Title: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY

Author: Makenna Lee

Publisher: Entangled Amara

Pages: 260

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis

 

Wealthy cowboy, James MacLachlan, is content running his massive family ranch and starting an equine therapy program for special needs children. After his mother died in childbirth, and witnessing his father’s destruction at the loss of true love, James sticks to casual affairs. Marriage and children are risks he won’t take.

Reese Turner visits Cypress Creek, Texas, to complete a photo assignment for National Geographic and buy back her grandparents’ cottage. After disastrous romances, she’s sworn off men to focus on her career. Marriage and the babies she longs for can wait. When she runs into an old flame, she decides she can live out a fantasy, then leave town to pursue her dreams. But love doesn’t play by the rules…

 

 

 

Review

 

Take a journey to the Hill Country of Texas and be swept away with the love story between James and Reese.  It doesn’t hurt that he is a ruggedly handsome cowboy!

James and Reese have known each other for many years, since high school, but they never really got over their feelings for each other. Reese ends back in town and they pledge to spend the summer together with a no-strings relationship.  However, neither expected to fall in love but the path to love is not smooth or easy.

This romance is somewhat typical but there is an element of mystery surrounding some letters that around found. James and Reese also run into communication issues and it causes friction in their relationship. But what relationship doesn’t have issues?  With the help of their family and friends offering sage advice at different times, they are able to realize that maybe their destiny is with each other.

I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom while discovering nuances about each other. Sometimes I wanted to throttle both of them for jumping to conclusions without talking to the other about what was said or not said.

I would love to see the photographs that Reese took, I can only imagine the magic they might impart to a viewer. I live in Texas and know that the Hill Country is a beautiful place to get away, as long as you stay away from the larger cities and get out into the country.

This was a fun read and I wonder if her next book will feature James’ friend Finn and James’ sister, Astrid.  I’ll have to be on the lookout for the next book.  We give this 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

She opened the driver’s side door, then turned to tell him good night. “Thanks for dinner.” Was that her voice sounding all breathy and wanton?

“You’re welcome. If you come out first thing in the morning, we can get an early start and go for a ride. And work on my great-great-grandfather’s mystery.”

“I like that idea.” Get in, Reese. Drive away. Instead, she brushed a leaf from his shoulder.

His full lips lowered to the corner of her mouth. The caress was gentle. Brief.

The simple, innocent kiss hit a switch inside her. One that hadn’t been tripped since their last kiss, over eleven years ago. One that other men had not managed to tap into. Her entire body warmed, sparking a shiver and a desire to stay, but she needed tonight to gather herself.

This was her chance to stay in the cottage and convince him she could take care of it. Not the start of a summer romance.

But could she manage a temporary romantic reunion?

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Makenna Lee is an award-winning romance author living in the Texas Hill Country with her real-life hero and their two children. Her oldest son has Down syndrome and taught her to appreciate the little things, and he inspired one of her novels. As a child, she played in the woods, looked for fairies under toadstools, and daydreamed. Her writing journey began when she mentioned all her story ideas, and her husband asked why she wasn’t writing them down. The next day she bought a laptop, started her first book, and knew she’d found her passion. Makenna is often drinking coffee while writing, reading, or plotting a new story. Her wish is to write books that touch your heart, making you feel, think, and dream. She enjoys renaissance festivals, nature photography, studying herbal medicine, and usually listens to Celtic music while writing. She writes for Entangled Publishing and Harlequin and believes everyone deserves a happy ending.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram * Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: THE SECRETS TO LIVING A FANTASTIC LIFE: TWO SURVIVORS REVEAL THE 13 GOLDEN PEARLS THEY’VE DISCOVERED
Author: Dr. Allen Lycka & Harriet Tinka
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 164
Genre: Nonfiction / Motivational / Self-Help

Synopsis

 

Each author suffered near-death experiences and sought renewal through the wisdom of human virtues that refocused them on a life of richness, appreciation, joy and service.

Offered in the format of an enchanting and charming dialogue between the two authors, the book also includes their chronicles of pain and triumph, allegories and stories, along with inspirational and insightful quotes. The exploration of each of the 13 Golden Pearls creates a necklace of self-empowerment that will enhance anyone’s life.

The Golden Pearls shared offer a roadmap for living a life that is rich in love, achievement, appreciation, joy and service. They offer strength, comfort and encouragement.

