Fiction | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

PERFECT FOR YOU by Candis Terry

March 9, 2017

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A Sunshine Creek Vineyard Novel, Book 2

I loved the first book in this new series so I was very happy to get the second. Set in a vineyard in the small town of Sunshine Creek, (near Vancouver, I think?) this book focuses on another of the gorgeous Kinkaide brothers, Declan.

Jordan was the focus of the first book in the series, A Better Man, and his twin Declan is the focus here. The twins are fraternal and as different as night and day. Declan is the serious one. As a child he had learning disabilities which weren’t diagnosed for years, so he always struggled. That made him determined to excel at something, and that something became financial management.

His long time assistant, Brooke, works with him in his California office. After his parents death, things are upended at the family vineyard and Dec needs to get home, and that’s where this story starts.

With no flights available for a few days, Brooke suggests driving the 15 hours to Sunshine Creek and reluctantly Dec agrees. Little does he know how life-changing that drive will be. His super efficient assistant turns out to be a fearless, fun loving girl, and Dec is at a loss how to handle it. Slowly it dawns on him that he is enjoying himself, something his very serious self hasn’t experienced in a long time. And Brooke finally admits to herself that she is in love with her boss, but wonders how she will get through the wall he has built around himself.

Lots of ups and downs along the way, but the path leads directly to romance. This was a one nighter for me, I couldn’t put it down. Do read this series in order though, it will be more enjoyable to get all the back story before moving to this new book.

3/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

PERFECT FOR YOU by Candis Terry. Avon (February 28, 2017). ISBN 978-0062471840. 368p.

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COOKING FOR PICASSO by Camille Aubray

March 5, 2017

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I admit I fell for the title of this book, thinking it would be a foodie book. It really isn’t, although food does play a part. But it is more a family saga, moving between small towns in France and New York, spanning almost a hundred years.

It starts just before World War II when Ondine helps her mother with the cooking and cleaning in the family’s cafe. She is just sixteen years old when an important artist rents the house down the road for the summer. The mysterious “patron” wants his lunch delivered every day, and Ondine rides her bike with her basket of food for Picasso.

He is laying low, caught in a mess – he’s married and has mistresses, all of whom are goading one another. Ondine eventually models for him, and he promises her the painting. But Picasso takes off without giving it to her.

Ondine’s parents try to marry her off to the town baker, thinking his influx of money will help the cafe. But Ondine is waiting for her boyfriend Luc, gone off to sea to make enough money to marry her. Eventually she ends up in New Rochelle, New York, with her own restaurant. Things go awry and she moves back to France with her daughter, in search of the painting that was promised her.

There are two story lines going on here. Ondine’s granddaughter returns to France to try and find the Picasso, so it moves back and forth between timelines, and the mystery makes for a very entertaining and interesting read. There is a bit of romance as well, but it feels more like a device to further the plot.

Historical novels based on someone famous have become quite popular. Fans of Paula McLain (The Paris Wife) or Nancy Horan (Loving Frank) will probably enjoy this book, although I don’t know how much of it is historically accurate. Perhaps the bits about Picasso and how he lived are the most authentic but it is all interesting. I found it a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up once the dual story line kicks in, ended up being a terrific read. Book groups will find much to discuss here.

3/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

COOKING FOR PICASSO by Camille Aubray. Ballantine Books (August 9, 2016). ISBN: 978-0399177651. 400p.

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Reckless Read Giveaway!

March 3, 2017

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To celebrate the publication of

A LADY’S CODE OF MISCONDUCT by Meredith Duran

Fifth in the Rules for the Reckless Series

One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of

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Fool Me Twice!

FROM THE USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FOOL ME TWICE, THE 2015 RITA AWARD WINNER FOR HISTORICAL ROMANCE

AND LUCK BE A LADY, AN RT BOOK REVIEWS NOMINEE FOR BEST BOOK OF 2015 HISTORICAL NOVEL

I am really delighted to be a stop on the blog tour for Meredith’s latest!

Praise for A Lady’s Code of Misconduct:

“Political intrigue and conspiracies abound in Duran’s engrossing fifth Rules for the Reckless Victorian romance (after Luck Be a Lady), which boasts plot twists galore…Duran is at the pinnacle of her craft as she weaves together humor, forgiveness, and love in a flawlessly executed plot. Jane, Crispin, and the rest of the characters are all well drawn, and the love scenes strike the perfect balance of steamy and sweet. Each layer in the story is suspenseful and delightful, making this the best installment so far.” —Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

“A sham marriage, political intrigue, and a case of amnesia provide a backdrop for this absorbing Victorian romance. Although Duran (Luck Be a Lady, 2015, etc.) has written a novel as layered as an onion, the characters are well-drawn and the plot flawlessly executed. Add in some very steamy sex, and the fifth installment of Duran’s Rules for the Reckless series can’t help but delight. This book weaves its spell so thoroughly that the most fortunate reader will be the one who has time to read the entire thing in one sitting. A masterful tale of suspense, forgiveness, and love.” —Kirkus STARRED REVIEW

About A LADY’S CODE OF MISCONDUCT :

USA TODAY bestselling author Meredith Duran’s A LADY’S CODE OF MISCONDUCT is the fifth sizzling novel in the Rules for the Reckless series—a sexy and evocative Regency romance between a famous heiress and an infamous crime lord.

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL…
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.

…NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for…

About Fool Me Twice:

In the vein of Sarah MacLean, a sexy and evocative Regency romance between a vengeful duke and a fiery redhead from an author who is a veritable tour de force in the genre. “Readers need to make room on their keeper shelf for Meredith Duran” (Fresh Fiction).

A LADY WITH A SECRET

Running for her life, exhausted and out of options, Olivia Holladay wants nothing more than the chance to make a home for herself. So when she realizes that the infamous Duke of Marwick might hold the key to her freedom, she boldly disguises herself as the newest and bravest in a long line of the duke’s notoriously temperamental housekeepers. Little does she know that the wickedly handsome Alastair de Grey has very different plans for her.

A MAN WITH A PASSION—FOR VENGEANCE

As his new employee, Olivia is a fearless upstart. As a woman, the daring redhead is just what Alastair needs to rouse him from darkness to the siren call of revenge. He has suffered a betrayal so deep that he will use whatever means necessary to destroy his enemies—even his brazen and beautiful domestic. But his vengeful plan fails to account for his single weakness: an irresistible and growing passion for the enigmatic Olivia.

meredith-duran About the author:

Meredith Duran is the author of ten previous novels, including The Duke of Shadows (winner of the Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition); Wicked Becomes You (included on the Woman’s World List of Best Beach Reads for Summer 2010), and the USA TODAY bestseller and RITA Award Winner Fool Me Twice. She blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history, and for convincing her that princely love is no prize if it doesn’t come with a happily-ever-after. She enjoys collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth-century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women. Visit her at MeredithDuran.com, on Twitter @meredithduran and Facebook AuthorMeredithDuran.

To win an autographed copy of FOOL ME TWICE by Meredith Duran, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “FOOL ME TWICE” as the subject.

You must include your U.S. street address in your email.

All entries must be received by March 10, 2017. 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 prize will be sent by Simon & Schuster.

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.

3/17 Stacy Alesi AKA the BookBitch™

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SUNSET IN CENTRAL PARK by Sarah Morgan

February 26, 2017

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From Manhattan With Love (Book 2)

Paige, Eva and Frankie have been best friends forever. The first book in this series, Sleepless in Manhattan, introduced all the characters but was really Paige’s romance. Somehow I missed this book and jumped to the third, Miracle on Fifth Avenue, which was Eva’s book, only to end up here with Frankie’s story.

My first thought was to read the books in order, especially since there are only three. But reading this second book last, I realized there is enough back story given that for a while I almost felt like I had read it already. Then it veered more into Frankie’s story and it stopped feeling that way.

Frankie hides behind baggy clothes and fake glasses, due to some poor romantic choices early on. So when Matt finds out the glasses are fake, she freaks out. And in a way, so does he. Matt’s sister is Paige, and they’ve all been friends their whole lives and Matt thought he really knew Frankie. And he’s been in love with her for years but knew he couldn’t rush her. But the glasses made him realize she was hiding more than he realized.

Gradually he worms his way into her heart, but her past keeps her from believing she could have a relationship that lasts. Her parents divorced when she was a teen due to infidelity and her mother essentially became the town whore after that. Lots of baggage always makes for an interesting romance and it really does here.

I do wish the NYC setting was more prominently featured, it feels like it could be set in Any City, USA, which is a real missed opportunity. I love these characters though, and that makes all the difference. Can’t wait to see what Sarah Morgan has up next now that this series is done.

2/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

SUNSET IN CENTRAL PARK by Sarah Morgan. HQN Books (August 30, 2016). ISBN: 978-0373789238. 384p.

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DARE YOU by Jennifer Brown

February 24, 2017

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Nikki Kill Series, Book 2

Jennifer Brown’s synesthete heroine returns in this follow up to last year’s Shade Me.

In the months following her discoveries regarding Peyton Hollis and her murder, Nikki Kill has tried to live a fairly normal life But really, how normal can you get when you discover your mother had another child who was murdered by her own shady (but ridiculously rich) family. And considering said family then set their sights on Nikki, killing yet another Hollis child (Nikki’s boyfriend) instead… But crazy Luna Hollis is behind bars and the rest of the Hollises have fled the country, so Nikki is seemingly safe.

Safe enough to graduate, anyway.

When Nikki is arrested at a post-graduation bash, however, she finds out Luna is free once again. Not only that, but the DA’s office has now turned to Nikki as their number one suspect in Peyton’s murder. It’s clear Nikki’s being framed and it’s also clear Luna is the one responsible. But that doesn’t mean Nikki will have an easy time proving it.

Nikki’s story is a tangled web of secrets and lies, and she only barely scratched the surface in Shade Me. Considering her investigation seemed to be at a dead end, though, I was interested in seeing just how Brown would continue the tale.

Brown does a great job with this sequel. A witness allows Luna to be released, leaving Nikki once again the focus of crazy Hollis rage and obsession. And it turns out Peyton’s clues from before have more meaning than Nikki originally gleaned from them.

Nikki is a bit like a darker, more troubled Veronica Mars. No, Nikki doesn’t have a cop turned PI for a father. But Brown works the story in a way that it does make sense for Nikki to be investigating a murder and (as she has by now) to gain the trust of an actual cop in the official investigation. Her synesthesia isn’t a super power, but it does allow her to see things differently than those around her, giving her an added set of clues on top of anything the police might have at hand. And considering Peyton used it as their own secret language, it also makes sense that Nikki would uncover revelations the police aren’t clued into.

This is technically a teen series, but it absolutely has cross over appeal for adult mystery/thriller fans. Dare You does satisfactorily address some of the remaining questions left from Shade Me but also leaves the current duology open to continuation. And given how this second outing ends, I definitely hope to see more of Nikki Kill.

2/17 Becky LeJeune

DARE YOU by Jennifer Brown. Katherine Tegen Books (February 14, 2017). ISBN 978-0062324467. 480p.

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THE PRISONER by Alex Berenson

February 20, 2017

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A John Wells Novel, Book 11

Alex Berenson, who is a reporter for the New York Times, introduced the character of John Wells in his first published book. Wells stood out as one of the most amazing personages presented for readers in a novel. He was an American working for the CIA who had succeeded in joining a unit of the terrorist group Al Qaeda. They had gotten to trust him making him privy to their plans. John became so rapt in his role that he even learned to appreciate Islam’s religion and converted to it.

After leaving the group with this mission accomplished, further books described the deeds of this dark individual in fighting terrorism. The Prisoner returns full circle to the beginnings of Wells’ career.

A high level mole is thought to be active at the very top levels of the CIA. To find this traitor John is forced to repeat his actions of the first book. He must be arrested by Americans or their allies and be imprisoned with a terrorist who is thought to know who the mole is.

Wells gets himself captured in circumstances that would point to him being a member of ISIS, allowing him entree to the terrorist organization. What happens to John during his capture and while imprisoned is described graphically enough to follow Berenson’s thoughts of the U.S. handling of terrorist suspects held outside of our country.

This book, like its predecessors, moves rapidly and keeps the reader glued to the pages following the process to its conclusions. There should be further novels featuring John Wells. He is just too interesting a character to let go without maximum development during the current conflicts with Islamic Terrorists. All Berenson’s novels featuring Wells are all-nighters, and there is no reason not to assume that those following will be any different.

2/17 Paul Lane

THE PRISONER by Alex Berenson. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (January 31, 2017). ISBN 978-0399176159. 432p.

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KILLER CHEF by James Patterson

February 19, 2017

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Contributor: Jeffrey J. Keyes

James Patterson is hands down the world’s most prolific, traditionally published, adult fiction author. I’ve read many of his early Alex Cross books, and it is my understanding that he stills writes those. I also read the first half dozen Women’s Murder Club books. But all the other books over the years, the Women’s Murder Club, Private, Michael Bennett series and most of the standalones carry another author’s name. I am not finding fault here, in fact Patterson has turned many midlist authors into international bestsellers, and that is a good thing. Another good thing is his new imprint, BookShots.

BookShots were conceived as a way to get people who don’t read to pick up a book. I pulled this from the BookShots website:

Welcome to BookShots by James Patterson. Life moves fast—books should too. Pulse-pounding thrillers under $5 and 150 pages or less. Impossible to put down. Read on any device. Visit BookShots.com

Last summer, Alexandra Alter wrote an interesting piece about it in the New York Times, and she said, “Mr. Patterson’s plan: make them shorter, cheaper, more plot-driven and more widely available.” The books are all less than 150 pages and less than $5. If he’s right, and so far it looks like he may be on to something, more people will be reading books, and that makes this librarian (and former bookseller) happy.

So I decided to try one out. Killer Chef is set in New Orleans where a serial killer is targeting upscale couples and somehow poisoning their dinners at different restaurants. But the Killer Chef is not the murderer; he is the detective in charge of solving the crime, who works a second job as a partner/chef of a food truck.

The story moves quickly, the hallmark of all James Patterson books. Likewise, the undeveloped characters and plot, also trademark Patterson, but it feels almost deliberate. The book is entertaining in the way of a mediocre TV show, which I think was kind of the point.

I have recommended these Bookshots to high school students through adults who are reluctant readers, and have gotten mixed feedback. But I really like the idea of these books, and there are already quite a few available, and in every genre from romance to mystery to sci-fi to thrillers.

Not sure what the difference between co-author and contributor is, but it doesn’t matter. It has the Patterson name on it and it will sell.

2/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

KILLER CHEF by James Patterson. BookShots (November 1, 2016). ISBN 978-0316317245. 144p.

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PASTA WARS by Elisa Lorello

February 17, 2017

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Whoever said you can’t judge a book by its cover didn’t mean this book – I just couldn’t resist the title or the cute cover, and it lived up to both.

After a slowish start where we learn Long Islander Katie Cravens is craving more than she already has – the big house in Dix Hills (where I went to high school,) the career of a lifetime as CEO of Pasta Pronto, a frozen diet food company, and the engagement to the perfect man – it picks up steam. Steamy steam, if you know what I mean.

The oh-so-perfect life isn’t. Perfect man is cheating on her in their own bed (yuck) and Katie’s company is having some financial troubles. Enter the Caramelli family of Italian restaurant fame.

Luca Caramelli is the super hot but temperamental chef and his twin sister runs the company and they are hurting. A joint venture will help both their bottom lines and Katie dumps her cheating fiance and jets off to Rome.

Lots of conflict, heated glances and eventually some hot sex keep the pages turning until the deal is struck. Publicity is called for and a televised “pasta war” should do the trick – can CEO Katie outcook the hot Italian? And how will that affect the business merger, not to mention their personal merger?

You must read to learn all, but it’s a lot of fun getting there. (Skip if you’re carb free, this book will kill you!)

2/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

PASTA WARS by Elisa Lorello. Adaptive Books (January 17, 2017). ISBN 978-0996488754. 256p.

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ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE by Jill Shalvis

February 16, 2017

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Heartbreaker Bay #3

Archer met Elle when she was a teenager and got caught in a drug sting. He hustled her out of there, blew his cover and ended up quitting the police force. Over the years he kept tabs on the troubled teen, watching her grow into a strong, beautiful woman. He even helped get her the dream job – managing an office building where Archer runs security.

Forced to work together, the heat that comes off these two scorch everyone in sight, but they are both stubborn and refuse to give in to their mutual attraction. But when Elle tries to date, Archer keeps interfering until finally they get together.

That doesn’t mean they will have anything more than a physical relationship – or does it?

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I believe this book ends it. But I’m sure Jill Shalvis will keep on writing and I look forward to whatever comes next.

2/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE by Jill Shalvis. Avon (January 24, 2017). ISBN 978-0062660138. 272p.

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MIRACLE ON 5TH AVENUE by Sarah Morgan

February 15, 2017

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From Manhattan With Love Series, Book 3

I am sad to say this is the last book in this series. I read the first book, Sleepless in Manhattan, so I was all excited when I got this one. But then I realized I missed book 2, Sunset in Central Park – but I reserved it at my library so I have something to look forward to.

This series is about three women, best friends who get downsized from their jobs and form their own company, a sort of concierge service for Manhattanites, called Urban Genie. Each book centers around one of the women. Miracle is about Eva Jordan.

Eva is a chef and events planner for the company. One of their regulars, an elderly woman named Mitzy, asks Eva to go to her grandson, Lucas Blade’s apartment, fill the freezer with some home cooked meals, and decorate for Christmas while he is busy working in Vermont. Eva is happy to help and plans on spending the weekend at his apartment to get it all taken care of. Except when she gets there, she is assaulted.

Eva finds herself dialing 911 while an intruder has her pinned to the floor. When the cops (and the doorman) show up, she quickly learns that she is the intruder. The man who has her pinned is Lucas.

Lucas is suffering from a severe case of writers’ block. A best selling thriller/horror writer, he lost his wife in an icy accident a few years earlier and hasn’t really recovered. He is hiding out in his apartment and no one knows he’s there until Eva shows up. She is determined to complete the job she was hired to do, and reluctantly Lucas allows it so he won’t have to tell his grandmother he is really in town.

Turns out that Eva is more than just a great cook and holiday decorator, she also becomes Lucas’s muse, and he is on a tight deadline. After an argument, Eva walks out but he hires her back, paying her company enough money to keep them in the black for the following year, so she feels she doesn’t have a choice.

There is quite a bit of sexual tension between them, which both are trying to ignore until they cannot. Eva is a romantic and Lucas is too hurt to even think about marriage again, so they are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Until they’re not.

As a thriller reader and fan, I know a lot of thriller writers and can definitely see some characteristics here. I loved these characters and how they interacted.

Treat yourself to this red hot romance this Valentine’s Day!

2/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

MIRACLE ON 5TH AVENUE by Sarah Morgan. HQN Books (November 29, 2016). ISBN 978-0373789344. 384p.