Kimberly reviews Sandpiper Island by Donna Kauffman

Sandpiper IslandTITLE: Sandpiper Island
SERIES #: Bachelors Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Delia & Ford
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he’d tasted both heartache and comfort. With feisty Delia O’Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn’t have picked a better place to start over—even if he’s determined to do it alone in his island tree house, working to save endangered seabirds . . . and himself.
But when he finds Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that’s best about their little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined . . . together.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. It took a long time to connect with Ford. He is so stand-offish that it is hard to enjoy him. Yes he finally does warm up. Delia is sweet and I enjoyed her when we met her in the last story but she is so sad in this story. I am not sre the connection between the characters is there for most of the story. They spend a lot of time apologizing for what they say to each other because they never seem to say what they really want to say. The interesting thing is this couple is older so that was cool. Once Ford warmed up and lightened up it became more fun to read and he really became romantic and sweet.

While I enjoyed this story it was not one of my favorites from Kauffman. Something was just a bit off about this story which is hard for me to say because I really enjoy Kauffman’s works.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Book Spotlight & Review: The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost

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In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse–her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side, Adrian on the other, and nothing but ashes in between…

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Yay-almost-done-J-300x225Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, and the upcoming Broken Destiny series.  To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene splits her time between North Carolina and Florida with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of The Beautiful Ashes

Review (4 Stars): I have always been a big fan of Ms. Frost’s work and I was very excited to read her new book, The Beautiful Ashes, which is the first title in a brand new series.  Ivy is on the search for her sister, Jasmine, who has been missing for days and seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.  No one has seen her and Ivy is dealing with her disappearance as well as the death of her foster parents, who were recently killed in a car accident.  Ivy has always been a little different, plagued by dreams and visions of horrible things that no one has been able to explain. She soon finds that people are trying to kill her to prevent her from finding her sister and finds an unlikely ally in a young man named Adrian.  Adrian may be the only person she can count on in this deadly fight but he may also be the one person that is meant to betray her. She is running out of time to save her sister and she needs to find a historic weapon before it is too late to save them all.

I liked Ivy from the very beginning, she was a strong, independent young woman who was trying to hold it together after the loss of her parents and the disappearance of her younger sister.  Ivy has always been plagued by horrifying visions of things that no one else could see but her.  During the search for her sister, Ivy can’t find anyone that has seen her and the people that she meets look fine one second, then something out of a horror movie the next.  She soon meets up with Adrian, a young man with secrets of his own, where she finds that her visions are real and she is the last descendant of a distinctive bloodline.  She has supernatural powers that she has never known about and to save her sister, she must help Adrian find a historic weapon that only she can locate.  She also discovers that Adrian is the descendant of another infamous bloodline and it is has been prophesied for him to betray her.  She has this love/hate relationship with Adrian through most of the book which dragged on a little but I enjoyed them both together.  He was the first person to believe in her and tell her that everything she had been going through was real.

Adrian was definitely a charmer but he was also a bad boy with a tainted past. He was always there by Ivy’s side through everything but sometimes his attitude made me want to reach in and smack him.  He was destined to betray Ivy but couldn’t stay away from her no matter what happened.  I liked that he tried to redeem himself from the past things that he had done and I’m interested to see how things play out for them in the rest of the series.

I liked The Beautiful Ashes and I think that is a promising start to a new series.  It was action-packed from the beginning with a touch of romance to even things out. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see if the prophecy between Ivy and Adrian actually comes to light or they are able to change their own fates.

Kelly reviews Lover At Last by JR Ward

lover at lastTITLE: Lover At Last
SERIES #: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
CHARACTERS: Blaylock & Qhuinn
AUTHOR: JR Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts So much better…. So so so much better than the previous book. I put off reading Lover at Last because I was so beside myself with how much I did not like the Lover Reborn. I was a little gun shy to say the least. But I am so glad that I read Lover at Last. Blay & Qhuinn needed this book so badly. While it was so very emotional and heart breaking to watch these two dance around each other the end result was worth the pain and torment they endured. Do I agree with the way they went about things? Not so much. I wish that Blay didn’t keep things from Qhuinn, but all part of the story. While a had an issue with a few minor things about Blay & Qhuinn’s story it didn’t change that I love that these two are happy.

I did find myself skimming over a few parts. There seem to be at least 3 stories being told in this book and I found that a few of those sub stories didn’t really interest me much. But all in all it was a good book and I am looking forward to starting The King.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews One Night Of Sin by Elle Kennedy

one night of sinTITLE: One Night Of Sin
SERIES #: After Hours #1
CHARACTERS: Skyler & Gage
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes it’s good to be bad…
When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.
Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.
As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skylar’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.

REVIEW:
Looking for some erotica to read? I have the book for you! If you do not like erotica then for goodness sake don’t pick up this book!
Gage and Skyler have instant chemistry and boy do they connect. And there is even a background story not just a few lines between sex scenes. If you have read Ella Kennedy before then you know this is right up her alley.There are a number of really great lines in this book that would get any wound up.
The series is just beginning with this story and I can’t wait for more.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

Cover Image_Rescue My HeartTITLE: Rescue My Heart
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #3
CHARACTERS: Holly & Adam
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

REVIEW:
Another delightful story from Jill Shalvis. This is the third in the Animal Magnetism series and though it can be stand alone since that is how I ended up reading it I wish I had read the other two books in the series first. I enjoyed the brothers that were obviously the main characters in the other books and am anxious to read their stories.

There is a lifetime of story behind Holly and Adam and it really adds to the story. I really enjoyed the connection they had from page one even though it was hostile it is still there.

I can’t wait to read the next in the series which I am hoping is Griffin and Kate.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

 

Kelly reviews Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

shield of winterTITLE: Shield of Winter
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #13
CHARACTERS: Vasic & Ivy Jane
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
RUN TIME: 15 Hours & 46 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts

We all know (that is if you have read the first 12 books) that the Psy are a very cold race. They like everything perfect. There is no room for flaws of any kind. Flaws have been dealt with swiftly and harshly over the last 100 years. But with the fall of Silence in (bk 12 Heart of Obsidian) the Psy race is now fighting a new killer. One that does not care who or what stands in it’s way. There are two ways to save the Psy race: 1. Cut out the affected and kill millions or 2. Hope that the E-Psy will awake in time to stop choice number 1.

As always Nalini writes a story that sucks me in and makes me not want to leave no matter how bad it gets at time. Vasic and Ivy’s story is both amazingly filled with hope and heartbreakingly sad at the same time. I honestly had my doubts on Vasic based off prior books. He is the perfect Psy in all ways. Ivy Jane was new to me, but I loved her the minute she stepped on the page. These two are just flat out amazing together. Yes, I laughed, cried and wanted to kill the leaders of the Psy from 100 years ago. I want to say so much but don’t want to spoil it for you. Just know the manuals are very important!!! 🙂
I did listen to this book on audio as I have done with all of Nalini’s Psy-Changeling books. Ms. Dawe does a great job again with the voices of each character. My only issue was that the audio file I had seemed to go in and out. At times it seemed muffled at time. I am not sure what it was. But even with this I loved the story.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

in your cornerTITLE: In Your Corner
SERIES #: Redemption #2
CHARACTERS: Amanda & Jake
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“You have to go. I won’t be able to control myself. I’ve wanted you so bad for so long and after I’ve been in the cage…I can’t think straight.” He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.
Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.
“Mine.” His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.
He rules in the ring
Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn’t dull the pain of Amanda’s rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.
A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn’t found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help…
But can he rule her heart?
Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda’s not sure if she can stay in control, or if she’s finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. WOW Jake is just so alpha he can burn you alive. Amanda is the perfect person for him to be with it. They compliment each other so well.

I wasn’t sure if I could enjoy this as much as the first in the series but this is hands down better. The problems the characters have are real. They are intense and they are true. Jake is darker and sexier as the synopsis says and Amanda is real and someone I would want to be friends with.

I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Jennifer reviews Return To Homecoming Ranch by Julia London

return to homecoming ranchTITLE: Return to Homecoming Ranch
SERIES #: Pine River #2
CHARACTERS: Libby Tyler, Sam Winters
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Curly-haired Libby Tyler never stops smiling…until her beloved boyfriend suddenly forces her out of their home and away from his adoring kids. When she learns he dumped her for his flighty ex-wife, Libby’s sadness turns to fury—and she very publicly smashes his truck with a golf club, earning herself a trip to a mental health center for some “rest.”

Handsome, hazel-eyed deputy Sam Winters has been sober for two years. Afraid of backsliding, he lives in the mountains and keeps his distance from people. Yet he never forgot Libby, his former colleague at the sheriff’s office whose charm and cheerfulness always warmed his days.

Now Libby’s back, ignoring the townspeople’s whispers (and her ex’s restraining order) while desperately trying to make Homecoming Ranch a successful event destination. She keeps causing trouble for Sam, but he finds her smile more beautiful than ever…and his touch gives her thrills she’s never felt. Could these two lost souls mend each other’s broken hearts?

