Prah and Constantine Review: Share the Moon by Sharon Struth #ContemporaryRomance

February 2015 was one of the most hectic months I’ve had in long time. I’m lucky I got this book read in time. Imagine how depressing it is to read only a couple of books in month. I’m going to have to make up for it in March. 

Remember to stop by Constantine’s blog to see what she thought of the book.

The Blurb

Sometimes trust is the toughest lesson to learn. Sophie Shaw is days away from signing a contract that will fulfill her dream of owning a vineyard. For her, it's a chance to restart her life and put past tragedies to rest. But Duncan Jamieson's counter offer blows hers out to sea.

Duncan still finds Sophie as appealing as he had during boyhood vacations to the lake. Older and wiser now, he has his own reasons for wanting the land. His offer, however, hinges on a zoning change approval.

Bribery rumors threaten the deal and make Sophie wary of Duncan, yet she cannot deny his appeal. When her journalistic research uncovers a Jamieson family secret, trust becomes the hardest lesson for them both.

My Review

I can see why romances featuring middle aged men and women are so popular. I'm sure most of us like to read what we can relate to. Ms. Struth demonstrates that Sophie can still long for and find a heated romance after a life of divorce, children, and heartbreak. I enjoyed that Duncan and Sophie had some kind of history. Their reaction to each other when they first met in the book was endearing and I started rooting for them to get together immediately.

Ms. Struth evokeda plethora of deep emotions. My heart broke for both the hero and heroine, I had more than a little bit of curiosity about the mystery that needed to be solved, and I even got angry towards a few people in the story.

All in all it was a great read that kept me hanging on to see both what would happen between the Duncan and Sophie and to solve the mystery. 

I'd love to see a story featuring Trent, Duncan's older brother.

I give this book four out of five round white chocolate bars.

I purchased it from Amazon.

Prah and Constantine Review: Moonless (Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier #YA #Paranormal #Romance

It’s a brand new year. Happy 2015 everyone. To kick of Prah and Constantine Reviews this year we wanted to get rid of a book or two that were on our individual TBR lists. We both had Moonless on our lists and I’m happy to have made the time to finally read it.

I wish reading could be done by osmosis – lay my head on the Kindle and bam- I’ve read a book in ten minutes. I’d have the machine taped to my head.

Remember to stop over to Constantine’s blog to check out her review.

The blurb

In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially later when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night. 

Among the many things to change for her that evening are: her physical appearance—from ghastly to breathtaking, an epidemic of night terrors predicting the future, and the blue-eyed man’s unexpected infusion into her life. Not only do his appearances precede tragedies, but they are echoed by the arrival of ravenous, black-robed wraiths on moonless nights.

Unable to decide whether he is one of these monsters or protecting her from them, she uncovers what her father has been concealing: truths about her own identity, about the blue-eyed man, and about love. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with the man of her dreams and risk becoming one of the Soulless. 

My review

I saw Moonless as a YA paranormal with a kind of twist on the vampire story. The Soulless weren’t vampires as such, but they had the qualities of them. The Passionate were awesome people, beautiful, gifted, and mostly kind.

I loved Alexia. A strong heroine who seemed to fear nothing. Sometimes this scared me because she dared to go places she shouldn’t have in order to find the truth. She had to make some hard decisions in her young life and I didn’t admire her for it.

The hero, Kiren, was gorgeous and well…passionate. A hero in the truest sense of the word. The only appropriate word for the romance they shared was, destiny. From the moment they first met (technically not the first) we knew there was something special between them.

For me, if a character has a special power, it’s a plus. Ms. Collier had people with some unique qualities and I loved every one of them (even the naughty one).

There were moments in Ms. Collier’s writing when I thought I was reading poetry. The sentiment she captured was beautiful during these times, giving more of a richness to the story.

One thing I didn’t appreciate, but which didn’t take too much away from the novel, was that questions asked by the characters weren’t always answered directly. It seemed as if it was never an appropriate time. Alexia had to find many things out the hard way, just like the reader. Most of the questions were eventually answered (to my satisfaction), but some are still roaming free. I suppose they’ll be answered in the next book of the series.

