Category Archives: HarlequinMira

July 24, 2012 · 3:57 am

One Mountain Away by Emilie Richards

Title: One Mountain Away by Emilie Richards
Goddesses Anonymous Series Book One
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 480 pages
Book Rating: A

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With nothing but brains, ambition and sheer nerve, Charlotte Hale built a career as a tough, do-anything-to-succeed real-estate developer. She’s at the top of that mountain…but her life is empty. Her friends are as grasping and insincere as she has become. Far worse, she’s alienated her family so completely that she’s totally lost touch with her only daughter.

One terrifying day, facing her own mortality, she realizes that her ambition has almost destroyed her chance at happiness.

So Charlotte vows to make amends, not simply with her considerable wealth, but by offering a hand instead of a handout. Putting in hours and energy instead of putting in an appearance. Opening her home and heart instead of her wallet.

With each wrenching, exhilarating decision, Charlotte finds that climbing a new mountain–one built on friendship, love and forgiveness–will teach her what it truly means to build a legacy.

The Review:

One Mountain Away by Emilie Richards is a heart-felt and thought-provoking novel that beautifully illustrates it is never too late to make amends for past mistakes. Re-evaluating her life and her priorities, Charlotte Hale regrets many things in her past. At the top of that list is her estrangement from her daughter Taylor, granddaughter Maddie and ex-husband Ethan. Realizing it is never too late to undo past mistakes, she attempts to heal old wounds and in doing so, she seizes various opportunities to make a lasting and meaningful difference in other people’s lives.

Charlotte Hale is a successful woman who sacrificed her family in her effort to distance herself from her poor and humble beginnings. She is an astute businesswoman who is brassy and bold with a no holds barred approach to both her professional and personal lives. With her “my way or the highway” attitude, she amassed a fortune and a flourishing business. Now looking back, she clearly sees her past mistakes and now attempts to take responsibility for her actions.

Charlotte’s deepest regret is the loss of her relationship with her daughter Taylor. A single mother, Taylor relies heavily on her father Ethan for guidance and support. Charlotte’s attempts to reconcile with her have a surprising and life altering effect on Taylor.

Ethan Martin walked away from his marriage to Charlotte following the birth of their granddaughter. He is suspicious of her motives for re-entering their lives and he is quick to confront her. He believes she has changed, but he refuses to be the middleman between Charlotte and Taylor. He too is forced to rethink past events and accept responsibility for his role in the destruction of their marriage.

Harmony Stoddard is a young waitress in need of a helping hand when her path crosses Charlotte. With her new found awareness of her past mistakes, Charlotte invites Harmony into her home. Charlotte’s friendship with Harmony provides her the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life, and she offers Harmony a safe haven where Harmony makes some important decisions about her future.

Reverend Analiese Wagner might be a bit of an unconventional spiritual leader, but she has a strong faith that always comes shining through. She and Charlotte have butted heads over the years, but their mutual respect for one another leads to a surprising and close friendship when Charlotte begins to change her life.

Interspersed with her present day activities are her journal entries where Charlotte recounts the painful events of her past. She expresses her regrets and deepest sorrows for past mistakes and she reveals her hopes for the future. She realizes her culpability in her failed relationships and while she makes every effort to atone for her misdeeds, she accepts that forgiveness may not be granted.

One Mountain Away is an emotional novel that is a heartbreaking yet uplifting journey of love, forgiveness and redemption. It is a wonderful story about the bonds of friendship and the strength of faith. In the first installment of her new Goddesses Anonymous series Emilie Richards captures her readers hearts in this inspiring and deeply moving tale of deep and abiding love.

8 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Emilie Richards, Goddesses Anonymous Series, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, One Mountain Away, Rated A, Romance

July 17, 2012 · 3:57 am

Catching Fireflies by Sherryl Woods

Title: Catching Fireflies by Sherryl Woods
The Sweet Magnolias Book 9
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods captures a community’s heartfelt fight to preserve the innocence of childhood.

When bullying threatens to destroy a teen’s life, painful memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J. C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring the town together to ensure that a promising student’s future isn’t ruined. And to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South Carolina.

Both J.C.’s and Laura’s passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?

The Review:

In Catching Fireflies Sherryl Woods exposes the devastating effects of bullying. Once thought to be a harmless rite of passage, most schools now have a zero tolerance policy for bullying. But what happens when the victims are too afraid to speak up? That is exactly what happens in Catching Fireflies. If not for one observant teacher and a caring pediatrician, Misty Dawson might never have revealed the horrible and vicious attacks perpetrated by her fellow classmates. Through their own personal experiences, Laura Reed and J.C. Fullerton are aware of the long term consequences of bullying and they are determined to put a stop to the cruel behavior before it destroys Misty’s future.

Catching Fireflies is a hard-hitting and powerful lesson that addresses bullying from many different perspectives. Through Misty Dawson, we see how shame and fear cause her to keep silent about the horrible rumors that her fellow classmates are spreading about her. With her parents immersed in their own personal drama, we learn how easy it is for children to hide what is going on their lives.

Why would someone deliberately destroy another person’s reputation? In Catching Fireflies, the reason is multi-faceted. Jealousy is the primary motivation. Lack of parental discipline and guidance play a role. Support from friends gives the illusion that the behavior is acceptable and in fact, they join their friend in her personal vendetta.

We learn how social networking facilitates the bullying and escalates the attacks. Today’s technology makes it easy to retain anonymity and allows bullies to reach a wider audience. The ability to manipulate images through photo editing software makes it easy to humiliate Misty even further.

Secondary to the bullying storyline is the developing romance between Laura Reed and J.C. Fullerton. They are united in their mission to help Misty and their friendship slowly gives way to a sweet romance. Both have painful pasts but with patience and understanding, they are able to heal the hurts of previous relationships.

Fans of The Sweet Magnolias get the opportunity to catch up with characters from the previous books in this delightful series. The second generation of the Sweet Magnolias is just as endearing as their mothers are and they are quick to bring Laura into their fold.

Catching Fireflies provides valuable information and insight into a serious issue plaguing youth today. The novel is realistic and well written and Sherryl Woods does a wonderful job balancing this serious topic with lighter moments and a beautiful romance. Serenity is always a fabulous place to visit and I am looking forward to my next stop in this close-kint and loving community.

1 Comment

Filed under Catching Fireflies, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Rated B+, Romance, Sherryl Woods, The Sweet Magnolias

July 16, 2012 · 3:58 am

Andrea Kane Blog Tour: The Line Between Here and Gone, Excerpt and Review

Excerpt:

Still, traffic sped up and down the New York City streets. Pedestrians strolled the sidewalks. Horns honked. Christmas lights blinked from green and red to a rainbow of colors, then back again.

Click HERE to follow the tour!

My Review:

Title: The Line Between Here and Gone by Andrea Kane
Forensic Instincts Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Mystery
Length: 392 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

The man she loved is gone forever. The child she lives for could be next.

Each day is a struggle for Amanda Gleason’s newborn son as he battles a rare immune deficiency. Justin’s best chance for a cure lies with his father, who was brutally murdered before Amanda even realized she carried his child.

Or was he?

One emailed photo changes everything, planting a seed of doubt that Amanda latches on to for dear life: a recent photo of a man who looks exactly like Paul. Could Justin’s father be alive? The mother in her is desperate to find out. But tracking down a ghost when every second counts is not for amateurs.

Forensic Instincts is the one team up for the challenge.

A behaviorist. A former navy SEAL. A techno-wizard. An intuitive. A retired FBI agent. A human-scent-evidence dog. Together they achieve the impossible, pushing ethical and legal boundaries whenever the ends justify the means.

The manhunt is on for the elusive father. Yet the further FI digs into his past, the more questions are raised about whether the man Amanda fell in love with ever really existed at all.

Dark secrets. Carefully crafted lies. From the congressional halls of Washington, D.C., to exclusive Hamptons manors, there are ruthless people who would stop at nothing to make Forensic Instincts forget about the man Amanda desperately needs to find.

Little do they realize that once Forensic Instincts takes the case, nothing will stop them from uncovering the shocking truth that transcends The Line Between Here and Gone.

The Review:

Andrea Kane’s The Line Between Here and Gone is an enthralling thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the Forensic Instinct team races against time to save a baby’s life.

Amanda Gleason is desperate to save her newborn son’s life. When she discovers there is the slightest chance that her baby’s father is alive, she hires Forensic Instinct to investigate Paul Everett’s disappearance.

The mystery surrounding Paul Everett’s disappearance is complex and multi-layered. Is Paul dead? His body has yet to be discovered, but the evidence that he has been murdered is certainly compelling. If Paul is indeed still alive, who is behind his disappearance? Paul? Hs business associates? As the Forensic Instinct team searches for answers, they uncover political corruption, explosive family secrets and unexpected ties to organized crime. Various twists and turns take this story in unexpected and very surprising directions.

The Forensic Instinct unit is a very diverse group of individuals. Each person has a special skill that when combined with the other members’ abilities makes them a very formidable investigative force. The dynamics between them are quite fascinating as is the meshing of personal beliefs and various personalities. While they make every attempt to keep their activities legal, ethical lines are blurred with some members find it easy to compromise their principles in order to save an innocent baby’s life.

There is a little bit of a romantic element to The Line Between Here and Gone. Personal relationships are strained when business is mixed with pleasure. Two of the team members are attracted to one another, but they are reluctant to act on their attraction.

The Line Between Here and Gone is an intense novel with a unique storyline and memorable characters. The story is fast-paced and engrossing. Andrea Kane leaves no question unanswered as she brings The Line Between Here and Gone to its stunning conclusion.

9 Comments

Filed under Andrea Kane, Blog Tour, Contemporary, Forensic Instincts, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Mystery, Rated B+, Suspense, The Line Between Here and Gone

June 26, 2012 · 3:57 am

Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods

Title: Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods
The Sweet Magnolias Book 8
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen’s strength—physical and emotional—and to charm her children.

Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott’s desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned “baby money” stirs Karen’s deep-rooted financial insecurities. It’s the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott’s sister—and thinks it’s justified—that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

The Review:

In Midnight Promises, Sherryl Woods’ presents her readers with an in-depth and realistic look at what happens after the wedding vows are exchanged. Elliot Cruz and Karen Ames discover saying “I Do” is easy, but making a marriage work in the midst of everyday life? Well, let’s just say our couple has a lot to learn about themselves and each other.

Elliot Cruz and Karen Ames have what is probably a fairly typical marriage. Busy careers, long hours and working opposite shifts leave this couple little time together. Two kids, financial stress and extended family involvement provide additional strain on their fragile relationship. Lack of communication, secrets, trust issues and their respective emotional baggage threaten to destroy their marriage.

Ms. Woods beautifully illustrates that successful marriages take hard work. While it may not be romantic, dates sometimes have to be scheduled so couples can reconnect. Families are often a blessing and a curse. Each partner brings their own vulnerabilities and fears to the marriage and it is up to both people to work at understanding where the other person is coming from. Neither partner is perfect and mistakes are inevitable. Learning from those mistakes and self-reflection play a crucial role in resolving the issues facing Elliot and Karen.

The secondary plotlines are well-written and the conflicts provide added depth and substance to the main plot. Elliot’s sister Adelia is going through a marital crisis that forces her to reassess her values and her traditional Hispanic upbringing. Surrogate mother/grandmother Frances is frightened by the implications of an unexpected health problem.

Midnight Promises is a delightful addition to the Sweet Magnolias series. Fans of the series will enjoy reconnecting with characters from previous books in the series. Newcomers to the series will enjoy the camaraderie shared by this close knit group of friends and family.

Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods is a fast-paced and captivating read that fans of contemporary romances are sure to love. I am very much looking forward to Catching Fireflies, the next installment in this charming series.

8 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Midnight Promises, Rated B, Romance, Sherryl Woods, The Sweet Magnolias

June 18, 2012 · 3:58 am

Blog Tour: Love Is Murder Excerpt Featuring Bill Floyd & Review

http://booktrib.com

Book Trib has put together a 30 day Blog Tour for the exciting Love Is Murder anthology. Follow the Blog Tour and enter for your chance to win a copy Love Is Murder and one of ten exclusive Love Is Murder blog tour badges featuring the authors’ signatures.

Excerpt from Mr. Floyd’s Hard Drive:

It was sheer agony, trying to avoid meeting Nadia Yohn’s eyes. I knew that if I did, everyone in the room would see the spark and flash. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t already obvious.

But we were the only ones aware of it.

I sat on our side of the table alongside the senior homicide detective, Carl Stimple, and Lori Wiese from the district attorney’s office. Across from us sat Nadia and her attorney, Tyler Beckenridge. It was hard to discern which was more highly polished—the walnut tabletop or Breckenridge’s pink scalp.

Mr. Floyd’s Bio:

Bill Floyd lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina, with his wife, Amy, and his dog, Max. His first published novel, The Killer’s Wife, won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2009. Floyd can often be foundin dark music clubs listening to a variety of underground bands. His taste in fiction runs the gamut from literary to genre, with no apologies for either. He is currently working on a novel about secrets and the costs of keeping them. A sampling of his flash fiction can be found at www.billfloydbooks.com.

My Review:

Title: Thriller 3: Love Is Murder Anthology by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Anthology
Length: 608 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Lori Armstrong * Jeff Ayers & Jon Land * Beverly Barton * William Bernhardt * Allison Brennan * Robert Browne * Pamela Callow * Lee Child * J.T. Ellison * Bill Floyd * Cindy Gerard * Heather Graham * Laura Griffin * Vicki Hinze * Andrea Kane *Julie Kenner * Sherrilyn Kenyon * Dianna Love * D.P. Lyle * James Macomber * Toni McGee Causey * Carla Neggers * Brenda Novak * Patricia Rosemoor * William Simon * Alexandra Sokoloff * Roxanne St. Claire * Mariah Stewart * Debra Webb

Prepare for heart-racing suspense in this original collection by thirty of the hottest bestselling authors and new voices writing romance suspense today.

Go on vacation with Allison Brennan’s Lucy Kincaid, where she saves a man from drowning, only to discover he is in far greater danger on land. Meet Roxanne St. Claire’s “bullet catcher”–bodyguard Donovan Rush–who may have met his match in the sexually charged “Diamond Drop.” Debut author William Simon shows us what happens when the granddaughter of the president of the United States is kidnapped. And Lee Child’s pitch-perfect “I Heard a Romantic Story” puts a whole new spin on Love Is Murder.

Bodyguards, vigilantes, stalkers, serial killers, women (and men!) in jeopardy, cops, thieves, P.I.s, killers–these all-new stories will keep you thrilled and chilled late into the night.

The Review:

Love Is Murder is an action-packed, adventure-filled, pulse-pounding anthology. The stories are short but compelling and full of unexpected twists and turns. The various story settings take the reader to exotic international locations, island paradises and a variety of states here in the US. Murders, kidnappings, terrorist plots, robberies, stalkers and hostage situations keep the pages turning at a blistering pace. Fans of paranormal stories will be delighted to discover a few otherworldly tales mixed in among the more down to earth thrillers and chillers.

The Love Is Murder anthology is a superb showcase of some of today’s best suspense authors. The stories are well written and quite diverse. An entertaining read that fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy.

Don’t forget to visit Book Trib and enter for your chance to win a copy of Love Is Murder and one of ten exclusive Love Is Murder blog tour badges featuring the authors’ signatures.

2 Comments

Filed under Bill Floyd, Blog Tour, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Love Is Murder, Mystery, Rated B+, Romantic Suspense

· 3:56 am

Summer Nights by Susan Mallery

Title: Summer Nights by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Book Eight
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.

Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!

The Review:

Summer Nights by Susan Mallery is a delightfully heartwarming romance. This latest installment in the Fool’s Gold series featuring Annabelle Weiss and Shane Stryker is absolutely divine and utterly captivating.

Annabelle Weiss moved to Fool’s Gold following her divorce. She learned valuable lessons from her first marriage and she is not willing to settle for any man who does not fully accept her as she is. Annabelle is fun, feisty and down to earth. She is a loyal and caring friend and she is willing to do just about anything for her friends.

Shane Stryker is the perfect fit for feminine, girly girl Annabelle. He is a genuinely nice man who is laid back and finds it impossible to say no to anyone. He, too, is divorced but he has a lot more emotional baggage and hang-ups than Annabelle. He is looking for a quiet woman to share his life with, and he is quite adamant that Annabelle is not that woman.

Characters from previous books in the series play prominent roles in Summer Nights. Heidi and Rafe are in the midst of planning their wedding. May and Glen are continually popping in and out. May’s menagerie is ever growing much to Shane’s dismay. Butt model Clay Stryker shows up late in the book and dispenses some pretty sound advice to Shane. Charlie Dixon finally opens up and reveals her painful past.

I really enjoyed watching Shane and Annabelle come together as a couple. The sexual chemistry between them burns hot and their lovemaking is incredibly passionate. The dialogue between them is playful and witty. Their relationship hits quite a few bumps, but they are always honest with one another and for the most part, there is good communication between them. What I like most about Shane is that he is willing to admit when he is wrong and he takes responsibility for his actions.

Strong family ties, close friendships and a sense of community are the heart and soul of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. You will find all of that and more in Summer Days. The characters are well-developed with realistic flaws and true to life actions. The town pulls together to protect their own and they are always willing to help one another when needed. Always a charming place to visit, I am greatly anticipating Clay and Charlie’s story, All Summer Long.

Find my reviews of the other books in the Fool’s Gold Series HERE.

3 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Rated B+, Romance, Summer Nights, Susan Mallery