I got the idea and the motivation to start doing Tackling The TBR from All The Book Blog Names Are Taken. It has helped me to keep track of my reading shelf as far as current events and to tidy up my shelves. I feel better about my out of control TBR and have even knocked off a couple of those old ones that had been hanging around for years.
Wrapped Around My Heart Kelly Collins Publication date: October 16th 2017 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Mark Cantwell has a life most men can only dream of—he’s rich, respected, and ripped. There’s only one thing he wants—to regain control of his grandfather’s company. When the chance finally pops up, he jumps at it even though it means ruining Christmas for his executive assistant, Jess Stone.
Jess Stone will do anything for her handsome boss. He’s everything she wants in a man so when he needs her during her family’s annual Colorado Christmas celebration, she doesn’t hesitate to adjust her plans.
What should have been a simple flight and a quick meeting turns into a road trip from hell, leaving the pair stranded in a motel room together in the middle of a snowstorm.
Will Mark take the first chance he can to just get on with his business, or will he realize all he wants for Christmas is Jess?
He lifted his head for the briefest of moments and gave me a slip of a smile. I loved this little power exchange we had going. He’d demand, and I’d push back. Not a lot, just enough to get him to smile.
“Is this a hostile takeover?” It was a valid question since the man gobbled up companies like I did chocolate candies.
Mark laughed. “No, it’s something new.” He brought a pen to his mouth and chewed on the end, then laid it on the desk‐ top. “It’s a partnership.”
I was tempted to snatch the pen he’d been chewing on but let that thought go. Instead, I leaned in like I would if I were to tell him a secret.
“Can I be candid with you?”
He leaned in like every word I uttered was important. “I always want you to be honest with me, Jess.”
I lifted my head so we were eye to eye. “Forgive me for saying, but you don’t come across as the kind of man who plays nicely with others.”
He looked up at me with eyes the same color as a smog-free California sky. “Oh, I’m really quite good at playing, Ms. Stone.”
He only used my last name when he was making a point he didn’t want me to forget, but what was his point? His words seemed naughty in nature. Combined with his sly smile, and I was certain he was teasing me.
“I’d love to see that, Mr. Cantwell.” I made a note to get him the report within the hour. “But in all honesty, you don’t seem the type of man who likes to share, and a partnership implies sharing.”
He sat back and folded his arms across his broad chest. The smooth fabric of his custom suit gripped his muscles. “We’re talking about two different things. I can play all day and never have to share.” He took the last bite of his muffin and watched me for a second. “I never share. Once something is mine, it’s mine forever.”
A shiver ran down my spine. He was probably talking about money or possessions, but when he looked at me and said those words, my heart beat wildly. What would it be like to be Mark Cantwell’s woman for a minute—a day—forever?
Author Bio:
Like FREEBIES? Join the VIP readers at http://bit.ly/KellyCollinsFreeBook for members-only exclusives!
~ Tip: Just hit “FOLLOW” for notifications about deals & new releases! ~
International bestselling author of more than thirty novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.
Kelly has sold more than a quarter of a million books worldwide, and in 2021 she was awarded a Readers’ Favorite Award Gold Medal in the Contemporary Romance category for A Tablespoon of Temptation.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
I have not read any of the Sin City Wolf books, but after reading Hellfire by January Bain, I want more. I quickly became immersed in Amara and Dante’s lives. Shay, Amara’s BFF, is a wonderful character and Rainbow, Amara’s parrot has a large personality. I got more than I bargained for in this paranormal romance.
Amara plays life safe and if it wasn’t for her friend, Shay, she may never have any fun. Her mother passed away with ALS, Lou Gherig’s disease, and she has the RPS25 gene. Her steady money comes from journal articles, papers and dissertations she receives through the university. She loves novels about the supernatural world and would love to be able to write paranormal romance stories herself. Maybe one day?
“Too bad vampires aren’t a real thing. Not having to worry about getting sick would be sweet. Can you say fangbanger, Rainbow?”
Shay”s sister is coming into town to take care of their dad while she and Amara go out on the Vegas town to sing Karaoke at the casino. Amara catches the eye of two ‘men’.
I love a character that has challenges to overcome. and Amara has one that she could never have foreseen when she is bitten by the vampire, Pharaoh Akar I. He knew as soon as he saw her, he had to have her for eternity.
