Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Revolution (Cold War Magic, #2)Revolution by W.L. Goodwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Revolution is the 2nd installment in the Cold War Magic series. It is a new installment in what I consider to be a great newcomer in the Urban Fantasy or Speculative Fantasy genre. I would lean towards more calling it Speculative Fantasy because it tells an alternate version of what happened at the end of World War II where magic is a known entity and only some people were born with magic. Where the first book has a setting in Berlin and describes how magic played a key part in how the war ended and the repercussions of the use of dark magic which culminates in a book that multiple parties are trying to find. To some, the book is a myth. To others, it is a fact and they will do whatever is necessary to obtain the book.

Karen is on her last legs with the magic agency where she is employed. She is afraid of her magic and has decided that she would prefer to not use magic which means leaving her job. In the middle of making this decision, she receives a weird package that turns out to be a request for help from a former employee. He has uncovered something at his current employer that causes him to risk his life and the lives of others trying to assist him. This investigation takes Karen to Florida and to Cuba where she will have to decide whether she has a choice about using her magic. There is a lot more at stake than her job and it turns out that the book thought to be destroyed is still front-and-center in the story.

I have to admit that I love this series. The characters are flawed, including Karen, and she questions herself throughout the book but, at her core, she cannot help but stand up for those that need help which makes her an admirable character. She also realizes that she has no clue who really can be trusted and as usual who is good and who can be trusted is not always as clear as she would hope. I plan to follow this series and avidly wait for the next installment.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Archangel's War (Guild Hunter, #12)Archangel's War by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal! Archangel's War is an explosive entry in the Guild Hunter series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was so busy and I wanted to know what happened that release day was upon me so I bought the audiobook also. I love the narration in the audiobooks and this is a series that I re-read or re-listen quite often. One of my favorite aspects of this series is the vividness of the characters. When I read about Illium's feathers, the description is detailed that I can picture it like a colored photo or like watching a movie.

In Archangel's War, the title sort of speaks for itself. There have been multiple skirmishes throughout the series as Lijuan grows in power and loses more of the little bit of "humanity" or care for humans and other angels that she had. She is a brilliant tactician and serious "delusions of grandeur" except in her case they may not necessarily be delusions. Thinking that the other archangels will just bow to her and give up their people and territories is maybe the biggest delusion that can be attributed to Lijuan. Each of the archangels that have known her throughout history has memories of her being more humane but when the reader meets Lijuan it is clear that she likes playing games and manipulating everything around her.

What I love about Archangel's War is this innate desire to make the story go slow so that it is not over too soon. It is action-packed. I have to admit that something rare happened when I read this latest installment in the series. I hit a part that brought tears to my eyes. Elena and Raphael are so likable that the reader empathizes with them so it can be quite gut-wrenching when they feel emotional pain and sometimes when they feel physical pain. I admit to a fair amount of apprehension that this might be the end of things. But, I am happy to see that things just keep rolling and Nalini Singh is just the person to keep the readers hooked and looking for the next Guild Hunter book.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Showstone (Cal Donovan #4)The Showstone by Glenn Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cal Donovan is a character I have a hard time liking sometimes The Showstone does not change that. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The Showstone is the fourth book in the Cal Donovan series. It is a phenomenal story pitting good against evil with very detailed character studies of the major characters. The showstone was a character unto itself and the factual elements about John Dee were a great addition to this story. Tying in historical facts with the mystery is one of the things that Glenn Cooper does very well.

Cal learns a lot more about his father's history in The Showstone. He knew where he died and when, but, this story teaches him that he doesn't know a lot about his father's life He seems to be a wonderful historian and professor and a great friend. But, he is a bit of a mess. He seems to be a functioning alcoholic and some of the flashbacks in the book show when Cal started on that path. It is not quite clear why, but, some of the conversations and thoughts that the reader is privy to in the story allows the reader to hazard a guess. It was good to see Cal having a semi-normal relationship with his girlfriend Jessica But, he still seems to struggle with who he wants to be or how he wants that relationship to go and it is evident to Jessica and Cal's best pal, Father Murphy. Despite me throwing up my hands at some of the missteps that Cal makes throughout the story, it is obvious that he is a good man who at least thinks about doing the right thing. There were some great action scenes and the supernatural aspects of the story were not far-fetched I enjoy this series and look forward to reading the next installment in Cal's story.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

In the Hall with the Knife (Clue Mystery #1)In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I completely loved this take on the Clue game/movie. I received a copy via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. In the Hall with the Knife will go down as one of my most enjoyed books for this year. I am an avid fan of the Clue movie.I especially love how the ending was handled. I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen the movie. I have not played the game so I was unaware of the Orchid character. I have now gone and found an online version of the game and plan to familiarize myself with these updates. I was unaware that the game was evolving. This sounds like fun.

One thing I can say is that the reader does not feel like they are just reading a transcript of the movie. The author has definitely made her own twist on the story. The movie had comedic aspects where the book definitely has dark turns. They both provide a great mystery. It is difficult to discuss this book without some comparisons to the movie. My interpretation is that the author welcomes this as she is definitely a fan.In the Hall with the Knife includes some of my favorite book themes, i.e., mystery,young adult, in a boarding school environment. The book does a great job respecting how each of the characters are protagonists, Not just one of the characters. Each character has a background or problem they were escaping when choosing to come to the school-and throw in the antagonism from some of the locals and ramp up the tension with an emergency or disaster and each person starts to show more of their true character and secrets start to be exposed. It is a recipe for a well written story and a great beginning to a new series.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Vendetta in Death (In Death, #49)Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do not know if J.D. Robb Has written a book that I did not love. I do not have favourite foods, colors, etc. If I was forced to choose a favourite series, the In Death of Eve Dallas series would have to be it. I did receive a free copy via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am two finger typing this while on Nava in Europe so that should give an idea of how much I love these books. It seems sure that some series cannot break free of the second book syndrome when this series is 49 strong and still as Fresh and exciting for me as when I found this series. I read them. I listen to them on audio book and I am still surprised that nothing ever seems formulaic. Are there certain patterns in each book? Certainly. The reader can count on Roarke being involved somehow and McNabb will always have on bright clothes and boo around in air boots. But, the mysteries are still good. The world building is too notch. The character development is still one of my favorite aspects. Even if the reader knows who the killer is from the start, you can bet watching the team dig into is going to be great. I look forward to these books and love that we get a dose twice a year.

In Vendetta in Death, men are being murdered and it does seem like the reader would not have much sympathy for any of them given their past feeds as well as some of their current deeds. None of them appear redeemable but, the killings are so savage that the reader has a hard time not feeling bad for them despite their behavior. But, the reader also has good insite into their victims so we read and wait and let Dallas and crew work on giving justice according to my favorite motto. "NO MATTER YOUR RACE, CREED, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR POLITICAL AFFILIATION, WE PROTECT AND SERVE,* BECAUSE YOU COULD GET DEAD."

Saturday, July 6, 2019

The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding, #1)The Princess Plan by Julia London
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty good read for me. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. What happens when a smart, opinionated woman who cares for her blind father, has some pretty well-placed friends, and a sister who owns a gossip magazine whose focus is the shenanigans of "the ton", and a prince from another country who is forced to look for a wife while in England negotiating a deal that will mean a lot to his country financially all collide? It turns into a pretty interesting story with a murder mystery included.

Prince Sebastian does not want to get married though he knows he is required to marry as another branch of his family is pushing to take over the throne in his country. Eliza sees her life as pretty much well-written at this point and is excited when she gets a chance to go to a masquerade ball where she just might get a chance to meet a prince. Unlike all of the other eligible single women at the ball who hope to be the Prince Sebastian's new princess and future queen, Eliza just wants to meet a prince. When the Prince's secretary is murdered the entire visit is turned on its head as Prince Sebastian tries to solve the mystery that the English police are not that interested in solving, the negotiations continue for the deal that Sebastian is trying to make, and several "titled" women vie for the prince's proposal. The Princess Plan ends up a state of total confusion with some hilarious moments and a sweet romance.

Monday, June 17, 2019

To celebrate the upcoming release of Deadlock by Cherrie Lynn on June 25th, Entangled Publishing has arranged a Scavenger Hunt! Follow the links at the end of each stop and collect clues along the way! Click here to start at the beginning of the Scavenger Hunt. At the end, enter your clues to be entered to win the grand prize: a Nespresso Espresso maker and coffee goodies to keep your all-night hacking (or reading) sessions going strong. You might find a few bonus giveaways in hidden links throughout the Scavenger Hunt, too, including print copies of Deadlock!

I'm excited to host a Q&A with Cherrie!

 


What was the hardest scene for you to write

Definitely the action toward the end! Choreographing things like that is a challenge for me. I feel my strengths are dialogue and emotion, so it’s difficult to not sound stilted or like I’m going down a laundry list of physical actions. Like “he did this and he did this and then he did that.”

 
Who was your favorite character to write?

I always like writing the hero’s POV better than the heroine’s. So between my main characters, definitely Jace. Among the secondary characters, it would have to be Helix. He was a lot of fun! I like the quirky, kinda smartass characters.

 

 


 

Scavenger Hunt: Who was Cherrie’s favorite secondary character in Deadlock to write?

Next stop, Splashes into Books

 

Deadlock releases June 25th! You can pick it up in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Add it on Goodreads

 

 

Friday, May 31, 2019

Getting Hot with the Scot (Sometimes in Love, #1)Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun and funny. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My favorite scene is at the beginning of the book in the castle. Cassie is a reporter for a TV talk show and is hoping to move into mainstream journalism. She is visiting Scotland with her two closest friends and having a great time. Logan has a very popular web series which is known for crazy situations and stunts which he and his producer sister want to take mainstream but need to sell the show to a network. They meet in a hilarious situation in Scotland and of course fall for each other. It is unfortunate that neither knows anything about the other's background which leads to a crazy conflict which sort of puts them at cross purposes. Logan is the Scot and his buddy is the Brit. I loved this book and look forward to the next book that follows his friend Theo.

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Sunday, May 26, 2019

Roman Count Down (Rick Montoya Italian Mystery #6)Roman Count Down by David P. Wagner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am always jumping into the books in the Rick Montoya series as soon as I know they are available. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have been to a few countries and some of the main touristy countries but Italy is a place that I always return to time after time. I used to go every other year and do my best to visit a different part of Italy each time I visit. Of course whenever a family member visits I find myself in Rome over and over which is not a hardship. I have come to be able to find my way through some of the neighborhoods without direction which makes the series one of which I am quite fond.

Roman Countdown is a wonderful glimpse into Rick's life that the reader has not previously been privy and it is great. The mystery is quite intriguing where a Count was murdered while out doing some out of character things that really make me excited to know how things tie together. One of my most favorite parts is how detailed the story is with the streets, food, people, buildings, architecture, and art. I stayed and wandered through the area just off of the Piazza Navona which prominently plays as an area where the story takes place. It also introduces me to areas which I have not yet visited. I love this series and I love the characters, Uncle Piero, and the new characters the reader is introduced to in each book. Luckily the author appears to publish them pretty often and I am excited to see what Rick gets up to next.

Sunday, May 5, 2019

The Debt (Cal Donovan Thriller, #3)The Debt by Glenn Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Debt is third installment in the Cal Donovan series. I received a copy from NetGalley and Severn House Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cal Donovan is a colorful, intelligent man who appears to be damaged, but, the reader does not really find out how and why until The Debt. I was interested enough in this series that I backtracked and purchased the first 2 books and I will have to double back and read those. The title sort of speaks for itself. The Vatican finds itself owing a debt which was undertaken many years ago from the Sassoon bank. It was not an ordinary debt because the leaders of the Church committed some horrible crimes to find themselves in the place they are in this book.