The authors are on a mission to transform lives. Dr. Allen Lycka is now a full-time speaker, author and transformational leader and Harriet Tinka coaches young women to fully embrace who they are through her Empower Me programs.

 

Amazon U.S. *  Amazon Canada

 

 

Excerpt

 

Two lives changed, irreversibly, in an instant, by devastating events…but rather than be destroyed, these two individuals faced the ensuing challenges, embracing them as turning points. Seizing the second chances before them with both hands, they chose the path to “Living a Fantastic Life.” In doing so, they discovered “13 Golden Pearls” to guide them…which they are eager to now share with you – to inspire you for your own journey.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

There are many motivational books out there but what I liked most about this one was the stories that were told to emphasize a certain idea and the interplay between the authors discussing each pearl throughout the book. It was like a conversation between friends and made the book relatable.

Both of the authors went through a traumatic event in their lives that caused them to take a step back and reevaluate their lives. They identified 13 pearls of wisdom and motivation. They call these Golden Pearls because golden pearls are the most valuable and are rare. These traits for motivation are not rare, but sometimes could be hard to see depending on events surrounding a person.  The pearls they outline are: Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention (purpose), Non-negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment.

I found little nuggets I could take away from each chapter which also affected my thought process in different areas.  Here are a few quotes that I found inspiring.

“A life without inspiration cannot be lived.”

“Victim consciousness robs us of our creative ability.”

“Empathy levels in Canada and the U.S., in my opinion, have declined sharply over the past 40 years, with the steepest fall occurring in the past decade.” (I totally agree with this statement)

“Winners don’t use excuses, they find solutions.”

“Vulnerability allows us to struggle. Struggles build our strengths if we allow them and work through them.”

 

If you are looking for a book to help you reshape your life and inspire you to become a better person, you should pick up this book. It might change your life.

We give this 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Authors

 

Dr. Allen Lycka has been acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world for three decades. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped to develop laser-assisted tumescent liposuction – an advanced body sculpture technique, and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, an advanced means of removing skin cancer with 99% success. He has lived and practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since 1989. He’s written 17 books, 30+ academic papers, and hosted the number one internet radio show in the world – Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today. He is a co-founder of Doctors for the Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine and founder of The Canadian Skin Cancer Association. He has won the prestigious Consumers Choice Award For Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years.

In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life changed drastically when he suddenly developed a right foot drop and then misdiagnosed as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s’ disease). Still, he maintained his status as a leading cosmetic doctor for 30 years.

Because of what he learned, he is co-authoring the book The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and Woman of Distinction. He is also currently co-authoring two more books: one with Corie Poirier entitled, “bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe” and one with Jack Canfield entitled, “The Pillars of Success.”

Currently acknowledged as a leading expert in Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points, he is a transformational speaker, thought leader, coach, and mentor.

Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 38 years and they have four lovely daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren. He counts his family as his most important accomplishment.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

 

 

As a Turning Point expert, Harriet Tinka is a perfect example of someone finding a need in the community and filling it. Despite dealing with obstacles in her life, she has overcome those hurdles and has found success by inspiring thousands of audiences to reach their full potential.

Though stabbed, kidnapped and left for dead, she turned that horrifying experience into motivation. She has inspired and given hope to women who are faced with domestic violence. She is known by her students as a “Powerhouse Role Model” who makes being genuine the most powerful thing of all.

Harriet is an invigorating transformational speaker, passionate life coach, blogger, Chartered Professional Accountant, Football Official, and an ultra-marathon runner. She is the founder and CEO of the award-winning Social Enterprise, Empowered Me Inc, a company whose mission is to inspire and empower girls and women.

Harriet has received numerous awards including YWCA Woman of Distinction, Global Woman of Vision, Afro- Canadian Community Woman of the Year, Action for Healthy Communities Youth Empowerment Award, Rotary Integrity Award, and Daughter’s Day Award just to mention a few. She is a tireless philanthropist and a Toastmaster Divisional Champion.

Harriet feels blessed to have her journey supported by her partner Steve and her three lovable children Tristan, Rhiannah, and Aaliyah.

