Doctor Mollie Vickers loves the tight-knit community of her tiny Oregon town. But she’s not a fan of the limited dating options. Sleep with a guy who tried to copy off her in junior high? Pass. Mollie’s sex life is flatlining… until a deliciously handsome man she’s never seen before stops to help her fix a flat tire.
As an ex-mobster, Rafe Maguire’s no saint. But he’s trying to turn over a new leaf. Although he probably shouldn’t kiss the hot doctor on the side of the highway. Or suggest a no-strings fling with a woman he has no business pursuing. Rafe’s life is too complicated for love—his new WITSEC-provided identity doesn’t fit him at all and there’s a U.S. Marshal watching his every move. He can’t tell Mollie the truth… but their chemistry is scorching and being good doesn’t mean he can’t be a little bad. Mollie can’t resist the guy who looks rough, talks tough, and is loyal to the bone. But it’s obvious Rafe is keeping secrets. When the truth comes out, Mollie must decide if she could ever love an ex-mobster… or if this bad boy has truly gone good.
Every time they’d been dumped in a new town, the Maguire brothers made a list of all the ways the new town sucked compared to Chicago. Rafe didn’t like much about this new placement. Probably. Hell, he’d only been in Bandon for forty-eight hours. It’d rained for forty-seven of those hours, here on the Oregon coast. Seemed like everyone always bitched about the constant rain, and Rafe was happy to jump on the bandwagon. Even though it just made puddles, which cleaned themselves up. As opposed to the annual or three epic Chicago blizzards that broke your back with two solid days of shoveling out.
Rafe stopped himself. That wasn’t the happy, perky mindset Marshal Evans preferred. The one he’d promised her—again—an hour ago when he’d picked up the final version of his brother’s new license. It’d pissed him off to have to meet Delaney halfway between her office up in Eugene and his town. But it kept their cover secure. And part of him felt sorry for the government hack who’d spelled Kellan’s new name wrong the first time around. Guess they changed ’em so often it was hard to keep track. Hadn’t stopped his youngest brother from being pissy about the slipup, though. The good thing about the almost pointless drive was his sweet-as-fuck ride. The one he’d conned the government into buying for him by pointing out that it cost less than an actual new car. Rafe had a sweet spot for classic cars. If he truly had to hunker down and build a life here? He’d damn well do it with his dream car. A 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. With T-tops. The same blue as Lake Michigan on an August day. Rafe wasn’t even speeding. For once. It was too much fun to listen to the smooth rumble of the engine, feel the cool May wind rushing in the open windows, and not worry about anything waiting for him back in their new town. No worries about remembering his name or his brothers’ names. No worries about doing a job he’d only played with as a hobby for fifteen years. No worries about whether anyone from their old life was on their trail. For right now, he’d enjoy another half hour of pure freedom. The only thing that could make this better would be a hot blonde in the bucket seat next to him. Hang on. Rafe slowed. Then he stomped on the brakes. Because a Jeep sat half off the shoulder with a dark-haired woman kicking the flat tire. A curvy brunette would do just fine. It’d be wrong to drive past. Ungentlemanly. If Marshal Evans were here, wouldn’t she tell him to do his civic god damned duty and help his fellow Oregonian? Sure she would. Parking right at the nose of her Jeep, he got out. Tried to appear non-menacing. Which was the complete opposite of how he’d approached pretty much every situation for half his life. Hell, even the women he’d dated had known what he did and gotten off on the idea of his dangerous life. The marshal had given him some pointers on how to come off as normal. One thumb tucked into the waist of his jeans, so it didn’t look like his fist was braced for action. Other arm relaxed at his side. She’d said something about a loose walk, but Rafe only knew one way to walk. To be safe, he stopped almost immediately. “Hey there. Do you need some help?”
USA TODAY bestseller Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance.
Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world. Twitter | Insta | Pinterest | Facebook
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THIS MIRACLE'S A MYSTERY
When newborn twins mysteriously appear on Cole McCullough's doorstep, everyone at the Healing Ranch, including Cole, starts to think...could they be his? Why else would someone leave them there? Cole knows there must be another explanation. Unless... The only woman that Cole's been that close to is Stacy Rowe--the one he cared for deeply, and deeply regrets losing. But Stacy hasn't been in Forever in...forever. Eight months, to be exact. And while the math adds up, nothing else does! She would never abandon two little babies that way--she's said as much. But she does seem awfully keen to help him care for them. And the closer their odd little family grows, the more Cole has to wonder...
A cute and delightfully entertaining story, it was just what I needed to take my mind away for a couple of hours without much angst or turbulence.
What we have here is a failure to communicate by two young people in the beginning steps of a relationship. Eight months later they face each other again with two babies in their hands, and they have a chance to learn to trust, learn to open up to each other, learn to work as a team, and most importantly - learn to communicate with each other. Because the chemistry is there, the old feelings are obviously there, and the connection between Cole McCullough and Stacy Rowe is tangible. It is not an easy road, or an instant one, either. It takes few weeks, lots hours with the babies, bickering, arguments, good meals, family time, illness, and taking that brave step to be vulnerable, to be honest with each other, and taking the leap without looking back to build something that is worthwhile to hold on to. Cole is feeling restless with his life, without direction, when he finds the twins on his doorstep. I liked Cole immediately, his sense of humor, his sense of responsibility and respect towards people around him. He seems like a good guy, decent, kind, and considerate. Stacy had run away, sort of, eight months ago, to Europe with her aunt. Upon her arrival at home, after losing her aunt, she finds out she has lost her home as well. At the loose ends, with no immediate plans, she is the perfect person to take care of the mystery twins while their parents are being searched for. Stacy is a stubborn, strong-willed lady. She has spark and bite, yet she has a sense of responsibility, kindness, and good will to accept the duty to take care of the twins. If only she would dare to open up to Cole, to hear him out about the past mistakes, and see what is right in front of her, and things might turn out differently. The smalltown charm is thick in the tale. I loved the strong matronly characters in the town taking charge and guiding the way for the rest of the folks. The story is filled with moments that made me smile, the little twins are sure to charm anyone, and there is a spark with all the sweet to heat up the romance. An enjoyable tale to sweep you away for an evening ~ Four Spoons
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
Genre Adult; Romantic Suspense Publisher Tirgearr Publishing Publication Date October 4, 2017
Old secrets, new threats…What are they willing to sacrifice?
Philadelphia police officer Kylee Parker is dedicated to protecting and serving. She sees the work in absolutes: right and wrong, black and white, good guys and bad guys. That is, until she chases a drug dealer into a dead-end alley and finds the bad boy she had a painful crush on throughout her teen years has turned into a more dangerous and more attractive man. Jayson Donovan knows he doesn’t deserve someone as good as Kylee Parker. As the right hand man to a local drug-pushing mobster, he’s solidly on the wrong side of Kylee’s moral compass. But he can’t help reaching for her time and again when he knows he shouldn’t. Even when his secrets threaten them both.
ABOUT BECKY FLADE
When I was little I thought everyone had stories in their head. I didn’t find out that wasn’t the case until kindergarten. I remember thinking that was sad; and that I should share the ones I had. I asked my teacher for help. I had her cut, fold and staple the paper into a suspiciously book-like shape. Then I drew the cover art and illustrated the interior pages. Finally, and most importantly, I dictated the text. And violà … a writer was born. It took thirty years for me to get from that first attempt to being a published author. I think the road thus far has added some depth and experience to my writing. At the very least I learned I shouldn’t ever do my own illustrations. A city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, three beautiful daughters ranging in ages from college through pre-school, and a grandson who arrived on my birthday last year. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s. I’d love to have you visit with me on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter, or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com.
