The Good Luck Sister by Jill Shalvis - Audio review

The Good Luck Sister

by Jill Shalvis

☆☆☆☆☆

 

Dylan was the kid no one had any hope for.

Everyone knew he was nothing but trouble.

Including his father of, course.

Except Tilly Adams.

She knew. She was sure he had it in him.

To do anything great. She was his rock.

But then, he had to go.

 Tilly had never gotten over it really.

The way he just bailed.

But now he is back.

He has done great things.

He wants to have Tilly back in his life.

 

But what does she want??

She has questions. And all of their history.

Can she get past it all? Does she want to

take the chance??

 It's Karen White doing the narration.

She has done a lot of Jill Shalvis books.

Karen always does a good job!

 

Review by Lisa Hutson 



Susan's Review of The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden

The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden
A Scandalous novella
March 21, 2017

Rule #1: Be discreet

No one suspects Bathsheba Crawford of being the anonymous author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. But she is.

Rule #2: Do not fall in love

When she approaches her publisher, rakish Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he's shocked. But he accepts.

Rules were made to be broken …

The requirements for their affair are simple: complete secrecy and no romantic attachment. But the more they see each other … the more pleasure they find in each other's arms… the harder it becomes to remember the rules …

Read Chapter 1 at Caroline's Website! 

Susan's Review

Bathsheba Crawford has a dilemma. As the author of the popular Tales of Lady X series, she needs to spice up her stories to hold her reader’s interest. Bathsheba understands that she needs to experience passion in order to describe it. She discusses her idea with her publisher Liam MacGregor and propositions him!

Caroline Linden is a terrific writer! This fast-paced novella is a sexy read with two fabulous characters! Bathsheba is described as plain and is able to capitalize on this feature when she attends social functions. She hears gossip that she is able to incorporate in her stories because no one notices her. I loved watching her gain confidence in herself as she and Liam began their affair! Bathsheba describes Liam as a rake but, there are glimpses of his true character and family relationships during the story. Loved the clever dialogue between the characters as they push each other’s buttons. The couple’s chemistry sizzles! Caroline Linden writes an excellent story-she blends fantastic dialogue, meaningful social commentary and sensual romance in The Secret Of My Seduction.

So what happens when an experiment turns to true passion? Pick up your copy of The Secret Of My Seduction – and find out!

If you enjoy authors Katharine Ashe, Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas—you will love this novella! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

Edited by Brian McGee 

ARC provided by the author. 

About the Author: Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before discovering that writing fiction was far more fun. Since then, the Boston Red Sox have won the World Series three times, which is not related but still worth mentioning. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages, and have won the NEC-RWA Reader's Choice Beanpot Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA's RITA Award. She live in New England.

The Seduction of Lord Stone--The Dashing Widows Book One -- by AnnaCampbell.

Anna Campbell introduces the Dashing Widows; Lady Caroline Beaumont, Lady Fenella Deerham and Helena, Countess of Crewe in her new novella The Seduction of Lord Stone. The friends make plans to have fun, drink champagne and flirt with handsome men when their mourning period ends. They want to be dashing widows, not secluded woman. Caroline is  looking forward to her new life.  She has no plans to remarry, in fact she is planning on having an affair.

"Silas, I've been thinking about our conversation last night."

So, devil take her, had he."You've reconsidered taking a lover?"

A faint frown appeared between her brows. "No, of course not."

"Oh," he said glumly.

"This isn't a whim. I've thought long and hard about my plans." It was her turn to sound glum."The world leaves widows a lot of time to think. I've had more than a year to mull over my intentions."

He'd spent a year mulling his intentions, too. He'd been planning a journey down the aisle. She'd been planning a progress from one lucky sod's bed to the next. The most galling element was that she seemed ready to consider any fool in London as a potential lover. Except for one Silas Nash.

It was enough to drive a fellow stark, staring mad.

The Seduction of Lord Stone is a fabulous friends to lovers story. Loved Caroline and her hero Lord Stone, Silas Nash. Silas is Helena's brother and he has been waiting for Caroline to finish mourning her husband. He is in love with her. There is one slight problem, Silas is Caroline's trusted friend. She doesn't  see him as a lover.

