Review: Tumbledown Manor by Helen Brown

Book Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Helen Brown comes a witty, uplifting novel about a woman who discovers that it's never too late to build the home--and the life--you've always longed for…

The windows rattle. The roof leaks. Every surface cries out to be stripped, painted, or polished. But for writer Lisa Trumperton, the dilapidated manor house that once belonged to her great-grandfather is far more than the sum of its battered parts. It's the chance for a new start on her own terms. The fact that it's in the Melbourne countryside of her Australian homeland, far from the deceitful ex-husband she just left behind in New York…well, that's a bonus. 

Lisa sets to work refurbishing Trumperton Manor, assisted by her son, his friends, and a "Gray Army" of retired handymen. But it's not just her ancestral home that's being transformed. As she trades her chic Manhattan clothes for jeans and work boots, Lisa is changing and fortifying her relationships with her family and her sense of self. There are floods, fires, and catastrophes, but there are new allies too, including a one-eyed cat, a stubborn cockatoo, and a rugged landscaper with an irresistible grin. Piece by piece, the house is pushing Lisa beyond her old limits, daring her to embrace something bigger, braver, and more rewarding than she ever dreamed. 

My Review:

I loved, loved Tumbledown Manor!! It was so refreshing to read about a middle age woman and what was happening in her life. I loved the whole story, the messages it gives, the laughs I had, the emotions and the hope. First the cover drew me in, and the first paragraph cemented the knowledge that I had to read this book. I could feel a connection to Lisa and was thrilled to go on this adventure with her. Tumbledown Manor is an unforgettable read with fantastic characters who all had so much to offer. I'd highly recommend Tumbledown Manor to any woman's fiction reader! 5/5 stars Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: Love Built to Last (Fireflies #1) by Lisa Ricard Claro

Book Blurb:

LOVE BUILT TO LAST is a contemporary romance featuring two people who have suffered the pain of devastating loss, and must learn to love and trust again. Based on the award-winning short story, Fireflies, this novel is the first book in the Fireflies series. 

She can’t let go of her dead husband . . .

Maddie Kinkaid believes her late husband, Jack, gives her advice on everything from ordering a pizza to hiring a carpenter, so when she finds Caleb Walker’s business card on Jack’s desk, she’s convinced that he’s the guy to remodel her kitchen.

He can’t decide if she’s worth the risk . . .

Caleb is a single father, and protecting his young son means avoiding romantic entanglements. But there’s heat in every kitchen, and sparks ignite between Caleb and Maddie—until disaster strikes.

As Jack goes silent and Maddie’s guilt consumes her, it looks like Caleb and Maddie will never find their happily-ever-after—at least, not without a little help from Jack . . .

LOVE BUILT TO LAST began as the award-winning short story,Fireflies, and is now the first novel in the Fireflies series, available now for purchase. Watch for book #2 LOVE TO BELIEVE and #3 LOVE TO WIN, both coming soon from Black Opal Books.

My Review:

In Love Built to Last by Lisa Ricard Claro, 4 years after the death of her husband Maddie is still struggling to move forward and to let go of guilt.  She takes comfort in talking to him and the messages she receives from him.  When she meets Caleb, who she is sure Jack wants her to use to remodel her kitchen, it's either fate or coincidence...but the unexpected attraction for both of them is real.  Both of them are conflicted and both have issues to work through, but slowly they come to trust their feelings and one another.  When a major setback pushes them apart, both of them will need to decide if love is worth the risk.

Love Built to Last is a powerful second chance at love story with two strong memorable main characters.  They've both suffered loss, and they are both carrying on in their own individual ways.  I liked the dual POV Lisa wrote in, and I felt like I got to know both Maddie and Caleb well.  They were believable and their feelings and actions were relatable.  I liked Maddie.  Her struggles were more pronounced, but as the plot moved forward I felt hope for her as she became more empowered.  Her journey to move on definitely pulled at my heart.  Caleb struggles too, but his are more subtle and I felt like it was only because he had his son to raise, he was able to see the future a bit more clearly.  I liked Caleb and Maddie together.  Their relationship is slow to evolve and that's what works in this story.  I could feel the connection between them as much as I could feel the inner conflicts they faced.

