Friday 29 September 2017

The Friday 56: Primrose Lane by Debbie Mason


Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader (If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.
* Head over to Frida's Voice to find more #Friday56


56% on Kindle: Primrose Lane by Debbie Mason

Olivia can be your fake girlfriend. Everyone will buy it and back off, and you can get back to what you do best, taking care of your patients, not just the ones who want to get naked with you.”
“They don't want to get naked with me...Okay, a couple might, but mostly they want a ring on their finger.”

(Blurb)
Olivia Davenport has finally gotten her life back together. She's left her painful past behind, started over in a new town, and become Harmony Harbor's most sought-after event planner. But her past catches up to her when Olivia learns that she's now guardian of her ex's young daughter. With her world spinning, Olivia must reconcile her old life with her new one. And she doesn't have time for her new next door neighbor, no matter how handsome he is.

Olivia may act like she's got everything under control, but Dr. Finn Gallagher knows a person in over her head when he sees one. He'd really like to be the shoulder she leans on, but Olivia makes it clear she doesn't want his help. Since he's returned to town, his waiting room has been full of single women feigning illness. Yet the one woman he's interested in is avoiding him. But with a little help from some matchmaking widows and a precocious little girl, Finn might just win Olivia over.

Thursday 28 September 2017

New Release Spotlight: Tide of Deceit by Tamra Lassiter




Cassie Taylor's aunt Betsy is missing from her gated Palm Coast community. But when Cassie goes looking, she finds a body, and more questions--who was the murdered man to her aunt? Why did she mail Cassie a fabulous, expensive diamond bracelet? And what does her aunt's tearful neighbor know that she's not telling?

And last but not least, does hunky deputy Tanner just want to keep Cassie from meddling in his case? Or is he staying close because he feels the same tidal attraction she does?

Tanner Reid is a good man and a dedicated deputy. He can't get involved personally with the lovely, spirited Cassie--not when she's involved in a tangled case of murder and possible kidnapping. He must first find the murderer and her aunt.

But when diamond robberies deepen the plot, danger threatens Cassie herself. When he'd like nothing more than to roll over her like a coastal high tide, can he keep her safe, and keep his hands off? And will they solve the case before someone else dies--possibly Cassie herself?

I’m met with the hard chin of a man. His mouth is pressed into a thin line that seems to tighten his entire expression. But his eyes. His dark eyes are a mixture of blue, brown, and gray, all at the same time and so full of concern, I catch my breath.
Oh. My. Gosh.
I’m in the arms of a complete stranger.


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I need to say something to Cassie to keep her from crying. Is it possible Betsy could be in some kind of trouble? Sure. But the odds are not likely. I don’t know if it’s the way she felt in my arms outside, or if I’m just becoming soft, but I can’t let her cry.

You poor dear. This is just awful.” A pair of soft arms reach around my neck, and then I’m enveloped in bosom and a cloud of Chanel. There’s no need to hold my breath, however, because the woman’s squeezing me so tightly, I can’t breathe anyway. After a very long hello hug, she releases me.


I can’t blame her for wanting a drink, but alcohol and that level of tired don’t mix well, especially when she’s not walking home from here.
Sure there’s the cop side of me who notices peoples’ drinking habits, but I don’t typically worry about them.


My arms move around her. This time, she makes no move to get away. She looks up at me like she did yesterday and blinks a couple of times. There are no tears in her eyes this time. They’re just blue.


It’s so frustrating. I don’t ever want men to take care of me. I avoid relationships with all people who are too clingy and won’t let me do simple things for myself, like pull out my own chair. Since I’ve known Tanner, he’s held me, driven me where I need to go, interfered when a jerk hit on me, opened almost every door, and even guided me with his hand on my lower back.
And I liked it.


I wasn’t sure if you were going to punch him or kiss him.”
Punch him, for sure.” But only because kissing him didn’t work out so well for me last night.


I live outside Washington, D.C. with my wonderfully supportive husband and two daughters, one of which is approaching her teenage years. Help us all! If that isn’t enough, we have a Great Dane and an English Bulldog to keep us on our toes. It’s crazy around here, and I love every minute of it!

Writing is my third career. I didn’t set out to be a writer, it was just meant to be. My Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech prepared me well for my first career as an Engineer/Program Manager. My second career was in Human Resources. Long story, but I figured it out. I believe the best start for a writing career is to be a reader first, and I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I’ve loved to read ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew mystery in the fourth grade. Now, I love reading just about everything, but I don’t read sad books. I don’t watch sad movies either for that matter, no matter how many awards they’ve won. Life’s too short, and who needs all that strife to bring us down?

