Ruff Road to Romance by Casey Griffin My Review

 

About the book 

She promised to seek adventure. He’s vowed to atone for his mistakes. Can this dog-loving duo sniff out forever?

Lily Baker wants her own life. Dedicated to her family but tired of sacrificing her day-to-day, she escapes from England to America to visit her aunt, swearing to live by the rules of a self-help book on living boldly. But her manual doesn’t cover what to do when her relative sends a sexy lawyer to collect her at the airport.

Ethan Summers regrets focusing solely on his career. Still troubled by the case that kept him from his father’s deathbed, the attorney is driven to rebuild bridges and be there for his mother. But when his skeptical sister backs out of helping him move their mom from Seattle to San Francisco, he saves a seat in his Beamer for the beautiful Brit he’s just barely met.

With Lily eager to dig up excitement and Ethan determined to show his impromptu partner a good time, the unexpected pair sets off with his new rescue dachshund in search of fun. But as they’re plagued by a series of mysterious misfortunes, the guilt-ridden man’s past may see them both buried six feet under.

With burgeoning love and their lives on the line, will the unlikely couple solve the mystery so they can roll over into happily ever after?

Ruff Road to Romance is the hilarious fourth standalone book in the Rescue Dog Romance comedy series. If you like pun-slinging characters, family-forward outlooks, and thrills of the furriest kind, then you’ll adore Casey Griffin’s steamy car ride.

And I thought 

After having read the book the cover 'Got me'! 

I am a cover junkie.  Sometimes  covers don't  appeal to me.  

Sometimes  even if it is a well known to me author  and the cover doesn't  lure me I still consider if I want to turn the pages. 

Although I was not taken by the cover at first after reading the book I have to applaud the cover artist. 

The depiction of Lilly  (the main Character) and her red hair turning into the highway is spot on.   And Molly the puppy being held onto by Ethan is just cute. 

This story is just that 'cute'.  

But it is so much more. 

The two main characters  have thier own sets of baggage that could keep them from making a commitment to each other. 

But a Happily Ever after is awaiting! 

One of the things I've loved about  this series is how each book ties in to the others.  

Book 1 is Piper and Aiden's story.  

Ruff Road to Romance introduces the reader to Piper's brother Ethan. 

All the books feature stories set around the dog rescue. 

And each story has a Suspense  story that weaves into the Romance. 

There is a brief very well written and tasteful Love scene. 

 If you love a little  humor a few chuckles and some Suspense  and Romance you must check out the series. 

Each book is written  as a stand alone. 

I received  a complimentary  copy.  

My review will appear on Amazon and  Good Reads. 

Buy the book  

Available on Amazon 

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Thrill Of Love by Melissa Foster-Book Review/Excerpt/Giveaway

About the book 

Fall in love with Ty Braden and Aiyla Bell in this epic love story. Fate brings them together, but will tragedy tear them apart?

Do you believe in fate?
World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his–and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.

After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.

Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.

And I thought

A 5 star start to a new series for me!

I have a habit of not reading the synopsis that is provided when I am offered a book to review.  

That is what I did with this one.  I just saw romance with very little heat and requested it.   

When I began reading I was immediately drawn into the love story of Ty and Aiyla.  I didn't really realize it was apart of a series because I was reading on my phone and couldn't see the cover well enough and since I didn't read the synopsis I didn't know. 

But, as I read I began to pick up on how some of the other characters were woven into the story and wondered if they had been introduced in a previous book.  

The other thing I kept thinking was is this gonna end happy?

I almost dreaded each turn of the page. 

I could see something was going on and I was hoping for Ty and 

Aiyla that the tragedy wouldn't tear them apart. 

Thrill Of Love was a super sweet story!   

Ty was such a sweet main character.  He was one of those guys that you dream about.  He was physically strong and athletic.

He was a super sweet guy.  And he was romantic! 

Aiyla was just as sweet.  She had a strong spirit.  

I enjoyed Ty's family.  They were loving toward each other and accepting of Aiyla.   

I loved the commraderie Ty had with his brothers.  

Thrill Of Love was a great introduction to me to the Braden's of Peaceful Harbor.   

I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of this series!

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Book Tours. 

This review will appear on retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.

Read and excerpt

He leaned in close, and she held her breath, readying for a kiss she wasn’t sure she should accept—but she wanted nonetheless. She closed her eyes and his lips touched her cheek.

“Good luck out there, baby cakes,” he said just above a whisper, and walked away.

