ARC #Review: Snowed in with the Firefighter by Victoria James @VicJames101 @EntangledPub @MissRiki #ContemporaryRomance #TeamFinn (Shadow Creek, Montana #7)

Dr. Melody Mayberry’s life just took a turn that’s left her questioning everything. Where better to hide out than the remote family cabin in the mountains? The last thing she expects to find there is her swoon-worthy brother-in-law, the one man who may have more baggage than her.

Finn Matthews is not ready to face the fact that the recent injury he sustained in a fire may have ended his firefighting career. He’s not interested in sharing the cabin with anyone, let alone Melody, and their family just texted with yet another unwelcome surprise—they’ll be there Christmas Eve.

To keep their meddling family at bay, the two team up to fake a little holiday cheer. But between ridiculously competitive Monopoly games, marathon Christmas decorating, and a storm that strands them together with nothing but a fire and a warm couch, they realize something major—their fake holiday cheer isn’t feeling so fake anymore, and that’s something neither of these two Grinches expected...

Print length : 156 pages
Publisher : Entangled: Bliss
Publish Date: November 16, 2020
ASIN : B08L1Q7HMX

Pre-Order: Amazon

Melody Mayberry and Finn Matthews are two broken souls trying to hide away from the world. When Melody shows up at her sister and brother-in-law's mountain cabin, she soon discovers she's not alone. As she hauls her belongings inside, Melody is met by Finn, her brother-in-law's brother. She just wants peace and quiet, to be alone, and wallow in her grief. Finn is trying to come to grips with his life-altering injury that may just end his career as a firefighter. He has no time to entertain Melody, or anyone for that matter. 

After amicably agreeing to share the house and stay out of each other's way, they are hit with another surprise...Their family will be joining them for Christmas. In an effort to get back at their family for meddling, Melody and Finn join forces to pull a fast one on them. All bets are off, however, when the fake front they portray backfires on them.

Melody and Finn have a humiliating backstory that punched me right in the gut. My eyeballs leaked a little bit of moisture as I relived the event that wrecked her. She may be a successful doctor now, but her childhood was horrible. Despite her upbringing, Melody is a kind and compassionate character. She's struggling with a recent event but she's closed up tight and has a hard time opening up to Finn. Finn, on the other hand, opens up to Melody, surprising himself. His pain is both physical and emotional and the author did a spectacular job with his character. I'm #TeamFinn all the way.

Snowed in with the Firefighter is another fantastic book by Victoria James. She is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is realistic and her subject matter for each book is believable. Her heroines and her heroes are not perfect but they are perfect for one another. She writes impassioned and realistic contemporary romances. I've read most of her books and each one manages to evoke emotional responses from me. At the very least, I tear up during some part of the novel. Her characters are believable and realistically written. She touches on topics that are sensitive but she writes them with class and respect.

Victoria's writing is phenomenal. Her characters, the plot, themes, drama, and passion pull the reader in and keeps them engaged. There is true emotion that can be felt by those readers who become one with the books they read (like I do). I am able to get lost in the novels and put myself right into the middle of them. I feel for the characters and drawing on my emotions is what makes a book worth 5 stars for me. If I hurt with them, cry with/for them, laugh, or get angry, then the author did a fantastic job and has written the perfect book for me.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

#Review: Bane's Choice (Vampire Motorcycle Club, Book #1) by Alyssa Day #PNR @Alyssa_Day @EntangledPub

 

Bane lost his humanity ages ago. Nothing is more important than protecting his Vampire Motorcycle Club from the death magic invading his territory. The most ancient of vampires, he seeks cold, unfeeling, bloody vengeance...until a frustratingly sexy human doctor is thrust into his path. She tempts Bane to distraction. And distraction is deadly in his world.

Buttoned-up and meticulous Dr. Ryan St. Cloud never thought she’d find herself in the mix of a motorcycle club, let alone one full of terrifyingly badass vampires. Or how intrigued she is by their dark and enigmatic leader, who seems balanced on the knife’s edge of killing her...or claiming her.

