Murder in the Orchard - Betty Rowlands

Murder in the Orchard: A totally gripping cozy mystery novel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 6 of the Melissa Craig Mysteries and I think that each one just gets better and better. I have to admit that I polished this off in one day, not quite one sitting, but I didn't want to put it down. This time Melissa finds herself in the middle of another mystery when she is supposed to be on a writers retreat. Needless to say, she doesn't get a great deal of writing done.
As well as the small cast of suspects, we have the return of regular characters in the form of Gloria the cleaner, next door neighbour and artist Iris and boyfriend and tame policeman Ken. I have to admit that I haven't decided how I feel about the Ken and Melissa relationship. On the whole, I think that I'm in favour, but with Melissa being a bit unsure herself and the two of them continually butting heads when it comes to how involved she seems to get in these mysteries, the jury is still out.
As ever the mystery worked well and I really enjoyed it. I didn't manage to solve the whole thing this time, but I had picked up on most of the clues and got my head around quite a bit before the big reveal.
I love these classic mystery stories and can't wait to see what trouble Mel manages to find herself in the middle of in the next book. No doubt Ken will be less than impressed with her snooping around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


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Footsteps in the Dark- Georgette Heyer

Footsteps in the Dark by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't read a mystery novel by Georgette Heyer, although I have read and loved some of her Regency Romances. The mystery novels, based on this one at least, are quite different, although the writing style, that helps make Heyer's novels so good, of course, remains.
This is a classic country house mystery, with a small cast of possible suspects and plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. Compared to modern thriller and mystery novels, the plot of these type of books is quite slow, which might put some people off, but I have to admit that I've long been a fan of this classic who-done-it style.
Overall, I liked the main characters, although they are very much of their time. But what about the mystery itself. For me, a mystery has to 'work' I don't need to have been able to solve it myself, but it has to make sense when all is explained. Fortunately, in this case, everything was tied up neatly and there wasn't a sudden non-sensical conclusion. In actual fact, I'd guessed who was behind it all and what some of the other characters were up to quite a while before it was revealed. I don't think that it was completely obvious either though, which is the other danger with these type of books.
Footsteps in the Dark was a satisfying and enjoyable read. if you don't like the type of gentle mysteries from the golden age of that type of novel then this probably isn't for you. If you are a fan of a classic murder mystery, however, then I'd urge you to give this one a go.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Cover Reveal Guardian Angel

~ Cover Reveal ~

Guardian Angel by Ruchi Singh

The Man

Security expert Nikhil Mahajan is in mortal danger. Gravely injured and unable to see, he is in the midst of hostile strangers in an unknown place. Any hope of survival is fast fading away. 

The Angel

Should an innocent man be allowed to die just because he had been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Someone has to intervene.

About the Author:

Winner of TOI WriteIndia Season 1, Ruchi Singh is a novelist, and writes in two genres; romance and romantic thriller. A voracious reader, she loves everything—from classics to memoirs to editorials to chick-lit, but her favourite genre is ‘romantic thriller’. Besides writing and reading, her other interests include dabbling with Indian classical dance forms.

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The Belting Inheritance - Julian Symons

The Belting Inheritance by Julian Symons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In some ways, this book is a little different to most classic crime stories. There is a murder and a cast of possible suspects. Most of the action takes place in a country house, although there is a brief trip over to France. In addition to this part of the mystery, there is also the question of a missing member of the family returning to the family and the family not being sure if he is really who he says that he is. Of course, these two elements are linked and the answer to both mysteries is solved together.
The story is told from the point of view of a young member of the house, Christopher, who is there staying with his extended family for the holidays. He had lost his parents at the age of twelve and has been cared for by his mother's aunt, who he is now living with since then. I quite liked Christopher as a narrator, he is often very conscious of his role as storyteller, but on the whole, I think that this worked.
The pace of the story is possibly a little slow when compared to modern novels, but I think in this it works. It helps to create a sense of the past and places the novel in the post-war period that it was set. I think it was actually written a decade or so later than this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. I had figured out some of the mystery, but there were still a few surprises at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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4Ever Series Blog Tour

This boxed set consists of the entire 4Ever series bundle. You'll get all three novels, Imperfect Love, Secret Love and Endless Love in one. Over 1400 pages, and almost 340 000 words, hours filled with romance, betrayal, heartache and second chances.

Imperfect Love: At 24 years old, Holly Scallanger has the perfect life. Everything a girl could want; a beautiful man, a stunning home, as well as being in the midst of preparing for the wedding of her dreams. This all vanishes the night she catches her fiancé, Brandon Morgan, in bed with her worst nightmare, Donna Sinclair, just a week before Holly is set to walk down the aisle. Attempting to recover from his betrayal, Holly swears off the affections of men in order to pick up the pieces of her crumbling life. Unfortunately, meeting Jake 'Hooligan' Peters is not part of her plan. The tall, dark-haired and handsome as hell med student, sweeps Holly away from the pain of her past and reveals to her the bright future that lies ahead. That is, until she falls pregnant just as Jake begins his internship at P&E; his family's hospital. Will this love at first sight lead her to the fairytale she has always craved? Or, will she fall victim to a betrayal of the heart yet again?