The air rushed from her lungs. Baby cakes. That’s what he’d called her last time they were together, though she’d never known why. Did he call everyone baby cakes? And if so, did those other women feel as special as she did when he said it? She watched him walk away and noticed several other girls also enjoying the view of his fine ass in those tight cycling shorts. Life would be a whole lot easier if she were more like her much-older sister, Cherise, who had raised her from the time Aiyla was fifteen, when they’d lost their mother. Cherise lived a careful, meticulously orchestrated life, void of any risks, including those that pertained to her heart. She’d married a safe, reliable accountant with no sense of adventure. They had a comfortable home with a white picket fence and two adorable little boys. Just the idea of living such a mundane life made Aiyla’s stomach turn. Hadn’t their mother’s death taught her sister that fate played its hand no matter how many walls one erected? Living a safe, boring life in fear of it all being taken away wasn’t living at all.

Aiyla had accepted long ago that she’d never be a white-picket-fence type of girl. She loved adventures, thrived on capturing in photographs that would live on forever the faces of people who had lived full, even if torturous, lives. And she felt rejuvenated when surrounded by untamed wilderness. As she forced her gaze away from Ty, her fingers absently brushing over the cheek he’d kissed, she had to admit, she also enjoyed the sheer energy of a man marking his territory.

Now, if only she could focus on the race instead of the man who’d set her heart on fire.

Available

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Giveaway

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The Real Thing by Melissa Foster-Review

About the book 

Bakery owner Willow Dalton’s friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane’s always had a reputation as a player. He’s arrogant, and he’s definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough for her to go along with a fake engagement a decade later—even if it comes with a real diamond ring?

And I thought

Two words

Oh My

What a great start to a new series.  I can not wait for more.  I am just wondering which of the fun and endearing characters will end up in the next one! 

I loved this sweet little romance.  

And not just because it was filled with sweet treats from the sweet shop!  

It was just a fun and happy read.  

The Real Thing was the Real Thing a great romance that just had this reader turning pages and hating that it was ending.  

The is some sizzle.  Not something I would want my teenager to read.  However they were sweet bedroom scenes.  

No language.  But a little descriptive in the bedroom.  My mother wouldn't read it.  But would yous?

I loved the characters.  All of them and there were alot!  Willow has 4 sisters.  I think! (To keep up with it all you can visit 

Melissa website.  She has all the series in order and the family 

trees!)

Piper who didn't trust Zane. 

Bridgette who was really hurt by Willow and Zane's little lie

and there's. . . 

Single brother Ben.  He's Zane's best friend, confidante and supporter.

All the characters including Zane's co-star Remi the girl he has to kiss. Not to give away the story but once Zane and Willow 'get together' he has a hard time kissing.  She's not a typical Holleywood Startlet.  She was sweet and became friends with Willow.

Zane's friend and business manager Patch is just another fun loving single guy not opposed to romancing Willow's sister.  

The Real Thing was a really good read.  I am looking forward to visiting the town of Sweet Water again and catching up with Willow and her family!

For me The Real Thing was a 5 star read.  I don't give 

5 stars often.    Check it out to see what I mean.  

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Tours

This review will appear on all retail sites where available. 

This review will appear on Net Galley and Good Reads.

Book Review with Giveaway-Ethan's Daughter by Rachel Brimble

About the book 

There's safety in solitude isn't there?

Single dad and best-selling thriller writer Ethan James has no problem being Templeton Cove's most famous recluse until a surprise visit from the past plunges him into a real-life crime drama just as feisty nurse Leah Dixon barges her way into his world.

Ethan's first priority is to protect his daughter. His second priority is to keep Leah out of this dark web and that means out of his bed. Except Leah isn't going anywhere; she's afraid little Daisy is in danger.

Ethan couldn't live with himself if anything happened to Leah but pushing her away may be even harder!

Available

AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

And I thought

The cover got me on this one.  I was so happy to receive the offer from Tasty Tours to review that I didn't read the synopsis. 

I mean who doesn't like a good 'ole Harlequin?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't only a romance it was a Romantic Suspense.  Which are my favorite reads.

Ethan's Daughter is book 7 in the Templeton Cove Series. 
Each book is written as a stand alone.  I did check out a couple of the others.  Book 1 features Cat Garret who is the police chief in town.   I suspect that although the stories are all stand alone that we can expect to see some of the characters in the other installments. 

