THE COLLECTION A READER'S OPINION The Salt Hendon Collection by Lucinda Brant consists of two novels and a novella. This was a nice introduction for me into this author's work since I hadn't read her books before. I also don't believe I've read Georgian romance before so it was a nice change. There are all kinds of wonderful characters; some are fascinating and likeable while others are intriguing and evil. I thought the well-blended variety made for very interesting stories. The author has a nice writing style A lot happens in this collection--too much for one review without giving away important plot points. I enjoyed both novels, but Salt Bride pulled me into the story and held me more than Salt Redux , though both were enjoyable. I liked spending more time with the characters I came to like in the first book, and I would definitely recommend starting with book one. Salt Angel is a little gem of a novella and a nice addition to the collection. There's a lot going on, so pay attention and you'll enjoy the romance and adventure. This collection by a gifted writer is sure to delight fans of historical romance. Star Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Salt Bride - 4 1/2 stars | Salt Redux - 4 stars | Salt Angel - 4 stars BOOK SYNOPSIS This special edition boxed set brings together two of Lucinda Brant's best-loved books, Salt Bride and its sequel Salt Redux , and includes a bonus novella. The Earl of Salt Hendon and Jane Despard marry for reasons that are hardly romantic. But will they find love as a revenge plot threatens to tear them apart? Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #GeorgianRomance

When the storm of the century hits on Christmas Eve, snow isn’t the only thing that’s in the air. Close to Perfect A Montana Men Novella by Jennifer Ryan At sixteen, Abigail had every reason to walk away from Dex and only one reason to save him from being arrested. But when she decided to put love first, her parents couldn’t understand and sent her away from them, and Dex. Ten years later, Dex finally gets the chance to thank her for the sacrifice she made for him, but instead, he gets the surprise of his life. Now he has to put everything on the line to save her and prove his love. No storm will keep him from Abby--or their daughter--now that has them again. Snowed in at Copper Ridge A Copper Ridge Novella by Maisey Yates Mia Landry has always had it bad for Devlin Grayson. The brooding cowboy has frequently featured in her most heated fantasies. The problem? He’s too old for her, way more experienced and…also happens to be her best friend’s older brother. But when she decides to join the Grayons for a family Christmas at Copper Ridge Lodge, Mia and Devlin find themselves snowed in. Devlin has always wanted Mia, but a rough guy like him would never be right for a woman like her. But, when they find themselves alone and isolated during the storm Mia tells him what she really wants for Christmas is to lose her virginity…with him. Devlin can’t resist Mia’s request. Will one night of passion melt away after the storm? Or will a little Christmas magic lead them to love? Hot Winter s Night A Brightwater Novella by Lia Riley When the "Blizzard of the Century" strikes while Marigold Flint works late in her flower shop, this Type-A workaholic has more to worry about than finishing up her backlog of seasonal centerpiece orders. The power is out and she has no heat, no food, and no one to keep her warm beneath the two-dozen mistletoe hanging around the shop. Great. Then Brightwater's most eligible bachelor, Deputy Sheriff, Kit Kane, shows up to the rescue-her first love (aka the jerk who broke her heart when he secretly enlisted in the Marines, shipping off without a word of explanation). When they find themselves stranded at the Kane's Hidden Rock ranch, they discover the other Kane men have started a bet on the town newspaper blog over how long the sworn enemies can last in close quarters without killing each other, and decide two can play at that game. They place a bet as a false identity, determined to fake a relationship through the holidays, then split the jackpot. But all bets are off as they realize what they really want for Christmas is a second chance. Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo Print Length: 384 Pgs. | Heat Level: 3 | Publisher: Avon Impulse | Release Date: Nov. 15, 2016 ENJOY AN EXCERPT From Jennifer Ryan's Close to Perfect Ten years ago… Then he met someone...different. Interesting. Nice. Abigail Swain was barely sixteen and in the senior class. She was that smart. Really smart. Paired together for a science class project, he’d gotten to know her and wondered why he’d never really noticed her. Small town, small school, still, she kept under the radar. Her parents believed school was more important than friends. Instead of spending her free time playing sports or hanging out at the diner downtown with other girls, she spent every spare minute at church or studying. Abigail might come off weird and brainy, but really she was shy...quiet. And genuinely nice. A perfect target for Laurie, who made it known she didn’t like him spending time with Abigail, even for a class project. Five days into working with Abigail something inside him shifted while she explained the intricacies of photosynthesis right off the top of her head. The way her eyes lit up. She planted her chin in her palm and looked right at him. Open and filled with kindness, she did something to his insides. He moved without thinking about it, leaned across the coffee table in his living room, and tentatively pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. He didn’t know why he had to do it until their lips touched and the wonder and softening in her eyes undid him. To his surprise, she kissed him back, and if he hadn’t been sitting on the floor already, he’d have hit his knees. That kiss changed everything and put a lot