I give Moonless five out five clock shaped chocolates.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Constantine thought of the book. Head on over with me and check out her review.

Prah and Constantine Review: Unexpected Gifts (A Castle Mountain Lodge Romance) by Elena Aitken

Please don’t cry but this is the last Prah and Constatine review for 2014. It’s been a great year of reading and we hope to join you again next year. Since Christmas is right around the corner, we chose a Christmas book to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Remember to head over to Constantine’s blog when you’re done here.

The Blurb

Let it snow! Cozy up to the Castle Mountain Lodge in the middle of the remote Canadian Rockies for Unexpected Gifts.

Christmas represents everything Andi Williams is supposed to have, and doesn't. Running away to a remote mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies, sounds like the perfect way to escape, until a mix-up finds her sharing a villa with sexy, rough around the edges, Colin Hartford.

Colin's determination to enjoy the holiday he’s missed for the last five years, sweeps Andi into a season of joy that she’s not sure she’s ready for. Can Andi open herself up to everything the holidays have to offer...including love?

My Review

I was amazed at the obstacles Ms. Aitken threw into her characters lives. I was expecting a light book full of Christmas cheer. Instead I got: laughter, a few “oh my godnesses”, and a “kick his ass.”

As Colin showed Andi how to get into the Christmas spirit I kind of experienced it myself. Okay, so I didn’t actually feel the snow, but the fun they shared on their outings got me happy.

Their romance was endearing and sweet. I loved it.

A book to read to get you into a wonderful holiday spirit.

I give this novel four out of five ice skate shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Prah and Constantine Review: Between the Sheets by Liv Rancourt #ContemporaryRomance

Welcome to another Prah and Constantine Review. I’m surprised that we didn’t read a paranormal book for the month of October, being Halloween and all. I wanted something light and short with absolutely no death or sadness in it. Constantine came up with Between the Sheets. Perfect.

The Blurb

Life for music teacher Maggie Schafer has been full of flat notes lately. Sick of being single and celibate, she vows to get her groove back at the upcoming Western Washington Choral Directors Annual Retreat. 

Too bad the only guy who seems interested is a pompous dork who thinks he’s God’s gift to women—and the music education world. When he gets a little too arrogant and crosses boundaries, gorgeous pianist Randy Devers swoops in to run interference. After sharing a shockingly hot kiss in front of the whole conference, Maggie and Randy come up with a plan to pretend they’re dating.

However, the more time they spend together—and the more physical their “pretend” relationship gets—the more she wonders if there could be anything beyond just smoking chemistry and a friendly agreement between them.

Maggie’s got history, Randy’s got baggage, and they’ve got a weekend to get their rhythms in sync and figure out how to turn their solo lives into a beautiful duet.

My Review

Imagine summer camp for adults, only it’s not summer and they aren’t chaperoned. I wanted to join them. Maggie is adorable. Shot down once in the love department, she carries the baggage with her. It affects her confidence with men and how she interacts with them romantically, or rather doesn’t.  Once she found a man worthy of getting into, her confidence skyrocketed.

Randy is messed up yet loveable, until he does a few not so nice things, which made both me and Maggie want to pull his (not our) hair out. A wonderful, handsome, real, and down to earth character. I could have done without one of his little habits though.

I was shocked at the sex scene (that is not a spoiler). I wasn’t sure she’d pack it into the novella, but boy did she and she did it well.

This book gets five music note chocolate bars.

I purchased this novella from Amazon.

I'm headed over to Constantine's blog to see what she thought of the novella. Come with me if you have a minute.

Prah and Constantine Review: Vision of Shadows by Vincent Morrone #YA #Paranormal

I chose the book for this month. September was my birthday month so I couldn’t fail. I found this book through a friend of mine and I’m so glad I paid attention and picked it up. 

I’m wondering if Constantine loved it as much as I did. YA is her preferred writing genre.

The Blurb

Is Bristol Blackburn about to meet the love of her life...or her killer? 

After the death of her parents, Bristol Blackburn's life is thrown into chaos and she's forced to move to Spirit, a small town where shadows are stirring. As she learns to navigate her new school and figures out how to keep her psychic abilities secret from her family, Bristol comes face to face with the boy who makes a regular appearance in her dreams: the gorgeous, possibly deadly, Payne McKnight. Soon she’ll find out if Payne will be the love of her life, or the end of it — and she has no idea which possibility scares her more. 

And that's not even the worst of it. Strange shadows are haunting her dreams, and they're up to something that could put Bristol and the lives of everyone she loves in jeopardy.

My Review

More than once I had to look at the author profile to see if it was really a man who’d written the story. Mr. Morrone has done a fabulous job getting into the mind, heart and character of a female teenager. I didn’t want to put the book down and flew through it in no time.

What do we have in the story that makes me enjoy it so much? Depth of emotion, destiny, romance, rivalry, and a bit of intrigue. I loved this book.

Ghost stories tend to creep me out, but the way Bristol engaged with the ones she encountered didn’t scare me at all. Except for the one who was supposed to. 

My only issue was that Bristol didn’t have enough of a reaction to the painful incident that happened at the beginning of the book (which shocked the heck out of me). She seemed almost too strong when I'd expected a little more weakness.

I recommend it to all and sundry, whether you are a YA reader or not. It was just that good.

I give it five out five white (to represent ghosts) chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Remember to swing by Constantine's blog. I'm headed there now.

Prah and Constantine Review: Deadly Contact by Lara Lacombe #suspense #romance

This month we decided to keep things exciting by going for a suspense romance from Harlequin. Remember to stop by Constantine’s blog to see what she thought about the novel.

The Blurb

It's a race against time -- and a fatal outbreak -- in this thriller of a debut! — In one passionate night Special Agent James Reynolds and scientist Kelly Jarvis went from friends to lovers. Then Kelly walked away with only an apology. Now James is charged with solving a bioterrorist attack -- and Dr. Jarvis works at the suspected lab. — Is Kelly an accomplice or a victim? Just what are her secrets that drove her from James's bed? Soon one thing becomes clear: The ghosts of her past have nothing on the terrorists targeting her and Washington, D.C. Another threat bathes the city in red alert, and now there are lives at stake, in addition to hearts....

My Review

I haven’t read a Harlequin romance in a long time and it was nice to get reacquainted with them through this novel.

I could totally see this story happening in real life. That’s scary. Ms. Lancombe has written a realistic suspense romance with engaging characters that make some major communication errors.

I enjoyed the way the story started with the couple being friends and transitioning into lovers. Yes Kelly made a huge, and I stretch my hands out wide when I say it, mistake when she left him initially, but I could understand her fear and willingness to let James go.

The science in the story was clear to understand without being overbearing. It brought out the realism of the story.

I give this book four out five  beaker shaped chocolate bars. (I cracked myself up with that one).

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Let’s head over to Constantine’s blog. 

Prah and Constantine Review: Shadow’s Edge by @JamiGray #paranormal #urban fantasy

Welcome back to another Prah and Constantine review. This is the first time I'm using our little badge for a review. I can't believe how adorable it its. A huge shout out Love Bites and Silk for doing such a brilliant job on the design. 

This month I chose the book after Constantine suggested it for last month.  Head over to Constantine’s blog to see what she thought of Shadow’s Edge. I may have to disown her if we differ on this one. I wish I was kidding.

Blurb

Everyone fears what hunts in the shadows—especially the monsters…

It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking.  Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts.

When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head.  Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

My Review

I LOVED this book. Yes I capped the word. If there's a word beyond awesome, then that's what I'll use to describe it.  

The heroine, Raine rocked from the very beginning. Being a tough kick ass female had to be one of my favorite aspects of the story.  But when Ms. Gray added more than kicks, punches and slashes , the depth and intensity increased phenomenally. Raine’s past carved her into who she is. Oh the emotions Ms. Gray portrayed from Raine. I could feel her pain and anguish and wanted to give her a hug (as if she’d allow it).

