Sunday, September 27, 2020

Book Review: FIELDS' GUIDE TO ABDUCTION Poppy Fields Adventures Book 1 by Julie Mulhern

Synopsis


Poppy Fields has a movie-star mother, 84 million Instagram followers, paparazzi following her every move, and a problem. Her Mexican vacation just went sideways (abducted-by-a-drug-lord sideways).

Suddenly her life resembles one of her mother’s movies, except the bullets are real, people are dying, and there’s no guarantee of a happy ending.

Surrounded by trained killers and unsure who she can trust, only one thing is certain—if Poppy doesn’t escape, this vacation will be her last.

Review

Poppy escapes to a Mexican resort, sure her heart is broken and Jake is dead. She's there by invitation - a famous person to be photographed with, for the not quite so famous. A small price to pay for a week to recover from Jake's death. There are others there she knows, a woman who worked with Poppy's very famous mother, and a dangerous looking, but attractive man. Between flashbacks to Jake's dying, her father, and then thinking she's seen Jake - or his ghost, Poppy isn't prepared when another guest pounds on her door in distress. Poppy's luck goes down hill from there. Whisked away by the dangerous man to a cartel owned home, Poppy knows she's in trouble. Her only "friend" is the growling and teeth baring chihuahua, Consuela.

This is the first in a new series by Mulhern and off to a great start. Poppy isn't the most likable character to begin with, a bit spoiled, but she grows on you as she grows and perhaps finds herself when her life depends on it. It's not the most believable in some respects, yet it is entertaining, funny at times, and heartfelt at other times. The pace is good and the action just keeps coming. This one has been on my TBR list for a while. I'm glad I finally got to it. Of course, now I have the next five in the series to add to the list. 

(Psst. At least as I write this, Field's Guide to Abduction is FREE!)

AMAZON


Friday, September 25, 2020

Book Review ELUSIVE PROMISE (Off the Grid FBI Series) by Barbara Freethy

Synopsis (from Amazon)

When tragedy strikes an engagement party, Special Agent Parisa Maxwell becomes the sole survivor and the only witness to a kidnapping and the theft of a legendary diamond. With her friend now missing, Parisa makes a promise to save the other woman, no matter the cost.

Jared MacIntyre's entire life is a carefully cultivated set of lies. He wasn't looking for the beautiful brunette when he ventured into the private rooms at the consulate, but he couldn't ignore the woman fighting for her life. Now their lives are inexplicably intertwined. The kidnapping and theft may be part of a bigger, deadlier plot—one that he's on a mission to stop before someone else he loves ends up dead. 


Two strangers, each with their own secrets. Two strangers who never expected to find love amidst the danger. Two strangers who will have to take the ultimate risk: trust each other—or lose everything.  

Review

Jared and Parisa are great characters, each with their own secrets. Both are equally as strong and evasive, neither wanting to risk or looking for romance. With many possible avenues for threats, the two jockey back and forth to reach and contain their target. There are also a few heartfelt moments as they visit Jared's home. Well-written and fast paced, this one is hard to put down. Not a "cozy" though.

Although fourth in the series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. A few of the characters from the earlier books (Parisa's FBI friends) make appearances, but not to distraction. Freethy has done it again, and I can't wait for the next one to come out (Dangerous Choices is coming soon...)

AMAZON

Monday, September 21, 2020

Book Review: IN A HOLIDAZE by Christina Lauren



A bit of early holiday cheer as we welcome Fall!

Synopsis (from Amazon)

One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetimeof hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

Review


Mae makes a wish to be shown what will make her happy - only she has to accept it. In the meantime, she is stuck cycling through the same first days of the Christmas holiday, with only her "uncle" sharing her secret that she's reliving the days and trying to change the way the holiday ended the first time around. Each time she makes it a little longer and then is back on the plane arriving at day one, once again. A time warp is how I'd describe it as no one else seems to notice - not her parents, her siblings, or the best friend. Until she figures out what will make her happy, she's gets a "do over." 

This was an interesting read, a unique concept. A romance, with bits of humor, holiday cheer and HEA. Wouldn't we all like a "do over" once in a while?

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.



Friday, September 18, 2020

Book Review: SAVING SHADOWS Shadows Landing #1 by Kathleen Brooks

A romantic suspense today...


Synopsis

Gavin Faulkner was the only doctor in the small South Carolina inner coastal town of Shadows Landing. He was used to patching up everything from fishing lures stuck in skin to gator bites. Nothing could surprise him anymore—except when he found an unconscious woman partially submerged near his dock after a fierce thunderstorm.