Cal has a sort of associate friendship that is developing as the series continues and he has been given exceptional rights to almost all the archives and libraries of the Church. He is a scholar at a university that requires research and publishing and he is working on his next work which leads him to find the papers that start everything in this book. He goes right to the Celestine with his findings and the reader is shown just how far some of the leaders of the Church are willing to go to protect what they think is most important, the treasures of the Church which have been gifted and collected over the years. This pope is reminiscent of the current pope who sees the role of the Church as serving the underprivileged and poor in society. Pope Celestine understands the risk of what he is undertaking but sees his calling as protecting the Church's calling which is rooted in the Bible and not in the hoarding of treasures even if it means bankrupting the Church.

The Debt is a great mystery and thriller which does a great job of reminding the reader of the contentious relationship that has existed between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people. It is always great to see stories that look at the history of that relationship and combine it with fiction. It is a great read and I cannot wait for the next installment. But, in the meantime, I have 2 books to backtrack and read before the next Cal Donovan story.

Saturday, April 20, 2019

The Prince's Bride (Modern Fairytales, #2)The Prince's Bride by Diane Alberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of the modern fairytale. I think most of us are especially every time an American becomes part of one of the European royal families. I received a free copy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was never a romance reader until a few years ago. I mostly read mysteries/thrillers then I read some urban fantasy and dark fantasy and started branching out. I spent a few years reading nothing but dark fantasy until I burned out and needed something completely different, hence, romance. My friends would be totally surprised, but, they also, know I went from one vampire story to the next. I started reading a few modern romances and chanced upon the modern royal subgenre and thought they were pretty fun. Obviously, we always want to see the poor underprivileged, smart girl, who works hard and helps her family or friends or even someone she sees needs help when she cannot even help herself. It makes a great story. But, when that girl is a U.S. American, it is a much better story. We can identify more with her because we can relate to her more. I am usually colorblind, but, of course, it is an even better story when the girl looks more like me.

The Prince's Bride fits in well with my reading niche. A hard-working U.S. girl who lost so much with one one death. For some, that is all it takes. Its not so much that this story has been told. It is that we can identify with the heroine and we like both of the characters. There s always a bad guy. In this case he was definitely nose-breaking, bad, and everyone showed great restraint in not popping him each time he truly deserved a good smack. I can tell this is a series I will continue to follow even if it is just to have a good break from work and my tendency to ready darker thrillers.

Friday, February 22, 2019

No Other Duke But You (Playful Brides, #11)No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

No Other Duke But You was a fun, sweet book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Lady Delilah has spent most of her life trying to get her mother's approval. Delilah is an exuberant, popular lady who has is a bit of a wild child. Her mother appears to not like her very much and has demanded she marry and has decided who Delilah should marry and it is someone she has absolutely zero interest in marrying. Delilah decides if she has to marry it will be the number one sought after bachelor of the ton who does not even know Delilah exists. Little does Delilah know one of her best friends has his sights on her.

Lord Thomas is a Duke and he has put off marrying because he doesn't want to be matched to anyone other than Delilah. As long as she has shown no interest in marriage he has kept the friend slot. Now that she has announced she has to marry he is ready to take that step until she notifies her friends that she intends to try and match with another Duke. What transpires is a fun, crazy set of hijinks where Delilah puts her plan in motion, Thomas puts his plan in motion to block her and their friends appear to be working on the sidelines to help each get what they want. It is a fun book.

Friday, February 15, 2019

The Unexpected Duchess (Playful Brides, #1)The Unexpected Duchess by Valerie Bowman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had some great zingers where Lady Lucy speaks her mind and then some, but, she has met her match in Lord Hunt. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Lady Lucy pretty much could have a lot of interest from the males of the ton, but, they pretty much cower from her whip-smart mouth. She is protective of her friends, especially Cassandra who never seems to stand up for herself.

Derek Hunt is trying to honor a promise he made to his friend during the war. Julian is Cassandra's childhood crush, despite his being almost engaged to her cousin. They have been close enough friends over the years that she has fallen in love with him. She wants to wait it out despite the circumstances. Derek wants to do his duty to his friend so he tries to court her. Cassandra does not want to be courted so she enlists her friend Lucy to try and help deter him. What results is a great story where Derek and Lucy do entertain with some great, witty repartee. It leads to a great romance and looks like a great start to a new series.
London's Best Kept Secret (Midnight Secrets, #2)London's Best Kept Secret by Anabelle Bryant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London's Best Kept Secret is a great regency romance with 2 main characters that have good chemistry. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Jeremy is a Viscount is an extremely smart, gifted financier who has fallen for Lady Charlotte. He notices that she has quite a few male admirers and he doesn't want to lose her to another man. As great as he is with finance he does not seem to be able to come up with a way to approach Charlotte and express his interest in her. He does something completely unorthodox to ensure he was the person she married.

Lady Charlotte is attracted to her husband. What she cannot determine is why he married her if he did not want to spend time with her or even have a real marriage outside of the chaste kiss he gave her at their wedding. He works most of the time and still sleeps in a separate bedroom from Charlotte. She knows something is not quite right and when she finds out just what Jeremy did it will be a miracle if she can forgive him. How this plays out makes this a great read that I enjoyed. Review can be found at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo....

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His Convenient Royal BrideHis Convenient Royal Bride by Cara Colter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

His Convenient Royal Bride was a fun, sweet romance between two total opposites. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Maddie is avoiding relationships, working hard to help her friend, Kettle's cafe stay afloat, and trying to figure out a way to save her small town. The people there are struggling to find a way to keep the town from disappearing when people keep moving because there are no jobs in the area. She has quit her great job in New York and come back to her hometown to help her friend who was recently injured and needed help in his cafe. She has made a family with the other waitress, Sophie, and the cafe owner, Kettle.

Prince Edward is on vacation traveling across the United States. He is in Maddie's town to attend an open-air concert for his favorite band. He visits the cafe with his security person, and pretty much, best friend, Lancaster. Edward is drawn to Maddie but he is pretty much in the middle of a mess where he is trying to withdraw from an arranged marriage by proposing to an actress he knows in California with a plan of coming back to his country in temporary marriage. Things get very convoluted when he finds himself in need of a convenient bride again before he heads home to Havenhurst. He has a way of helping Maddie save her town and Kettle's cafe if she is willing to help him. What transpires is a quirky, fun romance that I enjoyed. Review can also be seen at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo....

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

A Long Night in ParisA Long Night in Paris by Dov Alfon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If it were the end of the year, I would be able to say that this is my absolute most loved book of the year. I can definitely say, it is the book that will stick with me. I do not recall how I found out about A Long Night in Paris, but, I was waiting for release day with so much excitement. Release day came and I immediately went to Amazon.com to purchase an electronic copy for my Kindle and to my utter dismay it was not available on Kindle in the U.S. I did the sad little trek to the bottom right of the page and clicked the link to say I would like to read this on Kindle. I went to the UK version and saw it was on Kindle there. Unfortunately, they will not allow us to purchase electronic books for our Kindles here in the U.S.. They deny us and force us back over to the U.S. site to wait and hope. I did the next best thing and searched for which bookseller could sell me a hard copy, soft copy, any kind of copy and get it to me as quickly as possible. Then I waited. It felt like weeks but was about 5 or so days. I dropped the book I was reading and tore into it. Unfortunately, I work approximately a gazillion hours a week so I found myself standing over the stove wishing I had a kindle so I could read while I cooked, or leaned against the counter, or had 5 minutes between meetings.

