Welcome to Adams Grove…where the barbecue isn’t the only thing that sizzles. Savannah Dey politely agreed to attend her ex-husband’s wedding, but she’d be grateful for any reason to get out of it…which is why the speeding ticket from the handsome sheriff of Adams Grove is both a surprise and a reprieve. With one quick call to her editor, the aspiring columnist finds herself with a new assignment and the perfect excuse to get closer to the man who pulled her over. Now, all she needs is a way to deal with all the bad memories the small town dredges up… Sheriff Scott Calvin can’t forget the woman who set off his radar, but he’s determined to send Savannah on her way. He’s done making bad choices, and this beautiful city gal is sure to leave Adams Grove once she finishes her story. By the time she’s stirred up a hornet’s nest, he’s already falling for her. Will trouble bind them together, or will her secrets tear them apart? Absolutely delightful, feel good story about small town living, sweet romance, and even a little mystery to solve. Adams Grove is a charming little town, full of colorful characters, good, solid family values, where people sincerely care for each other, and take care of each, and pull together in times of need. They stand on the 'old fashioned' values that so often can be overlooked, making it a refreshing place to visit. The romance happens quickly between Savannah and Scott. The connection is real and palpable, the pull they have for each other is clear. The story is rather clean, but the passion between them is still obvious. The story shows how they grow in the short period of the time, and how they deal with the obstacles in their way. I wish at the end, there would have been a little bit more about how Scott came to his final decision, that the author would have gotten a little bit more into what happen in Adams Grove (cause I was really intrigued with the mystery/crime Savannah helped to solve) and in Scott's mind before the final moment. The conflicts they face are raw and difficult, Savannah's way to accept things in her past emotional. But even though the emotional moments towards the end, the story is fun, with lots of friends and humorous banter, family, and town folks who are easy to like, and values that are easy to respect. ~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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After a congressman’s tortured body is found dangling from a Portland bridge, the FBI joins the Oregon State Police to investigate the case—and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane, still recovering from a bullet wound, hunts the twisted killer alongside the man who captured her heart, police detective Mason Callahan. But once a third body appears and all evidence points to a serial killer, the public furiously clamors for answers—and the couple’s relationship grows fractured under the pressure. Ava and Mason search in the past for clues that predict the future. And when Ava’s mentally ill twin spins out of control, the FBI agent who battles monsters every day wonders if she shares her sister’s self-destructive streak… Serial killer with cruel pattern is on the loose, and the joint task force is leaving no stone unturned, while trying to find clues, to stop the killings. Ava and Mason fell in love during the book 1 in the series. Now they are living together, their relationship and commitment deepening, as they learn more about each other. They are ready to take the next step in the relationship, as soon as the 'bridge killer' is caught, and they have time to look for a house together. But first they have to find the killer, and if possible, save Ava's twin sister, from even more self destructive behavior. The task force, where both Ava and Mason are part of, seems to be facing an impossible undertaking, since there are no clues, why and how the killer is picking up his victims. The story is moving rather slowly at the beginning, every detail of the hunt for the killer is described. There's not much intensity, more like frustration in the air, since nothing seems to be connecting the victims. Don't know if the energy would have picked up, if some of the detail, not having to do with a plot so much, would have been left out. It can be distracting, and makes the story move slow.. But towards the end, a surprising twist in the tale, makes the wheels go faster, anxiety and tensions rise, and the need to solve the case is urgent. I wish the beginning of the story had the same sharp, intense feeling as the ending, that for me, saved the book completely. Since the Ava and Mason were established couple already, whom loved each other with fervor, and the energy between them was nicely settled, the mystery of the murders should have brought up the acuteness and vigor. But the last forty percent saved the story on that part, earning the book ~ Three Spoons Beyond Limits The Tracers Series #8 By: Laura Griffin Releasing January 27th, 2015 Pocket Books FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. . . . On the surface Derek’s offering a simple deal—Elizabeth provides him with intel, he delivers the terrorist. But he knows nothing about Elizabeth is easy, and now their volatile relationship threatens to distract him from the most important mission of his career. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, he and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating impending attack . . . or stop a ruthless enemy from escaping to kill again. A story that had me so worked up, at the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and up till late at night, just to find what happens next. I liked the energy and the connection between Elisabeth and Derek. It was real, raw and fresh. They worked well together as a team, they had respect for each other, and learned to communicate and share, even though it did take an effort. The infatuation they had had with each other had grown over time, and deepened to something solid and lasting. The passion between them was palpable, steamy, and enticing. And yet, at the same time, adorably tender and delicate. The action was constant, the intensity level rising as the story went on. The frustrating and demanding hunt for the terrorist seemed hopeless at times, and the fact that they were running out of time, brought another level of anxiety and excitement to the tale. I enjoyed the humorous bits in the story, the interactions with the characters, how everything fit together at the end like a pieces of a puzzle. The fact that Derek was able to advance the hunt for the terrorists immeasurably in his own style, while others were playing by the book, and bound by the rules, and the friction that brought, gave another level of jitters into the adventure. Brilliant plotting, drafting all the pieces together from intense action, spicy romance, to the secondary story lines, weaving them together into a one thrilling tale ~ Five Spoons! New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner (for the books Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book. Visit Laura at www.LauraGriffin.com or Facebook.com/LauraGriffinAuthor Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads WOO ME… Designing and running a unique and successful family oriented South Carolina resort has been Alexandra Haughton’s passion. She’s not about to allow her crown jewel to be bought and revamped by a huge conglomerate even if CEO, Sterling Powell, personally arrives, champagne and contract in hand to try to persuade her to change her mind. He’s handsome, smart and wields a devilish smile that promises serious bedroom skills. Alexandra’s interest is caught, but not for making a sale. Her body may be on offer but not her hotel so Sterling needs to up his game. RESIST ME… Sterling Powell is determined to add Alexandra Haughton’s celebrated resort to his balance sheet, and the minute he sees her sexy lips mouth ‘no,’ the red flag of challenge has been waved. He’s never backed down from a challenge, and it’s clear that his persuasive skills need to extend outside the boardroom. Alexandra Haughton requires some serious exploration of reintroducing to life’s most delicious pleasures---moonlit beach walks, candle-lit dinners and skin scorching kisses. No one said he had to play fair, and he doesn’t intend to. Only when sizzling sex isn’t enough and Sterling wants a more permanent merger, does he realize this is one challenge he can’t afford to lose. This story made me just sad, because it wasn't celebrating love and life, as romance novels usually are. It was all about power games, being in charge, having control, calculating every move, it all was just so ruthless, pointless. They withhold all the personal, intimate details about themselves, just to win in the game. After thirty percent I thought, there has to be SO much sweetness coming up, to make up the beginning, but there wasn't, there was hot, detailed sex scenes, one after another. And I say sex, not love, since that is how it came across, and that is what the characters wanted. The secondary couple Jessica and Dan could have been sweeter, but the twin brother Brad with his jealous meanness, was just too much for me. These people were hiding from life, feelings, living the corporate life, with nothing real and joyful in their life. Even family was something of an obligation, or barrier against the real world, real feelings. I don't like to write bad reviews, and if this wasn't an arc copy I got to be reviewed, I would have not published this. I had a hard time finishing this book, it is a short read, that took me two days to get through. If you like hard corporate world, with calculating, fierce people, who would do anything to get to their goal, what they want, then this book is for you. But it wasn't for me, unfortunately. ~ One Spoon Ryder and Dee have been striking sparks off each other for years. They’ve blown hot and cold, argued, laughed, and clashed. Half the townsfolk wonder if they’ll kill each other, the other half if it will turn to romance. No woman was ever going to pin bad boy Ryder down, but something is happening, something that will make him look at the curvy blonde with new eyes…but will it be too late? I've been waiting for this book since the series started, Ryder and Dee has been putting out all kinds of