Book Reviews | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

LOVE IN CATALINA COVE by Brenda Jackson

December 29, 2018

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Catalina Cove Series, Book 1

From the publisher:

In her brand-new series, Brenda Jackson welcomes you to Catalina Cove, where even the biggest heartbreaks can be healed…

In the wake of a devastating teen pregnancy that left her childless and heartbroken, Vashti Alcindor left Catalina Cove, Louisiana, with no plans to return. Now, over a decade later, Vashti reluctantly finds herself back in her hometown after inheriting her aunt’s B and B. Her homecoming gets off to a rocky start when the new sheriff, Sawyer Grisham, pulls her over for speeding, and things go downhill from there.

The B and B, a place she’d always found refuge in when it seemed like the whole world was against her, has fallen into disrepair. When a surprising benefactor encourages Vashti to reopen the B and B, Vashti embraces a fresh start, and soon old hurts begin to fade as she makes new memories with the town—and its handsome sheriff…

But some pasts are too big to escape, and when a bombshell of a secret changes everything she thought was true, Vashti is left reeling. With Sawyer and his teenage daughter determined to see her through the storm, though, she’s learning family isn’t always a matter of blood—sometimes it’s a matter of heart.

Am I finally getting the hang of reading a series in order? Maybe?

Getting a traffic ticket is the meet-cute here. The sparks fly between them and as much as they try and fight it, ultimately they can’t.

A charming small seaside town makes for a lovely setting. I just wish some old aunt would leave me her bed & breakfast but that is not my lot in life. It works in many Hallmark movies and romance novels though, and it certainly works here. I liked the Creole heroine but I wish there was a bit more reference to the culture, maybe that will come in further books in the series.

I really cared about these characters and I wanted them to get together. I loved the relationship Sawyer had with his daughter and that Vashti had with her as well. There are some really good twists in the story – one I saw coming but the other was quite the shocker.

I didn’t care as much for the sex scenes, I don’t think they were especially well done or believable. Writing about sex is not easy and in this case, I would have preferred a lot less of it (which is really not like me!)

Despite that, it was a very good read and I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.

12/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

LOVE IN CATALINA COVE by Brenda Jackson. HQN; Original edition (October 30, 2018). ISBN 978-1335005649. 480p.

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Best Books of 2018: Paul Lane

December 28, 2018

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Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer: The author pens a monumental novel combining two possible scenarios. Alexander Karpenko, born in Russia has to flee his native land due to his involvement in the murder of a man molesting his mother. Leaving he gets to a port where two ships are soon sailing. One to the United States and the other to England. Archer gives us two tales told side by side both quite interesting. One details Alexander becoming a successful businessman and the other a politician.

The Fox by Frederick Forsyth: Forsyth is not a rapid writer of novels, but his skill and care are evidenced by the attraction his books hold for many readers. “The Fox” describes the use of a young very skilled hacker of computers in helping to turn the tables on a Chinese attempt to attack the United States and their allies.

The Reckoning by John Grisham: No presentation of best books in any given year would be complete without the addition of one by Grisham. Never disappointing, always interesting and always one to just grab and hold the reader.

Cyber Attack by Tim Washburn: We have come into an age where the computer will be paramount in almost all of our lives. There are many books written about a war or battles fought by computers. Cyber Attack, I believe, is probably among the best. It is impossible to read the novel without the thought that Washburn has a wakeup call in mind for us.

Red War by Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills: Flynn passed away several years ago, but Kyle Mills, a fine author in his own right, has been granted the rights to continue to use the character of Mitch Rapp created by Flynn. The book incorporated the same theme of constant action in an unending progression used by the original author.

The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason: A great love story told within the midst of World War One. The salient feature is the excellent job of bringing the two main characters to life and becoming real people in the minds of the reader.

Safe Houses by Dan Fesperman: A fictionalized account of the beginnings of the CIA, told through the eyes of Helen Abell, who finds herself one of the lone women in the midst of what is a men’s club.

A Double Life by Flynn Berry: The author’s second novel and one also heralding her place in the forefront of the literary world. Claire had become a doctor working in London when she decided to try and find her father. Her search and the results of that search comprise an ending of the book that is a superb portrait of a psychopath in action.

A Long Time Coming by Aaron Elkins: A well done two sided novel and one that is engrossing to say the least. First it involves the theft of two pieces of priceless art, and secondly, it is a laymans introduction to the world of art, its valuation process, selling and buying.

THE FIRST FAMILY by Michael Palmer & Daniel Palmer: Michael Palmer was recently deceased but his son appears to be taking on the task of giving us the same type of medically based novels as his father did. Daniel Palmer has inherited his father’s literary skills and the reader is treated to a great story.

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THE DUKE THAT I MARRY by Cathy Maxwell

December 27, 2018

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The Spinster Heiresses, Book 3

From the publisher:

Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the marriage mart a bit too long. They were known as “the Spinster Heiresses” . . .

Is it wrong for a woman to want more?

Not if she is a Spinster Heiress. They do not settle. Any young miss would be very lucky to find herself promised to a man like the Duke of Camberly. However, Miss Willa Reverly has watched her friends marry for love. Camberly may be the prize of the season, but she will not be “sold” to any man. She wants his devotion or she wants nothing at all.

When is a Marriage of Convenience inconvenient?

Newly named to the ducal title, Matthew Addison is determined to discover the secrets behind Mayfield, the bankrupt estate he has inherited. He doesn’t have time to coddle a headstrong heiress who is determined to ditch him over something as silly as “love.” Little does he know that his questions will place her in jeopardy. Now he must do what he must to save them both.

Could it be that in running from danger they might be racing headlong into a truly unexpected fate: falling in love?

This is a terrific addition (conclusion?) to a series I’m really enjoying. Feminism continues to rear its head in Regency England somehow, and I don’t mind a bit.

The characters spring to life on the page and I love the humor. This is a very sexy book and I enjoyed that as well. Another winner from Maxwell.

11/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE DUKE THAT I MARRY by Cathy Maxwell. Avon (November 27, 2018). ISBN 978-0062655783. 352p.

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THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura Drake

December 26, 2018

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Chestnut Creek, Book 1

From the publisher:

The award-winning author who “writes real cowboys with heart and soul” (Carolyn Brown, New York Timesbestselling author) welcomes you to Unforgiven, New Mexico, a small western town filled with love and second chances!

This cowboy’s got one last chance to prove himself.

Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they’ll say “Carly and Austin” the way some say “big trucks and country boys.” But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly’s done with being a rodeo widow . . .

Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She’s always been his future, his one and only. But now that she’s moved on, he’s beginning to see where he went wrong, and he’ll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly’s suddenly acting differently, and she’s definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.

My love affair with cowboy romances continues. I loved how these characters changed and grew. There were major mistakes made, and consequences that had to dealt with. There were times when I wondered if Carly and Austin would find their happily ever after as the tension was really high at times, which always makes for a good ending.

I really liked how they both had to learn from their mistakes and find a way to forgive each other and make a life together. The hard stuff in life is what makes the good stuff that much sweeter.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this new series.

12/18 Stacy Alesi AKA the BookBitch™

THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura Draken. Forever (December 4, 2018). ISBN: 978-1538746431. 336p.

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THE ONE YOU CAN’T FORGET by Roni Loren

December 23, 2018

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The Ones Who Got Away, Book 2

From the publisher:

A Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2018 winner!

“Absolutely unputdownable, delivers all of the feels! Roni Loren is a new favorite. Loved this.”―COLLEEN HOOVER, #1 New York Times bestseller

Most days Rebecca Lindt feels like an imposter…
The world admires her as a survivor. But that impression would crumble if people knew her secret. She didn’t deserve to be the one who got away. But nothing can change the past, so she’s thrown herself into her work. She can’t dwell if she never slows down.

Wes Garrett is trying to get back on his feet after losing his dream restaurant, his money, and half his damn mind in a vicious divorce. But when he intervenes in a mugging and saves Rebecca―the attorney who helped his ex ruin him―his simple life gets complicated.

Their attraction is inconvenient and neither wants more than a fling. But when Rebecca’s secret is put at risk, both discover they could lose everything, including what they never realized they needed: each other.

This is the second book in this series that delves into women who survived a school shooting when they were in high school. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, I live just a few miles from Margery Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the scene of a horrific school shooting last year. It deeply affected me and most people I know. That said, I think Loren did a really good job with a very sensitive topic.

This book had an interesting twist. It centers around one of the girls, Rebecca, and the guilt she carries from the shooting. How the shooting affected her life and is still affecting her ten years later makes the story so very believable. The romance was wonderful, but it is the characters and their development that are making this series a standout for me. The third book comes out Jan. 1 and I can’t wait.

12/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY by Roni Loren. Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2018). ISBN 978-1492651437. 416p.

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MY FAVORITE HALF-NIGHT STAND by Christina Lauren

December 22, 2018

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From the publisher:

By the New York Times bestselling author who “hilariously depicts modern dating” (Us Weekly), My Favorite Half-Night Stand is a laugh-out-loud romp through online dating and its many, many fails.

Millie Morris has always been one of the guys. A UC Santa Barbara professor, she’s a female-serial-killer expert who’s quick with a deflection joke and terrible at getting personal. And she, just like her four best guy friends and fellow professors, is perma-single.

So when a routine university function turns into a black tie gala, Mille and her circle make a pact that they’ll join an online dating service to find plus-ones for the event. There’s only one hitch: after making the pact, Millie and one of the guys, Reid Campbell, secretly spend the sexiest half-night of their lives together, but mutually decide the friendship would be better off strictly platonic.

But online dating isn’t for the faint of heart. While the guys are inundated with quality matches and potential dates, Millie’s first profile attempt garners nothing but dick pics and creepers. Enter “Catherine”—Millie’s fictional profile persona, in whose make-believe shoes she can be more vulnerable than she’s ever been in person. Soon “Catherine” and Reid strike up a digital pen-pal-ship…but Millie can’t resist temptation in real life, either. Soon, Millie will have to face her worst fear—intimacy—or risk losing her best friend, forever.

Perfect for fans of Roxanne and She’s the Man, Christina Lauren’s latest romantic comedy is full of mistaken identities, hijinks, and a classic love story with a modern twist. Funny and fresh, you’ll want to swipe right on My Favorite Half-Night Stand.

Another winner from this terrific writing duo. I loved the characters, their back stories and the way they grew, especially Millie. I loved that Reid was such a sensitive man, we don’t always get those in romances. The story was sad at times, but the happily ever after was kick ass! I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page.

If these authors keep pumping out three books a year like the ones they did this year, I will be a very happy reader. If you want a terrific, contemporary romance, this is your book. I loved it.

12/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

MY FAVORITE HALF-NIGHT STAND by Christina Lauren. Gallery Books (December 4, 2018). ISBN 978-1501197406. 384p.

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A VERY MERRY PRINCESS by Susan Mallery

December 21, 2018

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A Happily, Inc. Novella

From the publisher:

Celebrate the season with this warmhearted charmer from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

When Princess Bethany’s father, the king, sells one of his best stallions, she insists the animal get the royal treatment. Disguised as Beth Archer, a mere stable hand, she takes him to Happily Inc, California, a quaint wedding destination that’s especially sparkly over the holidays.

Rich women have no place on Cade Saunders’s ranch. He wants a down-to-earth girl-next-door type—like Beth Archer. After a few cocoa-flavored kisses by the Christmas tree, Bethany begins to fall for her irresistibly handsome host. But will Cade still want her when he discovers she’s more familiar with a crown than a cowboy hat?

I love this series and I just happened to stumble upon this Kindle Single. I love Christmas romances but while there were tons of new ones this year, I didn’t love any of them. Authors that I loved last year fell into the “just ok” this year column. Actually, so have the Hallmark movies this year, I haven’t loved any of them. Maybe it’s me??? Bah!

Anyway, I went to my library’s ebook collection and did a search for “Christmas” – this was one of the first titles that popped up. And I am so glad it did.

I knew that there was a Princess living in Happily, Inc. but I didn’t know how she got there. And now I do. While I don’t always love novellas, I generally want more story in my stories, this one was perfect. It filled in a gap in the series that I was vaguely aware of, and it was a fast, fun read. A Christmas miracle, if you will! I loved it.

12/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

A VERY MERRY PRINCESS by Susan Mallery. HQN Books (November 1, 2017). HQN Books (November 1, 2017). 101p.

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DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Jennifer Ryan

December 18, 2018

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Wild Rose Ranch, Book 1

From the publisher:

Meet the women from Wild Rose Ranch—and the men who want them—in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Ryan’s breathtaking series of romance and scandal . . .

Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three things: ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know.

Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up.

As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret?

Roxy is one tough broad, and I mean that in the best possible way. Growing up with a mother who’s a drug abusing prostitute is no picnic, and having a father who sends checks but has no real presence in her life isn’t much help. But Roxy prevails, and when her father dies and she inherits, things finally start going her way. Especially with her father’s adopted son, Noah.

The sparks are flying but they both are fighting their attraction. The relationship sort of stumbles along and I often felt like I missed something. But I liked the characters and I wanted them to get together and get their happily ever after, so it worked for me. I’ll definitely give the next book in the series a try.

12/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Jennifer Ryan. Avon (December 18, 2018). ISBN 978-0062645319. 384p.

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SOMEONE TO TRUST by Mary Balogh

December 17, 2018

A Westcott Novel, Book 5

From the publisher:

During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .

I usually can rely on Mary Balogh to provide a good story with a nice romance. She does here, but there are so many characters in the first half of the book that I was drowning. And I’ve read the earlier books so they were somewhat familiar. But bringing them all together in this way was a real slog to get through. A disappointment.

11/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

SOMEONE TO TRUST by Mary Balogh. Berkley (November 27, 2018). ISBN 978-0399586101. 384p.

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THE FOREVER CHRISTMAS TREE by Sandra Hill

December 16, 2018

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Bell Sound Series, Book 1

From the publisher:

The Christmas bells are chiming across the Outer Banks town of Bell Cove, North Carolina, but there’s one local ‘grinch’ who’s not listening . . .

He’s got bad-boy looks and a Bah Humbug attitude, so when the local paper asks the villagers to vote on the “Biggest Local Grinch” as a fund-raising project, Ethan Rutledge isn’t surprised to hear he’s made the ballot. He might own the local Christmas Tree Farm, but the holiday hasn’t been welcome in his home since Wendy Patterson left him heart-broken twelve years ago.

But now Wendy’s back, fresh from a tour of duty as a female Navy SEAL. She’s bold, beautiful, and has five Navy buddies trailing after her—as if she needs a bodyguard! And what’s all this about them wanting to start a treasure hunting company right here in Bell Cove’s failing bell factory? Then Wendy learns about how Ethan’s been nurturing the one thing he has to remember her by: a gorgeous Norway Spruce tree.

Can the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the town help rekindle the romance between two people who thought they’d left love behind years ago?

We have MSNBC on in my house most of the time. When I need to escape it, pretty much every night (!) I like escaping into a book that will make me feel good. This fit the bill perfectly. While Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell keep me informed and sad, Sandra Hill put the smile back on my face.

I love Christmas stories and this was a good one. Not syrupy sweet but fun and fast and even a little bit sexy. I bought into the idea of women SEALs (ever hopeful am I!) The conflict was good, and I cared about these characters. That and a believable romance and happy ending and I am good to go. A very enjoyable read.

12/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE FOREVER CHRISTMAS TREE by Sandra Hill. Avon (September 25, 2018). ISBN 978-0062854070. 368p.