Red Wine & Books

Review: One Grand Season by Sarita Leone

Print Length: 129 pages

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (May 15, 2015)

From Goodreads.com: Vivian Fox may be the Gregory family's poor relation, but she won't be forced into a marriage with a man who does not capture her heart. One grand Season-- a taste of the good life—is all she wants. But, as fate would have it, she gets much more than she bargained for.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5
I would have liked this story so much more if there had been more to it. I loved the unconventional romance that popped up, but I feel like by the time it was mentioned, it felt rushed and unbelievable. I also would have liked to have seen more of the "thief" story-line as that also felt like the author just threw something together at the end in an attempt to tie everything up at once. As good as everything else was, I feel like the ending did not do the rest of the story justice.

Al things considered, this story will still appeal to those who like a more unconventional historical romance novel as well as those who are a fan of stories that are longer than a standard novella, but shorter than a full length novel. I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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One Grand Season is available from Amazon.com

Review: Stalked (The Profiler #4) by Elizabeth Heiter

Print Length: 384 pages

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (December 27, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: If you're reading this, I'm already dead…

That's the note seventeen-year-old Haley Cooke leaves behind when she disappears from inside her high school. FBI profiler Evelyn Baine is called in to figure out who had reason to hurt her. On the surface, the popular cheerleader has no enemies, but as Evelyn digs deeper, she discovers that everyone close to Haley has something to hide. Everyone from estranged parents, to an older boyfriend with questionable connections, to a best friend who envies Haley's life.

Secrets can be deadly…

One of those secrets may have gotten Haley killed. If she's still alive, Evelyn knows that the more the investigation ramps up, the more pressure they could be putting on Haley's kidnapper to make her disappear for good. It's also possible the teenager isn't in danger at all, but has skillfully manipulated everyone and staged her own disappearance. Only one thing is certain: uncovering Haley's fate could be dangerous—even deadly—to Evelyn herself.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Let me begin my saying that although this is book number four in a series, you do not need to have read the previous three books in order for this story to make sense.

I'm sure there will be a lot of people who enjoy this story. It was well written, and I imagine it goes the same way a lot of police work goes - lots of dead ends, lots of theories, and one eventual thread that ties it altogether.

However, this story just seemed to be entirely way more complicated than it needed to be. There was a wide array of characters who may, or may not have had anything to do with Hayley's disappearance, just like there are characters who may or may not be involved in a human trafficking/prostitution ring. It seemed the lead investigators on this case spent more time chasing their tails, and going after the wrong leads that instead of making the story seem realistic, it instead made it drag on.

By the last third of the book, I was tired of it. I was tired of the characters, I was tired of the dead ends and confusing sub-plots. I did finish this story just to find out what happened to Hayley and whether or not by this point she would be found dead or alive, and I will say that the ending was surprising and not what I had expected, but I don't feel it was worth it to have gone through the rest of the story just to get to that point.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy crime and thriller novels. I would read more from this author.

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Stalked is available from Amazon.com

Review: The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle

Print Length: 352 pages

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (December 27, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: Even the perfect marriage has its dark side…

Iris and Will's marriage is as close to perfect as it can be: a large house in a nice Atlanta neighborhood, rewarding careers and the excitement of trying for their first baby. But on the morning Will leaves for a business trip to Orlando, Iris's happy world comes to an abrupt halt. Another plane headed for Seattle has crashed into a field, killing everyone on board, and according to the airline, Will was one of the passengers on this plane.

Grief-stricken and confused, Iris is convinced it all must be a huge misunderstanding. But as time passes and there is still no sign of Will, she reluctantly accepts that he is gone. Still, Iris needs answers. Why did Will lie about where he was going? What is in Seattle? And what else has he lied about? As Iris sets off on a desperate quest to find out what her husband was keeping from her, the answers she receives will shock her to her very core.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This story will definitely keep you up at night (in a good way)! Starting off with a quick glimpse into the romantic life of Will and Iris as he gives her a heart-warming git before his trip, this story quickly turns into a page-turning quest for answers. As Iris delves deeper into Will and who he really was, someone is closing in on her - and not everyone is who they seem to be.

