The Best of Us by Robyn Carr - Audible edition

The Best of Us

by Robyn Carr

Audible Edition

☆☆☆☆☆

Every so often, a thing will make its way around on Facebook.

Someone will ask you to list your 15 favorite authors.

There are a lot of authors I like to read. But when I reply

on that FB thing, I generally list 4 or 5. There just aren't

that many that I will automatically buy. Or that will

absolutely make the time to read.

Robyn Carr is one of them.

 

I have never ever been disappointed in her stories.

To add to that, she uses Therese Plummer to narrate

her wonderful stories. I think she may be the best

narrator I have ever listened to.

 The Best of Us has been typical in that I did not want

it to end. I believe she could just keep writing and

writing these characters and this place on and on.

Generation after generation. And it would never

be boring. Not just Sullivans Crossing. Any of her

stories or places.

 

Dr Leigh Culver is a capable, smart, kind

independent woman. She was raised by her Aunt Helen.

Who is exactly the same. Both Leigh and Helen are sure

they can manage. Neither have any interest in marriage.

What kind of life is that? With no permanent strong

connection in love with another?

Can they leave themselves open to new possibilities?

Are either of them willing to turn loose of their heart?

Does the right man exist?

I highly recommend The Best of Us.

I hope you will enjoy the story however you go about it.

 

 

I bought my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson

 

 



Susan's Review of Mary Balogh's Someone to Trust

During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.
After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.
They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. .

I am loving Mary Balogh’s Westcott series. The characters, their relationships and the settings intrigue me. I finished Someone to Care and was thrilled that Someone to Trust took place at Brambledean Court immediately after Viola and Marcel’s Christmas Eve wedding. Loved the holiday setting, the houseful of relatives and the Westcott family’s Christmas celebrations. Elizabeth and Colin’s love story is beautifully written. The couple enjoys each other’s company and they form a close friendship during the holiday festivities at Brambledean. Elizabeth is attracted to the handsome, charming Colin but more importantly is at ease with him. Colin admires Elizabeth’s beauty but appreciates her calm and giving personality. The couple spend Christmas day outside enjoying the snow. Their sled tips over, lands in a snowbank and Colin kisses Elizabeth. The kiss and the sexual attraction between the couple changes the course of their friendship.

Elizabeth was a widow and nine years older than Colin and polite society frowned upon a marriage of an older woman to a younger man. It just wasn’t done – and the couple decides to remain friends. I loved that the author incorporated the waltz into the storyline. Colin and Elizabeth share a very romantic waltz at Brambledean and agree to share the first waltz at every function they attend.

Elizabeth’s story unfolds with each chapter. I admired her strength of character; she has endured heartache and loneliness and kept her experiences to herself. She accepts Sir Geoffrey Codaire’s proposal and this changes the course of the novel as his jealous, petty character is revealed. Elizabeth fears she can’t trust anyone and breaks her bethrothal and in doing so causes a huge scandal. Loved that Elizabeth’s family and Colin supported her during this time.

There were three anti-heroes in this novel and the author wove each one of them into the story perfectly. The most obvious villian is the veiled, creepy Lady Hodges—and I was thrilled that Elizabeth stood up to her. Elizabeth’s relationships with her first husband Desmond Overfield and Geoffrey Codaire speak to the social expectations of the time. A wife was her husband’s possession. I was surprised that Elizabeth suffered during her marriage and it was accepted.

Colin and Elizabeth's romance has all the feels; it's romantic, emotional and sensuous --think dancing the waltz! The ending was a pleasure to read-it contained several amusing surprises! Elizabeth’s decision to ignore society’s expectations of her and choose love was inspiring. Colin’s faith in their relationship and love for Elizabeth was the heart of their romance—he believed in them. He followed his heart’s desire.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased at Walmart

His Mistletoe Wager by Virginia Heath

His Mistletoe Wager

by Virginia Heath

☆☆☆☆☆

I know the time for Christmas romance reading is

past for this season. Well, for most people, I guess.

I love reading Christmas romance. But sadly, I

usually don't have the time to enjoy it during the

season. So I have to sit them aside until after

the new year hoopla. When its often easy to fall

into a sad little depression phase.

Hence, the Christmas romance.

Always with a happy ending!!

My first Virginia Heath read! Loved the cover.

He looks like nothing but trouble. The back cover

sounded like a good story. And it is!!

Hal is trouble with a capital T! But come to find

out, he is not only trouble. I love that!!

Lady Elizabeth is tough. She only wants to be

left alone. But no one will listen! Her father insists

that she must marry. Anyone!!

Hal is in the same boat. So they join forces.

Hatch a plan. To help each other.

His Mistletoe Wager is a sweet romantic story.

