Kit Foster thought a week in the woods would be the perfect way to recover from the family scandal that shattered her world. No reporters, no gossip and no drama. Then a helicopter dumps an injured man in her path.
Mick Harris is having a bad day. It was bad enough that he botched an op, but then he awakes beaten and left for dead in the middle of a forest. He is lucky to be alive, but now he is at the mercy of Kit- the only person who knows the route home. During the time it takes to hike back to civilization, Kit and Mick become friends and explore their growing attraction. While the way out is hampered by bad memories and an assassin, they manage to grow close enough to attempt a real relationship. However, that bliss is short-lived when Mick’s job again threatens Kit’s life and destroys their happiness. Can a second chance bring them back together?
Broken Bits is an addictive tale that pulled me into its world and kept the hold till the wee hours of the morning.
It broke the mold with the traditional romance novel perfection and gave a real relationship with insecurities, concerns, questions and awkward moments. And I liked it. I liked how the conversations were not always smooth, how everything wasn't always perfect, how the characters were with fails and fault, with scars and wounds that were not always visible. Both Kit and Mick were complex characters, charismatic, and easy to like and relate to. The wounds in their souls, in their very being, touched my heart. I felt for them, cared for them, and got that needed emotional connection with them. There were sass and fight in them, willingness to go to the extreme if needed, yet there was hope for the better days to come, deep emotions, feelings that were palpable. There's more to the story than just the complex relationship. The suspense comes in waves and when needed the danger and fear were real and tangible. The DAG Team was introduced, all interesting and fascinating characters with nuances that intrigued me. But mostly the book focus on the development of the relationship between Kit and Mick. There are events that change everything, events that took me by surprise and I wasn't prepared for them even though the blurb warns about the possibility of the rocky road they have if wanting to make it happen between them. I really enjoyed the story, and I believe this is going to be an attractive series to be followed. The Broken Bits was entertaining and delightful at times, heartbreaking and tense at other times, with fear and danger constantly just around the corner ~ Four Spoons
Kel O’Connor lives with her husband and teenagers in the mountains of North Carolina. In addition to reading and writing, she loves coffee, loud rock music and subversive humor.
A former bookseller, she collects graphic t-shirts and hates to vacuum. You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook and at keloconnor.com. Website Twitter Facebook
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J.C. and the Bijoux Jolis
A Blueberry Lane Novel By: Katy Regnery Releasing November 21, 2016 Self-Published
Did you fall in love with The English Brothers? Were you hot for the Winslows? Katy Regnery's New York Times bestselling Blueberry Lane series continues with The Rousseau siblings in 2016!
If the best man and maid of honor are both single, it’s practically an unwritten rule that they should pork. …so begins a rocky acquaintance between Jean-Christian “J.C.” Rousseau and Libitz Feingold at the wedding of J.C.’s brother and Lib’s best friend. While manslut best man J.C. is surprised when maid of honor Libitz soundly spurns his advances, his curiosity is piqued. The girl he couldn’t have becomes the only one he wants. So, when he finds a seventy-year-old portrait in the attic of his sister’s mansion that bears an uncanny resemblance to the prickly gallery owner, he enlists her help in solving a mystery seven decades in the making. Traveling from Philadelphia to New York to Marseille, a couple who started off as enemies will discover that even cynics can find true love…and mortal man is no match for destiny. Get to know the families of Blueberry Lane! His fingers shot up, wrapping around her wrist with an unyielding grip and forcing her to stay, though he didn’t look up at her. "Stop,” he growled. She didn’t know what to say or do, so she stopped pulling away and stood still, waiting for him to say something else. "I’m sorry,” he finally muttered, his voice tight and gravelly. “For what?” she asked, hating the way her voice broke. “We never promised each other anything.” Slowly, so slowly, he raised his head to look at her, and his eyes were shattered. Crushed. Panicked, even. “Wait. What does that mean?” "I get it. You’re not into this anymore, so we can just—” "I am into it,” he said, standing up, but still holding tightly to her wrist as though it was a lifeline, and he’d drift out to sea if he wasn’t holding on for dear life. "Then what?” she whispered, staring into his eyes as she lowered the file and iPad back to the table. “I don’t know how to do this,” he said harshly, moving around the curve of the table to pull her closer. “I don’t know how to feel comfortable with it.” “But you want it?” she asked, wishing she could quell the wild uncertainties in his eyes. He nodded once, covering his heart with his free hand. "I want you.” She turned away from him, pulling him toward the back of the gallery where they could be alone. He followed her, sliding his fingers from her to her hand. In the dim, quiet light of the hallway, she turned to face him, backing him against the wall. “Are you freaking out? Is that what this is?” The severe expression on his face softened and he nodded. She exhaled, breathing a sigh of relief and cocking her head to the side as she glared up at him. “Are you sure that’s all it is? Because I’m planning to make a major life change tomorrow and if you’re not into this—” His lips crashed down on hers with a groan of gut-wrenching need, his hands landing on her hips to pull her between his legs as he leaned against the hallway wall, positioning her firmly against his body. "I’m into it. I need you, Libitz. I want you. I’m crazy about you, baby,” he murmured, his lips trailing down the column of her neck as he whispered his truth in a husky, emotional voice. “I’m sorry for saying that before. I didn’t mean it.”
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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013.
Twenty-five books later, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled, New York Times and USA Today Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other standalone novels and novellas. Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1-4, became a New York Times E-book bestseller. In 2016, Katy signed a print-only agreement with Spencerhill Press. As a result, her Blueberry Lane paperback books will now be distributed to brick and mortar bookstores all over the United States. Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
When a madman goes on a bombing spree, an FBI K-9 team of one woman and her dog is the key to stopping him before more innocents die and panic sweeps the Eastern seaboard.
