Category: Romance/Adventure - GRANT LEISHMAN

noemie's journey by victoria saccenti

9/9/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

When Richard Winters points his Harley away from New York and heads south, looking for peace and a release from the memories of a devastating love affair, he wants nothing more than solitude and an opportunity to find himself again. The small town of Summitville in North Carolina where nobody knows him seems a great place to start again, but what he doesn’t count on, though, is meeting the beautiful and desirable young Creole woman by the name of Noémie whose desirability he must fight if he truly is to fulfil his promise to himself of no romantic entanglements. Set in the mid-sixties, against the background of the Civil Right’s Movement, Noémie’s Journey by Victoria Saccenti explores the reality of life for a beautiful coloured woman in the South. Laws may have changed, but attitudes will take generations to change. Richard, a Yankee, from up north, has no perception of what an interracial relationship will entail in North Carolina in the sixties, but Noémie knows well the ingrained racism of her fellow residents that she deals with every single day of her life.

Noémie’s Journey serves to remind us just how far we have come in the forty years in race relations, but equally it also makes us examine our feelings toward people who are different to us, today – a touchstone for American society, as much now, as it ever has been. Author Victoria Saccenti does a superb job of highlighting the institutional and deep racism that was just below the surface of civil society, especially in the South, in those turbulent years of the mid to late sixties. At its heart this book is a love story and a beautiful one at that. I particularly loved the author’s ability to convey the depth of love and the power of their passion, in her words, without ever having to resort to crudity or erotica. As a reader, I felt the build-up of sexual tension and revelled in the “when will they”, just as much as the participants. This is a real fillip to the author and it is what makes this book so very readable and one of the best of its genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can highly recommend it to all readers who like a true romance, but also enjoy a bit of action and thoughtful social comment.

You can check out Noemie's Journey, here on Victoria Saccenti's Amazon page, along with the rest of her portfolio

miss etta: a novel by deanna lynn sletten

30/7/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

We’ve all seen and enjoyed that great movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but have you ever wondered what happened to the real woman, named Etta Place, from that movie? Well, author Deanna Lynn Sletten has given us a fictional account of who she may have been and what may have become of her, following Butch and Sundance’s supposed demise, in her novel Miss Etta. We will discover her life, as a young woman, before her chance encounter with the infamous outlaw, Harry Longabough, better known to history as the Sundance Kid. The author takes us, through Etta’s eyes, on a journey through the American West, to New York City and down to South America, where it is believed Butch and Sundance met their end. The story is told as flashbacks for Etta, who now lives quietly in a small mid-western town, as Emily Pleasants, where she is a highly respected and loved schoolteacher, yet all the while always aware that her past could catch up with her and knowing those famous Pinkerton Detectives are still looking for the whereabouts of the criminal Etta Place.

Miss Etta is a truly sweeping novel that spans the decades and the country. Author Deanna Lynn Sletten has taken her beautiful lead character, Etta and imbued her with a strength of character required to not only survive the trying times of living with two outlaws, but to overcome them with cheerfulness and hope for the future, despite the overwhelming odds. I particularly loved the moral dilemmas Etta faced in loving Sundance and Butch. Constantly all three of them found their lifestyles at odds with the morals drilled into them as children and with justifying what they were doing, when they all knew deep down it was wrong. Ultimately they all longed for a life where they could put the past behind them and begin again. I appreciated that when Etta was faced with the choice between the deep love she had for Sundance and anything other option, it was always love that won out. At its core, this is a beautiful love story about family, about a deep, passionate love for one man, and life-long love and friendship for another. I did enjoy the sometimes jealous interplay between Butch and Sundance, both of whom loved Etta with all their hearts. This is a fantastic story, a great adventure and a real joy to read. I recommend this book highly to all lovers of romance, action, adventure and history.

You can find Miss Etta, by Deanna Lynn Stretton, along with the author's full and extensive portfolio, here on her Amazon page:

life happens on the stairs by amy j markstahler

16/7/2018

This award-winning, debut novel, Life Happens on the Stairs by Amy J Markstahler is a wonderfully fresh and realistic look at life and love and the contrasts between the "haves" and the "have nots"; the "elite" and the rest of us ordinary folk. Markstahler has definitely touched a spot in her readers hearts with this beautiful and touching portrayal of young love.

Elsie Richardson, a seventeen-year-old budding artist should be preparing for college, but when a brain tumour strikes down her father and he is incapacitated in hospital, Elsie realises she needs to make some sacrifices, for the sake of her hard-working mother, who is struggling to make ends meet, with no income from Elsie's father. Elsie agrees to take on some of her mother's house-cleaning jobs to give her the time to spend with her husband, before the seemingly inevitable happens. It is whilst cleaning a Southern Society's grand lady's house, that Elsie first meets the handsome, young wealthy grandson, Tyler Vaughn. The attraction between the two is instantaneous, but being aware of her mother's admonition not to do anything that could affect her cleaning job, Elsie is forced to keep her attraction and growing love for Tyler, from her mother. The idea of Tyler ever dating anyone from "the other side of the tracks" is absolutely abhorrent to Tyler's domineering, arrogant and incredibly rude Grandmother, so Tyler also must keep the relationship quiet, on his side, also.

