Marie Reviews "Under the Mistletoe" by Jill Shalvis

Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

BOOK DESCRIPTION FROM AMAZON:
JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

MY REVIEW:

As this book starts out Nick and Mia have sparks a plenty, and Mia thinks their meeting at a fancy restaurant is bound to end with the use of the "L" word. After six months of being together she anticipates he will finally tell her he loves her. The evening does not go as she planned. The "L" word never surfaces. She had purchased an extra ticket so Nick could join her on a trip home for the holiday to attend her Aunt Chloe's wedding. Nick turns down her invitation. Mia is confused about their relationship, or her assumption of a relationship. Nick doesn't explain why he won't go. In reality, he had taken her to the fancy restaurant to reveal he had gotten a job where he would be traveling extensively, but couldn't bring himself to tell her. Nick was bounced from home to home growing up and didn't have the loving adoptive parents Mia had. He doesn't think he knows how to deal with love and family.
Mia takes her hurt feelings and leaves town before Nick realizes he caused her pain he shouldn't have. He tries to reach her to apologize but is greeted by voice mail prompts and an empty apartment when he tries to tell her in person. A neighbor informs him she already left town, so he sets out to track her down. When he arrives in Lucky Harbor he finds an ex boyfriend and an entire family who want to witness what he has to say to Mia. They will be waiting to see if he manages to win back her trust and her heart.
I enjoyed the story. It was a sweet holiday romance. If you like a very short quick read with a strong emotional range, this book is for you.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews "Becoming Mrs. Walsh" by Jessica Gordon

Becoming Mrs. Walsh by Jessica Gordon


DESCRIPTION ON AMAZON:

Shoshana Thompson is 26 years old, miles from home, and engaged to be married into one of Washington D.C.'s wealthiest families. Andrew Walsh, her fiancé, is Shoshana's vision of the perfect man. Throughout their engagement, she becomes enamored with his privileged lifestyle.

Rumor has it: when you marry a Walsh, you're set for life. Her socialite sisters-in-law show her how to live in a Walsh-style world, but just as she is starting to get acclimated, this world introduces her to someone who may shake up her perfect wedding plans.

While Shoshana navigates the tricky world of in-laws and societal wedding planning, she desperately tries to ignore her growing feelings for another man. She knows that exploring this love will threaten her existence as a Walsh. But, when she discovers the feelings may not be one-sided, she knows things are about to get a lot more complicated, especially because this man is absolutely off-limits.

As Shoshana learns, the view from the top is not always the clearest.

Becoming Mrs. Walsh is a story of relationships and the richly layered complexity of family, in-laws, and love.

 

MY REVIEW:

 

  Shoshana Thompson is Becoming Mrs. Walsh. She is engaged to the last single Walsh brother, Drew, who has a highly secretive job, and is hardly ever around. When he is around, his attempts at romantic attention are luke warm at best. Sho continues on with the engagement, even though she is having doubts about the relationship. One of the reasons is that she doesn't think she could give up the lucrative life style she will be living. Her world clashes with the Walsh world, her friends and family don't fit in with her new family. She is at first intimidated by her future sister in laws, and doesn't know how to approach her future mother in law, but she slowly becomes accustomed to their personalities and what will be expected of her when she joins the family.
  I was glad to see that she formed a friendship with Zoey, who has multiple depths to her character. Although she may seem to be a superficial party girl, she is kind and generous with Sho. This is what makes it very difficult to see Sho lusting after Zoey's husband, (her fiance's brother), Mark. Sho has feelings for Mark, but she doesn't know what to do about it. She also doesn't know if Mark returns her feelings at first, and decides to treat it like a crush that would fade in time. When it becomes clear Mark has a thing for her too, they try to fight the attraction. How will they deal with it? Will Mark leave Zoey for his brother's soon to be wife? Crazy, right? What a complex problem! I found it difficult to relate to Sho's decisions sometimes, and her final decision I definitely didn't respect much.
  The book was well written. All the characters were formed and solid. At some points I didn't like the volume of descriptions about clothing, houses, shoes, jewelry, etc. I understand the family was wealthy. I think some of it could have been trimmed down. I found myself skipping through paragraphs about clothing and such detailed descriptions of opulence trying to get to the meat of the story, like what will Mark and Sho do? Well, the story ended with a twist that will leave you wondering what the next book has to offer. It was definitely worth reading.

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Compromising the Marquess by Wendy Soliman

Compromising the Marquess by Wendy Soliman

Book Description Amazon:

Publication Date:December 10, 2012 England, 1814
Leah Elliot sells secrets to survive. Donning boy's clothes, she uncovers society scandals for a London gossip rag to support herself and her sister, who were left destitute after their father's death. When she meets the dashing—and perhaps dangerous—Hal Forster, the Marquess of Denby, she learns he may be involved in treason. The rumor is too valuable not to sell, despite her attraction to him… Hal does have a secret, but he's no traitor: he's a spy embroiled in a mystery, seeking the man who killed his contact in France. He sees the alluring woman behind Leah's disguise at once but is intrigued enough to play along…until he realizes that she's the source of the rumors interfering with his investigation and forcing him into an unwanted betrothal. Now, Hal and Leah must work together to draw out the culprit and undo the damage caused by Leah's gossip. Or will their passion only cause more scandal?


MY REVIEW:

In Compromising the Marquess, Leah and her sister are forced to leave their home and take sanctuary with their uncle who truly wants the best for them, his wife not so much. Leah's sister is ill and is convinced they are moving to better her health by getting away from the smog and closer to the sea air. The truth of the matter is they were forced to move because after their father died in a fire at his bookstore, and their mother not long afterward, the girl's financial circumstances suffered greatly. Leah started dressing up as a boy and gathering information about society to sell to the gossip rags just to get by. This is how she ends up getting involved with the Marquess of Denby, Hal Forster. She believes he may be involved in treason. Hal sees through her male disguise but curiosity makes him play along to to try to figure out what she is up to. Hal eventually confides in her that he is keeping a secret, but not the one she thought.
Leah admits it is her fault when information about Hal gets leaked to the gossip pages and she tells him why she did it. This adds another twist to the story when Hal begins to investigate her father's death in the fire. He is suspicious when very valuable books once owned by Leah's father turn up in his library. Leah received very little money from the sale of the books because her father's associate said they were damaged in the fire, and he could not gain their full value. Hal is determined to get to the bottom of it and make sure Leah gets the money she was entitled to from the sale, which would mean she would be financially independent again. Hopefully he can accomplish it before her aunt throws her out on her ear.
The sparks fly between them. Leah is curious about love and sex, and she wants Hal to teach her about it. He advises her that a husband should be the one to educate her in these areas. She does not feel she will ever marry. He would have refused if not for the fact that she insisted she would find a more willing tutor. He finds "creative" ways to let Leah experience passion all the while driving himself crazy. This was the one thing that was a bit awkward for me in the book.
When the couple started working together to solve the mystery, which I felt was an integral part of the book, I think it was the best part. It was compelling, interesting, and a plot twist surprise comes in at the end that is shocking, in both the mystery and the romance areas.
I enjoyed the book. I liked the Forster brothers and the spy intrigue angle. Leah was smart, confident, and capable, a strong female lead. The chemistry was there between her and Hal, and the devotion to keep each other safe at the end makes their love for each other clearly visible.
I would rate this book two and a half stars. I liked it over all, but there was something about the way Hal and Leah were exploring sex that put me between "It was okay" and "I liked it."

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Marie Reviews Last First Kiss by Lori Leger

Last First Kiss by Lori Leger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Blurb from the author:

 

After Giselle Granger loses her husband in a tragic accident, she's left with their two young daughters, and struggling for the strength to live in a world without him.

When Jackson Broussard loses his wife in the same accident, he finds himself free of the woman whose lies and manipulations have made his marriage a living hell. He feels bound to the past by desire to do right by his friend's widow and children even though Giselle makes it clear she does not want his help.

Can the two former co-workers leave their pasts behind in order to forge a new future together? Or will they be left with nothing more than a last first kiss and two broken hearts?

 

 

MY REVIEW: 
 

I was impressed by the talent of Ms. Leger . I was touched by this story and the way she handled the grief of the lead female character, Giselle. Her portrayal of the loss by Giselle of her husband and her daughters' loss of their father was heart breakingly realistic and you will surely be reading through tears and lumps in your throat as I did. The process of healing is well described, the guilt that Giselle puts herself through over feeling new love after she experienced what she thought was the one and only true love of her life is relatable. The courtship of Giselle and Jackson is sweet and touching because he not only falls in love with her but also with her daughters. The setting and characters worked in my mind. I could picture the town and the people. The plot and characters are all developed well enough that you can see other stories forming and it makes you want to know what happens to them all after this story ends. I would strongly recommend this book, and I enjoyed it so much I would like to read other books by this author.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews DRT A Ghost Story by Eric Thomas

DRT by Eric Thomas

 

Amazon Book Description:

Publication Date:October 17, 2012

Greg, a reclusive overnight traffic reporter in Washington, DC, has spent his life in fear, avoiding anything that might shatter his tenuous grasp on normal. It turns out Greg has no idea what it really means to be afraid. After witnessing a horrifying fatal crash, a crash Greg believes he had a hand in causing, he begins to see the ghost of the dead driver. The strain becomes unbearable as Greg attempts to determine why the ghost has sought him out, what it wants from him, and whether any of what is happening is even real.

DRT is the second novel from author Eric Thomas. It's an alternating look at the absurd and the shocking as he tells the story of one man's struggle to maintain his sanity.

MY REVIEW:

This is the second book I read by Eric Thomas. I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, but I have to admit that I liked this one better. The story is so chilling, so grueling, and it engaged my attention completely. I didn't want to put it down. The anxiety and depression felt by Greg are rooted deep in his past and cause him to shut the world out slowly, until he is an invisible man of his own making. The conflict of emotions he felt after witnessing the traumatizing accident that he feels he could have prevented if he was paying attention are absolutely real and compelling. It is perfectly understandable that he is seeing the ghost of the deceased man, if he is indeed seeing it. Is the ghost real? Or is this his manifestation of guilt over an accident he feels was his fault? Is his subconscious forcing him to face and resolve his long time problems with depression and thoughts of suicide? Or is this man who died as a result of his negligence really looming over him from beyond the grave ready to take his life? He feels like this ghost is going to do him a favor by killing him in seven days, until he starts to investigate the life of the dead truck driver and realizes that for the first time in a long time he wants to avoid death. This psychological thriller will have you questioning the truths of Greg's perceptions and second guessing your own belief in ghosts. The descriptions are intense and tangible, the plot twists totally enthralling.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Romancing The Holdiay by HelenKay Dimon, Christi Barth, Jaci Burton

DESCRIPTIONS from Amazon:

1. We'll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
Book three in The Holloway Series

No man likes having his bedroom skills described as forgettable, but that's just what Lila Payne does when she runs into Spencer Thomas again. When she discovers that he'd lied about his name during their brief three-day romp a few months before, she's so angry that she pretends she doesn't remember him.

Spence regrets his deception, but not as much as he regrets that their time together didn't last longer. When she shows up in his town, looking to revitalize her uncle's mountain resort, Spence is determined to help. Maybe rescuing Lila from a hopeless renovation project will get him in her good graces—and back in her bed.

Lila has no interest in being rescued, and Spence is insulted by her stubborn rebuffs and her "faulty" memory. But when rehab work turns into an after-hours meeting, the two of them are in for a night that just might prove unforgettable…

For more stories of Holloway, check out It's Not Christmas Without You and Lean on Me, available now!

2.Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

Caitlin McIntyre's heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee and proposes. Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she's in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she's never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he's only practicing—he's about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle's determined to win the respect of the dying father who's never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle's always depended on Caitlin's friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him…for good.

3. The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
A year ago, Tori let her guard down and Brody Kent slipped right in, planting one hot, unforgettable kiss on her in a dark corner at the company Christmas party. Though the kiss surpassed her wildest dreams, she can't let it happen again. She loves Brody, but he's got a reputation for loving and leaving. She'll have to keep her heart—and her libido—in check.

Brody can't get the time of day from Tori—ever since that impulsive kiss, she's avoided him with the same brutal efficiency she uses to manage his family's construction company office. The company can't afford to lose her, and Brody's come to realize that he can't live without her. But how can he convince Tori that he's a changed man?

It just might take a Christmas miracle.

