Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Sisterchicks Do the Hula - by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks Do The Hula
by Robin Jones Gunn

What a wonderful womens story!!
Hope and Laurie have been great friends their
entire adult lives. Even when they have gone
stretches of time with little or no contact.
They planned a Hawaiian vacation back in their
college days. Ahhh.....the college days. But
one thing and another stopped them from it.
Now, they are long past college and they
are going to do it. They are going to Hawaii.
Hope finds out she is pregnant as the plans
have been made. But that is not stopping
anything. Sweet little Emily Rose will be
going along on this girls trip. Hope and her
husband are thrilled about the baby. But
she surely is a game changer.
Laurie is also at a life changing cross roads.
She and her husband are considering buying
a new house. Their dream home. But Laurie
is not feeling it about this house. And her husband
is all in. How can she tell him how she feels
without taking away his dream?
The friends meet up in Hawaii. And wander in and out,
from one adventure to another. There are surprises along
the way. As the trip unfolds, they both find themselves
feeling the hand of God leading them. Sending messages.
The experiences remind them just how important
their friendship really is. They remember that life
isn't over until its over. Life holds treasures.  
This is a lovely story of friendship, marriage,
trying new things, honesty and just about every
kind of relationship there is. Don't forget how
important love is. It's everything.
I bought my paperback copy of this story.
Review by Lisa Hutson
 



Monday, June 27, 2016

Return to Me - Movie Review

Return To Me
Movie Review
Released in 2000
Starring Minnie Driver &
David Duchovny

This is a sweet unusual hilarious love story.
It's not often that you have this much emotion
mixed with equal parts laughter.


 I bought this movie so long ago and I have
rewatched it many times. Never fails to make
me laugh, cry, laugh some more.
It's full of family and friends and happiness.
With a fabulous beautiful story, you hope for
a really great ending. And you get one.

Review by Lisa Hutson




Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis - Audio version

Animal Magnetism
Audio Version
by Jill Shalvis

Book One of the Animal Magnetism series.
Released June, 2013.

This is the book where we were introduced to
Sunshine, Idaho. It's a wonderful series. But as
with most Jill Shalvis series books, they can be
read as stand alone stories.

Lilah Young is a tough, determined, stubborn,
animal lover. People lover too. But the well being
of the animals in Sunshine is her passion. Often
times, very passionate people drive themselves too
hard. Spread their time and feelings too thin.

Brady Miller has connections to Sunshine, Idaho.
But he has been hiding out from them for a while.
When he finds himself spending a limited amount of
time in Sunshine, reconnecting with his oldest friends,
he gets up close with Lilah. When she rams into him
on the road. With her car. That happens to filled with
a variety of animals.


This is a story of self discovery. The two of them fight it,
they fight their connection. So how do two very stubborn,
determined people stop holding back? The only way they
have to protect themselves is to keep their hearts well guarded.
Are they brave enough to let the guard down, for just
a minute?

Karen White is the narrator. She does a lot of Jill Shalvis'
books. And she does a terrific job. She is fun and easy
to listen to. I always enjoy her work.
Review by Lisa Hutson
I bought my copy from Audible.com  





Tuesday, June 21, 2016

The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter

Madeline Hunter saved the best story for last in her Wicked Trilogy! The Wicked Duke is a smart, sexy, well-plotted whodunit filled with exceptional characters! Lancelot Hemingford, the Duke of Alyesbury, has spent the past nine months in seclusion at his country estate. Percy, his older brother, died quite suddenly and Lance is the primary suspect in his brother’s death. Lance is a charming rogue and is my favorite of Ms. Hunter’s heroes.

 
The author sets the tone and engages the reader in the first few pages of the novel. Marianne Radley mistakes Lance for a poacher while she is visiting a local graveyard. She exchanges polite conversation with him and mentions his rustic grooming, his beard. Lance shyly asks her if she would dance with him if he shaved. Marianne response is that they should be properly introduced first. Marianne has returned home to her childhood home with her widowed mother and cousin. Her uncle, Sir Horace inherited her family’s estate and is the local justice of the peace and he believes that Lance harmed his daughter. Sir Horace is investigating the case and will determine Lance’s fate. 


