Tag: #bookdescription

Book Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: Nothing Good Happens After Midnight: A Suspense Magazine Anthology by Jeffrey Deaver, et al.

Hi, everyone!

Today is my turn on this Blackthorn Book Tour for this exceptional anthology. I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT: A Suspense Magazine Anthology by Jeffrey Deaver et al.

Below you will find a book description, my book review, a section about Jeffrey Deaver and Suspense Magazine. This is the best anthology I have read this year. Enjoy!

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Book Description

The sun sets. The moon takes its place, illuminating the most evil corners of the planet. What twisted fear dwells in that blackness? What legends attach to those of sound mind and make them go crazy in the bright light of day? Only Suspense Magazine knows…

Teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Suspense Magazine offers up a nail-biting anthology titled: “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” This thrilling collection consists of thirteen original short stories representing the genres of suspense/thriller, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and more.

Readers’ favorites come together to explore the mystery of midnight. The ‘best of the best’ presenting these memorable tales, include: Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle, Kevin O’Brien, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Take their hands…walk into their worlds…but be prepared to leave the light on when you’re through. After all, this incredible gathering of authors, who will delight fans of all genres, not only utilized their award-winning imaginations to answer that age-old question of why “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight”—they also made sure to pen stories that will leave you…speechless.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54403381-nothing-good-happens-after-midnight?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=s5cftdDYXb&rank=1

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight: A Suspense Magazine Anthology

  • Genre:  Mystery, suspense, thriller, horror
  • Print length: 338 pages
  • Suitable for young adults: This is an adult collection but suitable for age 16+
  • Trigger warnings: No

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT: A Suspense Magazine Anthology by Jeffrey Deaver, et al. is a new suspense, thriller, mystery anthology and is my favorite anthology of this year. The thirteen short stories pull the reader in and this anthology has some of my favorite authors contributing.

The theme of these thirteen short stories is that – nothing good happens after midnight. I usually only like about a third to a half of most anthologies I read, but I enjoyed all these stories, some more than others, but all captured my attention to keep me reading and I did not skip any of them.

This is an exceptional anthology because there is something for everyone who loves short stories, loves suspense, thrillers, mysteries and a small amount of horror and wants a short read from their favorite author or are looking for a new author to follow.

I highly recommend this anthology!

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Authors in Anthology

Jeffery Deaver , Linwood Barclay , Rhys Bowen , Heather Graham , Alan Jacobson , Paul Kemprecos , Jon Land, John Lescroart , Kevin O’Brien , Hank Phillippi Ryan , D.P. Lyle, Joseph Badal, Shannon Kirk 

About Jeffrey Deaver

JEFFERY DEAVER is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. He has served two terms as president of Mystery Writers of America. The author of forty-three novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book, and a lyricist of a country-western album, he’s received or been shortlisted for dozens of awards. His THE BODIES LEFT BEHIND was named Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers association, and his Lincoln Rhyme thriller THE BROKEN WINDOW and a stand-alone, EDGE, were also nominated for that prize. THE GARDEN OF BEASTS won the Steel Dagger from the Crime Writers Association in England. He’s been nominated for eight Edgar Awards. Deaver has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, the Strand Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Raymond Chandler Lifetime Achievement Award in Italy. His book A MAIDEN’S GRAVE was made into an HBO movie starring James Garner and Marlee Matlin, and his novel THE BONE COLLECTOR was a feature release from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. Lifetime aired an adaptation of his THE DEVIL’S TEARDROP. NBC television is airing the popular prime time series, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector. His latest novel is THE GOODBYE MAN, a Colter Shaw thriller.

About Suspense Magazine

Suspense Magazine was started in 2007, with the mission that every author should get a voice. It strives to bring the very best coverage in the genre, by publishing reviews, articles on writing, interviews, short stories, excerpts and much more. It expanded in 2009 to include Suspense Radio, a podcast that interviews such authors as Dean Koontz, Laurell K. Hamilton, David Balducci and many more. The podcast is available on Spotify, ITunes, Amazon Music and several other podcast sites. The operation was expanded again in 2010 with Suspense Publishing which has published over one hundred books. Suspense publishing books have won three Tony Hillerman Awards, Shamus nominee, ITW Thriller Nominees and thousands of books have been sold. 

