Ready to Run by Lauren Lane-Book Review

About the book 

The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride in this addictive romance novel about a reality TV producer falling for her would-be star: a Montana heartthrob who wants nothing to do with the show.

Jordan Carpenter thinks she’s finally found the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new dating show about runaway grooms: Luke Elliott, a playboy firefighter who’s left not one but three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls. Which is how she ends up on a flight to Montana to recruit him in person. It’s not Manhattan but at least the locals in Lucky Hollow seem friendly . . . except for Luke, who’s more intense—and way hotter—than the slick womanizer Jordan expected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Luke has zero intention of following this gorgeous, fast-talking city girl back to New York. But before he can send her packing, Jordan’s everywhere: at his favorite bar, the county fair, even his exes’ book club. Annoyingly, everyone in Lucky Hollow seems to like her—and deep down, she’s starting to grow on him too. But the more he fights her constant pestering, the more Luke finds himself wishing that Jordan would kick off her high heels and make herself comfortable in his arms.

And I thought

I have to admit I had pre-conceived ideas about this book.  

I suspected a fast read.  A sweet romance.  And probably with little 'depth'.

What I got with my first two thoughts was right on. 

It indeed was a fast read because I couldn't put it down. 

It indeed was a sweet romance with just the right drama and a happy ending.  

I was totally wrong about the 'depth'.  Ready To Run was a great romantic story.  It wasn't your normal romantic comedy.   

Lauren Layne  is a writer.  She can weave a great story/plot that had this reader spellbound.

News travels fast through the small town of Lucky Hollow.

As Jordan arrives in the small town of Lucky Hollow she is 

immediately drawn into a match making plot by the entire town to 

get Luck out of his funk and get him to the alter and happily married.

The characters as charming and witty. 

I really enjoyed  Ready to Run and look forward to book 2 in the series.   

Rarely do I give a rating to the books I read.  I am making an exception.  Ready to Run is worthy of a big 'ole 5.  

If your looking for a good, sweet and clean romance check it out.  

You might need a hankie though...the epilogue got me.  

Tasty Tours gives Ready to Run a heat rating of 3.  There are a couple of bedroom scenes.  I don't think the book is appropriate for a younger audience.  I liked the authors description . . . 

'romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush'

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Tours.

This review will appear on retail sites where the books is available.

This review will appear on Net Galley and Good Reads.

Available

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Series info 

     For one charming playboy, getting cast on a Bachelor-esque reality TV show is the shock of a lifetime—until he finds love where he least expects it. And now the chase is on!

Book 2 expected release Jan. 30,2108

 A good girl takes her wild twin’s place on a provocative dating show and meets the man of her dreams . . . off-camera . . . in this charming rom-com about loving the one person who can’t love you back.

Book 3 expected release March 2018

Book Spotlight-To Kill A Hummingbird by J.R. Ripley

About the book (provided by Great Escape Tours)

For Amy Simms, owner of Birds & Bees, nothing is more important than impressing her old professor, but this odd bird is about to fall to earth . . .

When her favorite ornithology professor comes calling, Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms hangs six hummingbird feeders around the shop to welcome Professor Livingston with a flock of his favorite flying creatures. But Amy soon finds that the sugar water in the feeders brings more than a swarm of hummingbirds. It also attracts murder.

Professor Livingston is just as friendly as Amy remembers, but something seems to be troubling him. When Amy pays him a visit that night, she finds the professor slumped over a table with a pair of scissors buried in his neck. And standing over his body is Rose Smith, the local bookseller, who claims she killed him. But while the police believe they have a bird in hand, Amy thinks the real killer may still be in the bush . . .

The book tour. . .  

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The Series

  

Book Spotlight-Dead On The Bayou by June Shaw

About the book 

Twin sisters and fellow divorcees Sunny Taylor and Eve Vaughn have established their home repair and remodeling business with an eye toward quality and personal attention. So when they’re approached by hunky Dave Price to fix up his bayou fishing camp, they’re more than happy to take the job—especially since they both secretly think he may prove to be more than just another satisfied customer . . .