Ellery St. John’s last memory was of a bat swinging toward her head. The next thing she knew, she was cold, wet, and a sexy man was pressing his lips to hers. Too bad it turned out to be CPR instead of a passionate kiss.

Gavin thought Ellery would be safe in the small town where BBQ wars were the biggest danger, but he was wrong. Now it was up to him to help Ellery put the pieces together in order to discover who had tried to kill her and why before they both ended up at the bottom of the ocean.

Review

A small town mystery, this time in coastal South Carolina. Gavin has quite the catch when he finds Ellery. He wasn't looking for her, but someone else is and plans to finish the job. Gavin isn't a cop, a detective, FBI, or CIA. He's your basic small town doctor, the kind you'd like to run into back when doctors made house calls. The rest of the people in Shadows Landing are pretty nice as well. are as nice as he is.

If you've read the more recent offerings of the Forever Bluegrass series by Kathleen Brooks, you've had a glimpse of the cousins in Shadows Landing.  In Saving Shadows, you get the rest of the story, suspense, and romance. As a fan of the other series she's written, this one did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. 

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Book Review: TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 11 by Tamara Ferguson

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Wounded Warrior Air Force Captain Zach Logan Experiences Flashbacks Of Murder. Can He Keep His New Love And Her Autistic Son Safe From A Killer?

The single mom of a severely autistic son, Elizabeth Bowen is a full-time accountant in Illinois. But the plant where she’s been working will be closing soon, due to the struggling economy in Illinois. She’s had her hands full with her son Kyle, since his father’s been long out of the picture, so when the opportunity to enroll Kyle in a vocational facility in Wisconsin comes up, she gladly accepts.

Retired air force captain, Zachary Logan, is a wounded warrior, searching for a new life for himself outside of the Air Force. When he relocates to the town of Crystal Rock at the invitation of his friend, Luke Bryant, he realizes he’s found it, and accepts the position of administrator at the recently built wounded warrior facility.

When Beth and Zach meet at the beach at Dragonfly Pointe, their attraction to each other is instantaneous. And the most wonderful thing of all? Zach is accepting of her special needs son, Kyle, for exactly who he is.

But battling PTSD, Zach experiences flashbacks of a gruesome murder. Can he keep his new love and autistic son safe when they’re all targeted by the killer?

This is the extended version of the original Two Hearts Unspoken, as ROMANTIC SUSPENSE, originally published in the USA Today Bestseller, Do No Harm.

Review

This is a wonderful story on many levels. Beth is dealing with her adult son, Kyle, who has autism and requires constant supervision. She has hopes that the new vocational center will lead to a better future for him while giving her some respite. She's starting a new job, glad to leave the last man she dated behind.

After the injuries in a fire on his last deployment, Zach realizes that his career in the military is over and is looking for something new. His friend Luke provides the opportunity and means for Zach to start over working not only on his own treatment, but working with other veterans as part of a wounded warrior facility. Besides, there were some strange things happening when he was staying with his cousin at his family's old home. 

The feelings between Zach and Beth and Kyle grow with some nudging from Luke. The point of view shifts and the reader gets both Zach's perspectives, his insecurities, and fears, as well as Beth's. There is humor, suspense, and romance. It's very well-written and both autism and PTSD are handled well. Although it is book 11, and I suspect Luke's story is in one of the other books, it is easily read as a stand alone. 


Monday, September 14, 2020

Release Day: HOLLY AND HOLIDAYS, ANOTHER MURDER : A Sheridan Hendley Holiday Mystery

Synopsis


Everyone’s dancin’ and prancin’ at the Pets & Paws Holiday Gala, that is, until chaos breaks out.


A festive fundraiser to help the dog rescue turns sinister when somebody salts the tempting spread with something toxic. Although Maddie and most of the other guests are quick to recover, Davis Elder is not so lucky. When it appears that the food poisoning was intended to mask his murder, Elder’s daughter, Rachel, asks Sheridan to help find his killer. As Sheridan and Rachel investigate the prominent accountant’s records, a possible motive emerges and the game is on – with a happy ending for all, except the killer.

Join Sheridan and her family and friends for this holiday cozy mystery novella with a dose of holiday cheer and a favorite biscotti recipe.
 

Read an excerpt:

CHAPTER 1


“Hurry, Maddie. We need to help Mrs. Chantilly decorate for the party tomorrow and the adoptathon on Sunday. Then we get to go shopping.”
My step-daughter was not a morning person, at least not as a teenager. The occasional day off from school for teacher meetings was a grand opportunity to keep her busy with the reward of going shopping. Millicent College, where I taught part-time, was closed today as well, so we had plans to make a day of it.
In the past year, she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. As a result, shopping was not as much a treat as a necessity. The plan had been to use the dress from her dad’s and my wedding, thinking we could just add something to make it more festive for the holiday gala. It didn’t fit.
All of Clover Hill and some surrounding communities would be at the first holiday gala, with the proceeds to support Clover Hill Pets & Paws. Maddie wanted to look perfect for Alex, her date for the gala. Her dad didn’t want her wearing anything snug or sexy. His preference would be a shapeless sack.
“Come on, Maddie. Let’s go. The day is wasting away.”
She stumbled into the kitchen in jeans, a sweater, and boots. I nudged her into a seat, handed her a plate of pancakes, and sat down.
In the kitchen, my husband, Brett, was on his tablet and shifted the screen to email as I walked by. Suspicious behavior and he’d been doing this a lot of late, with a twinkle in his hazel eyes when I asked about it.
Yesterday, his answer was “Nothing to worry about, a man has to have some secrets this time of the year.”
I couldn’t argue with that, though I had no clue what to get him for Christmas. I smiled at this handsome man, his dark curly hair with just enough silver for a distinguished touch, his contagious smile, and his dimples.
My Sheltie, Charlie, pawed me out of my thoughts. Bella, a lab mix, wagged her tail. As I let them out, I noticed the temperature had dropped. Growing up in Delaware, I almost missed the colder weather and more frequent snow storms. In Clover Hill, Virginia, we didn’t get too much below freezing as often and not as much snow, either. A dusting or a few inches was about it unless you were in the hills. There were the occasional snow storms and then everyone panicked.
“The holidays are right around the corner.” I commented as I shivered and closed the door.
“When are we going to decorate? The Hamiltons and the Brewers already have their lights up. Some other houses do too. Alex helped Mrs. Daniels get her decorations on the outside of her house yesterday.”
The Hamiltons and the Brewers were our neighbors. Younger couples, Maddie babysat for the Hamiltons about once a month, allowing them to at least get an hour of adult time together. Their baby girl wasn’t quite a year old yet. Babysitting also meant Maddie could earn a little money and learn responsibility. I shook my head at the difference in what babysitting paid years ago and the going rate now.
“Maybe this weekend. We can pull everything out of storage after dinner. Will that work?”
Maddie nodded. “I can see if Alex is available to help on Saturday?”
“I don’t think we need any help…”
Maddie’s face dropped and I cleared my throat.
“We can always use a little help, can’t we Brett?”
He took in Maddie’s upturned face, hopeful for the right answer before saying, “That’s an excellent idea. I’m not as young as I once was. And he has experience, right?”
Maddie sat up straighter, an enormous smile on her face. “Yes, he did the ones on their house, then Mrs. Daniels asked for help. He’s done both for years now.”
Brett and I both had to stop ourselves from laughing. Eyes twinkling, he responded, “That’s exceptional. See if he’s available, Maddie.”
That was all it took. She bolted from the table, her plate empty and forgotten. Brett shook his head and opened his mouth. I shook my head.
“Let it go. She’s already on the phone with him.”
He exhaled. “She’s 15.”
“She’s almost 16. Like it or not, your little girl is growing up. That’s why we need to go shopping after we help with the dogs.”
He nodded as his phone played the first few bars of Beethoven’s Fifth. Fabry. James Fabry was Brett’s partner when something big went down, with the State Police called in.
Brett answered and repeated single words. Par for the course. He shook his head as he hung up.
Sitting down again, I asked, “What happened?”
“The jewelry store in town? Broken into last night. I’m meeting Fabry there in twenty minutes. We have a few other leads on a pattern of break-ins across the state.”
He picked up his jacket as he spoke. With a quick kiss, he left. As I was about to search out Maddie, she joined me in the kitchen.
“Alex is available for this weekend. Just need to tell him when, so he can work it out with his mom. Okay if Karla comes, too? You know, in case his mom has to work.”
Angie, Alex’s mom, was a nurse. I looked around the room and nodded. “We need to make sure everything is accessible for her though, so she can move from room to room and use the bathroom with her walker.” Karla used a walker and fared well independently. We happily accommodated her.
“No problem. I’ll clean up and move my stuff.” She looked around the kitchen and shrugged. “I’m ready.”
I chuckled and waved her forward. Charlie and Bella tried to follow.
“Sorry, girls. We’ll get you a walk later on.”
“I guess that’s a hint, huh?”
“Yup. It is.”
       We chatted more on the road, Alex the focal point of her conversation mixed in with a bit of discussion on the winter performance of the chorus. Given that both she and Alex were in chorus and would do solos once again, the conversation flowed.

Excerpt from Holly and Holidays, Another Murder by Christa Nardi. Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.

