Book Review: ‘Haunted Souls’ by Kathryn Knight

August 5, 2020August 6, 2020 momlovesreading01Leave a comment

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Thank you @kathrynknightbooks for my gifted copy of ‘Haunted Souls‘ by Kathryn Knight! (pub 6/1/16).

Four years ago, Emily Shea & Staff Sergeant Brett Leeds agreed to part with no strings attached. Sparks flew during their brief affair, but fate intervened, sending Brett overseas. When an unexpected pregnancy derailed Emily’s own plans, her attempts to locate Brett were soon overwhelmed by the challenges of single motherhood. Now, Brett has returned home, & Emily is forced to share her secret.

Despite feeling betrayed, Brett is determined to forge a relationship with their son, Tyler. As the former lovers battle both their inner demons & their mutual desire, another presence enters their lives—Tyler’s imaginary friend. Soon, however, the chilling evidence points to a different conclusion: a ghost has formed a dangerous connection with their son. Emily’s attempts to help both a lost soul & a friend in need spiral toward a deadly confrontation, & Brett must race to save Emily before he loses her again—forever.

This is my first book by Kathryn Knight who also wrote ‘Dangerous Currents‘ (’18), ‘The Haunting of Hillwood Farm‘ (’18), ‘Ghost Moon‘ (’20) & other paranormal/suspense/contemporary romance novels, all of which have fantastic reviews on Goodreads & Amazon.

Knight has a real gift for storytelling & holding the readers attention with her strong & realistic characterization, intricately woven paranormal/romance storylines, & suspense building that keeps the reader captivated & not wanting to put the book down.

‘Haunted Souls‘ is an edgy, well-written, mystical, spine-tingling (& even a little steamy) story about reigniting lost love, dealing with military PTSD, finding out you have a child, forgiveness, & adds the paranormal flare of a child’s ‘imaginary friend’ turning out to not be so imaginary afterall.

I really enjoyed ‘Haunted Souls‘ & I will be reading more of Kathryn Knight’s books in the near future, maybe around Halloween…wouldn’t that be perfect? A spooky, romance, mystery in one hand, a cup of hot tea in the other, a cozy blanket, & the fall leaves blowing outside…sounds good to me!

Click HERE to visit Kathryn Knight’s website.
Click HERE to find ‘Haunted Souls’ or other books at an independent bookstore near you.
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kathryn Knight writes books filled with steamy romance, dangerous secrets, & haunting mysteries. Her novels are award-winning #1 Amazon & B&N Bestsellers & RomCon Reader-Rated picks. When she’s not reading or writing, Kathryn spends her time exploring abandoned places & searching for ghosts. She lives on beautiful Cape Cod with her husband, their two sons, & a number of rescued pets. Please visit her at Kathryn Knight books on Facebook, @k_knightbooks on Twitter, or email her at Kathrynknightbooks (at) comcast.net.

Titles by Kathryn Knight:
Silver Lake (a #1 Amazon Bestseller, RomCon 2013 Reader’s Crown Finalist, electronic rights acquired by Amazon Encore in 2015)
Gull Harbor (a #1 Amazon Bestseller, A #1 Barnes & Noble Bestseller, Top 10 Reviewer Pick at MyShelf Reviews, RomCon 2014 Reader’s Crown Finalist, Best Kindle Romance Book 2014 Semi-Finalist) Now an audio book!
Divine Fall (Best YA Romance 2015 at The Romance Reviews, RomCon 2015 Reader’s Crown Finalist, Best Kindle YA Book 2015 Semi-Finalist, Reviewer Nominee for the BTS Reviews 2016 Red Carpet Award)
Haunted Souls (A Top 3 Read of 2016 at Read Free.ly) Now available in Audio!
Dangerous Currents ~ New Release ~ Steamy Second-Chance Romance filled with Secrets and Suspense!
The Haunting of Hillwood Farm (Best Romantic Suspense of 2018 at N.N. Light’s Book Reviews, One of the Top 40 Paranormal Romance Books at Reedsy Discovery) Coming soon to audio!

BeachReads · Book Reviews · Romance · RomCom

Book Review: ‘RomeAntically Challenged’ by Marina Adair (pub 7/28

July 26, 2020July 26, 2020 momlovesreading01Leave a comment

Thank you @kensingtonbooks for my gifted copy of ‘RomeAntically Challenged‘ by Marina Adair! (pub 7/28). Click HERE to go to my Instagram post & give it LIKE.

Growing up the lone Asian in a community of WASPs, Annie has always felt out of place. Her solution? Start a family of her own. Not easy when every man she’s dated, including her ex-fiancé, finds “his person” right after breaking up with Annie. Even worse than canceling the wedding eight weeks beforehand? Learning the “other woman” plans to walk down the aisle wearing her wedding gown.

New plan—find a fresh, man-free start. Too bad her exit strategy unexpectedly lands her working at a hospital in Rome, Rhode Island, rather than Rome, Italy, & sharing a cabin with a big, brooding, & annoyingly hot male roommate.

Home on medical leave after covering a literally explosive story in China, investigative photojournalist Emmitt embarks on his most important assignment—cementing his place in his daughter’s life. Three men & a baby might work in the movies, but with a stepdad & devoted uncle competing for Paisley’s attention, Emmitt has lost his place at the family table. Then there’s the adorably sexy squatter in his cabin, who poses another problem, one he’d very much like to solve up close & personal. But he can’t win—Annie has sworn off men, Paisley’s gone boy crazy, & Emmitt’s estranged father reappears with a secret that changes everything.

Annie & Emmitt are about to discover love comes in many forms, & sometimes the best families are the ones we make.

I really loved this book! It’s the perfect staycation, escape from CoVid chaos, sit by the pool with a iced bevie read! (That’s how I enjoyed reading it anyhow…) ‘RomeAntically Challenged‘ is a nicely layered story with humor, emotion, drama & romance, & even better, book 2 in this ‘When in Rome’ series, ‘Hopeless Romantic‘, comes out in Jan 2021! 6 short months! (unless CoVid has other plans for that release date like so many others…Let’s hope not! I’m anxious to read the next installment!)

‘RomeAntically Challenged‘ by Marina Adair is charming, uplifting, endearing & swoon-worthy with loveable characters you will enjoy getting to know. Look for this book this Tues, 7/28 at your local indie bookstore.

Click HERE to add ‘RomeAntically Challenged’ to your Goodreads.
Click HERE to add ‘Hopeless Romantic’ to your Goodreads.
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Click HERE to look for this book & others using BookStoreLink.

‘Hopeless Romantic’ (When In Rome #2) (pub 1/26/21)
Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, the latest novel from bestselling author Marina Adair asks whether two of a small town’s biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first–in the name of love…
As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island’s unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There’s not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It’s always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that’s getting tougher to resist…

Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset–literally. But then his father’s death and his sister’s unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she’s in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi’s wondering if it’s time to get his sea legs under him again…until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams…

Marina Adair is a #1 nationally bestselling author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. In addition to the When in Rome series, she is the author of the Destiny Bay series, the Heroes of St. Helena series, the Sugar, Georgia series, & the St. Helena Vineyard series, which was the inspiration behind the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, & Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she holds a MFA from San Jose University & currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, & two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com & sign up for her newsletter at http://www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.

BeachReads · Book Reviews · BOTMs, · Fiction · Romance · RomCom

Book Review and Happy Pub Day to “The Boyfriend Project” by Farrah Rochon

June 9, 2020June 9, 2020 momlovesreading01Leave a comment

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Happy Pub Day & Thank you @readforeverpub for my gifted copy of “The Boyfriend Project” by Farrah Rochon!

USA Today bestselling author Farrah Rochon launches a new series about three young women who become friends when the live Tweeting of a disastrous date leads them to discover they’ve all been duped by the same man.

Samiah Brooks never thought she would be “that” girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she’s been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah-along with his two other “girlfriends,” London & Taylor-have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men, no dating, & no worrying about their relationship status.

For once Samiah is putting herself first, & that includes finally developing the app she’s always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy, honey-eyed Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? When it comes to love, there’s no such thing as a coincidence. But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?

What a fantastic book! A celebration of strong women, women of color, & female friendship. “The Boyfriend Project” is an authentic, smart, relevant, refreshing rom-com with wonderfully written characters that readers will love! It’s a feel good novel that is female driven with some romance & a sprinkle of mystery, too.

“The Boyfriend Project” was also a Book of the Month choice for May, which I bought (then the publisher sent me a pb copy, which I will be sharing w/ one of you in a giveaway soon!) This is the first book in a series that will include books focused on London & Taylor as well. This book & the follow-ups would make a fantastic TV series (like “The Bold Type”). I highly recommend this happiness inducing book & look forward to reading more from Rochon in the future!

Book of the Month is an online book subscription club that announces 5 selections each month & you can choose (1) as your monthly pick for only $14.99 & then up to (2) more at the even lower cost of $9.99 each (plus tax, but shipping is always FREE!).

These are hardback editions, too, & for less than half of what you would pay elsewhere! Most of the monthly selections are early release editions, meaning you can get a copy before everyone else (generally a month in advance) & be one of the cool kids on the block! Not only that, after you have received (12) BOTM boxes, you become a BFF & even MORE exciting things happen!

As a BOTM BFF you get a FREE BOTM tote bag, a FREE add-on book during your birthday month, & every winter when they announce the (5) BOTM Book-of-the-Year finalists, you can choose one of them for FREE, too! Every year! Amazing, huh? I have been a BOTM member for about 3 years now & I love it! My BOTM’s are generally some of my favorite books, too, since they are well curated by varying monthly BOTM judges. You can skip any months you choose to, cancel at anytime, & the BOTM customer service folks are the BEST & they will help you with any issues you may have. If I haven’t convinced you yet how great Book of the Month is, how about getting your first book for a mere $9.99? Use my referral link by clicking HERE.

Click HERE to add “The Boyfriend Project” to your Goodreads TBR list.
Click HERE to get this book on audio from Libro.fm (Be sure to use my code MOMLOVESREADING & get 3-audiobooks-for-price-of-1)

What others are saying about “The Boyfriend Project“:

“A masterpiece of modern-day Jane Austen with effortless, razor-sharp social commentary, romance and humor. Farrah Rochon is one of the absolute best romance writers today. Period.”―-Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

“A prime example of how complex and insightful romances can be. Farrah Rochon deftly explores what it means to go viral, the unique joys of strong female friendships, and the particular struggles of Black women in the workplace, all within a great love story.”―-Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date

“A smart, funny digital-age romance about real women living in the real world. Couldn’t put it down!”―Abby Jimenez, USA Today bestselling author of The Happy Ever After Playlist

“Farrah Rochon writes intensely real characters with flaws and gifts in equal measure. The Boyfriend Project is a multilayered story about friendship, love, and following your dreams — all of it told with heart and emotion.”―Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

“Rochon’s books are always witty, hot, and engaging.”―BuzzFeed

“A smart, sexy and completely modern romance. The Boyfriend Project is the free-spirited, tell-it-like-it-is page-turner you’ve been looking for!”―Kwana Jackson, USA Today bestselling author of Real Men Knit

“I loved this book! The Boyfriend Project is a modern, cute, clever rom-com, and I can’t wait for the next book. This is a girl gang I want to join.”―Alisha Rai, author of The Right Swipe

“Funny, fresh, sexy, and heartfelt. This is my new favorite romance series!”―-Suzanne Brockmann, New York Times bestselling author

“Farrah Rochon writes delectable love stories with characters so warm that I want to hang out with them in real life. Samiah’s hopes and dreams and fears are relatable and real, and I don’t blame her at all for bending the rules of her no-dating pact with the extremely tasty Daniel. I smiled the whole time I was reading The Boyfriend Project.”―Andie J. Christopher, author of Not the Girl You Marry

“The Boyfriend Project has it all-swoon-worthy romance, the power of true friendship, and a grand gesture that makes your heart sigh with pure satisfaction. Absolutely a must-read summer romance!”―Priscilla Oliveras, USA Today bestselling author

USA Today bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her Holmes Brothers, New York Sabers, Bayou Dreams and Moments in Maplesville series. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.

BeachReads · Book Reviews · Romance · RomCom

Book Review: “The Marriage Game” by Sara Desai

June 3, 2020June 6, 2020 momlovesreading01Leave a comment

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Thank you @berkleypub for my gifted copy of “The Marriage Game” by Sara Desai! (pub date 6/9)

A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy..After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business & creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he’s forced to share his space with the owner’s beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, & a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.

As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm & sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam & Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.

“A Marriage Game” is a perfectly paced & pretty hilarious rom-com, with fun, witty banter, particularly between Sam & Layla. This is an ideal beachy/poolside read & is a refreshingly feel-good, hopeful, sexy, & culturally atmospheric novel. And I LOVE the cover & all the pastel colors! I really enjoyed this book & definitely look forward to reading more from Desai!

This book releases this coming Tuesday, June 9th. Be sure to look for it at a local or online indie bookseller first! They need our sales now more than ever! Click HERE to use BookStoreLink & find this book & any others at an independent bookstore.

Click HERE to add “The Marriage Game” to your Goodreads TBR.

Here’s what others are saying about “The Marriage Game“:

“[An] enticing debut.”—SheReads

“The Marriage Game is the most delicious read! From the humor, to the heartwarming family bonds, to the off the charts chemistry, it’s impossible for me to love this book anymore. I can’t wait for more from Sara Desai!”—Alexa Martin, author of Intercepted

“I fell hard for The Marriage Game from the moment I read Layla and Sam’s dynamite meet-cute. It’s a hilarious, heartfelt, and steamy enemies-to-lovers romance.”—Sarah Smith, author of Faker

“Desai’s delightful debut is a playful take on enemies-to-lovers and arranged marriage tropes starring two headstrong Desi-American protagonists. Rom-com fans should take note of this fresh, fun offering.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“This witty and delightful story about family, forgiveness, and letting go is utterly satisfying. Desai’s first book will be a hit with fans of Sonya Lalli’s The Matchmaker’s List.”—Library Journal

Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos. Visit Sara at www.saradesai.com.

Book Reviews · Romance · RomCom

Book Review: “Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish” by Bethany Turner

May 21, 2020May 21, 2020 momlovesreading01Leave a comment

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Thank you @revellbooks for my gifted copy of “Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish” by Bethany Turner! (pub date 5/5)

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanaugh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, & most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel’s other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm & for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he’s sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV & in the public’s good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona & reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . & maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

Fan-favorite Bethany Turner serves up a heaping helping of humor & romance with this thoroughly modern story centered on cooking, enemies, & second chances.

*****Could I picture this as a Hallmark Channel movie of the week? Absolutely! It’s an utterly delightful book that foodies & fans of rom-com’s, romance & cooking shows will absolutely swoon for! Turner will make you laugh out while also charming the sin right out of you! Hadley is such a well-written character that you will just adore: smart, caring, a dash of sass, a little bit sugar & spice, while Maxwell is the salty & bitter one…but of course, that is subject to change in rom-com’s.

“Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish” is a satisfyingly, scrumptious treat you will surely love! I definitely plan to read more of Bethany Turner’s books in the near future!

Bethany Turner is the award-winning author of “Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” & “The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck,” which was a finalist for The Christy Award. When she’s not writing (and even when she is), she serves as the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. For more, visit www.seebethanywrite.com.

“The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck” (pub 10/17): Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn’t afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.

“Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” (pub 5/19): After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn’t love her in the “forever” way she loves him, Cadie believes it’s time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing. But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie’s favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It’s a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?

Bethany Turner is back with more of the heart and humor readers love. Anyone who enjoys a good romance or binges romantic comedies on Netflix will devour this delightful story.