Waiting On Wednesday (302) Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.


Expected publication: September 19th 2017 by Little, Brown & Company

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In this hotly anticipated sequel to the haunting #1 bestseller Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer...or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.

I have no idea why I haven't read the first book in this series, but now I'm excited about reading this book, too. Someone tell me I MUST read these NOW!!!!

What are you waiting on this week?

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Excerpt and Giveaway: A Pinch of Salt (Three Sisters Catering, #1) by Bethany Lopez


Today I am taking part in the blog tour for A PINCH OF SALT by Bethany Lopez. A Pinch of Salt is the first book in an all-new contemporary romance series, Three Sister's Catering. Check out the excerpt, teasers, and giveaway below for a chance to win a surprise book box!


A Pinch of Salt by Bethany Lopez
(Three Sisters Catering, #1)
Contemporary Romance


Synopsis:

For the past year, talented chef Millie has been consumed with running her new catering business with her sisters, Dru and Tasha. It isn't until Jackson walks through their door that she realizes something may be missing in the recipe of her life.

For the past year, Jackson has been dealing with the fallout of his wife's abandonment. He's had to learn how to be a single father to their eight-year-old daughter, and will do anything to fill the void her mother left. It isn't until he commissions Millie for his daughter's birthday party that he realizes he's forgotten that he's not only a father, but a man.


They both think they're content in their lives, but sometimes the right amount of spice can turn an okay dish into a magnificent one. A Pinch of Salt may be all that's needed to bring Millie and Jackson the flavor they've been missing.

Check out the Pinch of Salt Pinterest Board!



Purchase Now

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords



Excerpt:

Millie

“Are you ready?” he asked, pushing his glasses up his nose in what I was beginning to realize was a nervous gesture.

“Yes,” I replied, giving him a true smile. It was easier knowing that he was just as nervous as I was. “Let’s go.”

“It’s a beautiful day, shall we walk?” Jackson asked, mockingly holding out his arm in a gallant gesture.

I laughed at his silliness and tucked my arm in his.

“I’d love that.”

As we started on the short walk to the coffee house, I asked, “So, what made you get into high school English?”

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I’ve always loved literature, so it seemed like a no-brainer,” Jackson replied easily. “I started out with your basic freshman English, but now I teach an advanced class, focusing on the classics, like Shakespeare, Austen, and Alcott, and it’s great because the kids in my class choose to be there, so they actually want to learn what I’m teaching.”

“Wow, that sounds wonderful,” I replied, my heart pitter-pattering at the thought of Jackson laying down to read Jane Austen at night. “And very rewarding.”

“It is,” he agreed. Just then, the wind kicked up and his scent hit me. A bit of spice, with a hint of something I couldn’t name. He smelled wonderful.

I was beginning to wonder what the hell was wrong with this guy. There had to be something. No one was this perfect.

Maybe he picks his nose or bites his toenails…

But as I looked at his profile, my hand warm on his arm, I hoped that I was wrong. I wanted him to be real.

GIVEAWAY

Use the hashtag #APINCHOFSALT on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, with the book's buy links, for a chance to win a surprise book box!

Each box will contain the ARC and some incredible goodies!

Now Available - $3.99

Amazon - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltAMZ

iBooks - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltIBOOKS

Kobo - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltKOBO

Nook - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltNOOK

Smashwords - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltSW



AUTHOR INFORMATION:

A1nt0F1SfnL._UX250_
Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She's a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.
AUTHOR LINKS:
InkSlinger-Blogger banner-New
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Review: Suspicious Behavior (Bad Behavior #2) by L.A. Witt and Cari Z.



Publication: August 21st 2017 by Riptide Publishing
Genre: M/M, Crime, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Detective Darren Corliss is hanging by a thread. In between recovering from a near-fatal wound and returning to work at a hostile precinct, he’s struggling to help care for his ailing brother. His partner and boyfriend, Detective Andreas Ruffner, wants to help, but doesn’t know how. And with his own family crises brewing, Andreas is spread almost as thin as Darren.

