NOT THAT KIND OF CALL GIRL by Nova Garcia

Julia Navarro, a plucky newspaper call center manager, juggles like a pro—not tennis balls but quirky employees, cranky customers, and a sleazy boss. Pregnant and short on time to complete her “get ready for baby checklist,” Julia rushes to fill a job vacancy by hiring Carmen Cooper, a shy, inexperienced college student. When Julia finds out Carmen never made it to work, she and a newsroom pal go undercover to find out why. Their shocking discovery leads them to cook up a half-baked plan to save Carmen from a Hollywood legend turned hermit, a man she calls “Papa.”Will the gamble pay off or pave a path of twists, turns, and tragedy?

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Author Bio:

Author Nova García hails from Laredo, Texas. Her Mexican-American family is a source of great pride. Her favorite memory from childhood is listening to her father play traditional Mexican songs on his guitar as she sang along. Family parties were epic with music, card games loud enough to wake the dead, home-cooked food such as fajitas, guacamole, tortillas and charro beans and an army of rowdy kids running around wreaking havoc. Nova’s career took a few turns, from call center management to non-profit leadership to Human Resources learning and development. Not That Kind of Call Girl is her first book in the women’s fiction genre. Nova writes with a higher purpose. In Not That Kind of Call Girl, she features a strong, accomplished and spunky Latina female protagonist. Her work aims to dispel Latino stereotypes, recognize women for the everyday miracles they make possible with grit, resourcefulness and an inner superhero kick butt attitude. Besides writing, Nova cooks, bakes, watches her beloved Seattle Seahawks and sings in a local band. She is available for book club talks and public speaking engagements. Nova loves to hear from her readers.

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LOVE AT FIRST SWIPE by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Gay Romance

4****

Blurb: Darby Wright has fought for his independence ever since he lost his sight as a child. But even now that he has his own home and a good job, his overprotective mother doesn’t believe he can handle himself. Darby’s determined to prove her wrong, but there are some things—like finding his guide dog’s potty accident—where an extra set of eyes would come in handy. Enter See For Me, an app that connects blind clients with sighted volunteers. See For Me is designed for just this sort of emergency, and it’s through this app that Darby meets Reynaldo. Lust at first voice turns to more when Darby and Reynaldo run into each other at a local sandwich shop, where Renaldo seems as nice in person as he was in app. With Reynaldo, Darby can feel his world expanding. Reynaldo doesn’t just support him but understands him and sees Darby as more than his disability. But will being with Reynaldo mean giving up Darby’s hard-fought independence, or will it mean gaining something more than he ever dreamed?

Thoughts: This was a nice story about a blind man finding love. Darby’s mother doesn’t believe he can live on his own and overcompensates by always trying to take over. Then Darby meets Reynaldo and everything changes—except his mother. Darby and Reynaldo not only have to face the challenges of a new relationship, but Darby’s blindness and mother as well. But Reynaldo can hold his own even against the mother’s resistance.

This is a short, quick read with a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

FRAMED FOR MURDER by Marla A. White

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary,

4****

Blurb:After a life-changing injury, Mel O’Rourke trades in her badge for bed sheets, running a B & B in the quirky mountain town of Pine Cove. Her peaceful life is interrupted when an old frenemy, the notorious and charismatic cat burglar, Poppy Phillips, shows up on her doorstep, claiming she’s been framed for murder. While she’s broken plenty of laws, Mel knows she’d never kill anyone. Good thing she’s a better detective than she is a cook as she sets out to prove Poppy’s innocence.The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder?