I loved the simple, sweet style of the prose Markstahler writes in. It makes the story very readable and her detailed descriptions of the surroundings gives the reader a wonderful insight into the grandeur of an old, southern, plantation mansion. The interaction and sizzling electricity between Elsie and Tyler is definitely the highlight of the story for me. For readers who love good old-fashioned values, true romance, yet without glossing over our character's flaws and mistakes, then Life Happens on the Stairs will be a rewarding and satisfying read for you.

I enjoyed this story immensely and again, I am pleased and excited to find another, superb, indie author arriving on the literary scene. I expect bigger and even better things from Markstahler in the future. She has definitely hit the mark on this coming-of-age romance. It's a superb debut novel, in my opinion and well worthy of the five stars I'm giving it.

You can find Life Happens on the Stairs, by Amy Markstahler, here on Markstahler's Amazon page.

three against the world: a waif, a stray, and the search for romance by sarah stuart

12/6/2018

As a long time fan of Sarah Stuart's quirky and controversial romances, I was excited to read her latest offering; Three Against the World: A Waif, A Stray and the Search for Romance. I was certainly not disappointed. When Richard's ex-wife unexpectedly drops a fourteen-year-old girl on his doorstep one night and claims, she is his daughter, Richard's life changes forever. Richard, Maria and their rescue dog, Ben, suddenly finds themselves as "three against the world". Richard is determined to do whatever he can to make-up for Maria's terrible childhood at the hands of her mother. The best solution, in Richard's mind is to find himself a loving wife who can be a stepmother to Maria and create a happy family for them all. Chaos and misunderstandings ensue as Richard and Maria build a relationship, searching ultimately for trust and unconditional love.

Stuart's work has obviously been deeply affected by her love of music and specifically musical theatre, something that is plainly evident in this story also, with even the chapter titles named after songs and show tunes. Her character development of the two main characters (three, if you count the dog Ben) is, as always superb. As readers, we come to love the three characters, as they seek to place themselves in a world that, at times, seems to reject them. As a Father, I can fully identify with Richard's desire to protect and love his newly acquired daughter with every fibre of his being.

Stuart's romances are never straight-forward and Three Against the World is more proof of that. The quirks and twists she throws into this love story are what lifts it above the run-of-the-mill romance stories. I absolutely loved this story and do not hesitate in saying this is her best work, I've read, so far. I can highly recommend this story to anyone who likes quirky, dark-humoured, typically English romances. If you love human foibles, you will love this story.

Be sure to pop on over to Amazon and take a closer look at Three Against the World, plus the rest of Sarah Stuart's amazing portfolio of works.

in another life by angela Gascoigne

8/6/2018

Holly Dineen's perfect life fell apart when her husband was killed in a car accident. It has taken her a long time to pull herself, with the help of her best friend Trudi and medication, out of her depression. Things are finally looking up for Holly and her new relationship with the gorgeous Polish immigrant Marek seems to be on track, when her mind and her life are thrown into turmoil again. When she finds out things from her husband's past that she struggles to deal with, she again begins a rapid spiral out of control and back into the depths of depression and mental illness.

In Another Life, by Angela Gascoigne is another one of this author's sweet, quirky and yet deeply moving, at times, glimpse into the lives and loves of very ordinary people, with very ordinary problems - people just like us; her readers. I have been an enormous fan of Gascoigne's writing ever since I read her first book several years ago. Her style and her offbeat and sometimes slightly dark sense of humour, perhaps reflects my own jaundiced, but ever hopeful view of the world. As a writer, she gets the human condition and more importantly identifies the flaws and character quirks that make for excellent storytelling. There is something simply relaxing and soothing about Gascoigne's books. I always feel deeply the peace and the angst of the characters she invents.

In Another Life is not pretentious, literary, or particularly deep, but what it is, is using storytelling to highlight a real problem in many people's lives - that of depression and mental illness. When I finish a Gascoigne book, I always feel a sense of completeness in the story and its characters. To me, there is probably no higher praise for an author. This book is a wonderful read and one I can highly recommend.

Do yourself a favour and pop on over to Amazon to take a look at In Another Life, plus all of Angela Garcoigne's superb work, on her Amazon page.

prime vector by diana a. hicks

7/6/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Humanity has finally found the way to immortality. But, there are consequences to being immortal. In order to obtain this immortality, you must be subjected to the virus Ukruum and require regular booster shots to maintain your immortality. This is the premise of the dystopian, science fiction novel, Prime Vector by Diana A Hicks. The virus must be grown, along with the Ukruum plant, in order to keep supplies of the virus constant. The plant itself destroys the soil it grows in, so when earth was virtually destroyed by the plant, a group of scientists terraformed Mars and set about growing the product there. It soon became apparent, however, that immortality must be limited to just a few and the Immortals, through their Forever Queen and the QEC Army, would control and subjugate the rest of humanity to maintain their immortality. Catita John always thought she was just the unlucky younger sister of QEC Commando and Immortal Ry John, but when she sees her sister murdered (something which shouldn’t happen to an immortal) she vows to track down the killer. When she meets Tek, the son of an original immortal scientist, the sparks fly immediately and it is clear their destinies and the future of Mars and Earth will be inextricably linked to them.

Prime Vector is exactly what it sets out to be; a dystopian, science fiction story with a heap of old-fashioned romance thrown into the mix. Given that the story is from romance author Diana A Hicks, this is hardly surprising. Hicks has a style that allows the reader to make assumptions and draw their own conclusions about the plot, many of which will prove to be false. She has an expert ability to throw red-herrings into the mix that come back to surprise and trip up the reader. I particularly liked the slow release of information that had me guessing right until the end. Her two principal characters Cat and Tek were beautifully well drawn and their relationship was sizzling right from the very first chapter. Again, Hicks had the ability to allow her characters, Cat especially, to recognise the emotions she felt for Tek, but to still question their validity and their appropriateness, especially given their relative positions in the state of the story. I appreciated the fact that the author left a small door open at the end for the possibility of a sequel, should the desire take her. As a straight romance writer, I always find it pleasing when an author stretches herself and tries something new, as Hicks appears to have done here. Prime Vector is a fast-paced, rollicking story that action, science fiction, and romance junkies will enjoy. I certainly did.

Although Prime Vector is not yet for sale on Amazon, you can take a look at author Diana A. Hicks' other works, on her Amazon page:

cascading petals by jane c. brady

31/5/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Bullying is never okay! That is what they always say in schools all over the world, but is it just a platitude that those in authority spout, without truly adhering to? In Cascading Petals, by Jane C Brady we face bullying head-on, in not an abstract manner, but in a deeply personal and realistic way. Jewel Hart has spent most of her school days as the subject of intense bullying; bullying that has lowered her self-esteem and led her to question her place in the world, whether she even belongs here. In this her final year, a senior now, she hopes and prays that things will be different and the year will fly by until she is released, to be an adult, to go to college and to escape the remorseless taunting and pain. When Jewel meets Kaiden Carter she believes she has finally found a kindred spirit, someone she can believe in and trust. Maybe, this final year will be a good one, after all, she consoles herself. For Jewel and her new friends, the final year of high-school will bring the subjects of bullying and teen suicide to a dramatic head, teaching them all something important about themselves and the world.

Cascading Petals is very much a teen romance story and one that is beautifully told, by author Jane C Brady, but it is very much more than that. The author uses the story to explore dark and often hitherto hidden places where teenage minds and angst can reside, especially when faced with the hurtful taunts and lies of not only their peers, but even some of their teachers. The ulterior motive of this book was clearly to shine a light into areas that we, as adults, are often afraid to go and to show just how incredibly debilitating systematic and concerted bullying can be to, not just those being bullied, but often to the perpetrators themselves. Brady tells the story, with no holds-barred and yet maintains a sensitivity and a compassion that we wish was present inside of those who choose to relieve their own inner pain at the expense of others. The characters are real and perhaps not even your typical target of bullies, but I’m sure that was the intent of the author also; to show that it is not only the overweight, or the acne ridden, or the socially awkward teenagers who can be the butt of these young people’s anger and hurt. This is one of the best books on the subject I’ve read and Brady is to be congratulated for telling this difficult story without resorting to clichés and over-emotional responses. A great job.

You can take a look at Cascading Petals by Jane C. Brady, here on her Amazon page:

two hearts find christmas (two hearts wounded warrior romance #5) by tamara ferguson

28/5/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

There is a legend in Crystal Rock, Wisconsin that a kiss shared in the Crystal Rock Cave is a kiss for all eternity. When Josh kissed Nina, as frightened teenagers, little did either of them realise that many years later their lives would again be thrown together and the possibility of the legend coming true would be manifest. Josh returns to his home town, just before Christmas, a wounded hero from Iraq, a wounded warrior, no less. When he enters the Crystal Rock Wounded Warrior’s Rehabilitation Centre, he is reunited with, the now nurse, Nina. Can either of them rise above their troubled childhoods and find true love, despite the past that keeps returning to haunt them. This is the premise of this novella; Two Hearts Find Christmas (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 5), by Tamara Ferguson. This is the fifth book in this series based around Crystal Rock, former FBI Special Agent Jake Loughlin, and his family and friends.