For cops, though, life takes a backseat to the job. When a stack of unsolved homicides drops into their laps, Andreas and Darren think they’re unrelated cold cases. But when a connection surfaces, they find themselves on the tail of a prolific serial killer who’s about to strike again.

Except they’ve got nothing. No leads. No suspects. Just a pile of circumstantial evidence and a whole lot of hunches. Time is running out to stop the next murder—and to pull themselves back from their breaking points.


I love these guys so much! This is turning out to be such a great series. This book picks up right after the events in Risky Behavior, with Darren and Andreas dealing with the fallout from their actions. Things are definitely difficult around the precinct, and both guys are frustrated with the way they are being treated. Their investigative skills are put to the test as they work together to find a serial killer. The highs and lows these guys went through while working this case definitely kept me interested.

Andreas is in full on daddy mode throughout the story. Even with Darren - he's watchful, overprotective, and caring. I loved seeing this side of Andreas because it was really lacking in the first book. In fact, I had a hard time believing he actually was a father in the first book. So it was good to see him in action.

Darren is still trying to recover from his injury in the first book. He's getting physically run down by the new case, and dealing with his brother is becoming more difficult. Luckily, Andreas is right there to keep him from falling completely apart. In turn, Darren is supportive of Andreas' parental obligations.

Challenges with their personal lives are keeping both men busy, so sexy times are definitely at a minimum. Their feelings for each other have strengthened, and that added intimacy and depth to the relationship. I enjoyed the slow steady burn of Andreas and Darren's attraction to one another. I actually really love the May/December aspect, so their age difference intrigues me.

Engaging dialogue, a varied supporting cast, and the dual pov brought me right into the story. I enjoyed getting down and dirty with Andreas and Darren during their investigation. I really love both guys and how they played off each other both personally and professionally. They're just so darn likable! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.


My Rating: 4.5 Stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (301) They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.


Expected publication: September 5th 2017 by HarperTeen

Synopsis from Goodreads:

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure and to live a lifetime in a single day.

I need to find out if they both die at the end.

What are you waiting on this week?


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Release Day Giveaway: A Pinch of Salt (Three Sisters Catering, #1) by Bethany Lopez


I am happy to be sharing the release of A PINCH OF SALT by Bethany Lopez. A Pinch of Salt is the first book in an all-new contemporary romance series, Three Sister's Catering. Check out the excerpt, teasers, and giveaway below for a chance to win a surprise book box!


A Pinch of Salt by Bethany Lopez
(Three Sisters Catering, #1)
Contemporary Romance


Synopsis:

For the past year, talented chef Millie has been consumed with running her new catering business with her sisters, Dru and Tasha. It isn't until Jackson walks through their door that she realizes something may be missing in the recipe of her life.

For the past year, Jackson has been dealing with the fallout of his wife's abandonment. He's had to learn how to be a single father to their eight-year-old daughter, and will do anything to fill the void her mother left. It isn't until he commissions Millie for his daughter's birthday party that he realizes he's forgotten that he's not only a father, but a man.


They both think they're content in their lives, but sometimes the right amount of spice can turn an okay dish into a magnificent one. A Pinch of Salt may be all that's needed to bring Millie and Jackson the flavor they've been missing.

Check out the Pinch of Salt Pinterest Board!