MY REVIEW:

 

 

Heat Up Your Holiday
These three stories are romantic feel good holiday romances. Although they may be a book in a series, I had not read any of the other books and they stood well on their own. The season is such a busy and sometimes stressful time. This combined set of books was the perfect way to take a break and relax, let the holiday spirit wash over you as the love and heat unfolds between the main characters. I liked them all, but the last was my favorite. HOT! HOT! HOT!
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews "The Wicked Wives" By Gus Pelagatti

The Wicked Wives by Gus Pelagatti

Amazon Book Description:
Publication Date:June 20, 2011

When I was an eight year old boy I overheard adults in my South Philadelphia neighborhood discussing 17 disenchanted and unfaithful neighborhood wives who murdered their husbands for insurance money, love and lust. This was a fascinating topic for an eight year old boy eavesdropping on adult conversation. The adults were discussing the true story of Philadelphia’s infamous 1938 murder scandals. My fascination led to obsession. I knew that I had to write about these wicked wives someday. After I became a trial lawyer in 1964, I researched the poison murder cases in the law library and obtained newspaper accounts of the scandals dating back to October, 1938. Thereafter I conducted interviews with judges, lawyers, police, witnesses, sheriff deputies and neighbors who knew the defendants. One of the chief conspirators was a tailor who seduced, then persuaded at least twelve wives to poison their husbands for insurance. The setting for his seductions was the couch in the rear of his tailor shop, located two blocks from our family home. A fascinating conspiracy unfolded in these murder cases. The poison gang’s colorful and hilarious characters helped to deep-six a minimum of 20 husbands. The supporting cast includes Giorgio, “The Don Juan of Passyunk Avenue. ” Aside from scheming Lillian, “the society wife”, the wives include Rose, the “Kiss of Death Widow, ” Eva “the nymphomaniac” and the “hopelessly in love, ” Joanna. After many comical episodes, intriguing detective work and two suspense filled high profile trials, 12 wives plead or are found guilty of murdering their husbands. Two male conspirators were executed in the electric chair. "The Wicked Wives" gleefully explores the sins of lust and greed, and the disappointments that love often brings. The characters, although they commit murder and adultery, are extremely likable, and often amusing. Writing “The Wicked Wives” was a true labor of love.

 

 

MY REVIEW:

 

The Wicked Wives is an interesting journey through a seedy crime story based on a true story of insurance fraud and murder in Southern Philadelphia in the 1930's. Assistant District Attorney and true blue good guy, Tom Rossi, investigates a suspected murder of Reggie Stoner by his wife Lillian. This brings him into the cross hairs of Mayor Bill Evans, Lillian's rich uncle, whom she has been involved in a scandalous affair with, trading sex for money and protection against prosecution. Evans battles it out with Tom using any defamatory information he can dig up, and threats against his future in the D.A.'s office to dissuade Tom from continuing with the investigation. He even goes as far as getting Tom's girlfriend fired from her job because she is of colored descent.
Tom refuses to bend to the will of the crooked members of the political system and forges ahead. The line of suspected wives keeps getting longer, and number of deaths suspected for fraudulent insurance claims steadily increases. This leads Tom to wonder how large a conspiracy he is dealing with, and who is the Lady in Black and her giant that he believes are the leaders of the whole sordid operation.

I did enjoy this book. The fact that it was based on a true story fascinated me. I couldn't believe how many men and women were engaging in sexual affairs with each other, and that most were involved in murder plots. I found it very disturbing how easy it was to insure someone, claim you were their relative to benefit from the insurance policy, and actually get away with it.
I found some of the characters quite funny, like Bertha, the neighbor who testifies against Lillian about the games of "squirrel" played in the car in front of her house. It was a little hard to believe how many women fell in love with Giorgio, even when they knew he was with so many other women, and had caught him red handed doing the deed, not to mention he was not the brightest crayon in the box. I know it was based on a true story, but either those women were really stupid, or Giorgio's charm may have been embellished.

The ending was a real twist, that I don't think you'll see coming.
I enjoyed this book more as a reference to that era, and learning about something that actually happened. Parts of it did read like a gritty crime novel, but others were jam packed with information about the gangsters, mob leaders, and how they arrived in America and the succession of people who came in and out of power.

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Marie Reviews The Travel Auction by Mark Green

The Travel Auction by Mark Green

DESCRIPTION:
It should have been their trip of a lifetime. But with just days to go, Jonathan Cork finds himself dumped by his girlfriend, Kate Thornly. Even worse, a life-threatening allergy means he can’t travel alone. Unable to change the name on the spare ticket and fast running out of time, Jonathan resorts to desperate measures. He advertises on eBay for a travel companion with the same name as his ex. The problem is, it’s a complete lottery who he’ll end up with.

Kate Thornly (the second) is aware of the unusual eBay auction, but she can’t be persuaded to bid. Enter Maria, her best friend, who secretly applies on her behalf! With her nursing credentials and erotic photo, Kate seems the perfect travel companion. But there’s just one small detail Maria’s conveniently left off Kate’s bid...

What follows is a funny, page-turning, rollercoaster ride around South America.

MY REVIEW:

This book is catchy, right from the get go. When dumped by his girlfriend, Kate Thornly, whom he catches in bed with the plumber, Jonathan Cork finds himself in quite a pickle. They had booked a dream vacation, which Kate was supposed to accompany him on and pay him back half the expense. Now she will do neither. So, he needs a new travel companion, someone who is also named Kate Thornly because the tickets could not be changed or used by anyone by any name but Kate Thornly. Jonathan has a nut allergy and needs someone who can administer his injection if he ingests anything he shouldn't. He comes up with a brilliant plan to advertise for a travel partner on ebay, trip of a lifetime, all expenses paid, and lists his requirements.
Kate Thornly the second, a former nurse, is mixed up in the plot by a well meaning and mischievous best friend who answers the ad behind her back. When she finds out what Maria has done, she decides to go with it. Jonathan and Kate meet for the first time and he realizes she is blind. He isn't sure what to do and struggles with his decision a little because he can't imagine a disabled person will be helpful to him on this kind of trip.
He takes a chance on her and the roller coaster ride of laughs and unpredictable situations begins. They travel closely, even sharing the same bed most of the time, and grow to like each other more than either probably thought was possible. There are some bumps in the road that they have to sort out, each revealing parts of their past that weigh them down. In the mean time they enjoy a fantastic trip, and even become fugitives trying to run from the press and celebrity status the ebay auction seemed to bring them.
I completely enjoyed this book. It was interesting and relevant to see the story unfold from both the perspectives of Jonathan and Kate. It was romantic, inspiring, endearing, and real. The places the couple traveled to were described so vividly and beautifully it was almost like being there.
I highly recommend reading it.
I was given an copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews First To Find by Morgan C. Talbot

First To Find by Morgan C. Talbot

DESCRIPTION:

Death is the hardest puzzle to solve.