Haven Point librarian Julia Winston has spent most of her life taking care of other people. Now she’s 32 years old and feeling restless for the first time, banging around a big empty house with no one to share it with. In an effort to break free from her life of quiet complacency, Julia finds herself making a list of all the things she wants to do while she still has the chance—including getting a puppy, learning to ski, and kissing someone under the mistletoe. That someone, however, is most certainly not Jamie Caine, a military pilot who is temporarily renting a room in Julia’s home. Wary of Jamie’s blinding good looks and his reputation as the town’s resident heartbreaker, Julia puts up all her charm defenses, while the handsome pilot tries his best to steer clear of his mousy landlady (who, he has to admit, has some pretty stunning eyes).
But when Julia suddenly finds herself taking care of two young brothers in need, she and Jamie will come together to make an unforgettable holiday for the boys. Along the way, Jamie will learn that Julia has more spunk than she lets on, and Julia will realize that Jamie has more depth than she gave him credit for. Together, this unlikely pair will discover they have more in common than they ever imagined—all while fighting a powerful attraction that becomes more andmore difficult to deny. Set against a backdrop of mistletoe, lakeside lights, and Haven Point’s stunning snowy mountains, SUGAR PINE TRAIL makes for perfect winter reading this holiday season.
I don't claim that there is such thing as a perfect story since we all filter the things we read through our own history and experience but I have to say, to me, Sugar Pine Trail is just about the perfect Christmas romance Novel and if there is only one holiday story you are going to read this year, I highly recommend this one. Seriously, it has it all, wrapped up in a heartfelt love story, smoothly embedded into the tale, there are mistletoe, snow, skiing, decorating, baking, gift wrapping, family mess, miracles, helping the needy and troubled, and a bundle of romance, falling in love, steamy kisses, and a puppy!
I loved how the story has a great balance of joyful and stressful family life, the bliss of a kiss and the agony of falling without guarantees. It had me all wrapped up in the warmth of the love and cherished moments smiling until a plot twist ripped my heart wide open and the tears were there. Julia Winston is a librarian, preparing herself for the first Christmas alone after her parents have passed away. She is a loyal, kind-hearted, steadfast, trustworthy, introvert who feels like she is letting the life pass her by. Be careful what you wish for because next thing you know, Julia is the temporary foster mom for two young brothers, landlady for her major crush, and experiencing life to the fullest maybe for the first time in her life. Jamie Caine is known as the charismatic serial-dater who can charm any woman to do as he wishes. But under all the jokes and flirting there is a man with a good heart, who loves kids, is great with them, doesn't mind helping Julia with the boys, takes care of them and opens his heart to this little untraditional family unit. Both Julia and Jamie are lovable characters who show remarkable growth, or development, as the story progress. With a fun list of goals Julia wrote down in a book club, they experience life together, and with each new thing accomplished they learn new things about themselves and about each other. I loved the adorable interactions between Julia and Jamie, there was something so tender, sweet, and steamy about them at the same time. The boys won my heart over from the first moment and their destiny both broke my heart and then mended it together again. The way those four formed a unit, held together and supported each other was like they all needed each other but for very different reasons. A touching and delightful tale that captivated my complete attention while hanging on to each word, reading it till early morning hours because I could not put it down. The perfect Christmas romance story in my opinion ~ Five Spoons!
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne loves words. Her love affair started as soon as she learned to read, when she used to devour anything she could get her hands on: cereal boxes, encyclopedias, the phone book, you name it! She loves the way words sound, the way they look on the page, and the amazing way they can be jumbled together in so many combinations to tell a story.
Her love of reading and writing those words led her to a fifteen-year career in journalism as a newspaper reporter and editor. Through it all, she dreamed of writing the kind of stories she loved best. She sold her first book in 1995 and since then she’s published more than 40 titles. Her books have won many honors, including three RITA® Award nominations from the Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. RaeAnne finds inspiration in the rugged northern Utah mountains, where she lives with her hero of a husband and their children. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.
DESPERATE BRIDE
by A.S. Fenichel
Pub Date: 9/26/2017
An unexpected promise . . . an everlasting passion.
An accomplished musician, Dorothea Flammel has refused more proposals than any London debutante; her only true love is her music. Dory’s shimmering talent and beauty have long been adored from afar by Thomas Wheel, an untitled gentleman who can only dream of asking for the hand of a nobleman’s daughter. But when her father, the insolvent Lord Flammel, arranges for Dory to marry a lecherous Earl in order to pay off a debt, she runs to Thomas—and proposes marriage to him.
Eloping to Scotland saves Dory from a disastrous fate, but what is for her a mere marriage of convenience proves more passionate—and more complex—than either imagined as rumors, scandal, and buried emotions come to light. And when a vengeful challenge from a drunken and embittered Lord Flammel puts Thomas’s life on the line, will the fragile trust between husband and wife be enough to save them both?
More than an hour reading the Westgrove Estate titles and entailments left Thomas Wheel with an aching neck. If he acquired the property, those two fields neighboring his two family estates would be perfect for the Dutch four-crop rotation method. Increased productivity could mean putting the local children in a schoolroom rather than laboring for pennies to help feed their families. The little barn on the property could be converted into a schoolhouse.
Crowly cleared his throat. The butler was tall and wide and occupied the entire doorway. “Yes, what is it, Crowly?” “Sir, I know you said you didn’t wish to be disturbed, but you have a visitor.” Many visitors found the unseemly size of the man intimidating. Crowly was quiet and efficient and that was good enough for a bachelor of Thomas’s standing. Thomas pulled the watch from his pocket. Nearly midnight, no decent person called so late. “At this late hour? Send whoever it is away. It is too late for callers.” The butler shuffled his feet but did not leave. “Is there a problem, Crowly?” “Well, sir, you see, the visitor is a young woman of apparent good breeding. She arrived in a hack and I am reluctant to put her back out on the street.” Thomas stood. “She is alone?” “It would seem so, sir.” “Who is it?” “The lady refused to provide a card and wishes to speak to you rather urgently.” After pulling his jacket from the back of his chair, he dressed himself. “I suppose you had better let the mystery lady in.” “Yes. Thank you, sir.” Crowly’s shoulders relaxed. Within seconds, a woman draped in a black cape with a hood hiding her face entered the study. Thomas stood behind his desk and waited for her to speak, but she fussed with the edge of her cape and shifted her feet. He suspected that she was contemplating running away. “How may I help you?” Her head snapped up and her hood fell away. There, standing in his study, was Lady Dorothea Flammel. The amber in her blond hair came to life in the firelight and Thomas had to grip the back of his chair for balance. He did not know what he had been expecting, but in his wildest dreams he never thought to see Dory in his home. Well, maybe in his dreams, but never in reality. Compared to the burly Crowly she looked lost in the doorway. She was petite and her green eyes ringed red as if she’d been crying. His initial excitement overshadowed by her distress, his concern mounted. He crossed the room, stopping only when he realized that she backed away from him. “Lady Flammel, what is wrong? Is it Markus?” Markus Flammel, Dory’s older brother and one of Thomas’s closest friends, lost his wife during childbirth a year before. The child had lived, but losing Emma had sent Markus into a desperate depression. “No. It’s not Markus. He is in the country as far as I know.” She stared at her feet. Thomas waited for her to say more, but she pressed her lips together while avoiding his gaze. “Perhaps you would like to sit,” he suggested. When she looked up, he thought she might run, but then her expression softened and she nodded. When he offered her the chair in front of his desk, she skirted away from him to reach the seat. Never had he seen her so out of sorts. He rounded the desk and sat in his office chair. The silence in the room was palpable. Thomas cleared his throat and the sudden noise made her jump in her seat. Dory had always appeared so calm and in control, his interest piqued. “Lady Flammel?” “Yes?” Snapping her head up, she revealed her wide eyes and pale skin. He smiled. Most women found his smile engaging, but she looked at him with wide eyes and trembling lips, like he’d bared his teeth for the kill. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “I can only assume that you have come to me for some reason. You risk quite a lot coming to a bachelor’s home, in the middle of the night, in a hack and all alone. You must permit me my curiosity at such an unorthodox act. I have known you most of your life and this is the first time you have arrived on my doorstep. What can I do for you?” She sighed. “Perhaps it was a mistake.” “Was it?” he asked. She stared at him. He had watched her play the pianoforte dozens of times over the past few years. She was an artist of the highest order. Her emotion when she played was enthralling, but away from her instrument she always appeared so calm and controlled. Here in his study that seemed to have escaped her. She was near tears. He wanted to stand up and go to her but he did not wish to scare her. The last thing he wanted was to allow his height to intimidate her. “I am in trouble,” she said. Anger seared through Thomas. “Who was it? I will cut out his innards.” He pounded his fist on the desk. She flinched then waved her hand in a dismissive motion. “Not that kind of trouble, Mr. Wheel.” His fury seeped away. Watching her from the shadows for years, her music had drawn him in but those full eyelashes and deep green eyes kept him mesmerized. For a long time, he had yearned to touch the soft skin of her cheek and kiss those delicate ears. It was impossible. She was the daughter of an earl. She would marry a man of her own station, not Mr. Wheel of Middlesex. “Perhaps you should just tell me why you are here since you have made the trip. I will help you in any way I am able. I assure you that your presence here will remain our secret. My staff is very discreet.” She frowned. “I suppose as you are a bachelor, they would have to be.” There was a bitter twist in her voice. He did not comment, though her distaste rang through her statement and the twist of her lips. She took a deep breath, making her full bosom rise. Distracted for a moment, he then steeled himself and watched her eyes, which he found almost as intriguing. She cleared her throat. “I am in need of a husband and I have decided that, if you would not mind, you and I would suit nicely.”
A.S. Fenichel adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story. Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey. She now lives in the southwest with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When she is not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history and puttering in her garden.
THE REUNION
by Sara Portman
Genre: Historical Romance Pub Date: 9/26/2017
An inconvenient engagement turns a marriage of convenience into so much more in this sparkling new series from award-winning author Sara Portman . . .
Lady Emmaline Shaw’s reputation was irreparably damaged when her fiancé, John Brantwood, disappeared immediately after their engagement four years ago. Since then, she’s grown from a shy, uncertain girl to a woman who knows her own mind. And what she knows is that London society holds nothing for her.
Rumor has it that John ran off to war and died in battle. Now, as the new Duke of Worley, his shocking resurrection throws the ton into a tizzy and makes him one of England’s most sought after bachelors—except that he’s already engaged.
John needs a wife capable of smoothing his beloved sister’s introduction into society. But though Emma happily grants him his freedom, her fiery beauty and resilient spirit hold him captive. In fact, John has no intention of letting her go. Her fate is now in his hands, but will her heart be safe there as well?
Resurrections can be dreadfully disconcerting.