Meg Jennings and her Labrador, Hawk, are one of the FBI’s top K-9 teams certified for tracking and search and rescue. When a bomb rips apart a government building on the National Mall in Washington D.C., it will take all the team’s skill to locate and save the workers and children buried beneath the rubble. More victims die and fear rises as the unseen bomber continues his reign of terror, striking additional targets, ruthlessly bent on pursuing a personal agenda of retribution. Meg and Hawk join the task force dedicated to following the trail of death and destruction to stop the killer. But when the attacks spiral wide and no single location seems safe any longer, it will come down to a battle of wits and survival skills between Meg, Hawk, and the bomber they’re tracking. Can they stop him before he brings the nation to the brink of chaos? The author paints a very realistic picture of a rescue dog team at work in several different kinds of crime scenes. The connection between Hawk and Meg is awe inspiring, the disciplined respect and loyalty they share within the team of two was amazing poetry in motion, as the very vivid images of their work come to the pages of the book. The main focus in the story is training and working with the K-9 dogs, the different kind of jobs and abilities the dogs have, and how the team operates. Meg and Hawk both are given complex personalities and nuances, I wish there would have been more of that with the secondary characters as well. The rest of them felt flat and necessary, instead of lively vibrant part of the tale. The hunt for the bomber is intriguing. I like it when the culprit gets a point of view in a suspense story, it gives more depth to the tale, more understanding for their reasoning for the crimes they commit. Also the fact that his identity is sealed for the longest time, keeps the reader on their toes and interest to the story high. I'm not a fan of the word definitions in the beginning of each chapter especially since I don't think these words themselves had much to do with the story at times. And the ticking clock on the beginning - not my thing either. It just makes me go back and forth looking at what time and date was it in the beginning of the last chapter, and every time the flow of the tale is interrupted. That's me, maybe someone likes that, but I think the flow of time moving on is better fitted into the story itself. Overall the suspense was chilling and the danger horrifying. Some of the rescue scenes from the bombing were powerful and intense. The collapse of all emotions at the end of the rescue efforts was a strong, moving moment that made me say a little prayer for all law enforcement there and then. An intriguing start for a new series, a promising fan favorite to come with K-9 readers ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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Winning the ultimate prize
Since the accident that paralyzed him, Italian tycoon Mauro Evans vowed to embrace life. So when he stars in a dating show for charity, picking prickly journalist Amber Harris as the winner to take on holiday is a challenge he can't resist! In Amber's experience, relationships equal pain, so she's determined to ignore her attraction to charismatic Mauro. But his bravery and strength threaten to tear down her defenses, giving her a new Christmas dreamringing in the New Year with wedding bells!
STAY TUNED FOR A BOOKS & SPOONS REVIEW DECEMBER 7TH
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Christmas Dinner Christmas for me is all about one thing: sitting round the table as a family. There are lots of things that we don’t seem to care about for a family Christmas – even the date on the calendar. For a few years now we’ve alternated between having Christmas day on the 25th and 26th December, so we kids can spend alternating years with partners’ families. But whichever day we all get together there are some things that you don’t mess with. It’s not that the food is exactly the same. We’ve experimented over the years… like the time that we decided to have goose instead of turkey, but my dad got a bit enthusiastic with sharpening the carving knife and almost took a finger off. The fried parma and mozzarellas that my sister had made as a starter congealed on the table while we debated whether he needed stitches or not. Or there was the year that my mum decided that the potatoes should all be scored like little hedgehogs to make them extra crispy, which equated to about three years (and twenty-four bottles of sparkly) of prep time in the kitchen. Some things do remain constant though – like always leaving one dish forgotten in the oven, or the unfortunate after-effects of my mum’s stuffing (known forevermore as farty stuffing). Christmas with my family is an extendable, as well as moveable, feast. We like to welcome (indoctrinate?) others into our traditions too. One memorable year my BFF joined us, bewildered and concussed from a car accident the night before, after my dad and I made a midnight dash to A&E to collect her. And the Tanzanian exchange student who decided that red wine was probably Halal on Christmas day, and had a large glass with his breakfast. The unforgettable years when my mum’s sister and her family joined us, we numbered more than twenty around the table, and had to add a couple of sides of beef to the usual giant turkey to feed the masses. It’s not what we eat, it’s the way that we eat it. From the prosecco and pinnies over party dresses in the kitchen while we’re cooking, to the silly hats and after dinner ‘entertainment’ as the meal stretches into the fifth hour (one year there were numbered whistles in the crackers, play them in the right order to get a tune; another year, my sister tried to turn us into a gospel choir). Even when squabbling teenagers outnumbered adults, we could guarantee it was the one day of the year when we would put aside egos and quarrels and enjoy what we all know we’re so lucky to have – a big, hungry, generous, bonkers family.
Ellie Darkins writes heart-warming stories about falling in love, finding your soul mate and fighting hard to make real relationships work. The HEA is guaranteed, but nothing else along the way is. Expect to see surprise babies, breath-taking settings and alpha heroes by the bucketload. Plus steamy kisses, heaps of sensual tension, and fireworks just audible from behind a closed bedroom door.
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Good Vampires Go to Heaven
Deadly Angels #8 By: Sandra Hill Releasing November 29, 2016 Avon
WHEN HE WAS BAD . . .
Two-thousand-year-old vampire demon Zeb is supposed to spend eternity turning mortal sinners into bad guy Lucipires like himself. That way, they can grow their numbers and fight the vampire angels known as Vangels. But Zeb is a bad boy in a good way—secretly working as a double agent for none other than St. Michael the Archangel in hopes of one day earning his wings. Problem is, Zeb’s betrayal is discovered. Hello, demon dungeon. HE WAS VERY BAD . . . Until Regina, a foxy, flame-haired Vangel witch on a rescue mission, busts out Zeb, along with three oddball Lucipire witches. Hello, temptation! BUT TOGETHER THEY WERE VERY GOOD . . . ! Their escape unleashes a war to defeat all Vangels forevermore. In an epic madcap battle between good and evil, a Demon just might earn his wings . . . and spend eternity with the Vangel of his wildest dreams.
A blue mist seemed to swirl above, then settle around them like a cloudy cocoon. The rain aroma intensified, and for the first time she smelled her own cinnamon fragrance that Zeb had alluded to. Cinnamon rain, for sure. They ought to make a scented candle with that name.
