Review of Before We Were Strangers

Summary Courtesy of Goodreads and Mira 

Something happened to her mother that night. Something no one wants to talk about. But she's determined to uncover her family's dark secrets, even if they bury her.

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn't sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound--the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone. The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn't sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn't just difficult--he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend and a father and brother who'd rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn't whether she can uncover what really happened that night...it's what will remain of her family if she does?

My Review 

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the newest Brenda Novak book most recently released. After reading quite a few of her books I think she does a great job of setting the scenes as well as giving you well developed characters. I really felt like by the end of this particular book I really knew each of the characters in the book.

In addition, to the character development and scenery what really impressed me about this book was the storyline. Having read many of her books before I really felt like this was something very different then what she had done before. She really thought out side the box on this story and made you the reader solve the mystery of who dunnit or did Sloane's mother just run away? In addition, I think that it was something different than just some simple romance storyline that you see on the t.v.

I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down and can't wait to read more of her books in the future like this. I recommend this book to readers who like a little bit of romance but a whole lot more of murder mystery or mystery in general.

Review of Promise Me You

Brief Book Summary Courtesy of Montlake Romance:

 A heartening romance of friendship, second chances, and the healing power of love…

Mackenzie Hart has made a career out of writing about eternal love, so when she finds her perfect match in Hunter Kane, she decides to put it all on the line. Irresistibly charming and drenched in alpha-male swagger, Hunter isn’t just the catch of the town—he’s Mackenzie’s best friend. Only someone beats her to the altar. After a fresh start and three years to recover, the last thing Mackenzie expects is for her old life to come knocking…

Recently divorced, musician Hunter Kane wants to reconnect with the woman he left behind. Admitting his biggest mistake comes first. What comes next is up to Mackenzie. He hopes she’ll give him a second chance. He may have been the one to break her heart, but he knows he can also be the one to mend it.

As a tenuous friendship turns into something more, Hunter’s life on the road beckons once again. Will love be enough to keep them together, or will their wildly different worlds be too much for them to overcome?

My Review:

I received an ARC of "Promise Me You" by Marina in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is my second Marina Adair book that I have read and the second in the Easton's series. Marina did a great job of creating well develop characters and giving you enough back story on them. For instance like me on this second book felt like you understood the characters well enough and were comfortable jumping right into the story if you didn't read the first one.

In addition, I really enjoyed the romance story that she had between the two main characters. Mackenzie and Hunter  weren't like the typical romance that you see in books. For instance you don't typically see the high school sweethearts splitting apart because of an illness. I won't go into it more than that because you need to read the book to find out more! She made it very realistic too of the struggles that Mackenzie would have to go to with her new disability. She really did her research. Marina did an outstanding job on this book. 

This book is great for readers who like romance, contemporary romance and even those who like music because they get a little song writing done in the story. 

Can't wait to see what the next book in the series is going to be about. 

Review of Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay #6)

Brief Summary Courtesy of Avon 

Who needs mistletoe? 

Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that — but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once...

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.

My Review 

I received an ARC of Hot Winter Nights from the Author in exchange for an unbiased review. This is the third book that I have read in the series and one of many from her overall collection. From the moment that the reader opens the book they have a mix of humor, emotion and intrigue all in one spot. 

Character development is done well but not over done to a point that it feels too much. You also get to catch up on past characters from previous Heartbreaker Bay books. 

In addition to the romance I truly enjoy the mystery that Ms Shalvis throws into her books. She keeps you on the edge of your seat til the very end trying to figure out who the bad guy is and will they catch them in time. 

I can't wait to see who will be the next couple in the series and to read what else she has in store for future series! 

I recommend Jill's books to folks that love humor, mystery and contemporary romance. You won't be disappointed. 

Review of Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne

Summary Courtesy of HQN 

He’s giving her children a season of wonder…

Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.

Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?

My Review 

I received a copy an ARC courtesy of the publisher, Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I have read many of RaeAnne's books in the past and this is the 9th in the Haven Point series that I have read. I really enjoy the storylines that she writes. They are truly well developed and put together. You can tell that she takes her time and put really plots them out. Also feel like no two characters are the same. 

The characters as always were very well developed. Silver, Dani, Ruben and Mia played the most pivotable roles in the book and I felt were very well put together by Ms. Thayne. 

All in all I think that RaeAnne did a great job setting the scene, developing the characters,

building a great story for her writers. I can wait to see what is in store for her readers in the next books.

If you are a reader of romance and contemporary romance then I would recommend this book for you. 

Liar Blog Tour and Review

BOOK BLURB:

Fake it until you make it. That was the mantra Cori Dash chanted as she chased a big city dream. The more you tell people you’re on top of the world, the more they believe it – just like they believed the embellished image she sold them with her knock off designer facade. It wasn’t lying if the truth stood somewhere in the middle – and she didn’t get caught.

Dominic Blackthorne owned half of that big city…and a reputation. Rather than dispel rumors or show the world the real Nick, he let his own fake image run free. Until Cori Dash – the only person who told him exactly how it was, even if it stung.

When Cori is faced with her ex-fiance, now engaged to her ex-best friend, it’s game on. In her boldest move yet, she concocts her biggest lie to date by introducing the first handsome stranger that walks by as her new fiancé. Happy to play the part, Nick is already planning the fake wedding of her dreams.

You know what they say about lying – the truth always comes out – and it hurts. Especially when Cori finds out she isn’t the biggest Liar in this game, and she’s been out played.

BOOK INFORMATION:
**NEW RELEASE** LIAR by Stephanie St. Klaire is available now for only $2.99 or read it for FREE in KindleUnlimited

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My Review:

I received an ARC of Liar from Stephanie in exchange for unbiased review. This is the second book that I have read of Stephanie's and is the first in its series. I found this book to be a quick easy, romantic read. I thought that Steph did a great job of developing the characters that you had enough information about them to understand them but not too much that it was excessive. 

In addition,  I really enjoyed the pace of how the story went. I think that because it went at a good pace it kept you interested as a reader and kept you from putting it down. I would say this is a great book to read over the Labor day weekend right before you head back to school starting again or just over a long weekend!

Lastly, I found the twists and turns and humor that Stephanie put into the book really added to the book. It add that element that along with the steady pace of the book kept me the busy reader not wanting to put the book down getting back to it as soon as I could. 

Can't wait to read more from this author and can't wait to read the next book in this series. Recommend this book to romance readers and contemporary romance readers. 

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Stephanie St. Klaire is a Pacific Northwest native currently living in Portland, Oregon with her husband, five children, and two ferocious lap dogs that are used to the finer things in life like sleeping all day. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found with a plate full of taco’s, a side of bean dip, and probably some gummy bears while being a little bit hippy and a lot bit busy mom’ing and wife’ing.

When she’s not tossing around gritty crime show inspired serial killers and diabolical bad guys, she likes to make people pee their pants a little with a good romcom. Sometimes, her worlds collide, and she writes really funny stuff right before she kills people off on the pages! She loves murder and mayhem as much as a good laugh and HEA! That’s why she’s a die-hard Hallmark junky but loves her gritty crime shows – balance!

            Stephanie has always been a story teller, with the gift of “gab”, and a life-long goal to be a writer. Unfortunate circumstances with her health, finally afforded her the time to do so. Irony at its best, she began writing her first novel at an adverse time, to escape her circumstance and explore the stories in her imagination for relief. She is happy to share those stories with her readers, and bring a little fun, entertainment, and of course smexy characters to the pages.

            Follow Stephanie St. Klaire on Social media to learn more about her, how often she really eats taco’s, and to keep up with her work.

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