Saturday 22 December 2012

My Story by Dannii Minogue



From her early upbringing in Australia and finding herself in the spotlight at an early age, to her pop career, and her true feelings about her sister Kylie. With behind the scenes and gossip from the X factor and what really did happen with Sharon Osbourne. To the tragedy of losing friends to cancer and helping support Kylie through her own battle with the disease and to finding love and becoming a mother,

A well written and interesting account of Dannii Minogue’s life so far. From the lime light to her private life are covered in this book. We learn the truth behind the headlines and what really did happen.  If you are a fan or if you like reading books about people this is an enjoyable and entertaining read that is also quite touching in parts. I was surprised to learn just how much I didn’t know about Dannii Minogue.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00452V4CM

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B00452V4CM


Fire Brand by Gillian Philip



Seth MacGregor and his older half-brother Conal are part of a fairy like species called the Sithe. They live in a parallel world hidden away from mortals which is behind a veil that keeps the two worlds apart. The brothers find themselves exiled from their world and enter the mortal world in the last decade of the sixteenth century, a time of religious wars and witch-hunts. What follows is an action packed adventure as the brothers must fight for survival and to save the veil.

What a fantastic fantasy novel that really gets your imagination going. The Sithe are fairy folk, but forget all you think you may know about fairies, for in this book an original fresh idea, the characters in this book will make you look at fairies in a whole new exciting way. In particular the character of Seth is incredibly brave and arrogant and will go to great lengths to save his brother from harm. Not what you would usually expect a fairy to be like at all. Add to the mix an evil Queen and a gentle love story and you have a brilliant, well thought out book that sets the story for the sequels excellently. This is a book that will be liked by all and not just the young adult audience. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006PJWL3Y

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B006PJWL3Y


Monday 17 December 2012

The Quintessential Gemini by Linn B. Halton



Katherine Dale finds herself starting a new life after been made redundant. Katherine had been use to working the full-time nine to five routine and now she finds herself home alone apart from No 4 her cat. Katherine reads her stars everyday by well known astrologer Mark Ainsley-Thomas, finding her life is out of her control, she has come to depend on her stars as guidance in her decision making and looks for and lives her life according to her daily horoscopes.

When her horoscopes seem to go a little strange, by no longer seeming to tie in with her life, and have no relevance what so ever to her life, Katherine decides to email Mark Ainsley-Thomas to find out what is going wrong. Can assistant astrologer James Kingman know why this is happening?

When a series of coincidences then follow, is it fate and written in Katherine’s stars what her destiny will be?

Nothing makes me happier than when you start reading a book and you really get into the story from page one. This book is just one of those books. I could totally empathise with the character of Katherine who is at a cross roads in her life. We have all been there at some point in our own lives. When life seems so still for us and non moving. What a really interesting idea for a story to have the character turn to her horoscope to kind of give her a heads up of what will happen in her life. So she then tries and move her life inline with her stars. I found the story to be emotionally charged at times in parts. I found this to be very moving. An excellent story, that you don’t have to be into horoscopes and astronomy to enjoy the story, because this is not just what the story is all about, it is a story of change and excepting change, and moving forward in life and achieving your goals.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1938404092

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here http://amzn.com/1938404092


Tuesday 11 December 2012

One of the Guys by Jessica Strassner



Kate Thompson just feels like one of the guys at her weekly poker game she plays with Max, Jackson, Kevin and Chris. Kate is looking for a loving relationship, like what her friends Lucy and Jackson have. Kate who works organising weddings, had yet to find a man that was marriage material or indeed worth having a serious relationship with. She has been seeing Max as a friend with benefits but when he hints at wanting more Kate backs off and starts to date Chris. But is getting involved with friends going to make things complicated and destroy their friendships?

This is a really enjoyable and entertaining read. With likable characters, a nice storyline about looking for love and finding it in the last place you would think of looking. I will certainly be looking forward to reading more of Jessica Strassner’s books in the future.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A88KAN6

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B00A88KAN6

The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore by Paul A. Barron



Eddie Doyle is returning home to Carraigmore Ireland, to deal with a family matter. A large American company is buying up the land around his mother’s land. The land is surrounded in superstition about folklore and legend.

