Review: The Widow by Fiona Barton

A loving husband or a heartless killer...she'd know, wouldn't she?
There's a lot Jean hasn't said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. She was busy being the perfect wife, standing by her man while living with accusing glares and anonymous harassment. Now her husband is dead, and there's no reason to stay quiet. People want to hear her story. They want to know what it was like living with that man. She can tell them there were secrets. There always are in a marriage.
     The truth--that's all anyone wants. But the one lesson Jean has learned in the last few years is that she can make people believe anything. For the reporter who has secured the exclusive interview, this is the scoop of a lifetime. For the detective who has lived a half-life since he failed to get justice for the victim, it is a chance to get at the truth that has eluded him for so long. For Jean, it's a chance to defend herself, what she knew--and when.
     This is the tale of a missing child, narrated by the wife of the main suspect, the detective leading the hunt, and the journalist covering the case. It's a brilliantly ominous, psychologically acute portrait of a marriage in crisis--perfect for fans of The Silent Wife and The Girl on the Train.

Paperback, 336 pages

Published February 16th 2016 by Penguin Canada 

Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Psychological Thriller

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!**

I really, really liked this book. It was one of the better debut psychological thrillers that I have read in a while. With short, easy to read chapters that alternated between the Widow, the Detective, the Reporter, the Mother and the Husband I found myself flying through the pages.

This story was about secrets and loyalty and the lengths people will go to get what they want. It started when Jean's husband Glen died in an unfortunate accident and people started knocking at the door wanting to know the real story about the crime that Glen was accused of committing from his Widow. Through the different narratives I got the story leading up to present day as I not so patiently waited to find out what Jean knew and what really happened.

I have to admit that there were no real shockers or "aha" moments for me and I was able to guess the outcome. However, it did not impact my enjoyment of the story. I read a few early reviews where people were disappointed because they expected it to be like some other books as stated in a few different places and it wasn't. Knowing this, I jumped in with no expectations as to what stories it resembled and kept an open mind. It was beneficial and I think I enjoyed the story more because of it.

In my opinion it was a strong debut and I look forward to seeing what Fiona Barton does next.

Review: Nobody's Princess by Sarah Hegger

Tiffany Desjardins has a plan. Well, she had a plan, until her past and all its complications came back to haunt her. Her not-quite-ex-husband, Luke, is missing, and suddenly everyone needs to find him—including Tiffany, if she wants to marry the true man of her dreams. Then there’s Thomas Hunter, Luke’s brawny friend, who won’t take “no road trip” for an answer—and who won’t stop showing up in her daydreams…

Thomas couldn’t care less about Luke’s personal life, but he needs to find him if he’s going to make his fledgling minerals and metals company a reality. And if that means following Tiffany, who’s taken off in Luke’s rare Lamborghini Miura, he’s more than willing—especially if there might be a chance to negotiate some of Tiffany’s lovely curves. As Tiffany and Thomas speed along without a map, the only destination that seems certain is being together…

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by Zebra

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is February 23rd 2016**

This was a fun read for me appealing to many of the girly things I hold dear.

My shallow side.  There was enough Jimmy Choo, Manolo, Kate Spade and other names featured in this story to appeal to my inner shopper.  Yes Tiffany, I would be devastated if anything happened to my purses! For the Fifth Avenue shopper this is sure to appeal.

My Romantic side.  The chemistry between Tiffany and Thomas was undeniable.  The way they brought out each others true personalities and geek factors was entertaining to read.  The way that Thomas could see that Tiffany was not just a pretty face and see her for what she really was had me swooning.  It made me wish that I could recite numbers like she could just so that he would walk through my door.

My not so shallow side.  This was really a story about a girl who was groomed to be a certain way and breaking out of that stereotype to become who she really wants to be.  It was about learning to think and act independently of others regardless of the judgement that may follow.  While this may sound deep in context to the story it truly is what it is all about.

Did I mention there was also a hot sports car, a brooding trouble making teenager and perhaps some tequila also?  Yup, this story has it.

At the end of the day this story entertained me and delivered exactly what I expected from it.

About the Author

Born British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.

Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.

She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.

Website

Release Blast & Giveaway: Hidden Heat By Carla Swafford

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HIDDEN HEAT
Brothers of Mayhem #1

Carla Swafford

Releasing on February 16, 2016

Loveswept

Sizzling with passion and suspense, perfect for fans of Joanna Wylde and Julie Ann Walker, the Brothers of Mayhem series revs up as a headstrong beauty faces off against an outlaw motorcycle club—and falls for the bad boy she never saw coming.

