Monday, December 3, 2018

Only Love by Melanie Harlow



Only Love BTbanner.jpg

Heartfelt, beautiful and sexy!"

- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Only Love AMAZON

A gorgeous former Marine with a tortured soul.
The beautiful, compassionate therapist living next door.
A meddlesome grandma determined to get them together.
I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.
How could I have been so clueless?
Grams knew exactly how to distract me.
The “cute boy next door” who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?
She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.
Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met--I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.
He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.
But he’s moody and challenging--one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.
Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.
How can I convince him to let me try?
Download your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OnlyLove
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Dacxwd
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2y4EVve


My Thoughts...

     This is a quiet and heartfelt romance about a former Marine who is unable to fully process his emotions and a woman who wants love but is too scared to fully open up to anyone and be vulnerable.  Both main characters have similar issues with relationships but don't realize that they can help each other.
     I really enjoyed this gentler love story from Melanie Harlow. It is not all high stress and high emotion but two people finding each other and dealing with their fears and insecurities.  Not all romance novels have to be soap opera level dramas to be good! MH knows how to make you love a character and identify with them.  She can also make you laugh especially when Stella's grandma, Grams, was involved.  
     The only complaint I can come up with is all of Gram's recipes and food talk made me hungry. I want those recipes! :)  4/5 stars



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Excerpt: 

“Ryan?” Startled, I turned around to find Stella standing a few feet away on the grass, wearing a T-shirt and pajama pants, arms crossed over her chest. Her feet were bare, and her hair was loose around her shoulders and a little messy, like she’d already been asleep. Thinking about her in bed did things to my insides. “Hey. Did I wake you?” “I was awake. My windows are open, and I heard something and thought I saw you through the window. What are you doing?” “Uh, building you a swing. But it was supposed to be a surprise.” Now that she’d caught me at it, I was kind of embarrassed. What if she thought this was stupid? “You built me a swing?” She came a little closer, and I realized she might not be able to see it in the dark. The moon was only a sliver tonight. “Yeah.” I grabbed one of the ropes. “Right here.” She stared at it. “Why?” “I’m not entirely sure.” Her eyes met mine, and my heart pumped harder. “Want to try it?” I asked. “Like right now?” I moved behind it and held both ropes steady. “Come sit.” She hesitated, and I thought maybe she was going to tell me to quit being weird and go home before she called the cops, but after a few silent seconds, she came toward me. Turned around. Lowered herself to the seat and closed her fingers around the ropes. “Well?” I asked. “How does it feel? Like you’re a kid again?” “This was very kind of you, but not necessary.” Her tone was stiffer than her posture. “Stella.” She didn’t answer. “I’m sorry.” “About what?” “Last night.” “You’re sorry about what we did?” “I think I’m more sorry about what we didn’t do.” Her head turned sharply, and she looked at me over one shoulder. “You sure know how to confuse a girl.” “One of my many talents.” She looked straight ahead again. “Tell me about some other ones. And give me a push.” I smiled, even though she couldn’t see it, and gave her a little nudge. “I’m fast.” “Oh really?” “Yeah.” I gave her a little harder push. “Track team in high school?” “Tried. Didn’t take.” “Why not?” “They expected me to show up for practice.” “Ah.” She straightened her legs and leaned back in the swing, her hair dangling behind her. “Tell me another one.” I gave her another push. “I’m good with my hands.” Her laugh floated back to me. “I have observed this about you already. Give me another one.” I pushed her again, just so I could feel her hair brush against my hands. “I’m not afraid of anything.” “No? Nothing?” “Nothing I can think of.” “Hmm.” “Are you analyzing me now?” “Kind of. I mean, you can’t say something like that to a therapist and expect her not to reflect on it a little bit, right?” “And?” “And what?” “Do you think I’m a liar or a fool?” “Neither,” she answered. “I think you mean what you say. I think you only lie when you have to, and even then, you hate it. And if I dug a little deeper—which I won’t, because my sisters have told me it’s annoying and intrusive—I think I might discover that it’s because above all, you value your honor. Your word.” For a moment, I was too stunned to think or move or speak. Then I said, “I take it back.” “Take what back?” “What I said. That I’m not afraid of anything.” “Oh? And what are you afraid of?” She swung back toward me and I caught her around the waist. Put my lips to her ear. “Your ability to read my mind.” Beneath my arms I could feel her chest expand and contract faster. “I’m sorry, Ryan. I know I shouldn’t say those—” “Come home with me,” I said, my voice raw with something like thirst. I pressed my lips to her throat and breathed in her scent. I let one hand move toward her breast. I waited for an elbow to the ribcage, a cry for help, a slap across the face. Because if she could read my mind right now, she’d know exactly what I wanted to do to her—and it was a long, detailed list. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes.”