A Long Night in Paris is a bit of everything, a mystery, a thriller, and an espionage story. A murder happens in the first couple of pages right off of the plane in Paris and it is a whirlwind of events trying to find out what happened to the Israeli IT person 5 seconds off of the plane in Paris. It was the start of many murders and a night where the French police, one Israeli unit commander who "happened" to be in the same airport on his first day in his new position (with the help of his new unit back in Israel), and what appears to be Chinese gangsters of some sort.

One of the best parts of A Long Night in Paris was how the book got its name and I love how the reader catches it while reading. The only part that threw me was keeping track of the titles. Some were listed in the back of the book, but, I was a bit lost with the heads of the different units for the Israeli intelligence/military. I finished the book and immediately flipped to the front and said, no, not that guy. Please tell me it is not that guy. I tracked the title in the units and found it was, in fact, that guy. Wow! If ever I was tired of watching politics play out on the news, this book was like the car crash of political stories, both in Israel and Paris. You do not want to watch, but, you cannot look away. I wouldn't call it a slow-moving espionage story. I would call it a slow burn. It just kept building and building. I loved how it was told from three different points-of-view and each one was as interesting and exciting as the other. Of course, the Paris side of things was the most action-packed. I have to admit that Abadi and Oriana were my favorite characters. But, each character introduced in the book was well described and lived up to who you thought they would be. I have a feeling we might see more of these characters, or at least I am greatly hoping that is the case. Otherwise, I will have to wait a few months and hope for a Kindle edition and read it all over again. Even better would be an audiobook.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019


Do you have the courage to know your past and fight for your future? Contemporary Romance author Kate McBrien returns with the final installment in her steamy Indigo trilogy! On the beautiful Greek island of Santorini, Justin and Lucy seek answers. But without the Varangian Cross, the key to unlocking their story, they are forced to return to London and confront the challenges from which they fled. As the struggles from their previous lives continue to haunt them, Justin and Lucy must work together in order to put together the pieces of their past and uncover their epic love story.

Rafflecopter for Always With You Release Week Celebration Giveaway:

Kate is offering one winner a $25 Amazon Gift Card. To enter for your chance to win one these great prizes, please fill out the Rafflecopter link below:


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About Always With You:

Title: Always With You
Author: Kate McBrien
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Release Date: January 28, 2018
Publisher: Kate McBrien
Series: Indigo Trilogy #3
Format: Digital eBook / Print
Digital ISBN: 9781732223561
Print ISBN: 9781732223578

Synopsis:

Do you have the courage to know your past and fight for your future?

On the beautiful Greek island of Santorini, Justin and Lucy consult with Sophia, an elderly woman who is gifted in ways beyond the present and physical. What they learn is helpful but incomplete. The story of their past is hidden deeply within the Varangian Cross, and Sophia must have it to fully understand the connection that Justin and Lucy share. However, the cross is with its new owner in London and far too valuable to be loaned out for such an implausible tale.

Disappointed, they prepare to return to London and confront the challenges from which they fled, resigned to leave the past behind, but the struggles of the past seem determined to revisit them.

Justin and Lucy are meant to be together. They are meant to know their past. The cross is the key to unlocking their story, and the source of their eternal and unbreakable bond.

Join Justin and Lucy as they put together the pieces to uncover their epic love story in Always With You, the trilogy’s poignant and passionate conclusion.

