New Releases July 27, 2020 – July 31, 2020
Some of my favorite authors have new releases this week! Lots of books, lots of genres – just take your pick.
Between the Pages by Lauren Baker ~ Excerpt
About Between the Pages by Lauren Baker
Title: Between the Pages
Author: Lauren Baker
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Whatever possessed her to say yes?
Emmy Flanagan never thought she’d be forced into a Faustian pact to stop her beloved bookstore being turned into a luxury residence. But when her landlord, multi-millionaire Eric Oswell, offers to postpone the eviction if she’s willing to go on a few dates with him, it’s either accept or see four years of hard work and dedication go up in smoke.
The bad news is, he’s charming, well-read and irritatingly self-assured, and they spark off each other like two characters in a Lubitsch romcom. Which makes it very hard for her to resist the powerful physical attraction between them – even though she knows it’s a terrible idea. He woos her with classical concerts, nights at the opera, art exhibitions and a magical mystery Thanksgiving trip – but his deep-rooted trust issues and traumatic family secrets threaten to destroy their relationship before it’s had a chance to prove itself.
Set in contemporary New York City, Between the Pages charts a fast-moving romance with explosive chemistry between two very different but equally driven people. It’s Lauren Baker’s second novel after Finding Home, co-written with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bonnie Dee.
Excerpt from Between the Pages by Lauren Baker
© 2020
Lauren Baker
“There’s some wonderful portraits in the show,” she said. “A couple I’ve wanted to see for real for a long time.”
“Like what?” Eric asked, inquisitive.
“You know that one, by Ghirlandaio, with the little boy looking up at his grandfather?”
He nodded.
“The old man with the bulbous nose? I love that picture too — I used to go and look at it at the Louvre when I was in Paris.”
An irrational wave of jealousy washed over Emmy at the casual tone in Eric’s voice.
“Of course you did,” she sighed. “Is there anything you haven’t done?”
“Oh, I don’t know if you want me to answer that.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
“You’ve got a perverted mind, you know?”
“I may have heard that before. But I had the distinct impression the other night that you liked that about me,” he sent back, teasing, and she grinned against her better judgment.
“I think, Mr. Oswell, that there’s a time and a place for behaving like a pervert, and Sunday afternoon at the Met is neither.”
“I stand chastised,” he said, sounding not at all contrite. “Tell me, have you been thinking about Thanksgiving at all?”
He was the very picture of insouciance as he stirred the sugar in his tea, and it’s only the fact that he’d been doing it solidly for more than thirty seconds that told Emmy that he wasn’t as detached as he seemed.
“I have, yes.”
“And?”
“And I think it’s a bit crazy, because we barely know each other, but…”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Eric cut in, his voice low. “I think we’re getting quite well-acquainted in some respects.”
“Time and place, Eric. Anyhow, I was going to say, before you rudely interrupted me, that I am tempted to agree to your insane mystery plan.”
Maybe he genuinely was taken aback, because it took a few seconds for what she said to filter through to his brain, and then a huge smile broke out on his face.
“Really? That’s great news. I promise you won’t regret it.”
He reached out across the table and grabbed her hand, squeezing it briefly.
“Are you going to give me any clues about where we’re going?”
Eric shook his head.
“Nope. Just pack for fall weather. City rather than country. A little bit of chic wouldn’t go amiss, but bring some comfortable clothes, too. And shoes you can walk in.”
“Gee, that really narrows the field down,” she said, rolling her eyes, but the thought of going off on a mystery tour had been enticing her all week — seriously, how often was she likely to have that kind of a chance? — and she was weakening, even if she didn’t intend to surrender quite yet.
“Anyhow, shouldn’t we be going to see these portraits now we’re here?” and Eric agreed.
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About Lauren Baker
London based journalist with a sideline as a romance writer; also a prolific reader, and keen on all things fiction – on the page, the stage, the big screen and the small. Dreamer at heart.
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The Art of Serendipity by Karen Anne ~ Excerpt
About The Art of Serendipity by Karen Anne
Title: The Art of Serendipity
Author: Karen Anne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lorelei Parker has her dream job teaching AP English at an elite prep school on the upper east side. Between her love of literature & moderating the school drama club, Lorelei is more than content. But when her star student is caught with drugs and expelled, Lorelei discovers life is about to become as complicated as one of her books.
When a call from his ex-wife alerts him that his son has just been kicked out of the prestigious Astley Academy, Jack Flynn’s quiet life on his ranch in North Carolina is uprooted. Not knowing how to fix Brodie’s shattered senior year, he takes his son under his wing, hoping life on the ranch and some hard work will be a way to reach the son he feels he’s lost.
The last thing Lorelei expected was an email from Jack Flynn asking her advice on how to help his son, Brodie. So begins an email exchange between the two that unlocks a secret, a way to get Brodie back on track, and a budding romance that can only be described as serendipity.
Excerpt from The Art of Serenity by Karen Anne
© 2019
Karen Anne
“Did I really make out with Jeremy last night?”
“Yup.” Megan took a drink from her mug to hide her smile. “That was an image I can’t forget anytime soon.”
“Shit. He’s going to take it the wrong way. I spent so much time trying to show him I wasn’t interested at all, and then I go and do that.”
“Well, are you interested?”
“What? Absolutely not. It was a drunken moment. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded a little sweet kiss at midnight, but the whole shoving his tongue in my mouth thing…. ugh. Not good.”
“You said last night you pretended he was somebody else. Who did you pretend that he was?”
A man who writes me letters who I’ve never met. I imagine he looks killer in a cowboy hat and knows how to play my body like a freaking musical instrument, making it sing. “Uh… no one in particular, just not Jeremy.” I got up from the couch. “I’m going back to bed. I can’t even think straight yet. Uh… when you talk to Chad, can you…”
“Tell him to squash any hope Jeremy has? On it.”
I blew her a kiss then went back to crash under my covers.
When I woke up, it was past noon. My head still hurt but not nearly as bad as before, and the nausea was thankfully gone. I sat up, reached for my glasses on my nightstand and my phone. I checked my email, happy to see one from Jack.
Dear Lorelei,
I’ll assume you were over served on New Year’s. Gave me a good chuckle though!
-Jack
Over served? What was he talking about? Did we exchange emails last night? I read the previous email, the one he had responded to, and my jaw dropped. It wasn’t the worst thing I could have written, but it definitely had some sexy undertones. And XO… why did I add that? So, I started off my new year making out with a guy I couldn’t stand and sending an ambiguous, flirty message to a man I’d never met. So far this whole “new year new start” thing wasn’t exactly working out for me. I threw my head face first into my pillow and tried to drown.
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About Karen Anne
Karen Anne was writing before she could read. As a toddler, she sat with a book in her hands and made up the stories, eager for the day when she’d find out if it all truly ended in happily ever after. Karen still determines the destiny of other people’s lives, but this time, the characters are her own.
She is a Contemporary Romance author who lives in New York.
Coffee drinker by day, wine enthusiast by night, she loves cats and deeply misses 90’s grunge.
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Sailing at Sunset by Cindi Madsen ~ Review
Three reasons you should read this Sweet Romance:
- Sailing at Sunset by Cindi Madsen was just the right mix of luxury-adventure and seaside small-town.
- Josh and Danae are the perfect example of an opposites-attract romance.
- So many beautiful places – I really want to go see them all!
About Sailing at Sunset by Cindi Madsen
Title: Sailing at Sunset
Author: Cindi Madsen
Genre: Hallmark Romance
She can handle anything in her job.
Even a week on a boat
with a handsome but annoying sailor.
Josh tells himself he’s the luckiest guy in the world. Living on his sailboat and taking tourists on occasional chartered trips, he’s not tied down to routines and responsibilities. He even named his sailboat Solitude, because that’s what he enjoys much of the time.
Danae works at a boat company, and she just got promoted—sort of. To keep her dream job, she must get her opinionated coworkers to all agree on a marketing plan. Her boss directs her to set up a week-long sailing tour with them as a work trip and a bonding experience.
At first, Danae isn’t completely on board with Josh’s laid-back approach to the excursion. But during visits to quaint New England towns and seafaring adventures, she and Josh start to see one another’s true colors…and Josh begins to question his solitary life.
My Review of Sailing at Sunset:
Sailing at Sunset by Cindi Madsen was just full of so many beautiful things. Beautiful people, beautiful boats, and amazing scenery everywhere they went. I truly fell in love with every place the group visited in the boat, and each member of the team had their own unique personality they brought to the pages.
Danae was so much fun. She had such personality and her quirkiness was so bubbly. Her gold star stickers and planners can join me any day of the week.
But Josh is the complete opposite. He’s a carefree, no attachments kind of guy. Schedules are made to be changed, and what is life if you can’t have fun. He’s tried to office job and hated it. He wants the freedom his life on the sea provides.
So how exactly do Josh and Danae make it? There are the perfect example of opposites attract, but it wasn’t an easy trip to get there. Starting with the email title the FINAL final schedule with every second of the trip mapped out in fine detail, Josh is sure he will not like the woman on the other end.
But life is full of surprises and love is full of even more. This trip wasn’t just about Josh and Danae though. The whole group found new ways to connect professionally and personally. I think there could be a sequel in there that I’d love to read!
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
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More Hallmark Romance
New Releases July 20, 2020 – July 26, 2020
Some of my favorite authors have new releases this week! Several fun books, all from different genres, to choose from!
Finding Her Family by Melissa Storm ~ Review
Three reasons you should read this Sweet Romance:
- Finding Her Family by Melissa Storm takes a really close look at Alzheimer’s and the effect it has on families.
- Kate’s struggle to find a balance between taking care of her mother and taking care of herself is one that many readers can relate to.
- Memory Ranch once again seems to find its way into someone’s heart and lead them in the right direction.
About Finding Her Family by Melissa Storm
Title: Finding Her Family
Series: Alaskan Hearts #6
Author: Melissa Storm
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Kate Griffin can’t believe she’s losing her mother. For as long as she can remember, it’s been the two of them against the world. That is, until early-onset Alzheimer’s robbed them both of the relationship that had always been so special.
Now she’s working as a ranch hand in Anchorage while her mother undergoes treatment at the much acclaimed Memory Ranch. Kate came to keep an eye on her mom, but is left to wonder if she’s the one who really needs to heal. Especially as a certain handsome therapist named Jack keeps finding more and more reasons for them to spend time together.
What will be left of Kate when her mother leaves her behind? And can she justify spending time with Jack when she knows her mom’s time left on earth is limited?
My Review of Finding Her Family:
Finding Her Family by Melissa Storm is little heavier than the previous books in the series. She writes about the issues surrounding caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s well, and I can tell she did some research.
Kate’s struggle between living her life and taking care of her mother is present on every page. And her guilt over not being able to do more is very prevalent.
Kate’s mother is determined to not be a burden on her. And she works with her therapist, Jack, to try and convince Kate that she still needs to live for herself as well. But Kate refuses to accept the fact that she can’t do it all, and she is willing to sacrifice anything – even love – for her mother’s care.
As her mother continues to decline, Kate will have to make some major decisions. Will she continue to do it all, or will she put her mother in a care home? Will she allow Jack a place in her heart and her life?
Finding Her Family was a very touching and heartfelt story that is more than just a romance. It’s a story of a family trying to find their new normal and figure out how to navigate the twists and turns of life.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
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More from the Alaskan Hearts Series
Finding Her Faith by Melissa Storm ~ Review
Three reasons you should read this Sweet Romance:
- Finding Her Faith by Melissa Storm returns to Memory Ranch – which I’ve grown to really love.
- Not everyone comes to Memory Ranch to remember, Brenna comes to forget – which was a nice twist.
- Brenna’s journey to find her ability to trust again rang incredibly true and real.
About Finding Her Faith by Melissa Storm
Title: Finding Her Faith
Series: Alaskan Hearts #5
Author: Melissa Storm
Genre: Contemporary Romance
To face her future, she’ll need to forget her past.
Most go to Memory Ranch because they can’t remember. Brenna Barry goes because she can’t forget. When her abusive father dies, she seizes her opportunity to flee to Anchorage in hopes that the majestic horses and caring staff at the ranch can help her overcome a past filled with abuse and neglect.
But as Brenna starts her new life, complete with a new identity, she finds she can’t outrun her pain. Not even with the help of a charming local named Matt, who’s faced his own demons and won. He wants to help Brenna conquer hers as well, but opening up to friendship–and possibly love–is the scariest thing she’s had to face yet.
Will Brenna find the strength to move forward and forgive those in her past who turned a blind eye to her helplessness? And when at last she strips all the hurt away, will there be any part of her left?
My Review of Finding Her Faith:
Finding Her Faith by Melissa Storm introduces Brenna, an incredibly strong young woman. She’s come to Memory Ranch to deal with her memories. But she’s not trying to get them back. She’d love to forget them. She would like nothing better than to leave her past abuse behind her and never think of it again.
But we all know life and memories don’t work that way. Brenna finds it impossible to trust again. Even when the handsome Matt goes out of his way to earn her trust. Matt also knows what it’s like to try and forget your past.
However, when someone shows up investigating Brenna’s past, she panics. Like full-on loses trust in everyone and feels like she has to take on the world by herself.
Finding Her Faith really showcases the power of trust, and how hard it can be to hold onto at times. Brenna and Matt have a bit of a road ahead of them, and Melissa Storm lays it out so I could travel right along with them.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
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More from the Alaskan Hearts Series
New Releases July 13, 2020 – July 19, 2020
Some of my favorite authors have new releases this week! Several fun books, all from different genres, to choose from!
Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye ~ Review
Three reasons you should read this Hallmark Romance:
- Christmas in Bayberry is full of small-town holiday cheer and friendships.
- Wesley’s memories of his time here really bring a nice sense of nostalgia to the story that I wasn’t expecting.
- This isn’t just one romance, we have a couple, along with a family reunion and re-understanding that really brought the whole story to life
About Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye
Title: Christmas in Bayberry
Author: Jennifer Faye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Can a struggling candle company
kindle a Christmas romance?
Kate Taylor knows what she wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of Bayberry, Vermont. But the company isn’t doing well.
Wesley Adams is on the fast track to be an assistant vice president at his financial firm in Manhattan. Before the promotion is announced, he’s sent to this small town from his past to do a analysis of the candle company.
He doesn’t expect to bump into his childhood crush, Kate, and when he does, sparks fly. As he spends time in Bayberry, he falls for the town’s Christmas traditions—and for her. But he has a responsibility to submit an honest report. Will it extinguish Kate’s dreams…along with any chance they have for a future together?
My Review of Christmas in Bayberry:
Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye was just the book I need to kick off Christmas in July. It was fun, light-hearted, and full of small-town charm. Bayberry isn’t just the town, it’s also the candle-making company that brought everyone together, and you can feel the connections between the town residents on each page as they get ready for the holiday season.
But this holiday might be different. The company is not doing well, and when Wes Adams (from New York) shows up to do make a recommendation on whether the company will survive, it seems like the whole town is on pins and needles. They may not know the specifics, but they know something is up – and it isn’t good.
Kate has dreamed of the day she can take over running the Bayberry Candles and let her aunt retire. But if things don’t change, she may never have the chance to do that. When she finds out that Wes is in town to work on the company, she recruits him to help with some really great (and a few not so great) ideas to keep the company alive.
Through it all, a level of trust and respect grows between them. When it comes time to make a decision on the company, it might not be what everyone had in mind. And if Kate and Wes want to make things a reality, one of them may have to give up on their dreams.
This wouldn’t be a Hallmark Romance if it didn’t have a happily-ever-after ending though. And I think Jennifer Faye did a great job capturing the magic of the moment. The town and its residents were able to shine in the spotlight, but Wes and Kate never leave center stage, and their story was just what I needed.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Pick up your copy today!
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More from Hallmark Publishing
New Releases July 6, 2020 – July 12, 2020
Some of my favorite authors have new releases this week! Several fun books, all from different genres, to choose from!