Dante has a family meeting he can’t get out of and is lured to the Karaoke contest by a sweet voice he couldn’t resist. He is a part of the most successful werewolf pack of all time, the House of Luceres. He is a doctor, studying DNA, hoping to benefit werewolves.
I think we can all see where this is going, after Dante rescues the distressed maiden from the clutches of the bad guy. Their road to a life together will be filled with danger, from both vampires and werewolves. After all, the two are mortal enemies and do not mix…or do they?
Now I know who assassinated President Kennedy. LOL
Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. The story and the characters are so well written, I was drawn into the story, smiling, laughing, worrying and fretting. The action and pacing kept the story flowing smoothly, making me ‘flip the pages’, having to know what will become of them. I am sorry I missed the first three books in the Sin City Wolf series by January Bain. I have added Hunt, Book I, to my wish list and want to know what comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Hellfire by January Bain.
4 Stars
BLURB
Amara St. Clair is just out for a rare night of fun on the Vegas Strip. But when she discovers her fun-loving side in the Glitter Palace casino, a life-altering altercation with a deadly ancient vampire leaves Amara lying unconscious in an alley near the famous casino. Doctor, geneticist and genealogy expert Dante Luceres, dedicated to research that will keep his fellow werewolves safe and healthy, is attending a mandatory yearly event of the House of Luceres. Coming across Amara, he saves her life, though vampires and werewolves are forbidden from interfering with each other in the supernatural world. There are dire consequences for interfering with another supe’s domain, and he expects that soon both the vampires and the werewolves will be after them, but he can’t leave the beautiful, vivacious little human to suffer alone. Drawn to each other, the pair must hide from the world. But with everyone against them, including Dante’s clan and an evil vampire hellbent on having Amara for his own, how can they find a path to a shared future…and true happiness?
EXCERPT
“Wait! We’re going the wrong way.”
“My Harley’s out back. Quickest way out of town.”
“I’m wearing a dress. And I’d prefer an Uber or cab. No offense, but I don’t know you.” She jerked her arm to pull away, but I hung on.
“You’re in mortal danger. I’ll figure out the explanation for all this”—I gestured between us—“later when I have access to records and blood testing.”
“Blood tests? What are you talking about? And why does it affect you?”
She exaggerated my hand movements demonstrating the connection between us back in my face. I did note that her hand also trembled, causing an odd emotion to come over me. She was trying to be brave, but it was costing her.
“Are you suggesting that you are not in touch with your obvious physiological responses?”
Anything was possible in this alternative world she’d just had thrust on her. Perhaps she wasn’t aware she had become aroused. Or refused to admit it. It didn’t matter, neither of us would be acting on it in this lifetime.
“You don’t understand. That beast that attacked you? He’s coming back, and he won’t be alone. I have to get you away right now.” I added a sense of urgency to my tone in efforts to persuade her.
She did look around with a more constrained expression, as if the boogey man was going to jump her.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let them take you.”
“Why would they take me? That makes no sense.” She had the cutest way of wrinkling her nose that made it wiggle a bit.
“You look like a movie star.”
“Yeah, right!” Now she gave a grimace as if I were fucking around with her.
“Yes. Marilyn Monroe. Only with dark hair. In a blonde wig, you’d be able to pass for identical twins. Your features, perfectly aligned and symmetrical, are above average in scope and dimension.”
I pointed at her face, as if drawing with my fingers in the air. “The distance between your eyes in one exact eye, the length of your face equals three noses. Space from the lower eyelid to the upper eyelid is the same as space between the upper eyelid and eyebrow. Also demonstrated to perfection. And width of the face across the cheeks is equal to two lengths of the nose. Finally, eyebrows begin on the same line as the corner of the eye nearest to the nose. There you have it, a perfect oval face!” I always appreciated sharing such proof positive.
Instead of thanks for pointing out her perfection, what did I get but a rolling of her eyes before she burst into gales of laughter?
“Is that the line you try on women to get them into bed, by any chance?”
AUTHOR Bio and Links
January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.
If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.
If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…
Book Title: THE YOUNG FEDERALISTS by Abigail Readlinger Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 72 pages Genre: Middle Grade Publisher: Mascot Books Release date: Dec 2022 Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Ever heard of The Federalist Papers? (Awaiting your confusion . . .) Probably not, huh? That’s alright! Not many kids do! But I promise, this book is setting out to change that. Join the three Kennedy siblings as they travel through the portal of American history to discover the importance behind the first Federalist Papers and its connection to the Constitution of the United States! Look out for ways that the first Federalist Papers might apply to our world today. Who knows, maybe it could help just as much now as it did back then! Oh! And watch out for a special guest appearance from . . . Alexander Hamilton!
