Fated Always by Becky Flade (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Fated Always

ADULT title

by

Becky Flade

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

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BLURB:

Friendship. Secrets. Murder.

When her best friend, Sawyer Gavin, roars into town on his motorcycle, Tala Gael thinks life couldn’t get any better. What she couldn’t have anticipated was his appearance heralding a time of change in her quiet, comfortable existence.

With her life turned upside down, Tala resists Sawyer’s advances, clinging to the familiar.

Tragedy changes her mind, but as she takes the leap of faith into Sawyer’s arms, they find themselves suspects in a murder investigation. And Tala learns she’s not the only person in Trappers’ Cove keeping an impossible secret.

Jealousy is when you worry someone will take what you have; envy is coveting what someone else has; and both can lead to murder.

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EXCERPT

 

“How’s the wine?” His lips feathered over hers in a whisper. Twice. On his third pass, Tala’s eyes drifted shut as her body molded itself to his and she deepened the caress. His world spun as she clung to him. I knew it. I’ve always known it. He stepped away, steadying her when she swayed, waited for her eyes to open. “Excellent.”

“What?”

He smiled. “The wine’s excellent.”

Her fingertips rose to her mouth. Her eyes widened, confusion blurred them. He smiled and pulled her into his arms. It was not a passionate embrace. He offered comfort and she held on, squeezing tighter when he placed a gentle kiss at her temple.

“Are you surprised?” he whispered.

“I have a boyfriend.”

“I wasn’t expecting that but it’s an easy enough fix.” He tugged her braid. “Come on, Tee. We’re meant to be.”

“No, we’re not.”

She reared out of his arms, panic skating across her features as though threatened. Her reaction struck him like a fist to the gut. He suspected she hadn’t taken him, taken them, from the box where she thought they belonged. She hadn’t considered them from any other perspective. I thought once she saw, once she felt, once she knew, the rest would click into place. “You know that we are.”

“Stop it! I. Have. A. Boyfriend.” She punctuated each word with a stab of her finger.

“Fine. I’ll wait.” It’ll kill me. “You’re worth it. We’re worth it,” he stressed before grabbing her wrist and tugging her back into his arms. He held her there, though she didn’t struggle. He kissed her again, pouring his impatience into the kiss. He let her go and strode to the door, pulling it open, letting the cool snap of air scented by forest file past him into her house, and paused.

“You want me to stop?”

She nodded.

“Then stop kissing me back.”

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

When I was little I thought everyone had stories in their head. When I found out that wasn’t true and that only special people had stories to tell, I wanted to be one of the people who shared their stories with the world. Here I am, making my own dreams come true, one happily ever after at a time.

I'd love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here

*****************************

My review:

 

 

3.75 stars

 

 

Fated Always by Becky Flade centers around Tala Gael, whose ordered life and plans for the future are upended by the return of her best friend, Sawyer Gavin. When their comfortable relationship shifts, plus a murder investigation threatens all who she cares about, she has to make a decision about how to deal with her most closely guarded secret.

 

 

This adult paranormal romance is part of the ‘Fated’ series and takes place some years after the events in “Fated Souls,” so young Tala is all grown up. The combination of a friends-to-lovers romance, a murder investigation, and the mystical connection that Tala has with those she’s grown up with makes this a story that will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. I was delighted by the cameos by multiple folks from the previous stories and touched by some of the interactions between Tala and her childhood friends.

 

Although there were nice twists and turns with regard to the mystery, things felt a bit disjointed to me, and the antipathy displayed by the investigator was confusing, as were some of the relationships that are exposed. Thankfully, this is a romance, so I knew I’d get a happy ending, but patience was required! Although this can be read as a stand-alone story, reading the previous books will make the connections clearer.

 

 

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

Fated Desires by Becky Flade (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT

FATED DESIRES

ADULT title

by 

Becky Flade

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Jenna Gavin is searching for a fresh start, but more importantly, balance. Her heart, and perhaps the hands of fate, has led her and her young son to Trappers' Cove, Minnesota. Settling in the small, quirky town, she's not in the market for a casual relationship yet finds herself in one with the young widower next door.

Former shortstop, Gabriel Foxx, is drawn to his difficult new neighbor. The more the prickly divorcee attempts to keep him at arm's length, the more determined he is to break down her walls. He can't avoid the passion she inspires but he won't allow himself to feel more.

When friendship grows complicated by stronger emotions and mutual desire, it just isn't enough. Will love be worth the risk?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

“You may or may not have been avoiding me, but you have been thinking about me. Nice consolation prize.”

“How did you draw that conclusion?”

“Call it a hunch.”

“More like arrogance.”

“Tomayto, tomahto.” He stared at her mouth and saliva pooled under her tongue. “I’ve been thinking about you too.”

“I never said I was.” 

“Of course you were. You’ve been thinking about my age, right? Telling yourself I’m too young for you? That means you’ve been thinking about doing things with me where age might make a difference—not drinking coffee or talking about books, for example.” He leaned in, crowding her again. “I’m not too young.”

