October 2018 Book Reviews
ROMANCE
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
My Duke’s Desire by Tammy Andresen
Lady Violette knew two things for certain. She must make an advantageous match to save her family and the lord who agreed would be less than desirable. It didn’t matter that she wished to sail off on a great adventure. It wasn’t her choice to make.
His Grace, The Duke of Waverly, had no intention marrying, no matter what his mother expected. That was one of the few advantages of being a duke and he’d sailed back from Barbados to inform her. On his journey home, however, a beautifully proper lady rescues him when his horse is injured. He can’t help but notice that Lady Violette is in need of rescuing herself. Much as she tempts him, he can’t be the man that saves her.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/03/book-release-review-my-dukes-desire-by-tammy-andresen/
Contemporary Romance
Five Years Gone by Marie Force
The most brazen terrorist attack in history. A country bent on revenge. A love affair cut short. A heart that never truly heals.
I knew on the day of the attack that our lives were changed forever. What I didn’t know then was that I’d never see John again after he deployed. One day he was living with me, sleeping next to me, making plans with me. The next day he was gone.
That was five years ago. The world has moved on from that awful day, but I’m stuck in my own personal hell, waiting for a man who may be dead for all I know. At my sister’s wedding, I meet Eric, the brother of the groom, and my heart comes alive once again.
The world is riveted by the capture of the terrorist mastermind, brought down by U.S. Special Forces in a daring raid. Now I am trapped between hoping I’ll hear from John and fearing what’ll become of my new life with Eric if I do.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/17/book-review-five-years-gone-by-marie-force/
Catch A Shooting Star by Louisa Masters
A cleaner, a football player, and a drug scandal… who said wishes don’t come true?
Social misfit Jessamy James pays the bills with a cleaning job so she can do what she really loves—tell stories to children. When she meets NFL superstar Nathan Powell while scrubbing unknown substances from his kitchen floor, Jess is as wary as she is confused. Never has she met a man with so much trust in the world, and he’s never met anyone he couldn’t charm. Outwardly, they’re complete opposites, but Nathan is intrigued by Jess’s reclusive attitude, and she’s drawn to his open personality. The attraction between them is inevitable.
When Nathan is dragged into a drug scandal, Jess is caught up in the media storm and finds her own vocation slipping through her fingers. As they struggle to clear his name and rescue both their careers, Jess and Nathan discover that sometimes all you can do is wish upon a shooting star.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/22/book-review-catch-a-shooting-star-by-louisa-masters/
A Cowboy’s Kiss by Trish Millburn
He thought of her as a sleeping beauty, then she awoke…When librarian Anna Kenner wakes up in the hospital, she’s stunned to learn that she’s been in a coma for a week, and her life has been turned upside down. Anna has always been quiet and self-reliant, but now she must ask for help. To make matters worse, the man she’s coming to rely on is a casual friend from high school, whom she always wished could be more. As Roman helps her recover, Anna wonders if this time she will be braver and have a different outcome—Roman in her arms.
Dr. Roman McQueen leads a busy life between his work at the hospital and his time spent at his family’s Montana ranch. And yet, he finds himself sitting night after night at Anna’s bedside reading her a mystery and hoping that somehow she knows that, even though she has no family, she is not alone. When Anna wakes and begins the long process of recovery, Roman finds himself by her side. He tells himself he’s being a friend even as he tries not to notice how her kindness, quiet wit and subtle beauty make him dream that someday they can have more.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/24/book-review-with-excerpt-a-cowboys-kiss-by-trish-milburn/
CONTEMPORARY/HOLIDAY-CHRISTMAS
Christmas Charm by Raine English
She’s sworn off men. He’s got a secret that could end his career. Love was the last thing on their mind…
When cosmetics heiress Evangeline Emmins decides to spend Christmas in Hawaii, a leisurely cruise to the tropical paradise sounds like Heaven. She’s done with struggling actors using her in the hopes of becoming the next male lead in one of her dad’s commercials. In fact, she’s done with men period. Some alone time is what she needs after her last tragic break-up. What she never expects, though, is to meet a man who’s not only out to steal her heart, but her fortune as well!
Dustin Sinclair is one of Broadway’s biggest stars. However, his last show closed early, and with his new one experiencing financial difficulties, it could be months before he receives another paycheck. Bad news for a guy who needs money badly. But when he meets a gorgeous heiress, it seems his problems might be over. That is until she discovers his secret. Can he trust her with the truth or will she jeopardize everything he holds dear?
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/10/book-review-christmas-charm-by-raine-english/
Christmas at the Chalet by Anita Hughes
A delicious love story about a bridal designer showing her new collection in the Alps during the magical week of Christmas where hijinx of the heart ensue.
