Susan's Review of Wicked Whiskey Love by Melissa Foster

Fall in love with Bones Whiskey in Wicked Whiskey Love, an emotionally riveting, sexy new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. A magnificent love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, families, bikers, babies, and more!

In WICKED WHISKEY LOVE…

After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she’s finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. She’s still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle—and to her like a hungry man.

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Melissa Foster has the perfect descriptive voice to tackle difficult issues. Her characters embody the spirit and lives of ordinary people. In Wicked Whiskey Love, Ms. Foster takes on challenging subjects of verbal and physical abuse, daily struggles of the homeless and the challenges of single motherhood. She presents these issues in an honest, compassionate, caring way.

Melissa Foster portrays Sarah Beckley as a survivor, not as a victim. This plot choice drew me into the story. I wanted Sarah to have it all- her family, career and the love of a good man. Sarah’s story unfolds bit by bit during the story. She didn’t have many choices or opportunities until she came to Peaceful Harbor. Through her conversations with Bones and the woman at the homeless shelter, it’s apparent that her children are her priority.

At first, I thought that Wayne “Bones” Whiskey was not the perfect choice for Sarah. I was wrong. Bones appears to be an introvert—he’s very different from his brothers. He is kind and compassionate and very romantic. His story and his choices are revealed during the novel. Loved the scenes when he met with his cancer patient, Wendy. Bones realizes that both Wendy and Sarah put their children first and then take the time to sort through their issues. Single moms have different priorities whether they are working to make ends meet or fighting aggressive cancer.

One of my favorite chapters is when Sarah accompanies Bones to the homeless shelter. She reaches out to Tracey and a few other women and shares her story. Sarah’s gift to these women was hope. By sharing her story she wanted her new friends to know that they could overcome their issues and fears and that not all relationships were abusive. Sarah’s story of hope and the capacity for forgiveness is a powerful message for all of us.

I loved how the Whiskey clan supported Sarah and her children and welcomed them into their family. Sarah’s children Bradley and Lila brought a lot of love and light into the story. The last few chapters of the novel are well-paced; several issues that have haunted Sarah and Bones are resolved. I loved the last few pages of the novel—it’s full of hope, joy and Whiskeys!

The characters and their journey stayed with me for days. Sarah’s story of hope and forgiveness is the perfect message for all of us! Thank you Melissa Foster for another amazing novel!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

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.

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

Last One Home

by Debbie Macomber

 



 

Cassie made a poor decision. Because of that bad choice,

she found herself in a deep hole. A dark place that felt

like there was no way out. No one to call for help.

 

Last One Home is a book with so much life. A lot of

people with so many choices and plans. Trying to 

make the most of every day.

 

Cassie found a way out of the dark place. She dug her

way out, inch by inch. Setting the strong, smart, moral

example for the daughter she is raising by herself.

 

 

Debbie Macomber often writes of forgiveness and second

chances. Work hard. Be true and loyal. Last One Home

brings Cassie full circle back to her sisters. She finds out

that she is not the only one that makes big mistakes.

 

I enjoyed reading this story. Just as I typically do with

any Debbie Macomber read. I hope you will give it a try.

And get as much feeling and inspiration from it as I did.

 

I got my copy in a used book store.

Review by Lisa Hutson 

The Wedding Party by Robyn Carr

The Wedding Party

by Robyn Carr

This is one of those books that has a number of

storylines all running simultaneously. Whenever I am

reading this kind of story, I usually find myself feeling

like I will never be able to keep it all straight. Every time

a new character, couple, situation, etc is introduced,

I worry that I will lose track of them. I often keep notes

on everyone as I go.

But then, it isn't long before the peoples faces start

forming in my head. The houses, towns, seasons, styles.....

They start coming alive in my head as I read. I no longer

need the notes. And then, all the relationships start making

sense. Slowly coming together.

When I first start these stories, I can't put the book

down because I might forget who that person is or where

they are or what's going on with this one or that one.
But once I begin seeing the connections, I can't put the

book down because I have to find out what happens

next and then next and next.....

Nobody does these stories better than Robyn Carr.

I can't begin to imagine where she gets all  these

 stories, characters, names, places......

The Wedding Party is a wonderful story. I can't even

think of listing the characters and storylines.

But I can assure you, it's a wonderful read.

Not one single perfect character. No one that you

will feel is getting the short end of the stick.
If you enjoy interesting characters and rooting

for love, you will love this one.

I bought my copy of The Wedding Party

from Amazon.
Review by Lisa Hutson



On The Line by Kathryn Ascher

Kathryn Ascher's novel On The Line is the second book in The Rocky Creek series and it begins where the first book, What it Takes ended. It's a well-written story of two sisters, their choices and relationships.

"Ladies and gentlemen, by the time you see this, I will be dead. But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Richard Wagoner. While I may be a nobody to most of you, I am a husband, father, son and brother, and  to one special woman that you all know and love, I am a brother-in-law." 

Richard outlines his plot to kill himself and his son while his wounded sister-in-law, Kelsey watches. He ends his video with the following statement: 

"Ladies and gentlemen, Officer Nathan Harris, one of our trusted boys in blue has been taking his job description a little too seriously. It seems he thought he needed to protect and serve my wife, and he did it quite thoroughly. if I were a betting man, I would put money on him being little Zoe's father."

Janelle Wagoner is shocked to watch her late husband's video on television. As she listens to his words, she realizes that her entire life is unraveling in front of millions of people. Richard's words drive this story and his presence is felt during the novel. 

Kathryn Ascher presents an intriguing, well-written story of two women, Janelle and her sister actress Kelsey Morgan. Kelsey and Janelle are very close. In fact, Janelle and Richard are raising Kelsey's son as their own. The sisters share many secrets with each other and keep a few secrets to themselves. Ms Ascher portrayal of the sister's relationship with their mother, Mary Morgan, and the impact of two generation of domestic and verbal abuse are well documented and expertly researched. Loved the scenes at Richard's funeral services when Mary and Richard's sister verbally attack Janelle. 

Richard's video alters Nathan Harris' life as well. Nathan has loved Janelle for years and was deeply hurt when she married Richard. Now, he is dealing with several important issues; he's been suspended from his job and he may be a father. Nathan is under a lot of stress. His role in Richard's death is being investigated and he needs to decide if he should he forgive Janelle and become a father to his daughter.

I liked the continuity between What it Takes (book one in the series) and On The Line. Characters appeared in book books and the crossover plot lines which began in book one were resolved in On The Line. I feel that readers should read What It Takes first to understand background information provided. The characters are multi -faceted and realistic -- the author writes a great villain and a nasty mother--and the plot had enough intrigue and twists to keep me invested in the story.

Looking forward to the next book in the series which is due out next year!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman.

Copy of book provided by NetGalley

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Win an autographed copy of WHAT IT TAKES,  a tote bag, 

an On The Line notebook , postcard and bookmarks!

     

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The winner will be chosen and contacted on 12/19!

Review of I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm -- Kelly Bowen

"I have to assume , Gisele, that what you did--what you do--is to atone for something in your past. Something terrible. What did you do in London, Gisele?"
"I got married." she said savagely, suddenly furious he had forced her into this before she was ready.
A charged silence filled the space between them.
Jamie sat back down with a thump. "You're married?" It came out as an accusation.
"Not anymore."
'You're a widow?" His tone softened slightly.
'No. I'm..."  She trailed off, searching for the right words.
'Divorced?" he was incredulous now.
"No."
"Then what?" He demanded. "What the hell are you?"

 Gisele looked directly into his eyes." Dead," she whispered. "I'm dead." 

I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm is the first book in author Kelly Bowen's Lords of Worth series. The book is a fast -paced historical filled with suspense and intrigue. The 400-page novel held my interest and kept me on the edge of my chair as the story unfolded. 

Ms. Bowen has created many memorable characters in this novel. The characters of Gisele and Jamie are multi-faceted and their stories touched my heart. The secondary characters are well-developed and play important roles in the story. Gisele's friend Sebastian, who was her husbands servant, plays a pivotal role in the story. He is Gisele's confidante, Jamie's valet and is instrumental in the storyline's resolution. Eleanor, the Duchess of Worth is a wonderful character. She adds a lot of humor with her love of poultry  and her conversations with her son. She may appear to be an aging Duchess but in truth she plays an important role in Gisele's life. The author has also created a truely evil villain, Adam Levire, the Marquess of Valence. His menacing presence is felt throughout the entire novel. 

The storyline touches upon both main character's demons, domestic abuse and the after effects of wartime battle, in a credible manner. 

Four years ago, Gisele had faked her death in a boat explosion which was witnessed by hundreds of people to escape her husband's physical abuse. Gisele has learned that her husband is going to re-marry and does not want his new wife to suffer as she did. Gisele and her friend Sebastian hire former soldier, Jamie Montcrief to assist them in their plan to interrupt the Marquess' marriage. The tension increases as the three characters travel towards London. Will someone recognize them at a local tavern? On the road? On the streets of London?

There were several interesting subplots which added to the storyline. Jamie is befriended by both the Duchess of Worth's son and the future Marchioness of Valence's brother. Both of these characters were well written and added depth and credibility to the story.  I enjoyed the level of suspense in the novel. Throughout the story, I kept wondering if Gisele and Jamie would be caught--would they be discovered? Could they pull off such a dangerous plan and expose Valence before he harms anyone else? I enjoyed this engaging, suspenseful novel and found the ending very rewarding.

Congratulations to Kelly Bowen for an excellent debut novel! Am looking forward to A Good Rogue is Hard to Find which is the next book in the the Lords of Worth series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman *******************************************************************

Susan Gorman's review of I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm was published on Freshfiction.com on Sunday, January 4, 2015. Please click here to read the review.