I loved all of the secondary characters!  Maddie's in-laws especially.  They were supportive and protective of her, but at the same time were prodding her forward.  I liked how this family was, how strong they are, and how they don't pussy foot around when it counts!  Caleb's son is a big part of Love Built to Last, as is Jack, Maddie's deceased husband.  Jack's role is a very unique and interesting one, and I enjoyed how this was done right up to the conclusion.

Love Built to Last gives a hopeful feeling and gives a lot of insight into the guilt and sadness surviving family members feel, the difficulties faced, and how they cope.  Relationships of past, present, and the future are all neatly woven into Love Built to Last.  My heart laughed, melted and teared up while reading this well paced book.

I'd recommend Love Built to Last to any romance reader!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: The Obsession by Nora Roberts

Book Blurb:

The riveting new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Liar.

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up—especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

My Review:

Nora Roberts took me right into the life of Naomi Bowes in The Obsession.  I loved how she really starts The Obsession and moves forward from there to show just what an incredible, tragic journey Naomi has been on.  Naomi is haunted by a past she can't seem to escape.  When she finds herself in Sunrise Cove, things finally seem to start settling for her.  She feels at home and more peaceful than she has since she was 12 years old.  Naomi is a loner by nature and circumstance though, and in Sunrise Cove she suddenly finds it hard to really stay alone.  People like her, she's making friends, and a handsome man of all trades is mesmerized by her.   She's not sure if she can stay.  Keeping her past a secret is impossible when a murderer is striking so close to home, in safe Sunrise Cove.  Is it coincidence or is it tied in with Naomi's past?

I liked Naomi a lot.  From where she's been to where she is now has taken courage, perseverance, and  hope.  I love what she does for a living too!!  Nora's descriptions of that made me want to pick up my camera again and start clicking!  I understood Naomi's need to keep her secrets, and I respected that.  When confronted about it though, she doesn't deny or defend.  She stands her ground on the outside, but on the inside wants to run.  I really, really liked Xander!  He is so patient, protective, and through out The Obsession his feelings for Naomi keep growing.  I liked them together, it was a cautious, lets go slow relationship with no angst.I liked the build of the relationship between not only Naomi and Xander, but between her and the town.  Especially Jenny who just embraces Naomi from the start.  All of the characters I met played a role in The Obsession from the good to the bad, and they were all fascinating.  By the end of The Obsession I felt like I could live there!

The suspense is skin tingling and frightening at times, to think that there are people out there like that.  The POV's on this side of the story were very insightful into the mind of a serial killer...scary stuff!!  I liked how the suspense was written in, dramatic and fearful but not in a way that made it the main focus of the book.  When the worse happens, will good outshine evil?  Will Naomi have found a place to belong and someone who accepts who she is, or will someone evil stop all hope of that?

I liked how it was all woven together with Nora's easy to read, well paced and smooth writing style.  There is strong character and plot building progressing as the story moves along, and I felt a riot of emotions as I was reading.  This is a book I couldn't wait to get back to, wondering what was happening next!

Nora Roberts had my skin chilling, made me laugh, teared me up, and left me feeling so good in my heart that I am at a loss because nothing could be better than The Obsession!!  I would highly recommend The Obsession to any romance reader!!

5/5 solid stars!!

Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: Rival Forces (K-9 Rescue #4) by D.D. Ayres

Book Blurb:

DESIRE IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

When it comes to training K-9 patrol dogs, Yardley Summers always trusts her instincts. But when it comes to dating men, she keeps her heart on a very short leash. Mostly, she’s too busy with her four-legged trainees at Harmonie Kennels to commit to a relationship. Only two men have managed to distract her: a handsome Doctors Without Borders physician who’s suddenly gone missing—and the red-hot dog trainer from her past who’s suddenly back in her life…

Now a K-9 rescue team leader, Kye McGarren has never forgotten the days he trained at Yardley’s camp—or the nights he spent in her arms. When he hears that Yardley is on a mission to find the missing doctor, Kye is determined to keep her out of danger. With his K-9 partner by his side, he joins Yardley on a death-defying mission—one that reignites their mutual passion. Will Kye be able to rescue his romantic rival…without losing the woman he loves?