About Melanie Harlow
Harlow Headshot Color.jpgMelanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak. Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
Connect with Melanie
Stay up to date with Melanie by joining her mailing list: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/

Monday, November 26, 2018

Only Love by Melanie Harlow

ONLY LOVE RB BANNER.jpg

Heartfelt, beautiful and sexy!"

- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Only Love, an all-new sexy standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is available now!

Only Love AMAZON.jpg
A gorgeous former Marine with a tortured soul.
The beautiful, compassionate therapist living next door.
A meddlesome grandma determined to get them together.
I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.
How could I have been so clueless?
Grams knew exactly how to distract me.
The “cute boy next door” who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?
She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.
Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met--I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.
He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.
But he’s moody and challenging--one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.
Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.
How can I convince him to let me try?
AN1-2
Download your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OnlyLove
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Dacxwd
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2y4EVve
OL 5 enough.jpg
Harlow Headshot Color.jpgAbout Melanie Harlow
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak. Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
Connect with Melanie
Stay up to date with Melanie by joining her mailing list: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Cover reveal from Melanie Harlow-check out her latest!!!

ONLY LOVE FB BANNER WITH TITLE.jpgHeartfelt, beautiful and sexy! There's a reason Melanie Harlow is one of my absolute favorite romance authors, and Only Love is the latest example of why she holds that spot. Ryan and Stella's love touched my heart!"

- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Only Love, an all-new sexy standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is coming November 26th!

Only-Love-PRINT-FOR-WEB.jpg
A gorgeous former Marine with a tortured soul.
The beautiful, compassionate therapist living next door.
A meddlesome grandma determined to get them together.
I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.
How could I have been so clueless?
Grams knew exactly how to distract me.
The “cute boy next door” who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?
She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.
Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met--I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.
He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.
But he’s moody and challenging--one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.
Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.
How can I convince him to let me try?
ONLY LOVE PREORDER NOW FB.jpg
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OnlyLove
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2y4EVve
Cover Designer: Hang Lee


About Melanie Harlow
Harlow Headshot Color.jpgMelanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak. Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
Connect with Melanie
Stay up to date with Melanie by joining her mailing list: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Home Front by Kristen Hannah


Here is what it is about...


From a distance, Michael and Joleen Zarkades seem to have it all: a solid marriage, two exciting careers, and children they adore. But after twelve years together, the couple has lost their way; they are unhappy and edging toward divorce. Then the Iraq war starts. An unexpected deployment will tear their already fragile family apart, sending one of them deep into harm’s way and leaving the other at home, waiting for news. When the worst happens, each must face their darkest fear and fight for the future of their family. An intimate look at the inner landscape of a disintegrating marriage and a dramatic exploration of the price of war on a single American family, Home Front is a provocative and timely portrait of hope, honor, loss, forgiveness, and the elusive nature of love.





Here is what I thought...