Margarita Williams escaped death at a young age, but its shadow has followed her all her life. Now, amidst the chaos of a new Australian roommate and mysterious, menacing neighbors, Death has set the puzzlemaker a puzzle of her own. Someone is killing her fellow geocachers, one by one.

Supersmeller Bindi Ryan left Australia to marry a man who abandoned her the minute her plane landed in Oregon. When thieves steal a local sculpture and a teenage friend is blamed, Bindi and her nose must prove him innocent and find the real culprits. But are she and Margarita working on two mysteries, or one?

If they can’t solve the final puzzle, the killer will strike one final, deadly blow.

MY REVIEW:

I enjoyed this story. I was not familiar at all with the practice of geocaching before reading this book. After reading it, I think it could be a very fun and interesting hobby. That being said, someone who is already familiar with, interested in, or participates in geocaching may enjoy it even more than I did.
I loved all the puzzles in play in the story, and how Margarita used her skills and Bindi used her uncanny sense of smell to solve them. Not that her exceptional abilities with her nose didn't cause her troubles and also set the scene for some comedic moments.
I especially liked the fact that Margarita could defend herself, strong in mind and body. It was an interesting journey watching her overcome her fear that death would take anyone she cares about and learn to take a chance on love again, all while she tried to solve multiple murders before the local law officers could.
I would recommend this book.
I was given an ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Playing The Royal Game by Carol Marinelli

Playing The Royal Game by Carol Marinelli
DESCRIPTION:

STOP THE PRESS: THE SANTINA-JACKSON ROYAL FAIRY TALE—FACT OR FICTION?
It seemed like every girl's dream: fall in love with a prince and be whisked off for your very own glamorous happy-ever-after—a royal fairy tale for Allegra Jackson and Prince Alessandro Santina.

Allegra's headline-grabbing family hardly prepared her for a life of public duty, and sinfully delicious Prince Alessandro has always seemed virtually allergic to the idea of settling down in Santa Maria.

Out of all the flamboyant, beautiful women his name's been linked with, the heir to the throne picked ordinary Allegra with the family from hell….

Is everything really as it seems regarding the tabloid's engagement of the year?

MY REVIEW:

Allegra Jackson refuses advances from her boss and she is terminated. She desperately searches for another job, and this leads to a chance meeting with Prince Alessandro Santina. She absentmindedly wanders into a private club to sit and gather her thoughts and is later confronted by a waitress for not signing in. Prince Alessandro, or Alex, as he calls himself, steps in to save her from embarrassment. He is very somber himself because he is being forced to return to Santina to get married and fulfill his royal duties. After some honest conversation about each of their predicaments, Alex wants Allegra to agree to pretend to be his fiance in order to have an excuse to break off his arranged marriage, allowing him a little more time to accomplish his personal goals in London. Then after a short period of time, they could break the engagement. He would pay her handsomely to do so, which would alleviate the burdens she faced being unemployed. It seems like a good idea....at first. By the next morning Allegra is experiencing regrets but the Prince makes it perfectly clear that it is already too late to change her mind when they are all over the media. Her regrets only get stronger as one thing after another goes totally opposite from what the Prince had planned, and Allegra's tabloid headline grabbing family get mixed in the deal. The struggle to merge their worlds, overcome standards and expectations to be their own person, and of course falling in love along the way, makes a great story.

Playing The Royal Game is a delightful distraction from every day reality. This modern day fairy tale is just whimsical enough to draw you in, but not too far over the top. I enjoyed the read. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews In The War Zone by John Henry brebbia

In the War Zone by John Henry Brebbia

DESCRIPTION:
In The War Zone is an uncommon love story about a street fighter raised by his mother in a trashy trailer park on the edge of the black ghetto in Las Vegas. The title is a metaphor for the mean streets of Gibb Quinn’s gangbanger neighborhood. Gibb’s rise out of poverty to a successful business career as a star computer salesman is a quintessential American success story. That is, until the Big Byte Corporation transfers him to a small coastal town in New England to rescue a failing retail outlet. Chatham, Connecticut is populated by narrow-minded people who treat Gibb as a hustler from Sin City. Matters take a turn for the worse when he clashes with the powers that be that rule the town like royalty. Yale graduates one and all, the powers that be resent his developing interest in Alicia Farrell, the town beauty who happens to be engaged to one of their own. From there the story proceeds apace to its unforeseen ending.

MY REVIEW:

Gibb Quinn was raised by his mother in a trailer park in a gangbanger neighborhood in Las Vegas. She worked and sacrificed much so that she could pay for Gibb's private school education, not allowing him to rely on charity, because charity was for losers. His father was an abusive gambler who only came around to rough up his mother and remove any money she managed to save. She wanted her son to succeed. He did succeed, but before he could get his mother out of the trailer park, she died from cancer that he wasn't even aware she was suffering from. His guilt over this plagues him through the book and plays a major role in his relationships with God and people. He often wants to help people, believes they can be saved if they try hard enough, but refuses to attend mass anymore.
He grows to be a shining star in computer sales for the Big Byte company and is sent to a small town in Connecticut when their branch is failing in order to turn things around. He is thrust into a setting where strangers are not welcome, and is further ostracised when the rumor filled closed minded members of the town decide he is interested in Alicia Farrel. Alicia is engaged, but seems to pursue a relationship with Gibb anyway. Gibb is torn between his attraction to Alicia, and his live in relationship with local cocktail waitress, Sally. Sally has an on and off relationship with the local drug dealer, and she ends up leaving Gibb to go back to the drugs.

When the town comes down on him and boycotts his company because they believe he is breaking up Alicia and her fiance, Gibb has tough choices to make. Does he stay in Chatham, or go back to Seattle and take the position offered to him by his patron?

