Did she once have a sister? Has her mother lied all these years? Why?

After a painful divorce, Maisey Lazarow returns to Fairham, the small island off the North Carolina coast where she grew up. She goes there to heal—and to help her brother, Keith, a deeply troubled man who's asked her to come home. But she refuses to stay in the family house. The last person she wants to see is the wealthy, controlling mother she escaped years ago.

Instead, she finds herself living next door to someone else she'd prefer to avoid—Rafe Romero, the wild, reckless boy to whom she lost her virginity at sixteen. He's back on the island, and to her surprise, he's raising a young daughter alone. Maisey's still attracted to him, but her heart's too broken to risk…

Then something even more disturbing happens. She discovers a box of photographs that evoke distant memories of a little girl, a child Keith remembers, too. Maisey believes the girl must've been their sister, but their mother claims there was no sister.

Maisey's convinced that child existed. So where is she now?

Heartbreaking story about a family tragedy, second chances at love, and new beginnings.
Maisey returns to her home, a little island at South Carolina coast, at the time when her life is a complete mess. She is still grieving for her daughter, who dies two years ago, at the age of six weeks. Her husband had cheated on her and left here for the other woman, her career is at a standstill, as she lost her creativity, her brother is battling a drug addiction, and her mother, well she has a reputation of being a cruel and a cold woman. And the first thing she finds out after arriving to the island is, that the boy whom she lost her virginity to live next door.
If all this would not be enough of drama in one person's life, she might have had a sister. And all the evidence is pointing out that a family member might have killed her.
The story is well written and build, there's a good balance between the drama and the romance. The relationship with Rafe is developing fast. His daughter is an absolute joy, and the moments with her one of the highlights of the story for me.
The mystery of the third child brings lots of old feelings, to the surface, causing tension and strain, not only in the family, but also in the town, it seems.
There are several twists in the story, that took a surprising turn in the tale. Can't say it was predictable in any way.
The characters are well built, had depth in them, they are not perfect in any way, but realistic, with problems and flaws. The love and affection Rafe shows to Maisey is tender and dear. He is supportive and protective, willing to take the extra steps and effort, her dysfunctional family seems to need.
Many deep and difficult issues are brought forward in this story, that made me thing and ponder. Not a book you can internalize in a couple of hours, but something to be savored over time.
~ Five Spoons

Sweet and sexy wedding romance, PROMISE MY LOVE, the follow-up novella to DESTINED FOR LOVE (The Bradens). Catch up with all of your favorite Bradens and enjoy Rex Braden and Jade Johnson’s wedding.

Publishing first in the Sweet Life boxed set for Diabetes in May 2015, and released as a stand alone novella in August 2015.

If you are a fan and follower of Melissa Foster's Love in Bloom series, here is a short and sweet story to wrap up the story between Sexy-Rexy and Jade.
After four years of waiting, the wedding date is finally approaching. But just at the last minute, things start to go wrong, some  family members falling ill, and Rex and Jade argue if the wedding should be postponed.
Lovely visit with the first Braden's, where the whole family gathers together to celebrate love, family, and next generation of Braden's.
This is a book #39 in the series, so I would not start to read the series from here, but if you want to learn more about this family alone, Lovers at Heart would be the place to start.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Hard as Ice
Fortis # 1
By: Raven Scott
Releasing July 28, 2015
Dafina

A covert ops specialist, a cyber-surveillance expert, and an unmatched international security and recovery pro. These are the men of Fortis. When money is no object, discretion is essential, and the police are not an option, the wealthy and powerful call on this trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…

Former CIA agent Evan DaCosta is ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James.

A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, a target on her back, and Evan watching her every move, she’s feeling the pressure and the heat. As Nia and Evan become intensely entangled, can they survive the secrets and threats standing in their way or will they run out of time?

What if you were completely innocent of a crime, but all the evidence leads to your way? The investigation to the stolen jewels was intriguing, the way the Fortis found evidence and pieced things together was amazing, if not scary, cause everything was leading towards Nia, and she is innocent.
Nia is amazing leading lady, the past she has overcome, and the future she has worked for herself, is admirable. She works hard, is dedicated, loyal, and on her free time uses her passion for music to teach those, who wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise. She might seem cold and distant, but that is just her protecting herself from being hurt.
Evan smoothly goes into his undercover persona, to find out more about Nia. But things get out hands, things like feelings and intimacy. Evan struggles with the deception, but time is limited, and the crimes have to be solved. And posing as a boyfriend to Nia, gives them more information, and keeps her safe, if needed.
The suspense had so many twists, I have to say, I had no clue who the person behind all of it was, and what was the motivation, until it was revealed. The suspense part is more focused on the investigation, not so much on the action.
The connection between Evan and Nia is hot, but built  on a lie. The moment when Nia finds out the deception is explosive with tension. There was lots of work needed to recover from the lies Evan lived with, trust  to be built anew. If forgiveness was even possible in Nia's heart, after everything that went down.
A story full of surprises and twists in the plot, that will keep you guessing till the end