Zeb’s drinking from her was slow and rhythmic and only tiny sips at a time. But, oh, the bliss! It was both primal and sexual. No wonder vangels who mated sometimes fanged each other while making love. Regina arched her head back to give Zeb better access, an ageless gesture of female submission. How odd! That she would surrender anything to a man! Only her breasts pressed against his battered body, the rest of her half on, half off the bed, her legs dangling over the side. Still, she adjusted herself so as not to hurt him, and in the process she twined the fingers of one of her hands with his, and she placed her other hand against his head, to hold him in place. His hand still cupped her nape, but his other hand was making sweeping caresses over her back, from shoulder to rump and back again. Over and over. Even though she wore one of his old T-shirts and jogging shorts, she felt naked under his touch. Regina was more aroused than she’d ever been in all her life. Not that she’d been inclined to lust very often. Once every century or so. She wanted to climb atop his body and rub herself against him. Skin to skin. Breast to chest. Pubic bone to pubic bone. Thigh against thigh. She couldn’t. Even if she could, she wouldn’t. She wanted to kiss his lips and draw his tongue into her mouth. She would suck on him with childlike hunger. No, not childlike. Nothing childlike about the hunger she was feeling. In any case, it was a moot point. It was hard to kiss a fanging man when only one set of fangs was involved. Two sets? Impossible! Wasn’t it? They might even get locked together. Imagine Vikar’s consternation if she arrived back at the castle fang-locked with a demon vampire, wanting him to unlock them. They would be the laughingstock of all vangeldom. Angeldom, too, she supposed. She could imagine the jokes. “How do two vampires kiss?” “Carefully.” Better she concentrate on something else. She had to stop Zeb’s drinking from her, for now, or she would be drained. Slowly, carefully, she pushed herself up and away, until his fangs withdrew from her with a small pop. He licked the skin, reflexively, to seal the wound. “That’s all for now,” she said and rose off the bed. Her shaky knees almost gave out. How was she going to do this again and again until Zeb was healed? She would be a basket case. The most satisfied woman in the universe! Or the most stirred up and antsy for release! Yikes! Zeb’s eyes opened for a moment, and he said, “Thank you.” Almost immediately, he fell back asleep, or unconscious. His body still threw off heat like an inferno; so the danger was not over. Still, she sensed that he was a little better. She covered his body with a thin sheet, dabbed at the blood on his lips with a tissue (the fangs having retracted already), and finally replied to his comment, “No. Thank you!”
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Describe yourself in five words or less. A talented writer with a sense of humor. Can you tell us a little about your book? GOOD VAMPIRES GO TO HEAVEN: eighth book in the Deadly Angels series. Zebulan is a good demon (vampire…a Lucipire) who finds himself in a hellish situation. Who better to rescue him than the flame-haired vangel (vampire angel) Regina, who looks an awful lot like Satan’s sister! Laughter and sizzle guaranteed! How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story? Zeb has been a popular secondary character in the other Deadly Angels books, a quintessential tortured hero with a sense of humor. Readers love him. That’s not to say this book can’t be read without having read others in the series. They are all intended to stand alone, as well as follow a series. What do you like to do when you aren't writing? Reading, always. And antiquing at area estate sales. Shopping with my granddaughter; having four sons, I relish the girly things. What types of scenes are your most favorite to write? Anything involving humor. A coven of witches in a hot air balloon rescuing my hero in GOOD VAMPIRES GO TO HEAVEN. A modern women teaching Viking women how to make homemade condoms in THE RELUCTANT VIKING. A lazy Viking who is forced to become a Navy SEAL in KISS OF SURRENDER. An eighty-year-old woman, Tante Lulu, doing outrageous things in all my Cajun novels, including entering a belly dancing contest. A Norse king who has a curse placed on him causing his penis to make a right turn (THE OUTLAW VIKING). These kinds of things I enjoy writing most. When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? I’ve been writing all my life, including years as a newspaper journalist and education editor. My first novel was published in 1994. Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with? I would love to go back to some Viking historical romances involving secondary characters from my previously published novels, but they will have to wait until historicals are back in favor. And I don’t rule out another Deadly Angels in the future, if nothing else, a sequel catching up on all the vangel gang. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? As always, I wish them smiles in their reading. Can you tell us about your upcoming book? THE CAJUN DOCTOR (May 30, 2017) features Dr. Daniel LeDeux, a burned out pediatric oncologist, who meets his match in Samantha Starr, a New Orleans divorcee who has a reason to hate doctors. Poignant at times and hilarious at others, this book also features the popular Tante Lulu with her usual outrageous antics.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Sexy, newly single, former Marine Andrew Charles Elliot IV, aka Ace, was ready for a life with no drama and no one to answer to. After a broken engagement and twelve years in the Corps he hoped his fresh start in Harper’s Crossing would be just what he needed. But after laying eyes on his new neighbor, he knew all he really needed was her…
Stephanie Holland excelled at taking care of others both at work as a nurse and as an incredible big sister to her twin siblings. The gorgeous redhead had no room to think of anyone else…that is until he moved next door… After years of putting the needs of others before her own, would she be able to surrender to the idea of someone taking care of her? Would Ace be able to convince her that he wanted to be there for her—mind, body and soul? Could he make her see that she was All He Needs?
Wow. I have read all the books the author duo Melanie Shawn has published, and after each book, I am still in a state of awe with the freshness of the tales, the deep complex emotions they create, and the sensual scenes they draw on the pages.
The feeling of falling in love is so complex and the thoughts, doubts, desires, and joy of falling, tumbling into love are not easy to capture adequately, and then comes All He Needs, and in nearly poetic matter, the hesitation, disbelief, fear, glee, and jubilee, the desire and devotion it is all there and it was so beautiful, so elegant, I just wanted to inhale it, and then hold my breath from there on, to keep all that beauty in me. I am just finished with the book and I want to read it again to hold on to that magic Stephanie and Ace have. The sensual, delightful, deeply emotional sex scenes are vivid yet so delegate, so outright delicious, I must have blushed like Stephanie. There are conflicts, it is not all just an alluring love fest. The family drama, from both of their families, had enough issues to suffocate a weaker person. But the trust, connection, feeling of being safe within each other help Stephanie and Ace to open up and share the burdens, heal the wounds, and stand up to those needing to back off. Their budding feelings are tested not only by the drama in their families but also with health issues, their careers, responsibilities and life in general. I absolutely loved the advice from Ace's grandmother regarding relationships, I think there's something there for everyone to take under consideration, maybe make this a must-read book for those still trying to find their way in the jungle of love and commitment. Like said, I am in awe with this beautiful tale I just inhaled. It is one of those you want to read in one sitting and might bite a head off if disturbed while reading. It is filled with life, both the raw side of it as well as the lyrical beauty of it. I just want to stand up and shout "absolutely splendid tale!" ~ Five Spoons!
