May I introduce: J'aimee Brooker "Train My Heart"

Train My Heart

By J'aimee Brooker 

I'm thrilled to have J'aimee Brooker as a guest today on my blog. J'aimee's another very talented Australian author, but her current book is set in the wonderful country of Italy ... so the obvious question was:
 

1 – Your book’s set in Italy. What made you decide on the European location ?

My family background is Italian, our family originating from a small village in northern Italy with a to-die-for view of the Italian Alps. The Italian way has always intrigued me—the passion of the language, the people, the history is invigorating and restorative for the soul. In 2012, my husband and I took our three kids backpacking through Italy, Switzerland and France and it was whilst visiting the family village and getting off the tourist track in Italy that the concept for the Capello Brothers series came to me.

2 – Train your heart is part of a series. Can you tell us a bit about the other books?

Yes, Train My Heart is the third novella in the Capello Brothers series and is based around the youngest Capello brother, Luca. Book one, Draw on my Heart tells Roman Capello's story and book two, Command My Heart is Dominic's story. Very broadly, the Capello Brothers series centres around three brothers living in Australia who departed Italy due to problems within their family unit. Each story tells of their own unique journey on the quest to find love. The brothers, Roman, Dominic, and Luca are assertive, strong, handsome men who are chivalrous and true to their Italian roots.

3 – You’re one very busy woman and a mum of three children under 9. What’s your secret to time management?

I have a full-time job working in the radio industry and have always worked in the media, so being deadline- and outcome-driven and fluid in my approach to work is a skill that I've developed over the span of my career. I work daily until 3pm, then pick up the kids and do homework, dinner, bath, bed routine, then once they're in bed at about 8pm I start my writing time. Generally, I set myself a weekly word count goal (usually between 3000-5000 words) and work toward that as opposed to forcing myself to work for an exact period of time because let's face it, sometimes you can sit and write easily and other times it just doesn't happen at all.

4 – Tell us a bit about your current project.

I'm working concurrently on two projects—both of which I am writing under a pen name. Both are romance, one is set in Italy (of course!), the other is a darker more niche style of romance. I am planning for another four releases in 2014. 

Blurb:

Being the youngest of three brothers has always been one of life's greatest pleasures for Luca Capello, sheltered from many of the hardships his family has faced and spoiled as the baby of the family.

His successful personal training business gives him the structure and routine he wants and Luca's uncompromising attitude to fitness coupled with his inherited handsome looks has always ensured a steady stream of business.

But, growing up without his father hadn't been easy yet from what he can remember living with him in Italy had been worse. Luca's uncertainty about his past has always bubbled beneath the surface and when his relationship with his meek-and-mild girlfriend Imogen takes on a new level of intensity, Luca resolves to explore his past in Italy and make amends with the past.

From the busy backstreets of Venice to the foothills of the imposing Italian Alps; Luca's journey through northern Italy proves to be a life-changing decision. Will he lose everything by confronting his father; most importantly the love and future he has in mind with Imogen?

 

 

Author:

An avid bookworm and creative and commercial writer by trade, J’aimee is the author of contemporary romance novels and novellas focusing on romance, travel, and suspense.

A creative and commercial writer by trade; J’aimee also authors novellas and short stories focused within the contemporary romance genre and incorporating themes of travel, intrigue, and suspense.

J’aimee has written for industry trade publications and lifestyle magazines, and is a regular columnist for several lifestyle magazines and lifestyle/travel websites as well as having a full-time job in radio and three kids (under 9yrs). 

Website - www.jaimeebrooker.com.au

Blog - http://jaimeebrooker.wordpress.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jaimeebrookerauthor

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jaimee_brooker

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/jaimee_brooker/ 

 

Purchase Links:

iTunes US - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/train-my-heart/id663545437?mt=11

iTunes AU - https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/train-my-heart/id663545437?mt=11

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/Train-Heart-Capello-Brothers-ebook/dp/B00DKT7NTO/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372134951&sr=1-3

Amazon AU - http://www.amazon.com.au/Train-Heart-Capello-Brothers-Series-ebook/dp/B00DKT7NTO/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1390179059&sr=1-3

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/train-my-heart-jaimee-brooker/1115835619?ean=2940044588721

Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-au/books/Train-My-Heart/XpJGkbUoSkeiPtvcFTG34A?MixID=XpJGkbUoSkeiPtvcFTG34A&PageNumber=1&s=fDelwl2SEUeiY2jRy0BhhQ&r=1

 

Excerpt:

 Pulling up at Angelo's, Dominic walked over to the Jeep, opening Imogen's door for her, making her realize just how gentlemanly the Capello brothers were. She'd always thought Luca did these small things because they were dating, but it seemed this old fashioned chivalry was actually a family habit.

"Hope you don't mind Italian for lunch, Im" he laughed as they walked into Angelo's restaurant.

"Ha! Do you boys eat anything else?" she replied jokingly to raucous laughter from both Roman and Dominic.

"Roman, Dominic! Come in, come in!" exclaimed the older, matronly looking female who seemed overwhelmingly excited to see the boys. "Oooh… who have we here" she smiled, looking at Imogen then back and forth between Roman and Dominic, eyebrows raised playfully.