~ Three Spoons and a teaspoon on the side

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RAVEN SCOTT is married with two daughters and two dogs, living in the beautiful city of Burlington, Ontario, in the greater Toronto area.  She discovered her love of fiction at an early age, devouring hundreds of books over the years. She reads everything from historical and contemporary romance to mystery, sci-fi and suspense. By the time Raven finished University, she had her own stories brewing in her imagination. Writing became a satisfying hobby, then a fulfilling career. When Raven isn't reading or writing, you can find her outside with her family. Find out more at www.ravenscottbooks.com, or visit her on Facebook and Twitter @ravenscottbooks.




Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Close to Heart
Healing Harts #3
By: T.J. Kline
Releasing July 14, 2015.
Avon Impulse

It only took an instant for her world to come crashing down…but Heart Fire Ranch is a place of new beginnings, even for those who find their way there by accident

As the only veterinarian in town, Justin Hart doesn't have time to think about romance. So when A-list actress Alyssa Cole crashes her car outside his clinic, it's entirely unexpected when there's a spark between them he can't ignore. Still, she's a movie star, and he's just a small town cowboy.

Alyssa has learned the hard way not to believe first impressions, especially not in Hollywood. But, 400 miles from her former life with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, she places her trust in the handsome vet who comes to her rescue.

There's no denying the connection between them, but when Alyssa's past shows up at the door, will their new relationship be able to withstand the storm?

I loved Justin and Alyssa together, they truly have some chemistry, sparks were flying from the start. They both are very passionate, stubborn, and lively people, the time they had together was a delight.
With Justin's help and encouragement, Alyssa finds her true self again, after years of being pushed down and abused by her husband.
There were some touching scenes in the story from the vet clinic, and with Alyssa nesting in Justin's home, getting ready to birth her baby boy.
It was also good to see the rest of the family, Justin's sisters being so happy and settled with their men. All the secondary characters are charismatic, and to get also the point of view from Alyssa's husband gave all the drama more dimensions.
But I did struggle with the timing of the story, it all happens so very fast, and right after Alyssa's scumbag husband kicked her out of their home. Within a day she left her husband, she is attracted to Justin. And soon they are intimate with each other, while she is eight months pregnant, and in a media mess with her husband. Yes, the husband was abusing, cheating, no-good man, but in my mind, I would have liked a little better (or longer)  timing for the events.
The Healing Harts series is truly that, the Hart siblings have found their place within their mates, and the mending power of the love has worked miracles with their hearts. I hope there will be a story of their cousin Bailey as well.
~ Four Spoons

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T. J. Kline was raised competing in rodeos and rodeo queen competitions since the age of 14, She has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She has had several articles about rodeo published in the past in small periodicals as well as a more recent how-to article for RevWriter. She is also an avid reader and book reviewer for both Tyndale and Multnomah.








Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Passion this hot can't be faked…

All revved up for bright lights and steamy nights, writer Veronica Chandler chased her dreams to New York City. When she hit a dead end, reality sent her back home to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Saving her pride and her new gig—writing a relationship advice column!—requires some faking. No one can know the truth about her big-city flop or her nonexistent sex life. But the town's irresistibly rugged librarian is determined to figure her out… and give her hands-on lessons in every wicked thing she wants to know.

Gabe MacKenzie's heart might be in Wyoming, but secretly his future's tied up in his family's Manhattan legacy. Getting down and dirty with Veronica is supposed to give him a few memorable nights—not complicate his plans. But the thing about heat this scorching is there's just no going back… and it might be too hot for either of them to take.

