tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66691554956846971792024-03-17T23:01:52.456-04:00LadyTechie's Book MusingsI might occasionally blog about books and my other passions, travel and coffee.LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.comBlogger594125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-77139658442280310632024-03-07T11:15:00.003-05:002024-03-07T11:15:24.203-05:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174136571-the-road-to-murder" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Road to Murder (A Tuscan Mystery Book 4)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1689539352l/174136571._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174136571-the-road-to-murder">The Road to Murder</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/567261.Camilla_Trinchieri">Camilla Trinchieri</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5707571856">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Nico Doyle returns in the fourth book in the Tuscan Mystery series, The Road to Murder. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Nico is still busy helping in his wife's family's restaurant, creating new dishes for them to try and sell in the restaurant, and visiting with his friends at the cafe each day. His friend, Perillo, in the carabinieri, has a new murder case: a woman found slumped over her piano and an English-speaking house guest who was present in the house during the murder but did not hear anything from her guest room. Nico is needed for translating and of course, pitching in where he can with solving the crime. The victim, Nora, has two daughters, Clara and Adriana, and a son-in-law, two of whom seem to care more about Nora's money and home than they do about her being murdered. <br /><br />The Road to Murder is a welcome addition to the Tuscan Mystery series, providing that much-loved armchair travel experience to my beloved Italy. I recognize so many things described about "Gravigna" in the books as they seem familiar even though they use a town name that does not exist in Italy, at least not with that spelling. Still, the descriptions of Gravigna do exist in reality in so many towns throughout Italy. The food, people, and town are vivid, colorful, and well-described like other characters in the book. The mystery is original in how it progresses, and the new characters introduced as part of it are also well-developed. They keep their secrets well until they are forced to release them. The relationships between the repeat characters in the book grow and change and draw the reader into their stories. I am really looking forward to the next book. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-91969028059687025942024-01-18T12:39:00.000-05:002024-01-18T12:39:01.641-05:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/116352494-the-traitor" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Traitor (Alias Emma #2)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682450511l/116352494._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/116352494-the-traitor">The Traitor</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15989658.Ava_Glass">Ava Glass</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5510240667">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
What a phenomenal follow-up to the already great start to this new series, Alias Emma. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was so excited when I found out that the Emma Makepeace books were a series. I absolutely loved Alias Emma and did not hesitate to drop all other books to jump into The Traitor by Ava Glass. Emma is on to a new assignment after she is called to a murder scene where an analyst for their agency has been brutally murdered. Emma has the background that makes her a perfect fit to be inserted onto the yacht of the Russian Oligarch who appears to be involved. The murdered agent appears to have been investigating the sale of illegal weapons, but Emma is kitted out to fit into her role and heads to France to begin her new assignment.<br /><br />Ava Glass has done a wonderful job setting the scene and giving the reader a bit of armchair travel in the Riviera, which was phenomenal since I have wanted to visit this region and plan to in the next couple of years. We meet some of the other agents for the "agency" that Emma works for, along with some of the partners they have recruited along the way. The Traitor continues to show Emma's tenacity and grit even when she is outmanned, outgunned, and outmaneuvered. She plays by the rules but, manages to still find a way to stand up against impossible odds. I always wonder how police organizations in the UK manage to equally go against villains with firearms and other deadly weapons with no deadly weapons of their own. How does an agent who doesn't carry a firearm stand against ruthless mobsters who not only carry but are quite violent? When thinking about Emma Makepeace, ingenuity, cunning, and a bit of her own ruthlessness. I really look forward to the next installment in this series!
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3128567-ladytechie">View all my reviews</a>
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-10647411726527439912023-11-03T12:52:00.003-04:002023-11-03T12:52:37.952-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/131068071-the-spy-coast" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Spy Coast (The Martini Club, #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681586779l/131068071._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/131068071-the-spy-coast">The Spy Coast</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18149.Tess_Gerritsen">Tess Gerritsen</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5487803182">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The Spy Coast is one of the more recent books that covers older assassins/government agents who have retired and are forced back into action. The few that I have gotten my hands on so far have all been a great tribute to women of "a certain age" that I love. I was already a fan of Tess Gerritsen's, but this book has increased my admiration for her writing. The Spy Coast is the first in the Martini Club series where several friends have all relocated to Purity, Maine, and still meet as friends in their everyday lives. <br /><br />Maggie is a former spy who has left some serious baggage from her active career that appears to be following her to her new retired home at her farm in Maine. She tells her story throughout the book, and the reader just likes her strength and resilience more. The other retirees rally around her and work to help her find out the truth of the threat against her and also to stand with her as the threat grows more dangerous. The title of the second in the series has already been released, and I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-22770475816553346212023-07-21T12:52:00.003-04:002023-07-21T12:52:55.366-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60160014-murder-on-the-vine" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Murder on the Vine (A Tuscan Mystery Book 3)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1642591599l/60160014._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60160014-murder-on-the-vine">Murder on the Vine</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/567261.Camilla_Trinchieri">Camilla Trinchieri</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4921760927">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Nico Doyle is a retired detective who moved to Italy to be closer to his wife's family after she died. Murder on the Vine is the third in the Tuscan Mystery series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Nico has been pretty helpful to Perillo, the area's marshall of the carabinieri when the occasional murder pops up. He is not exactly made a temporary deputy, but he has experience from the NYPD detective squad that a small town in Italy just does not have, despite the number of murders they appear to be experiencing lately. In Murder on the Vine, the bartender from one of the local hotels is murdered. The murder in itself is not the odd thing. Where the body is found is the most interesting part of this murder. Jimmy, the co-owner of Nico, runs out of gas, and Nico is recruited to take him a can of gas and is on hand when the body is discovered in Jimmy's trunk. <br /><br />Nico just wants to create dishes for his wife's family's restaurant, help out in the restaurant, and tend to his garden. Okay, occasionally, his curiosity is sparked when a murder crops up. He agrees that Perillo, Daniele, and he do make a great trio pitching in to solve crimes, even though he is retired. I guess you can take the police force out of the detective, but you cannot take the detective out of Nico. It has also been a few years since Nico's wife died, and he has possibly found love again. The issue is he does not know what to do with it and if he is betraying his wife's memory. Nico has a lot of introspection to do before he misses out on something that could be very good for him, as pretty much everyone in the town is not-so-subtly letting him know. There is a great mystery in Murder on the Vine, not just in how the victim was killed but also in who the victim is as a person. Camilla Trinchieri does a great job of drawing the murder for the reader and also providing the reader with a good bit of armchair travel in Italy, even if the town is fictitious. This is still a good book for armchair travel because this series draws a picture of Italian villages, despite the fictitious name. A traveler who likes to visit Italy can recognize a bit of other Italian towns like Pienza or Lucca, Italy. With each installment in this series, I become more enamored of the characters in the Tuscan Mysteries and of Italy. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-54720925093909368562023-07-18T14:55:00.003-04:002023-07-18T14:55:17.029-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63310912-the-blonde-identity" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Blonde Identity" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671297043l/63310912._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63310912-the-blonde-identity">The Blonde Identity</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/56224.Ally_Carter">Ally Carter</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5205440965">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
