Please join us in welcoming author Joyce Strand to Books & Benches. Strand writes who-done-it contemporary and historical mysteries set in California, all of which are inspired by actual events. She is the author of the Jillian Hillcrest Mysteries and Brynn Bancroft Mysteries. OVERCAST SUNSET A Brynn Bancroft Mystery Brynn Bancroft’s enjoyment at running her former husband’s winery is overcast by a rash of troubling burglaries and her inability to reconnect with her ex. When she receives an urgent phone call from an old college friend, she welcomes the interruption. Unfortunately, her friend’s business activities intrude on her routine. Then her ex-husband threatens her marriage hopes when he considers selling the winery. When the burglaries escalate, a sense of foreboding plagues her, hinting at trouble to come. AMAZON | B&N "I felt like the characters in this book were RIGHT IN FRONT of me.. They were so real. It's been a LONG time since I have read a book where the characters were that real. I had no idea who committed the murder, and I was guessing from the very beginning. This book was awesome." —Amazon Reviewer on Landscape for Murder Q&A WITH JOYCE STRAND You’re the author of eight contemporary and historical fiction novels. Do you have a preference for writing in the past or present? What led you to write in differing genres? Writing contemporary or historical novels offers different opportunities for spinning a mystery. I enjoy both with a slight preference for my historical mysteries. First, I like researching my books—either contemporary or historical—and get carried away learning new things that I don’t ever use. Regardless of time period, I use the setting to augment the plot. For example, in my just-released contemporary mystery, Overcast Sunset, recent crimes in the wine-making industry provide a rich background to weave into the life of my character Brynn Bancroft, co-owner of a winery in Sonoma. For both historical and contemporary books I start with my characters. Learning about how they would have lived in the past adds a dimension to my interest and to the story. I use the setting and time period to enhance the mystery. For example, in The Reporter’s Story, my heroine had to travel around 1912 San Francisco in a combination of cable car and electric trams, and occasionally in an early automobile. I exploited the idiosyncrasies of these modes of transportation to entangle my heroine in the puzzle. When I first started writing my mysteries, I assumed they would all be contemporary based on my characters. However, one day when talking with a friend he mentioned that his family had uncovered a memoir by his grandfather, who, he said, was a law partner in Ventura, Calif. of an author I might know—Erle Stanley Gardner. Of course, being an avid reader of mysteries, I knew the creator of Perry Mason. I asked for a copy of the memoir and became fascinated with my friend’s grandfather who eventually became a California Superior Court Judge. That interest resulted in my first historical mystery, The Judge’s Story, a mystery featuring a judge in 1939 Ventura, Calif. I enjoyed researching and writing it so much that I went on to then research and write The Reporter’s Story . Your star character in the Brynn Bancroft mysteries came about from your Jillian Hillcrest mysteries. What was it about Brynn that inspired you to write a new series? What is one of Brynn’s best traits? Worst? Brynn was a minor character in the first three mysteries that featured Jillian Hillcrest as the heroine-sleuth. She was Jillian’s boss and a Chief Financial Officer at a small biotech company. In the early books she was having an affair with the Chief Executive Officer. Her affair was discovered by the CEO’s wife and by Brynn’s husband. We learn that she has strayed. After 15 years of marriage her husband asks for a divorce. She was not particularly likeable. When I started the Jillian Hillcrest mysteries, I planned to write three and then spin off a character for the next three. I wasn’t sure at the time which character I would choose. However, I had several readers who expressed interest in learning more about Brynn. I was concerned about featuring her because she was not particularly likeable, but the more I got to know her, the more interesting she became. We find out that her inability to feel emotions was caused by an abusive childhood. Her husband was aware of this and tried his best to help her—but finally gave up. Hillcrest Sunset is the first mystery featuring Brynn as the sleuth-heroine. It was challenging to transition her to become a caring and engaging person, but she begins to face her past and starts to exhibit more personable characteristics. She is a strong person and applies herself in interesting ways to become an able and engaging sleuth and by the time we get to Overcast Sunset she is well on her way to overcoming her past. Overcast Sunset is your third Brynn Bancroft mystery. In your own words, can you give us a sneak peek at what this book is about and what readers can expect from Brynn? The book opens with Brynn at a meeting listening to the latest details of chronic thefts in the Sonoma Valley wine country. She is grateful to have received an urgent call from an old college friend that morning and relieved to leave the meeting early to meet her. Unfortunately when she returns to the winery, she finds her ex-husband—who co-owns the winery she manages—has arrived with news that he wants to sell the winery. Brynn has come to realize that her ex is an extraordinary person and had hoped to win him back. His interest in selling the winery threatens her efforts. The repeated burglaries and the reduced hope for a reconciliation combine with the business activities of her college friend to lead Brynn to anticipate a troublesome near future—which turns out to unfold even worse than she imagines. What is your favorite scene in Overcast Sunset ? As a reader and author of mysteries, I cannot reveal elements of the plot. However, I will say that I most enjoy the developing relationship between Brynn and her ex. There is one scene in particular that I like, but I cannot reveal it! Now we simply have to read it to discover the mystery for ourselves! What are you working on next, and will there be more in the Bancroft mystery series? Overcast Sunset is the final of the three Brynn Bancroft mysteries. I am currently working on the next contemporary mystery to be published in November 2017. I am spinning off a character from the Brynn books—Emma Lazarro—and re-locating the setting to southern California. The town of Ramona offers both mystery and a unique background. I have already started building the biography of the heroine-sleuth. Because this is a new trilogy requiring additional research time, I will not be publishing an historical mystery in 2017. That's more than all right because readers have plenty of books to choose from your currently available mysteries! MEET THE AUTHOR Joyce T. Strand is the author of who-done-it contemporary and historical mysteries set in California. All of her published seven novels are inspired by actual events and/or real people, although they are definitely fictionalized. Strand headed corporate communications at several biotech and high-tech companies in California's Silicon Valley for more than 25 years. Unlike her protagonist Jillian Hillcrest, however, she did not encounter murder in her career. Strand lives with her cat and collection of cow statuary in Southern California, and enjoys exploring and writing about the growing wine region in the Ramona Valley near San Diego. Visit the author at joycestrand.com . You may also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter . #AuthorInterview #MysteryThriller

A Reader's Opinion Mary Morgan has truly worked her magic again! Let yourself be swept away through time to Scotland, and enjoy the wonderful conclusion to the world of the Dragon Knights. Mary Morgan has outdone herself with Dragon Knight's Ring , her fifth story and last installment! Lovers of time travel romance filled with magic, dragons, druids, and faes are in for a treat! It tells the story of Adam MacFhearguis, a lost soul who is seeking redemption and a fresh start. He decides to travel as a crusader by making vows of poverty and prayer, to seek forgiveness. Adam only wishes to forget his past! However, destiny has other plans for him. Standing near the famous standing stones in Scotland, magic will happen again! He will be thrown forward to the future! Enters Meggie! The first time she met him, Meggie felt a powerful power of attraction towards Adam. She becomes very intrigued by this charming man. Will they get a second chance? Can their love survive along their journey filled with twists and turns? Will we meet again, Dragon Knights, Angus, Duncan, Stephen and Alastair? Will the order defeat evil? Mary Morgan is one of my favorite authors of time travel romance; she nicely weaved her rich characters into an exciting story of fiction, magic and romance. She also added a dash of humor that created some cute and funny scenes. She never disappoints me! I'm sad that this series, Order of the Dragon Knights , is ending, but I'm also curious to know what this author will write next. Book Description Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy. Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart? Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights? ​ Series: Order of the Dragon Knights, Book Five Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Time Travel Romance | Pub: Sept 12, 2016 | 368pp | The Wild Rose Press Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #TimeTravelRomance

Please join us in welcoming author Amanda Uhl to Books & Benches for a 5 Question Q&A. Amanda writes contemporary romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Mind Waves is her first novel. "Author [Amanda] Uhl gives us a well-written story with an exciting, smoothly paced plot and twists...an enthralling read." — Goodreads Review 5 QUESTIONS FOR AMANDA UHL In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release, Mind Waves? Mind Waves was inspired by frequent trips to Edgewater Beach in Cleveland, Ohio, to gather beach glass. I spent hours by myself, head bent over the sand, interrupted only occasionally by the interest of strangers who wondered what I was doing and if I found anything. That got me thinking: What if someone watched me gather beach glass day after day, and they were reading my mind. And what if they fell in love with me, and I had no idea. What would happen next? You’ll have to read the book to find out. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I am working on a contemporary, humorous office romance, called Charmed by Charlie , inspired by reruns of Gilmore Girls and the characters' somewhat snarky dialogue. The book deals with dashing charmer and creative genius, Charlie Solanger, who shows up as the new guy in the office. Charlie soon has all the woman vying for his attention, but the one he wants, math whiz and star product manager Valerie Wilson, proves maddeningly elusive. Val’s sworn off charming men after catching her fiancé and the owner's son sleeping with her best friend. There's no way she'll let a flirt like Charlie steal her away from her safe and placid boyfriend, George. But when Charlie discovers a mysterious sales trend is draining the company funds, Val must join forces with him to solve the mystery. But can she be around Charlie for any length of time without falling victim to his charm? What is your favorite motivational phrase? I wear my favorite motivational phrase around my neck as a constant reminder to never, ever give up on my writing. It reads, “Creativity takes courage. Don’t give up.” If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why? I love Charlotte’s Web . It is so well-written and such a beautiful and classic story for young and old alike. I most admire how the climax of the story also provides the moral. The perfection in the timing takes amazing skill and talent on the part of the author. What are three things people may not know about you? —I have fourteen siblings all from the same parents. —My dad is 91 and has published a book available on Amazon of his memories as a foot soldier in WWII – it’s called “Dear Mom.” —I can’t tell a joke properly. I almost always forget the punch line. "Finished it! And really, really enjoyed it! You nailed the characters of David and Grace–David was so intriguing and mysterious and completely likeable. Grace’s mental commentary made you feel like you knew her and made her relatable right from the start. All the characters for that matter were really well developed and unique. I loved the story line as well. Such a cool concept. I kept wanting to read more, especially as the book progressed and their predicament was building." — Advanced Reader THE AUTHOR Amanda Uhl has always had a fascination with the mystical. Having drawn her first breath in a century home rumored to be haunted, you might say she was "born" into it. After a brief stint in college as a paid psychic, Amanda graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in theatre and a master's degree in marketing. Over the past twenty years, she has worked as an admissions representative and graphic designer, owned her own freelance writing company, and managed communications for several Fortune 500 companies, most recently specializing in cyber security. Amanda is an avid reader and writes fast-paced, paranormal romantic suspense and humorous contemporary romance from her home in Cleveland, Ohio. When she's not reading or writing, you can find Amanda with her husband and three children, gathering beach glass on the Lake Erie shoreline or biking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visit her online at www.amandauhl.com and follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amandauhlauthor or Twitter at @AuAuthor. FEATURED BOOK Mind Waves 2015 Rudy Bronze Medalist from the Chesapeake Romance Writers If he can control her mind… Government operative David Jenkins is skilled at controlling his emotions. Feelings are lethal when your job is to infiltrate minds, erase and implant thoughts, and guard the nation’s intellectual capital. But even he can’t fight his strange attraction to Grace Woznisky. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from a madman intent on possessing both their minds. Neither suspect their dangerous enemy has a larger motive, and David may be Grace’s only chance for survival. Can he control her heart? All freelance artist Grace wants is steady-paying work and to see her flighty sister to the altar. But after David offers her a job, she finds herself in the middle of a mental tug of war—one that has her reeling from nightmares and fighting for her life. She must decide: Are her growing feelings for her new boss authentic, or is she a victim of his mind-altering abilities? Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Publication Date: October 7, 2016 BUY AT AMAZON #AuthorInterview #ParanormalRomance

THE BOOK Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way? A READER'S OPINION Heartwarming western novella! A Mountain Man's Redemption is the second book that I read by author Christi Corbett! Set during the 1880’s period in Montana Territory, this short story is well paced to keep your interest, well written, and filled with lots of emotion! In this book you will follow Philip and Hannah's journey into Montana Territory. Philip is a man who prefers his solitude by living in the wilderness and fur trapping. Several years have passed now, and he is ready to accept his destiny. But when he discovers a young woman with her infant son who was battered by her husband, he will offer his help. Is there hope for this young mother? Along their journey to safety, she will start to trust him and share her secret, but Philip has his secrets, too. What will happen next? This story is about trust, hope, and faith, which all make it a very touching story! Christi Corbett is a talented storyteller and a very descriptive writer. Her stories are heartwarming and filled with strong emotions! If you don't mind the subject of battered women, then I recommend this story to you! Reviewer's Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant—overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent—abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming ridgelines and riverbanks in Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak, so he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone. Then a body-shaped lump wrapped in a quilt changes everything. Philip discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from a ruthless abuser with a penchant for whiskey. Seventy miles of snow-covered mountain peaks and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety—the woman’s aunt’s house. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way? *Content Warning: Domestic Violence/Abuse* Print Length: 129 pages Publication Date: October 16, 2015 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 #HistoricalWesternRomance #ChristmasBook

THE BOOK Highland Bodyguards, Book Two A READER'S OPINION Spellbinding Scottish tale! This is the first time that I've read a book by Emma Prince, and I truly enjoyed her second story, Heart's Thief, in the Highland Bodyguards series. I had so much fun reading this fantastic tale! Ms. Prince nicely blended fiction and fact! She created a Scottish adventure, added two likeable main characters, and a dash of intrigue and romance! Et voilà, Heart's Thief ! This story is about political intrigue, betrayal, suspense and of course, a touch of romance! What happens when a sexy highlander meets a bewitching female thief? Remember, this happens in Scotland where anything magical can happen! To forget a past betrayal, Colin now devotes his life for the cause of Scottish freedom. Sent by Robert the Bruce, Colin is chosen for a delicate mission: find a spy who is intercepting Bruce's missives and by doing so, helping the enemy. Colin suddenly discovers that this spy is none other than an intriguing woman thief! Sabine has been a thief most of her life and is under the supervision of Fabian, a very manipulating man. What will happen to her? Having been betrayed once, Colin is not about to lower the walls that protect his heart! But can he resist Sabine's bewitching charm? Still under Fabian’s control, she will do anything to please him, even spy for him. However, Colin will fall under her spell and decide to help her in any way he can. Will she get a second chance? Will they choose loyalty or love? I haven't read her first book in this series, but didn't have any problem reading Heart's Thief as a stand alone novel! A fascinating, fast paced, and intriguing adventure to recommend! Reviewer's Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS A dangerous mission… Although Colin MacKay is thought a charmer, he hides an old wound behind his quick smile and dancing blue eyes. To ease the pain of a past betrayal, he has devoted his life to the cause for Scottish freedom. When King Robert the Bruce fears his strategic communications have been compromised, he sends Colin on a crucial mission: ferret out the spy and deliver an urgent missive to the King’s brother. When Colin discovers that the deceptively enchanting Sabine has been intercepting the King’s correspondence, he holds her captive until he can deliver his missive and hand her over to the King’s judgement. But detaining the sable-haired beauty proves far more dangerous when lust flares hot between them. A deadly game of seduction… Sabine has known only the life of a thief. Scooped from the streets as an orphan child, she thinks of the man who saved her as a father, though his dark moods and cruel manipulations keep her frightened of being abandoned again. Under his tutelage, she learns that with a suggestive smile or a heart-wrenching tale, she can lower men’s guards just long enough to steal their secrets. But when she is sent to seduce a handsome, golden-maned Highlander bearing a message from the Bruce, soon she cannot tell who is playing whom, or if it is a game at all. Colin’s searing touch crumbles the walls around her heart, forcing Sabine to realize that her loyalty to her boss may come with a price—her life. When unseen forces threaten to tear their world apart, Sabine and Colin must choose between duty, loyalty, and love to save themselves—and each other. Print Length: 295 pages Publication Date: September 29, 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 #HighlandRomance #5Stars

THE BOOK Will Rose and Hunter overcome their differences and embrace true love? Fabled Love, Book One A READER'S OPINION Charming and sweet! Enchanted by the Earl is the classic tale of a young lady betrothed to an evil man and rescued by an honorable man! Amanda Mariel has written a beautiful introduction for her new Fabled Love series. It’s a short and romantic novella to enjoy! It tells the story of Rose, who has lost both her parents and is threaten by Mr. Wolfe, a man who only wants her for her possessions. He will even go as far as to have someone forge documents and use them against Rose. Enters in her life, Hunter, who will do anything in his power to prevent Wolfe to cause anymore pain to Rose. She simply doesn’t want to marry Wolfe. But, now as she is reduced to being a seamstress, will she get a chance to have her dream come true in the arms of a true gentleman? Will Hunter deal with Wolfe’s threats? Can Rose be free again? Is there hope for Rose and Hunter to be happy? The plot is well developed with twists and turns. Enchanted by the Earl is a light historical classic romance set during the Regency era. If you love fairy tales that ends with a “they lived happily ever after” then you are in for a treat! Watch for her next story, Captivated By the Captain . Reviewer's Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating: 2 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher BOOK SYNOPSIS & INFO Will Rose and Hunter overcome their differences and embrace true love? Rose Woodcourt, a poor seamstress, is too proud to accept help, even when her home and freedom are threatened by the nefarious Mr. Wolfe. Especially not from Hunter Thorne, a titled gentleman far above her station. Earls only court common misses for one reason, and Rose has no interest in being a wealthy man’s mistress--however handsome and charming he may be. Hunter is an honorable man; he refuses to turn his back on the spirited beauty regardless of how hard she pushes him away. As Mr. Wolfe’s threats evolve into actions Rose has little choice but to turn to Hunter. Can the pair put an end to Wolfe’s nefarious deeds before Rose loses everything she holds dear, including her freedom? Print Length: 112 pages Publication Date: August 5, 2016 #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance

A Reader's Opinion A delightful story wrapped with romance and charm in a lovely setting. Riverbend Road is book four in the Haven Point series, and I thought it read well as a stand-alone novel. I enjoyed some of the secondary characters enough that now I want to read their stories! Wyn and Cade are a great match, and I especially liked Cade's character. There were times when I thought their reasons for staying apart weren't as difficult as they made them out to be, and the chemistry wasn't always apparent, but their struggle to admit and accept what was between them was worth it when they finally came together. The secondary storyline with Wyn's neighbor is a nice addition to the book, and helped serve to both distract and bring together Wyn and Cade. Riverbend Road is a clean and enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys a touch of romance.  Book Description Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there's no sweeter place to fall in love…  Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn't just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it's a family tradition. But lately she's found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother's best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.  Cade's hands-off approach with Wyn isn't from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves? ​ Series: Haven Point, Book Four Content Rating : 2 Hearts BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Contemporary Romance | Pub: June 21, 2016 | 368pp | HQN Books Format Read: Mass Market | Source: Reviewer purchased #AReadersOpinion #ContempoaryRomance #wholesomeromance #2016Review

THE BOOK The Color of Heaven Series (A Standalone Holiday Novel) A READER'S OPINION The Color of a Christmas Miracle is a touching story about overcoming hardship and loss, and finding a way back to hope. I had not read any of Julianne MacLean's "Color of Heaven" series before, and this truly is a standalone novel. The author has a unique writing style. I don't normally enjoy reading first person books, but MacLean has a talent for it. Claire Radcliffe suffers greatly, which is a shame because she's the type of person who deserves every happiness. She had far too much drama for my tastes in the first half of the book, and I felt like I was invading someone's diary of private notes to the point of being uncomfortable. Then, in the second half of the book, Claire redeemed herself. I wanted her to have the happy ending and blessed miracle she deserved, and I ended up liking her very much. She doesn't have an easy journey, but when it's obvious she won't have to go through any of the hardships alone, the story became truly touching and moving. Claire Radcliffe could teach people a thing or two about forgiveness. A clean and tender story, The Color of a Christmas Miracle is sure to be enjoyed by many. Star Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS From USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean comes a new standalone contemporary romance in the bestselling Color of Heaven Series, where people are affected by real life magic and miracles that change everything they once believed about life and love. Claire Radcliffe has been blessed with a wonderful life—a loving husband, a fulfilling career as a schoolteacher, and a perfect house in a charming historic neighborhood. But with each Christmas that passes, the one thing she longs for most of all continues to elude her, and before long, her life doesn’t seem so perfect anymore. When yet another holiday season approaches and her marriage suffers the worst possible blow, Claire must learn to have faith in destiny, and allow herself to believe that miracles can happen to anyone—especially at Christmastime. Heartwarming and inspiring, The Color of a Christmas Miracle is the tale of one woman’s journey to find happiness, and to learn the power of forgiveness and redemption on the path to true love. 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 #ChristmasBook #ContemporaryRomance

Congratulations to Heather Blanton, author of A Promise in Defiance , winner of the August 2016 Readers' Choice Cover Contest. Head on over to check out the cover finalists for September . Voting opens 09.01.16! #CoverContestWinner

THE BOOK A Faerie Tale Series Book 2 A READER'S OPINION Lord Ashton is the son of Prince Gabriel and the evil Princess Aneira. He possesses his mother's wicked allure and charm but his father's good heart. He is seduction incarnate, and a look or smile has the women dropping at his feet. When young, he enjoyed his allure, but one unfortunate night while enjoying festivities, his allure was so strong he was found with aunts and young cousins! This was so devastating for him that he self exiled himself from his father's and grandfather's home. On an evening out with his cousin he took him for his first experience at the new village brothel, and it changed his life forever. He sees a woman on the rooftop bent on ending her life, and she jumps . . . straight in his arms. As their eyes meet, he's taken aback at the connection. She saw him and his heart, and in those few moments, she saw the real Ash, the lonely Ash in need of love! Ash visits Eden every night in darkness lest she becomes one of the many fallen victims to his charm. Eden is beautiful but scarred down half her body. Her life was claimed many years ago by fire that took her family and left her a shell of a woman leaving her alone and defenseless. She had no choice but to become a prostitute to survive. No one saw the real Eden was beautiful and worthy of love. She was mocked and ridiculed by the brothel's men. Although they met every night, their connection grew stronger and love blossomed until the unthinkable happens and Eden finds out Ash is not disfigured or scarred but a devastatingly handsome man! Ash never lied to Eden. He was scarred and his scars were deep. He had his family's love but also their scorn . . . None saw the depth of the real Ash! Will Eden be able to get over the hurt of Ashton's betrayal of her trust? Can Ashton be rid of his glamour and win Eden's love? Wonderful story of beauty in the eye of the beholder! True love goes beyond the flesh—it's deeper and emotional! Reviewer's Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by: Maria Rose Dariotis BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Lord Ashton of Aethyria is enticement, seduction, temptation–born with the power to strip even the most modest woman of her gown, her will, and her virtue. With the glamour of being born a half Daoine Sidhe faerie comes the sad fate that once a woman has gazed into Ash’s eyes, she forever loses the ability to see anything other than his ravishing beauty, and can certainly never glimpse into his soul. Ashton’s allure is so raw and enchanting, in fact, that he has exiled himself from even the human side of his family, lest his own aunts be tempted by him, and lives a life of solitude and fleeting passions. But he is part human as well, and it is his human blood that makes him long for a magic no faerie spell can equal. It is his deep desire for true love that leads him to keep his magnificent face hidden from the woman who captures his heart. Eden is certain her nightly visitor is as disfigured as she, since he keeps his visage shrouded in shadow when he comes to her room. Scarred by fire, she believes herself ugly until Ashton’s tender kisses and gentle touch begin to teach her that true beauty comes from within. It’s an important lesson, since Ash knows that soon he must reveal himself to her. He prays that she can look beyond his unearthly beauty and see the heart of a man. Print Length: 260 pages Publication Date: May 31, 2016 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the auor or publisher VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER ON BOOK REVIEWS #AReadersOpinion #FantasyRomance

Ian must convince Lara she and her twins are the future he truly wants. A READER'S OPINION A contemporary romantic tale with a touch of history . . . and ghosts. Waiting for the Laird by Willa Blair is a delightful romance and unexpected adventure set in Scotland. Lara MacLaren and Ian Paterson are a well-matched pair, and the author does a nice job building up their romance while they figure out how to deal with life's unpredictable surprises. Ms. Blair has a nice and easy writing style that pulls you into the story and keeps you turning the pages. After getting to know Ian, I wanted to hop on an airplane and head over to Scotland so I could find a laird of my own. Cairn Dubh Manor is a character all on its own, and I admit I found the old manor as much of a draw in capturing my interest as the story did. Secrets and mystery abound within the walls of Cairn Dubh, and they make the story all the more satisfying. There's not a whole lot more I can say without revealing too many surprises the reader should discover on their own. Developed characters and some interesting and unexpected twists make Waiting for the Laird an enjoyable read. Reviewer's Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Kaylie Morgan Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher BOOK SYNOPSIS & INFO Widow Lara MacLaren hungers for the hunky architect she hires to restore her derelict Scottish manor, but is she ready for a relationship...and is Ian ready for her twins? Ian Paterson is eager to awaken Lara's passionate side. Yet, if he reveals his ancestral claim to her estate, he risks losing her and his job. His clan’s history, lost over the years, may be hidden in the walls—along with a ghost waiting for the laird's return. When they uncover a room full of Jacobite treasure, proof of his ancestry, Ian realizes he’s out of time. If the ghost is real, it could expose his secret and destroy his romance with Lara. Ian must convince her she and her twins are the future he truly wants. Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc Publication Date: October 19, 2016 #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomance

THE BOOK Disaster Crimes, Book 2 A READER'S OPINION Murder, danger and romance come together in Seismic Crimes , book two of Chrys Fey's "Disaster Crime" series. Donovan and Beth are thrust into one traumatic event after another as Donovan tries to prove his innocence and Beth does whatever she can to help him. The characters are interesting but I felt some could have been a little more developed. I thought the author did a great job making the disaster scenes, and the terror, feel realistic Seismic Crimes offers up a lot of action to keep the reader interested in the story until the end. This can be read as a stand-alone book, but readers might find it helpful to read book one first. I felt like I had come in on the middle of a story and relationship, and I had to catch up. Chrys Fey's "Disaster Crime" series has a lot of promise. Reviewer's Rating : 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS An Internal Affairs Investigator was murdered and his brother, Donovan Goldwyn, was framed. Now Donovan is desperate to prove his innocence. And the one person who can do that is the woman who saved him from a deadly hurricane—Beth Kennedy. From the moment their fates intertwined, passion consumed him. He wants her in his arms. More, he wants her by his side in his darkest moments. Beth Kennedy may not know everything about Donovan, but she can't deny what she feels for him. It's her love for him that pushes her to do whatever she has to do to help him get justice, including putting herself in a criminal's crosshairs. When a tip reveals the killer's location, they travel to California, but then an earthquake of catastrophic proportions separates them. As aftershocks roll the land, Beth and Donovan have to endure dangerous conditions while trying to find their way back to one another. Will they reunite and find the killer, or will they lose everything? Take a walk with Chrys Fey through disasters, criminal activity, and blooming love. Adult Content 18+: Sensual scenes A few f-bombs References to crimes Crime scene depictions that may not be suitable for sensitive readers 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