 

Website

 

 

 

 

 

Come Home to Deep River

 

by Jackie Ashenden

 

Publication Date: 7/28/2020

 

Synopsis

 

Coming home was the easy part. Facing her will take everything he’s got…

 

Silas Quinn hasn’t been back to Deep River, Alaska, in years, not since he joined the army. He left behind the best friend he’d ever had. But he knew Hope Dawson was meant for bigger things than Deep River—and he—had to offer. What he didn’t know was that when he left, he took Hope’s dreams right along with him…

Then tragedy strikes and sends Silas home, and the entire town is thrown into chaos when they learn what brought him back—he’s inherited ownership of the town and the newly discovered oil reserves under it!

Hope gave up on ever getting out of Deep River. Her mom needed her, then her grandfather died and left her the local hangout to run. Now Si is back in town, stirring up old feelings—including her anger at being left behind. His return brings Hope an offer that can change her life. Love, or adventure, are almost within reach—but she can’t have both…

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Apple

 

Kobo * Bookshop * BAM

 

 

Review

 

I’ve been to Alaska once on a cruise but have always been intrigued by the environment and wildlife. This book will give you a little peek into the possibilities of a small town in Alaska.

The town is different from any I have heard about, one person actually owns all of the land, and everyone leases from the owner.  However, the leaseholders have more rights than normal tenants including mineral rights to that oil that was discovered.  Silas, as the new owner, has to figure out what he is going to do.  Will he stay in his hometown, or find someone to take over and let him leave?

I enjoyed the story and the banter between Hope and Silas.  She never left Deep River because of her mother and while she has been content, she did give up some dreams like attending college and obtaining a literature degree.  Plus she has looked out for her mother for the last thirteen years after her grandfather passed away since her mother has some mental health issues.  Silas left to enter the military but never came back.  Was it his love for Hope or something else?  The answer is probably a little bit of several things.

There was a minor character that I just found intriguing, Filthy Phil.  He wasn’t dirty, as in unclean, it has to do with something that he said and the nickname stuck. However, he is a reader and he made a comment about he let the librarian pick out his books but he wanted the potential sex scenes to not behind closed doors. He said he was 75, not dead.  I think he would be a hoot to know.  The Mayor, Astrid, is also an undeveloped character, but I can see her becoming the focus in a future book and actually wonder if she might be the main character along with Silas’ buddy, Damon.  I’m also curious about Mal who owns the store where everyone does the shopping and has the best internet connection in town.

The story between Hope and Silas is familiar, but I enjoyed watching them come into their own and move past what happened 13 years ago. It takes time and nothing is forgiven overnight, but it happens.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and we give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Jackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. She used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes and kick-ass heroines. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Tess and her best friend, Dee have been inseparable since they were six years old. College days are upon them and Dee has moved away, leaving Tess to figure out how to maneuver through this new experience without her. To make matters worse, Dee has ghosted her. Will being apart make her fall to pieces? Or will it give her the freedom to grow up on her own?

This coming-of-age story touches on very real feelings of what happens when best friends are pulled apart by life’s circumstances. Throw in a little sports, boy drama, and joining sororities and it is quite the interesting first semester of college.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This is a fairly quick read about Tess (aka Reese aka Sutton) who is a college freshman that plays soccer, decides to join a sorority, and her adventures in her first semester at school.

I felt like the voice of the narrator was that of someone young and inexperienced and set just the right tone for what happens throughout the story. I appreciated the author addressing issues that students might face in college or in greek life – from hazing to waning friendship to navigating the dating world. I felt like I was back in college experiencing many of these situations.

I also like how we watched Tess struggle to improve her soccer skills to become a starter. It just shows if you want something badly enough you will work for it and not become complacent.

Since I am a member of a sorority, I felt like what was portrayed was fairly accurate. Everyone has a different experience in Greek life, but what Tess experienced was similar to my own experience – all good of course. But I appreciated the side story of Reagan because that addressed different issues.

Tess’s best friend Dee is at another college and has “ghosted” Tess. It could be settling in and making new friends or it might be something else as we learn towards the end of the story. But true friendship will win out in the end.

If you are looking for a short story to read over lunch, give this one a try.  We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Charley Dillion is a lover of young adult fiction novels. Her first novel, Free to Grow, was inspired by that love and Charley has plans to continue writing about our beloved Tess as she lives through her college years.

Charley lives in Boise, ID with her husband, son, dog, and cat. She enjoys watching and playing soccer, being involved in her sorority as an alumna (much like Tess!), and being a mom to her three human and fur children.