Cassidy Ryder refuses to be intimidated by anyone, even the hell-raising, hard-drinking Brothers of Mayhem. The daughter of their former president, she’s not above smashing a few heads to keep her teenage brother safe. But when Cassidy’s big mouth gets her in trouble, the only thing that saves her is some quick thinking from the Brothers’ bartender. He’s commanding and strong, and as smooth as the whiskey he pours: the ultimate temptation for a girl who swore she’d never be a biker’s plaything. 

But Thorn Savalas is no ordinary biker. He’s a cop, and he’s worked too hard earning the Brothers’ trust to blow his cover over a female—even one who rocks a pair of jeans like Cassidy. The only way to protect her is by claiming she’s his old lady. Trouble is, Thorn can’t just pretend. He wants Cassidy, and every scorching touch tells him she feels the same. But acting on their hottest fantasies could leave them both exposed . . . even if nothing else has ever felt so real.

“Listen, sugar, I’ll tell you about your brother, but you need to keep your mouth shut.”
“What is it about you people? I can say whatever I like. This is a free country.”
He let his disappointment show on his face. “You’re smarter than you’re acting.”
“I’m smart enough to know—”
He slapped the wall, frustrated that he couldn’t make her understand. She straightened, face pale and eyes wide open. That got her attention.
“For Christ’s sake, listen to me before you get us both killed,” he said, grinding his back teeth in impatience. She finally closed her mouth. “Storm is running an errand for Stonewall. And no, I can’t tell you more than that. I’m taking a chance as it is. He should be back by midnight and then I’ll tell him to call you.” Finally, in control of his body, he walked around the desk and grabbed her arm, wanting to emphasize the danger she was in. He leaned down. “Go home,” he whispered.
Her eyes searched his. Probably trying to guess his game. All he wanted to do was keep her safe, but she refused to believe it. For now, they had one more problem: how was he going to explain to the club about their time alone in the office?
He had only one solution.
Moving a little closer, he added, “Before you head home, you need to look like we went at it hot and heavy back here.”
“What?” She took a step back, confusion on her face as she glanced around.
“There is only one reason for a Mayhem Brother to take a female in the back office, and that’s to fuck her. Unless you want me to do it for real, you need to look the part.”
“Huh?” She frowned. Why was she having such a difficult time imagining anyone wanting her in that way?
Whoa!
Had no one ever come on to her? Were the bastards around there blind? He sighed and then tightened his grip on her arm.
Guessing she would learn the hard way, he kissed her. Admittedly, he’d wanted to do that since the first time his gaze ate her up. All round curves in the right places, she looked like a sex doll come to life. He’d tried to stay away from her, but this opportunity was too good to pass up.
For a split second, she pushed against his chest and then her arms slid around his neck. He cupped her full breasts and pinched her nipples. She groaned in his mouth. Without wasting time, he pulled at her tee, twisting it slightly, and pressed her back against the wall. His hand ran across her stomach, flipping the snap open on her jeans with his thumb. She smelled so good, a mixture of healthy woman and a hint of flowers. Her mussed hair from earlier was no match for his fingers running through the soft strands again. She groaned and arched into him. Damn, she was deliciously responsive.
His willpower neared the breaking point and he let her go. He walked stiff legged to the door and peeked out. All clear. One deep intake of musty air, he braced for what he’d see. Rumpled and dazed, she appeared well fucked. He bit the inside of his mouth to stop from groaning in regret. What he’d give for it to be true.
“Come on.” He held out his hand. “Better leave now or I’ll finish what I started.”
She shook her head and hid her hands behind her back.
“Why are you helping me?”
“The hell I know,” he snapped. That was a lie. Anything he said would only lead to more questions he couldn’t answer.
Another shake of her head. She appeared stuck to the floor. Was she trying to clear her head or protest his option? Before she decided to cause more trouble, he clasped her arm. She winced, and he eased off a little.
Damn, last thing I need to do is leave bruises.
Tugging her out of the door, he headed toward the barroom. When she placed her hand over his and looked into his eyes, he loosened his grip a little more. Then she matched his stride.
Everyone stared. Two old men playing cards near the door chuckled and returned to their game.
Showtime. He hoped she’d play along.
“Next time, call me.” He lightly slapped her ass. “I’ll tell you when I can visit and help with your problem,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
She blinked and glanced around before nodding.
Slightly amused by the lost-little-girl look on her face, he lifted her chin with a finger and kissed her again. He sank into it wholeheartedly without any other motive but to enjoy her taste. Her lips parted without hesitation. Her tongue darted into his mouth, and he almost came in his jeans. Damn. Why hadn’t he shoved her out the door faster?
The room burst out in applause, wolf whistles, and several obscene suggestions.
Regaining control, he ended the kiss and propelled her toward the door. “See you later, sweet cheeks.” His hand smacked her ass one last time. It felt so good.
He watched her move like a zombie down the sidewalk to the parked cars. She looked back. He grinned at her angry, confused look. She jerked around and sashayed to her old beat-up sedan. That livened her up.
He liked that he stirred her up in every direction, from hormones to indignation. She needed something else to think about besides the whereabouts of a rebellious brother. That would likely get her into trouble.
As she stalked by, several Brothers hanging near the front porch checked her out and then glanced back to where he stood. One burly fellow gave a thumbs-up.
Curses filled the air. She struggled with opening the car door, and it opened with a loud metal squeak. The joints definitely needed oiling.
How did that piece of shit hold together? She needed a better ride, something safe.
Who was he to worry about that?
He turned back to the barroom and caught the expression on Stonewall’s face.
Well, hell. Thorn didn’t like that smile one bit. Meant nothing but trouble.
What in the hell had he gotten them into? How was he going to protect her and himself?