The story is well written and thought provoking, and if you have ever lived in a small town, probably familiar in many aspects. You will probably find yourself rooting for Gibb and Alicia to break free from the chains of what is expected and take a chance on each other. I enjoyed this book, but when it came to the end? The end is no where in sight. You will have to read the next book, which I can only assume/hope is coming, to find out what happens between Alicia and Gibb. I certainly would like to find out.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews An Ode for Orchids by James Fant

An Ode for Orchids by James Fant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Geneva Cole was well known for growing orchids, but her most prized orchids weren’t really flowers at all, at least not in the literal sense. Her most prized orchids were her four grand-daughters: Karen, Cicely, and twin sisters Brook and Dawn. And her main goal was to prepare them for life’s challenges.

"An Ode for Orchids" is a story about four young women and the challenges that they face, such as making bad choices in men, dealing with infidelity, struggling with promiscuity, and dealing with rejection. But perhaps the most daunting challenge is dealing with the animosity that one woman can have for another woman. Time will reveal whether or not each of them will be strong enough to face the challenges that life will offer them.

MY REVIEW:

An Ode for Orchids is a touching story about four young cousins, Brook and Dawn (twins), Cicely, and Karen, who come together every summer at their "old school" Grandmother's house. Karen's mother dies living a tragic life style and Karen lives with Ma Geneva full time. I was fully impacted by the power of the emotions in this book. Ma Geneva tries to keep the girls on the right path, and worries about the way they are being raised. She does what she can to impress good values upon them while they stay with her. Follow the story and see how bonds, and even grudges form that are carried into their adult years. These early forged feelings shape who they are, how they deal with life's struggles and crisis, and eventually break free from their fears and embrace who they are truly capable of being. The strength of the relationships, and the pains endured brought me to tears more than once. It is compelling, honest, emotional, and inspiring. A wonderful read.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie reviews The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson

The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When the young husband of a wealthy heiress is found dead on his yacht floating off the California coastline, his death is ruled an accident and the case is closed. The grieving widow, certain her husband was murdered but getting no help from the police, turns to Raja Williams, a wealthy Oxford-educated private investigator, who has dedicated his resources to help those in need of justice. When Raja arrives in Los Angeles and more bodies begin to pile up, he suspects a coverup that may go as high up as the governor. With the help of his partner Vinny, a highly skilled hacker, Raja must unravel the case before everyone involved, including the two of them, winds up dead.

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:


This story is about a private investigator from a wealthy Caribbean background, who believes in justice for all, and helps people in need without requesting monetary payment. He is hired by a wealthy woman, Clarice Hope, when her much younger husband turns up dead and the police rule it an accidental death. Clarice believes there is foul play and hires Raja to help her prove it. After meeting with Clarice Hope and doing some initial investigating, he also believes her husband was murdered. Raja and his computer hacker sidekick, Vinny, who is not only a genius, but also gorgeous enough to be a supermodel, by the way, set out to prove that Hope was murdered. The couple make a team worth cheering for. Their journey is action packed and believable, yet still has the ability to amaze you. The reader is lead through a labyrinth of political corruption, the sexual deviant underworld, and green energy fraud. The death count keeps climbing, plot twists and the way evidence is revealed keep you guessing and turning the page for more.
I strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of mystery suspense novels.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Comanche Moon by Virginia Brown

Comanche Moon by Virginia Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The Comanches did her a favor when they killed her loutish husband on her wedding night. But now this Southern belle is the possession of a fierce, blue-eyed warrior called Hawk . . . Zach Banning, known as Hawk among the Comanches, is caught between two races, two cultures, two lives. Deborah Hamilton is a Mississippi beauty who came to the Texas territory for an arranged marriage. Little did she know, her new husband’s people have earned the Comanches’ hatred. They enact their vengeance on her wedding night, kidnapping Deborah along with other women and also the settlement’s children.She expects the worst at the Comanches’ village, but instead finds kindness alongside the challenges. But when Hawk barters her away from her owner, intending to seduce and possess her, Deborah finds herself in a battle of wills laced with deep desire.Virginia Brown is the author of more than fifty novels, including the bestselling Dixie Divas mystery series. Look for many more of her classic historical romances, coming soon from Bell Bridge Books.

MY REVIEW:

Comanche Moon is Historical Romance well written. It tells a painful and heart warming story about Zack Banning, half Indian and half white. His mother was taken captive by Indians, and he was conceived as a result. His mother's husband initially accepted him because there was still a chance Zack was his son, but as Zack ages and his true heritage becomes more evident, it is impossible. Zack is forced to leave his mother after he is beaten with a whip by her husband. He deals with an ongoing struggle to find his true place, to figure out which world he belongs in. When living with his Comanche father, a raid party returns with women and children. Deborah is one of them. She was forced to marry in order to financially benefit her father and was captured on her wedding night. Her husband was shot dead during the raid before consummating their marriage. Zack, known as Hawk to the Comanche, sees her and is drawn to her. He barters for her and she lives among them for months. Despite herself, she falls in love with Hawk and is sad when he returns her to her people to keep his Comanche tribe from being hunted down by soldiers.

I was taken in by this story. It was interesting and told in a way that showed Zack's view point in both worlds and defined his struggle to overcome the way people treated him for things that were out of his control. His love for Deborah was passionate and all consuming. His willingness to sacrifice his total being for her was touching and inspiring. I would love to read other books by Virginia Brown.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp

Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In just a few short weeks, thirty something Abby George has endured the death of her mother, was dumped by her fiancé, and got laid off from her job.
Stunned and seeking a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her perfect older sister, Leigh. But instead of comfort, Abby receives a surprise: Leigh needs her in the Caribbean to help with some mysterious personal business.
While assisting in the sale and repair of a bed-and-breakfast, Abby uncovers a few huge family secrets as she juggles an unexpected roommate, quirky locals, and nasty centipedes.
Abby's world is further complicated when two potential suitors enter her life. Can Abby get beyond her own psycho drama long enough to open her heart to someone new? Or will she neurotically make her romantic life worse?
Packing nothing but her suitcases and a sense of humor, Abby George travels down an unfamiliar road, but it's all she can do to hang on for the ride...
Or will she wake up with "Rum Punch Regrets?"