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Saturday, September 12, 2020

Blog Post and Review: THE HOUSE OF THE SETTING SON A Misty Dawn Mystery by Nancy Cole Silverman


About the House of the Setting Son
When Misty Dawn, the former "Hollywood Psychic to the Stars," receives a phone call in the middle of the night, she knows it can't be good news. Dorine Witherspoon, an actress and former client is in town for the opening of her touring musical and tells Misty the show's leading lady, Cassie Marx, has disappeared and the understudy had to go on for her on Opening Night!

Misty immediately suspects foul play and when she and Wilson, her psychic shade, arrive at the theater the next morning they discover LAPD's Detective Cesar Romero meeting with the cast and crew. Events on both sides of the veil take a dark turn when Romero asks Misty off the case, and Wilson appears out of his depth with ghosts who want nothing to do with him.

Death, close calls, and forces on both sides of the veil threaten to undo Misty and destroy her relationship with Wilson unless she can find Cassie and restore order to the show.
Review
Misty Dawn is a psychic who worked with the police to solve mysteries in the past. In this book, the third in the series, the mystery revolves around the theater production of My Fair Lady. Even the squawking bird sings lines from the songs. The original Eliza became ill, and her sister, Cassie, stepped into that role. No one is particularly sad about that and some fear Alexa will return.  That is until she's murdered and Cassie is a person of interest - and missing. Cassie isn't the only one missing, though. The theater ghost is also missing and Wilson wants to fill that vacancy. Misty doesn't want to lose him.

The theater provides a wonderful setting for this mystery, complete with a ghost believed to be creating havoc and another helping Misty. Cassie isn't the only suspect and there are many mis-cues as to the killer. The pace is good and the characters likable. This is the third in the series, but my first. It was easily read as a stand alone mystery, though starting a series at the beginning is the best approach. Readers who enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries will enjoy this one.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About Nancy Cole Silverman
Nancy Cole Silverman spent nearly twenty-five years in Los Angeles Talk Radio. She began her career on the talent side as one for the first female voices on the air, and later on the business side, where she retired as one of two female general managers in the nation’s second-largest radio market. Leaving her successful radio career behind in 2010, Nancy began to write fiction, and her crime-focused novels and short stories have attracted readers throughout America. Her Carol Childs Mysteries series (Henery Press) features a single-mom whose "day job" as a reporter at a busy Los Angeles radio station often leads to long nights as a crime-solver. Her most recent series features Misty Dawn, an aging Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, who supplements her day to day activities as a consultant to LAPD and the FBI. Nancy lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a thoroughly pampered standard poodle.

Author Links 

FacebookGoodReads Twitter: @NancyColeSilve1

Purchase Links 

AmazonB&N

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
September 3 – Reading Authors Network – SPOTLIGHT
September 3 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
September 4 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW
September 4 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
September 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 5 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
September 6 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT
September 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
September 7 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW
September 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 8 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW
September 9 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 10 – Mysteries with Character – SPOTLIGHT
September 10 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 10 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
September 11 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW
September 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – Christa Reads & Writes – REVIEW


Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Blog Tour: IT'S MURDER MY SON by Lauren Carr


I've been a fan of Lauren Carr's Mac Faraday mysteries, but started in the middle. Now, I've finally read the first in the series (on my TBR list for forever)...

Go Back to the Beginning to When Mac Met Gnarly.


"Lauren's dialogue is brisk, her setting beautiful and the addition of Gnarly is very clever...It's Murder, My Son is a delightful read and I look forward to more of Carr's Mac Faraday mysteries." --Connie Gregory, Connie's Reviews


"I couldn't put this book down! Lauren Carr develops the characters and weaves the details of the murder investigation into a complex storyline that keeps the reader relentlessly turning pages. She is skilled at teasing you into reading more. I finished the last page still wanting to read more!" -- Kelly Carpenter, Kelly's Lucky You

"No disrespect to Mac Faraday, Archie Monday, David O'Callaghan, Travis Turner or any of the multitude of good, bad and ugly characters populating Lauren Carr's It's Murder, My Son; but to me the most interesting character in the book is a lovable, mischievous, sneaky German shepherd named Gnarly." - David M. Kinchen, Huntington News

Book Details:

Book Title: It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 1)

Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 288 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  June 23, 2010
Content Rating: PG-13 - (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Book Description:

What started out as the worst day of Mac Faraday’s life would end up being a new beginning. After a messy divorce hearing, the last person that Mac wanted to see was another lawyer. Yet, this lawyer wore the expression of a child bursting to tell his secret. This confidence would reveal Mac as heir to undreamed of fortunes, and lead him to the birthplace of America’s Queen of Mystery and an investigation that will unfold like one of her famous mystery novels.