The relationship between Lance and Marianne is very romantic. Loved the scene when Lance charmed Marianne by kissing her hand….very slowly. (swoon!) The couple’s romance evolves slowly and the writing is very sensual. Although Marianne appears to be calm and in control, she falls for Lance. The couple is well suited. Marianne brings out the best in her husband and her questions force Lance to look at situations in a different way. 

 
The author does a wonderful job weaving both families into the storyline. Enjoyed Gareth and Ives’ visits with Lance. The complicated relationship between Sir Horace, Marianne’s mother and cousin Nora was an important dynamic in The Wicked Duke. Lance’s desire to solve Percy’s murder drove the plot; Percy’s presence was felt during the storyline. The author was able to blend mystery, suspense and romance in this novel. The conclusion of the novel and the unmasking of the murderer was fabulous! The identity of the murder surprised me—Kudos to Madeline Hunter for a well-written book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Novel provided by the author.
Celeste photo by Susan Gorman


Monday, June 20, 2016

Crazy Stupid Love - Movie Review

Crazy Stupid Love
A Movie Review
This movie released in 2011
Starring Steve Carell, Julianne Moore,
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone


You can probably guess what this one is about from
the title. It's a completely unexplainable story.
There are surprises. Plenty of them.
I love all the unexpected laughter and fun. You
really think you will dislike certain characters
But in the end, it's all about love.
And a happy life.
This movie is one fantastic scene after another.
This is just one of them. Looking for a romantic
movie for the evening with your sweetheart?
This one will work. It's so romantic and such
real life, flawed characters.
Highly recommended.
Review by Lisa Hutson


Saturday, June 18, 2016

Have You Read Miranda Neville Yet?




Have You Read Miranda Neville Yet? 


Excerpt 

"Is there anyone in particular you'd like to meet?" Tessa tossed down her glass of champagne in a single gulp to give her courage. While she was here she might as well take care of some business. 

"Pray present me to Lord Allerton," she requested, Anything to avoid Max Hawthorne, who, out of the corner of her eye, she could see in conversation with the Marquess of Somerville and another gentleman.

 Jacobin stopped behind Max and tapped on his black-clad shoulder. "Excuse me for interrupting," she said. 'please allow me to present you to my cousin, Signora Foscari. Tessa, this is Lord Allerton.'

Tessa wasn't sure how she managed to retain enough self-assurance to curtsey. Only years of experience in the public arena prevented her from gaping like an idiot at the discovery that the enormously wealthy impresario of London's new opera house was also her former love. Panic seized her throat and she doubted she was capable of uttering a single word. 

Apparently, he was not so affected. He looked down at her with maddening self assurance. '
"Mrs. Foscari and I have met." he said in a voice that would freeze morning chocolate.

Review

Miranda Neville’s Secrets of a Soprano is a fabulous second chance romance. Opera singer Teresa “Tessa” Foscari and Lord Allerton, Max Hawthorne, fell in love eleven years ago in Portugal. Unbeknownst to the couple, Max’s mother Lady Clarissa initiated the misunderstanding that caused the couple to separate. Max believes that Tessa was after his inheritance and Tessa has not been able to forgive Max for leaving her waiting for him at the churchyard for hours.


The misunderstanding was the catalyst in Tessa’s decision to pursue her career as an opera singer and to marry Domenico Foscari, her manager. Ms. Neville has created a superb villain in the character of Domenico Foscari. Even though Domenico has died, his presence is felt throughout the entire novel. I loved that Ms. Neville had Domenico create Tessa’s persona of La Divina, the mysterious, perfectly costumed opera star who wore a diamond necklace that was rumored to be a gift from the Tsar. La Divina was known for throwing china when she was angry and it was assumed by all that she was loved by her husband and very wealthy.