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Carla Swafford loves romance novels, action/adventure movies, and men, and her books reflect that. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and lives in Alabama.

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Review: Dare to Love (The Maxwell Series) by S.B. Alexander

Sexy, confident, college playboy, Kelton Maxwell has his future right in the palm of his hands. Women want him. Guys want to be him. And he’s got one foot in the door at Harvard Law. All he needs now is just one prestigious internship at a highfalutin law firm to seal the deal. Nothing can stand in his way.

Until…

A blast from the past smacks him right in the face, bringing back memories he tried to forget. Kelton swore he’d never go back--never put himself through that again. He’d rather pledge his allegiance to the devil himself before he drops to his knees to worship a woman—especially her.

He won’t dare to get close
Won’t dare to let her in.
Can’t dare to love.

Paperback, 289 pages

Expected publication: February 16th 2016
Series: Maxwell #3
Genre: New Adult

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Dare to Love is the third book in The Maxwell Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have been following the Maxwell brothers from the very beginning. The first two books were about Kade and Lacey and this one is about Kelton, one of the sexy triplets and younger brother of Kade.

One thing I can safely say is that although this may be the third book in the series it is far from losing steam. Alexander has a way of keeping each book fresh and entertaining without getting monotonous. There is no guessing when it comes to her stories. You never know how the outcome will be reached and it keeps you on your toes and turning the pages.

Kelton is a ladies man and that is just the way he likes it. He doesn't do commitment and he doesn't do love. First love at the tender age of thirteen ripped his heart out and he vowed never to let that happen again. When the one that got away suddenly appears in his life again it knocks him on his very well described behind. Lizzie is a mystery to Kelton and he can't help but wonder why she is being so secretive and he can't seem to stay away. For reasons beyond Kelton's control he has to fight the attraction and try his best to stay away.

This book digs deeper into the Maxwell family history and the circumstances surrounding the death of their youngest sibling, Karen. It is highly emotional and deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. I was riding an emotional roller coaster the entire time. Not only did I feel deeply what the family was going through but I could feel the chemistry and attraction between Kelton and Lizzie as they tried to deny it. It was literally oozing off the pages.

What I enjoy about Alexander's writing and this series is that it is not just a love story. There is also a bit of a mystery to the plot that is driving the characters which separates it from other love stories. I also love the strong sense of family that is so prominent in this series. It makes the Maxwell brothers even more attractive than described if that is even possible.

So far I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I can't wait to read more. With two more Maxwell brothers it looks like I'll get at least two more book boyfriends to add to my ever growing list!

Check out my review of Dare to Kiss here.

Check out my review of Dare to Dream here.

 

About the Author

S.B. Alexander’s passion for writing began when she read her first Stephen King novel, The Shining. Over the years she kept telling family and friends she was going to write a book. Fifteen years later, on the advice of a friend, she sat down and wrote her first novel. Her books are targeted toward the young adult and new adult markets.

Dare to Kiss, the first book in the Maxwell Series claimed the #1 bestseller spot in Amazon UK’s sports fiction category. The follow up, Dare to Dream is currently available. Next up in the series is Dare to Love, which will be released Feb 2016.

