Monday, May 29, 2017

The Clock Strikes Nun- by Alice Loweecey-Book Review


About the book  (provided by Great Escapes Tours)
When terrified Elaine Patrick knocks on Driscoll Investigations’ door and insists her house is haunted, Giulia Driscoll’s first response is “we don’t handle ghosts.” When Elaine’s housekeeper and crackpot filthy rich cousin descend on Giulia and demand she find out who’s trying to steal sweet, fragile Elaine’s family business out from under her, that’s a different story. They want DI to provide Tarot readings, ghost hunting sessions, and even an exorcism.
Ghost hunting? There are apps for that. Tarot readings? Experts in the skill are right across the street. Exorcisms? Having a priest for a brother-in-law comes in handy. Giulia plunges into a crash course in all things supernatural, convinced everything happening to Elaine is stagecraft.
Except when it isn’t. Giulia’s about to discover a new dimension to sleuthing, if she can survive attempted murder long enough to see through the web of lies around her client.
And I thought
Interesting plot
This is the first chance I have had to read an installment from this series.  I didn't feel that reading prior books would have added to the reading experience.  In my opinion this is a stand alone novel. 

But, I want to read the rest because I enjoyed the characters. Guilia's team of investigators brought the story to life for me. 

The plot was o.k.  The myriad of suspects was a little confusing. 
There are alot of characters in this plot.  

The plot...Is the castle haunted?  

There's Elaine's husband, the governess, the cook, a few other house hold members that I never really figured out who they were.  

Then there are the business associates too many to name.  

Guilila must be a super sleuth to figure all this out!  

The plot once it's reveal at the end totally makes sense but didn't 
really 'get me'.  

I was more interested in Zane Guilia's computer geek and her assistant Sidney.   And Gulia's very hunky, Italian husband that tends to go off in Italian when he's frustrated with the situations/danger Guilia's constantly getting into.  Kind of reminded me of an Italian Ricky Ricardo.

So, I am looking forward to reading more?

I think I am.  If I get the chance I  want to see how Gulian and her team got together in books 1-3.  

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Book Tours
This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available. 
This review will appear on Net Galley

This review will appear on My Journey Back and Good Reads.



Available
All the books are available on Amazon

The tour
To read more reviews and author interviews click here.

Visit the author
Alice's website is charming.  Click here to learn more about the books. 

The series
 Changing Habits Cover 2 NUN TOO SOON cover 2

Black Tie Optional-Book Reivew

Black Tie Optional .jpg

About the book (provided by Tasty Tours)
Everything about Coleman Grant III oozes power and sex. And not the perfunctory kind either, but the sheet clawing, heart stopping, gasping for air after you’ve screamed so loud you can’t breathe kind. From his dark wavy hair that stands in an artfully rumpled mess, to the blue eyes that sear your skin, to his full, sensual lips - on the surface he’s pure perfection.
Too bad he's an asshole. An arrogant, uptight corporate raider hell bent on destroying the environment one species at a time.
Everything about Olivia Ramsey screams hippie humanitarian. From her blond hair tied in a sloppy bun, to her faded jeans with the Bonnaroo patch sewn on the thigh, to her combat boots still splattered with mud from the previous day’s site visit.
So it makes perfect sense that they would get married. In Vegas. Stone-cold sober.Cole needs a wife. Olivia needs to save an endangered species. But what starts as a marriage of convenience soon turns into a battle of wills and sexual tension. Love is a game, and Olivia and Cole are ready to win.
And I thought
I loved it. 
 I will caution some friends right up front.  This book is steamy. This book is somewhat graphic in the bedroom  rated a 3 for heat in the description and the language is well let me just say there is a lot! 

But, the story is great.  The characters are great!  All of them! 
Well one isn't such a charmer but every great story needs 1!

From page 1 I loved Olivia and Cole.  The banter between the them was playful at least most of the time and funny.  

They each tell themselves that they hate the other.  But deep down they don't.   It takes them a while to discover how they really feel about about each other while taking the reader on a fun and somewhat wild ride during their romance.  

I loved visiting Olivia's farm home.  Her parents were delightful. 
The chapter(s) during the visit I think were my favorite part 
of the book.  I am probably biased but I enjoyed the visit to the farm.

Olivia's friend Cassie was fun to get to know.  I hope she and the rest of the cast is in the next book.  I kind of wondered if Cassie might be the one to settle Connor Coleman's best friend done.

Coleman's sister Rebecca played a small role in the story but a huge role in Coleman's life.  I hope Rebecca gets to stick around and maybe be the main character of another story.  I could see Olivia having to keep Coleman at bay from trying to interfere in 
Rebecca's love life.  Interference is kind of a family trait for the Grants. 

Black Tie Optional for me was a wonderful story.  I really am glad that I took a plunge on the Wild side and read it. 

