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From The Blurb: Secrets worth dying―and killing―for, in a novel of suspense inspired by a horrific true crime by Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author Loreth Anne White. When the battered body of a female jogger is found beneath the cliffs of an idyllic coastal community, these perfect neighbors suddenly don’t seem so perfect… Lily Bradley is a respected psychotherapist married to a distinguished professor. They live in a dream house with their two children in close-knit Story Cove. Lily lives a well-ordered life. Or so it seems. As a therapist, she knows everyone keeps things hidden. Even her. Then sensual and free-spirited Arwen Harper rolls into town in her hand-painted VW van, her sixteen-year-old son riding shotgun. Overnight, Story Cove’s secrets are no longer safe. Because Arwen might know her new neighbors better than they know themselves. Now someone is dead, and it looks like murder. Brutal and personal. The death invites the shrewd eye of Detective Rue Duval. Rue’s job is to expose secrets. But she’s also an expert at keeping them. As the lives of three women become inexorably entwined, one thing is clear: when it comes to survival, ordinary people can do the most terrible things.  My thoughts:
I am a big fan of Loreth Anne White and her dark, atmospheric, and compelling thrillers. The Patient's Secrets had multiple POVs, something I don't normally go for as it can get very confusing, especially when there's more than one timeline. Here this this narrative device clearly drives home the overall message that everyone has secrets behind the masks they choose to wear in different contexts. The plot was quite complex and it seemed everyone was a suspect and no wonder, given that one of the protagonists is a therapist, used to dealing with deep trauma and dark secrets. The twists and revelations kept coming right, left and centre and I couldn't have guessed the ending in a million years! Were the characters realistic- to be honest, I thought it was all a bit too much, but then having learnt at the end that at least a part of the story was based on true crime events, I have to say that sometimes life is stranger than fiction. The Patient's Secret is a real treat for all readers who love a fast-paced, engaging, and multi-layered thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion. From the Blurb: Villa of Second Chances Everyone deserves a second chance…right? Escape to the Villa in the South of France with Top 10 international bestseller Jennifer Bohnet, for an uplifting story of family, love and second chances. Run by sisters Rebecca and Delphine, Villa Sesame is a popular venue for small intimate weddings on the sparkling French Riviera. Beautiful terraces and a horizon pool all over look the Mediterranean setting the scene to make memorable days and dreams come true. When recently widowed Delphine unexpectedly announces her desire to retire and live a different life, Rebecca feels her own life could be slipping into free fall. How can she possibly carry on with the business without her sister at her side? Could this be the beginning of the end for Villa Sésame and Rebecca’s life as she knows it? As the guests gather for the June wedding of Freya and Marcus, Freya’s two childhood friends bring their own problems to the villa and cousin Verity has her own agenda. But it's the arrival of a certain guest who throws Rebecca’s whole world into turmoil and she finds herself asking the question, where do I go from here? Publisher: Boldwood Books Publication Date: 1st March, 2022 Purchase  My thoughts: Everybody loves a good second chance story and even more so, if it is set in lovely South of France... This was my first book by this talented author, but it won't be the last. It was very easy to imagine gorgeous Villa Sesame, run by sisters Delphine and Rebecca, an exotic venue for elegant, intimate weddings. But life doesn't stand still and big changes are coming to this sun-soaked, romantic place...Delphine has lost her beloved husband Andre and now would like to do what she had promised him: to retire and enjoy her life and that would mean becoming a sleeping partner in their successful business. A big wedding is coming up and with the couple's guests, friends and family, each with their own story. The stories intertwine and create new second chances at life. What I loved the most about this book is that the characters belong to a more mature category which is underrepresented in romance. Readers will appreciate the realistic way the author portrays life challenges and dilemmas the characters face. There are secrets and past mistakes, regrets and caution, born out of life experience. There's also foregiveness and hope. A heartwarming read with interesting characters and a lovely setting. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Author Bio –
Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 14 women's fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France. Social Media Links Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub  Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for Home for Christmas by Camilla Isley, one of my favourite authors.  Home for Christmas Would you share a bed with your enemy to save Christmas? Down with a bad case of writer's block, Riven has escaped to a mountain cabin for a prolonged writing retreat. The last thing he needs this Christmas is for his family to invade his sanctuary away from LA. What he needs even less is for a family of strangers as large and boisterous as his own to also be stuck in the same house after a double-booking disaster. Especially when he ends up having to share a bunk bed with Wendy—a gorgeous, feisty New Yorker who quickly learns how to get under his skin. Sharing a room with her is sweet torture and Riven isn’t even sure what he dreads more: that every passing day brings them closer to saying goodbye or that they have yet another night to spend together... Purchase Links Amazon /Apple / B&N / Kobo / Google Play  My thoughts: It's never too late or too early for a good Christmas romcom, especially when it comes from one of my favourite authors- Camilla Isley! Sweet and sassy protagonists, great, easy-to-read writing style, and plenty of lovely Christmas spirit, what's more can a girl ask for? If you're a fan of forced cloze proximity and enemies-to-lovers tropes, you'll love this one. Riven Clark is going through a messy divorce, but, no, no, he isn't hiding from his family in a snow cabin in a ski resort in Utah. He is desperately trying to meet a deadline for his latest adventure book. Alas! words don't come easy... Wendy Nichols is a successful playwright who just can't get it right with any of her relationships. She is gorgeous, smart, loyal, and yet, her investment banker boyfriend wouldn't even call her back, let alone agree to spend the Christmas week with her family...in a cabin in a ski resort in Utah. Which just happens to be doublebooked. If you've read In a Holidaze, you know there will be snow angels and mistletoe kisses, but this time the families sharing the cabin aren't lifelong friends, they are total strangers. So can you blame Riven for being a bit put out about having to share his sanctuary with fifteen other people? Can you blame Wendy for playing a few pranks on him? oh, wait a second, pranks come from both sides... I love Camilla's sense of humour and romantic spirit. Yes, sometimes love surprises you, but more often than not, you have to be ready for it, ready to appreciate the other person beyond their good looks or fame, ready for commitment beyond a few days' fun. I have to say I was on the side of one of the characters, if only they communicated their reasons a bit better. Looking for a quick, entertaining, clean romance? Home for Christmas is waiting for you.... Thank you to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Author Bio – Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad. She's a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them. Social Media Links Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135080.Camilla_Isley Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley Instagram https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@camilla.isley Facebook https://www.facebook.com/camillaisley/ Twitter https://twitter.com/camillaisley  Giveaway to Win 5 ebook copies of Fool Me Twice at Christmas (Open INT) *Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.  From the blurb: Art dealer Ruby Lambert is on a mission to lose her baby weight ahead of her sister’s Olivia’s wedding in 6 months’ time. To add fuel the fire, Ruby has also been ‘honoured’ with the unenviable task of being Head Bridesmaid. So determined not to let Olivia down, she signs up to a swanky new diet & fitness club, The Bluebell Booty Busters. Uncertain of what to expect Ruby meets Harry Small, a wealthy local businessman who ‘joins’ Booty Busters, after pressure from his wife, who’s worried about his health and growing waistline. Ruby and Harry soon team up as diet buddies, supporting each other through their dieting crisis’s. But something seems amiss at Booty Busters when they both discover that if it looks too good to be true; it probably is…. Will Ruby and Harry ever reach their targets? And will Ruby do her sister proud and be the Belle of the Ball? Publisher: Boldwood Books Publication Date: 2 March 2022 Purchase link  This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone as the author provides brief recaps of the story so far. The cover is just gorgeous, isn't it? You can see it's a time for reflection and taking a breath in a beautiful seaside setting. Can there be a better setting for a romantic book than lovely Dorset? There are two main storylines- Ruby Lambert's who is trying to lose baby weight to look good for her sister Olivia's wedding and Harry Small's who has also joined the same weight losing program to save his marriage. A quick and easy read, although the topic isn't something I'd usually go for. I guess more than anything else Ruby wants to take control of a part of her life. She's generally confident and decisive, but having to raise her newborn son on her own obviously brought a lot of changes in her life. I adored her tender moments with Simon and her constant realisation of the love she is feeling for him. Harry's story was also very curious, although, compared to Ruby with her healthy family support network, he seemed more isolated and even lonely. Personally, I wasn't very invested in Mr B's tricks and practical jokes side. Perhaps, there was more about him in the first book and this is just a catch-up? In case you're wondering there is a happily-ever-after and things work out wonderfully for all the main characters. If you are looking for a bit of positivity and an escape from reality, this is a book for you. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion. 3.5  Author Bio
Della Galton is the author of 15 books, including Ice and a Slice. She writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine. She lives in Dorset. Della's new fiction series launched with Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff in May 2020. Social Media Links Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter #Book Review #Queen of Vampire Hearts by Jeanette Rose #Paranormal Romance @Rose and Star Publishing25/2/2022
The Blurb: A Woman Fleeing Persecution... Phoebe Atreus is a witch on the run, her carefully crafted rules have kept her alive for the last decade, each one a product of a hard learned lesson. Rule Number One? Trust No One. She's been betrayed one time too many to put her faith in anyone else's hands. Even if the legendary vampire king might be the one person who could protect her from the enemies always one step behind. A Man Whose Abandonment Issues Span Thousands of Years... Lucien Silvano has been king of the vampires for the last ten thousand years, he's fought in wars that have been reduced to legend, rescued damsels in distress, seduced said damsels, and moved on. Immortal life has become a never-ending battle against boredom. Nothing has truly stirred his interest in years, except her. She's the exception to every rule, his Queen, his mate, the one-person Fate declared to be his. The problem? She wants nothing to do with him. What could possibly go wrong? Phoebe refuses to share her past with Lucien, pushing him away at every opportunity, yet unable to resist the chemistry that explodes whenever they are together. Forced back to his castle in Romania to live as his Queen, she starts to forget the rules that have kept her safe, until the secrets Lucien has been hiding remind her why she created the rules in the first place.  My thoughts:
The description is actually pretty accurate and, combined with a sweet title and an intriguing cover, is bound to attract anyone who loves paranormal romance with a fair bit of spice. The beginning of the book (an orgy party for bored immortals in a secret fairy realm) had me checking for the book category-yep, erotica was listed among them, so, fair enough...This is the place where our protagonist King Lucien meets his fated mate Phoebe without realising it-of course, where would be fun in that? Once he is clued in by his loyal friend Erik, Lucien hunts huigh and low to find his enchantress, who happens to be on the run from the Witch Council. These parts of the book were quite fast-paced and there was subtle humour, which I absolutely adored. Then there's also the issue of chemistry, which is truly abundant between the two protagonists. At times I thought it was almost as if it is two stories- one of unexpected, powerful, all-encompassing attraction and sexual fulfiment, which is really well-done (again refering you to the book category), and the paranormal storyline- a witch with a bounty on her head who needs to find her stolen grimoirs and discover her real origins, and one of the first vampires, bored out of his mind. Phoebe's story had a lot more developments in it, although there is a cliffhanger at the end which promises more of Lucien's story as well. The pace was a bit uneven. I was hooked at the beginning, up until a third of the book, when the pace started lagging a bit. Things picked up in the final third to give a necessary resolution, which you may or may not agree with. This is a double POV book with lovely icons to show whose narration we are following. There are also some flashbacks from Phoebe's past that give us a glimpse into her complex story. This way we are getting a good insight into Phoebe and Lucien's personalities- talk about sunshine and grumpy- and also see what exactly they are not telling each other, wittingly or unwittingly. I did enjoy the fantasy world created by the author and would like to read the continuation of the story. Can't wait to find out more about Erik who was one of the most likeable characters in the first book. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Bona Fides
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Frayed Obsession
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo -- EXCERPT: His hair is damp, darkened with sweat from his run, and despite that, all I want to do is run my fingers through it. Still unaware of my presence, he grabs the bottom of his shirt and lifts it, revealing the dips and lines of his hard stomach, and I gulp. He then uses the material to wipe the bottom of his face, catching any rivulets of sweat before they fall. My focus gravitates to the deep V-like grooves disappearing beneath his black sweats and what I would find if I followed them. I’m so invested in what I see, I don’t notice Shadow heading my way until he’s right in front of me, drawing Sebastian’s line of sight. I snap my gaze away from his bared skin as he drops the edge of his shirt, letting it fall back into place. But from the dark look he gives me, I know I’ve been caught. My face feels like it’s on fire, and it only gets hotter when he stalks towards me. His chest brushes against mine as he stops in front of me, the movement causing the lace of my bra to graze my nipples, hardening them between us. “If you’re going to look at me like that, Grace,” he says, grasping my chin and tilting it up towards him. “You need to be prepared for what it’s going to make me do.” My breath stutters. He smells like sweat and something I can only describe as uniquely Sebastian. Intoxicating. “What would it make you do?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. He leans down, his lips brushing mine so lightly I can’t be sure they actually made contact before he brings them to my ear. “Something I shouldn’t want to do, but it’s getting really fucking hard to stop myself. Especially when you stand there, caressing my body with your eyes to the point I can practically feel your touch on me, your mouth, tracing every part of me,” he says, each word sending shivers through my body as his lips move against my ear in a gentle torture. Our chests move together with each breath, the friction of the lace continuing to make my nipples tingle. Then he grabs my hip with his free hand, his fingers flexing. “Is this what you want?” he asks, using my hip to pull me closer so our bodies are completely flush with each other. I gasp as his hard length presses into my stomach. “Because if it’s not, then you need to stop.” He nips at my earlobe, and I shudder. I wasn’t aware I was doing anything. I had no idea I was affecting him like this, but if this is his reaction, I’m not sure I want to stop. Sebastian drags his mouth back to mine, his lips hovering just out of reach. “Be ready in ten,” he says, letting go of my chin and releasing my hip before stepping past me and heading for the hallway. Before I can even gather my thoughts or ask what we’re doing, he’s disappeared from sight.
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Wolf Destinies
-- EXCERPT: Clove was rushing all her words together as if they’d been bottled up, desperate to break free: “Cassia is an immortal. A fucking immortal who can do all sorts of scary shit. Ni told me Cassia actually exploded a vamp. Blew him the fuck up. And that was a master vamp. And she can fly. I mean, what the hell’re Ni and Mei supposed to do about a crazy-ass bitch who has no heart and can fucking fly?” Bruno’s cheek twitched; he didn’t think that had ever happened before. He trained his focus on Naya and Mei as they danced around the ring, so equal in skill that they had to work harder to find an opening for a strike that might actually make a difference. For a few moments, he pretended Clove’s concerns didn’t pierce him straight in the heart. Then he spun on her, jaw clenched tightly, until he whisper-shouted at her, “Don’t you think I know all that? I can’t sleep or eat, and whenever I manage to do either it’s only because I’m forcing myself to so I can be strong for her. Mierda, Clove. I know, I know, I know all that. I’ve been all but begging her not to do it.” 
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Forever You
-- EXCERPT: Matthew We head towards the creek where I found her. When we get there, she turns in the saddle, puts her hand to my cheek, and gazes at me with love in her eyes. Something takes over and I close the space left between us, pressing my mouth to hers. It’s a kiss that promises the beginning of forever. It takes my breath away. I’ve dreamed about kissing her for weeks—wondering if her lips are as soft as they look. They are. Her fingers thread through the hair at my nape and my arms wrap around her, drawing her even closer. She kisses me with a passion that she’s been hiding below the surface. I meet her passion with my full heart—our embrace leaves absolutely no doubt about how we feel about each other. This is my last chance to show her how much that I love her, and I don’t waste the opportunity. The wind swirling violently around us makes the kiss even more reckless and desperate. It’s as if the wind feels my heart shattering into a million pieces. After an eternity, she pulls back with a stunned look on her face. “Wow,” she murmurs as we gaze at each other, my arms still embracing her small body, never wanting to let go. “I wish you would have kissed me sooner.” Her voice wobbles and a lone tear tracks down her cheek. I wipe it off with my thumb. Would she have stayed if I kissed her sooner and let her know how I feel about her? I shake those thoughts from my head. Laci belongs in the twenty-first century, and no matter how much I love her, she won’t be happy here. Another clap of lightning makes us realize that if she’s going to do this, she needs to do it now. “You need to get to the spot where I found you!” The urgency in my voice is evident, but she rubs my cheek one last time as if she’s memorizing my face. I help her dismount near the place where I first saw her. When her feet hit the ground, she turns and looks up at me. “I love you!” she shouts. Her voice cracks and her lips tremble, raindrops roll down her face in a torrent and she tosses the wet hair out of her eyes. “Please come with me, Matthew,” she pleads, her voice rising with emotion. The wind howls and thunder reverberates around us. Rain pelts my skin as if it wants to inflict pain—mimicking the pain I’m going to feel when Laci’s gone. I yell to be heard over the roar, “I can’t go, Laci. My place is here.” She closes her eyes tightly for a few seconds and nods, then takes a few steps away from Sarge and me. My heart aches as I watch her—a tiny figure standing all alone in the vast field, just like when I found her. Laci’s long brown hair swirls around her, and tears stream down her face. She looks beautiful and fierce—a look of determination lights her eyes. My pioneer woman. A flash of lightning splits the sky. Sarge whinnies and takes a few nervous steps sideways. “Whoa, whoa,” I say as I pat his neck, calming him down. Laci is still standing in the field, that bolt of lightning not striking close enough yet to do any damage. She pulls something out of her pocket and tosses it to me. I lean over, stretching my arm out, and barely catch it between my fingertips. “That’s something to always remember me by,” she shouts. I turn over the delicate locket in my work-roughened hand, then tuck it into my pocket. “I’ll never forget you, Laci. Just like your song—I’ll love you forever.” Laci locks her eyes with mine, biting her lip, then starts singing. The words come out wobbly at first, but her voice gains strength as she lifts her voice above the storm and belts out the chorus. “Take me to Forever, With you . . .” The touching words of the refrain nearly get obliterated as thunder roars full force around us, I feel its vibration shake the ground. Suddenly, a bright flash overtakes my vision, accompanied by a deafening crack! I’m momentarily blinded and Sarge shifts nervously under me. I hold tightly to the reins so he doesn’t bolt. When my eyes adjust and I can make out the field again, Laci’s gone. . .
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Fire of the Forebears
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo -- EXCERPT: The woman smiled. She almost seemed friendly; she was the only one in this forsaken place to understand it. Pain shot through Kura’s arm and she cried out, grasping her saja wound. Her own pulse beat beneath her hand. “The more you resist, the more it will hurt.” Kura locked eyes with the woman, her voice a whispered breath. “What?” The woman’s blood-red lips twisted into a wide grin. “Have they really taught you nothing? There was a time when men quaked in fear at the sight of me.” Kura grit her teeth against the pain. “Am I dead?” “Oh no, pet, you are very much alive.” The woman lifted a slender hand, and the campfire fell to mere coals; the searing heat leapt into Kura’s veins. She screamed. “Give me the sword, girl.” The woman seemed so calm, but her simple command carried the force of a storm. Kura shook her head, limbs trembling. “The sword!” the woman repeated, flinging up her hand. Fire surged through Kura’s veins, fracturing her natural wall of stubbornness, and she clamped down on another scream. What did she care about the sword? The pain vanished. Kura fell onto her hands and knees in the dirt, coughing as she drew in ragged breaths. A bird called overhead. Just a bird? Of all things? She almost laughed. The fog swirling among the spires receded to reveal a scraggly dead tree a short distance away, with a bird perched on the top branch. It was the size and color of a raven, except for the spots of white—like stars in a dark sky—scattered across its chest. The bird gave another call, the sound a harsh chatter, and flapped its wings to reveal the golden feathers on its underside. It was a flicker. The woman hissed. “Out of so many, you come for her?” Kura struggled to her knees, but her limbs didn’t support her own weight. The woman turned back to her, brushing aside her displeasure with a grin. “Go on. Fight.” Kura tried to stand, but her feet slid on the dry dirt. “Fight with all the strength you have.” Kura fell back, chest heaving for air. The woman held a staff, a long wooden pole that held a single-edged blade—one straight and the other curved—at each end. “That way my victory will be all the more sweet.” With a shout, Kura ripped her sword from its scabbard and met the woman’s advance. That rusted blade clashed with the sharpened staff, the impact reverberating through the stone spires as a flash of white sparks lit up the darkness. For just that moment the woman’s face was illuminated, and for just that moment her smile faltered.
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