July 15, 2023 · 12:01 am

Saturday Series Spotlight & Giveaway: Miranda Liasson’s Seashell Harbor

Here are the eBooks in this week’s Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

Title: Coming Home to Seashell Harbor by Miranda Liasson
Seashell Harbor Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages

Summary:

An emotional novel about first love, second chances, and what it means to follow your heart from this award-winning author who “writes with humor and heart” (Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author).

Hadley Wells swapped her dreams of saving the planet for the glamour of Hollywood. But when a very public breakup reveals cracks in her not-so-perfect life, she returns to her hometown to reassess what it is she truly wants. Unfortunately, Seashell Harbor has some trouble of its own—including the first man to ever break her heart.

A serious injury forced footballer Tony Cammareri into early retirement—now he’s determined to reboot his life with a splashy new restaurant venture. He knows better than to expect a happy reunion with Hadley, but he’s determined to make up for the way things ended between them. Yet when Tony and Hadley end up vying for control of the town’s future, they find themselves once again on opposing sides.

As their rivalry intensifies, they must decide what’s worth fighting for—and what it truly means to be happy.

Title: Sea Glass Summer by Miranda Liasson
Seashell Harbor Series Book Two
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 369 pages

Summary:

A moving, uplifting novel about motherhood, starting over, and an unexpected summer romance…

Kit Blakemore is ready to live again. After her husband died while serving in the military, she was in a haze of grief. Now she wants to reclaim her former self—finish her degree and find a better career to provide for their sweet little boy, Oliver. To do that, she’ll need to sell her late husband’s dilapidated Victorian in Seashell Harbor. But first, Kit intends to give Ollie the kind of unforgettable seaside summer she had growing up, making lifelong memories and friendships.

Of course, nothing goes exactly as she planned. Ollie is struggling with his confidence, and frankly, so is Kit. But everything changes when her husband’s best friend, Alex de la Cruz, returns to town, offering to help her renovate. She doesn’t expect Alex to temporarily move in…or for him to bond with Ollie…or for her numb heart to begin thawing. Slowly he’s helping Kit and Ollie heal, and it scares her to death.

Kit swore she wouldn’t leave herself open to the pain of loss again. But if she’s going to teach her son to be brave and move forward, Kit must first face her own fears.

Title: The Summer of Second Chances by Miranda Liasson
Seashell Harbor Series Book Three
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 369 pages

Summary:

In this heartwarming romance, summertime in a small seaside town brings one woman an unexpected second chance with the first man to melt her heart.

After spending the last few years beating cancer, author Darla Manning is ready for a fresh start—she’s already got a new teaching position in California for the fall. But first, she has some loose ends to tie up over the summer, like finishing her latest novel and selling her oceanfront home. Darla doesn’t expect her ex-husband, contractor Nick Cammareri, to top her list of unfinished business. He was only supposed to do a few quick renovation jobs around the house, not temporarily move in and stir up feelings she thought were long gone.

​While Darla tries to focus on making the most of her last Seashell Harbor summer, she can’t help noticing how much Nick has changed. Her immature-but-seriously-cute high school sweetheart is now a motivated-and-seriously-sexy man who’s earning his MBA and running the family business. Plus, he seems determined to make her remember how—and why—they first fell in love. Darla believed moving on meant moving away, but could her hometown hold the key to a new beginning for her . . . with Nick?

Giveaway

I am giving away one eBook from the Seashell Harbor series-WINNER’S CHOICE. Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (below). One email daily with the day’s posts.

Enter your Email:


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OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

3. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don't forget to:

4. Fill out the form below by 4 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

CONTEST OVER

* I am the only person who will have access to info that is submitted to me UNLESS a publisher or author has donated an eBook for the giveaway. For a prize donated by an author or publisher, I will forward your e-mail and format selection to the person responsible for distributing the eBook. Please refer to the privacy page HERE if you have questions about how your information is used. In the event the contest form is not working, please leave your book selection in the comments below.*

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be posted HERE on Tuesday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Reviews & More by Kathy.***

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July 14, 2023 · 12:01 am

Friday Feature: Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

Do you love a good romance? Then you might like today’s Friday Feature!