Thoughts: I enjoyed this story and it’s a follow-up story to “The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder”—a holiday novella that sets the series up. The setting and characters drew me in, as they did with the shorter story. I’m glad the author took my hint from that review and is turning this into a series. I loved Mel (Emmeline), her grandmother was a hoot, and Poppy (cat burglar turned friend) was perfect! Mel had a lot of issues that played well into the story. She’s an ex-cop turned innkeeper who, with her family, owns a B&B in a small tourist town. Oh, and she can’t cook—even coffee is beyond her skill set. Not a good recommendation for a B&B. And her new best friend (who can actually cook) is the cat burglar she was chasing when she got injured as a cop. I loved how she fights her issues with heights. I can sympathize. The mystery is set up nicely with a few red herrings thrown in to throw you (and Mel) off track, but I have to say, I pegged the culprit pretty early. Still, it was a fun read and I definitely look forward to more in this series.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Just a quick note to everyone due to some comments I’ve had lately. I read a lot of books (no big surprise there!). I rate them according to how *I* feel about them. The ones I post here are ones I usually recommend, but not all books appeal to all readers. As a librarian, writer, editor, reviewer, I often read books that I would probably not purchase for myself, BUT if the writing is good, I will recommend. I do not believe in censorship. But I also believe not all books are for everyone. If you object to a book’s subject matter, that is fine for you, but do not ever tell me what I can or cannot read. Or what should be banned. Or anything else that has to do with censorship.

Go enjoy a banned book! I hear Judy Blume is pretty good. Or Margaret Atwood. Or just check out a “banned books” list and pick one and read it. Better yet, read “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury.

Getting off my soapbox now. Go enjoy a good book.

THE THROUPLE NEXT DOOR by Andrew Grey

Fiction, M/M/M, Novella (100 pages), Level 5 Heat

4****

Blurb: Austin knew change was inevitable, but he hadn’t counted on just how difficult it was going to be… for all of them. He, Weaver, and Randy have been together for two amazingly hot years, and then with a single decision, everything is different. When Randy receives an offer on his gyms in Brooklyn, he jumps at it and switches careers with a teaching job in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Weaver is also interested in making a change after nearly burning himself out as a lawyer. With both of his passionate partners needing something new and Austin’s modeling career cooling as he ages, the three of them decide to relocate from New York to Carlisle. Randy settles into his new position, and Weaver easily lands on his feet, but Austin wonders how he is going to fit into their new world. Austin knows he has the support of the men he loves, and who love him, but he needs to pull his weight. With very few prospects, what could small-town life hold for him? Randy and Weaver have their special way to make him forget, but it will take more than love and hot sex for the throuple next door to start the next chapter in their lives.

Thoughts: This was a good story about three men and how they work together as a family. They move from New York City to Carlisle, a definite change of venue. While Randy and Weaver find jobs and settle in, Austin is lost. He’s aged out of his former job as a model but there isn’t a lot for him in the small city. He becomes more and more frustrated with himself until an opportunity comes up. I will note that there are several very hot scenes with the three, but they’re well-written and the emotions are believable.

The three characters and their relationship is believable and the neighborhood is real and supports them. I loved the descriptions of the home and surrounding area (and since I have been through that area, I know it is well done).

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE AMULET’S EMBRACE by Sorcha Everhart

Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Level 4 Heat,

5 *****

Blurb: Magic, secrets, and the allure of the forbidden collide…

Lone wolf shifter Alixandre Rawley earns his living as a bounty hunter in the bustling city of Sageport. His solitary life is disrupted when a wealthy high fae male offers a job for twice his normal rate. Yet Alix’s deep distrust for all high fae makes him hesitate. Half-fae Ellia Meadows moved to Sageport to break from her past and seek independence in a society that believes women should wed. Her calm life spirals into chaos when her half-brother threatens to expose her darkest secrets and demands the powerful amulet her father left her. When Ellia decides to hire Alix for protection, a magnetic attraction sparks between them, testing their self-imposed boundaries. As they navigate threats from the dangerous underbelly of the city, the line between duty and desire blurs. Can Alix save Ellia and fight his deep-rooted prejudices against the fae? Can Ellia trust Alix, without giving up her hard-won independence? The Amulet’s Embrace is a slow burn, cozy fantasy romance with spice. If you like hunky bodyguards and grumpy-sunshine romance in a gaslamp fantasy realm with cobblestone streets, horse carriages, and magic, you’ll love this first book in the Sageport Series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone romance, but it’s best to read them in order for maximum enjoyment. Steamy but not dark.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. Ellia is a half-fey/half-human woman born in a brothel. Because of her lineage, she’s not accepted by the fey, so she disguises her elf ears and moves to a city, acting as a human apothecary. She becomes popular for her healing remedies, which is how her half-brother elf finds her—through a wolf-shifter PI, Alix. The story is full of betrayal, love, family ties, and acceptance. 
Note: there are several very hot scenes in the story. 
Recommended.

