Review: Solace of Denim

THE SOLACE OF DENIM by Kathy Otten

Fiction, YA Paranormal, Ghost mysteries (188 pages)

5*****

Blurb: The victim of a horrific crime, fifteen-year-old Joey Kowalski has bounced around in the foster care system for six years. When his only friend Luke is murdered, suspicion falls on Joey. As evidence mounts against him, Luke’s denim jacket appears in Joey’s closet. When he puts on the jacket, he gets visions of Luke’s murder and hears Luke’s voice in his head. Can Joey convince Luke’s father, Detective Marek, to look past his grief and help him find the real killer?

Thoughts: This is not a light, fun story. Joey Kowalski has had a rough life – family violence, death, his best friend Luke killed, bullied because of his scars and limp, moved from school to school and foster family to foster family. He goes to a therapist, but gets no help there because he refuses to talk about his past. Then he overhears a dark deal going down and gets caught. Then there’s Luke’s jacket. A jacket that keeps showing up even when Joey gives it back to Luke’s father. And when he wears the jacket, weird things happen. Things Joey doesn’t understand at first, not before he realizes what the jacket means.

What I liked: The characters are well done and realistic. Joey has had a rough life and doesn’t trust easily (with good reason). His connection with Luke goes beyond a ghostly haunting with the old denim jacket – as does his connection with Luke’s dad. And the bullying happens like the author says—even in places where it’s said bullying doesn’t happen. It does. Well done. And the ending is satisfying.

What I didn’t like: There are more than a few triggers here for some people, especially the family abuse from the father. I thought it was well done, but fair warning to some readers.

Recommendation: Definitely 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”

Review: Through the Flames

THROUGH THE FLAMES by Andrew Grey

Fiction, LGBTQ+, M/M, Contemporary Romance, 4 Heat Level (228 pages)

4****

Blurb: Kyle Wilson hasn’t had it easy. His insecurities and nasty home life made him lash out as a kid, and when he finally came out as gay, his family disowned him. Then, just when he’s pulled his life together and gotten his construction company running, he’s caught in a fire and forced to take costly time off. When firefighter Hayden Walters rescues a man from a burning building, he’s just doing his job. He doesn’t expect it to turn his life upside-down, but the man is none other than Hayden’s high school bully. He definitely doesn’t expect Kyle to come to the station to thank him in person. With awkward apologies out of the way, Kyle and Hayden realize they have a lot in common. And when it turns out someone set the fire at Kyle’s construction site to target him, they find they can solve each other’s problems Hayden needs a place to stay while his apartment is renovated, and Kyle doesn’t want to be alone in case the firebug strikes again. Things between the two of them quickly heat up—but so does the arsonist’s agenda. Can they track down the would-be killer before it’s too late?

Thoughts: This is a standard Andrew Grey story with two hunky guys who don’t like each other at first, then friendship grows, then love. Hayden and Kyle have a rough past. In high school, Kyle bullied Hayden, but he’s a changed man. At first, Hayden doesn’t trust him, but eventually sees Kyle for the kind, caring man he’s become. But a firebug is after Kyle and Hayden is part of the fire company that gets called out to stop the fires.

What I liked: Mitzi! Okay I liked the two guys too. But the dog is the best character! And the story build up is done well. The plot moves nicely with danger ramping up until the final moment. And a couple hot bedroom scenes.

What I didn’t like: Toward the beginning, Kyle claims that his father never let the family have a pet. But toward the end, his mother and sister are hugging an elderly black lab. Okay, this is a minor glitch, but it was enough for me to drop a star.

Recommendation: This is a really nice story with some hot sex, a good plot, and a satisfying ending. Recommended.

Spotlight: Natalie J. Damschroder

Thank you so much for featuring me here at Sparkling Book Reviews!

This is a really big month for me. The very personal reason is that as of today, I am older than my mom got to be. She died 20 years ago, at age 52. I know I’m far from alone in that kind of loss, but it can be odd how something affects you. She was my biggest cheerleader and so proud of my writing career, and with this milestone, she’s been on my mind a lot. I think she’d look back with me at how much I’ve accomplished and force me to revel in the length and breadth of my career instead of indulge in should-haves. 😊

July is also big because I’m launching a new series! It’s been a while. My full-length novel releases over the past couple of years have been sequels to earlier work, or reissues of existing series. Victory is brand new! Well, kind of. The Road to Victoryis a bridge between Resonance and the Victory Series, because I thought one of the secondary characters needed his own romance. But Victory on the Edge is my first completely new book in a completely new world in a long time. Both can be purchased in e-book and print now!

And third, because of the aforementioned milestone, and to honor the impact my mom had on the longevity of my career, almost all of my books are on sale. The e-books are only 99¢ at all retailers (unless the price is not in my control, which only applies to a few books) and signed paperbacks are 15% off if you use the code MILESTONE in my online store. (Subject to availability and while supplies last, of course. 😊 The sale ends July 26.

The Road to Victory

After defeating a terrible enemy and suffering an equally terrible loss, Mayne Sobol is adrift. He needs to normalize his daughter’s life, but the one job he’s done his entire career is too dangerous to continue.

Bailey Fleming loves her job at Victory—too much. Her plans for her own business are ready to launch, and she’s been procrastinating since finding the kind of work family she wants to build. It’s time to break free, but she lets herself be talked into one last assignment.

Bailey and Mayne start with competing interests, but in the course of foiling a complicated plot against their clients, intrigue and attraction draw them together. Neither is in a position to start something personal when their careers are in such flux…but if they don’t explore the chemistry between them, they may regret it for the rest of their lives.

Note: The Road to Victory is a standalone story between the Seismic Series and the Victory Series. It does contain spoilers for Aftershocks and Resonance, but you don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this novella, and The Road to Victory isn’t necessary to enjoy the upcoming Victory Series.

Victory on the Edge

She drives Victory’s success.
He knows someone is pushing them to fail.
And he thinks it’s her…

Max Landford handles every aspect of operations for Victory, a company dedicated to helping people who fall through the cracks. Troubleshooter Sebastian Braga, who can literally smell lies, has been hired to investigate a series of escalating snafus that threaten Victory’s near-perfect record…and she’s his prime suspect.

Bas didn’t expect to fall not only for the smart, challenging woman in charge, but for the family vibe at Victory itself. He may have finally found a place to belong. But their chemistry keeps getting in the way of his investigation, and Max, thrown off balance by his effect on her, worries the distraction is making her job suffer.

When a near-fatal disaster occurs on Max’s watch, it becomes clear that none of the problems are coincidental. She’s stunned to discover she was her bosses’ prime suspect and that Bas has been lying to her since they met. She’d resign, but the threat is growing, and she and Bas have to work together to save the company they both believe in.

Forced to make decisions that could destroy Victory as thoroughly as their enemy could, they have to face the possibility that their efforts—and their romance—are doomed. Can they keep Victory from going over the edge?

~~~~

If you try these and like them, the best way to make sure to learn about new releases and future sales or events is to sign up for my newsletter. You can do that on my website, and also find all my social media links: https://nataliedamschroder.com/contact-natalie/#newsletter

Oh, one last thing. I’m participating in a huge event the first week of August:

I LIKE FREE BOOKS. August 4-6 * 200 Free E-Books in all genres – join the mailing list to know when it’s live: https://bit.ly/NaleighnaKai

Thank you, and happy reading!

Natalie J. Damschroder hasn’t done anything remotely worthy of bio documentation in a very long time, unless you count making up the romantic adventures that her characters live out in her books. She loves combining end-of-the-world stakes with the relationships that make those stakes personal. Love with a Shot of Adrenaline has infused nearly every story she’s published. Whether you like quick reads you can finish in a day or sinking into longer books, you’ll find something to satisfy your craving for action, romance, and happy endings. She also writes paranormal young adult romance as NJ Damschroder, where all of the same elements apply. Besides her dozens of published books, what Natalie is most proud of is her family. She and her husband have been married over 30 years and still have the kind of partnership she makes her characters fight for every day. They’ve raised two awesome kids now living their own fulfilling lives, which you would think would mean she’d write more books faster. But she’s enjoying reading, relaxing with good TV, and sleeping too much to give any of that up. In the fall and winter, almost nothing will keep her from cheering for her New England Patriots, even though they don’t win as much anymore.

Review: The Haunting of Hillwood Farm

THE HAUNTING OF HILLWOOD FARM by Kathryn Knight

Fiction, Paranormal Romantic Suspense (196 pages) (This title previously published in the USA TODAY Bestselling Love Under Fire Romantic Suspense Thrillers Box Set 2018)

4****

Blurb: After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts. But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm. She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist. While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby. Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits. He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother. He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her. His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships. As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her. Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.

Thoughts: After a nasty accident, Callie discovers that she can talk to ghosts. Because of her ability, Alice Turner of Hillwood Farm contacts her to find out who’s haunting her farm. Her grandson, Luke, lives with her and he is certain Callie is a con artist—until dangerous things start happening not just on the farm, but to Callie herself. There is danger here, but also some other spirit who’s trying to help.

Pluses: The story started off right away with a haunting episode that lets you know there is something both good and bad happening here. Callie is a believable character with a tragic past. Luke’s past isn’t tragic, but he brings some baggage with him too, which makes their romance build from wary friendship to love. There’s plenty of conflict here to keep the story moving. Descriptions of the characters, the spooks, and the setting are well done.

Minuses – I really didn’t see any need for Luke’s family to be around (until I did). I knew the who as far as the spirits were concerned early on, but not the why/what happened. For me, the ending felt a bit rushed, but it was a good ending that satisfied all the questions.

Recommendation: For a truly chilling read with a satisfying ending, you won’t be disappointed with this. I know I’ll be looking for more from this writer.

Review: Venetian Rhapsody

VENETIAN RHAPSODY by Tonya Penrose

Fiction, Romance (with touches of the paranormal), (331 pages)

5+*****

Blurb: In a glancing moment, Eduardo and Sofia experience a chance encounter that alters how they see their world and ignites a grand love. A romance where the barriers of time’s constraints fall away…leaving them with an unfolding mystery around their powerful connection. Two encounters a year apart bring plenty of complications, smiles, and undeniable love.

Thoughts: This is a beautiful love story that caught my interest at the beginning and held onto it through the end. I really didn’t want to put it down at all—but one does have to live life on occasion. Still, I kept picking it back up. It takes place in Venice, Italy. Two people—Sofia Martin and Eduardo Diaz—meet by chance at a friend’s home and there is an instant connection. Usually, I’m not a fan of “instant connect” stories, but in this case, it worked. Mostly because the author couched it in such a way that it’s more believable. There’s a touch of the paranormal here as the two know things about each other that it’s impossible to know, and Sofia keeps seeing them together in a different time and place—timeslips. There are other strange things—messages on cookies, a pigeon who follows them constantly (Mrs. Coo is so cute), and a mysterious woman who tells Sofia about destiny.

For a week—all the time Sofia has left in Italy before returning to Boston to a new job as a museum curator—the two go everywhere and do everything together. And fall in love. Then life intrudes and Sofia returns to Boston and Eduardo to Spain. And we are left thinking that true love cannot exist for them.

But we are wrong. Though it does take some time and a lot of discussions to clear up past issues. And we are finally left with the happily ever after we are looking for.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a beautiful story with fantastic descriptions and a touch of the paranormal, then it is your destiny to read this book. You will definitely fall in love with it.

Writing Tips July 15-21

July 15

Birthdays: Clement Clarke Moore (1779), Thomas Bullfinch (1796), Walter D. Edmonds (1903), Hammond Innes (1913), Iris Murdoch (1919), Jacques Derrida (1930), Clive Cussler (1931), Lydia Davis (1947), Richard Russo (1949), Jeff Jarvis (1954), Marcia Jones (1958),

Clement Moore is most well known for “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (‘Twas the Night before Christmas)

Thomas Bullfinch is best known for “Bullfinch’s Mythology”

Walter Edmonds is best known for “Drums Along the Mohawk”

Richard Russo won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for “Empire Falls”

Quote: “When power is up for grabs,” Pitt said, “the first casualty is often liberty.” ― Clive Cussler, Havana Storm

“Study authors who write in your genre and who are successful; their writing style, structure, characterization, and plotting. It’s all there. You don’t need to go four years to school for a degree in writing. Ernest Hemingway studied and used the style of Tolstoy. Thomas Wolfe delved into James Joyce. I used Alistair MacLean when I started out, eventually moving into my own writing style which is now copied by other authors.” – Clive Cussler

Tip: What is your main character’s goal? What does s/he want to accomplish? Who stands in the way of this goal? This is the conflict for your plot.

Jumpstart: Your character is with a friend in a store. The friend steals something and gets away while your hero gets caught. Does he give up his friend? Why or why not?

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July 16

Birthdays: Kathleen Norris (1880), Arthur Bowie Chrisman (1889), James Still (1906), Eve Titus (1922), Anita Brookner (1928), Robert Sheckley (1928), Sheri Tepper (1929), Reinaldo Arenas (1943), Frances Spalding (1950), Richard Egielski (1952), Susan Wheeler (1955), Tony Kushner (1956), Andrew Smith (1959),

Arthur Chrisman won the 1926 Newbery Award for “Shen of the Sea”—a short story collection.

Anita Brookner won the Booker Prize for her 1984 novel “Hotel du Lac”

Richard Egielski won the 1987 Caldecott Medal for illustrating “Hey, Al” by Arthur Yorinks

Quote: “Problems of human behavior still continue to baffle us, but at least in the Library we have them properly filed.”― Anita Brookner

“I actually do start my stories with a particular quirky idea (like a dead horse falling out of the sky, or how two teens might trigger the end of the world in a recession-wracked Midwestern town) and then build a small universe around that idea.” – Andrew Smith

Tip: Use a camera or your phone to take pictures of everything—places, people, things—use these pictures for ideas in your writing.

Jumpstart: Finish this: I ran into the emergency room… (use: bling, fan, teddy bear). Are you the doctor/nurse? Or the patient? Or a visitor?

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July 17

Birthdays: Shmuel Agnon (1888), Erle Stanley Gardner (1889), Christiane Rochefort (1917), Phyllis Diller (1917), Robert V. Remini (1921), Olive Burns (1924), Karla Kuskin (1932), LaVyrle Spencer (1943), Chris Crutcher (1946), Mark Bowden (1951), J. Michael Straczynski (1954), Cory Doctorow (1971),

Shmuel Agnon was the co-winner of the 1965 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Robert Remini won the 1984 National Book Award for Nonfiction for his biography of Andrew Jackson.

Quote: “We are the people of the book. We love our books. We fill our houses with books. We treasure books we inherit from our parents, and we cherish the idea of passing those books on to our children… If anyone tries to take away our books—some oppressive government, some censor gone off the rails—we would defend them with everything that we have.” – Cory Doctorow

Tip: A synopsis is not supposed to explain the entire book. It is a short piece designed to hook an editor or agent and to show that you know what goes into making a full story. It should contain main characters, conflicts, plot points, and the ending (Yes, the ending!).

Jumpstart: In A Picture of Dorian Gray, the picture ages while the man does not. If offered the chance for immortality, would you take it? Why or why not? What if it meant you would continue to age, but not die?

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July 18

Birthdays: William Makepeace Thackeray (1811), Nathalie Sarraute (1900), Jessamyn West (1902), Elizabeth Jennings (1926), Margaret Laurence (1926), Hunter S. Thompson (1937), Joseph J. Ellis (1943), Steven Hahn (1951), Felicia Bond (1954), Elizabeth Gilbert (1969),

Joseph Ellis won a Pulitzer Prize for History for his works.

Steven Hahn won the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for History for “A Nation Under Our Feet”.

Quote: “Life is a mirror: if you frown at it, it frowns back; if you smile, it returns the greeting.” ― William Makepeace Thackeray

“[quoting someone else] the American constitution is a document designed by geniuses to be eventually interpreted by idiots” ― Joseph J. Ellis, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation

“Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking.” – Jessamyn West

“Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely essential.” ― Jessamyn West

Tip: Enjoy the ride. You should enjoy what you do. Yes, writing is hard. But there should also be joy somewhere in there. If you worry about deadlines, plot points, sales, reviews, etc., you’ll never get to enjoy what you accomplished. You wrote a book! Congratulations. Celebrate.

Jumpstart: Finish this: I rushed to fudge the numbers before he returned… (use: monk, magazine, imagination)

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July 19

Birthdays: Alice Dunbar Nelson (1875), A.J. Cronin (1896), George McGovern (1922), Joseph Hansen (1923), Stephen Coonts (1946), Thulani Davis (1949), Jayne Anne Phillips (1952), Katherine Applegate (1956), Ava Kito (1962), Garth Nix (1963), Lisa Jewell (1968),

A.J. Cronin’s novel “The Citadel” is credited with laying the groundwork for the National Health System in Britain.

Katherine Applegate won the 2013 Newbery Medal for “The One and Only Ivan”.

Quote: “Just write one chapter at a time and one day you’ll be surprised by your own finished novel.” – Garth Nix

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.”
― A.J. Cronin

Tip: When an agent or editor asks for a three-chapter sample, send the first three chapters. Do not pick and choose non-sequential ones.

Jumpstart: You buy an antique desk. While cleaning it, you find a hidden cache containing an old letter and a map. The name on the letter is a family you recognize, but you are definitely not friends with them. What do you do?

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July 20

Birthdays: Erik Axel Karlfeldt (1864), Martin Provensen (1916), Thomas Berger (1924), William H. Goetzmann (1930), Cormac McCarthy (1933), Henry L. Dumas (1934), Alistair MacLeod (1936), Thomas Friedman (1953), Jess Walter (1965)

Eric Karlfeldt won the 1931 Nobel Prize for Poetry.

William Goetzmann won the 1967 Pulitzer Prize for History.

Cormac McCarthy won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his 2006 book “The Road”. He also wrote “No Country for Old Men” which was made into a movie.

Thomas Friedman has won the Pulitzer three times for his journalism.

Quotes: “In my world, you don’t get to call yourself “pro-life” and be against common-sense gun control — like banning public access to the kind of semiautomatic assault rifle, designed for warfare, that was used recently in a Colorado theater. You don’t get to call yourself “pro-life” and want to shut down the Environmental Protection Agency, which ensures clean air and clean water, prevents childhood asthma, preserves biodiversity and combats climate change that could disrupt every life on the planet. You don’t get to call yourself “pro-life” and oppose programs like Head Start that provide basic education, health and nutrition for the most disadvantaged children…The term “pro-life” should be a shorthand for respect for the sanctity of life. But I will not let that label apply to people for whom sanctity for life begins at conception and ends at birth. What about the rest of life? Respect for the sanctity of life, if you believe that it begins at conception, cannot end at birth.” ― Thomas L. Friedman

“When widely followed public figures feel free to say anything, without any fact-checking, it becomes impossible for a democracy to think intelligently about big issues.” ― Thomas L. Friedman

“The indulgent 800-page books that were written a hundred years ago are just not going to be written anymore and people need to get used to that. If you think you’re going to write something like The Brothers Karamazov or Moby Dick, go ahead. Nobody will read it. I don’t care how good it is, or how smart the readers are. Their intentions, their brains are different.” – Cormac McCarthy

Tip: A query letter has to sell your book to an editor or agent in just a couple short paragraphs. Be succinct but include all pertinent information including any publishing experience you have, a short blurb of the book giving the main characters, the conflict, the ending, and any marketing ideas you have.

Jumpstart: On July 20, 1985, Mel Fisher’s crew found the sunken Atocha off the Florida coast. The wreck was loaded with silver, gold, and emeralds. Pretend you’re with them as they bring up the bounty. How do you feel? What do you do with your share of the loot? Or… for a twist, pretend you’re back in time, on the ship. What happened?

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July 21

Birthdays: Ernest Hemingway (1899), Hart Crane (1899), Marshall McLuhan (1911), James Cooke Brown (1921), John Gardner (1933), Tess Gallagher (1943), Wendy Cope (1945), Michael Connelly (1956), Sarah Waters (1966), Christopher Barzak (1975)

Ernest Hemingway won the Pulitzer Pirze for Fiction and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Christopher Barzak’s novel “The Love We Share Without Knowing” was a 2009 Nebula nominee.

John Gardner is known for his retelling of Beowulf from the monster’s point of view—Grendel.

Quote: “Everybody counts, or nobody counts.” ― Michael Connelly

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Ernest Hemingway

Tip: When setting up your author website, don’t include personal photos of your family unless you’re comfortable with everyone seeing them. Pets and scenery are okay. Just remember: this is your professional site, not a “friends” one.

Jumpstart: More than half the population has been turned into were-animals, but you are immune to the virus. What do you do during a full moon?

Spotlight: Nikki Knight

WRONG POISON: She’s a nice suburban mom and a sacred assassin…and Grace Adair’s secret life has just become a problem. When a death at the Library Book Fair turns out to be murder – by a poison used only by Grace’s ancient sisterhood, she knows she’s in trouble. Now, she’ll need all her skills as a PTA mom and former prosecutor to find the killer and protect her friends…and their secrets. Hopefully without using her other skills. About those other skills: Grace and her sweet senior pal Madge are members of a 700-year-old order of assassins, sacred to the Archangel Gabriel and sworn to remove evil men who elude human justice. Think #MeToo with untraceable poison.

Buy: Wrong Poison: Knight, Nikki: 9798987684740: Amazon.com: Books

Nikki Knight describes herself as an Author/Anchor/Mom…not in that order. An award-winning weekend anchor at New York City’s 1010 WINS Radio, she writes short stories and novels. Her stories appear in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Black Cat Weekly, online, and in anthologies including DEADLY NIGHTSHADE: Best New England Crime Stories 2022. She’s been short-listed for Black Orchid Novella and Derringer Awards. As Kathleen Marple Kalb, she writes the Ella Shane and Old Stuff mystery series. She, her husband, and son live in a Connecticut house owned by their cat.

Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/nikki-knight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiKnightAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiKnightVT

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmarplekalb/

Review: Rewrites of the Heart

REWRITES OF THE HEART by Terry Newman

Fiction, Contemporary Romance with a touch of the Paranormal

5+ stars!

Blurb: JJ Spritely, romance author, writes characters that jump off the page. Figuratively, that is. She never expects them to make a literal leap smack dab into her world. But Alex Zurich and Blake Teesdale do just that. And they’re on a mission to help JJ write her own personal love story with a man she recently met, Kennedy King Cooper. A history professor, Cooper doesn’t see the value of romance novels and he has even less regard for those who write them. Until he meets a woman who haunts his thoughts. There’s only one small snag in Alex’s and Blake’s plan…okay…two rather large snags. JJ wants nothing to do with Cooper. The other snag? Alex and Blake aren’t able to return to the pages of their own book. Will JJ and Cooper write their own love story? And will Alex and Blake find their way back to their own world?

Thoughts: Oh. My. Word. This story is so much fun! I laughed so hard in some places – and groaned in others. There are so many puns and funnies – like “Teri Yaki” being a food critic. Mundain Hall being the history department building. Dr. Chare being the “chair”man of the department. Mario and Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (I half expected them to be wearing different clothes than tuxes). And what about a Jewish Mariachi Polka Band? (In an Italian restaurant) But my favorite was the Physic’s Café! There was more, but these were the ones that really stood out for me.

JJ is a widow, a romance writer, and a scholar with a doctorate in history. When she meets fellow historian Kennedy, he lets her know in no uncertain terms what he things of fiction writers, especially romance writers. She lets him know what she thinks of him. When she returns home from a signing, it is to find the two characters from her latest book sitting in her office. They’ve become real to the point that they can interact with others as well as JJ. None of them is sure how this happened, but they agree that the only way for them to get back is for JJ to find the love of her life. Thus the challenge is on for the characters. But their choice? Kennedy.

Recommendation: This is a fun, light romance with a satisfying ending that will leave you smiling. Definitely recommended.

Review: Gamble of Hearts

GAMBLE OF HEARTS by Virginia Barlow

Fiction, Historical Romance, (290 pg), Steamy

5*****

Blurb: When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother’s arrest, she becomes the duke’s ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever. The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew’s death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain’s sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything.

Thoughts: I will admit that I don’t read a lot of Regency type romances, but this one caught my attention and held it. I won’t discuss the historical accuracy of some of what happened in the book. Yes, there were a few twinges, but the characters and action overcame all that as I kept reading—and enjoying—the story.

Lady Amora Hargrove lives with her wastrel brother in London. He is abusive and terrorizes her every chance he gets—and forces her to go (in disguise) to a pub and gamble because she is incredibly good at it while he is not. But he gambles too much and loses – including her. He has sold her or gambled her several times over. When the powerful Duke of Ravencroft comes to collect his winnings, he has no idea that Amora—whom he thought was a ship—is actually the scoundrel’s sister. He sees her bruises and poor dress and vows that she will be protected and safe.

And thus begins the story of Amora and Alexander. Throw in a gypsy woman, too many scoundrels to count, kidnapping, romance, and more, and you have an interesting story. Does it follow the strict structure of Regency romance? Nope. But it does entertain and gives you an ending that satisfies. Oh, and there are a couple of rather steamy scenes too.

Recommendation: Recommended if you want a historical story with royalty, romance, intrigue, heat, and a satisfying ending. I know I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.

Review: Outcast Artist in Bretagne

OUTCAST ARTIST IN BRETAGNE by Diane Scott Lewis

Fiction, Historical Romance (371 pages)

4****

Blurb: Unwed and pregnant, Norah Cooper flees England to hide with her cousin in Brittany just before Germany’s 1940 invasion of France. After her baby is stillborn, she’s trapped under the Occupation as war expands across Europe. Norah grieves and consoles herself by sketching wildlife. When she’s caught too near the coast, she comes under scrutiny of the German commandant, Major August von Gottlieb. August loathes what Hitler is doing to his country and France but is duty-bound to control the people in his jurisdiction. The lively young Englishwoman piques his interest. Is she a spy? He questions her and asks her to sketch his portrait so he might uncover the truth. Soon, their relationship evolves into a passion neither of them can deny. She endures taunts from the villagers. His superiors warn him of not being harsh enough—he could be transferred or worse. He plans to sabotage a major war machine of the Reich, while she secretly helps the Resistance. Both acts are fraught with danger while kept secret from one another. Will their love ruin her and end in heartbreak? Or will they overcome the odds and survive the surging threats on all sides?

Thoughts: This story takes place during WWII in Brittany. The author does an amazing job with world building, placing us in the small fishing village during German occupation. Pregnant Norah moved in with her cousin and her family in Brittany right before the Germans took over. She lost the baby but is still stuck there with short rations that are getting sparser. Norah wants to find some way to help the family so she draws pictures of different people and areas around town—including August, the German commandant in the village. Romance ensues between the two, even in the face of opposition. August doesn’t like Hitler’s policies, but has to walk a very narrow path so he doesn’t get into trouble himself. Meanwhile, the underground is doing their thing and undermining the Germans any way they can.

This is a sad romance full of drama and love between “enemies”. It’s excellently done and the characters are amazing. As well as the situations. The emotions are real. The only thing I wish had been done differently was the end. I refuse to give it away, but… it’s good, but kind of left me wanting more. Still, that is the only negative thing I have to say about this otherwise excellently written story.