Penniless, Tessa has travelled to London to sing at the Tavistock Opera. She meets Max, now known as Lord Allerton, at a society gathering. Max insults Tessa who becomes upset and throws a goblet of wine at him which splatters all over his suit. Everyone witnesses the argument. The characters of Tessa and Max resonated with me. I appreciated that Tessa knew she had to work to support herself and to become her own person; not the character that her late husband created. Tessa made a poor choice when she married her husband. He was a good manger, not a loyal husband. There was no love or respect in their marriage. Tessa understands that she needs to work to stay on top of her financial situation. She makes several questionable choices as she learns how to manage her career and provide for her employees.

Max’s interest in all things opera intensified after his relationship with Tessa ended. He travelled abroad and visited many opera theaters before he built his own opera house in London, the Regent. Tessa’s sold out performances at the rival Tavistock theater have impacted Max’s theater in a negative way. Another misunderstanding between the couple impacts Tessa financially. Ms. Neville is known for writing excellent dialogue and the scenes between Max and Tessa sizzle off the pages in this novel. Even after eleven years, their attraction is very powerful and the author does a fabulous job with pacing of the couple’s relationship.

Loved that the novel took place in London and that most of the plot revolved around the Tavistock and the Regent opera houses. The competition between the theaters was intense and I loved that Tessa and Max worked for rival theaters. This element worked well within the storyline. The secondary characters are well -defined and add to the plotline. Loved Lady Clarissa and Simon Lindo and their relationship with Max. Secrets of a Soprano is an engaging novel that has several unexpected plot twists. Max and Tessa’s romance captivated me and I wondered if they could forgive each other’s past mistakes.

The ending of the novel was perfect---Kudos to Miranda Neville for another fabulous novel!


Reviewed by: Susan Gorman
Edited by: Jennifer McGee
ARC provided by the author.


Check out Susan's other reviews of Miranda Neville books. 

Dancing in the Duke's Arms link to review here. . 


Christmas in the Dukes Arms link to review here



At The Billionaire's Wedding link to review here.


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer - Audio Version

Nantucket Sisters
Audio version

I just finished listening to this one on my walk this
morning. It has been a fabulous story to listen to
when I am out in the sunshine. I wonderful tale
full of female friendship. Gosh, it's fun to read a story
of strong women that manage to find their way
back to each other no matter how long they
are apart or how far away they are from each other.
Emily Porter is from the wealthy side of Nantucket.
Her mother does try to bring her up in the traditional
Nantucket way. And she does succeed to a degree.
But when Maggie McIntyre and Emily meet as
children, there is a bond formed. And even Emilys
strong willed mother cannot ever completely break it.
I enjoyed the story of their friendship starting as
children. Emily always kind of wishes she could be
one of the 'island people'. Like Maggie is. Their lives
go in opposite directions and then together and
far apart and then together. The ebb and flow of
life, family, love. The constant changes that we all
have are shared between them.
Its a sweet story. While there are a couple parts that
I struggled with. It is what it is. Life. 
Unpredictable. Impossible. Ecstatic. Joyful.
Unbearable. Shocking. Love. Forgiveness.
It's all in this story. 
Kate Rudd does the narration for this story.
She does a fine job. I would certainly listen
to her again.

I bought my copy of this from Audible.com
Review by Lisa Hutson
 



Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Jordan's Return Spotlight


For the first time in print, New York Times and USA Today bestseller Samantha Chase’s debut novel is a heartwarming story of second chances



WILL ONE SUMMER TOGETHER
 All Jordan Manning wants is a quiet summer on the Virginia coast with her sons to recover from a near-fatal accident and an abusive relationship. Her plans to find a new direction for her future are turned upside down when she runs into the first man who ever broke her heart…and he’s determined to win it back.  

BE ENOUGH TO HEAL OLD WOUNDS?
Rob Tyler thought he’d moved on, but when fate drops a second chance with his first love right in his path, his feelings rush back stronger than ever. Rob is determined to give Jordan the future they should have had years ago, but making up for past mistakes isn’t easy…  

About Samantha Chase: Samantha Chase, a creative writing teacher, released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.  