"Violetta, always so good to see you" Roman said genuinely, bending to kiss the woman on each cheek, "this is Imogen, Luca's girlfriend"

"Oooh, Imogen… A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Where is your Luca today, we are still waiting for him?" she enquired.

"Lovely to meet you too, Violetta" Imogen responded warmly. "Luca…"

"Luca's flown out to Italy today" Roman offered, rubbing Imogen's back in support.

The expression on Violetta's face spoke a million words—worry, concern, confusion. She obviously knew the family background, Imogen thought to herself.

Redirecting her thoughts, Violetta turned to Dominic and playfully smacked him on the rear. "Dominic, you are too grown up to give ol' Violetta a hug, huh?" she said cheekily, "sit, sit—your usual table is waiting, I'll get Imogen a menu"

Imogen stared at the menu for what felt like forever, the words jumping and blurring on the page. It all felt nonsensical, too hard, too overwhelming.

"Im, god help me, tell me you're not looking for the salad menu" Dominic joked, trying to lighten the mood at the table.

"No. I just… don't know. I feel like I should've told Luca not to go or insisted on going with him" she whispered.

"Ok, first things first; pizza or pasta? Meat or seafood?" Dom asked, clearly hungry and keen to get some food organized.

"Just something light, Dom, I don't know what to choose"

"Violetta" Dominic called kindly to the older lady, "Roman and I will have our usual, Imogen will have the spaghetti alla Genovese please"

"Yes, yes. I get Angelo to start now" she called back.

Within minutes, Violetta walked to the table balancing a massive tray of toasted breads, olives, cured meats, cheeses and all matter of sundried and charred delicacies, along with two bottles of wine. "You get started on this, your lunch will be here soon" she smiled, rustling Roman's hair lovingly before walking away.

Imogen stared at the platter, how on earth could three people possibly eat all this food, she wondered.

Roman picked up a plate, nudging her and asked "anything you don't eat Im?". She shook her head and smiled as Roman began plating her up a feast.

Looking over at Dom who was waiting impatiently for Roman to serve her food before serving himself any, Imogen realised the Capello boys not only had impeccable manners, they were kind, generous and caring to a fault. How had they survived such a horrendous childhood and still become such wonderful men?

"Can I ask you both a question, a personal question?" she asked meekly.

"Sure", Roman smiled weakly; locking eyes with Dominic who even with his mouth full looked concerned.

"What was your father like? Luca only recalls snippets of information, he's told me bits and pieces but he's sketchy on the details".

"Im, he's sketchy on the details because he was sheltered from a lot of it. He saw, and unfortunately copped, a bit of it but mostly he wasn't aware of how bad it was" Roman replied quietly.

"How? How, could he have been there and not known about it all—?" she asked, confused.

"We had a system" Dom interrupted, "Luca got hidden, he was younger, smaller than us, and he wasn't physically able to take… as much as us".

"Hidden?" she whispered, her body filling with emotion—just how bad were things for them growing up, she wondered.

"Hidden. Under the bed worked for a little while until our father figured it out, then we'd hide him in cupboards, the garden, under the house. You know, hidden". Dom answered, emotionless.

"But you guys, your Ma—what about you" she asked, looking between them both and seeing the pain of the memories the conversation had provoked flooding their faces.

"We're all fully aware of what happened and what a miserable old bastard our father is. With all the trips we've made home to Italy, none of us have ever made the effort to visit him, that's why we were surprised that Luca wanted to" said Dom.

"Will he… be safe?" Imogen whispered, the words almost not making it out of her mouth.

"He's strong Im; physically he'll be fine" Roman answered.

"And, mentally?" she asked, but the question was left unanswered, hanging uncomfortably between them all.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAPELLO BROTHERS SERIES at http://jaimeebrooker.wordpress.com/capello-brothers-series/

Snippet Sunday 15/09/13 - New Beginnings

 

Welcome to Snippet Sunday !

 

I received wonderful and kind comments last week for my first "Snippet" and thank everyone for stopping by!

My Snippet Sunday today is as well from my latest release

 "New Beginnings"

 

 

 

Blurb:

Twenty-two-year-old Sophie Levesque has been guardian to eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know or have even heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator, and Sophie is afraid it’s all been a mistake.
As Mia settles well into her new school and life in general, Sophie is not only occupied by her search of what connected her to Clara, but also her new studies and the two men, who suddenly have become part of her daily life - Mark O’Connor, the lawyer representing Clara’s estate, and Zach, the hunk from across the road.

 

 

Sophie stared at the house. With tears stinging behind her eyelids, she slowly turned around and helped Mia out of the car. The little girl looked fragile in the unfamiliar environment, even though she wasn’t anywhere near fragile. Very clever for her age,  Mia had seen and gone through a lot, but handled most situations with trust and belief. Sophie wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not. Her younger sister undoubtedly had her mother’s looks, with the long, straight blond hair, her bright grey-green eyes, and pale skin. But deep down inside, there was a survivor instinct as well. Something, she wondered, her mother might have lacked. “Is this our new home, Sophie?” her sister asked quietly. Hesitantly she nodded. “Yes, sweetie, I hope so.”

 

Thank you all for stopping by!


