Crazy Thing Called Love By Molly O'Keefe (Crooked Creek Ranch #3)

I haven't had the pleasure to read very much of Molly O'Keefe's work but I really enjoyed Crazy Thing Called Love. I have not read the other two books in the Crooked Creek Ranch series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything important. I would like to read the other two books  in the series because I did enjoy this one. This book was a classic case of a second chance with a first love.

 I really liked Maddie even though she has a really tough outer lining that she created to avoid pain,.I could see her sweet and caring side under the rough exterior she puts off. Maddie thinks she has the perfect life that she needs to protect her from the pain of loving someone again.

Billie is the bad boy of Hockey, he's missing something in his life and he knows what it is.... Maddie. I loved when he was given a chance to go on her morning show. My goodness the sparks these two throw off when they are in the same room is almost combustible. I really enjoyed watching Maddie & Billie try to work around each other without showing their feelings. He is in for some major lifestyle changes.  I loved the family aspect in this book. I want to expand more on my feelings here but I really hate to give anything away so I'm going to say click on the link on the bottom and go get this book for yourself so you can read all about.

Maddie and Billie have a lot of obstacles to overcome together and they each have to learn to trust the other with their heart. They have both grown a lot over the years but there is still a bond there that has never went away. I found this to be a sweet story with some spicy scenes. There is some drama, some laughter, and some really touching scenes through out the story.

I know I would most certainly enjoy reading more of Molly O'Keefe's work, I found her writing style to be very pleasant to read with an interesting storyline to keep me turning the pages quickly.

I was extremely excited to win a copy of this book on Librarything in exchange for an honest review. It has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on this book.

Guarding The Spoils by Heather Boyd -Except - Giveaway

I am very excited to be able to share an excerpt of Guarding the Spoils by Heather Boyd with you today. I had the chance to read and review this book a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. If you would like to see my thoughts on this book check out my review . Guarding the Spoils is the third book in the Wild Randalls series. I have read this whole series so far and let me tell you I can not wait for the next book in the series. I have truly enjoyed reading about this wild and exciting family.

Heather is offering  four lucky readers an ebook of Guarding the Spoils and one lucky reader all three books in the series so far during her promo tour. Be sure to click on the rafflecopter link below to enter for your chance to win.

Blurb: Elizabeth Turner once loved Oliver Randall, but was blind to his desire to travel without the encumbrance of a wife weighing him down. When she learned the truth, Beth settled for the security of a loveless marriage. Now a widow with a son to support, desperation has driven her into service at Romsey Abbey and directly into the path of the man she’d loved and lost.

Oliver has no intention of letting his dream of travel slip away again, even for a pretty face from his past. Since his return to the abbey, he’s planned a grand tour to the continent even while examining the astonishing emotional changes a decade apart from his brothers has wrought. The last thing Oliver wanted was stronger ties to the people living at Romsey. But then fate offers him both an affair and an unexpected friendship. Is it curiosity alone that stirs him, or the beginning of an unexpected adventure?