REVIEW: The thing that I loved about this book was that Libby and Sam were two kindred spirits that were doing their best to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives in Pine River. Libby Tyler was heartbroken when she was kicked to the curb by her ex-boyfriend and had a difficult time moving on from the life that she helped create with him and his children. Feeling lost and alone, she finds herself driving by his house when she knows that she needs to stay away and move on. Sam Winters is a recovering alcoholic who has always had eyes for Libby and Sam soon finds himself trying to keep her out of trouble with her ex-boyfriend.

Libby has never known what her friendship has meant to Sam, especially during the dark times recovering from his addiction. I loved how Sam was there to help Libby, even when she didn’t want it and to be the friend that she needed when the whole town though that she had lost her mind. They were great together as a couple and that Sam showed Libby that true love had always been right in front of her, she just had to take his hand and grab it.
Return to Homecoming Ranch is a sweet, delightful romance that you just can’t put down. I enjoyed Libby and Sam’s story, as well as getting updates about what is happening in the lives of previous characters from the first book in the series, Homecoming Ranch. Ms. London has written such a lovely romantic tale about two broken hearts that finally find the love that they were searching for and I can’t wait to see what is in store for these characters in the future.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Jennifer reviews Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

better homesTITLE: Better Homes and Hauntings
CHARACTERS: Deacon Whitney, Nina Linden
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I loved, loved this book! I have always been a big fan of Molly Harper and the fact that this book is about a haunted house is an added bonus for me. Nina Linden is down on her luck trying to build her landscaping business when she gets the job of a lifetime helping to renovate the grounds of The Crane’s Nest, which is owned by software mogul, Deacon Whitney. Nina joins a group of business-minded people set on bringing the decrepit mansion back into its former glory but each of them begin to experience things that have them believing that the house actually may be haunted.
Molly Harper is such a talented writer because each of her books are filled with romance, mystery and a dash of snarky humor that will definitely keep you entertained. I loved Nina, Deacon, Cindy and Jake in Better Homes and Hauntings and couldn’t get enough of these characters. The dialogue between these characters had me laughing out loud and wanting to find the secrets of The Crane’s Nest right along with them. Nina and Deacon were so cute together since they were both shy people that had a lot in common if they just gave it a chance. I felt sorry for Cindy for part of this book because she liked Jake and he was just an idiot that needed to be hit over the head for not remembering her from his past. I love all of Ms. Harper’s books and Better Homes and Hauntings has now become a favorite of mine. Can’t wait for her next book because I know that it will be a fun and entertaining ride.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly reviews Wild Need by Donna Grant

wild needTITLE: Wild Need
SERIES #: Chiasson series #3
CHARACTERS: Beau Chiasson & Davena Arcineaux
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: August 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS:

iBooks: http://bit.ly/WNiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1o54rGG
Nook: http://bit.ly/WNnook
Kindle: http://amzn.to/XcSvZT
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uhWEct

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this third thrilling story in the Chiasson series, New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant delivers a fiery tale about a man who embraces his heritage and a woman trying to escape evil.

STALKED BY DEATH…

Davena Arcineaux would like nothing more than to put her past of tragedy and magic behind her and stop running. Maybe even find a great guy to share her life with and start a family. But an evil Voodoo priestess who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Davena has tracked her to Lyons Point. And time has run out for Davena.

FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL…

Brave, protective, Beau Chiasson was prepared to live his life alone, but when fate puts the lovely Davena in his path, he realizes that there has been a part of him missing that only she can complete. Engaged in the biggest fight of his life, Beau must not only save the parish from evil, but also win Davena’s heart – if he can keep them both alive

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Beau is the youngest of the Chiasson’s brothers. While he has always taking the stand that he doesn’t want or need love in his life (except for his family) he finds it hard to not notice the beautiful and mysterious Davena Arcineaux. But Beau is determine to do just that. Right up until evil touches his dreams. The smell of smoke and the taste of pure evil spars Beau into facing that fact that Davena needs him. But does she?

Davena is one tough chick, even if she doesn’t know it yet. She has an amazingly heart breaking story that only get worst. But when she things she is down and out for good her night with beautiful blue eyes comes in to rescue her. Davena is not willing to risk anyone else’s life ever again. But can she win alone?

Wild Need is book 3 in Donna Grant’s Chiasson series. And I believe that each story has gotten better and better. I loved Beau and Davena’s story. My only grip about this story is how long it took for Beau & Davena to come together. But it was necessary (you will have to read to find out). Oh and a little surprise at the end of the book had me saying “Look out world. Everything just changed.” I can’t wait for the next installment in this novella series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book as gift from Donna Grant in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

 

Kelly reviews Wild Dream by Donna Grant

wild dreamTITLE: Wild Dream
SERIES #: Chiasson series #2
CHARACTERS: Lincoln Chiasson & Ava Ledet
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE FAMILY TORN APART…

Ava Ledet has had a hard time forgiving her father for walking out on her to hunt the supernatural. When Ava returns to the bayous to visit a friend and attempt to gain some closure, she’s confronted by the ghosts of her past. Unfortunately, that’s not the only darkness descending upon her. An evil unlike anything she’s ever encountered has focused on her, and she’s forced to put her life in the hands of a handsome hunter if she’s to live another day.

ANOTHER CURSED…

Gorgeous, loyal Lincoln Chiasson always has his brothers’ backs, and when his cousin from New Orleans needs his help after being cursed by a Voodoo priestess, he’s among the first to offer assistance. Until he sets eyes on Ava. After that, protecting her becomes more important than anything. Or anyone. But can he win her trust – and her love – while keeping her safe from his family?

REVIEW:
All the Chiasson brothers has been hell bent on not having women in their lives. That worked really well until Vincent had to go and get himself in love with Olivia. But the other brothers are still taking that stand. But needless to say that doesn’t work out so well for Lincoln. The minute he sees Ava he knows he is doomed. But falling for Ava is only half of Lincoln’s problem. There is a werewolf on the loose and he has Ava in his sights.

Wild Dreams is novella number 2 in Donna Grant’s new Chiasson series. Wild Dreams was just as good as Wild Fever. But like any good novella Wild Dreams gave us a great quick read but left us wanting more. Oh and we get to meet the LaRue cousins and learn just a tad bit about them. I am looking forward the need book in this novella series Wild Need.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Bewitching Boots by Joyce and Jim Lavene

bewitching boots large banner640(1)

Once Upon A Time
By Joyce Lavene

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess named Isabelle. She liked to play around and take things away from those who weren’t as beautiful or royal as she. She especially liked taking other women’s boyfriends.

They didn’t like it much. But the men were happy—until she dumped them.

Then Princess Isabelle met a wonderful shoemaker named Bill who had elf magic. Bill was from a long line of shoemakers, the ones who’d made Cinderella’s glass slippers, and other enchanted shoes. He tickled her fancy, and her feet, for a short time.

But fickle Isabelle took his slippers and sent him packing.

What Isabelle didn’t know was that someone wanted to kill her. The killer took advantage of Isabelle’s new slippers to blame her death on the new shoemaker. Poor Isabelle was carelessly tossed from the castle terrace.

But a woman who was not Isabelle’s friend wouldn’t allow the shoemaker to be falsely charged with the princess’s murder. Lady Jessie Morton set out to prove that someone else was responsible for Isabelle’s death.

In the end, Lady Jessie found the killer and put Princess Isabelle’s spirit to rest. She had help from her hunky husband, Bailiff Chase Manhattan. Even that stupid blue ghost, Wanda, was something of a help.

And they all lived happily ever after in Renaissance Village and Marketplace, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Huzzah!

About the Author:

jj-2Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

 

BEEWITCHING BOOTS

Jessie is thrilled when she finds Bill Warren, an old fashioned shoemaker, and he agrees to come back to Renaissance Village with her. She’s not so thrilled when claims to have elf magic, and he falls for Princess Isabelle. The dancing slippers Bill makes for Isabelle make him a suspect when the princess takes a leap from the castle terrace. Now, Jessie must find the lady or lord who helped the princess with her last dance before she loses her star attraction.

Amazon

Jennifer’s Review of Bewitching Boots

Review (4.5 Stars): Whenever I have the opportunity to read a mystery from Joyce and Jim Lavene, I know that it will definitely be a winner.  The Renaissance Faire Mystery series is one of my favorites and I’m delighted to say that Bewitching Boots is a charming addition to an already wonderful series.  In Bewitching Boots, Jessie is excited to have Bill Warren at the Renaissance Fair showing the daily visitors how he makes his old fashioned footwear.  Just when his exhibit is supposed to open at the museum, Princess Isabelle is found dead and the last person to have seen her alive just happened to be the new shoemaker.  Jessie doesn’t believe for an instant that he is guilty of murder but when he starts talking about his shoes having elf magic, Jessie has to wonder if Bill may be somehow responsible for Isabelle’s death.  Now, Jessie has to find the true killer before another victim is taken out of the Renaissance spotlight.

I love Jessie and the other characters of the Renaissance Faire series and I am always so excited to be able to spend time with them in each book of the series.  Bewitching Boots was a quick yet entertaining mystery that had me guessing about who was truly responsible for Isabelle’s death.  I can’t wait to read more from these talented authors and I hope that there will be another book in the series sometime next year.

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