Anna Campbell is known for her well crafted characters and intricately woven story lines. I loved that Caroline asks Silas for advice in choosing her lover.  The banter between Caroline and Silas is fabulous and laugh out loud funny especially when she asks Silas detailed questions about each one of his friends. I felt so bad for Silas!  His replies to Caroline's questions were hilarious!!  Silas wasn't going to let Caroline become involved with any of his friends!! Caroline considered all of Silas' friends as potential lovers and never thought of him! I enjoyed that the author chose to have Silas go to great lengths to convince Caroline that he loved her as it made the reader root for their romance to happen! 

Anna Campbell is one of my favorite authors because her stories are filled with lots of humor and romance. I read this novella in one day. I was invested in the couple's story, loved their back and forth banter and enjoyed how their romance evolved. It's a perfect read for a cozy fall evening. I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book provided by Anna Campbell 
Quote Card provided by Possum Wranglers Anonymous

Home Sweet Home ~~ By Candis Terry

I love to read a well written novella with interesting characters and an engaging plot. Candis Terry's Home Sweet Home resonated with me and I read it in one afternoon.

"Aiden? I can see by the look in your eyes that you have a lot going on in your mind. I know you've been through more than than most people could ever imagine. I won't tell you I understand. I won't lie and say I know how you feel."

She reached across the table and covered his hand with her own. The contrast was startling. Hers was small and soft. His was large and callused. 

The compassion in the simple gesture stole his breath.

He'd forgotten the power of a tender touch.

A gentle moment.

A quiet calm that soothed a soul.

Author Candis Terry has created a fabulous community in her Sweet Texas novels.  Sweet is a small town filled with lots of real life drama, quirky and loveable characters, and sexy heros and their heroines. The hero of Home Sweet Home  is Army  Ranger Lieutenant Aiden Marshall who has returned home to Texas a changed man. He has experienced first hand the nightmare of war, watched his two childhood friends die in an explosion and left his beloved dog in Afganistan. Suffering from survivor's guilt, he is a man without hope.

Paige Walker has waited patiently for Aiden, her high school sweetheart, to return home. Ms Terry has created a strong, endearing heroine in this story. Paige knows what she wants. And that's Aiden. While Aiden has been serving in Afghanistan, Paige has started her own accounting business, bought a home and started an apple orchard. Paige steadfastly believes that she and Aiden can overcome anything. She believes in them. Paige understand that Aiden needs to come to terms with his many losses before he can move forward. 

I loved the chemistry between our hero and heroine and that they had been faithful to each other while Aiden served in the military. What they shared was special to both of them.  Home Sweet Home is a compassionate powerful story of a couple finding their way home. I loved that the towns people of Sweet were able to show their hometown hero  how much his service in the Army meant to them. It was very heartwarming. The resolution was beautifully written-- just perfect for this couple and quite emotional. 

I read Home Sweet Home  during Memorial Day weekend. It was the perfect time to reflect and read about the sacrifices that our servicemen endure to protect our freedom. 

All proceeds of the novella will go to animal rescue.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased via Amazon by Susan Gorman 

Must Love Scotland -Highland Holidays BOOK 3 by Grace Burrowes

Read an excerpt here. 

What are the first three words that you think of when someone mentions the word Scotland?

For me, the words heather, whiskey and kilts come to mind; not necessarily in that order.

I am loving each one of the stories within the Highland Holiday series! Each novella is well- paced, entertaining and provides a slice -of -life look into the lives of the tight knit Cromarty clan, their friends and the guests visiting Dunroamin Cottage. The author's descriptive voice adds credibility to the storyline as the reader can imagine tasting the toffee pudding, smelling the flowers and listening to the music playing at the local pub. Must Love Scotland contains two charming novellas Love On The Links and My Heartthrob's In The Highlands. The novellas feature sisters Julie and Megan Leonard who travel to Scotland for different reasons. Recently divorced, Julie Leonard has travelled to Scotland to improve her golf game in an effort to be considered for a judgeship appointment. Megan is in the middle of securing a loan to expand her business when her sister calls and invites her to Scotland.

