Review Card & Book Review – Lady Luck’s Map of Vegas By Barbara O’Neal

India Redding is juggling a web design career, a long-distance romance, and an exasperating promise she made to her late father: keep an eye on her vivacious mother, Eldora. A former Las Vegas showgirl, the flamboyant sixtysomething bombshell never lacks for curveballs. Her latest idea is that she and India hightail it out of Colorado Springs and hit the road for Sin City in her turquoise ’57 Thunderbird.

Eldora can revisit the neon strips of her youth, and together they can track down India’s twin sister, Gypsy, a haunted vagabond artist prone to disappearing. As mother and daughter sail down Route 66—the Mother Road of souvenir shops, outlying motels, and roadside diners—a flood of memories returns for Eldora. So do the secrets of her past that she could never bring herself to share, until now.

But India has her own secrets, too. Maybe she and her mother are getting to know each other, truly, for the first time. Whatever bumps lie ahead, it’s going to be a life-changing ride to remember.

About The Author

My Review

Lady Luck’s Map of Vegas by Barbara O’Neal is a compelling inter-generational road trip story. Eldora, 63, embarks on a Route 66 journey with her twin daughter India to find Gypsy, her schizophrenic twin. Eldora reveals her adventurous past while India harbors her own secret. Despite an imperfect ending, the characters and engaging narrative captivate throughout.

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Happy Publication Day – 5 December 2024

Reunited At The Lakeside Cottage By Erin Green

Welcome back to the Lakeside Cottage . . .a place to come together, or be driven further apart?

It’s that week between Christmas and New Year, and sisters Kate and Selena, and their friend Paisley, are meeting for an all-girls mini-break – no men allowed. But AffieCarlos and Joseph have a similar idea, involving a sports channel, plenty of beer, and absolutely no women. 

Somehow, there’s been a double booking.

Paisley just wants to escape her worries, to recharge and reset for the coming year. The last thing she needs is complications. 

Kate, the elder sister, is a people pleaser, used to making things run smoothly for her CEO boss, but even she can’t fix this, can she?

Selena, meanwhile, may have a hugely successful career and be about to turn thirty, but she’s her own worst enemy, and, as per usual, this mess may well be her fault…

To make matters worse, Paisley and Joseph have history. 

Can the six of them find a way to navigate nearly a week together? Can the past be left behind and a new future found?

Reach For The Stars By Maxine Morrey

Felicity was never meant to end up with a money-pit farmhouse to renovate and a broken heart to heal…

But when Fliss attempts to drown the sorrow of seeing her ex-fiancé and his new wife’s magazine-worthy wedding all over social media, one rash decision loses her a job and gains her a doer-upper in the blink of an eye.

The only bright spot of living in the country is the very dishy and very handy loveliest-man-ever Jesse Woods. And when Fliss’s new roof has an ill-advised meeting with a tree in the middle of the night resulting in her literally seeing stars, there’s only one thing for it. She’s going to have to accept Jesse’s help and a place to stay.

City girl Fliss is at rock bottom but if anyone can teach her to turn her gaze from the gutter to the stars it’s Jesse Woods. She’s been burnt trusting men before, but Jesse may just be worth breaking her own rules for…

On The Rocks By Leslie North

Crafting signature cocktails is my passion.Mixing things up with my oh-so-hot, mega-successful ex?A surefire recipe for the world’s most epic hangover.
I only agreed to compete in this mixology contest for one reason.To raise money so I can open my own speakeasy.And I have to admit, it’s a blast…until I see him.
Aiden Calihan. Heartbreaker extraordinaire. Grumpzilla.And now the billionaire owner of a luxury liquor brand.I’d love nothing more than to douse him with a Dirty Shirley.
Then, he goes and insults my already injured pride.The sculpted scumbag doesn’t even recognize me!And he expects me to flog his overpriced booze during the contest?
Oh, hell no!I’d rather drink bottom shelf bourbon from a broken glass.
But then he offers me a job I’d have to be punch-drunk to refuse.Create the perfect nonalcoholic drink.A gig that will fast-track my speakeasy dream.
With any luck, I won’t have to see much of the Grouch King.That is, until he starts invading my dreams.And like an alcoholic craving one more sip, I might be spiraling toward a romantic relapse…

Review Card & Book Review – Fired Up By Gigi Templeton

Avery Reed knows how to fire up the grills! And with his piercing blue eyes, the rugged pitmaster makes women’s mouths water, including Layla Jenson’s. She’s a YouTube cook-off host who’s spotlighting talented BBQ cooks across the country. Her current project is a bunkhouse cook showdown—and former pitmaster pro Avery holds the key to its success.

Unfortunately, Layla’s running from a troubled past. And Avery has his own demons nipping at his heels.

When Layla visits the TRIPLE R to ask Avery to be on the show, will their scorching chemistry seal the deal? Or will their complicated pasts tear them apart?

About The Author

My Review

“Fired Up” offers a sizzling romance between Avery and Layla, whose chemistry is as intense as the grills they cook on. Gigi Templeton crafts a charming cowboy in Avery and a determined heroine in Layla, creating an enjoyable, light-hearted read perfect for a lazy afternoon. While the romance is well-executed, the spice level may feel a bit lacking for some, and there’s a desire for deeper exploration of the characters’ backstories and challenges. Despite this, the book provides a delightful mix of barbecue and love, with a touch of danger to keep things interesting.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Summer Of Perfect Mistakes By Cynthia St. Aubin

You can’t have the breakthrough without the breakdown…

No one in Spring Valley recognizes Lark Woodley anymore. They only remember who she used to be. Homecoming queen. Valedictorian. And one half of Spring Valley High’s golden couple. But Lark knows that her once-perfect life wasn’t really perfect. Hell, it wasn’t even her. And in one evening, she lost it…and that perfect girl is gone forever.

Now Lark’s trying to put the fragile pieces back together, with no idea of where to start. She’s only a faint sketch of the person she was, with blurry, tentative lines—and under the constant scrutiny of her overbearing parents. The only bright spot in her life is a community art class taught by Nick Hoffman, the esoteric and unreasonably hot guy from high school. And he’s not interested in a “perfect” Lark at all…

Suddenly Lark’s world is taking shape and the colors are growing more vibrant, from afternoon margaritas with Southern-fried divorcées to late-night apple pie with chocolate ice cream and an increasingly spicy situationship with Nick.

But what she’s found comes with a “best before summer’s end” expiration date. And Lark doesn’t know if she can ever truly let go of aiming for perfect…

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Lark, a former prom queen and valedictorian now at Dartmouth, as she navigates life after a public breakup and the decision to leave medical school. Battling depression and anxiety, she finds solace in an art class taught by a former classmate, Nick. As they reconnect, Lark learns to indulge in life’s pleasures and starts healing. The story, filled with humor, wit, and deep emotion, highlights Lark’s journey from perfection to embracing her true self. Lark’s supportive friends, Tammy, Linda, and Julia, and Nick’s tender care add warmth and depth. The book portrays the non-linear path of healing and the importance of self-acceptance, with well-written, steamy romance scenes adding to the charm.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 3 December 2024

Beautiful Broken Love By Shanora Williams

It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone. And Davina Klein-Roberts still isn’t sure how to move forward.

To escape her anguish, Davina throws everything into work, pushing Golden Oil Co., her self-built skin care line, to become a viral success. Now she’s poised to clinch a major endorsement deal too. But it’s bittersweet without Lew by her side.

A meeting with Deke Bishop, the hot NBA star she’s courting for her brand, leaves Davina flustered. With his dimpled smile and warm handshake, Deke’s a natural pitchman. And he’s clearly interested—not only in her lotions.

Davina soon discovers that Deke’s more than just another player and carries his own pain. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her guilt. Will the pain of a future already lost keep her from embracing hope for a new one?

Review Card & Book Review – Such A Good Family By Caitlin Weaver

I was so happy when my son, Knox, began dating my best friend’s daughter. Our kids grew up together and we used to joke, as we sipped wine and watched them play, that they’d get married one day. But when Knox came home late after a party, zipping his hoodie up to hide the scratches I caught a glimpse of on his collarbone, a chill went down my spine.

