Belle Ami’s, Escape, Tip of the Spear Thriller Series is action packed, sexy, and will leave the reader thrilled that they picked it! I love that this author does her research. Steeped in political espionage that feels like the stuff of Tom Clancy, mixed with the heat and romance of her Out of Time Series, Belle Ami spins a tale deep in the Middle East that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Layla Wallace is an intelligent, young university student who fancies herself on the brink of first love. Ignoring her father’s warnings about the turbulent waters of the region, she finds herself swept away by her Middle Eastern young admirer to Dubai. Meeting his parents might feel important, but the opulence of the much-awaited trip leaves Layla feeling empty and flat. Because of her hosts wealth, Layla and her boyfriend are targeted and kidnapped by an Iranian faction to raise money. It’s only afterward that she is identified as the daughter of a renown nuclear scientist and professor, Aleck Wallace. Terrified and worried for her own safety as well as her boyfriend, she is horrified to find out that she’s been abandoned in an Iranian prison. Captured by one political group and then taken by a higher faction just before things come to the point of no return, Layla doesn’t know how to feel about her abductor and savior. Is she suffering from some sort of Stockholm syndrome, or is Cyrus Hassani more than he’s telling her? I have to say, I was taken in by the intrigue of the story and the careful plotting of the author. There is nothing left untold and the weaving of the many threads from beginning to end will make you want to hold on to your seat and enjoy another ride. The twist and turns make you think things are finished just when they start again. Pay close attention to the lead in to this book because it will surprise you in the final wrap. I love the chemistry of Layla and Cyrus. Starting book two in the series now!

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel

  This book was recommended by a friend who absolutely loved it. I loved Eleanor’s quirky character and elusive background. At first, I thought this was women’s fiction leaning toward romance, but really it’s a self discovery book. Though Eleanor is thirty, it’s a coming of age story set in Scotland. Due to the life experiences of this strong, no-nonsense young woman, she is driven to explore the boundaries of her inner confines. Without giving anything away, you will laugh, cry, relate in so many ways to the explorations of Eleanor (Some you probably wouldn’t share openly.) Checking the inspirational, heartfelt, and a great ‘day in the life of’ boxes, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, is a perfect example of a good book. Wonderfully written and recorded, I loved listening to the audio.

  Level up brings college romance to an all new level. The characters are real the situations are steamy and there is a fun plot filled with teasing banter. Admittedly, I am not a gamer, but even so, this was a real page turner. Taking me back to the days of first love or infatuation. College exploration and learning how to level up is what it’s all about. Don’t miss this sexy series by Alexa Sommers.

Emerson Lane finds herself in a terrible storm with her life tossed to the wind. Her job situation at the university is on the rocks and returning home to Twin Creeks is bitter-sweet. At the tender age of sixteen, Emerson Lane was taken in by her Uncle Wayne when she lost both of her parents to a car wreck. She loved her dear mother’s brother, but back then, moving to the small town, on the heels of so much loss, wasn’t an easy transition. Hormones raging and grief stricken, Emerson was hell bent on running in all the wrong directions to find herself. Hitting on Uncle Wayne’s student, Justin Lomax (Max), seemed like a good idea at the time. Now, stuck out in the rain and having to walk the road to her uncle’s home, she feels like she is running away again. Greeted by a scared German Shepherd and the one and only, Sheriff Justin Lomax, Em hopes for the floor to open up and swallow her. Max rejected her affections seven years ago, and now he is acting like she has something to do with her uncle’s disappearance. Em tries to rein in her rattled emotions and focus on what’s in front of her, but Max is just as gorgeous as she remembers. Emerson stands tall as she finds herself in the middle of two storms, a literal one that makes her as nervous as her uncles’ German Shepard, Thor, and the figurative one that has her back in Max’s arms. Her uncle missing and leaving her to work closely with Max on the upcoming town celebration is more than just uncomfortable, it’s downright embarrassing. Max’s accusatory attitude, Uncle Wayne’s MIA status and her situation with her job puts her between a rock and a hard place. All she wants, more than anything, is to find her uncle and make up for the past. Will she ever find Wayne and will the tempest inside her turn into clear skies? Will Max finally see the woman she’s become? Don’t miss this intriguing mystery about love and finding the threads that weave together a small town, lost love and a promise for the future. Lainee Cole had me from the first page. Incredibly well-written and engaging, her characters were quick witted and likable. Storms of the Heart, is a quick read, packaged with love, mystery and a happy ending.

A great reincarnation story about pets for all reading ages. This story made me think about my nephew, who has his first beloved dog. Losing something you love is one of the hardest parts about living, but the gift of what love brings to our lives makes it all worth it. Miley, a feisty little Terrier, and Ebony, a black and tan dachshund will steal your heart as you learn about Annie and Stewart’s love for their small pets. Like most loving canines, they get into all kinds of mischief, but the final stroke of bad luck is a misfortune of grief and misery for the entire family. I loved the warmth of the story, the loving characters and the explanation of the gift of life. Because of my own beliefs in reincarnation and the stories I write, I was drawn to, The Dogs Who Came Back From Heaven. I wanted to see what path the author would take in explaining the exit and re-entrance to our lives. Helene Minto does an amazing job of weaving a warm tale full of heart and hope. Don’t miss the collection of quotes at the end of the book. There are many enlightening sources to discover on the subject. Well written and well received, I hope to see more life adventures from this author! ~ Minette L The Villa, by Rosanna Ley, is an engaging story about a single mom in England who inherits a villa in Sicily. Wrapped in the shrouded past of her mother’s familial history, Tess is intrigued by the prospect and possibilities in Italy. As the pages of her life flicker by, Tess finds herself questioning her choices for herself and her daughter. Unable to pry the past from her mother’s lips, she answers the solicitors request. In order to inherit the beautiful estate, she must see it in person, but the daunting trip is filled with trepidation of the unknown, a past that reveals itself in time and the power to open her heart. I listen to this book on Audible and loved the reader as much as the story. I will definitely read more of Ley’s books. A fabulously written and intricately woven tale.

  I am honored to be a part of Jacqueline Seewald’s blog interview. Please stop by to see what’s new and inspiring. https://jacquelineseewald.blogspot.com/2020/03/interview-with-author-minette-lauren.html

Anne McIntyre is brave, intelligent and determined to do what’s right, even if it involves avoiding her most debonair admirer who tempts her at every turn. Rescued from the clutches of dangerous highway men by the unknown, Peter Smythe, she is indebted to him for her virtue and her life, but it is those two things she may very well be asked to surrender to the handsome rogue. Anne is the picture of a revolutionary school mistress, modest, proper, and the perfect match for the gentle reverend, even if his overbearing mother has other inclinations. Living in the remote Pine Barrens, during the unsteady period of the American Revolution, Anne has set her future on a safe and sure course, but when her knight in not so shining armor keeps showing up at the most unsuspecting places, demanding the one thing she isn’t willing to give, a passion awakens inside her that the prim school mistress can’t tamp down. The chaos of war and falling in love is difficult, but making the right choices is hard when your heart pumps with conflicting emotions. Peter Smythe’s mysterious presence, her honor bound betrothal to the reverend and the many difficulties created by her family and friends tear at her defenses and test her dignity. Lines are drawn in the sand and boundaries are definitely crossed,landing Anne in the hands of her sinful seducer once more, but who is Peter Smythe and will he redeem his honor for her. Seewald weaves a romantic tale full of difficult choices and smoldering passion. It’s not the typical regency romance that has a sure ending, but instead, a twisting, titillating story that will have you intrigued to know the outcome between the too–handsome, devilish captain and the proper school mistress with a feisty temper and an iron-clad moral consternation. Don’t miss this page turning, steamy, historical romance.

Sexy and sweet, Kendall Ryan’s book reminds me of that first time falling in love. Emotions that will make you get goose bumps as you listen to these characters fall hard for what they have wanted for far too long. Titillating and enough heat to make you download more of Ryan’s sexy stories! 

This book was recommended by a friend. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be all that entertaining, but you can’t really tell by the short blurb. I loved this story and found it highly entertaining  and inspiring. I loved the rich history of the Appalachia and the Packhorse Librarians. Wrapped up in women’s and racial equality and the struggles of poverty in the secluded hills of Kentucky, the author weaves an intriguing story of friendship, love, and an ever changing society.

Latest Blog
Jun
27
2023

Latest Blog

The Dixie Apocalypse, by Richard Fossey

In Richard Fossey’s, The Dixie Apocalypse, it’s not one disaster that strikes, leaving humanity in peril, but a lagnappe of misfortune that leaves the United States in ruins. In the new times, Willoughby Burns, a former lawyer and professor...

Read more All blogs
The Blossom Banter Newsletter
Sign up for updates on upcoming Hot in Magnolia releases, giveaways, contests, sneak peeks, and other goodies!