Touching and inspiring story about growing up and finding your voice, and claiming your place in the world.
Veronica feels fake, and the fear of people seeing her true self is petrifying. She was bullied and tormenting in her youth, and those scars are set deep in her. She is holding lots of secrets, and constantly scared someone will figure it out.
Gabe has one more year, living the life he has chosen, before giving it all up to help the family business. He is not looking for a relationship, just wants to fully live that one last year, doing what he loves. And then he meets Veronica.
The story is interesting, has a unique touch. The advice column Veronica writes, brings a lot fun moments, as well as deep conversations and possibilities to really help people. Veronica has a low self esteem, and to fix that, she writes notes to herself on the fridge, that end up being like steps she is taking to grow, and deal with the problems she has from her childhood.
The relationship between Gabe and Veronica develops fast, but is believable. They challenge each other, in outdoor activities, in bed, and in life with the choices they make.
The story is hot, the 'sex education' Gabe is giving to Veronica is steamy and detailed. But there's more to their relationship than just that, the feelings grow, and they find a true connection with each other, that is tender and adorable.
Veronica's reaction to the conflict was, in my opinion, a bit too strong, considering their short history together. But understandable from the point of view, how fragile she still was in her healing.
Fascinating and engaging story
~ Four Spoons

Adam Dorsey was used to living a life of deceit and falsehood both professionally and personally. The former CIA operative—with an extremely high IQ—was ready for a quieter, more authentic life. Enter Jane, a gorgeous and adorable hazel eyed beauty that complicated his plan. No matter what she made him feel, he knew that he had to stay away from her for fear of damaging more than just her innocence…

Jane Marshall always believed in the power of positive thinking and all that could create. She felt accomplished in her career, and was blessed with great friends and family. And yet, she questioned whether or not there existed a man that would be able to unleash and explore her inexperienced heart…until she laid eyes on Adam.

Will Adam be able to let go of his past and accept Jane for the genuine soul she truly is? Will Jane be able to navigate through never before had feelings? Are there some things that are even beyond the control of two highly intelligent people? Discover the truth in …Secret Kiss

I don't think that before this one, I have ever read a book that is at the same time, so funny, that you can't help but laugh out loud, so delightfully adorable that you are in a constant state of swooning while reading, and so sexy that I thought my Kindle is going to catch on fire! This was one of those books that you want to devour, to find out what happens, and at the same time savor every word, cause you don't want it to end.
The Hope Falls series are full of charming, charismatic characters, and Adam and Jane are no different. The socially awkward Jane is so easy to relate to, and when her 'Lucy' moments double fold, when Adam is around, and he thinks that is just the cutest thing ever, you can't help but feel for the girl, and sigh deeply with a big smile on your face.
The attraction they have for each other is captivating, turning both of these brilliant, smart people into a fumbling mess. But when Adam and Jane finally open up about the feelings they have for each other, it is poetry, so beautiful and emotional. Adam truly adores Jane, the affection, appreciation, and tenderness is palpable, and whom ever even sees them together, can sense the feelings between them.
When you add into the mix the lovely folks of Hope Falls, Jane's fabulous grandparents, who seems to have a comic timing, and Adam's past, there's a lot of meddling interference, a little gossip around the town, and several serious conversations that has to happen, for things to work out.
All the Hope Falls novels are stand-alone stories, but each one of them delivers the same kind of bang, and joy, as Secret Kiss, so I would recommend to read them all!
~ Five Spoons

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers, where three not-quite-reformed bad boys are about to meet the women who will bring them to their knees.

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.

The tone of the story is an interesting mix of YA angst and dippy humor. Lots of lust filled inner thoughts, and banter between the friends, to lighten up the uneasiness of the everyday life.
There's so much pain, sorrow, and regrets in the past of the friends. Their experiences in the foster care, and after, have broken their souls. The way there are there for each other, support each other, and love each other, is commendable. Because deep down, under all the destructive behavior, they are good men. They just have too much guilt to really live.
Brook Lynn's relationship with her sister is odd, she is acting as it is her responsibility to take care of her older sister. They live in a codependent symbiosis, unstable at the most of the  times.
Jase and Brook Lynn's relationship starts off on an awkward way, as she busts into his bedroom right after he slept with her sister. Yes, just wanted to put it out there.
But soon their thoughts are filled only of each other. The play the pull-push dance for a long time, wanting but not acting on it. When they finally take the step, it is the first step for Jase for healing and accepting his past. And for Brook Lynn letting go of her role as a warden to her sister. And when Jase finally let go of his inner guard, and confesses his love to Brook Lynn, it is true poetry.
I admit something about the story was rather addictive. The connection between the friends, the protective strike the males had, the fun way the tragic story was told. There are issues the characters have, and some events, that were not easy to accept. Certainly made me think, and that is always a plus. Fascinating group of characters, interesting set up for the series
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Michael Hunt is alive--and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he's been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