Her Vampire SEALS series includes three books, On the Edge of Humanity, On the Edge of Eternity, and On the Edge of Destiny, which have garnered high praise from readers.

Alexander’s career has been colorful—a former navy veteran, high school math teacher and college professor, sales consultant, coach, and manager. She loves baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox, white powdered donuts, and handbags. Her husband calls her the bag lady. She enjoys playing golf, is moved by music and great stories, and will go out of her way to help people.

She believes words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story.

Connect with S.B. Alexander

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

 

 

Release Blast & Giveaway: Mack by Mim Jean Pamfiloff

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MACK

King Trilogy #4 (Based on King Trilogy)

Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Releasing Feb 15th, 2016

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, Comes the New Standalone Story of Mack, a Continuation of the King Trilogy

“THEY THINK KING IS EVIL, BUT HE’S GOT NOTHING ON ME.” - Mack

MY NAME IS MACK. And if I play my cards right, I will soon be dead. Permanently. Not even my powerful twin brother will be able to resurrect me. A good thing. Because a man like me has no business living. Not when I have killed. Not when I have betrayed everyone I have ever cared for. Not when I know I’m destined to do it again.

This is why I have come looking for her—the only one capable of ending me once and for all. But will she think I’m just another insane patient? Or will she believe the truth? I am thousands of years old, my heart too dark to be salvaged.

~~~~~

MY NAME IS TEDDI, short for Theodora. My entire life has been a canvas of grays, whites, and black. I can’t feel, I can’t understand joy, I’ve never truly lived. Until now. His name is Mack, and though he believes he’s cursed, my degree in psychology tells me otherwise. Besides, someone who’s capable of bringing so much light into my life can’t be anything but good.

But I can save him. If he’ll let me.

(STANDALONE STORY – BASED ON THE USA TODAY BESTSELLING KING TRILOGY)

Darkness was the one thing in this world I didn’t care for—probably because I felt most comfortable with facts. Seeing objects equated seeing facts. There is the floor. There is the couch. Facts.
Guessing where things were—I think the leg of this table is around here somewhere—ouch!—was inefficient, useless. It was why nightlights were invented.
So when I entered John Doe’s dark room, the first thing I wanted was to bring in some light.
“Mr. Doe?” I said to the dark figure seated in the corner of the small room, staring at me like an eerie scarecrow waiting to frighten the shit out of anything that crossed its path. “My name is Dr. Valentine. I’m the new director. May I turn on the lights so we can discuss the reason you are here?”
“I asked not to be disturbed.” The man’s deep, masculine voice felt like a cold, chilling slap. Yet strangely, it was also…Well, I didn’t know really. Hypnotic, perhaps.
I squinted, my eyes straining to see his face but only able to make out his silhouette—broad shoulders, short hair, and fit-looking arms from the shadows of biceps I was able to spot.
“That’s exactly why we need to talk,” I said. “It’s come to my attention that you are not here to seek therapy—”
“Leave.”
My mouth flapped for a moment. “I’m sorry, but did you—”
“I said leave,” he growled.
Sadly for him, intimidation didn’t work on me. Not that I was stupid and wouldn’t get out of  harm’s way. The question was, did he intend to harm me?
“And if I don’t?” I asked, testing the waters. His response would tell me everything I needed to know. Reading people’s internal emotional state was another gift of mine.
I waited for a reply.
And then I waited some more.
He’s not going to answer me. Fine. This was silly and a completely unproductive use of my time. I would just have to see him with my own two eyes. My gift would do the rest.
“Okay. These lights are going—” I flipped the switch, and the moment my eyes met his, I was hit by a hard wave of…
“Holy fuck,” I gasped.
I flipped off the lights, turned, and left the room. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. What was that?

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Mimi Jean Pamfiloff is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling Romance author, and host of the radio talk show, Man Candy, on Radioslot.com.

When San Francisco native Mimi Jean went on an adventure as an exchange student to Mexico City, she never imagined the journey would lead to writing Romance. But one MBA, one sexy husband, and two rowdy kids later, Mimi would trade in corporate life for vampires, deities, and snarky humor.

She continues to hope that her books will inspire a leather pants comeback (for men) and that she might make you laugh when you need it most.

She also enjoys interacting with her fans (especially if they're batshit crazy). You can always find her chatting away on Facebook, Twitter, or saying many naughty words on her show MAN CANDY on Radioslot.com !

Find out more about Mimi and upcoming books at www.mimijean.net

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Review: Wild Hearts (Hamilton Stables #2) by Melissa West

In the lush heart of Kentucky, horse racing is king, and the Hamilton family is royalty, born to produce champions. Maybe that’s because they understand wildness better than most…

