The Friendly Fall: A Sweet Romcom by Kristine W. Joy-Romantic Comedy Review

 Book Synopsis

Swearing off men was easy—until the small-town fireman became my unexpected hero.

When I arrive in the small town of West Falls to live with my Granny, I’m determined to move past the job loss and breakup that brought me here.

But it only takes a fall through a ramp and a call to the local fire department to realize my streak of bad luck isn’t over.

To my surprise, the firefighter who rescues me turns out to be the same handyman my granny hires to fix the ramp he saved me from.

There’s something different about him—he’s warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.

As our friendship grows, everyone around us seems to think we’re more than friends.

Despite my vow to stay single and avoid heartbreak, I can’t ignore the mounting pressure from my parents. And when a misunderstanding leads them to believe we’re a couple, I see an opportunity to ease their worries.

Just one weekend of fake dating should do the trick. Then we can pretend it never happened.

But what if our fake romance blurs the lines between friendship and love?

The Friendly Fall is a standalone small town, fake dating, closed-door romcom. It’s got all the cozy fall vibes you love and a cinnamon roll hero that will steal your heart.

Book Details

• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGQP52N6
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (October 22, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8338137345

• ****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.****

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My Review

The Friendly Fall is a lighthearted romance set in a small town, featuring a fake dating scenario filled with humor.

Eliza experiences a tough day when she loses her job and her boyfriend. Looking for a change, she visits her 80-year-old Grandma's town to heal and lend a hand. There, she meets Nick, a versatile bachelor who saves her on her first day. He is kind-hearted and helps everyone in town, quickly proving to be a good person. With his sweet and caring nature, it's hard not to like him. As they spend time together, feelings develop, which surprises both Nick and Eliza, leading them to insist they are "just friends." Readers will enjoy the journey of their budding relationship as they realize they make a great pair and root for their happiness, even if it takes a while for their romance to blossom.

Alongside Eliza and Nick, Eliza's funny Grandma Marilyn, Nick's mother, and his close friends, they all bring extra charm to the story.

If you're a fan of romantic comedies with fake dating, nosy family members, a hero who falls first, and some long-awaited kisses, you will enjoy The Friendly Fall.

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

Kristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling chemistry 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 Friendly Fall~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-

Kindle-https://a.co/d/71wyAsp

Terminal Danger: Guardians Unleashed #5 By Jerusha Agen-Christian Romantic Suspense Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Terminal Danger
Series: Guardians Unleashed #5
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

****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.****

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.  

Exactly as she planned. 

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured. 

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve. 

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?  

My Review

This is the third book I’ve read in this series. If possible, start with the first book because all the team members appear in the last one. This series has become a favorite for me due to the strong, dedicated women who make up the K-9 team. It has been amazing to see how the well-trained dogs work with their human partners. Terminal Danger is the final book in the Guardians Unleashed Series. The highlight is that we finally learn more about the quiet leader, Phoenix Gray. For a long time, readers have wondered about the mysterious Phoenix and what motivates her.

The story begins with a gripping event: a bus full of 3rd graders goes missing during a field trip. Phoenix knows exactly who is responsible for the crime and where the children are. We also meet a new character, Callum Ross, who proves to be a strong match for Phoenix in many ways. Callum’s journey to connect with the tough Phoenix is captivating as he stays by her side day and night to rescue the children. While Phoenix has been closed off in the past, it’s fascinating to see how Callum manages to chip away at her tough exterior.

The tension builds with every page as they race through the wilderness tracking the suspect with the help of their K-9 companions, especially Phoenix’s dog, Dag. Phoenix pushes everyone to move quickly to find the children before the bad weather hits. Callum begins to earn Phoenix’s trust. He is impressed by her sharp instincts and her ability to understand criminal behavior. Gradually, secrets come to light, danger escalates, and the action never slows down. There are plenty of gripping moments, and the plot twists combine two storylines, leading to a thrilling conclusion. 

 The book also shares a message about forgiveness bringing freedom to our hearts, along with a Christian theme about trusting God and having faith.

I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but what a fantastic conclusion! It’s a story that will touch your heart and make you cheer for Phoenix and Callum as they seek peace in their lives.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

     

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About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Hometown Vendetta: A Luke Steele Novel By Traci Hunter Abramson-Suspense Thriller

 Book Synopsis

Marine Captain Luke Steele and FBI Special Agent Amberlyn McDowell must work together to unravel a deadly conspiracy before times runs out while also navigating their undercover fake relationship that is becoming all too real.

Booklist Starred review: "Abramson kicks off her newest series with a bang! Fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard will be delighted to find another author who writes edge-of-your-seat, inspirational, romantic suspense with strong female characters."

When a terrorist attack grips the nation, Luke Steele, a military aide to the president of the United States, is reassigned to track down the suspect because the alleged bomber was spotted wearing a state championship ring from Luke’s hometown. Luke has desperately tried to forget his high school years, but he can’t run from them now. Instead, he must face his most formidable assignment yet: leave his post by the president’s side, return to Pine Falls, Virginia, and face every demon from his childhood—including every person and every thought that told him he wasn’t worth anything.

FBI Special Agent Amberlyn McDowell has spent years tracking domestic terrorism. When she catches a break that could pinpoint the key player in the antigovernment group responsible for dozens of needless deaths, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the information she seeks—even if it means going undercover as Luke Steele’s plus-one at his high school reunion. Though Amberlyn found Luke arrogant and aloof during their time together at Quantico, it doesn’t take long for her to discover that there’s much more to him than she realized. But even as the line between fact and fiction in their relationship blurs, the countdown to danger accelerates. Time is running out, and with the threat of another terrorist attack looming, the stakes are higher than ever.

{{{Watch the Book Trailer}}}

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 1, 2024)
• Series: Book One Luke Steele Series
• Genre: Suspense Thriller
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639932984
• ****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.****
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My Review

On a scale between 1-10,how excited was I that one of my favorite authors started a new series? I would rate it a solid 100! Hometown Vendetta is gripping, full of suspense, and moves quickly, and kept me up until 4:00 a.m. 

The book introduces Marine Captain Luke Steele and FBI agent Amberlyn McDowell. They are working together on a case involving an attack on a Federal building by a group called Forever Freedom. Luke, who works for the U.S. president, finds himself caught up in a situation he didn’t expect.Luke and Amberlyn arrive in Pine Falls, Virginia, where Luke confronts his troubled past with bullies from his youth. While there they gather clues about the attackers while pretending to be a couple. Their fake relationship soon develops into something deeper. Fans of forced-proximity fake dating will enjoy this story. I appreciated how well both characters excelled in their roles and supported each other on the case. Even though Luke is quiet and prefers not to be in the spotlight, he stands firm in his beliefs and fights for what is right.

The last quarter of the book is especially intense. As Luke and Amberlyn sort through clues and narrow down suspects, the action picks up, making your heart race. There’s a constant feeling of urgency as they realize another disaster is looming. Abramson knows how to raise the stakes and keep readers on the edge of their seats.The ending is packed with surprises, making this thrilling story impossible to put down.

 I can't wait for the next book in this exciting series because I feel the romance will continue to grow, and I look forward to learning more about Luke and Amberlyn. Hometown Vendetta is an amazing start to a new series.

****Meet Author Traci Hunter Abramson****

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year. You can find out more about Traci and her books at www.traciabramson.com, on her various social media pages, and in her Facebook group, Traci’s Friends.

Follow Traci on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/traci-hunter-abramson 

and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tracihabramson/

~*~*~*~*Purchase Hometown Vendetta~*~*~*~*

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/g0ExC5y

Kindle-https://a.co/d/0mjTuHh

Fiance Finale: A Novel By Angela Ruth Strong-Rom-Com Book Review and Giveaway

 Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Title: Fiancé Finale
Series: Love Off Script #3
Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

****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.****

Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There’s a slight problem, though—he’s already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary.

But he’s got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for.

Despite Nicole’s resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie’s going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he’s never really understood.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | 

Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

What happens when you mix a smart, stylish, calm woman with a quirky, logical, and spontaneous man? You get the stars of a Second Chance Romantic Comedy that’s driven by faith and the journey of learning to trust again.

This is the third book in the Love Off Script series, and it’s my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed it. The events from the first two books were cleverly included, so I never felt lost in the story.

Nicole and Charlie were supposed to get married, but just before the wedding, Charlie took off to Peru to make a documentary. He says he asked her to come with him but she didn't. Fast forward a few years, and Charlie returns, ready to win Nicole back because he believes God wants him to marry her. This sets off a mix of funny moments along with some deeper issues. The characters grow a lot, with a lot of support from family and friends. Forgiving themselves and each other is a big theme here. I really appreciated the quotes about love at the start of each chapter; they offered hints about what was coming up. I loved how Angela Ruth Strong blended the fun of a romantic comedy with serious Christian themes.

****Meet Author Angela Ruth Strong****

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

Connect with Angela by visiting angelaruthstrong.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fiancé Finale and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Go Here to Enter:

https://justreadtours.com/2024/10/23/welcome-to-the-fiance-finale-takeover-review-blitz-giveaway/

The Gentleman's Confession: A Proper Romance By Anneka R. Walker-Regency Book Review

 Book Synopsis

Inexperienced in courtship and love, Jemma turns to her best friend, Miles, for guidance on how to win a man’s heart—not knowing that Miles has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 22, 2024)
• Series : A Matchmaking Mamas Romance
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933026

• ****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

Having a new book come out in a beloved series is always exciting.  This story offers a unique take on the "never a bride but always a bridesmaid" theme, told from a male perspective, and features a friends-to-lovers storyline that should grab your attention. If you're new to the series, it's best to start from the beginning, but this book can also be enjoyed on its own.

The Gentleman's Confession is the third book in "A Matchmaking Mamas Romance" series. I love seeing familiar characters return, especially the friends group called Rebels. I was thrilled to finally read the story of kind-hearted vicar Miles Jackson and the independent Jemma.

Jemma made a promise to her late grandmother to give up her vow of never marrying. She goes to the Matchmaking Mamas to find a husband, and they introduce her to a newcomer, Mr. Bently. At the same time, Jemma asks her best friend Miles, known as Mr. Romantic among his fellow "Rebels," to give her lessons about love. He agrees, but he's secretly been in love with her for a long time. This leads to many funny and awkward moments as they meet at their secret bench. Miles subtly tries to show her that he is her ideal match. I enjoyed their lessons and the chemistry that builds, especially when Jemma begins to realize her feelings for Miles. One memorable line from the novel I loved is, “Romance does not take talent; it takes love.”

This book is filled with a slow-burn romance, witty conversations, a mix of tricky situations, clever letters exchanged, a memorable waltz, an exciting cricket match, and a couple of incredible kisses. The Gentleman's Confession is a fun and engaging read.

****Meet Author Anneka R. Walker****

Anneka Walker was raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and History. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she's busy living her own together with her husband and adorable children.

Learn more about Anneka and her books

HERE:https://www.annekawalker.com/

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Gentleman's Confession~*~*~*~*

⇒ Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and an ARC copy of The Rules of Matrimony: the next book in the A Matching Mamas  Romance Series !

TO ENTER Go To Instagram!!

⇒ LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE this post

⇒ FOLLOW me @sheilasbookreviewer @authorannekawalker @shadowmountainpub @justreadtours

⇒ TAG a friend (up to 3x per post).

⇒ VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2024.)

No Match For Love: A Regency Romance by Karen Thornell- Book Review

 Book Synopsis

Lucas Berkeley has a secret—one he cannot risk anyone discovering. After all, a future marquess belongs in drawing rooms, not underground boxing circles. Yet with a painful past and a need to control every aspect of his life, it is his only outlet. And when his brother begins to court the one woman who could ruin everything, Lucas needs the secret diversion more than ever.

Lydia Faraday is exhausted from living a life in which she has no say. When her taciturn guardian drags her to London intent on marrying her off, she determines to thwart his plans. If she is to have freedom in any aspect of her existence, it ought to be with whom she marries. And when a solicitor turns up with new information, she thinks that just might be possible. Or it may complicate her future further.

When Lucas and Lydia become entangled in a dangerous scheme, they cannot help but become closer, even as the obstacles between them grow. The last thing either is looking for is love. But their hearts have different plans.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications (September 2, 2024)
• Genre: Regency Romance
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524426504

• ****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.****

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My Review

First, let me say, the cover is beautiful! It pulls you into the story before you even turn the first page. Once you start reading, you quickly see that Karen Thornell has created something truly special. "No Match For Love" has become my favorite book by her. I found myself reading whenever I had a moment because I just couldn’t put down this slow-burn romance.

The main character, Lydia, is in London to find a husband at her guardian's request. She has never had control over her life and is eager for change.

Lydia soon meets Lucas Berkeley, a future marquess with his own secrets. After the loss of his twin sister, he has shut off his heart, believing her death is his fault. He channels his pain into boxing and other hidden activities.

This Regency Romance features two main characters who are flawed and hurting but are also innately searching for love.  Lucas's gloomy attitude gets a shake-up from bright and determined Lydia, who begins to open his heart. I really enjoyed their playful exchanges and the way they struggled not to be drawn to one another. The double point of view is a great choice because this author creates such rich characters. I also loved Lucas's brother and parents. 

I'm confident that fans of Regency Romance will enjoy "No Match For Love," thanks to its mix of mystery, relatable characters, unexpected twists, and the undeniable chemistry between Lydia and Lucas. Overall, this book is a total winner, and I’m excited to give it a five-star rating.

****Meet Author Karen Thornell****

Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

You can connect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, or on her site at www.karenthornell.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase No Match For Love~*~*~*~*

Paperback-https://a.co/d/4c1yj5L

Kindle-https://a.co/d/dB5AyrT