The ramshackle campsite could certainly use a woman’s touch. What it does not need is a dead body—but that’s what the trio stumble across. Clearly, the poor soul was murdered—and once the town tongue-waggers get going, Sunny, Eve, and Dave come under suspicion of the police, not to mention potential clients . . .

Now, with their futures on the line, their brewing love triangle will have to wait. Helped—and harried—by the twins’ mother and her retirement home’s cadre of amateur sleuths, the trio starts snooping on their own. But when another dead body turns up, they’ll have to get their hands dirtier than a swamp-bottom snake if they hope to clear their names . . .

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Deadly Choices by Karen Randau-Book Review w/ Giveaway

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

An elderly woman with an arrow in her chest. A murdered journalist. A decades-old cover-up. In Deadly Choices (Rim Country Mysteries Volume 3), Rita and Cliff Avery team up again to solve a spate of murders in their picturesque Arizona mountain town of Rim Vista. Rita’s mother Willow delivers gun-wrenching news while falling for the man who could be responsible for four deaths. And Rita must escape a string of life-threatening predicaments thrown at her by an assailant willing to do anything to scare Cliff off the case.

Does this book contain and explicit language or adult scenes?: No

And I thought

Not just a page turner!  It will grab you at page one.  You'll be

hanging on for dear life!

Deadly Choices is a smoothly written thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who the villain is. 

There are a lot of options to choose from!  Among the suspects is the antique shop employee, the German antique buyer and his daughter, the victim's girlfriend (who turns out to be leading a double life ) and even Rita's rancher friend Robert. 

As Rita and her detective husband search for clues Rita's mom 

Willow joins in to clear Robert's good name after they become smitten with each other.  

There is a bit of a rocky road for Rita as she investigates from being kidnapped to narrowly escaping being blown to smithereens by a bomb that takes out one of the suspects.  

Deadly Choices is book 3 in the series.  It is written as a stand alone installment. 

 I enjoyed the dynamics between Rita and her husband Cliff so much that I would really like to read the first two books.  (see info below on the series)  I expect Willow and Robert I will be a permanent part of the cast in future installments.

If your a fan of suspense you'll enjoy this thrilling twisty story. 

You'll be kept guessing!  

This was a great story/plot for any age with no language, graphic romantic or crime scenes.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.

This review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and 

My Journey Back- The Journey Back.  

The series 

A cocoon of naiveté shatters on Rita Warren’s thirtieth wedding anniversary, when a terrorist murders her ex-Marine husband Jared and thirteen other movie goers. 

Ensnarled in a cover-up that puts her in an assassin’s crosshairs, Rita must unravel a web of lies and connections that date back to Jared’s service in the Iraq war – before a mysterious kidnapper returns Rita’s daughter Zoe one body part at a time. 

This fast-paced thriller is one you won’t want to put down from beginning to end.

A poisoned hotel clerk, a ruined Scotland honeymoon, and a hidden Viking burial site, Deadly Inheritance is the second book in the fast-paced Rim Country Mystery series.
Rita and Cliff are together again, this time on a long-awaited honeymoon in Scotland, where Cliff also plans to meet his grandfather for the first time. While the newlyweds check into the honeymoon suite at a luxurious Scottish hotel, the reception clerk dies after opening a note meant for Cliff. The action shifts into high gear when a mysterious woman uses the hotel clerk’s car against Rita and Cliff.
The couple team up with Detective Ian MacDougal to discover who wants them dead and why. The search for answers takes them on a one-of-a-kind tour of Scotland.
Murder and a fistful of action combine to make Rita’s Scottish honeymoon something she didn’t envision!

Buy the book 

The book is available at Amazon.  Click here.

I would like to see the Deadly Choices available at additional 

retailers.  

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Saturday Review of Books

As A Shield-By Danny/Wanda Pelfry-Book Review

About the book 

Danny & Wanda Pelfrey
CrossLink Publishing
216 pp.
Suspense

Davis Morgan, having left the ministry after the death of his wife, Julie, returns to his hometown where he operates a used and rare bookstore while being appointed chaplain of the small police department. He and Charley, a young policeman, after discovering the body of a tattooed man find themselves in a serious battle to bring to justice two strange villains who are threatening the safety of Davis’s daughter and future son-in-law. While all this is going on, Davis is struggling with trying to interpret his relationship with a young history teacher who happens to be his daughter’s roommate.