My Review: 

In Rival Forces by D.D. Ayres, Yardley keeps busy training dogs and operating Harmonie Kennels.  With little time or desire for a relationship, the one she has is low key and they go for a long time without seeing each other.  But suddenly he's missing and Yardley can't get any answers from anyone.  But people are paying attention...only she has no idea.  Unaware of the true situation, concerned and scared for him, Yardley isn't giving up.

When Kye gets a phone call from Yardley's brother asking him to check on her and keep her out of trouble, Kye barely hesitates before changing his plans and going to Yardley.  Kye is a former MP, and now works with K9 rescue.  If anyone wants to keep Yardley safe it's Kye.  They have a history few know of that ended very badly, and Yardley isn't very welcoming when Kye shows up at Harmonie Kennels.  Kye isn't backing down though...especially when things heat up not only between them, and the danger to Yardley becomes very, very real.

I liked Kye and Yardley.  Kye is a great alpha hero who as an adult can see the mistakes of his past.  But they are not only is mistakes, and the situation isn't as Yardley always assumed it was.  I was very curious how she'd react when and if Kye told her the truth about all those years ago.  Because the two of them have a very obvious connection in present day too, and I found myself really hoping they'd get a second chance together.  Yardley is a strong heroine, stubborn at times, and conflicted about what and who she wants.  The relationships are complex, especially when the missing boyfriend is in the equation even in thought, and working through her feelings is no easy task for Yardley.  The conflict, the tension, and the uncertainty made these characters realistic.  I liked how Kye and Yardley were together, and the struggle for power between them at times made for an entrancing read.

The suspense and mystery in Rival Forces is strong, and I would say the romance and suspense weave well together equally.  Each is important to the plot and the outcome.  Yardley's current missing boyfriend is central to the plot even if we don't see much of him.  I did find his story a little confusing and difficult to follow at times.  Is he good or bad?  Why is Yardley in danger because of him?  I would have liked some more detailed background on him since he and his situation is significant to the plot.

I liked how D.D. Ayres throws in unexpected events in the plot, events that bring secondary characters in to mix things up!  Of course I love the animals in Rival Forces, they bring a whole other kind of light and love to the story.

D.D. Ayres pulled me in quickly and the pace of Rival Forces keeps things moving along at a good pace.  I'd recommend Rival Forces to any romantic suspense reader.

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: MIDNIGHT QUEST: A Short 'Men of Midnight' Novel by Lisa Marie Rice

Book Blurb:

He comes from nowhere. 

Jacko is not afraid of anything or anyone. He has faced down the stuff of nightmares as a Navy SEAL. Now he is facing an enemy that terrifies him—his past. 

Lauren is the love of his life. But how can he be the man she deserves if his past is shrouded in mystery? 

Lauren loves Jacko just as he is. She doesn’t know where his quest will take him-- she can only hope it will lead him back to her. 

But Jacko's relentless search for the truth of his past will unleash a deadly enemy hellbent on destroying everything he loves most...

My Review:

In Midnight Quest by Lisa Marie Rice, Jacko is still in disbelief that Lauren wants to be with him.  Beneath the tough alpha, former Navy SEAL exterior, Jacko is insecure and doesn't feel quite worthy of a woman like Lauren.  Lauren just loves Jacko.  Nothing she does feeds into his belief, it's all his.  When an unexpected turn of events with Lauren throws Jacko completely off, he takes off to delve into a past that haunts him - a past he's never truly escaped from in his mind.  He finally realizes he needs answers to put the past to rest...  The answers aren't what he expects though, and with them they bring not only answers and some peace, but an unpredicted danger that threatens not only Jacko, but the woman he loves.