What could be more fun than The Blonde Identity? I loved it! It was Ally Carter's writing style and storytelling with a bunch of action thrown into it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A woman wakes up in the snow in the middle of the night in the middle of Paris. Who is she? How did she get there? She doesn't know, and those who do are treating her like she is some kick-a-** spy. So maybe she is. She has no id and no money, just a keycard. As she tries to figure it out, she is hunted and harassed across Paris. She gets to put those skills to the test. She is lucky enough to run into someone who seems to be another agent on her side, and he is a big help in determining why all these people are trying to kill her. <br /><br />One of the things I love about Ally Carter's writing is her sense of humor. As soon as I saw the title and the cover, I knew I would love this book. It is fast-paced. The action scenes just keep coming and coming. Now, do not get me wrong. I am not saying she is just this weapon cutting her way across Paris. I have to admit that I was thinking more in terms of amnesia and that she just doesn't remember who she is and what she can do. She did a pretty good job of just "throwing" herself out there and doing what she needed to do to survive. I like to think that I could do as well and maintain that level of humor and wit as it is done. Her thoughts, which sometimes made their way out of her mouth, were, at times, just hilarious. Interestingly enough, I did not think much about the book title. I recommended the book to a cousin, who saw it immediately as he read the synopsis. He is looking forward to reading it. I wished there was a way to stay in touch with these characters, as I love a good action book combined with witty characters. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-54588582847956767302023-07-14T14:50:00.003-04:002023-07-14T14:50:52.577-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86473358-best-served-cold" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Best Served Cold (Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries Book 8)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680595095l/86473358._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86473358-best-served-cold">Best Served Cold</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7374569.David_P_Wagner">David P. Wagner</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5465309790">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
It is no secret. I love this series and pretty much drop anything else I am doing outside of work to inhale these books. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Rick Montoya leads a really interesting life. He spends most of his time in Roma, Italy unless he travels to serve as an interpreter. His business is taking off, and his current job takes him to Assisi to help a college friend who needs a replacement interpreter quickly because the hired interpreter disappeared after arriving in Assisi. A group has come over from New Mexico, Rick's home state in the US, where he attended college. Unfortunately, the missing interpreter is found dead, and Rick is in the right place to help the Italian police as they appear to need the help of an interpreter to interview the tour group from New Mexico. <br /><br />Interestingly, Betta, Rick's girlfriend, had a different role in the storyline. I enjoyed the methodology but do not want to spoil the change for other readers. Of course, his Zio Piero is his usual self, a bit cantankerous but still a loving uncle. Rick is always a good proxy to Piero and seems closer to him than he is to his own parents. It could just be proximity. However, we get to meet another family member in Best Served Cold. That is another area of the book I will leave for the reader and not spoil. The reader can count on the author's excellent armchair travel and food descriptions, as Rick provides vivid descriptions of parts of Umbria and the food he ate throughout his travels in Italy. The mystery is more cozy but still a good addition to the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries. I look forward to Book 9 and Rick's next case and Italian location. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-77530190726167240032023-01-12T15:06:00.004-05:002023-01-12T16:57:05.539-05:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60149532-killers-of-a-certain-age" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Killers of a Certain Age" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649796916l/60149532._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60149532-killers-of-a-certain-age">Killers of a Certain Age</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/156327.Deanna_Raybourn">Deanna Raybourn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5252121850">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Killers of a Certain Age was an exciting read. I knew I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the title. I was hoping that I was not assuming a great title would mean great content, and I was not disappointed. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I, of course, was expecting a story about older killers; however, Killers of a Certain Age zeroed in on women over the 55 to 60 years old range. Possibly, it is more like the 60 to 65 range, and honestly, I have heard people in their 20s refer to people in their 40s as being too old for this or that, which is quite shocking. They expect older people to get out of the way so they have room for jobs, etc., which is quite odd. People do not lose the need to eat and pay for their homes, cars, and other bills because they have reached the age of 40. If anything, they have increased costs because they tend to have children that need help as well (speaking as once being one of those children). But I digress.<br /><br />These four friends/previous co-workers are trying to come to terms with being forced to require because of their age. They have been given a cruise as a retirement gift by their employers, which starts with an assassination attempt. They dig into their repertoire to determine who has ordered their assassination and why which leads to an exciting trek across the world that allows the Killers of a Certain Age to show that they still have it. I love that this might be a series, and I hope to see more. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-22043569919433357312022-08-12T12:09:00.003-04:002022-08-12T12:09:24.872-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58725075-it-takes-a-villa" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="It Takes a Villa" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631510657l/58725075._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58725075-it-takes-a-villa">It Takes a Villa</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16123655.Kilby_Blades">Kilby Blades</a><br/>
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What a wonderful story! It combines armchair travel with a bit of family mystery, all in a region of Italy that I was able to visit last year. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Natalie has done what so many have thought of doing when seeing the advertisements for the $1 homes in Italy. We ask ourselves questions. Is it too good to be true? In some ways, because the rules for purchasing the homes are quite stringent, i.e., earnest money has to be put down and the updates/repairs have to be made within a specified amount of time which requires ready money to pay builders and contractors. Another thing to consider is timing as Natalie found out. Italy and much of Europe are on vacation typically for one full month in the Summer. Permits for the building have to be purchased and there are rules that must be abided by for some of the homes that have historical value to them. That historical value dictates the type of update that must be completed. This of course is just the minimum of what a buyer is signing up for when they purchase a $1 home, especially if they do not have the ability to do any of the work themselves.