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Blue Satin Sashes
Favorite Things Trilogy #2 By: Millenia Black Releasing November 28, 2016 Self-Published
What happens when you fall in love with someone else?
Paris, France. Corporate brand designer Michael Frost knows he’s found a once in a lifetime love in professional illustrator Priscilla Bauer, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood icon—but Michael must now cross an ocean of regrets to repair damage inflicted by his heartbroken high school sweetheart Amber Holland, whose increasingly extreme attempts at sabotage may know no bounds… How will she win? How will she lose? Brave the razor-sharp edges of an intensely hot love triangle as Michael and Priscilla discover the depths of Amber’s passion ultimately rivals their own.
Didot43 9 minutes ago
Fuck your ex. You can’t cheat on somebody that DUMPED you. You’re an idiot and you probably didn’t give the guy tonight a fair chance. So what if he’s not the cleanest? Are you? RueHermann 3 hours ago I feel your pain. I’ve been with the same guy for a long time too. Can’t imagine being with anyone else! Model_Dolly 3 hours ago OMG!!! You have me in tears, my heart goes out to you. Don’t give up hope-your boyfriend will regret letting you go!! DpLane 6 hours ago Why are you putting your business out there like this? Pretty sure neither of these dudes would appreciate it. Horsee12 7 hours ago At least you’re trying to move on now. Your other vids made me think you belonged in a padded room... “Well, you can all just fuck right off,” said Amber, deleting every single one of the negative comments left on the video she’d uploaded about her date with David Riley. It was shocking how quickly her Forever Amber YouTube channel was growing—over a thousand subscribers in less than a week and nearly a hundred thousand views of her videos—not to mention how cathartic talking to strangers had proven to be! Most people were judgmental idiots who clearly had never had a Michael Frost in their lives, so their mean and insensitive opinions meant less than shit to her. Let them spew! They were watching—and the more views she got, the more ad revenue, another much-needed income stream to say the least. Leaning forward, Amber read Model_Dolly’s comment again. And again. And then again. By the sixth time, she had the boost of validation she needed to stay strong. Hitting reply, she told her so. It felt good to thank her for the support. Going out with David had proven everything she already knew in her heart. Why force herself to move on if moving on was so painful? Why force herself to be unhappy when she knew who she belonged with? With a resolute upper lip, Amber sent off the assignment she’d gotten up super early to complete, then shut down the laptop and hit the shower. She had to get ready for the drive to Mayfair.
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No one does family and relationship drama quite like bestselling author Millenia Black! Heralded as a double life and relationship expert, she's been a featured guest on radio shows across the country, discussing the 7 Smoke Signals Your Man is Living a Double Life.
Millenia lives in Florida where she's currently unmarried and has never dated anyone living a double life... She thinks. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Seaside Whispers
Seaside Summers #8 By: Melissa Foster Releasing November 30, 2016 World Literary Press
Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux—an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy—is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.
With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt’s publishing contract couldn’t have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, seductive Mira. A surprise encounter leads to white-hot passions and midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt’s sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira’s not saving his father’s company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever?
Chapter One
MATT LACROUX NEEDED a shower, a vacation, and to figure out what the hell he was doing with his life—in that order. And sex. Sex would be good. It had been a long time since he’d had a warm, willing woman in his bed instead of a research project to work on, papers to grade, or notes to coordinate on the book he was writing. In fact, now that he was thinking about it, he might move sex up to the top of his list—if he didn’t have someone else’s blood on his hands. He tugged off his torn shirt, tossed it in the hamper, and turned on the shower. He’d been back on Cape Cod for less than three hours and had already broken up a fight between drunken college kids over by the Bookstore Restaurant, where he’d eaten dinner and thought he would write for a while. Maybe he should have done what so many other professors did when they took a sabbatical and gone to a nice resort somewhere, or holed up in a mountain cabin. He could have stayed at his cottage on Nantucket, but he missed his family, and his father wasn’t getting any younger. Plus, his siblings’ joint wedding was only two months away. It was taking place on their mother’s birthday, to honor her memory. It was time to reconnect. His mind drifted to the other person he’d like to reconnect with, Mira Savage, his father’s employee and the woman who had been occupying Matt’s thoughts since he met her last summer at his younger brother Grayson’s engagement party. They’d spent the entire day together with her adorable son, Hagen. He’d seen her half a dozen times since, during brief visits home. They’d taken Hagen to the park together and a few other places, although they’d never gone on an official date. They’d exchanged occasional texts over the weeks in between, but that was as far as it had gone. It being Matt’s attraction to a woman who lived too many hours away to get involved with. Mira wasn’t the type of woman whose life he could complicate with intermittent encounters. She was a selfless woman who put her son and others first. The type of woman who blushed when he got too close. The type of woman a man took the time to get to know--almost a year, that’s pretty damn long—to show her she could trust him, a woman who should be taken care of and protected but not smothered. And she was the only woman he’d like to undress slowly, loving every inch of her incredible body until she was trembling with need and slick as a baby seal. Keeping himself in check had been like dancing on hot coals, but he’d never stopped thinking about the sexy single mother and her inquisitive son. He stripped off his slacks and stepped into the shower, turning the faucet to cold now that he was hot and bothered over Mira. He closed his eyes and exhaled a long breath. One thing at a time. The water shifted from his head to his back, and Matt looked up at the faucet, which promptly fell, clipping his cheekbone. “Ouch! What the—” He grabbed his cheek and pulled away from the water spraying in all directions from the broken spigot. Perfect. Just perfect. He washed the fresh blood from his fingers and quickly rinsed off. He stepped from the shower and dried off, eyeing the offending fixture. The damn thing had a crack around the housing and rust on the inside. He’d rented his friends’ cottage in the Seaside community for the summer. The place was in great shape, but things like showerheads were easy to miss when renovating. It was after nine o’clock, and Amy and Tony had a little girl. Matt wasn’t about to bother them about a freaking bathroom fixture. He pulled on clean clothes and called his father, who owned Lacroux Hardware Store. “Hey, Pop. Is the electronic code to your shop still Mom’s birthday?” His father had been talking about retiring lately. The hardware store was meant to be the family legacy, passed down to one of his five children, only none of them wanted to take it over. But right this very moment, Matt had never been so glad that his father was in the hardware business. The Cape wasn’t big on chain stores. The closest Home Depot or Target was a good forty minutes away. “Yes. What’s wrong?” “I need a showerhead for Tony’s place.” “Want me to run one up to you?” Neil Lacroux would do anything for his children—even though they were all grown up. Matt knew he’d been lonely since their mother passed away unexpectedly from an aneurysm a few years ago, which was another reason