fireworks, the prickly, sarcastic humor and banter between them has been so entertaining through the series. And this story didn't disappoint. The bad boy Ryder finally sees the light, and what has been in front of him his whole life, who knew he would have such a romantic side. They are scorching hot, all fire and heat, combustible, and not just verbally... Little intrigue mixed into the story, with someone after Dee with pranks, that comes to a bloody end. Townsfolk who are not happy that Ryder and Dee have finally found each other. The group of friends, who are like your best friends, they are supportive, charming, sharp, and fun. The meddling small town folks, the Aussie slang, families, and enemies - flowing, realistic, so easy to relate to, and down-to-earth story telling. I'm a huge Angela Verdenius fan, she writes stories that are memorable, pure entertainment, with the people you relate to. They are definite keepsakes, that I have been reading again and again. And Ryder and Dee's story is one of my favorites so far, sizzling, fiery romance, a bit of intrigue, with your best friends in a charming little town somewhere in Australia ~ Five Spoons! In His Keeping Slow Burn #2 By: Maya Banks Releasing January 27th, 2015 Avon Romance #1 bestselling author Maya Banks continues her suspenseful and steamy Slow Burn trilogy with this second book-a twisting tale featuring a strong yet vulnerable heroine in danger and the sexy alpha hero who must save her. Abandoned as a baby to a young wealthy couple and raised in a world of privilege, Arial has no hint of her past or who she belonged to. Her only link lies in the one thing that sets her apart from everyone else—telekinetic powers. Protected by her adoptive parents and hidden from the public to keep her gift secret, Ari is raised in the lap of luxury, and isolation. That is, until someone begins threatening her life. Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. As the head of Deveraux Security, he’s more than familiar with the realities of physic powers. So when a family friend approaches him about protecting his daughter, he’s more than ready to jump on board. What Beau isn’t prepared for is the extent of his attraction to his beautiful and powerful client. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. Even if it costs him his life. From the page one I was captivated by this compelling story, and was hanging on to every word. The plot is set with skill and the tale flows like a river, as the history of Arial, and her parents, at the beginning of the book paint such a loving, touching and tender picture of the family. The powerful and raw connection Ariel and Beau have, also has a history, and makes you want to believe in destiny and serendipity. This story proves once again, that the tougher they are, the harder they fall. Beau, the grouchy alpha male, talking about his feelings, taking tender care of Ariel, protecting her, and fighting for her, is nothing but adoring. The love scenes are nearly poetic in nature, filled with passion, true connection of heart, mind, and soul. The action kicks the adrenaline going. The fear and threat are palpable, the psychic abilities interesting and intriguing, the fights against the evil villains energetic and merciless. When the story makes you smile with the merry banter of the characters, sigh with the sweetness of the romance, shed a tear for the heartbreaking events, makes your heart beat rise with the fierce action, and at the end wish you could stay in that magic the tale weaved, it more than deserves ~ Five Spoons!!!! Maya Banks is a #1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, Scottish historical romances. She is the author of the Breathless Trilogy, the KGI novels, the Sweet series, and the Colters Legacy novels. She lives in the South with her husband and three children and other assorted babies, such as her two Bengal kitties and a Calico who’s been with her as long as her youngest child. She’s an avid reader of romance and loves to dish books with her fans and anyone else who’ll listen! She very much enjoys interacting with her readers on Facebook and Twitter as well as in her Yahoo! Group. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Fire Me Up Pine Mountain # 4 By: Kimberly Kincaid Releasing January 27th, 2015 Zebra/ Kensington IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT… Teagan O’Malley can handle a crisis. She’s a paramedic, it’s her job. But she never expected to land in the kitchen of her father’s pub, with no notice, no cash, and no room for error. The kitchen is not her favorite place. Lucky for her, she just scraped a bad-boy chef off the pavement after a motorcycle accident—and something about him says he can turn up the heat in more ways than one. Adrian Holt has had a rough few years, and he’s not eager to get tangled up in anything more complicated than a good risotto. But with a broken arm and a head full of bad memories, he needs a challenge to keep him sane. Teagan’s dare-me attitude and smoldering mess of a bar are just what the doctor ordered. And the two of them together might cook up some even better medicine… I loved absolutely