<br /><br />Natalie is an intelligent, quick learner who can follow videos she has found on the internet. She had grand plans for purchasing one of the $1 with her grandmother. This property is not just a typical home. It was a much-beloved hotel in a city that is counting on these renovations to draw jobs and visitors to this beautiful region of the Amalfi Coast. The creation of jobs is also another requirement of the purchasers of these homes, so it does draw buyers with dreams of opening their own businesses also. Things really start going wrong for Natalie from the time she lands in Italy, some of which relate to not speaking Italian. Some of the property is in pretty good shape, but, there are things that require update that she is not prepared for either physically or financially. <br /><br />She is lucky enough to start crossing paths with Pietro, who decides that Natalie needs help and he wants to ensure the renovations to the hotel bring the property back to the standards that are required. Pietro is very knowledgeable and he is also purchasing and renovating many of the properties in their town. Natalie does not want to accept help, but, as she meets others in the renovation program, she realizes that she is one of the few that are working alone and she needs help to meet the deadlines. Pietro, who is also part of the committee responsible for the renovation program, is also butting heads with others on the committee who are more concerned with bringing jobs, money, and people into the area than they are about the renovations being done properly. All of this makes for a great story with a sweet romance, not just between Natalie and Pietro, but, also between the reader and the Italian town on the Amalfi Coast. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-83629077084790796392022-07-14T16:13:00.003-04:002022-07-14T16:13:37.522-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58987065-a-secret-about-a-secret" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="A Secret About a Secret" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1639381091l/58987065._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58987065-a-secret-about-a-secret">A Secret About a Secret</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57805.Peter_Spiegelman">Peter Spiegelman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4642922391">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A Secret About a Secret is a slow-burn thriller based in Europe. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I became totally enamored of this book because it contained one of my favorite things, which I will call contentious repartee. Normally, I love witty repartee, but, somehow this book has surfaced another subgenre of conversations that I confess to loving. <br /><br />Myles an agent with what is called Standard Division is assigned to investigate the murder of a Brilliant scientist who at first glance is loved by everyone she comes in contact with, from her co-workers to her running club. But, there are secrets upon secrets, and some go back to the history of the building where the business, Ondstrand Biologic, is located. Something else key here is that what turns out to be a brilliant investigator is pitted against multiple brilliant scientists, who seem to be backed by a sister agency of Standard Division.<br /><br />Despite Allegra being gone, her personality and history with the local towns and the company shine through as if she is still living. Myles has a way of investigating that puts everyone on edge, just with him walking down the hall or coming into the cafeteria. Just as interesting is how he has a room on the campus of the company which ratches up the tension as it is akin to sleeping with the enemy. A Secret About a Secret had a few good action scenes, but, some of the conversations between Myles and the suspects were so fraught with tension that I kept expecting a slap or something thrown at any time. Myles is very driven and focused and his relationship and conversations with his director drive so much of this story in how he responds to her directives and how he finds a way to rebel against her wishes, sometimes to his detriment. I did get the hint that this may be a series and if I am correct, it is welcome! LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-58715456639038310812022-06-17T13:18:00.000-04:002022-06-17T13:18:06.415-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59576067-alias-emma" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Alias Emma" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1653944534l/59576067._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59576067-alias-emma">Alias Emma</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15989658.Ava_Glass">Ava Glass</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4639353167">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Alias Emma is a wonderful, action-packed chase from one end of London to the other with two lives at risk. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Emma Makepeace is tasked with safely escorting a physician whose life is at risk because of his mother's previous relationship with the Russian government before he was born. His mother has warned him all of his life, but being raised as a British citizen, he has trouble believing that after all of these years, the Russians would care about his parents being Russian dissidents, almost to his peril. <br /><br />Emma is well aware of what the Russian agencies are capable of, even with only a short time as a British agent under her belt. She knows the danger and is ready to face it head-on. Despite only being an agent for a short time, she does have some surprises and a serious determination to get him to safety within twelve hours. More than just his life is at risk if the Russians reach him. Unfortunately, they have more than just experienced, ruthless agents on their side. They also have serious hacking power and have managed to take over London's extensive CCTV network to monitor Emma and her charge as they cross London on foot. Things get even more serious when Emma learns that she has no help from her agency.<br /><br />Emma Makepeace is a very well-written character who understands her limitations but definitely has courage. I kept wondering how an agent with no weapons would match up against multiple Russian agents who have no shortage of weaponry. Alias Emma demonstrates how an author can turn a location into one of the characters of a book and make that location stand out as the reader recognizes locations or is even drawn into conducting research to get to know London better. Emma is a character that the reader wants to get to know better. The reader definitely will sit on the edge of their seats, pulling for her to make it to safety. By the end of Alias Emma, I was hoping that this book was the first in a new series, and it looks like I will get my wish.
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3128567-ladytechie">View all my reviews</a>
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-56642285550888310732022-03-03T17:29:00.002-05:002022-03-03T17:29:16.952-05:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59240064-finding-love-in-positano" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Finding Love in Positano" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1642018151l/59240064._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59240064-finding-love-in-positano">Finding Love in Positano</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17584891.Lucy_Coleman">Lucy Coleman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4347540933">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Finding Love in Positano is a wonderful travelogue as well as a story. There was also a bit of mystery thrown in there. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Marci is extremely close to her Godfather, Richard, as is her mom and brother. But they talk and share what is occurring in their lives more often. Marci's family owns an antique auction business and Richard has an antique business in Positano, Italy. Richard suddenly makes a major change in his life and seeks out his Godchildren to request one of them help him close up his antique shop and ship everything back to the UK. It makes more sense for Marci to go since she travels more for the auction house, and she has spent more time in Italy on behalf of the business. Richard has described the work to be done as pretty simple but, when Marci gets to Positano, Richard's business is anything but simple, and the changes he has made in his life appear to be anything but simple and Marci is quite concerned. <br /><br />Marci arrives in Positano to find that Richard has made a family there of the family that owns the Italian restaurant down the hill from his shop. Oddly enough, Nico and his family, treat Marci as if she is family and she is not familiar with them at all, which also concerns Marci. The entire situation has Marci questioning her relationship with Richard, what has caused Richard to change so drastically, and even looking more in-depth at her entire family's relationship with Richard. <br /><br />As Marci spends more time with Nico and his family and exploring Positano, she starts to question more about her life and why Richard really wanted her to go to Positano to handle closing out his business. Positano is amazing. I only saw a very small part of it during a visit of only a few hours. I realized from reading Finding Love in Positano and mapping different parts of it while reading, that I had missed so much which warrants a much longer visit to that part of the world. It was great experiencing Italy through Marci's and local Italian's eyes. Remembering the beaches along the Amalfi Coast and the beautiful, blue water is great. What really stood out for me is how Lucy Coleman makes Positano another character and draws out the character development so well. The relationships between the characters and the development of the friendship between Nico and Marci were well-developed and draw the reader in, for example spending time with the family as they run the restaurant. If you read Lucy Coleman for the travel and characters then you will love this newest book, Finding Love in Positano.
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-31323137902507011112022-01-15T21:48:00.000-05:002022-01-15T21:48:05.176-05:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57032379-under-the-italian-sun" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Under the Italian Sun" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1613228495l/57032379._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57032379-under-the-italian-sun">Under the Italian Sun</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/862993.Sue_Moorcroft">Sue Moorcroft</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4438427285">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
What a phenomenal book! Excellent characters, a beautiful story, and an amazing reading travel experience.. Although Montelibertà is a fictional Italian town, I could envision parts of Tuscany and Calabria as I read the story. I look forward to reading more by Sue Moorcroft.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3128567-ladytechie">View all my reviews</a>
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-63952812875280792802021-08-10T08:03:00.001-04:002021-08-10T08:03:14.751-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56475611-the-bitter-taste-of-murder" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Bitter Taste of Murder" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1609297326l/56475611._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56475611-the-bitter-taste-of-murder">The Bitter Taste of Murder</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/567261.Camilla_Trinchieri">Camilla Trinchieri</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3726288454">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The Bitter Taste of Murder is the 2nd book in the Tuscan Mystery series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Nico is still living in the Chianti area of Tuscany. He spends his days working in his garden with his dog "OneWag" or as his Italian friends like to call him, "Rocco". I will leave it to the reader to find out why poor OneWag has multiple names. The great thing is he seems to answer to both names. OneWag is a character in this series in his own right. One of my favorite parts of this series is the way the stories are told. Yes, Nico is the protagonist, but, the reader also gets to see the thoughts of the key players in each book, including OneWag. I love that! We see just how intelligent he is and I would add that from his thoughts he almost seems like a person in a dog's body. I will stop there as each reader should spend time reading about OneWag to see why I describe him this way. In The Bitter Taste of Murder, a well-known wine critic, who is visiting the area, and pretty much making enemies as he walks down the street, is murdered.<br /><br />Michele Mantelli is pretty much a messy individual. He is in the middle of a divorce and visiting Gravigna where he happens to own a home. He is traveling with his new girlfriend and pretty much using his articles and blog to try and bully the restaurants in Gravigna into carrying the wine he is pushing. He has a past with Gravigna and more than one resident has good reason to see Mantelli dead. Unfortunately, Aldo, Nico's landlord is top of the list. Nico, Daniele, and Salvatore team up again to investigate the murder, but, this time, a Captain who outranks Salvatore is being sent in to investigate and Salvatore and Daniele are supposed to toe the line. The Bitter Taste of Murder further demonstrates how great Camilla Trinchieri is with creating her characters, central of which, is the Chianti region of Tuscany. If you love Italy, look forward to visiting one day, or just love to armchair travel, this series should be on your list. The reader gets a great glimpse into the language, relationships, food, wine, and mannerisms of the people. I have been studying (okay, not studying enough) but, working with a tutor to learn Italian, and we always spend time on culture, mannerisms, food, etc., and not just the language. I spend a fair amount of time looking up words and pictures of the different villages mentioned in the books. If you love a good mystery, great, colorful characters, learning about regional food and drink, then The Bitter Taste of Murder is a must. I am really looking forward to more in this series. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-3880838258332012632021-07-27T11:22:00.002-04:002021-07-27T11:22:21.472-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57603366-the-marquess-method" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Marquess Method (The Beautiful Barringtons, #3)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1627010150l/57603366._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57603366-the-marquess-method">The Marquess Method</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074279.Kathleen_Ayers">Kathleen Ayers</a><br/>
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The Marquess Method is the third installment in the Beautiful Barringtons series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The Barringtons are a quirky lot, a sister that is a clothing designer in secret, another that is an artist, and one that is bold and more outgoing than the other 2 sisters. This does not even take into account the half-brother that owns a gambling hall. Each of the siblings has their own story that describes how they fall in love with the most unexpected person in society. The Marquess Method is Theo's story and based upon her obvious crush on a specific man who appears to have some interest in Theo as well, but, Theo feels unable to compete with the many ladies of the "ton" that also have their eye on Lord Blythe. When Theo creates a sexy art miniature meant as a gift for Lord Blythe but, it is intercepted by Lord Haven, a battle of wills is started. Theo is dead set upon Lord Haven staying away from her and Lord Haven is dead set upon having help for his estate and sister and has realized that he also wants Theo.<br /><br />The Marquess Method is a great addition to The Beautiful Barringtons series. There are so many fun spots in the book and it is great to see Theo grow and step out of her older sister's shadow, though she has always stood out. She set her mind on Lord Blythe and even spent a hilarious time and a ball trying to get his attention while not wearing her glasses. What is great is how this part of the story is written. Without giving away too much, it is great how this ball is the center of events for two of the sisters and the author does a great job of not leaving the reader hanging at the end of the second book and leaving them to wait for a conclusion in book three. There was a good transition that shows the author is pretty gifted at writing transitions and points-of-view. There are two more siblings left so I am looking forward to the next story about The Beautiful Barringtons. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-41696272739317340582021-06-29T16:55:00.008-04:002021-06-29T16:56:30.258-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55929774-these-tangled-vines" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="These Tangled Vines" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1605736646l/55929774._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55929774-these-tangled-vines">These Tangled Vines</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/186987.Julianne_MacLean">Julianne MacLean</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3989228609">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
What a phenomenal story! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did something slightly different since I do not currently belong to any book clubs. My cousin purchased a copy of the book and we did a mini book club together. When I remembered that this book takes place in Tuscany, I had to drop what I was reading and join my cousin in reading this since I had a copy. I adore Italy. I have not visited Montepulciano, but, I hear that it is amazing. The pictures of it are amazing as are the surrounding areas in Tuscany that I have visited. I could not pass up this armchair trip to Tuscany, especially during a time when Italy was still closed to non-Italians who did not have approved business reasons for visiting. <br /><br />Fiona has a full life in the U.S. where she lives and cares for her father who is quadriplegic after a terrible accident prior to Fiona's birth. They are quite close and have assistance from some warm and friendly care workers that also are pretty devoted to her father. A sudden call from Italy unpacks Fiona's parents' past and sends Fiona to Italy searching for answers. What she finds is a biological father that she had never heard of, a mother who lived in shame after an affair, and siblings that may not want to know her. These Tangled Vines are told mostly through two perspectives, Fiona's and her mother, Anna's, past perspective. The landscape of Tuscany plays a very large part in the story, because, a very lucrative winery that was built by Fiona's biological father, Marco, is front-and-center in the will. <br /><br />These Tangled Vines display the lengths people will go through to prevent loss and sometimes punish those that we love. I have to admit this book is fraught with emotional baggage. But, the story does a beautiful job of portraying relationships, especially when they are suffering from betrayal and deception. Wait, that happens in every family. Julianne MacLean demonstrated that she understands family dynamics, even broken families. Fiona was part of two broken families without even knowing it. She was a strong character, well-written and I loved the way she handled the situation in Tuscany that she walked into. She watched, learned, and was not quick to judge which was a great benefit to her and the entire situation. When family members die you would think we would all be at our best, but, it seems to bring out the worst in us, pain, finances, and all the holes in the familial relationships tend to be magnified at this time and These Tangled Vines did a wonderful job of capturing that. I look forward to reading more by Julianne MacLean.