Abigail Readlinger is a current high school junior at The Wilberforce School, located in Princeton, New Jersey, where she enjoys participating year-round on both the sport and debating teams. Homebound during the pandemic, Abigail was inspired to create her first draft of The Young Federalists. Almost two years later, she is thrilled to have her whim become a reality and hopes readers will enjoy the lives of Reagan, AJ, and Dolley as much as she enjoyed creating them. In her free time, Abigail enjoys horseback riding, creative writing, and rereading all of her favorite Agatha Christie novels. She has two younger siblings named Sarah and Doc, as well as an honorary third sibling―her yellow lab, Daisy.
For the Love of Brigid Nanette Littlestone Publication date: December 15th 2022 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Discover an ancient legend, powerful magic, and heartwarming romance in the gentle hills of western Ireland.
Tongue-tied around men, the only place shy librarian Brigid Cleary finds love is in the books she reads. Certainly not in the novel she’s writing—as appealing as a dusty desert. Then a famous mystery writer enters her life to research an Irish legend related to her family. As their easy conversation grows, Brigid develops feelings. There’s just one large problem—he’s engaged.
With two failed books behind him, Andrew Connally is desperate for success. The Irish legend has to pull him through. When Brigid invites him to Ireland for a family celebration, in exchange for his help with writing, he jumps at the chance. But surprises emerge in this enchanted land. The flames of attraction climb, and the legend pulls them both on a powerful journey.
As the secrets of the legend come to light, Brigid and Andrew discover an unexpected path to love and the dreams they both desire.
Walking up the path to my house, I think about Annemarie’s love and encouragement. The best of friends, she’s always buoyed my spirit and helped me through crisis after crisis. Setting up the library after Gran’s death was a major undertaking, one I’d felt incapable of handling. There were thousands of books. Whole rooms to remodel. Furniture and lighting and wallpaper to choose. So many times I thought I’d go insane. But with Annemarie’s help, we met every obstacle with determined positivity. And now here I am with a gorgeous mansion that feels more like a home with enormous playrooms.
Smiling, I climb the stone steps to my door and reach into my pocket for the key.
“Excuse me, are you Brigid Cleary?”
My heart stutters and I whirl with a gasp. A pleasant looking man stands by the steps, slightly hunched in his winter coat. “By all the gods!” I yell. “Ye startled the crap out of me.” I wince at the hint of Irish in my voice.
“Beautiful and Irish.”
“Of course I’m Irish.”
He steps closer. “They said you were, but—”
“They? They who?”
“My publisher. Well, his assistant. So you are Brigid Cleary.”
I lean against the door to my house, my heartbeat beginning to slow. He doesn’t look like he’s going to attack. “Who wants to know?”
“Andrew. Andrew Connally.”
Not the Andrew Connally. No, it can’t be. I shiver as a gust of wind bites through my clothes. “Well, Mr. Connally, why are you here?”
“Do you suppose we can continue the Inquisition inside? It’s freezing.”
So he’s not immune to the cold. “I’m not in the habit of inviting strangers into my home.”
“That’s understandable, and certainly fair, but . . .”
“But it’s freezing.” And five more seconds might turn us both into icebergs. “Go around to the library entrance.” I point to the right. “I’ll meet you there.”
When he leaves, I unlock the door and walk inside, my toes stiff and painful. What I really want is a hot drink and a warm fire, but somehow I’ve picked up a stray man. Wouldn’t it be interesting if he were the famous mystery writer? What a story I’d have for Annemarie.
With that, I hang up my coat and scarf and make my way through the library, turning on lights as I go.
Cold gusts of air follow when I let him in. He stamps his feet loudly, the heels of his shoes thudding against the thick carpet. “This is the last time I’m coming here in the winter.”
“I’ve been imagining the tropics all day. Care to go with me?” I can’t believe I’ve issued an invitation. To a complete stranger.
“I just might do that,” he says with a smile that looks so honest, so pure, and so familiar.
I stare and he matches my stare. Open. Inquisitive. And a little mischievous. I have to ask. “Are you the Andrew Connally?”
“The Andrew Connally? Well, now, I’m not sure.”
