Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

#BookReview: The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley

4 May

The Firefighter Daddy

The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Firefighter Liam McGregory is used to staring down five-alarm fires—but becoming a father to his two little nieces has him sending out a call for help. When the girls return a lost pup to its beautiful owner, Liam thinks widow Sarah Blackburn is just the person he needs—or who the children need. He’s promised to never marry again. ‘ Sarah takes his deal: she’ll watch his kids and he’ll watch her menagerie of pets—but the new father is off-limits. But two determined little matchmakers can be hard to resist when they need a mom to make one big happy family…

 

My thoughts:

From the endearing characters to the charm of small town life, I loved everything about The Firefighter Daddy! Liam and Sarah’s story is engaging, entertaining, and such a pleasure to read. I’m excited to know this is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to future stories. Margaret Daley has written another touching and tender tale that is sure to delight fans of heartwarming romance!

Fun side note: I was delighted to find a character in this book who shares my first name! Rarely do I find my name in print, and it’s always fun to spot another Britney. In this case, Britney Simmons is a swim instructor who readers meet in Chapter Eight. 🙂

 

Margaret Daley

Margaret Daley is an award-winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. She has also won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. Margaret wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press.

Connect with Margaret:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

The Firefighter Daddy

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Join Becky Wade for a Facebook party on May 5!

22 Apr
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A female bodyguard plus her star NFL client plus danger equals a great recipe for romance! Her One and Only, book four in Becky Wade’s Porter Family novels, releases May 3. To celebrate, Becky is hosting an author chat party on her Facebook page on May 5 at 5 PM PDT/8 PM EDT. Join Becky for an evening of book chat with other bookworms and prizes.

Plus a portion of all pre-sales and sales the release week of Her One and Only will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. For more details on how to purchase a copy, click here.

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About the book:

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

21 Apr

Like Never Before

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley’s haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher…if only she new who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime–a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he’s inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She’s scrappy, but wounded. He’s dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley’s quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

 

Quote- Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

My thoughts:

Like Never Before is a must-read romance! Melissa Tagg’s trademark humor and wit shine as she brings Logan and Amelia’s story to life.

From the email banter that begins the novel to the sigh worthy ending, each and every word is pure delight. Speaking of words, here’s one for you – LOGAN. Be still my heart! I love this guy who sees Amelia for who she really is. “I just think one person seeing you for who you really are is better than 150,000 people who’ve got it wrong.”

Humorous and heartfelt, Like Never Before is a novel that is equal parts entertaining and encouraging! The charm of Maple Valley and its residents swept me into the story and Amelia and Logan engaged me with every turn of the page. I reveled in the unexpected historical mystery that threads its way through the novel and savored the inspirational insights that were shared.

From the moment I met them, the members of the Walker family leapt straight from the pages and into my heart. “They are one of Maple Valley’s staple families- the kind everyone loved and not-so-secretly wanted to be a part of.” I adored Like Never Before and can’t wait to continue this fantastic series!

 

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Melissa Tagg is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she’s biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.

Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at http://www.melissatagg.com.

 

Like Never Before

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink | Prize Pack #Giveaway

19 Apr

Sit, Stay, Love

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1W95mqe

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you’re ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.

Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service.

Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.

As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too . . .

 

My thoughts:

“There’s just something about Tippy.”

Yes, indeed! This adorable dachshund mix stole my heart, as did Gina and Cal. Theirs is a heartwarming tale, and I loved every word. From the quirky characters to the humorous antics, I reveled in the charm of this story. While it is a lighthearted romance, Sit, Stay, Love shares a deeper message that will resonate with many readers. Delightfully engaging and entertaining, Sit, Stay, Love is sure to put a smile on your face. Dana Mentink hit a home run with this story, and I would love to read more Tippy tales!

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What do you get when you add one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog? A lesson in love—Tippy style—in Dana Mentink’s new book, Sit, Stay, Love. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too. . . .

Join Dana in celebrating the release of Sit, Stay, Love with a blog tour and a Travels with Tippy prize pack giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Sit, Stay, Love
  • A $75 Visa cash card
  • A basket filled with Tippy-themed goodies
    • Travel-themed decorator box
    • Reading dog statue
    • Dog journal
    • Poems for Dog Lovers
    • Snuggle Paws fleece blanket from Animal Rescue Site
    • Pawprint scarf
    • Doxie desk pen
    • Pupmobile auto magnet
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th on Dana’s blog.

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Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Sit, Stay, Love

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Sit, Stay, Love.

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Release Day #Giveaway from Melissa Tagg!

6 Apr

Hi, friends!  Melissa Tagg is celebrating the release of her fourth novel with a giveaway you don’t want to miss!  If you follow Melissa on social media, you know she’s been gushing about Logan Walker for a long time now!  😉  Head over to her blog and read more about why she really loves this character and enter to win a copy of Like Never Before, plus a $25 Visa card!  