The story takes off with a rush of danger and menace. The setup is interesting, with Michael's faked death, and Olivia and her brother finding out their father is not only a business man, but also part of the cartel. From there on, they are running for their lives, losing ground constantly. As the events unfold, not only is the cartel after them, as well as the cartel's rivals, but the law enforcement wants Michael as well. Who can they trust, when nothing seems to be, as they thought. And how can Michael trust his feelings towards Olivia, since her father wants his death.
The lies, secrets, and deception have many layers, in the police department, in the cartel, and in the characters lives. As the investigation marches on, one by one all the connections are revealed.
After the initial escape from the island, the story slowed down considerably, filled with more theories than action.
Olivia and Michael feel the attraction, and it doesn't take long for them to admit it to each other, and others around them. The attraction was believable, though lightning fast, making me wonder if it was just adrenaline and the dangerous situation they were in. The story is 'clean', no love scenes beyond kissing.
What I admire about the characters, was their faith. In dire straits, in difficult situations, the whispered prayers brought them comfort.
The story was good, it did have some high peaks of explosive action. The characters were not that deep and developed, there was just something missing to push to the ultimate intense atmosphere, that could be expected with the events unfolding
~Three Spoons

The gripping conclusion of USA TODAY bestselling author Delores Fossen's Sweetwater Ranch miniseries 

The tip that sends FBI Special Agent Seth Calder to an abandoned warehouse in search of exonerating evidence brings him face-to-face with a familiar adversary. Thorn-in-his-side journalist Shelby Braddock is on her own search for the truth about a decades-old crime. Until they stumble on a crime scene…and end up fighting for their lives. Now, their only hope of survival is to work together. But something even more dangerous is drawing Seth closer to the gorgeous brunette. As he gives in to a passion so strong it can erase the sins of the past, he must evade a relentless killer…and confront a shocking revelation no one could have predicted.

Another non-stop action story, that left me gasping.
There's a lot of tension in this story, not just from the action that let me bite my nails, but the family tree is rather mangled with lots of animosity and hostility.
A 23 year old murder, that has risen more questions, than giving answers. As Seth and Shelby both gets the tips of possible evidence in the old warehouse, upon arrival, they don't only have to face each other, the son of a woman accused of killing her father, but unforeseen, dangerous, and deadly events start to take place, and no one knows what or why things are happening. The only conclusion is, someone wants Shelby dead, and don't mind taking Seth at the same time, if that was to happen.
Ferocious, savage, explosive attempts on their lives just keep coming at them, putting lots of others in the harms way as well, as they are trying to find out who is behind the murderous attempts. The surprises and revelations keep coming, the unexpected twists in the plot kept me glued to my Kindle.
Seth and Shelby's feelings grow while trying to stay alive. The hidden attraction they have felt for each other is not so hidden anymore, it is actually so palpable, everyone around them can see it. The situation might not be the best for romance, but the passion runs deep, the desire they feel each other is undeniable.
The relationships in the families are braided, who's married to whom, and who is related to whom is something that took me a minute to keep straight, even though this is not the first book in the series I have read. But at the end, it was all clear again.
A true family saga, with passionate love over generations, and convoluted, puzzling suspense that leads to explosive action
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

When passion is the perfect storm 

Successful career woman Paxton Jones has come a long way from her dirt-poor roots—and the girl with an unrequited crush on high school football star Sawyer Robertson. Gauthier's privileged golden boy was way out of her league…until one passion-filled night. But when a project close to her heart reunites them, Paxton has to rein in her still-smoldering feelings for the devastatingly handsome civil engineer. 

Three years ago, Sawyer shared the most incredible night of his life with the woman he'd long admired. Afterward, Paxton left town without even saying goodbye. Now, thrown together on a mission to protect their vulnerable Louisiana community, they clash on everything—except their reigniting desire for each other. As disaster threatens and Sawyer and Paxton put aside their differences for a greater cause, will they find a love that can heal all wounds?