Secret Love: Guarding a secret and playing with fire has never been a good combination. Four years ago, Holly Scallenger embarked on the most difficult journey of her life. As if being a single parent isn't already stressful enough, Holly also attended med-school, in hopes of heping other pregnant women in a way she wasn't helped. But things don't look so good as she has to embark on a new journey - a journey that would take her back to Boston, back to the man who broke her heart and discarded her and her babies. Sworn to never fall for him again, Holy is put to the test once more when a chance encounter reunites them.

Endless Love: Death comes to us all, but true love conquers all? For once, Holly Scallanger has it all. After more than her fair share of ups and downs, fate intervened and changed her life the day she bumped back into Jake Peters' life. Now her Now her future seems brighter than ever before. She's training at the best hospital in Zurich, she shares a love with the man of her dreams—the type of love most womenonly ever dream of—and her little girl has everything her heart desires. But fate has other plans. When an old acquaintance crashes back into Holly's life causing havoc at every turn, Holly's perfect existence falls to pieces around her. Will the couple survive the turmoil entering the lives, or will their happily ever after come to an end?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Isabella White is a USA Today Bestselling author. She started her writing career with Imperfect Love in 2015, followed two years later by Secret Love and Endless Love. When she isn't writing, she is spending her time with family and friends and her lazy bulldog Missy. You can find out more about Isabella and all her other novels on her website.

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JB's Bookworms - Des 15 Inspired to Read - Des 17 What is that book about - 18 Dec Crazy K.A.L.M - Des 20 Simply Kelina - Des 27 Adrienne Woods Books - Des 31 Momma says to read or not to read - Jan 1 Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm - Jan 4 Nessie's Place - Jan 8 World's Away Bookblog - Jan 10 Viviana Macade - Jan 11 Book Reviews by Jasmine - Jan 15

Murder on a Winter Afternoon - Betty Rowlands

Murder on a Winter Afternoon by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These Mel Craig Mysteries just get better and better, I don't know if it's because I know the character a little better with each one. This book has, like the last one, a bit of an art theme going on. It's a bit of a different situation to in the previous book, but is interesting and works well all the same.
You might expect that by the third book, Mel might have been a bit more on the ball with this mystery. Mel is a mystery novelist herself, which is part of the reason that she gets involved in all of these crimes in the first place, so she should surely be able to solve things reasonably easy. In this book, she doesn't spot what I felt was fairly obvious though. I don't know if the mystery would have worked so well if she had, so I'll let her off, I was getting a little stressed and wanting to give her a shake.
One of the great things about reading a series is that you get to see the characters develop over time. In this instalment we see the development of a relationship that grew a little in the last book, I wonder if we'll see more of this in subsequent books?
The only slightly annoying thing about this series is that on the one hand, it is quintessentially English, but the book must have been prepared for the American market. There are a few too many cell phones and cookies for my liking that just detract very slightly from that British setting. Overall though, this is a great classic mystery series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books.

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Wolf Tamer - Yumoyori Wilson

Wolf Tamer
Yumoyori Wilson
(Claiming My Pack #1)
Publication date: October 6th 2018
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

An Orphan Girl. A Group of Wolves. A Destined Fate for War.
Don’t you ever wish to find where you belong? A place where you can rest your head without worrying about being jumped or your possessions being taken from you? Not like I had much, to say the least.
A pendant, an ancient blade, and a picture of my murdered family were all I had left when I was five years old. Foster homes to homeless shelters, I never found a place of refuge. I simply didn’t belong, and everyone made it their duty to remind me of my predicament. Until I finally came across a place that felt like home.
Sacred Moon Shelter for Endangered Wolves. I’d stumbled upon the sanctuary when I was near death, but I was miraculously saved.
Since then, I’ve become a Wolf Tamer; the only one who can get close to touching the six rare breeds. When I’m with them, I feel safe and sometimes wish I could be like one of them and escape this cruel world.
But such inhumanity strikes home, a group of hunters shows up, ready to take my wolves to an unknown place or murder them in cold blood. I won’t allow them to kill the only true family I’d ever known.
My name is Harper Blake, and I vow to claim and protect my own.
Wolf Tamer is a new Wolf Shifter Reverse Harem Romance. Recommended for 18+ Audiences.

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Author Bio:
Yumoyori Wilson is from Toronto, Ontario. She's a Full-time author who loves to write many different genres. On her down time, she bothers her Mom and likes to drink bubbletea while reading and playing video games.