every aspect of this story. Teagan and Adrian together were just fire and spice. The verbal ribbing between them was energizing, the physical chemistry explosive, the mental connection so utterly sweet, making their team work seamless and effortless. They made such a harmony together, both in and out of the kitchen, their desire to take care of each other just melted my heart - watching them fall in love was magical. The threat from the loan shark, and from the parole officer, brought tension and pressure to the story, giving it even more depth. The action in the kitchen, the love of food, the passion to get it right, kicked up my adrenaline going. The rush of service, the stress of line service, the non-stop noise of the tickets coming in, the prep, the burn in your feet and back after long shift - AH, I cherished every word. The loyalty and unity of the staff, to pull it all together and save the pub, and how the small town gathers its forces, and together they make it happen made me want to cheer. The planning, organizing and agony of the permits for a big event all so familiar to me, made me smile. With invigorating details of the hospitality industry seen from the small town pub's point of view, mixed with a marvelous romance, and drizzle of suspense in a nicely flowing story only deserves ~ Five Spoons! Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she's not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber", she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2011 RWA Golden Heart® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Her digital Line series is all about the hot cops and sexy chefs of Brentsville, New York. She is also the author of the Pine Mountain series, which follows small town singles as they find big-time love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads When Sarah's sister suddenly reappears, only to disappear again--in the same manner as her parents--can Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason help her to solve the mystery that's still haunting her? After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school. Sarah's joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed. As she learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents' murder. Sarah enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide--even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family. The little town with its colorful people seemed interesting, the Mennonite church and culture were something new to me. Sarah's faith and friendly people of Sanctuary have helped her to grow into the person she is today, despite the childhood drama she went through. And now they have to step up ten fold, since it seems that drama has come to visit Sarah's life once again. The story was told in first person POV, by Sarah. I think that limited somewhat how the story was built, and here is why: Faith and belief in God guided Sarah's life. When suspense, action was about to get intense, Sarah would pray for peace, and the suspenseful intensity would deflate. Again and again. I guessed who the villain was, as soon as they were introduced into the scene, so that intrigue was absent as well. There wasn't any romance, just an idea of it to come sometime in the future, after the suspenseful events were over. Sarah and Paul were attracted to each other, said as much, but decided to wait with a relationship for the drama to be over with, and after Sarah got over her self esteem problems. Too often the story went into matters and details around the town and Sarah's life, that had nothing to do with the plot, making the story move forward in a slow matter. At the end, this was a story of people with faith, how divine guidance in the characters lives protect, influence, and shepherd their lives, even in moments of crises and drama to this magnitude. After I finished reading this story, I went purposefully to look and see, if anywhere would be mentioned that this is a Christian novel, where faith and beliefs play a very large part in the story. Couldn't find it. For me, personally, that was not a problem, but I find it interesting, that the author/publisher doesn't see the need to mention that at all. As a romantic suspense story or a murder mystery, I rate it ~ Two spoons Pink Shades of Words is a collaboration of 18 never before seen short stories from 18 NY Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors. These authors came together to bring you a collection of romance that is a must read including New Adult, Contemporary, Erotica, and Dark Romance. Pink Shades of Words is available for a limited time only, so get your copy quick! All proceeds will benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer through the Fifty Shades of Pink team. Move over Fourth of July fireworks, cause Destiny and JJ are here!! Well, not really in full length, but a sneak peek of the new series from Melanie Shawn, Wishing Well, Texas, that will start with Destiny and JJ's story, Teasing Destiny, in July. It is scorching hot, fun, full of small town lively energy, and so romantic... The connection JJ and Destiny have is undeniable, the ribbing between them is