This is not the first Tamara Ferguson novella I’ve read and indeed not the first Wounded Warrior novella, either. Different characters, within the group that make up the Jake Loughlin circle of family and friends are explored in each of these stories. Josh and Nina, as characters were easy to identify with and to root for. Both had had difficult, traumatic, childhoods and Ferguson dealt with some potentially horrific subject matter with sensitivity and grace. Some might argue the romance plot is fairly formulaic, but Ferguson gives much more depth to the stories, with her complicated backstory and continuity of history through the years. Definitely Two Hearts Find Christmas (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 5) is a chilling reminder of the evil that does exist out there among us, but also a sweet reminder of the sanctity and power of true love, plus the indomitability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity and to work for good. Although I’m not American, it was perhaps appropriate that I read this tale over Memorial Day weekend, as Americans honour the many fallen as well as the multitude of wounded warriors.

Tamara Ferguson is a prolific, highly-acclaimed author whose novella; Two Hearts Find Christmas, plus the rest of her extensive portfolio, can be found here, on her Amazon page:

far endeavor: A windflower saga novella (the windflower saga book 9) by aleksandra layland

25/5/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Far Endeavor: A Windflower Saga Novella by Aleksandra Layland takes us on a journey through time and adventure as we follow the travels of three siblings; Lord Branimir Rongo, plus his sister and brother, as they set sail to find antiquities worth studying, for the University where they all either teach or study. This hazardous journey will open up new horizons for all three siblings and will change their lives forever. Especially for Branimir, whose original quest for manuscripts will change to a search for his history and that of his family and clan. Born of the Kimbrii, the indigenous people, Branimir and his siblings are typical of his people, a mixture of the white and the dark. Their skin may be dark, but their eyes give away their heritage. Layland has created herself an entire uncharted world here, where dangerous voyages on small boats are required to find and explore ancient cultures.

This is a novella and as such relatively short, but I found it fascinating and it drew me into this culture and world that Aleksandra Layland has created covering a broad span of stories. The writing is simple, yet endearing and draws you into the story beautifully as she explores the heritage and birth-right of these three siblings, as they set out on what was supposed to be just a simple voyage of archaeological interest, but would instead turn into a life-changing journey for all three of them. At its heart; Far Endeavor; A Windflower Saga Novella is a romance, and a very acceptable one at that, but scratch the surface and you find much more. The author’s dry and sometimes wicked sense of humour comes through in her characters, as does the subtle, but very real, commentary on racism, sexism, war, and social mores that are equally as relevant in our world as they were in Lord Branimir’s. I have not previously read any of Layland’s work, but if nothing else, this book opened up a world of possibilities, for me, as a reader. I was impressed by this work and would encourage readers to take a look at her entire Windflower series, as I will indeed be. This is an excellent read.

Absolutely do pop on over to Amazon and check out Far Endeavor, along with the entire Aleksandra Layland collection:

that unexpected kiss (kissed by fate #2) by tamara Ferguson

6/5/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

More than just a romance, That Unexpected Kiss (Kissed by Fate Book 2) from Tamara Ferguson is an intriguing mixture of romance, human trafficking, murder and abduction. Dylan Nash is an FBI agent under cover at Crystal Rock. He and his mother have been searching for his father’s murderer for over twenty years and they are finally closing in on the suspects. Dylan is also looking into a human trafficking ring that had been operating out of Crystal Rock in the past, seeking the local connections. When Dylan first met Julie Thompson, several years earlier, both had felt an inexplicable connection that generated electricity and chemistry. Julie moved away, though and the connection was never explored, instead Dylan hooked up with Julie’s best friend Kate. Now Julie has come home to Crystal Rock and sparks are about to fly. Julie’s past, is also mired in tragedy, with the disappearance of her mother when she was just five. It is all about to come together in this novel.

Tamara Ferguson is a well-known and celebrated romance author, whose work I had yet to read. If The Unexpected Kiss (Kissed by Fate Book 2) is an example of the quality of her work, I’m sure it will not be the last Ferguson book I read. The pace was frantic, whether it was the adventure or the passionate romance between Dylan and Julie. Ferguson’s writing is simple, elegant and incredibly easy to read. I found myself disappointed when the book ended as I wanted to explore more of these characters and the wonderful location. This book, with its darker undertones is definitely much more than just another pulp romance. The mystery and the intrigue grabs the readers right from the very beginning and carries us along full-throttle, fully investing in the believable characters. I can highly recommend this reading, for romance and thriller/mystery readers alike. It is definitely as good as anything in that genre market out there. Thank you to Ferguson for such an enjoyable read.

Do pop on over to Amazon and take a look at That Unexpected Kiss, plus the rest of Tamara Ferguson's very extensive portfolio of novels, on her Amazon page:

a motherland's daughter, a fatherland's son by ellie midwood

20/3/2018

If you read my reviews, you will know what an enormous fan I am of Ellie Midwood's novels set during the second world war. Her latest release; A Motherland's Daughter, A Fatherland's Son has done absolutely nothing to dampen my love and enthusiasm for this immensely talented author. In my humble opinion this is Midwood's finest work to date and she just gets better and better with every story she pens.

Set, initially, at the start of World War II, when Germany and the USSR were allies, we meet Kira, a Russian military interpreter and Werner, a young, German soldier who meet in Poland, whilst their superiors are discussing the things allies discuss at the time of war. Kira and Werner fall completely and hopelessly in love, with the ultimate plan being for Kira to defect to Germany and the pair to marry. Herr Hitler, however, has other ideas and when Germany reneges on it's mutual non-aggression treaty with the Soviet Union and invades their territory, the two lovers find themselves facing each other on the battlefield. How can their love possibly survive the horrors both will experience, as atrocities are committed by both sides, on their enemies? Is there a way out for these two lovers, or was their future doomed when the first Panzer division rolled into Soviet territory?

In many ways, this story reads like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet; the two lovers destined to never be together. As each chapter alternates between Kira and Werner, the reader is drawn into deep sympathy for these characters, as they try to make sense of the horror that their daily lives have devolved into. As a reader, I can honestly say, by the end of the book I alternated between hope and despair for this angst-ridden pair, as they both tried desperately to keep the warmth of their love alive despite the horror.

This is a tough book to read, partly because Midwood is so accurate in her depictions of the true horrors of this war. She does not hide from the raw senselessness and violence that saw one quarter of the population of the Soviet Union wiped from the face of the earth, in the bloodiest conflict in human history. She doesn't gloss over it - and neither should she. This was a horrific war that, at times, portrayed the very worst of the human condition, but... and it's a big BUT, this war was also capable of showing great human kindness, understanding and love and Midwood displays this beautifully and with great tenderness. I think the author summed it up perfectly when she talked about how individual soldiers from both sides, quickly found common ground when they were forced into a position of cohabitation, as they were in the Russian medical centre. German and Russian wounded rapidly realised they had much more in common, that drew them together, than that which pulled them apart. It is this insightful writing by Midwood, that lifts this book FAR above your average war story.

As I said earlier, I believe this book is Ellie Midwood's most powerful and most enjoyable book to date. I can only wait, with bated breath, for the next missive from this ultra-talented author's pen. A Motherland's Daughter, A Fatherland's Son is an absolute triumph and a must read for all fans of the genre and all readers everywhere. Bravo, Ellie Midwood!

Absolutely do pop on over to Ellie Midwood's Amazon page, where you can take a look at; A Motherland's Daughter, A Fatherland's Son, or indeed any of Midwood's incredible portfolio of books. I guarantee if you chose any book from her selection, you would not be disappointed.

love buries a spring bird by charles forgrave

15/3/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Love Buries a Spring Bird, by Charles Forgrave takes us back to our youth, when romance and our burgeoning sexuality was something we contemplated endlessly. Set in the gorgeous upper reaches of Michigan, on the shores of Lake Superior, Cortney, who lives in the ex-fishing village and lumber town, meets up with Jackie, from the nearby city of Soo, who is staying at the lake for two weeks with her family and her best friend Ellie. Cortney and Jackie hit it off immediately and spend the rest of the holiday in each other’s company, exploring and hiking the many trails around the village as well as visiting Cortney’s special place on an island in the middle of Lake Superior. When it becomes time for Jackie and her family to return home, reality bites for the love struck pair and so begins a regular commute for Cortney as he tries to keep the relationship alive once the summer excitement has worn off.

There is much to like about this story. We’ve probably all experienced that summer romance, when we were absolutely certain of our feelings and certain of our love for our new partner, only to discover when summer ends and the day-to-day grind of live intrudes, it is much harder to keep the relationship alive. Charles Forgrave’s descriptions in, Love Buries a Spring Bird, of the beauty of the area that is known as the Upper Peninsular of Michigan, does much to endear the story to the reader. The writing style is different to any I have experienced before and may be too simplistic and repetitive for some readers, but there is a certain syncopation to the author’s lines that lifts it above prose, almost into the realm of poetry. Although the author did give his character of Cortney, the opportunity to think and ponder on bigger questions than just making love to Jackie, the character of Jackie, I felt was a little wooden and mono-syllabic. I found the few sexual scenes in the book to be almost “teenage boy jokey” and if that was what the author was aiming for (his potential Y/A audience), then he definitely hit his mark. This was a pleasant enough coming of age/teenage romance and worth a look.

the flowers of penruddock: a romance collection by ronnda eileen henry

3/3/2018

Reviewed for Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection from Ronnda Eileen Henry is a collection of seven substantial novellas that all focus on the mythical land of Penruddock, which Henry has created and expanded on over time. The novellas all take place over different periods of Penruddock’s history; a history, it seems that is measured by before and after the rule of Good King Adelard. King Adelard was the last King to rule over a unified and united Penruddock. Upon his death, the island nation was divided up into six kingdoms, each to be ruled by one of his six sons. The story of Good King Adelard and what led to his decision to split his kingdom is told in the fourth novella: Hyacinth – Love Royal and True and is in itself fascinating. Each of the seven novellas is named after the lead female character in the story, also being the name of a flower. So, we have Poppy, Rose, Violet, Hyacinth and more. As a bonus, at the end is a story written by the author titled: Cousins One and All, a Jane Austen fan fiction story.

I loved this wonderful collection of simple love stories. There is nothing pretentious about Ronnda Eileen Henry’s writing and in The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection, she gives us simple, sweet and uplifting love stories about real characters. I particularly liked that age, occupation and social status had no bearing in the character’s choices of who they fell in love with. Many of the stories are centred around nobility and royalty, where “love matches” are often the last consideration when arranging a marriage. More important are improving one’s status or adding a title to one’s family name. Henry’s characters rise above these material issues and true love is found, pursued and defended stoutly. Because all the stories revolve around the Island of Penruddock, albeit at different times in history, I always felt an affinity with the location of each new story. This is a long collection of stories, but one that can be delved into and read at one’s leisure. Each story stands alone and I can highly recommend this to anyone who loves, good, clean, but exciting romantic adventure. My favourite stories? – Marigold: Love in Two Acts, closely followed by Peony: Forged in Love, but truth be told, I enjoyed them all immensely.

Do pop on over to Amazon and check out Ronnda Eileen Henry's The Flowers of Penruddock as well as the rest of her extensive portfolio:

flying upright by susan jean ricci

18/2/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Flying Upright is a short novella from Susan Jean Ricci that brings us the story of two young children, Monique and Dom who are captivated by the idea of representing their country one day at the Winter Olympics in the sport of pairs figure skating. When Monique, meets the three-year’s older Dom at the age of eight she falls in love with ice-skating and the dream of achieving it all. Years of dedication and hard work see the young prodigy’s progress to the point where they really are serious contenders for Olympic selection. When tragedy strikes and Dom is seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, the pair must reassess their lives, their single-minded commitment to achieving their dreams and indeed the relationship that has grown between the pair over the years. Can Monique and Dom, as individuals, survive this disaster and how will it affect their burgeoning romance?

Although a short, little novella, Flying Upright was sweet and somewhat captivating. With the Winter Olympics currently on television, the timing of the read couldn’t have been more perfect and watching the pairs skaters on television made me think of Monique and Dom and the incredible amount of practice and commitment they had to put in, just to raise their performance to the level where they could be considered for selection. Susan Jean Ricci has a clear, concise writing style that is realistic and believable. The character of Monique, as the precocious and sometimes rebellious teenager was well drawn. I found the story to be somewhat predictable, but that never lessened the pleasure of the read. We all need to read some feel-good stories from time to time and Flying Upright is definitely one of those. If the author’s intent with her novella’s is to entice the reader into accessing more of her work, then she can consider it a job well done, for this reader. It was a pleasant and rewarding journey with Monique and Dom.

Do pop on over to Amazon and check out Flying Upright, plus Susan Jean Ricci's entire and substantial portfolio.

hearts set free (hidden heart #8) by mary crawford

15/2/2018

Whenever I pick up a Mary Crawford book it is like coming home and taking a satisfying rest - I have become so attached to the wonderful sets of intertwined characters she has created for both her Hidden Heart series and her Hidden Beauty series. There is something almost nurturing about coming back to these characters, whose lives are so intricately entwined. Each book focuses on a different couple in the group of friends and relatives, but each story brings something new to the table and the supporting characters also reveal more about themselves than they did in the story that was dedicated to them.

Regular readers of my reviews will know I sort of fell into Mary Crawford's world by accident, but I couldn't be happier about it now. Hearts Set Free is yet another, sweet and romantic adventure with two lonely individuals, each tormented by a violent event in their past that robbed them of their happiness and they believe their futures. Crawford skillfully brings these two long-time friends together and helps them to realise that there is hope for the future and for love - that hope, perhaps, residing in each other. Darya, a Police Detective, with an eight and a half year old daughter and Stuart, a veterinarian couldn't be more different in many ways, but the shared experience of having violently lost a loved one is what draws them together and will hold them there, as long as they can both let go of the past.

The whole two series of Crawford's are simply superb. They are not pretentious or exceptionally clever, with intricate plot twists, but what they are is an examination of the human condition and the need we all have to love and to be loved, despite out many flaws and/or disabilities. It is the simplicity of the stories and their endearing characters that continues to bring me back to Crawford's work. She is a master storyteller in this genre and I look forward to each and every one of her new works, wondering perhaps, like she does, who is the next pair in this cast to have their lives exposed on Crawford's pages.

Keep up the great work Mary - this reader loves your stories

Please, absolutely do pop on over to Amazon and check out Hearts Set Free, plus the full selection of Mary Crawfor'd's "Hidden Hearts" and "Hidden Beauty" series. They are all wonderful.

the burnout cure - a prescription romance book by jill blake

5/1/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Lily Reid, the only daughter of an eminent physician had dropped out of medicine during her residency and had instead focused her life and career on helping medical professionals deal with the overwhelming stress, depression and incredibly high suicide rate that so often is the bane of the medical profession. In The Burnout Cure: A Prescription Romance by Jill Blake, Lily believes vehemently in her advocacy and is a determined, strong and independent woman who has no desire or plans for a long-term relationship or a family. Her work and her passion to help medical professionals is her life. Wolf, was a doctor, who had it all - drop-dead gorgeous, he lived his life according to his own dictates. He loved women, but he didn't want a relationship. Sex was fantastic, but who wanted to overcomplicate it all with feelings? Wolf was of the old-school of thought. "If you can''t hack the pace of medicine, then look for another job." He looked at medicine like a soldier looks at Special Forces. It takes a special breed of man or woman to be a medical professional. "Suck it up!" was his opinion. When Lily and Wolf meet, the physical attraction is undeniable, but they are such poles apart in their views, can anything ever develop?

The Burnout Cure: A Prescription Romance by Jill Blake has absolutely no pretensions. It is pure light-hearted romance (chick-lit, if you like), but what I loved and what lifted it above your normal hospital, steamy romance book, was the seriousness and importance of the backstory to the two characters. Clearly depression, stress and suicide is a major problem within the medical profession and Blake has cleverly used the romance between Lily and Wolf to highlight something she feels strongly about. This is still a story about two disparate people, with virtually nothing in common, who find themselves, deeply physically attracted to each other, but the subtext gives it so much more depth. There is the full requisite of hot and steamy love scenes, which are totally necessary and I might add extremely well written by Blake, to not be over emphasised or incredibly crude as so often can be the case. I'm probably not the target market for this kind of steamy romance, but I was certainly glued to the pages and dying to know where it led us next. This is an excellent read and well above the usual hospital, romance pap, that can be so repetitive and boring. An excellent read from Jill Blake.

Do pop on over to Amazon and check out The Burnout Cure plus Jill Blake's full portfolio of wonderful books

ayesha: to take control (part three) by valentine renehan

29/12/2017

Ayesha To Take Control is part three of a trilogy focusing on the world of high fashion and two of its participants in particular, Ayesha and her husband Ger. I've read all three books, so when it came to the final book of the series there were certain things I was looking for. Did the story wrap itself up in a suitable and appropriate ending? Ayesha Three delivered. Was there a constant improvement in the writing between all three books? I have been impressed right from the beginning with the writing of Valentine Renehan and Ayesha Three was yet another step up for thus author. Was it possible to read Ayesha Three without having read the first two books - was it a standalone novel? Again, Ayesha Three delivered. Renehan went to significant trouble to notify the reader of why certain things had happened the way they did and how they related to the past.

In Ayesha: To Take Control, the same evil characters from the first two books are still lurking in the background, especially Brett Sanderson, the man who supposedly died in a prison cell, but in reality is still out to destroy Ayesha and her empire, for ruining his life and his evil plans. Brett is now joined in his quest to destroy Ayesha by a son he doesn't even know he has, who is now the husband of Ayesha and Ger's daughter and along with her now controls the clothing Empire.

The story is fast-paced, full of action and the usual, expected twists and turns from Renehan. I have thoroughly enjoyed all three books in the Ayesha series and would highly recommend this final book, along with the whole series, to anyone who loves a good, romantic, action/adventure story. There is plenty in this series to keep you happy and occupied. Valentine Renehan has matured as a writer over the trilogy and I, for one, cannot wait to see what she has up her writing sleeve next. An excellent series and kudos to Renehan.

You should pop on over to Amazon and take a look at the full Ayesha Trilogy, including Ayesha: To Take Control by Valentine Renehan, here:

breaking the barrier (sandy Plains Book 1) by h. b. butler

29/12/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Breaking The Barrier by H. B. Butler, is a moving tale set in Outback Australia. When Elise McKinnon finally breaks free, with her young son Harley, of the abusive and violent behaviour of her husband, a member of an infamous motorcycle gang, the Death's Disciples, she finds herself drifting from town to town across Australia, seeking only to put distance and time between her and her ex-husband, who she is convinced will stop at nothing to make her pay for her slight of leaving him and taking away her son. Severely traumatised, by years of abuse, Elise is closed and private to everyone around her. When she arrives in one small country town, though, she has no idea of the support and love she will receive from the residents there. Local Jamie Jennings will offer her more than friendship - to him Elise is the woman he's been waiting all his life for. It will take time to break down Elise's fear and reserve, but the residents, Maisie, Earl and the rest, are determined to make that happen and make Elise and Harley, welcomed and loved residents of Sandy Plains.