For such a short story this is a really enjoyable and remarkable read, which is written to a very high standard of writing and in a very talented way to get such a good story together in such few words.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007KB0CAA

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B007KB0CAA


Monday 10 December 2012

Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven by Paul A. Barron



A very short story about Captain James Fletcher, who is having unwelcome memories about the war and he is trying to deal with this. He meets Celia Hammond in tragic family circumstances and this sets the tale for an unexpected climax.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006TZ69MS

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B006TZ69MS



Midfright Tales Two by P.A. Hilton and V.Z. Hilton



Midfright Tales Two is a collection of fantastic, fabulous and frightening tales that have the reader sitting on the edge of your seat, gripping tight to the book in anticipation and suspense at what will happen next. Sending shivers down your spine. You will not be able to put this book down. The Devil, Mummies, ghosts and werewolves are just some of the scary characters that appear in this book and much, much more. Be prepared to expect the unexpected. An excellent selection of horror that is highly entertaining.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007P6IF90

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here http://amzn.com/B007P6IF90




Running with Zombies by John MW Smith



Once in a while it is always great to be given the opportunity to read a book from a genre I would not normally read from. I must admit when I saw the word Zombies in the title of this book I had prepared myself for the worst, blood guts and horror, which even though I am into the paranormal, I am so not into this kind of horror! But I have to say this book is not like that it is much gentler. The story is more about the characters and their lives and pulling together for the greater good. The storyline is fresh and original.  It did take me a while to get into the story, but like I say this is not my usually genre of books, so this may have been the reason. I did enjoy the change though reading this book and it is different from other books I have read.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006ZC53E0

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here http://amzn.com/B006ZC53E0
 

Friday 7 December 2012

You Only Get One Life Brigitte Nielsen



From her troubled childhood in Denmark, through to her modelling days and her life in Hollywood. Sylvester Stallone’s ex tells her story in her own words. A remarkable story, there is something intriguing about Brigitte Nielson and this book does not disappoint and I learnt much more about her. I always thought she came across as quite tough but the book shows her more sensitive and vulnerable side, the real Brigitte Nielson underneath all the hype.


Permanently Temping by Lauren Milner-Howells



Hollie Cooper is a university graduate who signs up with a temp agency for an opportunity to try out lots of different jobs, before finally deciding on her permanent career choice. But it is not only her career life choice that Hollie must make a decision on; her love life also will face some tough choices.

Although a little cheesy in parts and slightly predictable, all in all not too bad a story, told in a warm light-hearted way with good humour and it managed to keep me entertained right up to the end.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0084KZ88W

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here http://amzn.com/B0084KZ88W


Christmas with Mr Darcy by Victoria Connelly



Dame Pamela Harcourt is an established actress, who is most well known for starring in television adaptations of Jane Austen novels. Dame Pamela now organises and hosts Jane Austen Conferences for Jane Austen fans. She is about to put on her first Jane Austen Christmas conference at Purley Hall. But when it starts to snow will the Austen addicts be able to make it? Then when Dame Pamela’s brother Benedict who is always in a fix or trouble calls to say he is coming too and not long after he arrives a first edition of a Jane Austen book goes missing, will this become more like a whodunit than a Jane Austen experience?

A fabulous cast of characters that are so well written, that they could all easily have their own spin off books that would make great reads too. I can think of nothing better as a reader than to attend a Jane Austen Conference and how magical that would be at Christmas.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009JTNIKC

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here http://amzn.com/B009JTNIKC



Thursday 6 December 2012

Winter Warmers by Carole Matthews



Three fabulous festive short stories told with great humour and fun from author Carole Matthews.

 

All I want for Christmas

After spending the last three years as a single girl at Christmas, could Maria’s luck begin to change, when a mysterious secret admirer starts to leave her a gorgeous gift everyday.

 

Cold Turkey

Tara is in a complicated relationship, and when her man lets her down and leaves her alone at Christmas … until a chance meeting with a handsome stranger.

 

About Gardening

Sam is feeling she is drifting apart from her husband. Can she find some common ground and save her marriage.

A wonderful warm winter read, that can be read in one sitting perfect for chilling out and relaxing with after a hectic day Christmas shopping.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A3BO78C

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here http://amzn.com/B00A3BO78C

Tuesday 4 December 2012

A Divorce for Christmas by Lavada Dee



Lori and Brad are a married couple whose marriage is falling apart, they have been trying for a baby for over a year and now Brad has had enough and feels that Lori is just becoming too obsessed with becoming pregnant and does not see him as a husband and partner, but a father. So now Brad wants a divorce and it not the best timing, Christmas is almost here and Lori still deep down loves him very much. 

Set at Christmas time, this is a short story by Lavada Dee that can easily be read in one sitting.  A wonderful story about a couple who have it all, but for just one thing, that could tear them apart.

To buy this book from Smashwords, click here https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248506

Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley



After tragic family circumstances happened in her past at Christmas, Holly Brown is now more than happy to spend Christmas alone, and working for a company called Homebodies, a company that provides a house sitting service for people, gives Holly the perfect opportunity to do just this, when a job comes in to house sit a house in a remote location, where nobody knows her, over Christmas this is perfect for Holly and she takes it, thinking she will be isolated and alone and that she can just forget all about Christmas happening. She intends to spend the time reading through some of her Gran’s old journals.

However things do not go quite to Holly’s plans when she is invaded by various family members and animals of the owner of the house she is taking care of, a lively bunch that are all out to celebrate Christmas.

How will Holly avoid it all now?

And is it a coincidence or a connection she will find to the family through her Gran’s journals that could change Holly’s life forever?

A story that is set in the run up to Christmas, this is a story perfect for this time of year. With lots of interesting, lively and fasinating characters, which make this a nice warm hearted read, which even though tragedy had happened in the story, the book is written in a  warm and bubbly way, with a touch of suspense and mystery and a touch of romance that add to the brilliantly thought out storyline. This is a story of moving forward and leaving the past behind. Twelve Days of Christmas is a book well worth adding to your Christmas reads.

Trisha Ashley was born in St Helens, Lancashire, and gave up her fasinating but time-consuming hobbies of house-moving and divorce a few years ago in order to settle in North Wales.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847561152

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here: http://amzn.com/B0048EJTQA

Monday 26 November 2012

When I Fall in Love by Miranda Dickinson



Elsie Maynard is slowly moving forward with her life. It is a new start for Elsie, a new beginning, something she had never expected but now she had accepted it. Elsie puts together a choir with the help of former 80’s rock star Woody Jenson and this is when the adventure starts in her new life. She meets Torin Stewart in awkward circumstances and after that he seems to have a knack of turning up in Elsie’s life unexpectedly and it is happening more and more much to Elsie’s annoyance.  Not like Olly Hogarth who she finds the opposite to Torin, charming and easy to get along with. Olly makes his feelings clear to Elsie, but before Elsie can fully move on with her life, it will take a surprise trip to Paris for Elsie to overcome her past and let go.

Set in Brighton and in Paris, When I Fall in Love is a delightful, heart-warming romantic tale that will touch your heart. Although written in a warm and witty way, there is sadness to the story that intrigues the reader, slowly the story reveals the reasons behind this sadness and you really do feel and care about the character Elsie and all she as gone through. There are some very uplifting moments in the book too. I have to say this book is not what I expected it was even better than that. So why not have a read, you will not be disappointed.

Miranda Dickinson dreamed from an early age of writing a book that would make the heady heights of Kingswinford Library. Miranda secured a publishing deal after being discovered through authonomy.com, the website for unpublished talented writers. She is also a singer-songwriter. Miranda’s debut novel Fairytale of New York, has sold over 100K copies to date and was a Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller for over 8 weeks. Miranda lives in the West Midlands.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847562361

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B008317JA2


Sunday 25 November 2012

Angels in the Snow by Sarah Morgan



Stella used to love Christmas, until Daniel had ended their engagement two years ago, on Christmas Eve. Daniel had panicked that he would not make a good husband and father. Stella moved away, but now she is back and Daniel still loves her. Is it too late for a second chance at love?

Patrick is Daniel’s twin brother; he was left alone with his children, since his wife walked out on him that same Christmas two years ago. Is Patrick now ready to move forward with his life and look for a new relationship? Son Alfie takes the matter into his own hands, helping fate along the way.

Set around Christmas time, Angels in the Snow is a wonderful, wintertime romantic novel. This is like two good books in one; the first part is all about Stella and Daniel, with the second part all about Patrick. This for me made the book really interesting and entertaining.  Nice romantic scenes, to warm us readers up inside from the cold on the outside. Add this book to your Christmas reading pile. It is a book worth reading.

As a child Sarah Morgan dreamed of being a writer and although she took a few interesting detours on the way, she is now living that dream. She firmly believes that reading romance is one of the most satisfying and fat-free escapist pleasures available. Her stories are unashamedly optimistic and she is always pleased when she receives letters from readers saying that her books have helped them through hard times.

Sarah lives near London with her husband and two children, who innocently provide an endless supply of authentic dialogue. When she isn’t writing or nagging about homework, Sarah enjoys music, movies, and any activity that takes her outdoors.

To buy this book from Amazon UK click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0263888258

To buy this book from Amazon US click here http://amzn.com/B005NKA5VQ



Friday 23 November 2012

Mistletoe in Manhattan by Talli Roland



Holly West lives in the tiny village of Little Missington, she works with her parents in their small party planning business in the only all-round all-the time planners in the UK. Holly dreams of landing her dream job of working for the more prestigious party planners, the big league ones.

Holly thinks she has been given the opportunity to do this, when she is given the chance of organising a traditional British Christmas party for celebrity Dean Layton one of the UK’s biggest TV stars. The party is to be held in Manhattan. This is just what Holly as dreamed of. Could this be Holly’s chance to escape her country bumpkin existence and open the door for her to enter the world of the big league of party planning?

Once again we are heading to that most wonderful time of year, the build up to Christmas and what better way can you choose to spend this time, than snuggling up with a fantastic Christmas story and this is the ideal book for doing just that. You can always rely on Talli Roland books to bring good cheer and for lively entertainment perfect for this time of year. This is a delightful Christmas story filled with jolly good humour and a touching tale too. Mistletoe in Manhattan is an Unputdownable read that can easily be read in one sitting.

Talli Roland writes fun, romantic fiction. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine).

Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories complete with happy endings. Twice shortlisted for the UK’s Festival of Romance, Talli’s novels have also been chosen as Amazon Customer Favourites and top books of the year by industry review websites. She’s a bestselling author in Britain.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A1P6YV8

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here http://amzn.com/B00A1P6YV8


Wednesday 21 November 2012

A Merry Little Christmas by Julia Williams



Cat Tinsall is a mum of four. Cat was always close to her own mother and now her mother is suffering from dementia, Cat longs to form a close relationship with her eldest daughter Mel. But when Mel rebels and goes off the rails and she finds herself in trouble will this bring mother and daughter closer together? Or tear them further apart?

Pippa Holliday relies on husband Dan to help out with the family and to give her support. Their daughter Lucy has got special needs and needs constant care and attention. But when Lucy’s respite care is in danger of being cut and Dan is badly hurt in an accident, how will Pippa cope, struggling to do everything alone?

Marianne North is feeling like she has lost her way. She doesn’t know if she is supposed to be a mum, a teacher, or a farmer’s wife and she is finding juggling her three roles exhausting. Also feeling neglected by husband Gabriel. Will she be able to find the right balance in her life and find happiness?

And just who is the mysterious Michael Nicholas?

Set in a village of Hope Christmas the story follows the leading characters Cat, Pippa and Marianne through one year of the high and lows of family life. Each of the women has a dilemma to overcome and they help each other through their problems. This is a warm-hearted novel perfect for the run up to Christmas or it could be read anytime of the year because it is not all set at Christmas. I liked it how a lot of the characters have Christmas themed names too. A Merry Little Christmas is a touching tale all about family and friendship.

Julia Williams grew up in London, one of eight children, including a twin sister. After the birth of her second child, Julia went freelance and decided to try her hand at writing. The result, her debut novel Pastures New, was a bestseller and has sold across Europe. Her previous Christmas novel Last Christmas went straight into the Sunday Times top 20 and has sold over 70,000 copies to date.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK), click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/184756089X

To buy this book from Amazon (US), click here http://amzn.com/B008QS2MK4


Tuesday 20 November 2012

The Gaze by Javier A. Robayo



Samantha (Sam) Reddick is working as a waitress when a chance meeting with a stranger changes her life. Intrigued by words he has wrote on his placement mat, when he leaves Sam is overwhelmed by a sudden impulse to run after him, to return his written work. Sam finds she wants to learn more about this man’s story. The writing is so passionate and was a declaration of his love for a woman called Gwen. Who is this mysterious girl that has captured his heart that has compelled him to write his feelings on a placement mat?

Knowing that the stranger called Tony is in love with someone else Sam still spends a passionate night with him. Knowing the relationship is not going to go anywhere because his heart belongs to another, they part after that one night and they go their separate ways.  Sam is left with one question that will burn away at her over the following years, what would it take to be loved the way he loved Gwen?

Over the years Sam becomes obsessed about Tony and his story. Wanting to know why and what was so special about Gwen and to why Tony would choose Gwen over her. When she looks Tony up on the social networking site facebook, she also finds Gwen. When she becomes friends with Gwen through facebook and they become close will she get the answers she as been looking for? 

The Gaze is one of those brilliant books that draws you in from page one. The main character Sam is a lost soul who has hidden depths and the more you read on in the story the more the reader learns more about what is going on deep down with Sam emotionally, and the cause of this. This is a rather long story, but it does keep the reader entertained and in suspense throughout the story. There is no way that the reader can predict what will happen next or to what the outcome of the story will be. The Gaze managed to capture my gaze from beginning to end. An excellent written storyline, that comes to a very satisfying ending.

Javier A. Robayo immigrated to the United States in 1988. He began writing as a way of learning English. He studied at Slippery Rock University and lives in Western Pennsylvania, with his wife and two daughters, where he is currently at work on his next novel.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1475050062

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here: http://amzn.com/1475050062


Friday 16 November 2012

Between Today and Yesterday by Joanna Lambert



Set several years after Joanna Lambert’s last book, we meet up once again with the characters from the Blue Eyes Trilogy. Matt Benedict is still married to Ella and he is now running a successful management company in London with Baz Young the bass guitarist from The Attitude. They look after up and coming artists as well as chart topping bands in the UK and Europe.

When international star, and diva Marcie Maguire, contacts Matt after they have not seen each other for twenty years. Matt drops everything, much to Ella’s annoyance to help Marcie out on her tour. Unknown to Matt, Marcie has much more in mind for Matt and she is prepared to plan, plot, scheme and manipulate to get what she wants from Matt even if it will cost him his marriage to Ella. But at what price will it cost Marcie?

I really was looking forward to reading this book by Joanna Lambert and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed meeting and reading about the characters from The Blue Eyes Trilogy. The characters are now older, but the book does still follow on from the trilogy. The book does have many characters, all are interesting and the storyline is compelling and packed with drama. The story is set in England and Spain creating a nice setting to accompany the story. Joanna Lambert books just get better and better this is a remarkable read.

To buy this book from Amazon UK, click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008Y3VARW

To buy this book from Amazon US, click here http://amzn.com/B008Y3VARW


Monday 5 November 2012

Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex



The Reckless Brides Book One

It was a family tradition for the Kent family to serve in the Royal Navy. A tradition they did with pride. Sally Kent also like many of her family felt born to do this too. The only problems were that it is 1805 and she is a girl. So Sally can not fulfil her dream of a life at sea, until one day when her younger brother Richard refuses to sign up and report for duty, Sally sees this as her opportunity and disguised as her brother and wearing full naval uniform, Sally takes her brothers place aboard the Audacious. Sally soon proves that she is more than capable to do the job as any man and she soon fits in with all the men, becoming the best midshipman on board. It would seem that Sally is getting away with her disguise, until handsome Lieutenant David Colyear (Col) sees straight through her charade to the woman she truly is.

Will Col reveal her secret?

A historical romance packed with adventure and danger. Sally is a very strong leading lady that is ahead of her time. The plot does mainly concentrate more on the naval prospective of life, the day to day duties and general life aboard the ship. The battles and war too. I would have preferred to see more on the development of the romance between the two leading characters than about battles and naval life. This is just my own personal opinion and I am a Pisces so I just am a stickler for a true romantic tale and pure escapism without all the ins and outs of everyday life getting in the way. I think the way the book as been written is more a true to life book though so this will appeal to readers who like more true to life stories.

All in all not too bad a book especially if you enjoy nautical naval adventures with just a hint of romance.

When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in the garden, and simply messing about with boats, Elizabeth Essex can always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in classics, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A&M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring and adventure.

Elizabeth lives in Texas with her husband, the indispensable Mr Essex, and her active and exuberant family.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008DCV4AM

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here http://amzn.com/B008DCV4AM


Saturday 3 November 2012

Texting Orwell by Ian Little



Daniel works as a delivery driver and Debbie works in the depot for the same company. When Debbie calls in work to say she is sick and not coming into work one day, Daniel decides he is going to send her a text. Daniel really likes Debbie but apart from helping fix a broken computer seven months ago and small talk at work, Daniel a quiet man had not had the courage to take things further with Debbie. So Daniel thinks that sending Debbie a text would help him to win him win her affections. Daniel finds that sending Debbie a text is far harder than he thought. He finds it really difficult to say what he means and to express how he feels.

Unknown to Daniel, Debbie is also shy and she also likes Daniel a lot. Can the couple overcome their shyness and reveal to each other their true feelings?

This is a true to life, simple story that not a lot happens in, like real life sometimes. The story does keep the reader entertained in that will they won’t they kind of a way.

The only thing that I did not like about this book is I personally thought that there was far too much toilet humour and too much detail about toilet issues, when I would have much rather have been concentrating on the characters and their relationship developing. (Than their bowel movements) Also snot is NOT for me either, just too much information for me. This is just my personal opinion and I am sure that many readers would find this funny, but to me it I was just over used once or twice would have been enough and in such a short Novella like this it can end up dominating and taking over the story, which is a shame because it was a nice idea for a story.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008WA9NYY

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here http://amzn.com/B008WA9NYY


Friday 2 November 2012

Choose to Love (Blackhawk Brothers 2) by Lavada Dee



Baylee Gallagher is a strong independent woman, who has a good, successful career working as an attorney. Baylee would appear to have it all, but she feels something is missing from her life. Baylee wants a baby and disillusioned by working as a divorce attorney and due to her own unsettled family background, Baylee is prepared to do this alone by artificial insemination. While she is at the artificial insemination clinic she spots handsome doctor, Grant Blackhawk working at the hospital and she thinks that he would make the perfect sperm donor, having a baby with Dr Grant Blackhawk’s good looks and genes would give Baylee the family she had always hoped for. Baylee decides that rather than to seduce Grant and to try and get pregnant to him that way, she is going to be honest and upfront and ask him if he would donate his sperm and she is even prepared to sleep with Grant a stranger to get what she wants.

Grant is horrified when she tells him her proposal and from a woman he does not even know. It goes against all his basic values of a traditional family, marriage first then children.  Which he thinks would provide a good stable loving home. Grant could not possibly father a child and have nothing more to do with the child. But Baylee is determined; she wants to be a single parent rather than to take the risk of divorce and custody battles that she thinks would come from being in a committed relationship.

Will Grant back down and give Baylee what she wants?

Will Baylee and Grant come to an alternative compromise that will bring the couple closer?

Another superb Romance Novel from Lavada Dee. This is the second in the series of the Blackhawk novels. I just knew as soon as I added this book to my kindle that I would be in for a good read, after really enjoying the first book in the series and I was not disappointed. Baylee and Grant are both very likable characters. The storyline is excellently written, nice and neatly wrapped up to a satisfying ending. The book can easily be read in one sitting and there are some nice and gentle romantic scenes. I am really looking forward to reading book three in the series. This is a must read for a fans of the romance genre.

Lavada Dee writes contemporary and Romantic Suspense. She has always loved to read and gained an early love of the romance genre from sneaking her mother’s True Confessions from under her bed. That was many, many years ago, and she has advanced into reading just about every genre out there. Her love of reading naturally evolved into writing. Lavada says, “I’ve always told myself stories. Lying in bed, doing household chores and gardening leaves my mind free to dream up characters and build a life around them”

Lavada lives in the Pacific Northwest, where they encourage friends to drop in. While it’s impossible for all of us to physically drop in to chat, we can do it via cyberspace.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/162241778X

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here: http://amzn.com/162241778X


The King’s Mistress by Gillian Bagwell



Royalists, who are fighting to restore the crown to King Charles II, come to Jane Lane’s family for help to keep the King hidden by disguising him and transporting him to safety and away from Cromwell’s Army. Jane comes from a privileged and noble family and has been living a very quiet life so far, she now finds herself on a dangerous adventure to protect the King and keep him out of harms way, while at the same time putting her life at risk. Then if this is not hard enough Jane finds herself attracted to the King, a King who has a reputation as a ladies man. Will the usually sensible Jane’s head be turned and will she have her heartbroken?

This story is based on the true story of Charles II and his escape from Cromwell’s Army. So Jane Lane did really exist. I really enjoyed this book. It made such a change reading a Historic Royal Novel that was not about Elizabeth I or Henry VIII. I found myself carrying this book around with me everywhere, hoping to be able to snatch a few moments to get back into this story. Jane Lane was a remarkable modern woman for the time and very brave, a really likable character that gives the reader a story with an edge, that gets you gripped with the story being so well told. I was so sad when I finished this book, but so happy to have discovered such a talented writer as Gillian Bagwell.

Gillian Bagwell grew up in Berkeley, California and began her professional life as an actress. She studied theatre at university and then attended a year-long British professional acting training program, the Drama Studio London at Berkeley. She moved from acting to directing and producing, founding The Pasadena Shakespeare Company in 1994, and producing thirty-seven productions over nine seasons. Her first novel The Darling Strumpet was based on the life of Nell Gwynn.


To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847562590

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here: http://amzn.com/B0070R7OFK


Sunday 28 October 2012

The Wedding Diaries by Sam Binnie



When Kiki Carlow’s boyfriend Thom proposes to her, a happy and delighted Kiki decides to write a diary of the run up to the wedding including all the planning and preparation for a keepsake for her and Thom. Thinking that the entire organisation will be easy, Kiki soon finds out that planning the perfect wedding, will be far more difficult than she ever thought.

Written in a lively and fun way The Wedding Diaries is an entertaining read with good humour. A nice easy read that fans of Chick Lit will enjoy. This is the debut novel from Sam Binnie and I look forward to reading the next in this series which is called The Baby Diaries.

To buy this book from Amazon (UK) click here: http://goo.gl/r27cm

To buy this book from Amazon (US) click here: http://goo.gl/U499D


Monday 22 October 2012

I would like to welcome, a very special guest on my blog, author Nicky Wells



A Peek into the office of Nicky Wells, author

It’s always fascinating to see where people work, and I guess authors are no exceptions. So here’s a peek into my world. I am very lucky these days to have a proper, dedicated office again; for the longest time, I wrote in the dining room but since our recent house move, I have bagged a proper authorly space for me to spread out… and stay spread out.

Rather than going into lengthy descriptions, I’ve taken a few pictures for you. What’s that they say? A picture says more than a thousand words? That means you’ve just saved yourself four thousand words worth of reading!

A note on the décor though. It’s not mine. I inherited it from the previous owner. Yes, it was a deliberate choice; it was convenient, easy and ready-made. But I wouldn’t normally choose dark brown furniture, nor would I willingly install green-and-brown coloured blinds (I don’t think they show up in the photo too well, thank goodness: you’d think I’m mad). Over time, I plan to fix the colour of the blinds and probably will paint the walls too. But these are superficial details and in the meantime I find that the masculine feel (for a man’s office it was, once upon a time) kind of inspires me to get into the head of my male lead. Must be all the residual male vibes in the workspace air…

So without further ado, I give you: my office!



First, the view as you open the door:



 
 
Next, the view outside (such as it is; sadly, there’s no lush valleys or seaside vistas here… just the drive way and, if I turn, the front door, haw haw haw. I usually wave to the postman!)


 
To compensate for the lacklustre view of the outside, I’ve got a little bit of a glitz-and-glamour corner going on. Oh yes, I’m a regular party girl. (Well, I was, once). J


And last, my WIP wall.

 
Yup, and that’s it. What do you think? Does it match your expectations of a romantic novelists’ workspace?

About Nicky Wells: Romance that Rocks Your World!


Rock On! Nicky Wells writes fun and glamorous contemporary romance featuring a rock star and the girl next door.  She recently signed her work with U.S. publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing.  Nicky loves rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters.  When she’s not writing, Nicky is a wife, mother, and occasional teaching assistant.

Originally born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993, and currently lives in Lincoln with her husband and their two boys.  In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in London and Washington, D.C.

Visit Nicky on her blog where you can find articles, interviews, radio interviews and, of course, an ongoing update on her work in progress, the second and third parts of the Rock Star Romance Trilogy.  You can also follow Nicky on Twitter and find her on Facebook.  Nicky is a featured author on the innovative reader/author project, loveahappyending.com and has joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Nicky also has author pages at Sapphire Star Publishing and, of course, Goodreads.


About Sophie’s Turn

Slapper.  Slut.  Adulteress.  These are hardly words that Sophie Penhalligan would normally use to describe herself.  Yet this is exactly how she is behaving, all things considered, even if she isn’t quite married to Tim yet.  And it’s all happening because her past is coming to tempt her!  Nine years ago, she met her teenage idol and rock star extraordinaire, Dan, up close and personal.  Well, almost.  Now Dan has crash-landed back in her life.  How could Tim ever stand a chance against the charming, handsome singer?  How could she?

Sophie, now twenty-eight and a budding newspaper journalist, is happily embroiled in a relationship with Tim, her boyfriend of two years.  Until recently, she was confident that Tim would eventually propose—probably as soon as he could get his act together.  But just as Tim’s persistent inaction is beginning to cast a cloud over their relationship, Dan’s sudden reappearance turns Sophie’s world upside down.  Thus unfolds a roller-coaster of events including an ill-fated trip to Paris with Tim, a night of unfulfilled romance with Dan, Sophie and Tim’s engagement party gate-crashed by Dan, and Sophie’s professional secondment to accompany Dan’s band on their revival tour—at Dan’s special request and very much against her will. 

And then, one fine day in Paris, Sophie suddenly finds herself engaged to Dan while her erstwhile fiancé Tim is...  well, doing whatever it is Tim does back in London.   What is she to do now?  Who wouldn’t give anything to meet their favorite star, let alone marry him? 

Find out how Sophie gets into this impossible situation, and how she turns it around, in Sophie’s Turn, the honest, funny and sometimes bittersweet story of one woman’s entanglement with a rock star.


Sophie’s Turn is available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and many other Amazon sites. The paperback edition is also available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. In addition, you can obtain Sophie’s Turn from Barnes & Noble.