Social Media
   
Buy the book
 Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks  | Kobo 


a Rafflecopter giveaway


     Before Jordan could form an answer to his oh-so-nonchalant question, Jake asked, “Do you know him, Mommy?”
     “Yes, sweetheart,” she replied as she turned to give her sons a reassuring look before turning back to the man in the window. “This is Mr. Tyler. We went to school together.” She nervously looked up and met his smiling eyes.
     “Hi, boys,” he said, relieved that they stopped looking at him as if he were an ax murderer.       “You can call me Rob.” The boys, in turn, introduced themselves and said hello.
     Rob Tyler. Of all the people Jordan could have run into today, who would have thought it would be her first love. She hadn’t seen him in years; hadn’t even thought about him, but now, watching him stand there before her, the years just melted away.

Read more at Samantha Chase's website.



Samantha Chase is my go -to author when I am in the mood for a well -written contemporary novel with wonderful characters and great storyline. She effortlessly blends modern social issues, snappy dialogue and romance in each of her books.

The prologue of Jordan’s Return contained just enough background information on Jordan Manning and her abusive ex-husband Eric to interest me. The storyline in this novel is different than Ms. Chase’s other series; it’s poignant and more serious in tone. The novel deals with physical and emotional abuse and its’ aftereffects. Jordan’s path toward healing and forgiveness is a captivating story that stayed with me long after I finished reading the novel.

Jordan has traveled to the shore with her two sons to recuperate from a car accident and make plans for the future. She runs into her first love Rob Tyler while looking for the grocery store. I loved how Jordan’s sons, Jake and Joe, supplied Rob with the information on Jordan’s divorce and the reason for their vacation. Jordan invites Rob to dinner and she is amazed at how well Rob gets along with her boys. Can Jordan get past Rob’s high school transgression and move forward? The pacing of the couples second chance romance and the dialogue between the characters is superb! Ms. Chase writes an excellent second chance romance and this couple’s journey isn’t easy. They have to forgive each other, get reacquainted and understand each other after many years apart before they can plan for the future. Ms. Chase doesn’t shy away from the emotional and physical abuse that Jordan endured in her first marriage. The author presents an honest portrayal of Jordan’s state of mind as she comes to terms with her feelings. I liked that the author gave hope to Jordan and to her sons when Rob returned into her life. Second chances can happen! Loved the dialogue between the main characters and between Rob and Jordan’s sons.

I would love to see the author write another woman’s fiction novel! And, I recommend this book to anyone who loves a second chance at romance novel filled with lots of humor and love!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Monday, June 13, 2016

Love and Friendship - Movie review

Love & Friendship
Movie Review

Released 3 June 2016
Running time is 92 minutes.
This is the kind of movie that is so very
rare. Funny. Romantic. Silly. Historical
times. Hollywood completely fails at this.
They could make them often and people
will go see them. The theater was packed.
They had the line ropes outside. Because of the crowds.
And there was every
age group. Couples. Seniors.
Teenagers!Seriously, teenagers! Why dont they have
more of these movies??

The lead female character is Lady Susan Vernon
played by Kate Beckinsale. She stirs up trouble
wherever she goes and yet, she has plenty of
friends. Men are attracted to her. Lady Susan
has no money, but that does not even slow
her down.
The only thing is I would have liked it to be
a little longer. There was plenty of story to
tell. Even saying that, it has a terrific ending.
I surely did not see it coming.
I recommend it to everyone. Couples will love it.
Its full of romance but only in the funniest way.
It is not sappy stuff. So even the men enjoy
the humor. I hope you will like it as much
as we did.