If you liked the above, you can purchase the book here:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo Books  ~ All Romance

Review: Kathy Reichs "Grave Secrets" (Brennan #5)

Publisher: Scribner Book Company

ISBN: 9780684859736

My rating: 3/5

A harrowing excavation unearths a chilling tragedy never laid to rest.
They are “the disappeared,” twenty-three massacre victims buried in a well in the Guatemalan village of Chupan Ya two decades ago. Leading a team of experts on a meticulous, heartbreaking dig, Tempe Brennan pieces together the violence of the past. But a fresh wave of terror begins when the horrific sounds of a fatal attack on two colleagues come in on a blood-chilling satellite call. Teaming up with Special Crimes Investigator Bartolomé Galiano and Montreal detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe quickly becomes enmeshed in the cases of four privileged young women who have vanished from Guatemala City — and finds herself caught in deadly territory where power, money, greed, and science converge. (www.kathyreichs.com)

My thoughts

I'm still not quite warming to Kathy Reichs' writing style, but I have to admit I'm getting more and more interested in her stories.

Now this one was confusing, I have to say, but the bits I was able to follow were good. Tempe Brennan is in Guatemala to uncover details from the country's violent past. But when SCI Galiano asks her for help in a local investigation she hesitantly agrees.

So far so good. With my list of names, I make it through the story and it's good enough to keep me interested. Disappearances of young girls and the attempted murder of one of Tempe's friends.
And then she lost me during the last third of the book. I couldn't follow and things didn't make sense.

A trademark of Kathy Reich is to explain science into the smallest details. Her fans love it ... for me it's sometime to much, but I loved how she made fun of it herself occasionally.

Review: Rebecca Clare "Breaking Point"

Publisher: Penguin Group

ISBN:  9780425240519

My rating: 4/5


While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive.

Betrayed by another operative, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman.

Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach's battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun.

But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both… (www.pamelaclare.com)


My thoughts:

Ack - this is a tricky one. I liked it, then came the sex scenes and I was close to not finishing it, but persisted. AND I'm glad I did.

Natalie Benoit, a Denver journalist, gets kidnapped in Mexico and held captive next to Zach McBride, US Marshal, tied up and tortured by the Los Zetas (Mexican Crime ring). They're able to escape and make it back to the US. But even back home they're not safe. Piece by piece they figure out why the kidnapping happened and who is responsible for.

It's a definite page turner, if you turn a blind eye to the 'into-too-much-detail sex scenes. It's fast paced, with a wonderful touch of romance, a great story about friendship and emotions. I really enjoyed the book to the very last sentence.

Review: Jill Shalvis "It had to be you" (Lucky Harbor #7)

 

 

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 978-1455521128

My Rating: 4/5

 

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor? (amazon.com)

 

My thoughts

Lucky Harbor is without a doubt one of my favourite series and I treasure each book.

In LH #7 we get introduced to Luke and Ali. Luke Hanover is a cop from San Francisco who's come to Lucky Harbor to get away from the stress of his recent case. His intention is to hide away in the house he's inherited from his late grandmother. But there's one problem, Ali Winters, his ex-tenant's ex-girlfriends is still in the house.

There's no doubt that this is another great read. We get spoilt with the typical Shalvis wit, humour and great dialogue. Both characters are dealing with their own problems and as much as Luke' tries to resist Ali, she's liking having him around. Ali being accused of stealing money adds a bit of extra to the story.

And of course, we get introduced to Ben and Jake - LH #7 & 8 ;-)

Bottom line, Luke and Ali are a great addition to Lucky Harbor!


 

Elise K. Ackers - Ask Me To Stay: A Homeland Book

Publisher: Destiny Romance, Penguin Group Australia

ISBN: 9781742536118

My rating: 4/5

"When family tragedy brings bad boy Ethan Foster home, he doesn't expect a warm welcome. In the small town of Hinterdown reputation is everything - and Ethan's was ruined long ago. Nobody wants him around, particularly not Sam O'Hara, the girl he left behind.

​

There's still a powerful spark between them, but Sam is afraid to risk her heart again. And Ethan is hiding a secret that will have repercussions for his whole family. Will the townspeople ever forgive him? More importantly, will those he loves the most find it in their hearts to take him back?

​

This tender tale of love and redemption is the first in a brilliant new series by Elise K. Ackers, author of Small Town Storm and the bestselling The Man Plan." (EliseKAckers.net)

My thoughts

I loved it from the very first page.

Two years after his parents' death, Ethan leaves Hinterdown and only returns for special and big occasions. This time is different. When he comes to Hinterdown for his sister-in-law's funeral, he's in no rush to leave.

It's a short story, but I really enjoyed it. The ending seemed a bit rushed, IMHO.

I liked Ethan, liked his interaction with his niece and nephew, and I liked the other characters. The "mystery" about his reasons why he was never able to stay in Hinterdown is reasonable and keeps the reader guessing til the very end.

Can't wait for the next book in this series.

May I introduce - Felicia Rogers

ROMANCE AUTHOR

Felicia Rogers

Felicia Rogers is an author of six novels and three novellas. When she's not writing, Felicia volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America, teaches at a local homeschooling group, hikes, and spends time with her family.

To find out more information about Felicia Rogers visit the sites below. She loves hearing from readers.