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My Review

First of all, I think that I should start by saying that this is the first in a series. Or at the very least, there is to be a follow-on book. I mention this because although the book is described as being a reverse harem romance, that doesn't really happen in this book. Instead, much of the story is building up the background that I assume will come into fruition in the second book. 

The book starts with our heroine, Harper, as a five-year-old. She has lost her family to murderers and no longer fully knows who or what she is. The book then progresses and we join Harper as she grows up at various stages and falls for her friend Ian, who just so happens to also be her other friend wolfie. 

For the most part I enjoyed reading all of this background storyline and it helped to build an understanding of who Harper is. Having said that, by the end of the book much of her past is still in darkness and it's not clear what is going to happen to her. I was interested to find out though and will be keen to read the second book in the series.

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Crave the Heat by Marnee Blake

Crave the Heat by Marnee Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book in Marnee Blake's Smokejumpers series. I have to admit that I am a bit of a firefighter fan and stories about the elite smokejumpers that parachute into out of the way locations to deal with wildfires are always going to be something that I'm interested in.
In this second book, we learn more about Dak, who appeared as Lance's friend in the first book. Lance and Meg, who were the main characters in book one do make a small appearance in this book, although most of the story focuses around Dak and Heidi, who has just arrived in the area to investigate who has been setting fires around the area. There is a bit of a mystery/thriller dimension to this story, although I will admit that I had worked out who was setting the fires long before they did. I didn't really get to the bottom of why they were doing it, however, but then neither did any of the characters in the book.
Overall I liked both Dak and Heidi, they seemed to work well together and there was certainly chemistry between them. I'm not sure that I'm that into the dysfunctional family idea, especially seeing as that played a major part of the plot in book one and then here we are with another in book two.
This was an enjoyable read and I'd be keen to continue with more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


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My Way To You - Lyndell Williams

My way to you

Lawyer Simon Young is smart, confident, and good at keeping things with women casual—until he meets his best friend Marcus’s little sister, Regina. Intrigued by her beauty at first sight, he’s increasingly enthralled and risks his friendship with Marcus to have her in his arms.

Social justice writer and activist Regina Kent is usually cautious and savvy. Yet unable to resist her attraction to the handsome Simon, she plunges into an affair knowing that she chanced angering big brother and the less tolerant of her followers. Many will not accept that one of their most popular pro-Black bloggers is dating an Asian .

As their clandestine romance evolves, Simon and Regina fall deeper in love. Making sure that things stay between them becomes impossible, and neither knows how much longer they can keep the world at bay.

My Review

Well, this was a story and a half. If you're expecting your bog standard, basic romance, then that isn't what you are going to get, but even so, I don't think that you'll be disappointed in this one. In many ways, the events of this book could have filled a whole series. That's not to say that the book is either overly long, or rushed, it isn't, but there's an awful lot going on.

There isn't just romance to deal with here, but race, prejudice and what happens when love runs into that. Simon and Regina have a lot to deal with, much more than many other couples have. Some of it was a surprise. I know that things are different in the US, not to say that there isn't racism in the UK or here in New Zealand, but it certainly seems that 'inter-racial' relationships are much more of a big deal in America. In fact, I will admit that of the people I know who are in one (and now I think of it, there are quite a few) I'd never really considered them to be in something different. I don't know, but I don't think that many people are that bothered about it, certainly, nothing like Simon and Regina have to deal with, it's sad that that should be the case in 2018.

I liked both Simon and Regina, although I wanted to shake them both at various points. As is often the case in romance novels, things would be much easier if they would talk more. Sometimes that would mean that there was no story left, but in this case, there would be still plenty of drama. The only thing that stopped this from being a five-star book was that very occasionally the dialogue just didn't quite seem to flow naturally. I'm possibly being a bit picky here, but that means that there's room for the next book from this author. I'll certainly be making sure that I read it.

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Fianna's Awakening - Rod C. Nieto

Fianna’s Awakening
Ron C. Nieto
(Warriors of Myth and Legend, #1)
Publication date: November 13th 2018
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Outcast. Betrayer. Chosen.
After five years being a Fianna, Aisling O’Malley still has to prove herself every day. The sins of the father weigh heavily on her shoulders, and no matter what she does, her fellow warriors regard her as the undeserving one. It doesn’t help that one of the four mythical treasures of Ireland has turned up under her nose, leaving her none the wiser. If by any chance the touted Spear of Lugh up for auction is indeed the legendary Spear of Victory, she needs to get her hands on it before anyone else does—and be spectacular enough about it to make the rest of the Fianna forget she almost missed the artifact in the first place.
Exile. Betrayer. Forgotten.
After spending twice as long undercover as he ever lived at home, Ronan no longer knows where he belongs to or where he’s actually exiled from. He can’t return to his people, not unless he collects the four artifacts of power the Tuatha Dé lost when they were forced to leave Ireland, and three millennia after the fact, he’s pretty sure they’re going to remain lost. Except one of those ancient treasures has landed in his lap—or could land in his lap, if he brings himself to work with the spunky young woman who wants to hire him to consult on the Spear’s authenticity.
Can two broken people learn to trust one another? And even if they can, will it be too late to save Ireland… or themselves?

