PERSONAL TARGET BY KAY THOMAS-A BOOK REVIEW

Personal Target by Kay Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Personal Target by Kay Thomas is a 2014 Avon Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This is an Elite Ops novel.



AEGIS: an elite team of ex-military men working under the radar of most governments. If you have a problem no one else can handle, they can help.

Nick Donovan has made some people very angry. When a crime boss in Mexico loses some family members he thinks Nick and his unit were responsible and he decides to make it personal. He has a woman kidnapped, believing she is Nick's sister- in – law, Angela. But, Angela is not home, she's on a vacation with her husband. So, who is the kidnapped woman?

Jennifer Grayson is staying at her friend Angela's home while she is on vacation. She never dreamed that in an instant her life would change. She is drugged and taken to a brothel in Mexico where is she about to be forced into prostitution. A text message sent to Nick showing Jennifer tied up has Nick scrambling to save the woman he once had a close bond with. But will he make there in time?

Nick and Jennifer once shared a summer together and although the timing was not right for them back then, Nick never really got over Jennifer. Rescuing her from the bordello has reawakened his yearning for her in a big way. It turns out Jennifer is not immune to those feelings either, but at the moment she is not in a good place. She survived the kidnapping, but all she witnessed has left it's mark on her.

Nick quit the CIA but is still being sucked in to situations he didn't want to be in. He is struggling with the lack of feeling he has, a feeling of being numb after all he had to do to perform his duties. He fears he is losing his humanity, but when finds out Jennifer is is deep trouble he is surprised and relieved to learn he hasn't lost his ability to feel after all. Suddenly he is a bundle of mixed feelings. Fear , anger, hurt, lust, and love all have Nick walking a tightrope.

However, the fun just never stops for Nick and Jennifer. No matter where she goes or what she does, Jennifer keeps getting shot at or is the victim of a kidnapping plot, and Nick always seems to be hot on her trail.
This couple will finally address their past with one another and it will not be easy for either of them as shocking revelations come to light. Answers as to what actually transpired that summer ten years ago between Nick and Jennifer will leave them both shell shocked. But, they won't have much time to dwell on the fall out of all that because someone has a personal vendetta against Nick and he knows getting to Jennifer is the best way to make Nick suffer.

You know, I can just imagine how hardened someone might become if they were in the CIA, Black Ops or anything else similar to these organizations. One can only guess at what acts these people must perform, what human depravity they must witness. So, Nick is at that burn out phase that has him thinking over the way he wants his future to turn out. Nick was protective with strong alpha male qualities but he was also very sensitive. I was vastly relieved to see he has a new life ahead of him now with some troubling issues from the past finally put to rest.

For Jennifer her life was sailing along as she had hoped it would all except for her cheating husband, a man she as recently divorced. The last person she expected to encounter was Nick. While she was certainly happy to see him, a time would come when she would have to explain some very painful things to him, things that she knows he will not handle well. But, if they stand a chance at happiness the truth must be told.
This book shot out of the gate and had me holding on for dear life from start to finish. The actions never slows down and the author does a wonderful job of balancing the action with the plot line, the romance and relationship issues between Jennifer and Nick. I also liked the author's choice of calling attention to the ever increasing problem of human trafficking and the sex trade especially around border towns. I also enjoyed the familiar setting since I don't live too far from the Dallas area. I recognized many of the landmarks the author spoke of which is always fun. Overall a job well done. A thrill ride, mystery, suspense, romance and an awesome HEA. 4.5 rounded to 5

I didn’t grow up burning to be a writer. As a child I wasn’t even much of a reader until fourth grade. That’s when I was stuck at home with the flu and my big sister read THE BLACK STALLION aloud to me. For hours I was enthralled—shipwrecked in a foreign land and riding an untamed horse across the hot desert sand. Then tragedy struck. My sister lost her voice. (I think she caught my flu.) But I couldn’t wait to hear what happened to Alec Ramsey—so I picked up that book, finished reading it by myself, and went in search of more adventures at the local library. Today I live in Dallas with my husband, our two children, and a shockingly-spoiled Boston terrier.

In November 2013, HARD TARGET: Elite Ops-Book 1 was released in my new series from Avon Impulse, featuring sexy ex-military men...and the women who rescue their hearts. HARD TARGET received an Award of Merit in the HOLT Medallion Contest and is also a nominee for best romantic suspense in the GDRWA Booksellers Best Awards. Look for PERSONAL TARGET: Elite Ops 2 in July 2014. It's available for pre-order now through all e-book retailers. For excerpts, book trailers, and more—visit my website at www.KayThomas.net

I can also be found online at Facebook. www.facebook.com/KayThomasWrites

And Twitter.
www.Twitter.com/KayThomasWrites

In addition to their US releases, my national best-selling books have been published in France, the Netherlands, Estonia, Australia, the UK and South Africa. BULLETPROOF HEARTS (April 2011), won the 2012 HOLT Medallion in Short Contemporary and was a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards. My debut novel, BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF (January 2009) was a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit recipient, a Readers’ Crown finalist, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nominee.

THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME BY RACHEL L. DEMETER SALE BLITZ+ GIVEAWAY

Book Title: The Frost of Springtime Author: Rachel L. Demeter Genre: Historical Romance Release Date: February 14, 2014 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

To rescue her was to rescue his own soul. On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first bit of solace in sheltering little Sofia Rose. But when Aleksender is drawn away by the Franco-Prussian war, the seasons pass. And in that long year, Sofia matures into a stunning young woman—a dancer with an understanding of devotion and redemption far surpassing her age. Alongside his closest friend, Aleksender returns home to find that “home” is gone—replaced by revolution, bloodshed, betrayal—and a love always out of reach. Scarred inside and out, he’s thrust into a world of sensuality and violence—a world in which all his hours have now grown dark, and where only Sofia might bring an end to the winter in his heart. Inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, The Frost of Springtime is a poignant tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love.

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of ten years. She enjoys writing dark, edgy romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and examine the redeeming power of love. Imagining stories and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mom would jot them down for her. She has a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether sculpting the protagonist or antagonist, she always ensures that every character is given a soul. Rachel strives to intricately blend elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some common themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness. Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.




The heat of their bodies mingled as one. With each breath, Aleksender drank in the sweet essence of his beloved ward. His mind swam with unorthodox visions and desires. He inclined his head, lost to the power of her nearness, entranced by everything that was Sofia Rose. “Alek, my Alek …” Each word infused Aleksender with a delicious and undeniable warmth. Intoxicated by roses and wintertime, he found it difficult to speak, difficult to think. Breathless, he swallowed and met the haunting depths of her eyes. “Please,” she dreamily murmured, “I want you to kiss me again…”

NEWSLETTER

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KEEPING MR. RIGHT NOW BY ROBIN BIELMAN REVIEW+ GIVEAWAY

Giveaway Info:

Beach Lover’s Gift Bag – with a Beach Rules journal, DVD of the surf movie, Chasing Mavericks, lip balm, a beach ball, signed copy of Kissing the Maid of Honor, tiny Life's a Beach book and an I've Been Zaned t-shirt. $20 Gift Card (Winner’s choice)

Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjA4ZWI4ZWQ3NTUyM2VlYWJhMzFjOTYxNDNhZTI1OjkzMw==/



Book Blurb:


A temporary agreement neither could keep… Brainy, organized Sophie Birch is no beach bunny. In fact, she’s totally out of her element among the sun-bronzed crowd at a film festival in beautiful White Strand Cove. When a surf lesson introduces her to Zane Hollander, suddenly she's up close and personal with the world's sexiest surf star. But what can a great-looking, experienced athlete possibly see in a klutzy out-of-towner who’s never set foot in the ocean? Zane Hollander's playboy reputation has never been a problem…until recently. Now his management team wants him on his best behavior to entice a meaningful new sponsor. Sophie Birch is the perfect girl to help reform his image. She's genuine and respected—and their relationship is purely fictional. But the more Sophie blooms under the beachy sun, the more Zane knows he'll just break her heart. Because nothing's more important to Zane than following the tide.


ON SALE! ONLY 99 CENTS!!