Website: http://www.feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com

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

Email: feliciarogersauthor@yahoo.com

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412925.Felicia_Rogers

Beyond A Doubt, The Renaissance Hearts Series, Book Four
The end is finally here…

 

The final chapter has been written for The Renaissance Hearts Series. What began with Sarra and Cedric in There Your Heart Will Be Also concludes with Bryce and Lucy in Beyond A Doubt. Set in the turbulent times of Mary I of England, or Bloody Mary, and Henry II of France, the fight for religious freedom abounds. Intrigue, loss of property, and loss of life rule the day. Follow the epic ending of a family’s struggle.

 

Buy it Now on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/c285w6u
Buy it Now on B&N: http://tinyurl.com/d429lom

 

SUMMARY

 

Bryce Cameron is finally going home. Years spent away have him longing for the craggy landscapes from his childhood.

Lucy Lombard is on a mission. The mantel she carries was never meant for her possession yet it has been passed to her anyway. Alone and in danger, Lucy stumbles onto her greatest find.

Rescuing Bryce is either a blessing or a curse but regardless time is running out. With Bryce's help can Lucy fulfill her mission or will she be too late?

 

****

See what others have said about the Renaissance Hearts Series.

 

“I really enjoyed this book. I do not typically favor historical romance, but the romance was not too mushy, and the historical was not too heavy! This was an enjoyable, delightful read!!!.” Taken from Rachel’s Amazon review on There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One.

“If you are in for a good mystery with plenty of adventure, suspense & romance, you have come to the right place for this recommended novel because "By God's Grace" will give it all to you.” Taken from Arlena’s Amazon review of By God’s Grace, Book Two.

“Okay have to say this is my fav book so far in The Renaissance Heart Series! Felicia Rogers just gets better!” Taken from Danielle William’s Amazon review of Labor of Love, Book Three.

 

Buy Beyond A Doubt on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/c285w6u
Buy Beyond A Doubt on B&N: http://tinyurl.com/d429lom

 

 

Don’t forget the other books in the series. Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Astraea Press.

~There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One

~By God’s Grace, Book Two

~Labor of Love, Book Three

 

Jill Shalvis - Rescue my Heart (Animal Magnetism #3)

Publisher:  Berkley Mass Market

ISBN:  978-0425255810

My rating: 4/5

Animal Magnetism, Book Three (Adam’s story!)
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.
Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.
For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time. (JillShalvis.com)


My thoughts

Numero deux in my Jill'athon this summer, and #3 in the Animal Magnetism series. The washing basket gets fuller, the fridge emptier and me - I'm more content. Another great story.

Although nothing much happens, these two characters are a treat to follow along as the bicker at each other. Adam is the oldest of the brothers: Adam and Dell Connelly and Foster brother Brady. Like the other books, it's more a character driven story and plot.

Holly comes to ask Adam to help her find locate her father, who's been missing for a couple of days. Nothing unusual, but it's that gut feeling that makes Holly worry. And knowing her father, Adam agrees to help. What follows is a hike through the mountains with lots of banter, teasing, touching, helping, memories, kissing - and worries. Kudos to Shalvis writing the PTSD scene so real and believable, giving Adam a flaw, a 'likeable' flaw.

And what I like in about every book of Jill Shalvis is the way she portrays the importance of friendship and family. It gives the books that special something. Thanks Jill!

Definitely worth a read, and definitely a must for Shalvis fans.

Favourite Quote:
"Of course it is. Life is as simple as you make it, Adam. You're born. You live. You die. I don't plan on dying without doing the living part, though.” 



.

Jill Shalvis - Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6)

Publisher: Grand Central

ISBN:  978-1455503698

My rating: 4/5



LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT
Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s lovable mutt to caring for his rambunctious son. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…
With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family-until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…
(JillShalvis.com)


My thoughts

The start of my summer Jill'athon ... and loving it ;-) The old recipe works for Jill Shalvis! Lucky Harbor #6 is another great read, so much so, that I'm tempted to move there myself.

Dr Josh Scott (sexy!) certainly lives a busy life - looking after his son Toby and his sister, who's not only bound to a wheelchair, but rebelling against life in general. There's also his GP and his job at the ER - BUSY. Then he meets Grace, his accidental dog walker become nanny.

I loved all the characters, especially little Toby, initially barking instead of talking and greeting every woman with "Are you going to be my mommy" question. Great! Josh's sister Anna is the designated troublemaker, which sparks up the story.

But the relationship between Josh and Grace makes you want to read the book in one go! Bugger life for a day or two, indulge yourself in the story was my motto.

Another great read!

Let's mark the calendar for LH #7 to hit the bookstores!!

 

Kay Springsteen - Heartfelt

Publisher:  Astraea Press

ISBN:  978-1-62135-071-2

My rate: 4/5


The story that began on a North Carolina beach with a blind marine, a divorced mother, and a child with Down syndrome continues as the young family struggles to adapt to a new addition. Now eight months pregnant, Trish worries about her baby, her daughter, and her husband. But maybe she should be more concerned with herself. Dan struggles to prove himself at work in the face of what others consider his disability. As he wrestles with his job, he is also concerned with life at home and the impending birth of his son. How will he connect with a son when he’ll never even be able to play a game of catch with him?  (Astraeapress.com)
 

My thoughts
 

I was looking forward to reading another book with Trish, Dan and daughter Bella. I loved Heartsight and Camp Wedding - if you have as well, this one is a must!