And I thought

I couldn't help think 'Sleeper Movie'.  One of those that doesn't get a lot of press but is really, really good. 

That's what I thought of As A Shield.  Mainly because I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. 

And it was good.  

Although this title is #2 in the series I wasn't confused or disappointed at all.  My only disappointed was that I haven't had the opportunity until now to be introduced to this series. 

I enjoyed all the characters.  

The main character Davis is a likeable fella even though he is 

struggle with the recent death of his wife he doesn't loose his faith.  He has left the pastoral ministry and opened a book store in town

Some of the locals are waiting and hoping he'll return to the ministry.  

This book is a good Christian novel.  But it isn't 'in your face'. 

Davis and his policeman friend Charley work together to find clues and figure out who is behind the threats against is daughter and future son-in-law.  

The story is suspenseful and kept me completely engaged.

There is some romance in the story.  

There are some parts that are ridiculous like the stumble bum kidnappers who grab the wrong girl and then let her get away.   And the plan to shoot someone but end up shooting the wrong person.  

Overall I enjoyed As A Shield.  

I received a print copy of the book to read and review. 

The only negative is to me this is not a book that I would pick up off the shelf and buy.  I was intrigued by the front cover. 

I was intrigued by the title and the series Davis Morgan Mystery which is displayed on the title.  

But when I turned the book over to read the synopsis I couldn't read it.  The artwork is very faded looking.  The photo on the front is faded and is easy to see but the text on the bad was completely 

unreadable for me. 

I received a complimentary copy from Book Crash

This review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads

Book Review-Brazen Gambit

About the book (provided by Promotional Book Tours)

Only a small blip in the lives of lifelong best friends Arnie Fischer and Zellie Morgan, who with no license and even less practical experience form a detective agency. Their fervent desire for a nice little “find stuff” business rapidly devolves into perilous encounters with a mysterious buxom blonde client, a dead body, assorted mobsters, a sleazy detective, a sinister fashion designer, a car dealership owner only vaguely clinging to reality, and yes, a naked ex-girlfriend on the couch. And even more dangerous – navigating a burgeoning romantic relationship. No problem.

Of course, saving Zellie from the clutches of very dangerous people might be a little more difficult…

And I thought

Brazen Gambit book 1 of a new series has all the elements of a great Cozy Mystery. . . 

fun characters, a small town, animal lovers, down played sex and violence and humor.

Zellie and Arnie are new P.I.'s and fun characters that get mixed up in their first case.  Which turns out to be bizzare when the client hires them and then disappears. 

Zellie and Arnie who are long time friends struggle through trying to solve mysteries and solve their own feelings for each other. 

The 'wanna be' P.I's are helped and encouraged in their romantic relationship by townsfolk Marla (the friendly lawyer) Ted (the wacky inventor) and a few others that just either offer coffee  the Moo Mart owner the bagel shop owner and the Chinese takeout

owner.  

The story is filled with some twists and turns that keep you a bit confused but interested to read to the end to figure it all out.

If your a lover of Cozy Mysteries check out Brazen Gambit.

I completely enjoyed my introduction to Zellie and Arnie and look forward to reading more in the series. 

This review will appear on retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.

Available

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. 

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I am waiting to read these for Great Escapes Tours

 It may be easier to patch up an old home than a broken heart. But along the Louisiana bayou, where beauty and danger mingle all too seamlessly, thoughts of romance may have to simmer on the back burner .

Read more on the tour page. Click here.

 A new business might add some much-needed charm to downtown Dorset Falls—and draw tourists to Josie’s yarn shop. But when someone gets murdered, a close-knit community could come undone . . .

Read more on the tour page.  Click here

For Tasty Book Tours . . .

 The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride in this addictive romance novel about a reality TV producer falling for her would-be star: a Montana heartthrob who wants nothing to do with the show.