I enjoyed the story.  I did figure out who one of the bad guys was (but I won't spoil it).    

The romance between Leah and Ethan struggles from the beginning.  Even though they are attracted to each other circumstances cause them to go on again off again.  

The trial of someone apparently threatening not only Leah because of her recently relationship with Ethan and his Daughter Daisy forces a wedge between them as they each have differing opinions in how to deal with the problem.  

It all works out in the end which always makes for a good story!

I look forward to the chance to read additional books in the series.

This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available.
This review will appear on Good Reads. 

To enter giveaway, read additional reviews, interviews and excerpts visit the Tasty Tour

Click here

Book Review-Across Borders by Lee Ducote

In this story of protecting others on the border and the heartache of relationships you will find yourself in the lives of those who have sworn to uphole law, no matter the cost.

About the book (provided by Lola's Book Tours)

In Across Borders, Lawson Caine, a seasoned Border Patrol agent, is stationed in Presidio Texas with legendary lawman Capt. James Garrett. Lawson, who is from a long linage of lawmen, has gained the respect and reverence from his team, Dale Chanson, Terry Bennet, and the crazy member, Alex Sweeny.

Lawson never expected anything to come between his dedication with the Border Patrol and his brotherhood with Sweeny until he meets local pharmacy owner, Lia Gonzales. Against her father’s wishes Lia continues to see Lawson not realizing the inevitable consequences.

In this story of protecting others on the border and the heartache of relationships you will find yourself in the lives of those who have sworn to uphold the law, no matter the cost.

And I thought

I was only a few pages in and two things crossed my mind

1. I am gonna love this
2. Someone is gonna die and I won't like it

I was right on both thoughts.  

This was a super fast pace thrilling road across the dusty roads of Texas and Mexico. 

I immediately feel in love with all the characters.  Back to those first thoughts.  I knew one of them wasn't gonna make it to the end.  A very small part of me didn't want to find out who.  But another 

part the bigger part didn't want the story to end.  

Even at the very end I wished that there was more.  

The subject/plot of the book is about Texas Border Agents fight against immigrants and the despicable Coyote's that prey on the poor people that are trying, praying and willing to do anything  for a better.

About 3/4's in the is a part that describes a ritual that the Coyote's

perform.  It is graphic in nature.  But the subject is unsettling because it is true and really happens.

There is way more to this plot/story than the fight to control the borders. 

There is a reverence and respect to God that I was not expecting.

Although the main character Lawson and a few his buddies played basketball on Sunday instead of going to church. (until a couple of girls 'lured"them into the services) And didn't really have much of a practising faith their Captain 'Cap' who considered the 5 men on his 'team' encouraged them.  

This underlying theme made the book even that much more appealing to me.     I love suspense.  I love thrillers.  And I love romance.  Across Borders was much more than I expected it was a story filled with suspense and romance and was just a great book to read.  

The best party?  The good guys win.

The publisher places Across Borders in the  categories of Fiction/Thriller/Crime. The book is available at online retailers.

I would like to see the book available also at CBC and at christian book retailers as well. 

I received a complimentary copy from Lola's Blog Tours.

This review is appear on retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.

This review will appear on My Journey Back-The Journey Back

Not convinced...the publisher provided and excerpt here.
B&N provided and excerpt here.

Available

       

Survival instinct by Janie Crouch-Book Review With Giveaway

About the book 

The voices in her head have decided to kill her.

Most people joke about hearing voices in their heads. For Chloe Jeffries, they’re real. And as the creative force behind one of the most popular shows on television, she’s used the constant flood of voices in her mind to her advantage: fuel for entertainment.

But now one of the voices has decided it wants Chloe all for itself.

Ex-Special Forces soldier Shane Westman just wants to make it back to his ranch in Wyoming to begin to heal from the horrors of war. The last thing he needs, even as a favor for a good friend, is to take on bodyguard duty of a flighty television writer.  But once he does, he realizes there are threats at play he doesn’t understand. And the woman who has somehow begun to thaw his frozen heart is in desperate danger from a menace they can’t see, but is always close.

Someone determined to be the last voice Chloe ever hears.

Pre-order SURVIVAL INSTINCT: 100% of the presale and first week sale proceeds will go towards the Tia’s Troopers fight against Cystic Fibrosis (learn more about CF here: www.cff.org and more about Tia’s Troopershere!