Title: Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 325 pages

Summary:

Love isn’t blind, it’s just a little blurry.

Sadie Montgomery never saw what was coming . . . Literally! One minute she’s celebrating the biggest achievement of her life―placing as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition―the next, she’s lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a “probably temporary” condition known as face blindness. She can see, but every face she looks at is now a jumbled puzzle of disconnected features. Imagine trying to read a book upside down and in another language. This is Sadie’s new reality with every face she sees.

But, as she struggles to cope, hang on to her artistic dream, work through major family issues, and take care of her beloved dog, Peanut, she falls into―love? Lust? A temporary obsession to distract from the real problems in her life?―with not one man but two very different ones. The timing couldn’t be worse.

If only her life were a little more in focus, Sadie might be able to find her way. But perceiving anything clearly right now seems impossible. Even though there are things we can only find when we aren’t looking. And there are people who show up when we least expect them. And there are always, always other ways of seeing.

Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N

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July 13, 2023 · 12:01 am

Thrifty Thursday: The Chanteuse and the Bodyguard by V.L. Locey

Do you love gay romances? Are you looking for a book that costs less than $5.00? Then you might want to check out:

Title: The Chanteuse and the Bodyguard by V.L. Locey
Campo Royale Book Five
Publisher: V.L. Locey
Genre: Contemporary, Gay, Romance
Length: 190 pages

Summary:

It’s going to take all his skills to keep an innocent songbird safe.

Duri Yoo is struggling with life. Maybe the funk that’s hanging on his shoulders like a soggy sweater has to do with his thirtieth birthday, which is just around the corner. Maybe that blah feeling is due to everyone at the Campo having found their true heart’s desire except for him. Over the past few months, Duri has started questioning everything right down to if he needs to change his stage name from Jo-Jo Jewels to…well, he hasn’t a clue. All he knows is that he’s feeling down in the dumps. Heck, even his fellow queen has picked up a new secret admirer/super fan. He’d stamp a high heel in vexation, but the way things are going the darn heel would snap right off. When he’s sure life couldn’t get any worse, he’s proven wrong. And yet horribly right…

Keaton Black Bird’s job is straightforward. He’s hired to protect people. Generally, ridiculously rich business tycoons or heads of state. Being hired to keep a drag queen out of harm’s way is a new one for the former Secret Service agent. However, he’s being paid incredibly well to ensure that one of the Campo Royale’s performers isn’t harassed off-stage while the tiny queen’s hockey playing boyfriend is on the road. It’s while he’s protecting one drag queen he meets another, and the connection to Jo-Jo Jewels is undeniable. Keaton’s never been in such a unique situation before. All the men in his past were more or less like him: austere, professional, athletic. Jo-Jo is none of those things, but the owner of Black Bird Executive Protection is falling hard and fast for the delightful and quirky songbird. Unfortunately, emotions tend to cloud the mind, and Keaton and Duri soon find themselves in a situation that’s far more dangerous than either of them could have imagined.

The Chanteuse and the Bodyguard is a bodyguard romance with an anime-loving songstress, a rugged guardian, lots of BL adoration, a huge loving family, rainbow-toned wigs, unexpected danger, and a techno-colored happily-ever-after. (This book contains scenes of stalking/violence that some may find upsetting.)

Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N

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July 12, 2023 · 12:01 am

eBook Contest 7/12

Here are the eBooks for this week’s Winning Wednesday contest:

Title: Twilight at Wild Springs by Delores Fossen
Last Ride, TX Book Six
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 353 pages

Summary:

Family is always worth the fight

Lily Parkman has a Texas-size secret. For years, the single mother has managed to keep the true identity of her daughter Hayden’s father under the saddle. But after a mysterious note turns up at Wild Springs Ranch, Lily knows it’s time to come clean…starting with Wild Springs’ ruggedly handsome foreman, Jonas Buchanan.

Jonas already suspects that his deceased brother is Hayden’s real father. Still, the widowed rancher isn’t prepared for what Lily’s revelation means for their friendship—or their future. They both soon discover that when there’s more to love, there’s more at stake. And when a troublesome figure from the past comes to Last Ride, they must fight like never before…or risk losing their newfound family forever.

Bonus novella! When Ruby Parkman’s daughter elopes with Brennan Taylor’s son, the former high school sweethearts join forces to put a stop to the marriage. But fighting their own rekindled attraction might be tougher than convincing their lovesick teenagers to come home.

Last Ride, Texas

Book 1: Spring at Saddle Run
Book 2: Christmas at Colts Creek
Book 3: Summer at Stallion Ridge
Book 4: Mornings at River’s End Ranch
Book 5: A Texas Kind of Cowboy
Book 6: Twilight at Wild Springs

Title: Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Comedy
Length: 353 pages

Summary:

A wedding planner and her grumpy ex must work together to plan a celebrity event in this deliciously spicy and funny novel from Ali Hazelwood’s “favorite writer.”

Ama Torres is an optimistic wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage. But weddings? They’re amazing. Elliot Bloom is a brooding florist who hates owning a flower shop…until a certain bright-eyed, donut-loving workaholic shows up at his door.

Once upon a time, they collaborated on events by day, and by night, Ama traced the intricate flower tattoos etched along his body. Then Ama shattered his heart and never spoke to Elliot again.

Now they’re working on an event that could make or break both of their careers—except neither of them has gotten over what happened two years ago. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. But as the wedding takes on a life of its own, Ama and Elliot are about to discover that some things can survive a complete catastrophe . . .

Smart and hilarious, Forget Me Not is about two people giving themselves—and love!—a second chance.

Title: A Rulebook for Restless Rogues by Jess Everlee
Lucky Lovers of London Book Two
Publisher: Carina Adores
Genre: Historical, Gay, Romance
Length: 324 pages

Summary:

Jess Everlee follows up her sparkling debut The Gentleman’s Book of Vices with this charming queer historical romp, in which two lifelong best friends find romance as they join forces to save the one place where they can truly be themselves.

London, 1885

David Forester and Noah Clarke have been best friends since boarding school. All grown up now, clever, eccentric Noah is Savile Row’s most promising young tailor, while former socialite David runs an underground queer club, The Curious Fox.

Nothing makes David happier than to keep the incense lit, the pianist playing and all his people comfortable, happy and safe until they stumble out into the dawn. But when the unscrupulous baron who owns the Fox moves to close it, David’s world comes crashing down.

Noah’s never feared a little high-stakes gambling, but as he risks his own career in hopes of helping David, he realizes two things:

One: David has not been honest about how he ended up at The Curious Fox in the first place.

Two: Noah’s feelings for David have become far more than friendly.

What future lies beyond those first furtive kisses? Noah and David can hardly wait to find out…if they can untangle David from his web of deception without losing everything Noah has worked for.

Lucky Lovers of London

Book 1: The Gentleman’s Book of Vices
Book 2: A Rulebook for Restless Rogues

Wednesday is contest day on Book Talk and More with Kathy. Three lucky winners will win the eBook of their choice! Here’s how to enter:

You must do the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (below). One email daily with the day’s posts.

Enter your Email:

Preview | Powered by FeedBlitz


AND:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Talk & More with Kathy Facebook page

AND:

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

3. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Talk and More with Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don't forget to:

4. Fill out the form below by 4 PM Mountain Time Friday afternoon:

CONTEST OVER

* I am the only person who will have access to info that is submitted to me UNLESS a publisher or author has donated an eBook for the giveaway. For a prize donated by an author or publisher, I will forward your e-mail and format selection to the person responsible for distributing the eBook. Please refer to the privacy page HERE if you have questions about how your information is used. In the event the contest form is not working, please leave your book selection in the comments below.*

It’s that easy! The winners will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail the winners the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winners will be posted HERE on Saturday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Talk & More with Kathy.***

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July 11, 2023 · 12:03 am

Review: The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner

Title: The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Historical (’50s), Coming of Age, Fiction
Length: 351 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

Two sisters discover how much good there is in the world–even in the hardest of circumstances

It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys–she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

When Bertha’s father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she’ll never forget.

Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong.

Review:

Set in 1952, The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner is a charming coming of age novel.

Oldest sister Bertha plays baseball with the local boys and dreams of joining the local women’s team. Flossie is happiest with her nose buried in a book and can be a tad melodramatic on occasion. Their mom is a typical housewife for the time period while their father is a best-selling author. Their lives drastically change after their father is accused of being a member of the Communist party.

The All-American is a heartwarming novel that is humorous despite its sometimes-serious undertones. The chapters alternate from between sisters Flossie and Bertha’s points of view. They are very different from each other and their individuality shines through in their unique voices. The storyline is captivating and quite interesting.  Susie Finkbeiner weaves both the women’s baseball and House of Unamerican Activities into a beautifully written novel that is very compelling. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this heartfelt and engaging story.

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Filed under 1950s, Coming of Age, Fiction, Rated B+, Review, Susie Finkbeiner, The All-American

· 12:02 am

Review: Windfall by Wendy Corsi Staub

Title: Windfall by Wendy Corsi Staub
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 333 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher (GoodReads Win)

Summary:

In this newest suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Corsi Staub, three friends’ lives terrifyingly unravel when they win a billion-dollar lottery jackpot—and one goes missing. Perfect for fans of novels like Taylor Adams’ No Exit and The Club by Ellery Lloyd.

It was the girls’ weekend they’d never forget.

J.J., Molly, and Leila had once been inseparable, but it’s been a long time since college, and life—not to mention distance—have disrupted the former roommates’ friendship. When the three reunite for a birthday weekend in Las Vegas, the lottery ticket they buy on a whim has the winning numbers—giving them a billion-dollar windfall. Shell-shocked, they turn to Shea Daniels, a “sudden wealth manager,” who promises to guide them through the pitfalls of having more money than they’d ever imagined.

It was the girls’ weekend they’d live to regret.

The trio travels to a secluded California mansion, where Shea and her staff cater to their every whim, promising to teach them to navigate their newfound wealthy lifestyles with ease. The house is luxurious beyond their wildest dreams—and purportedly cursed, the last place a missing movie star was seen alive. Their weekend turns to terror when they discover they are trapped—roads blocked and communication disrupted by the wildfires raging around them. And when history repeats itself and one of them disappears—the one who’s holding the billion-dollar ticket—the others must face the fact that either their friend has betrayed them…or a predator is lurking.

Review:

Windfall by Wendy Corsi Staub is a tension-filled mystery.

Three college roommates who were once inseparable reunite in Las Vegas to celebrate their fortieth birthdays. They also go in together and purchase a lottery ticket that ends up being the winning ticket. Leila contacts her friends, J.J. and Molly, after hiring Shea Daniels to help them navigate their billion-dollar win.

Shea hosts them at her cliffside mansion, Windfall, but Santa Ana winds and huge wildfires cast an eerie pall over what should a celebration of their newfound wealth. After one of the friends vanishes without a trace, the other two realize they really do not know one another any longer. With the incessant winds blowing and smoke becoming heavier, will they uncover their friend’s fate before it is too late?

Windfall has a troubled history and the still unsolved disappearance of the previous owner, actress Chantal Charbonneau, remains a subject of speculation. Listening to a recent podcast about Chantal proves to be unsettling. Suspicions plague them. Uncertainty about who can be trusted continues to grow.  Patchy cellphone service cuts them off from the rest of the world. Can they escape before falling victim to Windfall’s curse?

Windfall is a riveting mystery that is incredibly atmospheric. The characters are complex and vividly drawn. The excerpts from the podcast ratchet up the suspense. With secrets galore, the storyline is fast-paced and edgy. Wendy Corsi Staub keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

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Filed under Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, Wendy Corsi Staub, William Morrow Paperbacks, Windfall