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Excerpt...
WHEN OLIVER RANDALL had been very young, he’d believed heaven could only be found in the thirty-feet-square library of Romsey Abbey. At seventeen and wrenched from his studies, he’d been assured he’d never see that library again and the long, lonely years after proved that heaven would be denied him. At eight and twenty, and thanks to his younger brother Tobias’s daring rescue two weeks prior, he’d thought he would be granted his reward. Yet once he’d stood within Romsey library’s hushed confines, filled with books of every sort and description, he’d acknowledged that this place was merely a stepping stone on the path to adventure.
“Have you taken leave of your senses?”
Oliver set the polished wood stepladder against the uppermost shelf edge and scaled the heights of literature, prose, and radical thought in search of entertainment. “They are all still there as far as I can tell, Leopold.”
“Damn it, Oliver. Come down at once before you break your neck,” his elder brother demanded.
Oliver ran his fingers over the spines of the books closest. So many bright minds had been granted the freedom to live and experience the world as they saw fit while he had been condemned to the never-ending repetition of days and years with only the wonders of nature’s transitions outside his window to provide any sort of adventure. “Given the circumstances I’ve endured at the duke’s hands these past years, I do not find your reference to my sanity particularly amusing. I’ll come down when I’m ready and not a moment before.”
Oliver had only recently returned to the family fold, to the Romsey Estate and the sweet freedom of personal liberty. Leopold did not understand that Oliver looked for adventure at every opportunity now, even if it was merely helping himself to a second corner of toast and strawberry jam at breakfast or exploring a new point of view. He was plotting his biggest escapade yet—a grand tour of the known world. A world far away from this library.
He plucked three volumes from the shelves at random—Greek, Italian, and French—and descended to the main floor. Just enough light reading to last him until morning. Unlike others in his family, he enjoyed reading at all hours of the day and night. He devoured books as quickly as his younger brother demolished a well-roasted leg of lamb at dinner. The years without such precious volumes were a gaping pit of boredom he needed to fill.
“Everyone is waiting on you to go into dinner. Whatever you are doing can wait at least two hours.”
Oliver set two of the books beside the maps of the continent he’d appropriated for his preparations and settled in his favorite chair. “I’ll eat later. A tray in my room, perhaps.”
As he was about to open his first selection, Leopold snatched the book from his hands. “You will not return to the patterns of your youth. I will not indulge your obsessions as Mama did. We dine together each night and if I have to drag you there and strap you into a chair to accomplish that feat, I certainly will.”
Oliver assessed his brother’s mood. Not much had changed in Leopold’s demeanor since they were young lads on the cusp of manhood. Bossy. Opinionated. Stubborn. Leopold would make a fuss and bluster until Oliver capitulated. He’d never enjoy one fresh new word these books offered in peace at this rate. He resigned himself to the inevitable. He would have to adjust his daily schedule to include this unnecessary interruption of his study until he departed England. Hopefully, word would come soon concerning a ship bound for his destination and save him from excessive sentimentality. “Very well. No need for threats of violence.”
Leopold shook his head. “I never really understood how much trouble you must have been for Mama to manage when Father was away. Families eat together.”
“If you insist.” Oliver stood and drew on his tailcoat. “But I should point out that our definitions of family differ considerably. You’re not even married to the duchess. Nor is Tobias married to Lady Venables. Hardly a family affair.”
A quick grin crossed Leopold’s usually serious face. “All in good time. The wedding date is set. Hurry up now.”
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Bio: Heather Boyd is the author of sizzling romance with an historical bent. A fan of regency England settings, she writes m/f and m/m stories that push the boundaries of propriety and even break the laws of that time. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she can conjure up new storylines. Heather lives with her testosterone-fuelled family north of Sydney, Australia.

You can find more details on Heather and her wonderful books at the following links:

Website: http://heather-boyd.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/HeatherBoydRomanceAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heather_Boyd
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4065466.Heather_Boyd
You can add Guarding the Spoils to your Want to Read Shelf On Goodreads

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You can purchase Guarding the Spoils at the following links:



itunes
Smashwords
Kobo

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a Rafflecopter giveaway 

You're The One by Robin Kaye

I so enjoyed Back to You by Robin Kaye that I could not wait to read You're the One, book number two in the Bad Boys of Red Hook Series. I was so excited when I received this book in the mail I danced out of the post office and could not wait to start reading it. It certainly lived up to all my expectations. Ms. Kaye has created a wonderful group of charming, delightfully compelling characters that I cannot wait to visit again. She not only has written new friends for me to enjoy but a wonderful story line that made it nearly impossible for me to put the book down. I think it goes without saying the Ms.Kaye has a faithful new fan in me. OK I've probably gushed enough but I can't say enough about how much I am loving this series and I can not wait to read the next book.

