provided, a rare thing in non-fiction for me.

This is also a rags to riches kind of story. Blaine Lourd didn't stay in the Bayou, but the Bayou never left him, even when he became a big shot in the big city. For one thing is shows the American Dream is still real and is still happening. There are those who still come up hard, but come up strong. Lourd's book exemplifies what hard work will get you and how you must never forget where you came from. The sense of family is strong in this book, the sense of tradition and a dying way of life. We may be becoming a more urban society as opposed to the rural society of the past, but is that good or bad?

Bottom Line:

This was an amazing story. I can't recommend it enough if you like this kind of reading. And if you don't and you're looking to broaden your horizons a bit, this is the memoir to do it with. Excellent, storytelling. A strong intellect and sheer raw honesty. It's a great read and I hope this isn't the only story we get from this author. He certainly knows a thing or two about telling a good story!

Born on the Bayou is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

A RARE BREED

Mr. Lourd is one very rare coonass. Maybe the rarest ever. Most such swampified individuals are quite content, proud and happy to live out their lives in the marshland mists: and deservedly so. They are born Bayou—sanctified by its unique churches and irreverent history. Blaine Lourd was, however, not content. So, he dredged, dodged and danced his coonass self away from his particular corner of the swamp and into the flash world of Hollywood’s gilded gentry. It tore him down and then rebuilt him: brick by painful brick. But he never once considered abandoning the intrinsic sincerity and integrity of the people and place he was born to. The result: a man with the intense loyalties, brutal honesty and deep sense of twisted humor so characteristic of the denizens of the Bayou, and the financial and social sophistication to become—and be— one of the Lourds of Los Angeles. I know and love this man. Read his fascinating story and you will too.

Review: This Gun for Hire

This Gun for Hire by Jo Goodman

Publication Date: 04/07/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 0425277437
ISBN-13: 978-0425277430

(Received for an honest review from Berkley)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes

Jo Goodman on the WEB: website, facebook, goodreads

Synopsis:

"Perfectly crafted"—PW (starred review)Jo Goodman, a premier writer of western romance and the author of In Want of a Wife, is back with a sensational new novel for fans of Linda Lael Miller and Joan Johnston

He’s got a job to do…
Former army cavalryman Quill McKenna takes pride in protecting the most powerful man in Stonechurch, Colorado: Mr. Ramsey Stonechurch himself. But the mine owner has enemies, and after several threats on his life, mines, and family, Quill decides to hire someone to help guard the boss’s daughter. Only problem is the uncontrollable attraction he feels toward the fiery-haired woman who takes the job.
 
…but she’s a piece of work. 

Calico Nash has more knowledge of scouting and shooting than cross-stitching, but she agrees to pose as Ann’s private tutor while protecting her. But between her growing attraction to Quill and the escalating threats against the Stonechurches, Calico will soon have a choice to make—hang on to her hard-won independence or put her faith in Quill to create the kind of happy ending she never imagined…

Thoughts:

This Gun for Hire is another great western historical romance from Jo Goodman. Goodman is an author that has great range, writing about everything from The Revolutionary War to the Old West and she does it all with flair and detail. This is the story of the bodyguard and the bounty hunter and how they come together to protect a prominent mining family who is receiving threats. Goodman doesn't pull any punches. Her characters have strength, integrity and often a feisty attitude and this book is no different. This one is a little on the lighter side than Goodman's usual fair and readers who love that distinctly western edge to their romances will love it!

Jo Goodman is one of those authors that I often feel is overlooked. She has been around for a long time and has written some very engaging and wonderful reads. But I think the fact that she doesn't stick to a particular genre has hurt her a bit and that is unfortunate because more readers need to check her out. Her writing is very detailed and rich. She uses not only humor and vitality, but the darker side of human nature as well. The Gun For Hire has a lighter side to it that is fun and enjoyable to read. It may not have as much darkness or angst as some would like, but I found it to be one of my favorites by this author. 

Characters Quill and Calico balanced each other in a delightful way. The banter between them was easy to follow and a lot of fun. I liked the way her sassy attitude complimented his larger than life cowboy persona. Calico was a rarity in the old west, a female bounty hunter. She had guts, she could use a gun and she also had that sensual side that reminded me of Sharon Stone in the movie, The Quick and the Dead. Quill was the handsome lawyer, turned bodyguard. He had a duty to protect and a sexiness that exuded from him. Together these two made the romance aspects of this book smoulder. Though, I felt the romance wasn't the main plot of the book, it certainly gave the reader what they wanted in a steamy relationship between two strong characters.

I think the western part of the story was the main focus of this book. But it was not like the romance was an afterthought. It added a spark to the story for sure. I liked the fact that Goodman took a good western and enhanced it in such a way that readers of both the romance and western genres would find it appealing. It was a good balance, but I found myself focusing in on what was happening in this mining town, who was behind all the shenanigans and the threats against the Stonechurch family. 

The secondary characters were as full detailed as the main characters and Goodman set a very good pace for this read. I think there is a lot here for readers to enjoy and I hope that more of you will check out other books from this author. Goodman is a favorite of mine and I hope she will become a favorite of yours too. If you are looking for a book with romance and historical appeal, This Gun For Hire is a great choice!

This Gun For Hire is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Jo Goodman is a USA Today bestselling author who has written multiple series, including the Hamilton Family series and the Thorne Brothers series. Jo lives in West Virginia.

Review: As Lost As I Get

As Lost As I Get by Lisa Nicholas

Publication Date: 08/18/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: InterMix
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 225
ASIN: B00TY3ZKJK


(Received for an honest review from InterMix)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, itunes

Lisa Nicholas on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt from As Lost As I Get, courtesy of the author's website

Synopsis:

From the author of The Farther I Fall comes an action-filled romance in which two lovers discover that the best thing about being lost is having someone find you...

CIA operative Lee Wheeler is glad to be back in the field, even if the assignment is at a backwater station in Colombia--what he considers punishment for crossing lines in an attempt to save his brother's life. Either way, he's ready for action. But he never could have predicted the action he's about to get...

Doctor Zoe Rodriguez is in charge of a clinic in a tiny town on the edge of the rain forest. She's still dealing with a traumatic experience she had in Mexico--a trauma she wouldn't have survived if it weren't for Lee. So when they unexpectedly cross paths again, unresolved wounds rise to the surface, and their mutual passion flares to life.

But when a new threat reveals itself, Lee and Zoe's reunion takes on echoes of the past that may ruin their chance for a future.

Thoughts:

Lisa Nicholas returns with a follow up to her successful debut novel, The Farther I Fall. Her newest book, As Lost As I Get is a romantic suspense thriller that will have readers on the edge of their collective seats. Danger is around every corner of the Colombian jungle in this heart stopping story that has that suspenseful edge, as well as, a good solid romantic connection. Readers looking for a new author in romantic suspense genre can't go wrong with Nicholas. Her sophomore effort is just as satisfying as her debut and comes with a cast of characters that are well defined and a plot that is gripping and full of energy. 

The Farther I Fall was a great debut novel and I'll have to say that I was somewhat skeptical that the follow up would be as good. Sometimes when an author comes out with an outstanding first novel, it's a little bit hard to top. Nicholas proves that theory wrong with As Lost As I Get. I could see the author's growth in her writing with this one on every page. Her characters showed much more depth, their back stories were easier to follow and more fleshed out and Nicholas did a wonderful job of making them relatable even though most of us readers will never be CIA operatives or doctor's in a foreign land. But that's the beauty of romantic suspense, we get all the action, but none of the real danger!LOL

Lee and Zoe have a past, which is one of favorites ways to start out a romance. They already have a connection, something that ties them together and gives the story somewhere to go right from the start. In this case that start is a bit more intense than most. Lee is, in a sense, Zoe's knight in shining armour. Their shared past involves Lee rescuing Zoe after being kidnapped. Now, they find themselves once again in a situation where their lives are on the line and intensity of the situation only inflames their feelings for each other. Nicholas gives readers a great balance between the action and the romance in this one.

I liked the fact that the lead character, Zoe, wasn't a damsel in distress. She was a woman who could handle herself in some pretty dangerous situations. Her commitment to helping others was also a quality that I loved. Lee might be the big muscular type that you might expect for a CIA operative, but he also had a big heart and he wasn't afraid to use it. Nicholas made these characters stand out and stand on their own and that was refreshing. Usually in this genre you run the risk of making your characters either too strong or too weak. This one has a good balance in every aspect of the story.

Bottom Line:

I wasn't entirely sure how Nicholas was going to work this one out in the end. You have two strong characters who love their work and no real way for them to be together on a normal basis. But I shouldn't have worried, the solution Nicholas found was perfect for the characters and for the story. Nobody gave up anything and everybody was satisfied, including me as a reader. A great second effort from an up and coming author in the romantic suspense genre.

As Lost As I Get is available now from your favorite online retailer.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Lisa lives in Michigan with a tiny ridiculous dog and possibly more cats than is sensible. If she's not writing, she's feeding her story addiction any way she can: raiding Netflix, pillaging her local bookstore and library, and (most recently) tearing her way through the comics archive at Marvel.

Review: Still the One

Still the One (Animal Magnetism - Book 6) by Jill Shalvis

Publication Date: 04/07/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0425270181
ISBN-13: 978-0425270189

(Received for an honest review from Berkley)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, itunes

Jill Shalvis on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Animal Magnetism

1. Animal Magnetism
2. Animal Attraction
3. Rescue My Heart
4. Rumor Has It
5. Then Came You
6. Still the One

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Still the One, courtesy of the author's website

Synopsis:

Love is a dare in the sexy new romance by the award-winning New York Times bestselling author of the Animal Magnetism novels and the Lucky Harbor series... 

Darcy Stone is game for anything—except sexy Navy vet and physical therapist AJ Colten, the guy who’d rejected her when she’d needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately Darcy can’t refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers.

AJ admits it—Darcy is irresistible. But he’s already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he’s not making the same mistake twice—until he and Darcy are forced to fake a relationship. Growing closer than they’d ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What’s the real thing? And where does it go from here?

Thoughts:

Jill Shalvis brings readers the sixth book in her Animal Magnetism series, Still the One. Shalvis is a master at weaving a story that is both relevant and heartwarming. Reader's who are looking for a feel good story with lots of humor and charm will find this one irresistible, but there is also an edgy vibe to the book that will interest readers who are looking a little deeper. Shalvis takes on two issues in this book, retired service dogs and physical therapy patients who need more rehab, after the insurance money runs out. A great new read, from a seasoned writer!

Reader's who are familiar with this series and with Jill Shalvis' writing in general know that Shalvis has a real knack for writing characters that speak to readers in unique and different ways. In Still the One, we have two characters that contrast each other well. Darcy is recovering from a serious accident which has completely changed how she views life. I think Darcy's character is a little hesitant, a little fearful and is a woman who is trying to find herself again. I know that there are many readers out there who will be able to relate. The fact that she is using her own funds to find homes for retired service dogs is a cause that really spoke to my heart, since I am in need of a diabetic service dog myself. A great cause to champion as a character and as an author. 

AJ is a strong man. He is a confident, take charge kind of person. He see's a need in the lives of his physical therapy patients and he tries to solve that need. I think he will appeal to those readers who enjoy a hero that protective and intense. Finding the funds to continue helping others is a worthy goal and makes AJ, super appealing. Shalvis writes both characters in the book with such care, it is easy to see that she is moved by them as completely as the reader is.

Six books into this series, I think Shalvis has hit a good stride here. This is my favorite of the series so far, mostly because it hit home for me a bit with the service dog aspect of the story. But there is a lot for a reader to love about this book. I loved the humor that Shalvis uses and she made me want to visit a little town like Sunshine, Idaho. Her attention to detail drew me in and kept me glued to the pages. Certainly, not one readers will want to miss.

Bottom Line:

I always enjoy a book that doesn't make the romance the only interesting part of the story. I love a good romance, but I want a little substance to and I think Shalvis gives reader that perfect balance. Darcy and AJ have a shared past. They have some obstacles to overcome both in their romantic lives and in their personal lives. I liked the fact that they weren't perfect. They were real and that made all the difference. Shalvis knows how to write good characters and readers will not be disappointed with this one! 

Still the one is available NOW from your favorite bookseller!

I'm giving this one, 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Jill Shalvis is the author of several popular series including the Lucky Harbor Series (It Had to Be You; Always on My Mind; Forever and a Day); the Animal Magnetism series (Rescue My Heart; Animal Attraction; Animal Magnetism), the Wilders series (Instant Attraction; Instant Temptation; Instant Gratification), and the Sky High series (Strong and Sexy; Superb and Sexy; Smart and Sexy). Her baseball-themed romances include Slow Heat and Double Play, and she also appears in anthologies such as He’s The One.