Review by Lisa Hutson



Sunday, June 12, 2016

Kiss Me That Way by Laura Trentham - Review




Kiss Me That Way is an engaging story set in the small, southern town of Cottonbloom. Author Laura Trentham has created an unusual setting which appealed to me. The town of Cottonbloom is set in two different states and is divided by a river. One side of town is wealthy Cottonbloom, Mississippi and the blue collar side of town is located in Louisiana. The author does a fabulous job of comparing and contrasting the residents from both sides of town. I loved the quirky townspeople in this slice -of l-life novel, especially Uncle Delmar and the Quilting Bees.

The first chapter of the book introduces Cade Fournette and Monroe Kirby and provides their back story. The reader learns that on the Louisiana side of Cottonbloom, Cade grew up quickly after his parents were killed by a drunk driver. He was determined to keep his family together and worked several jobs to provide for food and shelter for himself, as well as for his younger brother and sister. Cade regularly crosses the river into Mississippi to poach rabbits and fish. One evening while hunting, Cade finds thirteen-year old Monroe Kirby sitting in his boat which he has hidden by the river on the Mississippi side of town. Monroe has run away from her home because her mother’s drunk boyfriend tried to rape her. Cade walks Monroe home that evening and their five year secret friendship begins. The pair meet monthly until Cade suddenly disappears without a word leaving Monroe heartbroken.

The present day story begins in the second chapter as Monroe is shocked to find an injured Cade in her physical therapy office. Even though she hasn’t seen him in ten years, Monroe has kept up with him through her best friend, Cade’s sister Tally. Monroe agrees to treat Cade, who has injured himself while climbing a cliff. The author does a fabulous job establishing the realistic development of Monroe and Cade’s romance. Even though Monroe and Cade share a past—he was her knight in shining armor—they are very different now. Both characters have unresolved self-esteem and trust issues from their childhood. In addition to her job as a physical therapist, Monroe teaches a self-defense class and works with teenage girls. Cade is a savvy, wealthy businessman who is based on the west coast. The chemistry between the couple sizzles and the author’s descriptive writing style allows the reader to see Cade and Monroe deal with social and emotional challenges as their romance progresses.

Kudos to Laura Trentham for tackling the subjects of abuse and alcoholism in the novel. These themes are woven subtly throughout the novel. Kiss Me That Way has all of the elements of a contemporary novel that appeal to me. It presents an original, passionate love story with well-crafted main and secondary characters, lots of humor and a unique setting. The author blended the right amount of humor, passion and angst in the novel. The novel’s conclusion was superb, not what I expected but perfect for the couple and their story.

This is the first book written by Laura Trentham that I have read. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Edited by Brian McGee


Friday, June 10, 2016

Spotlight on Saddle Up by Victoria Vane

Saddle Up by Victoria Vane

Series: Hot Cowboy Nights, Book 4
ISBN: 9781492635109
Release Date: June 7, 2016

About the Book
Award-winning author Victoria Vane lets loose the fourth in the Hot Cowboy Nights series

WILD HORSES COULDN’T BRING THEM TOGETHER...
With exceptional talent and looks, cowboy “horse whisperer” Keith Russo once had the world at his feet — until his career was unwittingly destroyed by an aspiring filmmaker. After being rejected by his family for exploiting his Native American heritage, Keith has no choice but to turn back to his humble beginnings as a wild horse wrangler.

BUT MAYBE THEIR PASSION CAN...
Miranda Sutton always dreamed of making films, until wild mustangs captured her heart. But turning her grandmother’s Montana ranch into a wild horse sanctuary proves harder than she thought. She needs someone who knows wild horses. Keith and the mustangs need each other. And while working together to save the herd, Keith and Miranda discover a passion as wild as the mustangs they love.

Buy the Book
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1N8r4sV
Books A Million: http://bit.ly/1XYVY7A
                                                                        Indiebound: http://bit.ly/26CmdXi

 About the Author

Victoria Vane is a multiple award-winning romance novelist and history junkie whose collective works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of the Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers Goodreads group and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. She lives on the east coast of Florida.

Connect with Victoria

Giveaway

Old West Trivia with Victoria Vane
Mustangs are descendants of Spanish colonial horses that were brought to the Americas by Conquistadors in the 16th century. Their name was derived from the Spanish word mustengo, which means "ownerless beast" or "stray horse." In the wild, these horses bred with other types of horses, including quarter horses and draft horses, to create the wild horse breed we know today.