Available 

AMAZON | B & N | ITUNES | KOBO

And I thought 
I was super excited when I was offered Survival instinct for review!  This is the kind of story I really like.  I just kind of like the ex military man or cop gone freelance.  

Survival instinct was a little thriller/suspense and a little romance.  A great combination and a great read.
A great read!

A great fast paced keep you on the edge of your seat story line
with some twists and turns.  

The characters were believable and interesting!  

Shane our retired military guy is the perfect guy a little dark, a little mysterious, brave and romantic.  Even though he's not looking for a romance he ends up 'fallen'.

Chloe is an interesting character.  Sweet, trusting and trust worthy and tenacious. A little tough but also a little in need of some romance! And somewhat mysterious.

Survival instinct is book 3 in the series.  I look forward to 
reading book 1 and book 2.  

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Tours.
This review will appear on retail sites where available and on 
Good Reads.

Visit the tour

Giveaway 

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Romancing The Bachelor--Book Review-Book 2 Hamilton Family

About the book (provided by Tasty Book Tours)

Eric Hamilton isn’t looking for love. Hell, he isn’t even looking for a girl. He has a five-year plan, and he’s one hundred percent focused on that. But then Shelby walks into his life, and suddenly, he can’t think about anything else. Unfortunately for him, she hates his guts, and wants nothing to do with him. But he’s a man who loves a challenge.

Shelby Jefferson can’t wait to get out of the city, and back to her country roots. She moved to Atlanta for a guy who promptly left her, and the last thing she wants is to fall for another man who might make her want to stay. But Eric is nothing if not persistent, and before long she’s inside his arms, in his bed, and she’s falling for him. Hard. But when history repeats itself, and she has to choose between a man and herself––again.

300 Pgs. |Heat: 3 | Series Info
Entangled Indulgence| Rel: May 15, 2017

Excerpt (provided by Tasty Tours)

“Do you bring all your dates here, then?” she asked, gesturing around them. “Is this your spiel?”

“I’ve brought one other woman here before, but she’s my sister, not a girl I’d bring on a date. If you really want to know, generally when I take a woman out, I opt for somewhere with less elegance and more heat. Something that lends itself to an easy seduction later on. I like to get my date relaxed, show them a good time, take them dancing, and maybe bring them home.”

She snorted. “Maybe?”

“Shelby…” he started, frowning.

“What?” She held her hands up, looking far too innocent for it to be real. “I’m just saying, we do live in the same building. I’ve seen a lot of women come through your place.”

“Clearly,” he muttered drily.

“Why not bring me to a seduction restaurant?” she asked, leaning forward. The way she sat pushed her breasts up, teasing him with a glimpse of cleavage that made his mouth water. “Why take me to the same place you bring your sister?”

He reached across the table, catching her chin. “Because I don’t want to seduce you, Shelby.”

“Wow.” For a second, she looked offended. “That’s—”

“I wasn’t finished. I have no intention of seeing you naked tonight, or on our next date, or even the next, if I’m lucky enough to get one. With you, I want it to be a slow burn. I’ll start with something so small you barely even notice me, and over time, the intensity will increase, until you’re breathless and witless and desperate for my touch. Then, and only then, will I let myself even think about having you. After I’ve earned it, and not a damn second before.”

She sucked in a breath, held it, and didn’t move.

He didn’t break eye contact. Neither did she.

After what felt like an eternity, the waiter came back, clearing his throat. “Sir? Ma’am? Are you ready to order? Or would you prefer to order course by course?”

She was the first one to look away.

“Y-Yes.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, and her hand trembled. “I’ll have the potato, the steak, and the feta. Also, the caramel apple for dessert.”

Eric frowned at her.

She’d said she hadn’t even looked yet.

Forcing his eyes off her, he glanced down at the menu to see the recommended wine pairing for the steak entrée she’d ordered. “I’ll have the crab, duck, feta, and caramel apple as well. Also, a bottle of cabernet with the second course.”

The waiter bowed and left with the menus, and Shelby cleared her throat, her cheeks flushed a bewitching pink. “Look, Eric—”

“You’re about to tell me to back off. I can see it. Did I come on too strong?” He crossed his arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Like I said, I don’t play games.”

“I don’t, either, usually.”

He cocked a brow. “Usually?”

“I’m going to be honest. I’ve been trying to annoy you tonight. To make you not like me.” She winced, dropped the napkin, and then immediately picked it back up. “Actually, I needed you not to like me.”