he’d chosen to come back home during his sabbatical. He made a mental note to stop by the store and visit with him. “I’ve got it, Pop. Sorry to bother you.” The drive to Orleans took only a few minutes. Even though Matt had grown up on the Cape, it always took him a day or two to adjust to being out of the city. Slacks and button-downs were replaced with shorts and tank tops, people moved at a more relaxed pace, and no matter how far from the beach he was, sand was ever-present. Sand in the grass, sand on the floors, sand on the seat of his car—and he hadn’t even been to the beach yet. He punched in the code to the security keypad, and the minute he was inside the dark store, he heard it. Tap, tap, tap. He froze, every neuron on high alert, and listened. Tap, tap, tap, tap, pause, tap, tap, tap. It was coming from his father’s office. His arms instinctively flexed, preparing for a fight. He moved swiftly and silently to the office door and listened to the incessant tapping. Dad’s calculator? He pushed the door open, and his body flooded with awareness at the sight of Mira sitting at the desk, her fingers flying over the calculator. Maybe this was his lucky night after all. Her hand flew to her chest. “Matt…?” His name came out all breathy. “You scared me. I had no idea you were in town.” Because I made a point of wanting to surprise you, although not exactly like this. “Sorry about that, sunshine. I just got in a little while ago. I came to get a showerhead.” He walked into the small office, taking in the ledger on the desk, illuminated by his father’s ancient single-bulb lamp, and the family photos thumbtacked to the wall. He noticed a new photograph front and center, a picture of Hagen holding a fishing rod with a little sunfish dangling from the line. He knew how much Mira and Hagen meant to his father, but seeing Hagen’s photo among their family’s brought the full impact home. He shifted his gaze to Mira, and as the shock of his arrival wore off, a beautiful smile spread across her face. There it was, the brightness that had hooked him all those months ago. The sweet look of innocence and rebellious I-can-take-on-the-world confidence in her gorgeous eyes. She had no idea what she did to him. “Sunshine,” she whispered, and shook her head. “You can’t deny the way you light up everything around you.” He’d given her the nickname last summer because she had such a positive outlook on life. “You should see me before I have coffee in the mornings.” I’d like that more than you know. “A showerhead? Let me show you where they are.” She pushed to her feet, nearly bumping into his chest in the close quarters. Her chestnut hair tumbled sexily over her shoulders as she stood before him, one hand perched over his chest, the other reaching up to touch his cheek. “What happened?” Their attraction had been immediate and intense last summer and had only grown stronger with each subsequent visit—at least he knew it had for him. For months he’d buried any hope of exploring their connection beneath classes and research papers. Now, as she gazed into his eyes, all those heated memories came rushing back. “I was assaulted by the old one.” “Ouch.” She grimaced, and the spray of freckles on the bridge of her nose rose with the effort. He hadn’t been able to get that cute mannerism out of his head when he’d gone back to Princeton, and damn, did he like seeing it again. “You might need a stitch.” Her fingers lingered on his skin, warm and soft. He covered her hand with his, pressing it to his cheek. “It’s nothing, really.” She nibbled nervously on the corner of her mouth. “I’ll just…” She pointed out of the office, and her hand slid from beneath his. Her breasts brushed against his arm as she walked away, stirring more of that same dark attraction. There was no shortage of women vying for Matt’s attention. From coeds to faculty, he could have his pick back in Princeton, and the choices were just as plentiful here at the Cape. But the only woman he saw when he closed his eyes at night was heading down aisle seven of his father’s hardware store.
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Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Navy SEAL Reece Browning sacrificed body and soul in the line of duty. He survived torture at the hands of America’s enemies, but lost his career and his voice in the process. Traumatized and desperate to get his PTSD under control, Reece escapes to Eagle Ridge Ranch. Under the big Texas sky, he finds peace, a renewed sense of purpose—and a woman who makes him feel like a man again. Her smile lights up his dark days, and her caress helps him forget the night terrors.
Ex-Marine Gina Wilson also bears painful scars: emotional wounds inflicted by men she once trusted with her life. She has fought hard to overcome her demons and build a good life for her daughter, and Reece is too intense, too damaged, too raw to let into her heart. Yet she’s drawn irresistibly to his steely gaze and heated embrace. No one else understands what it’s like to suffer in silence. And when Gina’s daughter is threatened, it’s Reece who risks everything to save the day.
This series is turning out to be a rather epic experience to me with the deeply wounded heroes of the war returning home and trying to heal their bodies and minds from the horrors they have experienced.
Both Reece and Gina are broken, so terribly broken inside. Yet they meet as Gina is trying to help to heal the outside wounds that Reece has in him. Gina's wounds are not known, the terrors in her mind are deeply buried for the sake of her daughter. Together they are the perfect fit for each other, if only they learn to make compromises, learn to give room for the other, learn to come over the troubles of their minds. The romance between Reece and Gina is rocky, I didn't expect anything else. There are moments between them that are so sweet, there are moments that just makes you wonder if they ever were meant to be. Reece has learned from his father how to talk to a woman and how to treat one rightly. His sweet words are at times over the top, but I also felt that Gina needed the over the top kind of romance to get over the terrors she had experienced and learn to love and live in a relationship with Reece, thus so perfect for each other. The PTSD, how it is described, the moments of utter panic, the memories from the war, they were so vivid, so clearly painted in my mind by the author that something inside me broke a bit. I am still in tears as I write this because the fate of so many of these brave men and women is the doom of never getting the help they need, there just aren't enough of these places where they can heal with the time they need and with the resources they require. How it effected personally on Gina and Reece both, the moments as they shared their painful, unthinkable lot in life - I can't help but admire how well they both were able to function. There are several sensual sex scenes, that I thought after the first one were not necessarily needed for the plot development, but I also liked that the story continued beyond the initial coming together, and showed the rocky journey they had, and how they had to take time to work on the relationship after their life otherwise calmed down. I had to come to acceptance of the healing powers of the waterfalls in the last book, I dealt with it then and was easier to accept it now. The history of the place was brought in an eerie way, that gave me chills. Piper was the balance of the tale that brought light and joy with just mentioning her name. Her connection to Reece was amazing, it helped to heal some deep wounds inside of him, and speed up the recovery that could have been otherwise impossible. She gave hope to the darkness Reece was living in. There are moments in the story when I was belly laughing out loud either because of the funny moments or the corny things said. There were moments I wasn't sure I will survive the reading because the strong emotional connection I had with the story, and how deeply invested I got in the tale and the characters. The book kept me up late into the night, it is addictive with the constant twists, deep emotions, danger, fear, laughter, and joy. I am hooked on this series, that is for sure, eagerly waiting for more ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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All she wants for Christmas...
