Review: LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood

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LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood

Publication Date: June 13, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

IMG_7474Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people-pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and arrogant older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And he’s the same Jack Smith who rules over the physics department at MIT, standing right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

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If you like quick banter and fast, rambling inner thoughts – then this book is for you. Elsie is a genius yet has such an inferiority complex that it makes her quite the people pleaser. This in turn does her no favors in life. I loved her quick wit and laughed at some of her inner thoughts. However, her need to please seemed a bit extreme and not consistent with her level of intelligence. Her blindness to other’s treatment frustrated me, especially her mentor. Jack is also a physicist that at first came across as controlled and brooding. It didn’t take long to see he was a rather caring person and up to the task of pulling Elsie out of her self-imposed misery. The storyline was filled with a bit too much science and academia for me, but that is a personal opinion. I just seemed to get lost in it all and found myself skimming a few places that dragged. It is a verbally fast paced book, (If that makes sense), that had me smiling quite a few times.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links
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About the Author

Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

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Review: BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin

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BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin

Publication Date: November 8, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis44F4DDB3-7196-43F1-8E99-70B0D55B09D9Love isn’t always by the book in this charming romantic comedy about a bookseller discovering how to be the main character in her story.

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best—meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From going river rafting to trying local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.

When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

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I enjoyed the premise of this book. A non-reader inherits a bookstore and falls for a romance author. Add in the lively banter of close friends, and it increases the fun. Jasper, the author, was almost too good to be true. He was handsome, kind, and oh so sexy. He was the opposite of Drew in many ways, yet they clicked. I sure wish I liked Drew. She seemed a bit self-centered and caustic at times. Her friends and Jasper liked her, so I just went with the belief that it was just me that couldn’t warm up to her. This was a fun book with nice camaraderie, well written excursions into the Denver area, and sexy romance.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links
Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Alexa Martin is a writer and stay at home mom. A Nashville transplant, she’s intent on instilling a deep love and respect for the great Dolly Parton in her four children and husband. The Playbook Series was inspired by the eight years she spent as a NFL wife and her deep love of all things pop culture, sparkles, leggings, and wine. When she’s not repeating herself to her kids, you can find her catching up on whatever Real Housewives franchise is currently airing or filling up her Etsy cart with items she doesn’t need.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Review: MR. WRONG NUMBER by Lynn Painter

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MR. WRONG NUMBER by Lynn Painter

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

5039B00E-2B05-4520-A7B4-AC76722FC6B2Things get textual when a steamy message from a random wrong number turns into an anonymous relationship in this hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.

Bad luck has always followed Olivia Marshall…or maybe she’s just the screw-up her family thinks she is. But when a “What are you wearing?” text from a random wrong number turns into the hottest, most entertaining—albeit anonymous—relationship of her life, she thinks things might be on the upswing….

Colin Beck has always considered Olivia his best friend’s annoying little sister, but when she moves in with them after one of her worst runs of luck, he realizes she’s turned into an altogether different and sexier distraction. He’s sure he can keep his distance, until the moment he discovers she’s the irresistible Miss Misdial he’s been sort of sexting for weeks—and now he has to decide whether to turn the heat up or ghost her before things get messy.

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I was pulled into the story immediately by the witty banter and hilarious texts between Olivia and the wrong number. The writing style was also fast and lively, pulling you forward into the tale. Sadly, I did not like Olivia. Yes, she was a walking disaster, but her disregard for other people’s property bothered me. I kept reading in hopes that she would grow on me. She did not. Therefore, I never understood the attraction from Colin. This would have been one of my favorite stories if she had just been likeable. The back and forth between the characters did make me smile and laugh, so I am giving this book a 3.5. I’ll try this author again because I enjoyed her writing style and pace.

*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Lynn Painter lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and pack of wild kids. She is a community columnist for the Omaha World-Herald, as well as a regular blogger for their parenting section. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found eating her feelings and shot-gunning cans of Red Bull.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Review: MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE by Christine Feehan

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MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: July 29, 2021

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

141F339B-4CAF-4836-A5EB-76244ECD856D#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan reaches new heights of passion and suspense in this thrilling novel that takes readers deep into the California backcountry, where a woman is tormented by visions of a killer. 