MY REVIEW:

This was an interesting story. I think Abby may be a tad more easy going than I am to just flow with all the things that happen to her in this book, like ending up on an air mattress in an alcove of a strange man's house, next to a stinky cat litter box. The characters were well written, not all likeable, but certainly entertaining. The description of island life on island time had me daydreaming, and I could picture it in my mind. The dynamic of Abby and Leigh's relationship was difficult, since I don't have those issues with my own sister. I felt bad for her, but was glad she finally stood up for herself and asserted what she wanted and stated her confidence in her abilities to get it done. The end of the book wasn't really an ending. It was left hanging for the next installment, I am sure. I wouldn't mind reading the next book to find out where her love interests end up because even though she is beginning a relationship with Andrew, the real heat is being put on by J.D. as the book winds down. Even if she doesn't end up with him, J.D. is certainly going to stir up some trouble for her and Andrew.
I would recommend this read. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Against His Will by Trish Jensen

Against His Will by Trish Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
They tried to resist each other, but it was impossible. Soon their passions were unleashed, and their self-control went to the dogs . . .FBI agent Jake Donnelly is not the kind of man who names a dog “Muffin.” Especially not a jowly bulldog. But now Jake’s Aunt Sophie has left him her beloved Muffin, along with a sizable inheritance that has some strings attached. Jake and Muffin have to attend a two-week therapy course designed to work out any bonding issues they may have.Enter Leanne Crosby, a pet shrink and owner of a luxury pet spa complete with private counseling sessions, a doggie dating service, and plenty of quirky advice on proper pet parenting.When the gorgeous and brilliant Dr. Crosby sets out to help Jake and Muffin become soulmates, it soon becomes obvious that she and Jake are falling in puppy love.

MY REVIEW:

FBI agent Jake Donnelly had a tough childhood, but he had a sanctuary with his Aunt Sophie. She was kind, patient, and loved him, and he grew to love her and his uncle very much. For years, at the end of her life, Aunt Sophie tried to fix him up with Leanne Crosby, pet shrink and owner of a dog spa where she would vacation with her bull dog, Muffin. When Aunt Sophie passes away, she leaves her entier estate to Muffin, to make sure he is well cared for during the rest of his natural life. Jake, of course, is awarded Muffin, and then eventually the estate upon Muffin's death, as long as he accepts the dog. Jake does not, under any circumstance, want the dog, and says so. Until he finds out that if he doesn't take the dog, Leanne Crosby, whom he thinks may be a quack and a rip off, will get Muffin and inherit the estate upon his death. He decides he will take the dog to keep his Aunt Sophie from being swindled after she is gone. He learns of a final provision. He must take Muffin for a mandatory spa vacation, 2 weeks a year.

This story had me laughing from the very first pages. I very much enjoyed the humor, and the way Muffin was given character and played a role in the plot. The sparks eventually fly when Jake and Leanne meet and they try to resist them, because they both have troubles trusting each other. It is a warm and touching story of how man falls in love with woman, and man falls in love with his dog. There is action and adventure around every corner, and don't forget the romance. When a book can make you laugh and touch your heart too, you know it is a winner.

I highly recommend reading this book. It is sure to please.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Perfect Bait by Michael Fowlkes

Perfect Bait by Michael Fowlkes

Book Description: A spellbinding thriller, as suspenseful as it is sensual. The richly-textured settings of Seattle's commercial waterfront, San Diego's topless beaches and the breathtaking waters off Cabo San Lucas create the backdrop for a riveting story of love, romance and betrayal, as a young couple find themselves in a fight for their lives having been set up by the FBI as perfect bait.

 

MY REVIEW:

I was drawn in by the description of this book. It sounded like a page turner. I started reading. I continued reading. I read almost 70% of the book before it got to the part resembling the description. The author took the long way around, telling Corey's entire life story beginning as a boy, his first love, childhood sweet heart, who he married after highschool. He then came home to find her in bed with his best friend. He walks away, just up and starts a new life with Jennifer, who he never tells he is married to someone else. They fall in love, they buy an old boat, with Jennifer's money. They restore the boat, chapter after chapter of details about their experience fixing up that old boat. They start a charter business, and immediately they lose a very powerful judge overboard when he tried to urinate over the side at night in an alcohol stupor. When they realize he is gone, it is a frantic and heroic rescue. At that point, I thought maybe it was going to start developing into the plot. Not yet.
The story is from the man's perspesctive, which is interesting in it's own way. The women, Jennifer and Jasmine, who are so completely loveable in this book, from a man's perspective, ask no questions, make no demands, just give of themselves. Jaz even willingly has threesomes in order to make her man, Travis happy, and keep him content. Whatever the men want. Even in the end, when Jennifer finds out Corey is married, no big deal, it's okay. That had me wondering.
I am still waiting for the suspense. Finally, it gets there, when Jennifer volunteers to fill in for the cook on another boat, who's daughter was hit by a car and he needed to be with her. The men who chartered the boat brought young women on with them and were not interested in fishing. They began under the pretense of using the boat as a floating brothel, but eventually murdered the crew in order to kidnap the women and sell them in slave trade. I had a hard time reading some of it. It is heavy handed with violence, torture, murder, and rape. Could have lived with less details in that. Even the poor dog gets violently murdered.
It seems a whole lot of this book could have been condensed or cut out and still it would have been a good story. If you are interested in or have knowledge of fishing and boats, you may enjoy it very much. The ending of the book was where the story became quick paced, and the adventure began. I did enjoy Jennifer as a strong female lead at the end, when standing up to and outsmarting the kidnappers until help arrived. I also was touched by Corey's devotion to Jennifer, sailing off to find and rescue her no matter what happened, refusing to give up.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews What The Heck Dec by Elizabeth Dudak

What the Heck, Dec?! by Elizabeth Dudak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Marti Karnawski is waiting in the front office of Noteah Middle School trying to land first her teaching position, not a man. Yet one casual glance at Declan Reed - the school’s droolicious social worker with bad boy looks and cocky attitude - and she can’t help but fall head over in heels in crush. The fact he returns her interest, despite the other woman on his arm, poses a problem. Marti spent a lifetime trying to forgive a philandering father and understanding a mother in constant denial. She will not be the other woman - not even for one Declan Reed. Now all she has to do is convince her heart.