Soon after she moves to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, Katrina Singleton learns that life in an exclusive community is not all good. For some unknown reason, a strange man calling himself “Pay Back” begins stalking her. When Katrina is found strangled all evidence points to her terrorist, who is nowhere to be found.

Three months later, the file on her murder is still open when Mac Faraday, sole heir to his unknown birth mother’s home and fortune, moves into the estate next door. Little does he know as he drives up to Spencer Manor that he is driving into a closed gate community that is hiding more suspicious deaths than his DC workload as a homicide detective. With the help of his late mother’s journal, this retired cop puts all his detective skills to work to pick up where the local investigators have left off to follow the clues to Katrina’s killer.

Review


Mac, an ex-homicide detective, and his newly found brother, David, are drawn to the mystery of Katrina's murder. Because of his relationship with Katrina, David is a possible suspect and though they just met, Mac relies on Archie's opinions and insights as they work to identify the "PayBack" killer. In the process, Mac ends up with Gnarly, who is smarter than the average dog, bringing their attention to matters of importance. And then there's the growing relationships between Mac, Archie, and David. 

As with the books later in the series, Carr's writing is superb and character development is well done. In It's Murder My Son, there's mystery, humor, and romance all perfectly interwoven.There are elements of suspense, a red herring or two, and twists and turns that keep the pages flying by. And, for me at least, her style and the characters, including Gnarly, will keep me reading Carr's works. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

Buy the Book:

 Audible ~ Amazon  B&N ~ BookBub Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, Thorny Rose Mysteries, and the Nikki Bryant Cozy
Mysteries—close to thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!


Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds (including the nephew of the late-great Gnarly! (pictured above)) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: 

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~  Pinterest Goodreads

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Aug 31 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 1 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 2 – Books for Books – book review of It’s Murder, My Son
Sep 2 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / guest post / giveaway
Sep 7 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 8 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 9 – My Fictional Oasis – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 10 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 11 – Nighttime Reading Center – audiobook review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 11 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 14 – Literary Flits – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 16 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Sep 17 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 18 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 21 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 22 – Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / author interview
Sep 23 – Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 24 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 25 –Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 29 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Sep 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 30 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son / giveaway
Oct 1 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 1 - So Fine Print – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 2 – Adventurous Jessy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Oct 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Oct 6 – Literary Flits – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 6 - Amy's Booket List - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder
Oct 7 – Sylv.net – book spotlight
Oct 7 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / guest post / giveaway
Oct 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of Candidate for Murder / guest post / author interview / giveaway
Oct 9 – Nighttime Reading Center – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 9 - Adventurous Jessy – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

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Friday, September 4, 2020

Book Review: MEANT TO MARRY ME (Nashville Country Dreams) by ID Johnson

Today's blog is a change of pace, a sweet romance with vibes of Nashville and country music. Always good to try something new.

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Bree Matthews has always had two dreams:
① To become a famous country singer
② To marry Trent Walker

Bree and Trent grew up together as good friends. College, life, and a million other things come between them, and even though they’ve come close to giving love a try, by the time Bree’s on the brink of musical success in Nashville, she’s lost track of the man she once dreamed would be the one.


When an old friend begs Bree to sing at her sister’s wedding, Bree’s in for a huge surprise. The groom is none other than her first love—Trent!


Convinced she’s capable of sticking it out, Bree decides to follow through with her obligations and sing at Trent’s wedding, but as secrets come to light, she begins to realize the bride isn’t good enough for him. Will Bree tell Trent the truth in time to stop the wedding? Will he believe her?

Is Trent truly meant to marry Bree?

If you love romances with lots of twists and turns and plenty of opportunities to suspend belief, then you’ll love this new series, Nashville Country Dreams, originally written as a fast-paced, page turning webseries.

Review

This was a fun read, great for a change of pace. Bree is smart and ambitious, slowly climbing her dream ladder to be a professional musician. When it comes to her singing, she has no bounds. Her "flaw" is her love of Trent, her best friend. Only they never seem to cross that bridge from friendship. Enter Hank, another old friend who has impeccably bad timing and his own issues. Out of college and in Nashville, when Lily calls and asks her to sing at her sister's wedding at the last minute, she agrees.  

The story flows and it's obvious there's something brewing, other than Bree's angst when she discovers the groom is Trent. Relationships and insecurities abound amidst the weeklong wedding preparation with Bridezilla particularly nasty. Well-written, this should appeal particularly to new adult readers and those of us who still think about that boy from high school and wonder, what if... This is the first of two in this series. The second is now on my TBR list.