The setup is so romantic, they both liked each other in high school, then have one night of hot passion, and now they have to work together to fulfill an important, life saving, project in their hometown.
Pax has had a chip on her shoulder all her life. She grew up poor, her mother did her best, but they struggled most of her life just to make the ends meet. She wasn't part of the in-group in high school, she wasn't invited to the parties, she was the outsider. To protect herself, she developed lots of resentment and judgement for those who had it easier in life, especially towards Sawyer, who she had a crush on.
Paxton's best friend, Shayla, called her attitude 'Mean Pax', cause she wasn't afraid to let her claws show.
But as they work on the project, Pax also works on her attitude, perspective and priorities. Sawyer is fully committed, to make things finally work between them He is putting out the effort, and letting Pax see who he really is.
Yes, Pax has a tough as nails attitude, that made me want to shake her up a few times. But she does work through her issues, and opens up.
The flooding issues, reasons, and consequences that are brought up in the story, as Pax and Sawyer work on the project are intriguing, as so little can change so much, and how one town's effort can be costly to another.
Steamy and  passionate second chance romance, mixed with some mind stimulating social issues
~ Four Spoons

USA TODAY bestselling author Rita Heron's new miniseries, The Heroes of Horseshoe Creek… 

Sherriff Maddox McCullen cradled Rose Worthington, every protective fiber of his being firing as she shuddered against him. She told him how she had been brutally attacked and had killed the man — her fiancé! — in self defense. But when Maddox investigates the crime scene, he finds nothing. No bullet casing, no blood, no body. 

The deeper Maddox probes, the more questions arise, revealing a mysterious past that shatters all Rose has ever known. Caught in the crosshairs of escalating danger — and his powerful desire for Rose — Maddox vows to protect her. He’ll risk his life to find a desperate enemy who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried.

Potent suspense, with non-stop brutal action, mixed with fragile yet ardent, loving romance.
Nothing's what it seems to be in Rose's life, one night, and all she knew about herself and her past comes into question. When her whole life is in turmoil, she runs to the one person she knows she can trust, sheriff Maddox. The investigation into Rose's fiance disappearance, after he tried to kill her, brings more questions than answers, and soon it seems that Rose is hunted to be killed, and Maddox is just one step behind the hunters, one step that can cost them their lives.
The suspense is constant, and the tension immense. The attacks against the investigating team seems to come from left and right, the action is one-on-one, brutal, harsh, and severe. With skill and determination, sometimes by pure stubbornness and will to live, Maddox and Rose survive from fires, explosions, and gun fights. Yes, the action is breathtaking.
The attraction Maddox has had for Rose never mounted into anything else before, but admiration, since she belonged to someone else. Now, her life is in constant danger, and he is determined to keep her from harm. The utter loneliness in their lives, bring them closer to each other, seeking comfort in each other at first in the midst of the family drama going on in both of their lives, but as the feelings grow, they seem to have found their perfect match in each other, their soulmate. If they just stay alive long enough to explore the feelings they have for each other, to have a future together.
While deep in the hair-raising, thrilling investigation, sheriff Maddox and Rose find heart-stopping adoration for each other. Impressive first installment in the new mini-series
~ Five Spoons

The last cowboy...

All work and no play makes Finn a dull cowboy. Since his divorce, Finn O'Roarke has put all of his time into his Seattle-based microbrewery, unaware that back in Wyoming, his foster parents are on the verge of ruin. Now Finn and his foster brothers are trying to save Thunder Mountain Ranch--and only one woman can help them turn it all around.

Marketing guru Chelsea Trask has had a thing for the gorgeous brewer for ages. When they work together at Thunder Mountain Ranch, however, she starts to see Finn's cowboy side. And it's irresistibly hot. Best of all, the attraction that's been sizzling beneath the surface has erupted in some very sexy situations.

But is Chelsea falling for the real Finn...or for the cowboy he used to be?

A true feel good story, about family, loyalty, and love.
Finn and Chelsea have felt the attraction to each other ever since they met five years ago. But Finn has been keeping the distance. They have been part of the series since the beginning, and I have been wondering what is the story there, and it turned out to a passionate, yet a sweet one. They both are attractive, charismatic characters, but not perfect. They have their fails and battles, past history that affects them still today, but they are willing to grow and learn from their mistakes.
The reasons behind Finn's distance are clearly played out, and are valid. But now that he can't fight the pull for Chelsea anymore, he seems to go all in. After five years of built up attraction and feelings, and friendship, it is no wonder the relationship forms quickly, after they admit their feelings to each other. I loved the honesty they have between them, the direct way they  communicate, solve problems, and move forward.
At the same time, they are fighting the battle to find the finance to the Thunder Mountain Academy, and that is a thrilling roller-coaster ride. The family is all together in it, and the story has lots of fun, and endearing moments with the whole extended family. I love the idea of the academy, how the whole family pulls together to achieve it. How they support each other, and how they have made a family within each other, even though there's no blood relations.  This series has been so heartfelt with the foster brothers, and this book ended with the possibility to learn the stories of the other brothers as well, I'm looking forward to them!
~ Four Spoons