MY REVIEW:

I started reading this book and liked Marti right off the bat. Her off the cuff, say what ever is on your mind attitude is awesomely refreshing. The fact that she is a little awkward makes her human. I was definitely able to relate to her sarcastic wit and sense of humor. The settings and people are so well described you can picture them as if you are sitting amongst the characters while the story unfolds. The chemistry between Marti and Dec is explosive. He is portrayed as very much the romance hunk that is required for a convincing male lead in an "Awwwww" inspiring love story. Even though the real sex scenes don't come in until toward the end of the book, the culmination of their need for each other is palpable through each chapter. You can experience it, as though you are the heroine yourself.
I absolutely loved this book. I found myself tugged by the desire to ignore obligations, and even the call of my rumbling stomach when I had missed breakfast by several hours because I did not want to put it down, and picked it back up as quickly as I could thereafter. I look forward to future titles by this author.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Meant for her By Amy Gamet

Meant for Her by Amy Gamet

Blurb:

A code that only she can break…

A man that only she was made for…

A raging fire consumes a Floridahotel room, leaving behind the charred remains of a mystery man and the key to a safe deposit box. What’s inside leads investigators to Julie Trueblood, a woman who is not what she seems, and a secret that only she can decipher.

Julie’s life has been devastated once before, and she has spent the last ten years trying to separate herself from history. The fire forces open the door to her past, bringing her face-to-face with her greatest fears, and her only hope for the future.

As the Navy investigator on the case, Hank Jared realizes he’s three steps behind the moment he walks in the door. While he works to unravel the truth behind his assignment, passion ignites between him and Julie. Will he choose the love of a woman he doesn’t completely trust, or the Navy career he has worked for his entire life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:

 

 

Julie's father had been labeled a traitor for decoding top secret military information and handing it over to the enemy, which led to disaster for the Navy. She has been living under her mother's maiden name to escape the scrutiny of her father's infamy. When a man turns up dead in a torched motel room that is assumed to be her father, she is the only one who can decode his final message. Hank Jared is the Naval Investigator, who happens to be falling for Julie, but doesn't know if she was sympathetic to her father's cause or not. Julie doesn't know if she can trust Hank, or if he is just using her to decode the message and solve the case. I don't want to give too many details to spoil the story.

I enjoyed this book. The mystery aspect was compelling. The story was interesting. It held my attention and kept me reading. I especially liked Gwen. I look forward to reading her story. There was enough of the plot left open for developing further on the characters. It was romantic, without sexual detail. I don't mind reading a book with or without the detail, but it has to work. I was sold on the chemistry between Hank and Julie.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews About Last Night By Ruthie Knox

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book DescriptionPublication Date:June 11, 2012

Sure, opposites attract, but in this sexy, smart, eBook original romance from Ruthie Knox, they positively combust! When a buttoned-up banker falls for a bad girl, "about last night" is just the beginning.Cath Talarico knows a mistake when she makes it, and God knows she’s made her share. So many, in fact, that this Chicago girl knows London is her last, best shot at starting over. But bad habits are hard to break, and soon Cath finds herself back where she has vowed never to go . . . in the bed of a man who is all kinds of wrong: too rich, too classy, too uptight for a free-spirited troublemaker like her.
Nev Chamberlain feels trapped and miserable in his family’s banking empire. But beneath his pinstripes is an artist and bohemian struggling to break free and lose control. Mary Catherine—even her name turns him on—with her tattoos, her secrets, and her gamine, sex-starved body, unleashes all kinds of fantasies.
When blue blood mixes with bad blood, can a couple that is definitely wrong for each other ever be perfectly right? And with a little luck and a lot of love, can they make last night last a lifetime?

MY REVIEW:

In this story, the heroine, Cath, aka Mary Catherine, is truly a tortured soul. As a "favor" to an acquaintance in order to get a coveted straight jacket for her museum exhibit, she goes on a blind date with a stranger. Because the date is so boring and because sad memories of her past are brought back by a Patsy Cline impersonator, she drinks too much. Then, of all the big mistakes to make, tries to get home on her own via public transportation.
Thank goodness she runs into City, aka Nev, who comes to her rescue even though she is not that friendly. They had crossed paths for quite a while, several times a week at the train station, and jogging in the park, but they had never formally met, and don't even know the other's name. She gave him a nickname as she did all the people she regularly saw at the train station. For him, she chose "City".
He brings her back safely to his apartment, and plays the perfect gentleman while she is incapacitated. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds how truly considerate he is when he leaves her a clean towel and new toothbrush in the bathroom, and cooks her breakfast. The sparks soon start to fly as she sees him in his home environment, as a hot and sexy artist, not the business suit stuffy City.
She has a set of rules, and an array of tattoos to remind her of her past mistakes and keep her from making them again, reigning her in to her "new Cath" persona. Gradually City breaks down those defenses, little by little until she realizes she is in love with him.
City has his own issues to deal with. He has an inability to stand up to his mother. He is pushed around by his older brother Winston, who you can totally love to hate. One of my favorite parts of the story is when City finally stands up to them and tells them to "Shut up."
Although Cath has had a very painful life, filled with tragedies that she blames herself for, I still like the idea that even as screwed up as she is, she manages to overcome it with the help of Nev. With all her emotional handicaps, she still manages to snag a hero. The hero was definitely my favorite character. He was hot, sexy, charismatic, and had the patience of a saint. Once he cleared up his mommy issues, he was the whole package. The book contained A LOT of sex, but with a heart throb who was so good at it, that isn't a bad thing.
I was given this book for free in exchange for a review.

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Marie Reviews The Great Gift by Misty Wright

The Great Gift by Misty Wright

BOOK DESCRIPTION :

Alyssa is 26 and doesn't like the way all men mistreat her. She decides a change is needed and applies to be a jillaroo on a cattle station named The Oasis, which is located in outback Australia.

She meets a cowboy, Kent, who is a rodeo champion. They agree on a bet. Eventually both want out, but neither wants to be first.

Through a series of adventures that stretch from the city to a fast-flowing river in the outback where Kent must save Alyssa from drowning, love germinates in the middle of a storm.

In her heart, Alyssa is a woman who adores the city's nightlife, but as the sun sets on each day, the Australian outback becomes more enticing and the excitement of the city fades. Then she inadvertently saves The Oasis.
Love is growing between Alyssa and Kent, but then Brandt, Alyssa's obsessive ex-boyfriend, tracks her down. Can Kent save her one last time?

MY REVIEW:

 

When I started reading this book, I thought the beginning was a struggle. I didn't like the way Brandt seemed to be this fairytale romance believer, he fell in love with an angel he saw on a passing train and then it shifted gears abruptly, and he was a cheating womanizer. I didn't feel like I knew the character Alyssa very well, or that she knew herself. She actually came off as spoiled and bratty. She talks about how she is tired of men and their mistreatment, but she immediately begins fantasizing about a relationship with Kent, a second after she meets him. The relationship seemed forced.
A little more effort could have been put into Kaite and Mitch's romance as well. Alyssa's best friend comes to The Oasis, and the very next day is engaged to Kent's brother?

