Good Mix

When I Found You by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A nice mix of the two series. It was good to know about a interesting baby now a teen. Loved the action and the tension as issues were resolved. Slow build romance but a nice HEA

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Not My Cup of Tea

The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I juist wanted this to be over. There should have seen some tension in the plot line but for me it was just something I kept reading but never bought into. I did see what would happen at the end but it was not very clean cut. Instead it was hard to buy into to the missing husband not to mention the Mother's hidden history.

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Christmas Magic

A California Christmas by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emery Bliss is at a low point in her life when she returns to Silver Springs. Then she reconnect with Dallas and the world changes for her. Also for him but not without some major league readjustments to his thinking. Great to the boys of Silver Springs as they all return for their Mothers wedding. Great story with some surprises scattered throughout story. Christmas does it magic for the characters.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Realistic

One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You never know what you may find when you take a DNA test. Serenity Alston found two half sisters. This is the story of the first summer they got together. A nice tale. All three have problems and all three find the support they need to face those problems. There is not HEA even as I called it a romance. There is a realistic ending as the summer ends and they go back to the lives they left behind. Each find a solution during that summer, a solution that fits them and the problems.

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More Short and Sweet

Christmas in Silver Springs by Brenda Novak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harper and Tobias are at best a mis-matched couple. Tobias is an ex-con and Harper the soon to be ex-wife of a rock star. That part range true. Rock stars often make very bad marriage partners. The romance was sweet but I just kept waiting for the next shoe to fall. Seems Tobias has not revealed his past. At time it seemed I was reading just to find out when it would happen.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 358 - Constellation XXI by Edward Hoornaert, Unforgettable You by Brenda Novak

Constellation XXI by Edward Hoornaert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book three in the Repelling the Invasion series and I had not read the first two. As a result I missed the backstory and world building and was dropped right into the story. What was done in Constellation XXI was the character development. I loved both Sienna and Crispin. They had a past and it was getting in the way of the present. Sienna had a secret that was covered in guilt. Crispin was just happy to finally be back around Sienna. He also had a secret and that one was what they needed to win the war they were in. Ships had quit working and Crispin has found the secret. That secret was putting them in a lot of danger. Great story line with interesting aliens as well as humans. 

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Unforgettable You by Brenda Novak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back in Silver Springs a new set of characters are center stage. This time the tension is very evident from the first page. While I liked the main characters I had trouble buying into the plot. Forgiveness is at the heart of the story. The event that lead to needing forgiveness made it hard to believe that the past could ever be put behind in the way the story was told. I do believe in moving on just not in the ways it came about in the story. 

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 122 - Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak, Not His Werewolf by Annie Nicholas, Spellbinder by Thea Harrison

Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are several familiar tropes in Until You Loved Me but they all work to make a interesting and riveting story. Ellie Fisher walks on the wild side after finding her fiancé in bed with another man. She is just not the one night stand type but it was fun to see her break out of her usual mode. Too bad that something unexpected happens as a result. Hudson King is named for the two streets where he was found as a new born. He does not let anyone near. In his life everyone has left him and he just does not believe in a permanent relationship. The two are made for each other they just have a hard time believing it. Novak usually tackles a serious issue in her books and this one is no exception. Ellie is a scientist looking for a cure for diabetes. Another very serious issue came up when Hudson tries to find his birth parents. That one added a lot of tension to the plot. I hated to see the book end as both characters were part of such a great story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Not his Werewolf: Shifter Romance by Annie Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the start of Not his Werewolf. Animal control shot a tranquilizer dart into a werewolf and then had a panic attack. Betty Newman, a werewolf who cannot shift, comes to the rescue and the unexpected happens. When Ken Birch wakes up in the cage at Betty's animal shelter he knows he has found his soul mate but nothing is as easy he he thinks it will be. I loved Betty and how she tries to take care of everyone around her. Ken is so mixed up and confused. Finding his soul mate was not suppose to be this hard. A fun story with a lot of laughs before getting to the HEA. I realized why Betty could not shift about half way through. For added fun see if you pick up the hint.


Spellbinder by Thea Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Morgan was the villain in the first book of the series. Now we get to know him and why he does what he does. He has managed to find a little freedom from the Fae Queen who controls him. When his path crosses musician Sidonie Martel his life changes. Puck is back making trouble and he makes it double for Sidonie trying to get back at Morgan. There is a secret that Morgan cannot tell but when Sidonie realizes what it is it is a game changer. There is tension and trouble enough for several books before Morgan and Sidonie get to their HEA. I loved how Morgan round ways to help Sidonie and how she saw who Morgan inspire of what the Fae Queen made him do. This is a spinoff from the original Elder Races books and some of the characters from that series do make cameo appearances. If you liked that series you will love this one.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 86 - Murder in the Bowery by Victoria Thompson, No One But You by Brenda Novak, Finding Our Forever by Brenda Novak

Murder in the Bowery by Victoria Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is always fun to visit with Frank and Sarah. I liked that the story is set against the actual strike by newsboys in New York. Frank is looking for a specific newsboy. That leads to two murders that Frank decides to solve. The mystery has some very dark aspects that Thompson does a good job of working into the story line. Mauve and Gino play a part in the story and there is a set up for new stories in the hospital Sarah is starting. I am looking for more romance between Mauve and Gino. One thing I would like to see is a more complete look at Franks Mother. She has almost become a non character who is out of the room or leaves as the scene starts. I think she deserves better.
I received a free copy of Murder in the Bowery from First to Read in return for an honest review.  This is one of the mystery series I alway look forward to.


No One But You by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again one of the graduates from the New Horizons Boys Ranch is at the center of the story. Darson Reed needs help but while he was acquitted of the murder of his parents people still think he did it and finding someone to work for him seems impossible. Enter Sadie Harris who has problems of her own. I liked how Novak worked innocent until proven guilty and the danger posted by stalkers into the story line. Both Darson and Sadie have to find an inner strength as they work to make a home for Darson's special needs sister. The danger to Sadie by her ex-husband brings extra tension to the story. Another good story with interesting characters. Silver Springs and New Horizons Boys Ranch look like a great place for interesting stories and characters.


Finding Our Forever by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first in a new series the setting in the town of Silver Springs and the New Horizons Boys Ranch located just out of town. Adoption and the need to find you birth partner is at the heart of the story. Aiyana, the ranch's owner, is the birth mother of Cora. Aiyana is such a strong character that you have to wonder why she gave her daughter away and why no-one knows that she ever had a child. Cora takes a job at the Ranch to get to know her birth-mother and is very torn about letting her know that she is the daughter she gave away. An added problem - Elijah Turner, Aiyana's adopted son and ranch manager is attracted to Cora and she to him. The handling of the adoption issue is very well handled and adds to the tension in the story. I loved both Cora and Eli and how they both handled the birth mother issue. I see a lot of great stories set in Silver Springs and New Horizons Boys Ranch.

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Book Beginnings and The Friday 56 - January 20, 2017

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and join the fun.

The Beginning:

Prologue: "When she came to, Evelyn Talbot could hear nothing. She couldn't see anything, either."

Chapter One: Twenty years later... :He'd kill her if he could. He'd attacked her once before. She had to remember that.



Page 56:

"The alcohol had mellowed him and made her talkative, maybe too talkative, but she couldn't remember when she'd had a better time, especially with nothing but Led Zeppelin playing in the background, a fire raging in the hearth and a man she barely knew for company.

From Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak.

Look Back Wednesday - December 7, 2016

LOOK BACK WEDNESDAY IS A FEATURE HERE ON MY BLOG.  I DECIDED TO  FEATURE BOOKS FROM DIFFERENT SHELVES ON GOODREADS.  SOME HAVE BEEN FEATURED ON MY BLOG AND SOME HAVE NOT.  

FOR DECEMBER I WENT TO MY CHRISTMAS ROMANCES SHELF.

The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Heart of Christmas takes another single member of the Friday Coffee group and gives them their own happy ending. Eve has been a featured character in each of the previous Whiskey Creek books. Once it looked like she might finally find her own HEA but it was not to be. Now she is 35 and feeling like she will never find that special person. I have always liked Eve. She is very caring and very strong. Seeing her down as she is in The Heart of Christmas was very sad. I just knew someone would show up to be her very special person. What I did not expect was a man with a very mysterious and dangerous past.

Brenda Novak does a great job with that mysterious man. Why no name? (small spoiler) Because his name has been changed several times for his own protection. He does not want anything to happen to Eve so it looks like no HEA for Eve again. Then the Friday Coffee group decides to help and comes up with a winning solution.

I have to admit both the mysterious man and how he and Eve came to have their own HEA surprised me. The Heart of Christmas has a much darker tone than previous Whiskey Creek books. I think the slight change of pace strengthens the series and helps keep it from being predictable.


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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #16 (Wicked Burn by Rebecca Zanetti, The Secrets She Kept by Brenda Novak

Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3) by Rebecca Zanetti

Paranormal Romance

While this is part of a series it can stand alone.  Simone and Nikolaj should not be together but with Simone in danger Nikolaj jis the one to come to her recue.  Look for lots a sexual tension, sex and danger as the two fight to keep a war from breaking out.  This is a fun book with great world building, back-story and plot.  As an extra there is a new Dark Protectors novella with Talen as the main character.

The Secrets She Kept (Fairham Island #2) by Brenda Novak

Contemporary Romance

This is book two in a series and you really need to read book one , The Secret Sister, to be in the know.  Josephine Lazarow was not that great a Mother but now that she is dead each of her children have to come together and find out if she really committed suicide.  After book one I knew that there were a lot of secrets.  As the title states she kept more than anyone knew and they are all coming out now that she is dead.  Very well written with a great plot, wonderful characters, and enough tension to keep you reading far into the night.

Stacking the Shelves - May 16, 2015

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves. 

My favorite book this week is the Adult Coloring Book - Stress Relieving Patterns.  I am enjoying picking the book up and using all the colored pencils to create something unique to me.




For Review:  I went a little wild at Netgalley this week.

Forget Me Not by Erika Marks - I did not choose this one.  I had reviewed a book from this publisher before.  I got an email saying I had it for review.  Not sure I like that.

War of Shadows by Gail Z Martin - This is book three in a series I really love.  I asked for it quite a while ago.  It has been out a couple of weeks so they must need reviews.  This is also the next up on my reading list.

The Secret Sister by Brenda Novak- I like her books and this is a first in a new series.  I am auto-approved for this publisher.

Lone Rider by B.J. Daniels - The second book in her new series.  Another place where I am auto-approved.  I never pass up one of her books.

Thrill Me by Susan Mallery - Another author and publisher I am auto-approved for.  I always look for her Fools Gold books.

The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jefferies - I am on her street team and she let all of us know when it came up on Netgalley.  This is the first book in her new series.

Earthrise by M.C.A. Hogarth - I just started this one.  It is Sci Fi and looks like a winner.  It is also the first book in a new series.

This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek #8) by Brenda Novak

Contemporary Romance

From Goodreads:

First love. Second chance?

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next!

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both—if they can forgive the mistakes in their past.

Phoenix has been a much-mentioned character in the Whiskey Creek series but this is the first time to meet her in person.  She was not what I expected.  Instead of being slightly crazed and obsessive she is very centered.  After spending 17 years in prison for a crime she did not commit she is not bitter but focused on living her life in the present.  She is very very strong.

Riley did not expect to find her admirable.  Of course that did not happen right away but over the course of the book.  Jacob, their son, accepts her on their first meeting. 

This is a really great story about love and forgiveness between two people with a very difficult past.  Brenda Novak gets great marks for making Phoenix such a great and admirable character.  It goes on my keeper and re-read shelf.

I think I saw a hook for Kyle’s story.  See what you think.  I guess time will tell.

Mira published This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak in 2015.

I received an ARC of This Heart of Mine from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Heart of Christmas (Whiskey Creek #7) by Breada Novak

Contemporary Romance

What Goodreads Says:

Just call her Christmas Eve… 

Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn't have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that's what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining. 

Eve's worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There's no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve's definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve's happily ever after just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she's counting on the best Christmas of her life!

The Heart of Christmas takes another single member of the Friday Coffee group and gives them their own happy ending. Eve has been a featured character in each of the previous Whiskey Creek books.  Once it looked like she might finally find her own HEA but it was not to be.  Now she is 35 and feeling like she will never find that special person.  I have always liked Eve.  She is very caring and very strong.  Seeing her down as she is in The Heart of Christmas was very sad.  I just knew someone would show up to be her very special person.  What I did not expect was a man with a very mysterious and dangerous past. 

Brenda Novak does a great job with that mysterious man.  Why no name?  (small spoiler) Because his name has been changed several times for his own protection.  He does not want anything to happen to Eve so it looks like no HEA for Eve again.  Then the Friday Coffee groups decides to help and comes up with a winning solution. 

I have to admit both the mysterious man and how he and Eve came to have their own HEA surprised me.  The Heart of Christmas has a much darker tone than previous Whiskey Creek books.  I think the slight change of pace strengthens the series and helps keep it from being predictable.

Harlequin published The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak in 2014.

I received  an ARC of The Heart of Christmas from Netgalley in return for an honest review.  You can get a coupon for $1.00 off by following the links below.

Stacking the Shelves, July 26, 2014

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their 

shelves.

For Review:

The Last-Chance Maverick by Christyne Butler

The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak

Snow Angel Cove by Raeanne Thayne

From the Library

The Garden of Stones by Mark T. Barnes

Artemis Awakening by Jane Lindskold

A Sweet Life Boxed Set (Fourteen Contemporary Romances by Bestselling Authors to Benefit Diabetes Research)

Presents A Sweet Life Boxed Set to Benefit Diabetes Research

_________

I purchased this set when it came out on May 1st.  It is a great bargain and you have a chance to win one set. Scroll down to the Rafflecopter Giveaway to enter. One winner will be chosen and will receive the set by email on June 19th. If you don't win go ahead and buy. It is only 2.99 and the entire amount goes to Diabetes Research.  It is a great chance to read books by some of your favorite authors and a great introduction to new authors.

Book & Author Details for A Sweet Life Boxed Set

Synopsis:

Have your cake and eat it too–your purchase of A Sweet Life helps fight against diabetes!

Priced at only 2.99 (regular price 7.99), indulge in this stunning limited edition collection of fourteen contemporary romances by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors…

You can make a difference while you read! All proceeds from the sale of A Sweet Life will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research.

Featuring a foreword by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber.

Get your copy today!

1500 pages/ 675 000 words

I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre (The Sullivans)

The only woman wealthy Irish pub owner Jake McCann wants is the one he can’t have–Sophie Sullivan, his best friend’s off limits sister. But when the beautiful librarian appears on his doorstep as his every fantasy come to life, even though Jake knows loving Sophie isn’t the right thing to do…how can he possibly resist? (This is the only book in the group I had already read.  I love the Sullivans.  It is a series but you can start anywhere.  I loved Sophie and Jake's story so this is a good place to start.)

On A Night Like This by Barbara Freethy (Callways #1)

From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes the first book about the Callaways, a big Irish family born to serve and protect, many as San Francisco firefighters.

May Day! By Heather Graham

Members of the Krewe of Hunters team plan a relaxing vacation to jolly old London for the English celebration–they never figured that a May Pole just might be murder.

Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent

When mystery shopper Shannon Jacoby meets billionaire Declan McCormick with her hand down a toilet in the men’s room of one of his stores, it’s love at first flush.  (I could not read for laughing.  This is a great short fun story).

Built to Last by Susan Mallery

The tale of Aaron Cross, a man who doesn’t know he needs saving…until he meets Marissa Spencer, a heroine inspired by the real life founder of the Motheread/ Fatheread Literacy Program.

A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak

Delaney is tired of waiting for the right man–all she wants is a baby. After seducing a handsome stranger, she returns to Dundee to find that same man is actually taking up residence on a ranch just outside of town–where he will very likely realize she’s expecting.

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips

In relationships, Ian Dare offers the bare minimum–until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor changes his perspective. Their affair heats up and love comes into play, but Riley’s secret past just might cost them everything.

Executive Seduction by Jennifer Probst

When Chandler Santell turns to Logan Grant, the most ruthless CEO in the finance industry to save her beloved Yoga and Arts Center, she never intended to have seduction as part of the plan…

In Too Deep by RaeAnne Thayne

Though fiercely drawn to the comfort of Andrea McPhee’s arms, Will Tanner isn’t sure he can find room for a woman like her in a life focused on vengeance–until he discovers she has secrets of her own.  (Read on my new iPhone and loved the story and the phone.  This is a great RaeAnne Thayne story)

Every Girl Does It by Rachel Van Dyken

Amanda gets a flash from the past when the nerdy kid she rejected in high school suddenly reappears in her life…dead sexy, he’s all man and he wants her.

Homecoming Season by Susan Wiggs

Miranda Sweeney and her family find hope and healing while spending an autumn at Willow Lake after Miranda survives breast cancer.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21857185-a-sweet-life-boxed-set?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Fourteen-Contemporary-Romances-Bestselling-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B00JGCK05S/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397186598&sr=1-6&keywords=Brenda+Novak

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781928068112

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sweet-life-boxed-set-barbara-freethy/1119058714?ean=2940045797030

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/book/a-sweet-life-boxed-set/id852423773?mt=11

Come Home to Me (Whiskey Creek #6) by Brenda Novak

Contemporary Romance

From Goodreads:

Home is where her heart is...

When Presley Christensen returns to Whiskey Creek with her little boy after two years away, she has completely changed her life. She's made peace with her past and overcome the negative behavior that resulted from her difficult childhood. Now she's back in the small town that was the closest thing to "home" she ever knew—the town where she can be with the sister who's her only family.

 There's just one catch. Aaron Amos still lives in Whiskey Creek, at least until he moves to Reno to open a branch of the Amos brothers' auto body shop. And no matter how hard she's tried, Presley hasn't been able to get over him. Seeing him again makes the longing so much worse. But she hopes she can get through the next few months, because she can't fall back into his arms…or his bed. She's come too far to backslide now. And there's a secret she's been guarding—a secret she'll do anything to protect.

I have been hooked on the Whiskey Creek series from the first book so I was looking forward to Come Home to Me.  It is a good addition to the series.  It does break away for the Friday coffee group.  Neither Presley nor Aaron were ever a part of that group but both were side characters in previous books.

This is a nice romance with a touch of tension.   Aaron just can’t stay away from Presley when she returns to Whiskey Creek.  Presley cannot resist him even though she knows she should.  I did like how strong Presley has become and how much having a baby has changed her.  I wanted to hit Aaron on the side of the head for not realizing that his attraction was based on more than good sex.  It was plain he was in love with her but it took a long time for him to realize it.

Brenda Novak left a lot of hooks for future stories in Come Home to Me.  There are two people about to get out of prison, a new Amos stepmother, and a big secret for one happily married couple.  I will have to wait to see how this will show up in future books.

Harlequin MIRA published Come Home to Me by Brenda Novak in 2014.

I received an ARC of Come Home to Me from Netgalley.