Review: The Sweetheart Mystery (Brash & Brazen #4) by Cheryl Ann Smith

Harper Jane Evans is so over pro cheerleading but she’s not quite ready for prison.  Good thing she’s got a badass ex-boyfriend ready to go to bat for her . . .

Sure, Harper made a few unsavory threats against her team’s manager—she’d had a few drinks and she despised the skimpy uniform he expected her to wear. That didn’t mean she wanted him dead.  But when the sleazy dude is found murdered in his tighty whiteys, Harper is the number one suspect—and former FBI agent Noah Slade is the one man who can help. Too bad she once told Noah she never wanted to see him again . . .

Noah may have done a number on Harper’s heart all those years ago, but he’s determined to do right by her now. Yet the fiery beauty isn’t the only demon from his past, which makes hunting down a murderer by her side . . . complicated—never mind the powerful attraction still pulsing between them.  Good thing he’s willing to do just about anything to keep from losing Harper again. And an old love just might bring her a new career—assuming she can stay out of jail . . .

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: November 14th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

As I have followed the entire series, I was curious to see what this fourth instalment would be like since all of the Brash girls have already had their own story.  This one centered around Harper who was not a Brash girl but had ties with them in their previous careers.  As a result, those who have not read the series should be able to read this story on its own should they choose.

For those who have followed the series, this story stays pretty consistent with the themes in the previous three stories.  There are quite a few humorous moments and hijinks along with the usual mix of  mystery solving and of course romance.  You see the return of the ugly sweater and some characters who have been present in each storyline.  Lets also not forget the drama queen goat!

The enjoyable thing about this series is the fact that it does not take itself too seriously.  I was able to identify the guilty party pretty early on however I was still along for the ride to see how things would play out.  This story is pure entertainment as long as you do not try to dissect the storyline too much.

I'm not sure if there will be more stories to come but I enjoyed this story as well as the series.  I recommend picking it up if you are looking for an entertaining read to pass an afternoon.

About the Author

A fan of historical romance fiction, author Cheryl Ann Smith combines a love of history and all things English to create stories that link both passions.

She lives in Michigan with her family, two cats and a very hairy dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling, when she has the time, and hopes to make her first visit to England in the very near future.

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Main Street Romance Site Launch & Giveaway

Main Street Romance

Love Stories for Everyone from Authors You Trust

Addison Cole | Chris Keniston 

Nancy Naigle | RaeAnne Thayne

About Main Street Romance

Main Street Romance is made up of four friends and bestselling authors who adore romance, and are committed to filling your bookshelves with sweet and clean love stories you'll be excited to share with your best friend, Mom, Grandma, and your teenage daughter, too. No profanity, graphic sex, or violence.

Not only are they dedicated to writing sweet romance and growing their audience with new readers, but they will be building an entire community around the Main Street Romance brand, including giving readers short stories that take place in their very own Main Street Romance world, where new characters along with characters from their prior releases, will appear in stories that take place on Main Street, in Romance, Virginia.

Join them on the front porch for a cool glass of sweet tea, curl up in a cozy chair, and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite read.

Meet the Main Street Authors

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes fun, flirty, and sweet romance with a dash of heat.

Chris Keniston is a USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty novels known to delight audiences with stories of falling in love, family values, and all around entertaining shenanigans.

Nancy Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author. She whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart.

RaeAnne Thayne is a New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty books.

Find Us Here

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER 

INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER

We're World Building - Join Us! 

Join them to celebrate the launch of MAIN STREET ROMANCE and help build your next favorite sweet romance world!  Click to Join the Launch Party!

Coming soon! An entire Main Street world set in Romance, Virginia, where you may see your favorite characters from each of our series, and meet new characters on their paths to love! A map of our Main Street world will be ready for you soon! Don't miss out. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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Review: The Italian Girl by Lucinda Riley

Rosanna Menici is just eleven years old when she meets Roberto Rossini, the man who will change her life forever. In the years to come, their destinies are bound together by their extraordinary talents as opera singers and by their enduring but obsessive love for each other - a love that will ultimately affect the lives of all those closest to them. For, as Rosanna slowly discovers, their union is haunted by powerful secrets from the past . . .

Rosanna's journey takes her from humble beginnings in the back streets of Naples to the glittering stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses. Set against a dazzling backdrop of evocative locations, The Italian Girl unfolds into a poignant and unforgettable tale of love, betrayal and self-discovery. From the international bestselling author of Hothouse Flower and The Midnight Rose comes The Italian Girl - first published as Aria under the name Lucinda Edmonds.

Paperback, 594 pages

Published June 1st 2014 by MacMillan Australia (first published 1996)

Terri's Thoughts

Anyone who follows my reviews knows that I am a huge fan of Lucinda Riley as historical fiction is my favorite genre and her writing is exactly what I look for.  This is the only title in her collection of books that I had not yet read (that I am aware of) so I was eager to devour it.  I chose the audio version of this book as I am a big multi-tasker and this allowed me to do more than one thing at a time.