Don’t get me started on Gavin. He’s the kind of guy I’d accidentally lick if I got too close (gross but true). Alpha male with super skills who isn’t afraid of a strong woman.

The twists and turns kept me engaged and thinking throughout. The story was so well written it had me shaking my head in wonder. I have absolutely nothing to complain about with this book. Yes it was that good.

I give Shadow’s Edge five out of five knife (huge daggers, not butter knives) shaped chocolate bars and a super high recommendation.  I’m off to read book 2, Shadow’s Soul. And lucky me, I don’t have to wait for book three, Shadow’s Moon because it’s out now.

I won this book during one of Ms. Gray’s blog contests but ended up buying it from Amazon (only because I’m a book slut).

Next month Constantine and I will present the book that won our FB “Win a review by Prah and Constantine” contest.

Prah &Constantine Review: Pretty Reckless by Jodi Linton #romance #bookreview

Time for another review from the wonderful Prah and Constantine duo. This month we collaborated in choosing the book. Remember to head over to Cathrina Constantine’s blog to see what she thought about Pretty Reckless. I’m looking forward to it.

The Blurb

Welcome to Pistol Rock, Texas where everyone knows secrets last about as long as the sporadic west Texas rain showers.

Laney Briggs has long been considered reckless by the denizens of her hometown, but she’s finally turned it all around—she’s happily engaged to the local veterinarian and she’s become a Pistol Rock deputy sheriff. Everything’s fine and dandy—until a dead body turns up and her ex, Texas Ranger Gunner Wilson, decides to stick his boots into the town’s first murder case.   Of course, the troublesome cowboy’s rugged good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles are already leaving Laney knee-deep in hot water, but she’ll be damned if she lets Gunner trample all over her turf. She’s decided that, instead of conflict, she wants a contented, steady life with her vet—a life in which Gunner Wilson and his seemingly endless ability to undermine her resolve and her libido plays no part. Still, it’s hard to keep her head as forbidden sparks ignite and suspicions arise between old rivals and old flames. And when the bodies start to pile up, Laney has to ask the lethal bad boy for a hand—and a truce in exchange for his help. But after uncovering the pack of lies surrounding not only her job but her heart…  Having an ex-boyfriend as an ally might not be the best idea, but it’s certainly the most reckless, and Laney has always been pretty reckless…  

My Review

A one of a kind romance

I’ve been reading romances for a long time and I can honestly say I have not come across one like Pretty Reckless before. I say this in a good way. The story line was fascinating and had me flipping my Kindle pages at top speed.

Deputy Laney is one funny, tough woman who guards her heart after having had it broken in the past by sexy Texas Ranger, Gunner. The chemistry between them is incredible. Throughout the book I kept wondering if they would or wouldn’t get together. Ms. Linton knows how to keep the heat and tension in a romance.

I loved the language of the story. Yes they speak English, but the little phrases (which I presume are unique to Texas) that I had never encountered before made it more interesting.

My one complaint fell on Laney. Yes, she was a tough law officer, but she let others get the best of her at times. Ms. Linton attempted to show how Laney’s thinking process flowed during these time, and it made sense, but it didn’t make me happy. Especially when— sorry, no spoilers. You’ll have to read the book for yourself to see if you agree.

I give Pretty Reckless 4 out of 5 cowboy boot shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Prah and Constantine Review: Murder at Honeysuckle Hotel by Rose Pressey

Welcome to the last Prah and Constantine Review for the year. I've had a wonderful time teaming up with Cathrina Constantine to review books I may never have chosen myself. If you have missed any of our joint reviews check Chathrina's out here. Mine are here.

Don’t look for us in January because we’ll be enjoying our families and taking a break. But hopefully in February we’ll be back to feed your Prah and Constantine Review hunger.

This month Constantine chose the book. Check out her review by clicking here when you’ve finished reading mine. I’m looking forward to reading her reaction.