     The first book I ever read of KH's was the Nightingale which is one of the best books I have ever read.  I think that unfortunately, reading that one first set the bar REALLY high for the rest of her novels for me.  This is #3 that I have read now and it was good but compared to Nightingale? Doesn't even come close for me.  
     All that aside, I thought it would be interesting to read about females in the military and especially female pilots. Unfortunately, we didn't get much of actual military action and involvement. This was mostly about before Jolene was deployed and after she came home, which is important, but I wanted more.  I was interested in the story and I most definitely teared up a few places but mostly because anything honoring our military gets to me in that way.  
     I liked Jolene and her feelings towards her career and dealing with being a mother deployed and missing out on family time but there were other side characters that were annoying or that I liked a lot but didn't get much time in the story.  I like that PTSD was discussed and shown through two different story-lines and also showed how lacking our country is in post war care for our soldiers. 
Good book? Yes. Great book. No. 4/5 stars

Author's site:  https://kristinhannah.com/

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris


Here is what it is about...


Based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov—a love story in the midst of atrocity.

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.





Here is what I thought....


     To fall in love during the bleakest time in all of history seems nearly impossible but to have that love give you hope that keeps you alive? Beautiful. Lale’s story is amazing and wonderful and almost unbelievable. I am so glad that I got to read and know him.  This book is not perfect (it has some choppy transitions) but it does not matter at all. This is a true story of the amazing human spirit and how much we need love to survive.  




Author's site: https://www.heathermorris.com.au/



Friday, October 19, 2018

Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan


What it is about...

It’s a crazy idea: trying to name the phrases that make love and connection possible. But that’s just what Kelly Corrigan has set out to do here. In her New York Times bestselling memoirs, Corrigan distilled our core relationships to their essences, showcasing a warm, easy storytelling style. Now, in Tell Me More, she’s back with a deeply personal, unfailingly honest, and often hilarious examination of 12 essential phrases that turn the wheel of life.




What I thought...


This must be the Year of the Memoir for me because this is the second one I have read this year that has been 5 stars...more if I could.  Although Tell Me More is more an essay collection, I feel that this is also the story of a life, of love, and of loss. Corrigan tells of the hardest things she is learning to say but they are beautiful words we could all use more of in our lives; I love you, I know, No and Tell Me More. What a wonderful place the world would be if we all read this book and used these phrases more often!
I laughed out loud and cried several times while reading Tell Me More and used quite a few book darts as well-all signs of an excellent book!

Fave Quotes:

 “Being in our lives *as they are* is probably one of the most common struggles people have.” 

 “Like the padre said, life is a mystery to be lived. Live your mystery.” 

Friday, September 14, 2018

Check out what's new from Helena Hunting!!!

Meet Cute, an all-new sexy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming April 9th, 2019 and we have the adorable new cover!

MeetCute Final Cover.jpg
Synopsis
The New York Times bestselling author of Pucked and The Good Luck Charm delivers a Hollywood happily-ever-after where a famous heartthrob falls for his ultimate fangirl in this sexy standalone romantic comedy.
Talk about an embarrassing introduction. On her first day of law school, Kailyn ran - quite literally - into the actor she crushed on as a teenager, ending with him sprawled on top of her. Mortified to discover the Daxton Hughes was also a student in her class, her embarrassment over their meet-cute quickly turned into a friendship she never expected. Of course, she never saw his betrayal coming either...
Now, eight years later, Dax is in her office asking for legal advice. Despite her anger, Kailyn can't help feeling sorry for the devastated man who just became sole guardian to his thirteen-year-old sister. But when her boss gets wind of Kailyn's new celebrity client, there's even more at stake than Dax's custody issues: if she gets Dax to work at their firm, she'll be promoted to partner.
The more time Kailyn spends with Dax and his sister, the more she starts to feel like a family, and the more she realizes the chemistry they had all those years ago is as fresh as ever. But will they be able to forgive the mistakes of the past, or will one betrayal lead to another?
MeetCute-Pre-order.jpg
Pre-Order your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MeetCuteHH
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2N43VND
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2NxaVCi
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Connect with Helena: Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHunting Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5 Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385795934890523/ Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/ Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Vox by Christina Dalcher


Here is what it is about...