Charming, reckless, and restless, youngest brother Alex Hamilton has a reputation for sweet talking his way into any woman’s arms—and failing at anything to do with the family business. So when he commits to managing their new breeding operation, it’s under one condition: he’ll focus on work and nothing else—no distractions, no fun…no women. But just when Alex has promised to keep his hands to himself, sweet, sexy Kate Littleton gallops away with his heart…

Kate knows Alex isn’t the long-term type—he proved that in a lot of delicious ways when they first met more than a year ago. But seeing him blazing with new dedication to Hamilton Stables, she can’t deny that he’s miles ahead of any other man who interests her. The attraction between them is electric right out of the gate, but it will take an unexpected loss to put them back in the race and headed for a passionate future together…

This book is a standalone novel in a series of standalones

Paperback, 194 pages

Expected publication: February 16th 2016 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Lyrical Shine via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is February 16th 2016**

This is the second story is the Hamilton Stables series.  As mentioned in the Goodreads synopsis, it is a stand alone however it appears the characters in each installment are the Hamilton brothers.  So read it as a series or by itself, the enjoyment factor will be there regardless.

If you are looking for a contemporary romance that is not too long than this is the story for you.  It offers the sizzling chemistry, the misunderstood "bad boy", the "good girl" and plenty of angst.  Also, you have horses in the mix and you have the recipe for an enjoyable read.

The romance between Alex and Kate is believable from the beginning.  Although you pretty much know the formula and how it will play out, the story didn't feel like a clone of others in the genre.  Due to the short length I can not go in to too much details or I will give away the story.

If you like this genre of book and do not want to commit too much time then this is the book for you.  Long enough to have some substance yet short enough that you can fit it in to your busy schedule.

About the Author

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and YA sci-fi romance,all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing?. She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University.

Website:  http://www.melissawestauthor.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MB_West

Review: A Friendly Flirtation by Christine Warner

Allison Hall is fed up with being a social outcast. Even at the tech company where she works for her brother and his best friend, Jared, she's the invisible nerdy girl. What she needs is confidence—and that requires a makeover and dating tips. And she knows just the man to help…

Jared Esterly is shocked when Allison asks for his assistance and turns her down, knowing that her brother—his business partner and best friend, Nick—would kill him if he dated her, even if it is just for practice. But when Al’s attempt to make changes on her own fails spectacularly, Jared reluctantly steps in. Things heat up quickly, and soon lessons move from the salon to the bedroom.

When overprotective big-brother Nick discovers Jared is dating Allison, their friendship and business partnership sour. Allison, consumed by guilt, must make a choice: stay with Jared, even though that means ruining his friendship with Nick and possibly his career, or leave the one man who sets her on fire.

ebook

Expected publication: February 15th 2016 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Select Contemporary) 

Series: Friends First #3

Genre: Romance/Contemporary

Kristine's Thoughts:

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

A Friendly Flirtation is your typical contemporary romance where friends of the opposite sex spend time together and realise that there is an attraction and soon it becomes a friends with benefits story. There are many misunderstandings and complications that prevent true feelings from being revealed and turmoil mixed with passion.

Allison asks Jared, her boss and brother's best friend, for help with a makeover in an effort to gain more confidence and start dating. She figures that since Jared is a ladies man that he will know exactly what it is that men like in a woman. Although reluctant at first, he agrees to help when her own attempt fails and ends in tears. It isn't hard to figure out the direction that it is heading but there is one very big problem. Allison's brother Nick does not approve and it starts to threaten his friendship and partnership with Jared.

Over all it satisfied the romance lover in me but there was one thing that bugged me ever so slightly. Allison was lacking confidence and she was inexperienced in the bedroom. In other words she was a virgin. I've got to say that it was not at all apparent when the bedroom scenes came around. She didn't come across as inexperienced or awkward. In fact she was kind of a super star. Kudos to her for being the most confident non confident and inexperienced virgin out there. I guess she was just a natural?? It just seemed a little strange and unrealistic to me.

Now I think I will check out the first two instalments of the Friends First series and I'll be sure to look for any future instalments.

About the Author

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website at christine-warner.com.

Connect with Christine

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads