Category Archives: Romance Books

January 15, 2020 · 3:39 am

Long and Short Reviews Weekly Blogging Challenge 1.15.20

Week two of the year long challenge peeps! Today’s topic is BOOKS I CAN’T WAIT TO READ IN 2020.

Yowza!!! These are just the ones releasing in January!!!! 4 books from 4 of my absolutely favorite authors.

FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy and Sergeant Detective DD Warren have built a task force to follow the digital bread crumbs left behind by deceased serial kidnapper Jacob Ness. And when a disturbing piece of evidence comes to light, they decide to bring in Flora Dane who has personal experience of being imprisoned by Ness.

Their investigations take them to a small town deep in the hills of Georgia where something seems to be deeply wrong.

What at first seems like a Gothic eeriness soon hardens into something much more sinister as they discover that for all the evil Jacob committed while alive, his worst secret is still to be revealed.

Quincy and DD must summon their considerable skills and experience to crack the most disturbing case of their careers – and Flora must face her own past directly in the hope of saving others

 

Forty years ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, “The Incident” occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases, causing peculiar effects on its residents, such as strange visions and ominous voices. Not wanting the government to get involved, they chalked it up to the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms. Little did they know these effects would linger through the generations….

Residents Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton have been best friends for years and own an investigation firm together, using what they call the “other sight” to help with their business. When Olivia goes missing, Cat frantically begins the search for her alone when the town does nothing about it. When scientist Slate Trevelyan shows up, she has no choice but to accept his help even though there’s something about him she just can’t trust. The duo discovers someone is hunting the two witnesses of a murder in Fogg Lake fourteen years ago—the very one Cat and Olivia witnessed as teens, one that they couldn’t prove happened. Cat and Slate’s search for Olivia takes them down a rabbit hole that is far more dangerous and mysterious than they ever expected, and with a killer in their midst, neither of them can foresee who will come out alive.

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.

But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?

Everything has a price…

Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.

Everything except her…

Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.

When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:

Never underestimate a Ravenel.

The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun…

These 4 will keep me occupied for january, hee hee.

In March, the highly anticipated next chapter in Kari Lemor’s Storms of New England book, TRUE DREAMS releases and I can not wait!

True “TJ” Bannister, haunted by his past, abandons the world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to live a peaceful life as a bookstore owner on Cape Cod. The reformed bad boy thinks no “nice” girl will ever see beyond his tormented soul.

Innocent Sara Storm barges into TJ’s shop, and his life, with her sunshine personality. Her dream is to be a singer—she’s come to Cape Cod to further her goal at a local concert venue and escape comparisons with her successful siblings.TJ and Sarah are drawn to each other, but will his past and desire for a calmer life and her aspirations as a recording artist doom their romance before the last note is sung?

Let’s see what some of the other authors in this blog want to read in 2020: L&SR

And don’t forget, if you like MY books and I’m on your reading list for 2020, first, THANK YOU!! hee hee.

Second, A PRIDE OF BROTHERS:RICK released on 1.13.20

Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.

Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.

Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.

You can get your copy here in print or ereader copy:

Amazon // B&N // i-books // Books-a-million

Until next week, peeps ~ Peg

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January 11, 2020 · 12:27 am

#WeeklyWrapup I’ve been all over the blogging map this week!

It’s no secret if you follow my blog that I’ve got a brand new series starting on Monday, 1.13.20 titled A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK. It’s a new romantic suspense trilogy about a private eye firm run by brothers ( hence, the name. Heehee)

I’ll be all over the place promoting it for the next month, but this past week I started my own little tour and visited a bunch of fabulous authors who volunteered to help me get the word out about the book – love them all. At each stop I told you all a little more about the book, how it came to be, what my inspiration for writing it was, and a bit more about my writing quirks.

So, if you missed any of these, here’s a recap of where I was all week with the links included so you can visit me. Better late than never, I always say.

On Monday, January 6, I visited WRP sistah Alana Lorens

On Tuesday, January 7, I hopped over to another wonderful WRP sistah, author Judith Sterling.

Wednesday, January 8th, brought me to WRP writer and friend Jennifer Wilck

Thursday, January 9th I flew over to WRP sistah Amber Dalton

Friday, January 10 I made it all the way over to Jeny Heckman’s blog

Today, Saturday Januray 11, I’m camping over with  author D.V.Stone starting at 7am ESt.

I was thrilled when the book was featured on Pretty-Hot.com, too, on January 6.

So, stop by and catch up and then stop back here next week because I’ll be starting a SILVER DAGGER TOUR that features giveaways and Gift Cards, so you won’t want to miss out on that.

Until next time ~ Peg

Blurb:

Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.

Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.

Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.

Preorder your copy here before it releases on 1.13.20

Amazon //B&N // ibooks //Books-a-million

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January 5, 2020 · 12:14 am

#SundaySnippet First one of 2020~ 1.5.20 ; A PRIDE OF BROTHERS:RICK

It’s a little hard for me to believe 2020 is here already. It seems like just yesterday it was 1.1.19.

Oh well….

I have a brand new ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series starting this year titled A PRIDE OF BROTHERS and the very first book, RICK is dropping on 1.13.20 so it seems apropos I post my very first Sunday Snippet of 2020 with a little scene from the book.

Blurb:

Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.

Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.

Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.

As she reached out to clutch the table for support, a pair of firm hands seized her upper arms from behind.

“Easy there, Abigail.”

Abby’s entire body stilled. In a heartbeat, she went from tipsy to stone-cold sober as the smooth, deep timbre of that voice washed over her.

“Reception hasn’t started yet. Wouldn’t do for one of Kandy’s minions to go down before the band even warms up.”

When her arms were freed a moment later, Abby whirled around to find a pair of chocolate-drop-colored eyes trained on her from a face hand carved by the gods of gorgeous. Hair as dark as unprocessed coal was cut military short. Dark, thick lashes framed his almond- shaped eyes, and his mouth was pulled into a totally charming smirk that she wanted to kiss off his chiseled face.

Why did simply looking at him make her stomach act like a roller coaster spiraling downward and back to the station?

“Minions? Really, Bannerman?”

He had the nerve to grin. “Well, you are required to blindly follow and do everything Kandy tells you to without argument, aren’t you? Sounds pretty accurate to me.”

“You’re wearing a tuxedo. Does that make you one of Josh’s minions?” She raked a finger up and down his ridiculously well-cut black lapel.

A free and easy laugh kicked her square in her already shaking stomach. “Not in this lifetime.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “He’s got two brothers who can more than fill the bill. I’m merely a humble wedding guest.”

Humble was hardly the word she’d use to describe him. At six two and a solid, muscular two hundred pounds, Rick Bannerman was cocky, sinfully sexy, and a total player. Exactly the kind of man she knew she shouldn’t be drawn to, but God help her, was.

Intrigued? You can preorder your copy here and have it as soon as it’s released on 1.13.20:

Amazon // B&N // i-books // Books-a-million

 

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January 2, 2020 · 12:29 am

MY word for 2020 : PERSISTENCE

No it isn’t a lonely western town between Devil’s Head and Snake Canyon! It’s my word of 2020. The one that is going to take me to new levels in my career and my personal life.

2019’s word was FOCUS and I did just that for the entire year. I wrote 4 books, blogged 5-6 times a week, and sold more books than I had for any previous year. Can I support myself yet, financially? No. But it’s coming and it’s certainly a closer concept than it was in 2018.

This year I’m taking that focus that  I honed so well in my writing career and adding to my personal life and mixing in a huge does of PERSISTENCE.

persistence | pərˈsistəns | noun

firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; • the continued or prolonged existence of something: the persistence of huge environmental problems.

I LOVE this definition. OBSTINATE continuance in a course of action IN SPITE OF difficulty or opposition. That definition could have been hand written by the gods of words for me! Hee Hee.

In case you  missed it earlier in the week, these are my goals for 2020:

  • Write a minimum of 1000 words before I start my actual day – what this means is that while I’m still in jammies, I write. Once 1000 words is achieved I get to get dressed, and do the adulting things I need to – like gym, laundry, etc. When they are done, I can write more.
  • Finish 3-4 complete manuscripts in 2020; self-pub one of them. A lofty goal.
  • Gym 6-7 times per week. No excuses. I’ve got a wedding I need to be camera ready for in May 2020.
  • Eat better, and by better I mean, cut out the crap!! All of it.
  • Double my book sales this year through organic exposure. More about this in 2020 blogs!

It’s going to take a great deal of PERSISTENCE to do those things, so, once again, I think this is the perfect word for me to live my life by in 2020!

Thoughts, peeps?

Until next time ~ Peg

And if you’re looking for me in 2020, I’m usually here: Tweet Me//Read Me// Visit Me//Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me// Triber// Book Me // Watch me

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December 28, 2019 · 12:24 am

A look back at my year of reading….

 

I’m a big reader.

I know: shocked ya, right? Hee hee.

This year I read 117 books for 2019 Goodreads Challenge. In reality, I read a whole bunch more because a large  number of them were print books and the goodreads ones were really only e-books I read on my Kindle.

The number is probably closer to 200 for the year.

It’s no wonder I love to write since I love to read so much. Goes hand in hand, eh?

Here’s the top of the list of my favorite read books in 2019. Some were print, some e-books, but they were all fabulous and I highly recommend them and their authors.

In no particular order, here you go:

Untouchable – Jayne Anne Krentz (My rating)

the third book in the CUTLER, SUTTER and SALINAS series, it’s a dark story woven through the golden age of Hollywood – and a goodie!

Passion on Park Avenue – Lauren Layne (my review)

 

In my review I stated that this might just be Lauren’s best book to date ( and that’s saying something because they’ve all been 5 star reads for me) and I wasn’t wrong. This first chapter of the CENTAL PARK PACK series is a great intro to the gals and their potential love interests.

Where the Crawdads sing – Delia Owens 

For some strange reason I never reviewed or rated this book and if I had I would have given it 5++++ stars. The story is so lyrically told I felt as if Delia Owens was sitting in my living room speaking it aloud to me.

Love on Lexington Avenue – Lauren Layne (my review)

Book 2 in the CENTRAL PARK PACK series is a deep dive into widow angst that is funny, sexy, and just up my alley when it comes to RomComs. Lauren hit all the right spots with this book and I am eagerly awaiting book 3 which is releasing in 2020.

The One for You – Roni Loren ( my review)

This 4th installment in the Ones Who Got Away series was my favorite for so many reasons. Read my review to learn why. And then start with the first book and read them in order. You’ll be glad you did.

Never Tell – Lisa Gardner (my rating) 

You can’t go wrong with A DDWarren police mystery and now that the amazeballs Flora Dane is helping her, well, 5stars isn’t enough!

Quinn’s  Resolution – Katie O’Sullivan ( my review)

Rock star romances are a popular trope and most are just okay. But Katie’s take on Quinn MacDonald and the tragedy that occurs just as his career is taking off compelled me to give this book the 5 stars it deserved. Filled with sorrow and jumping with heat, this story is short but it packs a powerful punch.

Elusive Dreams – Kari Lemor (my review)

You usually read Marriage of Convenience tropes in historical novels. Well, Kari took the well-loved trope and modernized it to perfection. I went through almost an entire package of Kleenex’s while I was reading Tessa and Eric’s love story and I bet you will, too.

I can’t wait for 2020 and a whole new year of books to read by my favorite authors. And who knows: maybe I’ll find some new favs!

Until next  year ~ Peg

 

 

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December 12, 2019 · 12:13 am

25 Days of Holiday Romance day # 12 – Cocoa and Carols

Today, I’ve got a treat for you ( and myself!) My lovely and talented writing friend, Marianne Rice, has a brand new holiday book out this year, COCOA & CAROLS.

Finishing up his patrol as the sun sets on Thanksgiving Day, officer Patrick Johnson stumbles across a woman and her dog sleeping in her car. She refuses to go to a shelter and masks her dire condition, but the Johnson manners run deep and he finds himself inviting the stranger to his parents’ Thanksgiving dinner. Before the meal is over his heart grows soft for her and her scruffy dog.

Trying to make ends meet as an understudy in the town play isn’t enough to keep Jocelyn fed and a roof over her head. She doesn’t like handouts but the police officer with shoulders that could compete with Captain America and the kindest eyes she’d ever seen leaves her no choice but to go with him to his family’s home. She’s instantly greeted with warmth from his parents, brother, and sisters, and before the meal is over, she believes in miracles.

Their newfound friendship turns quickly to something more, only Jocelyn doesn’t plan on staying in Maine for very long. Her lifelong dream is to star on Broadway and Patrick has no desire to leave his small town. Will her dreams and his stubbornness get in the way of their relationship? They’ll need a Christmas miracle to help them find their happily ever after.

Amazon Purchase link

About the author: Marianne Rice

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December 10, 2019 · 12:09 am

25 Days of Holiday Romance day #10 Brendan’s Christmas Surprise

One of my favorite books of the year is featured today. My lovely and uber talented writing friend, Katie O’Sullivan, gives us BRENDAN’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE and it’s no surprise I loved it! Here’s my review.

After a career-ending injury, hockey bad boy Brendan MacDonald needs time to reevaluate. Without a college degree or any skills to fall back on, he’s got no alternate plan for what to do with the rest of his life. Not a clue. Spending Christmas on Cape Cod for a family wedding sounds like a good time to figure it all out… and maybe reconnect with the one woman from his past he can’t stop thinking about.

Paige Wheeler planned her life with precision, counting down the days until she could put her home town in the rearview mirror for good. Until that one fateful Christmas Eve when all her careful planning went out the window. Five years later, she’s still on Cape Cod living with her parents, working a job she doesn’t like and trying to formulate a new plan. When a certain hockey player comes home for the holidays, Paige must decide whether to let him back into her life… and share the secret she’s been keeping all these years.

Amazon purchase link

About the author: Katie O’Sullivan

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December 9, 2019 · 12:07 am

25 Days of Holiday Romance day #9 Christmas Once Again


As we start week 2 of the 25 days of Holiday romance, I present to you today another Wild Rose Press sistah, D.K. Deters and CHRISTMAS ONCE AGAIN.

She’s dead broke. And eviction looms. On Christmas Eve antique consultant Madison Knight takes a phone call from local rancher Zach Murdock. Through a mix-up at an estate sale, Madison’s company purchased his grandmother’s beloved painting. He offers double the money for its return.

Madison risks her job to track down the artwork, but success falls short when she’s stuck in a blizzard. Stranded, she seeks help from a frontier family. Are they living off the grid, or did she somehow travel through time?

Zach’s the only person who knows her plan. He also knows a secret about his gran’s painting. It’s up to him to rescue Madison, but maybe he’s not cut out to be a hero.

Amazon Purchase Link

About the Author : DK Deters

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December 8, 2019 · 12:05 am

25 Days of Holiday Romance day # 8 – The Worst Holiday Ever

SO on this 8th day, I’ve got an anthology that’s equal parts funny and thought provoking. THE WORST HOLIDAY EVER features 2 of my favorite authors ( and a bunch more), Kari Lemor and Kilby Blades.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! OK—scratch that. It’s time for another obligatory family gathering. And nothing spices up the egg nog like bringing your partner home. Surely your belligerent brother-in law, your gimlet-eyed granny and your drunken uncle will keep it classy. With forced proximity and alcoholic beverages, what could possibly go wrong?

Stories and Authors
Decked Out by Eva Moore
A Perfect Fit by Adrienne Bell
Crazy Old Money by Kilby Blades
Stealing Christmas by Kari Lemor
Touched by Fate by Preslaysa Williams
Ringing in the Reefer by Marie Booth
The Thanksgiving Parade From Hell by R.L. Merrill
Thankful in Perdition by Erin St. Charles
Feliz Chanukah! by Meg Bellamy

This anthology contains stories with numerous romance sub-genres and themes, including: contemporary romance, paranormal romance, LGBTQ romance, #ownvoices, plus-sized heroes, interracial/multicultural families, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Chanukah! Certain stories are for mature audiences.

Amazon purchase link

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December 4, 2019 · 1:13 am

#Bookrelease Day!!! TODAY, TOMORROW, ALWAYS is here!

I can’t fully explain how excited I am to finally have this story in print! Cathy O’Dowd’s path to an HEA was tortuous for her – and me!!!! This book wrung me dry so many times! I’m thrilled to finally be able to share it with the romance reading world.

Blurb:

Lawyer Cathleen O’Dowd wants to break free from her boring image. Widowed young, she’s toed the good-girl line but now wants a little fun and laughter in her days…and nights. Living in a small town, though, she can’t do anything that would tarnish her professional reputation.

Mac Frayne’s tragic past has turned him into a sullen loner. In town to write a book on the city’s founder, his plan is to get it done, then head home to his solitary existence.

When circumstances force them to work together, their opposing personalities clash, but the sexual attraction between them is palpable.

Can a simple affair with an end date be just the thing to brighten up their lives?

Excerpt 

Frayne was alone at one of the computer workstations, sheets of paper and files scattered about the desk next to him.

I took a moment to observe him before announcing myself. Thick-lensed reading glasses perched on the very tip of his nose, a millimeter from falling from his face. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why that was so endearing, but it was. His hair fell over the collar of his shirt, today covered with a jet-black pullover. A tiny moth hole crossed over his bicep. The notion he needed someone looking out for him, caring for him, making him take care of himself, bounded through me.

The story Maureen related spilled back to me, and my heart sighed. I knew the emotional devastation losing loved ones could wreak, and since I was now aware of what had happened to Frayne’s family, I understood the perpetual grief in his eyes.

Another striking thing about Frayne was that for all his awkwardness, some might even say shy demeanor, he was an extremely attractive man, and the very fact I noticed it was astounding. I hadn’t looked at nor thought about another man in all the years of my marriage, even while Danny had been away for years on end on active duty.

The only man I’d ever loved, ever considered being with, ever looked at, was Danny Mulvaney. Picturing Mac Frayne as someone I could see myself getting to know on a purely personal and physical level was behavior so far out of my emotional wheelhouse it startled me.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” I tossed my coat and bag on a chair “I came as soon as the ceremony ended.”

Frayne peered at me over the tops of his glasses through eyes a little unfocused, a little startled, and a whole lot of befuddled cute.

He blinked, and then his gaze swept from my face down to what Maureen calls my marriage duds. When I officiate, I pair a plain white silk blouse with a black double-breasted jacket and either a black A-line skirt or trousers, depending on the season. On one lapel of my jacket, I always wear a 14-karat-gold, single rose pin, gifted to me by Colleen, to symbolize the love and affection of the couples I marry.

With a quick flick of his hand, Frayne swiped the glasses from his face, and tucked one of the bows into the vee of his sweater. His gaze made its way up to my face again, and he cocked his head in a move I was coming to recognize signaled he was going to ask a question. “You didn’t stay for the reception?”

“Like I told you yesterday, sometimes I do, but most times I simply sign the paperwork, take a few photos with the happy couple, and then let them have their party. If I stayed at every wedding, I’d never get anything done on the weekends.”

“I’ve been to my share of weddings”—he stood and tilted his head to one side—“but I’ve never had to sign papers at one, other than my own. Are there that many people you know getting married that your weekends are typically so full?”

A grin split my face at his words. “They are when I’m performing the ceremonies.”

It took him a second, then the cloud of cute confusion cleared in his eyes. “You’re a wedding officiant?”

“Technically, I’m a justice of the peace. But yes, I officiate at weddings. I came here from Inn Heaven after performing a ceremony.”

“Well, that certainly explains it.” His lips twitched at the corners, and for a brief moment, an image of pressing my own against them burned quick and bright in my head. “I saw them setting up the ballroom for some kind of event before I left this morning. Your sister was everywhere.”

“I know that’s the truth because I’ve seen it for myself. Maureen is exceptionally organized, a trait that runs rampant in our family.”

His gaze swept down my attire again, the small grin tugging on his mouth, broadening. “I spotted another redhead in commando mode, too. She resembled you and Maureen.” His grin grew. “I’ve never actually seen someone bark orders before.”

“The barker was Colleen, my middle sister. She’s a wedding planner and was in charge of today’s event. I officiate at a lot of her non-religious ceremonies.”

Available at these fine online retailers in Ecopy or Print: Amazon // B&N // Applebooks   // Rakuten-Kobo // google play // Books-a-million //

Also available at the TOADSTOOL BOOKSHOP in Keene, NH

Please enjoy the lovely Book Trailer my friend Nancy Fraser made for the book: TTA

Add it to your Goodreads List: TTA

Add it to you BookBub List: TTA

Now, I’m off to read TTA again!
Until next time ~Peg

 

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