On the day the government decrees that women are no longer allowed more than 100 words daily, Dr. Jean McClellan is in denial—this can't happen here. Not in America. Not to her.

This is just the beginning.

Soon women can no longer hold jobs. Girls are no longer taught to read or write. Females no longer have a voice. Before, the average person spoke sixteen thousand words a day, but now women only have one hundred to make themselves heard.

But this is not the end.

For herself, her daughter, and every woman silenced, Jean will reclaim her voice.



Here is what I thought...


     I was very intrigued by the premise of this book and could not wait to read it even though it isn't in my usual wheelhouse.  Vox is being compared to The Handmaid's Tale a lot,which I started to read but just could not get into, so I was worried but tried it out anyway.
     I don't know exactly what to say about this one other than it is a great and timely premise with so much potential but the execution was just...off.  I cannot pinpoint what it is exactly whether it was poor editing or just too much going on but this fell flat for me.  The main character, Jean, is someone I want to root for and did at first, but she ends up being just as sexist sometimes as the men and she makes some stupid life decisions that I just cannot get on board with.  
     I do feel this would be a great book club pick in that discussion points abound! I would love to sit down with someone and discuss some of the things that happen in this story but I still just didn't really care for how the story was put together...that seems crazy, but it is true! 2/5 stars


Author's site: https://christinadalcher.com/


Friday, September 7, 2018

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger







Here is what it is about...


New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers were at the ready at Halderson’s Drug Store soda counter, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a summer in which death assumed many forms.

When tragedy unexpectedly comes to call on his family, which includes his Methodist minister father, his passionate, artistic mother, Juilliard-bound older sister, and wise-beyond-his years kid brother, Frank finds himself thrust into an adult world full of secrets, lies, adultery, and betrayal.


At heart, this is the story of what that tragedy does to a boy, his family, and ultimately the fabric of the small town in which he lives. 



Here is what I thought...

This summer I was introduced to WKK's writing and this is book two of his that I have read so far. I cannot wait to hear him speak later this month and hear about his writing process.  

This is a very well written story about family, friendship, faith and murder.  It will not go quite as you suspect but will leave you, if not completely satisfied at least happy about where the journey took you.  I loved this book and found it to be similar to To Kill a Mockingbird.  Mr. Krueger has a gift for making you feel as if you are inside the story and experiencing all of the sights and sounds.  5/5 stars





Thursday, August 30, 2018

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird


Here is what it is about...


Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my mama never let me forget it.

Though born into bondage on a “miserable tobacco farm” in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was never allowed to consider herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, bound by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her means of deliverance is Union general Phillip Henry “Smash ‘em Up” Sheridan, the outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young woman into service. At war’s end, having tasted freedom, Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join the Army’s legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

Alone now in the ultimate man’s world, Cathy must fight not only for her survival and freedom, but she vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong and noble enough to win her heart. Inspired by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this American heroine.



Here is what I thought...

     This is an amazing story of a woman's courage, determination and fortitude and I was very much looking forward to reading this story that I knew nothing about.  
     I enjoyed Cathy's story and her sense of humor and, most importantly, her strength.  Cathy is unbelievably brave and smart and definitely a part of history that everyone should learn about-especially young women.
     What I didn’t like about this book was the fictionalized romance thrown in between her and a Union soldier, which is a major part of the novel.  I wish that we could have a story about this brave young woman without reducing it to something she did because of a man but simply because she was amazing.  3/5 stars

Monday, August 20, 2018

Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey


Here is what it is about...


Emma Townsend. Five years old. Gray eyes, brown hair. Missing since June.

Emma is lonely. Living with her cruel mother and clueless father, Emma retreats into her own world of quiet and solitude.

Sarah Walker. Successful entrepreneur. Broken-hearted. Kidnapper.