“What you are is delusional. And conceited.”

“I preferred arrogant. Sounded more noble.”

“Did you come in here to purchase something or to annoy me?”

“Both. But I changed my mind about the book.” He braced his hands on the edge of the desk, trapping her. His mouth was inches from hers and lowered his voice a whisper, “I can’t stop thinking about your lips.”

She heard Henley and Tala’s approaching laughter. They hadn’t seen her and Gabriel yet. He growled low in his throat, so low she thought perhaps she’d imagined it.

“Interrupted again.”

The book will be on sale for only $0.99.

(please check price before buying)

Amazon link

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, three beautiful daughters, my son-in-law and two grandsons. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.

I’d love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com

CONTACT INFO

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon author page

Pinterest

***********************

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here

***********************

My review:

4.25 stars

Fated Desires by Becky Flade centers around divorcee Jenna Gavin, who has moved to Trappers’ Cove with her younger son, Finn. Her unexpected connection to former pro-baseball player Gabriel Foxx is complicated by his past and her son’s ongoing hostility toward her. The new location may not accomplish everything she’s hoped for, but may teach everyone the importance of being open to second chances.

This contemporary romance with fantasy elements is a lovely blend of tropes that come together for a satisfying, easy-to-read story. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone story without any problem. I was immediately invested in the heroine’s struggle to make a new life away from her jerk of an ex-husband and sympathetic toward her young son as he struggled to cope with the upheavals in his life. I wasn’t too thrilled with some of the things she let him get away with, but that’s just my personal bias. I definitely identified with Jenna’s ability to let her mouth run away with her, causing friction or hurt feelings due to lashing out defensively. Gabriel is a sweet and sexy foil for the fiery Jenna, and one can’t help but ache for his pain and want to comfort him. There are very tender and emotional scenes that made me reach for a tissue more than once.

There were a few issues that bothered me even though I was compelled to keep reading as fast as I could. The time passage was erratic, and I was disconcerted a few times to discover that days or weeks had elapsed when a new chapter started. I thought both the ex-husband and Gabriel’s Cassidy were a bit inconsistent in behavior, as was Jenna’s older son, although I know some conflict is necessary for the story. I also got a little confused about who Despite this, I liked the story and was delighted by the cameos by the stars of the previous two stories in the series and was tickled by the appellations of “Sass and Class” for the previous heroines. There are beautiful passages and poignant scenes that made this an enjoyable read and I thought this was a great addition to the series.

A copy of this title was provided for review

Fated Hearts by Becky Flade (VNBtM, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

FATED HEARTS

by 
Becky Flade

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Psychiatrist Henley Elliott fled her quiet life in Cleveland for a gypsy lifestyle, trying to stay one step ahead of her painful memories. When she breaks down in quirky little Trappers' Cove, Minnesota, she meets Sheriff Carter McAlister - a man healing from his own share of hidden heartbreaks.

At the request of a friend, Carter offers Henley a job to help her get back on her feet . . . but soon he can't resist trying to sweep the intriguing woman off them. Breaking through her carefully built shell proves to be a near-impossible task, and to make matters worse, a dangerous new presence in the Cove seems to be targeting Henley. They must learn to trust in each other in order to keep her safe.

Can Henley and Carter leave their secrets and scars in the past to get a second chance at happily ever after?

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EXCERPT

Dublin bolted from the parked car. The dog was familiar with the cabin, having called it home not too long ago, and loosed a happy yip as he bounded into the bushes. Carter didn’t know if she had heard the car, the dog, or both, but Henley Elliott stepped out onto the porch before he had moved more than three feet from the Jeep’s door.

“Good morning.”

“You’re the guy from yesterday.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled but didn’t approach.

“You’re the sheriff?”

“Yes. I am. And you’re Henley Elliott.”

She inclined her head but didn’t relax her stance. She should be cautious. Of course, he wasn’t going to test her aim with the Louisville Slugger she held at her side.

“My dog is around here somewhere watering the flora, possibly chasing fauna. His name is Dublin. He’s a German Shepherd, and he’s friendly. We lived here for a while ourselves. I’m letting you know in case he comes bouncing out of a bush and attempts to lick you. I don’t want you to startle and hit him with that baseball bat.”

She watched him a moment longer and then propped the bat against the wall of the cabin. “Let me guess: my landlord asked you to come by, check me out?”

“Close, but not quite. Her husband did.”

Amazon link

NOTE:

The first book in the series, Fated Souls is on sale for $.99
Please check price before purchase.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, three beautiful daughters, my son-in-law and two grandsons. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.

I’d love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com

CONTACT INFO

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon author page

Pinterest

*******************

GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here


 

********************


My review:



Previously reviewed:



4.5 out of 5 stars

Fated Hearts by Becky Flade follows Henley Elliott, who has fled to a small town in Minnesota, hoping to find a temporary sanctuary while she regains her equilibrium professionally and deals with her sensation of being hunted. Welcomed by a woman who seems to be a force of nature, Henley tentatively lets her guard down and starts establishing relationships, only to discover that she hasn’t left danger behind, and her odd psychic ability may not be enough to keep her or her new friends alive.


This romantic suspense tale is a delicious story that has suspense, romance, and a hint of the paranormal in a terrific combination. The introduction to the characters and the small town atmosphere is nicely contrasted with the danger that gradually escalates, and one can’t help being fascinated by the cast of characters, including the precocious little Tala. I was captured by the opening scene as the heroine is portrayed as a personable stranger who is looking for a safe haven, and with every new person she meets, I grew to like the town and its inhabitants more and more. I think the quirky characters and elements of humor caught my attention until the suspense took over and kept me from putting the story down. This author has been added to my list of folks to keep an eye out for!


A copy of this title was provided to me for review 

Fated Souls by Becky Flade (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

FATED SOULS

by
 Becky Flade

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Romantic Suspense


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


BLURB:


Shamed investigative journalist turned tabloid scribe Maggie O’Connell convinces her editor to let her go to Minnesota to research alleged werewolf sightings. Her first night in the woods, she gets trapped in an old sleeping bag, unintentionally attracts the attention of a bear, and is saved by the most unlikely of heroes: the very wolf she had come to investigate!


When she meets horse rancher Aidan Gael in the town market days later, she recognizes his eyes as those belonging to her champion.

Aidan tries desperately to avoid her; he both fears Maggie and fears for her. Neither man nor beast can resist her curious mind and courageous heart. One kiss threatens to break Aidan’s tenuous self-control but furthers Maggie’s resolve.

Danger lurks at every turn. The curse Aidan fights to keep secret is only one of the obstacles that will test the strength of their bond. Together they will navigate the violence of both nature and of man in pursuit of their destiny.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

Her scent and the sound of her voice filled the wolf’s mind, and memories of the morning they’d shared flooded Aidan’s. The wolf shared the memory of the lovemaking. He remembered how he’d lain with her after, the sensation of her petite, curvy body sleeping alongside his. The wolf’s need, his desire to protect his mate, was overwhelming. Aidan felt his control slipping, knew the wolf would fly to the cabin to be near her. He felt ashamed and weak for wanting it, too. She’d trusted him, with her history, with her body. He felt her heart beat under his lips. She took him and then surrendered to him. She was his.

The wolf flew through the woods as both man and beast thought as one, “She is mine.” When he could see the moon shining down on the tiny cabin, he slowed. The lights were all off. The cabin was still. He ambled down the hill and across the stream onto Black land, carefully approaching the cabin. He popped up on his hind legs to gaze into the window where he saw her bags half packed. Both man and wolf bled. She was leaving.

He drifted towards his own lands, slowly, and when he stood in the little clearing where he had first seen her, the wolf loosed a mournful howl.

The book is on sale for only $.99 (please check price before purchasing)
Amazon link

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, three beautiful daughters, my son-in-law and two grandsons. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.

I’d love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com

CONTACT INFO

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon author page

Pinterest

****************************

GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway



The tour dates can be found here



****************

 

My review:


4.25 stars

Fated Souls by Becky Flade follows Maggie O’Connell as she investigates rumors of a werewolf in Minnesota. An unexpected rescuer starts her on a path that will change her life forever, but the male she wants to give her heart to isn't ready to risk accepting it.

This adult paranormal romance is part of the ‘Fated’ series and provides a wonderful introduction to the world of shifters and the challenges they face. I love that Maggie is a strong and determined personality, although I wince at her gullibility and the learning curve that has brought her to this point. Aidan is a delicious character no matter what form he’s in, but the evolution of their relationship is a little frustrating at times, with them being on such different wavelengths. For me, the final major conflict seems a bit forced, and comes out of the blue, but I enjoyed the overall story and look forward to reading other books in the series.

A copy was provided for review

Things to do while you're practicing social distancing...

Don't forget there are plenty of contests around...including the Spring Fling Giveaway at Night Owl Romance. There are other contests there as well.


There are multiple sites that are offering activities to help keep the kids (and adults) occupied while at home.

World Wildlife Fund has a Lesson Library with lots of great information.


I get outside several times a day to play with my garden and compost.
There was a nice article from the LA Times about what to plant in SoCal right now.
Garden Tutor has a free online course for the beginner gardener.


AFAR shared virtual museum tours, podcasts, and free concerts available. I didn't know about Google Arts & Culture, but wow, how fun to do a virtual tour of Yellowstone or to look around Rapa Nui and see those amazing statues of Easter Island.



I have multiple review books on deck...















I have also started this m/m series, thanks to the city library's e-book collection. It's a fascinating twist on shifters, with a human-shifter enforcement team that somehow seems to be pairing up despite the rules against fraternization. The author loves to end the books as cliffhangers, so I am grateful that the sequels are available (at least until I catch up to the 10th one, lol).