It’s the day after Christmas, and Felicity Grant is at a gorgeous ski chalet in St. Moritz for the biggest fashion show of her career. Felicity is a rising star on the bridal design scene, and this is her best collection yet. But when her boyfriend gives her a spa day instead of a diamond ring for Christmas, she has to face the possibility that she may never walk down the aisle in one of her own stunning designs.
And then there’s Nell, the top model headlining Felicity’s show. Nell is planning her dream wedding to her wonderful fiance with one catch: her divorced parents can’t stand each other and threaten to no-show if the other is there.
Add to that Felicity’s race against the clock to create a special gown for a prestigious bridal salon, and what both girls need is a Christmas miracle. What better place to find one than in the Swiss Alps with its dark forests and sparkling vistas?
But for Felicity it’s hard to recognize a miracle even when it’s right in front of her, and for Nell one miracle might not be enough to fix the past. Can dreams really come true or is that the stuff of Swiss fairytales?
Anita Hughes’s Christmas at the Chalet is full of romance, gorgeous gowns, and the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps. It’s about love and forgiveness, and creating one’s own miracles during the most festive time of year.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/16/release-blitz-christmas-at-the-chalet-by-anita-hughes/
Christmas Comes to Snowfall by Erika Marks
Quaint Christmas or quirky vacation? Newcomer Maggie Iverson comes to the small resort town of Snowfall, Vermont, for a one-week repreive from her high-powered marketing job in Boston. She’s designing a new website to boost tourism traffic (both virtual and foot) to Snowfall for the holidays. She enthusiastically throws herself into all things Christmas, but deftly dodges each match-making hint.
Long-time bachelor and veterinarian Alden Marshall has never embraced the holiday season, but when he meets Maggie, their chemistry is powerful enough to light up a dozen Christmas trees. Suddenly he finds himself immersed in the town’s merry-making with Maggie by his side. Will the magic of Christmas cast the spell Maggie and Alden need to let go of their pasts and finally find a love that lasts?
A Small Town Christmas by Nan Reinhardt
Winemaker and single father Conor Flaherty is determined to make this Christmas holiday special for his daughter even though his family’s winery, Four Irish Brothers, is facing some challenges.
High-octane Chicago attorney Samantha Hayes is looking forward to some delicious food, fine wine, small town charm, and a break from her hectic big city life when she agrees to do a favor for her boss and help his younger brother with a lawsuit that’s been slapped on his family’s historic winery in River’s Edge. She’s not expecting that her sexy new client will have a smile that will melt her heart and remind her that there’s more to life than work.
Sam falls hard for Conor, his daughter and the small, friendly town, but can she trust her instincts and risk her heart? Sam hasn’t seen a lot of happy-ever-afters in her life, but Conor and the magic of Christmas make her want to believe.
A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitlin Crews
Gray Everett has a heart of gold but that doesn’t mean he believes in the magic of Christmas. He’s got plenty else to worry about this holiday season, what with keeping his cattle ranch in the family and out of the hands of hungry real-estate investors looking to make a down-and-dirty deal. That, plus being a parent to his young and motherless daughter, equals a man who will not rest until he achieves his mission. Now, all Gray needs is the help of his lifelong neighbor. . .who happens to have grown into a lovely, spirited woman.
For Abby Douglas, the chance to join forces with Gray is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. Much as the down-to-earth farmer’s daughter has tried to deny it, Abby’s been in love with stern, smoking-hot Gray her whole life. So when Gray proposes a marriage of convenience as a way to combine land—and work together toward a common cause—Abby can’t refuse. But how can she convince Gray that sometimes life offers a man a second chance for a reason. . .and that their growing trust and mutual passion may be leading to true and lasting love?
HOLIDAY-CHRISTMAS/FANTASY
Merry Christmas, Henry by Aubrey Wynne
A holiday fantasy short story for the romantic.
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/09/book-review-merry-christmas-henry-by-aubrey-wynne/
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/FORBIDDEN
Dirty Flirting, Part One by Ava Alise
What’s the fastest way to turn a confident woman into a stuttering mess?
You pair her up with the hottest guy in the company and tell her to market a sex product.
The first thing Drexel Adams ever said to me had to do with flavored condoms and I’m sure my face stayed beet red the entire meeting.
I don’t usually get squirrely around good-looking men and it annoys the hell out of me that I can’t control my responses to him.
A gorgeous smile spread across his face when he noticed me blushing and from then on he decided to torture me with his dirty words every time we worked together.
Our dirty flirting turned into a torturous game and it wasn’t long before our lust became unbearable.
