Thursday, June 27, 2019

Sever by T.L. Smith and Melissa Jane

Title: Sever
Authors: T.L. Smith & Melissa Jane
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: July 18, 2019
One man’s wife is another’s obsession.
We had a love I thought could never be broken. But I was wrong. We weren’t as strong as our vows once promised.
Dark secrets and vicious lies, they tore us apart.
They cut too deep, leaving open wounds.
Pain is something that should ever come from the man you love. Forgiveness, understanding, tenderness, yes. But never pain.
But the fact remains. He is my husband and I am his wife. Perhaps he should have remembered that a year ago when he committed his first sin against our marriage. And perhaps then, I wouldn’t have fallen for the devil.
A devil who had me in his sights from the very beginning.
A devil who swore to never let me go.

T.L. SMITH
MELISSA JANE
HOSTED BY:

Review for THE POISON THREAD by Laura Purcell



Penguin Books | A Paperback Original | On Sale: June 18, 2019
ISBN:  978-0-143-13405-3 | Price: $16.00





THE POISON THREAD gives voice to two very different young women; one wealthy and beautiful, the other poor and on trial for murder. When Dorothea Truelove’s charitable work brings her to Oakgate Prison, she is delighted by the chance to explore her fascination with phrenology and test her hypothesis that the shape of a person’s skull can cast a light on their darkest crimes. But when she meets one of the prisoners, the teenaged seamstress Ruth Butterham, she is faced with another strange idea: that it is possible to kill with a needle and thread—because Ruth attributes her crimes to a supernatural power inherent in her stitches. The story Ruth has to tell of her deadly creations—of bitterness and betrayal, of death and dresses—will shake Dorothea’s belief in rationality, and the power of redemption. Can Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer?

Purcell, fascinated by the darker side of history, laces together true crime stories from Victorian England to tell Dorothea and Ruth’s disturbing tale. From a gruesome murder at a milliner’s shop in 1758 to the fatal poisoning of a young craftswoman in 1861, Purcell’s impressive research imbues this atmospheric and evocative thriller with a chilling and realistic air that will keep readers on the edge of their seat long after the last page is turned.

My Thoughts…

Before you start this book know that phrenology is the study of the shape of a person's head and how that can determine their traits and habits.   Dorothea studies people’s head shapes to figure out why they act the way they do, how it tells of the future, and how they should be treated.  I thought this was an interesting idea, how unique of a story idea.    The Poison Thread is a unique story that weaves a tale together that at times left me wondering what I was reading and at other times left me in awe of the direction it was going.    

As I was reading I thought I could tell where the story was heading but I was always not quite right with my ideas.    The twist, the turns, the ups, and the downs were exactly what I love to read.  I couldn’t stop and put this book down.   There were a couple times the story slowed down and that had me concerned but as soon as I had that thought it picked right back up and I had no doubts that I would quickly finish reading it.    

A couple friends asked me what I was reading, I gave them the title and as I tried to tell them what it was about all I could say was that they had to pick up their own copies.   It is a book that is hard to summarize because I want to share it all.    I refuse to give spoilers, so pick up your own copy.   Read this book.   Do not wait! 

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads
Purchase your own copy on Amazon or Barnesand Noble

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Review of The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel by Jeanne Mackin


Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Berkley Books



An American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this captivating novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.

Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel's are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli's bold, experimental, and surreal.

When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, visits her brother, Charlie, in Paris, he insists on buying her a couture dress--a Chanel. Lily, however, prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlie's beautiful and socially prominent girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparelli's designs as well, and much of Paris follows in her footsteps.

Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel's personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming threat of World War II bear down on Paris. 

My Thoughts…

Paris during WWII, my book dream come true.   I love WWII and am always looking for unique stories told from new points of views.    This story is told by women who are professionals just before and during WWII in Paris.    Both women are successful fashion designers who are in competition with each other as to who dresses the most influential woman.    I love how they both approach the start of WWII different.  One is a sympathizer who takes up with a Nazi and the other does not support the Nazi’s and doesn’t hesitate to keep her thoughts a secret.  
The Last Collection is a fashion designer story.    It is the story of designs being stolen, the rich being coveted, and secrets being kept just to get ahead of the other.    I am not very into fashion but I found it incredibly interesting how Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli made their livings dressing important people, being seen at the right place with the right people, and working their own shops and yet they were opposite each other in their designs.   They had a mutual respect for each other but it didn’t mean that they liked each other.   

Lilly Sutter was a unique addition to the story.   She is a widow from America who comes to Paris to visit her brother and ends up finding a life that helps her move past her sadness at losing her husband.    She works for Schiaparelli but becomes friends with Chanel also.   As she works with Schiaparelli, she learns that she has a self worth beyond what she thought she had and she learns new skills that help her become successful.

The Last Collection is a wonderful glimpse into the fashion world in Paris during a time when war is looming.   

