Category Archives: Reviews
BLOG TOUR ~ Tru Blue by Melissa Foster
Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer…
TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women’s fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.
He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover…
There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman’s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.
“Several emotional topics — such as drug addiction, abandonment, infertility and unexpectedly becoming a parent — are easily woven together without making the story feel crowded or overdone. Foster writes exceptional characters that keep readers thinking long after the book is finished… The dynamic members of the Whiskey family are the foundation that holds the group together and they are exactly the reason we’re taught not to judge. Let’s hope we hear more from all of them!” RT Book Reviews
“Sexy and Heartbreaking….I simply adored this beautifully written romance.” Tasty Book PR
“Ms. Foster, went for the gut with Truman and Gemma. Tru Blue is more than a romance, it is a story of love, a story of hope and a story of courage. 10 + stars.” Night Owl Reviews
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
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BLP REVIEW ~ Tracy
I have to say that I loved Tru Blue…… This is the first book by Melissa Foster that I’ve read but I’ll definitely be going back to read The Bradens @ Peaceful Harbor series – and that’s just to start with.
Truman and Gemma’s story was really sweet. There was a little angst but it was minimal and on the whole read was easy, enjoyable, sexy and heartwarming.
Tru didn’t have the best life growing up (that’s an understatement really) but he still fought hard for his family and tried to live the best life he could. That was such a great trait, that after all the crap he’d experienced, time he’d lost and the sacrifices he’d made, he was still focused on those he loved (both family by blood and of choice)
Gemma grew up in a very different environment from Truman but didn’t fare much better when it came to being loved and cared for – her mother didn’t give her the time of day and she fought to make her own way in life. This gave them a connection and helped them understand each other from the beginning.
Their initial meeting was fun, though maybe not for our hero!! Gemma at first was a little judgmental and kinda jumped to conclusions about people, without really being too aware of it! That was probably the main issue I had with her initially but she redeemed herself when it came to Truman and everything that came after!
Yeah, this book was super-sweet, it was nigh on ‘insta-love’ (but not quite) and come the end of the book things wrapped up pretty easily but I was so happy with how things turned out for our couple that none of this put me off! Family was a huge part of the tale, as was not being too proud or stubborn to ask for and accept help. We met so many supporting characters and I can’t wait to find out their own stories.
Well written, engaging, smokin’ hot and packed with emotion, I’m giving Tru Blu 4.5 sweet stars!
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Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.
“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.
He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.
“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.
“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.
Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.
Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.
Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
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BLOG TOUR ~ Her Unexpected Engagement (Checkerberry Inn #2) by Kyra Jacobs
Her Unexpected Engagement
Checkerberry Inn #2
by Kyra Jacobs
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
Genres: Adult, Entangled: Bliss, Contemporary Romance
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Synopsis:
Sometimes you’ve got to fake it ‘til you make it…
Stephanie Fitzpatrick wanted out of the spotlight after her pro-golfer husband was caught on camera cheating. But when she returns to Michigan for a job interview and some much-needed R&R, a fib told by her well-meaning sister has her looking for a temporary fiancé, or she can kiss her new start good-bye.
Desperate to hide the truth, she goes to the one man who can help—her former best friend.
Miles Masterson is relieved to see the Checkerberry Inn beginning to thrive once more. Not only does it ease his mind about his grandmother’s financial future, but also about his decision to finally escape town. But then one all grown up and sexy as hell friend from the past shows up needing rescue. Now the temptation to change the “temporary” arrangement into something more is making it harder to think about leaving.
Each book in the Checkerberry Inn series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
BLP REVIEW ~ Tracy
Her Unexpected Engagement is a second chance, friends to lovers story and I loved it!
I haven’t read any of Kyra Jacobs‘ books before this but I’m definitely going to read the first book in the series (Her Unexpected Detour).
Miles and Steph were best friends growing up until things changed at college – neither was confident enough to face the growing attraction they felt and Stephanie ended up with someone else, ultimately making both of them unhappy and just getting through life.
Following a very public breakdown of her marriage, Steph has returned home and through circumstances beyond her control, needs Miles’ help as her temporary ‘fake fiance’.
It was a quick, sweet read with likable leads, a real slimy git of an ex-husband, great supporting characters and an engaging story line that kept my attention.
I’m giving Her Unexpected Engagement 5*
DON’T MISS HER UNEXPECTED DETOUR,
BOOK #1 IN THE CHECKERBERRY INN SERIES!
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Synopsis:
Sometimes it’s not the destination, but the detour…
Kayla has the perfect strategy for a broken heart: work, work, and more work. Then a storm sends her car skidding off the road, stranding her in Mount Pleasant. Fortunately, rescue comes in the form of the incredibly handsome but gruff Brent Masterson. And he’s hot enough to tempt Kayla into doing something she never thought she could do…
Brent Masterson swore he would never give into the fierce attraction that’s been sizzling between him and Kayla since they first met. He has his own demons, and he won’t risk his heart again. Not even for someone as gorgeous and amazing as Kayla. So…how exactly did he end up in Kayla’s bed last night?
But sometimes all it takes is an ice storm to show two broken hearts the way home…
ABOUT KYRA JACOBS
Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan.
Be sure to stop by her website to learn more about her novels and ways to connect with her on social media.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile
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RELEASE BLITZ ~ Boys, Toys – Oh My ! by A.M. Willard
Cover Design: Shari Ryan, MadHat Books
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Synopsis
*Warning this could cause strange looks for the laugh out loud moments… It could cause you to pee your pants… Most of all… It could cause you to escape from a long day.*
Charlie Evans is the kind of woman who turns crimson red when she hears the word penis, so just imagine what happens when she has to say it to a crowd of strangers.
Cooper Fields is all business, well, that is until Charlie the blushing beauty stumbles into his life.
Mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea, but their attraction is strong and neither can resist the urge to test the limits of a relationship.
A misunderstanding involving a stripper, a sex toy consultant, and a bachelor party is what it takes to give Charlie the confidence she needs, but it also causes Cooper to ask himself if he even knows her. Will this situation push Cooper away for good, or can they put the dildos behind them once and for all?
Find out now in author A.M. Willard’s romantic comedy where massage oils, suction cups, and training kits are invited along for a wet ride.
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This was a good read. It was laugh out loud funny at times and kept me entertained for the most part.
I did take a little time to connect with both characters but got there before the end of the read. Things between Charlie and Cooper also felt like they went from shy glances to way more in no time at all, only for the skids to be hit when he assumes she’s working as a stripper and says so without any hesitation….
I do wish that we had all of the story in one rather than worked out over 3 shorter reads but I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment to see how things go between Charlie and Cooper.
I rate Boys, Toys – OH MY! 3.75*
About the Author
International Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard resides in Savannah, Georgia. She joined the Peach State many years ago after leaving the crystal blue waters and sugary white sand behind from the Panhandle of Florida. She’s also known for being a wife, mother, and caretaker for her farm animals. A.M. loves anything sassy, glittery, and is a sucker for the Hallmark Channel. That last one might be the reason she believes in soulmates or it could be because she married her high school sweetheart almost twenty years ago.
After releasing her first novella series back in 2014, A.M. set out on a new goal to bring her readers a broad range of romantic stories from her desk. This includes Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, and from time to time some Sexy Romance.
A.M. is an active member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and has also had an article published in the Writer’s Monthly Review Magazine.
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