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qXA97l
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1ppbQjA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1lesr5M
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1rRhfmU

Excerpt:

“Hey. Sorry about losing you.” “You didn’t lose me. I left.” That she did. “Can I come in?” She hesitated a moment. “Uh, sure.” She stepped aside and he entered the large room with an ocean view. The sliding French door was open, and the gravitational pull of the beach led him to the patio. “Nice view,” he said over his shoulder. “It really is. This is the nicest place I’ve ever stayed at. Not that I’ve stayed in very many places.” She came up beside him, and her cinnamon sugar scent teased him. He wanted to taste her. Eat her up. “Is this your first time seeing the ocean, too?” “Yes,” she whispered like she was embarrassed about it. “And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that before our lesson the other day.” “No apology necessary. I’m pretty impressed you did what you did.” “Really?” Delight wiped out her shame, coaxing big-ass smiles out of them both. “You’re a lot tougher than you look.” He turned his head toward the ocean, afraid that if he looked only at her, he’d do something stupid. Bikini-clad women dotted the beach, but not one sparked his interest like the woman next to him. Especially now that pink colored her cheeks. He wanted to take her full bottom lip between his teeth, kiss her, slip his tongue inside her mouth, and once he’d had his fill, lick his way down her body until— “What about you?” She curled up on one of the cushioned patio chairs. “What about me?” He took the other seat, stretching his legs out and situating himself for an easy view of the beach through the iron slats of the patio railing. “How would people describe you?” Her question drew his undivided attention. “Depends on who you ask.” He smirked. “Women and men have very different opinions of me.” The sun glittered off her auburn hair, casting a radiant halo. “All good, mind you.” She rolled her eyes. “Do you ever get tired of it?” “It?” “The fame. Being recognized everywhere you go. Having to always wear a certain image.” His heart beat a little faster. The image he shared with the world was far from the guy his family and close friends knew. He got the feeling from Sophie’s warm, interested eyes that she really wanted to know what made him tick. In his world, women only wanted to know how to get in his board shorts, so it took him a minute to process her curiosity. And damn if it didn’t bother him that she apparently didn’t want in his pants.

Author Bio:   

USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and one crazy-cute dog who loves to chew on everyone’s socks. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, eat cupcakes, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real. She loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com. Places to find Robin Bielman:

Site: http://robinbielman.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobinBielman
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/robinbielman

MY REVIEW:

Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keeping Mr. Right Now – A Kisses in the Sand Novel by Robin Bielman is a 2014 Entangled: Bliss publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is perfect for the last days of summer. A beach romance with lots of funny moments and lots of serious drama, and of course sizzling romance.

Sophie is super smart and brainy, and just a little out place on the sands at White Strands Cove. But, she has a job to do as an event coordinator and she really goes above and beyond when she agrees to help Zane Hollander smooth out his bad boy reputation.

Even though his father has passed away, his hateful words still echo in Zane's mind. To prove he is more than just a bronzed surfer he applies for a humanitarian position. The problem is he needs to tone back the ladies man reputation he has developed so he will be taken seriously. When Sophie has a nasty experience in the water which makes her look like klutz, Zane's PR people this is perfect for the role as Zane's new “girlfriend” because she is obviously not the blonde beach girl/ groupie type Zane normally keeps company with. With all the cards out of the table Sophie agrees to play along.

Zane and Sophie hang out together without the real pressure of dating, which has Zane letting down his guard. She confides in Sophie about some really scary issues in his family, and Zane opens Sophie's eyes and has her experiencing a whole new level of confidence and tying out new things.

But, their friendship is beginning to take on a more serious tone and Zane is frightened to his very core. Sophie is so smart and has so much to offer, doesn't she deserve better than a professional surfer?


I love stories where a super smart and shy person blossoms beyond their isolated world and although they have to take a chance no matter what they will be a better person for having stepped out of their comfort zone. I also love it when a guy who has his pick of women learns all about the power of love and once they get a taste of true love nothing else will do.

This is a fun read and will appeal to contemporary romances lovers young and old.
3.5 stars rounded to 4

View all my reviews

REDEEMED BY A REBEL BY CYNTHIA WOOLF- REVIEW + AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Redeemed by a Rebel by Cynthia Woolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Redeemed by a Rebel by Cynthia Woolf is a 2014 Cynthia Woolf publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This western historical romance felt like the old west dramas I watched on Saturday afternoons, only of course this story was not watered down. The author addressed the rough life women were subjected to in this time period as they were at the mercy of men, be it their fathers or husbands. For Becky it was her father, a man who climbed inside a bottle and came out swinging... at her.

The Anderson brothers head out in an all fired hurry toward Deadwood. Gold was the lure initially, but when Jake's fiance is murdered and he is blamed, Deadwood will hopefully become a refuge. When Jake meets Becky and realizes she is being victimized he can't help but step up and try to protect her. But, Becky is all about taking care of herself. Her pride won't accept Jake's pity or help. As time passes a bond forms between them, but their time together may be short lived as Jake's past may have caught up to him.

I think Jake started out being an honorable man that just couldn't bear the site of a woman being abused. He obviously cared a lot for Becky, but he had just lost his fiance. His heart just wasn't ready for anything more. Besides, he was still running from the law.
Becky's story is truly difficult and it's hard to imagine having to live that way until you could find a way out all alone.
Jake is just the type of guy every woman wants. He has morals, principles, and respects women. He is gentle and kind but will defend and fight for his family. Becky's life doesn't give her much time for daydreaming about hard muscles and chiseled features, so there isn't a huge lustful build up which fits this type of story perfectly. There is sensuality, but this couple didn't have a lot of time for hearts and flowers. I think this is exactly the way things played out for many people back then while living in isolated areas when work was hard and times were lean. That is not to say that Jake and Becky didn't eventually find time to be lovers and once all the roadblocks are clear, Becky will finally have the pleasure of knowing someone loves her. So, Cynthia Woolf wins a 4 star rating for leaving me with a goofy smile on my face.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.

Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.

Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.

She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write. Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates. She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories. In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America. Unfortunately, the loss of her job demanded the she not renew her memberships and her writing stagnated for many years.

In 2000, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she'd attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter's table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn't looked back.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she's made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH CYNTHIA WOOLF

 

Who is your favorite hero?

 

  I love all my heroes, but Duncan McKenzie from Tame A Wild Heart is probably my favorite, only because he was my first.

 

 

Do you have a favorite place to write?

 

I write at my desk in my office.

 

 

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

 

That is so hard, to pick just one. 

 

 It might very well be Becky just because she has such a rough life.

Where can readers contact you?

Readers can email me at cindy@cynthiawoof.com

Dogs or cats?

I love kittens!

Favorite dessert?  German Chocolate cake

Favorite Season?  Spring

What are you reading now?

  Fighting Fate by Carrie Ann Ryan

What are you working on now?  

The edits for my first audio book-  "Tame a Wild Heart"

What was your favorite book as a child?

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L' Engle

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Learn your craft,  it's not easy.  I take writing classes all the time.

Do you  have a favorite quote you would like to share?

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

FIVE WEEKS- A Seven Series Novel- BK 3- BY DANNIKA DARK- BOOK BLOG TOUR+GIVEAWAY

“Five Weeks” (The Seven Series #3) By Dannika Dark Release Day Blitz July 29, 2014 HTML CODE

Five Weeks

(Seven Series, Bk #3)

By Dannika Dark 

Blurb:

Izzy has always loved the freedom and adventure of life on the road, but she’s recently decided to settle down—as much as a rogue wolf can. When her boyfriend gets her a job working at a hot Shifter bar, she runs into the last person on earth she expected to see again.

Jericho isn't the famous rock star he once was, though he still plays in a local band and loves to party. Beautiful women come and go, but music is his only passion—until a sassy redhead named Isabelle Monroe shows up unexpectedly.

Fate reunites two former friends living with one foot in the present and the other in the past. But will they have a future when one of them is forced to choose between life and death? Old habits die hard, and sometimes the toughest addictions to shake are the ones that control our hearts.

Available for purchase at 

      

 

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M7BBEBE?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00M7BBEBE&linkCode=shr&tag=vivencofboo-20&linkId=ZJPQUJMAZCVBNH27&creativeASIN=B00M7BBEBE&linkId=URACEZEYHHM67TON

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/five-weeks-dannika-dark/1120016459?ean=2940149633173&itm=1&usri=2940149633173

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

HER HIGHLAND HERO BY TERRY SPEAR-REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

Her Highland Hero
by Terry Spear
The Highlanders #6
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Genres: Historical, Romance
Purchase from: Amazon • Nook • Kobo •
Add to Goodreads.

Synopsis: Lady Isobel is a Norman laird’s daughter, living near the Scots border where her father, Lord Pembroke, is trying to keep the peace. But her mother was a Highlander and the man Isobel loves most of all is Laird Marcus McEwan, who has been bringing news of her mother’s people for years. But now Isobel’s father wishes her wed to an English nobleman, who will carry on his title. Isobel will wed no other man but her heart’s desire—and that is one braw Highlander from her mother’s homeland.

Laird Marcus McEwan has loved the feisty lass forever. For years, Marcus has tried to convince Lord Pembroke to allow him to wed his daughter. But the Norman lord will not allow it. Then ambushes and murders make it too dangerous for Marcus to reach a peaceful resolution.

Nothing goes as planned and keeping the lass for his own is fraught with danger, as they try to determine who was behind the killings. Isobel and Marcus will do everything in their power to ensure they are together as they have always vowed they would be.   Her Highland Hero
by Terry Spear
The Highlanders #6
Publication Date: July 1, 2014 
Genres: Historical, Romance 
Purchase from: Amazon • Nook • Kobo • 
Add to Goodreads.

Synopsis: Lady Isobel is a Norman laird’s daughter, living near the Scots border where her father, Lord Pembroke, is trying to keep the peace. But her mother was a Highlander and the man Isobel loves most of all is Laird Marcus McEwan, who has been bringing news of her mother’s people for years. But now Isobel’s father wishes her wed to an English nobleman, who will carry on his title. Isobel will wed no other man but her heart’s desire—and that is one braw Highlander from her mother’s homeland.

Laird Marcus McEwan has loved the feisty lass forever. For years, Marcus has tried to convince Lord Pembroke to allow him to wed his daughter. But the Norman lord will not allow it. Then ambushes and murders make it too dangerous for Marcus to reach a peaceful resolution.

Nothing goes as planned and keeping the lass for his own is fraught with danger, as they try to determine who was behind the killings. Isobel and Marcus will do everything in their power to ensure they are together as they have always vowed they would be.

About Terry Spear

USA Today Bestseller, TERRY SPEAR writes urban fantasy and Highland medieval romance: hot wolves, jaguar shifters, medieval Highlanders and lots more. She also pens young adult paranormal romance. She has over fifty paranormal books to her name, earned Publisher’s Weekly Best Books of the Year, and has been featured in The International Wolf Magazine, Woman’s World and BGS Book Review Magazine. She creates award-winning teddy bears in the heart of Texas and gardens. She retired from USAR after rappelling, mountain climbing, learning water survival, qualifying with a number of firearms, survived the obstacle courses, leadership reaction courses and confidences courses – and knows if she can do it, her characters can overcome any obstacle she puts in their path.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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Her Highland Hero by Terry Spear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Her Highland Hero by Terry Spear


I had just started this series when I got the invitation to host the tour for this book. So, I although I haven't read them in order, I still couldn't pass up this opportunity. I'm glad I signed up, because I have somehow or another been running low on Highlander romances lately and I NEED to read more of like this one!!!

Isobel, the daughter of a nobleman of Norman has loved Marcus, now a Highland Laird, since childhood. But, her father refused to allow her to marry the man she loved. Instead he is most insistent on her marrying a titled Englishman to provide an heir.
However, there is a secret that everyone seems aware of but poor Isobel. She is still quite determined to marry the love of her life, but a sudden development has her traveling away from home. Before she can reach her destination her entourage is attacked. Thankfully, Marcus saves her, but he comes bearing very sad news.
What could have opened the door for Isobel and Marcus to marry turns into a tense and dangerous situation as Isobel's lands and entitlement are sought out by someone who may have killed for them.

Instead of the usual romantic angst of “he loves me, he loves me not” this book makes it clear from page one that Marcus and Isobel are solid as a couple. It's everyone else that is trying to keep them apart. Will the worse happen ? Will Isobel be forced into a marriage she doesn't want? Not if Marcus can help it.
Once more Terry Spears delivers a thrilling and suspenseful adventure with a couple that sparkles and sizzles . I loved this couple who would die for one another if it came to that. Their adventure will open many doors and put to rest long held misconceptions, once and for all . There is a truly wonderful conclusion to the story which finally gives Isobel all the answers to her past and a blessed future in the land she loves best. 4 stars

View all my reviews

QUEEN FOR A NIGHT BY JENNIFER BLAKE - REVIEW

Queen For A Night by Jennifer Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Queen for a Night by Jennifer Blake is a 2014 Steel Magnolia Publication.

Mardi Gras! What a party, right? For some the idea of being the Queen of the Mardi Gras ball would be dream come true. For Caroline, a dream was all it would ever be. But, when her Uncle Tony suffers a heart attack it looks like it will be Caroline who will reign as Queen. Sounds like Caroline hit the jackpot. But, there's a hitch... her uncle chooses who the King will be and he decides it should be Ross McDougall. Well, that could be a big hurdle for Caroline to jump over. Ross will be a hard nut to crack.
When Caroline boards Ross's yacht for what should have been a short easy trip, things go awry when they are caught out in a storm.

The south, and especially New Orleans can feel like an entirely different country to some people. Mardi Gras is a HUGE deal and being the queen of the ball is a coveted honor. But, before all is said and done Caroline may feel like it's more trouble than it was worth. Old resentments will put Caroline in the line of fire between Ross and another woman who is hell bent on revenge. What Caroline didn't count on was her reaction to Ross McDougall who apparently has been carrying a torch for her.
But, with petty jealousy and manipulations going on behind their backs, Caroline's fairytale night could end up being the worst night of her life.
Ross and Caroline had previous relationships that left them with scars in one way or another. Can they put the past behind them and overcome the machinations of a shallow and vindictive woman to find love?

This short contemporary romance with the excitement of Mardi Gras as the backdrop focuses on the fear of taking a change on love after being hurt. The way the couple were tossed together and the end result will leave you satisfied knowing who really got the last laugh. The is an enjoyable read, a bit too rushed and I felt the story could have been a little meatier, giving us a little background on Uncle Tony and his motives, but novellas give us a “ get right to the point” story and sometimes that is just what I am in the mood for . This one is a 3.5 rounded to four.

View all my reviews

WAIT FOR ME BY MARY KAY MCCOMAS- BOOK REVIEW

Wait for Me by Mary Kay McComas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wait for Me by Mary Kay McComas is a 2012 Open Road Integrated Media publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a novel originally published by Loveswept back in 1994. Open Road Integrated Media has re-issued the book in digital format. So, keep in mind when you are reading the book the time period in which it is written.

I enjoyed this one. It was really kind of a quirky romance. Holly is a friendly women if just a tad eccentric and Oliver is knocked out of his element when he meets and begins to fall in love with her.
A chance meeting on a plane headed to San Francisco, then an earthquake ,has put Oliver in the position of being Holly's hero. Oliver will discover that Holly is a bit of a do gooder type, which is putting it mildly. Oliver's family comes from wealth which puts them different classes. Oliver has a really hard time understanding Holly's drive to help the homeless, and why she would put herself in danger by going down on the streets to hand out condoms and clean needles. All he can think about is her safety. But, Holly holds a deep disdain for the wealthy who may do a great many charitable deeds, but do not ever roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. So, could these two manage to come to a understanding and make a relationship work?


There is a little touch of paranormal in the story which gives us the idea that Holly and Oliver were destined to be together. Holly leans toward an explanation of reincarnation, but Oliver is to practical for that, but a situation arises which could have him convinced of such a theory.
Holly's character goes beyond just an expression of individuality. She really does what she does because she is a good person and because her life has been good because of the family that took her in and because she has also had much sadness and hard blows. She knows all about orphaned children, drug addiction, and mental illness. She is not greedy and money really just does not appeal to her. She had found contentment with what she has materialistically. Oliver has never had a social conscience that way and Holly has him looking at his wealth and his family in a whole new light.

This book is a fairly typical Loveswept type contemporary novel that fits right into the mid-nineties time frame. I have said this countless times about contemporary romances not standing the test of time all that well. But, this one is not plagued with a lot of dated attitudes about women, or over the top aggressive alpha males or references to out dated ideals. No, there are no cell phones or computers involved but there was a funny referral to “Roseanne” the sitcom. So, you get the idea. I have no idea how to explain this one, just that it's a short , sweet, offbeat kind of love story with slight paranormal element involved leading us to ponder the role fate and destiny plays in our lives. Holly may have been on to something with her reincarnation theory , but one can interpret that anyway they wish. She and Oliver lived through a traumatic event and each had a residual effect from it, so you could just chalk it all up to coincidence. Either way, we know the couple will have a happy ever after. 3.5 rounded to 4.

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Mary Kay McComas is an acclaimed romance novelist and the author of twenty-one short contemporary romances, five novellas, and two novels. McComas has received numerous honors and prizes for her work, including the Washington Romance Writers’ Outstanding Achievement Award and two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times (one for Best New Novel and another for Most Innovative Romance Series). She has recently contributed to Nora Roberts’s J. D. Robb fantasy anthologies, with highly praised paranormal romance stories. McComas and her family live in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.