If you like romance I promise you'll become a fan of 
Anne Marie Walker and the Wild Wedding Series.

I received a complimentary e-copy from Tasty Tours.
This review will appear on all retail sites where available.
This review will appear on Good Reads.
Available 
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Black Tie Optional-Interview with Author Anne Marie Walker

Black Tie Optional .jpg
My review is here
Welcome Ann Marie!  I am delighted to have the chance to chat
about your Wild Wedding series and Black Tie Optional

Let’s break the ice with a couple silly questions! 

Do you prefer nuts in your chocolate of no nuts?
I am a no nuts girl. HeHe
Honestly I like chocolate in all its forms, except when paired with fruit! Why ruin my chocolate by trying to make it healthy! :)

Do you go ‘out’ to buy your own groceries or do you have
your groceries delivered?
I do my own shopping and I'm sorry to say, I'm at the store far too often. Need to plan better!

This is a question I always ask.  Do you have a pet that helps
you with your writing? 
I have a two year old Morkie who makes many appearances in my Instagram feed. As for helping, he's better at begging for belly rubs and treats!

I couldn’t help but wonder if Olivia's dog Bucky was fictional or not?  I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Olivia’s Parent’s farm.   
Bucky was fictional. I'm glad you enjoyed those scenes. They were a lot of fun to write.

As a resident of Chicago I can see why you’ve located Coleman and Olivia in  Chicago but I’m a little curious.

Are you a farm girl?   If not how did you research farm life? 
I was raised in Tennessee, although not on a farm. My father's family were farmers and we would visit them when I was younger.

You just got the word that Black Tie Optional is going to be a movie.
You get to choose the leads.  Who would you choose for Coleman and Olivia?
Oh goodness, first I would have to recover from fainting!! As for casting, I would leave that to the professionals. In my first series, I knew from the start that Hudson Chase was David Gandy. With this book I had an image in mind, but not a specific actor/model.

And lastly can you please give us a sneak peek at book 2?  Will we see Coleman and Olivia again?  Connor, Cassie and hopefully Rebecca! The second book of the Wild Wedding Series, ICING ON THE CAKE, will feature Cassie as the female lead. All the characters from BTO will make appearances along with a few new ones as well. The first chapter is actually at the end of book one. Let's just say it has a royal surprise! ;)

Will Coleman’s grandmother make an appearance.  Maybe redeeming herself a little?  I would love to ask if she fictional or not but I won’t!
Hmm, not in book two but maybe in the third installment when Cole's sister Rebecca takes the lead.

I am on pins and needles waiting to go on the next Wild Wedding!

Thanks for a fun chat.  I look forward to chatting about the next book!
Or maybe one of your other books!
Thanks for having me and happy reading!

                    Thank you and thanks for the excerpt.  Happy Tour!    












Friday, May 26, 2017

Book Spotlight-Deceiving Bell



Deceiving Bella by Cate Beauman

Book Details (provided by I Read Book Tours)

Book Title:  Deceiving Bella: Book #11 In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series
Author:  Cate Beauman
Category:  Adult Fiction, 588 pages
Genre:  Romantic Suspense 
Publisher:  Createspace
Release date:  October 13, 2016
Tour dates:  May 22 to June 16, 2017
Content Rating:  R (Sex scenes, language, some intense moments)

Book Description:

Isabella Colby has always yearned for normalcy. Now that she’s settled in LA, she finally has it. Good friends, a pretty home, and her thriving career as the Palisades’ top skincare specialist are a dream come true. Bella is content until she meets her hunky new neighbor, but her attraction to the blue-eyed cutie is the least of her worries when contacting her long-lost father threatens to destroy her happy life.

Reed McKinley is more than ready to forget the past. His seven-year stint as an NYPD detective nearly got him killed. His wounds have healed and he’s starting over as Ethan Cooke Security’s latest recruit. With sixty-hour workweeks and little time to himself, the last thing on his mind is a relationship. Then he bumps into the gorgeous woman next door.

Reed and Bella become fast friends. Before long, Reed discovers that Bella is keeping dangerous secrets. Bella may have the answers to decades-old questions he’s been searching for. Reed will risk it all to uncover the truth, but he soon realizes that the deeper he digs, the direr the consequences.

Buy the Book:
Amazon  ~  Barnes & Noble  ~  Kobo  ~ iTunes

A Giveaway Follows

Meet the Author:
Picture

International bestselling author Cate Beauman is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Her novels have been nominated for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, National Indie Excellence Award, Golden Quill Award, Writers Touch Award, and have been named Readers Favorite Five Star books. In 2015, JUSTICE FOR ABBY was selected as the Readers' Favorite International Book Award Gold Medalist, while SAVING SOPHIE took the Silver Medal. SAVING SOPHIE was also selected as the 2015 Readers Crown Award winner for Romantic Suspense and FALLING FOR SARAH received the silver medal for the 2014 Readers' Favorite Awards.