Release Day Giveaway

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#BookReview: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

21 Mar

The Red Door Inn

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle’s Victorian B and B–and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn’t expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they’ve got–and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

 

My thoughts:

The Red Door Inn is a lovely story! Liz Johnson brings to life the sights and sounds of Prince Edward Island in a heartwarming tale of hope and healing. From the characters and their stories to the setting and its charm, I delighted in the story that unfolds at the Red Door Inn. I really enjoyed Marie’s and Seth’s journey and rooted for these two wounded characters to find happiness.

The Red Door Inn is “a place where the wounded come to heal, the broken find forgiveness, and the lonely find a family.” I enjoyed visiting this special place and look forward to continuing the Prince Edward Island Dreams series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer | Banister Falls #Giveaway

17 Mar

The Hearts We Mend

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/21Zw8Tk

Thirteen years ago, Evie’s firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie’s heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie’s life is stream-lined, Jack’s approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe or predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn’t make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn’t felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

 

My thoughts:

 Heartfelt and hopeful, The Hearts We Mend is an inspiring tale! Captivated by the characters in Book 1, The Dandelion Field, I was eager to continue their stories in this second Banister Falls novel.

Evie Bennett is a woman who thrives on plans and post-it notes. When Jack Vale walks into Evie’s life, he changes it in ways she never expected. I loved the relationships shared in this novel and rooted for each of the characters and their happily ever after.

Populated with genuine characters and real-life challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed The Hearts We Mend. Kathryn Springer brings this small town and its residents to life, and I loved experiencing their stories. While the novels in this series can stand alone, I believe they are better enjoyed in order.

 

Celebrate the release of The Hearts We Mend with Kathryn and enter to win two of her books by signing up for her newsletter on her website (left sidebar). The winner will be announced March 23 via Kathryn’s newsletter.

The Hearts We Mend giveaway

 

Kathryn Springer

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books — which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Website | Facebook

 

The Hearts We Mend

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about The Hearts We Mend. 

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#BookReview: On Lone Star Trail by Amanda Cabot

29 Feb

On Lone Star Trail

On Lone Star Trail by Amanda Cabot

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

If there’s one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it’s a man on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow’s End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.

When TJ Benjamin’s wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God’s sense of humor.

As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead–it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.

 

My thoughts:

Once again, Amanda Cabot entertains and encourages readers with an enjoyable visit to the Texas Hill Country! Gillian Hodge and TJ Benjamin are both seeking a new direction when their paths cross quite unexpectedly. “Can this woman without a future and this man running from his past find romance in the present?”

On Lone Star Trail is an engaging story! Gillian and TJ are wounded characters, and theirs is a realistic story riddled with drama, emotion, and romance. I have enjoyed the Texas Crossroads series and will miss visiting Dupree, Texas, and the Rainbow’s End Resort!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, At Bluebonnet Lake, and In Firefly Valley. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

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#BookReview: If I Run by Terri Blackstock |Fitbit #Giveaway

3 Feb

If I Run

If I Run by Terri Blackstock

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1ZEF914

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

 

Terri Blackstock talks about her latest release, If I Run! 

My thoughts:

Heart-pounding and nail-biting, If I Run is a fast-paced suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the way this story was told! The first person point of view heightened the drama and sense of urgency, thrusting me into the action of the story.

From the first page until the last, I was completely engaged in Casey Cox’s story. As the book draws to a close, a subplot is resolved, but Casey’s plight remains ongoing and will continue through the series. Terri Blackstock thrilled me with If I Run and left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this exciting series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Blog Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/tblackstock

 

Join Terri in celebrating her new book with a Fitbit giveaway and a special $4.99 digital pre-order deal!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 16th. The winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.

Plus don’t miss out on the special $4.99 digital pre-order pricing, now through February 15. Pre-order the book through your favorite e-book retailer; details here.

if i run - enterbanner

 

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Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.

Connect with Terri:
Website, Twitter, Facebook

 

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#BookReview: Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

30 Jan

Where She Belongs

Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she’ll have her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He’s glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn’t possible when he can’t get the young widow Shelby off his mind.

 

My thoughts:

“Abiding love was the legacy she most desired…”

Where She Belongs is a complex contemporary romance with elements of intrigue and mystery woven through its pages. It’s a heartfelt story of friends and family, love and loss.

Vivid details and descriptions bring the setting and characters to life and beckon the reader into the story. Shelby Kincaid is determined to reclaim her family’s homestead, and AJ Sullivan is more than happy to be rid of the property. Can they overcome their pasts in order to build a future?

I really enjoyed visiting Misty Willow, its residents, and the memories it holds. “A treasured memory. There’s no greater gift.”

Where She Belongs was my first Johnnie Alexander book, and I look forward to reading more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Johnnie Alexander

Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.  To learn more about Johnnie and her books, visit her website johnnie-alexander.com/.  

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