Many of my words have been penned late into the evening, which explains why I’ve never viewed whatever television show you recommend to me. I would, however, love to hear your recommendations for a great read!


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Wednesday 27 September 2017

I can't wait for...Lethal Lies by Rebecca Zanetti


Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.



When I first began reading e-books on my iPad, my focus was Historical Romance and Romantic Suspense.  Over time, I've tended to read more Contemporary Romance and neglected my first loves. However, in recent months when I've been in a reading slump, not knowing what to read next from my vast TBR, I've turned back towards what I used to love as a means to cleanse my reading appetite. The shift has been more towards Historical but this book by Rebecca Zanetti looks like a perfect novel to rediscover the joy of suspense. -Lynn (Ellesea)


LETHAL LIES
by Rebecca Zanetti
(October 31, 2017; Forever Mass Market; $7.99; Blood Brothers series #2)



A deadly secret can't stay buried forever . . .

Revenge. It's the only thing that will help Anya Best sleep at night. The serial killer who murdered her sister is on the loose, and Anya will stop at nothing to put him behind bars—even use herself as bait to lure him out of hiding. But she can't do this alone.

Private investigator Heath Jones's job is to bring bastards to justice. This time it's personal. He knew the Copper Killer's latest victim so when her sister asks for his help, he's all in. But when Anya uses the media to taunt the killer, she exposes Heath's identity, putting them both in jeopardy. Now, secrets buried long ago are coming to light and the forces determined to destroy him are watching Heath's every move, waiting to exact their own revenge. And they'll use anything and anyone to get to Heath.


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Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publishers Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels.  She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat...and a huge extended family.  She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off...and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out.


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Tuesday 26 September 2017

New Release Spotlight: Acting On Impulse by Mia Sosa




Acting On Impulse by Mia Sosa
Series Love On Cue
Genre Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher Avon Impulse
Publication Date September 19, 2017



After a very public breakup with a media-hungry politician, fitness trainer Tori Alvarez escapes to Aruba for rest, relaxation, and copious amounts of sex on the beach—the cocktail, that is. She vows to keep her vacation a man-free zone… but when a cute guy is seated next to her on the plane, Tori can’t resist a little harmless flirting.

Hollywood heartthrob Carter Stone underwent a dramatic physical transformation for his latest role and it’s clear his stunning seat mate doesn’t recognize the man beneath the shaggy beard and extra lean frame. Now Carter needs help rebuilding his buff physique and Tori is perfect for the job. It doesn’t hurt that she makes his pulse pound in more ways than one.
Sparks are flying, until a pesky paparazzo reveals Carter’s identity. Tori is hurt and pissed. She wants nothing to do with another man in the limelight, but she’s still got to whip him into shape. Can Carter convince Tori he’s worth the threat to her privacy that comes with dating a famous actor, or will Tori chisel him down to nothing before he even gets the chance?
Grab the popcorn . . .



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As I crawl into the tiny space—it’s been a while since I’ve traveled coach class—I catch a whiff of her scent and close my eyes. Not sure if it’s perfume, body wash, or what, but it smells like vanilla and reminds me of the candles my mother used to buy at the local craft store. That right there is a sign. My mother would most heartily approve of this woman.
Now to find out her name.
I turn in my seat, prepping myself for a short conversation—too much too soon isn’t part of the playbook—but then I realize she’s not next to me. I raise myself off the cushion and pretend to stretch as I turn my head to scan the back of the plane. She’s a few rows back, standing and chatting with a guy who doesn’t appear to have anyone sitting next to him.
Oh, hell no.
Do I have to go to the restroom? You bet.
Before I stand, a bell rings and a flight attendant announces that there will be a short delay while the ground crew clears debris from the runway. Perfect.
I rise and make my way through the aisle, pushing down the bill of my baseball cap so no one notices me. But, of course, someone does. For all the wrong reasons.
A little girl with huge brown eyes and a mop of bright red hair tugs on her mother’s shirt and says, “Mommy, that man looks like a bear.”
The cutie’s pronouncement is loud enough that several nearby passengers chuckle. Even the object of my fascination turns and laughs. I grin at the kid, and she growls in her best imitation of a bear. So freaking adorable, that girl. Enjoying her fascination with my beard, I channel my inner Leonardo DiCaprio and growl right back.
Now I’ve done it.
The little girl’s eyes go round, and her eyes water. Then she lets out a shriek like the hounds of hell are chasing her. Unfortunately, I’m the hounds, and everyone on the plane, including my future wife, knows it.
The girl’s mother tries to quiet her, rocking her and telling her everything will be okay. Their seatmate, meanwhile, throws daggers at me with his eyes.
He’s so scary looking,” the little girl chants over and over into her mother’s chest.
Sir,” the flight attendant says behind me, “we’re getting ready to take off soon. Could you please return to your seat?”
Bewildered by the past ten minutes of my life, I nod and amble back to my row. How the hell did things go south that quickly? Fantasy woman returns, and my stomach drops when I catch the look of sympathy on her face. I slide down into my seat, give her a pathetic smile, and cover my face with my baseball cap as though I’m settling in for a nap. I need to regroup before I can speak to her. And I refuse to listen to the preflight safety demonstration unless the attendant can teach me how to save me from myself.
So now I know another thing: Whatever I tell my kids about how I met their mother, it’s going to be a lie. A big, fat fucking lie.


