Review: To Seduce a President

Review: To Seduce a President by Mark Reutling

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Thriller

4****

Blurb: Sexually abused as a child, Suzanne Dahlstrom matures to become a highly skilled call girl, determined to get her own back against men by taking advantage of their greatest weakness, their sex drive. Suzanne is recruited by a shadowy cabal to seduce the president and thereby undermine his political power, the ultimate payback for her childhood mistreatment. But first she must seduce and marry the president’s younger brother, becoming the president’s sister-in-law, with free access to the president. The president’s political career will suffer irreparable damage if he is caught in bed with his own brother’s wife. Suzanne excels at her calling, and everything seems to be going well, until things get more complicated, and highly dangerous.

THOUGHTS: This is definitely not your standard romance. There is intrigue, betrayal, treachery, and more. And the main character, Suzanne, is definitely not your standard romantic lead. She’s a highly paid call girl who suffered immense abuse as a child leading her to hate men. She uses this hatred in ways that work for her as a femme fatale. When she is coerced to joining a secret group out to embarrass the president, she has few qualms about seducing his brother in order to get closer to him.

But then a problem arises and she falls in love with Adam, the brother of the president. Unfortunately, the cabal won’t let her fail her mission and uses her mother as the bait to get her to do what they want – which means not just seducing the president, but killing him.

The writing is fast-paced, though a little too graphic for my comfort with some of the scenes. The author tells the tale from several points of view, but Suzanne’s story is the main one. But with the themes of political intrigue, abuse, power, it is also a book that is very easily seen as possible in today’s political world. Which is frightening on many levels.

There is a semi-satisfying ending to this story, but it was a challenging read for me – others may love this political thriller. But if you have triggers when it comes to rape or violence, caveat emptor.

Recommended with reservations.

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”

Spotlight: Ghosted

Ghosted by Lori Matsourani (cover art attached)
A sweet (PG-13) second-chance romance with a nod to the paranormal
Releasing on August 13

Blurb:
When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship. Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

 Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/lorimatsourani

Author bio: Author Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.
Social media links:

Website: https://lorimatsourani.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.matsourani.author/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori.matsourani/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lori-matsourani.bsky.social

Review: Word Search Puzzles for Brain Fitness

Review: Word Search Puzzles for Brain Fitness by Matthew Stock

Nonfiction, Word Puzzles

5*****

Blurb: Ready to boost your brainpower and improve your focus? Get a daily dose of mental exercise with Word Search Puzzles for Brain Fitness, a 90-day challenge of word search puzzles that progress in difficulty. Some words will be easier to spot, while others will be harder to find! With fun themes to keep you engaged and bonus puzzles to keep your good habit going, you’ll marvel at the growth in your processing skills, concentration, and vocabulary in just three short months. Don’t wait—start your journey to better brain fitness now! 90 days of word searches—and bonus puzzles. Crafted by a puzzle expert to help you build a daily habit of exercising your mind. Creative and entertaining themes for every puzzle. From witty wordplay and pop culture to nature, history, and the arts, there’s something for everyone. Large, clear text. A comfortable puzzle experience with large, easy-to-scan word find grids. Answer key in the back. So you can easily check your answers.

THOUGHTS: This is a really good set of puzzles that start out easy and gradually grow more difficult. Each day has a theme and they are varied and lots of fun. Each search has a complete list, and there is an answer key at the back of the book. I especially loved that they were larger print so easy for older eyes to read. The book opens with descriptions of the puzzles and hints on how to do them. If you’re looking for some good relaxation time with word puzzles, this book does it.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Zeitgeist, 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”

#penguinrandomhouse#partner “Thank you for the free/gifted book, @penguinrandomhouse”

Review: Dragonborn

Review: Dragonborn by Struan Murray

5*****

Blurb: The electric new fantasy series for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and Impossible Creatures, perfect for readers aged 9-12. Life is no fun for Alex Evans. Ever since her dad’s death, her overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. When the frustration inside Alex finally gets too big to bear, it rushes to the surface. And flames spill from her mouth. Because Alex is a dragon. One of the many who live among us, unless something awakens their true nature. Led by the mighty Oliphos to the legendary island of Skralla, Alex must now train alongside fierce, frightening dragon children, if she is to unlock the power of her birthright. But other dragons are rising too. Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, is preparing a war against the human world, and Alex has to be good enough for this fight, or we all will burn . . .

THOUGHTS: Because of her over-protective, strict mother, Alex wants nothing more than to run into the nearby woods and scream! Which she does. And that’s when her entire life changes because she is a dragon! She is whisked away to a special island called Skralla where she meets lots of other kids like her. I loved the names of the different ages of kids from the Ashlings (youngsters) to the Emberlings like her. But Alex has trouble shifting into her dragon form. Her friends, teachers, and the bully all try to help her, but nothing works. But she does have a special power – she can hear the spirits of dead dragons. And that leads to trouble.

The settings are unique and well-written. You can “see” Alex’s room, the big house where they meet for meals, and more. The characters are unique and have real-to-them problems, especially Alex.

This is a story full of action, emotion, betrayal, secrets, and more. There are also giants, fairies, and, of course, dragons. For a YA, it is fast, intense, and full of adventures. If you like fantasy with great world building and characters, pick this one up.

Recommended.

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” Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book.

Spotlight: Road to Paradise

BLURB:

Sometimes you just need flowers…

It was supposed to be a routine meeting. A potential land sale that would give me the biggest commission of my career. The last thing I expected was a neurodivergent flower farmer who reminded me to slow down and enjoy life. Now, George Jamison threatens to knock me down a rung on my self-imposed climb up the corporate ladder when he keeps sliding into my thoughts with his wide grins and Southern charm. I hardly notice his social awkwardness and autistic tendencies when it’s just the two of us.  And now, after ten of the most glorious days in country paradise, his touch and quiet strength have turned my world upside down.  When I find out his grandfather is dying, I need to help George save the family farm, not sell it – even if it means giving up my career. But someone on the farm doesn’t want me to help George. They don’t want me there at all…

Amazon

“The Singing Author,” Kelly Genelle Fletcher, lives in her very own frat house in Atlanta, GA with her husband Ladd and three sons. She writes her heartwarming/closed-door romance books under her name, Kelly Fletcher, and her steamier books under her pen name, KG Fletcher. As a singer/songwriter she became a recipient of the “Airplay International Award” for “Best New Artist” showcasing original songs at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN. She earned her BFA in theater at Valdosta State University, and has traveled the world professionally as a singer/actress. She is a two-time Georgia Maggie Award Nominee, and currently gets to play rock star as a backup singer in the National Tour, “Remember When Rock Was Young – the Elton John Experience.” Kelly is a hopeless romantic. When she’s not on the road singing, she’s probably at home daydreaming about her swoony book boyfriends, or arranging a yummy charcuterie board while sipping red wine and listening to Frank Sinatra. She’s also a conference speaker and loves to interact with readers on social media and share about her writing and singing journey. For more info about tour dates (and FREE concert tickets), go to kgfletcherauthor.com

Review: Free to be Me

FREE TO BE ME by James Webb

Fiction, Thriller

4****

Blurb: Tawnya Davitakov is ordered to either convince the KGB’s US money launderer to begin work again or eliminate him. In her nine-year career, no one has ever been nice to her. Not anyone in Russia, Europe, or the Middle East. In her first assignment in the US, everyone is nice.
Weary from her dangerous and stressful work, she decides to quit and become an American. It seems easy. Not so much. She teams with an ex-fighter pilot to confront a Spetsnaz assault team, then travels to Russia one final time as an assassin.

THOUGHTS: I was reluctant to take this book on at first because I rarely read thrillers. I don’t like the overt violence and gore that goes with most of them. I’m glad the author convinced me otherwise. Yes, there is some violence in this, but it is not gory and did not give me nightmares. Ignoring that, this is a good story that starts with a bang and doesn’t let you go until the end.

Tawnya is a KGB operative assigned to a New York money launderer, but she discovers that she likes the freedom of America. Unfortunately, her handler doesn’t like that she wants to quit. He wants her back so he sends other agents after her. She gets help from an ex-military man and his friends and they show why they are the best. Unfortunately, she will not be free until she takes care of her boss, so they go to Russia. And gets free. Welcome to America.

I thought this was a well-written story, and yes, there is violence, but it is not graphic and the story ends well. The characters are interesting and there is a lot of action. I would read another book by this author.

Spotlight: Just What the Doctor Hired

Blurb: Student Autumn Haze’s motto is: no men until she completes her Bachelor of Nursing degree. Years before, Autumn learned the hard way men are just a distraction she can’t afford until she’s established her career and what she wants. While moonlighting as a Plus One companion pays the bills, she struggles to follow her rules after meeting her newest contract. Pediatric Hospitalist Jensen Edwards is still recovering from a bad breakup that left him the talk of the hospital. Now he’s receiving a Best Doctor’s award, but after he hires Autumn as his plus one, Jensen is on edge. If word gets out that he hired a companion, rumors are bound to circulate, making work unbearable-again. Their chemistry as a fake couple is undeniable, but can a chance at a real relationship override their fear of commitment?

Pre-order links can be found on our website: Book inner page | NelsonPotterBooks Or here is B&N: Just What The Doctor Hired by Amanda Nelson, Lisa-Marie Potter | eBook | Barnes & Noble®  and Amazon: https://a.co/d/dGt6p7e

Bio: Amanda and Lisa-Marie are an award-winning, co-writing team of best friends who share imaginary worlds, including Men In Books Aren’t Better (September 29, 2024), Just What the Doctor Hired (July 9, 2025), and a short story, Shivers, published in Moments Between (February 28, 2022). Lisa-Marie Potter (BIPOC) is a mom of four who grew up in Nottingham, England, and now resides in Alaska with her husband and golden retriever. Amanda Nelson grew up in Maryland and moved to Arizona, where she attended ASU and currently lives with her husband and four kids. Both women are hopeless romantics, but Lisa-Marie also enjoys suspense novels, while Amanda’s second go-to genre is romancy. The duo review books on their socials, hike the Olympic National Park, and fight over the same fictional crushes.

Social links: 

X: A. Nelson & L.M. Potter, award-winning authors (@ANelsonLMPotter) / X 

 Instagram 

NELSON POTTER (@anelson.lmpotter) • Threads, Say more 

Facebook 

Nelson Potter Author (@nelsonpotterduo) | TikTok 

A. Nelson & LM Potter-book2 preorders available (@anelsonlmpotter.bsky.social) — Bluesky 

(23) Lisa-Marie Potter Amanda Nelson | LinkedIn 

Review: One Sweet Christmas

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Sweet

4****

Blurb: Candice Cane agreed to sign the divorce papers under one condition, for four days, Jackson Frost must play Santa Claus in her chocolate shop. However, her Christmas miracle would crumble if Jackson knew the truth. Property developer, Jackson Frost, wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. The temptation of delectable chocolate and a second chance might lure him to stay.

THOUGHTS: This is a sweet contemporary Christmas story with all the tropes necessary for a good romance. Candice Cane owns and runs a chocolate shop that she inherited from her father. Unfortunately, it’s not doing too well, like a lot of businesses in their small town. She is trying to find a way to increase tourism and boost the other companies as well, but it’s not easy. And now that’s it’s Christmas, she wants to give at least the kids a little fun. Unfortunately, her Santa Claus called in sick and nobody else is available. Enter Jackson Frost, her old flame—and husband! He wants a divorce. She agrees, but only if he agrees to play Santa for four days.

