Sunday, February 28, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- Beguiling Julian :The Billionaire and the Star (Royals, Stars & Cowboys Book 1)by Nalini Warriar *

 

Book 1 in the Royals, Stars & Cowboys series.

Description

JULIAN'S HER EX-GUARDIAN AND SAM HAS HAD A CRUSH ON HIM SINCE FOREVER.

She looks like the gorgeous, sexy Bollywood superstar she is and when the chance arrives, he grabs it. He’s going to give in to his guilt, make amends and be a part of her life again.

There he is in blue jeans and a chest-baring vest and Sam’s crush roars back. Golden-haired, his steely blue eyes lock on her. He’s only there to take over her life. And she isn’t going to allow that.

Where Sam’s only purpose is to stop Julian’s meddling, she beguiles him and he prepares for the fight of his life to win Sam’s heart. Two disparate personalities clash on set and off it only to discover they’re made for each other.

AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

This book had a slow start but did develop a good background of Julian and Sam's (Samaira) life prior to current times.  It also developed the friendship between two other people important to their story. That would be Anil Kapoor (Maharaja of Ranipoor) and his sister Princess Kiara.  Their fathers (and Sam's) had started the Orion Group and it became the men's responsibility at an early age. 

There is a lot of emotions in this story as well as mixed signals between Sam and Julian.   Most of those coming from Julian.  He had a lot of guilt feelings when it comes to her.  It also felt that there was a lot of time spent going over and over those feelings.  Sam had some of those guilt feelings too along with feelings of abandonment.  A little too much time spent there for my liking.  It is a good thing that the Prince and his sister have been behind Sam all the way and provided love and support.  In fact, Kiara was Sam's best friend.  Over the years they had been a handful as they were growing up. 

I liked that Sam had so many skills and hidden depths.  While Julian was a smooth negotiator, Sam really threw him of balance.  There was a least one time when he said something that made ME want to throw something at his head. That is something that Sam does eventually get a shot at.  Julian was just going to show up and try to give Sam guidelines on how to act in public.  Really?  Are you kidding me?  How arrogant.  She's an independent woman who has been on her own as an adult for some time. 

I will say that they sure seemed to like the F word in this story. It felt a bit overloaded on that word. The story also was rich with details on different kinds of foods, costumes, locations, businesses, and places.  There was a lot of details which was well done but at times felt like it almost overtook the story of the M.C.'s.

It had a good ending but I just wish I had liked it more.

 

 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 

Confident people go out to meet life rather than waiting for it to come to them." Graham Cooke

   

FACEBOOK LINK

 "It is important to face everything with courage, otherwise circumstances will intimidate us into giving up and not pressing through. Confident people go out to meet life rather than waiting for it to come to them." Graham Cooke 2013

Saturday, February 27, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- A Rogue to Ruin (The Untouchables: The Pretenders Book 3) by Darcy Burke *

    

Description

The Pretenders

Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?

Anne Pemberton was one of the Season’s most popular young misses until her betrothed was arrested for extortion at their wedding. Now a social pariah, she can’t help but think back to the dashing gentleman she met before the Season started. Though they spent several afternoons exploring East London together, they never disclosed their names. They did, however, share a kiss, and Anne can’t forget it—or him.

Former thief Rafe Blackwell is now a respectable gentleman with one goal: to take down the man who murdered his parents. Reunited with Anne, their attraction still blazes strong, and he can’t let her get too close, for his heart is forever cold and his mission too desperate. But when Anne seeks to save him—both emotionally and physically—he’ll have to embrace the darkness or risk losing the only light he’s ever known.  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS 

I really enjoyed how Anne and Rafe met.  And their "game" of not giving their real names.  Instead Rafe became Lord Bodyguard and Anne became Mrs. Dazzling.

I totally enjoyed how interesting both Anne and Rafe were.  They were complex, had depth and kept my interest.  Rafe had it right when he later said that she was fearless.  She was also honest in what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it.  She constantly surprised Rafe, who becomes enthralled by her against his will.  He did NOT consider himself a good man and felt she deserved better.  Rafe had a lot of secrets but he had done what he had to in order to survive.  Not only his survival but that of his sister, Selina was always one of his main focuses.   It had been a grim life for both of them for many years.

Beatrix was almost like a sister to Selina so she became the "pretend" sister for many years.  She added to the story as did Anne's sister, Jane Pemberton.  

There were a few times where the story seemed to slow down but it didn't keep me from continuing on.  

There are several mysteries and dangers in the story.  But it all comes to a dramatic confrontation and a H.E.A.   

On a side note, I probably should mention that there were several heated love scenes that were well done.  Oh and I almost forgot to mention that there was plenty of humor even with some of the serious things that are going on. 


"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Thursday, February 25, 2021

BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS/ THINGS I DO IN MY SPARE TIME

    

Searching for book recommendations even though your to read list is already far too long...

eBookDaily FB Link 

BOOK REVIEW- The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne **

   

He lives in secret service to the Crown—a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart.

They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other.

TRUE LOVE WEARS NO DISGUISE

Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed? AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 What an outstanding, surprising, and at times emotional story.  It had a great start that pulled me in like right now.  The people were easy to like and care about.

The part about the women who made up the Red Rogues was an interesting part of the story.  They had dubbed each other to be like The Three Musketeers, for life.  Francesca was one of those bold ladies; probably the boldest of the three.  She'd also learned to be tough, shrewd and ruthless when needed.  She had to become that way with added physical skills in order to deliver the revenge she was after. She definitely developed into one fierce, little warrior.  Someone who was often underestimated because of her gender and her size.  This was no brainless "little woman".

Chandler was quite the mystery in the beginning and at other times throughout. He had so many secrets too.  None that I plan on revealing in this review.  It's too good to spoil for other readers.  One thing that did become clear as the story went on was that he was after revenge also. 

Among some of the other good secondary people was Serena, the Romani woman.  She added a lot to the story. She was there in the beginning of the story and I liked the phrase that she used about Chandler and Pippa.  She always used to say that Pippa had the soul of dragon and Declan Chandler had the soul of a tiger. 

There is plenty of action, and dangers in this story.  One of the biggest dangers comes from the "cult" leader of the Crimson Council.  He's one nasty piece of work and that leads into at least one "R" rated scene.  

The "romance" was just as unusual as the whole story.  I liked how things got worked out after a whole lot of pain and quite a few secrets get exposed.  It kept me involved every step of this intense story.

 

 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Strong, Silent Cowboy A Moving Violations Novel by Lora Leigh; Veronica Chadwick *

    

He Will Do Anything…

Sallie Hamblen had three incredibly hot, sexy nights with Jacob Donovan, an undercover CIA agent, before he disappeared, leaving her broken hearted and forever yearning for the man she lost. Years later, Jacob doesn’t know that the beauty he’s about to seduce in a small town bar is the woman he held in his arms all those years ago… and that she’s on the run from her past.

To Keep Her Safe…

Former CIA agent turned cowboy, Jacob Donovan wants nothing more than a simple life. Just the ranch and occasionally someone warm and sweet in his bed. Until Sallie comes back into his life and all of a sudden he wants to be in her bed every night...all night. When he discovers that her life is in danger, he swears he’ll protect her. Even when secrets are revealed that threaten everything between them, he will lay everything on the line to keep her in his arms.   AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS

This story starts out HOT (sexually) and keeps on going that way for quite a bit of the story.  To be honest, it almost felt like it was taking over the story itself.  Don't get me wrong. The scenes were well written but they also were way too many for me.    And several issues kept being gone over time and again.  That I didn't care for as much either. 

By the time where the dangers were coming from was exposed, it felt a bit anti-climatic.  Although there was a surprise secret that I wasn't expecting from Sallie.  I just wished I had liked the story more. 

 

 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”


BOOK REVIEW- The Heat Is On by Jill Shalvis *

   

Includes Bonus: Blame It On the Bikini

Catching Fire. Bella Manchelli didn't stick, not to places, or to people. Even though she liked the coastal town of Santa Rey, California, and her job as a pastry chef, she never made promises and she never got hurt. So when she signed up for Eight Dates in Eight Days, it was just for fun. And when she went home with Date Eight, she crept out of his room in the morning and never expected to see him again. Until she found a body on her doorstop. The detective on the case? None other than Mr. Date Eight-Jacob Madden. Bella was glad to see him, because there was definitely chemistry between them. She felt safe and protected with Jacob, and for the first time Bella felt at home. But he wasn't looking for forever...and they both knew the killer wasn't finished.    AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 Bella was quite the interesting character just like the book information promised.   She came from chaos.   Although she loved her family, she needed peace and organization.  That mainly keeps her on the road with all of her travels.  In all of her travels she never found any place that was like home until she was there in Santa Rey.  And that really scared her.  She still hasn't unpacked any of her bags though because she kind of has one foot out the door. 

What's not to like about Jacob?   I liked how it was explained that he told her what was on his mind and expected her to be mature enough to deal with it.     Things were sizzling between them even when they were supposed to stay apart during the murder investigation. 

 Eight Dates in Eight Day was an intriguing idea.  It's interesting how things developed from there.  I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for other readers. 

Willow is probably the first BFF that Bella has had.  Because she let her boss/ friend in closer than she's ever let others.  Willow also brings in some humor but there is also other times that things made me smile. 

There is a definite danger and it took me quite a while to suspect a specific person and a possible motive.    But when it's revealed I went, "Aha, it was who I thought and why."  The story has a really good ending too.

Now onto-
BLAME IT ON THE BIKINI by Natalie Anderson 

This is another 4 STARS for me on this story.  Great main characters, plenty of emotions and dysfunction and some humor too. 


Mya and Brad do have a history "of sorts."  Lauren is Mya's BFF and Brad's sister.  Now that's where the "history" really is.  Those two girls  who were so different in financial backgrounds were friends of the heart.  Over the years they helped each other so much.  They survived and thrived to a certain extent. 

Brad was a horn-dog and was the first to admit it.   Mya was well aware of just how much of a playboy he was.  She tried to stay off his radar because she was attracted to him almost against her will.  He was gorgeous and charming.  Still, she didn't have to try too hard to stay hidden.  He just didn't see her.  Well, that was true until that fateful picture sent to him by mistake.  As he spends time with her, he has an opportunity to grow up.  It was interesting to watch him open up and see so much more of who he was.

Things stay interesting, intense, emotional throughout the story.  It's amazing that Mya didn't fall down from the schedule she was keeping.  

I liked how the story ended and with the followup information 2 years later.

 

 

SIT WITH WARRIORS

 May be an image of text that says 'Sit with warriors. The conversation is different.'  

Love this !

Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing, In Everything Give Thanks!/FB

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- Lonely Hearts on Mars (Taxyon Space, #0) by Aurora Springer

 Book Cover   

 Science fiction adventure and romance.

A short story about life on Mars in the near future.

After an accident leaves Lucilla with multi-colored artificial eyes, she is shunned by society and her boyfriend rejects her. She flees to Mars as one of the scientists observing the terraforming of the planet. When disaster strikes, she can expect no help from Earth. She must overcome her fears if she is to survive in the hostile environment. AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 This story was unique and felt like it was packed more than a short story usually is. I really liked it and it kept me involved.

 I liked Lucilla fairly early on and wanted to know how things were going to go for her.
The world building was excellent and the ending was sweet.
There is also bonus material from "Europa Book #1 of Taxyon Space that was "wow".  It made me want to follow up on this story too.


Monday, February 22, 2021

TV VS BOOKS: EDUCATING

 

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”
― Groucho Marx


BOOK REVIEW- Be mine in Vegas (Holiday Romance Book 2) by Cristina Ryan

 

   The Clean Billionaire Holiday Romance Series is filled with lovable recurring characters and all kinds of romance: friends to lovers, opposites attract, second chances, and more, all with HEAs! Holidays are a festive time, but there’s something extra special about love during the holidays in Malibu Bay. . .

 

What happens in Vegas when high stakes gamble with two broken hearts in this sweet & clean romance?♥♥

A superficial woman who thinks a bet to make a man fall for her will be easy winnings? Amazing how this trip to Vegas can change the heart. . .for the better.

Gorgeous model Eva is only looking for fun after being burned in the past. A getaway in Vegas on Valentine's weekend is the perfect place to find it. When she discovers that handsome and serious businessman Derek lives in her hometown, she bets her friend she can get him to loosen his tie for a long term relationship. A fake boyfriend is just the thing to spice up her dating life.

After being hurt in the past, Derek swore off relationships and buried himself in work. Out of politeness, he agrees to be Eva's tour guide. But when he finds himself drawn to her unique charm, will he unlock his heart for something more than just business? And when Eva's gameplay changes into a genuine desire for love, does she risk gambling her chance away when she tells him about the bet in this clean & wholesome romance?  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

Nice cover and it's part of what got my attention.  It's also a sweet, tame story.  It is clean though like promised.  I liked that it was not  only  advertised that way but actually was. .  

It just didn't draw me in as much as I had hoped but that might also be a personal issue.  I mean both of the main characters were 30 years old or close to it.  And each one of them is being controlled by their parent?  I hate stuff like that.  I wanted them to get a backbone and fast.  Especially since they were so successful in business.   But I also understood that they had been raised up in this and it's going to take some time.

There is plenty of writing that makes it easy to visualize the places, clothing, homes and other places.  That was well done.  So was the feelings and emotions of the main characters. 

H.E.A. included. 

Michelle is Eva's best friend and she's a good one.  She also gets her own story that we get a look into at the end of this book.


Saturday, February 20, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- Road to Forever (Dogs of Fire Book 7) by [Piper Davenport]

    

18+ for language and sexual situations.
*Previously titled, the Promise*

A promise is a promise is a promise…

Lily James has two loves outside of her family…Maverick Quinn and ballet. She’s a Dogs of Fire Motorcycle Club princess who has found her prince. But when faced with an agonizing truth, she must decide whether to pursue her dreams or protect the one she loves.

Maverick Quinn knows what he wants in life, and it all starts and ends with Lily James. They’re a team. He’s loved her since he was a boy and his love has only grown with age, but when she walks out of his life without warning, his world is turned upside down.

When a threat from inside her family comes to light, he fulfills his promise and makes the ultimate sacrifice.   AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

This is a sweet story about Lily and Maverick that begins from a really young age.  They went from friendship to love and stayed there, planning their future.  That is until Lily makes a bonehead decision, in my opinion.  I understood the why of it but it had me shaking my head.

It made me smile that Lily had a couple of nicknames fro Maverick.  The best one was probably Moosh.  She came up with that because Maverick was mushy with her and she was less so.   She noticed that also tended to be the same with some of the other family members.  The men were softies with their women and the women were not exactly like that.  The love was there for all, the expressions were just a bit different.

The book had a somewhat slower pace than I normally like but it does take the time to establish what both of the M.C.'s families were like.  And also the Club "family" because that's what they were, included into the part of the family.  All these people made for good secondary characters but without being confusing. The Club family was a bit different in their dealings than I expected.  But in some ways they still didn't give information about Club business unless you were patched in.

The dangers that were facing Lily were real.  Because most of it was aiming at her, it soon also included others that she loved becoming targets.  The main person behind it was a surprise and so was the twisted reasoning too. 

Everything works out with plenty of drama getting there.  It had a good ending but I'm giving it a slightly lower review only because it didn't draw me in quite as much as I would have liked.


 

 

Friday, February 19, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- Baby Daddy by Kendall Ryan

   

From New York Times bestselling author, Kendall Ryan, comes a sexy new standalone romance.

We met in a trapped elevator.

Emmett was on his way to work, sophisticated and handsome in his tailored suit and tie.

I was on my way to the sperm bank. Awkward, right?

At thirty-five, my life hadn't taken the path I thought it would and I was tired of waiting-I wanted a baby. And I was ready to take matters into my own hands to make it happen.

After our ill-fated elevator encounter, Emmett insisted on taking me to dinner-he also insisted on something else-that I ditch my plan involving a turkey baster and let him do the job. He would be my baby daddy. He was a wealthy and powerful CEO with little interest in diapers or playdates. And since he didn't want kids, I'd be on my own once his bun was in my oven, free to go my own way.

But once his baby was inside me, it was like a switch had been flipped, and I got a whole lot more than I ever bargained for.  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

The story blurb caught my attention because of the different plot idea.  I have to admit that the Prologue with Emmett's thoughts had me raising my eyebrows. 

Both Emmett and Jenna were good main characters though.  It was made plain throughout the story that Emmett was always doing what was expected of him but almost nothing of what HE wants.   Jenna wants a baby in the worst way.  She is an independent, strong woman who is running the business of her dreams; which is struggling. 

So, the story had plenty of sex because remember Jenna's goal is a baby, right?  Good main characters, hot sex, a struggle to trust, a secret they didn't know about, some humor and a H.E.A.   There is a good Epilogue included. 

So why 3 STARS on Amazon?  While, I liked it, it didn't go to the top of my list of likes.  Just felt like it was missing a little something.

 

MAGIC BOOK- Face Masks

 May be an image of book  

MAGIC BOOK LINK ON FACEBOOK

And more information (although I don't know anything about this company; it does look interesting doesn't it?)  I finally figured out after looking at their sight that these are masks) Lol.  They could also offer other things too I suppose.

 

❤ Perfect For Book Lover ❤
Oder Here : azzyshop.com/collections/book

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- The Broken Warrior (The Legendary Kent Brothers Book 1) by Taylor Hart

   

Zane Kent, ex Navy SEAL and Thor look-alike, takes pride in keeping calm in stressful situations while being part of a ‘special teams’ vigilante group. But when he walks into a mission blind and discovers the woman who broke his heart 7 years ago is the target, the lines become fuzzy and his pride flies out the window.

Sarah Hamilton moved to San Diego to start a new life with her son and start a matchmaking business. She is shocked when Zane Kent shows up at a client meeting and down-right stunned when she finds herself asking for his protection. But it’s fine because their relationship is professional now. Too bad he kisses her. Good thing she slaps him.

After Zane insists on moving into her home, following her everywhere, easily bonds with her son over lightsabers, her old attraction to Zane begins to surface.

When Zane reveals her ‘clients’ are not as innocent as she thinks they are, and tragedy strikes her son….she’s forced to make a choice: trust in the man who left her 7 years ago or lose everything.

This book also contains a first chapter of The Redeemed Groom...this book is about Zane's Country Music Star brother, Sloane.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

This book hit so many good spots.  It was emotional and both of the main characters had really good depth.  They also had a deep history between them as well and shared some of the pain from the misunderstandings and lack of forgiveness.  They both just kind of put their past in a box and refused to look into it.  Just to survive.  

I loved how tight Zack and  Tyler (Sarah's son) became.  They made a connection really quickly.  They were two "guys" who got each other.  They also had a lot of fun.  It added humor to the story.  

Along with the humor there is the danger that Sarah is in and she isn't even sure why she is. Zack is keeping secrets especially about that.  But he really has to. It really makes it tough on both of them because the love between the two of them never really ever died.

The secondary people in the story were really good and they added a lot as well.  I liked how the story ended and the Epilogue was just the cherry on the top.  

BOOK REVIEW- His Valentine: A Secret Baby Instalove Alpha Romance (Hot, Short, & Sweet Book 13) by [Kate Hunt]

 50546332. sy475  

HIS VALENTINE is a short instalove standalone romance with a hot alpha, a sassy heroine, sweetness & steam, and a happily-ever-after!



Lena
Six months ago, I hooked up with Magnus, an astonishingly hot guy I’d just met. My night with him was mind-blowing. But the next morning I was so mortified about the one-night stand that I fled his hotel room before he could wake up.
Four weeks later, I held a positive pregnancy test in my hands.
I tried to contact Magnus. Multiple times. When he didn’t respond, I said screw him and decided to forge ahead alone.
Now, six months into my pregnancy, I’m determined to rock it as a single mom.
But when I run into Magnus again...every emotion inside of me rises to the surface.

Magnus
Six damn months I’ve been looking for this girl. And then she unexpectedly falls into my life again...with a big, sweet baby belly that I instantly know is the result of our night together.
Never has there been a more beautiful sight.
If you ask me, this isn’t a very complex situation: she belongs with me, and I belong with her. We’re going to bring up this baby together—and, if I have anything to say about it, a bunch more.
But Lena doesn’t see it that way. She’s unsure about me, and she’s unsure about marriage in general.
So I’m going to prove to her there’s nothing to be unsure about. We belong together. As partners. As lovers. As man and wife. Forever.   AMAZON LINK
3 STARS
 
 
This book was described as Hot, Short and Sweet.  It didn't lie.   This also was a tough book to rate.  Because it was so short, it did lack some of the depth that I usually enjoy.   But it did try. 
 
So while this book was okay I just can't give it 4 stars on Amazon.   But that's not to say that I wouldn't give the author another shot on a longer novel.  Why?  Because this one did show some promise.

Monday, February 15, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- An Accidental Royal Kidnap A Comedy Novel (Royally Funny Book 1) by Paul Mathews *

   

Description

 

The first novel in the Royally Funny Books series 

This very British comedy novel is the first in a series starring reluctant hero George Nearly, the unpredictable Princess Araminta of Essex (‘Minty’ to her friends) and a host of other quirky characters – all of whom make Mad King George seem like a perfectly sane individual. Royals and commoners collide in these uniquely English adventures that lovers of comedy fiction around the former British Empire and beyond will enjoy. And if you’re reading this, Your Majesty … we guarantee that you will be amused, ma’am!

 

BOOK REVIEW- Overflow: The Carpino Series by [Brynne Asher] **

     23311253. sy475 

There’s nothing like getting caught in the middle of an FBI raid to change your life…

That’s what happens to Gabrielle Carpino. Just when she forced herself to move on with life after tragedy touched her family, she finds herself thrown into a tailspin so swift, she can’t find her bearings.

Being cuffed and patted down by Special Agent Jude Ortiz is enough to wake anyone up. With his dark chocolate eyes and commanding ways, Gabby can't resist. And between battling criminals, flooded basements, fantasy football drafts, and her crazy Italian family, Jude also finds himself unable to resist her charms.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t wrestling feelings he hasn't allowed in years. Nightmares that are his reality have paralyzed him from living a full life. Yet, he can’t help himself when it comes to her and Jude moves in to watch over Gabby.

But just when life seems to be settling down, demons surface from the past. Horrific ones that carry a vengeance so evil, no one saw them coming.  AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

 This story has just a good start to it that you could hope for and that the book information promised.  I really enjoyed it.

Gabby is one quirky woman for sure.  But with a heart of gold that often gets her into trouble.  Hence, being felt up by a really hot agent.     She cracked me up with all of her attaching names to different "moods" of Jude.  As she got to know him more she saw him in "Jude Fury", and "Slow Motion Jude", to name a few.  Of course this is all a conversation in her head you know. Even as an independent woman who makes her own decisions, she finds herself agreeing to things that she hadn't planned on.  She concluded she must be in a Jude induced coma or fog, a place that she often finds herself in. But don't be thinking that Jude gets his way ALL the time.  Because that's just not happening. I also enjoyed Gabby's dual "jobs"- one in accounting and the other as an unofficial decorator.  Both which she works to her advantage.  There's a fair amount of information on her decorating flair. 