The Blurb

It’s summertime in Honeysuckle, and everyone is lazing in the shade with a tall glass of lemonade. Everyone except Raelynn Pendleton. She’s stuck working at the local store to make the rent while her no-good ex-husband lives it up with a floozy.

When she inherits a Victorian house, Raelynn jumps at the chance to turn her life around. How can she afford the upkeep on such a huge place? Simple. She’ll run it as a hotel. Problem is, she has no experience and the décor dates back to the Dark Ages. She’ll have to use her secret talent for turning junk into treasure or she’ll never snag an overnight guest. 

But before the new Honeysuckle Hotel even opens for business, Raelynn discovers the body of a young woman in the garden. As a newcomer in town, Raelynn is blamed for the murder. She’s fired from her job, which could mean she’ll lose the house. The only way to save Honeysuckle Hotel is to find the real killer - with or without the sexy Sheriff Kent Klein. 

One way or another, Honeysuckle will be buzzing.

My review

This was a cute novel. Every woman has her special gift and we learn that Raelynn’s  gift does not include solving a murder. Embarrassing herself, stumbling into trouble,  decorating, and catching a hunky sheriff are more her specialties.

I really enjoyed the decorating tips sprinkled throughout the book as murder and mayhem occurred all around her.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com.

Let’s head over to Constantine’s blog to see what she thought of it.

Prah and Constantine Review: The Body Dwellers by Julie Kazimer

This month was my turn to choose the book for the Prah and Constantine review. If I was a faster reader I’d make her do more reviews with me.  I found this book on Julie Kazimer’s blog, which is hilarious. She has the best top 5 lists ever. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read the book, especially since it was free at the time.

After reading my review, head on over to Constantine's blog to see what she thought of it. I'm looking forward to seeing her reaction.

The Blurb

In a world divided by genetics and a concrete wall, Indeara Adair, a mutant enforcer survives by kicking the occasional gnome ass. A job her half-human, half-mutant cells make her terrifyingly skilled at. Life is good with a few exceptions, namely, an elite force of cops who have Indeara in their sights, not to mention the reappearance of Quinn Daniels, a man who betrayed her three years ago to dwell among the human race. A man she must now protect in order to save the mutant population.

Yet these are the least of Indeara’s concerns, for somewhere, a plague destined to destroy the mutants is scheduled for release. A plague developed by Indeara’s own grandfather. With the help of a ragtag group of mutants led by the mysterious head of the rebel cause, Jake McClain, Indeara slips beyond the wall and into the human world to aid those she loves, and to learn the truth behind her own genetic code.

My Review

I loved this book. It made me laugh, get angry, a little sad, excited, but most of all it made me think throughout the book. I enjoyed trying to figure out what would happen. Ms. Kazimer had me pretty stumped. Just when I thought I had figured it out, she twisted it up on me.

Indeara was awesome. She reminded me of a mutant Stephanie Plum, except not only did she have luck on her side, but Indeara could fight, shoot a gun with accuracy, and use explosives without burning her eyebrows off. Plus she had a special mutant power.

Ms. Kazimer has created an incredible well written story with loads of action, intrigue, friendship, and romance.

One thing I didn’t like in the novel was that Indeara was helping to save the mutants, while the fairies were caged (you'll have to read to find out why) and she never mentioned that it was wrong, when it always stayed at the back of my mind.

I give this book five out of five mutant chocolate bars.

I ‘bought’ my book (for free) from Amazon.

Happy reading everyone.

Prah and Constantine Review: Seduced by Innocence by Kimberly Kinrade

Prah and Constantine reviews are back for another month. Constantine chose Seduced by Innocence by Kimberly Kinrade and after reading the blurb and seeing the price (free), I agreed. Who knew that the first book would end up costing me more money? After reading my review here, head on over to CathrinaConstantine’s blog to see what she had to say about it.

About the book

All my life I've been told that I will kill my first love. That the dark power I harbor within myself will destroy him.

Just like it's destroyed others.

Witches take an oath to do no harm, but I broke that oath even as a child, and so I hide within the invisible walls of my strange coven, keeping everyone at a distance.

Until I meet Derek.

His magnetism draws me in even as I know I should run. But I can't run, because I need him to teach me how to defend myself and others, so I don't fall victim to the shifters out to terrorize my coven.

He can't know my secret, and I can't give in to the other need that's growing between us, the one that heats me from within whenever we're together.

But flesh is weaker than intention, and neither of us can fight the fates. If only we'd known the truth before taking that first bite of forbidden fruit.

Now it's too late.

Forbidden passions. Deadly Secrets. A love that will stand against it all. Submit to the Seduced Saga as Derek and Rose face their future while unraveling the mysteries of their past.

My Review

A clash exists between powerful wolf shifters and witches. Within the mix are secrets, betrayal, and love. Oh my goodness I love a good paranormal romance.

The attraction between Rose and Derek was immediate and intense. I initially thought the book was going to be a sweet romance until certain words crept their way onto the page and made me gasp. Be warned, this book is sweet in a romantic sense, but it is hot.

Ms. Kinrade warns the reader that the book is not a stand alone novel and that it ends in a cliff hanger. I thought I could handle it and would be able to leave the series after the first book. My credit card bears witness that I couldn’t. Lucky for me Ms. Kinrade has put all three books in a nice affordable pack.

I give this book four out of five chocolate bars and I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series. 

Review: Scrumptious by Amanda Usen

After taking August off, Prah and Constantine to promote our brand new releases Wickedly They Come by Cathrina Constantine and Love Through Time by me. Yay us! we are back for another month of reviews. 

After reading my review head on over and check out Cathrina’s review on her blog. I’m looking forward to reading what she thought.

I admit that I’m a fickle woman. When I saw the cover I didn't hesitate to present it to Cathrina. Hot guy and cupcakes, can anyone blame me?

Scrumptious was an entertaining and dare I say it, delicious read. The sparks definitely flew between Joe and Marly from the onset of their encounter. The emotional baggage both of them were carrying made a sincere romance between them absolutely perfect. 

Ms. Usen made me chuckle but also made me so angry at the putz, Kieth that I was rooting for Marly to kick his behind. Notice I said that Marly should do it and not Joe, that’s how tough the woman was.

Although I love to eat and talk about food, I thought that Ms. Usen was a tad bit too technical with the cooking aspect in the book and lost me a few times, but she always caught me when she spoke of those delicious deserts and passionate kisses (which lead to other hot things).

Scrumptious is a light fun read that taught me a thing or two about cooking, or was it eating?

I give it four out of five Belgium chocolate blocks.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com.

The Blurb:

Joe Rafferty is just as mouthwatering as the food he cooks. But if he thinks he's going to waltz in and take over her kitchen, he's denser than a thick slice of chocolate ripple cheesecake. Marly has invested too much of her life in Chameleon to hand off the restaurant to someone else—especially a cocky–as–all–get–out superstar chef. But there's no denying the man knows how to light her fire. Question is: Can she have the sizzle without feeling the burn?

Prah and Constantine Review: A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

The tag team of Prah and Constantine are back for another book review. This month Constantine chose A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. Head over to Catherine's blog after reading mine. I can’t wait to see what she thought.

I’m confused about what to write about this book. In many respects I thought it was a good book, but I can’t say I loved it. It was one of those in between books where sometimes It was imperative that I continue reading because I was so enthralled, while at other times I had to make myself read. The majority of time the book was engaging.

Mr. Goolrick sure does know how to weave a  story. Even after reading the blurb I thought, ‘Oh my.’ And I kept saying those words throughout the book. The setting and characters seemed so real. I kept wondering why Catherine was doing the things she did, even though her back-story was traumatic and clearly told, I could not relate to her. At one point I called her stupid, because I couldn’t understand why she continued with her actions. I learned to respect the changes that came about in her, but I honestly can’t say that I liked her, well maybe a little bit at the end.