Excerpt from SADDLE UP
“I can’t believe this whole experience,” she said. “It’s like a weird dream. Do people really live like this? With poisonous snakes and horse-eating lions?”
“Where I come from they do. We coexist with many predators, including wolves and grizzlies. I thought you said your grandparents have a ranch. Didn’t you ever encounter any wildlife there?”
“It’s actually just my grandma’s now. We rode horses and played around with the cattle, but I never experienced anything like this before.”
He chuckled. “You aren’t in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.”
“Funny you said that. The Wizard of Oz is my favorite film. I’ve watched it thirteen times, part of which was a twenty-four hour marathon.”
“I don’t understand you.” He shook his head with a wry smile. “How can you watch the same film over and over when you already know what’s going to happen?”
“Because every time I watch it I focus on a different character and try to experience the events through his or her eyes. It’s all about the journey, not the destination.”
“Which character do you best identify with?” he asked.
“Well, usually it’s usually Dorothy, given that we’re both country girls and my experience in L.A. was all too much like hers in Oz, but I have to admit that tonight I’m identifying a lot more with the cowardly lion.”
“If that’s so, I have something that might help.” He reached beneath his shirt for a leather cord that he pulled over his head.
“What is it?” she asked, fingering the object that hung from the necklace.
“A grizzly tooth. It was my boo-ha-gant.” He slipped it over her head. “Now it’s yours.” He smiled into her eyes. “It will give you courage, but you must keep it secret, or it’ll lose its powers.”
“Courage? So this is really how you killed that snake? Won’t you lose your superpowers without it?”
“No.” He stroked a finger along her collarbone above where the tooth lay nestled between her breasts. “For the record, you have yet to know my true superpowers. We were interrupted before I could demonstrate them to you.”
Her face flushed. “You do think a lot of yourself, don’t you?”
He brought his finger back up to her mouth to trace her lips. “Let’s just say I wouldn’t have disappointed you.”
But disappointment reflected in her eyes. “Well, I guess we’ll never know now, will we?”
“No,” he replied, regretfully. “We never will.” He wasn’t likely ever to see her again, but in their short time together he’d opened up more with her than he had with anyone else in years. “Are you sorry you came?” he asked.
She exhaled a soft sigh. “No. Even with all that happened, I’m still glad I came.”
Maybe her answer shouldn’t have surprised him, but it did. This day had put her mettle to the test, revealing a strength she probably didn’t even know she possessed. She still had so much to learn about herself. He would have enjoyed the chance to watch her journey, but it wasn’t meant to be. There was no point in dwelling on it. The opportunity was lost. Tomorrow they’d find the missing horses and part ways.
He pulled her head onto his chest and stroked her hair. “Sleep now, Aiwattsi. I’ll keep you safe.”


Review

Saddle Up by Victoria Vane

Victoria Vane is known for her sexy romance novels. Saddle Up is not your average cowboy romance—it’s so much better! The author blends the character’s passions: filmmaking and horses and crafts a passionate story which will tug at your heartstrings.

The chemistry between Keith Russo and Miranda Sutton sizzles and the author blends their passions into the story. Their opposites attract romance has a very rocky start and I enjoyed that the author wrote a romance with two strong willed characters. Miranda is a self- contained person who is devoted to her work as a filmmaker. It’s her passion. Keith is part Native American and he traded on his heritage for monetary gain. His family has questioned his motives and are not pleased with him. Most of the story takes place on Miranda’s grandmother’s ranch in Montana and the author’s superb descriptive writing style transports the reader to the ranch. I could see the horses, the fence line and smell JoJo’s coffee. Great dialogue between the couple helps the reader understand the couples desire to work together to save the wild mustangs.  This goal is at the forefront of this compelling novel and it is what makes this novel stand out in the series.

I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the author‘s next book.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman