The Valentine's Bet: A Sweet RomCom By Kristine W. Joy-Review

 Book Synopsis

What happens when a hopeful romantic bets a grumpy skeptic that love really exists?

Now that I’ve landed my dream job in NYC, I’m finally ready to find Mr. Right.

What better way to meet new people in a big city than a speed dating event?

Or so I thought—until I got stuck with the biggest cynic in the room.

Parker’s disdain for love drives me crazy, yet there’s something about his icy blue-green eyes that draws me in.

Determined to prove to him that love exists, I find myself betting him that I can find a boyfriend by Valentine’s Day.

Yet somehow, every cringe-worthy date I endure ends with Parker swooping in to rescue me.

As our rivalry evolves into an unexpected friendship, I catch glimpses of the caring man hidden beneath his tough facade.

Now, I can’t ignore the flutter in my heart when he’s around.

But is it just the thrill of competition, or is there something deeper brewing between us?

The Valentine’s Bet is a closed-door, grumpy sunshine romcom. It’s an interconnected standalone to Kristine W. Joy’s The Friendly Fall.

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DS5W1YRB
• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 9, 2025)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8303320420

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  
  
  

My Review

This is the second book I've read by Kristine W. Joy, and I'm excited to check out more. The Valentine's Bet had me laughing, cringing at some awkward moments, and feeling every bit of the sweet romance.

This charming romantic comedy features two relatable characters navigating life while making several mistakes. Amy and Parker meet at a speed dating event. Their dynamic perfectly captures the grumpy/sunshine trope. Amy is searching for true love but struggles to find it. Parker, on the other hand, is skeptical about love and does everything to avoid it. He comes off as grumpy, while Amy believes he dislikes her. The author skillfully brings them together through various dating encounters, making it enjoyable to see their relationship develop.

I loved the moments of fake dates, lessons on red flags, playful banter, texts, an explosive first kiss, ice skating mishaps, and, of course, the Valentine's bet.

This journey to love was a joy to read. The story flows smoothly, filled with humor, flirting, and romance. If you're after a fun and uplifting read, The Valentine's Bet is perfect for your Valentine's Day lineup.

****Meet Author Kristine W. Joy****

Kristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling / and laugh-out-loud banter. She prefers her coffee iced and her kisses hot. When she's not dreaming up romance novels or writing from a cozy coffee shop in Northern California, she is spending time with her hubby and toddler. Becoming a published author was a lifelong dream. Becoming a momma was the inspiration to make it a reality.

Get Connected: https://linktr.ee/authorkristinewjoy

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Valentine's Bet ~*~*~*~*

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Beyond the Crescent Sky: The Balkan Legends Book#2 By A.L. Sowards -Historical Fiction Book Review

 Book Synopsis

Helena is a healer. Ivan is her prisoner. Caught in the crossfire of war, they must choose: loyalty, or love.

The Balkans, 1383

A sudden conflict between Serbs and Greeks has forced Ivan to join his brother and fight with the Serbian army. On the battlefield, Ivan is wounded and captured by the hostile Greeks, and he soon becomes a hostage to be used as a pawn in a deadly bid for power.

Helena, a Greek midwife, is tasked to care for Ivan, a request that will not only test her healing abilities but also her loyalty. Though war has made her reluctant patient an enemy, she can’t help but forge a connection with him, yet falling in love with him could turn her world upside down and brand her a traitor.

As the Ottoman Empire extends its grip into the Balkans, events beyond their control force Ivan and Helena to choose between loyalty to their families and people or following the longings of their hearts.

Award-winning historical novelist A. L. Sowards creates an engaging world of overlords and spies, rebellions and battlefields, and forbidden love.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (January 7, 2025)
• Series: The Balkan Legends Book#2
• Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction 
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 163993300X

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Beyond the Crescent Sky is the second book in the Balkan Legends Series, set in medieval Serbia during the 1300s. This series has introduced me to a fascinating historical period I hadn't explored much before. I appreciate historical fiction because it allows me to learn while enjoying a good story. A.L. Sowards has gained a reputation for her exceptional writing and thorough research in each of her novels.

The main characters, Serbian Ivan and Greek Helena, are compelling. Their tale unfolds as a forbidden romance filled with conflict and personal sacrifice.

Spanning several years, this engaging novel features realistic battles and war scenes involving the Serbs, Greeks, and the dominating Ottoman Empire. After being captured and injured, Ivan is cared for by Helena. As they spend time together, they develop a deep bond and fight for their freedom and love against the odds. Readers experience a range of emotions as both characters navigate through struggles and losses. Sowards effectively portrays their growth amid tough challenges.

I found this touching novel hard to put down. Beyond the Crescent Sky deserves a five-star rating and is a must-read for history enthusiasts. To fully appreciate the story's emotional depth, it's best to read the earlier books in the series first. This series is nothing short of epic.

****Meet Author A.L. Sowards****

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives in Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

For more information, please visit her website, ALSowards.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase Beyond the Crescent Sky ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

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Specters in the Glass House: (A Haunting Dual-Time Inspirational Gothic Suspense Book) by Jaime Jo Wright

 

 Book Synopsis

An ominous butterfly house. A sinister legacy. An untraceable killer.

In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron's empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family's Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian's sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer's ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.

In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer's quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold's mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian's great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?

"Wright is in a class by herself."--Library Journal

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2024)
• Genre:   Inspirational Gothic Suspense 
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 076424146X

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Jaime Jo Wright has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I can always count on her for a well-crafted story that stays with me long after I finish reading.

The dual timelines, one set in 1921 during Prohibition and the other in the present, are easy to follow. This novel blends family drama with mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. There were moments that sent chills down my spine as I questioned what was real and what wasn't. This story plays tricks on the mind, just like it does with its characters. The "Butterfly Butcher" is a key figure in both timelines, adding a haunting atmosphere to the story.

Wright also tackles mental health issues with empathy and care. She portrays these struggles realistically, showing how they impact both the individual and their loved ones. The mysteries in each timeline deliver surprising twists while still providing satisfying resolutions.

Specters in the Glass House will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager for more from this talented author. 

****Meet Author Jaime Jo Wright  ****

Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author--including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards--is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin's rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes - providing an exhilarating amount chaos.

Visit her at: http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com and listen to her podcast MadLit Musings on your favorite podcast player or at http://www.madlitmusings.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase Specters in the Glass House  ~*~*~*~*

HERE

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Meet Me at Midnight : An Enchanted Hollow Romance By Monique Brasher-Rom Com Book Review

  Book Synopsis

With a past she can’t escape and a love she can’t deny, this Cinderella’s story is far from over…

I was supposed to return to Enchanted Hollow under very different free of my stepmother's clutches. But thanks to a twist of, well, cruelty–I’m in charge of a high-profile celebrity wedding there. The catch? I have to execute it to my stepmother’s extremely high standards to get my life back.

Fairytale weddings and happily ever afters are my thing, so this should be an easy slam dunk. Except that my point-of-contact at Ever After Farms is my best friend’s older brother, Luke Jackson.

The problem? He doesn’t really approve of the town’s matchmaking antics. My celebrity bride, Holly, likely fell in love thanks to a little magic. To top it all off? It’s the busiest time of year for his family’s farm.

I’ve got a solid plan in place until our meet cute causes my emotions to be more tangled than the pumpkins in his patch. Then Holly assumes we’re a couple–hello fake relationship–and things spiral out of control. The deeper I get into wedding planning, the less according to plan everything goes.

Luke is determined to prove all the things I’ve believed wrong, but in the best ways. Maybe it’s time I borrow a little courage and write my own happy ending…


Meet Me At Midnight is a closed door, romcom retelling of Cinderella with magical elements and sizzling kisses!

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DLH787ZY
• Genre: Closed Door Rom Com
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (October 30, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 460 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8344932194

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

My Review

Meet Me at Midnight is the first book in the Enchanted Hollow Romance Series. This delightful Cinderella retelling is filled with everything that makes a fairytale special: a charming knight, a lovely but troubled girl, a quaint town full of interesting characters, and a touch of magic that brings the story alive.

Monique Brasher skillfully creates a modern version of the "Cinderella" tale that is sure to make you smile. It features classic elements like a wicked stepmother, two stepsisters, and the Midnight dance, along with many nods to the story you know. The chemistry between Luke and Ella is enchanting, and their journey unfolds over two time periods, ten years apart.

To preserve the magic of the story, I won't share too many details. Some highlights include magical letters, the charm of a small town, the warmth of family support, and funny text exchanges between the characters. Ella learns to be brave, and Luke fiercely protects his family and Ella. This retelling offers a fresh twist on the familiar tale. I’m excited that more books are on the way in the Enchanted Hollow Romance Series.