To celebrate the release of ACTING ON IMPULSE, the author is giving away a $25 gift card!  ENTER NOW!


Mia Sosa is an award-winning contemporary romance writer and 2015 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist. Her books have received praise and recognition from Library Journal, The Washington Post, Book Riot, Bustle, The Book List Reader, and more.
A former First Amendment and media lawyer, Mia practiced for more than a decade before trading her suits for loungewear (okay, okay, they’re sweatpants). Now she strives to write fun and flirty stories about imperfect characters finding their perfect match.
Mia lives in Maryland with her husband, their two daughters, and an adorable puppy who finally sleeps through the night. For more information about Mia and her books, visit www.miasosa.com


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Monday 25 September 2017

Review: Such A Pretty Girl by Tess Diamond


Such A Pretty Girl by Tess Diamond
Series n/a
Genre Adult; Contemporary Romance; Suspense / Thriller
Publisher Avon Books
Publication Date September 26, 2017


The body count is rising. Who can Grace Sinclair trust? No one.
Grace Sinclair is a woman of many talents. The FBI’s top profiler, she’s also a crime novelist, drawing upon the cases she works for inspiration that helps her top the bestseller lists. When women begin to be murdered, women who look just like Grace, she finds herself enmeshed in a dangerous cat and mouse game with her biggest-and deadliest-fan. And the man who’s tasked to help her? He may be even more dangerous. A new member of an elite FBI team and Grace’s old flame, Gavin Walker is assigned Grace’s cPrettyase and it’s personal this time. As they work together to figure out the killer’s sick game, it soon becomes clear that he’s closer to Grace than they could have imagined. As more women begin to be targeted, the team is running out of time and chances. In order to come out the winner in this fatal game, Grace is forced to confront her past, her fears, and even the idea of a forever love.



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This is my first Tess Diamond novel and it won't be my last. I love romantic suspense novels and Such A Pretty Girl captured my attention from the first chapter.

Two years ago, Gavin Walker woke up to find the woman he'd spent the most amazing night of his life with had left. Now, with a new job he's face to face with the same woman as they're assigned to work alongside each other. Only, will they be able to keep everything business like?

Spending time on her book tour means Grace Sinclair's not followed happenings back on her day job, specifically; who her boss has hired in her absence. She's shocked to find out a one-night-stand from two years ago is a new colleague, knowing he's a distraction she doesn't need or desire.

Descriptive enough without overly graphic and explicit content, the narrative was well balanced for my delicate stomach as the protagonists comb over the many crime scenes, uncovered gruesome clues whilst building a profile for the unknown subject 'unsub' responsible for the recent killing spree. The protagonists compliment each other perfectly with differing skill sets which allows them to recognise each other's strengths whilst working alongside each other. Grace and Gavin share a deep-rooted respect for each other and recognise the sexual chemistry that sparks between them. Both are likeable and their relationship is palpable despite the challenging background they are working in.