Jude, well he was hotter than James (her ex) according to more than one person and that includes Gabby's way of thinking.  The difference in their communication styles was funny too. Jude was a man of few words while Gabby was a ramblerHer insecurities often pop up.  No matter how many times Jude tries to reassure her, she just can't figure out why this hot guy is into her.  And Jude has some depths to his past that he hasn't shared with her yet.  Yes, you know that's coming out in the worst possible way, right? Gabby has a huge, loud, loving Italian family that adds a whole lot of drama, chaos and fun.  They all are on over-protection mode when it comes to Gabby.  That includes her cousin, Tony who even admits he is closer to her than even his siblings. We get a quick peek into his story in "Beautiful Life" excerpt at the end of this book.  That one is looking good too. I just might have to check that one out.

I will say that there was a time or two when the story seemed to slow down a bit.  A bit more than I normally enjoy.  However, the dangers do start increasing again, coming from several different directions.  Also the intimacy between Gabby and Jude definitely increases too. 

The Epilogue was must appreciated.  It was sweet and smile-worthy too.  What a good way to end the story.



 

Thursday, February 11, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- The Sheikh's Mail-Order Bride Halabi Sheikhs #3 by Leslie North

 

 

Description

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- Hit Me With Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch*

   

BOOK REVIEW- The Unworthy Duke by Charlotte Anne

   

 Historical Fiction, Romance

Description

Saturday, February 6, 2021

What Do You Call Yourself?

Why You Should Call Yourself Well Every Day- Kenneth Copeland Ministries

   

Kenneth Copeland Ministries LINK

 

1. Calling Yourself Well Is an Act of Faith

“[Call] those things which be not as though they were.” –Romans 4:17 (KJV)


Calling yourself well when you have symptoms, a pile of prescriptions and a doctor telling you everything that’s wrong with you is an act of faith.

Faith in what? Faith in God. Faith in His Word. Faith that when He said, “By His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, MEV), He wasn’t lying. Faith that when He said, “I am the LORD that healeth thee,” He wasn’t just being nice in the moment. Faith that when He said, “I will put none of these diseases upon thee” (Exodus 15:26, KJV) He was talking to YOU.

You’ve got to have that kind of faith, or you’ll receive what James 1:6-7 says of those who don’t—nothing.

If we pray anything according to God’s will, we know He hears us, and we have what we’ve asked (1 John 5:15). We know it. There’s no room for doubt in that. If you know, you know. If you know the sun is real, are you going to let anyone talk you out of it? Are you going to let a dark night cause you to doubt it? How about an eclipse?

It’s time to close the door on any unbelief in your life—any shred of doubt that healing belongs to you. It’s time to start calling yourself well every day because that is God’s will for you.

The only thing that can stop healing in your life is unbelief. That’s it. Not a doctor’s report, not how long you’ve been battling your condition, not how severe it is. None of that. Only unbelief.

We see this in Mark 6:5, which is the only time Jesus is said to be unable to do any miracles. The reason? Unbelief.

Exodus 15:26 says if you will do what is right in God’s sight, He won’t put any disease on you. What is right in His sight? Faith.

2. Calling Yourself Well Changes Your Situation

“Let the weak say, I am strong.” –Joel 3:10 (KJV)

You’ve probably heard the term “going from zero to hero.” Well, none of us are zeros to begin with, but the idea behind that saying is going from one extreme to another—experiencing a dramatic turnaround in your circumstances. That’s what calling yourself well will do for your physical body. It will take you from weak to strong, blind to 20/20 vision, barren to a houseful of children, ailing to running a marathon.

There is no limit to the healing power of God.

When you declare God’s Word and His will over your life, the devil is in big, fat trouble. He’s the one who showed up with the curse in the first place. But it has about as much power as Goliath did against David. It yells, threatens and looks intimidating. But one stone in the sling of a righteous, bold and faith-filled believer, and that Goliath will drop dead right in front of you. Your stone? Your words.

Calling yourself well changes your situation. Try it and see how empowered you feel.

“I call my body well.”

“I call my cholesterol low.”

“I call my bones and muscles healed and strong.”

“I call my heart restored!”

“I call every part of my body healthy and strong.”

“I call my memory restored, my eyesight and hearing perfect, my back pain free!”

And don’t wait until something is wrong to do this! Call it into existence every day. It’s a foolproof health maintenance plan. Don’t even let anything creep in. Don’t receive age-related decline. That doesn’t belong to you in Jesus’ Name!

Jesus spoke to things, and they obeyed. He spoke to a fever, and it left. He spoke to wind and waves, and they stopped. He spoke to Lazarus who had been dead for days, and he rose up.

This power and authority was never meant to be exclusive to Jesus. He said we would do even greater works (John 14:12). Imagine it! Calling your body well is the minimum you should be reaching for.

 

3. Calling Yourself Well Establishes Your End Results

“You will declare a thing and it will be established for you.” –Job 22:28 (NKJV)

Imagine feeling powerless over your circumstances, your body, your health. It must be a terrifying feeling for those who don’t know the Lord. But, praise God, we as believers never have to feel that way. We already know God’s intention for our lives—His will. In other words, we know the end results Jesus died to give us.

To set those end results in motion, however, we must believe, speak, act and thank God in advance. That’s what faith looks like. And faith gets it done.

Of course, we can’t talk about calling things into being without making mention of the father of many nations, who also happened to be the father of believing against hope. That means there was no hope—in the natural. There was no sign, no possibility, no chance of his getting what God promised—which included “descendants as numerous as the stars” (Genesis 26:4).

Yet, he spoke it again and again. He called himself the father of many nations long before it manifested. And the Bible said it was this act of faith that caused it to come to pass.

Calling yourself well is faith. And since “the promise comes by faith,” (Romans 4:16), you can be assured of receiving it when you do this.

Psalm 107:2 (KJV) says, “Let the redeemed of the LORD says so.” He has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). So, say so! Say so! Say so!

Put some pressure on the devil.

Unbelief comes from fear. That’s the pressure Satan puts on people. But Paul said, “I press” (Philippians 3:14). In other words, “I’m the one who’s going to be putting the pressure on.” You can press against fear and unbelief when you call yourself well.

Faith puts pressure on the devil. Joy puts pressure on the devil. Put pressure on him in the Name of Jesus! He has to flee when you do. And make sure to tell him he can take his sickness with him.

When you call yourself well every day, you’re not just taking healing for anything amiss in your body, you’re taking divine health—as in, staying well all the time. Let it become a habit in your life rather than an event. Declare it when you’re getting ready in the morning, in the shower, in the car, in the kitchen, in the garage. So simple, yet so powerful. Do it right now! “I call myself well in Jesus’ Name!”

 

Thursday, February 4, 2021

BOOK REVIEW- Filthy : AN AGE GAP, ANTI-HERO, MAFIA ROMANCE by Serena Akeroyd

 

 Author's Note:
Please be advised this is a standalone, but it IS a part of a series. That means the story itself is resolved as is the way with a standalone, but there is a series arc too.

Finn O’Grady is the Devil in a custom suit. 

Not even God will deny a man like him. 

I'm certainly not God.

I'm just a woman he's set his sights on. 

One he’ll never relinquish. 


His idea of being ‘kind’ is to give me two options.

One 

Destroy the reputation of a man I love.

Two

Bed him and he’ll forget about what he knows. 

One night only. 


He doesn't know I'm a virgin. 

And when he finds out?

One night isn't enough. 

Not for him, and not for me. 


But his world is forged on the misery of others. 

He might have a house in the Hamptons, stare at the Hudson when he sits behind his desk,

and manage a billion dollar hedge fund, all of that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a mobster. 

One of the infamous Five Points. 


Being with him puts me in danger. 

But my heart?

Well, it’s been in danger from the first moment we met…AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 

 Yes 5 stars for a well written book. The title should warn you of course that there is PLENTY of sex and it is written in depth. BUT, there is also plenty of story to go along with that, which I was relieved to see.  Both of the main characters also have plenty of emotion and depth. And the story was full of surprises and twists that keep the story alive and moving.  Also intense pretty much all along the way too!