Book Review - THE NAUGHTY OR NICE CLAUSE by Kate Callaghan

 

Author: Kate Callaghan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 8, 2022

About the Book:

Being Naughty Has Never Been So Nice!

When Lyla’s father retired as CEO of the toy company which has been in their family for generations, she was meant to receive his shares. Instead, she discovers the company is bankrupt and her father has given her shares to Mason Klaus, an investor known in the corporate world for his cold and callous nature. Much to Lyla’s frustration, her only option is to run the company with him, despite their evident loathing for one another.

When Mason cancels the annual Christmas party, Lyla throws it anyway – only for the event of the season to result in a terrible fire. With the offices and Lyla’s credibility ruined, Mason offers her a deal: he’ll forget her part in the disaster, but she must join his family for the twelve days of their Christmas holidays.

Taken to a fantastical winter wonderland, Lyla hopes that she might discover some of the secrets Mr. Klaus is hiding, and maybe even a way to get her company back. However, when Mason introduces her to the secret village as his fiancée, she is horrified to realize she has no choice but to go along with the pretense – because the cost of bringing an outsider to their magical land is far too high.

Can Lyla resist the devilishly handsome Mr. Klaus and the enchanting village to win back her company, or will she give into temptation?

Readers! Please note: this is an adult low fantasy romance with mature content and not suitable for those under 18. This is a stand-alone novel with a guaranteed HEA.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I was a bit late in reading this during the holidays, but I must admit that the story was still just as magical. The visualization in my head was as if I were watching a Hallmark Christmas special... with a bit more spice. Author Kate Callaghan did a beautiful job with creating each scene in this magical world.

It was easy to relate to Lyla. She was a well developed character with substance and her own slight flaws. Perfect characterization. Not quite so much for Mason. I had a difficult time connecting to his character and his anger issues were a bit of a trigger for me.

The storyline was good and kept me turning those pages, wanting more. The ending, however, seemed a bit rushed. Still, all in all, it was a good read.

I received an ARC from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Kate Callaghan released her debut YA dark fantasy trilogy, Crowned A Traitor: A Hellish Fairytale in 2020. While the Hellish Fairytale universe is being expanded, she is also writing adult romance and fantasy.

She loves dark tales, villains and happily-ever-afters—something you will find in all of her books. Chatting with readers and getting to share many different stories is her favourite part of being an indie author.

Currently she lives in Dublin. She loves dramas with subtitles (to silence the characters), coffee, and reading too many dark romances. If missing, please check your local coffee shop. You will find her with her computer and an iced beverage.

Book Review - THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP by Susan Mallery

 

Title:  The Boardwalk Bookshop
Author:  Susan Mallery
Genre:  Romance, Small Town & Rural
Release Date:  May 31, 2022 (available now for pre-orders)

About the Book:

When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it's a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not.

Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband's ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley's brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He's the first man to see past Bree's barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out—somehow, she's stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws…until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she's ever wanted?

At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.

Buy Links: Amazon 
Available for Pre-Order - Release Date: May 31, 2022

My Review:

Susan Mallery is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. "The Boardwalk Bookshop" did not disappoint me. Three ladies, meeting by chance, come together as business partners, each with a shop of their own but sharing a space on the boardwalk for their bookstore, bakery and gift shop. They soon become more than business partners. They become good friends. This friendship and sisterhood happens at a time in their lives when they truly need each other. 

I must admit that I had to wipe away a few tears more than once while reading this book. Happy tears and sad tears. When a book pulls that kind of emotion from me, I know it's good. The story reminded me a bit of a Wendy Wax series I read, but Susan Mallery puts her own spin on things.

I highly recommend this as a great beach read this summer!

Disclosure: A complimentary advance copy was provided by NetGalley and the Publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing: MIRA, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

My Rating: 

About the Author:

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!"

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month, January of 1992. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

Book Review - KISS HARD by Nalini Singh

  

Title:  Kiss Hard
Author:  Nalini Singh
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Release Date:  May 3, 2022

About the Book:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you a sinfully playful contemporary romance between two sworn enemies turned partners in crime...