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Good-Happens-After-Midnight/dp/0578750570

Release Blitz/Feature Post and Book Review: Surviving Faithful by Anna Bishop Barker

Hi, everyone!

Today I am part of the Release Blitz from Buoni Amici Press for this short, but intense romantic suspense. I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for SURVIVING FAITHFUL (The Faithful Book #4) by Anna Bishop Barker.

Below you will find a book description, my book review an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Description

Can a broken former bad boy and a lonely small-town vet really work?

Kyle Valentine left Faithful, Tennessee because there was nothing for him there.  In one nightmarish moment all he had was taken.  

But Faithful never left him.  It was as much a part of him as the marrow in his bones.

He spent three years on the water and on the run from his grief.  

Then this dead wife told him to go home.

~~~~

Veterinarian Olivia Hudson was just a small-town girl with simple needs.  She had the prerequisite three wishes.

She wanted a makeup that covered her freckles.  She needed people to stop feeding their dogs chicken bones.  She craved a decent man who would love her, only her, beyond all reason and rational thought.

None of those wishes was coming true.

Until a mountain of a man with tattoos and a deliciously dirty mouth landed at her front door, and things started looking up.

~~~~

But who was leaving the dead cats on her lawn?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/searchutf8=✓&q=+anna+bishop+barker

Title: Surviving Faithful 

Author: Anna Bishop Barker

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 10, 2020

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/34JAVRp 
Start the series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4G7ZSX

***

My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

SURVIVING FAITHFUL (The Faithful Series Book #4) by Anna Bishop Barker is a short romantic suspense which is part of The Faithful series by a new to me author. It can easily be read as a standalone, but I loved the author’s writing and will be going back to read the previous books.

Kyle has been away from Faithful for three years running from the death of his wife and unborn baby. But then he hears her voice telling him to go home.

Veterinarian Olivia Hudson is a small-town girl who just wants a man of her own, who will love her above everyone and all else. She just does it see it happening in Faithful, Tennessee, but her roots, home and practice are here. Then Kyle returned to Faithful.

Olivia and Kyle are thrown together when Olivia’s home is violated by an unknown stranger. Kyle vows to protect her until they find out who would want to hurt her.

Olivia and Kyle were such memorable characters with tangible, combustible chemistry. Ms. Barker has written dialogue and sex scenes that bring them to life. The banter between these two was entertaining and made for light breaks from their serious personal issues and the suspense. The romance is quick, but believable because we are dealing with mature characters. The suspense plotline in the story was tragic, but predictable. (Some may be triggered by the scene with a mutilated animal.)

I was impressed with this new to me author. Usually a shorter novel lacks depth, fully fleshed main characters and/or a satisfying plot, especially when you are trying to have a new romance and a suspense storyline all in approximately 150 pages, but this story was perfect.

I can highly recommend this romantic suspense for a quick, intense, satisfying read.

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About the Author

I was born in Kentucky and raised in Florida, so I am a southerner through and through. Since I was old enough to pick up a book, I have been a voracious reader. I wrote the usual poetry and short stories in high school, and I kept the dream of writing in the back of my heart until opportunity and encouragement helped me to realize that dream.

I live in Tampa with my kids, grandkids, dogs, various other livestock, and way more books than is strictly healthy. 

Hot Romance. 

Suspense. 

Humor & heart. 

Grown up stories for grown up people. This is what I write. There’s also food, music, dogs, the occasional geek reference, and quite possibly an inappropriate joke. There will likely be dead bodies as well. 

Three random facts about me:
1. I was bitten by a shark when I was 14.
2. I have read War and Peace. (When I get to the afterlife, I am demanding that week of my life back. Sorry, Tolstoy.)
3. It is my sincere belief that any situation can be improved by eating some cheese.

My life philosophy is guard your inner peace and read dirty kissing books.

Social Media Links

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/annabishopbarker 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabishopbarkerauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabishopbarker/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mamabear7158

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16200327.Anna_Bishop_Barker

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anna-bishop-barker

Release Blitz/Feature Post and Book Review: Bonus Kisses by Freya Barker

Hi, everyone!

Today I am very excited to be included on this new Buoni Amici Press Release Blitz for one of my favorite romance authors! I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for BONUS KISSES by Freya Barker.

Below you will find a book description, my book review, an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Description

Free-spirited black sheep, Taz Boran, has worked tirelessly as a nurse bringing efficient medical care to Africa for the past eight years. But when her sister Nicky is told she doesn’t have long to live, she immediately flies home to small-town Eminence, Missouri. 

Unfortunately, taking care of Nicky means being around her husband, Rafe; the one man Taz could never forget. Rafe is not only her brother-in-law but also took over the family veterinary clinic from her dad. 

As Taz becomes Nicky’s home health care nurse—working closely with Rafe to make her sister comfortable—their latent attraction comes sizzling back to the surface. They won’t betray Nicky, but if her dying wish is to see them get the happy ending they always deserved, can they really keep fighting what’s meant to be?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55538247-bonus-kisses

Title: Bonus Kisses

Author: Freya Barker

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 7, 2020

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

BONUS KISSES by Freya Barker is a contemporary romance/Women’s fiction by an author I have come to always look forward to reading. Not only is the reader emotionally involved in this small town second chance love story, but the entire family dynamic is rocked to its core as secrets are revealed.

Natasha “Taz” Boran has been working as a nurse for nine years in Africa with Doctors Without Borders. Taz is the adventurous younger sister, but there are also personal reasons for her running across the world to work away from her small-town upbringing. Veronica “Nicky” Boran was always the perfect older sister, but now she does not have long to live and all she wants is Taz to come home.

Taz agrees to take care of her sister and her two children. With that comes the problem of being around Rafe, Nicky’s husband and the reason for her leaving. As Taz cares for Nicky, secrets are revealed and Taz learns that Nicky knows and wants Taz to get what she gave up nine years ago.

When Nicky dies, Taz not only has to deal with her grief, but two young children who have lost their mother, her own mother who believes the worst of her, a father with Parkinson’s disease and the ever-increasing return attraction to the one man she ever truly loved.

Freya Barker is masterful at taking this story plotline, which could have been a disaster and written a beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking, healing and redemptive love story not only between the hero and heroine, but the entire extended family. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. Each character, big and small is written realistically and takes the story into small subplots that give you the small town feel. Small town gossip, strained family dynamics and a love story delayed all make for a story I could not put down. (Make sure you have tissues close by.)

I highly recommend this beautiful love story!

***

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. 

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Social Media

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebookTwitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

Buy Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33CEzgJ

Apple: https://apple.co/3lkgwJp

BN: https://bit.ly/34rddZZKobo: https://bit.ly/3d2oF2f

Feature Post and Mini Book Reviews: Murder Unearthed and Murder Untimely by Anita Waller

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Mini Book Reviews for book #3, MURDER UNEARTHED and book #4, MURDER UNTIMELY in the Kat and Mouse Mysteries series by Anita Waller. I am catching up in this fabulous series because I have been allowed to read book #5 by Bloodhound Books before publication and will be sharing a blog post for that book shortly.

Below you will find book descriptions, my mini book reviews, the author’s bio and social media links. I love this cozy British mystery series! Enjoy!

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Book Description

Kat and Mouse are back in the latest instalment of the bestselling Kat and Mouse Murder Mystery Series!

When DI Tessa Marsden is called to a road traffic accident, she is disturbed by the crime scene she must investigate. She now has a double murder to contend with; two dead girls from the same village.

Realising the murders aren’t linked, Marsden summons the help of the Connection Investigation Agency, run by Kat, a church Deacon, Beth, (known affectionately as Mouse), a computer expert, and Doris, Beth’s feisty grandmother. 

