Susan's Review of Sweet Rogue of Mine by Shana Galen--The Survivors Series #9

An outcast who sees too much…A sharpshooter who’s lost his sight…
When a stray pistol ball from the battlefield took Nash’s sight, it also took his entire identity. He’s retreated to his father’s county home to lick his wounds, but his drinking and isolation have only made things worse. When Nash’s father, a powerful earl, threatens to send Nash to an asylum, his former brothers-in-arms call in one of their own to set Nash back on the right course. Nash fears he’s fallen too far and perhaps ending it all is the best solution. Until he encounters a woman in the garden signing a bawdy tune at the top of her lungs.


Prudence Howard has traveled the world with her missionary parents. But after the scandal she caused in Cairo, they’ve foisted her on a vicar in the small town of Milcroft and sailed to the Far East to evangelize without her. Pru doesn’t mean to cause trouble; it’s just that being good is so very hard. When she meets Nash Pope, she’s instantly intrigued. He might be hot-tempered, but he’s handsome and unusual and arouses her interest and passion like no one she’s ever met. He might not know he needs or even wants her help, but Pru has a plan to save him.
Together they glimpse a brighter future.
Nash is bewildered by the unconventional woman who keeps turning up on his doorstep. She tries to teach him night writing, claims a feral peacock is a momentous sign, and makes his toes curl when she kisses him. She refuses to give up on him. But though Nash finds it easy to believe in Pru, can he ever trust himself again?



<

Shana Galen is one of my favorite authors. Her novels are filled with captivating characters, intriguing conflict and sizzling romance. She pairs an unlikely couple – a blind soldier and a missionaries daughter-in Sweet Rogue of Mine resulting in an excellent read!

Nash Pope was a member of the Draven’s Dozen; a group of elite soldiers. As a sharpshooter, he played an important role in covert operations against Napoleon’s army. A piece of shrapnel leaves Nash blind but, more importantly, robs him of his identity and self-worth. Shana Galen writes Nash’s story with honestly and emotion. Nash’s struggle drew me into the story immediately.

Prudence Howard is Fabulous! She’s a free spirit, an intelligent and kind person. Although she’s travelled the world with her missionary parents, her manners, clothing and behavior aren’t accepted by most of residents in the village.

I loved this fast paced novel as it had several supporting sub plots. Rowden travels to Nash’s estate to help him get back on his feet and get the estate and its grounds in shape. As one of the survivors, Rowden understands what Nash experienced during the war. The pieces of Nash’s story unfold during the conversations between the two ex-soldiers and this information is significant to the story. Prudence experiences are important to the story as well. She wants to help Nash by teaching him night writing—a form of Braille. Both Nash and Prudence have scars. Nash’s are visible while Pru’s are emotional—these wounds bond the two characters. I was invested in their friendship, loved how they only believed the best in each other and enjoyed watching their friendship deepen into a romance.

If you are looking for a fast paced novel filled with fabulous characters and a fantastic story-pick up a copy of Sweet Rogue of Mine!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Kindle copy purchased through Amazon

Susan's Review of Blackout After Dark by Marie Force-- Gansett Island #23

The lights are out on Gansett, and things are getting steamy!

An island-wide power failure has thrust Gansett into darkness.

We’ll take this opportunity to catch up with each of the couples we’ve come to know and love, and meet a few new characters who’ll appear in upcoming books.

It’s the heart of summer, the power’s out and things are getting hot on Gansett Island!

I highly recommend Marie Force's Blackout After Dark! I was engaged in this character driven novel set on Gansett Island from start to finish.

Marie Force is a fabulous story teller. I adore the Gansett Island series because each one of the characters brings something unique to the island community and their stories are important threads in this ongoing series. I enjoyed catching up with my favorite friends Mac and Maddie, Luke and Sydney, Abby and Adam and Dan and Kara…and of course Big Mac!—and being introduced to Dara, Oliver, Cooper, Jack and Piper.

I really love that the novel was a full cast book and that the storylines were told from each characters point of view. I adored the laugh out loud banter between the McCarthy brothers: Mac, Adam, Evan and Grant, the heartfelt conversations between Charlie and Stephanie and checking in with Paul and Alex Martinez and their family. Big Mac McCarthy is the heart and soul of this series; his dream of raising his family and building his business has come true. Loved that Big Mac cares for his community and continues to dream big by working on renovation projects with his son Mac.

Marie Force weaves the important moments -- passion, conflict and poignant conversations-into a fabulous cohesive book. She blends the themes of romance, forgiveness and hope with laughter and love in each chapter. I loved meeting the new characters and was drawn into Dara and Oliver’s story and I can’t wait to read their journey. There are lots of surprises in each characters storylines and the conclusion was perfect—yes I cried---I was surprised and loved every word!

If you are looking for the perfect read this holiday weekend—pick up a copy of Blackout After Dark!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Paperback copy purchased through Marie Force's online store.

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont, Quantum and Miami Nights.

Her books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Susan's Review of What I like About You by Claire Hastings --Indigo Royal Resorts--3

Dalton “Tripp” Sutherland fully realizes just how badly he screwed up ten years ago, resulting in the loss of the best friend he ever had – the incomparable Zara Wellington. From the outside looking in, it may appear that he’s living his best life, spending his days sailing and being the resort playboy, but deep down he’s still haunted by the unforgivable words he uttered that night in high school. If only he had a chance to prove to her that he didn’t mean what he’d said.

Life for Zara Wellington is pretty amazing. As creator and lady-boss behind the top beauty blog on the internet, she gets to travel the world trying out new spas and is even on the verge of having her journalistic dreams come true. Even though she still carries around her life-long insecurities about her weight, it’s rare that she ever thinks about that night she overheard the unimaginable come from the only person she thought ever really cared for her – her best friend Tripp.

But when Zara shows up at the Indigo Royal Resort to review the brand new Cherish Spa, the two come face to face for the first time in ten years. Can they manage to get past everything from that night all those years ago and the painful feelings that still linger, or is the damage done forever?

Claire Hastings’ What I Like About You is a novel of second chances. The chemistry, emotional dialogue and the romance between Dalton and Zara drew me into the novel instantly.

I have been waiting for the swoony Dalton to meet his match and the author did not disappoint! Sexy, charming and handsome best describe Dalton. He left behind a lucrative job in Atlanta for the carefree island life. Sparks ignite when he ran into Zara Wellington, his childhood friend, at the resort. Their meeting is awkward at best because Dalton and Zara have not spoken to each other in ten years.

Zara is a successful lifestyle blogger with a huge following She’s been invited to Indigo Royale to review her experience at the resorts new spa. Zara has worked hard to create her beauty blog and her efforts are being recognized-she has a chance at her own tv show. Her review could make or break the spa.

Claire Hastings writes a fantastic story for this couple. In order to understand the emotional depth of Zara and Dalton’s breakup, she uses flashback scenes. These scenes show how much the couple cared for each other and the event that shattered their friendship. The author takes a bold step by portraying Dalton-everyone’s best friend- in a bad light. As the novel unfolds, Dalton is given a chance to redeem himself. Forgiveness and honesty are huge themes in this story of second chances. Loved all of the secondary characters-especially Zara’s best friend Antwan! Loved the laugh out loud conversations between Zara and Antwan. The well-paced engaging storyline blended romance, secrets and drama perfectly.

Kudos to Claire Hastings for writing an emotional second chance story for Dalton Sutherland and Zara Wellington!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.

Click HERE to Visit Claire's website

Sign Up for Claire’s Newsletter HERE!

Find Claire on Facebook HERE, Goodreads HERE, Instagram HERE and her Facebook Reader page HERE!!