EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY by Jennifer Probst

May 31, 2016
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The Billionaire Builders, Book 1

Probst takes her inspiration from the oh-so-hot Property Brothers in this first book of a new series.

Caleb Pierce is the eldest of three brothers and the only one still working for the family building business. His mother’s family had started it several generations earlier, but after she ran off and died his father is left with a mighty big chip on his shoulder. He fights with his other sons and they take off on their own. Until he dies.

The will has a surprise – the only way the sons will inherit the business is if they all live together and run the business together for one year, and show a profit. They grudgingly agree to give it a try.

Morgan is a beautiful but tough designer to the stars. Her latest clients give her 6 months to build their dream home in the upscale town where the Pierce Brothers are the best builders around. She basically blackmails Caleb into building the house and they fight their attraction for each other through most of the book – until they finally give in to the blazing hot romance.

I loved the quirky book references and I’m a Property Brothers fan, so this book worked for me. Looking forward to the next book in the series, Any Time, Any Place.

 

5/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY by Jennifer Probst. St. Martin’s Press (August 11, 2015).  ISBN 978-0312605377. 304p.

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THE WICKED DUKE by Madeline Hunter

May 30, 2016
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Wicked Trilogy, Book 3

No, I haven’t read books 1 & 2 and I don’t think I’ve ever even read this author. But as has been my experience with historical romances, it doesn’t matter in the least.

The Duke of Aylesbury, Lancelot Hemingford, was the second son and was never supposed to inherit the title. But his brother died, and Hemingford is under a cloud of suspicion since the coroner hasn’t ruled murder out. Hemingford reluctantly moves to the country, laying low until his innocence can be proven.

His neighbor brings him an intriguing offer; marry his niece, and he will use his influence to see the Duke’s name cleared. Refuse, and he will produce a witness claiming Hemingford poisoned his brother. Reluctantly, Hemingford agrees to the marriage.

Marianne Radley is a bit leery of the Duke. He has a reputation as a rake, but when he proposes, she has her own reasons to accept. Neither of them thought this marriage would be anything but a convenience, but Hemingford is intrigued by his new wife’s intelligence, curiosity and passion, and she with his.

Interesting characters and the mysterious death of a duke combine to make this romance a real page turner. Guess I need to root out books 1 and 2.

 

05/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE WICKED DUKE by Madeline Hunter. Jove (May 31, 2016). ISBN 978-0515155181. 384p.

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THE LAST RENEGADE by Jo Goodman

May 29, 2016
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Bitter Springs Series, Book 1

This is the first book of a trilogy, and I read the second and third books a while ago and really liked them. Like most romances, order isn’t all that important but I was happy to finally get the background of this trilogy.

These are historicals, set in the Old West around 1889, and I have learned that the difference between Western Romance and just plain old westerns is the happy ending. Romances must have a happy ending, and westerns often end with somebody riding out of town.

 

Bitter Springs is a small town in Wyoming, a train stop on the western route. When a man named Nat Church gets murdered on the train, Kellen Coltrane is there. Nat hides his guns in Coltrane’s bags, and gives him some letters, asking him to stop in Bitter Springs and see “Penny Royal.”

Turns out Pennyroyal is the name of the hotel and the owner, the Widder Berry, is expecting him. Her sister was raped and murdered and the man sentenced to jail for it has escaped. His family runs the small town with bloodshed and fear, and the Widder wants to put an end to all the bloodshed.

Meanwhile, one by one the jurors and the marshal are killed so this is more mystery than romance. But Coltrane and Berry gradually fall in love and the mystery is solved, all ending with a happy ending.

5/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE LAST RENEGADE by Jo Goodman. Berkley; Original edition (September 4, 2012). ISBN 978-0425250969. 384p.

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THE BOB’S BURGERS BURGER BOOK by Loren Bouchard & Cole Bowden

May 28, 2016
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REAL RECIPES FOR JOKE BURGERS

I imagine most of the folks watching Bob’s Burgers (like myself) imagine what Bob’s punny burger of the day creations would taste like in real life. But Cole Bowden took it one step further. He chronicled his burger experiments with the extremely fun Bob’s Burger Experiment blog, eventually catching the eye of the folks behind the show, leading to the creation and release of The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book.

As the title states, these are “real recipes for joke burgers.” And they are freaking tasty burgers.

Burgers run the gamut of toppings and combinations. There’s the “Texas Chainsaw Massa-curd Burger” (my own first try), which features a habanero-studded patty topped with cheese curds and a wickedly tasty homemade ginger ketchup. Young Bob’s “Baby You Can Chive My Car Burger” may have been criticized by his dad, but only before he tasted it. That spectacular creation is stuffed with feta cheese, topped with chives and a sour cream mustard mixture, and served up with spicy fried pickles. Even Bob’s guaranteed-to-win-awards creation, “Bet it All on Black Garlic Burger” is included.

Each recipe comes with mention of the episode and season where it originally appeared, an intro to the recipe, clear and concise prep/cooking instructions, and building instructions as well. Most also

New Baconings Burger

include illustrations too. So yeah, you probably should be a little bit of a Bob’s Burgers fan to REALLY enjoy the book. With grilling season truly upon us, though, I think EVERY burger fan should buy this one. Includes 75 recipes.

 

5/16 Becky LeJeune

THE BOB’S BURGERS BURGER BOOK by Loren Bouchard & Cole Bowden. Rizzoli (March 22, 2016).  ISBN: 9780789331144. 128p.

 

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I, HUMAN by John Nelson

May 27, 2016
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This is a highly intellectual look into a dystopian future where the use of neural implants and drug conditioning are used to keep the population calm and malleable.

Difficulty is that this conditioning represses feelings and intuition and can cause mental breakdowns in the population that represent future problems for the government. In addition, segments of the population have refused the treatment, and are involved in living and working in a low tech environment. They are known as “bornies” and have evolved, living completely apart from those that have accepted the treatment and its consequent enhanced functioning.

Alan Reynard, a government agent, is given the assignment of infiltrating a spiritual commune run by a healer named Maria Fria, who has modified the implants for increased functionality. Alan grows to believe in what Maria is doing, and it causes him to begin to work towards modifying the government’s social control.

The thesis of the book is interesting and the concept possible. But Nelson falls into the trap of an overabundance of explanation of what is happening and could very easily lose the reader in sheer wordiness.

5/16 Paul Lane

I, HUMAN by John Nelson. Cosmic Egg Books (May 27, 2016).  ISBN 978-1785353307.  288p.

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BORDERLINE by Mishell Baker

May 26, 2016
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The Arcadia Project, Book 1

With a directing gig and a film that garnered critical praise both under her belt, Millie was a Hollywood hopeful with what could have been a great career ahead of her. But a scandalous affair and her borderline personality disorder led to a suicide attempt that, thankfully, failed, leaving Millie an amputee forced to finally deal the emotional issues that resulted in her breakdown. With all hope of a career set aside indefinitely, Millie signed on to live in a psychiatric facility that leeches away at her meager funds all the while attempting to help her save her sanity.

All of that changes, though, when Millie is approached by the Arcadia Project. A super secret group that works with fey traveling to and inhabiting Los Angeles, the Arcadia Project promises an in back into the industry if Millie agrees to work for them. Her first job: helping to track a rogue fey whose visa has expired. With an experienced Arcadia Project employee by her side, the job should be a fairly easy one. But it turns out this initiation into Arcadia Project is definitely not ideal for a beginner.

Mishell Baker’s debut and first in the Arcadia Project series is a wildly entertaining and unique addition to urban fantasy.

The world of the Arcadia Project is one that lives at the crossroads between the “real” world and a fey dimension. There are Seelie and Unseelie, much like other fey worlds, but the real difference is that at the core of the world is the idea that the organization trusted and tasked with dealing with emissaries and travelers from another dimension aren’t trusted at all. They, like Millie, are chosen because their mental health issues means no one ever really has to worry about them spilling the beans about the fey or the agreement their world has with ours!

The fact that Baker’s heroine is handicapped and dealing with serious emotional issues makes Borderline different from pretty much every other urban fantasy out there. And when you add in a whole cast of well rounded characters, a world that’s fabulously defined, and a plot that’s built and paced fantastically, you have a truly standout read.

5/16 Becky LeJeune

BORDERLINE by Mishell Baker. Saga Press (March 1, 2016).  ISBN: 978-1481429788. 400p.

 

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Guest Blogger: Brenda Novak

May 25, 2016
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Can she ever trust another “bad boy”? 

India Sommers once had the perfect family—until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.

Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she’s learned that her ex-boyfriend’s trial ended in a hung jury. He’s getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that’s not all that scares her. She’s extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome “bad boy” type that’s given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.

India has to keep her distance from Rod—but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.

PRAISE FOR THE WHISKEY CREEK SERIES:

“Another Whiskey Creek novel is just what readers need to satisfy their craving for a romance that tugs at the heartstrings.” RT Book Reviews on A Winter Wedding, Top Pick

“This Heart of Mine is a potently emotional, powerfully life-affirming contemporary romance that can be read and enjoyed on its own, but it also serves as an excellent addition to Novak’s popular Whiskey Creek series.”–Booklist, starred review

“Another engrossing addition to Novak’s addictive series.”–Library Journal on This Heart of Mine, starred review

“Novak’s Whiskey Creek novels are a favorite among romance readers because of their small-town charm… Novak never disappoints.” RT Book Reviews on This Heart of Mine, Top Pick

“Once again Novak’s Whiskey Creek springs to life in all its realistic, gritty Gold Country glory as two determined, likable people come to terms with their pasts and give love a chance. This poignant, heartfelt romance puts a refreshing spin on the classic reunion/secret baby theme.”–Library Journal on Come Home to Me

From the Author: Brenda’s Top-10 Romantic Foods

Food can mean many things—calories to keep you alive, the vegetables your kids don’t want to eat, or the fast food burger you grab when you’re short on time. But it can also be something more – a romantic adventure of captivating tastes, smells, and feelings. If you’re looking to turn up the heat in your relationship, here are a few foods that will make you and your partner feel a little weak in the knees:

1. Chocolate
How could we not start here? Smooth and creamy, chocolate is king! Depending on your diet, it may even be a little naughty. It’s also believed by many to be an aphrodisiac, and while science is a little hesitant to agree, I have a hard time arguing to the contrary. 😉 My new love? Dark chocolate with sea salt. Decadent!

2. Steak
Okay, this is where all of you vegetarians cringe (and you’ll definitely want to skip this one), but there’s something carnal and satisfyingly primitive about tearing into a steak. A woman can see her date doing it and have the exciting feeling that he’s going to throw her over his shoulder and take her back to his cave. For a man, there’s really nothing more encouraging than seeing his date eschew the prim salad, roll up her sleeves and go for it. (Or maybe I just want to believe this, since steak is one of my favorites foods! LOL)

3. Whipped cream
Light, delicious, and it goes well on everything: on ice cream, on fruit, on – dare I say – your partner’s body? This versatile treat can turn a regular night into something fun and surprising.

4. Raw oysters
Okay, I’m giving this one on faith for the more adventurous among us, because I can’t pretend I’m speaking from experience. (Presenting me with raw oysters would probably be the quickest way to “kill the mood.” LOL) But…unlike chocolate, whose aphrodisiac status is perhaps a bit more placebo-oriented, oysters actually do contain amino acids that are said to increase sex drive. Since its powers of passion are well-documented, it also sends a clear message about how you plan to end the night.

5. Sushi
There’s a lot of discovery here – what you like, what you don’t, how to finally get those damn chopsticks to work so you don’t look too silly. A sushi date is an odyssey of unique flavors, not to mention that many of the rolls are art on a plate. And a sushi date practically requires that you share with each other. What’s more romantic than that?

6. Strawberries
They’re bursting with flavor, heart-shaped, and you can feed them to each other. These delectable sweet berries are great for bringing out your playful side and helping you slow down and focus on each other. Bonus points if you get them involved with my #1 (chocolate) or #3 (whipped cream) selection.

7. Spaghetti and meatballs
Counterintuitive? Perhaps. You might think you’d never want to order this one on a date because it’s messy to eat, but that’s exactly why you should. If you and your date commit to this sloppy Italian meal, it’ll force you to stop trying to be perfect and get comfortable with each other. There’s just something about a partner who’s willing to get a little dirty, isn’t there? 😉

8. Something spicy
This time I am speaking from experience, because I love nothing more than a lot of flavor. Whether it’s Indian food, Thai food, Mexican food, or just throwing a handful of jalapeños into the dish, sometimes there’s no better way to spice things up than actually spicing things up. (Is it hot in here, or is it just you?)

9. Lobster
Want to make a night special? Add lobster. It’s succulent, it’s indulgent, and what can be better than a meal that comes with a tiny bowl of butter sauce for dipping? When you’re looking to create a night to remember, sometimes it’s worth it to splurge, because the splurge alone says, “You’re important to me.”

10. Fondue
Always a sure bet for a great date. You can go out to do this, or you can do it at home with a small crockpot. It’s interactive and gratifying to just keep dipping. And we’re talking about a huge bowl of creamy cheese. How can anybody not love that? Even better, you can end the night right where we started—with chocolate.

Remember, there’s a little bit of romance wherever you look. It can be a place or a book or even your dinner. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, drop a couple of these items in your cart. You may be glad you did.

BrendaNovak_AuthorPhotoAbout the Author

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak is the author of more than fifty books. A five-time Rita nominee, she has won many awards, including the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Daphne, and the Silver Bullet. She also runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity to raise money for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised $2.5 million. For more about Brenda, please visit http://www.brendanovak.com.

To win your own copy, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “DISCOVERING YOU” as the subject.

You must include your snail mail address in your email.

All entries must be received by May 31, 2016. One (1) name will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States only. Your book will be sent by the publicist.

One entry per email address. Subscribers to the monthly newsletter earn an extra entry into every contest. Follow this blog to earn another entry into every contest. Winners may win only one time per year (365 days) for contests with prizes of more than one book. Your email address will not be shared or sold to anyone.

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MERCY by Daniel Palmer & Michael Palmer

May 24, 2016
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Michael Palmer, sadly deceased, is credited as the co-author of this novel. The reason is quite clear; Michael, a medical doctor, utilized the format of medical thrillers in his own novels. Whether the idea is from his father, or based on Daniel’s own extensive research, the novel is definitely an all-nighter for any reader. The plot features a little known medical condition in which a patient with that condition can have a fatal heart attack when frightened.

Dr. Julie Devereux is an outspoken advocate of a patient’s right to die until her fiancé, Sam Talbot, becomes a quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident. Faced with many years of lying helpless Sam begs  Julie to help him end his life.

With the help of an organization that has the aim of convincing patients to hang on, with the hope that technology will someday be able to cure whatever the ailment, Julie is able to persuade him to change his mind.  But then Sam suffers a fatal heart attack.  Examination finds that Sam’s heart had the unusual defect that caused him to succumb to a fright.

When Julie begins to investigate other cases involving this little known defect, she finds that against long odds, there have been other cases at the hospital where she works. She also finds herself subject to threats telling her to forego her investigation. When she does not stop, she is accused of a mercy killing of her own. When even this does not get her to forget her investigation, an attempt on her own life ensues.

Events depicted in the book are rapid fire. Medical conditions are explained for the reader, enabling him or her to understand the consequences of each event. Characters are sufficiently developed for an understanding of their motivations. No problem for Daniel Palmer’s place as a major author to continue with constant demand for his books.

5/16 Paul Lane

MERCY by Daniel Palmer & Michael Palmer. St. Martin’s Press (May 17, 2016).  ISBN 978-1250030849.  384p.

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BROWN-EYED GIRL by Lisa Kleypas

May 23, 2016
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Travis Series, Book 4

I always like Lisa Kleypas’s books. She writes both historical and contemporary romance, and she is a great story teller. So when I saw this book on the Romantic Times list of best contemporary romances of 2015, the ones they call “Love and Laughter,” I decided to give it a read. And I’m so glad I did.

Avery Crosslin is a wedding planner who was left at the altar, so she believes in happily ever after, but for other people. And she has some body image issues.

Avery is partners in business with her half-sister Sophia, who never knew about each other until their father died. Once having found each other, they move away together and start the wedding business. Sophia’s mother is not happy that her daughter moved away, but Sophia also left her fiance, an overpowering control freak, and she’s not moving back.

Joe Travis is a trust fund baby who seems to forget that. He works as a photographer, so when Avery runs into him fiddling with his camera while setting up for a Texas society wedding, she assumes he is the wedding photographer and gives him several orders. He listens respectfully, then introduces himself. She is mortified, and he is intrigued.

Avery can’t believe this rich, good looking man could possibly be interested in her, but a hot one night stand leaves her breathless. Determined not to get involved, she ignores him afterwards, but he is having none of that. He is smitten, and in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile Avery’s dream job – a reality TV show starring her as a wedding planner, may become her new reality. She has difficult clients to deal with, Sophia’s mother comes barreling into town causing trouble, and her friends from New York want her to move back. But what does that mean for Joe?

This is another winner for Kleypas.

5/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

BROWN-EYED GIRL by Lisa Kleypas. St. Martin’s Press (August 11, 2015).  ISBN 978-0312605377. 304p.

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UNKNOWN REMAINS by Peter Leonard

May 22, 2016
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A story told against the backdrop of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, and kudos to Peter Leonard for his mesmerizing plot and character creation.

Jack McCann is a Wall Street Trader working out of an office in the World Trade Center and in the process of cleaning out his desk when he is shaken up by a big bang. Jack is in financial trouble with the mob and can’t see a way out of his difficulties. He manages to escape the destruction caused by the terrorist attack and decides to fake his own death as a way out of his insurmountable difficulties.

Jack’s wife Diane learns about his death. Distraught with grief, she is visited by a grief counselor and also the mob the day after the tragedy. She learns that there are things about her husband that she was unaware of. Most important is the fact that Jack owes $750,000 to the mob, and they are transferring the debt to her. She quickly finds out that their personal bank accounts have been emptied and she is broke. The insurance company carrying a policy on Jack’s life want proof of death before they will pay, and his body has not been recovered.

Leonard presents us with an inventive crime story, twists and turns in an imaginative tale and people with stakes in the scheme. We are led logically and inexorably to an ending that is keeping with a fascinating plot. Very well done indeed.

5/16 Paul Lane

UNKNOWN REMAINS by Peter Leonard. Counterpoint (May 10, 2016).  ISBN 978-1619026063.  375p.

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