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-62429713904526021722021-05-28T04:00:00.001-04:002021-05-28T04:00:00.219-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57668982-takeover" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Takeover" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1619129239l/57668982._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57668982-takeover">Takeover</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19962897.Evelyn_Sola">Evelyn Sola</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3933706094">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Takeover really was a surprise read for me. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have to be honest and admit that this book had a couple of firsts for me. I am not going say specifically what they are since they are not on the summarization of the book. Also, because how the author handles these topics speaks to her writing skills. The reader will know what I am referring to when they dig into Takeover. Tara and Ethan have an immediate repulsion to each other the minute they meet. Tara dislikes Ethan because he interrupted her career plans when her father sold his company to Ethan. Ethan dislikes Tara because he thinks she is a rich, spoiled brat. What ensues are some seriously funny moments where it is almost like they are crashing into each other rather than running into each other up to the point where they realize there might be more attraction than dislike between them.<br /><br />Ethan is a single father, and his life situation definitely does not fit into Tara's life plans, as well as her dating rules. But Ethan pretty much is a whatever I want I find a way to get kind of person and eventually he realizes he wants more than just the toy company he is purchasing from Tara's father, but he has his work cut out for him to convince her to look past her rules for dating. <br /><br />Tara has a plan. She is not single when the book starts out and she is dating someone that fits in her plans for a specific type of couple. I am amazed at how we have a specific type that we prefer to date which often gets thrown out of the window after dating several individuals of that "type" and finding that maybe we missed the mark with our list. I did it as a teenager and I believe most of us do make that list when we start dating. It would be interesting to see how many of us still hold to the original list. <br /><br />One of the best things about Takeover is Tara's family. They are a close-knit unit and when you hear someone say they 'have your back', this family really means it. At times it is hilarious, but it is enviable and when things get tough for Tara, she really does not have to question who to turn to because she has great family support. Her stepmother is this amazing combination of mother and friend is colorful and what every stepchild wishes they had in a stepmom. Tara's relationship with her siblings that are twins is also fun to read about. They pretty much seem like triplets and anyone that crosses one of them should watch out for being jumped by three. There are some great conversations between the three of them that I really enjoyed reading. Actually, it is worth mentioning that the witty repartee in Takeover is something that takes this book to the next level.<br /><br />I am imagining that the next book, hopefully, will be about one of the siblings and I really look forward to that. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-46136053837928097842021-05-26T15:39:00.002-04:002021-05-26T15:39:31.734-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51373979-he-started-it" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="He Started It" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574088659l/51373979._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51373979-he-started-it">He Started It</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17310869.Samantha_Downing">Samantha Downing</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3886816528">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I literally do not know how to rate this book. Does hating everyone in the book mean I hate the book? Doesn't there have to be at least one character that the reader can cheer for and hope they come out on top? Doesn't there have to be a hero or heroine? I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. What I can unequivocally say is that this author knows how to write characters and write a story that keeps the reader engaged. I can honestly say that I found not one of the characters redeeming. Beth had some positive qualities, i.e., her love for her sister and the desire to find her and support her. Outside of that, the age of the family members did not matter, and I am willing to bet that if there were any children in that family they would be just as despicable as the adults. <br /><br />He started it depicts a repeat road trip that three siblings are taking to mirror a road trip they took with their grandfather when they were younger. So, the story switches between telling the story of the trip that occurred when Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan were young and now when they are trying to step through the same trip as a condition of their grandfather's will in order to secure their inheritance. What is amazing is that I can truthfully admit that Samantha Downing is a great writer. If her intention was to pit the reader against the characters and see who comes out on top, she really excelled at it. These characters all managed to make me wish I could physically hit every one of them. If I had been reading from a physical book, it would have hit a wall more than once. I love my iPad so I would not throw it but, there are times I screamed out loud and yelled at all of them. What is even more interesting is that it had me considering nature versus nurture again. Every last one of these people are psychopaths. I literally mean that. Where does a reader go when they are stuck in this story that feels like a car crash that they cannot look away from? Forward! We dig in and work our way through the story just to see what happens. We have no choice. Thanks a lot, author! Am I being sarcastic? I just do not know. It is still raw as I just finished it last night. I had nights where I sat on the edge of my chair with my head in my hand saying out loud what is happening here. I literally said 'WTF - spelled out' out loud while on a conference call with family. Luckily, they love a good story. All I could say was 'I don't understand. What is happening here? Who in the heck are these people? They are awful'. I did my best not to give one spoiler as you have to see it for yourselves. I should also mention that one of my favorite things was the moment the reader gets to see how the book gets its title. This is a story meant to be individually experienced. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-84574867663360826352021-05-22T11:02:00.000-04:002021-05-22T11:02:02.243-04:00<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":38381,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
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<p><strong><em>I’ve known powerful, arrogant men my entire life. Men like Ethan always have to win, no matter the cost, or so I thought. A chance encounter with Ethan and his son has me questioning everything I thought I knew. Readers who enjoy diverse contemporary romances will devour Takeover by Evelyn Sola, an enemies to lovers, single dad, billionaire romance.</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3uPVZRv">Read Now!</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong> </strong>TARA</p>
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<p>I was supposed to be in charge. That was always my intention. </p>
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<p>Until that slick corporate raider, Ethan Bradford, clicked his fancy pen and poof! </p>
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<p>Just like that, I was under him, instead of on top.</p>
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<p>Rich and powerful men–especially arrogant, handsome ones–are all the same.</p>
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<p>I know exactly how to handle him, but when my father pulls rank and orders me to play nice, my plans of putting him in his place vanish.</p>
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<p>I know his type. I’ve been around men like him my entire life, but one chance meeting with him and his son, makes me question everything I thought I knew. </p>
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<p>ETHAN</p>
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<p>When it comes to business, I always come out on top. Not even being a single dad can slow me down. I never let a good investment get away, and that includes Taylor Toys. After all, business is business, right?</p>
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<p>How was I supposed to know a friendly meeting would set me on fire? Tara Taylor is a spoiled princess, used to getting everything she wants. </p>
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<p>Sure, her good looks and smart mouth turn me on like nothing else. Despite her hostile stares, she triggered feelings I thought were long dead. </p>
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<p>She dares to judge me while she stands there in her designer shoes, looking more beautiful than any marketing exec I’ve ever met. Instead of being grateful that I saved her family’s legacy, she blames me for their failure.</p>
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<p>What was meant to be a formality turns into a game of wills. </p>
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<p>I never lose. Except this time, I find myself wanting her more than I want to win. I find myself wanting her to take over. </p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://bit.ly/3e6pPug">Add to Goodreads!</a></strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Excerpt </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Copyright 2021 Evelyn Sola</p>
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<p>I know her type. Spoiled little daddy’s girl, upset because her life isn’t going according to plan. No manners. Someone needs to teach her a lesson and knock the smug look off her face. Wipe that smirk off her full lips. Lift her right off her short legs and spank her little ass.</p>
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<p>Even now I know she’s seething with rage in her chair. She’s so tense, her shoulders are practically to her ears. I’d like nothing more than to walk over there, take the seat next to her and watch her squirm in unease, but this seat gives me a much better view.</p>
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<p>She’s across the room in her designer clothes looking daggers at me with those big brown eyes. A man older than her father enters the room, and she stops the dirty looks to smile at him. She pats the seat next to her, and he happily takes it. He whispers something in her ear, and she laughs, the sound melodious to my ears. This is the first time I’ve seen her unguarded and imagine this is what she’s like. I think she forgot she’s supposed to hate me.</p>
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<p>I want to hear her laugh again. And I do. He says something else, and this time, she throws her head back, laughing loudly, uncaring that she has an audience of one. All too soon, she sobers up, and I watch in awe as the tension returns to her body. She’s so rigid she looks like she’s going to snap.</p>
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<p>The room fills quickly, and her father stands up to speak. I tune him out as I wait for him to introduce me. My eyes find her again, and I almost smile when I see the daggers are back and directed at me.</p>
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<p>I hold her gaze, and she doesn’t back down. The humor she had just seconds ago now a distant memory. Her full lips are no longer smiling but are in a firm line. There’s no happiness in her gaze as she looks at me. Her eyes are a storm cloud, and I can see the brown orbs all the way from here. Neither one of us is willing to look away first. In fact, she lays her hands on the table and arches her eyebrows as she waits. I make no moves, and as much as I want to study the rest of her body, I don’t dare look away from her eyes. I never lose, and I don’t intend on losing to her by looking away first.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately, my phone buzzes. It’s my private phone, the one the nanny uses. Carla has been with us since Vince came home from the hospital. She doesn’t text unless it’s necessary, and that’s what causes me to break the stare and pull out my phone.</p>
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<p>I respond to the text, slide the phone back in my pocket and look back at her. She’s still looking, but I can see by the slight upturn of her lips that she’s claiming victory. </p>
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<p><strong>About Evelyn Sola</strong></p>
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<p>A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come. </p>
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<p>Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor. </p>
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<p>She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Follow:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/evelyn.sola.374"> Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WritesEvelyn">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evelynwriteseveryday/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2572728646312337">Reader Group</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19962897.Evelyn_Sola">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/evelyn-sola">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/x2g2z9">Newsletter</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Evelyn-Sola/e/B0855QJGYX/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">Amazon</a> </p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><em>This promotional event is brought to you by</em></strong><a href="https://www.foreverwritepr.com/"> </a><strong><em>Indie Pen PR</em></strong></p>
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LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-19217814556134127942021-05-11T16:13:00.002-04:002021-05-11T16:13:46.438-04:00<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":37638,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/release-blitz-banner.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/release-blitz-banner.png?w=640" alt="" class="wp-image-37638"/></a></figure></div>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>In a blink of an eye, I turned her whole world upside down. I messed up and will do anything to make things right. Is there any chance of a happily ever after for a football star and librarian? Fans of the Boston Terriers Series by Jacob Chance will devour Blitz by A.M. Williams, a light and humorous, enemies to lovers romance.</em></strong></p>
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<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blitz.jpg"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blitz.jpg?w=681" alt="" class="wp-image-37628"/></a></figure></div>
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<p><strong>Blurb</strong></p>
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<p>One sexy football player. One sassy small town librarian.</p>
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<p>Is there any hope for happily ever after?</p>
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<p>Charlie</p>
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<p>HEA? No way.</p>
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<p>Jasper Sutton is the reason I watched my dream go up in smoke.</p>
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<p>I don’t care that he’s ridiculously hot and the night we met was one of the best of my life. The fact that he’s also funny and easy to talk to means next to nothing. </p>
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<p>He tore all my hopes to shreds when he bought the old library to turn it into a gym.</p>
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<p>I can’t forgive him. </p>
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<p>Jasper</p>
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<p>Charlotte “Charlie” Drake is something else. And I don’t mean that as a compliment.</p>
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<p>She might be gorgeous and sexy, but she’s also headstrong and stubborn.</p>
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<p>I get it--I messed up. I didn’t have all the facts and took things too far.</p>
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<p>But I’m crazy about her. She’s the only woman who looked past my name and reputation to see the real me. I want to prove to her that I’m serious, I’m sorry, and we could be good together.</p>
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<p>What does it take to get over the ultimate fumble and still win the game?</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="http://bit.ly/3tsgS4N">Add to Goodreads Here! </a></strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3rO8WcC">Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!</a></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blogger-blitz.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blogger-blitz.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-37640"/></a></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Excerpt </p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Copyright 2021 @ A.M. Williams</p>
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<p>“So,” I said after a few minutes of silence where we each sipped our coffee and ate what was in front of us, “are you vacationing near here?”</p>
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<p>Jasper tilted his head, and a smile curled the edges of his mouth. “You could say that. I’m staying with my dad.”</p>
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<p>I blinked at him. “And your dad is renting a house near here?”</p>
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<p>He laughed. Laughed! “Uh, no. He owns it.”</p>
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<p>I blinked at him again. “Oh. Did he move here recently?”</p>
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<p>Jasper tilted his head and I caught what looked like surprise widening his eyes slightly. “Do you know who I am?”</p>
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<p>I considered his question for a few moments, knowing that if he was asking me that then he was probably someone that was well known around here.</p>
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<p>But I was drawing a blank.</p>
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<p>Besides my friendship with Ruby and Vicky, I didn’t get out in town too much. I knew people, of course, because of going to events, working in the library, and being drug out to different festivals.</p>
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<p>But I wouldn’t consider anyone that I met in that way to be a friend.</p>
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<p>“You’re Jasper?” I finally said, not sure what else I should say. My tone was definitely questioning.</p>
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<p>He gave one sharp, quick laugh before shaking his head. “I’m Jasper Sutton.”</p>
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<p>I stared at him after his declaration. “I’m Charlie Drake.”</p>
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<p>If he was going to introduce himself like that, then I could too.</p>
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<p>His eyes narrowed. “No, I’m Jasper Sutton.”</p>
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<p>I wasn’t sure why he was putting emphasis on his name, but I was also realizing that his name did sound familiar. I just wasn’t sure why.</p>
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<p>“Okay…” I said slowly. “Nice to meet you.”</p>
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<p>Silence stretched between us before he asked, “You know, the name on the sign coming into town?”</p>
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<p>I studied him as I tried to recall the sign. I passed it every day, but I was to the point of not even noticing it anymore.</p>
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<p>But I remembered what he was referring to. The Welcome to Spring Hills sign also had a part that said Home of Jasper Sutton on it.</p>
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<p>My brow furrowed. “Were you named after someone famous?”</p>
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<p>He said nothing for a few moments before he started laughing. Hard. </p>
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<p>I shifted in my seat as he laughed, watching as he rubbed a hand over his face and hunched over the table. I wasn’t too sure why he was laughing; I just knew it was at me.</p>
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<p>I glanced around the cafe and saw that people were staring at him laughing and grew even more uncomfortable.</p>
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<p>Jasper slowly stopped laughing and shook his head, wheezing. “Are you for real?”</p>
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<p>“About what?” I asked, though I wasn’t too sure I wanted to know what he was asking. At this point, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on this date or whatever it was for too much longer.</p>
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<p>“You really don’t know who I am?”</p>
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<p>I shook my head.</p>
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<p>He blinked at me before saying, “I’m Jasper Sutton. The name on the sign is mine. It was put there when I got drafted.”</p>
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<p>The drafted statement made me pause, but I couldn’t dwell on it too long because he kept talking.</p>
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<p>“You’ve been to the Tasty Freeze? Ever seen the Jasper on the menu? It’s the milkshake they named after me because it’s my favorite. What about the Burger Barn? The Jasper there is my favorite meal.”</p>
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<p>I stared at him. I probably shouldn’t have said what I said next, but my mind was short circuiting because all I could think of was the fact that he said he’d been drafted. Drafted for what?</p>
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<p>“I thought Jasper Sutton was some old guy that had died in a war sometime.” </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blitz-flat.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blitz-flat.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-37641"/></a></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://amzn.to/3rO8WcC">Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! </a></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>About A.M. Williams </strong></p>
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<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/me.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/me.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-37643" width="195" height="195"/></a></figure></div>
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<p>A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Follow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authoramwilliams">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.twitter.com/authoramwilliam">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/authoramwilliams">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/literhotties">Reader Group</a> | <a href="http://hyperurl.co/qz1trd">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://hyperurl.co/hrm5vv">BookBub</a> | <a href="http://hyperurl.co/hrm5vv">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07DCH68Z8">Amazon </a></p>