Trish is eight months pregnant, and Dan's worried about the impeding fatherhood. Worried about his ability to bond and look after his child.

Once you pick up the book, you won't want to put it aside again. Kay Springsteen's writing and use of words draws you in and doesn't let you go until the last page - and then you'll feel a warmth rushing through you when you've finished.

Loved it and have to give 10/10 for the Epilogue!

Let's hope for more :-)



.

Jill Shalvis - Lucky in Love

Publisher: Forever / Hachette Book Group

ISBN: 978 - 1 4555037228

My rating: 5/5


Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. but for once she'd like to take a risk on Mr Wrong and who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone ...
For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't - including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all ... anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor. (from the back of the cover)


My thoughts

Is there a petition out there I can sign up for Jill Shalvis to continue the Lucky Harbor series?

So this is a straight forward review. In short: We asked, Shalvis delivered. Another non-put-down-able story (I don't care if that word doesn't exist), in true Shalvis style with humour, wit and a few social issues ... as well as hot scenes. Mallory Quinn is the 'must-like' character, and Ty Garrison aka "Mysterious Cute Guy" the hottie who just kicked of Jax from the number one spot for 'my favourite heroes'.

Mallory, local nurse, wants to leave the "good girl" image behind, and gets lucky straight away, literally! - with Ty, Navy Seal, currently in Lucky Harbor recovering from a leg injury until cleared and deemed fit for his next mission. What starts out as a "one nighter" becomes more. More than both of them initially realise - In a wonderful "macho", yet straight to the reader's heart way, Ty shows Mallory that she needs to care for herself first and foremost before trying to save everyone else, and in return she helps him to address his grief and loss.

In the end, it leaves you wanting more. More Mallory and more Ty, because yet again the story is driven by strong and solid characters. Not to forget, the quirky Lucille has her part as well. And we get set up for the next book with Amy and Forest Ranger Matt.

LOVE IT!

Thank goodness, Amy's story arrived the other day ... so if you excuse me, I've got a date in Lucky Harbor!


Go and get'em - you won't regret it! I promise.
   

Janet Evanovich - Explosive Eighteen

Publisher: Bantam Books

ISBN: 978-0-345-52771-4

My rating: n.a.

 

Before Stephanie can even step foot off Flight 127 from Hawaii to Newark, she’s knee deep in trouble. Her dream vacation turned into a nightmare, she’s flying back to New Jersey solo, and Sasquatch is snoring in row 22. Worse still, her seatmate never returned to the plane after the L.A. layover. Now he’s dead, in a garbage can, waiting for curbside pickup. His killer could be anyone. The FBI, the fake FBI, and guns-for-hire are all looking for a photograph the dead man was supposed to be carrying.

Only one other person has seen the missing photograph– Stephanie Plum. Now she’s the target, and she doesn’t intend to end up in a garbage can. With the help of a FBI sketch artist Stephanie recreates the person in the photo. Unfortunately the first sketch turns out to look like Tom Cruise, and the second sketch like Ashton Kutcher. Until Stephanie can improve her descriptive skills, she’ll need to watch her back.
Over at the Bail Bonds Agency it’s business as usual– until the bonds bus serving as Vinnie’s temporary HQ goes up in smoke, Stephanie’s wheelman, Lula, falls in love with their “largest” FTA yet, lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanie’s apartment, and everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii?!
Morelli, Trenton’s hottest cop, isn’t talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isn’t talking about Hawaii. And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is…it’s complicated. (evanovich.com)


My thoughts

Not my cup of tea - 'nuff said!

Lee Child - Killing Floor (Reacher #1)

Publisher: Bantam Books

ISBN: 9780553505405

My rating: 5/5

Welcome to Margrave, Georgia—but don't get too attached to the townsfolk, who are either in on a giant conspiracy, or hurtling toward violent deaths, or both.

There's not much of a welcome for Jack Reacher, a casualty of the Army's peace dividend who's drifted into town idly looking for traces of a long dead black jazzman. Not only do the local cops arrest him for murder, but the chief of police turns eyewitness to place him on the scene, even though Reacher was getting on a bus in Tampa at the time. Two surprises follow: The murdered man wasn't the only victim, and he was Reacher's brother whom he hadn't seen in seven years. So Reacher, who so far hasn't had anything personal against the crooks who set him up for a weekend in the state pen at Warburton, clicks into overdrive.

Banking on the help of the only two people in Margrave he can trust—a Harvard-educated chief of detectives who hasn't been on the job long enough to be on the take, and a smart, scrappy officer who's taken him to her bed— he sets out methodically in his brother's footsteps, trying to figure out why his cellmate in Warburton, a panicky banker whose cell-phone number turned up in Joe's shoe, confessed to a murder he obviously didn't commit; trying to figure out why all the out-of-towners on Joe's list of recent contacts were as dead as he was; and trying to stop the local carnage or at least direct it in more positive ways. Though the testosterone flows as freely as printer's ink, Reacher is an unobtrusively sharp detective in his quieter moments—not that there are many of them to judge by.