entertaining, the understanding of each other, trust, and desire are rare and raw. The characters of the small town are humorous and delightful, Grandma Dixie is so charming. I fell in love with the town and its people, and I can't wait for July to come and read the full length novel, Teasing Destiny, cause this sneak peek promises to take us in for wild roll-a-coaster ride, Texas style! ~ Five spoons Sam is fast heading towards forty. She’s a love coach about to publish her self-help book on relationships. Yet she's single and hasn’t missed the irony. Looking to find what’s missing in her life she sells her flat in London and moves to San Francisco where she embarks upon an unlikely romance with 21-year-old Jax. Jax escorts her to some erotic sex clubs, some heart-breaking insights, and opens her up to her vulnerable sexual self, all allowing her to take a real look at what was really missing in her life: herself! Often hilarious, heart-warming, shocking, erotic, and always thought-provoking, 'Cupcakes and Coffee' is a fictional memoir based on some real-life events, which chronicles this moment in our time for many women. When the author approached me, and asked if I could read and review this book, I found it intriguing, with the expat storyline of a woman, trying to find herself while living in a foreign country - you know, been there, done that, interested to see if there were any similarities to the way of thinking of life... The book is written in first person, and in diary form. The storytelling is a constant ramblings of uncensored thoughts, where the main character's reflections and attention goes from one thought to another, without any red line holding it together, it seems. At times it was hard to follow, or hold your attention, it felt like a wild ride on rabbits back, who suffers from a serious ADHD. But it made me laugh a couple of times, just the absurd situations she got herself into. And after she returns back to England, the story got some insights, linear, and meaning. The sex scenes are graphic, and detailed, with very little sweetness and romance in them. The recurring dreams of her teenage crush were intriguing, and how it all played out in the end, rather liberating. The expat living, the comparisons to the 'own' culture against the one in US were entertaining, and rather realistic to me. Made me think of my own days in college in the US. I have to say it is an interesting read, it gives some insight into the character's mind, so as long as you remember to read it with humor in mind and don't expect a romance novel, you will enjoy it. ~ Two spoons with a teaspoon on the side Love’s worth more than being right When single mother Leda Plett - who’s doing just fine on her own, thank you very much – goes next door to retrieve her wandering pooch, she doesn’t expect to find the neighbor’s handsome brother lounging about like he owns the place. She certainly doesn’t expect him to go after the deadbeat who abandoned her. She’s not looking for a know-it-all white knight with long, lean muscles and a sexy smile. He’s hot, but she’s already been burned. Rodeo-star turned agent Eric Anders is used to managing people, especially irresponsible males, and he can’t stand it that some jerk has left Leda high and dry. Clearly, the boots-and-sundress wearing mouthy mama needs someone on her side. He could change her life, if only she would let him! And it has nothing to do with the fact that her sparkly exterior hides a spirit that is as sweet as it is strong – and irresistible. In fact, Leda is more mature than her years. She feels the weight of her mistakes, and wants only to make sure her daughter doesn’t suffer for them. Eric’s hot gaze makes her weak in the knees but Leda’s track record with men is as bad as it is short. Can she trust the cowboy next door? When Eric’s well-intentioned actions inadvertently reveal a shameful secret from Leda’s past, he realizes she never needed him at all. As he watches her rise above the humiliation, he knows he must find a way to make it up to her, or risk losing the one girl he now can’t live without Opposites attracts in a familiar setting in Marietta, Montana. If you read the Christmas stories from Marietta Montana, you might remember the heartrendingly beautiful new start Melinda and Austin had in his old family farm, and how they 'adopted' Leda, a very pregnant single girl with no place to go. Now, Leda has made her place in the little community, her baby girl is teething, and a handsome, rich, older brother of Chad, Eric, has moved to the neighborhood. The attraction is immediate, and rather sweet. They are complete opposite of each other, and they both are fighting the connection, attraction, in their own way. While Leda is prickly, Eric is a bit pompous, they both are 'in control' type of people, and the sparks are flying, in more than one way. It is a quick read, with lovely Montana summer on the background, loving friends surrounding the couple, lessons of compromise, trust, and 'home is where your heart is' way. It has a sweet tone, with a happy ending that will make you smile. ~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side |