London society had weathered all manner of scandals and while each new transgression never failed to result in heads bent in hushed whispers and even the occasional matronly gasp, few incidents inspired waves of true shock among the ton. It appeared, however, that a duke’s return from the dead was among these few scenarios able to truly discompose the titled elite. With frustratingly little information becoming available in the four weeks since the miraculous return of the Duke of Worley, rumors abounded regarding his whereabouts for the four years of his absence. Theories existed of such variety and outlandish improbability, it was impossible to determine which, if any, might hold a thread of truth. Discussion of the duke’s mysterious return dominated all society events, second only, of course, to conjecture on his marital state and physical appearance. “I have heard he is only half a man,” whispered Lady Grantham at one such event, “and had to be carried into his ancestral home because his legs were severed.” “That cannot be,” insisted Lady Wolfe. “I have heard he is quite well, but has shamed his family by marrying an American actress and living abroad with her these past four years.” “You are both incorrect, I’m afraid,” interjected their hostess, the Duchess of Fairhaven. “My son informed me just this morning that Worley has been gravely ill and is still now recovering. He hopes to be well enough before the end of the season to assume his responsibilities. My son attended Eton with him, you’ll remember.” The other ladies nodded, neither one inclined to contradict the duchess, who outranked them by a significant margin. All three women understood without clarification that Worley’s assumption of his responsibilities referred to the necessity to choose a bride. With four years wasted and his father now deceased, it was imperative he begin a family and provide for the continuation of the line. This was likely of particular interest to Lady Wolfe, whose daughter, Georgiana, was currently enjoying her second season in London, much to her mother’s dismay and her father’s expense. It was not of particular interest, however, to Lady Emmaline Shaw. She had the unfortunate luck to step out onto the terrace for a spot of privacy and fresh air mere moments before the gaggle of clucking matrons proceeded to congregate just inside the only set of French doors that would allow her to return to the ballroom. She didn’t want to hear another word of the elusive Duke of Worley, amazingly returned from the dead after four years missing. She cursed the unfortunate timing that placed her in London at the time of his reappearance. She was only in the city for one month out of the year, and only then to appease her aunt. Couldn’t the man have selected any of the other eleven months for his triumphant return, when she would be safely ensconced at her cottage? She rubbed her bare arms against the evening breeze and prayed for the gossiping ladies to move their conversation elsewhere. She considered simply excusing herself and walking through. “You realize, of course,” Lady Wolfe whispered conspiratorially, “what a tangle this creates for the unfortunate Lady Emmaline Shaw.” Emma stepped deeper into the shadow and tossed out the idea of charging through their conversation. “I would hardly call the girl unfortunate,” the duchess said sharply. “Her conduct over the past four years is the reason for her present lack of prospects. She’s been naught but a burden to her aunt and uncle.” From the terrace, Emma’s brow lifted. “Not that I’ll harbor any pity for that woman either,” the duchess added. “To my mind, Lady Ridgley has failed in her responsibility by allowing her niece to behave as she has.” Emma pressed herself against the cold stone wall and fumed at the voices filtering out to her. She would accept their judgment as a predictable consequence of her choices, but she was incensed at their attack on her aunt, who had been a pillar of love and support after the death of her parents. These women had no intimate knowledge of Emma or her beloved aunt. They were certainly not in any position to pass judgment. “One cannot question her decision to withdraw from society, really, for that first season,” Lady Grantham ventured. “Grief can be so damaging, after all.” Well, thank you. Emma resolved to extend her kindness to Lady Grantham when next they met. “It is only during the following three seasons, by my estimation,” Lady Grantham continued, “that her behavior became truly insupportable.” Emma’s fists clenched. Humph. Insupportable, indeed. It was not as though she’d spent the past three years gadding about society, engaging in flirtations and clandestine rendezvous. She’d simply chosen not to parade herself through an endless stream of social events to shop for a husband. She’d done that once. And, frankly, the experience left her with little desire to repeat it.
Sara Portmanis an award winning author of historical and contemporary romance. In addition to being named the 2015 winner in the Historical Category of the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® contest, Sara has been a finalist and winner in several other writing competitions. A daughter of the Midwest, Sara was born in Illinois, grew up in Michigan, and currently lives in Ohio. In addition to her writing endeavors, Sara is a wife and mother in a large, blended family.
LADY BE GOOD
by Heather Hiestand
Genre: Historical Romance Pub Date: 9/5/2017
When exiled royalty and espionage combine, expect a romance as bold as the 1920s . . .
Olga Novikov is a princess without a throne. Her fiancé and her family slain in the revolution, she flees Russia and finds herself working as the head of housekeeping at London’s luxurious Grand Russe Hotel. It’s a far cry from the glamour of her former life, but she’s grateful for the job—until a guest forces her to question where her loyalty lies. The charming nobleman challenges her at every turn—and arouses dreams of romance she thought she’d abandoned forever . . .