I definitely enjoyed the way the author managed to hook the reader right within the first few chapters, and was able to keep that momentum going throughout the entire story. The characters were interesting - and the depth of Iris's grief and determination made her not only realistic, but also one of the strongest characters I've seen in this type of novel. There were several instances of this story that I did not see coming - and that ending! It is one of those that definitely has to be read to be believed!

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to a variety of readers. I would read more from this author.

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The Marriage Lie is available from Amazon.com

Review: Dark Surrender (The Dark Ones Saga #3) by Rachel Van Dyken

Print Length: pages

Publisher: Smashwords (December 12, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: I grew up as a prince...

And lead the life of a King.
There isn't anyone or anything that doesn't want me, that isn't attracted to me. They can't help it. And I sure as hell don't want them to. I live for their lust, I crave touch like an addiction, I make them beg on their knees for one, simple, caress.
As a male siren it's my job to feed off emotion.
And I was happy to do it.
I am happy to do it.
What I'm not happy about? Being told I have to mate with some withering human and stay loyal to that one person for the next few centuries. There's a war coming and being the idiot I am--I offered to take one for the team in order to help a friend.
Now my sexual appetite is taking a freaking kick in the nuts.
And I'm left wondering if it's worth it.
If she's worth it, with messy hair and dirty human hands.
But I have a world to save.
A job to do.
Now, if only, she would just let me do it rather than fighting me at every turn. I've lived lifetimes as the most irresistible being on the planet.
Only to meet my match.
With one.
Measly.
Human.
They say hells hot. They're wrong.
Because Hope, my little human, is way hotter.
And before this is over--she may just singe me alive.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

To be honest, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the previous books in this series. The story-line was good, and I enjoyed how it connected to the first two books while still managing to have a beginning and an ending. However - there was just something missing that kept me from enjoying it as much.

To begin with, I could not like Alex at all in this book. Instead of coming off the way he had in the first two stories, in this one? He came across like a narcissist and an asshole. I mean seriously, some of the things he did were just too unbelievable (and I wish I could talk about them in detail - but I don't want to spoil it for anyone).

I also wish there would have been more of a build-up between Alex and Hope. It seemed as though he went from hating the thought of her, to being in love with her within a finger snap, and those types of romances have never worked for me. And even though I understand why it was done that way, having it suddenly come out near the end of the story made it seem a little strange and out of place.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal those who enjoy paranormal stories. I would read more from this author.

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Dark Surrender is available from Amazon.com

Review: Whispered Music (London Fairy Tales #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

Print Length: 300 pages

Publisher: Astraea Press (September 3, 2012)

From Goodreads.com: Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has wide reach into the world, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he dis-covers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball. And that one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.

But how could he possibly have known that other person— the other half of his whole—would not only need his help but threaten his very existence?

She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.
Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, tem-peramental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?

Find out if love prevails in this regency retelling of how Beauty tamed the savage Beast…

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This is the second book in the London Fairy tale series (which honestly I'm horribly late in reading as they came out in 2012), so I do have to say that I feel like the author is writing much better now days. In fact, she is one of my favorite authors now so I'm glad I read her newer stories first.

As for this story in particular, this was another unfortunate case of a interesting premise that delivered unlikable characters. Dominique was often unnecessarily cruel, alternating between pushing his wife away and then accusing her of finding affection elsewhere. Not that she did, but I wouldn't have blamed her if she had. At the same time, Isabelle cows to him instead of standing up to him. Together it made for a very tiresome story. One step forward in the relationship and three steps backwards.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to some readers. I would read more from this author.