I could feel the love between Jacko and Lauren in Midnight Quest, and the bond they share is strong.  Strong enough, I hoped to see them through what is happening.  Lauren is a mature, strong heroine.  She understands Jacko and needs him in her life like she needs to breath.  She understands that whatever he is doing is necessary for him, but at the same time she is worried and  a little scared about what will happen.  I liked the trust she has, even when she's working through those doubtful moments.  Her loyalty and love for Jacko really shine through in Midnight Quest.  I really liked Jacko too.  I could feel for him and understand him.  He's come a long way from his past with the help of some good people in his past and present.  I liked that he was 'running' with a purpose, but I wasn't as keen on him just taking off on Lauren.  She is so good with him though, and the contact they do have while he is gone warmed my heart.  These are two mature characters, and the lack of angst when things didn't always goes as planned was so great, and made these people even more realistic.

The very unexpected plot twist that Lisa Marie Rice weaves in brings danger and more uncertainty at the same time it brings some answers.  I loved how she did this!!  The new characters added spice to the story, and one in particular character helped the story feel just right.  The danger was real, and the situation believable.  Lisa Marie Rice brings together the romance and the suspense very well.  I liked how she did this, so that both plots end up being very central to the overall story line.  Clear and well written, Midnight Quest has great flow to it.

In Midnight Quest Lisa involves characters from previous Men of Midnight books, and they are important to the story.  The Men of Midnight are a close group, good friends and they look out for on another.  I liked the adult relationships they had and the closeness.  I felt like these were people I'd love to be friends with!  My opinion is that Midnight Quest can be read as a stand alone, but it is so much more enjoyable if you read the whole series and get to know all of the secondary characters more personally.  They are a great group of people, and this stands out strongly.  It felt good to feel like I was part of this group, even if only for a little while!

I love this whole series, and Midnight Quest was no exception.  I'd highly recommend Midnight Quest by Lisa Marie Rice to any romantic suspense reader.

5/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: Castle in The Sand (A Barefoot Bay Kindle World Romance) by Jeannie Moon

Book Blurb:

Josie DeMarco moved to Mimosa Key three years ago to escape the scandalous heartbreak that destroyed her life. She has a job and friends she loves on the idyllic island off the coast of Florida, but her world is turned upside down when Tony Granville seeks her help to escape the relentless paparazzi stalking him. As Prince Anton Edward, heir to the throne of a small European nation, Tony can’t lead a normal life with the responsibilities of his title, and the constant scrutiny of his father, King Edward, hanging over him. But when Tony is back with Josie, the only woman he’s ever loved, he realizes he’s willing to give up his crown to be with her. What he doesn’t know is if she would give up the life she’s made for herself to be with him.

Castle in the Sand is set in Roxanne St. Claire's Barefoot Bay Kindle World but can be read as a standalone 

My Review:

In Castle in the Sand by Jeannie Moon, Tony, Crown Prince of Marinborough has always been the good son.  With a military background and now a trade representative, he struggles to find a balance between his royal life and a 'normal' life.  Expectations as a royalty are high, especially from his father, and when a scandal breaks out, Tony takes the time to lie low.  This takes him to Mimosa Key, straight back to the woman whose heart he broke 3 years ago...also his best friends sister.  Neither of them have gotten over the other, and Tony has had regrets ever since.  An arranged marriage is what was expected of him, but it's not what he wants.  He still wants Josie...but Josie is still angry and hurt.  Spending time together, slowly the wounds start to heal...but can they ever have more than friendship?  Josie isn't sure she can take the devastating heart break again.  Tony gave up love with Josie before for his family and royal duties.  Knowing what they had and lost, will this time be any different?