Douglas “Glass” Childers is living a double life. On the surface, he’s the indolent Viscount Walling, but in truth he’s an intelligence agent searching for a Bolshevik weapons master. The coolly beautiful and headstrong housekeeper is a distraction he doesn’t need—unless she’s the key piece in the puzzle he must solve. Trusting her could be dangerous—but loving her is an undeniable temptation . . .
Heather Hiestand was born in Illinois but her family migrated west before she started school. Since then she has claimed Washington State as home, except for a few years in California. She wrote her first story at age seven and went on to major in creative writing at the University of Washington. Her first published fiction was a mystery short story, but since then it has been all about the many flavors of romance. Heather’s first published romance short story was set in the Victorian period and she continues to return, fascinated by the rapid changes of the nineteenth century. The author of many novels, novellas and short stories, she makes her home in a small town with her husband and son and supposedly works out of her tiny office, though she mostly writes in her easy chair in the living room.
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Photographer Gemma Laine is looking for arresting faces on the streets of Manhattan when her camera captures something shocking—a triple murder. In that moment, she becomes a target for the mob—and a top priority for a very determined, breathtakingly handsome, FBI special agent. With deadlines to meet and photo shoots on her calendar, Gemma chafes at the idea of protection, but every moment she spends under his watchful eye is a temptation to lose herself in his muscular arms . . .
With two of his men and one crucial witness dead, Special Agent Kyros Pappandreos can’t afford to be distracted. But Gemma is dazzling—and her connection to Kandy Laine’s high-profile cooking empire makes her an especially easy mark for some very bad people. Keeping her safe is much more pleasure than business, but as the heat between them starts to sizzle, Ky is set to investigate whether they have a shot at love . . .
The story started with a high velocity, the intensity spike from the very first page, and it is held there for the duration. The suspense is perilous, constantly threatening lives, and collateral damage is not something the culprits are going to be worried about. The case is risky, and when it comes obvious there is a mole in the FBI, there's no one to have Kyros 'Ky' Pappandreos' back, no one he can trust within the investigation.
I loved how well the story is crafted and how realistic and factual it is. The author obviously knows what she is talking about whether it is culinary arts, martial arts, photography, investigation or weaponry. The details are there, well embedded into the tale, there are no shortcuts taken or vague references, but actual factual details, just the right amount information without being overpowering or boring. Another thing I adored about the tale was the vivid images the author draws with her words. I swear I saw in my mind's eyes Ky boxing, every single muscle in detail, the sweat flying in the air... Can we talk about swooning?! The sensual images that Gemma Laine sees with her photographer's eyes when looking at Ky where some of the most tantalizing illustrations, the times when Ky and Gemma practice martial arts together are such seductive scenes, the heat is high without actual physical intimacy at that moment. The story gives time and space, within the suspense and the case still staying intense, in a natural setting for Ky and Gemma to get to know each other, to develop a real relationship, to find the unwavering trust, and for the true feelings to develop. Gemma and Ky have so much in common, it was easy to see the possibilities of the relationship. They have similar hobbies and values making it natural to find the connection and share about their lives. I enjoyed the book one in the series, Cooking With Kandy, yet Shot At Love took the tale to even higher level. It is truly enjoyable, entertaining, well build, with likable, relatable characters with growth and development. The menace is constant and deadly, the danger is palpable, the romance swept me off my feet, and I just wanted to inhale the tale while savoring every morsel and word... Ah! ~ Five Spoons!
Krista Nelson loves being a pediatric nurse. What she doesn’t love is her demanding boss and stressful workload. Fortunately, Krista knows she can count on a waterfront happy hour every Wednesday with her childhood best friend, Noah Sawyer, the one part of her life she never wants to change. But, like it or not, things are changing—because Krista can’t stop wondering what would happen if she grabbed Noah by the collar and kissed him like it was her job.
Bored of the superficial women he’s been dating, Noah’s putting his love life on hold so he can focus on his family’s high-end fishing business. Sure, there are moments when he’s tempted by Krista’s soft lips and killer smile—but her friendship is too important to Noah. How could he let himself jeopardize everything they share? The trouble is, if he doesn’t take the real risk of opening his heart, Noah might just let the perfect catch get away. Look for the first Blushing Bay novel by Annie Rains: FORBIDDEN KISSES
Stolen Kisses is one of the books I have been waiting all summer to come on the top of the TBR list. I adore the author's voice, the compelling characters she creates that I want to spend time with, and the heartfelt moments as they fall helplessly in love. Krista and Noah intrigued my mind in the first book of the series, and I was anxious to read their story, to learn more about them and the relationship that has built over their lifetimes.
I loved the imagery the author created around her home state of North Caroline. From the beaches to the mountains all the scenes open up in my mind's eyes, it was easy to see the events unfold. I loved Noah, he was easy to like and his attitude towards life was wholesome. As the youngest brother in a family, he is used to being hassled. Some of the doubting thoughts are lingering in his mind about not finding his way, not being responsible enough, not measuring compared to his brothers, just in general people finding him lacking in character. His best friend Krista has always been on his side, and to keep that status quo, it is important for him to hide and bury any thoughts of attraction towards her. Krista had loved her best friend Noah nearly all her life. Through thick and thin they always stood side by side, being there to support each other. Krista wants to get married and build a family but is convinced Noah is not ready or mature enough for that kind of commitment and goes on a date with a co-worker. I had a little hard time liking Krista, even though I tried so hard to see the positive side of her, and there are many positives: she is a caretaker, she is kind, a good friend, and loves to laugh, etc.. It seems like she does not trust Noah completely, and thus her attitude toward him is a little patronizing at times. She also jumps into conclusions based on her doubts about Noah's character, and instead of communicating and talking about the doubts and concerns she acts upon them. I wish they would have learned to communicate better with each other, on a deeper level. It might be that my expectations of them were high because of the close relationship they had for so long. The chemistry is amazing, and the connection they have is tangible, the conflict between them isn't a major deal, and the angst isn't high. The physical aspect of their relationship was filled with steaming hot scenes that faded away leaving something for the imagination, as well. I loved all that, as well as the close-knit relationship the group of friends and family have with each other. Despite my momentary doubts about Krista and her actions, the author pulls all the strings back together into a very satisfying ending that left me once again highly anticipating the next novel in the series. A delightful and luscious romance story of the best friends fumbling in love. A story with a dash of tender feelings and gentle growth of the characters, as they find their places in life, engaged my emotions, and had me smiling and sighing oh so deeply at the end... Excellent entertaining! ~ Four Spoons
Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling author who writes small-town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina.
Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and three children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Tangled in Time
Miss Main Street Book 1
by Angela Castillo
Genre: Women's Inspirational Contemporary
Clean slice-of-life women's fiction with a romantic thread and Christian elements
Every small town has its secrets. Darcy’s have been locked up inside her since that last summer when she left Wimber, Texas, and the boy she loved, for a glitzy life in Los Angeles.
Seven years later, her gran’s passed away. Darcy’s been named as the sole owner of the Tangled in Time antique store. Darcy can’t wait to get back to the place where she’s always felt she belonged. But owning a business isn’t as easy as it seems. And sometimes the past is better left alone.
But Darcy is determined to push forward, despite the obstacles that cross her path. And maybe even have another chance to be with the man who stayed behind.
Angela Castillo loves living in the small town of Bastrop Texas, and draws much of her writing inspiration from life there. She loves to walk in the woods and shop in the local stores. Castillo studied Practical Theology and Music at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas. She was home-schooled all through high school and is the oldest of 7 kids. Castillo's greatest joys are her little girl and two boys. Castillo has been published in The First Line, Aardvark's Ark, Heartwarmers, Thema, and several other publications, and also has works available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Watch book trailers on my Amazon author page!
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