Skye Maxwell is a brilliant chef that wants nothing more than her own kitchen. She is a smart, independent woman that is going to make it and stand on her own two feet. She doesn't care if her family likes it or not. I instantly felt a connection with Skye and loved watching her make it on her own merits. This girl has what it takes to run her own kitchen. 

Logan Blaise has what he thinks is the perfect life. He has a job he likes and a fiance that he thinks he's compatible with. Then he meets Skye, this woman makes Logan feel things he didn't even know existed. Skye basically threw Logan for a loop and he doesn't know what to do about. It's adorable watching this big, strong, tough guy who has been a little on the stiff side falling deeply in love for the first time in his life. 

This cute, compelling couple does have a few things to work out and a few misunderstandings try to get in their way. Love, understanding, and communications can fix a lot of things though. In my opinion this book ends with one of those awww moments. It is really a sweet love story. 

I so loved this book. If you love small town family romances I think you'll love this book. I know I most certainly will be looking forward to book three. Oh my I wonder what story Ms. Kaye has in store for us next, she certainly has my attention.

I was very lucky to receive an ARC to read and it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you about this book. 

Easter Bunny Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery #19) by Leslie Meier

This book was on the top of my mom's to read pile. I just couldn't wait to read so I got to read it first. I love Leslie Meier and her Lucy Stone mysteries. She has a way of writing a wonderful mystery with humor thrown in as well. I've been reading Ms. Meier's work for a couple of years and I always enjoy her wonderful stories. 

What started out as a normal day that Lucy and her daughter-in-law expected to be a fun Easter Egg Hunt for Patrick, suddenly took a turn for the worse when the Easter bunny collapses in front of everyone. Traumatized Children and parents are left watching a scene of the ambulance taking away Van Vorst Duff. Van doesn't make it to the hospital. From there lots of mysterious things happen, another death in the family, and VV who has been forced to be bed ridden, VV's staff is slowly being fired, and valuables are disappearing. Some bad is happening but who is behind it all? 

Lucy Stone is a reporter for the local newspaper. She has a way of really getting involved in everything that is happening. She is one of my favorite characters of all time. I love Lucy, she finds herself in some really interesting situations. I always love reading how she gets herself out of them.


There is just so much drama and mystery in this book that it certainly kept me turning pages. Easter Bunny Murder is one of those books that had me on the edge of my seat wondering who committed the crimes. 

If you enjoy a good mystery with fun characters I think you will enjoy Easter Bunny Murder.

Book Lovers’ Buffet

Introducing the Book Lovers’ Buffet. Load up, you won’t gain a pound!

The Buffet’s “Bouquet of Books” sale will be open May 1-3. More than 175 ebooks, all reduced in price to just 99 cents. Save in categories such as Young Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense, Erotic Romance, and more!

PLUS, visit the website to win gift cards to your choice of online retailers. $400 in gift cards up for grabs!

Titles from popular authors such as:

·         Gemma Halliday

·         Angie Fox

·         Jenna Bennett

·         Amanda Brice

·         Jennette Marie Powell

·         Clover Autrey

·         Carly Carson

·         E. Ayers

·         Genevieve Jourdin

·         CJ Lyons

·         Renee Pace

·         Sophia Knightley

·         Tori Scott

·         Meredith Bond

·         Emily Ryan-Davis

·         Anthea Lawson

·         Diana Layne

·         Lindsey Brookes

·         Gina Robinson

·         McKenna Chase

And many, many more!

Hosted by Indie Romance Ink.

Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods

Sherryl Woods has done it again! She has created yet another charming, delightful series with characters that I felt an instant connection with. I have been a fan of Sherryl Woods for a while and I have loved all of her other series so I was excited to read her latest, The Ocean Breeze Series. 

The First in this delightful new series is Sand Castle Bay. In this book Ms. Woods introduces the Castle Family, Cora Jane (Grandma) and her three granddaughters Emily, Gabi, & Samantha. 

Emily Castle left North Carolina many years ago to find success and left behind a very heartbroken Boone Dorsett. She now has a very successful business helping her wealthy customers decorate & redecorate their homes and businesses. When a hurricane wreaks havoc on the bay side diner owned by her Grandmother, she and her two sister rush home to help her clean up and get ready to reopen. She doesn't know that her childhood sweetheart is now a widower with an adorable young son. At first these two do everything they can to cause friction between them because the fireworks are very much still there and they don't know how to handle them. The fireworks reach a stage they just can not ignore anymore and once they agree to give each other a chance they have A LOT of things they have to overcome in order. With the power of love most things can be concurred.

I admired Emily's ambition to go after the career she wanted and the life she has made for herself. When she finds something is missing and wants to make things work with Boone she tries to juggle everything. I so enjoyed watching Emily rediscover her family ties. She has spent so much time working on her career that she hasn't spent a lot of time with her sisters and grandmother. While they are all working together to reopen Castle's by the Sea they all discover how much they have missed that family support. Not only is there the wonderful relationship that unfolds between Emily and Boone as well as their interaction with Boone's son B.J, we also see the bond between sisters and a their grandmother. Speaking of their Grandmother oh my goodness I loved Cora Jane! This woman is full has a lot of great qualities, she is spunky, a little sassy sometimes, likes to meddle in her family's lives but only for their own good.

I loved Boone, he is a very dedicated father, a successful businessman, and very dedicated to his family and friends that he also considers family. He has a young son that he is trying to do the very best he can to raise. He has a meddling mother-in-law that causes him some problems and even more problems once he and Emily try to find their way back to each other.  I so admired Boone for some of the choices he makes to help make sure this relationship works.

Boone and Emily's story was so compelling I found myself having to force my hands to put this book down when I sure did not want to. These two are just such a sweet couple and with B.J., they are an adorable family. I absolutely loved this book and I can not wait to read Gabi's story in Wind Chime Point. It is already in my to read pile so stay tuned for my review for it to follow soon. 

His Brother's Bride by Rose Gordon

His Brother's Bride is the fourth book in the Banks Brothers Bride Series by Rose Gordon. I have read all four of them now and loved everyone of them. If you are a fan of historical romances and have not yet checked out any of Rose Gordon's books I highly recommend you do so. I have certainly become a fan of her style of writing a humorous and extremely entertaining story. I have more of her books in my to be read pile and I can't wait to read them. I am sure they are going to be just as wonderful as the whole Banks Brothers Bride series has been.

I have to admit when I first meet Laura I didn't much like her. I thought she was offish with the attitude of a snob. However as the story went on  I grew fond of Laura and understood that she was not purposely rude or unkind she had a rough life and was never treated as she meant anything to anyone. This poor young woman had been so abused by her husband and family that she has no idea what a real relationship with a husband or family can be like. I admired Laura and her strength she had to endure all she has been through. Much like Henry's feelings for Laura I grew to love her as time went on, I loved how she grew as the story unfolds. 

Henry Banks is the twin brother of Elijah who's story was told in His Jilted Bride, and the son of Edward and Regina who's story was told in His Contract Bride. Henry is a jolly fellow who takes things in stride. When Laura showed up on his door step with a contract to marry his recently married brother, Henry takes on the situation. As he is trying to derail Laura's plan to marry his brother he finds himself with feelings for Laura. I so loved watching this relationship grow and unfold. Henry is so kind and loving that he shows Laura the way a husband should treat a wife. 

These two have a HUGE hurdle they must overcome in order to make it to their happily ever after. That is where one of the things I loved about this book comes into play. With love almost anything is possible and has Henry says anything can be forgiven.

Over all my opinion on this book has been the same on every book though out the whole series, I could not get enough of this family! I loved the Banks brothers and their Brides. I can not wait to read more by Rose Gordon. I enjoy her flow of telling a story, her humor that I found myself laughing out loud while read, and the characters she creates that makes you feel as if you have just met new friends when you start a new book. I know I will be reading more books by Rose Gordon (some are already in my to read pile so stay tuned for those reviews).

I was very lucky to receive this book in exchange for the pleasure of sharing my thoughts with you.

Love at First Sight By Lori Wilde

I was so extremely excited when I won an advanced uncorrected proof of Love at First Sight by Lori Wilde from goodreads. I could not wait to start reading this book. The cover was enough to make me want to pick it up and start reading, then I read the back... Oh my goodness I just could not wait to read it. All my excitement it turns out was just. This was an awesome book. I'm a huge fan of small town series romance books as I've said before so this is my kind of book! I loved the town of Cupid and there is some really cute history behind the town.

Natalie McCleary has had some really tough things happen to her. When she was a young child she was in an air plane accident with her parents. The accident left her with major issues with her leg and took the life of her Mom and Dad. Natalie had the willpower to drag her sister & herself from the plane and was able to keep themselves together until help arrived. I so felt for this girl. She has had to endure so much heartache and pain. When she meets Dade Vega she feels what she thinks just might be Love at First Sight. If anyone deserves to find love it is Natalie but she is very unsure of her feelings so she fights it for a while.  I felt an instant bond with Natalie. I know how leg pain & health issues can make you feel different and how it takes just the right guy to accept it. 

Dade Vega came to town in search of his foster brother Red, whom has went missing. He has looked everywhere he can think of and finally takes Natalie into his confidence. They search high and low around Cupid and other towns for Red with no visible sign. I so admired Dade for running to town to come to the rescue of his friend. They may not be blood but these two are most certainly brothers and family in every sense that counts. 

There is some very unlawful activity that is going on that ends up causing some major danger to Dade & Natalie. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone so I'm not going to say much about this but my goodness I really did enjoy how the mystery unfolds. It shows the real strength and will of Natalie.

Watching Dade and Natalie's love story unfold was just so compelling that it made for a real page turner. These two are so perfect for each other. They both have things from their past that they need to over come and they are just the right person for each other to help with that. I do believe in love at first sight so I also enjoyed that aspect of the story. 

I believe this is the first story I have had the pleasure to read by Lori Wilde I'm certain it will not be my last. I liked the flow of her work and I can't wait to find more by her. I see there is another Cupid, Texas novel that will be coming out, I would love to read it. 

If you enjoy a cute small town romance story with some mystery thrown in I really do think you will enjoy this book, I know I sure did. 

His Jilted Bride by Rose Gordon

His Jilted Bride by Rose Gordon is the third book in the Bank Brother's Brides series and I have had the pleasure to read all three so far. I love series that allow me to continue to follow a family. I grow so fond of characters that I love to read more about them. Rose Gordon has done a fabulous job of creating a whole family that I have fallen in love with. I am quickly becoming a fan of Rose Gordon. She has wrote yet another story that has kept me completely captivated from beginning to end.

Amelia Brice was promised to Lord Friar but when he fails to show up for their wedding day her childhood friend steps in.  Elijah Banks can not stand to see his childhood friend embarrassed by being jilted at her own wedding, so he puts plan b into action. He and Amelia ride off to be married. There is a lot of bumps in the road for this adorable couple. They love each other but are afraid to tell the other for fear the feeling is not returned. Amelia has a secret that she doesn't want to share with Elijah, and Elijah  has a secret that he is not ready to share with Amelia. Their is the mystery that Elijah is working on that brings some danger into their lives. Their is also the secret that Amelia is keeping that was her reason why she had to marry Lord Friar in the first place.

Amelia is a bold young lady but still shy in her own way. I loved that she is trying do the right thing by Elijah even if it means not showing him how much she really does love him and putting off his advances until she knows for sure if she is with child. She has loved Elijah since childhood and doesn't quite believe that her dreams of marring him is coming true, however she wanted to marry him out of love not convenience. 

Elijah is one of the twin sons of Edward and Regina that I had the pleasure of meeting in the first Banks Brother's Brides Series. Elijah has secretly fallen in love with his childhood friend, however circumstances made it difficult for him to court her properly. He didn't want her put in any danger due to his work. I found it so sweet that he has fallen in love with the girl that he use to run from as a child. He's not running anymore but he can not figure out why Amelia doesn't respond to his advances. 

I truly enjoyed watching Amelia and Elijah's love unfold. These two are such a sweet, adorable couple that are just perfect for each other. His Jilted Bride contains a lot of my favorite elements of a story romance, mystery, and a friendship turned love interest relationship.

If you enjoy a good historical romance with a good amount of mystery included I think you will enjoy this book. I myself can not wait to read more of Rose Gordon's work. I have more in my to read pile and I can not wait to get to them!

I am so glad I was able to receive a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinion. It has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on  His Jilted Bride.

Cowboy Jackpot: St. Patrick's Day By Randi Alexander

I had been hearing great things about Randi Alexander's work, so when I was lucky enough to win Cowboy Jackpot: St. Patrick's Day I was thrilled! I really loved this book. It is a great mix of a really hot story with a totally sweet love story. This is the third book in the Cowboy Jackpot series and I now have the first two in the series in my to read pile. I can not wait to read more by Randi Alexander. She has a wonderful talent of combining a really hot story with a great story line.

Stormie Thompson is a sweet, young, innocent girl that has pledged to keep her virginity until she is married. She has always wanted to please everyone else in her life, now she is going after she wants. What she wants is at least one night with the man she married last month, Jayden.  When they win a big jackpot together this plays out perfectly for Stormie. This is going to give her the chance she wants to seduce Jayden. 

 Jayden Hancock is a hot cowboy who is a little down on his luck.  He quickly finds himself giving into Stormie seduction and feeling things he doesn't quite understand. Stormie  just might be the good luck charm Jayden needs to turn his luck around. I loved what Jayden was willing to do to show Stormie that he wanted her not her money. 

This book has such a cute story line as well as being one steamy hot read. I enjoyed watching Stormie & Jayden's love grow as they got to know each other better.  Their fireworks attraction to each other made for a very quick enjoyable read. 

If you enjoy a steamy read with a sweet romance then this is a book you should check out. 

Marriage Matters By Cynthia Ellingsen - Interview and Excerpt

Crystal: Today I am so happy to Welcome Cynthia Ellingsen to talk about her newest Release Marriage Matters. Which is a WONDERFUL story that I have had the pleasure of reading. My review can be found on Romancing the Book. Thank you so much for stopping by today Cynthia. 

Cynthia: Thank YOU so much for chatting with me. I’m delighted to talk about Marriage Matters – so happy you enjoyed it.

Crystal: First of all would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself?

Cynthia: Of course! I’m a Trader Joe’s White Cheddar Popcorn addict, a Coldplay fanatic and a hopeless romantic. I wrote “Marriage Matters” because I’m fascinated by love – especially when it involves three different generations.

Crystal: Do you have any certain routine you follow when you are writing?

Cynthia: When I’m actively working on a project, it’s an all-consuming process. Generally, I wake up, make coffee and stay at the computer until my husband or friends tear me away - but even then, I’m still thinking about what I’m writing. During this time, it’s pretty typical for me to put the milk in the freezer, lock myself out of the house or leave wet laundry in the washer for a few days.

Crystal: What inspired you to write a story about a wedding with three generations?

Cynthia: “The Whole Package”, my first novel, is about three best friends who open a scandalous business together. I noticed that women were buying extra copies to send to their friends from college and high school - the characters in the book reminded these women of their old friends. It struck me that my next book should be something that women would want to give to their mother and grandmother, so “Marriage Matters” was born.

Crystal: Do you have a favorite Scene from Marriage Matters that you would be willing to share?

Cynthia: Absolutely!! See the excerpt below. I wrote this scene because my writer’s group kept telling me I couldn’t leave the grandmother’s sex life out of the book, so… here it is.

