Review ~ In Chains (In Chains series) by Michelle Abbott

Blurb-
A romance set in a world where slavery is government run and slaves are fitted with microchips.

Savannah, fleeing a turbulent relationship, seeks solace at her brother’s country farmhouse. It’s there that she meets Kayden; her brother’s slave who's considered less than human. These two damaged souls form an unbreakable bond, one that’s about to be tested, because Kayden is her brother’s property and he will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

*Please note this book contains some sexual scenes, violence and strong language.

Review-
Talk about adding some history to new age romance. While no era is defined, the reader assumes it is the present. When I first started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. But let me tell you... I thoroughly enjoyed In Chains.  There were moments when I was unsure of the outcome of the book but a HEA is guaranteed... to some degree.

I found it intriguing, the premise of slaves and owners, the rules and laws.

Abbott rose to the occasion by creating a love that would be prevented from blossoming at every turn, but she creates it slowly- the attraction is there and takes time for the duo to act upon. This being said, I appreciated the believable connection between Kayden and Savannah. Add in the torturous events with her brother, Ben and Dan and I was satisfied with the writing. While there were some questions in my mind, as I read, they were soon answered.

*Author provided a copy for honest review.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ The Evening Class by Julie Reilly

Blurb-
Fatso Patso no more! Slimmed-down Patti Hobley doesn’t need a man. No sir! But she’d quite like one. And where better to find one than at a Car Maintenance evening class?

Except the only other course members are two spotty sixteen-year-old boys and some middle-aged ladies in hand-knitted cardigans.

Things start looking up when she meets both handsome executive Patrick, and garage mechanic Rick, who used to taunt her at school. But when Patrick shows his true colours, it’s Rick who leaps to her rescue. Does Rick deserve a second chance? Can Patti forget the past and let Rick in?

Review-
Let's see... Patrick (the bully)- can I have two minutes alone with him? He irked the heck out of me and because of that I have to commend Ms Reilly for bringing that emotion to surface. When an author can invoke such anger from a reader... in my eyes and mind, the author has succeeded and perfected her writing craft.

Patti and Rick's early years together were not ones to be proud of on Rick's end. Typical high school teasing really. but what I loved was when Rick first recognized Patti years later and said “You look great!”- what woman doesn't want to hear that. Better if the words were truthful.. and Rick's were sincere and honest. Made me forgive him myself for his teenage behavior.

Ms Reilly wrote a quick read but a very enjoyable one as well. This was a delightful Weekend Getaway that I did lose myself in for a few hours. Thank you for that.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Where Love Takes Us (Heartfelt Series 1) by Jamie Salisbury

Blurb-
Noel Burns is on top of the world. In fact the world is his oyster. Everything he touches turns to gold. It seems nothing can stop him. . .nothing except a quiet, opinionated woman. Jennifer Quinn.

Jennifer wants nothing more than to quietly rebuild her life. The last thing she wants is another man, especially one so arrogant. But she finds herself drawn to the younger Mr. Burns.

Watch as their worlds collide. Who will surrender first? Will they ignore the obvious attraction they have for each other? Or will they give in and see where love takes them?

Review-
Starting over is never easy and the way Ms Salisbury creates hero Jennifer's move, new life and growing attraction to British speaking Noel had me cheering for all divorced women looking for true love.



I was intrigued and pleased with the way Jennifer and Noel's characters connected and kept the reader on his or her toes with their sarcasm (in the beginning) and continued to keep their relationship steadily growing. Nice.. believable and so well written.

Have no fear if you are looking for more of Ms Salisbury's work (as I am) because this is book one in the series. Guess what I will be reading soon? Hmmm, yes, book two is on the agenda. Wonderful job, Ms. Salisbury!

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Not the Marrying Kind by Christina Cole

Blurb-
Kat Phillips is not the marrying kind. She can’t cook, keep house, or sew a stitch. When her father takes sick and decides to sell the Rocking P ranch, Kat must either follow his wishes and marry the lackluster minister in town or find a husband for herself.

Joshua Barron comes to the Colorado Territory to make a new start. Nothing means more to him than freedom. He arrives at the cabin where he’ll be staying with his reclusive, crazy-as-a-coot cousin, and realizes Cody desperately needs a wife. His thoughts go at once to the long-legged redhead he met in the foothills.

When Kat realizes the handsome stranger is looking for a wife,  she’s determined to prove she’s got all the skills required to please a man...even if she has to lie to do it. She has no idea that Joshua is involved in a few lies of his own.

Review-
What a marvelous story, well written and kept me spellbound for a weekend! Ms Cole has me lost in the world of saving the Rocking P Ranch as well as telling Reverend Kendrick to take a hike! Pasty skin, beady eyes- no way!

I found Kat's character (whether trying to save the only life she's ever known or having to wear petticoats and 'girlie' things) refreshing and fell in love with her devotion and determination.

Ms Cole has a special way of storytelling and I am anxious to search her back list of novels for more enjoyable hours.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Blind Date by Morgan K. Wyatt

Blurb-

Darla never had time for love. Even though she worked in the perfume industry that epitomizes romance; no appropriate male ever wandered into the picture. Maybe that’s why she accepted her friend’s suggestion to fix up her up.  Plus desperation, and a desire to make sure she even remembered how to act like a woman as opposed to a corporate warrior. Too bad, her arranged date fell on the eve before her meeting with some hot shot Italian nobleman she needed to sign for her company’s continued success. Even more ironic, her blind date Alex besides being the poster child for all things delicious had a sexy Italian accent. The accent alone should have reminded her of the need to prepare for her meeting. Instead charmed by his old world manners and animal magnetism she allows him to take charge and forgets about business. Two things she’d never done before.

Review-
Ms Wyatt wrote a wonderful and quick read (Weekend Getaway from Secret Cravings Publishing) and really had me enjoying the connection between Darla and 'Alex'. Mistaken identity? Chance meeting? Whatever you want to call it I really appreciated the opportunity to read Blind Date.

Ms Wyatt allowed the reader to join in on the swift romance but left the sexual encounter at the bedroom door, or should I say boat deck. Kudos Ms Wyatt for writing a delightful read that I enjoyed in one afternoon.

I'd love to see a continuation of Blind Date- perhaps consider it a prequel and have book one be when 'Alex' aka Nickolai comes to America. The duo's romance can expand and perhaps Ms Wyatt could introduce her dear friend Marlene- and she can have her own whirlwind romance adventure.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Christmas Romance (Best Christmas Romances of 2013)

Blurb:
Four sweet Christmas stories from your favorite romance authors to warm your heart for the holidays.

Christmas Wishes-Danica Winters: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused.
In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?

Christmas at Central Bark-Jennifer Conner: When Tennyson’s boyfriend left her for her best friend from high-school, all Tennyson received in the break up was her dog. She’s sworn off men and now is rebuilding her life. The only thing Par does is work. He barely has time to do anything he wants for himself other than take his dog to the dog park. When Par and Tennyson find an abandoned dog at the park named Duke. Will they find room in their hearts to take him in?
And can this Christmas season weave some special magic for the two of them?

Halo's Wish-Sharon Kleve: Halo Ann Carlyle wishes for a home, family, and a boat-load of pets. What she gets is a bruised hip, a lump on the head, a broken ankle, and her new yellow Honda Civic is demolished.
Rich McFarland, a sexy veterinarian, keeps showing up in the most unexpected places, promising everything she's ever wanted.Halo believes she only has time to pursue her career as a pet detective and must ignore her growing attraction to achieve her dreams.
Will Halo trust her heart, and find a way to get both before Christmas?

Christmas Hope-Casey Dawes: Clara Misowski is convinced Sam Richards’ cheese making operation would be a perfect stop for her culinary tour group.
He’s adamantly opposed to anything to do with a group of women on his farm.
Can she convince him to open his heart to company, Christmas, and maybe even her?

Review:
Christmas Wishes-Danica Winters
Oh my goodness! What a tissue kind of holiday story! Ms Winters had me from the moment the cowboy strode in. The words exchanged, the connection... the *sigh* everything. Beautifully written and made me thank my life for what I have. Kudos Ms Winters!

Christmas at Central Bark-Jennifer Conner
Heading back to the park "for the sake of the dog'...  humor me! Love the sweet humor after the heartbreaking moment. Ms Conner is a must-have author to my TBR list now!
Well written and I loved the way Tennyson and Par (delighted with the names for some reason) have a friendship then build to a relationship.

Halo's Wish-Sharon Kleve
Poor Halo Ann! If I had her luck.. well, I would just lock myself in a bubble-wrapped room. Ms Kleve has me chuckling quite a bit while reading her short story. What parents in their right mind would give their child a bright yellow car? Oops! I had a bright sunshine yellow VW Bug... dismiss this comment.
This story was a perfect and quick read for any lover of the magical holiday romance. Looking forward to reading more of Kleve's work.