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Author Bio:
Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself.
If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website.

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My Review

This book was a little different to the ones that I usually go for, in all honesty, I wasn't sure what to expect. This is the first book in a series that follows Fianna Aisling O’Malley and Ronan, who appears to be an expert on Irish myth and legend at the local university, but is perhaps much more. When a legendary spear that allows the owner to be undefeated in battle turns up, they try to track it down and get hold of it, but they are not the only ones who want it.

There is a lot of world-building to be done here.  For the most part it's well done and enjoyable. I was wondering how Aisling found herself as a Fianna, but there isn't a great deal of detail. I found out, after reading the book, that there is a prequel novella that tells this story and I wish that I had read this first.

I thought that both Ronan and Aisling were interesting characters and I'd be interested to see how their story develops and plays out over time. Clearly, there is much more to learn there. Overall, it's an enjoyable read and a good start to a series. 

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Murder at the Manor Hotel - Betty Rowlands

Murder at the Manor Hotel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm really enjoying these Melissa Craig mysteries. Unfortunately, I've missed out on book number three in this series, but I don't think it really matters and I can go back later. Like the previous books that I've read this is another classic murder mystery. This time with the added threat of some other criminal activity (I won't go into details, as Melissa doesn't find out about it until later in the book).
These stories are marketed as being cosy mysteries. I personally am not a fan of the term and I think in this case it sells the story a little short. Most that fall into that genre are a little more humorous and light-hearted than this. That's not to say that this is some gritty dark tale, but there's more to it than a throwaway read in my opinion.
Melissa is again involved in the thick of the action and looks to find out more. I also like the development of her relationship with some of the other characters. Her next door neighbour is as always an entertaining side character, although she doesn't have a central role in this book and the same can be said for her cleaner. There is a little more of her tame policeman friend too and I suspect that he may feature a little more in future books.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series, although it doesn't really matter if you read this as a one-off or part of the series. It certainly works as a stand-alone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


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My way to you release day blitz

About the Book

Title: My Way To You Author: Lyndell Williams Genre: Romance Lawyer Simon Young is smart, confident, and adept at keeping things with women casual—until he meets his best friend Marcus’s sister, Regina. Immediately intrigued by Regina’s beauty, Simon becomes increasingly enthralled and ultimately risks his friendship to have her for himself. Social justice writer and activist Regina Kent is usually cautious and savvy. Yet, unable to resist her attraction to the handsome Simon, she plunges into a torrid affair, knowing that she chances angering big brother and her less tolerant followers, many of whom will not accept that one of their most popular pro-Black bloggers is dating an Asian man. As their clandestine romance evolves, Simon and Regina fall deeper in love. Making sure that things stay between them becomes progressively impossible, and neither knows how much longer they can keep Marcus in the dark and the world at bay.    

Author Bio

Lyndell Williams is an award-winning writer as well as a multifaceted editor, romance scholar and author. She is a managing editor and columnist for various media platforms and serves as a content editor for a select group of clients. She’s had numerous short stories published in collections and enjoys a growing list of subscribers to her Layla Writes Love online short story series. Lyndell is an adjunct instructor as well as an anti-racism and gender equity advocate. She is committed to the traditional use of literature as social commentary to affect positive social change.  

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The Arsenal Stadium Mystery - Leonard r. Gribble

The Arsenal Stadium Mystery by Leonard R. Gribble
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that this is the first mystery novel that is set in the world of football. You could probably write everything I know about football on a postage stamp and still leave room for a margin, which is a bit pitiful for a Brit, it being our national sport. Still, that didn't really matter when it came to reading this book. Although football and more particularly the gunners gave the scene for this story, it didn't mean that a non-football fan couldn't still enjoy it and get a lot out of it.
Like many of these classic mysteries from the golden age of the genre, the mystery revolves around a small cast of characters, many of who seem to have a motive for killing the person who meets their untimely end. As often is the case in books like this, the victim, Doyce, is a thoroughly nasty piece of work, which means that not only could there be a lot of people who want to do away with him, but also you can't really mind too much that he is killed off.
I don't want to go into the various motives or do anything that might give the identity of the killer away. I will say though, that I did manage to solve the mystery, although I did think that some of the background was a little bit far fetched.
Overall, this is an enjoyable mystery read. If you like classic mysteries, even if football isn't usually your thing, I think you'll enjoy this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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The Billionaire's Last Chance - Leslie North