On a good note, once Alyssa got to the Oasis, and spent some time with Ken'ts family there, the story got better. Who doesn't love a hunky cowboy hero? I enjoyed the characters, Kent's family and neighbors, and his relationships with them. The aspects of the story where Kent saves Alyssa from drowning, she saves The Oasis with her skills in tax law, and when Brandt reenters as a would be kindnapper and murderer and gets shut down, were great. Unfortunately, they were over too quickly.
I liked the final realization that they are in fact in the future, Kent and Alyssa's son was actually reading this story about their past and how they met and saved The Oasis, written down by his sister, in order to get him to reconcile with his family.
I did enjoy the book, overall, but I would have enjoyed it more if the story had started at the point where she took the job as a jillaroo, and the relationship between Alyssa and Kent was developed more slowly.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Marie Reviews Murder In Mumbai By K.D. Calamur

Murder in Mumbai by K.D. Calamur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Mumbai, India: a city of beauty and squalor, old and new, wealth and poverty, honest work and deep corruption… and inevitable target of scandal and condemnation if Inspector Vijay Gaikwad doesn’t solve the murder of American businesswoman Liz Barton, and quickly. Just as invested is newspaper reporter Jay Ganesh, looking for the one big story to repair his once-prestigious reputation. Both men soon discover, however, that the case is as difficult to navigate as Mumbai’s infamous traffic. From her cheating husband to the billionaire industrialist with whom she was “close”; from her jealous colleague to the environmentalist protesting her company, Barton was not short on potential enemies… and nor are they short on lies. But the pressure is on for Gaikwad, the family man trying to do right on an often unscrupulous force, to place the blame on someone, anyone, and Jay is determined to be the first with the scoop—no matter how deadly.

MY REVIEW:

The overall plot was interesting. The descriptions about the setting, classes, its customs and traditions, I have to admit, felt like I was reading a textbook. That isn't necessarily bad, I felt like I learned some things. I found myself skipping through some of the descriptions , as I felt like it was repetitive information. I admired the integrity and honesty of the main characters Gaikwad and Ganesh on their journey to solve the mystery of who murdered Liz Barton, not willing to just come up with an answer, but wanted to come up with the right answer. I would have liked them to have more personality though. I had no idea who the murderer was, and couldn't even guess. At the end, it's like "Ohhh, now I get it." There were motives for her murder presented through the story, but the actual motive wasn't revealed until the end.
It definitely wasn't a waste of time, but I didn't find it to be exceptional.
I was given this book for free in exchange for a review.

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Marie Reviews Love Unscripted by Tina Reber

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

An A-List Movie Star… Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a life where fans would chase him, paparazzi would stalk him, and Hollywood studios would want to own him. While filming in Seaport, Rhode Island, Ryan ducks into a neighborhood bar for a quick escape from legions of screaming fans…and finds much more than he expected. A Small Town Girl…

Nursing a recent heartbreak, Taryn Mitchell believes men are best kept at a safe distance. But when Ryan Christensen unexpectedly bursts through the front door of her pub, she can’t help but be drawn in by his humor, charm, and undeniable good looks. At six foot two, with dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and an incredible body, Ryan has every girl in Seaport swooning. But Taryn isn’t every other girl. A Relationship that Doesn’t Follow the Script…

Despite her better judgment, Taryn soon finds herself falling hard for Ryan. But is their bond strong enough to survive the tabloid headlines, the relentless paparazzi, and the jealous fans who seem determined to tear them apart?

MY REVIEW:

 

I started reading this book and was immediately drawn in by the characters. I love the way Ryan and Taryn established a friendship that developed into love. The chemistry was definitely there, and you just knew it was going to reach the boiling point. By the time they actually had sex, I was thinking "Sleep with him already." The build up lead to a wonderful physical relationship. The couple had their ups and downs, and it was interesting to see how they worked through their past heart breaks and trust issues. It was intelligent, very comical at times, and there were moments of grief that were palpable. I cried. There is nothing sexier than a story about a man who could have any woman he wanted, and is totally devoted to one.
The book was really long. I read a lot and it took me almost a whole week to read it.
I was given this book for free in exchange for a review.

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Marie reviews For Love and Vengeance By Johnny Ray

FOR LOVE AND VENGEANCE by Johnny Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

That Royce has it all, being smart, handsome, charming, successful, and tough. After losing his last girlfriend to a kidnapping in which she was tortured and killed, he starts a new life under cover of an executive dating service. On a surfing escape he meets Victoria and even though they only spend one night together, he experiences an amazingly strong connection with her. He doesn't give up on his new love interest after she is the supposed victim of a shark attack. Somewhere in his heart he believes she is still alive. When things don't add up, he goes looking for answers to new questions and settles old scores. I loved the story, it was action packed, and the romantic scenes were very well written.
One thing I would recommend, a stronger editing. I found myself rereading in places because of grammatical errors or typos.

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Marie Reviews Celestine: The House on rue du Maine

Celestine: The House on rue du Maine by F.J. Wilson

The story starts out with Celestine as a young girl who seeks refuge in the orphanage to avoid becoming a prostitute like her mother. She wants nothing to do with men and is disgusted with the thought of sex. This book was described to me as a romance novel, but I didn't find it romantic. In my opinion, in a hypnotizing love story, where the characters find eachother, feel great passion for one another, overcome obstacles to be together, and are commited to one another, sex is a great additive to this mixture. I am all for a good sex scene in a romance novel. In this book, however, the sex was not a spice added to magnify the reader's sense of a building relationship.
In order to get into a book and enjoy a romance, the main characters, hero and heroine have to be liked. I found it too difficult to like Celestine. She claimed great love for her husband, but he died, and within a few months she was in the bed of a pirate, whom she immediately claimed to love. Then she was hopping into bed with anyone , including her best friend's husband, performing the same oral sex scene repetetively , which each different man reacted the exact same way to. Several times I found myself saying out loud "Seriously?"
I think I would have enjoyed this story more as historical fiction, without most of the sex scenes, although many of the other events in the book were too unbelievable as well. Sorry, it just didn't work for me.
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