But Bane’s choice is harder than it seems, because when that danger hits too close to home, he’s forced to choose between her life and everyone else’s…

Publication date : October 27, 2020
Publisher : Entangled: Amara
ASIN : B082RTW4SW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jUwlFA

Bane is the leader of the Vampire Motorcycle Club. He's tough, unfeeling, and brutal - he's also a vampire. His club is a mix of those most loyal, human and vampire. When nasty and dangerous death magic infiltrates his territory in South Caroline, Bane and his crew bring forces together to combat the enemy. He wasn't counting on a mouthy doctor who is immune to the thralls he and his vamps toss her way.

Dr. Ryan St. Cloud refuses to believe in the odd occurrences one evening in the hospital where she works. Disappearing patients, beautiful men, and weird interactions are not all in a night's work and Ryan can't let the events go. Ryan suddenly finds herself immersed in a motorcycle club and surrounded by vampires. One of the many questions she has is whether or not she's going to get to leave, or, after falling for Bane, she's going to want to leave.

Bane's Choice is a dark and broody book. Bane and his vampire crew are lowkey, dangerous, and deadly. Ryan brings light, strength, and a bit of stubbornness to the vampires. Sparks fly between Ryan and Bane. Their chemistry jumps off the page even when both are trying to deny the attraction. When Ryan becomes a target, Bane becomes overprotective. Ryan isn't exactly helpless, however, but her revelations shock everyone. 

The several side characters really strengthen the dynamics of the book. All of the characters are likable and I enjoyed their companionship. The story is long but paced well. I was hooked from the very beginning and the author wrote wonderful characters that kept me engaged. This is the first book I've had the chance to read by Alyssa Day and it won't be my last. She has mad writing skills and wrote a book I could sink my teeth into. Lovers of paranormal romance stories will become absorbed in this book.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review: Try As I Smite (Brimstone Inc. #4) by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks @EntangledPub #TryAsISmite

Alasdair Blakesley is the head of the Covens Syndicate. He shouldn't need to look beyond the witches and warlocks he governs, or his own abilities, to solve any problem. But a demon infestation means he can’t trust anyone who may be possessed. The last person he wants to ask for help is also the only person who can fix this, so he sucks up his pride and storms into her office.

And she turns him down cold.

As the owner of Brimstone Inc., Delilah’s passion is helping others with their supernatural problems. But Alasdair is the last man Delilah wants to tangle with. The infuriating man sees too much and demands even more. And did she mention the way he sets her body on fire?

Not that it matters—demons are the only things with which she cannot interfere. Too bad a higher power steps in and sends them both on a crash course of each others' pasts, presents, and futures.

How is a Christmas Carol nightmare supposed to solve his demon problem without breaking the rules she’s bound by?

Print Length: 123 pages
Publication Date: October 26, 2020
Publisher: Entangled: Amara 
ASIN: B08K74WY85

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mtMX8E

My Review:

Alasdair has a demon problem. As head of the Covens Syndicate he must find a way to keep his people safe. He turns to the one person he didn't want to ask for help and she says no, referring him to someone else who can help. Delilah is a compassion person, always helping the supernatural in need. Until Alasdair comes knocking. The problem he has with demons is one in which she cannot intervene.

When Alasdair and Delilah are swept away into vision together, they soon discover it's a take on A Christmas Carol, and are subjected to their past, present, and future. As they try to figure out how this is going to help Alasdair's demon problem, especially when Delilah cannot be of any assistance, sparks fly. Their chemistry is hot and spicy. The banter between them is fun, sexy, and witty. The suspense due to the demon problem, Delilah's binding problem, and their growing attraction kept me on the edge of my seat as the story played out.