The old saying about how every person comes

into your life for a reason. Either you need

something from them. Or they need

something from you.

Turns out that is the theme of the entire story.

Will they get what they need from each other?

Or will they give what the other needs?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was an

easy read. And I recommend it to anyone looking

for some smiles and a little help getting past

a sad little depression.

Happy 2019 reading everyone!!

I got my copy from a wonderful friend!

Review by Lisa Hutson

To Ruin A Gentleman

The true story of the Scarlet Pimpernel . . .

Angelette, the recently widowed Comtesse d'Avignon, only invited Viscount Daventry to her country house party as a favor to her sister. When the handsome British lord arrives—two days late—he's full of unnerving tales of unrest and violence in Paris. Angelette assumes it's all exaggeration...until her chateau is attacked and her life threatened. Daventry rescues her, and the two are forced to run for their lives. But when danger closes in, will the viscount stand at her side or save himself?

Is not the one you've been told.

Hugh Daventry visits France frequently to import wine for the family business. On his way out of the country, he stops at the comtesse's house party out of obligation. But after meeting the raven-haired beauty, he tries to persuade her to leave France with him. When the peasants attack, he realizes he's already too late, and now he must protect Angelette, whose sharp tongue is far from angelic. Too soon the couple is caught up in the rising revolution, dodging bloodthirsty mobs, hiding from soldiers, and embroiled in the attack of the Bastille. Hugh wants nothing but to leave tumultuous France for the calm of England. He knows Angelette is intelligent and resourceful—a survivor. But can Hugh survive without her?

Shana Galen has crafted a suspenseful story with captivating characters in To Ruin A Gentleman! The novella takes place during the French Revolution and is the prequel to A Traitor In Her Arms. I was drawn to the characters and the drama in this fast- moving story and read it in one afternoon.

Viscount Thomas Daventry has travelled from London to Paris on business. He has promised his friends that he would visit Angelette, the Comtesse D’Avignon after his meetings. He tries to tell Angelette and her house guests about the growing hostility in Paris. He is ignored until Angelette’s chateau is taken over by her servants and a group of peasants and burned to the ground.

Shana Galen has a rich, descriptive voice and it is showcased in this novel. She is able to shine a light on the decline of power and priveledge in French society in this suspenseful, sensuous story. Daventry and Angelette narrowly escape the attack on her chateau and decide to head towards Paris. Their journey is filled with intrigue, love and surprises. I loved that Daventry was a perfect gentleman and just a little bit in love with the headstrong, clever Angelette. Their romance is woven into this story centered on the fall of the Bastille. Ms. Galen creates a sense of danger as well as a thrilling plot as Angelette and Daventry experience firsthand the violence and unrest between the peasants and the aristocrats.

If you enjoy historical fiction with appealing characters and a dash of suspense—To Ruin A Gentleman is for you. Loved the many unexpected plot twists and turns in the storyline and the ending was fabulous!! I enjoyed every word of this novella and cannot wait for the next book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Edited by Brian McGee
Book purchased through Amazon

Virtue Falls by Christina Dodd - Audible edition

Virtue Falls

by Christina Dodd

Audible edition

☆☆☆☆☆

Elizabeth has spent her life as the one that watched

her mothers brutal murder. When she was 4 years old. 

Talk about your reputation preceding you.

But she has embraced it in some ways. Then made 

another reputation for herself. As a geologist.

 

So Christina Dodd builds a woman from that little girl.

And a place for her to live. 

Plus a job for her thrive at.

Who else do you know that would add an earthquake

and a tsunami to the beautiful perfect place that

Elizabeth lives?? There are so many surprises.

 The entire story is completely unpredictable. There is

not a dull moment. Mystery and questions and

uncertainty abound throughout. 

 

Rebecca Soler does a good job on the audio performance.

This was my first time hearing her.

 

 

Review by Lisa Hutson 

To Ruin a Gentleman by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

To Ruin a Gentleman

by Shana Galen

It's a short book. But a lot of story!

These are terrifying times. It's impossible to know

who to trust. But Angelette is determined.

Her personal loyalty will not let her run for her

own safety. She feels like she must stay to

protect friends and family.

Hugh Daventry falls head over heels for

Angelette at first sight. Though he cannot find a

way to protect her. She will not leave the

incredibly dangerous area. And he cannot leave her.

Will he flee and hope she can find

a way to protect herself? Will she come to

her senses and leave? So many questions.

But the first question of all,

have you ever heard of the Scarlet Pimpernel?