And I thought

Getting into the first few chapters I couldn't help but think 

Pretty Woman/Sleepless In Settle.  And that was good. 

Eric's character reminded my so much of Richard Gere's character in Pretty Woman.  The womanizing executive that has a hidden soft spot.  

Once he notices and immediately desires Shelby he's stuck in a Sleepless in Seattle type friendship. 

It doesn't take long for the two to take the next step and become 

'more than friends'.  

Therein lies the problem as they struggle with their feelings and their 'plans' for their individual futures neither intended 'real love' to get in the way. 

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance.  Both Eric and Shelby were fun characters to 'get to know'.  

This book is rated a 3 on the 'heat side'.  I would rate it closer to a '2'.  

There was no rating for the language that I found.  The beginning first few pages are filled with language basically the writer uses language to describe Eric's character through description and his thoughts and conversations.  

Some readers might be put off by the language.  I suggest giving 

Romancing The Bachelor a chance and read past the first few pages.  

I enjoyed the introduction to Eric's sister Anne and her fiance Brett whose romance is book 1 in the series.  And Eric's brother Whit a pro football player who I suspect might just give up is bachelor ways in book 3.  I look forward to reading book 1 and the remaining books in the Hamilton Family Series.

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Book Tours.

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

This review will appear on Good Reads.

To read additional reviews  visit the tour at Tasty Book Tours. Click Here.

Available 

    

Giveaway

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About the series

The last thing Brett Ross wants is to be back in the same old damn small town he grew up in, but his best friend is getting married, so there’s no way he’s skipping yet another visit back home. He knows what he’s getting into, coming back here, but the one thing he didn’t count on was the way Anna Hamilton made him feel the first time he sets eyes on her…and she’s all grown up.

Anna’s always been in love with Brett, even if she’s always been his best friend’s annoying little sister to him. But when he looks at her, she doesn’t see annoyance in his eyes anymore. If anything, she sees a silent calling for her to save him from himself…and she’s just the girl to do it. All she needs is to find a way to escape her pesky, protective older brothers.

And then the game is on.

A Journey's End-Ann Christopher

About The Book (provided by Amazon)

Can two wounded people find happiness together?

Meet widower and loner James Harper, who avoids romance like the plague.

And vivacious single mom Miranda Lowe, whose nasty divorce blew up her life.

What happens when you repeatedly throw them together? Come to Journey’s End and find out...

If you love sexy small-town romance that features strong families, pick up A JOURNEY'S END today!

And I Thought

I read this book on my phone using the KOBO app. 

I was glad to find this offer 'free' which is a great way to be introduced to new authors.  

I really enjoy this nice and wholesome love story.  I enjoyed the characters.  From the main characters Miranda and James; to Miranda's twin sons, to Jame's slightly meddling mother to 

the German Shepherd 'Frank' after Frank Sinatra. 

This was a fairly fast paced romance story.  Although the real romance took awhile, that was told through flash back scenes.  Miranda and James both were getting over past lost loves.   I enjoyed the use of 'flash backs' used this way.  It made for an interesting and different king of read.  

I look forward to reading more installments in the series.  

This was a PG sweet romance that anyone would enjoy. 

I was not asked to review this book.  

This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available 

and on Good Reads.

This review may appear on My Journey Back.  

Miss Kane's Christmas -A Novella Review

                                                
About. . . 

With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father’s request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book ‘Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea’.

Posing as Miss Kane, the children’s new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa’s only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists?

What I Thought. . . 
A delightful whimsical read.  This fun little novella will have you believing in Santa Claus,Christmas and romance. 
I enjoyed reading and look forward to reading more.  

This a great read for those quiet nights you want to cozy up and enjoy the holidays.

I read the novella on my phone using the Kobo app. I was not asked to write a review.

Available . . . 

Amazon  Barnes and Noble

From the author. . . 

The idea of writing 70 words about myself is far more daunting than the idea of writing 70,000 words made up out of thin air about characters I’ve never met. It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? I won’t bombard you with details about my life, suffice it to say that it’s been full of blessings with much laughter along the way. However, there is one thing I’d really like you to know about me…I sincerely appreciate each and every reader who has chosen to spend time reading one of my books. Readers, like books, make the world a wonderful place to live in!

Have a question or comment? Drop me a line at caroline@carolinemickelson.com.

And if you haven’t yet done so, please consider joining my VIP Reader Newsletter list here to receive a FREE Christmas novella as well as updates on new releases.