Everything schoolteacher Morgan Hill loves is in her hometown of Temptation, Virginia--her twins, her students and the charming community center where she's staging their holiday play. But now the building's new owner, Grayson Taylor, is putting sexy visions into Morgan's head, making the young widow long for a future even Santa couldn't deliver. As the oldest of sextuplets, Gray grew up in the media spotlight. His family's fame once helped Temptation thrive, but drove his parents apart. Coming back is just a bittersweet necessity until he meets petite firecracker Morgan. Somehow she gets the handsome tech guru to forget about big business in favor of small-town delights...and steamy winter nights. It's a life he never knew he wanted, but can he put his past aside to turn a festive fling into the sweetest forever?
Sensual yet sweet, entertaining yet thought provoking, filled with Christmas jubilee yet nerves about the future of the town, luscious love affair yet mourning for the past possibilities. This story has many layers of depth and thoughts as Grayson Taylor try to connect with his past while rather just leave it all behind.
The chemistry between Grey and Morgan is sizzling hot, her ever so lovely twins are too adorable filled with honesty and eagerness that stole my heart as well as Grey's. Morgan has guilty feelings towards moving on from mourning for her husband. Everything hanging in the air between her and Grey seems to underline those doubts. Will they even have a chance for a future together, will Grey stay, does she even want to have a future with him, and how could they make it work, if he was willing - the questions are endless, the recent events even raising them higher. The story is well built, engaging, and intriguing. The history of the Taylor family, that has always been painful and filled with mix emotions in Gre's mind, starts to open up in a new way to him. In that new light his life, his goals, his desires, and future plans start to drastically change, making him a new man who is capable of love, commitment, and family. But will Morgan be able to catch up with his change of feelings, emotions, and plans? Is she ready to move on and trust her feelings? Does she want to change the life as she now has it? With humor and laughter of the children, with joy and cheer of the community at Christmas time, with sensual encounters and exciting new feelings between Grey and Morgan, with drama and trouble around the town, the story entices and entangle the reader's mind. An exciting start to a new promising series ~ Four Spoons
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Second Chance Holiday
All Hannah Dorchester wants is to give her orphaned niece and nephew a happy Christmas. She's ready for anything except their uncle Ethan Williams. Thirteen years ago she was planning their wedding and he was planning his escape joining the military without even a goodbye. Ethan never meant to break Hannah's heart, but now the recovering soldier's back and he wants his late brother's kids. He's got one month to prove he'll be the better parent. But as they start sharing in the joys of the season, he's determined to show Hannah he's also become a better man. Could this be their final chance at family and their second chance for love?
A delicate tale with deep emotions, ranging from utter despair with the loss of the parents and siblings, to the turbulent memories of broken hearts and promises, to the joy of Christmas, puppies, and playing in the snow and the angst of starting a new life, school, and all that it entailed.
My heart broke for Molly and Cole, the children whose life was upside down with the death of their parents, once again relocating and trying to find their footing in the new environment. Hannah was doing her best, and that was a lot, the kids were lucky to have her, even if they couldn't understand it at the moment. Ethan was a surprise that no one expected, yet he was determined to get his time with the kids, and finally get the chance to know them, and possibly be their guardian if he had anything to say about it. The story had many conflicts, from the death of the parents, the ill great aunt and how she treated the kids, to Ethan never being around the kids, new environment and school, weather, and the turbulent past between Ethan and Hannah that has to stay in the background while the kids adjust, just to pick the most obvious struggles. But with clever plotting and storytelling the author gives a satisfying, heart-wrenching tale, that hit directly to the heart. With lots of love, patience, and faith in God's guidance and providence they try again and again until they got it right, or as close to the right as they can. I enjoyed the story, the lessons in having faith, learning to forgive and forget, understanding the past and growing, developing, and learning to ask for help when needed. This is another delightful Christmas tale and a story from the beloved Aspen Creek ~ Four Spoon With a teaspoon on the side
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Real Earls Break the Rules
Infamous Somertons #2 By: Tina Gabrielle Releasing November 21, 2016 Entangled Scandalous
Rules are made to be broken…
He’ll break every rule for her… She’s forbidden in every way… 1816 England Brandon St. Clair, the Earl of Vale, has never been one to follow the rules. Even though he must marry a wealthy heiress so that he can be rid of the pile of debt he inherited with his title, he can’t stop thinking of another. Amelia Somerton is the daughter of an art forger and is not a suitable wife. But that doesn’t stop Brandon from making Amelia a different offer, the kind that breaks every rule of etiquette… Sin runs in Amelia’s family. And even though she now rubs elbows with the aristocracy, she knows the truth—she has the ability to forge priceless works of art. She’ll never be seen as an acceptable wife, not that she wants to marry, anyway. So when the earl scandalously offers her the one thing she’s always dreamed of, she can’t help but take it. But what begins as a simple arrangement, soon escalates into much more, and as the heat between them sizzles, each encounter becomes a lesson in seduction…
Amelia turned to the end of the sketchbook, and a single candle illuminated her most recent work, a rough sketch of Lord Vale’s handsome face. She’d captured a knowing glint in his eyes, a lazily seductive glance that had upset her balance more than once.