It starts in her dreams. Hideous flashes from a nightmare only she can stop. Images of a murderer stalking the ones she cares about most…

Stella Harrison thought she got away from the traumas of her past. Running the Sunrise Lake resort high in the Sierra Nevada mountains has brought her peace, even though she doesn’t truly share her quiet life with anyone. Not even Sam, the hired handyman that notices everything and always seems to know exactly what she needs.

Stella doesn’t know anything about Sam’s past, but somehow over the last two years his slow, steady presence has slipped past her defenses. Still, she knows she can’t tell him about her recent premonitions. So far there’s been no murder. No body. No way to prove what’s about to happen without destroying the life she’s built for herself.

But a killer is out there. And Stella knows that this time she’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.

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3.5 stars Donna

Christine Feehan sure took a turn when she wrote this book. I didn’t recognize her writing style at all, despite the paranormal aspect of precognition. It just didn’t flow well for me. I would get into the mystery only to get slogged down in massive repetition descriptions on things. It is advertised as a thriller, but it was more of a mystery with romantic elements. It is an interesting storyline and I kept reading to see if I was right about the perpetrator.

I enjoyed the easy camaraderie of Stella and her friends. I can picture them laughing and bantering, wishing I were one of them. My only comment is that if they were such close friends, why would they all have deep, dark, and background important secrets from each other. Can’t someone just be normal? It just felt a bit “off”. Stella was easy to like, as was Sam – despite his quiet and almost stalkerish behavior – I liked him. They make a good and believable couple. There wasn’t a romantic/relationship build in this book, and the physical encounters were behind doors. It is a decent mystery, but it left me wanting.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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image image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

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Review: ALL CONSUMING (Brotherhood by Fire Series) by Jaci Burton

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ALL CONSUMING (Brotherhood by Fire Book 3) by Jaci Burton

Publication Date: March 2, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

0481459F-27D2-482D-900E-E22F0E0D09BDA sizzling new romance about a firefighter who reunites with an old flame and tries to rekindle the passion they once felt.

When firefighter Kal Donovan transfers to the Tactical Rescue Team, he’s determined to succeed by giving work one hundred percent of his attention. This proves more difficult at his ten-year high school reunion when he runs into Hannah Clark, his first love. She’s still the smart, funny, beautiful girl he loved in high school, but everything has changed. She’s divorced, has a son, and has zero interest in exploring an old romance.

Hannah has moved back home after a disastrous end to a marriage that never should have been. Now her only focus is getting her hair salon up and running, and making sure her son is happy. She doesn’t have time for love—especially not with Kal. She intends to look forward, not backward, and Kal is most definitely part of her past.

However as Hannah and Kal start spending time together, Hannah realizes that what she’s feeling for him isn’t nostalgia, but red-hot attraction. Kal’s intent on showing her what it’s like to be cared for, romanced, and consumed with passion—and Hannah loves it. But she wonders if she has the courage to risk her heart again, even as Kal vows not to lose her a second time.

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This is a lovely, sweet second-chance romance. It has the smoking hot sexiness that we love from Jaci Burton, so don’t worry about that. Kal and Hannah were likeable, and their growing love was believable and nice. They made a great couple, especially when you add her young son in the mix. I liked when all the brothers and friends got together with their fun banter. It was a nice romance, but it felt like I was eavesdropping instead of being pulled into the story. 

*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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About the Author Jaci Burton Bio PicAfter spending too many years to count in the high stress business world, New York Times and USA Today Bestelling Author Jaci Burton is happy to be living her dream of writing passionate romance. She has written over forty-five novels and is contracted to write ten more. Jaci has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business that she is thrilled not to be using in the corporate environment anymore. She grew up in Missouri but migrated to California, where she lived for thirteen years, but now makes her home in Oklahoma with her husband and five dogs. She enjoys being outdoors in the summer and she and her husband are avid Harley riders.

Jaci writes in multiple genres, from erotic romance to romantic suspense to contemporary romance. She has won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award, and has been nominated for the award four times. She has been a finalist in the Bookseller’s Best and National Reader’s Choice Awards, and has won The Romance Studio’s CAPA Award four times.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Review: A WOLF AFTER MY OWN HEART by MaryJanice Davidson

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A WOLF AFTER MY OWN HEART (BeWere My Heart Book 2) by MaryJanice Davidson

Publication Date: February 23, 2021

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

0F5A22A4-10DE-4C91-95EA-6853288F9216Orphans and humans and weres, oh my! Escape into this delicious shifter romance from bestselling author Mary Janice Davidson.