Despite the crude, tough-naïf narration, debut novelist Child serves up a big, rangy plot, menace as palpable as a ticking bomb, and enough battered corpses to make an undertaker grin. (leechild.com)

 My thoughts

An "OMG" wouldn't even be near how I like to express what I think of this book. A page turner? Definitely! Gripping? You bet! A must read? OH YES!

So I accidentally stumbled over this book. The cover was .... nahhhh .... the blurb was ..... nahhhh, but I wanted to read something different than the usual romance, a little break so to speak! And boy oh boy did I get a break.

So there's this guy Reacher who one day ends up in this little town called Margrave in Georgia. Out of the blue, really, because his older brother once mentioned that a famous guitarist, Blind Blake, died at that place. But there's a lot more he finds out and gets himself into in quite some trouble.

I honestly loved it. I found myself sneaking into a corner of the house at any given moment just to read another two or even five pages. The characters are interesting and well developed. The story was different to what I had read before (which doesn't mean too much due to my love for romance), but well explained and believable. Jack's great and in his own way very likable from page one onwards.

Verdict: hooked to the Reacher series and want more.

PS - Nice touch with the old lady at the end!

.

Rachel Gibson - No Man of Mine

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 9780061579110

My rating: 3/5

Autumn Haven's Las Vegas "to-do" list said to catch a show and play the slots—not wake up married to a sexy jerk like Sam Leclaire. The first moment she saw him eyeing her like a luscious piece of the dessert buffet, her usually responsible self told her run. And she did—right into the wildest fantasy weekend of her life. But Monday morning jolted her back to reality and before she could say "pass the coffee" Sam was gone.

Now a successful wedding planner, Autumn she hasn't clapped eyes on the heart-breaking hockey superstar for over two years... until she organizes his teammate's "Special Day," where Sam makes a BIG play to pick up where he left off! But she has vowed any man of hers plays for keeps. Is Sam the man for her or does she banish him to the sin bin forever? (www.rachelgibson.com)

My thoughts

This story reads like a little stream of water trickling away in front of you - you like it, but it doesn't get your heart racing.
Autumn and Sam spent a few days and nights years earlier in Vegas, got married, got divorced, and Autumn ended up raising their son on her own, though with financial help from Sam and some overnight stays.

Autumn is a lovely character, a struggling mum trying to establish her business as a wedding / events planner. Sam is the typical "over-alpha-male" and  Hockey player with the Chinooks. After five years they meet again at a wedding. Wait, meet again? I thought they had a son together and Sam was taking him for overnight stays? Yes, I didn't get that one.

Anyway, they meet again and the whole "Why?" with-himself-conversation starts. And I don't get it either ... he left her in the hotel room, because she wasn't his type?  Then of course, Autumn's with-herself-conversation that she couldn't trust him. I kinda get that, once bitten twice shy ...

So - all in all, not the best Gibson story, but a lighthearted read for a weekend in front of the fire or at the beach .... don't expect too much though. If you haven't read a Gibson book yet, I'd recommend "Daisy's Back in Town"

Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Natural Born Charmer

Publisher: Avon

ISBN-13: 978-0061233050

My rating: 3/5

Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard is the luckiest man in the world: a bona-fide sports superstar and the pride of the NFL with a profitable side career as a buff billboard model for End Zone underwear. But life in the glory lane has started to pale, and Dean has set off on a cross-country trip to figure out what's gone wrong. When he hits a lonely stretch of Colorado highway, he spies something that will shake up his gilded life in ways he can't imagine. A young woman . . . dressed in a beaver suit.
Blue Bailey is on a mission to murder her ex. Or at least inflict serious damage. As for the beaver suit she's wearing . . . Is it her fault that life keeps throwing her curveballs? Witness the expensive black sports car pulling up next to her on the highway and the Greek god stepping out of it.
Natural Born Charmer is for everyone who's ever thought about leaving their old life in the dust and never looking back.

Chicago Stars Book #7 (www.susanephillips.com)


My thoughts

Okay - those who read my "reviews" know I like SEP books! They're funny, witty, full of romance and make my day. I found the exception to the rule :-(

The story is simple: Blue gets picked up by Dean (one of the Chicago Stars) who's on a cross country trip to figure out what's missing in his life. So far so good! He gives Blue a lift and they somehow end up together on his new farm.

The usual SEP-recipe in her books doesn't work this time - we add Dean's mother, his father and his half sister -  oh yes, not to forget, Nita, the owner of the town nearby the farm. That should work, shouldn't it?

First of all, I couldn't warm to Blue. For me she was a pain in the butt with all her whinging and attitudes .... only to end up in Dean's bed, so she, for once in her life, could have something "good". Dean was ... not a charmer, but something else and his character not well developed, witty or even "sensitive" as all the other Chicago Stars. And the ending was confusing and irritating.

I loved April - she had style, attitude, character and was well developed. And again, not to forget Nita ... she gave the story the oompf it needed!


Bottom line ... if you've read all the other Chicago Stars Books, you should read this one, yet don't expect too much. If you haven't .... don't start with this one!

Susan Elizabeth Phillips - This Heart of Mine

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 978-0060188030

My rating: 4 / 5

Molly Somerville (IT HAD TO BE YOU) loves her career as the creator of the  Daphne the Bunny children's book series, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. Then there's her long-term crush on the quarterback for the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns—that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker (NOBODY'S BABY BUT MINE), a man who can't even remember Molly's name! Molly and Kevin battle their attraction and each other as they face one of life's most important lessons. Sometimes love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes—if you're lucky—it can heal in a most unexpected way.
Chicago Stars Book #5    (www.susanelizabethphillips.com)


My thoughts

She does not disappoint, does she! Another wonderful book, which I read within only a few days - boy I love those men from the Chicago Stars! AND their women.

The story is pretty much straight forward. Molly, who we got to know from "It Had to be You" is now in her mid-twenties, author of the Daphne children's book series and owner of a big crush for Kevin Tucker ("Nobody's Baby but Mine"). These two coincidentally end up in a cottage together and because of circumstances better not told her, they get married a few weeks later. Okay, now this is a bit worn - they "have" to get married. Yet, in true SEP-style they fall in love. The campground is a wonderful setting and I envy SEP for her ability to put so many metaphors into the story as well as the way she lets the characters "grow" so subtly. Molly and Kevin are a wonderful couple, each with their insecurities and troubled past, I'm sure everyone else will like them as well. The witty and funny dialogue between them made me laugh out loud quite a few times. One of the funniest parts of the book was near the end when Kevin took Molly to the lake to show her "how romantic" he can be.
The subplot is about Lilly, an aged TV star in her 50s, who happens to be connected to Kevin and when she finds out about his marriage, makes her way to the campground as well. And that's where she meets Liam, a brilliant artist. I've also got to say a big Hooray to SEP for so beautifully addressing the issue of the aging female body. It was a delight to read Liam's comments about Lilly's looks!

Now having said all that - it should be a 5/5. But sorry I can't! Being a writer myself I do know that we sometimes have to stretch certain "plots" to find a start, or even ending, but somehow deep in my heart -even though it's a book - I cannot go past the reason why Molly and Kevin had to get married. It seems wrong to me.

BUT if you can see past that - definitely a book I'd wholeheartedly recommend to anybody who likes a nice and solid romance! Susan Elizabeth Phillips has delivered again !

Favourite Quote
"Did anybody tell you that you're a few french fries short of a Happy Meal?"   

Janet Evanovich - Smokin' Seventeen

Publisher: Random House, Inc

ISBN: 978-0-345-52768-4

My rating: 2/5

Where there's smoke there's fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum.

Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie's name is on the killer's list.
Short on time to find evidence proving the killer's identity, things get even more complicated for Stephanie when family and friends decide it's time for her to decide between long-time off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop, Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert, Ranger. Stephanie's mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both, and choose a former high school football star who has just returned to town. Stephanie's sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir "bake-off". And Grandma Bella, Morelli's old world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts "the eye" on Stephanie.
With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men and  a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie's life looks like it's about to go up in smoke. (www.evanovich.com)


My thoughts

See - I have no idea what to write or for that matter what to think about "Seventeen". I thought it was boring, confusing and here and there an affront to the readers.

I read a review on goodreads the other day and even though slightly harsh, it pinpoints more or less what I've been thinking. Click here to read the review.

So, okay, there was lots of Ranger, I always like that. He's my favourite without a doubt! Morelli is a sex addict who is not interested in spending any time with SP if it doesn't end up in the bedroom. Anybody else who finds that irritating?  Lula is slightly funny and Grandma Mazur is being neglected. As for Steph - the Vordo thingy is ridiculous and not enough reason for hopping into bed with the two men in her life within a day!

Anybody else who had figured out the killer half way through the book? Yup, it was too obvious, I thought.

Read it if you're a die hard Plum fan, otherwise, read the first few installments - They're brilliant!

Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Dream a Little Dream

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 978-0380794478

My rating:  5/ 5


(This is not an official Chicago Stars book, but continues the story of the Bonner family.)

After the discovery that her late husband, a popular televangelist, embezzled five million dollars from his ministry, Rachel Stone, the televangelist's widow, is an outcast—broke, unemployed, with a five-year-old son to raise. Fate and a dead car engine leave her at a shabby drive-in theater owned by Gabriel Bonner, the hostile black sheep of the town's most prominent family. Welcome to Salvation, North Carolina, where a man who's forgotten what tenderness means meets a woman with nothing to lose.
Chicago Stars Series Book #4  (www.susanephillips.com)


My thoughts

BINGO !! -  LOVED. IT !!!


I always wondered what a book would be like that I'd rate 5/5. "Dream a little Dream" is very, very close to just that, but I couldn't give it any less than 5 because of the way it got me glued to the pages for two full days and got the emotions going non-stop.

The story tugs at your heart from the very page and it doesn't stop for quite a while. I had this book read within just a few days and am very glad I did.

With only a few dollars left in her pocket, Rachel's car breaks down in Salvation - the place she left only years early when her televangelist husband is killed in an accident. Rachel is now determined to find the five million dollars, the money her husband stole from the congregation - with good intentions in the back of her mind, as well as the intentions of providing her five year old son with a better future. Then she meets Gabe - Cal Bonner's brother (from Nobody's Baby But Mine) who is still grieving for his late wife and son.

The characters, mainly Rachel and Gabe, are real to the bone - with their flaws and their goodness at heart their daily struggle to survive what life throws at them is a wonderful read and in my opinion couldn't have been put into words any better.
Ethan, Gabe's brother, is a hoot, especially when he finally figures out his feelings for Kirsty and I really enjoyed their story, which got me laughing within all the tears I shared with Rachel - I would've loved for SEP to give them a book in their own right.

The only aspect I didn't like the mean-spirited portrait of Cal. I loved him in Nobody's baby but mine and thought, even though he was the protective older brother, his actions were uncharacteristic for him.

All in all .... LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED and will place it underneath all the books on my desk so I can read it again soon !

Go and get it if you love a nice romance with oomph!

Janet Evanovich - Wicked Appetite

Publisher: St Martin's Press

ISBN: 0312652917

My rating: n/a


Seven Stones of Power. No one knows when they were created or by whom, each said to represent one of the Seven Deadly Sins.
For centuries, treasure hunters have been eager to possess the stones, undeterred by their corrupting nature. The list is long -- Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, to name a few. Now the Stones have found their way to Salem, Massachusetts, and so has Gerwulf Grimoire, adding himself to this rogues' gallery of power seekers. He's an uncommonly dangerous man, with a hunger for the forbidden, and a set of abilities that are way beyond ordinary. Abilities that he feels entitle him to possess anything he might desire.

That would include Elizabeth Tucker, the woman he needs to find the Stones. She's freshly transplanted from New York City to Boston's North Shore. With a new job as pastry chef at Dazzle's bakery and an old house inherited from her Aunt Ophelia, her life is pretty much on track …until it's suddenly derailed by a guy named Diesel, a rude monkey, and a ninja cat.

Lizzy can handle the monkey and the cat. She's not sure about Diesel. He's offering up his own set of unusual talents, promising to protect her from Grimoire. The kind of protection that Lizzy suspects might involve guarding her body day and night.

The Seven Deadly Sins are pride, greed, lust, envy wrath, sloth and gluttony. That pretty much covers everything that is wicked. Diesel thinks it also pretty much covers everything that's fun. And Lizzy thinks Diesel and the Seven Deadly Sins cover everything her mother warned her about. (www.evanovich.com)

My thoughts

I honestly have to admit that I respect Janet Evanovich to much as a writer to give this any bad marks, because, it was clearly not my "cup of tea" and thus it wouldn't be fair to judge it.

The few points I would make would be: I honestly thought I was reading another in-between with Stephanie and got all confused with the names - we had Diesel , the bad guy Wolf AND even Carl the monkey.
The rest is literally all the same: we have the same amount of eyerolls, same cars, same attraction between the main characters, lots of food, "the finger" from Carl and the list goes on and on.

I'm sure there's an audience out there for this kind of book, but no, I'm not one of them. So I'm afraid you need to make up your mind yourself.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Nobody's Baby But Mine

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 978-0380782345

My rating: 4/5


The Plan: Genius physics professor Dr, Jane Darlington desperately wants a baby.

The Target: Cal Bonner, the Chicago Stars' legendary quarterback, seems like the perfect choice. But his champion good looks and down-home ways are deceiving.

The Explosion: A brillant, lonely woman who dreams only of motherhood . . . A take no-prisoners tough guy who'll settle for nothing less than surrender . . . Can passion and physical attraction propel two strong-willed yet vulnerable people to a totally unexpected love?

Chicago Stars Book #3  (www.susanephillips.com)


My thougths

Am I allowed to say it? DANG - she's done it again.

I liked the story! The plot is simple and based on a somewhat far-fetched idea. The main characters are Jane - 34, not married, very cleversome physicist who doesn't want anything more than a baby she can love with all her heart. Neglected during childhood and feeling that she's an oddity because of her brains, she's looking for someone "dumb". That someone is Cal Bonner, Football player with the Chicago Stars! Cal is 36 and avoiding the subject of age like hot fire. Retirement is a no-no word around him. Though it's not his age and the retirement, yet the angst of not knowing what the "life-after-football" will bring. It scares the devil out of him. Yet, he's no "dumb" footy player as Jane soon finds out.

So through some opportunities, Jane gets "her night", falls pregnant, Cal finds out, and honourable as he is - they get married.

That's when the fun starts! We get to know Annie, Cal's grandmother, Ethan, his brother, and his parents, who over the course of the story rekindle their marriage and fall in love again. Well, let's not forget Kevin Tucker, another Football player of the Chicago Stars who's made his way to Salvation, Cal's hometown and the place he and Jane have settled for the next few months.

The characters are well developed. There's Jane in her mid-thirties, clever, witty though not the good looking stunner. And Cal, sexy, smart, stubborn comes to mind and honorable, but also commitment-phobic  - and please nobody mention retirement! Both of them together are a hoot. There arguments and conversations are well worth the lack of sleep I had in the morning after reading through most of the night! What a cracker!

And there's Annie .... nuff said. What a gem.

Go and get that one if you're in need for a good giggle or laugh.

Favourite Quote: "I married a damned cereal killer"