When it is discovered that one of the murdered girls was pregnant the case takes an unexpected turn.

Can DI Marsden, with the input of Kat and Mouse, solve the case before another body appears?

Meanwhile, the agency has been asked to track down the long lost son of Ewan Barker. Will Kat, Mouse and Doris find him and reunite him with his father? 

This might just be their toughest investigation yet…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51203796-murder-unearthed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=1DmInopmgB&rank=1

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Mini Book Review

MURDER UNEARTHED (Kat and Mouse Mysteries Book #3) by Anita Waller is another great addition to this series. This is a British cozy mystery series that is unlike any American cozy series that I have read, not just in the truly British turn of a phrase or word usage, but while it truly is a cozy, with the murder behind the scenes, it is still written in a gritty and realistic way. All of these books can be read as standalones, but I love reading them in order to keep track of the characters’ growth and continuing interactions.

All of the ladies of Connection, Kat, Mouse (Beth) and Nan (Doris) are wonderful characters that keep me returning for more adventures. I also enjoy the tie-in with the local police, DI Tessa Marsden and DS Hannah Granger. Ms. Waller gives you intricately plotted cases for the P.I.s and the police to solve separately and together. With two teenage girls missing on the same day, all of the ladies were very busy and I was quite satisfied with the solution.

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Book Description

Kat and Mouse are back in the latest instalment of the bestselling Kat and Mouse Murder Mystery Series!

Early one morning, in the grounds of Chatsworth, a body is discovered by one of the estate groundsmen. DI Marsden and DS Granger battle through snow-covered roads to begin their investigation.

Meanwhile, at the Connection Investigation Agency, Doris, Kat and Mouse are busy juggling their caseloads, while trying to show their new trainee receptionist the ropes.

When the police learn that the body belongs to Nicola Armstrong, a resident of the nearby village of Baslow, it soon transpires that Nicola was the mother of a child who disappeared ten years prior to her murder.

Soon, the Connection investigators are brought in to help but when a second body is found at Chatsworth, the case takes a disturbing turn.

Can the police and the female sleuths get to the truth before more life is lost? Or is the fate of those involved already sealed?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52605622-murder-untimely?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=SHXOz0Ccru&rank=1

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Mini Book Review

MURDER UNTIMELY (Kat and Mouse Mysteries Book #4) by Anita Waller is a great addition to the series with some changes happening at Connection. This book can be read as a standalone, but all of the characters lives are as interesting and realistic as the mysteries and crimes, so I do recommend reading them in order for the greatest satisfaction.

Kat, Mouse and Nan have hired a new receptionist/investigative trainee, Luke. Luke fits right in with the ladies and loves the job as much as all of the ladies are happy with him. While DI Marsden and DS Granger work the cases of two murdered women, Doris takes Luke under her wing and oversees him on his first case for Connection.

Once again, Ms. Waller has written tightly plotted intertwining mysteries that kept me turning the pages. These books are cozies because the murders are behind the scenes, but everything else reads likes a realistic crime novel. The main characters are always intelligent and entertaining and the secondary characters keep me guessing. This is a must read series for me!

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Author Bio

Anita Waller was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1946. She married Dave in 1967 and they have three adult children.

She has written and taught creative writing for most of her life, and at the age of sixty-nine sent a manuscript to Bloodhound Books which was immediately accepted.

In total she has written seven psychological thrillers and one supernatural novel, and uses the areas of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire as her preferred locations in her books. Sheffield features prominently.

And now Anita is working on her first series, the Kat and Mouse trilogy, set in the beautiful Derbyshire village of Eyam. The first in the series, Murder Undeniable, launched 10 December 2018, and the second in the series, Murder Unexpected, launches 11 February 2019.

The trilogy has now been promoted to a quartet following the success of the first book; she is currently working on book three, Murder Unearthed. Book four doesn’t have a title, a plot, a first sentence… but she remains convinced it will have!

She is now seventy-three years of age, happily writing most days and would dearly love to plan a novel, but has accepted that isn’t the way of her mind. Every novel starts with a sentence and she waits to see where that sentence will take her, and her characters.

In her life away from the computer in the corner of her kitchen, she is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter with blue blood in her veins! The club was particularly helpful during the writing of 34 Days, as a couple of matches feature in the novel, along with Ross Wallace. Information was needed, and they provided it.

Her genre is murder – necessary murder.

Social Media Links

Amazon page:   https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B014RQFCRS?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1548251083&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&rfkd=1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=8-6

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/anitawaller2015/?ref=br_rs @anitawaller2015

Website:  www.anitamayw.wixsite.com/anitawaller

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/anitamayw @anitamayw

Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: A Soldier Under Her Tree by Kathy Douglass

Hi, everyone!

Today is my turn on the Harlequin Series December 2020 Blog Tour. I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for A SOLDIER UNDER HER TREE (Sweet Briar Sweethearts Book #8) by Kathy Douglass.

Below you will find a book description, my book review an excerpt from the book and the author’s bio. Enjoy!

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Book Description: 

Tis the season…for a second shot at love. Could a fake boyfriend be her real hero this Christmas?

When her ex-fiancé shows up at her shop—engaged to her sister!—dress designer Hannah Carpenter doesn’t know what to do. Especially when her former fling Russell Danielson sees her plight and rides to the rescue, offering a fake relationship to foil her rude relations. The thing is, there’s nothing fake about his kiss… But when things get real, will the sexy soldier once again stop short of commitment?

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55578809-a-soldier-under-her-tree

A SOLDIER UNDER HER TREE (Sweet Briar Sweethearts Book #8)

ISBN: 9781335894991

Price: $5.99

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020

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My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

A SOLDIER UNDER HER TREE (Sweet Briar Sweethearts Book #8) by Tracy Douglass is a cozy, second-chance, contemporary holiday romance. (I label all romances that do not have sex scenes as cozy romances.) This book is a part of the Sweet Briar Sweethearts series, but it can be easily read and enjoyed as a standalone story.

Hannah Carpenter has made Sweet Briar, North Carolina her home after catching her ex-fiance and sister in bed together just three days before what was to be her Christmas wedding day. While she has made of success of her personal design clothing boutique and has great new friends, she only participates in the holiday for show around her friends and customers. She refuses to celebrate in private and avoids anything Christmas as much as possible.

Russel Danielson is on leave in Sweet Briar for the holiday to see his family and try to decide what he is going to do for the rest of his life after having to take a medical discharge from the military after 20 years of service. He is also looking forward to once again seeing Hannah, who he met one day before returning to duty over the summer.

Russ walks into Hannah’s boutique and into a situation between Hannah, her mother, sister and ex-fiance. He pretends to be her boyfriend. When they leave, Russel and Hannah decide that being a fake couple over the Christmas holiday will solve both of their problems.

Can a fake couple help each other and become the real thing?

This is a fast and easy read with a lot of heart. Russel and Hannah both have personal obstacles to overcome and the author does a good job of emotionally moving them along to the HEA. This is a cozy romance, which is the term I use for a romance with no sex scenes. All of Hannah’s friends and Russel’s family are realistically portrayed and interesting secondary characters that make me want to go back and read about their stories in other books in the Sweet Briar series.

Entertaining, heartfelt and fun holiday contemporary romance read.

***

Excerpt

“Why do you have to be like that? I tried to resist. We both did, for your sake. That’s why we didn’t get married right away. We were considering your feelings. But Gerald and I are in love and want to be together.”

Hannah managed not to throw up the yogurt she’d grabbed for breakfast. Respect for her feelings wasn’t the reason Dinah and Gerald hadn’t gotten married three years ago. They hadn’t tied the knot because Dinah hadn’t been divorced yet. Her ex-husband hadn’t been in the mood to give her half of what he’d earned, so the proceedings had dragged on and on. Of course, had Dinah been as much in love with Gerald as she’d claimed, she would have just walked away from her then eight-month marriage and a huge settlement. But Dinah had absorbed their mother’s teaching quite well. Never leave a dollar behind.

