3.5 Wine Glass #Review of Wind River Wrangler by Lindsay McKenna

 

Title: Wind River Wrangler
Series: Wind River Series Book 1
Author: Lindsay McKenna
Format: Kindle, 384 Pages
Published: Zebra (October 25, 2016)
ISBN: ASIN: B01BAYVCPQ
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Still waters run deep . . .

From the moment  Roan Taggart picked up the pretty redhead at the Jackson Hole airport, his training and experience told him she was spooked. She’s left New York City to visit the Wind River Ranch, where Roan is a wrangler, and just as he can pick up a horse’s mood, he can feel the tension coming off her body.  And that vulnerability is triggering all his protective instincts...

Shiloh Gallagher likes the gray-eyed cowboy’s dry humor—and the Special Forces background that lends him a stoic, powerful presence. But she’s been scarred by trauma and her mother’s murder . . . and knows a strong man can be dangerous. She came to wide-open Wyoming to flee a threat that’s left her unable to write her novels. Now, as she rides horses with Roan and helps him build an isolated cabin, she’s slowly letting down her guard. But danger has followed her west, and they won’t have a future together unless they defeat a killer from her past… 

Linda's Thoughts:
Shiloh forced herself to look up at him. Roan deserved her courage, not her cowardice. “You wanted to kiss me.”
“I still do.”

Read an #Excerpt from Dirt by Cassia Leo

Dirt 
(Evergreen #1)
by Cassia Leo
375 pages
Expected publication: January 12th 2018 by Gloss Publishing LLC

The hard-hitting, emotional first installment in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo.

Jack and I had everything. Then, in one brutal instant, the universe tilted on its side, discarding us into black nothingness.

Now, I have a cocky a**hole for a husband.

The only way we communicate anymore is when we’re fighting or f**king.

With nothing left to lose, I write Jack a goodbye letter and head for Portland, where I quickly meet a neighbor who helps me find a job.

My new neighbor—hot, tattooed ex-soldier Isaac Evans—is complicated. Nevertheless, we form a fast friendship, bonding over our mutual desire to create something beautiful from the wreckage of our lives.

But despite the distance between us, Jack and I are still trying to make things work—fighting and f**king dirtier than ever. And he doesn’t appreciate my new friendship with Isaac. Not one f**king bit. 

AMAZON

Dual 5 Wine Glass #Review of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Title:  A Court of Wings and Ruin
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Format: Hardcover (720 pages)
Published: May 2, 2017 (Bloomsbury USA Childrens)
ISBN-10: 1619634481
ISBN-13: 978-1619634480
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda & Crystal
Source: Library & Reviewer Purchased
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Linda's Thoughts:
To the stars who listen – and the dreams that are answered.

Crystal's Books I'm Most Looking Forward to in 2018

You cannot even imagine the dilemma I had trying to narrow down this list to ten books. Ten! Just ten?! *head explodes* After several hours of adding some, removing others to add more, and going back and forth on my decision at least five times, I did it. I narrowed down my ten most anticipated reads of 2018! What books are YOU looking forward to most next year? 

Shadowsong 

(Wintersong #2) 

by S. Jae-Jones 
Expected publication: February 6th 2018 by Wednesday Books
GOODREADS | AMAZON

This made both Linda's list, and mine. Wintersong was such a transcendent read (see my review), I couldn't get it out of my head for weeks after reading. I had an ache in my heart, and a yearning for so much more. A poetically beautiful tale full of magic, music, darkness, and light - Liesl and the Goblin King captivated me from the very start and I am ecstatic that we get to read more from this world. I am also crossing my fingers and toes for a happy ending for this enchanting duo.

Linda's Books I'm Most Looking Forward to in 2018

Linda's Books I'm Most Looking Forward to in 2018 

(In No Particular Order)

A Court of Frost & Starlight 

(Court of Thorns & Roses # 3.5)

by Sarah J. Maas

GOODREADS | AMAZON

While the world waits for the next full installment in Sarah’s Court of Thorns & Roses series, she’s publishing a bridge novella which will be narrated by Feyre and Rhysand, connecting the events in A Court of Wings and Ruin and the upcoming spin-off novels. You’d better believe I’ll be reading it!

5 Wine Glass #Review of Roar by Cora Carmack

 

Title: Roar
Series: Stormheart #1
Author: Cora Carmack
Format: Hardcover, 380 pages
Published: June 13th 2017 by Tor Teen
ISBN: 0765386313
Links: AMAZON | GOODREADS | B&N
Reviewer: Crystal
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

Crystal's Thoughts:
Cora Carmack weaves a captivating and complex world of magic and mayhem in this must-read Y.A. fantasy, Roar.

Crystal's Top 10 Favorite Books of 2017

I'm listing my Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2017, in no particular order. What have been some of your favorites? Do we share any?!

Traitor to the Throne 

(Rebel of the Sands #2)

by Alwyn Hamilton

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

 Rebels, djinni, prince's, and a girl that burns hotter then the desert sand! After reading the first book in the Rebel of the Sands series, I next-dayed this baby from Amazon and it was an amazing sequel. I'm on pins and needles waiting to see what will happen next with Amani and the Rebels in the final book of the series! 

Linda's Top 10 Favorite Books of 2017

Linda's Top 10 Favorite Books of 2017
(In No Particular Order)

Catalyst 

(Flashpoint #2) 

by Rachel Grant

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Catalyst is hot and steamy, but also sweet and caring. It’s a romantic thriller on steroids, and an eye-opening lesson on social responsibilities, status and consequences. It’s fast-paced and action-packed. The ending is warmly satisfying as far as the main characters’ futures, but, as the author notes, the future for the Sudanese region is not rosy. Awareness that we can make a difference is a first step in making change happen. Rachel brings this cognizance to the forefront in a highly entertaining format and I applaud her for doing so. If you enjoy riveting edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense set in exotic locales with excellently-plotted intricate storylines, I’d highly encourage you to check out Catalyst!

#Giveaway of Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking

Between the Blade and the Heart 
(Valkyrie #1)
by Amanda Hocking
Paperback, 319 pages
Expected publication: January 2nd 2018 by Wednesday Books
ISBN 1250084792

Valkyries have one great responsibility: to return immortals to the afterlife by slaying them. As a Valkyrie, Malin has always known that the balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.

Malin not only wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought—she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. The balance of the world is at stake. And, as Asher competes with Malin’s ex for her love and loyalty, so is her heart. 

AMAZON | B&N

3 Wine Glass #Review of The Pretender by HelenKay Dimon

Title:  The Pretender
Series:  Games People Play  #3
Author:  HelenKay Dimon
Format:  Paperback & eBook, 368 pgs
Published:  Dec. 26, 2017 by Avon
ASIN: B06Y5HKWGY
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Edelweiss
Reviewer:  Kimberly
Rating:  3 out of 5 Wine Glasses

They say it takes a thief to catch a thief, and Harrison Tate is proof. Once a professional burglar, he now makes a lawful living tracking down stolen art. No one needs to know about his secret sideline, “liberating” artifacts acquired through underhanded methods. At least until one of those jobs sees him walking in on a murder.

Gabrielle Wright has long been estranged from her wealthy family, but she didn’t kill her sister. Trouble is, the only person who can prove it is the sexy, elusive criminal who shouldn’t have been at the island estate on that terrible night. She’s not expecting honor among thieves—or for their mutual attraction to spark into an intense inferno of desire.

Under the guise of evaluating her family’s art, Harris comes back to the estate hoping to clear Gabby’s name. But returning to the scene of the crime has never been riskier, with their hearts and lives on the line.

Kimberly’s Thoughts:
Harris has changed his ways to become a Robin Hood thief but his latest mission has him embroiled in a murder.
Gabby is the rich girl no one wants to feel sorry for and when her sister is murdered, even her uncle thinks she could be to blame.
Harris knows Gabby isn't guilty but he can't reveal himself, however, with help from his friends he's going to work to clear her name.
Old secrets and new attractions will be exposed.

Ideas.... with HelenKay Dimon of The Pretender + #Giveaway

Ideas....


People frequently ask where book ideas come from. Of course, the answer is everywhere. Really, everywhere. I carry a small notebook with me all the time just to be ready and often type notes on my phone or send myself emails with snippets of dialog or plot thoughts.

THE PRETENDER grew out of an idea for a kind of book I wanted to write. See, THE PRETENDER takes place on a private island. The heroine’s family is very wealthy. It’s also a mess. The heroine, Gabby, has experienced unimaginable loss. Her parents died in a plane crash and her sister, who was a bit of a recluse, was killed at this private island.  And did I mention rumors are circulating that Gabby killed all of them? As I said, this family is a mess.

4 Wine Glass #Review of All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

 

Title: All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire
Series: Love at Stake #5
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published: October 28th 2008 by Avon
ISBN-10: 006111846X
ISBN-13: 978-0061118463
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Library
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Toni Davis's Christmas wish list

1. Springing my best friend from the psych ward.
2. Living somewhere that doesn't have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins.
3. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and alive.

This Christmas isn't so merry for Toni. Her best friend's been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she's taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.

Although Ian's nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk.

How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion—and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . . 

Linda's Thoughts:
She couldn’t run away from him. She’d be running from her own heart.

Happy #BookBirthday to Shelter by Jay Crownover + #Giveaway

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jay Crownover returns with the second standalone title in her Getaway series, SHELTER. Check out the excerpt below and pick up your copy today! And that’s not all! RETREAT, the first standalone title in the Getaway series, is on sale! You can grab your copy for just $.99 for a limited time only.

Shelter 
(Getaway #2)
by Jay Crownover
Paperback
Published December 26th 2017

His life is chaos and confusion. It’s a storm of uncertainty and raging emotion.

Sutton Warner is a mess. Everything in his life feels like it’s unraveling.

He’s let a lot of people down lately, including his daughter. Sutton always promised his little girl he would never disappoint her and that he would always be there when she needed him. Until he wasn’t.

The truth is, he’s used to disappointing the women in his life. First was his mother who couldn’t find a reason to stick around when he was growing up. Then there’s his ex. The woman who takes unbridled delight in making his life incredibly complicated.

Luckily, his daughter is still young enough to believe her old man is some kind of hero. But, he knows the day is coming when she realizes the truth, that he’s just a man with some serious flaws and a list of ever-growing weaknesses.

Finally, there’s the woman he’s desperately trying to forget with every shot tossed back and each pill popped.

He more than disappointed Emrys…he almost got her killed.

Her love is steady and sure. It’s a shelter shaped by conviction and silent assurance.

Emrys Santos is lost. Everything in her life feels pointless and futile.

She’s been busy running away from her feelings and all the people who love her the most—including her best friend, the one person who knows exactly what she’s been through. They promised to always stick together and to lean on one another. It was a promise Em had to break so she could lick her wounds and figure out her next move. For once, there is no easy way out of the tangled web of emotions she’s caught up in, and right now, she recognizes that all roads lead back to Wyoming…and back to Sutton.

The man she nearly got killed. 

AMAZON | B&N

Wishing you...

We'd like to wish all of our authors, readers, and book lovers a....

Very

Merry

Christmas

and a Joyous Holiday Season! 

❤🎄🎅📚

Crystal, Linda, Kimberly, and Lexi