The Billionaire's Last Chance by Leslie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Beaumont Brother's series and I have read all three. They work fine as stand-alone stories and there is no need to have read the first two before diving into this one. That said, I enjoyed the first couple of books and so was looking forward to reading the final one.
I really liked Connall and in many ways enjoyed his story more than those for his brothers.
Unlike the two previous books, Connall doesn't have a pretend partner and then fiance. He falls for Bernadette quickly and properly, but he still needs to be married in order to meet the terms of this grandfather's will. Unfortunately, Bernadette doesn't know that this is what he needs to do and when she finds out, she feels used.
I liked both the growth of their relationship and how they dealt with the problems that they faced. Like the previous stories, this was a very quick read and in an ideal world, I would have liked a little bit more. Both in terms of Connall and Bernadette's story and more of the characters from the previous stories. That said, it didn't really detract from this one and it was a great, quick read.
I'm a bit sorry that the series is over, but I'm really pleased I got to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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Demon's Mercy - Rebecca Zanetti

Demon's Mercy by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this book is number 9 in the series, (in actual fact, it's more than that, as there are some novellas that come earlier in the series too) it didn't really matter that it was the first that I read. With a book like this, there is a lot of world building to do and it's often a challenge to get the balance between writing something that will make sense to new readers and won't be too repetitive for those who have followed the series can be a huge challenge. Fortunately, for me at least, Rebecca Zanetti pulled it off.
Logan is a Vampire - Demon hybrid. He has a destiny to fulfil and needs to become one of the 'seven.' Mercy is a fae (not a fairy, thank you very much) and her people have decided that the seven can't be completed and fully formed as it will pull apart dimensions and destroy everything. She tries her best to stop him, but the chemistry between them cannot be denied and perhaps there is more to all of this than either of them know.
There's a lot going on in this story. The romance is great, but it almost takes a back seat to the progression of the rest of the story. I loved the conflict between Mercy and Logan, as they battle to gain control of each other and their feelings. I'd like to see more of that, but it looks as though there are a lot of other characters to deal with in future books. I'd like to go back and read some of the other stories but I'd also be keen to learn about those who have either not found their mate as yet, or perhaps don't seem to get on with their mate and then there's the next generation with a story to tell.
This was a great read and I'm almost sorry that I started here, as clearly, nine books in, there are a lot of other books to get my teeth into already out there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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Love over logic - Diana A. Hicks

Love over Logic

Attorney Emilia Prado has been living in hiding, ever since the local cartel killed her dad and left her and her mom for dead. But when her long lost cousin needs help leaving her drug lord husband, Emilia knows her time for justice has come.

Hot shot lawyer Dom Moretti never met a case he couldn’t win. Each win puts distance between him and an old life he wants to forget. But when Emilia, a crush from law school, asks for his help, the life he worked so hard for hangs in the balance.

Out to even the score, Emilia is ready to enact revenge on her father’s killer. But will she risk losing Dom to a side of himself he thought was dead and buried?

My Review

In many ways this is a classic hero tries to sacrifice himself for the woman he loves, while she has to make it clear to him that they are stronger together type of story. Both Emilia and Dom have a past and while he tries to play the gallant hero for her, she knows that it will only really work if he is with her.

There is a lot of action in this story, with both Dom's past and Emilia's coming together to cause them problems and threaten their happiness. I did get a tiny bit lost once or twice, with what was going on, but it didn't really detract from the overall storyline.

If you're like me, more interested in the romance side of things, then you probably won't be disappointed either. Although Emilia and Dom try to resist one another, it isn't long before it becomes clear that they cannot resist one another.

This was a fast-paced, exciting read with lots of romance. 

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Earl of Hearts - Meara Platt

Earl of Hearts by Meara Platt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I do really like Meara Platt's books. I'm particularly a fan of her Dark Garden series, although I do enjoy the Farthingale books too. I want to just mention this and the fact that I usually give her books (and have given this one) quite a high star review. There is something I need to mention though. If you read Regency novels for historical accuracy, then I would suggest that you give this one a wide berth. In all honesty, it's usually something that's key for me, but I enjoy these stories so much that I let most of it slide. They aren't really Regencies. Perhaps fantasy Regency or Western's that claim to be set in England? I'm not sure. I do know that there's lots of modern language, the Lords and Ladies in this book carry on as though they are not Lord's and Ladies (too many Earls, Dukes and the like with 'jobs' or working as spies). Then there are things like hickory smoke being mentioned when the book is set in the UK and the depiction of Scotland in this story was straight out of Disney. I feel a bit harsh saying this and I hope that it's not seen that way. I just think that it might be worth giving a fair warning so you know what to expect.
The romance in this book and the characters themselves are lovely. That, along with the writing style is what does it for me. Having heard all of the daughter's in the Farthingale family's stories, we are now onto people connected to them. I have to admit that I was a bit confused as to where this one fits in, in the timeline. Although, as the main series was written in reverse order, that's hardly surprising. I think that this may come between Lily and Dilly's stories. Lily is mentioned as living with her husband and Dilly's husband-to-be pops up but doesn't seem to be married. I'm not totally sure though.
There's plenty of action in this book, with Nicola and John on the run from her intended after he shows his true colours. Of course, Nicola has always been in love with her older brother's best friend John and he has been in love with her for as long as she's been a woman, rather than the annoying child he knew before. I always enjoy that kind of romantic connection and it worked well here.
There was one little thing that I wasn't keen on. He kept calling her 'Brat' as a pet name. Apart from the fact that I think it's a pretty horrible pet name (far too derogatory for lovers surely?) I do feel a little uncomfortable when a man refers to his lover as a child or childlike, especially when he knew her when she was a child, it's borderline creepy.
I think that I've perhaps been a little harsh here. Please don't let it put you off too much, I did really enjoy the book. I think that there may be a few more to come, perhaps Nicola's other siblings might get there turn as I'm sure it mentioned that there are quite a few of them! I'm looking forward to reading more and finding out who finds love next.