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin.

Buy Links: Amazon

My Review:

When I agreed to read and review an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Kiss Hard, I didn't realize this was Book #4 in a series. Perhaps if I had read books 1-3 I would have enjoyed it more. But that's on me and not this awesome author! As it is, I was definitely able to read it as a stand-alone novel.

The "fake relationship that turns real" or "enemies to lovers" tropes have been done many times before, but Nalini Singh puts a bit more of a twist on it with characters that make you want to stand up and cheer. I loved the banter between Daniel and Catie and the slow burn that sent tingles right through me. I also loved the Bishop-Esera family relationship that warmed my heart. I may go back and read the previous books in this series to find out more about them.

I would have liked more of a plot, but altogether the book was an enjoyable read.

My Rating: 

About the Author:

Nalini Singh

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.

Book Review - HOT SEAL: SWEET & SPICY by Cynthia D'Alba

 

Title:  Hot Seal: Sweet & Spicy
Author:  Cynthia D'Alba
Genre:  Adult, Military/Western Romance
Release Date:  July 27, 2021

About the Book:

She’s hankering for some happiness. He’s facing his fate alone. Together, can they find forever on the menu?

Addison Treadway needs time to heal. With her loveless marriage finally demolished by her breast cancer diagnosis, the talk-show host never expected to also lose her job. And since her weekend as a bridesmaid is her last before chemo, the thirty-three-year-old resolves to put her perky girls to good use… and the groom’s hunky brother is the perfect choice to kiss them goodbye.

Without orders to fulfill, Eli Miller feels aimless. With the former Navy SEAL’s duties now turned towards the family farm, he’s confused about what his future holds. And before he can figure out his next move, he finds the supposedly single woman he regretfully slept with at his brother’s wedding is staying in his parents’ apartment.

Grateful to have acquaintances offer their home for her recovery from reconstructive surgery, Addison is floored when the sexy guy who ghosted her walks through the door. But when Eli uncovers the truth and sparks fly again, he starts cooking up something he’s sure she’s going to love.

Can they get past their awkward introduction and serve up a sizzling happily ever after?

Hot SEAL, Sweet and Spicy is a sweltering standalone contemporary romance in the SEALs in Paradise series. If you like characters confronting change, laughter-filled confusion, and red-hot passion, then you’ll adore Cynthia D'Alba’s dish of desire.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I am officially in love with Eli Miller. Please don't tell my husband because he just wouldn't understand about "book boyfriends". But seriously! How could anyone resist a hunky, strong, very attractive, Navy Seal, who is also a Cowboy and an all-around good guy who loves to cook!! And what's cooking in this latest novel by Cynthia D'Alba is smokin' HOT.

If you haven't grabbed one of these Hot Seals in Paradise novels, you are missing out! Each one can be read as a stand-alone, but you will frequently find a favorite character or two from previous books in the Hot Seals realm.

As for "Sweet & Spicy", author Cynthia D'Alba has created characters I absolutely loved. This storyline hit home somewhat and I loved how Ms. D'Alba told Addison's story, every heartbreaking moment of what she endured, both physically and psychologically, after being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).

While reading this, I cried. Yes, big old alligator tears running down my cheeks. Sometimes I cried because of what Addison was going through and sometimes I cried because of how heartwarming it was to see how real friends and one very special man could make everything right in Addison's world.

Oh! And I need to mention that the romance scenes were hot! 

My Rating: 

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Cynthia D’Alba started writing on a challenge from her husband in 2006 and discovered having imaginary sex with lots of hunky men was fun. She was born and raised in a small Arkansas town. After being gone for a number of years, she’s thrilled to be making her home back in Arkansas living in a vine-covered cottage on the banks of an eight-thousand acre lake. When she’s not reading or writing or plotting, she’s doorman for her border collie, cook, housekeeper and chief bottle washer for her husband and slave to a noisy, messy parrot. She loves to chat online with friends and fans.

Learn more about Cynthia D'Alba and sign up for her newsletter on her website at www.CynthiaDAlba.com 

Book Review - A WALK ALONG THE BEACH by Debbie Macomber

Title:  A Walk Along the Beach
Author:  Debbie Macomber
Genre:  Family Saga Fiction
Release Date:  July 14, 2020

About the Book:

Two sisters must learn from each other’s strengths and trust in the redeeming power of love in a touching new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.

Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.  

Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.  

Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.

AMAZON

My Review:

Grab the tissues! Heartwarming and heartbreaking, this one had tears streaming down my cheeks throughout the book, starting with the dedication to Ms. Macomber's close friend, Roberta Stalberg a/k/a Christina Skye who died of cancer in May 2018.

Author Debbie Macomber brings us back to the small town of Oceanside, this time focusing on two sisters, Harper and Willa. Harper is beautiful and vivacious, while Willa is serious, cautious and more of a "mother hen". She has had to be. When their mother died and their father fell apart, it was up to Willa to take care of her sister and her brother Lucas. After Harper's recovery from a serious bout with cancer, Willa is able to build her own life, starting with her coffee shop and bakery. Things begin to look good for Willa, especially when she starts to see the handsome photographer, Sean. When Harper's cancer returns, Willa's life takes a downward spiral.

This heartwarming family saga can be read as a stand-alone, but gives us cameo appearances of characters from "Cottage by the Sea".

Note: I received a complimentary copy of "A Walk Along the Beach" from NetGalley, Random House Publishing and Debbie Macomber.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Thirteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2017, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include If Not for You (March), Any Dream Will Do (August), and Merry and Bright (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published two bestselling cookbooks, an adult coloring book, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and five have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

Macomber owns The Grey House Café, which also features a gift shop and a Hallmark Gold Crown store inside. It is located in the Village Square campus, which also serves as Debbie’s corporate headquarters.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Book Review- Refuge: A Mountain Ranch Novel by Willa J. Brand

Title:  Refuge: A Mountain Ranch Novel
Author:  Willa J. Brand
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 119 pages
Release Date:  May 30, 2020

About the Book:

Taylor is a mother on the run from an abusive husband, searching for a safe place for she and her young son. Convinced that her possessive spouse is hunting them, she is paranoid, exhausted and virtually penniless. Finding herself stranded in rural Montana, she is taken in by a couple who help her not knowing her past, and she is able to find work on their ranch. She intends on staying only long enough to save the money needed to move on to a large city where she believes they will be safer. But as time passes friendships develop, as does a love interest, and Taylor struggles to hold on to her secrets. Inevitably, her past catches up with her and her worst fears will become reality.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Refuge: A Mountain Ranch Novel is a debut novel by an author with fabulous potential, an author I will be watching in the future. 

Taylor has taken her baby and fled from a rich and powerful abusive husband. She lives in fear of being found and goes to great lengths to protect her identity, protection that causes her to be in dire need of a job and a place to stay. She is fortunate to have come across a decent man and his wife who not only provide shelter, food and a job, but also provide much needed friendship.  When she later meets Owen there is an immediate attraction, but her fears and paranoia keep her at a distance. Owen recognizes that Taylor has secrets, so he takes things slow and allows her the time she needs to trust again.

The ending was a bit rushed, but the story itself was heartwarming with characters you wish you really knew personally (except for Taylor's husband, a man you want to rip apart). This reminded me a bit of Julia Roberts' "Sleeping With the Enemy". 

There is an element of romance in the book, but is what I would consider "sweet romance".

My Rating: 

About the Author:

Willa J. Brand is a pen name for my alter ego, and although she is much more creative than I am in my daily life, we share many of the same interests.
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I am a wife, mother of four children and three angels, and lover of the outdoors. I have been an avid reader from an early age and lover of all forms of literature since before I can remember. Busy as life is helping out on our family farm and caring for children, I craved some kind of creative outlet, and writing was a natural fit for me.
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I love all animals and enjoy working with cattle and spending time with my horses and dogs. In more recent years I have found a love for chickens that I never knew I had, and my flock is constantly growing!
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I would love to hear any feedback or questions you may have for me and I will do my best to answer any and all questions.

You may also visit my website, https://www.willajbrand.com/ to see more about upcoming releases and sign up for my email list. 

Book Review - EAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck

Title:  East of Eden
Author:  John Steinbeck
Genre:  Family Saga Fiction, Classic Literature
Release Date:  1952

About the Book:

A masterpiece of Biblical scope, and the magnum opus of one of America’s most enduring authors

A Penguin Classic 

In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity; the inexplicability of love; and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.

The masterpiece of Steinbeck’s later years, East of Eden is a work in which Steinbeck created his most mesmerizing characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love's absence. Adapted for the 1955 film directed by Elia Kazan introducing James Dean and read by thousands as the book that brought Oprah’s Book Club back, East of Eden has remained vitally present in American culture for over half a century.

This edition features an introduction by David Wyatt.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

East of Eden is one of those books that have been on my TBR list for a long, long time.  It wasn't until I accepted a reading challenge from a book club that required the reading of a novel published in the decade I was born that I made the decision to read this.  Now I'm sitting here shaking my head wondering why it took me so long.  

Written almost as a memoir, John Steinbeck tells a story that spans multiple generations with characters that resemble to a certain degree that of the biblical story of Cain and Abel.  The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming with characters you love as well as those you love to hate.  The history, from the early days of fighting the Indians to World War I, is brought to the forefront of each family. We follow Adam Trask from his early childhood until his end of days with notable characters and the relationship between brothers, sons, fathers and mothers.  There is pain and pride, humiliation, resentment and love.

This is a good sized book of almost 700 pages, but each page will be burned into my memory and this will quite possibly be a re-read for me in the years ahead.

My Rating: 

About the Author:

John Steinbeck (1902–1968) born in Salinas, California, grew up in a fertile agricultural valley, about twenty-five miles from the Pacific Coast. Both the valley and the coast would serve as settings for some of his best fiction. In 1919 he went to Stanford University, where he intermittently enrolled in literature and writing courses until he left in 1925 without taking a degree. During the next five years he supported himself as a laborer and journalist in New York City, all the time working on his first novel, Cup of Gold (1929).

After marriage and a move to Pacific Grove, he published two California books, The Pastures of Heaven (1932) and To a God Unknown (1933), and worked on short stories later collected in The Long Valley (1938). Popular success and financial security came only with Tortilla Flat (1935), stories about Monterey’s paisanos. A ceaseless experimenter throughout his career, Steinbeck changed courses regularly. Three powerful novels of the late 1930s focused on the California laboring class: In Dubious Battle (1936), Of Mice and Men (1937), and the book considered by many his finest, The Grapes of Wrath (1939). The Grapes of Wrath won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize in 1939.

Early in the 1940s, Steinbeck became a filmmaker with The Forgotten Village (1941) and a serious student of marine biology with Sea of Cortez (1941). He devoted his services to the war, writing Bombs Away (1942) and the controversial play-novelette The Moon is Down (1942). Cannery Row (1945), The Wayward Bus (1948), another experimental drama, Burning Bright (1950), and The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951) preceded publication of the monumental East of Eden (1952), an ambitious saga of the Salinas Valley and his own family’s history.

The last decades of his life were spent in New York City and Sag Harbor with his third wife, with whom he traveled widely. Later books include Sweet Thursday (1954), The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication (1957), Once There Was a War (1958), The Winter of Our Discontent (1961),Travels with Charley in Search of America (1962), America and Americans (1966), and the posthumously published Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters (1969), Viva Zapata! (1975), The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights (1976), and Working Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath (1989).

Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962, and, in 1964, he was presented with the United States Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Steinbeck died in New York in 1968. Today, more than thirty years after his death, he remains one of America's greatest writers and cultural figures. 

Photo by JohnSteinbeck.JPG: US Government derivative work: Homonihilis (JohnSteinbeck.JPG) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons