Blame it on the Moon

by Marilyn Baron

Category: Romance / Fantasy

Series: Jelly Beans and Spring Things

What if you went outside one evening to observe the Blood Moon and when you came back in, it was three years later, on the night of the next Blood Moon. And everything had changed during those lost years. There was another woman in your husband’s bed, younger and slimmer than you. Your daughter had gotten married to the man whose mother had taken your place. They have a daughter, who was named after a missing and presumed dead grandmother—you. What would you do? Try to reclaim your life? Or realize it was the time and the season for starting over?

ISBN: (digital) 9781509250684  

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Blurb A chance meeting lands dating columnist Lexi Anderson an invitation to the most sought-after D.C. event. Seeking inspiration for her spring column, she agrees to accompany an older gentleman she met at the Vietnam Memorial. Everyone lets go at the Pink Tie Dinner. Navy Commander Steve MacDonald is no exception. He’s attracted to Lexi and disappointed she’s returning to New York in the morning. He makes a plan guaranteeing he’ll see her during New York’s Fleet Week. Lexi has shared with her readers that she never gets involved with a man in uniform. When the magic of the evening disappears, will Lexi hold tight to her dating rule?

Research is always my favorite part of writing. Cherry Blossom Serendipity is part of the Wild Rose Press’ Jelly Beans and Spring Things series—jelly beans had to be mentioned in the story.  I experimented with different color beans to see how they dissolved in various liquids. The primary ingredients for jelly beans are sugar, corn syrup, modified cornstarch, and confectioner’s glaze. Sugars dissolve easily in liquids. Easy enough—I had the perfect technique to include jelly beans in my story.

Springtime Magic Mocktail or Cocktail?

Excerpt

“Would you like another drink, sir?” A server glanced at the untouched drink.

Steve turned when Lexi laughed at something his grandfather said. A cherry blossom necklace shimmied with the movement of her chest. He looked away and ordered a drink. “A ginger ale, please.” No more silly pink beverages. He needed a clear head. The situation required a plan, one to help her see beyond the uniform. Next week, he’d be in New York preparing for Fleet Week. Would she meet him for a real drink when he was off duty?”

Excerpt From: Zelda Benjamin. “Cherry Blossom Serendipity.” iBooks.

About Zelda

I’m a self-proclaimed foodie who loves writing books with a food theme. When I’m not writing, I’m baking, traveling, or tasting new and exciting foods that may or may not show up in a new story.

To find out more visit my website.

Website https://zeldabenjamin.com

LINKS

https://twitter.com@zbenjamin7

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https://www.bookbub.com/profile/zelda-benjamin

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show503149.Zelda_Benjamin

THE SEAFARER’S BRIDE by Laura Strickland

Fiction, Viking Historical Romance

4****

Blurb: A year ago, Magnus Tolljursson helped repel a treacherous attack from his father’s enemies, and discovered he carries the berserker’s seed of madness. Now he must sail to the settlement from whence those attackers came, and fulfill a promise to a friend. He doesn’t know what he’ll find in Husavik and never suspects he may lose his heart. In her father’s absence, Embra Fritisson has been engaged in a desperate battle to keep leadership of the settlement. When Magnus arrives saying her father is dead, she fears her unstable family will splinter into factions and destroy one another. She must retain control, but how can she hope to keep her head while falling in love with the enemy?

Thoughts: This is the third in a series, though I have not read the first two. Still, this is a well-written stand-alone that does not need the previous books for you to understand what’s going on and enjoy the story.

The characters are well-developed, especially Magnus and Embra. They are strong characters whose differences create enough conflict for an entire story just by themselves. Add in the “feud” between Magnus’s people and Embra’s and you have another layer. Add in Embra’s family—some of who are not exactly nice people—and you have even more. In other words, there is a lot of conflict in this book. But there is also a lot of love—and not just the romantic kind. This is a book full of emotions. There is also political intrigue and treachery and more. And the world building and descriptions add to the flavor of the book, putting you right there in the Viking village and on the ships.

In other words, it’s a book with a lot to offer for a good read. And a satisfying ending caps everything off beautifully.

Recommendation: 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”

Blade of Thieves

by Lee Roland

Category: Romance / Fantasy

Series: Guardians of the Blades

Garrett Dain, an enforcer for the Fenrir tribe, and Katrine Dolinski, a master thief, meet in a museum basement while both are seeking an ancient icon created by a goddess. What’s that clichéd saying? A woman should never love a man who’s prettier than she is? Katrine has no intention of falling for a man with the face of an angel and the body of a god.Katrine wins the battle for the icon, but murder suddenly rips her life apart. To add to her misfortune, Garrett has plans for her. He reveals a mystical secret that will transform her forever. Aided by a magical knife, she takes him up on his offer to visit the mysterious town where her life story began. But will the trip be the worst mistake she’s ever made?

ISBN: (digital) 9781509247691  ISBN: (print) 9781509247684

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BooksAMillion

Indie Bound

Babe in the Woods

by Jude Hopkins

Category: Women Fiction

It’s September 1995, the first year of the rest of Hadley Todd’s life. After living in Los Angeles, Hadley returns to her hometown in rural New York to write and be near her father. In addition to looking after him and teaching high school malcontents, Hadley hopes to channel her recent L.A. heartbreak into a play about the last moment of a woman’s innocence. But she seeks inspiration.Enter Trey Harding, a young, handsome reporter who covers sports at the high school. Trey reminds Hadley of her L.A. ex and is the perfect spark to fire up her imagination. The fact that Trey is an aspiring rock star and she has L.A. record biz connections makes the alliance perfect. She dangles promises of music biz glory while watching his moves. But the surprising twist that transpires when the two of them go to Hollywood is not something Hadley prepared for.

ISBN: (digital) 9781509248445  ISBN: (print) 9781509248438

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JUST CALL ME CONFIDENCE by Stella Grae

Fiction, Erotic Romance, (160 pages)

4****

Blurb: Jenna Craig is a 40-year-old freshly-minted “hot momma” looking for a little love in her post-divorce life. After a night out with her cougar tribe, she wonders whether she’s still got “it”—the double-takes from the college clowns at the bar quickly put her doubts to rest. Though she may be alone, she knows she’ll never be lonely.  Jenna’s newfound confidence is buoyed by some swim club eye candy: Travis the lifeguard. Hot trysts in the locker room leave her wondering if she might want something more. When her naughty, new boy toy introduces her to his friend, Collin, Jenna is engulfed with waves of emotion that she thought she might never feel again. With two younger men vying for her heart, will she choose the perfect guy for right now, or the man who could give her another shot at love?  The experienced Ms. Craig is certain of one thing: She better bring the confidence to pull off the choice of her desire.

Thoughts: If you’re looking for a really hot read, you need go no further than this. Jenna is recently divorced, has three kids, is 40 years old, and looking for some fun in her life. And does she find it. With men a little less than half her age. Travis is teaching her 4-year-old how to swim. And teaching her what it’s like to be with someone young, hot, and eager. Then he introduces her to his friend Collin and they spark immediately.

Recommendation: For a steaming hot graphic story with good characters and a decent plot, pick this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it. My thoughts are all my own.

If Only for Today

by Gabbi Grey

Category: Romance / Contemporary

Series: Deerbourne Inn

Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he’s missing someone special in his life. Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He’s photographed every major conflict in the world for the last ten years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he’s been living. Something in Xander’s gruff demeanor calls to Jared’s caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared’s kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?

ISBN: (digital) 9781509235650  

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I know it’s (unofficially) summer, but I’m still spotlighting the Jellybean stories from The Wild Rose Press. Enjoy!

Passing on the Farm

by Rita A. Popp

Category: Romance / Contemporary

Series: Jelly Beans and Spring Things

Rachel Kilkenny comes from Denver for a short stay at the Iowa farm she’s inherited with her brother, Davie. She assumes they’ll manage the homeplace together, and he and his family will move in. But nothing goes according to this simple plan. Her feisty sister-in-law delivers a shocking demand, and Davie avoids helping pack up the parents’ possessions. Then, in the midst of a troubling week, Rachel meets a handsome bicycle shop owner who sets her thoughts spinning in a new direction. Will the future be completely different than anybody expected?

ISBN: (digital) 9781509248964  

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Cherry Blossom Serendipity

by Zelda Benjamin

Category: Romance / Clean & Wholesome

Series: Jelly Beans and Spring Things

A chance meeting lands dating columnist Lexi Anderson an invitation to the most sought-after D.C. event. Seeking inspiration for her spring column, she agrees to accompany an older gentleman she met at the Vietnam Memorial. Everyone lets go at the Pink Tie Dinner. Navy Commander Steve MacDonald is no exception. He’s attracted to Lexi and disappointed she’s returning to New York in the morning. He makes a plan guaranteeing he’ll see her during New York’s Fleet Week.Lexi has shared with her readers that she never gets involved with a man in uniform. When the magic of the evening disappears, will Lexi hold tight to her dating rule?

ISBN: (digital) 9781509249756  

Available through these fine retailers…

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Promposal on Poppy Lane

by Ally Hayes

Category: Romance / Clean & Wholesome

Series: Jelly Beans and Spring Things

Spring on Poppy Lane means front doors adorned with shamrocks, flowers, bunnies, and tulips. Residents on the block have Caleb to thank for most of the decorating, but this year his concerns focus elsewhere. In the spring of his senior year, he sees his high school festivities ending. As his friends secure their prom dates and make college decisions, he’s struggling with approaching his crush. In just a matter of weeks, can he talk to Shelby, the shy farm girl, and concoct the perfect Promposal? Or will his neighbor’s meddling ruin his plan?

ISBN: (digital) 9781509249688  

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