Grace Burrowes is a gifted storyteller who creates unique characters who are faced with every day career and family choices. She tells her character's stories with humor and compassion. In Love On The Links, Julie Leonard's self esteem has been shattered by her ex-husband 's infidelity. She is focused on pursuing a judgeship because it's the next logical step in her career path. Niall Cromarty is Julie's golf instructor. A former golf professional, he has plans to expand his golf course which his neighbor and former best friend , Declan MacPherson, strongly opposes. Declan is my favorite character in this series. His relationship with Niall is important because it provides a the backstory to the reader and connects each of the characters to the present day story. The kilt wearing, whiskey drinking farmer and his lamb steal many of the scenes in Love on the Links . I was pleased to see Declan as Megan's love interest in the second novella!!

Julie's sister Megan Leonard is the heroine in My Heartthrob's In The Highlands. Megan is focused on her career and has put her professional dreams ahead of her personal ones. This excerpt from Megan and Declan's story intrigued me and I preordered this book after reading it. The characters grabbed my attention. I had to know how the author brought the whiskey drinking farmer and the pragmatic business woman together. This couple had lots of chemistry and I enjoyed reading every single page of this novella!!

Loved the humor and compassion in both of the novellas. Julie's character resonated with me. She was faced with career and personal choices. Would she take a leap of faith and make a career change? I wondered what she would discover as she read through Declan's great, great granny's will. Would she be able to find some wording that would put an end to Niall and Declan's dispute? Megan has a few decisions to make as well. Will she stay in Scotland and enjoy her holiday or travel back to the States to start a second florist shop? And what happens to Wee Mary?

If you love Grace Burrowes historical novels, you will adore these two modern day stories set in the Scottish Highlands. Make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Marian Johnson Your.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased by Susan Gorman

The Love of A Rogue--Christi Caldwell

Have you seen the gorgeous cover for author Christi Caldwell's The Love Of A Rogue? I admit that the cover piqued my interest to read the most recent story in the author's Heart of A Duke series. And I am pleased to report that I thoroughly enjoyed this sensuous love story between Lady Imogen and Lord Alex!

Betrayed by her younger sister and humiliated by her former fiancé , Lady Imogen Moore has retreated from polite society. She has decided to abandon her desire for a love match until her friend Chloe Edgerton gifts Imogen with a special pendant. Chloe tells Imogen that the heart shaped locket will help her find her true love. Chloe convinces Imogen to come out of hiding by suggesting a shopping trip or an evening at the theater. When Imogen protests, Chloe mentions that no one will gossip about Imogen because Chloe's brother, the Marquess of Waverly will accompany them.

Lord Alexander Edgerton is an unlikely choice for a chaperone. He is a scandalous rogue who is much more comfortable gambling and drinking with his friends than escorting Chloe on shopping expeditions and to the theater. Alex is upset that his brother, the Marquess of Waverly has decided that Alex must earn his allowance this season and is not too amused when Chloe insists that Imogen be included as well.

The first few conversations between Alex and Imogen are important as they explain each characters' perspective. This conversation takes place in the Duke of Waverly's carriage. Imogen is surprised to find Alex in the carriage.

"I'd prefer the marquess because he is respectable." Imogen gave him a pointed look. "And he is not a rogue."

At her insolent tone, he narrowed his eyes. "And you are disappointed that there is not marquess to work your charms upon."

Imogen snorted. "If I possessed any charms worth mentioning, I would have used them on my own betrothed." Her droll words cut into his anger, drove it back and in the dark confines of the carriage, he peered at her. That had certainly not been the outraged reaction he'd sought to elicit from the lady.

Christi Caldwell has crafted an emotional story of love and loss in this beautifully written novella. The main characters are multi-faceted and the storyline is well paced. I understood Imogen's feelings of betrayal and humiliation and felt deeply for Lord Alex. I wanted Alex to move forward and take a chance on love. And I loved Chloe as she had her best friend's interests at heart when she gave Imogen the gold pendant.

Will Imogen's mother insist she marry for a title and money instead of for love? Will Alex trust in his feelings for Imogen before it's too late? Spend an afternoon reading this charming novella and all will be revealed.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman *

Reviewer's Note: I was so charmed by Chloe Edgerton that I asked author Christi Caldwell if she was planning a story for Chloe. I have been assured by the author that Chloe will find her true love in a forthcoming novel.

"Doubt thou the stars are fire, 

Doubt the sun doth move,

Doubt the truth to be a liar,

But never doubt I love."

William Shakespeare , Hamlet

*Review copy provided by author.