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Whispered Music is available from Amazon.com

Review: Warrior Untamed by Shannon Curtis

Print Length: 304 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne (December 01, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: A witch's spell…a warrior's curse

If not for her protective wards, witch Melissa Carter would be dead at the hands of her enemy, shadow breed Hunter Galen. Now he's her prisoner. Though she tortures the powerful warrior with spells, he torments her with dark fantasies, inciting a forbidden lust too strong to deny.

Hunter must escape to complete his mission—destroy his father, who vowed revenge on him and his beautiful captor. But a warrior mates for life and now Hunter must protect Melissa—his mortal enemy and unlikely love. Doing so means descending into the underground world of the Darkken, a place so evil they might not come out alive…

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let me start off by saying that even though this is book number two in a series, you do not have to have read the first one in order for this one to make sense.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, this book had a unique premise and was well-written and nicely executed. I enjoyed these characters, both their stubborn and independent natures as well as them eventually finding out that they needed each other. There were times when I thought I knew exactly where the story was going to go only for the author to throw in an unexpected curve ball that took the story in an unexpected direction.

This story does contain elements of both romance as well as danger, and somehow managed to be perfectly blended. The story eventually comes to a head in a conclusion that was as surprising as it was fitting.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written paranormal romance. I would read more from this author.

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Warrior Untamed is available from Amazon.com

Review: Chasing Shadows by Karen Harper

Print Length: 384 pages

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (November 29, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: The dead still talk if you know how to listen…

Every case that Claire Britten cracks is a win, not only professionally but personally. The forensic psychologist has spent a lifetime fighting a neurological disorder, and her ability to conquer it is a testament to her razor-sharp intuition.

Nick Markwood is used to winning in the courtroom, so when his latest case is overthrown by Claire's expert testimony, he can't help being impressed by her skill. He needs her on the team of his passion project—investigating unusual cases involving mysterious deaths. Her condition doesn't deter him, and neither does the attraction that sparks between them…even if it should.

As they join forces to investigate a murder in St. Augustine, Florida, Claire is thrust into a situation far more dangerous than she'd anticipated, pushing her disorder to a breaking point. Just when she fears she can't trust her own mind, she discovers Nick's personal connection to the case—and wonders whether she can trust anyone at all.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

To begin with - when I started this novel I was unaware that it was actually the first in a series (as the synopsis says nothing about this), so it was a big disappointment when the story resolved one issue and then still managed to end on a huge cliff-hanger that was unrelated to the original issue. That was not only a complete turn-off, but made the rest of the story feel cheapened. Like the author didn't believe enough in the story itself to make the reader want to continue, but rather like she had to trick them into continuing on.

There were also instances where I felt like this story just veered from believable to improbable. There were so many twists and turns, coupled with unnecessary drama and shady character actions that it sometimes felt confusing.

On the plus side, due to the shady characters and their odd actions, I was constantly guessing and second-guessing who the culprit would be, and despite everything I still managed to be surprised at who ultimately was guilty.

Overall, I am sure there are those who will enjoy this story, however at this time I am unsure as to whether or not I will continue on with this series.

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Chasing Shadows is available from Amazon.com

Review: Upon a Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

Print Length: 240 pages

Publisher: Astraea Press (May 27, 2012)

From Goodreads.com: "I release you..." were the last words Rosalind remembered before her world went black. Stefan, the future duke of Montmouth, no doubt thought his words were welcomed but he couldn't have been more wrong. Oh, he was handsome as a pagan Norse god, but that was unimportant when her life as well as those of her family hung in the balance.

With less than six weeks left, Rosalind has stopped believing in the fairy tale, the prince on the white horse, and the stolen kiss that would awaken her from her worst nightmares. Resigned to her fate, she waits for the inevitable curse to run it’s course.