Sarah has never seen a girl so precious as the gray-eyed child in a crowded airport terminal. When a second-chance encounter with Emma presents itself, Sarah takes her—far away from home. But if it’s to rescue a little girl from her damaging mother, is kidnapping wrong?

Amy Townsend. Unhappy wife. Unfit mother. Unsure whether she wants her daughter back.

Amy’s life is a string of disappointments, but her biggest issue is her inability to connect with her daughter. And now Emma is gone without a trace.
As Sarah and Emma avoid the nationwide hunt, they form an unshakeable bond. But what about Emma’s real mother, back at home?

Here is what I thought...


I really wanted to enjoy this book because it had an unusual premise but I just couldn't get into it and there were just too many implausible things.  I feel the author is a good writer but this plot was just ridiculous at times and could have been better.
First, lets just say someone without mental health issues would actually do this how exactly do they just keep not getting caught?  Secondly, everyone she knew knew where she was but yet when the police see her car and license plates, no one clues in to what she has done? There are many more instances like this that just don't make any sense and it got ridiculous.

The characters are unlikable especially Amy, the mother.  I wish that I could have in some way identified with Sarah but I just could not.  I finished it but just barely.  2/5 stars 

Monday, August 13, 2018

Ike and Kay by James MacManus



Here is what it is about...


     In 1942, Kay Summersby’s life is changed forever when she is conscripted to drive General Eisenhower on his fact-finding visit to wartime London. Despite Eisenhower’s marriage to Mamie, the pair takes an immediate liking to each other and he buys Kay a rare wartime luxury: a box of chocolates.


     So begins a tumultuous relationship that, against all military regulation, sees Kay traveling with Eisenhower on missions to far-flung places before the final assault on Nazi Germany. The general does dangerously little to conceal his affair with the woman widely known as “Ike’s shadow,” and in letters Mamie bemoans his new obsession with “Ireland.” That does not stop him from using his influence to grant Kay citizenship and rank in the US army, drawing her closer still when he returns to America. When officials discover Eisenhower’s plans to divorce from his wife they threaten the fragile but passionate affair, and Kay is forced to take desperate measures to hold onto the man she loves . . .

Based on the scandalous true story of General Eisenhower’s secret World War II love affair, Ike and Kay is a compelling story of love, duty, sacrifice, and heartbreak, set against the backdrop of the most tumultuous period of the twentieth century. 


Here is what I thought...

     This is a lovely story of wartime friends who cared for and trusted each other for a long time before falling in love even when everyone was against it.
     The writer obviously has a bit of a biased towards Kay in this story.  Mamie is painted as the uptight, whiny, alcoholic wife at home and Ike is also portrayed as a bit of a bad guy in the end.  While I do feel Kay wasn’t treated fairly, she was not innocent. 
     About 45% into the story the characters get lost amid all the war and politically talk.We get them back but it threw me a bit right in the middle.  This is a very interesting part of history I knew nothing about and while I liked Kay I felt a bit more depth was needed in her feelings during the relationship and not just after.  3/5

Thursday, August 2, 2018

SALE from Melanie Harlow!


✮ ✮ ✮ HOT SALE ALERT! ✮ ✮ ✮


Only You, a sexy and emotional second chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow, is $2.49 for a limited time only! 

Grab your copy today! 
Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/OnlyYouMH

Nate Pearson is ridiculously handsome and wears the hell out of a suit and tie, but I’ve seen the parade of beautiful women leaving his apartment across the hall—a different one every time—and I want no part of it. When it comes to romance, I’m looking for something real, something that will last: the happily ever after. 

As a divorce attorney, he loves to tell me there’s no such thing.

As a wedding planner, I choose to disagree.

We disagree on almost everything, in fact. Everything except James Bond. The only time we really get along is when we’re watching 007 flicks together, and I’ll admit—he has rescued me from a disaster or five. So when one of the baton twirlers from his parade leaves a baby girl at his door with a note that says “I’ll come back for her” and he begs me for help, I can’t turn him down.

But it’s a mistake. 

Because watching him with his daughter, I start to see another side of Nate, a side that has my breath coming faster, my body craving his, my heart longing for him to change his mind about love and tell me there’s a chance for us. 

I don’t want to be just another girl leaving his apartment in the morning.

I want to be the one he asks to stay.

*Amazon Only* 

Monday, July 23, 2018

Believe Me by JP Delaney



Here is what it is about…

A struggling actor, a Brit in America without a green card, Claire needs work and money to survive. Then she gets both. But nothing like she expected.

Claire agrees to become a decoy for a firm of divorce lawyers. Hired to entrap straying husbands, she must catch them on tape with their seductive propositions. The rules? Never hit on the mark directly. Make it clear you’re available, but he has to proposition you, not the other way around. The firm is after evidence, not coercion. The innocent have nothing to hide.

Then the game changes.

When the wife of one of Claire’s targets is violently murdered, the cops are sure the husband is to blame. Desperate to catch him before he kills again, they enlist Claire to lure him into a confession.

Claire can do this. She’s brilliant at assuming a voice and an identity. For a woman who’s mastered the art of manipulation, how difficult could it be to tempt a killer into a trap? But who is the decoy . . . and who is the prey?

Here is what I thought…

     Miss me? Notice I’ve been gone for a while? Wonder why? MAJOR reading slump! As in nothing was working for me and unfortunately, it is books like this one that put me into this slump.  I read the premise and think “this sounds like a great thriller” and then…blech!
     This book starts out dark and twisty, which usually does not bother me, but it got to the point where it just didn’t make sense to me anymore and I loathed all of the characters.  I enjoy an unreliable narrator but only when done well and this was not.  I skimmed through until the end just to see how this was all pulled together but honestly, I did not really care and just wanted it over with.  1/5 stars

 I miss a good old fashioned thriller that I just cannot put down.  If you have any suggestions for me comment below! PLEASE!

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Only Him by Melanie Harlow: Blog tour, review and exclusive excerpt!!!

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MHOnlyHimBookCover5x8_MEDIUMOnly Him, an all-new sexy and emotional second chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is available NOW!

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Sometimes your first love deserves a second chance…
He was my first crush, my first kiss, my first everything.
But I’m not a lovesick teenager anymore, and I’d never let that cocky troublemaker break my heart again.
So when he shows up out of the blue asking me to have dinner with him “for old time’s sake,” I say I will. After all, it’s been twelve years, and I’m stronger and smarter than I was back then.
Except…he still does something to me. He’s got those eyes that make me weak, those hands that drive me wild, and a body I can’t resist—especially once I see the tattoos. It doesn’t take long for our trip down memory lane to go from sweet to sizzling.
We’re just as good together as we were back then—better, even—and I’m willing to give the only man I’ve ever loved another chance.
But he’s got to tell me the truth.
* * *
All I wanted was to see her again. Tell her I’m sorry. Make her smile.
Okay, that’s a lie. I wanted to do more than that—a lot more. But I know she’s better off without me, and I promised myself I’d behave.
Except I’ve never been much good at keeping promises…or my hands to myself when I’m around her.
I can make her laugh, I can make her cry, I can make her body surrender to mine in ways that neither of us could have imagined back then. I can—and I do—love her more than she’ll ever know.
But I can’t tell her the real reason why I’m here.
And I can’t stay.
OnlyHim-AN