Her Christmas Earl--A Regency Novella ---Anna Campbell

I have read several holiday novellas by Anna Campbell. Each one has been very sweet and romantic. Ms. Campbell's Her Christmas Earl is a sensuous story set during the holiday season.

It's Christmas Eve, Phillipa Sanders is searching Lord Erskine's room for an incriminating letter written by her sister, Amelia. Her sister has recently become engaged and Phillpa feels that Erskine may use the letter to blackmail her sister.

The dressing room door jerked open, unbalancing her. She only just saved herself from tumbling to the floor in an undignified heap. As she stared up at the looming figure above her, panic hammered through her, turning her blood to ice.

"What have we here?" The Scottish burr in the deep drawl brushed across her nerves as sandpaper.

Is Amelia scheming to trap Lord Erskine into marriage?
Does the charming handsome Scottish Lord wriggle his way out of this situation?
Spend a few hours reading this novella as all will be revealed.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Viscount of Vice by Shana Galen

Viscount of Vice  is the first novella in Shana Galen's new Covent Garden Cubs series,  and will be released January 6, 2015. The novella is a fast-paced regency romp filled with adventure and passion! 

Moisture gathered on his fingers, and his hand slipped. He could not hold on much longer. Perhaps his death was for the best. It wasn't as though anyone would mourn him. It wasn't as though he had anything to live for. 

Still, it seemed harsh even for one such as Beelzebub to claim him when he was hanging naked from a window of one of the most prestigious addresses in Mayfair.

Who could resist a story which opens with the hero dangling naked off a balcony ?? Can you imagine? I absolutely loved the first chapter of this novella as it was well-written and laugh -out -loud funny. I couldn't help falling for the novella's hero ; the charming scoundrel Flynn.

Ms. Galen's hero, heroine and their adventures are well -written and the storyline conflict is credible. Flynn meets with Sir Brooks Derring. Derring has some important information for Flynn and the two men head towards the town of Bath. Flynn meets and dances with Lady Emma Talbot, at an assembly in Bath. The character of Emma resonated with me. She's not the average society miss looking to marry a wealthy nobleman. She's independent and enjoys volunteering at the hospital. Emma has been love with Flynn for years. Flynn might be in lust with Emma but he's afraid of Emma's brother, the powerful Duke of Ravenscroft-- the hero from the author's book Sapphires Are An Earl's Best friend.

Viscount of Vice provides a great transition to Ms. Galen's new Covent Garden Cubs series. The novella explores several social issues and introduces the new series villain. I read the novella in one sitting. It held my interest and I am looking forward to the first book in the series Earls Just Want to Have Fun.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Follow this link to Susan Gorman's review of Earls Just Want to Have Fun! 

An Heiress for All Seasons ~~ A Debutante Files Christmas Novella--Sophie Jordan

Reading holiday novellas helps me get into the holiday spirit!  I love a well written novella with interesting characters and a fun plot! Sophie Jordan's 100 - page Christmas novella  An Heiress for All Seasons is all of that and more!

The novella features Violet Howard, an American heiress who does not not want to marry a nobleman. Her heart belongs to her Father's man of business. Her Mother has arranged for them to spend the Christmas holidays with the Earl of Merlton and his family. The Earl needs to marry an heiress for her dowry. He is land rich but, short on funds.

The heiress he'd been avoiding intrigued him. This was his sole thought as he surveyed her. She was young. pretty. Prettier than she realized. He recognized that at once. She did not possess an inch of self-awareness and that was a refreshing change. Most heiresses he has met floated around around with inflated egos, confident that their positions and dowries would win them anything. The pretty ones were the most insufferable.

Ms. Jordan's hero and heroine are well-written and their conflict and romance is believable. Violet appealed to me. She was headstrong, direct and wanted to marry for love. Will, the Earl of Merlton, was instantly attracted to Violet and thought a marriage to an heiress would benefit him. He thought of marriage as a business arrangement. Violet had other ideas. Although he tried, Will could not charm Violet . Their witty dialogue and the many misunderstandings between the couple made me laugh. 

The novella held my interest as I read it straight through in one sitting.  The story was well-paced and the romance was well -written and quite steamy! Enjoyed how the story concluded...there were several unexpected twists and turns along the way.

If you are looking for a lovely holiday story filed with memorable characters and lots of romance, read An Heiress for All Seasons.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman