Accidental Homecoming by Sabrina York (Spotlight and review)

 

 

 

Accidental Homecoming

The Stirling Ranch series

ADULT title

by

Sabrina York

New York Times bestselling author Sabrina York kicks off her brand-new Stirling Ranch miniseries by asking does blood make you family?

It’s time to face the past he’s been running from.

Danny Diem’s life is upended when he inherits a small-town ranch. But learning he has a daughter in need of lifesaving surgery is his biggest shock yet. He'd never gotten over telling his ex Lizzie Michaels that he wasn’t the marrying kind. But her loving strength for their little girl tugs at his heartstrings—and makes him wonder if he’s ready to embrace the role he’s always run from: father.

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

The Stirling Ranch

Book 1: Accidental Homecoming
Book 2: Recipe for a Homecoming

 

 

 

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My review:

 

4 stars

 

Danny Diem didn't have a good role model in his parents and therefore shunned responsibility and destroyed his relationship with his high school sweetheart. The shock of being called to the reading of a will for someone he's never heard of is compounded when his ex, Lizzie, tells him they have a child who's very ill. Danny has to figure out if he's ready to have a family, before it's too late.

 

This contemporary romance is a beautiful introduction to a complicated family. There are definitely heart-tugging moments, and young Emma steals the show. Danny's history (and near-history) is very painful and I'm reminded of my philosophy that we are who we are because of what we lived through. I love that he finds a way to work through his insecurities and I am delighted by the family that develops and look forward to learning more about all of them.

 

The Adversary by Thea Harrison (Spotlight and review)

 

The Adversary

The Chronicles of Rhyacia

 

ADULT title

by

Thea Harrison

 

 

From NYT bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the explosive conclusion to The Unseen!


Blurb:

When Dragos and Pia move to the Other land of Rhyacia, they hope starting a new life will bring safety and freedom to their family, especially their young baby, Niall. And at first their new home seems perfect… but looks are deceiving.



Beneath Rhyacia’s idyllic façade an ancient, malevolent force lurks, waiting for the right opportunity to break free of its cage. When that opportunity comes, it strikes with devastating accuracy.



While Dragos has never backed down from a fight, he’s also never encountered an enemy like this one before. How can he fight a foe who doesn’t have a body? A foe who can invade and turn his own mind against him?



How can Dragos protect his family, when at any moment one of them may become the enemy?



As Dragos and Pia race against time to fight this unseen menace, they must also acknowledge a terrifying truth—when anyone can become the enemy, no one can be trusted.



An adversary who can trap the dragon poses a threat to everyone in Rhyacia, and that means no one is safe…



***This book does NOT end on a cliffhanger***
 

 

 

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My review:

 

4.25 out of 5 stars

 

 

The Adversary by Thea Harrison is the second book in ‘Chronicles of Rhyacia’ series that features the Other land that Dragos and Pia and their associates are colonizing. The story begins immediately after the events in “The Unseen” as the desperate struggle to evict the being that has taken over Dragos’s body continues.

 

This story underscores the ruthlessness of the Wyr, and the cunning and intelligence that accompanies their athleticism and arcane powers. The heartbreaking elements shake their world to its foundation, and I suspect the repercussions will be ongoing, despite the temporary bandage that’s been applied.

 

Great cameos by multiple beings who have populated the various series in this universe. Not only did this story prompt me to go back and reread the prequel, “The Unseen,” but I am tempted to renew my acquaintance with many of the other stories set in this well-built universe. As always, the characters are both charismatic and memorable, and have unexpected depths and facets that continue to intrigue. I definitely hope that there are still many stories to come featuring some of my favorite characters of all time.

 

 

A copy was provided for review

 

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 Previous book in the series:

 

My review:

4.25 stars

 

 

The Unseen by Thea Harrison is the first in the quartet of novellas (edit: this is now a 2-book series) that continues the saga of Dragos and Pia and their growing family. It starts after the events depicted in “Planet Dragos” as Dragos and Pia relocate their home base to the Other land Dragos has named Rhyacia. All of the challenges of establishing an eco-friendly existence with none of the anticipated peace and quiet, as feverish construction efforts run into quite a few snags…some of which reveal significant peril.

 

This delightful addition to the Elder Races stories highlights what I enjoy most about these paranormal romance tales—deliciously fantastical characters, snarky dialogue, romance, danger, and great world-building. Pay attention to the warnings…this DOES end in a cliffhanger. Of course, it made me realize I had missed a story in Pia and Dragos’ life before this, and reminded me how much I loved the little novellas that popped up with new characters, particularly “Natural Evil,” which is one of my favorites. The wonderful cameos by most of the significant cast in the ‘Elder Races’ series was a delightful surprise.

 

Pia has definitely developed a feisty personality and this story reflects the adage, “that which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Her new baby, Niall, is definitely keeping everyone busy, and the rescue of a dog provides great comic relief as Dragos comes to terms with adding a “rejected snack” to his dependents. The eerie events that lead to the breathtaking climax are vividly depicted, and, impatient person that I am, made me search for and reread several of the connecting novellas while I strive to patiently await the next episode in the adventures of the Cuelebre family. Those new to these stories should definitely read some of the preceding stories in order to better appreciate the nuances and those who are fans already will enjoy re-immersing themselves in this wonderfully creative universe.

 

 

A copy of this story was provided for review

 

 

 

The Lady Who Knew Too Much by Alyson Chase (VBB, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

The Lady Who Knew Too Much

ADULT title

by

Alyson Chase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He’s an ex-boxer. She sips tea at philosophical salons. And when these two opposites meet, their lives will never be the same.

Lady Juliana knows someone is trying to kill her father. The problem is getting anyone to believe her. Her father thinks she’s imagining things. Her brother that she’s seeking attention. And the man her brother hired to bring her back home…well, he thinks nothing much of her at all.

Brogan Duffy has clawed his way up from the streets to become the lead investigator on his very first inquiry case. The fact that it is to retrieve a spoiled aristocrat playing at intrigue is of no consequence. Nor is the fact that she beguiles him like no other woman. He has a job to do, and he won’t let anything stand in his way, not even this illogical attraction.

But Juliana might not be imagining the threat. And when it’s her life that’s on the line, Brogan has to decide to what lengths he’ll go to keep her safe. Because in order to resolve this make-or-break case in his career, Brogan might have to hazard more than his heart. And with some gambles, there’s no going back…

 

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Excerpt

She rose and faced her friend’s floor-length mirror. She imagined a tall, burly figure, and dipped a deep curtsy. “Why yes, I would love to dance.”

A hard blue gaze flashed across her imagination. Those eyes belonged to someone completely inappropriate, but this was her fantasy, so she let them linger in her mind. She closed her own eyes and began to sway to the music. She raised her arms, as though holding her imaginary man, and fell into the rhythm of the dance.

The hem of her skirts whisked across the carpet. She hummed along with the music and wondered what it would feel like to have such strong arms wrapped around her body. The men of her acquaintance were all slender and sensitive.

Perhaps she should expand her acquaintance beyond philosophical societies. The male members were all kind and intelligent, but none of them sent a shiver straight down her spine with merely one glance. Perhaps—

One thick band, hard as iron, wrapped around her waist. One rough hand gripped her own, engulfing it.

Her eyes flew open.

The pair of piercing blue from her imagination met her gaze.

A shiver raced down her spine.

“My lady.” Mr. Brogan Duffy, inquiry agent and the man featured much too prominently in her dreams, inclined his head. “I’ll take this dance.”

 

 Amazon buy link

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About the Author: 

 

Alyson Chase lives in Colorado. A former attorney, she happily ditched those suits and now works in her pajamas writing about men’s briefs instead of legal briefs. When she’s not writing, she’s probably engaged in one of her favorite hobbies: napping, eating, or martial arts. (That last one almost makes up for the first two, right?) She also writes humorous, small-town, contemporary romance novels under the name Allyson Charles, and paranormal romances as A. Caprice.

Website 

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GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The tour dates can be found here

 

  

A little more about me...Author D.V. Stone interviews me

 

 

 

 

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by one of my delightful authors. I’ve worked with D.V. on an exciting romantic suspense, Rock House Grill, that frequently made me hungry while I was editing, lol, and the sweet novella, Rainbow Sprinkles, which I adore because it has older main characters. Please drop by D.V.’s blog and say hello!

Link to D.V.'s Campfire Blog

 

 

D.V. Stone's delightful stories:

 

          

Blurb:

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He's rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

Amazon link

 

Blurb:

Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream.
A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he's lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop.
With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?

Amazon link