****Meet Author Monique Brasher****

Monique writes sweet, no-spice, small-town romances. While they might have a smidge of angst, you'll always find a happily ever after with swoony couples and character growth. When she's not writing, she can be found watching The Big Bang Theory or Friends (or a Marvel movie), on the water with her family, or reading a book. She lives in Texas with her husband of 18 years, four kids, two dogs (Thor and Loki), and a cat.

~*~*~*~*Purchase ~*~*~*~*

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Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong-Inspirational Romantic Suspense Book Review & Giveaway

LETHAL WILDERNESS TRAP

by Susan Furlong

December 30, 2024 - January 31, 2025 

Virtual Book Tour

Book Synopsis:

Trust means everything...
when danger hits too close to home.

Hunting a never-caught killer, Special Agent Nolan Shea learns of a new victim. But the body on Ava Burke's land puts her and her young daughter, Rose, in someone's lethal sights. With a trail of shocking clues pointing to her family's involvement, Ava starts to question everything she holds dear and is soon desperate to uncover the truth with Nolan. Step after step, they confront their fears. But will finally cornering a murderer out in the wilderness become a trap they can't escape?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Book Details:

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Published by: Harlequin
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781335980427 (ISBN10: 1335980423)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Harlequin                                                                                                        ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

 

My Review

Lethal Wilderness Trap is a gripping romantic suspense novel by Susan Furlong. The locations in Northern Michigan and Isle Royale National Park enhance the story's mystery. Right from the start, the action is fast-paced and intense. The story kicks off with the discovery of a teenager's body in Mac Burke's barn, putting his daughter-in-law Ava and granddaughter Rose in danger. Special Agent Nolan and his K9 partner, Creed, are assigned to the case, and they dive deep into both the investigation and the personal lives of Ava and Rose.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Rose witnessed something in the barn that puts her in danger. The readers must sift through various twists and turns that reveal family secrets and possible ties to criminals, keeping the suspense high. Numerous false leads keep readers guessing until the shocking truth is uncovered. This compelling novel will engage readers from the first page to the last, making Lethal Wilderness Trap a must-read.

Author Bio:

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.

Catch Up With Susan Furlong:
www.SusanFurlong.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @SusanFurlongAuthor
Instagram - @susanfurlong
Threads - @susanfurlong
Facebook - @SusanFurlongAuthor
Susan Furlong's Amazon Author Page

 

 

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Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life by Mark Marine-Non-Fiction Humorous Short Stories Book Review

 Book Synopsis

Quick. Cheerful. With fire and spirit. This is Salute! Mark is a storyteller. A storyteller extraordinaire. His wit, wisdom and experiences transport each of us to different times, places, passages and moments in life with an amazing, rich imagination. We’ve been with him at Dee’s Hamburger Stand in a far less politically correct era. We’ve been with him in his living room as he scaled sofas, end table and recliners in a single bound. We’ve spent many a Sunday dinner with him in the Marine family’s dining room. And, he gave us a front-row seat for the moment that changed his the day he first cast eyes on Paula. His storytelling is seamless. It’s art. But most importantly, it’s Mark. Unbridled. Unvarnished. And, all served to us with a wink, a smile, a laugh, a lesson and a tinge of the devil-may-care.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ AuthorHouse (April 17, 2020)
• Genre: Non-fiction/Short Stories/Humor
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728343895

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

As an Italian, I was excited to read this book by an Italian author. He is a fantastic storyteller. The short stories made me laugh out loud, while some were sweet and touching. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll see bits of your own childhood, teenage years, and life in general reflected in these tales. Here are some chapter titles that I especially enjoyed:

• -No! That's Mine!
• 
  
• -School Daze
• 
  
• -Deja Vu All Over Again
• 
  
• -Yes, I Have No Bananas
• 
  
• -Me and My Bright Ideas

Each chapter brought a chuckle, but they also carried valuable lessons. What I appreciated most was the author’s invitation for readers to share their own stories and memories. He ends with the powerful reminder to "Always tell your story."

Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life is a fun read for adults, Italian or not. It’s a quick, enjoyable book that will brighten a quiet afternoon.

****Meet Author Mark Marine****

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mark C. Marine is an author, a family man, and an unapologetic individualist. He has led an extraordinary life, taking on roles such as milking cows, being a radio talk show host, owning a dealership and much more. Through his storytelling capabilities, he has managed to encapsulate his life's experiences into a single book. His debut, Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life.

~*~*~Purchase Salute:May you live all the days of your life ~*~*

HERE:

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