So we took a risk…
One that could ruin both of our careers. One that would allow us to give in to every dirty thing we’ve ever said to each other.
We agreed on thirty-six hours.
Thirty-six hours of guilt-free sex and the game would end.
The funny thing is we actually thought that would work.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/12/book-review-dirty-flirting-part-one-by-ava-alise/
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Saving Shadows by Kathleen Brooks
The first book in the new Shadows Landing series has arrived! Fans of the Bluegrass series will love this new small coastal community located just outside of Charleston, SC.
Gavin Faulkner was the only doctor in the small South Carolina inner coastal town of Shadows Landing. He was used to patching up everything from fishing lures stuck in skin to gator bites. Nothing could surprise him anymore—except when he found an unconscious woman partially submerged near his dock after a fierce thunderstorm.
Ellery St. John’s last memory was of a bat swinging toward her head. The next thing she knew, she was cold, wet, and a sexy man was pressing his lips to hers. Too bad it turned out to be CPR instead of a passionate kiss.
Gavin thought Ellery would be safe in the small town where BBQ wars were the biggest danger, but he was wrong. Now it was up to him to help Ellery put the pieces together in order to discover who had tried to kill her and why before they both ended up at the bottom of the ocean.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/31/book-review-saving-shadows-by-kathleen-brooks/
MYSTERY
Bitter End by C. J. Carmichael
Murder in a small town is always personal.
When a young mother is murdered in the isolated ranching town of Lost Trail, Montana, the father of her child is the first suspect. In this case, there are two: the biological father who hasn’t seen his daughter in over a year and the adoptive father whose life hangs in the balance as he struggles with cancer.
Zak Waller is Lost Trail’s newest deputy. He’s also locked in a power struggle with the town’s old-school Sheriff. If Zak solves this case maybe he’ll finally get the respect he deserves. But is he willing to tear a family apart in the process?
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/15/release-blitz-w-review-bitter-end-by-c-j-carmichael/
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
The Rain Watcher by Tatiana de Rosnay
Linden Malegarde has come home to Paris from the United States. It has been years since the whole family was all together. Now the Malegarde family is gathering for Paul, Linden’s father’s 70th birthday.
Each member of the Malegarde family is on edge, holding their breath, afraid one wrong move will shatter their delicate harmony. Paul, the quiet patriarch, an internationally-renowned arborist obsessed with his trees and little else, has always had an uneasy relationship with his son. Lauren, his American wife, is determined that the weekend celebration will be a success. Tilia, Linden’s blunt older sister, projects an air of false fulfillment. And Lindon himself, the youngest, uncomfortable in his own skin, never quite at home no matter where he lives—an American in France and a Frenchman in the U.S.—still fears that, despite his hard-won success as a celebrated photographer, he will always be a disappointment to his parents.
Their hidden fears and secrets slowly unravel as the City of Light undergoes a stunning natural disaster, and the Seine bursts its banks and floods the city. All members of the family will have to fight to keep their unity against tragic circumstances. In this profound and intense novel of love and redemption, de Rosnay demonstrates all of her writer’s skills both as an incredible storyteller but also as a soul seeker.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/23/release-blitz-w-review-the-rain-watcher-by-tatiana-de-rosnay/
WOMEN’S FICTION
Forgetting Ophelia by Julie Gardner
Ever-hopeful Lia thinks she’ll be with handsome, brooding Jake forever. Until one day he completely blindsides her and makes her question everything she knows… Lia Townsend is expecting a ring and a trip to Hawaii for her fifth wedding anniversary. Instead, her husband, Jake, walks out on her. Out of the blue. Devastated, Lia vows to win back Jake and the perfect life they shared.
Because it was perfect, wasn’t it?
But as Lia searches for the truth behind Jake’s departure, the cracks in the shiny varnish begin to show. And once she uncovers his secret, all that she once knew and believed in crumbles.
Lia’s eccentric mother, her best friend, and two vastly different men each pull her in new directions, and Lia attempts to push past the pain and start anew.
But Jake isn’t gone for good. When an accident rocks the lives of their best friends, Lia and Jake are thrown together. Will Lia choose to salvage her old life with the man who broke her heart – or was everything they shared an illusion?
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/10/08/release-blitz-w-review-forgetting-ophelia-by-julie-gardner/
CHILDREN’S
The Underground Toy Society: Halloween Scare by Jessica Adams
The Underground Toy Society decided to go out on Halloween night to help lost, lonely, and forgotten toys. They ended up falling into a hole that did not belong to their friend Murry Mole, who helps them dig tunnels underground so they won’t be seen by people. Will Murry Mole rescue the toys before they find out what is making a mysterious hissing sound?
comfychairbooks.com 