Showing posts with label grief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grief. Show all posts

Thursday, October 28, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Twice In a Lifetime (Sheltered Connections #1) by R.M. Neill

 

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Twice In A Lifetime
By R.M Neill

Twice in a Lifetime Ebook


Sheltered Connections, Book 1

One is suffering through a fog of grief. The other crushing feelings of inadequacy. Fate knew they needed each other.

Dominic
For the longest time, I believed we get one shot at true love. A single person that sets our soul on fire. I had that with my wife until she died, then I was lost in a dark sea of grief. In need of companionship, I decided to adopt a dog.

What I found at the shelter was so much more. Micha, the volunteer, is insanely cute and ridiculously funny. He awakens feelings within me I never knew existed. Is it possible I may get a second chance at real love?

Micha
Love just isn’t in the cards for some people. And I’m among those unfortunate few destined to be alone. I trusted the wrong man with my heart once and had it shattered into a million pieces. I won’t make that mistake twice.

Instead, I pour every ounce of my energy into building my business and trying to convince myself I’m not lonely. But Dominic could be the one to tear down the walls I hide behind. He’s the most handsome man I ever met and unbelievably kind. I know he experienced a horrible loss. Is that what’s behind his attraction to me? Or has the connection between us led to his bisexual awakening?

Twice in a Lifetime is the first book in the Sheltered Connections Series. This book involves themes of hurt/comfort, bisexual awakening, and an age gap. Swoon-worthy moments, laugh-out-loud humor, and scorching chemistry make up this 70k word story. Oh, and don’t forget the cherry flavored icing.

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Twice in a Lifetime is a beautiful romance by RM Neill. It's the first book in the Sheltered Connections series. 

Dominic and Micha are two men with a lot of pain in their lives. They're both well developed and wonderfully complex. 

I love this story and all the emotions involved. Dom's drowning in his grief when he meets Micha. And damn, he can't help but to be attracted to the man. But he struggles with being faithful to his dead wife. 

This is a story with an age gap, hurt/comfort, and lots of adorable pets. It has a sexual awakening, a bisexual man, and plenty of heat. It also has some friends who think they know best and some bad outside obstacles. 

Twice in a Lifetime is a sweet story of grabbing a second chance at love. This RM Neill book had me feeling all the feels and kept me charmed throughout. I enjoyed it all. 



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"Listen to me Micha. Really fucking listen, because I'm getting tired of you thinking you aren't good enough for someone. You. Are. Amazing. People love you. There's nothing about you that people don't like. Dominic is no exception. Stop fucking hiding. Take this and run with it. Have fun with someone. If it still ends after you tried, I'll eat a pint of ice cream with you while we watch The Fox and the Hound for the zillionth time and I'll cry with you." He sucks in a breath. "But I can't stand here any longer and try to support you if you can't even see how wonderful you are."

"Wow, uh okay. I'm not really sure how to take that last part. Are you still my friend?"

Travis barrels into me, his giant hug squishing the air out of my lungs with an oomph. "Of course I'm still your friend you nincompoop. But I'm not listening to you talk bad about your self any more." He eases his grip. "Just follow your heart, Mic. He's a good one." He stabs me in the chest with his finger. "Let the hope win, just for once, okay?"

"That's the problem Trav. I don't trust my heart. It never steers me right."

He sighs, slumping his shoulders in defeat. "It's going to get it right some day. Either way, I'll be here. No matter what I say." He picks up the spilled pens. "You deserve it just as much as anyone else Micah. Love yourself like everyone else loves you."

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Twice In A Lifetime, R.M. is giving away a signed paperback copy (US Winner) and a $10 Amazon Voucher (International Winner)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57333/?

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I'm a wife, mom, animal lover and a hopeless romantic.

I want my stories to make you smile, swoon and snort laugh, but not necessarily in that order.

I hope I can be the author you turn to when you need a story to make you laugh, or add light to an otherwise dark day.

Coffee always wins, you can't change my mind.

Connect with R.M.:
Website: https://www.rmneillauthor.com/
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/RMNeillauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/466017144750570
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.m.neill_author/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-m-neill
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21347944.R_M_Neill
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B091BGY8LS


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Tuesday, September 28, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - The Lie by Karla Sorensen

 

Release Date: September 15



Goodreads



Rule number 1 for the team owner’s daughter? Don’t date the players.
Especially not hotheaded tight ends with tattoos and impulse control problems. 
That's why Dominic Walker is completely off my radar. Sort of.

Babysitting the team troublemaker when he's forced to volunteer for the foundation where I work means I can't exactly avoid him.
I wish I had though. Because once I get to know Dominic, it's almost impossible to ignore the feelings he brings out in me. 
Pretty soon, I'm breaking all my rules. I just have to hope he doesn't break my heart in the process.  

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Free in KU 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Lie is a fabulous sports romance by Karla Sorensen. This is grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put it down. 

Omg, this book had me obsessed. I love Dominic and Faith. But, damn, Dom stole the show!

This is a story with a forbidden romance, coach's daughter, opposites attract, grief, and some forced proximity to bring the characters together. In addition, it's one of those fun stories where they get to know each other both in real life and online, without knowing it. I always enjoy this trope. 

Dom and Faith are simply enjoyable together. Their opposite personalities, one grumpy, one "sunshine", is extremely fun. They're perfect when you're in the mood for sexy moments and plenty of banter. 

And damn, they are full of sexual tension and chemistry. I could feel the heat jumping off the pages. 

The writing is great, with both characters well developed. It's easy to understand why Dom is the way he is, which is always necessary in a good grumpy guy story. And omg, the way Dom is all in with Faith is superb. 

The Lie is definitely one of those romance that left me wanting more. Immediately. I wanted more of these characters, this world, etc. And I was left with a major book hangover. Definitely read this Karla Sorensen gem the next time you're in the mood for a sports romance. 



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Well, let’s see ... I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone's face, then I've done my job.  


I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. 


If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. 


I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I'll love you forever. 


Connect with Karla Sorensen

Website | NewsletterFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub | Reader Group

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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The List (Second Chances #1) by Felice Stevens




Title: The List
Series: Second Chances #1
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: June 16, 2021
Cover Design: Reese Dante









Oops. He did it again.
Elliot Hansen has a terrible habit of falling in love with every man he dates.
His friends have had enough and make a list of Elliot’s perfect man.
That V…
Those abs....
Shouldn’t a boyfriend be more than the sum of his parts?
But when sexy detective Winston Rogers bursts into his bedroom to arrest a burglar, Elliot knows he wouldn’t mind checking one or two things off that list with him.

What if you had it all?
Five years after the death of his husband, Winston Rogers is single and determined to stay that way.
He throws himself into his job—the more dangerous the assignment, the better.
He can’t face another risk to his heart.
But then a routine arrest in his neighbor’s bedroom leaves Win searching for more than evidence as the man’s sweet smile and vulnerable eyes strike a chord inside him Win had thought gone forever.

Why not enjoy each other with no strings attached? Win and Elliot decide to make their own list.
Rule #1: Strictly friends with benefits.
Rule #2: No doing anything stupid like falling in love.
Rule #3....
See Elliot and Win ignore Rules #1 and #2.









My Rating - 5 Stars!

The List is a beautiful standalone romance by Felice Stevens. The start of the Second Chances series, I am all in for reading about these four best friends. If you love series with a strong friend element, you will adore this.

Elliot is one of four best friends. As he's always falling for the wrong guy, his friends help him make a list of what he wants in a man. 

Elliot is adorable and easy to love. For the reader. But he doesn't find it easy in his own life. The poor man just wants to find someone. 

Enter Winston. Oh dear god. The feelings for this man are intense. I just love him with all of my heart. He's lovable and a sympathetic character, who's still grieving the loss of his husband.

These are two men who aren't looking for the same things in life. One wants love, the other wants no strings. Their journey is fabulous. I love the way they meet. I adore the way things progress as they get to know each other. And I appreciate everything they go through as they are falling for each other. 

Basically, this is classic Felice Stevens and I love it all. The characters are charming, their storyline is emotional, and the ending is perfect. The combination of seriousness and humor is well done. Nothing is over the top angsty, and overall it's a feel-good and charming read.

The List is a wonderful second chance at love romance. Everything about this Felice Stevens tale is riveting. Definitely check this one out the nest time you're in the mood for a good hurt/comfort read. 



Crazy Bookish World - “Once again, I found Felice’s writing to be completely engaging, her characters so easy to fall in love with.”
Goodreads Review - “Shut the front door!!
Omg I can not express how much I LOVE The List by Felice Stevens. THIS IS PURE ROMANCE with just a splash of angst.”
Goodreads Review - “I loved The List! It was so good, I want to read it again and again. The writing brings the characters to life and you feel the emotions. I laughed and I definitely cried.”



Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy, and that includes love.

She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe yet can't stop buying "just one more pair" of black pants. Felice is a happily addicted Bravo and Say Yes to the Dress addict and proud of it.
 And let's not get started on House Hunters. Her dream day starts out with iced coffee and ends with Prosecco, because...why shouldn't it? You can find her procrastinating on FB in her reader group, Felice's Breakfast Club.

You can find all my books, grouped by series in proper reading order on my website located here:   Website

Follow me on social media to keep up with all my news of releases, sales and exclusive content!

Discover my character inspirations for all my books on my Pinterest Boards here:  Pinterest


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Tuesday, June 15, 2021

WOMEN'S FICTION - When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham

 






An emotionally compelling tale of love and mystery set in the publishing world of World War II London, When We Meet Again tells the story of a mother searching for her stolen child, and illustrates the unbreakable bonds among families, lovers, and readers under the shadow of war.

London, 1943: War and dwindling resources have taken their toll on the book publishing industry, but Alice Cotton, a young editor at Partridge Press, has seen her star begin to rise. She has a knack for creating new books to distract readers from the grim realities of the war. And the demand for books is greater than ever, both on the battlefield and on the home front. But just as her hard work seems poised to pay off, Alice unexpectedly falls pregnant.

Facing the stigma of being an unwed mother, Alice flees to a small town to give birth to her child, Eadie, whom her family has promised to help raise. Instead, her mother sells the newborn to baby farmers who plan to give the child up for a private adoption. Alice begins her desperate hunt to find the daughter she never planned for but suddenly deeply loves.

Alice's story intertwines with that of Theo Bloom, an American editor tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Theo and Alice are quickly drawn to each other during their darkest hours, bound by hope, love, secrets, and the belief that books have the power to change lives.
 




My Rating - 4 Stars!

When We Meet Again is an intriguing historical fiction read by Carlone Beecham. 

From the start, I found myself feeling everything with Alice. Damn, the poor girl. My heart hurt for her immediately. 

Her life goes from tragedy to yet worse tragedies. It's all a tough read. The fact that it's based on true events makes it even more powerful.

The writing is great, with everything representative of the time period. The author fully pulls the reader into the era. I also enjoy the secondary characters and the way the author brings them in and out of the story.

When We Meet Again is a great historical story. Everything about this Caroline Beecham tale is intriguing and easy to follow. 



WOMEN'S FICTION - The Last Goodbye by Fiona Lucas

 






Poignant, hopeful, and full of emotional power, an unforgettable story in the vein of P.S. I Love You about two people learning to love again after great loss, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Josie Silver.

How can you move on if you can’t let go?

Spencer was the love of Anna’s life: her husband, her best friend, her rock. She thought their love would last forever.

But three years ago, Spencer was tragically killed in an accident and Anna’s world was shattered. How can she ever move on, when she’s lost her soulmate?

On New Year’s Eve Anna calls Spencer’s phone number, just to hear his old voicemail greeting. But to her shock, someone answers…

Brody has inherited Spencer’s old number and is the first person who truly understands what Anna’s going through. As her and Brody’s phone calls become lengthier and more frequent, they begin opening up to each other—and slowly rediscover how to smile, how to laugh, even how to hope.

But Brody hasn’t been entirely honest with Anna. Will his secret threaten everything, just as it seems she might find the courage to love again?




My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Last Goodbye is a gripping novel by Fiona Lucas. 

This is a story of heartache and grief. This is a story of pain, loss, and healing. This is a story of two people who each lost a member of their family, and suffered greatly as a result. 

It's thought provoking and extremely emotional. It takes the reader on one hell of a journey.

I definitely recommend this novel. 

BUT, if death of a spouse or family member is a trigger for you, SKIP this one. It's a tough read for sure. 

In the end, it's a great hurt/comfort romance that is full of learning to move forward after loss. It's wonderfully done. 

The Last Goodbye is riveting from the start. Fiona Lucas brings the reader through all the emotions in this stellar read. I am highly impressed. 




Tuesday, June 8, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - MF - Snowballed (Moo U #9) by Melanie Ting

 




SNOWBALLED BY MELANIE TING

Release Date: June 7, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/366wdyu
Cover Design: Christine Coffey





She needs Prince Farming . . . but she got me instead.

Sure, life’s been easy for me. Growing up in an oceanside house in SoCal, playing top-level college hockey, driving a luxury car with a generous allowance—sounds like the dream, right? Turns out what I didn’t have was freedom. And when I decided to transfer to Moo U for my last year of hockey, my controlling father cut me off. 

No money, no car, no friends. I’m just another student struggling to make ends meet. The only place I can afford to live is the Meyers’ farm, where I’ll work in exchange for room and board. Farm work is so exhausting that I don’t even have time to wallow in the crappy turn my life has taken. Zoe Meyers is a hot blonde Amazon with all the energy of a chipmunk on crack. And her positivity is making me realize how lucky I really am, even though I’m broke. Too bad she’s not impressed by a guy who can’t figure out which end of a goat to milk.

Because suddenly I want to impress her. I want to do a lot more with her too . . . if I can get her out of the barn and into my arms.


My Rating - 5 Stars!

Snowballed is Melanie Ting's contribution to the multi-author Moo U series. The ninth book, this is read as a standalone. 

This tale is one of hard work and falling in love with nature. I love the way the two came together, and the circumstances under which it was necessary. 

But the best is the friendship and eventual love that forms between the two. 

Both characters are well developed, with plenty of layers, and a whole lot of emotion. Their backstories are well done and make them totally loveable. 

Poor Zoe. Damn she's hard on herself. Her burdens are many and her drive is insane. But, with Noah, she not only gets the help she needs, but also the strength to me her own person. 

I definitely love these two and their story. Everything about it is compelling and intriguing. The farm setting is so damn well written, with the reader easily feeling as if they are on the farm themselves.

Snowballed is a fantastic addition to the Moo U world. I love this Melanie Ting romance and highly suggest it the next time you're in the mood for a college romance that takes place on a farm. You'll love it. 






I’m the one who gets to take you home.” Helen has reappeared with a full drink. She’s swaying slightly.

“I don’t think you should be driving,” Noah says.

Helen lifts one finger. “Correct. So you’ll have to sleep over instead.”

Noah raises an eyebrow. “Thanks, but that’s not a good idea. Zoe, let me know when you’re leaving.”

I check my watch. “Now. Probably too early for you, right?”

“Nope. I like to get enough sleep during the season.” He looks over at the bleary Helen. “I guess we better take her home first.”

His level of consideration for Helen surprises me. “Okay, I’m still parked at the arena, so we can drop her on the walk there.”

I say goodbye to Rocky, and Noah shuffles Helen over to the front door.

“Zoe,” a voice calls out. It’s Martin. “Are you going already?” 

“Yeah. I live out in Shelburne, so it’s a bit of a drive.”

He swallows. “Well, um, maybe you can give me your contact info. I can send you my mom’s pickle recipe.”

Noah snorts, but I ignore him and exchange numbers with Martin.

“I’m sure Martin has a very impressive pickle.” Noah starts in as soon as we’re outside. Helen is on the other side of him. She’s hanging onto his arm like she’s Tarzan and he’s a vine.

“He’s a farmer. Well, his family has a farm. They’re converting from corn to soybeans.” Stop babbling, Zoe. Gah.

“That’s probably safer. Martin looks a lot like a stalk of corn. Wouldn’t want a farm accident.”

I bite my lip to keep from giggling. Martin is thin and pale, and his light blond hair is unfortunately spiked at the top. “You’re so funny. Not. I do want that recipe. Martin and I have a shared interest in canning.” If I practiced for hours, I could not sound lamer.

“Maybe a shared interest in caning would be more fun?” Noah suggests.

I ignore him. People like to make fun of old-fashioned preserving methods but when it’s time to eat they’re happy to enjoy them. And I’m trying hard not to wonder whether Noah has an interest in caning. Yow.

“Do you know how hot you are, Noah?” Helen pipes up. 

At least he has the decency to blush. “Uhh, no.” 

“It’s true.” Helen blinks at me. “Even Zoe admitted that you’re the hottest guy she’s ever met in real life.”

He grins and winks at me. “Is that a fact?”

“Yeah, and she never finds any guys cute, so…” Helen’s voice trails off before she can embarrass me further.

“I also said you have the biggest ego of anyone I’ve ever met,” I tell him.

“But is it ego if I actually am that wonderful?” Noah asks. 

Helen pulls at his jacket. “I have a question. Why do you wear so many clothes? You would look better in less clothes.”

While I agree with Helen in theory, I already know the answer to this one. He’s cold, and it’s only September. By the time it’s January, he’s going to look like the Michelin man.

Noah doesn’t even answer Helen, but she’s undeterred. She yanks on his sleeve until his jacket comes half-off. He swears and tries to get his jacket back, but instead, Helen pulls it off completely and totters away, swinging it over her head.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” mutters Noah. While I should be sympathetic, I’m busy being transfixed by the gap of skin revealed at the unbuttoned bottom of his shirt. Is that a happy trail?

Noah notices where I’m looking and swiftly buttons and tucks in his shirt. 

“Show’s over,” he says. We’re now at Helen’s place. Noah manages to retrieve his jacket and get Helen safely in her apartment without being further molested. In no time, we’re back in the car and on the road.

“I’m surprised you didn’t jump at the chance for a sleepover,” I say.

“I prefer my partners to be fully conscious.” 

I swallow and try to ignore the sudden spark in my lower body. Fully conscious sex with Noah would be both scary and amazing.


Season's Change (Trade Season #1) by Cait Nary

  Amazon Link    Goodreads Link A veteran hockey player and a rookie can't get away from each other—or their own desires—in this sexy, h...