of things into perspective. Like he’d rather be with someone he liked and enjoyed spending time with. He and Laurie had more fights than good times and it wore thin. Quick. Despite Laurie’s many protests, he ended things with her with a promise that he wouldn’t back out of taking her to the dance so she wouldn’t be humiliated and have to go alone. From that moment on, he secretly spent more and more time with Abigail, though they kept their relationship hidden. Something about the way her overprotective father hovered nearby when they worked on their project at her house warned him that she’d get into deep trouble if her parents knew about them. Abby never said so, but he got the sense she feared her own dad. As the mayor of their town, he had a reputation for advocating strict morals. A lot of people outside their church congregation found him judgmental. Including Dex. He might not be valedictorian material, but he made better than good grades, was the best pitcher and hitter Crystal Creek High ever had, and he planned to take his team to the championships this spring. He had baseball and college to look forward to over the next couple of years and still Mayor Swain looked at him like he was nothing but a thing. His dad sat beside him, ready to do battle, and nudged him with an elbow in his side. “Laurie’s here. She probably told her father the two of you were at the dance all night, and you couldn’t have stolen that car.” The hope in his father’s voice destroyed Dex. I am so screwed. Laurie walked right past him, smiling that sweet smile he and the other guys she’d caught in her web knew hid her devious side. She was out for blood. Since her dad was the sheriff, he had a feeling she was going to get it. Every last drop she thought she deserved because he’d had the audacity to dump her and ruined her plan to get back together at the dance. The sheriff waved them into his office. “Let’s go, Dex. You’ve got some explaining to do.” Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo TOUR GIVEAWAY Enter below to win a print edition of Snowbound at Christmas MEET THE AUTHORS JENNIFER RYAN is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series . She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find. Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Visit her at www.jennifer-ryan.com . New York Times and USA Today bestselling author MAISEY YATES lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world. Visit her at www.maiseyyates.com . After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, LIA RILEY scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling fourex with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments. Visit her at www.liariley.com. This feature is part of a virtual book tour coordinated by Tasty Book Tours . See the full tour schedule . #GuestAuthor #ChristmasBook #BlogTour #ExcerptPost

Today we have the great pleasure of welcome co-authors E.B. Wheeler and Jeffery Bateman to Books & Benches. Wheeler is an award-winning author of multiple novels, short stories, and magazine articles, and Bateman is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. His work as a historian has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Utah Historical Quarterly, Airpower History, and the U.S. Army War College Press. “This is my chance to show that I deserve to be a citizen of this country too. If I come back in a casket draped in the stars and stripes, they can’t say anymore that I’m not American.” —From No Peace with the Dawn In 1917, the Great War seems far from Logan, Utah. But soon it will change the lives of suffragette and mechanic Clara, Swiss-German immigrant and LDS convert Trudi, Marine Corps volunteer Reed, and Shoshone seeking U.S. citizenship Joseph. This novel weaves real events with compelling fictional characters into a sweeping tale of war, romance, self-discovery, and sacrifice. From No Peace with the Dawn : I know the style of the day is to be oblique and coy in letters, but I feel like I must tell you what is in my heart. If nothing else, our experiences in France must surely teach us that life is fleeting and that we must live it fully while we can. To that end, I tell you now and forever that I am in love with you. AMAZON | B&N | BOOKS & THINGS Q&A WITH THE AUTHORS Please tell us a little about your newest release, No Peace with the Dawn . NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN follows the lives of a group of friends as the U.S. enters the Great War. Daredevil Reed volunteers as a Marine and serves in some of the most grueling fighting on the Western Front, including the crucible of Belleau Wood. Joseph, a Shoshone, hopes to become a U.S. citizen by responding to the call when he's drafted illegally. Clara, determined to do her bit, volunteers to serve as a YMCA worker and then ambulance driver in France. Trudi, a Swiss-German immigrant who came to the U.S. to escape religious persecution, endures harassment on the home front as anti-German sentiment reaches a frenzy. World War I is often overlooked, resting as it does in the shadows of World War II, but as the centennial of the U.S. entering the Great War approaches in 2017, NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN reminds us of the courage, sacrifices, and changing world of the “lost generation,” and helps us understand how the horrors of WWI shattered the innocence of a generation and set the stage for WWII. Though the main characters are fictional, their experiences are based on those of real people, and historical figures make an appearance in the book as well, including one of the great Marine heroes of WWI and the original Native American Code Talkers. What is your favorite scene in NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN? Jeff: My favorite scene is Reed standing in front of his Marines waiting to attack the Germans at Belleau Wood. It is his great test, under the most trying circumstances imaginable. He is afraid of failing more than he is of dying. He knows the men behind him will follow his example, but he doesn't know if he can even move forward toward the deadly German Maxim machine guns, much less lead his men. Emily: Mine is a scene where Clara has to decide if she'll risk her own life for a chance to save a gassed soldier. Like Reed's scene above, it's a moment of truth for her, one where she realizes what matters to her and finds some peace from her inner demons. Do you share any personality traits with the main characters? Emily: Clara is much more daring than I am, but I think I share her intense frustration with injustice and desire to make things right. Jeff: Not that many. Reed, at least in the early part of book, is cocky and a bit reckless, neither of which are a part of my personality. He is also pretty smooth with the ladies, another chromosome I lack. But one thing I like about Reed is his ability to grow as he assumes this great responsibility of leading men into combat. He learns humility and to put the well-being of others before his own. I like to think these are lessons I learned during my own military career, though Reed had to learn these lessons much faster than I did. What type of hero do you like best? Jeff: Humble ones. People like Captain George Hamilton, the Marine hero of the Great War. He fought in all eight Marine battles in WWI, earning two Navy Crosses and a host of other medals and awards. He led from the front and he never quit. We put him in the book as Reed's commanding officer, both to highlight his heroism and to provide an ideal Reed could aspire to become. Emily: I've always liked every day heroes—the ones who are just living their lives as well as they're able to, but when they see a problem or an opportunity, they step up to do their part. World War I was full of those kind of heroes. What was the hardest thing about writing NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN? Emily: For me, it was related to the research. I was fascinated by all the stories I came across, and it was hard, sometimes, to have to decide to leave things out because they didn't fit with the rest of the book. It was also frustrating at times to be looking for details that just weren't recorded. World War I was only a hundred years ago, but there are still things that we've lost. Jeff: That's a good question. It was a fantastic experience writing with E.B. Wheeler. I don't think co-authoring is for everyone, but it sure worked well for us. Without divulging plot spoilers, there is a scene in the book I wrote, a letter, where I cried like a baby when I wrote it and every time I read it for weeks after. It was such a strange experience because the story I'm telling is totally fictitious, but I guess I found myself pretty deeply invested in the characters and in the unfolding events. Is that a moment of Zen? I like to think it was. AN EXCERPT FROM No Peace with the Dawn “Why won’t you go out with me?” “Because I don’t like you.” “Don’t like me?” Reed wrinkled his forehead in confusion, then his eyes brightened with amused determination. “Well, I can fix that.” Clara almost slapped the confidence off his face. So much for women’s inherent goodness and moral sensibilities. “Not likely, Mr. Lewis. I think you like yourself well enough for both for us.” “Come, now. You wouldn’t make me celebrate alone, would you?” “I’m sure you have a flock of admirers who would love to join you for ice cream.” He laughed. “Maybe. But I don’t want a flock of admirers.” He leaned closer, so that the spicy scent of his cologne wrapped around her. “Just one.” He winked again, and Clara glowered. “I would say I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Lewis, but then I would be lying.” “I like a challenge, Miss Jensen. And I always win.” “So do I,” Clara said. “Almost,” Reed amended, and before Clara really could smack him, he added, “Are you waiting for your brother to start your car? I can do that for you.” Clara pushed past him, grabbed the crank, and gave a vicious upward jerk, kicking the engine to life. She climbed in, slammed the door, and scooted behind the wheel. Reed folded his arms and grinned and she drove away. She almost thought the look he gave her was admiration, but that made no sense. She wouldn’t waste time worrying about it. She wouldn’t give Reed Lewis the satisfaction. MEET THE AUTHORS E.B. Wheeler attended BYU, majoring in history with an English minor, and earned graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She's the award-winning author of The Haunting of Springett Hall , Born to Treason , and No Peace with the Dawn, as well as several short stories, magazine articles, and scripts for educational software programs. She was named the 2016 Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers. In addition to writing, she consults about historic preservation and teaches history at USU. She lives in northern Utah with her family. Jeff Bateman served in the U.S. Air Force for 32 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2010. He holds a BA and MS in Criminal Justice, an MA in History and an MS in Strategic Studies. Following his military career, Jeff worked as a civilian historian at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Flight Test Center. He teaches American Military History and U.S. Institutions at Utah State University and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. He has taught workshops on military writing. Jeff lives on a mini-farm in the mountains of Northern Utah, where horses, gardening, and playing the bass fill every minute he is not writing or teaching. This guest author posting is part of a blog tour coordinated by the publisher, Cedar Fort, Inc. BOOK INFO Print Length: 304 pages Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. Publication Date: November 8, 2016 #BlogTour #AuthorInterview #ExcerptPost #HistoricalFiction #WorldWarINovel

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Heartbreaker Bay with a fun and festive holiday novella! It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to the family she hasn’t seen in years. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, and his big, goofy, lovable dog Carl. Hours stuck in a truck with the dead sexy Max sounds like a fate worse than death (not), but Rory’s out of options. She’s had a crush on Max since high school and she knows he’s attracted to her, too. But they have history… and Max is the only one who knows why it went south. They’ve done a good job of ignoring their chemistry so far, but a long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past… and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last. Series: Heartbreaker Bay | 160 Pgs. | Heat Level: 3 | Avon Impulse | Nov. 8, 2016 Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo ENJOY AN EXCERPT FROM One Snowy Night Share: Tweet | Post to Facebook Christmas Eve had the nerve to show up just like it did every year: way too quickly and with ridiculous fanfare. The nerve. Rory Andrews stood in the courtyard of the Pacific Pier Building in San Francisco, surrounded by sparkly holiday lights and enough garlands to give the place its own ozone, and told herself things could be worse. She just wasn’t sure how. It was the unknown, she decided. Because this year, unlike the past six, she’d be spending Christmas with her family, a thought that caused a swarm of butterflies to take flight in her belly. Not an uncommon feeling since she’d turned twenty-three a few months back and decided it was time to become a person she could be proud of if it killed her. And given the guy leaning against one of the lamp poles clearly waiting for her, arms crossed, frown in place, it just might. Max Stranton. At his side sat Carl, his huge, eternally hungry, adorable Doberman. “No,” she said, not to Carl but to Carl’s owner. Who was not lovable. “No way.” As always when their gazes locked, Max’s was a disconcerting mix of heat and . . . something else that she couldn’t quite figure out, as he was good at hiding when he wanted to be. She never quite knew how to take the heat because it seemed reluctant. He was attracted to her but didn’t want to be. Ditto. He made her knees wobble. And also a couple of other inner reactions that shouldn’t be happening in public. “Merry Christmas to you too, Rory,” he said, and damn. It wasn’t just his eyes. His voice was rough and sexy, and for that matter, so was the rest of him. He worked for an investigations and security firm in the building. Basically he and the rest of his team were fixers and finders for hire. To say that Max was good at his job was an understatement. He stood there looking like sex on a stick with a duffle bag slung over a broad shoulder, his dark hair two weeks past needing a cut, and the icy wind of an incoming storm plastering his clothes to a body that could be registered as a lethal weapon. “What are you doing here?” she asked calmly even if her heart was anything but, pounding all the way up to her throat and ears because she knew. She knew exactly why he was here. “I don’t need a ride home.” A flash of wry humor slid in with all that sizzling heat. “Because you’d rather take two buses and a train than get into my truck with me?” he asked. Well yes, actually. GIVEAWAY Enter below for a chance to win a print set of the first two Heartbreaker Bay Novels, SWEET LITTLE LIES and THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE. Share: Tweet | Post to Facebook MEET THE AUTHOR New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's latest, SWEET LITTLE LIES on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold. Visit Jill's website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. You may also connect with her on: Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads This feature is part of a virtual book tour coordinated by Tasty Book Tours . See the full tour schedule . #GuestAuthor #ChristmasBook #ContemporaryRomance #ExcerptPost

THE BOOK A READER'S OPINION Western romance with a dash of suspense! Dana Wayne is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed her contemporary romance Secrets of the Heart , which is her first book. What a beautiful surprise! I could not put it down! It's well written, romantic, and suspenseful with several charming characters, especially Tori, Wade, and Cody! You'll fall in love with them. I'm so happy to have discovered this new author and look forward for her next story! Secrets of the Heart tells the story of Tori, a young widow, who is bruised emotionally by the loss of her family. Feeling she needs to move on with her life, she accepts a job on a Montana ranch where Wade, a widower, needs help taking care of his own family. However, when Tori and Wade meet, sparks flare all over and their emotions are on a roll of ups-and-downs! Is there love in the Montana air? Will destiny reunite those two beautiful souls for a second chance? Can they be a perfect match? As they spend time together, their new friendship will bloom into a tender relationship. They do share a hot chemistry! When danger lurks around Tori and Wade's family, Wade will be there to protect them. What will happen next? This story is filled with suspense, twists and turns, mystery and romance with a spicy touch! Secrets of the Heart is really a page turner! Star Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIE W OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Emotionally scarred by personal tragedy, Tori Morgan needs to get away from Houston and figure out what to do with her life. Seeking refuge and time to think, she accepts a position at a remote ranch in Montana. Firmly convinced love happens once in a lifetime, she resigns herself to being alone. Her new boss is the first complication in her plan. Mesmerized by his voice on the phone, she anticipates their first meeting with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Wade needed a nurse for his mother but got more than he bargained for in Tori. She was a breath of fresh air in world full of crap. Pretending to be in love with her seemed like a good idea at the time. The plan started out easy enough, even as they try to ignore the instant, heady desire percolating between them, unaware of danger watching from the shadows. The test kiss changed everything. Once was not enough for Wade. Every inch of him craved more. But it isn’t real, it’s pretend. Right? Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomance

THE BOOK One soul bound mate...one quest to find her. Year 1210, Scottish Highlands. Kidnapped as a wee lass by a fierce Highland chief, Kyla MacKenzie has been raised for the past twenty years as the chief’s foster daughter, the ruthless chief a man who threatened to kill her parents should she ever speak the truth about her abduction. The chief covets her fae blood and when she’s asked to tend to a captured enemy warrior and discovers they hold a soul bond, all her secrets could be exposed and her parents’ lives endangered. Warrior Ronan Matheson discovers his chosen one is the foster daughter of his clan’s greatest enemy, a lass he’s been searching for his entire life, although when his fellow warriors come to his rescue and he escapes from within the enemy’s walls, he must then turn around and find a way to get back in, and all without his actual identity being discovered. It’s time to bind his chosen one to him, and for her to learn all about her true clan. Theirs is a battle of lost love, of passion flaring hot and strong, and of a journey to bridge the gap between two warring clans. A READER'S OPINION Highlander’s Bride offers an interesting twist on Fae mythology. Filled with rich descriptions and a thorough history, you feel the wind and smell the sea, as though you are walking through the Highlands yourself. The writing is excellent and the story flows easily (after the prologue). My only complaints about this book are limited to two. The book began with a bit of a slow start. The extensive list of character’s left me a bit lost at times and the Prologue slowed down the flow of the story. However, once you jump into Chapter One, the story finds its rhythm. I was able to connect and sympathize with the two leads, Kyla and Ronan. There was no shortage of romance or action, and the drama of “What will happen next?” kept me turning the pages. If you are looking for an original spin on the Fae and Celts, this book is for you. I will mention that coming into this book, as a ‘new to the series’ reader, I found myself a little lost and a bit troubled to keep up. There is a large list of characters that clearly come from the author’s previous series, Clan Matheson. I do believe that it would be beneficial to read her previous series before jumping into this one. If I didn’t feel a bit lost from the start, I would have been better able to connect with the characters, and this would have been a five-star book! This story has time-travel, romance, passion, magic, and danger. I’d definitely recommend! Reviewer's Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Veronica Moss BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM #AReadersOpinion

THE BOOK Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts, Book 2 A READER'S OPINION Can a legendary warrior and strong-willed young woman find the love they deserve? Julie Johnstone has a talent for blending passion, terror and hope into one story. Lachlan MacLeod is an honorable and fierce warrior who is brought to his knees in love with Bridgette but there are forces keeping them apart. Bridgette is young and independent and her bravado gets her into trouble. She wants to be treated equal to a man but Lachlan is the only one who seems to believe she is capable. Family honor and obligations "force" Lachlan and Bridgette to make decisions they may regret. This is book two but I did not feel like I came in the middle of a story, which I appreciated. I did feel like many of the decisions the characters had to face could have been avoided. The author touches on a delicate and difficult subject that is not often found or liked in a romance novel but I thought she did well with it. My only complaint about the incident is the timing, which took away from the happily-ever-after feeling I wanted so much. I will say that in the end, Lachlan remained my favorite character in this story. Star Rating: 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Desire tempted them. Honor forbade them. Love ensnared them. Legendary warrior Lachlan MacLeod has never encountered anything or anyone he could not conquer. But when his younger brother confesses his love for Bridgette MacLean—the only woman Lachlan has ever wanted—Lachlan turns away from the beautiful Scottish lass, vowing to be no more than her friend. Yet his need for Bridgette enslaves him and may well prove to be the one thing he cannot defeat. Fiercely independent Bridgette longs to be treated as an equal to the men. She always imagined great battles in her future, not great love. Then Lachlan saw her as no one ever had and captured her heart, awakening new cravings inside her without realizing it. But when Lachlan’s younger brother suffers a grave injury while saving her life, she feels unable to deny his plea for her heart. However, it is impossible to give what belongs to another… Torn between their own desire and their loyalties, Bridgette and Lachlan must find the courage to grasp the passion awaiting them and face the pain their choice will cause. Yet even as they confront their future and love finally seems within their grasp, a fight for the Scottish throne divides the Highland clans and Bridgette becomes a pawn in a political game that threatens to tear her and Lachlan apart forever. Print Length: 285 pages Publication Date: October 10, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #MedievalRomance