Excerpt

Maren glanced back at me, more puzzled than ever, but she started up the cement stairs. I couldn’t take my eyes off her legs in front of me. Her calf muscles were insane from all the ballet training. I remembered how flexible she’d been and felt my dick start perking up. “In addition to all the history I just gave you,” Aiden said, his voice echoing off the walls, “this hotel was also the site of a certain prom a few years back.” All of a sudden, Maren stopped moving and looked down over her shoulder at me. “No way.” The stunned, joyful expression on her face was worth every penny I had to pay to make this happen. Goose bumps rippled down my arms inside my jacket. I smiled at her. Her jaw dropped, and she continued up the stairs. At the top, Aiden moved ahead and opened the door to the rooftop. “Ballrooms were not available tonight, but when Dallas asked if you could have the roof to yourselves, I had to admit no one had booked it. In fact, no one has ever even asked to book it.” He laughed. Maren stepped over the threshold onto the rooftop. “Dallas is definitely one of a kind.” The three of us moved away from the door, and I saw the table that had been set for us, complete with white linens, flower centerpiece, and candlelight. Luckily, the air was warm, and the wind was soft. The sun was still setting beyond the skyline to the west, and to the east the Detroit River was visible; a little to the south was the Ambassador Bridge, and beyond the river, Canada. The view was breathtaking on all sides. After turning around in a full circle, Maren looked at me with shining eyes. “Dallas. This is incredible.” “You’ll have your own server for the night, and he should be up shortly,” Aiden said, checking his watch. “I should get back downstairs. Dallas, you have my cell if you need anything. Maren, good seeing you again, and I hope you enjoy your evening.” He gave us a smile before heading back to the stairwell door. As soon as he was gone, Maren turned to me. “I cannot believe you did this.” I shrugged. “I felt pretty bad when you said you’d missed the prom because of me. I figured I owed it to you.” She laughed and rolled her eyes, which were filled with tears. “You didn’t, but whatever. I’ll take it.” Opening her purse, she hunted around in it for something. “God, I don’t even have tissues. I didn’t know you were going to make me cry.” “No crying allowed at the prom. And I hope it’s okay I’m wearing jeans.” “It’s fine.” She sniffed and closed her purse. “I’m not that dressed up either.” “You’re perfect.” Our eyes met, and the air between us suddenly felt full of hope and possibility. In any other circumstance, I’d have kissed her. But I couldn’t do that tonight. “Oh, I almost forgot.” Reaching into the inside pocket of my jacket, I pulled out a wrist corsage. “Sorry if it’s a little smashed. I had to get rid of the plastic container to hide it from you.” She giggled and held out her arm. “That’s okay. It’s beautiful.” “Good.” I slid the elastic band with three deep red roses attached to it along with some other green stuff onto her wrist. “I told the lady at the florist to make it a prom corsage. Pretty sure she thought I was crazy. Or creepy.” “You might be crazy. But I love it. Thank you for this.” Then she rose up on tiptoe and pecked my cheek. When she lowered her heels, she stood there for a moment, her hand on my arm, her mouth so close I could have simply tipped my head down and my lips would be resting on hers. My heart stumbled over its next few beats. I wanted to do it so badly, but I’d promised her I’d behave. I’d promised myself I’d behave. There were so many reasons why I shouldn’t be here tonight, standing so close to the only girl I’d ever loved, tempted beyond reason by her legs and her lips and her laugh and her eyes and her ability to make me feel like I fucking mattered in the universe. What was the right thing to do? If only— The door from the stairwell opened, and we moved apart.

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Here's what I thought...


     Only Him is a great story with intriguing relationships and strong female characters which is exactly what I expect from a Melanie Harlow story.
     Maren is positive, happy, confident and her relationship with her sisters is what draws me to this series but...Dallas was slightly unbelievable to me for some reason.  Maybe it was the bay-boy-turned-good that I just couldn't enjoy but it didn't totally work for me.  I also would have liked more of a look into his relationship with his parents and maybe more angst and emotion from the past.
     The plot was very good, I just felt that something was missing.  Don't let this put you off if you love a second chance story, it is still very good.  The relationship between the Devine sisters is the best and I have always loved the way that Melanie Harlow writes her female characters and relationships.  I am definitely looking forward to reading the third Devine sisters, Stella's, story.  4/5 stars 


About Melanie

Melanie HarlowMelanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak. Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

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