“I’m not stopping you. Get married. Have the biggest wedding the state of Virginia has seen. Heck, all of America has seen. But leave me out of it.”

Gerald stepped forward then. Hannah had hoped to never see the weasel ever again. Yet here he was, standing right in front of her. He was average height with hair that was beginning to thin and cold, calculating eyes. Hannah wondered what she’d ever seen in him. When they’d worked together at his father’s architectural firm, she’d been impressed by what she’d interpreted as his drive and desire to make a name for himself. Now she realized that had just been a mirage.

“Hannah, we weren’t right for each other.” Was he trying to sound sympathetic? If so, he was failing miserably. But then, true feelings weren’t included in his limited repertoire. “I know you feel the same way.”

“You got that right.”

“I know you’re hurt and disappointed,” he said as if he hadn’t heard a word she’d said. Apparently he’d prepared this speech and intended to recite every word of it. “But don’t hold it against Dinah.”

“You’re unbelievable. Please, all of you, just leave.”

“Not until you agree to make my dress,” Dinah said. Clearly trying to make nice was putting a strain on her and she was reverting to type.

Hannah had a business to run. A customer could come in at any moment. She needed to put an end to this now.

“You know, I can always call the chief of police. He’s a friend, too.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Eleanor said indignantly, pressing a manicured hand against her chest.

“Actually I would,” Hannah said, hoping her mother wouldn’t call her bluff. Hannah didn’t want anyone in town, especially her friends, to know about her messed up family. She’d never told a soul about them or how Gerald had betrayed her. And she never would. But Eleanor didn’t know that.

“There’s no need for that,” Eleanor said hastily, trying to get back on script. “Hannah, just consider what’s best for the family. And for you.”

“How would it look if you, a successful dress designer to the stars, refuse to design a wedding dress for your only sister? It could harm your reputation if anyone ever found out how petty you’re being,” Dinah added.

“Was that a threat? That’s an interesting strategy for someone asking a favor.”

“I’m just pointing out the obvious. You like to pretend that you’re the victim. Poor betrayed Hannah. The truth is Gerald dumped you because he didn’t want you. He wanted me.” Dinah preened as if she were some sort of prize. “You’ve always been jealous of my beauty. I would have thought you’d gotten over it by now. Maybe if you could find a man, you wouldn’t be so bitter. But then, maybe you haven’t met anyone desperate enough.”

Hannah gasped. That was low even for Dinah.

The sound of a throat being loudly cleared filled the uneasy silence. Hannah closed her eyes. 

Just what she’d hoped to avoid—a witness to her family’s dysfunction and her personal humiliation.

She opened her eyes and turned to face her customer.

Russell Danielson. Her good friend’s brother. She’d met Russell this past summer when he’d been in Sweet Briar visiting his siblings and their families. They’d hit it off and spent a glorious evening together. He’d promised to contact her when he got back to his duty station. He hadn’t.

She’d been hurt when he’d ghosted her—disappointed even—but not surprised. She was still down on men. Besides, though they’d had a couple of good conversations, those talks hadn’t involved anything truly personal. Still, she’d thought they’d connected. Clearly she’d been wrong.

Russell looked around the room, taking in the scene, and then smiled. Did he find the way she was standing against the wall while they circled her like sharks amusing? “Sorry I’m late.”

“Uh.” Late for what? Until he’d stepped into her store, she hadn’t known he was in town.

He crossed the room, not stopping until he was standing an inch in front on her. Instinctively she inhaled and got a whiff of his delectable scent. He was wearing a woodsy cologne, which when mingled with his natural scent made her weak in the knees. Before she could utter a word, he put his arms around her waist and pulled her into a kiss. 

His lips were warm, and the pressure was perfect. He lingered for a few seconds before pulling away. Though he’d ended the kiss, he kept his arm firmly around her waist, which was good since her knees had turned to Jell-O.

***

Author Bio

Kathy Douglass came by her love of reading naturally – both of her parents were readers. She would finish one book and pick up another. Then she attended law school and traded romances for legal opinions.

After the birth of her two children, her love of reading turned into a love of writing. Kathy now spends her days writing the small town contemporary novels she enjoys reading. Kathy loves to hear from her readers and can be found on Facebook.

Purchase Links

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335894991_a-soldier-under-her-tree.html 

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soldier-under-her-tree-kathy-douglass/1137123782?ean=9781335894991&st=AFF&2sid=HarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC_7651142_NA&sourceId=AFFHarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC 

Booksamillion: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781335894991?AID=10747236&PID=7651142&cjevent=cd84ca9017ad11eb829e02870a240614 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Soldier-Under-Sweet-Briar-Sweethearts-ebook/dp/B089MC97CK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+Soldier+Under+Her+Tree+%28Sweet+Briar+Sweethearts%2C+8%29&linkCode=gs3&qid=1603732094&sr=8-1&tag=haperpublican-20 

Indie bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335894991

Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: Claiming the Rancher’s Heir by Maisey Yates

Hi, everyone!

Today is my turn once again on the Harlequin Series November 2020 Blog Tour. I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for CLAIMING THE RANCHER’S HEIR (Gold Valley Vineyards Book #2) by Maisey Yates.

Below you will find a book description, my book review, an excerpt from the book and the author’s bio and social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Description 

Arrogant, infuriating, insufferable… And the sexiest man she’s ever met.

Wren Maxfield hates Creed Cooper, but now she’s working with the wealthy rancher over the holidays! Those strong feelings hide undeniable chemistry…and one wild night results in pregnancy. Now Creed vows to claim his heir. That means proposing a marriage in name only. But as desire takes over, is that a deal they can keep?

Includes Rancher’s Wild Secret, a bonus story!

Emerson Maxfield is a sheltered beauty who never steps out of line. Now she must marry her family’s enemy before desire spells downfall for them all…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52513416-claiming-the-rancher-s-heir

CLAIMING THE RANCHER’S HEIR (Gold Valley Vineyards Book #2)

ISBN: 9781335154002

Price: $7.99

On Sale Date: Nov 10, 2020

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My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

CLAIMING THE RANCHER’S HEIR (Gold Valley Vineyards Book #2) by Maisey Yates is a new enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance featuring the second sister in the Maxfield winemaking family and the sexy cowboy/vineyard owner from the Cooper family. Although this is the second book in the Gold Valley Vineyards series is can be easily be read as a standalone.

Wren Maxfield cannot believe her sister, Emerson, wants to do joint events with their biggest winery rivals, the Cooper’s to increase tourism in the Gold Valley. For years, Wren has been butting heads with Creed Cooper and now they have to work together. Wren hates Creed and his laid-back cowboy persona, but she also cannot stop having very steamy dreams featuring the man she supposedly hates.

Creed Cooper runs his family’s winery and enjoys his sparring with the uppity Wren Maxfield. Creed has no interest in a relationship after being wounded in his past, but his dreams all feature the feisty Wren and now they are thrown together.

After an explosive sexual episode in a wine cellar, Wren is pregnant. Creed vows to marry Wren and take care of her and the baby, but it is a marriage in name only. But Wren has other plans.

I really enjoyed this Harlequin Desire quick read. I did read the first book, but it is not necessary to enjoy this one. I find enemies-to-lovers stories very entertaining and I believe Ms. Yates did an excellent job of bringing all the verbal tension to a head and turning it into believable sexual tension. Wren and Creed were both dealing with emotional baggage that I felt was handled realistically. The sex scenes are explicit, but not gratuitous.

I can recommend this contemporary romance for a quick, satisfying read and I am looking forward to Cricket’s story next.

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Excerpt

Creed Cooper was a cowboy. A rich, successful cowboy from one of the most well-regarded families in Logan County. He also happened to be tall, muscular and in possession of the kind of good looks a lot of women liked.

As a result, nearly nothing—or no one—was off-limits to him.

No one except Wren Maxfield.