Purchase Now

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords



EXCERPT

“Fine,” I said with mock exasperation,” I’ll give you the cliff notes.”
Tasha kept her eyes on me as she waited expectantly. She’d recently cut off her long black hair that had matched mine and Dru’s in length into a cute bob, and dyed it a bright red. It totally suited her.
“The party was great, fantastic even. I had a blast decorating, and the girls loved it. I took pictures to show you guys, and for the website,” I began, but Tasha waved her hand, encouraging me to get to the good stuff. “Jackson asked me out,” I said with a shrug, then teased her by saying, “But, I said no.”
“Wha?” Tasha cried, standing and putting her hands on her hips. “Why’d you do that? I thought he was your diary dream man. At least, that’s what Dru said.”
I raised my eyebrow at my twin, who just stuck out her tongue at me and continued stretching her quads.
“He’s also married, and still wears his wedding ring,” I replied, then sighed and added, “But, he assured me that the marriage is very much over, the ring was just an oversight, and we’re going to meet up for coffee this week. So, not a date, just coffee.”
“A coffee date,” Dru said with a grin.
“Shut up,” I replied, but couldn’t hold back my answering smile. “I don’t know, you guys, he scares me.”
“Why?” Tasha asked. “Because you’ve been so focused on the business, and before that, Mom, that you haven’t met a man for coffee, let alone had one between your legs, since you and Dru were at USC?”
“That’s not true,” I argued, offended and a little embarrassed about how right my younger sister was. “There was Joshua…”
“Ewww,” my sisters groaned in unison.
“You mean that creeper guy who kept taking you to Anime movies and trying to get you to give him a handy in the theater?” Dru asked. “You really want to count that guy?”

GIVEAWAY

Use the hashtag #APINCHOFSALT on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, with the book's buy links, for a chance to win a surprise book box!

Each box will contain the ARC and some incredible goodies!

Now Available - $3.99

Amazon - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltAMZ

iBooks - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltIBOOKS

Kobo - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltKOBO

Nook - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltNOOK

Smashwords - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltSW



AUTHOR INFORMATION:

A1nt0F1SfnL._UX250_
Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She's a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.
AUTHOR LINKS:
InkSlinger-Blogger banner-New
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Review: Risky Behavior (Bad Behavior #1) by L.A. Witt and Cari Z.



Risky Behavior (Bad Behavior #1) by L.A. Witt Cari Z.
Published May 1st 2017 by Riptide Publishing
Page Count: 309
Genre: M/M, Crime, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

It’s day one of Darren Corliss’s career as a detective, and not only has he been assigned a notoriously difficult partner, but the guy might also be a pill-popping dirty cop. Internal Affairs needs proof, and Darren gets to be their eyes and ears whether he wants to or not.

Detective Andreas Ruffner doesn’t play by the rules, and he doesn’t play well with others. With bodies piling up and a list of suspects who are way above his pay grade, the last thing he needs is a wet-behind-the-ears kid for a partner. Or babysitter. Not even if that partner is easy on the eyes.

As Darren gains Andreas’s hard-won trust, they both realize there’s more than just mutual suspicion simmering beneath the surface. But their investigation is heating up as quickly as their relationship, and Darren has no choice but to go along with Andreas’s unorthodox—and borderline unethical—methods. As IA puts the squeeze on Darren to give up the man he’s falling for, he has to wonder—is Andreas the only cop left in this town who isn’t dirty?



I.....really love these guys. I love them even more after reading for the second time. I have to admit that during my first read I didn't know what to expect, especially with Andreas, so I found myself waiting for something bad to go down between them. I just didn't want my Darren's heart to get broken. Because, obviously, that's important to me.

While I love Andreas and Darren, they are FAR from perfect! Both have a less than stellar past, Andreas more so than Darren, but when it comes down to right or wrong, you know which side they are going to be on.

I've realized that while I enjoy reading m/m, I need the added excitement of a police procedural to really keep me emotionally invested. This was the perfect blend of all the things I like. The romance was not overdone, and I was okay with that because they are partners, so the closeness is there, but the sex was not front and center. Andreas and Darren have great chemistry, and I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses as the series continues.

I ended up really, really liking Risky Behavior. The story was told in dual pov, which I always enjoy because I can get inside both character's heads. It had really great pacing, an entertaining storyline, two awesomely hot leads, and a cast of interesting supporting characters.

