Book Review–You Say It First by Susan Mallery

Aug16

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Don’t Miss Susan Mallery’s Newest Romance, Coming 8/22/17!

 

Love shouldn’t be conditional, but it often is. Pallas was taught from childhood, that love was only given, when earned. So, she spent a lifetime trying unsuccessfully to gain her mother’s love and approval. In her mother’s eyes, Pallas’s business, Wedding In A Box, was just another failure. And, to be honest, Pallas was toying with the idea of selling it. But, that was before Nick Mitchell showed up in her life. Nick encouraged and assisted Pallas to develop her creativity. Although Nick and Pallas became close, he made it clear that when he left, in a couple of months, their relationship would end. Pallas’s biggest challenge, she feared, would be, keeping her heart from being crushed.

Nick Mitchell loved creating beautiful sculptures. He would finger a piece of wood until his intuition told him what to create. If he listened, the wood in his hand would become, a prized piece of art. Nick’s artistic talent came from his father; his selfish, world renowned, famous father. And the last thing Nick wanted, was to become like him. His father put his artistic passion above everybody and everything else and Nick; unfortunately, felt himself becoming like his father. Nick decided the best thing for him to do was to guard against falling in love, at all costs. He just hoped that it wasn’t already too late for him.

I found You Say It First, to be a beautiful, uplifting, and well-told story. Thank you, Harlequin and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy! I loved it.

~4 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Book Review– The Scotsman by Virginia Brown

Aug13

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Don’t Miss Virginia Brown’s Newest Historical Fiction Romance Novel!

The Scotsman is an entertaining, well-written and captivating historical fiction romance novel. The story takes place in England and Scotland, during the turbulent, warring years of the 14th century.

Although taking hostages is a common practice in wartime, that unfortunate fact, does not lessen the agony felt by affected families. Alex Fraser’s fourteen-year-old brother, Jamie, was in the hands of a ruthless Englishman, the Earl of Warfield. Alex knew that if he wanted to see his brother again, he’d need a hostage of his own, to negotiate with. He couldn’t believe his luck when he came across the Earl’s only daughter, Lady Catherine, alone. In theory, the exchange should have been simple. Unfortunately, the Earl didn’t care enough about his daughter to make the trade easy. Alex Fraser, the Laird of Castle Rock, however, found himself growing fond of the English violet-eyed, beauty. He realized, however, that although it would torment him, he’d have to give Catherine up, for his brother’s return.

Lady Catherine, the daughter of Earl of Warfield, was beside herself. She was outside, seeking solace from her callous father, when a Scottish brute of a man, snatched her up. As much as Catherine wished to be free from her father’s rule, she didn’t want to be a prisoner of the Scottish barbarian, Alex Fraser, Laird of Castle Rock. However, the longer Catherine remained in Scotland; the less terrified she became. And, what was even more, appalling to Catherine, than being held hostage, was that her traitorous heart was falling for her captor. Alex Fraser was not the cruel barbarian she was led to believe he was. The Laird was a force to be reckoned with, and fierce for sure, but he was also, loving, kind and thoughtful. In fact, Catherine had never been treated better by anyone in her life, except for maybe her brother. She did not want to return home. Catherine knew, though, that she had to, if Jamie were ever to be liberated, from her merciless father.

The Scotsman is a compelling tale. I quickly became engrossed and invested in the character’s lives. The Scotsman is an enjoyable adult historical fiction romance.

Thank you, Bell Bridge Books and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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UNRAVELING OLIVER by Liz Nugent–Book Review

Aug11

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Don’t Miss Liz Nugget’s Brilliant, New, Chilling, Psychological Thriller- Coming 8/22/17
I loved it!

 

Unraveling Oliver is an outstanding, captivating, and unforgettable psychological dark thriller. It’s hard to believe that this book is Liz Nugent’s debut novel. Unraveling Oliver is an intriguing, superbly written and brilliant read.

Oliver Ryan was severely neglected by his father. He was left at a boarding school until his college years. He would watch from the school window the house his father lived in with the family he was supposed to be part of. His father paid for his boarding school, but that was the extent of his care. Oliver would watch his father from the window interact with his half brother, but never him. Did Oliver become evil because of his upbringing or was he born that way?

The book begins with Oliver Ryan beating his wife, Alice, into a coma. Everyone was shocked that a famous writer of children’s books, could be so viciously violent, especially to a person he supposedly loved. Alice was a kind, loyal wife, and a great supporter of Oliver’s writing. She was the illustrator for all of his books.

Every chapter in the book is narrated by either Oliver or a significant person in his life. They tell the story of what he was like as a child, a teen, a husband, and finally a famous author. Oliver’s life literally unravels for the reader. When I read about the treatment, he received from his father as a child; I felt sorry for him. But that changed after high school. When Oliver attended college, he had his first taste of freedom, and he loved it. He learned very quickly that he could use his charismatic charm to his advantage. Except for his father’s approval, Oliver got whatever he wanted. Oliver was a polite; handsome man and was able to use his desirability to manipulate people. In a word, Oliver Ryan was irresistible, and he knew it.

As Oliver’s evil deeds began to add up, he hid his true self. Not even Alice knew who her husband really was. That would all change, though, when his past caught up with him. Don’t miss reading this extraordinary and engrossing book. I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Gallery/Scout Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I loved it!

~5 out of 5 stars~Review by Peg Glover

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Before I Knew by Jamie Beck- Review

Aug10

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Don’t Miss Jamie Beck’s Newest Release, Coming 8/22/17!

Before I Knew is an Emotionally Raw, Compelling, and Touching Novel. 

 

Before I Knew, is an amazing story about, starting over, second chances and honesty. I was immediately caught up in the story’s plot and drawn into Alec and Colby’s lives. This is the third novel that I have read by Jamie Beck, and I loved it. It’s compelling, well-written and emotionally raw. I didn’t want to put it down.

Alec Morgan has loved Colby Cabot-Baxter since childhood. His brother, Joe, the athletic one, however, was the brother who won Colby’s friendship. The Morgan’s and the Cabot family have been friends for years, but that all changed, when Joe died. Joe had acted on a foolish dare, which ended his life; Mark Baxter’s dare. Alec’s family blamed Colby’s husband, Mark Baxter, but Alec knew it wasn’t entirely Mark’s fault. Not by a long shot. Three months after Joe’s death, Mark committed suicide. Both Colby and Alec were riddled with guilt. They both were hiding secrets and lies of omission. Colby had never told her family and friends about Mark’s secret. If she had, would Mark still be alive? Possibly.

Secrets of omission can be just as damaging as outright lies. Alec wanted to come clean with Colby, but he just couldn’t spit the words out. He has loved Colby for forever, and now that he had her in his arms he didn’t want to crush his chance of making her, his. Alec just knew that their relationship would end if Colby discovered what he was hiding. But, secrets and lies of omission have a way of unearthing themselves, and the fall-out is never pretty. Can Colby and Alec’s relationship survive, when the inevitable happens?

Before I knew, is a brilliant beginning to The Cabots Series. I’m looking forward to reading more by this talented author.

Thank you, Montlake Romance and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I loved it!

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Mary Poser by Angel A.–Book Review

Aug8

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Mary Poser is a cleverly crafted, delightful, and entertaining read.

Mary was from a strict Baptist home, and according to her mother, it was a sin to fall in love with a Hindu practicing man. The problem was, though, that Mary had fallen for Simha, an Indian film producer from the moment she had met him. Mary was a people pleaser to the extreme, so to keep peace, she knew that she’d have to deny herself the pleasure of Simha’s company. But, Mary couldn’t resist Simha’s charms, and the guilt of being with him almost did her in. Mary didn’t know whether she should choose her family and give up her happiness or choose happiness and give up the peaceful relationship she had with her family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This novel is well-written with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and funny situations. The book touched on many serious subjects, such as racism, homosexuality, self-harm, self-acceptance, and love. In the end, as Mary discovered, there is only love.

Many thanks to the publisher, and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4 out of 5 stars~Review by Peg Glover

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Review–Exposed by Lisa Scottoline

Aug6

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Newest Release 8/15/17 by Lisa Scottoline

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Mary DiNuzio was happy to assist a man whom she has known for years, with a legal matter. Simon has been discriminated against and fired from his work. His child was fighting for her life, in the hospital. Simon couldn’t afford to lose his job. However, apparently, his rising medical costs were affecting the company’s insurance rates and bottom line. The company was losing money. So, to address the problem, Simon was let go. Mary DiNunzio was furious over the injustice. She readily agreed to represent Simon. But, since she wasn’t planning on charging a fee, she needed to run it by her partner, Bennie Rosato. After hearing the story, Bennie told Mary to drop the case. There was a conflict of interest, and ethically, it was wrong for Mary to represent Simon. But, Mary DiNuzio couldn’t do that. Simon was practically family. And, if she didn’t help him who would?

Mary and Bennie were not only partners but friends as well. Together they made a fierce legal team, but that was all about to change.

I had a difficult time getting into this book. The first half of the novel was repetitious. The second half, however, was quite interesting; crafted with clever twists, turns, and surprises. If you enjoy legal thrillers, this book is worth checking out.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~3.5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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