You can enter the contest – or maybe consider becoming a judge! Judges for the Golden Leaf are booksellers, librarians, readers’ groups, and romance readers.​​
If you are one of these and would like to participate, please read the rules below and then fill out the judge signup form here: 

https://www.njromancewriters.org/golden-leaf-judges-page.html

PIECES OF BLUE by Liz Flaherty

Fiction, Romance, Suspense

5+*****

Blurb: Self-imposed loner, Maggie North, has worked for bestselling author Trilby Winterroad her entire adult life, starting as simply his assistant and ending up as his ghost writer. Through ups and downs–including a divorce from an abusive husband–he has been the one person on whom she could always rely. So when Trilby dies suddenly, Maggie finds herself adrift, not sure what she’ll do or where she belongs in the world any longer. And the confusion continues when she discovers he’s not only left her his beloved dachshund, Chloe, but a house she knew nothing about, on a lake she’s never heard of. It only takes one visit for Maggie to fall in love with both the house and the small lakeside community. The longer she’s there, the safer she feels and the more her life begins to expand…as do her feelings toward her friend and Trilby’s attorney, Sam Eldridge. But is she really safe? Or are the glistening pieces of her new life about to shatter as an old danger returns?

Thoughts: This story really spoke to me. The main character, Maggie, was a ghostwriter/assistant for a famous writer. When he died, she was surprised to discover he’d left her a house along a lake, in the middle of nowhere. She’s always been a city girl (Muskegon, MI), but this small-town vibe pulls her in. She intends to stay only a couple of days, but it stretches into more as she develops friendships, and a love for the house and all its quirkiness. Unfortunately, there’s a dark spot in her life. Her ex – a violent abuser who broke both her hands – is getting out of jail. And coming after her. But Maggie’s friends—both new and old—rally around her and bolster her.

I loved Maggie and Sam. I especially loved the old house that went every which way. And the bits of blue that showed up everywhere. There was so much to love about this story. The author made me laugh, cry, cringe… It’s a story about friendship, love, second chances, and yes, a bit of suspense. But mostly, it’s about finding yourself at a later point in your life. About what to do when you’re not sure what you want. Maggie is at that point. And this story is about her.

Highly recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE MANDYLION by Joe Giordano

Fiction, Anthology, Suspense, 

4****

Blurb: After two-thousand years, the Mandylion, a priceless, lost ancient image of Jesus, has resurfaced. To authenticate and secure the piece, Anthony Provati and his sister Valentina Esposito are lured to Paris, France by Sophia, Anthony’s notorious ex-lover.  Upon arrival, they’re plunged into a murderous pursuit for the icon threatened by Russian spies and Arab terrorists who also seek the art. Readers will identify with Anthony and Valentina, both unlikely heroes, thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Anthony is a jazz pianist, an art gallery owner, and sailor. His half-sister Valentina was abandoned to an orphanage as an infant but has rewritten her destiny by becoming a brilliant computer programmer. The collection includes five Detective Bragg mysteries. A gold shield homicide detective out of Brooklyn South, Bragg tackles a set of tangled murder cases that sometimes frustrate his sense of justice. The final two short stories in the collection draw the reader into the speculative realm.

Thoughts: This is a series of short stories, some of them connected, some not. The ones that are connected by characters are also connected to the Anthony Provati Thriller series of books by Mr. Giordano. Then there are several stories about Detective Bragg. The last two stories are not connected to the previous ones or to each other and ad the touch of the paranormal. All the stories are intriguing and have interesting endings. They are short so you can read one on your lunch break, or do like I did and read them all at once. 

Recommendation: For short, interesting reads, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”