Review by Lisa Hutson

Excerpt from To Ruin a Gentleman

Little angel, indeed, Hugh thought that afternoon as he waited for his turn with bow and arrow. He'd never met a person so misnamed. She should have been named little devil. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite work out the French for that. He watched the comtesse raise her bow and narrow her eyes along the shaft of the arrow at the painted hay target. He had to admit, she looked angelic enough. Her dark curly hair had been arranged in an artful style and swept back and up. Her straw Bergère hat, worn on the crown of her head and tilted down over her forehead, was adorned with pink silk ribbon and an assortment of pink and white silk flowers. Tendrils of her dark hair spiraled down about her neck and blew across her pale cheek when the breeze rustled the trees. He couldn't help but notice that in the dappled sunlight her dark hair seemed to be infused with strands of red and gold.

Click here to read the whole excerpt at Shana Galen's website.





Review of Trails of Love by Melissa Foster

Trails of Love*** The Bradens and Montgomerys

Melissa Foster
Releasing January 9th, 2019*** World Literary Press

When Graham Braden travels to Oak Falls, Virginia to attend the wedding of his buddy Reed Cross to Grace Montgomery, he sticks around to help with renovations to Reed’s new theater. The last thing he expects is to be asked to assess and possibly invest in Grace’s sister Morgyn’s business endeavor. Graham is a careful, keen businessman, and Morgyn is impulsive, disorganized, and more interested in the energy flow in her eclectic retail shop than in the accuracy of her records. While Graham isn’t ready to open his pockets to the sassy, sexy business owner, he may be ready to open his heart.


Goodreads Link***** Goodreads Series Link





REVIEW

At first, I thought that Morgn Montgomery and Graham Braden’s story was going to be a typical opposites attract read. The couple had instant chemistry but, was that enough for a relationship? Did the free- spirited Morgn and Graham, the successful, numbers crunching business man have anything in common?

Morgn’s small town values, her genuine kindness towards others and her creativity complimented Graham’s business sense, can-do attitude and problem solving nature. Morgn is at a professional cross roads; she needs to figure out how to keep her business afloat. Her creative energy is a huge part of her persona—she’d rather sew and embellish her vintage creations then deal with paperwork or plan ahead. I loved that Graham presented several positive options to Morgn about her store. Graham understood her creative spirit and asked her what was important to her.

“She soaked in the emotions in his voice. He was the yin to her yang, the cushion to her fall, the only person who made her want to think about tomorrow. But she couldn’t help teasing him. ‘Even though I ‘m not a good investment?’ He brushed his lips over hers and said, ‘You might not be a solid business investment, but, sunshine, you’re the only woman I’d invest my heart in.”

Although Trails of Love is set in Oak Falls, Virginia, the couple travels to Washington State for Graham’s work and to Maryland to visit the Bradens. Melissa Foster incorporates Morgan’s vision of a sustainable community and her genuine concern for the homeless seamlessly when the couple visits Graham’s next building site. Graham realizes that Morgn brings sunshine and positivity into his life. Loved how the author brought the Braden and Whiskey families into the storyline.

Melissa Foster surprised me with this heartfelt, beautifully written story of love and acceptance. They might not be perfectly suited on paper but, the author brings their story to life in Trails of love. Sassy, creative Morgn and the thoughtful, practical, Graham are perfect for each other.

If you are looking for a feel good read – then this is the perfect book for you. It’s filled with lots of humor, romance and wonderful, caring characters. I am enjoying the Oak Falls series because the importance of family and small town values is a huge piece of each story—can’t wait for Brindle’s story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author



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Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Review of Love Me Tonight by Cindy Kirk

She Never Knew How Good Bad Could Be!

Jenny Carman is tired of playing by the rules. It didn't get her the promotion she so deserved, and it certainly didn't get her Mr. Right. Or even Mr. Right now. It's time for her to do something besides spend Saturday nights at the Laundromat. So she's letting down her long blonde hair, stepping out of her gray suits and into some sexy stilettos...

Leaning against a bar, dressed in a lacy, curve-hugging red camisole, Jenny's ready for action--and gorgeous businessman Robert Marshall eagerly takes the bait. She tells him her name is Jasmine, a hairstylist, and gets ready for a mind-blowing evening. Robert, however, is smart, funny, sensitive--worth a lot more than a hot one-night stand. But one lie leads to another, plunging Jenny/Jasmine in way over her head. She can't keep this double life up forever--but will she still drive the handsome hunk wild if he discovers a good girl hiding inside?

Cindy Kirk’s Love Me Tonight is a fast-paced, sexy read. The main characters have depth and the sensuous plot flows smoothly.

Jennifer Carmen is counting on getting a promotion at work and when that falls through she decides it time to make a change. She ditches her conservative suit for a sexy, “look- at- me” outfit at hits the bar scene with friends. Jenny meets businessman Robert Marshall at the bar and introduces herself as hairstylist Jasmine Coret.