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The Billionaire's False Fiancee - Lesley North

The Billionaire’s False Fiancée by Leslie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Beaumont Brothers series and the second one that I've read. This time youngest brother Alistair is on the hunt for someone to play the role of fiancee and then wife for him. The terms of his grandfathers will mean that he and his brothers all need to marry before they can inherit his business. Middle brother Gregor has already found his ideal lady in the first book.

Before Alistair can start the charade he is injured in a skiing accident and loses his memory. His right-hand woman, assistant Jess comes to his aid but decides to solve his other problems by playing the role of his fiancee. The only problem being, that Alistair doesn't know that it is all an act.

I enjoyed this second book even more than the first. It's a quick read and I polished it off in one day. I think that I would have liked to see a bit more of Alistair's Grandmother, we met her in the first book and she was certainly an interesting character. Overall though, it didn't matter that this was a quick read, it was just the kind of thing that I was looking for and I really enjoyed it.

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Dearly Beloved - Peggy Jaeger

Dearly Beloved

Colleen O’Dowd manages a thriving bridal business with her sisters in Heaven, New Hampshire. After fleeing Manhattan and her cheating ex-fiancé, Colleen still believes in happily ever afters. But with a demanding business to run, her sisters to look after, and their 93-year-old grandmother to keep out of trouble, she's worried she’ll never find Mr. Right.

Playboy Slade Harrington doesn’t believe in marriage. His father’s six weddings have taught him life is better as an unencumbered single guy. But Slade loves his little sister. He'll do anything for her, including footing the bill for her dream wedding. He doesn’t plan on losing his heart to a smart-mouthed, gorgeous wedding planner, though.

When her ex-fiancé comes back into the picture, Colleen must choose between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now.

My Review

I love a good romance book and this is a good romance book. Told from the point of view of Wedding planner Colleen, who hasn't been so lucky in love herself, this is the story of her meeting Mr Right. 

Wedding planning is a serious full-on business, I hadn't realised that there was so much to it. With things like rehearsal dinners and the like, something that I'm glad hadn't made it across the pond when I got married. I think you'd need a wedding planner to sort it all out. Fortunately for her brides, Colleen is super organised and manages to make everything go off without a hitch. If only her own life were so easy.

Slade is the brother of a bride to be and the one footing the bill for her coming wedding. He has no interest in getting married himself, ever. But, he can't help but be drawn to Colleen and perhaps one or both of them will need to change their views.

I liked Slade, (despite his name, couldn't help but think of Noddy Holder, unfortunately) he was all that you want in a romantic lead. Strong yet caring, arrogant but with a cuddly inside. Colleen falls hard and fast for him and who can blame her?

I really enjoyed this book. The other characters, from Slade's sister Isabelle to Colleen's grandmother were brilliant too and really added to the overall feel. I can see that we might have a few more stories in the pipeline with something brewing between Maureen and the policeman perhaps, Colleen's assistant and her photographer and surely there must be someone for Colleen's older sister too? I'm just guessing, but I'm looking forward to reading more of the Match Made in Heaven series when they come out. 

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The Last Wicked Rogue - Lauren Smith

The Last Wicked Rogue

He’s the last Rogue standing, and the wickedest … 

Charles Humphrey, the Earl of Lonsdale is infamous for his seductions. With laughing gray eyes and a halo of blond hair, he’s every woman’s wicked dream. Beneath that devil-may-care grin he has a painful past that has made him sure love was not for him, even as the rest of his friends, the members of the League of Rogues, settle down in wedded bliss. When he accidentally rescues a mysterious beauty with eyes as haunted as his own and shares one life-changing kiss with her, she vanishes in the night. Charles vows to find this angel who might yet save his soul but he knows anyone he cares about is in grave danger when an old enemy resurfaces a final time for revenge… 

She’s the only woman who can save him… 

Lily has secrets, too many secrets. When she’s abducted and taken into the London underworld by a gang of nefarious brutes, she’s rescued by Charles, the one man who can never know her past. She can’t let him discover her feelings or her secrets, but she can’t resist sharing one kiss with him before escaping his passionate embrace. That taste of the last bachelor of the League of Rogues leaves her desiring a future she cannot have - especially when her master demands she prove her loyalty in a most deadly way... 