Click here to visit the tour page.

A new tour group Book Crash

Beloved Hear My Heart is a collection of thirty thought provoking messages, all carefully written with a very poetic flavor. Its singular objective is to engage the reader in a very sober conversation.
It is my hope that the vivid illustrations and analogies contained therein will challenge each reader to reverently undertake a personal task of self-introspection.

Click here to visit the tour at Book Crash

A few free from Kobo to read on my phone 

   

Off to put my feet up and read a good book

Happy Reading

Book Review-With This Ring by Debra Clopton Book 6 Windswept Bay Series

About the book (from authors website)

Like the sweet music of a love song, Windswept Bay has a magic of its own and on moonlight nights and sun bronzed days love is in the air. Debra Clopton’s new series will sweep you away to romance that leaves your heart thumping with the satisfaction of pure heartwarming romance.

After her small son, Kevin, asked both God and Santa for a new daddy for Christmas, and then didn’t find him under the tree, school teacher, Jessica Lyons is starting the new year out with a very unhappy six year old on her hands. Kevin can’t understand that she’s only been a widow for 2 years and she can’t imagine marrying again—not yet at least. But, unknown to her Kevin has a plan and has decided that if God and Santa won’t give him what he wants then maybe the police can!

When the very handsome Chief of Police, Levi Sinclair shows up as Kevin’s Show-and-Tell he believes, as does Jessica, that her son has asked him there to show him off as the “police chief”—it’s a little awkward when Kevin introduces Levi as his next daddy!

Things are getting a bit complicated on the shores of Windswept Bay! Come join the fun in With This Ring book 6 of this captivating series. You’ve watched the four Sinclair sisters fall in love now it’s time to watch the five Sinclair brothers find the women of their dreams.

And I thought 

I was delighted when I found this book offered on Net Galley for free!  I like free. 
I was introduced to Debra Colton when I had the opportunity to read and review Kissed By a Cowboy my readers know how I love a certain Cowboy.  And Cowboy stories just 'get me'.  
I suspected I would enjoy With This Ring and I wasn't disappointed. 
The characters are fun and endearing.  I loved the Sinclair clan and look forward to reading more in the series especially book 7 about the Texas Cowboy of the family. 

There's a little drama to begin with when Jessica and Levi each have their own reasons to run from getting into a relationship. 

But when they are thrown together by Jessica's son who just knows that Levi is going to be his 'new daddy' the real struggles begin as their feelings for each other develop and smolder.  

Being the 'most eligible bachelor in town Levi suffers through the attention from a number of single women trying to get his attention.  

Jessica wants to just live a quiet life with her son Kevin and kind of dwell on the past.  

Ultimately Jessica realizes that living in the past isn't going to work as her feelings for Levi begin to develop.  

Of course as any good romance the story ends happily ever after.

I enjoyed all the characters in the story from Levi's receptionist to Lana Jessica's co-worker who is the main character in Book 7.  

I am looking forward to reading more in the series.  


I received a free copy from Kobo. 
I was not asked to write a review. 

Available
   

Book Review-Iced by Avery Daniels-Interview and Giveaway

A giveaway follows the review and interview

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.

She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what’s best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn’t understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.

Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

Available 

Amazon

And I thought 

Another delightful read.  Over and over I seemed to use that same description.  But I can't help it.  Iced was just fun and the 

characters all of them were delightful.  Well the suspects weren't 

too delightful but the rest of Julienne's friends, neighbors and relatives were..

Julienne is a great leading lady with lots of friends and relatives

that help her find the answers and clear her name.  

Among the characters are her crazy elderly neighbors.  And the handsome new James Bondish neighbor Mason.  

It seems everyone gets involved in one way or another to help Julienne investigate. 

Including her cousin who goes undercover and infiltrates the 

deceased pastors church to get the scoop and find what is/was going on.

Iced was a good clean read. The story line was a little different 

but that only made it more interesting!

I am looking forward more in the series!  This is a great cozy mystery everyone will enjoy. 

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
This review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads. 