Try As I Smite is a quick, fun read, blending paranormal romance and dark versus light in a novella that packs a punch. Both Delilah and Alasdair are terrific characters and I really enjoyed the chemistry the author created between them. The world building was done well and I was able to visualize the story as I read along. The loose depiction of A Christmas Carol brought another level to the paranormal romance and I fell in love with the characters and the story.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

Release Day Review: Runaway Fate (Moonstone Cove, Book #1) by Elizabeth Hunter @EHunterWrites @jennw23

A professor, a housewife, and a mechanic walk into a gym… and walk out as partners in a twist of fate they never saw coming!

About the Book:

Katherine wasn’t looking for anything extraordinary in her life. She had a job she loved, a husband she adored, and a home in the beautiful seaside town of Moonstone Cove.

Okay yes, she worked too much and had fallen out of touch with all her friends, but that happened to everyone, right? And sure, she was feeling a little creaky in the mornings and couldn’t drink coffee after noon, but that was just life in middle age.

Four minutes was all it took for fate to run away with anything that resembled normal.

Now Katherine is trying to place mysterious psychic visions into her previously ordered life. She’s playing referee between a displaced Southern mama and a sarcastic mechanic with a chip on her shoulder. And her quiet life has been upended by a mysterious rash of violent acts by students at her school.

Thankfully, her new friends have powers of their own, and together they just might discover who or what has it in for the quiet citizens of Moonstone Cove.

Runaway Fate is the first book in the hot new Paranormal Women’s Fiction series, Moonstone Cove by USA Today bestselling author, Elizabeth Hunter. It’s fiction for lovers of magic, mayhem, and a solid afternoon nap (when they can squeeze one in.)

Publication Date : October 27, 2020

Publisher : Recurve Press, LLC (October 27, 2020)

ASIN : B08GQW1554

Print Length : 304 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JaX4Rx

My Review:

Runaway Fate is the first book in the new Moonstone Cove series by Elizabeth Hunter. Set in California, Runaway Fate follows the life of a trio of new friends and their newly minted psychic abilities. Katherine the professor, Toni the mechanic, and Megan the housewife and mother are the latest stars of the Paranormal Women’s Fiction (PWF) series. These are 40-something women, strong and accomplished, and closer to my age, experience, and lifestyle. Characters I can relate to better than those in their twenties or thirties. 

Katherine, Toni, and Megan are as different from each other as night and day. One life-threatening event at their local gym pulls them together as they seek out answers to what exactly happened that day. Disbelief, anxiety, and denial abound as non-believers are tossed right into the middle of abilities they refused to believe were real. Surprise! The trio also must figure out why there has been an increase in violence by students at Katherine's school.

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter and devour everything she writes. She has never written anything but the best stories. I’ve been one of her biggest fans since I devoured A Hidden Fire, her first book in the Elemental Mysteries series. All of Elizabeth's novels reach deep within my emotional center and manage to trigger reactionary responses. These types of books are my favorite. The emotions don't have to always include tears; it is just the ability to invoke proper emotional responses to scenarios being played out. 

And, isn't this cover absolutely gorgeous?!

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

Meet the Author:

ELIZABETH HUNTER is a USA Today and international best-selling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family. She has published over thirty works of fiction and sold over a million books worldwide. She is the author of Love Stories on 7th and Main, the Elemental Legacy series, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.

 Connect with Elizabeth

 Facebook: http://bit.ly/2P1f95f

Twitter: http://bit.ly/33UT9xp

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2VUJzrk

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2J6TWD8

YouTube: http://bit.ly/33PeLet

Tumblr: http://bit.ly/33HxatB

Stay up to date with Elizabeth by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/35QNMAL

http://elizabethhunterwrites.com

#Fantasy #Romance Review ~ Arcane Ambition by H.P. Mallory ~ Episode 5

Episode 5: Arcane Ambitions

What happens when Sinjin finally finds himself face to face with Bryn? Will it be a love reunion or will sparks fly?

