@LaurieKozlowski ‘s review @nextbookescape of “Love Hacked” by Penny Reid ( @ReidRomance )

There are three things you need to know about Sandra Fielding: 1) She makes all her first dates cry, 2) She hasn’t been kissed in over two years, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Sandra has difficulty removing her psychotherapist hat. Of her last 30 dates, 29 have ended the same way: the man sobbing uncontrollably. After one such disaster, Sandra–near desperation and maybe a little tipsy–gives in to a seemingly harmless encounter with her hot waiter, Alex. Argumentative, secretive, and hostile Alex may be the opposite of everything Sandra knows is right for her. But now, the girl who has spent all her life helping others change for the better, must find a way to cope with falling for someone who refuses to change at all.

This is a full-length, 110k word novel and is the third book in the Knitting in the City series. All books in the series can be read as a standalone.

Five Stars * * * * *

One of The Most Unique Rom Coms I’ve Read

Love Hacked was an exceptional book. Alex is an original type of alpha male. He’s a waiter but has a secret side he could use to his advantage, but he doesn’t. Instead, his suspicious behavior will keep you on your toes as the humor and intelligence radiates between he and Sandra, a psychologist who makes all her dates cry.

Sandra is the epitome of alpha female if there ever was one. I loved how her words did not match her actions on her dates, and the confusion in the lack of her body language made for great comedic fodder throughout the book. She loves to stay in control and I admired that about her, because her smarts and self-control were apparent from the start. Don’t be fooled, though! Her controlling outward nature is opposite of her resistance in her intimacies with Alex.

Both of them nurture a fun and sizzling friendship as Sandra unfolds what her mysterious friend is hiding. Her response to his doubt is beyond sweet. I recommend this book for those who want to laugh, love nerdy characters, and who enjoy a sweet romance with a touch of steam and suspense.

Reviewed by Laurie Kozlowski — also posted to Barnes&Noble and Goodreads.

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To See More Books By Penny Reid, check out her book list on HER WEBSITE.

~*~*~ About The Author ~*~*~

Penny Reid has difficulty writing about herself in the third person. She finds it strange and unsettling. Therefore, Penny will now switch to the first person.

I’m originally from California but now live in the Southeast US with my family after going to college in the area. I work full time at a large University in the field of biomedical research (e.g. clinical research studies conducted under the auspices of the FDA). I work a lot. I also love to knit and crochet; sew bags, blankets, and clothes; carve lino blocks for fabric printing; make homemade soap, jam, marmalade; and- most recently- I’m learning to garden.

I don’t like to sit still unless I’m writing, reading, or knitting and I usually only knit in my knitting group… or at red lights while stuck in traffic. I only read on planes (where I’m trapped). Luckily, I travel a lot for work.

The voices in my head (characters) became so loud over the summer of 2012- specifically, Janie Morris- that I was forced to write Neanderthal Seeks Human, my first attempt at a full length novel. It took me 7 months while working full time, crafting, and raising my people-children (boy-7, girl-5).

If I could have any job in the world it would be my job because I feel like what I do makes a tangible difference in the lives of every living person. If I could have any life in the world it would be my life. Happiness is the seed of good fortune and success. Do what it takes to be happy and be a source of happiness for others.

@LaurieKozlowski ‘s review of “Shades of Honor” by Wendy Lindstrom #sweetromance #lovestory #historicalfiction

Former Union soldier Radford Grayson returns to his small hometown, looking for a stable and comforting place to raise his young, motherless daughter. Despite his troubled past, his hopes are to reconcile with his family and put his dark secrets behind him. But he doesn’t count on falling in love with Evelyn—his brother’s financee…
When Evelyn Tucker accepted her childhood friend Kyle Grayson’s marriage proposal, she thought it was the best way to make her ailing father happy. But after Radford arrives home, the fiery and independent Evelyn realizes that the comfort and friendship Kyle gives her will never hold a candle to the instant, undeniable passion she feels for Radford. Now their forbidden desire threatens to shatter family ties and destroy newfound dreams—unless their love has the power to overcome all obstacles…

Five Stars * * * * *

Top Quality Sweet Romance—

Radford has wounds from the Battle of Gettysburg that goes beyond the piece of shrapnel healed beneath flesh. He’s promised Evelyn’s father (whom he went into battle beside)that he would be a man to rise above the terror from the flashbacks he endures while raising his daughter after the war. His brothers aren’t exactly welcoming, either. Especially the brother who took his place as elder and is running their family’s lumber mill.

Evelyn has promised her heart to one brother, but when Radford is assigned by her father to man the livery that has been bestowed to her care, it’s an insult she has trouble recovering from.

While Radford has to choose to honor his brother or betray his own heart, Evelyn is stuck with knowing the man she must marry is not the one whose kisses set her soul on fire. The heated “monkeyshine” kisses come from the tortured brother who is more dangerous tamping his desire in the orchard than on the battlefield.

This was a very sweet romance and had the standard “back and forth” internal and external struggle concerning the two lead characters. Many things keep them apart, but I was happy to see the story end in a way that all the loose ends were tied. Not too pretty, but just enough for a happy ending. You’ll love this book if you enjoy historical romance with a touch of family angst and a rustic, tortured hero.

Review by Laurie Kozlowski ~ Also posted to Goodreads.

More books by Wendy Lindstrom

Visit Wendy’s website for more information on where these books are available.

~*~* About The Author *~*~

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Wendy Lindstrom is known for the riveting emotional power of her work. Romantic Times has dubbed her “one of romance’s finest writers,” and readers rave about her enthralling characters and “masterfully crafted” stories. She is the creator of the “original Grayson Brothers” series that begins with RITA award-winner Shades of Honor. This critically acclaimed series is available in ebook, paperback editions, and audiobooks.

Review by @LaurieKozlowski of EXCLUSIVELY YOURS by Shannon Stacey

 When Keri Daniels’s boss finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping trip, Keri can ask one question.

The chemistry between Joe and Keri is as potent as the bug spray, but Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart, and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever?

 

* Barnes&Noble * Amazon *

Five Stars * * * * *

Romantic, Family-Centered, Page-Turner: A New Favorite Series!
The Kowalski series is quickly moving up on my reading list as this book was great! Joe, a bestselling thriller author, wears black boxer briefs, has a big heart for his family, and has overcome alcoholism to make a very decent living doing what he loves to do – writing. Keri, a magazine journalist in the entertainment industry, has one mission from her boss: get the dirt on Joe Kowalski in an interview, or lose her job.
The main issue for Joe is knowing if he can trust his ex-high-school sweetheart, after all the years apart. He was also betrayed by another girlfriend he trusted, just after he and Kari’s breakup.
For Keri, she’s unwilling to sacrifice a juicy offer for job security. But instead of Joe being at her mercy, the tables turn when he sets the rules for the trip, allowing her one question a day—if she survives the Kowalski family for a week.
This story moved quickly for me because I felt like I was right in the story, myself. I watched as Joe and Keri grew closer, through their doubts and fears. The children in this big family were not those of Joe and Keri, but were nieces and nephews…and they were silly and adorable. The Kowalski brothers’ bond was undeniable and endearing. Their roughhousing and teasing were hilarious. Ma and Dad of the Kowalski’s were another great couple of characters. Ma K was no-nonsense and loving while Dad K was loud, direct, and boisterous.
The side stories will capture your heart, too. Kevin, a Kowalski brother who is formerly Boston PD, has and interesting and dark past. I love how he is the loner of the group. Also, Terry (Kowalski) Porter and Evan have a very heart-wrenching story that will keep you optimistic concerning their love story. Lastly, what happens between Mike and Lisa may cause your eyes to mist.
Be prepared for a superb story, full of love, joy, passion, lust, and a great beginning to a series that will have you hooked from the start!

Reviewed by Laurie Kozlowski — also posted to Goodreads and Barnes and Noble

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~*~*~* Newest Releases By Shannon Stacey *~*~*~

* Barnes&Noble * Amazon * iTunes *

Jack Donovan went through hell and back to save Isabelle once. Now she’s back in his life, hunted by an assassin so elusive some claim he’s only an urban legend. More than just a gun for hire, the killer is driven by a pathological need to take down his targets and, when Isabelle escapes the bullet meant for her, Jack knows he’ll strike again. The only way to keep her alive is to keep her close, and Jack’s about to learn what hell really is.

In the year since Jack rescued her from a guerrilla compound and then walked away, Isabelle Arceneau has begun to put her life back on track. Now somebody wants her dead and Jack is once again her only hope for survival. As the Devlin Group races to uncover the killer’s identity and Jack and Isabelle go on the run in a desperate bid to keep her alive, she knows she can trust him with her life, but never again with her heart.

No Place To Hide is also available in paperback from Amazon.

* Barnes&Noble * Amazon * iTunes

Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.

~*~*~ About The Author ~*~*~

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her two favorite activities are writing stories of happily ever after and riding her four-wheeler. From May to November, the Stacey family spends their weekends on their ATVs, making loads of muddy laundry to keep Shannon busy when she’s not at her computer. She prefers writing to laundry, however, and considers herself lucky she got to be an author when she grew up.

You can contact Shannon through her website, where she maintains an almost daily blog, or visit her on Twitter, her Facebook page, or email her at shannon@shannonstacey.com.