Christmas Hope-Casey Dawes
LOVED Clara's determination. Watch out Sam, you don't have a chance. Clara's ex definitely had her mind thinking she was useless, but her will-power to win Sam over made me cheer for independent woman all over.
Dawes' writing style was light-hearted and a nice refresher. The way she dove into the plot made me so happy. I love stories of HEA but getting there has to be well thought out and written, and Dawes hit the nail on the head.

Bottom Line- this was a wonderful read by four tremendously talented authors.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Going Home by Carole McKee

Blurb-

Fifteen years ago Cassie fled her hometown, taking with her an undeserved bad reputation and a broken heart. She reluctantly returns for her father’s funeral and comes face to face with the one who broke her heart. This encounter sends her packing again, only this time it’s not so easy to just leave and forget. Her visit opens old wounds, stokes old flames, and uncovers lies and deceit. It’s showdown time!


Review-
From the moment Cassie pulled up to her childhood home and the animosity from Matt, I was hooked on Going Home. Take the prodigal son and replace with Independent Woman Cassie. *applauding her tenacity* and the way Ms McKee developed Cassie from the get-go was perfection.

Generally I want, and thrive for, a HEA ending, and there were moments that I was ready to call it a non-HEA. But alas... no spoilers, please. Let's just say McKee does an absolutely splendid job with the story line and characters. Rudy and Cassie's past had me impetuous, sentimental and all the while cheering for their potential reconciliation and relationship bonding moment. *sigh*

I was swept into this story- who doesn't love when two meant-to-be together people finally get that second chance at love... true love.  *Rudy's confirmation of never marrying anyone else tells the reader his love always lived for and with Cassie- whatta guy!

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Cera's Place by Elizabeth McKenna

Blurb-

In 1869, San Francisco saloon owner Cera Cassidy offers redemption to any woman looking for honest work. At Cera's Place, men can get a decent hot meal with a whiskey, but if they want anything more, they have to take their desires elsewhere. One summer night, a distraught Chinese girl bursts through the swinging doors with a shocking tale of murder, kidnapping, and prostitution. Outraged, Cera vows to set things right.

Jake Tanner, a scarred ex-soldier haunted by the horrors of the Civil War, is on a mission to fulfill a friend's dying wish. The trail has brought him to Cera's door. Captivated by her Irish beauty, he wants to join her fight - but will she let him?

Review-
I am a die-hard historical western fan and this was a nice introduction to Ms McKenna's writing and style. So when I started reading Cera's Place, I was anxious to dig right in. The conflict McKenna begins, builds and eventually solves is well-crafted and had me turning pages immediately.

I loved the depth of the story. Not only are we dealing with Jake's haunting past but we also have Cera's assisting Hu Wong's situation. These two stories alone had me almost forgetting about Jake and Cera's potential romance.

Wonderful debut novel! I am looking forward to reading more from Ms McKenna and forming an author/reviewer relationship here.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series) Book One by Carre White

Blurb-
Hannah Hoffman Clark is the spirited young wife of Denver City's only preacher, Frank Clark. After arriving by wagon to the howling wilderness of the unexplored west, they settled on land, built a home, and began what they thought would be a long and prosperous life together. After an accident leaves Frank without feeling in his legs, the dream of self-sufficiency suddenly slips away, but even more tragedy is on the horizon for Hannah.

Once widowed, she struggles to cope with her loss, relying on those her husband had hired, especially Nathan Weaver, a no good gambler and drunkard. While the tenuous hold she has on her sanity crumbles, her connection with Nathan becomes something far greater than she could have ever imagined, but her family would be scandalized if she married such a man.

One should never judge a book by its cover, and Nathan, although rough around the edges and crude, has his heart in the right place, and it belongs to Hannah...if only she could see it.
This is the first book in The Colorado Brides Series

Review-
*Settled in with my Kindle Fire...*
WOW! What a fabulous story! I love the love Hannah and Frank shared. The way he doted on her, their gentle and kind words... but how does a woman lose that love and find another? Not easily.

Nathan is a strong man, determined and knows Hannah is reeling from Frank's sudden death. Always there for her to cry on his shoulder, always ready to help her. What a man!

Ms White's writing kept me enveloped in the story and her creation of Hannah and Frank's love as well as Hannah and Nathan's love had me ripping through the pages. I absolutely loved the scene between Hannah and Ruby- two kindred spirits. Kudos Ms White! I look forward to reading more of this series and your work.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ Rancher to the Rescue by Jennifer Faye

Blurb-
Jilted at the altar, celebrity chef Meghan Finnegan flees the scene--and the baying press--only to run straight into the muscled torso of Cash Sullivan.

The former rodeo champion knows what's it like to have your life crumble in the spotlight, so he offers Meghan a place to lie low at his ranch.

Fresh air, no paparazzi and the brooding rancher's lazy smile are making Meghan not want to leave her sanctuary. But she and her unborn baby can't stay here forever...can they?

Review-
Both reeling from being in the spotlight, and not in a positive way, Meghan and Cash have more in common than meets the eye. I was drawn to this book because I love the trope of runaway bride combined with ex-rodeo star turned rancher. I know a happy ending is inevitable... and I was not disappointed.

Ms Faye wrote a delightful and heart-warming story. Meghan's need to NOT be needy combined with Cash's understanding of her desire to hideout for a short time made for a wonderful afternoon getting lost in this book.

After reading Rancher To the Rescue, I searched for more of her writing and am looking forward to losing myself for more weekend days.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Review ~ The Meatball Mistress by Tiffany N. York

BLURB:
Cara Manzoni flees Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, to the Jersey Shore after catching her fiancé cheating with her hairdresser. Problem is she has no clothes, no money, and no place to go. This is not where she thought she’d be at almost thirty years old.

Ryan Garridy is a diehard commitment-phobe, struggling to keep his Italian restaurant afloat. The last thing he wants is a high-maintenance woman in his life. So when Cara runs out on her check and then faints at his feet the next day, he knows she’s trouble with a capital T. It still doesn’t stop him from offering her a job and a place to stay. There’s something feisty and compelling about this woman, and no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to say no to her. Or her Sicilian meatballs.

Since Cara has sworn off men, it’s no big deal that Ryan is sexy and charming—until she decides the only way to stop obsessing over her ex is to obsess over someone new. Ryan makes her forget about her ex a little too well, but falling for him could set her up for a whole new world of hurt. One man, one woman, both wounded by love. Will they be able to overcome their demons and learn to trust again? If the undeniable passion between these two doesn’t keep them together, the mouth-watering food will.

Review:
Part of what attracted me to this book was.. I admit it openly... the title. The Meatball Mistress? Really? Tell me more please. The second attraction was the 'catching the ol' heathen of a fiancee in a compromising position (with Cara's hairdresser? grrr...) and the heroine flees. Leave behind the I-Can't-Keep-My-Pants-Zipped Guy and start over. Learn to trust again. Ahhh... if only.

Ohhh, and let's talk humor. Mr. Happy? Too much, Ms York! Forget the cheating fiancee... now Cara has to find a new hairdresser! Oy! Whatta day!

Ryan Garridy didn't want a relationship? Really? Silly man! *Beware Cara... he's a Casanova. Burn me once, so they say. But later, Ryan has regrets. Many regrets. I wanted to reach in the page and choke him, "Yes, you should've told her before she went back to Brooklyn. <Sigh>

Back to reality here though- Ms York has created a sweet, fun-loving and beautifully crafted HEA romance with The Meatball Mistress. I foresee great things to come with her future as an author. The connection between Cara and Ryan was flawless and the way Ms York wove the story had me turning pages faster than ever.

Favorite line- "“Oz, my friend, women are like martinis. One isn’t enough and three are too many.” Oh, Ms York... please, you're killing me here!

Buy Link: COMING March 24, 2014

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s). *Book ARC received from author.

Review ~ Haunt Me by Heather Long

Blurb-
Recently divorced author MacKenzie Dillon has lost her writing mojo. When she inherits her great aunt’s haunted house in Virginia, she is determined to make a new start. The creepy old house provides inspiration but at what cost?

Successful architect and paranormal skeptic Justin Kent returns to Penny Hollow to fulfill his father’s dying wish of revitalizing their small town. To do that, he needs the allegedly haunted estate at Summerfield. Mac, the new owner, may be gorgeous and spunky, but she refuses to sell.

These two have a dangerous history that spans the ages, but will they discover the truth in time to save their lives?

Review-
Ghosts... writers' block... and LOVE. They go hand-in-hand in this romance novel, and Ms Long had my attention from the first sentence. Just the name of the town Penny Hollow gave me images of creepy noises and shadows in the middle of the might, and the way Ms Long crafted the story flow, characters and ending (sorry no spoilers people, read the book) made me want to purchase more of her novels.

I am a true believer in second chances at love... hence why I was a sucked into this book. I also  loved the tenacity and inner strength that Mac projects, especially during her and Justin's first encounter regarding the sale of the house. *Go Mac!*

I definitely recommend this read to eveyrONE. Ms Long will not disappoint.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).