Overall, the narrative wasn't unique, however for someone like myself who is dipping her toes back in the world of romantic suspense, it was perfect. The author has writing a fabulous, well-paced, suspenseful novel which kept me entertained throughout. Highly recommend.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Books via Edelweiss+***


McCord’s Jewelers was a tiny place, tucked in a nondescript brick building just outside of downtown DC. The gold-leaf letters on the door shone bright as Gavin pushed it open, and bells tinkled as they entered.
Gavin automatically glanced all around, taking in the two cameras situated in the room. Surveillance meant tapes. Maybe they’d be able to catch their guy buying the earrings. That’d make this an open-and-shut case, for sure.
An older man with gray hair and a sweater-vest looked up from his place at the counter, where he’d been examining a tray of loose diamonds. “Welcome,” he said with a smile. “How can I help you? Wait.” He held out his hand. “Let me guess. An engagement ring?”
Gavin could feel his cheeks heating up a little as he glanced over at Grace. But she just smiled, shaking her head, pulling out her badge. “I’m afraid we’re here for business, not pleasure,” she said. “I’m Special Agent Sinclair. This is Special Agent Walker.”
Oh, my,” he said. “I’m Anthony McCord. I own this place with my wife. How can I help you?”
We’re investigating a murder,” Gavin said. “We believe the victim in question was wearing earrings purchased from your shop.”
Grace held out her phone, the screen showing a picture of Janice Wacomb’s earrings in an evidence bag. “Do these look familiar to you?”
Mr. McCord pulled on his glasses, leaning forward and looking at the phone. “Yes, those are definitely my work.”
Can you remember who you sold them to?”
If you get me the serial number, yes,” Mr. McCord said.
Serial number?” Gavin asked.
Each diamond that we sell has a serial number engraved on the stone. It’s microscopic; you can’t see it with the naked eye. It’s done for insurance purposes—if a piece of jewelry gets stolen or lost, it can be traced that way. Isn’t that how you found the store?”
We’re not forensics, but I’m sure that’s how they found you,” Grace said. “Just give me a moment; I’ll get the serial number for you.”
She stepped away and Gavin smiled at Mr. McCord. “While she’s doing that, mind if I ask just a few more questions?”
Anything I can do to help,” Mr. McCord said.
What’s your surveillance like here? I see the cameras. Do you save your tapes?”
We don’t have the capacity for that, I’m afraid. We’re just a mom-and-pop shop. We keep the tapes for only a week. Then they’re erased and recorded over.”
Okay,” Gavin said. Damn, unless their killer had bought the earrings in the last week, they weren’t going to get a video of him. They would have to rely on Mr. McCord’s memory to discover if he’d been the one to sell the killer the earrings. “And how many employees do you have?”
Just my wife and me,” Mr. McCord said. “She does the books, I make the jewelry.”
Sounds like a good system,” Gavin said.
She’s always had a better head for numbers than me.”
And what about your customers. Anyone stand out to you lately? Maybe he was nervous?”
Mr. McCord smiled. “I’m a jeweler, Agent Walker. That means most of the men coming in here are looking for engagement rings. And that’s almost guaranteed to make a man nervous.”
Gavin laughed. “Okay, fair enough,” he said. “What about someone who put in a big order? Was there someone in the last few months who ordered multiple pairs of those earrings Agent Sinclair showed you?”
Mr. McCord frowned. “Actually, there was,” he said. “I remember there was a gentleman who came in to buy a pair of earrings for his wife. And then about a week later, he came back in and put in an order for three more pairs. He said that his wife had loved them so much, she wanted their granddaughters to have matching pairs. It was very sweet.”
You remember when this was?”
I’d say maybe two months ago?” Mr. McCord said.
I’ve got those serial numbers for you.” Grace pushed a piece of paper across the counter and Mr. McCord took it.
Let me go look in my files,” he said. “Just a moment.”
He disappeared into the back room, and Grace leaned lightly against the counter, gazing at all the baubles surrounding her. Gavin couldn’t help but think she shone the brightest, even surrounded by all these diamonds.
You like this stuff, Sinclair?” he asked, gesturing to the dazzling array of bracelets in the glass case in front of him.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” she said, but there was a dry note of sarcasm in her voice that surprised him. He looked over to her questioningly, and she shrugged. “I’m more of an art collector,” she said. “Most jewelry isn’t exactly practical in our line of work. I have a few pieces, but they’re mostly sentimental and inherited.”
From your grandmother,” he said, remembering how she had mentioned her that night they’d spent together. She’d been wearing a necklace then; the sapphires had glittered darkly against her skin, making it seem luminous.
Something flickered in that extraordinary face of hers, her eyes widening in what looked like confusion . . . or maybe surprise. “You remembered,” she said.
Gavin couldn’t tear his eyes off her. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch her—any part of her, just to remind himself what it was like. “I remember everything about you,” he said quietly.


Tess Diamond is a romantic suspense addict with a taste for danger – and chocolate cake. She lives in Colorado Springs with her law enforcement husband, two kids, and ferocious Jack Russell guard dog. She always dreamed of being an FBI agent, and now she almost is – if watching 24 reruns and plotting her next novel counts.


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