Visit the tour . . . 
to read more reviews, interviews, and character guest posts.

 

Interview with the author . . . 

Hello and welcome to the blog.  I am so excited to meet you and

Chat today about Iced.  I am honored to be a guest on your blog, thank you for the opportunity.

Before we get into the book, let’s ‘break the Ice’ Oh…that was bad!  Good pun!

Let’s just get acquainted with a couple of silly questions.

Chocolate…plain or nuts?   Plain, to be specific I like dark chocolate with a touch of red chili spice.  Just a little spicy heat with sweet.

If you could go anywhere in the world to research for your next book where would you go?   I am working on the next book which will take place at a Vail luxury Bavarian themed ski resort.  But the third book...well, Borgo Santo Pietro Resort in Palazzetto, Italy (http://www.borgosantopietro.com/en/) OR maybe 
Sensatori Azul Beach Resort in  Riviera Maya Mexico (http://www.karismahotels.com/Hotels-Resorts-Villas/For-Everyone/Azul-Hotels/Azul-Sensatori-Mexico).  The ultimate dream would be The Brando (https://thebrando.com/) on a private island in French Polynesia (only $2700.00 a night).  

And one more…I had the opportunity to live in Boulder for 6 months.  (loved it btw)

What’s your favorite city in Colorado?  I am a native of Colorado Springs, but I love Boulder (really, I do).  I also love Fort Collins.  I lived in Denver for a couple of years before school age (my mother is a Denver native) and still love going there and attending shows at the amazing Denver Center for Performing Arts complex or going to the  Tattered Cover bookstore on 16th Street.

Now let’s get into Iced.  I loved it!  I can’t wait to read more!

I totally enjoyed meeting Jullienne what a cool job she has.  How did you decide

to place her as an event coordinator?  I was contemplating how Americans love reading about "lifestyles of the rich and famous" and was thinking how I could tie that into a mystery series.  Working in luxury resorts was what I came up with, and it was natural to use the real 5 star resort in Colorado Springs as the inspiration for the setting.  I wanted a job where she was flexible to move around unquestioned, thus management trainee and event coordinator.  Plus, I have coordinated many luncheons and events, so I had a grasp of the job.

I am guessing maybe you have a musical background.  Do you play instruments?

How did Jullienne’s character develop into a musician?  Oh, you picked up on that!  I was an adult working full time, going to college part time, secretary for a home-owner association, and a few other extra curricular duties.  Then I graduated from college and thought, what in the world will I do with the extra time?  Learn to play an instrument, of course!  So I was an adult student of the Clarinet for a few years - lasted longer than my two weeks with a guitar.  Sadly, it became clear I wasn't going to be playing for the symphony - so I retired my clarinet.  

For Julienne, when I thought of the family all being musical in some way I went with what I know for her specialty.  Plus, I am unusual for my age and always loved Benny Goodman and clarinet music - thus Julienne has somehow inherited that penchant.  I also enjoy listening to bagpipes, but kept that far from her.  

It’s hard not to talk about Julliene without talking about Mason.   The two

seem perfect together and appear to have a ‘thing’ developing.  Can we expect

a little more romance in the next installment?  Oh yes.  Julienne and Mason still have some things to work out, but the next book will definitely have more of them together.  

 Let’s get into the plot.  I was intrigued with the story.

How did you come up with the back story about Pastor Tom’s exploits?  That was a careful dance.  Living where I do with a famous pastor and his very public scandal of 2006, I had to be careful to keep Pastor Tom from sounding like our infamous scandalous pastor and yet still be shocking.  

Julliene did have her hands full trying to figure out who dun it!   It was

fun going along for the ride and trying to figure it out!  I must say you

had me fooled!    Yay!  So very glad you enjoyed it and didn't figure out who the culprit was!

Thanks so much for chatting I would love to chat again maybe interview

one the other characters.  I bet Delores and Beverly would have a lot to share!

And Mason…hmm who wouldn’t want to have a chat with him?  I am sure any of the characters would love to chat with you!  Just let me know :-)

Congratulations on the book and best wishes for the tour!  Thank you!

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