Book Review: Devil in Spring: The Ravenels,

New York Times bestselling author LISA KLEYPAS delivers the unforgettable tale of a strong-willed beauty who encounters her match in one of London’s most notorious—yet irresistible—rakes . . .

An eccentric wallflower  . . .

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.

A cynical rake  . . .

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.

A perilous plot  . . .

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy—and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven .

At The Library :

I have and Always will be a fan of Lisa Kleypas. I am never disappointed with her books and I couldn’t wait for this one to arrive.
It was sort of like reuniting with long lost friends after years of being away and you see their kids. No longer babies but all grown up. Although, We get to glimpse some of the happily ever after of the former Lord and Lady St. Vincent, Evangeline and Sebastian with their children and grandchildren. And very tiny tease of Lord Westcliff of the wonderful Wallflower series.
Gabriel and Pandora were entertaining in their own right as it should be. I found my laughing out loud and Pandora’s questions about the Pox had me in tears!
This is a lovely tale of loving outside the lines of societal convention, allowing themselves to be individuals with a bit of history on women’s rights or the lack thereof and so much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I can only hope that Lisa writes more stories involving the Wallflower series children and oh also the Hathaway’s children!

Heaven Hill Series by Laramie Briscoe for 99¢!!!

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Get all 10 novels and 2 novellas in the Heaven Hill Series by Laramie Briscoe for 99¢!!!

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Blurb:

From Laramie Briscoe, the entire original Heaven Hill Series in one volume!

Ten Novels & Two Novellas

Meant To Be:

The story that started it all featuring Liam & Denise.

Out of Darkness:

The love story of fan favorites Tyler & Meredith.

Losing Control:

The unexpected love story of Jagger & B.

Worth The Battle:

The emotional love story of Layne & Jess.

Dirty Little Secret:

The secretive love of Steele & Christine.

Second Chance Love:

The second chance romance of Rooster & Roni.

Rough Patch:

A novella featuring Jagger & B.

Beginning of Forever:

The continuation of Meredith & Tyler.

Back to Basics:

A novella featuring Liam & Denise.

Home Free:

The coming-of-age love of Drew & Charity.

Shield My Heart:

The epic love story of Mandy & Dalton

A Heaven Hill Christmas:

Novellas featuring all nine couples!

Find out why so many readers have fallen in love with the series!

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Mardi Gras Masquerade

In this Cinderella story, a shy librarian pretends to be her friend, a glamorous model. Swept away by the romance she finds in New Orleans, her masquerade brings her more happiness and more regrets than she has ever known. The old saying is true: Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

Maria Jones, a shy librarian, shares an apartment with her best friend from high school, Maria Fontaine, a successful fashion model. After a clerical error in their school days, she refers to her friend as “Marla.” Maria lives vicariously through Marla’s adventures up to the time the model becomes engaged to Tienne DuPont, a wealthy shellfish exporter from New Orleans. After a two month separation, Marla decides to call off her long-distance engagement, so she wheedles Maria into meeting with Tienne to tell him the bad news. Mardi Gras has begun, and Maria had always dreamed of going there, so she takes on the challenge.

Taking the hotel suite that was reserved for Marla, Maria assumes her identity until she can meet her roommate’s formidable fiancé. Unfortunately, Tienne is too tied up with business to see her at this time, so Maria goes out to enjoy the festivities. She ends up on the levee after dark, where she is accosted by a sleazy man. At that point, a masked and caped man steps out of the darkness to save her, but at what cost? He implies she is safe with him, but only for now. What does that mean?

Daring to be as bold as her model roommate, she agrees to meet with this man the next day. He is pleasant and charming when he shows her the sights and takes her out to lunch. Just as the relationship starts to bloom, a startling disclosure occurs.

This leads Maria into a world of romance and intrigue beyond her wildest imaginings. Time and time again, she is drawn to tell this man about her deception, but her feelings for him prevent her from doing so. Her inexperience with men is her downfall. This leaves her with growing regrets, as her web of deceit continues to grow denser.

In the meantime, she tries to call her roommate, who promised to be there for her as a strong ally. Marla, in fact, left the country with her new boyfriend to go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. This leaves Maria well out of her depth with the man that has claimed her as his own.

Maria becomes a captive, not merely to the lies she has been compelled to tell, but to her love for this man that has become her captor. In spite of all of her efforts, her masquerade becomes more involved. At the same time, the romance that she finds goes beyond anything she has ever known. The clock ticks away as she passes the point of no return. In all probability, her dreams will come crashing down around her if she cannot stop this relentless charade.

Book Review:

‘Mardi Gras Masquerade’ kept me hooked because it reminded me so much of the Barbara Cartland and English Womens Weekly type stories I read many years ago. Both hero and heroine are hiding behind facades. She is gentle and sweet under her ‘persona’, which she feels she must maintain for the sake of her undeserving friend. He is a ‘macho’ man who hides his attraction to her. There are hints of her being confined against her will. The author creates an aura of mystery which matches the setting of Mardi Gra, southern mansions and mossy trees. A good deal is left to the imagination, (not always a bad thing), however I felt that the characters and plot could have been better developed which would have added interest to the story. As a trip back in time(reading-wise), I enjoyed it and read it to the end.