That night, our whole world shattered. Now, I hardly recognize my husband as he sweeps into action, calling in a hot-shot lawyer to defend our boy.

I love my son, but what if I don’t know him at all? It turns out, everything I thought I knew about my perfect family is a lie. And I’m about to discover just what I’ll do to stop it from falling apart.

About The Author

My Review

Lorrie and Eden, best friends for 15 years, live across the street from each other and share many aspects of their lives, including raising their children, Summer and Knox. As the children start dating around their high school graduation, Eden receives a call that Summer is in the hospital. Summer’s only word, “KNOX,” leads to an accusation that shatters their world and their friendship. The story follows the two mothers as they navigate the ensuing family crisis and make difficult decisions to protect their loved ones. The book is a thought-provoking and emotional domestic drama that explores the ripple effects of the accusation on everyone involved, highlighting the complexities of the characters’ choices and the strain on their relationships.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 2 December 2024

The Silver – Haired Sisterhood By Judy Leigh

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam – the Five French Hens – for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

The Girl With The Irish Secret By Susanne O’Leary

Staring up at the magnificent, rose-covered walls of her grandmother’s house, Violet Fleury isn’t sure she’ll be welcome inside. After running from her hometown in Ireland to follow her dreams of acting, she’s back to play Irish legend, Kathleen O’Sullivan, in a local film. She’s vowed to tell the story of the woman her village are so proud of – and to build bridges with the family she drifted away from. But will they give her a second chance?

Violet’s sisters might be hesitant, but whilst helping with her sweet young nieces and nephews, Violet feels closer to them than ever before. Then Violet’s leading man, dangerously handsome Jack Montgomery, arrives in the peaceful countryside. The instant chemistry between them is as fiery as Violet’s flaming red hair… and discovering stories about Kathleen from the locals, Violet sees Jack’s kindness too. He even wins over Violet’s sisters. Could he help stitch their family back together?

But when Violet finds dusty, handwritten notes from Kathleen in her research, she wonders if this legendary woman was the heroine everyone thinks. And when Jack pulls out of the film, Violet is heartbroken. The villagers, and Violet’s whole family, are in awe of Kathleen’s story – and Violet had even started to imagine staying in Ireland. But without Jack by her side, could these secrets destroy the town’s reputation, and the second chance she’s been dreaming of?

Review Card & Book Review – Calder Country By Janet Dailey

1920s, Blue Moon, Montana. The small cattle town is alight with the excitement of cars, telephones, and airplanes. But as new inventions and new roles for women collide with Prohibition and the rising battle between gangsters and the FBI, Blue Moon finds itself—and some of its most infamous residents and powerful families—at a crossroads, and in battles of their own, between hearts and minds . . .

Heir to the Hollister Ranch on his mother’s side, Mason Dollarhide is back home after a five-year prison sentence for smuggling bootleg liquor. Cynical and daring, he’s already up to his old tricks, having his goods trafficked to him by plane. . . . Until the pilot is injured in a crash and captured by federal agents.

Ruby Weaver learned to fly from her smuggler father. To keep him out of prison, she agrees to take over his route and go undercover to help the Feds break up a bootlegging ring. Mason is only one part of that large operation, but he’s the rugged, rebellious, and tantalizingly irreverent part that makes an impression. Against her better judgement, Ruby finds herself falling for him, fighting an attraction that could jeopardize them both, while harboring a secret that could destroy any hope of a future together . . .

Mason has never met a woman quite like Ruby. Not only is she brave and beautiful, but she somehow understands his ways—and may even inspire him to change them. The first step will be trusting her enough to open his heart . . .

While the fire between Ruby and Mason smolders, other star-crossed Blue Moon romances blaze, as old family rivalries between the Dollarhides and the Calders continue. But when tables unexpectedly turn, some dreams may go up in smoke . . .     