Cate makes her home in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. Currently Cate is working on her twelfth full length novel.
Connect with Cate: 
Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Goodreads  ~  Instagram

LIMITED TIME OFFER: NEWSLETTERS SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE BOOKS 1 & 2 FOR FREE!

Follow Cate on BookBub 
to be notified about new books or discounts on earlier books.

Kindle readers! Please go to Cate's page on Amazon and click on the yellow Follow button to be notified when new books are available!

Amazon Author Page (buy links for all eleven books)
Barnes and Noble (buy now links for all eleven books)

Kobo (buy now links for all eleven books)

Giveaway

Win an ebook copy of one of your choice of 5 books:
  • Answers for Julie
  • Saving Sophie
  • Justice for Abby
  • Deceiving Bella
  • Falling for Sarah
One winner will also get a $20 Amazon gift card (will default to Amazon.com if unable to deliver in your country)
30 winners total / open internationally
Ends June 24



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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

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

Romancing the Bachelor.jpg

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 

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Giveaway

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About the series
TCS

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.



Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Uncorking A Lie-Book Review w/ Giveaway


About the book (provided by Great Escape Tours
It was the kind of invitation Katie Stillwell had only dreamed about: a dinner party at the Sonoma mansion of famed wine collector Paul Rafferty to celebrate a rare bottle of wine. Everyone enjoys drinking the $119,000 Cheval Blanc, but Katie realizes it’s not the older vintage listed on the label. When she confides in Mr. Rafferty, he asks her to investigate, and she soon discovers the deception goes beyond money. As Katie falls deeper into the world of counterfeit wine, she learns everything is at stake—even her life.
Uncorking a Lie (A Sommelier Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2017)
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738750620
E-Book ASIN: B01LY74FBZ

Available

And I thought 
A well written fast paced cozy mystery.  The reader will enter the world and learn about high dollar wine.  
This was a fun and interesting read for me giving me a chance to know a little more about wine and it's intrigue.   I was fascinated with the world of the Sommelier and wine tasters.   I couldn't imagine being a part of that world.
As Katie begins investigation the source of a very expensive bottle of counterfeit wine she soon becomes one of the suspects when it is realized that there has been a murder.  
It seems to be a race against time to find the truth and who is telling truth as each participant at the dinner party is questioned.
There is a budding romance that was introduced in book 1 that 
begins to warm up a little at the end. 

Uncorking A Lie was a nice cozy fast paced easy read. 
There weren't too many characters to cause confusion for the reader.  

 I look forward to reading the series.

I received a complimentary copy.
This review will post on retail sites where the book is available.

Escape With Dollycas

Visit the Great Escapes Tour to read more reviews/interviews. 
Click Here to visit the tour.
 I had the pleasure of interviewing the author.  My interview is 
over here. 
Giveaway

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Monday, May 15, 2017

Lesley A. Diehl-Big Lake Murder Mystery Books 2-Review




Grilled, Chilled and Killed: Big Lake Murder Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Creekside Publishing (December 31, 2016)
Paperback: 330 pages E-Book 224 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0997234930
E-Book ASIN: B01N9GUUKU

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)
It seems as if Emily is destined to discover dead bodies. This time she finds one of the contestants at the local barbecue cook-off dead and covered in barbecue sauce in a beer cooler. She should be used to stumbling onto corpses by now and the question of who killed the guy should pique her curiosity, but Emily decides to let Detective Lewis handle this one, at least until she figures his theory of who did the deed is wrong, wrong, wrong. Lewis’ denigration of Emily’s speculations is condescending enough to stimulate her dormant snooping skills. As the two of them go on their separate paths to find the killer, Lewis’ old partner, Toby the dirty, tobacco-spitting cop interferes in the investigation leaving Lewis with the wrong man in jail. Killers, bootleggers, barbecue and feral pigs—it’s a lethal game of hide and seek in the Florida swamp.

Available

And I thought 
Lesley Diehl does it again in book 2 of the Big Lake Series.
Emily returns with the complete cast from book 1 along with the two villains from book 1.  These guys just don't seem to 
go away!

Book 2 is centered around a Barbque cook off that starts just a few pages in with Emily once again discovering a dead body.
Of course in walks Detective Lewis and everything 'heats up'.
A few new characters are introduced along the way as Emily 
and crew search for clues and run from trouble.

I am loving this series.  Book 2 is just as good as Book 1. 

I recieved a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours
This review post on Amazon and Good Reads



Visit the tour 
I reviewed book one over at My Journey Back.  Click here.
Visit the tour at Great Escapesd  to enter Giveaway and read reviews and interviews.  Click here