Meanwhile, Emma’s school is attacked by possessed werewolves, who glow with an eerie blue light. Emma knows she needs Stone’s help but how will she respond when she learns Stone’s secrets?

And Pagan is starting to realize Nyx isn’t all she seems. Can he trust her or will doing so mean his downfall?

And what happens when Jolie finds her feelings for Morse developing?

Find out what happens in the fifth episode of the Mists of Magic and Mayhem Series!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/31KWtfV

ASIN : B08L41L9B3
Publication Date : October 11, 2020

Arcane Ambition is the 5th episode in the Mists of Magic and Mayhem serial by H.P. Mallory.

Episode 5 spends a lot of time with Bryn and Sinjin as they come face-to-face for the first time in 10 years. A lot of emotion erupts and I can't help but feel sadness for Sinjin and anger toward Bryn.  Bryn keeping their daughter Rowan away from her father disgusts me. The issues between them should have never led to Sinjin missing out on 10 years of his child's life because Bryn was angry at him over something that did not involve Rowan. I actually see Bryn in a completely different way now than I did in the Bryn and Sinjin series and it's not in a good way.

All to often this scenario happens in real life and while outsiders are quick to label him a deadbeat dad and her a strong, single parent, it's really her fault a child, or children, miss out on having a father in their lives. Please don't argue with me about this. I've been, and still am, part of a situation just like this (I don't have biological children so don't assume I'm the "her" in any of this discussion) and I've seen it happen. It disgusts me. 

While I view Bryn differently now, her character is still an integral part of the series (and I will eventually move past the anger I feel toward her in this particular episode). Her strength and tenacity lead her to the Abyss where she's sure her sister dwells. Despite her treatment of him, Sinjin still follows her into the Abyss and it's a good thing. The Abyss is full of evil and having Sinjin by her side helps keep her safe.

In the meantime, back at the school Emma attends is attacked oddly glowing wolves. Fortunately, Emma and her friends are ushered to safety by Stone. As they try to run and hide, Stone's protection leads to devastating consequences. Emma and her friends also learn several secrets Stone has been keeping under wraps.

The fourth episode in the Mists of Mayhem series is action-packed, fast-paced, pulls the reader in effortlessly, and keeps them engaged. I am excited to be back in this world. Along the way through this fresh, new adventure we get to meet new characters, venture into new settings, and learn new things. The story is engaging and branches in several directions, but it's done smoothly.

This series is amazing. I love that we are back in the world of Jolie Wilkins and we get to see what they are up to 10 years after the end of the Bryn and Sinjin series. Each book draws you in and the endings keep you wanting more. I’m constantly on edge, waiting for the next book.

Each episode ends with a mild cliffhanger and I'm not ashamed to admit the ending of Arcane Ambition made me cry. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

Contemporary Romance Review ~ One for the Road (Barflies, Book #3) by Katia Rose @KatiaRoseAuthor

Better late than never.

It’s the phrase on the tip of everyone’s tongues. For three years, every staff member and regular at Taverne Toulouse has watched Zach and DeeDee edge their way closer to the grand finale of a ‘will they, won’t they’ dance that feels like it’s lasted for decades.

Bets have been placed. Wagers have been drawn. The whole of Montreal’s most famous dive bar is holding its breath. Will the small town boy with a heart of gold finally make a move on the wild, pink-haired bartender he’s been in love with for years, or will the moment pass them by and leave Zach and DeeDee insisting they’re ‘just friends’ yet again?

A rowdy night at the bar gets served with a twist that sends DeeDee spinning—not into Zach’s arms, but straight into his living room. With his dream girl crashing on his couch for a few weeks and brightening his days with spontaneous dance parties and eventful forays into the art of hair dyeing, Zach’s feelings only get stronger, and DeeDee’s follow right behind.

He calms her storms, and she streaks his skies with lightning. They fill each other’s gaps with a symmetry neither of them can ignore, but every step closer only raises the stakes of losing it all.

