New Releases

Review: The Holiday Survival Guide by Jane O’Reilly

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20131228-082612.jpg New Release!

This sexy novella tells the story of London tabloid writer Erica and the survival trip she signed up for in the dead of winter. Her survival guide is Nathan, whose wife she publicly, and in low tabloid style, busted for cheating.

The story was equal parts scary snow survival and steamy sex. Erica and Nathan had great chemistry and creativity. The well-written sex scenes were integrated perfectly into the plot, the dialogue was smart and natural, the characters were likable and well-developed.

I totally enjoyed this winter romp, which came with a bit of commitment and a happy ending. I’d read it again, and I recommend it even to readers who don’t usually read novellas. This is one of very few that uses its 60 pages so wonderfully!

A note to American readers: This HOLIDAY refers to vacation, not Christmas!

-Calliope

Released January 1, 2014.
Buy it now The Holiday Survival Guide

Review: Last Chance Knit & Stitch by Hope Ramsay

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20131218-221825.jpg Molly and Simon were acquainted as children, when Molly was a tomboy and Simon played football for Molly’s dad. Twenty-five years later, Molly is still a tomboy, fixing cars and avoiding domesticity. Simon is a famous artist, dropping back into town for his father’s funeral, besieged by bad memories and childhood trauma. Though they seem an unlikely couple in their own eyes and those all over Last Chance, fate steps in and shows Simon and Molly that sometimes love is enough to overcome the past.

This book is #6 in a series, but it’s the first I’ve read of the Last Chance books. I enjoyed the South Carolina setting, the descriptions of the southern heat, and Miriam the soothsayer. And because I totally dig accents, I was pretty happy hearing Simon talk with all his I-reckons and Yes-sirs, not to mention his fishing down at the river. I thought the Purly Girls widows knitting group was fun — and a little sad, too. Good writing made that juxtaposition possible.

From a yankee’s perspective, I thought the southern charm was believable and integrated well. There were no grits or biscuits mentioned, but there were camellias, bourbon, gardening, “well-shoot”s, and a guy named Bubba!

The subplots were a nice diversion from the usual — a Spanish guy from the west coast falls in love with this small Carolina town and breaks up with his boyfriend to move there; a newly widowed woman has had dementia for years and her son needs to help; businesses changing hands mean job insecurity for many in town; new puppies and new babies give new mommies a run for their money; two May-December romances work out to happily-ever-afters.

The best part of the Molly and Simon story was their ability to stay true to themselves while shedding their fears and insecurities. By loving each other, Molly and Simon became better, brighter, and happier. I was uplifted.

–Calliope

Buy it now Last Chance Knit & Stitch

Review: The Perfect Match (Revisited) by Kristan Higgins

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aaOkay, as most people know, I’m not exactly a romance fan…I reckon I was years ago at some point, but I haven’t been for a very long time…I do remember that I grew up on historical romance! I used to love those books when I was a young teen. They took me to another life…far away from the one I had….I guess that’s it…I used to have a special place in my heart for historical romances, but contemporary romances have never “wowed” me…of course, there is always the hope that I’m going to find a great read from one and from time to time I’m sucked in by all the rave reviews I hear others making….

So this brings me to my first Kristan Higgins book. I’ve thought about reading her a few times…I’ve heard great things about her….and a few have a British love interest….and….well….since I am American and now have a British love, well….that was yet another reason I wanted to give her a try…So here I am….

I have to say, I didn’t have high hopes for the book…sadly enough, I just don’t anymore when it comes to contemporary romances….However, once I started this book, I found myself sincerely enjoying it. I found the characters engaging. I wanted to see what happened to them…of course!!! It’s a romance! We all KNOW how it’s going to end! I mean, it’s Kristan Higgins, right 🙂 But I still wanted to finish the journey and see the paths they traveled to get to the HEA…

About midway though the book, the old negative me came to the surface and I found myself becoming bored and distracted….alas, I was a bit irritated with myself…why must I be so difficult?

But this is Kristan Higgins! She knows how to deal with willy-nellies like me! She pulled me right back into the fold and I was actually wanting to cry at one point! I was sad…and I was happy…and I was sad again….once I finally went down the path to the HEA, I was sad and disappointed that the journey was over…thrilled that I was able to travel down it to be sure…but sad and darn it…I now want to read MORE of Kristan Higgins….Of course, she has no clue what a downer I am….but for anyone that knows me, I hope that you at least realise what a true compliment that is coming for me….

Reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Until next time….

Urania xx

Buy it now The Perfect Match

Review: Married for Christmas by Noelle Adams

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20131211-235749.jpg Married for Christmas is Christmassy and sweet … The characters are young and quirky … I enjoyed it as a cute, unique novella. But the dialogue is uneven – natural in some places, out of place in others. And as sweet and charming as the story was, the whole time I was reading, I felt like I was watching an awkward, nerdy first date.

Jessica and Daniel marry out of convenience – or so they tell each other. They have quite a few misunderstandings and silent sulks because of their insecurities. Any feelings they have for each other are slowly and painfully revealed until they are finally honest with themselves and each other. A happily-ever-after on Christmas Day endeared me to the book, and yes I did sigh dreamily. 🙂

I enjoyed the Christmas aspect of the story, which was emotional and uplifting. I also thought the secret fears of a young couple were written very realistically. My favorite part of the book was the honesty Jessica persisted with, no matter the potential rejection or hurt. Her honesty was the catalyst for her marriage to move forward – what a gift!

This is a good read for someone in a new relationship.

-Calliope

Buy it now (99¢!!!) Married for Christmas

New Releases for Dec 10, 2013

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This is a great week for new releases. I’m grabbing quite a few of them myself.

18528454A Beautiful Wedding: A Novella (Beautiful Disaster) I am so excited for this one!!!!!! Since I’m obsessed with Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster, I am totally grabbing this one. In fact, I’m probably reading it right now, as you read this. And I’m sure it’s awesome. 🙂

17987085True: 11 (New Species) I must admit, I love love love this series!!! And it’s not just for the covers, although, those are pretty to look at. 🙂

17446757Avoiding Temptation
This actually released early last night. Super excited!!! It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for this book to come out! We left off at a bit of a crossroads, after the last one, and I’m dying to know what Lexi does now. Again, this will be read today as well. I hope nothing major happens in the world. I’m going to be busy.

18210033Elect (Eagle Elite)
I read this book, and WOW!!! What a ride this was! My review will be on Friday, but I will say that my emotions were in Heaven over this one. This books was made for me. 🙂

17797381Innocence: A Novel This book has it all, mystery, suspense, and love. Sounds like a fantastic book!! I know a few of the muses will be sitting and chatting about this one. 🙂

18105102Reviving Izabel (In the Company of Killers)
I totally forgot this one was out!! This is the second book in the In the Company of Killers series. I read Killing Sarai and was shocked at how much I liked it. Not my usual read, but I’m happy to be able to snag the second book. I really wanna know what’s going to happen with Victor and Sarai/Izabel. 🙂Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers)is on sale for only 99 cents, til Dec 15. So I’d grab it now, if I were you. 🙂

Well I hope you found one or two, or possibly five books that caught your eye.

Happy New Release Day!!!!

~Melpomene

Review: Honeymoon in Paris by Juliette Sobanet

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20131206-001838.jpg New Release!

Honeymoon in Paris is a mystery wrapped in chick-lit, with a little romance thrown in. Charlotte and Luc begin their marriage in a small apartment in Lyon, France, where Luc romances the heck out of his wife ….
Until he starts keeping secrets.

For most of the book, Charlotte tries to unravel Luc’s mysterious past, while she herself unwittingly wades into the mystery. I liked Charlotte’s amateur sleuthing. I identified with her need to know what was going on, and also her obliviousness to some of the danger around her. (Call me nosy and naïve!)

I also liked Charlotte’s friendship with Lexi and Fiona. Their knowing glances, quick-catch-ups over pastry or texts, and occasional nights out seemed authentic. The girls are young, adventuresome, and pretty fearless. The book skewed a little young for my personal taste, but it brought me back to my 20s, and it was a pretty fun trip.

The supporting cast was a treat – sleazy Vincent, Devil-Loves-Prada-Glenn-Close Mireille, and spoiled Brigitte. Sometimes foils are just as fun as protagonists, and that was certainly the case here!

The only thing that bothered me about Honeymoon in Paris is the subtitle (A Paris Romance). This book wasn’t much of a romance. It was mostly chick lit and mystery, with a few lovey dovey scenes between the newly married couple. Because of the subtitle, I expected a romance and was disappointed. If the subtitle read A Paris Adventure, I would have been ready for the capers that ensued. The other Paris books in Sobanet’s repertoire skew more toward romance.

If you’re up for suspenseful chick lit and you’ve got your sleuthing hat on, you’ll enjoy Honeymoon in Paris.

-Calliope

Buy it now Honeymoon in Paris

New Releases for Dec 3, 2013

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What a great week for new releases!! I will be busy reading a few of these this week.

17899995A Christmas to RememberI’m reading this Christmas book right now. I’ve read the Jill Shalvis book and now working on Kristen Ashley’s book. I’m excited to get another story about the Chaos group.

18164292The Ever After of Ella and Micha I have been waiting for this book for a while. I read the first book, in the series, but I was waiting to read the next part of their story, until this part was out. I’m dying to know how everything works out!! If you’re curious about them, grab the first book, The Secret of Ella and Micha , for only 49 cents!! Not sure how long the sale’s gonna last, so I’d get it now.

18621172Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella I totally forgot this was out!! I must find out what happening with Joss and Braden. This novella also gives us a preview of Before Jamaica Lane.

18713190Take Over at Midnight (The Night Stalkers) And here is yet another series I have waiting for me…story of my life…But I am determined!!

16247792Gabriel’s Redemption (Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy) I LOVE Professor Emerson!!!! I am so happy to have received an ARC of this book. I loved this book!! It was the perfect ending to a perfect series. My review will be on Friday.

18698108Before We Fall: The Beautifully Broken Series: Book 3 This was a very dark and emotional book. I’ve never read Courtney Cole before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I am so glad I did. My review will be posted this afternoon.

Now go and get that one click finger warmed up!

~Melpomene

Review: Our Picnics in the Sun by Morag Joss

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20131129-122346.jpgA man trapped both physically and mentally after a debilitating stroke. His wife resentful and overwhelmed by his needs. A distant son who refuses to return to the home he worked so hard to escape. A harsh, unforgiving landscape. And two strangers who mysteriously appear at their doorstep one night. Morag Joss has given us a cast of characters worthy of a fulfilling, suspenseful story.

Howard and his wife, Deborah, are simple, eccentric country people who insist on living off the land and shun many modern conveniences. Their son Adam escaped his sheltered upbringing to become a successful businessman. Howard loves nothing more than making pottery and practicing yoga while Deborah spends her time weaving and tending to her home and garden. They also run a not-so-successful bed and breakfast. When Howard suffers a stroke and becomes completely dependent on Deborah for his most basic needs, feelings begin to change and long buried resentments rise to the surface. Both Howard and Deborah are desperate for the attention and affection of Adam. But time and again they are disappointed by his unfulfilled promises of a long past due visit. Complicating matters is a lingering guest, Theo. As Deborah’s relationship with Theo begins to grow, she starts to view him as a replacement for her absent son. However, dark thoughts soon start to cloud her judgment as she begins to question everything she thought her life has stood for up to this point.

This book was described to me as a psychological thriller, and it definitely had me on the edge of my seat waiting for “it” to happen. The author wove a story full of such secret and suspense that I just knew at any moment the bottom was going to fall out. Although I caught on to one of the cliffhangers at about three quarters of the way through the book, her writing is so beautifully lyrical and descriptive that I wanted to keep reading just for the pleasure of the journey. The ending did not disappoint me and all of my questions were answered, although I would describe this book as more of a suspenseful drama than a psychological thriller. A good read!

~Thalia

Buy it Now: Our Picnics in the Sun: A Novel

New Releases for Nov 26, 2013

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It’s super Tuesday!!! There are a ton of great books being released today. Again, I’m thanking my family for all the GC. I am using them up quite quickly.

17830559Remy (The REAL series) I love Remy!! That is all I’m saying about that. Here is my review.

17233800Crash into You (Harlequin Teen) I really enjoyed this one as well!! Here is our review.

16101234The Chocolate Heart (Amour et Chocolat) I’m just about to start this one. But here is our review.

17415184Highland Master (The Murrays) Gotta love those Highlanders! I’m hoping to get a chance to read this one soon.

18050760Love a Little Sideways (The Kowalskis) This is Number 7 in the Kowalski series. I have a few of them sitting on my kindle. I am determined to start this series this week. Perhaps while I sit in those long lines on Friday morning.

18221310Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion) This is the first in the Blackcoat Rebellion series. I just finished it yesterday. My review will be up tomorrow. All I can say is, if you liked The Hunger Games, you will like this.

Now, I hope you found at least one book that caught your eye. Make sure you fill up your kindles before you head off to family gatherings. You never know when you’re gonna need a break from all those crazies. 🙂

~Melpomene

Review – King and Maxwell, by David Baldacci.

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17333431I’ve been a fan of David Baldacci for about the last 10 years or so, so when I received this ARC to review, I jumped in reading straight away. As you can probably start to tell by now, my taste in genres is pretty varied. Baldacci is my go-to author for my ‘fluff’ reading; he is like James Patterson, only twice as good and actually writes his own books (allegedly!).

This book is the latest in the Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series – a buddy cop type series, but with two former Secret Service agents. I really like this series because these two characters have some genuine chemistry and seem half believable. It’s not too late to start this series as there are only 5 other books before this one.

The plot is your standard ‘two agents must save the day against juggernaut government factions that kill at will’ etc, etc… However, this plot has a contemporary edge to it, which makes it seem like it could potentially happen in today’s age. The pace of the writing is fast and exciting – before you know it, you’ve read ¾ of the book!

I won’t for one second say that this book will invoke any kind of emotional tidal wave, make you ponder the meaning of life and being, challenge your inner self, or anything like that. It will however, serve as an entertaining and quick read, one that doesn’t disappoint because you know what you are getting, and it doesn’t fail to deliver. I highly recommended this for fans of Baldacci’s King and Maxwell series.

Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

~ Pegasus.

Buy It Here: King and Maxwell (King & Maxwell)<