Warning: This book contains a scandalous rogue with a heart of gold, a lady who risks it all to save him, and a league of rogues who value friendship and love above all else.

The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've spent the whole day debating how many stars to give this book. It's been hard, not because I didn't enjoy it, I really did, but because I've been waiting for this book for a long time and I think that finally having the 'final' instalment leaves me with mixed feelings.
Charles has long been one of my favourite league members, I had a theory or two about the identity of his lady love, (I'm not going to say more here, but I was right!) This was a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So why the hesitation about how many stars to award? Well, two reasons really. Firstly, my favourite league book is His Wicked Seduction. I love Lucien and Horatia's story, part of me wanted Charles to knock it off its perch and while it was good and came very close, it didn't quite manage it. Secondly, although there is the backstory in all of the previous stories, this being the last in the series, this story arc has to reach a conclusion. Of course, I wanted it too, but it did mean that there was a little less time spent on the romance between Charles and his lady. I loved the storyline that dealt with the League and more particularly Charles' past. I'd wanted to know about this since book one. At the same time though, I wanted more of the build-up of romance with Charles and Lily. That would have ended up being a huge book, so is silly to suggest.
I really enjoyed this book, it's just rather bittersweet as it's the last in the main series. I know that there is more to come with other family members and possibly the next generation, but it is the end of the main League members. I might just have to go back to the beginning and read the whole series once again...

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The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend - Leslie North

The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend by Leslie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I do like the fake relationship that turns to a real one, so I was quite keen to read this story. Billionaire Gregor needs a wife before he can inherit his dead Grandfather's fortune. He finds the ideal woman to play the role when he attends Kara's improvisation acting class. Kara needs to find a way to buy the theatre that she uses so that she can continue her classes when the owner wants to sell it. Gregor's offer is the perfect way to do this and she agrees to play the part of his girlfriend and then wife.
Of course, the more time that they spend together, the harder it is to believe that this is just an act and they both start to fall for one another.
There were things that I really liked about this story. Kara was very much her own woman and didn't capitulate or give in on what she believed in. I was slightly less keen on the changes that she wanted to make to Gregor, I think I would have prefered it if they could have found a way to accept one another a little more.
Overall this was a good, if a little short, read. If you are looking for a fairly quick but fun read, then you won't go far wrong with this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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When our worlds meet again book blitz

~ Book Blitz ~
When Our Worlds Meet Again by Aniesha Brahma
16th November 2018

About the Book:

Two years after the events of 'When Our Worlds Collide', Zayn and Akriti are now leading extremely different lives. Akriti has come back from her stint at the business school and running her mother's café. Zayn has run into trouble in his PhD program and has come home for a break. While he thinks that things are just as he’d left them two years ago, that is far from the truth. In a last ditch attempt to make Akriti remember the connection they had once shared, Zayn tries to recreate all their memories. But things are never the same when collided worlds meet again. 





Book Links:
Goodreads * Amazon

Read an Excerpt:

Prologue

2015.

Akriti was sitting at the cash counter of her mother’s little café going over the expenses for the day. Her headphones were plugged into her ears as she listened to songs on her phone. Her laptop was propelled open in front of her as she made notes on what else needed to be done the next day.

In the two years that she had been gone, the café had not changed at all. Her mother had kept all the renovations that Akriti and her colleagues had done two years ago. The only difference was that now there was a bulletin board next to the chalkboard menu that had been installed just a few weeks ago. On the bulletin board hung a poster that announced that next week’s Poetry Slam would start at 6PM sharp, and Suzanna needed to be contacted for early registration.

Akriti finished her work and shut down her laptop. She looked around the café in grim satisfaction and let out a happy little sigh. The music from her phone suddenly stopped playing. Glancing down she saw that her phone had started buzzing, flashing a number she had not seen on her phone in quite a while.

Debating for a minute, she received the call.

“Hi, Zayn.”

Airports have seen more sincere kisses than weddings it is said. As Zayn Banerjee waited to catch his flight back home, he witnessed one too many couples bidding each other teary eyed goodbyes. It was watching these strangers that he remembered how it had felt two years ago when he had left his home behind in pursuit of higher studies. How he had come to this alien land which had eventually led him to a lot of heartache and misery!

But there had been something good about those two years. There had been someone who had seen past all his imperfections and focused only on the good that was in him. Who had been his friend against all odds and yet, they had fallen out of touch with each other over the course of two years. He wondered if she was still using the same number. He wondered if she still had his number saved.

On an impulse, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. She answered it on the third ring.

“Hi, Zayn.”