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Cynthia: Readers have told me that both “Marriage Matters” and “The Whole Package” are great summer reads, so I plan to set my third novel at the beach. As of now, it’s set in Mackinac Island in Michigan. It should be ready just in time for summer, next year.

Crystal: Have you had to do any research for your books? If so do you have a favorite fact you would like to share?

Cynthia: Hahaha. This question reminds me of when “The Whole Package” came out. The scandalous business that the women open is, essentially, a male version of Hooters. More than one interviewer asked how I researched that particular topic. Too bad Magic Mike hadn’t come out yet, or I guess that could have been my answer.

As for “Marriage Matters”, I confess that I researched the wedding cake more than anything else in the book. Look, it would have been irresponsible not to.

Visit Cynthia at: www.cynthiaellingsen.com

Friend Cynthia at: www.facebook.com/cynthiaellingsen

Excerpt from Marriage Matters:
Chloe, the granddaughter, has not heard from her grandmother in three days. Concerned that June has had a heart attack or fallen, Chloe enlists the assistance of her fiancé, Geoff, to search her grandmother’s house.

Geoff searched the entire house from top to bottom. Nothing. In the kitchen, he walked over to the counter and eyed an apple on the cutting board. “This seems . . .” A note of hope crept into his voice. “Decently fresh.” He held it up. The apple was cut in half and only slightly brown at the edges.

Chloe’s heart pounded with relief. There might still be time to save her.

Geoff’s eyes darted to the window. “I think I just saw something move outside.”

Of course! June would have been working in her garden. Maybe she’d fallen out there. Chloe rushed for the back door. It was dark outside and she couldn’t see a thing, but she could hear the faintest muffle of laughter. “Grandma?” she called.

Abruptly, the laughter stopped. There was the sound of shuffling and nervous whispers. Chloe squinted. Through the dark night, she could swear she saw Charley Montgomery dart across the lawn. But he wasn’t wearing a shirt. And his hands were crossed in front of his . . .

Chloe froze. Her eyes fell on the wrought-iron table where her grandmother typically ate her breakfast. A checkered gardening shirt was neatly draped across it like a napkin. A few feet away, something white was suspended over a rosebush. Chloe put her hands over her mouth.

It was a brassiere.

She gasped in horror. No. This couldn’t be . . .

Geoff rushed into the yard, the beam of a flashlight bobbing in front of him. “Did you find her?”

With one hand, Chloe shielded her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered. “But something terrible is happening. Please turn off the . . .”

“Chloe?” June called, her voice high pitched and nervous. “Is that you?”

Geoff shined the light in the general direction. June was peeking out from behind a tree, a branch pulled over her form. Even though the tree was covering her, it was perfectly obvious that she was naked.

Chloe dove for the flashlight, turning it off. “Oh, no.” She clutched it in her fist, maintaining eye contact with Geoff, afraid of what else she’d see if she dared to look away. “Oh, no.”

“Chloe?” June called again. The leaves on the tree rustled.

“Don’t,” Chloe shrieked. “You stay right there!”

Geoff’s eyes widened as he, too, finally figured out what was happening. “Oh, no.”

Chloe closed her eyes, shaking her head. “Apparently,” she said, “my grandmother is not dead. Not even close.”

There was silence. Out in the garden, both June and Charley chuckled.

“Sorry,” June sang. “Didn’t mean to scare you. We just . . . um . . .”

“Got attacked by fire ants,” Charley said. “Had to wash the clothes out. But I think everyone’s okay now.”

“Yup.” June’s voice was cheerful. “Doing just fine.”

A small smirk settled at the corner of Geoff’s mouth. Raising his eyebrows, he said, “Fire ants. Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

Exposed by Laura Griffin

Exposed is the second book I have had the pleasure to read by Laura Griffin from the Tracers series. Laura Griffin has a way of grabbing your attention from page one and holding it tight all the way to the end. The drama & suspense started early in Exposed and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. To say I really enjoyed this book is putting it lightly! Exposed is most certainly a page turner. 

Maddie Callahan is a woman that is made out of tough stuff. She has survived so many tragedies in her life and it has made her stronger. She has found her outlet in helping solve other crimes and helping those families be able to find closure. She uses her talent as a photographer to photograph crime scenes. She is a CSI that works at the Delphi Center. I bonded with Maddie right away. When she finds herself a possible witness in an kidnapping connected to a major crime ring she meets Brian Beckmann an FBI agent. Maddie and Brian have an instant attraction. When Maddie finds herself in some dangerous situations Brain decides to make Maddie's safety as his own person responsibility.  

I loved how Brian, the strong, tough, FBI agent  also has a sweet side. Maddie doesn't want to get involved in another relationship because she doesn't want to be hurt again. Brian is willing to give her the time she needs to adjust to their friendship turning into more. 

Maddie & Brian work really well together. Brain isn't crazy about the idea of Maddie assisting with the investigation but he soon learns Maddie is a determined woman . she has found herself  in the middle of this mess and she is going to help solve the case. They are a very compelling couple with so much chemistry. It was so much fun watching their love develop. 

I absolutely adored this book, it has drama, suspense, and romance all the things that make a book great.  If you enjoy a good mystery romance I think you will truly enjoy Exposed. If you are already a Laura Griffin fan I know you are going to be anxious to pick up the latest in the tracers series. I loved it and CAN NOT wait to see what Laura Griffin has in store for us next. 

I was extremely lucky to receive an advanced readers copy of this book to read. It has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you about this book. 

Sweet Salt Air By Barbara Delinsky

I have been a fan of Barbara Delinsky for years. She never fails to amaze me with her wonderful talent. and her ability to always tell a fabulous story with compelling characters and intriguing plots. Sweet Salt Air is no exception there are wonderfully compelling characters and a very intriguing plot. I had no idea when I started reading it that  the plot would have such a personal meaning to me. I myself have MS so it was nice to see it brought into the spot light by one of my favorite authors.

Nicole is a strong woman who has a lot of stress on her plate. She is the sole supporter of her husband Julian whom has MS, her father has recently passed away, and she is writing a cookbook with recipes from the island. I totally admired Nicole. When she is met with a challenge or fear she takes it on with with a force to be reckoned with. She has handled so much on her own that that I loved when Charlotte returns to her life and is able to lend the support that Nicole so needs. 

Nicole's husband Julian is a high profile surgeon that doesn't want anyone to know he has been diagnosed with MS. This book shows us first hand some of the symptoms of MS and how they can have a horrible effect on the the patient but clearly be invisible to others. I was completely intrigued by Barbara Delinsky's ability to show how the strain of an illness effects a couple's marriage but  with love they can get through anything together.

Charlotte is Nicole best friend and has been since childhood. Charlotte has been hiding a secret and trying to forget a secret from her past that could very well be the end of her life long friendship with Nicole. She's has been busy living the life of a freelance writer taking only the jobs that appeal to her and traveling all over the world to get the stories. I admired the friendship between Charlotte and Nicole. This a wonderful written story of friendship that can over come any obstacle in it's path. 

Leo Cole is the island bad boy with a heart of gold. When he meets Charlotte sparks fly, the chemistry between these two is so thrilling and sweet. Leo has some issues that he has to overcome from his past. Charlotte is just the woman to help him. Leo & Charlotte are such a wonderful couple is great fun watching these two find their way together. 

I loved this book, it is full of drama and romance. Ms. Delinksy has written a fabulous story about friendship, love, romance, and family connections. I would recommend having a box of Kleenex handy when reading this book. There are a few scene where you might them. 

If you are a fan of Barbara Delinsky, as I am,  I think you are going to love this story. If you have never had the opportunity to read one of her books and are looking for a book with some drama and romance I think you will enjoy Sweet Salt Air. 

I was thrilled to win this Advanced Readers' Copy from goodreads in exchange for a review. It was my pleasure to share my opinion of this wonderful story with you.