I have to admit that this was not one of my favorite of her titles however even though this is the case, I was still swept up in the storyline.  I was eager to find out what would happen to Rosanna and Roberto and if and when all of the secrets would be revealed.  For those who choose audio books, you know this can be excruciating as you can read faster than the audio version dictates to you.  Alas, I remained patient and waited for all to be revealed.

Without divulging the plot, there have been over 2000 reviews, most likely everything has been said, the reason this story was not at the top of my list is that I just couldn't get on Roberto's side.  As much as I loved Rosanna and her journey, I just found Roberto to be a horrible human being.  It is hard to be 100% on board when half of the characters are not likeable.  I know that this was intentional but it still made me struggle.

At the end of the day, regardless of where a book ranks from top to bottom from Riley's work, you really can't go wrong.  As usual, her writing sweeps you away in to another world until you realize that too much time has passed and you need to re-enter the real world.  I will always be a huge fan and will actively seek out her work knowing that I will never truly be disappointed.  I can't wait for her next work in the Seven Sisters series is released so that I can go back in to the magic that only Lucinda Riley can deliver.

About the Author

AKA: Lucinda Edmonds
Lucinda Riley was born in Ireland, and after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first book aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages and sold over ten million copies worldwide. She is a Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author.

Lucinda’s novels include The Seven Sisters, a seven-book series telling the story of adopted sisters and based allegorically on the mythology of the famous star constellation. The first three books, The Seven Sisters, The Storm Sister, and The Shadow Sister have all been No.1 bestsellers across Europe, and the rights to a multi-season TV series have already been optioned by a Hollywood production company.

When not writing, travelling or running around after her children, she loves reading books that she hasn’t written with a glass or two of Provençal rosé!

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Review: Diamonds for Christmas by Holly Blair

Ruby Parker is looking forward to a holly, jolly Xmas without her ex in the picture. She’ll have to avoid her meddlesome aunt, who is determined to see Ruby get hitched before she hands over the family jewelry store and keeps setting Ruby up on the worst blind dates imaginable.

Declan Rossi returns to Juniper Falls to tend to his ill father. His matchmaker sisters want nothing more than to see Declan settle down. Too bad Declan only has eyes for his ex-fiancé, Ruby.

Ruby and Declan enter into a fake engagement for a chance to convince their interfering families to give them some much-needed space. All they have to do is pretend to be in love again, how hard can it be? There’s only one problem. What happens when they want to turn their make-believe romance into reality?

Novella-length romance, approximately 17,000 words. 

Kindle Edition, 79 pages

Published December 22nd 2016 

Series: Juniper Falls #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

Diamonds for Christmas is the third novella in the Juniper Falls series but each one can be read as a stand alone.

As I do with all novellas I am going to keep my thoughts short and sweet. There is only so much you can say when a story is so short.

This novella didn't give me as much of the town of Juniper Falls as the first two which was part of what I enjoyed most of the series. What it did give me, in my opinion, was the best relationship story of the three novellas. I am a big sucker for second chance romances and that is exactly what Ruby and Declan's story was.

If you are looking for a quick and easy holiday read to fulfill your romance needs you can find it in this series. As I find with most novellas, the story moves quickly and there is a little less character development than a full length story. If you keep that in mind when reading you will be sure to find some pleasure in it.

Connect with Holly

Website/Goodreads

Review: Merrily in Love (The Littleton Brothers #3) by Melissa West

The Littleton brothers are as much a part of Crestler’s Key as the sun and surf, living the single life without a care. But love has a way of changing even the most determined bachelor’s mind . . .

Brady Littleton has left his reckless youth behind to become a man his brothers can count on. When the family dive shop needs to expand, he’s got the answer: buy the Christmas shop next door. Except the retiring owner’s goddaughter, Kylie Waters, has come back to town. She was Brady’s first kiss—his first everything—and she doesn’t want to sell. He’s got a solution to that too. Whoever makes the most sales by Christmas Day can take over the shop, fair and square.

Kylie resolved to put the youngest, wildest Littleton brother out of her head when he abruptly ended their relationship years ago. But the steady, gorgeous man he’s become is impossible to ignore. Especially once reminiscing leads to a kiss as hot and heady as mulled wine. Their deal means that one of them is going to lose out on a dream…unless Christmas Day brings the gift of a sweet, surprising second chance…

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Its soon going to be that time of year when you are looking for a Christmas read and this story should hit the spot.  If you feel it is too soon, don't worry, while this story takes place over the Christmas period, the title mainly alludes to the name of the Christmas themed shop that Kylie works at.

For the most part this story sticks to the formula you would expect so I will not go in to any detail on the plot.  Two people who have a history and unresolved issues and feeling...what do you think will happen.

What kept me entertained in this story is I found myself taking sides in the debate of who was responsible for the original break up  and simply which side of any argument I wanted to be on.  After much inner debate, I found myself on team Brady more often than not.  Although both parties were pretty equal in blame if you were to tally the points, I just identified more with how Brady handled things.