My only real complaint is Darren's lack of reaction to Andreas's medical condition. I was actually shocked, and I expected him to be at least taken aback, but he was totally nonplussed. So that really bothered me.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars
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Excerpt: A Pinch of Salt (Three Sisters Catering #1) by Bethany Lopez


I am excited to share an excerpt of PINCH OF SALT by Bethany Lopez. A Pinch of Salt is the first book in an all-new contemporary romance series, Three Sister's Catering. Check out the excerpt, teasers, and giveaway below for a chance to win a surprise book box! Pre-order your copy now!


A Pinch of Salt by Bethany Lopez

(Three Sisters Catering, #1)
Contemporary Romance - Coming August 21

Add the book to Goodreads


Synopsis:

For the past year, talented chef Millie has been consumed with running her new catering business with her sisters, Dru and Tasha. It isn't until Jackson walks through their door that she realizes something may be missing in the recipe of her life.

For the past year, Jackson has been dealing with the fallout of his wife's abandonment. He's had to learn how to be a single father to their eight-year-old daughter, and will do anything to fill the void her mother left. It isn't until he commissions Millie for his daughter's birthday party that he realizes he's forgotten that he's not only a father, but a man.

They both think they're content in their lives, but sometimes the right amount of spice can turn an okay dish into a magnificent one. A Pinch of Salt may be all that's needed to bring Millie and Jackson the flavor they've been missing.



Pre-order for $3.99

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords




EXCERPT:

“Fine,” I said with mock exasperation,” I’ll give you the cliff notes.”

Tasha kept her eyes on me as she waited expectantly. She’d recently cut off her long black hair that had matched mine and Dru’s in length into a cute bob, and dyed it a bright red. It totally suited her.

“The party was great, fantastic even. I had a blast decorating, and the girls loved it. I took pictures to show you guys, and for the website,” I began, but Tasha waved her hand, encouraging me to get to the good stuff. “Jackson asked me out,” I said with a shrug, then teased her by saying, “But, I said no.”

“Wha?” Tasha cried, standing and putting her hands on her hips. “Why’d you do that? I thought he was your diary dream man. At least, that’s what Dru said.”

I raised my eyebrow at my twin, who just stuck out her tongue at me and continued stretching her quads.

“He’s also married, and still wears his wedding ring,” I replied, then sighed and added, “But, he assured me that the marriage is very much over, the ring was just an oversight, and we’re going to meet up for coffee this week. So, not a date, just coffee.”

“A coffee date,” Dru said with a grin.

“Shut up,” I replied, but couldn’t hold back my answering smile. “I don’t know, you guys, he scares me.”

“Why?” Tasha asked. “Because you’ve been so focused on the business, and before that, Mom, that you haven’t met a man for coffee, let alone had one between your legs, since you and Dru were at USC?”

“That’s not true,” I argued, offended and a little embarrassed about how right my younger sister was. “There was Joshua…”

“Ewww,” my sisters groaned in unison.

“You mean that creeper guy who kept taking you to Anime movies and trying to get you to give him a handy in the theater?” Dru asked. “You really want to count that guy?”

GIVEAWAY

Use the hashtag #APINCHOFSALT on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, with the book's buy links, for a chance to win a surprise book box!

Each box will contain the ARC and some incredible goodies!

Preorder Now Available - $3.99

Amazon - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltAMZ

iBooks - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltIBOOKS

Kobo - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltKOBO

Nook - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltNOOK

Smashwords - http://bit.ly/PinchofSaltSW



AUTHOR INFORMATION:

A1nt0F1SfnL._UX250_
Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She's a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.
AUTHOR LINKS:
InkSlinger-Blogger banner-New
Read More »

Waiting On Wednesday (300) Reunion (Diversion #6) by Eden Winters



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

This is my 300th Waiting on Wednesday post!!
This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.


Expected publication: August 19th 2017 by Rocky Ridge Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Reunions can be murder.

