Review: The Scandalous Flirt

Synopsis:

Scandal begins with just one kiss. . .

Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season—until a scandalous mistake ruined her.Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell.

Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years—a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her—and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?

The Cinderella Sisterhood series is:

“Beautiful.”—RT Book Reviews 

“Breathtaking.”—Night Owl Reviews

“Magical.”—Once Upon a Romance

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake is an outstanding read. I was impressed with her writing from the start. The characters and their flaws made this piece epic. Scandal, theft, first love…and dire situations can be found within the pages. The heat only intensifies, as the plot thickens. Raw yet believable characters. Aurora Paxton is a tough heroine. She brilliant. I loved her wit. Strong and very outspoken on some matters. That part of her made me like her that much more. Then, there’s the dashing Marquess, Lucas. He’s very easy on the eyes. Makes every woman want to swoon on spot. Yet his never smiling and dark mood may keep the on he really wants away forever. 

Aurora has been cast out of her society due to a man haven taken advantage of her. Now, eight years later, she has returned back home. But it’s not under happy terms. Someone is blackmailing her stepmother. Her sister is forced to marry a rich man old enough to be her father. And she must go under disguise to see if Lucas really is the culprit behind her family’s doom. The Scandalous Flirt takes on a wild ride. The journey was fun, hilarious, sweet, and engaging. I will never forget this tale. 

Olivia Drake has delivered a promising story. The Scandalous Flirt is a must read for all. I loved it. I couldn’t stop reading it. This, was one historical romance that gave me an unforgettable day of excitement. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere. 

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Review: Justice Buried

Synopsis:

In an effort to get her security consulting business off the ground, Kelsey Allen has been spending a lot of time up in the air, rappelling down buildings and climbing through windows to show business owners their vulnerabilities to thieves. When she is hired to pose as a conservator at the Pink Palace Museum in order to test their security weaknesses after some artifacts go missing, she’s ecstatic. But when her investigative focus turns from theft to murder, Kelsey knows she’s out of her league–and possibly in the cross hairs. When blast-from-the-past Detective Brad Hollister is called in to investigate, Kelsey may find that he’s the biggest security threat yet . . . to her heart.

Crackling with romantic tension and laced with intrigue, this suspenseful story from award-winning author Patricia Bradley will keep readers guessing–and looking over their shoulders.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

 Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley is a stunning piece of literature. A romantic suspense that catches my attention immediately. The plot is fun and engaging. I enjoyed reading this story. Both main characters share an interesting past. Their future is unclear but gets more exciting with every page. 

The past opens up and leaves Kelsey Allen wondering. Theft, murder, and danger all in one perfect tale. Kelsey works in showing others what they’re lacking in security. On one such showing, she is threatened. That’s when she calls in for help. Detective Brad comes to the rescue. Together they work on solving both the past and present crime investigation. 

I haven’t read any of Patricia Bradley’s novels. After reading this one, I can definitely say, I’ll be adding her to my favorites list. Patricia Bradley delivers a promising new adventure. Her characters entertained me from the start.  Felt real…both characters were easy to connect to, as well as liking them. Overall, I recommend this suspenseful book to readers everywhere. 

Review: Diamonds Are Not A Girl’s Best Friend

Synopsis:

Who says, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend?’ Don’t believe all those clichés you hear. If you want a friend, get a dog! Trust me, they are more reliable. Want another piece of advice? Trust but verify! In this one, nothing is as it seems, as I end up in a double-blind conspiracy, resulting in a gem of a mystery!

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Diamonds Are Not A Girl’s Best Friend by Peggy A. Edelheit is a great novella. Full of mystery, suspense, and humor. The style of writing is similar to Janet Evanovich’s but better. The protagonist, a woman sleuth, is a joy to follow. This is the eleventh book in this writer’s series. I couldn’t believe that I haven’t read a book of hers until now. The has a cozy mystery vibe. Here, there’s a conspiracy investigation going on…and it’s up the to the main character to solve the case. A fun steady-pace that in entertaining from beginning to end. Like all cozy mysteries, readers will find murder and theft involved. This particular case was interesting in that the stolen object was a cane. And that there’s a cane club. Intriguing with plenty of twists to keep readers guessing along. Diamonds Are Not A Girl’s Best Friend is definitely one that I recommend to readers. 