Breaking The Barrier is a wonderful, chick-lit romance that H. B. Butler uses to expose the hidden side of domestic violence and the long-term effects it has on those who are subject to this pernicious treatment. I'm certainly not Butler's prime demographic for this story, but I am a sucker for romance and I absolutely loved this story. The slow and simmering development of the relationship that neither Elise nor Jamie could deny, took some time to come to fruition, but the climax was spectacular and the mildly erotic scenes Butler gave us were well written and exciting. I thought the idea of regularly switching perspectives between chapters from Elise back to Jamie and vice-versa was one that suited the story and was managed well by the author. In some ways this lifted the story out of the pure chick-lit genre by giving voice to the strong, moral and, of course, extremely gorgeous Jamie. This book is all about good, old-fashioned family values and Butler gave us those in spades. Jamie's family showed us what strong, loyal family can achieve. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking for more from this talented debut author.

You can take a look at Breaking The Barrier on debut author H.B. Butler's Amazon page, here:

saving shadow (the beckett files #1) by laura beers

29/12/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Spying in the time of the Regency period was all important to the British Crown. It was often the aristocracy who became involved in spying - especially the second son of a Lord or Duke, who by British Law would inherit nothing from his father and must therefore find some other way to serve King, Country and Empire. Spying, though, was a man's game - definitely not for the likes of delicate women, who apart from anything else, lacked the constitution and thought processes required for espionage. Enter Lady Elizabeth Beckett (AKA The Shadow), a remarkable young woman with a photographic memory and fighting skills to match any man. In Saving Shadow by Laura Beers we follow the adventures of Eliza as she spies for the Crown, along with her brother Johnathon and the enigmatic, but very attractive Lord Sinclair. They must not only break up a slavery ring that is kidnapping young girls for sale, they must rescue them and fight treachery and treason at the highest levels.

Laura Beers, with Shaving Shadow, has brought us a spine-tingling tale with all the adventure of a modern spy thriller, but set in the Regency period. Her character Eliza is a strong, capable, woman who defied all the expectations of the period, for females. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Eliza, her brother and Lord Sinclair. Despite, as a reader, always knowing deep down that Eliza and Lord Benedict Sinclair would consummate their clear lust for each other, the sexual tension was beautifully maintained by Beers. I loved the way Lord Sinclair was forced to change his opinions of women, as he came to realise just how strong, capable and willful Lady Eliza truly was. This was an exciting, page-turning story that I just couldn't put down and effectively read in one sitting. The action scenes were realistically written, and interspersed with some truly wonderful love scenes. I have not read Laura Beers before, but I have no doubt I will be doing so again in the future. I can highly recommend this book to lovers of history, the Regency period and just readers who like to get their teeth into a good, old-fashioned, spy tale, come romance. Great stuff!

Do pop on over to Amazon and check out Saving Shadow plus Laura Beers' full portfolio.

no kill station: murder at rehoboth beach by diane meier

19/12/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Matt had retired from the Baltimore Police, to move to Rehoboth, a small vacation town, with his son Henry, where he was serving on the local Rehoboth Police Force. When the Director of the Rehoboth SPCA is murdered, it is clear there are a lot of animal lovers in Delaware who are not happy with the SPCA's performance in getting stray cats and dogs adopted. It appears Rehoboth's SPCA is more concerned with killing as many animals as possible. The "No-Kill" people are the obvious suspects in the murder of Director Gary. In No Kill Station, by Diane Meier, there is much more to this tale than meets the eye and Matt finds himself thrown into a maelstrom of conflict that includes dog-fighting, mobsters, bribery, corruption and a romance with the woman who will become the prime suspect in the murder of the SPCA director. Throw in some supernatural happenings and you have all the makings of a cozy mystery/romance.

No Kill Station is a mystery that grows on you. I particularly liked author Diane Meier's drawing of the principal characters Matt, Clara and Sharon. Matt was an upstanding citizen trying to rebuild his life after a messy divorce and was always willing to put his principles first, especially when it came to protecting animals. His relationship with Clara and the unusual supernatural themes, just added to the excitement of the murder mystery. This is an incredibly relaxed and easy book to read and for lovers of clean, cozy mystery/romances, it would be perfect. The author uses the novel to impart important information about the way in which we, as a society, deal with stray animals. She uses the tale to push her own beliefs on the importance of the humane treatment of animals, as a reflection of a society's health. I particularly liked that aspect of the story. A very good first-up effort from Meier.

You can check out No-Kill Station by Diane Meier, here on Amazon:

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