He’s playing with me. “You know, the mystery writer.”
“Ah, that Andrew Connally.”
“Yes, that one. Because you look like him. I mean, I’ve never seen him up close, just on the back of book jackets. And his smile is so . . . well, professional yet engaging. As if he’s inviting you to come closer, to get to know him better, to have a conversation. And your smile just then, it was . . .” I’m rambling. To a stranger. I never ramble. I never talk to strangers either. But now, with Andrew, my mouth is literally a fountain of words.
I shake my head to clear whatever unfortunate clutter has collected and realize we’re still standing by the entrance. Where are my manners? “I’m so sorry. Would you like to sit down?” I move through the lobby and into Hush Hush, the cozy area for adults with long couches and a wide fireplace just perfect on this frosty night. Crouching before the fake logs, I turn on the gas and watch the flames come to life.
For long moments my guest gazes into the fire. He seems softer in person than on his back cover photos, if he even is the Andrew Connally. He still hasn’t answered that question. And his wavy hair, chestnut brown with flecks of gold, hangs longer, brushing his shirt collar. Much more youthful than that stern, suit jacket look he projects. And more dashing. But does his personality match his profile? Is he staid and somber or casual and easy-going? And, more importantly, what is he doing here?
Author Bio:
Get ready for a journey of the heart! Award-winning novelist Nanette Littlestone believes in happily ever after. But most people don’t live fairy tale lives, so her stories explore the struggles and heart-wrenching decisions we make, as well as the joy, delight, and happiness when we embrace our dreams. It’s all about the love.
Her books include “The Sacred Flame” (a historical novel in ancient Rome), “Bella Toscana” (the contemporary sequel), “The Heart of Everything” (an underwater fantasy), and “For the Love of Brigid” (the Irish romance coming out Dec 2022).
She lives in Atlanta, GA but still calls California home, loves making origami butterflies, and watching romantic movies that make her cry. Her favorite quote: “Flattery will get you nowhere. Chocolate, everywhere.”
Book Title: In the Nick of Time Too by Deedee Cummings/illustrated by Charlene Mosley Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 40 pages Genre: Children/ Holiday (Kids older than 7 will love this too.) Publisher: Make A Way Media Release date: November 2022 Content Rating: G. Children’s Holiday Book.
Book Description:
Nick Saint and his best friend, Cooper, reunite in this warm holiday story about the magic of Christmas. A surprise visit leads to a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the holiday spirit. Nick and Cooper receive a charge to spread kindness and hope in their everyday lives. Will Cooper listen to his friend and help Nick save the day again? Will you also be moved to action and accept Santa’s challenge to spread kindness wherever you go?
Children of all ages and backgrounds will be inspired by this story and will understand that love, hope, kindness, and Christmas miracles come to us in many shapes and all colors.
I love reading paranormal romance and Amber Garr’s Every Which Fae is chock full of magical and supernatural creatures. There will definitely be some romancing going on in a friends to lovers relationship.
Sadie is a fighter and her bite is worse than her bark. She is an investigative reporter with KPWTV, and fights for those who aren’t strong enough to fight for themselves. She has her best friend, Tris, at her side, armed with a camera. They make a great team.
The adventure begins when Sadie finds out she is a halfling, half fae and half human…and her father is missing, her biological father, who she has never met.
Blake comes knocking on her door and before Sadie knows it, he becomes a member of the team. He is Mac’s, the missing father, employee at the porn shop he owns. I liked that touch and it gave me a chuckle or two when Sadie and Tris make their first visit to the shop.
Gallus is a vampire and joins the group as Sadie searches for clues to where her father has been taken. It’s not long before Wylen makes an appearance. He cracks me up and we do have some fun situations arise. He is more than he appears and sticks to Sadie like glue…most of the time. The more she learns, the more determined she is to get to the bottom of things.
I have read some of Amber Garr’s other work and loved it, so picking up Every Which Fae was easy to do. I am curious what the target audience is for Every Which Fae. For me, definitely an adult that loves violence, blood and guts, and hot sexy scenes…HA HA HA…I would rate Every Which Fae a three.
For a teenager, or young adult I would rate it a four. Every Which Way is filled with adventure, intrigue, mystery, danger, romance, humor and snark. The characters are marvelous, each adding a certain something to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Every Which Fae by Amber Garr.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Our dark family secret has finally caught up to me.
For years, I’ve made it my priority to deliver justice and bring down those who prey on the weak. Shifty landlords, deceitful realtors, and dirty politicians cannot hide from me. As an investigative reporter with a special ability for digging up the facts, my life has been good.
Until the evening my mother tells me I’m not human.
My biological father is missing. I’m falling in love with my best friend who is struggling with a crushing reality that could tear us apart. And now, a full-blooded fae with smoldering eyes and a royal attitude has me second-guessing my entire existence.
I never thought the truth could hurt so much. Staying away from a mystery is hard, but am I ready to sacrifice all that makes me human and trust in a world I never knew?
Every Which Fae is a paranormal romance featuring a friends-to-lovers romance, dangerous fae politics, and a halfling caught in the middle of a greater conspiracy. Grab it now and get tangled in the suspense!
ABOUT AMBER GARR
Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, the award-winning The Water Crisis Chronicles, and the The Second Rising Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.
Book Title: Armadas in the Mist (Empire of the House of Thorns series – Book Three) by Christian Klaver Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 332 pages Genre: YA Fantasy Publisher: CamCat Books Release date: November 2022 Content Rating: PG. It’s very clean.
Book Description:
The Black Shuck’s forces gather just beyond the mist . . .
Captain Justice Kasric knows how complicated family can be. The escalating Human-Faerie war has scattered and wounded her siblings and transformed her parents beyond recognition. After narrowly escaping yet another dangerous clash, fifteen-year-old Justice has had enough. She’s determined to defeat the Black Shuck, the mysterious leader controlling the Faerie invasion of London, but if Justice hopes to stand a chance at victory, she’ll have to do the impossible: reunite her family and lead them against the looming Faerie Armada.
With her mother and brother at the helm of the enemy fleet, and the prophesized Seven Virtues slipping out of reach, Justice more than has her work cut out for her. Even if she can save England, the cost may be higher than she’s willing to pay.
Faeted Mates: A Paranormal Romance Boxset Publication date: December 13th 2022 Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
They aren’t nice, and they aren’t trying to get along.
The fae, shifters, and humans of this world are not one big happy family, and in this massive collection of new fantasy romance tales from 19 authors, their worlds are about to collide. There won’t just be danger; there will be an all out war.
Whether meeting shifters, witches, engaging in duels, stolen brides and arranged marriages, or navigating the worlds of magic that are at war with worlds of man, these books from today’s New York Times, USA Today, and new and upcoming authors are sure to blur the lines between the seelie and unseelie.
Now only one question remains: Can our heroes and heroines prove that love knows no difference between the winter and summer courts before they tear each other apart?
Join the Wyld Hunt and explore the mystic forces of Faery as fate calls unlikely lovers to each other with primal magnetism. This collection includes academy romance, enemies to lovers, urban fantasy, retold classics, friends to lovers, and all new fare.
One thing is certain: these are not your childhood fairy tales.
Scroll up and one-click to secure your copy of Faeted Mates right now.
This fantasy series is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Holly Black, and K.F. Breene and features full-length fantasy romance stories of various heat levels.
Authors included in this set are: Celia Kyle & Marina Maddix, Reina Torres, Rianne Thaxton, Cassidy K. O’Connor, Gracen Miller, Terri A. Wilson, Riley Hunt & Amelia Grey, Jamie Dalton, Christopher D. Schmitz, Channie Cocker, Breezy Jones, Elle J Rossi, Adalynd Grayves, A.M. Mason, Brenda Lore, Tori Kellett
Book Title: A Knock on the Door by Roberta K. Fernandez Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 392 pages Genre: Crime Fiction / Thriller Publisher: Subplot Publishing (Imprint of Amplify Publishing Group) Release date: October 2022 Content Rating: PG-13 + M. The book deals with heavy themes, murder, and violence
Book Description:
Lori Crawford’s world is turned upside down when her husband dies in a car accident. After twenty-five years of marriage, she thought she would forever live an uncomplicated, happy life with Jack. But just as Lori feels she’s coming out on the other side of her grief, Jack’s assistant at SpringWare, Rita Johnson, discovers information that convinces her that Jack was murdered.
The two women vow to bring the perpetrator to justice. But time is running out, and their names are on someone’s kill list. The truth takes them down a path they never could have suspected. They set out to bring down one of the most powerful men in the country: the director of the National Security Agency. But who will believe them? And how many more will die before they do? Now, they have to decide if they have the courage—and the ability—to finish what they started.