Please welcome author Leslie Budewitz who joins us as part of our Montana Author Month. Montana fiction written by authors who have lived in or spent a significant amount of time in the state. Leslie answers the question . . . What do you like best about living in Montana? I have the great good fortune of having been born and raised in Montana, and to have the ability to live and work here. I spent my college and young adult years in Seattle, a place I love writing about, and Mr. Right and I love to travel, both in the U.S. and abroad. But no matter how stunning the scenery, how tasty the food, or how amazing the art and architecture is in other parts of the world, I simply breathe better under the Big Sky! The pastel watercolor is of Clearwater Valley by Leslie Budewitz and the image on the right is of the author and her husband on White River Pass in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Visit the author at http://www.lesliebudewitz.com. The Food Lovers' Mystery Series by Agatha Award-Winning Author Leslie Budewitz Death al Dente (Book 1) The town of Jewel Bay, Montana-known as the Food Lovers’ Village-is obsessed with homegrown an d homemade Montana fare. So when Erin Murphy takes over her family’s century-old general store, she turns it into a boutique market filled with local delicacies. But Erin’s freshly booming business might turn rotten when a former employee turns up dead. Murphy’s Mercantile, known as the Merc, has been a staple in Jewel Bay for over a hundred years. To celebrate their recent makeover as a gourmet food market, Erin has organized a town festival, a Festa di Pasta, featuring the culinary goods of Jewel Bay’s finest-including her mother Fresca’s delicious Italian specialties. But Erin’s sweet success is soured when the shop’s former manager, Claudette, is found dead behind the Merc on the Festa’s opening night. With rival chef James Angelo stirring up trouble and rumors swirling that Fresca’s sauce recipes were stolen from Claudette, Erin’s mother is under close scrutiny. Now Erin will have to hunt down some new suspects, or both her family and her store might wind up in hot water. Learn more about Death al Dente and where to buy at: http://www.lesliebudewitz.com/death-al-dente Crime Rib (Book 2) Gourmet food market owner Erin Murphy is determined to get Jewel Bay, Montana’s scrumptious local fare some national attention. But her scheme for culinary celebrity goes up in flames when the town’s big break is interrupted by murder. Food Preneurs, one of the hottest cooking shows on TV, has decided to feature Jewel Bay in an upcoming episode, and everyone in town is preparing for their close-ups, including the crew at the Glacier Mercantile, aka the Merc. Not only is Erin busy remodeling her courtyard into a relaxing dining area, she’s organizing a steak-cooking competition between three of Jewel Bay’s hottest chefs to be featured on the program. But Erin’s plans get scorched when one of the contending cooks is found dead. With all the drama going on behind the scenes, it’s hard to figure out who didn’t have a motive to off the saucy contestant. Now, to keep the town’s rep from crashing and burning on national television, Erin will have to grill some suspects to smoke out the killer. Learn more about Crime Rib and where to buy at: http://www.lesliebudewitz.com/crime-rib Butter Off Dead (Book 3) As the national bestselling Food Lovers’ Village mysteries continue, the merchants of Jewel Bay, Montana try to heat up chilly winter business with a new film festival. But their plans are sent reeling when a dangerous killer dims the lights on a local mover and shaker . . . In an attempt to woo tourists to Jewel Bay and cheer up the townies, Erin Murphy, manager of the specialty local foods market known as the Merc, is organizing the First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival, popping with classic foodie flicks and local twists on favorite movie treats. But when her partner in planning, painter Christine Vandeberg, is found dead only days before the curtain rises, Erin suspects someone is attempting to stop the films from rolling. To make matters worse, Nick—Erin’s brother and Christine’s beau—has top billing on the suspect list. Convinced her brother is innocent and determined that the show must go on, Erin must find who’s really to blame before Nick gets arrested or the festival gets shut down. And as the anniversary of Erin’s father’s death in a still-unsolved hit-and-run approaches, her own beau isn’t so keen on her leading role. But the closer Erin gets to shining a spotlight on the killer, the more likely it becomes that she’ll be the next person cut from the program . . . Learn more about Crime Rib and where to buy at: http://www.lesliebudewitz.com/butter-off-dead #MontanaAuthor #SeriesSpotlight #GuestAuthor

THE BOOK Second Chance Romance A READER'S OPINION If you are a horse lover and like romance, then Bev Pettersen's book, Millionaire's Shot , will be perfect for you! This author never disappoints me! Most of her stories include horses and the people who love them. This time we are introduced to the sport of polo. A world where the heroine, Cassie, used to excel, and where her ex boyfriend, Alex and his family own control this industry. When Cassie's grandfather suffers a heart attack, she returns to his family's small horse farm to help him, but this means seeing again—the man she once loved very much. Now, she doesn't want to get her heart broken again. However, meeting Alex again and his daughter Grace, will bring back lots of emotions! Their worlds collide and send sparks again! But Alex is not hers! Will destiny intervene and give them a second chance? Meeting Grace will create a new friendship between the girls. Grace is so sweet and charming. I loved her characters, and their story is filled with emotions! I found this sweet story so refreshing and well written! Reviewer's Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS She vowed never to return. He swore he’d never ask her. Cassie Edwards fled her family’s small horse farm when the man she loved married another woman. But now her ailing grandfather needs her help and she’s not going to stay away another minute. It doesn’t matter that the all-powerful Sutherland family controls the local polo industry where she once worked, or that they can make life very difficult for an old girlfriend. Besides, after all this time, Alex Sutherland is just a friend. Maybe. Wealthy Alex Sutherland has given up all his passions. Except for his daughter. And if sacrificing everything that ever made him happy will keep her safe, it’s a price he’s always been willing to pay. But Cassie still holds his heart, and when her return sparks a vengeful ex-wife’s wrath, will their second chance at love turn lethal? Print Length: 239 pages Publisher: Westerhall Publication Date: September 16, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomance #412Stars

Please join us in welcoming author Cynthia Owens from Canada to Books & Benches for an interview. Cynthia is the talented author of the Claddagh Series and Wild Geese series. " Yesterday’s Promise is a well-written historical romance that ends on a forever love note! Please give this novel a chance because you won’t be disappointed!" — Books & Benches We asked, Cynthia answered . . . In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release? …Like the Wild Geese of Old Ireland, five boys grew to manhood despite hunger, war, and the mean streets of New York… An army doctor, Declan Morrissey fought for the survival of every wounded soldier, rejoicing when they recovered, mourning bitterly when they died. Valerie Stanton was his beautiful battlefield nurse, strong, courageous, and dedicated. He never dreamed she was an heiress, or that she’d break his heart in a desperate gamble to save the life of another man. Now that they’ve found each other again, can they overcome past deception and claim the happily ever after they dreamed of? What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? At the moment, I’m working on the final book of the Wild Geese Series, The Carousel . It’s the story of Kieran Donnelly, a gifted artist who has refused to paint since he returned from the American Civil War. He’s seen so much ugliness that he no longer has the heart to paint beauty. Until he meets Emily Lawrence, the beautiful blind girl who challenges him to face the horrors of the battlefield. The inspiration for this story was twofold. When I created Kieran Donnelly, I thought, “Who better to heal a wounded artist than a blind woman?” And the inspiration for Emily was my late grandmother, Emma Laflamme. Blind from the age of 40, she still lived a full life, and one of my most enduring memories is of her standing at her kitchen counter kneading bread—the most wonderful, mouth-watering bread I’ve tasted to this day! As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I had many ambitions as a child. After I read Heidi (still one of my favorite stories), I decided I wanted to live in the Alps and raise goats. Shortly afterward, I discovered the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books. I was hooked, and I became obsessed with the idea of being a “girl detective” just like them. But a funny thing happened along the way. After I’d read every Nancy and Trixie book my school and community libraries had, I started writing stories continuing their detective adventures. Soon I began to create my own characters, and the rest, as they say, is history. By the time I was twelve, I knew I couldn’t be happy unless I was writing. What are three things people may not know about you? Well, let’s see. I collect things. My favorite thing to collect is music boxes. I have a Lennox collectible music box commemorating the 50th anniversary of Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas." Another, featuring a bird dancing on its perch in a cage, plays "O, What a Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma. As a teenager who liked her sleep after a late night of reading, my mother would come into my room and sing that song when she decided I slept too late. I still get teary-eyed when I hear that tune. I’m searching for a Phantom of the Opera music box, but so far no luck. I love winter! I look forward to the first snow every year, and the earlier the better. I also love to drive up to the Laurentian Mountains and go cross-country skiing. And sitting by a roaring fire with a cup of tea or hot chocolate is a great way to wind up a cold winter day! I once took a fencing class. I wasn’t very good (not aggressive enough, I suppose) but it was fun. I saw that my town was offering the class, and I thought, “What if I one day write a swashbuckling pirate hero?” So I signed up! What is your favorite scene in Yesterday’s Promise ? It has to be the scene at Catherine Graham’s ball! A very posh, high society ball, where Valerie and her brother have been forced to appear, even though Valerie isn’t received in society because of her past (she ran away from her family to become an army nurse). There are some nasty comments about her—all uttered in very audible undertones, of course—and all Valerie wants to do is run away and hide. Then our hero, Declan steps in. He sweeps her onto the dance floor, chasing away her tears and her feeling of inadequacy. It’s a scene that’s both touching and tender, and after I wrote it I absolutely loved it! Yesterday's Promise Wild Geese Series, Book Four …Like the Wild Geese of Old Ireland, five boys grew to manhood despite hunger, war, and the mean streets of New York… An army doctor, Declan Morrissey fought for the survival of every wounded soldier, rejoicing when they recovered, mourning bitterly when they died. Valerie Stanton was his beautiful battlefield nurse, strong, courageous, and dedicated. He never dreamed she was an heiress, or that she’d break his heart in a desperate gamble to save the life of another man. Now that they’ve found each other again, can they overcome past deception and claim the happily ever after they dreamed of? GET THE BOOK The Author I believe I was destined to be interested in history. One of my distant ancestors, Thomas Aubert, reportedly sailed up the St. Lawrence River to discover Canada some 26 years before Jacques Cartier’s 1534 voyage. Another relative was a 17thCentury “King’s Girl,” one of a group of young unmarried girls sent to New France (now the province of Quebec) as brides for the habitants (settlers) there. My passion for reading made me long to write books like the ones I enjoyed, and I tried penning sequels to my favorite Nancy Drew mysteries. Later, fancying myself a female version of Andrew Lloyd Weber, I drafted a musical set in Paris during WWII. A former journalist and lifelong Celtophile, I enjoyed a previous career as a reporter/editor for a small chain of community newspapers before returning to my first love, romantic fiction. My stories usually include an Irish setting, hero or heroine, and sometimes all three. I’m the author of The Claddagh Series, historical romances set in Ireland and beyond, and The Wild Geese Series, in which five Irish heroes return from the American Civil War to find love and adventure. I’m a member of the Romance Writers of America, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers. A lifelong resident of Montreal, Canada, I still live there with my own Celtic hero and our two teenage children. Visit the author at www.cynthiaowensromancewriter.com . #AuthorInterview #HistoricalRomance

THE BOOK A Royal Newfoundland Regiment Love Story A READER'S OPINION Heartrending and tender, A Splendid Boy by Melanie Martin is a beautiful love story spanning two time periods. The author writes of two young people who have the kind of love talked about in books and movies. In 1981, both Daniel and Emma are approached to be invited to and talk about their time during the war as part of a war commemoration. We're then transported to 1914 where their stories begin. Their remarkable love suffered, endured, and struggled through a time when so much ugliness and horror took place. I rarely read books set during WWI. However, the author swept me in with her easy writing style, and the fascinating history of a time and place I know little about, and she accomplished what few authors of WWI fiction have—she left me wanting more. I cared about Daniel and Emma so deeply, that by the end of the book, I don't mind saying I had shed a few tears. A Splendid Boy is a treasure of engaging history and incredible love. Well done, Melanie Martin. Content Rating: 3 Hearts | Reviewed by: MK McClintock This book has already been reviewed and rated for Books & Benches and received our Reader's Top Pick Seal of Distinction. Read the other review and learn more about the book. #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalFiction

THE BOOK A Regency Novella | Connected by a Kiss, Book 2 A READER'S OPINION Can a hoyden tempt a Rogue to a life altering kiss? Lady Natalie is the privileged daughter of the Duke of Sheriden. A hoyden by nature, she is kept in line by the strict rules of society and the ever watchful eye of her mother. Unknown to her, the Duke has betrothed her to the son of a Marquis and her father's business associate . . . Lord Maddox. She believes her future holds nothing but heartache since the time she caught her best friend Lady Pipa in a tryst with the only man that held her heart, the Marquis of Knightly! Knightly always saw Lady Natalie as nothing more than the troublesome little sister of his best friend. She was always underfoot causing trouble for them! All that changed when they shared one glorious kiss that forever haunts him with the scorching feelings it brought forth . . . now she's all he can think of! Her impending betrothal has him tied up in knots. Everywhere he turns she's there, taunting him with a look and her boldness. Never wanting to be caught in the parson's trap, he always stayed clear of virginal misses and their mothers; widows and loose women were more his style, thank you very much. But for the life of him he doesn't know what's come over him. He wants her . . . but at what cost? Her parents would never agree to a scoundrel like him! Will he be able to come to terms with the way he feels for Lady Natalie and fight for her heart? Can the Christmas spirit bring what their hearts desire? Or will he run from what could be the love of his life? This is a wonderful story of love and taking a chance to make your dreams come true. Amanda Mariel portrays the feelings of a young woman that has to follow her parents' strict rules of a dutiful daughter and succumbing to their wishes, and the gift of Christmas— granting to all what their hearts desire! Star Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Maria Rose Dariotis BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS A misunderstanding that wounds the bonds of friendship leads a lady to find the love of her life. Lady Natalie's betrothal is ended and frees her to pursue the man of her dreams. During a holiday party she discovers the lord she desires in attendance. So hatches a plan to snare him. Lord Christian St. Vella the Marquis of Knightly has no desire to marry. The more Lady Natalie chases the more irritated he becomes. As the party progresses he cannot help but see past her shallow exterior and recognizes a lady he could fall for. Will they come together to share a unforgettable Christmastide? Print Length: 101 pages Publication Date: November 1, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #RegencyRomance #412Stars #HistoricalRomance #ReviewersTopPick