Late or never. A choice three years in the making. Their final shot to get it right.

Publication Date : April 29, 2020

Print Length : 348 pages

ASIN : B0871P6P9B

Amazon: https://amzn.to/37dsWPe

My Review:

I love the entire Barflies series but the story of Zach and DeeDee is my absolute favorite. I have been chomping at the bit for their story. The author weaved their "will they, won't they" saga through books 1 and 2 but finally, Zach and DeeDee's book has arrived!

Zach and DeeDee have chemistry, boy do they have chemistry. Zach has watched DeeDee flirt and date for years without stepping up and vying for her attention. When disaster strikes and DeeDee is out of options, Zach comes to the rescue and she is holed up on his couch. 

We learn a lot about DeeDee. She's wild, the life of the party, outgoing, and always ready for fun. What we discover is that our little party girl has some demons chasing her. The author breaks DeeDee down in such an awesome way. We get to learn about her past but it doesn't make DeeDee anything less that the woman she is right now. The author created a strong person, one who knows Zach is who she wants but also knows she needs to be happy with herself before she can truly commit to anyone. 

Zach, oh my goodness, Zach. What a fantastic character!. Always there for anyone, especially DeeDee, Zach is the boy next door, sweet, charming and the exact opposite of the bad boys DeeDee typically chooses. His strength, compassion, and understanding nature allows him to fall for DeeDee but pull back when she needed space. We also saw Zach grow. He began putting himself first after so many years of putting his own needs and wants to the side. 

Both Zach and DeeDee were flawed, required taking hard looks at themselves and who they were and wanted to be. These two were imperfect, but after all the soul-searching, they were perfect for each other. Zach and DeeDee are my favorite pair from the Barflies series and I will be forever grateful the author, Katia Rose, contacted me and requested a review. 

My Rating:

 

Review: The Secrets of Gable House (Lost Souls Book 1) by Nancy Fraser @nfraserauthor @GoddessFish

About the Book:

Noah Miller is shocked to learn that an unknown great uncle has named him heir to the family fortune, including the residence known as Gable House. Built by Noah’s fifth-back grandfather, the house is ripe with family secrets and unusual occurrences.

Maggie Shephard has spent the past ten years researching the history of Willow-By-The-Sea, including that of her own ancestors. Considered an authority on New England history, she’s often sought out as a consultant. When Noah Miller asks for her help in acquainting him with both the house and his ancestors, she jumps at the chance to share her knowledge with the handsome architect.

Noah and Maggie have an immediate attraction to one another, made even more so by the time they spend together researching the Gable family history. The fact that each Gable male died an untimely and gruesome death, leads Noah and Maggie on a quest for the truth in hopes of setting a murderous spirit free.

Purchase from Amazon

My Review:

Noah Miller is the new owner of Gable House, much to his surprise. Noah thought he was alone in the world so the bequeathing of a great uncle's estate is a huge surprise. When Noah shows up in town to settle the estate, he learns his family has secrets. Deep, dark, and possible paranormal secrets. Good thing he has a very knowledgeable librarian, and town historian, at his disposal. She knows almost everything there is to know about his family tree.

Maggie Shephard's knowledge about the history of Willow-By-The-Sea comes through hard work, lots of research, and journals passed down in her family. When the surprising new owner of Gable House comes to her seeking information about his family, she is excited to help him, and maybe get to know him better. As they discuss his lineage and she takes him on a tour through his familial home, they are encompassed by weird, otherworldly occurrences. It would appear one of Noah's ancestors might not have been able to give up the Gable House. 

The Secrets of Gable House is a short paranormal story. I was engaged in the story from the very beginning and loved the setting, the author's writing style, and mix of paranormal and contemporary romance. I enjoyed the quick paced story with likeable characters. The romance was sweet and a bit spicy and I loved Noah and Maggie together. Their chemistry is undeniable and they have wonderful new-romance passion and intimacy. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Review: