Book Review - Claiming the Drakos Heir by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway

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Popi Costas just lost her sister to a tragic boating accident. Now she is faced with raising her late sister's unborn child alone. That is until the baby's wealthy uncle decides he wants custody of the child. Apollo Drakos is charming, handsome, but has a reputation for being selfish. Popi is determined to keep Apollo away from the baby. However, as Popi gets to know Apollo, she realizes there might be a soft interior under his hard shell. Will Popi and Apollo be able to put aside their differences? 

The novel follows the basic formula for a good romance novel: two people who do not communicate with each other and assume the worst of each other. However, the novel does have a few emotional rollercoasters, especially when dealing with a custody battle of a young child. I enjoyed reading and finding out the backstory of each character especially the mysterious Apollo. A definite must-read for anyone who loves romance novels.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Claiming the Drakos Heir (Greek Island Brides #2) By Jennifer Faye Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages June 1st 2019 by Harlequin Romance

The rebel bachelor is back…

To claim her baby!

In this Greek Island Brides story, pregnant surrogate Popi Costas is faced with raising her late sister’s child alone, until the baby’s wealthy uncle arrives to take charge! Apollo Drakos is distractingly handsome, but Popi won’t let that stop her from fighting to keep the baby. Yet as she gets to know the man behind the wild card reputation, Popi’s reconsidering welcoming Apollo into her new little family…

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Freebie

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

The Greek Island Brides Series Finding love that lasts to infinity!

All marriages that take place on renowned wedding destination Infinity Island are guaranteed to last forever!

And the picturesque Greek island is about to weave its magic for friends Lea, Popi and Stasia. They dream of finding their own happy-ever-afters... And they’re about to meet three billionaires who will sweep them off their feet—and down the aisle!

Follow Lea’s journey from surprise pregnancy to dream proposal in...

 

Book #1 - Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby

From one night…

To nine months!

In this Greek Island Brides story, for jaded tycoon Xander Marinakos, renowned wedding destination Infinity Island is just another opportunity to expand his empire. Until he’s captivated by its beautiful owner, Lea Romes… When their one night together has unexpected consequences, Xander must negotiate the deal of a lifetime, and put his guarded heart on the table to convince independent Lea they can be a family…for infinity!

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And coming September 2019…

Book #3 - Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring

A convenient engagement…

An inconvenient attraction!

In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon Roberto Carrass is a pleasant surprise—until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family from matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?

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About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a copy of Carrying the Greek Tycoon's Baby (print if US, ebook if INT) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card Open internationally Ends June 12, 2019

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Book Review - The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

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Annika Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. She becomes anxious in social situations and she finds it hard to decipher people's behaviors. She finds comfort in books and playing chess.

When newcomer Jonathan Hoffman joins the chess club, he plays his first match against Annika. After he loses his first match, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful but, shy Annika. Jonathan admires that Annika is able to be true to herself. They are both drawn to each other as they balance each other out. Together, they embark in tender love affair when a tragic accident tears them apart causing them to live separate lives.

A decade has passed and Annika and Jonathan has a fate encounter in Chicago. Annika is living the life as she wanted as a librarian. Jonathan is a recovering from a divorce and is a financial expert. The attraction between the pair is still strong. Together, they decide to rekindle their relationship. However, they quickly realize that their fears, quirks, and anxieties that first drove them apart, is threatening their relationship once again. Will Annika and Jonathan be able to work through their differences.

I found myself torn between thinking this book was "meh" to "I liked it". At first, I didn't quite like Annika because I was reminded of some uneventful childhood experiences. But, after learning more about her, I was able to understand her better. I thought Jonathan loved Annika but, sometimes I feel like he "tolerating" or with her because of how pretty she was. I felt like there was a lot of focus on how beautiful she was or that her beauty was "wasted" because of how she was. I didn't like how people were sometimes unnecessarily cruel to Annika because she couldn't understand the world around her. I think the novel was a tad boring, I wish it had more going on.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh + Giveaway

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Quinn Collins has never left her small hometown of Harbor Pointe. She wants to stick around in case, her mom who abandonded her and her family, decides to return. Quinn has bought the flower shop that her mother once owned. She wants to create a one of a kind design so, her mother can finally notice her. And, perhaps, her mother would see the woman Quinn has become and realizes her mistake of leaving her family behind.

Howver, Quinn is completely swamped with renovations and the flower expo. Luckily, Olympic skier Grady Benson, caused damage to a local shop and was court ordered to do community service. Grady has always taken the easy way out on life and never listened to his coaches. The duo are complete opposite and are constantly butting heads. But, as the continue to work together, they see glimpses of each other's vulnerability. Will Quinn and Grady realize that they need each other?

I thought the story was good but, I was annoyed that each character gave up on each other so quickly. They kept showing each other they cared but, as soon as one person makes a mistake or is at their lowest point, they are ready to throw in the towel. I felt like they like each other and want to fight for each other but, they failed to do it. Overall, I enjoyed the story but, I could do without the many "Oh, she's too good for me" or "He's a bad boy, and I am not like that".

**Disclosure - I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: Just Let Go  
Author: Courtney Walsh  
Release Date: June 5, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help. Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press. Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two more books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Courtney Walsh is giving away a grand prize of a library of Courtney Walsh’s books and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/d0a4/just-let-go-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere + Giveaway

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Fiercely independent Julia Bernay arrives in London to study medicine and become a doctor. The profession was only recently allowed women to participate. On her way to a lecture, the train is on is derailed causing serious injuries to some of the riders. She rushes to save the life of a young barrister, Michael Stephenson from bleeding out.

Micheal came from a family that lost its money and title due to his father's actions. Michael and his sister, Corinna, try to work together to build up the family name and regain what was lost. However, even with their best-laid plans, things have started to derail. Will Julia and Michael be able to love each despite their conflicting personalities?

I found the novel to be quite an enjoyable and fun read. I like how each character was well developed and continue to grow.  However, I am a bit confused on what drew the two main characters other than the time they spent together learning Latin especially since they had conflicting religious viewpoints. Overall, the book was a good read and I look forward to reading more from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

About the Book

Book Title: The Heart’s Appeal

Author: Jennifer Delamere

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?

About the Book

 

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cacd

Book Review - How to Walk Away: A Novel by Katherine Center

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Margaret Jacobsen has always been afraid of flying but when her dreamy pilot to be boyfriend promises to take her on a trip she won't ever forget; she hesitantly agrees. Margaret has the picture perfect life with a dreamy boyfriend who proposed to her during their flight and her dream job lined up. However, everything she worked so hard for is in jeopardy when an unfortunate accident occurs.

While in the hospital trying to recover, Maggie must come to terms that her life will never be the same as it once was. Her fiancé, Chip is reluctant to visit but he wants Maggie to forgive him without putting in the effort. And then her older estranged sister, Kit who disappeared from Maggie's life for three years.  When Maggie only wants to wallow in self-pity, she paired with a tough as nails physical therapist, Ian who refuses to let her give anything else than 100% during her therapy. Is Ian the thing that Maggie needs the most but refuses to acknowledge? Why did Kit and Maggie have a fallout? Can someone love when they are at their most vulnerable?

The novel was an interesting and delicious read about perseverance, happiness, and tough love. Each of the book's characters were well-developed and multi-dimensional while continuously grow. I found that Maggie was an inspiration point that she didn't help her accident define who she is along with being the bigger person and understanding that everyone had faults. There were parts of the novel, I was shaking my head and yelling that Maggie could do better but I still find this novel enjoyable. A great read for an upcoming beach day!

Book Review - Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky + Giveaway!

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Isabella Grayson is the oldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper mogul who wishes to be like her father. Her parents believe that Isabella shows focus on marriage prospects than following her dreams of becoming a journalist. Ever persistent, she pens an anonymous letter to her father's newspaper that impresses her father and fuels her dreams of writing. Her father reluctantly agrees that she can write a series of article on aviation, but on the condition she must accept a marriage proposal within the year.

When the aspiring aviator, James Drake crashes his plane near the family's home, Isabella is smitten. She wants James to fulfill his dream of being the first to fly across the Channel and win prize. However, the closer the pair works together they discover they both have a dark secret. Will the duo be able to forgive each other and find happiness together? Will James succeed in being the first to fly over the Channel?

The Edwardian novel was an interesting and fun read. I love how the author wove in the mystery of Drake's father along with his desire to fly. My favorite parts were the family dynamics of the Professor and James. I think the author did a great job showing how family can both be people who are blood related or people who become family through a common desire. I thought the romance dynamic between Isabella and James was endearing and not annoying and back and forth like it sometimes happens in other romance novels. They both know they let each other down, but they worked together to put the past behind them and work towards a future together. A great read and I can't wait to read other works by the author.

About the Author

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and five grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. She loves to connect with reading friends through her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. 

Purchase a copy of the novel at Amazon!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Shine Like the Dawn and $30 gift card to Christianbooks.com!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c987

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor

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In the year 1986, Eddie and his friends had been regular kids. They ride their bikes and hang out around the community while avoiding the older bullies. They create a special secret code between themselves: small chalk stick figures that only they can understand with each of the kids having their own color. However, one day their secret code leads them to a gruesome murder with a missing head.  In the year 2016, Eddie is fully grown and left those childhood memories in the past. However, he receives a message in the mail with a chalk figure. He finds himself facing the demons of his childhood. What does the code mean? Who is sending the code? Is the code connected to the murder?

The novel alternates between past and present for Eddie. The readers are given A dark, thrilling novel that left me in suspense. It was an interesting read that kept me guessing until the end, even though some portions left me stumped. I felt like it shows how the things we regret affect us as we grow up and even how it affects our behaviors and reactions. A great read for a stormy day! 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - To Wager Her Heart (Belle Meade Plantation, #3) by Tamera Alexander

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Alexandra was like every other girl until a deadly train accident changes the course of her life. The Dutchman Curve accident claimed the life of Alexandra's beloved finance. When her father declares she must marry an older gentleman, Alexandra must make a choice -- will she marry according to her father's wish or will she marry for love?

Sylas Rutledge is the owner of the Northeast Line Railroad but also his father was one of the conductors involved in the train accident. He is determined to make his new venture a success and provide his father's innocence. However, since Sylas is from Colorado he has trouble with the Southern etiquette and enlists Alexandra's help. Will Alexandra be able to forget that Sylas's dad is responsible for her fiancee's death? Will Sylas's be able to prove his father's innocence?

When I first read the summary for the novel, it seem like the novel was going to be based more around Sylas's business venture and Alexandra teaching him the Southern ways. However, I felt that portion of the story took the back burner and it became more focused on Alexandra's life at the Fisk University. The novel had a lot of mini stories going on and I felt the author left the ending open for another novel to follow but I felt the novel lacked depth for me to continue reading more. I felt that the novel was longer by several chapters than it needed to be and some aspects of the novel was given a few words while other mini stories had unnecessary chapters dedicated to it.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Angels' Share by James Markert

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When a drifter is  buried behind the McFee's distillery, things started happening. The followers believed it was the second coming of Christ while William McFee wasn't quite so sure. Residents of Twisted Tree used to rely on Old Sam Bourbon distillery before the Prohibition for their livelihood. After the Prohibition has ended, the distillery still isn't up and running. After the burial of the drifter, miracles happen to those who interact with the second day Christ. Would the distillery be up and running again? Who is the drifter?

The novel was an interesting read and very hard to put  down. It was filled with revenge, redemption, miracles, forgiveness, romance,  and empathy. I was held in suspense with every page had a "piece" that fit together to create a whole story in the end. A truly entertaining and wonderful book!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**