I really enjoyed this romance!  It has a touch of a fairy tale to it, but is also very realistic.  Tony may be royalty, but he was a solid hero, believable, and very likeable.  I felt for him and the conflicts he was facing, the love he was scared of losing, and the family he didn't want to disappoint.  I liked how he didn't push Josie, but he didn't give up either.  I liked Josie as the heroine.  She's still hurting, but she's doing her best and moving on.  There is tension, conflict, and heat in this fast paced romance that brings up the question of what is more important?  Love or duty?  Tony doesn't want to live with regrets and unhappiness, but is there a middle ground?  Or will it have to be one or the other?  I couldn't wait to see how this plot evolved and if indeed love knows no boundaries.

Jeannie develops the characters well in this book and I liked how the history between Josie and Tony, and Tony and his family, unfolded as the story progressed.

Castle in the Sand is well paced and the story fits with the length of the book.  I would love to see Josie and Tony again!  I'd recommend Castle in the Sand by Jeannie Moon to any romance reader.

4/5 stars

Review: Wild Man's Curse (Wilds of the Bayou #1) by Susannah Sandlin

Book Blurb:

The bones said death was comin’, and the bones never lied.

While on an early morning patrol in the swamps of Whiskey Bayou, Louisiana wildlife agent Gentry Broussard spots a man leaving the home of voodoo priestess Eva Savoie—a man who bears a startling resemblance to his brother, whom Gentry thought he had killed during a drug raid three years earlier. Shaken, the agent enters Eva’s cabin and makes a bloody discovery: the old woman has been brutally murdered.

With no jurisdiction over the case, he’s forced to leave the investigation to the local sheriff, until Eva’s beautiful heir, Celestine, receives a series of gruesome threats. As Gentry’s involvement deepens and more victims turn up, can he untangle the secrets behind Eva’s murder and protect Celestine from the same fate? Or will an old family curse finally have its way?

From award-winning author Susannah Sandlin comes the first book in the Wilds of the Bayou series.

My Review:

Susannah Sandlin sets the pace and the plot of Wild Man's Curse with a prologue hinting at mystery, danger, curses and death in Whiskey Bayou.  She pulled me right in and I kept reading!

With great descriptions the setting was vivid, and I could feel the heat and humidity, and see the swamp.  This was a great draw for me, I was able to easily feel like I was right there!

Ceelie ends up back in Whiskey Bayous for all the wrong reasons...her career in Nashville is going no where, and her aunt has died.  It's not where she wants to be, it's the place she escaped from.  Gentry is a LDWF officer who has his own traumatic past, but as soon as he sees Cellie and hears her singing he wants to know her so much more.  Ceelie is not looking for anything...except for answers for her aunt's death, and a way back out of a place she doesn't consider home.  But things have a way of changing, and soon Ceelie not only finds herself in danger, she's starting to feel like she finally is home, and she's starting to feel a lot more for Gentry.  The danger is daunting, and the fear is real.  Who is after her and what do they want?  Gentry has his suspicions...but his heart and devotion are with Ceelie, keeping her safe, and solving a murder.  Will he have it all though?   The danger heats up very quickly, and it's looking less likely.

Ceelie and Gentry both go through a lot in Wild Man's Curse.  They are fighting for a future, but they both must also come to terms with the past.  The suspense and mystery are powerful, and the romance and relationships play an important role in the plot.  I liked that I felt like I could understand these characters.  They really jumped off  the page at me...Ceelie with her struggles, a family curse hanging over her, and a relationship she didn't see coming.  She is strong and brave, and this is very evident in Wild Man's Curse.  I liked Gentry too.  He has his own demons from the past, but he is protective, honorable, and wants nothing more than to solve this crime and keep Celia safe.  I liked how they were together, how they thought of each other, and most of all they trusted each other.

The mystery/suspense is strong, and I liked the character involvement in this.  Sometimes I didn't know what would happen next, and sometimes I felt a bit scared at what might happen next!

With surprising revelations about the past, a sense of history and family relationships, and intensely thrilling, I'd recommend Wild Man's Curse to any romantic suspense reader.

4/5 stars

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