Jackson goes from being a hard-core real estate investor to Santa not just for the kids (and enjoys it!), but for the entire town. And Candice goes from not-married to being in a serious relationship.

I enjoyed watching these two reunite after ten years and realize that their relationship is stronger now than ever. The characters of Candice and Jackson (yes, the names are too cutesy), are the best ones in the story. They both have issues and problems that they manage to overcome by the end of the story.

This is a short, quick read that will leave you smiling. Enjoy Christmas in July.

Recommended.

Review: Chance’s Return

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Western

5*****

Blurb: When prodigal son Chance McCord returns home to the North Star ranch, he faces a tragic past and a family divided. When young widow Casey Girard decides to spend the summer working on the North Star near the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, she doesn’t expect to meet such a man as Chance, nor to fall so completely in love with him. They both must learn to trust in each other. Can Casey’s faith and love truly bring Chance home?

THOUGHTS: I’m usually not a fan of western romance, but this book just made me change my mind. It’s sweet, inspirational, and has a HEA ending that satisfies. The story is set on a ranch near the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. Chance and Casey are both looking for something, even if they don’t know exactly what. Casey is a widow and the mother of a seven-year-old boy. Wanting to get away from her “smothering” family for the summer, she joins her aunt on the North Star Ranch to help with cooking and to assist the owner with writing his memoirs. Chance is the prodigal son returning after ten years away. He lost his wife and son in an accident that he blames his brother for. While away, he ran the rodeo circuit, finally having to quit after a serious accident. The last thing either Chance or Casey has on their minds is romance, but fate has other ideas.

For that reason, it’s not a unique romance story, but the author does an excellent job of allowing us to see the real emotions as Casey watches her young son take to the ranch life and become the happy boy he was before his father died. She also is learning about ranch life–like driving a stick-shift truck and riding a horse. Chance shows her that there’s a lot to love about the land, and him.

I love the characters but the real draw to the story are the descriptions of the land and the beauty of the mountains. Almost makes me want to take a trip out there!

Recommended.

Review: A Death in the Flower Garden

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Series

4****

Blurb: It’s Independence Day weekend, and Maria Dolores, the descendant of Danger Cove’s first lighthouse keeper, is the new manager of the Lighthouse Farmers’ Market. While she may be a bit uncertain about her career change—trading financial planning for flower stalls and farm fresh produce—she’s still determined to get the market into shape and onto one of the region’s “best of” lists. From the very beginning, though, events conspire against her. Her mentor and attractive local farmer, Merle Curtis, fails to show up to introduce her to the vendors, the stalls are all in the wrong place, and an earthquake shakes up everyone in the market! In its aftermath, Maria realizes the flower vendor is more than shaken up… she’s dead. Maria suddenly finds herself embroiled in a small town mystery that’s got everyone on edge. Will it all lead to the end of Maria’s new career? Or worse yet… her life?

THOUGHTS: Danger Cove is aptly named as much as Cabot Cove is for Jessica Fletcher. Even though this is the 14th book in the series, it is the first one in the Farmer’s Market part of the series. So we are introduced to Maria Dolores as she takes over as manager of the farmers’ market in Danger Cove. And it’s the weekend of the 4th of July, so there is a lot going on—including murder x 2!

I love Maria Dolores and how she deals with Cary, who seems to be autistic (it’s never said, but the descriptions of his issues show that he is). And the curmudgeon woodworker. And the earthquake. And so many other things. I’m surprised her migraine wasn’t any worse than it was! But she deals with everything, including the potato farmer who hates her (he wanted the job) and just wants to cause problems for her.

I loved how the author put her own name in as the author doing a signing at the bookseller’s tent! That was a hoot. The mystery itself is well-done with clues placed here and there and lots of suspects. And a satisfying ending as she and Merle, the previous manager, get to finally enjoy some alone time together.

Recommended.

#GemmaHallidayPubblishing