Note to readers: This book contains scenes which may be triggering to survivors of sexual violence.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available at:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes


Excerpt:
Copyright© 2019 Always With You
Kate McBrien

Although it wasn’t dark yet, Althea had already lit large candles inside lanterns that were placed around the edge of the infinity pool and on a few adjacent tables. Lucy stood near the low wall and gazed out at the vast sea. She would never get tired of this view. Whether it was sunrise or sunset, it was always spectacular. Tonight was no exception. The sun was just beginning to set, and the sky was ablaze with red at the horizon, shifting to orange above. The previously light blue sky was becoming a deeper blue. In the background, the Grateful Dead sang about standing on the moon, looking down at the earth. And that’s what it felt like. She smiled when the singer described one of the colors of the American flag as indigo. And there it was yet again, their connection to indigo blue. It was another tiny reference to the thread that connected her to Justin, but its meaning resonated with her. The name of his band, the shared color of their eyes, and the hue of the stone she had spent years studying.
There were a few clouds at the horizon, and Lucy gasped when light from the sun broke through the clouds in long beams of light. Where was Justin? He should be with her to watch this incredible sunset.
The Grateful Dead song ended and it was quiet for a few moments. Then the opening notes of the vocal standard, “The Very Thought of You” filled the air. Instead of the Billie Holiday version she was familiar with, she heard Elvis Costello crooning.
The sound of footsteps approaching made her smile, and a strong pair of arms slipped around her waist. She leaned her head back into Justin’s chest.
“You’re stunning,” Justin whispered into her ear as he placed soft kisses along the side of her neck. “Althea was just leaving when I came looking for you.” He took the wine glass from her hand and took a sip before setting it down.
“Hmm,” Lucy sighed, as the sunset became even more dramatic.
“What are you thinking, my love?”
“I was thinking how much I love being here. It’s unimaginably beautiful and special. We just arrived, and I never want to leave.”
“Turn around,” Justin said in a deep voice.
Lucy turned slowly in his arms.
“Aren’t you handsome tonight?” She took him in, dragging her eyes from head to toe.
“Just for you,” he said, his arms wide. He wore white linen trousers with a sky-blue, open-necked shirt. His skin glowed with a light tan from the afternoon by the pool, enhancing his indigo eyes. Justin held her gaze, and his expression became serious. “I feel the same about being here with you.” His voice was rough and full of emotion.


Other Books in the Indigo Trilogy:

Title: Discovering You
Author: Kate McBrien
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date Released: July 7, 2018
Publisher: Kate McBrien
Series: Indigo Trilogy #1
Format: Digital eBook / Print
Digital ISBN: 9781732223516
Print ISBN: 9781732223509

For fans of Love on the Edge of Time and A Knight in Shining Armor comes an epic romance that proves true love can never die.

Do you believe in soulmates?

A shy art historian. A sexy rock star. A mysterious medieval cross that holds a secret.

Lucy Bianchi has a plan: finish her PhD in art history and land a coveted job at a prestigious Los Angeles museum. Then—maybe—she’ll find time to start dating. Her controlled and predictable world begins to unravel when she chases a runaway dog on the beach and meets a gorgeous stranger.

Justin Hamilton is the charismatic lead singer of the British band Indigo. Years of touring and partying have won him notoriety, and he can have any woman he wants, but who he really wants doesn’t seem to exist.

Until now.

From their first look—their first touch—Justin and Lucy have a connection that defies logic and deepens their desire for each other. When they see the Varangian Cross at a museum exhibit, they’re flooded with inexplicable shared memories that draw them even closer together.

Justin has to return to London just as a salacious scandal explodes that could tear them apart. Lucy must choose between the safe life she’s cultivated, or go to Justin and discover a never-ending love.

Discovering You is the first book of a contemporary romance trilogy.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available at:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes


Praise for Discovering You:

“This was a very deep and beautiful love story. It was completely different from all love stories I’ve ever read.” - Tania, Goodreads, Amazon

“Discovering You by Kate McBrien is a steamy read. The heat rises slowly in this novel but once the switch is flipped, it boils over with passion.” - Up All Night Book Blogs, Goodreads

“Wow what a story. It’s fresh, original, and full of life.” - Lianne, Goodreads

“This book has it all. Romance, history, art, music, villains, and a mystical edge. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.” - Debbie, Goodreads

“You know you get one of those books that just builds and builds until you can’t put it down. This is one of those books.” – Love Reading, Goodreads review

“This is a fascinating premise. Nerd meets rocker and finds an instant connection. I love soulmates and was fascinated to see how things turn out, especially with Lucy's art history background. The meet-cute was delightful and I enjoyed the growing relationship between the two of them, fast-paced as it was. Both Lucy and Justin are fully fleshed out characters with their own full lives.” - Lauren, Goodreads review


Title: Waiting for You
Author: Kate McBrien
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 15, 2018
Publisher: Kate McBrien
Series: Indigo Trilogy #2
Format: Digital eBook / Print
Digital ISBN: 9781732223530
Print ISBN: 9781732223523

Synopsis:

Do you believe love can transcend time?

It's only been a week, but Justin is miserable waiting for Lucy to contact him. He's back in London for Indigo's concert series and needs to get his head in the game, but his heart is back in America.

Stuck hiding out at her parents' house in Los Angeles, Lucy is consumed with doubt and regret about her decision to stay behind.

When the Varangian Cross is sold to a private buyer in London, Lucy jumps at the chance to deliver the cross to the new owner and maybe reconnect with Justin.

Lucy arrives in London in time for another roadblock to their relationship: a serious allegation has been made against Justin, and the paparazzi are in overdrive, forcing Justin under cover just to make it through the concert series.

Finally reunited, their passion is renewed. But their nightmares have returned and are feeling more like memories than dreams. It’s time to find out the truth behind their connection.

Waiting for You is the second book of a contemporary romance trilogy.

Note to Readers: This book contains scenes which may be triggering to survivors of sexual violence.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available at:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes


Praise for Waiting for You:

“This story is definitely unique when it comes to their connection. The twists had me turning the pages waiting for the next one to hit the page. I am pulling for this couple to make it through the fight.” Two Book Pushers

“I am in love with Justin and Lucy’s story because of their past-life connection. There aren’t enough words to describe how eager I am to have this story come to fruition, and hopefully, witness Justin and Lucy realizing who they are and what they meant to one another many lifetimes ago.”
“Romance lovers that like a touch of fantasy, this should be your next read.” Dandelions Inspired

“Kate McBrien's talented writing style has simply put, captivated me at this point, so that final book CANNOT COME OUT QUICKLY ENOUGH! And that's all from me, except HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!” The Power of Three Readers

“Waiting for You is a great followup to Discovering You. Justin and Lucy's story is exciting and passionate, and the mystical/fantasy/paranormal aspect just adds another interesting layer to their already wonderful connection.” Live Through Books Blog

“Book two of the Indigo series is no less moving than the first one.  Kate amps up the romance and sex in this book over the first one. She also gives Lucy some backbone that was very troubling to me in book one…I personally can’t wait to see the finish of the story in the next book and like many of the character changes she shows in this one.” Wicked Cool Flight

“Waiting for You” is like an explosion of events and emotions in the Indigo series. There are so many things going on and there is a twist there that I would have never predicted. I was addicted to Lucy and Justin’s relationship and I read every chapter looking forward for the next! … Kate McBrien has done such a wonderful job with “Waiting for You.” It has a lot of action, it has love and passion and so many other emotions. I was reading and reading until the wee hours of the night and that says something about this author’s gifts.” Lilly’s Book Reviews


About Kate McBrien:

Kate has an MA in art history from San José State University and has taught art history at a local college. For many years, she has worked as a dental hygienist, courageously offering encouragement to her non-flossing patients.

She has always enjoyed writing but became more serious after being encouraged by a friend to participate in National Novel Writing Month. She began writing historical fiction but soon realized that the romance was taking over the history.

Kate is a Bay Area native who lives near the beach with her husband and Lola, their spoiled Labrador Retriever. When not writing, she enjoys cooking, music, movies, reading, and fangirling over Jamie Dornan.

Connect with Kate:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  BookBub


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