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LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-37308631191184436902021-05-11T16:07:00.000-04:002021-05-11T16:07:48.601-04:00<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":37627,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/cover-reveal-banner.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/cover-reveal-banner.png?w=640" alt="" class="wp-image-37627"/></a></figure></div>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Join us for the cover reveal of Blitz by A.M. Williams. Fans who love Sports Romances will sink their teeth into this sexy, enemies to lovers romance. Keep scrolling for more details about this sexy cover. </em></strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Title: Blitz</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Author: A.M. Williams</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Release Date: 5/11/2021</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Genres: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Trope: Enemies to Lovers, Humorous Romance</strong></p>
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<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blitz.jpg"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blitz.jpg?w=681" alt="" class="wp-image-37628"/></a></figure></div>
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<p>One sexy football player. One sassy small town librarian.</p>
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<p>Is there any hope for happily ever after?</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Charlie</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>HEA? No way.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Jasper Sutton is the reason I watched my dream go up in smoke.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>I don’t care that he’s ridiculously hot and the night we met was one of the best of my life. The fact that he’s also funny and easy to talk to means next to nothing. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>He tore all my hopes to shreds when he bought the old library to turn it into a gym.</p>
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<p>I can’t forgive him. </p>
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<p>Jasper</p>
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<p>Charlotte “Charlie” Drake is something else. And I don’t mean that as a compliment.</p>
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<p>She might be gorgeous and sexy, but she’s also headstrong and stubborn.</p>
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<p>I get it--I messed up. I didn’t have all the facts and took things too far.</p>
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<p>But I’m crazy about her. She’s the only woman who looked past my name and reputation to see the real me. I want to prove to her that I’m serious, I’m sorry, and we could be good together.</p>
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<p>What does it take to get over the ultimate fumble and still win the game?</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blogger-cover.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/blogger-cover.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-37631"/></a></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3rO8WcC">Pre-Order on Amazon</a> <br></strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://bit.ly/3tsgS4N">Add to Goodreads Here!</a> </strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/cover-flat.png"><img src="https://ouabb.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/cover-flat.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-37633"/></a></figure>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>About A.M. Williams </strong></p>
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<p>A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Follow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authoramwilliams">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.twitter.com/authoramwilliam">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/authoramwilliams">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/literhotties">Reader Group</a> | <a href="http://hyperurl.co/qz1trd">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://hyperurl.co/hrm5vv">BookBub</a> | <a href="http://hyperurl.co/hrm5vv">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07DCH68Z8">Amazon </a></p>
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LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-5269863435529445222021-05-01T11:20:00.002-04:002021-05-01T11:20:41.850-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56400601-dreidel-to-the-grave" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Dreidel To The Grave" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1608829994l/56400601._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56400601-dreidel-to-the-grave">Dreidel To The Grave</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19717741.Yoel_Bereket">Yoel Bereket</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3964471299">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Dreidel To The Grave is an action-packed story in a genre that I love to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book opens with action where Gal, the Israeli agent who is part of a team for this mission with some hilarious wordplay and action that keeps the reader engaged. Gal is on more than just a mission on behalf of the Israeli government. He has a personal mission and he is working his way through his own list that has the reader engaged from the top of the list to the last item on the list, i.e., finding Hitler. Of course, the Israeli government is engaged to publicly prosecute WWII war criminals, most of which have dispersed to other countries where they have been hidden and protected. Gal's personal mission may not necessarily align with his government's mission. One of the great things about Dreidel To The Grave, besides the great title convention for the book, is some of the comedic aspects that come through in some of the precarious situations that Gal finds himself in. Those aspects, along with some of Gal's internal commentary are what bring him alive for the reader. Another aspect of the book that readers might enjoy is the colorful characters that Gal encounters throughout the book. This is a good read with an interesting character to follow. If the author decides to continue this character in future books, I have no doubt that the books will continue to grow and I look forward to potentially seeing more in-depth analysis of the characters, historical aspects that are the foundation for the stories, and with all of the travel, more about the locations that Gal finds himself.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3128567-ladytechie">View all my reviews</a>
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-38536423615851370872021-04-23T18:16:00.002-04:002021-04-23T18:16:36.500-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49805114-to-die-in-tuscany" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="To Die in Tuscany (A Rick Montoya Italian Mystery #7)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1596073816l/49805114._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49805114-to-die-in-tuscany">To Die in Tuscany</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7374569.David_P_Wagner">David P. Wagner</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2966272053">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
To Die in Tuscany follows Rick Montoya on his next "investigation". I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Each of the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries is set in a different town or city in Italy. This mystery is set in two small towns in the Marche region around Urbino with a particular focus on their art museums, gardens, local politics, and art dealers. If you have a love of Italy, art, and museums then To Die in Tuscany will be a welcome respite from being unable to travel to Italy for the last year or so. One of my favorite things about this series is they do well with depicting Italy, the food, culture, and the people. It is obvious that David P. Wagner has not only experience with so many areas of Italy but also he is well versed in Italian. For those of us studying Italian not just for the language but also to learn the culture of the Italians, this series is wonderful. Obviously, it is a small replacement for not getting my Italian adventure that was previously scheduled one week after the travel ban started, but, I truly look forward to the books in this series.<br /><br />One of the things that is a bit different about this installment is how the investigation proceeds. Betta who was missed in the previous book is always an interesting character. But, To Die in Tuscany is very much in Betta's world of art theft. This book has a great array of characters who all did a great job of being plausible suspects so the reader spends a great time changing their mind about who committed both crimes that are at issue in this book. We learn about artists and masterpieces we may have not have been introduced to or have heard of because they are not always front-and-center when we visit the museums and galleries across the world. But, Italy is an amazing place of art and I like to refer to it as an open-air museum and art gallery because you turn a corner and see carvings and sculptures in the oddest places. Years ago, I had a theory that Italy discovers so much of its art buried in odd places that they may not have room to display it all so you see it in alcoves and breezeways and many other unexpected places. Some of it obviously pretty ancient. The Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries never disappoints and always has an interesting mystery. The point-of-view changed a bit this time for the mystery but, the travel through Urbino and other towns in this region made a great addition to the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries. I cannot wait to see which region we visit next with Rick. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-76881205116258780122021-04-22T17:05:00.001-04:002021-04-22T17:05:27.271-04:00We are excited to share the #CoverReveal for Takeover, by @evelynsolaauthor! Keep reading for more details about this sexy, diverse read plus add it to your Goodreads today!
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Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3e6pPug
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TARA
I was supposed to be in charge. That was always my intention.
Until that slick corporate raider, Ethan Bradford, clicked his fancy pen and poof!
Just like that, I was under him, instead of on top.
Rich and powerful men–especially arrogant, handsome ones–are all the same.
I know exactly how to handle him, but when my father pulls rank and orders me to play nice, my plans of putting him in his place vanish.
I know his type. I’ve been around men like him my entire life, but one chance meeting with him and his son, makes me question everything I thought I knew.
ETHAN
When it comes to business, I always come out on top. Not even being a single dad can slow me down. I never let a good investment get away, and that includes Taylor Toys. After all, business is business, right?
How was I supposed to know a friendly meeting would set me on fire? Tara Taylor is a spoiled princess, used to getting everything she wants.
Sure, her good looks and smart mouth turn me on like nothing else. Despite her hostile stares, she triggered feelings I thought were long dead.
She dares to judge me while she stands there in her designer shoes, looking more beautiful than any marketing exec I’ve ever met. Instead of being grateful that I saved her family’s legacy, she blames me for their failure.
What was meant to be a formality turns into a game of wills.
I never lose. Except this time, I find myself wanting her more than I want to win. I find myself wanting her to take over.