 

 

 

 

Title: Meant to be More

Author: Amelia Foster

Series/Book: Meant to be Series, Book 4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

                

Synopsis

 

My best friend has spent the past several years traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders. It’s been her life’s dream and something I’ve always admired about her. But somehow, after twenty years of friendship, our last goodbye brought about the realization of a truth I hadn’t yet recognized.

I don’t just respect Jillian, I am in love with her, and it’s time she knows.

But upon her return home, she manages to lay her own shocking news on me before I can even form the words to tell her how I feel. It seems she needs access to the fortune her grandfather left her in his will. But there’s one problem.

The caveat being an antiquated, but ironclad stipulation that she can’t receive the funds unless she gets married and stays that way for eighteen months.

Naturally, I’m the only person she can trust with such a delicate arrangement. And I’m also hopelessly in love with her, so I’ll greedily take the chance to fake-marry my best friend.

This way, I can prove to her that we are meant to be more than just friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the Meant to Be Series on Amazon! Each book follows the love story of a Carlisle brother.

 

Book 1 – MEANT TO BE KEPT: – Tanner & Izzy – Read my Review

Book 2 – MEANT TO BE DIFFERENT – Wyatt & Gigi – Read my Review

Book 3 – MEANT TO BE FAMILY – Conner & Kelsey – Read my Review

Book 4 – MEANT TO BE MORE – Dean & Jillian

 

Review

 

This is the last book in this series and it might be the best one of all.  Dean is the youngest brother and all his life has had a best friend, Jillybean (Jillian) who was the rich girl from next door with parents that were too busy to keep engaged in their children’s lives.  There is something about a friendship that was struck when they were 7 that has endured the test of time.  But perhaps that is the best relationship to have, one forged from friendship where you know everything about one another, or most everything anyway.

Dean and Jillian have fallen in love with each other but are too afraid to admit it to each other. They are afraid of losing that friendship and I can’t blame them.  But a family situation has these two taking their relationship to the next level, marriage, but only to bail out her family.  I enjoyed watching their relationship bloom to move than just friends and I had to chuckle at some of their actions. This book didn’t seem to have any major drama like the other brothers endured, but I think the book was better off without it in their case. There is some drama regarding the will and the marriage, but I enjoyed following the story and the eventual resolution.

The book does jump back and forth from past to present and also from Dean and Jillian’s POV for the same situation whether past or present. I felt like this gave me a better understanding of what each of them was thinking at that moment.  There are quite a few laugh out loud moments and even a few moments that had me a little misty.  I even enjoyed watching Jillian realize what Dean does for a living and how it fits neatly into her life and her chosen career path.

This is a fun series to read and I do suggest reading in order only because you will understand the dynamics of all of the brothers and their wives.  I don’t think you will be disappointed.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Books, coffee, and chocolate make up both the heart and body mass that is better known as Amelia Foster. She has been a lifelong lover of the written word, both as a reader and an author, and completed her first manuscript at the ripe old age of five complete with illustrations. Sadly, her art was a medium that never improved over time although thankfully her writing has.

From sweet to salacious the only requirement Amelia has in books she reads – and definitely in the ones she crafts – is an excessively satisfying happily ever after… and then a little bit more.

 

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Tea & Treachery (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Kensington (July 28, 2020)
Hardcover: 304 pages

Synopsis

 

In this charming new cozy mystery series from nationally bestselling author, Vicki Delany, a New York City expat-turned-Cape Cod tea shop owner must solve the murder of a local real estate developer to help her feisty grandmother out of a jam . . .

As the proud proprietor and head pastry chef of Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod, Roberts has her hands full, often literally. But nothing keeps her busier than steering her sassy grandmother, Rose, away from trouble. Rose operates the grand old Victorian B & B adjacent to Lily’s tea shop . . . for now. An aggressive real estate developer, Jack Ford, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort, which would drive Rose and Lily out of business.

Tempers are already steaming, but things really get sticky when Ford is found dead at the foot of Rose’s property and the police think she had something to do with his dramatic demise. Lily can’t let her grandmother get burned by a false murder charge. So she starts her own investigation and discovers Ford’s been brewing bad blood all over town, from his jilted lover to his trophy wife to his shady business partners. Now, it’s down to Lily to stir up some clues, sift through the suspects, and uncover the real killer before Rose is left holding the tea bag.

 

 

 

Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound

 

 

Review

 

Such an enjoyable new series!  I can just imagine visiting Cape Cod and having tea at Lily’s tearoom or even staying next door at Rose’s B&B.  It is very picturesque and the descriptions provide the motivation to visit that area at some time in the future.