"We must marry at once!" Stefan declared, fully expecting Rosalind to be delighted that he had come to save her, but he was sorely mistaken. Rosalind was no simpering docile female; she was a fiery temptress with a stubborn streak only matched by his horse, Samson. Insulting, infuriating, intoxicating and alluring enough to drive a man mad. Stefan found himself thankful for the curse that required him marry her, thankful for the betrothal contract he had so recently tried to release her from...With the fortitude of a sailor shipwrecked, abandoned, and a solider warring for his life Stefan decides to lay siege to the greatest prize, Rosalind's heart.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was a cute enough story, however I can't say it really stood out to me the same way other books by this author have. I really couldn't understand Rosalind at all. She's convinced that her family is going to perish due to a curse, but yet she won't agree to do the one thing that is said to break the curse? She seemed a little.. selfish. And while the Hero wasn't perfect by any means himself, I felt as though he at least tried. He tried to give her what she wanted, but it never seemed to be good enough.

On the flip side of that, I enjoyed the way the overall curse was presented, and how the author was able to weave real life circumstances into what otherwise may have been a more unbelievable story.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to a variety of readers. I would read more from this author.

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Upon a Midnight Dream is available from Amazon.com

Review: Ruthless (Mob Boss, #1) by Michelle St. James

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Blackthorn Press (August 3, 2015)

From Goodreads.com: Two years out of college, Angelica Bondesan spends her time working as a barista, keeping in touch with her prodigal brother, and trying to figure out how to bridge the gap with her father, a wealthy real estate developer.

But all of that changes the night she’s kidnapped. Thrown into a windowless room, Angelica is positive there’s been some kind of mistake — until she meets Nico Vitale.

Gorgeous and frightening, Nico became the boss of New York City’s Vitale crime family after the execution style murder of his parents two years earlier. Since then he’s turned the old-school mob into a sleek, modern army of ruthless men who understand that physical violence — while always an option — isn’t the only way to get what you want.

Now Angel is forced to face the truth;

Her father is not the man she believed him to be.

Nico Vitale is dangerous, possibly lethal.

She is falling in love with Nico Vitale.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This story was definitely not what I was expecting. The author's writing was solid even if the overall plot was not. This was definitely not the dark and gritty story that I was expecting - in fact I'm honestly surprised that Nico's men haven't overthrown him already. I'm all for "gangsters" having a code of honor, and its refreshing when the boss chooses not to participate in the seedier aspects of mob life, but when the boss institutes a no weapon policy, and doesn't allow cursing? It kind of makes him look weak.

And then we get to Angelica. I wanted to like her really I did. But she was a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome - it had to be when we were expected to believe an almost instant love between the two of them. Even when circumstances beyond their control puts them alone for several days - they are more interested in having sex than actually getting to know each other.

Overall, there were some enjoyable parts to this story, and I am sure there are those who will enjoy it, however at this time I am unsure as to whether or not I will continue on with this series.

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Ruthless (Mob Boss, #1) is available from Amazon.com

Review: The Siren's Dream (Siren #3) by Amber Belldene

Print Length: 150 pages

Publisher: Lyrical Press (November 22, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: Revenge never felt so sweet...Murdered by a bullet intended for her beloved, Katya Dvoynev's fate is to haunt the building where she took her last breath. That is, unless she can lure her killer into her clutches and find the vengeance her mara spirit seeks. But destiny has other plans, and handsome Nikolai Zurkov arrives instead, filling Katya with a desire so strong she must fight to remember it's revenge she seeks, not love...

Investigative journalist Nikolai is on a mission to bring down a corrupt corporation responsible for so many deaths. If the gorgeous ghost who enters his dreams holds the key, Nik has no problem sharing in the seductive beauty's nightly encounters. But when he discovers Katya's intent is murder, he'll do anything to keep her from getting blood on her hands. For only true justice can give her the love she longs for and keep her in his world.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was definitely one of the more interesting paranormal romances that I have ever read, and I enjoyed the authors fresh and unique spin on ghosts (and to an extension ghost possession).

The characters were interesting and unique as well, and I enjoyed the realistic interactions between Nik and his niece. They had their hardships trying to find the balance with each other, and it was nice to not only see them find that balance, but to also have Katya be able to help with that as well.

I found the romance between Nik and Katya to be believable (as much as it could be considering she was technically dead), and the way that he showed her she was worthy of being loved and treated well added a different depth to the story that only made it stronger.

Overall, I would recommend this story to those who enjoy paranormal romances. I would read more from this author.

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The Siren's Dream (Siren #3) is available from Amazon.com

Review: The Robber Bride (Daring Debutantes #1) by Jerrica Knight-Catania

Print Length: 142 pages

Publisher: Night Shift Publishing (May 2, 2011)

From Goodreads.com: When Victoria Barclay, privileged daughter of the Viscount Grantham, has a life-altering experience as a young girl, it sets the course for the rest of her life. She is determined to make a difference in the world, no matter the consequence, and becomes a highwayman—or woman, as it were—robbing the rich and donating her pilfered gains to the poor.

Life-long friend and neighbor, Phineas Dartwell, Earl of Leyburn, suspects his dear friend is up to no good. She’s become evasive, and even worse, he cares that she’s become evasive. When she refuses to confide in him, claiming it’s for his own good, he severs the friendship out of wounded pride and a wounded heart.

But when Victoria’s activities are brought to light in the eyes of the magistrate, Phineas must find a way to acquit his friend—and dare he hope, future wife?—of the charges.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was a cute and quick read with witty and engaging characters that don't conform to society's standards. I enjoyed not only the characters, but also the fact that the story revolved more around Victoria and her exploits to help the underprivileged than it did the romance. Sure, it was fun watching our two main characters figure out the depth of their feelings for each other, but for once the romance didn't overshadow the "meat" of the story.

Victoria was by far my favorite in this story (even though she is one of the main characters). For someone who looked out the window at the age of eight, and realized that there were people less fortunate than her to the headstrong woman who puts others before her own well-being, she was a character that stands out. I do wish there would have been a bit more at the end of the story (when everything came to light), but all things considered, it was still a great story.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a clean historical romance with a strong female lead. I would read more from this author.

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The Robber Bride is available from Amazon.com

Review: Heartfelt by Kay Springsteen

Print Length: pages

Publisher: EsKape Press (April 7, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: The story that began on a North Carolina beach with a blind marine, a divorced mother, and a child with Down syndrome continues as the young family struggles to adapt to a new addition. Now eight months pregnant, Trish worries about her baby, her daughter, and her husband. But maybe she should be more concerned with herself. Dan struggles to prove himself at work in the face of what others consider his disability. As he wrestles with his job, he is also concerned with life at home and the impending birth of his son. How will he connect with a son when he’ll never even be able to play a game of catch with him?

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let me begin to saying something that I probably should have said about this series earlier on. I did not read these stories in order. One of the many things I enjoyed about this series is that they don't necessarily have to be read in order in order to be enjoyed. Certain stories feature characters from other stories, however you aren't losing out on anything if you read them out of order. Each story in this series is a stand alone, meaning it has a beginning, a middle and an end that is unique to the specific story.

Once again, Kay Springsteen has managed to weave together a story that not only deals with the harsh realities that soldiers with PTSD go through every day, but she manages to do so in a way that is realistic without being depressing. In this story, you come back to the main characters Dan and Trish as they prepare for the birth of their son. Things are definitely not easy for them - Trish is having a hard time with running the bed and breakfast while being near the end of her pregnancy, and Dan is trying to come to terms with the fact that due to his blindness, he will never see his son nor will he be able to do certain things with him. This book also deals a bit with his job and the ever looming threat of terrorist activity overseas and the toll it takes on those soldiers stateside.

Just in time for the fourth of July (and the birth of baby Conway), we also get to catch up with old favorites Lina, Kevin and Greg from the second book in the series. And as it turns out, they couldn't have come at a better time when Baby Conway decides to make his appearance!

Overall, I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy a sweet and well written romance novel with interesting characters. I would read more from this author!

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Heartfelt is available from Amazon.com

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