Oz Adway is a rare breed: an accountant who wants to get dirty. And, by the way, a wolf shifter working for the Interspecies Placement Agency. Bored with his safe office job, he volunteers to find runaway bear cub Sally Smalls, recently orphaned by a plane crash. Piece of cake, right? Unfortunately, Sally’s taken refuge with “ordinary” human Lila Kai, a reluctant guardian who has no idea what’s going on, but will destroy anyone who tries to take the cub. Not that it matters. Oz is not about to let a gorgeous Stable jeopardize his career move.

As for Lila, she knows something’s different about the sexy weirdo who keeps popping up in the wrong place at the right time. She’s determined to figure out what, regardless of the escalating threats to her safety and Oz’s distracting hotness. She didn’t move into a cursed house and take in a werebear just to run when things get complicated. Together, Oz and Lila will prevail! But only if they can keep their hands off each other…

Put away your pocket protectors: This hilarious story includes a nerdy shifter accountant with a bad-boy side, a fiercely protective human heroine, and a baby bear cub that will make every reader sigh in cuteness.

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It is a fun, energetic shifter story, full of interesting characters. I just had trouble with the jerky writing style. (It’s not for everyone.) The sarcastic humor seemed stilted and not always necessary. To me, you don’t need to make a snarky comment every time someone moves. For that reason, I couldn’t believe Oz’s attraction to Lila beyond maybe some kind of a fated kind thing. Oz himself was a likeable nerd without moving into the “hot/sexy nerd” mode. He was the straight man to her sarcastic whit, I guess. I never felt true chemistry between them, and I really wanted to.

I did like the storyline, secondary characters, and the children. They rounded the story out nicely and added depth to it all. It was a fun quick read, just not my perfect cup of tea.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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About the Author

An award-winning author, MaryJanice Davidson is the NYT and USA Today best-selling author of the UNDEAD and UNWED paranormal romcom series. Her books have been published in over a dozen languages and have been bestsellers worldwide. A former model and medical test subject (two jobs that are closer than you’d think), she lives with her family in St. Paul, MN.

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Review: MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT by Sarah Morgenthaler

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MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT (Moose Springs, Alaska Book 2) by Sarah Morgenthaler

Publication Date: October 6, 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

4FBDEADD-3837-4F0C-92B7-D2BB48D9191BHow the moose (almost) stole Christmas.

Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can’t stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana’s determined to prove that she belongs…even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town’s hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.

And really…how hard could it be?

The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it’s not getting any easier now that his dream girl’s back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it’s clear she needs help, fast…and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It’s an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that darn moose before it destroys the town, Rick and Lana might finally find a place where they both belong…together.

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3.5 stars Donna

This is a cute love story set in beautiful Alaska, complete with a Christmas hating moose. I enjoyed the overall story and dialogue. For me it missed on a few points. 1. Did a business savvy woman really expect the town to welcome her after buying everything up and planning things they don’t like? 2. Did the small business owners, who could barely pay the rent, really think that their shunning of tourist dollars was a good idea? 3. Why did Lana keep calling people, dearest? Even strangers. Perhaps that is a regional thing that I am unaware. In the situation she was in, calling your late-with-the-rent-tenant, dearest comes across as condescending to me.

All that being said…I did like the story and especially Rick. Yes, he did some things that confused me (like eating cereal for every supper, when he is some lumberjack kind of guy) but he was sweet and kind. I also liked Lana despite the few items I mentioned above. I guess not everything has to make sense when romance is involved. Overall, it is a nice little holiday romance.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

Geologist and lifelong science nerd, Sarah Morgenthaler is a passionate supporter of chocolate chip cookies, geeking out over rocks, and playing with her rescue pit bull, Sammy. When not writing romantic comedy and contemporary romance set in far-off places, Sarah can be found travelling with her husband, hiking national parks, and enjoying her own happily ever after.