Ralph baffled me too. For me it was like one of those poor little rich boy situations. I thought his story was interesting and the life he had lived was enviable, at least up until twenty years ago. At one point in the story I didn’t understand why he was so weak when it came to Catherine. I’m still shaking my head about that.

Mr. Goolrick has a descriptive writing style, but at the same time it’s choppy. Almost curt. It kind of reminds me of poetry, only in story form. He likes to elaborate and gives just a little more information than I thought was necessary. To me the story was not romantic, but instead sexual, without being overly graphic. I thought the way he wrote his sex scenes was brilliant.

I would recommend A Reliable Wife, especially if you are looking for something ‘different’ with great writing.

                                           The Blurb

Rural Wisconsin, 1909. In the bitter cold, Ralph Truitt, a successful businessman, stands alone on a train platform waiting for the woman who answered his newspaper advertisement for "a reliable wife." But when Catherine Land steps off the train from Chicago, she's not the "simple, honest woman" that Ralph is expecting. She is both complex and devious, haunted by a terrible past and motivated by greed. Her plan is simple: she will win this man's devotion, and then, ever so slowly, she will poison him and leave Wisconsin a wealthy widow. What she has not counted on, though, is that Truitt a passionate man with his own dark secrets has plans of his own for his new wife. Isolated on a remote estate and imprisoned by relentless snow, the story of Ralph and Catherine unfolds in unimaginable ways. 

Book Review: Jilted By Kelly Jamieson

The tag team review duo, Prah and Constantine are back. We know you missed us, but we are a once a month writing event. After reading my review of Jilted by Kelly Jamieson head over to Cathrina Constantine’s blog to see what she thought of the book. I can’t wait to read her opinion.

This month I chose the book. I’ll admit it’s because I loved the cover. Of course I read the blurb and that drew me in even further. I love when people are jilted and forced to either bounce back or collapse into themselves.

Devon and Joshua got into me. I did not expect to relate so well to both characters when I started the reading. I could see a little bit of myself in both of them.

I was expecting a jaunty lighthearted read when I picked this novel.  I should have known better. Being jilted is painful, add to that a wonderful backstory and I had to toughen myself up in order to prevent the tears from falling. It was a horribly fantastic emotional roller coaster. Ms. Jamieson brought us through their story, not just to it. I loved the gentle way she led us to the ending.

Ms. Jamieson has a unique style of writing. I was impressed with how she started each new paragraph with a little bit of the other person’s perspective of what had happened in the previous chapter. The attraction between Josh and Devon was strong and it was well depicted from the beginning. The romance was hot. Wait, that should be HOT! Naughty Josh. Oh behave!

If you want a romance novel with hot sex scenes and a depth within the story that will make your throat tight and shed a tear or two, then Jilted is for you.

I give Jilted four out of five of my fabulous chocolate bars. Yum.

I purchased this book form Amazon.com

Here’s the blurb and the fantastic cover.

The wedding's off but the honeymoon is on...

The Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 1

Devon can do this. She can show up at her ex-boyfriend Josh's wedding, even though he's marrying her ex-best-friend. She can show everyone she's happy with her fabulous life in Boston, her great career, her amazing shoes -- and she can show everyone she's over him.

Truth is, her life isn't so fabulous. She's just been downsized out of her job, her Jimmy Choos won't pay her mortgage, and...she's still heartbroken that Josh chose family over her. The real reason she's enduring this wedding is that her next stop is nearby Greenbush Island, her last hope of finding a new job.

Josh knows marrying long-time friend Allie will make everyone happy after the rough time their families have been through, and since the woman he really wanted to marry chose her career and big city life over him -- why not?

But the perfect wedding turns into a perfect disaster when Allie leaves him at the altar for another man. He never saw that coming! But hey, Devon's there, offering to help him look for Allie on Greenbush Island, where he'd planned their honeymoon. Only, all they find are their old feelings for each other and a temptation to risk their hearts one more time...

Warning: This book contains a firefighter hot enough to ignite flames, a woman who doesn't want to get burned again, a honeymoon suite but no honeymoon, and sex not on the beach (sorry).