A soft knock on her bedchamber door startled her. She set her sketchbook aside, donned her night rail over her nightgown, and cracked the door to find the flesh and blood model of her sketch standing in the hall. “I saw the candlelight beneath the door. I’m glad you’re awake,” he said. Her brow furrowed, and she peeked around him. “Is something amiss with Chloe?” “No.” “Then why are you here?” “I thought to show you the secret passageway,” he said. “Now? It’s well past midnight.” “All the guests are asleep. It’s the perfect time.” Perfect for him. He was fully dressed, from jacket and waistcoat to shined Hessians. He looked like he was ready for a ride in the country. Amelia was dressed in her nightclothes. Even though the fabric covered every inch of her skin, from the high neckline and long sleeves to her slippered feet, she still felt exposed. “I’m not sure this is the best time to—” “There’s no better opportunity.” He stepped inside and closed the door. “Your sister watches you like a hawk. My grandmother misses nothing.” Amelia backed up a step. “You’re not afraid, are you?” he asked. Now that he was inside her bedchamber with candlelight flickering across his face, she had second thoughts. Could she do this? Could she be alone with a man for hours each night and paint his portrait? She didn’t fear physical harm from him. Her instincts told her she would be safe with him. But there were other disconcerting factors—a fluttering at the back of her neck and the wild beating of her pulse when he looked at her. And the way her heart seemed to rush to the spot on her hand or arm every time he briefly touched her. “Let me show you the passageway. If you have second thoughts, you can back out of our arrangement. I’ll send a message straightway to Stirling at the Royal Academy that I am no longer in need of his services,” he said. At the mention of the old, master painter, Amelia shook her head. “No. Show me.” Art lessons were a once in a lifetime opportunity and she couldn’t let propriety or discomfort get in her way, no matter how highly attractive she found her subject. A second passed, then two, before Vale nodded. “He carried his candle to the chest of drawers and held the light close to the paneled wall. Amelia bent to look where he was indicating. “I don’t see anything.” “Look close. Here,” he pointed to the molding at the base of the wall. She saw it then. A small crack that was nearly invisible with the paint. “If you press the lever by the molding, you will hear a click and the door will open,” he instructed. Amelia ran her fingers across the molding until she felt a small lever. She pressed down and felt a latch release at the same time she heard a click. A door opened in the paneling, and darkness met her eyes. Vale held up his candle, and the glow lit a passageway. “The passage leads directly to my study. Follow me.” Amelia reached for her own candle and followed behind him. Candlelight flickered off the corridor’s walls and the hair on her nape stood on end. “How far is it?” she whispered. “We’re almost there.” She’d never liked small spaces and the corridor was dim and cramped. A trickle of sweat beaded between her breasts. Reaching out, she pressed a hand against his jacket between his shoulder blades. His strength and warmth beneath her palm kept any panic at bay. “We’re here.” He lowered the candle to show her another lever to press. A door sprang open and she followed him into a room. She took a deep breath and blinked as her eyes adjusted from the dimness in the corridor to the brightly lit room. Three rows of bookshelves lined with supple leather volumes graced one wall. A large pearwood desk occupied the wall opposite a stone fireplace with a coal grate. The desk was covered with papers and a wooden globe rested on an end table. But it was the two canvases on easels in the corner that caught her eye. A smaller canvas was for the Aelbert Cuyp landscape. The larger one, measuring five feet tall and three feet wide, was the exact dimensions for a portrait that she’d scrawled on a note and handed to his butler. Her wooden box of art supplies rested on an end table close by the canvas. “Are they acceptable?” he asked. “Yes.” “You can work here each night after the guests retire. No one but my butler and most trusted staff enter here. I often work late at night and they are used to my unconventional work habits.” In the brightly lit room, Amelia’s concerns vanished. She could easily paint here for hours without threat of discovery. “I have one question,” she said. “What was the secret passageway used for? Were the past earls of Vale involved in espionage on behalf of the Crown?” His lips twitched in amusement. “Hardly such a noble cause. My great grandfather was profligate and his mistresses often visited Rosewood. The secret passageway was a convenient means for his lovers to come to him. I’m certain the tales have been exaggerated, but the corridor speaks for itself. Only a handful of people have ever known of its existence.” She hadn’t expected such an explanation. She’d imagined spies and noble self-sacrificing men taking risks on behalf of their country. Not the illicit affairs of an old earl. She motioned toward the door hidden in the paneling. “Then why does the passage lead to the study and not the master bedchamber?” His smile turned up a notch. “Because my great grandmother, the countess, would have heard everything.” “Oh.” Amelia’s face grew warm. Whatever answer she had expected it wasn’t that. A sudden thought occurred to her, and she eyed him with newfound knowledge. “You won’t be making any visits through the passage into my bedchamber.” His placed his hand across his heart. “My vow as a gentleman. I’d never visit a lady’s bedchamber unless I’m invited.” Heavens. The way he said it suggested he was often invited. Amelia felt a rush of heat across her skin. She hadn’t even started to paint him and she was thinking scandalous thoughts. She needed to maintain all boundaries. Arching an eyebrow, she glared at him. “Since that will never happen, I will begin working tomorrow night, my lord.”
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Best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances. Publisher’s Weekly calls her Regency Barrister’s series, “Well-matched lovers…witty comradely repartee.” Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, Lady Of Scandal, was nominated as best first historical by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina lives in New Jersey and is married to her own hero and is blessed with two daughters. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her website to learn about upcoming releases, join her newsletter, and enter free monthly contests at www.tinagabrielle.com
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads
He lost her once. He won't lose her again.
Despite an illustrious career as a top hostage negotiator, Joe Matarazzo is haunted by the past. It was a year ago that three innocent lives were lost under his watch. But Joe isn't the only one who remembers that day. When Joe's exes begin to fall victim to a violent stalker, Joe seeks the help of Laura Birchwood—a lawyer and the woman he once loved. Despite old wounds, Laura agrees to help Joe find out who's framing him. And while they expect to be met with danger, they're unprepared for passion that still burns strong, and their determination to give what was between them a second chance.
With the lethal culprit chasing Joe's previous girlfriends, rekindling attempts with Laura, the one Joe Matarazzo still carried in his heart, could not have had the worse timing.