A dial tone instead of a human voice announced Lucky’s ousting from the Lucklighter clan over twelve years ago. After living a life of crime. After testifying against his drug lord lover. After receiving a ten-year sentence. Ah, hell. Lucky would’ve disowned himself too.

Now life’s better. He’s done his time and earned a place in the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau’s Department of Diversion Prevention and Control. He has a house. He has Bo, his partner both on and off the job. And pets. But not his folks. The worst part? He’s not sure exactly why they disowned him. Too late now—they think he’s dead.

Now his father needs a gift only Lucky can give. And Lucky’s family has something that may destroy all he believes:

The truth.

I just finished book 4 last night.... and where Lucky and Bo left off made me all sorts of sad. I was late to this series, so I'm not technically 'behind' with my reading, but I definitely need to read book 5 so I can get my hands on this baby and read it right away.

What are you waiting on this week?
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Review: Diversion (Diversion #1) by Eden Winters



Diversion (Diversion #1) by Eden Winters
Published June 20th 2015 by Rocky Ridge Books (first published March 2012)
Page Count: 238
Genre: M/M, Crime, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

There are good guys, bad guys, and then there’s Lucky.

Former drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter flaunts his past like a badge of honor. He speaks his mind, doesn’t play nice, and flirts with disaster while working off his sentence with the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau. If he can keep out of trouble a while longer he’ll be a free man–after he trains his replacement.

Textbook-quoting, by the book Bo Schollenberger is everything Lucky isn’t. Lucky slurps coffee, Bo lives caffeine free. Lucky worships bacon, Bo eats tofu. Lucky trusts no one, Bo calls suspects by first name. Yet when the chips are down on their shared case of breaking up a drug diversion ring, they may have more in common than they believe.

Two men. Close quarters. Friction results in heat. But Lucky scoffs at partnerships, no matter how thrilling the roller-coaster. Bo has two months to break down Lucky’s defenses… and seconds are ticking by.


I had a really rough start with Diversion. I was ready to dnf before the 40% mark. I wasn't connecting with the characters, and the writing style was really throwing me off. I just couldn't get in the groove! But then I must have gotten used to it, or the writing got a little bit better. Either way, I started enjoying the story a LOT more.

Lucky turned out to be alright, and I liked him well enough. He wasn't nearly as snarky as I was led to believe, but I did enjoy his inner dialogue a lot. I liked Bo, but I didn't get to know him very well since the story is from Lucky's POV. I'm hoping to get Bo's POV as the series progresses.

I liked Lucky and Bo together because I thought they made sense. They're not necessarily opposites, but they definitely don't seem like couple material. However, I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change at work and at home. I especially loved Lucky's reactions every time he realized he was having 'feelings'. Poor guy.

My biggest gripe about this book? How disappointing was that 'reunion' scene! I thought it was seriously lacking any real emotion, and I just really wanted needed more from my guys (especially Bo!)

Even though the story wasn't fast paced or action packed, it was still different and interesting enough to keep me reading to the end. I did end up enjoying the book overall, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.


My Rating: 4 Stars


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Waiting On Wednesday (299) Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney C. Stevens



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

I've been participating in Waiting on Wednesday for over 5 years because Wednesday is my favorite day of the week! I love sharing and discovering new books.


Expected publication: August 22nd 2017 by HarperTeen

Synopsis from Goodreads:

As the tomboy daughter of the town’s preacher, Billie McCaffrey has always struggled with fitting the mold of what everyone says she should be. She’d rather wear sweats, build furniture, and get into trouble with her solid group of friends: Woods, Mash, Davey, Fifty, and Janie Lee.

But when Janie Lee confesses to Billie that she’s in love with Woods, Billie’s filled with a nagging sadness as she realizes that she is also in love with Woods…and maybe with Janie Lee, too.