Maybe that was why every time he looked at her his hands itched.

To unwind that tight bun from her hair. To make that mouth, which was always flattened in disapproval—at least around him—get soft and sexy and get all over his body. 

And he had that itch a lot, considering he and Wren were the representatives for their respective families’ vineyards. Rivals, in fact.

And she hated him.

She hated him so much that when she saw him her eyes flared with a particular kind of fire.

Fair enough, since he couldn’t really stand her either.

But somehow, years ago, a piece of that dislike inside him had twisted and caught hard in his gut and turned into an intensity of another kind entirely.

He was obsessed.

Obsessed with the idea he might be able to use that fire in her eyes to burn up the sheets between them.

Instead, he had to listen to her heels clicking on the floor as she paced around the showroom of Cowboy Wines, looking like a smug cat, making him wait to hear whatever plan it was she’d come to tell him about.

“Are you listening to me?” she asked suddenly, her green cat eyes getting sharp.

She was dressed in a tight-fitting red dress that fell to the top of her knees. It had a high, wide neck, and while it didn’t show a lot of skin, it hugged her full breasts so tight it didn’t leave a lot to the imagination.

Even if it had, his imagination was damn good. And it was willing to work for Wren. Overtime. 

She had on those ridiculous spiked heels, too. Red, like the dress. He wanted to see her in only those heels.

He wasn’t into prissy women. Not generally. He liked a more practical girl. A cowgirl who would be at home on his ranch.

Wren looked like she never left her family showroom, all glass walls and wrought iron furniture. Maxfield Vineyards was the premier wine brand for people who were up their own asses.

And still, he wanted her.

That might be her greatest sin.

That she tested control he’d had firmly leashed for the last eighteen years and made him want to send it right to hell as he burned in her body.

Of all the reasons to hate Wren Maxfield, wanting her and not being able to do a damn thing to make himself stop was number one on the list.

He looked around the Cowboy Wines showroom, the barrels with glass tabletops on them, the heavy, distressed beams that ran the length of the room.

And then there was him: battered jeans and cowboy boots, a hat for good measure.

Everything a woman like Wren would hate.

A testament to just why there was no reason to carry a burning torch for her fine little body.

Too bad his own body was a dumbass.

“I wasn’t listening at all,” he said, making sure to drawl it. As slow as possible. He was rewarded with 

a subtle flare of heat in those eyes. “Make it more interesting next time, Wren. Maybe do a dance.”

“The only dancing I’ll ever do is on your grave, Creed.”

The sparring sent a kick of lust through him. They did this every time they were in a room together. Every damn time. No matter that he knew he shouldn’t indulge it.

But hell, he was afraid the alternative was stripping her naked and screwing her against the nearest wall, and that wasn’t a real option.

So verbal sparring it was.

“What did I die of?” he asked. “Boredom?”

Those eyes shot sparks at him. “It was tragic. You were found with a high heel protruding out of your chest.” Her magic lips curved upward and he felt it like she’d pressed them against his neck.

“Any suspects so far?”

“Your own smart mouth. Are you going to listen to me or not?”

“You’re already here. So am I. Might as well.”

He leaned back in his chair and, for effect, put his boots up on the table.

Her top lip curled up into a sneer, and that thrilled him just as much as if she’d crossed the room to straddle his lap. Okay, maybe not just as much, but he loved that he got to her.

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Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances  set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Author links

Website: http://www.maiseyyates.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maiseyyates/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaiseyYates.Author/

Sales links

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335154002_claiming-the-ranchers-heir-ranchers-wild-secret.html

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/claiming-the-ranchers-heir-ranchers-wild-secret-maisey-yates/1135079360?ean=9781335154002&st=AFF&2sid=HarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC_7651142_NA&sourceId=AFFHarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Claiming-Ranchers-Heir-Wild-Secret-ebook/dp/B081X8L4YB/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Claiming+the+Rancher%27s+Heir+by+maisey+yates&qid=1599748181&sr=8-2

Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335154002

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=9781335154002