Jenny’s relationship with Robert becomes more and she continues to lie to him about her identity. They have a couple of close calls but the charade continues. I understood why Jenny threw caution to the wind for one night but I was surprised that she didn’t come clean to Robert earlier.

I loved the secondary characters of Will, Annie and Marcie and the roles they played in the storyline. The dialogue between sisters Annie and Jenny is fabulous. Annie is brutally honest with Jenny about everything; her clothes, her lack of a boyfriend, her job. Loved when Annie ran into Jenny and Robert—and wished Jenny had fessed up to Robert then.

The ending of the book was fabulous! I knew that Jenny’s lies were going to be revealed and I loved how the storyline played out. Love Me Tonight is very different in tone from the author’s Good Hope and Hazel Green series. I liked that there character development was similar. Both Jenny and Robert needed to step up emotionally and professionally; to acknowledge they had to make changes in their lives.

If you are looking for a fast –paced, sensuous read Love Me Tonight is the perfect book for you.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Samantha Chase invites You to Magnolia Sound! Cover Reveal for Sunkissed Days & Remind Me!

Nobody does sweet, small town romance quite like New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase. And to kick off 2019 we are so excited to be sharing with you the first two covers in her brand new Magnolia Sound series.
Read on for a peak at the covers of SUNKISSED DAYS and REMIND ME!

SUNKISSED DAYS
Coming February 26, 2019

Mallory Westbrook is ready to make her move on Jake Summerford, the boy—now man—she’s been crushing on for years. Coming back to Magnolia Sound to celebrate her great-grandfather’s birthday provides the perfect opportunity to show Jake that she’s no longer a child.
The last thing Jake expected to do at his mentor’s birthday party was to find himself kissing Mallory under the moonlight. Though he’s known her for years, the thought of kissing her never crossed his mind. But the shy tomboy he once knew is gone, and in her place is a woman he can’t resist.
They have one summer before they go their separate ways. Insecurity wars with the possibility of a future together, but it could all come to an end before it even has a chance to start.

Add SUNKISSED DAYS to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Pre-order SUNKISSED DAYS exclusively from Apple Books!

 



REMIND ME
Coming March 12, 2019

It’s been years since Mallory Westbrook set foot in Magnolia Sound, but the death of her great-grandfather forces her back. Two weeks to get his affairs in order then she would return to her life in New York. The perfect plan, if not for Jake Summerford—her first love who broke her heart.

Jake always regretted the way things ended with Mallory and now that she’s back in town, he’s hoping they can put the past behind them. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface and Jake realizes that friendship is only the beginning of he wants from Mallory.

With one foot out of the door, Mallory is looking for any excuse to leave Magnolia Sound behind. Forever. Will Jake’s plan to replace the old, painful memories help him finally show her their love deserves another chance?

Add REMIND ME to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Pre-order REMIND ME exclusively from Apple Books!

 

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter | BookBub

Review of The Uncompromising Lord Flint

Imprisoned by her past

Set free by her enemy!


Part of The King’s Elite. Charged with high treason, Lady Jessamine Fane is under the watchful eye of icily calm Lord Peter Flint. It's a task this spy won’t be swayed from, no matter how alluring his prisoner! Only it’s not long before Flint realises that tenacious Jess hides a lifetime of pain. With so much at stake, can he afford to take a chance on their powerful attraction?

Book two in The King's Elite series is another fabulous read from Virginia Heath. The Uncompromising Lord Flint is a completely engrossing tale of lies, betrayal and an undeniable attraction facing impossible odds. Lord Peter Flint has been tasked with bringing a prisoner, Lady Jessamine Fane, to justice. Jess is guilty of aiding smugglers and numerous serious crimes against the crown. Evidence and circumstances point to her guilt. Lord Peter has been badly burned before by trusting a woman that he shouldn't have, so he is determined not to feel sympathy or anything at all for his prisoner. 

If you like a lively heroine who never quits trying to save herself and a hero who is levelheaded, kind and brave you'll love this book. If you like supporting characters that fill out the cast and make this book a cinematic movie for the mind you will love this books. If you love tomfoolery then this is the book for you! 

Just a note, I thought Lord Hadleigh really shined in this book as a side character and I'm looking forward to reading his book in the The King's Elite series when it comes out. 

Honestly, I cannot recommend Virginia Heath's books enough. Just when I think I know what is going to happen in her stories, she surprises me and I love that. Make sure you read all the The King's Elite series, all The Wild Warriners series , The Mistletoe Wager and the lovely standalone Miss Bradshaw's Bought Betrothal. Fantastic books all of them. The rest of her books are very high up on my TBR list.

Reviewed by Kixcatmom
Review ebook copy provided by the publisher
Paperback copy purchased by reviewer!