With distressing murders occurring, and Joe seeming like the offender, it is just logical he is suspended from the Omega Sector, only setting him off on a quest of his own with no backup to protect him. The story takes off with an enthralling action, filled with grim conflicts both mental and physical. Joe has to face his feelings of not belonging and not being part of the team. His reluctance of trusting and opening up are hindering the investigation, putting him and Laura even direr plight. The billionaire playboy heroes not being my favorite type of characters, Joe Matarazzo had a lot of work ahead of him to win me over, especially when taking into consideration how he treated Laura in the past. The issues of judging others by appearances, and tearing apart in the media when not filling the expectations, and surrendering to these opinions are hurtful and can make damage in anyone's mind. Laura's heart was more forgiving than mine, I felt his reason for the past break up were never rightly justified. But the fire between them was burning like it never was blown away. Joe obviously had done some maturing and was willing to do the work to win not only Laura's heart again, but her trust as well. With the more intimate type of crimes to be solved than national crises the Omega Sector works behind the scenes vigorously trying to clear Joe's name and keep Laura alive, yet there's still much more dangerous and deadly situations to be dealt with, mortal malice to be faced. When the case takes off, and the action starts, the tension builds up, the dread becomes real and the story enticing, then the book was hard put down and the interest to find out will they survive the savage, held until the end. With charming, sharp, and smart characters fighting for the world of justice alluring the reader into the vicious world of senseless crimes, committed by disturbingly obsessed minds, and holding there with the hair-raising and heart-stopping battles for life or death, the author gives one wildly entertaining, terror filled thrill ride when not enamoring with desirous romance ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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WHEN DARIUS BRAVO WANTS SOMETHING…
…he usually gets it. And the powerhouse CEO has wanted Ava Malloy since he was a Justice Creek High senior. Darius is already adored by one Malloy: Ava's spirited daughter. Helping Sylvie and her local Blueberry troop build dollhouses for needy kids is a worthy cause that's bringing him closer to the widowed single mom. Imagine his surprise when the usually unapproachable Ava starts flirting and making her romantic intentions crystal clear! With one condition. A holiday fling with the man Ava has always found irresistibly attractive is a thrilling way to ring in the New Year. She can't promise Darius the future—one devastating heartbreak in a lifetime is enough. But Ava underestimates his staying power. And what about her own secret heart's desire? A Bravo under the mistletoe and in her arms forever!
This story got to my heart with the chance Ava finally dared to take with Darius and love, with the absolutely adorable connection Darius and Sylvie had, and with the help of Darius gave to the Blueberries. Oh, he is a swoon worthy hero, indeed.
If you follow my reviews you know I am a fan of Christmas stories, especially if there's a message in them. Ava's journey from her childhood battles to the hard times with the family, to not daring to take a chance with Darius when they were in high school, and then later losing her husband, it was so much tragedy to put on one woman's shoulders. But she carried it with tremendous courage and style, never giving up for a minute. And yes, that came off as little stiff and unflexible, maybe even controlling at times, but with good reason when looking at her past. Darius didn't let all his charm get to him, he was generous, kind, caring man, making time to the kids in the community, and being adored by them was a testimony to his character no matter what anyone else said. Taking that one step over from a fun fling, and getting the feelings involved, letting the emotions to grow root was where the wall came up with Ava. The battle she had was palpable, the fears tangible and real. Sylvie's reaction to Ava's battle was heartbreaking, her love for Darius so fierce and loyal. There was just enough drama and angst to make the point, yet not to wallow in it. The story acknowledges the difficulties some might face and respects the roadblocks during the journey of life, yet encourages to be brave and take the chances in life, love, and living to the fullest whenever you get the chance. Lots of extended families, the joy of children at the Christmas time, living, loving, losing loved ones, facing the life head... this was truly a story that put a smile on my face and got my emotions involved, made me want to decorate my Christmas tree, and celebrate the jubilant yuletide with loved ones ~ Four Spoon with a teaspoon on the side
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Calculating the odds on their fate isn't exactly rocket science…
Nuclear physicist Mark Renfro will do anything to keep his daughter safe, including building a "suitcase nuke" for the radical group that killed his wife. Imprisoned alone in a makeshift lab, Mark has all but given up hope of seeing his daughter again. Until his captors provide an assistant—the beautiful stepdaughter of the terrorist leader. Angry and defiant, Erin Daniels has no intention of assisting anyone—including a gorgeous scientist. That is, until a time bomb is strapped around her neck. They have one week to finish…or Erin dies. Mark knows he's Erin's only hope for survival. And she's his only hope for a future.
From the very first scene to the last one the author creates a story where tension is palpable, fear is evident, escape seem impossible, where the characters have to make unimaginable decisions, where every moment is matter of life and death and failure would be the end of the world as they know it.
This tale turned out to be an addictive page turner, a story that I couldn't put down until the very end. I believe the story is easy to read as a standalone novel, yet I have been following with the series and the disappearance of Mark has been a mystery that has raised my interest long ago. The fourteen months he has been held captive has had an effect on him, yet the new life and energy he gains when Erin is brought to the same 'prison' he has been held kicks off the story into a high gear. The intensity of the situation is detectable, the threat constant and real, the possibility of the bomb going off at any given moment is a terror I can not imagine, yet I felt the horror it created, the jitters it gave to both Mark and Erin. I loved Mark's logical mind, his way of reasoning, realistic way of thinking without being fatalistic. His solitude has given him time to mourn the life he left behind, and as Erin fumbles into his cabin and into his life as it were, the energy, the connection, the chemistry are overwhelming, along with welcomed. Erin's whole life till now has been shadowed by the evils of her stepfather leaving marks on her soul, making trusting anyone a challenge. With Mark, she knows there's a chance of new life if only they can make to the civilization and to the FBI alive, and stay that way. The dangers of nature, the wounds of the battle to break to the freedom, and being chased with deadly intent are just some of the dangers they face along the way. I held my breath and couldn't read fast enough, I wept with the compromises they had to make, the heartbreaking choices they were forced to face. The strength of their character was tested, again and again, and their resolution to survive, the pure grit they held in their person left me in awe. This story is one amazing ride filled with moxie and perseverance showing what a person can endure when loved one's lives are at the stake. ~ Five Spoons!
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Cindi Myers worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager before turning to writing full time. She's written both historical and contemporary romance, as well as dozens of short stories and nonfiction articles. Cindi thinks writers have the best job in the world.
Former president of San Antonio Romance Authors, Cindi is a member of Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She and her husband and their two dogs live in the mountains Southwest of Denver. When she's not caught up in creating new characters and stories, Cindi enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, skiing and hiking. She's also in demand as a speaker, teaching workshops and making presentations to both local and national writing groups. Website Twitter Facebook |