Since this is the first in the series, the author does a wonderful job of sharing the character’s past and how they ended up here since they were not born and raised on the Cape.  I felt like that added to the depth of the characters to have information about how they ended up here and even some past situations that enhance the character’s portrayal.  Lily is sucked into helping solve the murder of Jack Ford especially since he was found dead on Rose’s property and the ineffective police detective wants to railroad her into a conviction.  Thankfully, there is a new detective on the force and she has the experience to know that perhaps something isn’t right.

The mystery itself is well written and there are some clues to point you in the killer’s direction but not many.  The list of possible suspects is small but I couldn’t figure out the motive until it was revealed.  Let’s just say it is one of the oldest reasons in the world, but I’ll let you figure out what that reason is so I don’t spoil anything for you.

I really like Lily.  She is probably the most level headed character in the book.  Her best friend, Bernie, is kind and caring but a bit scattered when it comes to her writing. I will admit that I don’t really like Rose.  I found her to be selfish and perhaps a bit too blunt.  I felt like she expected everyone to cater to her whims with no questions asked.

There are a couple of potential romantic twists but no love triangle and I look forward to seeing these potential relationships develop.

This is a series that I will look for the next book to see what Lily is up to this time around.  We give the book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than thirty-five books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Tea by the Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series for Crooked Lane Books, the Year Round Christmas mysteries for Penguin Random House, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates) for Crooked Lane.

Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival. She is the 2019 recipient of the Derrick Murdoch award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. Vicki lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter (Vicki) * Twitter (Eva) * Instagram

 

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Dexter meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith in this wildly compulsive debut thriller about a couple whose fifteen-year marriage has finally gotten too interesting…

Our love story is simple. I met a gorgeous woman. We fell in love. We had kids. We moved to the suburbs. We told each other our biggest dreams, and our darkest secrets. And then we got bored.

We look like a normal couple. We’re your neighbors, the parents of your kid’s friend, the acquaintances you keep meaning to get dinner with.

We all have our secrets to keeping a marriage alive.

Ours just happens to be getting away with murder.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

The synopsis isn’t wrong when it describes this book as Dexter meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  Holy mackerel, on this book and the twisted minds of Millicent and her husband….and you know, I can’t even remember if we ever know his name since he is the narrator.  How do you find someone that has a hobby that is like yours?  Was this something they just fell into by accident?  We find out how this started (no spoilers here!) and near the end of the book you really find out more about how this really all came to be for this couple.  It is so hard to not share more because it would spoil the story!

This couple has two teenage children and it makes one wonder how they could keep all of this a secret.  Their son Rory suspects something, but nothing to this magnitude.  He just thinks dad is cheating on mom and decides to blackmail his father.  If he only knew what was going on and why his dad was leaving the house.  I think the narrator was somewhat weak because why not tell Millicent about Rory’s blackmail?  She knows why he is going out at night…to hunt for their next victim.  Granted, he did cheat on her and sleep with one or two of the potential victims, but does she need to know that part of it?  Rory just suspects and by dad giving in it just confirms his suspicions.

I enjoyed the story that was woven with demented characters but the narrator somewhat redeems himself in the end.  I don’t think he was the strong one of the two because when some facts came to light about the murdered women he was quite surprised.  But I have to admire his veracity in getting to the truth of the situations.  I think this story kept me up a night or two wondering what twisted path it could take next.  I was surprised as some facts were revealed but it seems to make sense when I reevaluated my perception of what was the truth.

We give this book 4 paws up and if you like psychological thrillers this is a good one to read.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Samantha Downing currently lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away at her next thrilling novel.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

A sweet and sassy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson.

Rake Tarbell is in trouble. When the fabulously wealthy and carefree bachelor wakes up horribly hungover in Venice, it’s not something that would normally be a problem…except he has no idea how he got there from California. Or who stole his wallet. Or who emptied his bank account of millions. Or who in the world is Lillith, the charming little girl claiming to be his long lost daughter. For the first time in his life, Rake is on his own and throwing Benjamins around aren’t going to solve his problem. Now if only the gorgeous, fun, and free-spirited woman who brought Lillith into his life was willing to help the situation…