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Review: NIGHT OF THE BILLIONAIRE WOLF by Terry Spear

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NIGHT OF THE BILLIONAIRE WOLF by Terry Spear

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

F1A67EFD-2DE7-42F2-9712-EC74D24F82F5USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear brings you a shifter world like no other

It’s not easy being a billionaire, a wolf shifter, and a woman…

Lexi Summerfield built her business from the ground up. But with great wealth comes great responsibility, and some drawbacks Lexi could not have anticipated. Lexi never knows who she can trust… Even on vacation, Lexi has a hard time trying to relax. And for good reason—the paparazzi are dogging her, and so is someone else with evil intent.

Then Lexi meets bodyguard and gray wolf shifter Ryder Gallagher, who’s also vacationing at Redwood National Park. When the two run into each other on the hiking trails, and then serendipitously rescue two bear cubs, Lexi feels safe for the first time in she can’t remember when. But secrets have a way of surfacing… With the danger around Lexi escalating, Ryder will do whatever it takes to stay by her side…

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3.5 stars Donna

This book was filled with a lot of action and suspense. The storyline involving her mother and father, her business competitor, and the paparazzi was stretching it a bit, and seemed thrown together. Even how Lexi and Ryder met made me wonder if the author had a bunch of small scenes she had laying around and just threw them together.

I did like how all the characters interacted and the defined friendships, even pulling in the Silver Town Pack. Lexi and Ryder were likeable, but their relationship fell a bit flat, I never felt their growing love and commitment. It wasn’t one of my favorites of Terry Spear’s, but it was a fast and fun read.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author TERRY SPEAR has written over 35 paranormal romances featuring werewolf and jaguar shapeshifters. In 2008, Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Spring, Texas.

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Review: REAL MEN KNIT by Kwana Jackson

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REAL MEN KNIT by Kwana Jackson

Publication Date: May 19, 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis

E0B839F4-AC90-49BD-BCDA-479C8A41392DWhen their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop.

Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans for what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store. Jesse wants to keep the store open. His brothers want to tie off loose ends and close shop….

Part-time shop employee Kerry Fuller has kept her crush on Jesse a secret. When she overhears his impassioned plea to his brothers to keep the knitting shop open, she volunteers to help. Unlike Jesse, Kerry knows the “knitty-gritty” of the business, and together they make plans to reinvent Strong Knits for a new generation.

But the more time they spend together, the stronger the chemistry builds between them. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe their relationship can last longer than she can knit one, purl two. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her forever and always. After all, real men knit.

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3.5 stars Donna

I loved the unique premise of this story, four strong sexy men trying to keep their adoptive mom’s knitting shop open. How could I pass that up? Jesse is the classic wanderer of the brothers; in that he never keeps a job or woman for long. Not a good reputation when he wants to convince his brothers to keep the shop open and capture the heart of a good woman. Kerry has known the brothers all her life, spending a lot of time with them in the shop. I liked her, but couldn’t understand why she was short-tempered with Jesse, yet he became so attracted to her – physically and emotionally. I’m one that has to believe the attraction. The physical part of the romance was mostly behind closed doors, so I wish the author had shown more emotional closeness in their actions and not just in their inner thoughts.

I liked Kerry and Jesse’s story and hope his brothers get their own, especially the crabby and secretive Damian.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

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Buy Links

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About the Author

A Native New Yorker, Kwana Jackson spent her formative years on the A train where she had two dreams: (1) to be a fashion designer and (2) to be a writer. After spending more than ten years designing women’s sportswear for various fashion houses, Kwana took a leap of faith and decided to pursue her other dream of being a writer.

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: VENDETTA ROAD by Christine Feehan

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VENDETTA ROAD (Torpedo Ink, Book 3) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: January 28, 2020

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

56128783-8B9B-479C-946C-295EEDA3A5C1#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan pushes the limits in her next novel in the Torpedo Ink series.

Isaak “Ice” Koval is on a club mission when he sees a woman who stops him dead in his tracks. Soleil is a sweet, sexy, girl-next-door type. She’s an innocent who should be nowhere near the rough-and-ready world of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club. But Ice knows Soleil belongs with him—and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

After a life of drifting from one thing to the next, Soleil Brodeur is determined to take control of her life. When her breakup with her manipulative fiancé turns ugly, Soleil searches out the stranger who offered her a lifeline and ends up in a Las Vegas biker bar where she meets a gorgeous, dangerous man straight out of her most secret fantasies.

High on adrenaline, she finds herself falling faster than she thought possible. But Soleil knows little about the territory she’s stumbled into, and even less about what it really means to be Ice’s woman.…

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3.5 stars Donna

This erotic and suspenseful book showed the dark and gritty side of this unique motorcycle club. For those following Torpedo Ink, you already know that it is one of Christine Feehan’s more erotic series. And there is a lot of sex. I had not read anything from this series, and I was able to easily understand the players and their lives, however I would suggest reading the previous books to make it easier. I realize that we all like different reading, but this was not for me. It was mainly explicit sex and in the very beginning – it made no sense for Soleil, nor Ice’s feelings as to what kind of woman she is. The storyline would have been so gripping if it had been given more page-time and not treated as a means to get to the next sex scene. I scored it a 3.5 because I couldn’t wait to see how they took care of those pedophiles…that was satisfying.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Excerpt

Chapter 2

Soleil ran through the lobby, uncaring of turning heads. One didn’t run in a very swank hotel. She wanted to grab security, but Winston had a way of talking that made her look hysterical or childish and him look totally controlled, the adult having to put up with tantrums. She wasn’t about to take chances, not when she knew they planned to kill her.

Who would believe her? Her own fiancé? A lawyer? A policeman? All conspiring to kill her? She would look crazy and Winston would explain she’d lost Bennet, the only one she had as family. He would get sympathy and understanding, and they would all look to him to take care of her. He’d probably sedate her. Did he have a doctor involved too? It was possible. She’d met one through him, one he considered important.

She burst out onto the street, her lungs hurting. Clearly, she needed more exercise if she was going to have to run for her life. Her thoughts were wild and a little hysterical. She couldn’t have that. It would only play into Winston’s hand. She raced to the crosswalk, and fortunately the light changed and there were few people in her way. She was able to cross quickly and get into the relative shelter of the hotel-casino on the next street.

Noise erupted all around her. The concentrated smoke from cigarettes threatened to choke her. For a moment, she paused, a little disoriented. The whiskey she’d drunk was making her feel a lot better. Clearer. She knew exactly what to do. She made her way through the casino with more dignity, not wanting to draw attention to herself.

The casino floor was set up so that the exits were difficult to get to. Every little turn put her in front of card tables, the roulette wheel, craps, or, when she managed to find her way through the maze, machines. A sea of them. They didn’t matter. The drinks had finally steadied her, and she was feeling as if she was in control and could do this.

Still, it was a good distance to the exits and it took her a few minutes to make her way to the other side of the room. The casino was enormous, so much so that she knew she’d probably covered a block at least. She had to have. But she walked with more confidence and less panic. Every now and then, just to be certain, she glanced over her shoulder, or paused at a machine to see if Winston was behind her. So far, her plan had worked. Most likely, he’d gone out onto the strip and worried she’d hailed a cab or taken one of the hotel’s private limos. She was afraid to do that. He could trace a cab and he’d talk any driver into coming back for him.

She thought about getting another drink, but she hadn’t eaten. Already she was much clearer in what she had to do. She felt very courageous. It only took a couple of times going in a small circle before she mastered the maze of machines and was able to push open the door that let her out onto the street. The lights were much dimmer, but still illuminated the sidewalk.

She looked left and right. She was right in the middle of the block. Across the street, neon blue signs flashed, and the sound of music was loud. Each of the bars seemed to be playing a different song, but she loved to dance and the one on the end at the right blared the best music. She headed in that direction and then changed her mind, a little shiver going through her. She knew Winston. He would hire men to find her. He would call the police and report her missing, saying she had a mental disorder and he was worried for her safety. This street was still too close.

She hurried down the block to the next line of bars. The streets seemed darker, and as she came around the corner, a few men standing on the sidewalk in front of a bar looked up, nudging one another. Alarms went off and she paused to get oriented. Just in front of her was another bar blaring dancing music and in front of it were motorcycles, instantly reminding her of Lana. Her heart jumped. Lana. She hurried toward that one without hesitation. If Lana was there, she would know what to do. She was that kind of woman.

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Giveaway

PAPERBACK COPY of VENDETTA ROAD by Christine Feehan 

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Winner will be selected Monday (2/3) by 6PM EST. Reading in Pajamas is responsible for this giveaway. This paperback was provided to Reading in Pajamas by Penguin.

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image image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

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