Book Spotlight: Behind The Mask

Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.

Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.

Chalise and Chaz come face to face at a Twelfth Night party. Years ago, he stood her up and left her brokenhearted. Now her brain is at war with her heart, but her body has a mind of its own. As Chaz leads her across the dance floor, he knows when the music stops it won’t be the end of their waltz. He has questions only she can answer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.

book review:

This was a delightfully well written story full of secrets, doubt and a second chance at love. The characters are unique and you can’t help but fall in love with each one. This author has such an incredible way with words that you feel like you are a part of the story. Loved this book, you definitely do not want to miss this one!

Lagniappe : 1/21 is Granola Day

2 1/2 cups (230 grams) old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup (80 grams) whole almonds, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup (113 grams) pure honey

1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/4 cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (65 grams) mini chocolate chips

Toast the Nuts and Oats in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes. In a pot cook : butter , brown sugar, honey and vanilla until bubbling and all dissolves. Stir together the hot mixture with toasted nuts and oats. Stir in the Chocolate chips and lightly fold in.

Prepare a pan with foil or parchment : and more the mixture on the sheet pan and press down to flatten. Add more Chips and press down more to flatten. Refrigerate to harden up before cutting up into bar size.

Enjoy my little Something Extra this Saturday !!

The Granola Project.https://www.amazon.com/Granola-Cookbook-Discover-Delicious-Recipes-ebook/dp/B07LC6YMCT/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2CRBIP7AMH1UI&

Get your copy of the best and most unique Granola recipes from BookSumo Press!

Come take a journey with us into the delights of easy cooking. The point of this cookbook and all our cookbooks is to exemplify the effortless nature of cooking simply.

In this book we focus on Granola. The Granola Cookbook is a complete set of simple but very unique Granola recipes. You will find that even though the recipes are simple, the tastes are quite amazing.

So will you join us in an adventure of simple cooking?

January Book challenge : Book Lovers

Goodreads 2022 Winners : Romance

“One of my favorite authors.”—Colleen Hoover

An insightful, delightful, instant #1 New York Times bestseller from the author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2022 by Oprah Daily ∙ Today ∙ Parade ∙ Marie Claire ∙ Bustle ∙ PopSugar ∙ Katie Couric Media ∙ Book Bub ∙ SheReads ∙ Medium ∙ The Washington Post ∙ and more!

One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming…

Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

Book Review:

It took me two attempts to get into Book Lovers, the first time I gave up as it didn’t grab me, but I kept reading glowing reviews so thought I’d give it another go. I am so glad I did. Nora is a successful literary agent and a bit of a workaholic; Charlie is an editor with a reputation for discovering bestsellers. Their first meeting is not a success. Nora wants Charlie to work on the new book by her client, Dusty Fielding, which is set in the small town of Sunshine Falls, N Carolina. He turns her down.
Two years later, ‘Once in a Lifetime’ is a bestseller, and Nora’s sister Libby persuades her to go away for a few weeks for a break before her third child is born. Unbeknown to Nora, their destination is Sunshine Falls. What follows could be the script of a rom-com – I could almost see it playing in my head – as Nora and Charlie get to know each other and fall in love. There are obviously obstacles in their way, but no spoilers so you’ll just have to read it for yourself.
The story is told entirely from Nora’s point of view so we know what she’s thinking and how her views change as the story unfolds. The characters are well written and believable, there is a lot of humour at the expense of small-town life where everyone knows your business, and we get fascinating glimpses into the world of books and bookshops

Book Review: Sleep No More (The Lost Night Files Book 1)

New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz returns with the first novel of the Lost Night Files, an exciting new romantic suspense trilogy about a night that changed three women forever—but that none of them can remember. 

Seven months ago, Pallas Llewellyn, Talia March, and Amelia Rivers were strangers, until their fateful stay at the Lucent Springs Hotel. An earthquake and a fire partially destroyed the hotel, but the women have no memory of their time there. Now close friends, the three women co-host a podcast called the Lost Night Files, where they investigate cold cases and hope to connect with others who may have had a similar experience to theirs—an experience that has somehow enhanced the psychic abilities already present in each woman.
 
After receiving a tip for their podcast, Pallas travels to the small college town of Carnelian, California, to explore an abandoned asylum. Shaken by the dark energy she feels in the building, she is rushing out when she’s stopped by a dark figure—who turns out to be the women’s mysterious tipster.
 
Ambrose Drake is certain he’s a witness to a murder, but without a body, everyone thinks he’s having delusions caused by extreme sleep deprivation. But Ambrose is positive something terrible happened at the Carnelian Sleep Institute the night he was there. Unable to find proof on his own, he approaches Pallas for help, only for her to realize that Ambrose, too, has a lost night that he can’t remember—one that may be connected to Pallas. Pallas and Ambrose conduct their investigation using the podcast as a cover, and while the townsfolk are eager to share what they know, it turns out there are others who are not so happy about their questions—and someone is willing to kill to keep the truth from coming out.

ARC Book Review:

Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz is the first book in her new the Lost Night Files series. We meet our heroine, Pallas Llewellyn, from the start. Many months ago, Pallas was staying at the Lucent Springs Hotel, when an earthquake and fire literally destroyed the hotel. Pallas, and two other women came out of this with no memory of being there; as well as each having enhanced paranormal abilities. Pallas joins with the other two ladies, Talia March and Amelia Rivers to start a podcast called the Lost Night Files; investigating strange unexpected events, or cold cases.

This makes for an exciting and compelling storyline, that had me unable to put the book down. Slowly, Pallas and Ambrose begin to not only feel the psychic energies between them, but slow build romance begins. As they get more information, the danger escalates, as they become targets to whomever wants to stop them. Sleep No More was so well written by Jayne Ann Krentz, with wonderful characters, filled with nonstop action, in a fantastic paranormal mystery. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin the story for you. I look forward to the next two books in this trilogy, with both Talia and Amelia having their own storylines. I suggest you read Sleep No More, as it was a great read.

Christmas at the Little Knitting Box

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jessica Redland and Kate Forster.

The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and Cleo’s to manage for four years – ever since she arrived in New York, fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis. New York was supposed to be her second chance, do people get third chances?

Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back.

When the snow starts to fall, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely black and white, and both have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams?

Full of snow, love and the true meaning of Christmas, this novel will have you hooked until the final page.

*Please note this is a re-release of Christmas at the Little Knitting Box, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*

Holiday Book

A delightful story based around the holidays.

Cleo uprooted herself from England and moved to NY to take over her grandparents knitting store and to sort out her life after her divorce. Four years later she finds out that the building her shop is in has been sold which most likely means she may need to relocate or close. As the holidays are approaching, Cleo is faced with many decisions about finding closure and peace from her past and what direction her future holds.

A warm enjoyable cozy read at the perfect time of year!

Book Review: Cowboy’s Christmas Nanny

He has all he wants for Christmas.
But she’s got what he needs.

Shane Cassidy’s wish list is short this year. The young widower just wants his little daughter to be happy, and his quiet son to come out of his room once in a while. Shane is determined to be there every minute for his kids, but when he runs into big trouble with the family horse farm around Christmas time, he realizes they just might need a helping hand.

It turns out, hiring a new nanny might wind him up in a whole new kind of trouble.

Natalie Bell, his best friend’s little sister, is home from the city and looking for work. He can’t turn down the sweet, feisty girl he’s always had a secret crush on. And he certainly can’t lay a hand on Chris Bell’s little sister.

But how is he supposed to resist falling for her, when he sees the way she loves his kids?

Shane’s past was touched by tragedy, and his present is full of challenges. And Natalie has some broken dreams of her own. Will the Cassidy crew scare the new nanny away before she can get settled in? Or might Natalie be the key to making their new house finally feel like a home for the holidays?

Trinity Falls Sweet Romance is all about finding family – one clean & wholesome romance at a time.
From a widower discovering he has feelings for his kids’ nanny, to a soldier finding out about a secret baby, to a single dad falling in love with his child’s preschool teacher, you’ll lose yourself in these feel-good books celebrating love, family, and the very special small town community of Trinity Falls.

It’s Western Wednesday on my blog… a KU Holiday Read

A new author for me and the great start to a new series. There was attraction back when they were in school but he was older and her brother’s best friend.

Now he’s a widower with two children in need of a nanny and she needs a job. As they live in the same house and work together to care for the kids they grow closer. But can he forget his wife and embrace a new relationship? You’re going to want to read this one to find out!

At the Library : Susan Mallery Christmas Books

Today I am spotlighting two great Holiday books from the amazing Susan Mallery that is part of our Library collection . Happy Reading….. Lisa

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

There’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door—local cop Garrick McCabe. She’s a strong, independent woman who can’t help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick’s pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman’s touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he’s hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter’s frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it’s time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants—his heart?

 
Don’t miss Home Sweet Christmas, a witty and heartfelt story of two friends who unexpectedly find the person-and the place in which-they belong this Christmas by #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery!

From my Local Library :

Hapily This Christmas

I thoroughly enjoy a book which has characters from previous stories in them and Susan Mallery never disappoints. Her characters are all believable, likeable characters who could be my neighbors or people I meet in the street. I can’t wait for the next book to be out.

Home Sweet Christmas

Camryn and Jake start off awkward, but they both have fears that almost end them. River and Dylan, have a less awkward start, but they have their own different fears! There is humor in watching them grow past their fears, as well as sadness they will fail! In the end, each pair fights for the love they have found, and that was sweet to see! Enjoy reading all the twists yourself, like I did!