new release – Hey Candi! What are you reading???

Book Review: THE MAIDENS by Alex Michaelides

Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy for review

Synopsis

ST CHRISTOPHER’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, IS A CLOSED WORLD TO MOST.

For Mariana Andros – a group therapist struggling through her private grief – it’s where she met her late husband. For her niece, Zoe, it’s the tragic scene of her best friend’s murder.

As memory and mystery entangle Mariana, she finds a society full of secrets, which has been shocked to its core by the murder of one of its own.

Because behind its idyllic beauty is a web of jealousy and rage which emanates from an exclusive set of students known only as The Maidens. A group under the sinister influence of the enigmatic professor Edward Fosca.

A man who seems to know more than anyone about the murders – and the victims. And the man who will become the prime suspect in Mariana’s investigation – an obsession which will unravel everything…

My thoughts

I have questions. I’m still thinking about that plot twist in the end. I had a suspicion but then dismissed it.

The author had me going in circles figuring out this plot.

A page turner and twisted. It’s dark and brutal. A little Greek Mythology added to the mix.

‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all…
Alfred Tennyson

I enjoyed it. But I didn’t get into it like I did with The Silent Patient.

Cover Reveal: STARRY-EYED LOVE by Helena Hunting

Starry-Eyed Love, an all new hilarious and emotional standalone romance from *New York Times* bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming May 10th, 2022, and we have the stunning cover!

When it comes to her sisters and their family’s event hotel, London Spark is willing to sacrifice almost everything, including her love for all things creative in exchange for the role of business administrator at the Spark House. So when a multi-million-dollar company asks for a meeting to discuss a potential partnership, London is determined to prove to herself and her sisters that she can win them over. She thinks she has the partnership in the bag until the company’s arrogant CEO hijacks her presentation.

Jackson Holt has lived his adult life avoiding relationships and focusing instead on his company and charity work. But when he met London months ago, he decided to take a chance, only for the timing to be wrong. So imagine his surprise when he walks past a conference room to see London again. Determined not to waste a second chance to get to know her, he inadvertently inserts himself into planning an event at the Spark House. While he may get to spend time with London, he realizes he needs to keep it within professional boundaries. But as soon as their event is over, all bets are off.

After spending months dating, but not really dating, and with their work entanglements over, London and Jackson are finally ready to take the next step in their relationship. But between Jackson’s secretive past and London’s struggle with her sisters, London must question where she really stands—not just with Jackson, but with the Spark House, too.

Reserve your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zZKhGQ

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Starry-Eye

Apple Books: Coming Soon

Nook: https://bit.ly/3yPhWln

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3E0cnEC

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2WTQBkA

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3tk9cCt

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3zOpO84

Cover Designer: Monique Amie http://moniqueaimee.com/

About Helena Hunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kN5wdZ

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2mloUim
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/2kN5yCD
Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena’s mailing list:
http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

Teaser: FOR LOVE OR HONEY by Staci Hart

SNEAK PEAK:

All I heard was blah, blah, blah and hiss, hiss, hiss with a little nom, nom, nom from undeniably skillful lips that made me salivate just enough to piss me off. Poppy pressed an egg into my hand with a wicked smile on her face as tall, dark, and slithery went on about how committed Flexion was to the environment in what was probably a ten-thousand-dollar Italian suit.

I hesitated for a second—I was still a woman with manners and a mother to make proud—but when he started talking about Flexion’s clean diesel, all ability to maintain executive functions went out the window. Lizard brain—activate.

So I did what any hippie bee farmer would do.

I wound up, took a breath, and yelled, “Frack you!” before letting her rip.

The egg sailed in slow motion over the crowd as his face swiveled to the sound of my voice, those dagger-eyes running me through seconds before the egg popped him smack between them.

A laugh shot out of Bettie before she hollered, “Farm fresh, bitch!”

Yolk slid down his nose. His eyes stayed closed for a protracted moment that I suspected he needed to school himself.

When they opened, they locked on mine.

Find out what happens next! Read chapter one: https://stacihartnovels.com/small-town/for-love-or-honey/

PREORDER SALE! Get it while it’s cheap! Amazon https://amzn.to/3z1vICEApple https://apple.co/2U4Ps8EB&N https://bit.ly/3vUonCkKobo https://bit.ly/3wZx9A9Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58343762-for-love-or-honey

Release Blitz: FALL by Graham Claire

Fall, the intense and must read conclusion to the Rise and Fall Duet from USA Today bestselling author Grahame Claire, is available now!

I have one thing in my life more important than anything else.

Protecting my brother

Lincoln Hollingsworth is the beautiful distraction who stormed into our lives without so much as a hello.

I thought I hated him.

He’s determined to prove me wrong, earning pieces of my trust and my heart with every step.

But I should’ve paid attention.

While I was distracted, my past made a move that could cost me everything.

I’m not ready to lose Lincoln or my brother.

But I can’t keep them if I’m locked in a prison cell.

Grab your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nAsd0B

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/FallGC

Apple Books: https://apple.co/331UPGI

Nook: https://bit.ly/3xBGmzd

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3aQ7YHr

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2SaJRwp

Add Fall to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3bzFlyo

Start the Duet today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gOWc3z

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/RiseGC

Apple Books: https://apple.co/330hcwf

Nook: https://bit.ly/3xtoarA

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3xBG2jZ

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3yqaJJm

About Grahame Claire

Grahame Claire is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result…Grahame Claire.

Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.

Pleased to meet you.

Want to find out what we’re up to?

Connect with Grahame

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PvwpPc

Twitter: https://bit.ly/31uStPH

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33AE9ro

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XzMFTI

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33AEla6

Website: https://www.grahameclaire.com

Book Review: VOW TO PROTECT by JL Beck & Monica Corwin

Blurb: (taken from Goodreads)

They call me a monster.

Murderous and hateful.

Beautiful but broken.
Nothing can calm the ever raging storm inside of me. As the ruthless leader of the Doubeck family there is a certain standard of brutality I have to uphold.

To be gentle or kind is a weakness I cannot afford.

That is until the day I meet her.

Beautiful, innocent, and so very afraid.

Valentina is a rival family’s daughter, and the little temptress has purposely tangled herself in my dark web.

She seeks me out, needing my help, but the price for what she wants will be steep.

Since my father’s death I’ve needed a wife to solidify my family name and this woman has piqued my interest.

We strike a deal intertwining our futures.

I’ll put a ring on her finger, own her body, keep her safe, and kill them all.

I make a vow to protect her at all costs.

That is until her secrets come to light, and I’m left with the choice of becoming the monster she’s only ever heard rumors about.

**This is a dark forced marriage mafia romance, that ends on a cliffhanger. It contains dub-con/non-con as well as other scenes that may be triggering to some readers.**

Review:

Adrian is a crime boss. Valentina is the daughter of a rival crime boss. She comes to Adrian for help.

Valentina takes damsel in distress to heart. She’s dependent on Rose, her best friend and cousin before her marriage, then becomes dependent on Adrian. She’s clingy, which I did not care for.

I enjoyed the story and found it entertaining, but Valentina annoyed me. I didn’t care much for her as a lead character.

The book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m hoping that the book that follows portrays our heroine as a strong independent woman and not this damsel needing her husband around at all time.

Trigger Warning: Rape/Brutality to women/organized crime/forced marriage.

Book Review: WINNING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

Blurb:

Working on the ranch and settling down is all Grayson’s ever wanted in life. When he meets the woman who could make that a reality, he learns she hates him with every fiber of her being.

He knows she’s being unreasonable since their bickering is the hottest foreplay he’s ever had.

Mackenzie Bishop’s an elementary school teacher and can tolerate a lot, until it comes to Grayson. He may act like he doesn’t remember what he did, but Kenzie will never forget. Not when the memory of that night still lingers in her mind years later.

She denies her attraction, but she can’t hide it forever, especially when there’s no escaping him.

Although she refuses to give him the time of day, they form a truce and everything changes—just not in the way he expected.
**Winning the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

Review:

Read in one sitting, I loved it so much. Mackenzie and Grayson were always meant to be.

The banter. The pranks. I was very entertained. I couldn’t stop laughing at the pranks they came up with – original.

It was great to see how Grayson came to Circle B ranch and to get his backstory, as we read about both these characters in the previous books of the Circle B Ranch series.

Kenzie just made woman look good. A kindergarten teacher with the need to give back. Follows in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a teacher then going out of her way for her students.

Grayson is hurt and needs a new start. Why not get a fresh start on a ranch where he can meet the love of his life who is his match in every way.

This book was another reminder of why I enjoy reading Kennedy Fox books.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

The Circle B Ranch Series is available on all platforms. Start from the beginning, you won’t regret it.

Rating:

Book Review: LEGACY by Nora Roberts

Synopsis

Thoughts of her lived in that angry and patient brain. But there was time, so much time yet. And there were others. Many others who would come before.

Adrian Rizzo is a beautiful young woman with a successful business, and a wonderful family and friends. She’s worked hard to build a happy life for herself. When she receives a death threat in the post, she puts it down to jealousy and tries to forget about it. But Adrian doesn’t realise that it’s more than just spite. Someone is very unhappy about her happy life and will stop at nothing to bring it all crashing down.

My Thoughts:

Well one thing is for sure. Nora Roberts never disappoints.

I loved this book. It took me a while to read because… life; but I didn’t want it to stop. It was page turning from the first chapter.

Another thrilling book with a strong female lead and just as strong secondary characters. Women may the target but they’re are certainly not weak and useless.

This is a story of family, friends, community. The book has three parts namely: Ambitions; Changes; Legacies.

A story of building yourself up. Taking control of your life. Doing what is best for you and your family. A story of grief and loss and pushing through the hard times.

Murder. Love. It has it all. A little doggie love story too. and some seriously smart attentive kids.

I rated this a thrilling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy for review.

Book Review: WHILE PARIS SLEPT by Ruth Druart

Synopsis: (taken from Goodreads)

A family’s love is tested when heroes-turned-criminals are forced to make the hardest decisions of their lives in this unforgettably moving story of love, resistance, and the lasting consequences of the Second World War.

After. Santa Cruz, California, 1953. Jean-Luc and Charlotte Beauchamps have left their war-torn memories of Paris behind to live a quiet life in America with their son, Sam. They have a house in the suburbs, they’ve learned to speak English, and they have regular get-togethers with their outgoing American neighbors. Every minute in California erases a minute of their lives before — before the Germans invaded their French homeland and incited years of violence, hunger, and fear. But their taste of the American Dream shatters when officers from the U.N. Commission on War Crimes pull-up outside their home and bring Jean-Luc in for questioning.

Before. Paris, France, 1944. Germany has occupied France for four years. Jean-Luc works at the railway station at Bobigny, where thousands of Jews travel each day to be “resettled” in Germany. But Jean-Luc and other railway employees can’t ignore the rumors or what they see on the tracks: too many people are packed into the cars, and bodies are sometimes left to be disposed of after a train departs. Jean-Luc’s unease turns into full-blown panic when a young woman with bright green eyes bursts from the train one day alongside hundreds of screaming, terrified passengers, and pushes a warm, squirming bundle into his arms.

Told from alternating perspectives, While Paris Slept reflects on the power of love, loss, and the choices a mother will make to ensure the survival of her child. At once a visceral portrait of family ties and a meditation on nurture’s influence over identity, this heartbreaking debut will irreversibly take hold of your heart.

Review:

This book had my emotions all over the place.

I loved it. A beautiful story of love, sacrifice, trust and resilience. A story of starting over. A story of suffering.

Beautifully written. Captivating. I wish I had one full day to just sit and read it because once I started it I didn’t want to put it down.

I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my emotions running wild. It took me a while to get back to reality.

If you love historical stories and those that tug at your heartstrings then this book is for you.

Get cozy. Grab your favourite beverage and sit back and travel back in time to Paris with this book.

I’ve given this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this copy to review

Book Review: BOSSING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

**Single dad, workplace, small town romance**

Synopsis

After surviving a messy divorce and custody battle, Dr. Connor Wallen quickly became married to his job. Helping animals is the perfect distraction from his crazy ex, but he finds it difficult to concentrate when an attractive woman joins his veterinary clinic. Getting involved with someone who works for him would only lead to disaster, so staying professional is key.

He tries to ignore her, but their chemistry is undeniable.

Elizabeth Bishop can’t stand her boss or how he treats her, but there aren’t many job options in small-town Texas. No matter what she does, it’s never good enough for Connor, but she continues trying to impress him anyway.

She’ll never admit she’s attracted to him and denies it every chance she gets.

Avoiding him is impossible, but Elle keeps her distance whenever possible. After his walls start to crumble, she knows her feelings aren’t one-sided. She’s tired of playing his games and is ready to prove who’s really in control.

Although he pushes her away, she’s determined to pull him closer—showing him exactly what they’ve both been missing.

**Bossing the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

My Review:

Ooh I wanna be part of the Bishop Family.

I’ve been waiting for Elizabeth’s story since Maize found her true love in Wrangling The Cowboy

I must say Kennedy Fox delivered with this one once again.

I loved Elizabeth and Connor. Broody. Alpha. Bossy. Strong female. Great work ethic. Love of animals. Single parent. It’s all in here.

This story kept me turning the pages waiting for Connor to finally give in and take what he wants.

I was laughing, crying, cheering throughout.

I loved that Grandma Bishop made her appearance again with her meddling lol.

And little Olivia of course stole the show too.

This series just gets better and better and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Elizabeth and Connor gets 💚💚💚💚💚

***BINGE READ THE CIRCLE B RANCH SERIES AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS***

Book Review: BAD BLOODS: CORRUPT GODS DUET by Cora Kenborn & Catherine Wiltcher

***From Cora Kenborn and Catherine Wiltcher comes Corrupt Gods, a brand new arranged marriage mafia duet.***

Synopsis:

A Santiago is a lesson in ruin.
A Carrera bleeds for revenge.

Thalia Santiago is the daughter of my enemy.
A beautiful rebel with a single cause.
Impulsive.
Fearless.
And ripe for her father’s undoing.

I recognized her the moment she stepped into my casino.
I watched her start the fires that burned her pretty fingers, and then I poured gasoline on the flames.
Now she’s in my debt, and her dues are a shiny gold ring and a vow of deception.

I’ll bend her.
I’ll break her.
I’ll turn our mockery of a marriage into a battlefield.
And that river of bad blood that flows between our two families?
I’ll make it an ocean of hate.

*This is book 1 of a new dark romance duet, releasing May 12th. Tainted Blood, book 2, releases June 9th.
**Bad Blood is set in the Santiago and Carrera worlds, but it is not necessary to have read either trilogy beforehand.

My Review:

“The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children”
William Shakespeare

It was great to get back into the world of Dante Santiago. I haven’t read the Carrera Cartel Trilogy yet but I certainly am going to get acquainted with them before the next book in this duet.

I loved it. After the wedding day scene I couldn’t help but wonder how this was going to go.

Thalia Santiago the enemy to Santi Carrera or so they’re told throughout their lives. They’re enemies. The hate lust between these two is sizzling.

True to the theme of dark romance. The book covers violence and trafficking. So trigger warning ⚠️

If you’re into cartel romances or mafia romances the this is the book for you.

I can’t wait to see what happens next and whether a truce is called between these enemies or if a new war is started.