TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Goodbye Year

About The Goodbye Year

Paperback: 312 pages

Publisher: SparkPress (May 3, 2016)

Melanie, a perfectionist mom who views the approaching end of parenting as a type of death, can’t believe she has only one more year to live vicariously through her slacker senior son, Dane. Gorgeous mom Sarah has just begun to realize that her only daughter, Ashley, has been serving as a stand-in for her traveling husband, and the thought of her daughter leaving for college is cracking the carefully cultivated façade of her life. Will and his wife are fine-as long as he follows the instructions on the family calendar and is sure to keep secret his whole other life with Lauren, the woman he turns to for fun (and who also happens to have a daughter in the senior class).

Told from the points of view of both the parents and the kids, The Goodbye Year explores high school peer pressure, what it’s like for young people to face the unknown of life after high school, and how a transition that should be the beginning of a couple’s second act together-empty nesting-might possibly be the end.

Purchase Links

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Review: This book was absolutely fabulous. It was like a nighttime drama. If things were paranormal this could have been The Gates.

In The Goodbye Year we follow the lives of three families during the senior year of one of their children. Just about everyone in this story was a little crazy, or a lot crazy. The kind of crazy you expect to find on a cheesy tv show. (You know the kind you don't want to admit to watching)

There's no way the average woman can identify with these families, but you'll laugh and maybe even cry with them along the way.

Melanie and Keith are as close to normal in the bunch, only Melanie's obsession with her son's ability or inability to get into a good college seems to be driving her son (Dane) and husband, Keith out of their minds.

Then there's Sarah and Jud. Sarah is wife of a famous plastic surgeon and she's pretty much been fixed and redone so much that she doesn't even look like herself. She is the Queen Bee of the town and her life seems perfect on the outside. Her husband is handsome and successful and her daughter is perfect.

Lastly is Will Parker and his family. You only get things from his perspective and his daughter. He's having and affair and things are getting tricky. Very very tricky. And his way to sort things out is just nutso.

These characters are often over the top in the things that happen in their lives, especially the Parkers and Nelsons (Sarah and Jud)

This book is filled with infidelities, diseases and all sorts of craziness.

I read this book in one day, which isn't something I do much anymore.  Its a fun read that I recommend to anyone looking for a fun read.

Rating: 5 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Last Chance Rebel

About Last Chance Rebel

• Series: Copper Ridge
• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (August 30, 2016)

The prodigal son of Copper Ridge, Oregon, has finally come home 

The man who ruined Rebecca Bear’s life just strolled back into it with one heck of an offer. Years ago, Gage West’s recklessness left Rebecca scarred inside and out. Now he wants to make amends by gifting her the building that houses her souvenir store. Rebecca won’t take Gage’s charity, but she’s willing to make a deal with the sexy, reclusive cowboy. Yet keeping her enemy close is growing dangerously appealing…

He’s the wild West brother, the bad seed of Copper Ridge. That’s why Gage needs the absolution Rebecca offers. He just didn’t expect to need her. After years of regretting his past, he knows where his future lies—with this strong, irresistible woman who could make a black sheep come home to stay…

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books a Million | Barnes & Noble

Review: I love Maisey Yates' books for Harlequin Presents. I'd heard lots of good things about the Copper Ridge series, so I was kind of excited to read it.

I was left feeling a bit ho hum about it, which is sadly how I've been feeling about most of the romance novels I've been reading lately. Mostly because it seems like everything is so similar from book to book. 

You have a quaint small town with sweet little mom and pop type shops. The women business owners all are good friends and have girls nights out once a week.

This one was a little darker with Rebecca being injured in an accident when she was younger.

I have to admit there were some good one liners.  I loved when Rebecca tells him what she'd do if he turned all "Edward Cullen" on her.

I think this book would have worked better if it weren't a romance novel. Rebecca was more of the character that grew throughout the book. Gage, was hard to figure out and even harder to like. That's what through the romance off for me in this book.

Overall the story was a good one and I did enjoy Maisey's writing, but the romance just didn't do it for me.

Rating: 3 flowers

About Maisey Yates

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Connect with Maisey

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tasty Book Tours Cover Reveal: What's Left Of Me

WHAT'S LEFT OF ME

Kimberly Lewis

Releasing Oct 4th, 2016

Letting go of the past is never easy…

Jenna Olsen has spent the last four years trying to move on from the heartache that tore her world apart, but when Cole Sullivan suddenly shows up back in town all of those feelings come flooding back…and even some new ones she didn’t know were possible.

Leaving town all those years ago was necessary, but now that Cole finally has a handle on his life he decides to return home to his family, friends, and the woman he just can’t forget.

Coming back home though comes with its costs, and Cole ultimately has to decide…will he be able to fight his inner demons to keep Jenna in his life, or will the chance of hurting her again be too much to risk?

Bestselling author Kimberly Lewis writes sweet, sexy contemporary romances filled with heart and humor.

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, this country girl caught the creative bug at an early age, doing everything from drawing to writing short stories. After dabbling in many genres, Kimberly rediscovered her love of romance stories and soon after published her first novel.

Kimberly still lives on the good old Eastern Shore of Maryland with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and spirited Doberman Pinschers. Along with writing, Kimberly enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her amazing family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Closed Casket

About Closed Casket

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (September 6, 2016)

"What I intend to say to you will come as a shock..."

With these words, Lady Athelinda Playford -- one of the world's most beloved children's authors -- springs a surprise on the lawyer entrusted with her will. As guests arrive for a party at her Irish mansion, Lady Playford has decided to cut off her two children without a penny . . . and leave her vast fortune to someone else: an invalid who has only weeks to live.

Among Lady Playford's visitors are two strangers: the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and Inspector Edward Catchpool of Scotland Yard. Neither knows why he has been invited -- until Poirot begins to wonder if Lady Playford expects a murder. But why does she seem so determined to provoke a killer? And why -- when the crime is committed despite Poirot's best efforts to stop it -- does the identity of the victim make no sense at all?

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Review: I have never read a book by Agatha Christie. Please don't take my voracious reader card away from me.

I don't know why. She writes my favorite genre, mystery. So I can make no comparisons between Sophie and Agatha's writing.

What I can say is that I enjoyed this mystery. It felt like it was written in an earlier time period, So if that means Sophie is channeling her inner Agatha, well then, yes, she is.

I loved the characters, especially Poirot, who reminded me a bit of Sherlock Holmes.

I found the book to be very engaging and well written. I definitely want to read the Monogram Murders and then perhaps finally read Agatha's books.

Rating: 5 flowers

About Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. Her books have sold more than a billion copies in English and another billion in a hundred foreign languages. She died in 1976.

Learn more about Agatha Christie through her official website.

Photo by Philippa Gedge

About Sophie Hannah

Sophie Hannah is the New York Times-bestselling author of numerous psychological thrillers, which have been published in 27 countries and adapted for television, as well as The Monogram Murders, the first Hercule Poirot novel authorized by the estate of Agatha Christie.

Connect with Sophie Hannah through her website, or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Historical Fiction Virtual Tours: The Dukes Last Hunt

The Duke's Last Hunt

by Rosanne E. Lortz
Publication Date: September 1, 2016
Madison Street Publishing
Paperback; 348 Pages

Genre: Historical Romance/Suspense/Regency







With her third London season drawing to a close, the shy Eliza Malcolm seems unlikely to find any husband, let alone a titled one. But when the hunting-crazed Duke of Brockenhurst invites the Malcolms to visit Harrowhaven, Eliza’s father jumps at the chance to gain a wealthy son-in-law. Surrounded by quarreling parents, tactless acquaintances, the aloof dowager, and the unsettling duke, Eliza looks for one person kind enough to help her navigate the murky waters of Harrowhaven’s secrets….

Estranged from his brother the duke, Henry Rowland only planned to visit Harrowhaven for the afternoon, but after meeting his brother’s intended, his designs are overthrown. As misfortune strikes Harrowhaven, Jacob Pevensey is called in to investigate. Henry learns that the only way to safeguard Eliza Malcolm’s happiness is to face the past he has been running from for ten long years.

Amazon

Review: The regency period is my favorite time for historical romance. I don't know why. Maybe it is because this time period was the first that I read when I started reading romances ages and ages ago.

This was a great book. It was a fun read. It was everything I love about regency novels without getting too bogged down with unnecessary story that drags on and on.

I loved Henry and Eliza and the mystery was fun enough to keep the pages turning. I gobbled this book up in one day, which is hard for me to do these days.

I absolutely adored this author and look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Rosanne E. Lortz ("Rose") is a history lover, a book addict, a mom to four boys, and a native of Portland, Oregon. When she's not writing, she teaches Latin and English composition and works as an editor at Madison Street Publishing.

Rosanne's works include I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince, Road from the West: Book I of the Chronicles of Tancred, The Life and Death of Saint Thomas Becket: Type of Paul, Type of Peter, Type of Christ, Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors (Vol 1 & 2), To Wed an Heiress, and the upcoming The Duke's Last Hunt.