Review: Any Dream Will Do

Synopsis:

Shay Benson adored her younger brother, Caden, and that got her into trouble. When he owed money, Shay realized she would do anything to help him avoid the men who were threatening him, and she crossed lines she never should have crossed. Now, determined to start fresh, she finds herself in search of a place to stay and wanders into a church to escape from the cold.
Pastor Drew Douglas adored his wife. But when he lost her, it was all he could do to focus on his two beautiful kids, and his flock came in a distant third. Now, as he too is thinking about a fresh start, he walks through his sanctuary and finds Shay sitting in a pew.

The pair strike up a friendship—Drew helps Shay get back on her feet, and she reignites his sense of purpose—that, over time, turns into something deeper, something soulful, spiritual, and possibly romantic. Even Drew’s two children are taken with this woman who has brought light back into their lives. Perhaps most important, Shay learns to trust again as she, in turn, proves herself trustworthy to her adopted community.

But Caden’s return to town and a disastrous secret threaten to undo the life Shay has tried so hard to rebuild. It will take the utmost courage and faith if she and Drew hope to find healing and open their hearts to a brighter future.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is as close to a realistic story as possible. Everything felt real. It was like reading a person’s journey from the rough life to a good one. A young woman has had trust issues due to the men in her life. With no One But a brother as family and as a friend, Shay had to learn a lot of lessons. Including, not trusting her baby brother. He relied on her and she made a bad choice because she thought it was a life or death situation. Her brother used her. Broke his promise and left Shay to deal with the consequences. Shay went to prison, lost her bank job, and is dealing with a lot of emotions. Anger, fear, and survival mode. After being released she finds no where to go. Stepping into a church, Shay’s life turns around….she meets Paster Drew. 

Pastor Drew is another interesting character. He and his very young kids lost a loved one. A wife and mother. Drew was hopeless and lost until he meets Shay. He sees hope for her. Even though she can’t. She has a tough attitude but inside she’s good. Drew calls a friend and help Shay into a program for women like her. Because he helped her, Shay forms an attachment of trust, liking, and hope towards him. Drew can’t help but feel good knowing he helped her. Something about Shay also gives him hope for the future. Then there’s his kids. Both meet Shay. Shay loves them as much as they love her. 

Debbie Macomber has written an inspiring tale here. I couldn’t stop reading it. The whole story made me cry, smile, and fall in love. Lost souls finding their ways after a tragedy. A little faith, hope, and love go a long way in this novel. Those who have been through a tough time can easily relate to both Shay and Drew’s issues. Struggles can make or break us at times. But it’s about continuing even when we have nothing else to lose. Overall, I recommend this contemporary to all. Any Dream Will Do is a must read. 

Review: Take Me Home for Christmas

Synopsis:

Christmas is a time for remembering….
Too bad all memories aren’t pleasant. Everyone in Whiskey Creek remembers Sophia DeBussi as the town’s Mean Girl. Especially Ted Dixon, whose love she once scorned. 
But Sophia has paid the price for her youthful transgressions. The man she did marry was rich and powerful but abusive. So when he goes missing, she secretly hopes he’ll never come back—until she learns that he died running from an FBI probe of his investment firm. Not only has he left Sophia penniless, he’s left her to face all the townspeople he cheated…. 
Sophia is reduced to looking for any kind of work to pay the bills and support her daughter. With no other options, she becomes housekeeper for none other than Ted, now a successful suspense writer. He can’t bring himself to turn his back on her, not at Christmas, but he refuses to get emotionally involved. He learned his lesson the last time. 
Or will the season of love and forgiveness give them both another chance at happiness? 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Take Me Home for Christmas by Brenda Novak was another brilliant read. I don’t know how she does it. Every book is good. Engaging, whole hearted, and stunning. This latest novel, was centered on family. There were other themes like dealing with bullying, harassment, alcoholism and other stuff. Plus, old flames rekindling. 

First, I was introduced to a young woman. One that was super gorgeous and still is. She used her popularity around Whiskey Creek to her advantage. However, that left her with enemies, a broken heart, and no friends. Sophia left a good guy for one that turned out to be way worse than she ever feared. Her one night with a rich guy ended up with her being pregnant. So, her only option was to marry him. Leaving behind the one guy who truly cared about her as she did for him. 

Now, after having lost her husband on the day of her anniversary, Sophia returns back home. Whiskey Creek is her home. But then, she finds her husband stole money from all the people. Their home, cars, furniture, and jewels were taken. The people in town hate her. All but for one man. The one she left behind…Ted Dixon. 

Ted Dixon doesn’t want to be around Sophia. He wants to be over her. But he’s not. He’s hurt but seeing her current situation, he hires her to be his housekeeper. From there, he finds out what has happened to her before her marriage and afterwards. Ted can’t stop himself from saving Sophie and her little girl. But things are getting more complicated…

Take Me Home for Christmas left me feeling sad, angry, and happy. The emotional journey was epic. Brenda Novak has once again, swept me off my feet. Her book was intriguing. I was hooked from the beginning. Life is messy. The characters were three dimensional. Believable and realistic. I can see Sophie and Ted’s situations happening worldwide to real people. Hurt, betrayal,  hope, and love. So many emotions. I loved it. I wasn’t sure how the book would end. Overall, I recommend this contemporar romance to all. 

Review: A Lady Unrivaled

 

Synopsis:

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won’t wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White is an intriguing tale. One that involves a rather handsome Lord that he believes incapable of falling in love. He claims he’s not a good man yet he proves the exact opposite. His actions speak louder than his words. Then fate has to bring in a beautiful smiling always positive woman into his life. For the life of she can’t stop thinking about the handsome yet charming Lord. Despite his efforts to keep her at bay. But there’s something more dangerous at play that will entangle them deeper into each others’ life. A dangerous man among their midst. Dead bodies found and yet anohter death is at play. Can they both the dashing Lady and the Lord stop the evil at hand or risk losing everything? A Lady Unrivaled is exactly that. I loved the suspense, intrigue and banter between Lord Clayton and Lady Ella. Both are amusing characters. Roseanna M. White knew exactly how to charm her readers into falling for both of her characters. The ending was surprising. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant historical romance to all.

 

Review: Kitty Hawk and The Curse of the Yukon Gold

 

Synopsis:

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is the thrilling first installment in a new series of adventure mystery stories that are one part travel, one part history and five parts adventure. This first book of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series introduces Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot with her own De Havilland Beaver seaplane and a nose for mystery and intrigue. A cross between Amelia Earhart, Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking, Kitty is a quirky young heroine with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting herself into all kinds of precarious situations.

After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty’s adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada and as the plot continues to unfold this spirited story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climactic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada’s Yukon, the harsh land made famous in the stories and poems of such writers as Jack London, Robert Service, and Pierre Berton. It is a riveting tale that brings to glorious life the landscape and history of Alaska’s inside passage and Canada’s Yukon, as Kitty is caught up in an epic mystery set against the backdrop of the scenery of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is a perfect book to fire the imagination of readers of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history this book will inspire anyone to learn and experience more for themselves as Kitty prepares for her next adventure – flying around the world!

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Kitty Hawk and The Curse of the Yukon Gold by Ian Reading is fun, exciting, and full of adventure. This novel is highly engaging from the first moment to the last. There’s never a dull moment with the main character, Kitty Hawk. Right away she’s experiencing trouble. Flying a plane…can be scary especially when it runs out of fuel. Imagine being up high in the air…your fuel tank empty when it says it still has fuel. Then your radio is fried….and you’re trying not to panic. Ian Reading inserts a lot of mystery, intrigue and humor into this tale. Kitty Hawk is someone I would not want to travel with for it seems she is always having the case of bad luck. Not only is the novel highly entertaining but also, like a travel and historical guide. Exploring, surviving, and theft of gold will keep readers on the edge of their seats filled with anticipation of what’s happening next. This was the first novel I have read by Ian Reading and love it. I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the last page. Overall, this is one fictional world I highly recommend to readers worldwide.

 

Review: Must Love Wieners

 

Synopsis:

Piper Summers works like a dog juggling three jobs to put herself through veterinary school—driving taxis, delivering pizzas, and singing telegrams. Thankfully, Piper has her devoted dachshund Colin to help her keep things in line. That is, until she gets fired…and someone throws her a bone that is too good to resist.

Aiden Caldwell is an Armani ad come to life—a billionaire CEO who’s just adopted a dachshund from the rescue center where Piper volunteers. He’s hot on Piper’s tail to be his personal dog walker…but he may be after more than a walker for his wiener. The gorgeous, spirited Piper is everything he’s ever wanted from a woman—and more. But can Piper ever love, and trust, a man who has never learned to open his heart—or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Must Love Wieners by Casey Griffin is a good laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with danger added to it. I love good romance stories that bring out some of the things I love. I love animals…especially dogs. The main character, Piper, is close to becoming a vet. But until then she’s barely scraping by with the odd ends jobs. Her job as a pizza delivery didn’t work out…then her job singing customized telegrams led her to a crazed male stalker and even a possible love match…Yep, Piper’s life is an interesting roller coaster from the beginning to end. Casey Griffin’s writing is superb. I can’t wait for book two to come out to read the next best adventure. Every page was filled with excitement, humor, heat, and suspense. I, like Piper, had suspicions on who was behind the crimes but couldn’t put my finger on it. Absolutely, a great romance that is hot sexy and perfect for all. Readers won’t be forgetting this romantic story. Overall, I highly recommend Must Love Wieners to readers everywhere.

 

Review: The Innocents

 

Synopsis:

Quinn Colson didn’t owe his hometown of Jericho, Mississippi, a damn thing. After serving for more than a decade as a U.S. Army Ranger, he’d returned, been elected sheriff, and tried to make the town and surrounding Tibbehah county a better place. He was rewarded with being voted out of office, and went back to the war zone he’d left.

Now, back in Jericho, trying to fix things with his still-married high school girlfriend and retired Hollywood stuntman father, he’s drawn to becoming a lawman again. This time, he accepts a badge from acting Sheriff Lillie Virgil, a foul-mouthed law woman with shades of Calamity Jane. But what they must confront together is something brand-new.

When a former high school cheerleader is found walking a back road completely engulfed in flames, the entire state focuses on the rural county, wanting answers. The light soon shines on several people: the girl’s father, a worthless drunk named Wash Jones; a pair of teenage thugs with grand ambitions to control north Mississippi; and a red-headed truck stop madam named Fannie Hathcock, who has her own problems – the Syndicate from down on the Gulf Coast has big plans for her neck of the woods.

As Quinn and Lillie uncover old secrets and new lies, the entire town turns against them, and they learn the most dangerous enemies may be the ones you trust most.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Innocents by Ace Atkins is a well-developed story. A southern detective tale that will bring readers some humor, intrigue, and danger. After spending sixteen years in a rural community, I can connect easily with this novel. What seems to be a rural town with high priority case to solve, turns out to be more deadly than originally thought. Those that the characters trust are the ones that are their enemy. The bad guys are in plenty…then to have an entire town flip sides on the good guys is a nightmare. One I hope to never see…but inside this riveting read, the scenes play out like a movie screen. Action, adventure, and crime are everywhere. Every page is detailed, engaging, and lured me deeper into the tale. The plot is fast-paced. Sheriff Lillie is a female leader who knows how to handle people and the job at hand. Then there’s tough sexy Quinn Colson.  He was once a sheriff and wants back in…only time will tell if that happens. Both of them are in for a thrill ride…Believable and realistic. The Innocents brings drugs, sex, violence and redemption all into one stunning book. I couldn’t stop reading it until I finished it. Ace Atkins is definitely a writer that hooks readers with a suspenseful yet unforgettable story. Immediately, drew me inside…to a journey that sends both mind and heart racing.

 

Review: The Other Widow

 

Synopsis:

The author of The Pocket Wife explores the dark side of love, marriage, and infidelity in this sizzling novel of psychological suspense.

Everybody’s luck runs out. This time, it could be theirs . . .

It isn’t safe. That’s what Joe tells her when he ends their affair—moments before their car skids off an icy road in a blinding snowstorm and hits a tree. Desperate to keep her life intact—her job, her husband, and her precious daughter, Lily—Dorrie will do everything she can to protect herself, even if it means walking away from the wreckage. Dorrie has always been a good actress, pretending to be someone else: the dutiful daughter, the satisfied wife, the woman who can handle anything. Now she’s going to put on the most challenging performance of her life. But details about the accident leave her feeling uneasy and afraid. Why didn’t Joe’s airbag work? Why was his car door open before the EMTs arrived? And now suddenly someone is calling her from her dead lover’s burner phone. . . .

Joe’s death has left his wife in free fall as well. Karen knew Joe was cheating—she found some suspicious e-mails. Trying to cope with grief is devastating enough without the constant fear that has overtaken her—this feeling she can’t shake that someone is watching her. And with Joe gone and the kids grown, she’s vulnerable . . . and on her own.

Insurance investigator Maggie Devlin is suspicious of the latest claim that’s landed on her desk—a man dying on an icy road shortly after buying a lucrative life insurance policy. Maggie doesn’t believe in coincidences. The former cop knows that things—and people—are never what they seem to be.

As the fates of these three women become more tightly entwined, layers of lies and deception begin to peel away, pushing them dangerously to the edge . . . closer to each other . . . to a terrifying truth . . . to a shocking end.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Other Widow by Susan Crawford is an enticing thriller that sucked me right into the novel. Three different women are introduced to readers. One is an actress who is married and was with her other lover when both of them were sent off the icy road. Then, there’s Karen…her husband died and she’s struggling with the nagging feeling that someone is watching her from afar. Karens knows her husband was unfaithful…but does that give her a motive…and last there’s the female officer with PTSD who lands the case of Joe’s car accident that looks a lot more like a murder. This story kept me turning the pages in a rush to find out who was the killer and why. So many lives are brilliantly tangled up in this exciting thriller.

The Other Widow made me feel like I was there experiencing the whole thing from beginning to end. The car accident to theft, to spying and even more danger had me sitting on the edge of my chair waiting in anticipation. Wondered who was next and when…Danger, death, and suspicion hang thickly in the air. I never knew what to fully expect until it happened. The story brought me in deep into the affairs, marriage, and details of the characters. I felt chills going down my spine with every page.Susan Crawford is a talented writer. Intense and deeply satisfying read I have ever read. One never knows who a person really is until something bad happens and then everything one knew is up in the air for debate. Suspenseful, entertaining, and absolutely frightening…The Other Widow is definitely a must read for readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: A Perfumer’s Secret

A Perfumer’s Secret

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Perfumer’s Secret by Adria J. Cimino is one woman’s fiction novel readers everywhere will love. Her writing is perfect…easy to follow along and connect with the characters. This story has intrigue and a bit of mystery as the protagonist will soon be told. Even after the cat is out of the bag…questions start piling up faster than readers expect. However, I loved the family life that was portrayed within this title. It was done in a very realistic way for readers to enjoy. The story is definitely entertaining as the protagonist deal with the new news and with her a nagging man that she works with…Adria J. Cimino is indeed a talented writer who brings beautifully written plot to readers worldwide.

Inside of A Perfumer’s Secret, readers will find themselves following a young woman trying to find the perfect perfume sample to give to her boss. She wants to secure a position with a particular company yet finding what she needs is proving to be harder than she thought. Just when she’s being harassed by her former lover about finding the perfect scent, she is delivered a letter. A letter that proves to shake her world upside down and inside out…a letter saying that her family lives somewhere and else her mother left the family…and all she feels is the why, how, and wondering why she was told about it all now. She is soon invited to visit her family home. From there the plot goes by fast and it will definitely keep readers turning the pages as they race to find out what happens next. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.