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads
Purchase your own copy at Amazon or Barnesand Noble

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Book Blitz for The Unforgettable Kind by Melanie Munton with a Giveaway



Title: The Unforgettable Kind  
Author: Melanie Munton 
Genre: New Adult/ Contemporary Romance 
Release Date: June 25, 2019 
Cover Designer: L.J. Anderson at www.mayhemcovercreations.com 



A best friends to enemies to lovers romance.
SAM
As the first female lead sportscaster with FNN (Football News Network), I’ve had to be tough and unflappable for years. No matter how far we women have come, football is still a man’s world. Which is why I’ve strutted my stilettos and lipstick on every field and around every TV studio I’ve ever worked, making sure everyone remembers just how much of a woman I am. I let no man get under my skin. Especially not Kade Jennings. We have a history, Kade and I. It goes all the way back to high school and spans our college years. We used to be best friends. But we haven’t spoken in years, not since he left without a word and I made it clear that I never wanted to speak to him again. Now all of a sudden he’s FNN’s newest analyst? He thinks I’ll break. With every wink he flashes me off-camera and every grope he sneaks under the table, he assumes I’ll shed my badass shell and fall into his arms like old times. Well, screw him, his charismatic smile, and his giant di—er—ego. I am where I am today because I’ve never let any man stand in my way. If Kade even tries, I’ll bring him to his knees.
KADE
Fate can be a real bitch. One minute you think you’re going to get the girl, and the next minute she’s slipping away. It’s a complicated thing, to be in love with your best friend. That friend zone is a tricky place to be, not that I ever entered into it willingly. At least, not with Sam. Fate just seemed to place me there, despite the fight I put up. Well, fate can go screw herself. Sam Lawrence was always meant to be mine. And it’s finally time that I prove it to her.


Tweet: It's #live The Unforgettable Kind By @melanie_munton check out the #BookBlitz HERE->> https://ctt.ec/XxEc1+ ‎ #BuyNow #Books2Read https://ctt.ec/6adx0+ #RomanceReader @BuoniAmiciPress


KADE
Once we’re seated inside, the car rolls forward, the driver already aware of where we’re heading. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you? That you could show up at my front door in a tux, with a limo waiting, and I’d automatically agree to go with you?” “No, but you can’t say I’m not a risk taker.” “You forgot a red rose to complete the cliché.” She’s talking more to the window than to me, refusing to make eye contact. “Why would I get you a rose when your favorite flower is a lily?” Her head snaps around, her lips parting. I grunt, somewhat annoyed. “Really, Sam? You think after all the years I’ve known you I would forget your favorite flower? Am I that big of an asshole?” “No,” she says quietly. “I just didn’t think you’d remember.” Her forehead creases in thought. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s conflicted. Who knows what her brain is saying about me. Hell, I’d probably rather not know. So, I break the monotony. “You have to admit, though. Getting to stare at this all night,” I wave down at myself, “is certainly better than going stag.” Instead of rolling her eyes or making a snide comment like I expect her to, her eyes rake over me from head to toe, narrowing with her inspection. “It’s not your football uniform, but I suppose it’ll do.” The fuck? Sexual innuendo from Sam? I have to admit that’s the last thing I expected from her tonight. Slamming her door in my face? Sure. Stomping on my foot with her heel? I wouldn’t be surprised. But looking at me with unabashed lust shining in her green eyes? That didn’t even occur to me. Regardless of the fact that we kissed the other night. Her comment reminds me of our night together in college when my football jersey was the only thing she was wearing at one point, thus fulfilling one of my longtime Sam fantasies. My dick stiffens into a steel rod at the memory. Would you look at that? The football jersey still does the trick. And I’m going to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity. “I still have my uniform, you know,” I rasp, my gaze locked on hers. “And I’m sure I can rouse up some pads and pants if that’s what you’re in the mood for.” She licks her plump lips. No doubt they’d taste like cherries if I were to kiss her, just like they had the other night. I can still recall what that mouth felt like years ago when it was wrapped around my— For shit’s sake, Jennings. Get ahold of yourself. “I’m not quite sure what I’m in the mood for,” she whispers. “Yet.”


https://open.spotify.com/user/22dkjs5yewdh4wcn2jlx75baq/playlist/0JRUs2xJGh6yvSvYdwCqTS?si=SMKQ_Tw1RvubsqORIPy0LA


Melanie grew up in a small town in rural Missouri. After marrying her husband, she decided she wanted to try coastal life because why not? A few months later, they moved to North Carolina where she discovered her passion for writing, and they never looked back. They are now enjoying life with their beautiful daughter in Savannah, GA and loving every minute with their little Georgia peach.
Melanie’s other passion is traveling and seeing the world. With anthropology degrees under their belts, she and her husband have made it their goal in life to see as many archaeological sites around the world as possible.
She has a horrible food addiction to pasta and candy (not together…ew). And she gets sad when her wine rack is empty.
At the end of the day, she is a true romantic at heart. She loves writing the cheesy and corny of romantic comedies, and the sassy and sexy of suspense. She aims to make her readers swoon, laugh out loud, maybe sweat a little, and above all, fall in love.





Monday, June 24, 2019

Cover Reveal for My Blue by Emery Jacobs with Giveaway



Title: My Blue 
Author: Emery Jacobs 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Release Date: July 18, 2019 
Cover Designer: Amy Queau with Queau Designs 
Photographer for front cover: Paul Henry Serres Photography 
Photographer for back cover: Wander Aguiar Photography 




Leo
For most of my life, Ella Blue had been by my side. My best friend. My whole world. Then she vanished. Without a trace. I didn’t know how to move on without her, but I knew in my heart I’d never let her go—I’d wait for her forever.
Ella Blue
For me, no time has passed. I have no clue what happened to the last eight years of my life. I have no memories of a life without Leo. He’s always been my one constant. And now I’m stuck in the past, trying to figure out if we can find our way back to each other. How can I move forward when I don’t know what I’m leaving behind? Ella and Leo must rediscover their love—a once-in-a-lifetime love…for the second time.


Tweet: Check out the Stunning Cover for My Blue By @ejacobswrites HERE->> https://ctt.ec/bfyi7+ ‎Releases on July 18 #ContemporaryRomance #Books #Reading @BuoniAmiciPress




Emery grew up in Southern Arkansas and has lived most of her adult life in Northern Louisiana. She spends her days working as a Nurse Practitioner in rural health and her nights reading, writing, and occasionally sleeping.
She loves real life romance…lots of angst and heartbreak, but always a happy ending.