Claire Delaney finds Rake’s problems hilarious and is not in the least bit sorry of adding to them by bringing Lillith into the mix. A pretty Midwestern girl with a streak for mischief, Rake is not the kind of man Claire hangs around with. Even if he is drop-dead handsome and charming as all get-out. Even if he needs help and she has all the answers. But if this helps Lillith, she will go out of her way. And with a guy like Rake, she’s willing to bend her rules a bit for some fun. But when adventure-filled days turn to romantic nights as they search for answers, and someone starts following them through the streets of Venice, Claire realizes she’s playing more than just a game. And maybe, just maybe, she isn’t willing to let go of Rake or Lillith just yet.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This book had me laughing in many places as I watched Rake stumble through the book not knowing what was going on…or did he?  Maybe he was smarter than we give him credit.  The rest of the characters are multifaceted and show you want they want you to see.  Delaney is a tough cookie but has a softer side that she lets very few people see.  Lillith is very precocious and smarter than anyone can even imagine.  There is a slew of other characters that help round out the story and bring in some interesting aspects.

Besides the romance and comedy, there is a little bit of mystery.  Who are these men that keep following Rake and Delaney?  Why are they following them?  What do they think that Rake and Delaney know and are keeping a secret?  The answer is intriguing and the ensuing events are somewhat comical.

There are references to another book, Danger Sweethart.  I have not read this book so was a bit lost on those references, but since I have read the synopsis of that book, I realize it is Blake’s story that we discover a smidgeon of in this book.  Let’s just say, Nonna Tarbell is sticking her nose into their business.

It is very important that if you read this book to read the author’s notes at the beginning.  Otherwise, you might be confused while reading this book.  There is a lot of sub-dialogue (inner thoughts) and it can be a little confusing until you realize to read the part in parentheses after the sentence is finished.  It is this inner dialogue that cracked me up the most.

I enjoyed this book and now want to go back and read Danger Sweethart to discover Blake’s story.

We give this book 4 paws up!

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

MaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular Undead series and is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

 

Synopsis

 

When Eliza Owens gets a phone call in the middle of the night from a girl she’s never met, she doesn’t know what to think. The girl introduces herself as Paige, and says she used to date Erik Stern, Eliza’s fiancé. What’s more, she has something important to discuss.

The only problem? Paige has been dead for years.

Believing it to be a sick prank, Eliza tries to force it from her mind until Sam, Eliza’s older sister, tells her she met Paige only a few weeks before. And, according to Sam, Paige has nothing nice to say about Erik.

The fight which follows shatters the lives of everyone involved, and Erik disappears without a trace.

Five years later, Erik returns to town after his father’s death. Old wounds quickly resurface, and with them several burning questions. None the least of which is: Who spoke to Eliza and Sam if it wasn’t Paige? And why?

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This is a raw and gritty book that surprised me.  I wasn’t expecting the darkness surrounding Eliza and Erik, but as the tale unfolded I found myself intrigued by all the different elements involved.  This is a little bit of a mystery – how did Sam die and who is impersonating Paige, but as the truth is revealed it is more than you would have ever expected.

The story starts out with two young boys trying to bring back someone from the dead.  I didn’t think much about it after that intro, but it is key to this story but all of the details are not revealed until about 3/4 of the way through the book.  The story then jumps forward about 7 years and we are meet Eliza who is engaged to Erik but receives a call from someone that is dead wanting to warn her about him.  That throws a kink into the story because how could someone that is dead contact Eliza?  To top it off, this person has also been talking to Eliza’s sister, Sam.  The story really gets interesting at this point.

There is another jump in time, now it is 5 years later where the bulk of the book is set.  Eliza has gone off the rails and is a drug user and no longer with Erik.  This part of the book I had the hardest part with due to the drug use.  I also didn’t understand how Eliza could afford to pay for drugs if she wasn’t working.  Granted, Roger probably gave her a lot of it in trade, which is sad because Eliza had so much potential but the death of her sister sent her into a downward spiral.  While this portion of the book is set in a relatively short period of time, so much happens to understand what happened and for Eliza and Erik to work through the events of the past.  They both have issues to address within themselves and with each other.

The supernatural angle was intriguing and I feel like there are still some unanswered questions based on how the book ended.  They may be more on my end and I want to know more about the journey Erik took and how it concluded.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Rebecca Crunden is an Irish-based author originally from Texas. Obsessed with both writing and reading, she’s been writing books most of her life and decided to start independently publishing them in 2017. To date, she’s published one series, two standalone novels, a novella, and co-written an anthology. When she’s not writing, reading, or drinking ridiculous amounts of coffee, she’s camping with her partner or watching an insane amount of science fiction-fantasy shows.