Kylie for me was just a little to slow to let go of her childhood issues and I felt that some of them are not issues you should be clinging to in adulthood.  Although in general I liked her character, this made me want to knock some sense in to her a couple of times.

At the end of the day, this was a nice story about first loves, discovering who you are, undeniable attraction and perhaps a grand gesture mixed in.  Fans of West and this series will not be disappointed.

About the Author

Review: Saving It by Monica Murphy

Eden: Josh Evans and I have been best friends forever. He knows all my secrets, and I know all of his. So when he randomly asks me to help him lose his virginity, I sort of flip out. That’s a question that sends your mind to places you’ve seriously never considered before. Like, you know. Having sex. With your best friend. Except Josh doesn’t want to have sex with me—he wants me to help him find a girl. A nice girl who’s funny and smart and cute. Except he already knows a girl just like that...
Josh: Eden Sumner is my best friend. So of course she’d be the person to help me find my perfect match, so I can drop my V card before I head off to college. Except the more we search, the more I realize that maybe the right girl has been by my side all along. I don’t need Eden’s help in finding me a girl to love. I’m pretty sure I’m already in love with Eden. But now she thinks I’m only after one thing...with anyone but her.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: November 6th 2017 by Entangled: Crush 

Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Entangled Teen in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Saving It was the story of best friends who discover they have feelings for each other that go deeper than friendship. The problem is that they were trying to find someone for Josh to lose his virginity to before heading off to college when they made this discovery. Neither one of them wanted to admit it to the other and risk losing the friendship that they cared so deeply about.

You definitely have to put your high school hat on in order to enjoy this book. Otherwise it will seem pretty immature and shallow with all of the obsessing about sex and losing ones virginity. As someone who is outside that genre I tried to put myself back in high school and I remembered how emotions and hormones ran high with that population and it helped me to relate to the characters in this book a little more.

Josh and Eden's friendship was cute and the dual point of view was a great way to get to know both characters. At times I found it a little repetitive but for the most part I enjoyed their journey. Of course I was routing for them to come clean about their feelings and get together. Who doesn't like a good friends to lover story.

I think Saving It would be best enjoyed by readers of a similar age to Josh and Eden or maybe slightly younger. Teens who are going through similar thoughts and emotions would probably appreciate it most. Although it was somewhat predictable and I am no longer in that age demographic I still found it entertaining.

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today bestselling author and #1 international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
She also write contemporary romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Connect with Monica

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Goodreads 

 

Review: Wanted: Mom For Christmas (Cates Brothers #5.5) by Lee Kilraine

Christmas is coming to Climax, North Carolina—and it’s delivering an unexpected second chance right to Hawk Savage’s door…

For small-town cop and single dad Hawk Savage, Christmas tends to be more hassle and worry than mistletoe and magic. His daughter, Heather, is ten going on teenager, while his son, Henry Lee, has decided he needs a mommy, ASAP. HL’s constant matchmaking is enough to break a father’s heart, but Hawk has a more immediate problem. His high-school girlfriend, Nora Joy, just arrived on his doorstep, claiming to be his family’s new Rent-A-Mom. He sure didn’t hire her, but he can’t turn Nora’s admittedly shapely tush out on the street.

Sidelined by injury, Olympic medal-winning volleyball player Nora receives a mysterious Rent-A-Mom job offer just when her finances, and her spirits, are at an all-time low. True, she’s not much for cooking. Or housekeeping. Still, it’s hard to resist Hawk’s children…and Hawk himself has changed from the lanky teenager she once knew to a strong, steady, very tempting man.

Christmas in Climax is shaping up to be full of surprises. But the biggest one of all might be the happy-ever-after that a little boy’s Christmas wish can bring…

ebook

Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Kensington's Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you**

This review is going to be short as I am going to try to sum my thoughts up as briefly and concisely as possible.

This book was written for those, like myself, who are Christmas fanatics and love everything about the holiday season (well I may have a slight issue with Christmas music but that aside, love everything else).  If you, like myself, find yourself binge watching the W network and its made for TV Christmas movies, this is the book for you. In fact, Lilraine, if your people have not already pitched this, have them do it, it would be perfect!

This story has all the ingredients that make a perfect Christmas story.  Children in need of a mother, a man in need of a love and companion, a Christmas miracle and some hijinks in between.  I have been following this series but it is not required if you are simply looking for a nice Christmas read.  You can read this on its own.

Just grab a cup of hot chocolate, turn the fireplace on and grab this story!

About the Author

Lee Kilraine lives in the pine woods of North Carolina. When she isn't typing away on her computer with her golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet, you might find her on her front porch swing plotting her next book while guarding her garden from the local gang of deer. She has a weakness for dogs, bacon cheeseburgers, red wine and Alpha heroes. She loves reading and writing stories with a HEA and if they make her laugh...well, that's perfect.

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