“Akriti.”

He was pleased as punch that she remembered him.

“Did you want something?”

“I am just calling to let you know that I’d be home soon.”

“Oh.”

“Oh? Honestly, I was hoping for a reaction better than oh.”

“Zayn, it’s really late here. Let’s talk when you’re in town?”

“I’ll do you one better. I’ll come see you.”

“Great. Safe flight.”

Then the line went dead. Zayn stared at the phone, wondering if their friendship was lost over the course of time. This wasn’t like the Akriti he remembered.

This wasn’t his Akriti at all.

Akriti hung up the phone feeling utterly drained. Once upon a time this was a source of her happiness but tonight he was a cause of her stress. The last thing she needed was for Zayn to come barging into her life once more.

She remembered all the memories that they had made together two years ago. The time when she’d finally felt okay to let her guard down and just be herself. It seemed to her like it was a lifetime ago. But he’d left. Like everyone else in her life and she had found herself consumed by her loneliness. Going off to business school had only made Akriti revert back to her old self.

That’s a lie they tell you, Akriti thought bitterly to herself, as she put her headphones back on and started listening to music again, time doesn’t heal a damn thing. It just burns the memories into your mind.

About the Author:

Aniesha Brahma knew she wanted to be a writer since she was six years old. She was schooled in Dolna Day School and went on to pursue B.A., M.A., and M.Phil in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur Univeristy. She currently lives in Kolkata, with her family and five pet cats. She is the author of All Signs Lead Back to You, When Our Worlds Collide, The Guitar Girl and The Secret Proposal. She compiled and edited the 10 volumes series, 'Children's Classic Stories' with love and great efforts.

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After they go - J. Mercer

After They Go
J. Mercer
Publication date: May 15th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

“…Mercer’s prose is lucid and her themes of redemption and reinvention are resonant…” — Kirkus Reviews

A large family saga set in a coastal tourist town:
One sister chained by family tradition.
The second stunted by her sister’s shadow.
The youngest propelled by desperation.

Gwen is the oldest of four children in the Aaldenberg family, and the one who seems to have it all. She’s also most desperate to escape. Betta, having nursed their dying grandpa for the past three years, is anxious for Gwen to go, so she can finally have reins to the family business. And Esmerelda, viciously determined to follow in Gwen’s footsteps, vies for popularity as a freshman in high school, only to learn she must sell her soul, reputation, and most prized possession for acceptance.

As their father struggles with retirement and their mother with depression, Gwen discovers the debt her grandfather’s passing left them in–and during a time of year when their coastal town, dependent on tourists, can barely sustain itself. Gwen and their father agree Betta can’t take over the store under such stressful circumstances, not when she’s been carrying the load for so long, and to protect Betta, they play it off that she needs some time to rest.

When Gwen’s fiancé moves to town, Gwen does her best to resign herself to a local life, while Betta struggles for meaning without the store. In order to carve out a place for herself, Betta must decide to what lengths she’ll go in order to become her own person, and Gwen must decide what’s more important: her sister or her future. Can this family pull through their disappointment, jealousy, and regret? Or will they cling so tightly to their desires that it ruins them?

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:
J. Mercer grew up in Wisconsin where she walked home from school with her head in a book, filled notebooks with stories in junior high, then went to college for accounting and psychology only to open a dog daycare. She wishes she were an expert linguist, is pretty much a professional with regards to competitive dance hair (bunhawk, anyone?), and enjoys exploring with her husband–though as much as she loves to travel, she’s also an accomplished hermit. Perfect days include cancelled plans, rain, and endless hours to do with what she pleases. Find her on Facebook @jmercerbooks or online at www.jmercerbooks.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook

My Review

This book is a little different to anything that I've read recently. It is the story of a family, mother, father, three sisters and a brother. For the most part, the book focuses on the three sisters. The eldest, Gwen, is desperate for her life to begin, to get away from the small town where she grew up. The middle sister Betta, longs to take over the family business and her role in the small society. The youngest sister, Esmerelda, longs to be popular and fit in with the in-crowd at school. (Part of me can't help but wonder if half her problem isn't her rather out there name.) Over the course of a year, they struggle to find their way and place in life.

As with many books, I think that they would probably have all had a much easier path if they had trusted one another more and talked to one another. Of course, life is often like that and communication would prevent all kinds of conflict. I really enjoyed reading about their fumbling attempts to do the right thing and discover who they really were and what they actually wanted.

Yeah, life was a bitch. Always making you choose between the people you loved and the life you needed to live for your soul's sake.

Much of this book is about the struggle between doing what you feel you should do and what you want to do. All of the characters learn the importance of being true to themselves and following the path in life that is right for them. 

This was a fantastic read and the characters were well drawn and easy to relate to. I was really willing all of the characters to find happiness and where they wanted to go in life. If you're looking for something a little different then I highly recommend this.  

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