#EnemiesToLovers #DiverseRomance #SingleDadRomance #BillionaireRomance #ContemporaryRomance #BWWM #Takeover
LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-3029704614083206622021-04-09T11:59:00.003-04:002021-04-09T11:59:32.036-04:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57117317-the-design-of-dukes" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons #2)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1617294882l/57117317._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57117317-the-design-of-dukes">The Design of Dukes</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074279.Kathleen_Ayers">Kathleen Ayers</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3894751638">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The daughter of a duke who is pretty oblivious to her family's reputation who pretty much behaves in direct opposition to what society or "the ton" seems to dictate. Imagine what happens when she has a run-in with a duke who is her total opposite. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. <br /><br />Andromeda, her sisters, and her brothers all know how they "should" behave, but each of them has their own quirks that mean they tend to ignore what society dictates, like owning a pleasure den, creating art, and sewing clothes. The other aristocrats have their reasons for expecting this kind of unacceptable behavior from the Barringtons, but, they typically spend little time in London until recently where they are attending all of the same balls and other events as the rest of society. Since Andromeda is outspoken, she of course runs right into the duke of Granby and it is as a reader would expect when two opposing forces crash into each other, a crashing of wills and words. What neither of them recognizes is it is the start of a fierce attraction and it happens pretty much at the wrong time, as everyone in London believes Granby is going to propose to Lady Beatrice, including Lady Beatrice and her family. As they both start to realize their true feelings for each other and everyone appears to be aware of it all of the house parties, balls, and opera visits start to take on a sometimes amusing air, but, always interesting. I will have to take a step back and read the first book in the series as I plan to follow this one now that I have been introduced to The Beautiful Barringtons. LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669155495684697179.post-85743861825736356652021-04-02T13:45:00.000-04:002021-04-02T13:45:16.684-04:00Release Blitz for The Design of Dukes by Kathleen Ayers<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":37226,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Andromeda is the most frustrating creature Granby has ever encountered. When their insults turn to flirtation and the heated discussions between them lead to passionate kisses, will Andromeda succumb to their mutual attraction? Fans of steamy historical and enemies to lovers romances will devour The Design of Dukes by Kathleen Ayers, the next book in her Beautiful Barringtons Series.</em></strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Praise for Kathleen Ayers</strong></p>
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<p>"Kathleen Ayers has become a favorite for me. I loved the "Wicked Series" but the "The Theory Of Earls" (don't you just love this title) is my favorite so far." - MiaBurke54, Bookbub Reviewer</p>
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<p>"I am absolutely enamored with this book! It has a breathtaking romance, characters with sizzling chemistry, and a dialogue that is so clever and witty..." - Catherine, Goodreads Reviewer</p>
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<p><strong>Blurb</strong></p>
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<h4><strong>Lady Andromeda Barrington is the most unsuitable young lady in London.</strong></h4>
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<p>At least in the Duke of Granby’s opinion.</p>
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<p>Granby doesn’t care for bastard relatives or tainted pedigrees and Andromeda possesses <em>both</em>. Nor does he like opinionated young ladies who enjoy hurling insults in his direction.</p>
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<p>Andromeda is, in short, the most annoying creature he’s ever met.</p>
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<p>When she arrives, <em>uninvited</em>, to a house party given at his estate, Granby can’t decide whether to kiss Andromeda senseless or send her packing.</p>
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<p><strong>Andromeda is the victim of infatuation and bad luck.</strong></p>
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<p>The infatuation is that of her sister for the Earl of Blythe, but the misfortune belongs solely to Andromeda after she is forced to attend a house party hosted by the Duke of Granby. She and the duke are previously, <em>unpleasantly</em>, acquainted. The entire party is bound to be awkward, and their mutual dislike difficult to hide. Her only recourse is to avoid the giant block of ice masquerading as a duke. Thankfully, Granby’s estate is enormous.</p>
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<p>But instead of mutual hostility upon arriving, Romy is greeted with unexpected attraction. Insults turn into flirtation. Heated discussions become lingering kisses.</p>
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<p><em>Her</em> heart is ruined. Granby may not even have one.</p>
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<p>And the duke has already chosen another young lady to be his duchess.</p>
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<p><strong>The Design of Dukes</strong> is a steamy historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and next in the series The Beautiful Barringtons.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Add to Goodreads </strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2OTzzPT"><strong>Here</strong></a><strong>! </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="http://mybook.to/designofdukes"><strong>Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!</strong></a></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Excerpt </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Copyright 2021 @Kathleen Ayers</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left">“Were you sketching Granby’s backside?” Blythe laughed out from between his gloved fingers, clearly finding the situation amusing. “I suppose there’s a first time for everything.”</p>
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<p>Heat stung her cheeks at Blythe’s scandalous statement. “I was absolutely not, my lord.” </p>
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<p>“Could you find nothing else more worthy of your talent?” Blythe’s tone turned flirtatious. “Mine, perhaps?” Blythe turned sideways and wiggled his hips.</p>
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<p>Blythe was a shameless rogue. Though Romy had to admit upon inspection, Blythe’s backside, like the rest of him, was rather magnificent.</p>
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<p>Granby’s eyes fluttered shut, head shaking as if Blythe continuously tried his limited patience, before once again fixing Romy with a frosty glare. </p>
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<p>“I was sketching Miss Cummings’s costume,” Romy waved in the direction of the young lady who was now wandering off, oblivious to the fact her gown had been the cause of Romy’s current situation. </p>
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<p>“And eavesdropping.” Granby’s snarl met her ears. </p>
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<p>“Who knows what else you were sketching,” Blythe said mischievously. “I’d like to take a look.”</p>
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<p>She immediately hid her notebook within the folds of her skirts. “I’m not certain,” Romy snapped back, embarrassed to having been caught looking at Granby and having Blythe take notice, “there was anything of merit for me to overhear. If you must know—”</p>
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<p>“Oh, I must.” Granby drawled. </p>
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<p>“If you must know,” she imitated in a mockery of Granby, “I was struck dumb at the sight of the duke’s coat.”</p>
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<p>“My coat?” The dark eyes narrowed blasting her with dislike. </p>
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<p>“Yes, Your Grace.” She nodded as if truly at odds with what she was about to relay to him. “I noticed the length is incorrect. Two inches longer would be much more in line with what is deemed fashionable.”</p>
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<p> Granby’s massive shoulders stiffened. One gloved hand tugged at his collar though she hadn’t said a word about his cravat. Yet.</p>
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<p> “She may have a point, Gran,” Blythe added helpfully looking between his coat and Granby’s. “I think I mentioned—”</p>
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<p>“I do not,” Granby interrupted Blythe, all his attention firmly on Romy, “take fashion advice from a woman who has the poor sense to come to a party dressed as a shrub.”</p>
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<p>Romy sucked in her breath. Her costume was lovely. She was a dryad. A tree nymph. It was true that very few saw the vision of her costume today, guessing somewhat correctly she was a tree of some sort but she certainly, emphatically, did not look like a shrub. Granby himself was a mountain masquerading as a duke. </p>
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<p>“I am a tree nymph, Your Grace.” Romy stated with determination.</p>
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<p> “I beg to differ.” The dark eyes ran down her body. “You look like a shrub. All you need is a bit of red and I’d mistake you for a holly.” </p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="http://mybook.to/designofdukes">Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!</a></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>About Kathleen Ayers</strong></p>
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<p>Kathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first</p>
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<p>purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at</p>
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<p>antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in</p>
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<p>love dozens of times. In particular, she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked</p>
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<p>sense of humor. On paper, of course.</p>
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<p>Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college-aged son and two very spoiled dogs.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center">Follow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kayersauthor">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/historicallyhotkathleenayers">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/historicallyhotkathleenayers">Reader Group</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074279.Kathleen_Ayers">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-ayers">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://kathleenayers.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3jGWkAL">Newsletter</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Ayers">Amazon </a></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><em>This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR</em></strong></p>
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LadyTechiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707148327474572853noreply@blogger.com0