For more information please visit Rosanne E. Lortz's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, September 1
Interview at I Heart Reading
Spotlight at To Read, or Not to Read

Friday, September 2
Review at The Book Junkie Reads
Spotlight at Let Them Read Books

Monday, September 5
Review at The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

Tuesday, September 6
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, September 7
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Thursday, September 8
Spotlight at SOS Aloha

Friday, September 9
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at Buried Under Romance

Monday, September 12
Interview at The Book Junkie Reads

Wednesday, September 14
Spotlight at The Lit Bitch
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Thursday, September 15
Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
Interview at The Copperfield Review
Spotlight at Susan Heim on Writing

Friday, September 16
Review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Giveaway

To win a paperback copy of The Duke's Last Hunt by Rosanne E. Lortz, please enter via the Gleam form below. Two copies are up for grabs!

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

The Duke's Last Hunt

Tasty Book Tours Teaser Tuesday: Embrace Me

EMBRACE ME

A Chasing Fire Novella (#3.5)

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Releasing September 20th, 2016

Berkley Intermix

Hudson Chase and Alessandra Sinclair's heartracing romance continues in this hot, new novella in the Chasing Fire series.

Return to the dangerous and seductive romance that got pulses racing in the Chasing Fire trilogy...

It took ten years for Hudson Chase and Alessandra Sinclair to find their happily ever after, and they’re not about to let anything get in their way...

Nothing could stop the passion between Allie and Hudson—not time or distance. Not even tragedy, betrayal, and blackmail. But now they’re facing a new challenge: wedding planning. And while Allie’s social status demands she put on the event of the century, her well-intentioned family and friends have her doubting her walk down the aisle...

Hudson knows tensions are pushing Allie to the brink, but he’s not letting her throw everything away over some flowers and cake. He has plans for his new bride, and unlike their last adventure, he's determined that this time there will be no unwelcome surprises. But for all his determination and control, there’s one element Hudson Chase has never been able to predict—and she has some adventurous ideas of her own...

Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy

"Exceptional...Seriously sexy and sinfully steamy. Can't wait for more from this writing duo!"--New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me

"Walker and Rogers strike the perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt connections..."--RT Book Review  

Pre-Order Now

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Every nerve in Allie's body sprang to life, responding to Hudson as though he was right in front of her, not miles away. Even from that distance she could feel the attraction that pulsed between them, a magnetic pull drawing her to him. This was the power he had over her, one she was helpless to resist even if she’d wanted to. A hum of anticipation built inside her as the plane swooped low over the tranquil water, and by the time they landed she was more than ready for whatever Hudson had in store for her.

Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers. 

Amy K. Rogers

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Ann Marie Walker

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Start the Chasing Fire Series Now

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TLC Book Tours Book Review: Sunset In Central Park

About Sunset in Central Park

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (August 30, 2016)

In the chaos of New York, true love can be hard to find, even when it’s been right under your nose all along… 

Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Cole. After witnessing the fallout of her parents’ divorce, she’s seen the devastation an overload of emotion can cause. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt—but that’s strictly platonic. If only she found it easier to ignore the way he makes her heart race…

Matt Walker has loved Frankie for years but, sensing how fragile she is beneath her feisty exterior, has always played it cool. But then he uncovers new depths to the girl he’s known forever and doesn’t want to wait a moment longer. He knows Frankie has secrets and has buried them deep, but can Matt persuade her to trust him with her heart and kiss him under the Manhattan sunset?

“Morgan’s brilliant talent never ceases to amaze.”-Romantic Times

.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books a Million | Barnes & Noble

Review: Sarah Morgan is one of my absolute favorite romance authors. I've read her books for years, back when she was doing a lot of books for Harlequin Presents. Yeah, you read that right, Harlequin Presents, where the alpha males are strong, obnoxious and super rich. I don't know why, but I loved most of Sarah's Presents novels and when she started to write longer books even more.

This books is part of the From Manhattan With Love series. It is book 2 and a stand alone, but I do recommend reading Sleepless in Manhattan if you can grab it, because of continuity. (And its a awesome book)

I like the friends to lovers aspect of this book, combined with Frankie and her determination not to get married because of her parent's failed marriage. (That wrecked her for love). She has issues, lots of issues, and you'll see that from the opening scenes of the book.

Matt is absolutely perfect and you will love him. Really you will adore this guy.

I love that this book kinda gives you a Sex and the City lite kinda feel. Friends finding love in NYC. It doesn't get much better than this

I can't wait for the next book.

Rating: 5 flowers

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