Always considered “one of the guys,” Billie doesn’t want anyone slapping a label on her sexuality before she can understand it herself. So she keeps her conflicting feelings to herself, for fear of ruining the group dynamic. Except it’s not just about keeping the peace, it’s about understanding love on her terms—this thing that has always been defined as a boy and a girl falling in love and living happily ever after. For Billie—a box-defying dynamo—it’s not that simple.

I haven't been reading too much YA recently, but this sounds different and interesting, so I'm eager to read it.

What are you waiting on this week?
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Review: A Ghost of a Chance by Josh Lanyon



A Ghost of a Chance by Josh Lanyon
Publication Date: March 11th 2012
Page Count: 101
Published by: Just Joshin
Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Over a century ago Illusionist David Berkeley committed suicide in his mansion by the sea, thus dooming his restless spirit to wander forever. Or so the local legend goes...

Professor Rhys Davies, a part-time parapsychologist, is writing a book on California hauntings and he believes the crumbling ruins of Berkeley House will make a terrific chapter -- if he can gain access to the house and grounds. The only obstacle is brooding cop and self-appointed caretaker, Sam Devlin. As obstacles go, Devlin is a big one.

But you know what they say. The bigger they are, the harder they fall...



Lanyon is able to write credible stories with likeable characters in just a few pages. This time around it's a geeky professor and a big, burly, hardened, and surprisingly homely, cop. Not your typical MCs, but I've come to expect it from this author. Both Rhys and Sam had qualities that I liked, and I actually enjoyed them together.

The mystery/ghost part of the story was really good. Good enough that I had to stop reading at 1 AM when I became a little too scared to continue. Yep, I'm afraid of things that go bump in the night, and I wasn't sure just how scary the book would actually be. So I waited until the following morning to finish, which I think I was better for me.

As with a lot of Lanyon's short stories, this is bare boned and to the point. The romance was natural, if a bit rushed, but left off with a promise of what could be. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read that was imaginative and well written.

My Rating: 4 Stars


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Review: You Never Know by Mary Calmes



Publication Date: July 21, 2017
Page Count: 212
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Source: purchased
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Hagen Wylie has it all figured out. He’s going to live in his hometown, be everybody’s friend, explore new relationships, and rebuild his life after the horrors of war. No muss, no fuss is the plan. He’s well on his way—until he finds out his first love has come home too. Hagen says it’s no big deal, but a chance encounter with Mitch Thayer’s two cute sons puts him directly in the path of the only guy he’s never gotten out of his head.

Mitch returned for three reasons: to raise his sons where he grew up, to move his furniture business and encourage it to thrive, and to win Hagen back. Years away made it perfectly clear the young man he loved in high school is the only one for him. The problem? He left town and they have not talked since.

If Hagen’s going to trust him again, Mitch needs to show him how he’s grown up and isn’t going to let go. They could have a new chance at love… but Hagen is insistent he’s not reviving a relationship with Mitch. Then again, you never know.


To be honest, I really didn't like this book. I think I've read enough Mary Calmes to know what to expect, but I thought this was shallow and pointless. There was a ton of meaningless dialogue that just went around in circles. I hated that Hagen's 'flashbacks' were always right in the middle of a conversation. He would zone out while he recalled the past, then have to be literally snapped back to the present and the conversation he was having. That grew tiresome.

Not much really happened in this story. I was at 60% and it was still the same day. Hagen spent most of this book with Ash, so when Mitch showed up I was ready for the story to move along already. But then I realized that Hagen and Mitch had no present day knowledge of each other, so everything they were feeling was from their shared history as teenagers, and not based on adult reality.

This book was just not for me, which I found disappointing because I freaking adore her Marshals series. I'm hoping to find something else of hers to read that can bring me the same joy as Miro and Ian.

I read a book with the same general premise - teenagers in love, one goes away for 15 years and then returns - except the Common Law Series by Kate Sherwood is far, far superior to this book.

My Rating: 2.5 Stars

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