About The Author

My Review

Mason Dollarhide returns home after serving time in prison for smuggling bootleg liquor. He aims to regain his mother’s trust to access the family money and restart his illicit business on a larger scale. Meanwhile, pilot Ruby Weaver’s father is imprisoned for the same crime, and she collaborates with federal agents to avoid hard labor for him and prison for herself. Ruby and Mason frequently work together as she delivers shipments to him, drawing her deeper into the world of smuggling. As their lives intertwine, they face growing dangers and personal dilemmas, raising questions about their ability to escape the criminal world before it’s too late.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 1 December 2024

The Broken Places By Mia Sheridan

The streets of San Francisco aren’t as sunny as the city pretends they are. Inspector Lennon Gray has learned this the hard way, and it’s starting to wear on her. When a new case plunges her into the depths of the transient community, Lennon must once again face ugly truths about humanity.

Her new partner makes things a little easier, though.

Agent Ambrose Mars is charming—innocent, somehow, despite his own hard years in the field. The combination leaves Lennon fascinated and disturbed at the same time, and she’s even more drawn to him for it.

As they investigate the hallucinogenic drug that’s forcing homeless citizens into bizarre and dangerous role-plays, Lennon and Ambrose find their relationship intensified with every new twist. But when these revelations begin to uncover secrets she wasn’t prepared to know, Lennon will have to decide how much more she can take…before something important is taken from her.

Nobody’s Perfect By Sally Kilpatrick

Vivian Quackenbush enjoys a typical life. She has winesday evenings with her two best friends. Her son is in college. She and her husband, Mitch, are planning the next move for their empty-nester future. But to Vivian’s blindsided surprise…not together.

After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Mitch wants a divorce. He confesses that he doesn’t love her anymore. He never even liked her chicken salad! Brutal. What is Vivian to do but channel her anger, frustration, and pain into a video she posts online. Ill advised? Perhaps. Cathartic? Absolutely. Overnight, Vivian goes viral. Millions of views and counting—to Mitch’s fury, her son’s embarrassment, her mother’s support, and the media’s delight. For Vivian, it’s a moment of truth: hide or lean into it. Vivian 2.0 chooses to lean—maybe even toward the younger single father next door.

Now Vivian is wondering where she goes from here. She’s discovering that somewhere in her trending if upended life, she’ll have to figure out who she really wants to be.

Review Card & Book Review- All Our Tomorrows By Catherine Bybee

When Chase Stone’s estranged father dies, leaving his multibillion-dollar business to his children, no one is more surprised than Chase. Growing up outside of the high-stakes world filled with human vultures, Chase and his sister, Alex, are less than enthusiastic about stepping into their father’s shoes. That is until they learn of a half brother they didn’t know existed and must find to share their inheritance with.

Piper Maddox was the elder Mr. Stone’s übercapable assistant—abruptly fired two weeks before his death. She knows everything about Stone Enterprises and the man who built it. But Piper has no desire to work for another member of the Stone family. Even one as down-to-earth as Chase.

Desperately needing financial security, Piper agrees to return so long as kissing up to Chase and accepting unwanted advances are not part of her job description. A promise that becomes a serious hurdle for both of them. Piper and Chase scramble to find the third Stone sibling before the media does, sharing secrets along the way. Secrets that can bring them together or tear them irrevocably apart.

About The Author

My Review

It centers on Chase and Alex, whose absentee father dies, leaving them a massive inheritance with conditions that force them to revisit their past. This story focuses on Chase as he takes over the family business and rehires Piper, his father’s assistant. Together, they manage the company and search for a sibling Chase never knew about. A will stipulation compels Chase and Alex to involve Piper, who has her own secret—she’s pregnant from a one-night fling.

The narrative delves into Piper’s emotions about her pregnancy, her conservative parents, her adjustment to a wealthy environment, and her growing affection for Chase. Chase, portrayed as smart, charming, and kind, complements Piper, who is intelligent and strong. Their workplace romance blossoms as Piper learns to rely on Chase. Additionally, Chase’s supportive and loyal relationship with his sister enhances the story.

My Rating

Link To Purchase