 

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Title: ANNA INCOGNITO

Author: Laura Preble

Publisher: Mascot Books

Pages: 271

Genre: Women’s Fiction

 

 

Synopsis

 

Lots of narrative pull…wonderfully complicated. – Jincy Willett, author of The Writing Class, and anthologized by David Sedaris in Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules.

Anna Colin Beck knows all too well what can happen when things go wrong really wrong. So, she’s spent the last several years living an extremely regimented life at home, doing everything she can to avoid subjecting herself to the torments of a germ-infested world. Everything must be just so, and when things don’t go to plan, she punishes her own body…and that still hasn’t helped alleviate her pain.

After a chance meeting in a laundromat, she finds herself completely infatuated with another person, something that hasn’t happened to her in a long time. Dr. Edward Denture is seemingly brilliant and magnetic…and in the blink of an eye, she’s attending intense somatic therapy sessions as his newest client. The more he draws from her, the further their relationship grows, until it’s crossed countless lines and consumed Anna with a fierce toxicity. And before she knows it, she finds herself buckled into the driver’s seat of a powder-blue El Dorado for a solo cross-country road trip, determined to stop his wedding. It’s a trip that will test every limitation she’s ever set for herself, and though she’s planned extensively for all contingencies, there are some twists and turns you just can’t prepare for.

With wry observations on the intersection of luck, fate, and life, Anna Incognito is a searing, darkly witty exploration of what it means to be alive.

 

 

 

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Praise

 

5/5 “Rich with witticism in the face of painful realities and evoking lyrical truisms throughout, from of a rating scale of 1 – 5 this novel is so off-the-charts good, it deserves a 10.” IndieReader

 

4/4 “The writing was captivating…This book would be great for readers who are struggling with mental health or for those trying to understand it better. Are you ready to go for a drive with Anna?. Buckle up, because you are in for the ride of your life!” Online Book Club

 

“The protagonist’s acerbic wit and mordant tone work well in the difficult material in Preble’s unconventional road novel. A razor-sharp, oddly fun  romp through the American West.” Kirkus Review

 

 

Review

 

I was not sure about this book when I first started reading.  Anna is not a very likable character.  She is OCD to the extreme and has other issues that might be hard for some to read.  She is also obsessed with a therapist/counselor that she meets by chance at the laundromat and ends up his patient.  In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where this story was headed.  But as I moved further into the book, I observed as Anna shared more of herself and we learn why she is the way she is and perhaps there is hope for her to overcome her issues.  Anna moves from being a shallow self-absorbed character to one that is complex and her story is like peeling an onion, it takes many layers to get to the truth.

Anna, who never goes anywhere, decides to drive from California to Colorado for her former counselor’s wedding.  This is a woman that does not have a car and haven’t driven in years.  But she has a plan or the start of one, and with the help of her neighbor, she ventures off to Colorado.  Along the way, she stumbles across a homeless mother and daughter, and for some unknown reason offers them a ride.  That is where the story really takes off because Mellow, the daughter, ends up going to Colorado with her after her mother runs off.  This trip is actually good for both Anna and Mellow because they both realize what they need to make their lives complete.

Anna’s story is told in pieces and by the end, we have a better understanding about her character.  I actually grew to like Anna especially when she realizes that maybe she has more to offer the world.

There are a few lines that spoke to me that I would like to share with you:

“Hope is the admission that things might get better. It’s a risk, though, because there is no guarantee. Despair is absolute. Giving up requires no risk. Brave people hope. Cowards despair.”

“…sometimes, when you can’t get what you want, you get what you need instead.”

This is a surprisingly good book and we give it 4 paws up.  Definitely worth the read.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Laura Preble is the award-winning author of the young adult series, Queen Geek Social Club (Penguin/Berkley Jam), which includes the novels Queen Geeks in Love and Prom Queen Geeks. Her novel, Out, dealt with the concept of LGBTQ rights within a young adult dystopia; Alex Sanchez, author of Rainbow Boys, says “Out explores an intriguing, mind-bending, and challenging portrait of an upside-down world that turns the tables on homophobia, acceptance, and love.” She has won a Kurt Vonnegut Fiction Prize, and has been published in North American Review, Writer’s Digest, Hysteria, and NEA Today.

 

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