Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read: March 2023

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

✱✱Book Review✱✱ Evil Enemy (Saint View Strip Book 1) by Elle Thorpe

A male/female romance set in the Saint View world. No prior knowledge of the world is needed to start this hot new series.

I’m the ruling queen of Saint View Strip. After growing up poor, taking my clothes off and dancing for men is all I know. My thriving club and the people I employ are everything. They’re my ride or die, and I’m theirs.

Nobody is taking them away from me.

So when a local politician announces plans to bulldoze everything I’ve spent the last ten years working for, I won’t be silenced.

Not by some suit.

And not by the cops.

Joshua Boston can arrest me all he wants. He can come at me with strong arms and piercing eyes that make my insides tingle. He can push me up against the wall and cuff me all day long.

I’ll still hate him.

I’ll still want him.

In this town of gangs, shootings, and dangers around every corner, no one is safe. I’m no damsel in distress, but when a violent threat ups the stakes, it’s Boston I’m forced to turn to.

We may hate each other, but the real enemy is the one neither of us will see coming.

Evil Enemy is a dark romance that may have triggers for some readers. It was first published in the Hate to Want You Anthology.

Momma Says: 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Holy Hot Book Cover! Elle Thorpe always has great covers - okay, let's call it like it is - Elle always has drool-worthy covers. Anyway, this one may just be the drool-worthiest. It's fitting, given the chemistry between Boston and Eve. They have the enemies-to-lovers vibe between them in the beginning, which makes sense. Hate's a strong emotion and only a step from love, so the sparks between this pair quickly turn into flames.

If you're familiar with the Saint View world, there are a handful of characters you'll recognize, some that we got to know very well and some that were more on the periphery. That's one of my favorite things about the world Elle has created in Saint View. It really has the feel of a community, and found family is a pretty common theme among the characters.

In addition to some steamy goodness, there's also plenty of danger and intensity coming at both Boston and Eve as well as some of those around them, some of that found family I mentioned. This is the first Saint View Strip book, so not everything is resolved by the last page. Some things are still up in the air, and I'll be impatiently waiting to see where the story is going.

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Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The Quest for the Wizard’s Key Teaser Tuesday

Tales from the Dreamlands, Book 2

Paranormal Fantasy, Occult and Supernatural, Lovecraftian, Sci-Fi Fantasy

Publication Date: April 1, 2023

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The Wizard's Key is the second book in a series of New Cthulhu Mythos tales. This fix-up novel features a fascinating cast of outcasts on a quest to save the Cosmos from destruction by malevolent forces. Join them on their madcap journey.

This fix-up novel follows the events that transpired in Ketil and Yitzy’s Adventure in the Xura Dream House. The book can be read as a standalone, but for a better understanding of the characters and events, it is suggested that Ketil and Yitzy’s Adventure in the Xura Dream House should be read first. It is a fun, fast-paced buddy story with plenty of creepy, crazy twists and turns.

Once you have read Ketil and Yitzy’s Adventure, you will be In the Know so you can be In with the In Crowd! Then you can join us at the Kewl Eldritch Horrors table.

Excerpt

Corporate Climbers vs. Bleeding Hearts and Artists

“The one I refer to as the Galaxy Girl is the soul knowed as Pepper Baiij in this lifetime,” Ketil revealed. “There is those who say that Pepper is simply unlucky. It is others which say that Pepper brings to herself her own troubles by being terribly lazy and unmotivated. Pepper is not unmotivated, if presented with tasks that interest her. She can easy become distracted from tasks which does not interest her and can become quickly depressed if forced to carry on with such tasks for extended periods of time.

“Some have said that Pepper is entitled and expects the world to be handed to her upon a silver platter when she was born with a plastic spoon in her mouth. This is inaccurate. Pepper is not entitled or a snob, but she was wired for more than what a nine-to-five job which squashes her creative spirit offers.

“When we believe that people is only as worthwhile as their willingness to climb a corporate ladder, then surely people such as Pepper and all of us is worth about as much as yellow snow. To some people, the only measure of success is to achieve a number above the salary they earned the previous year at the corporation to which they drive daily. For these people, the life of nine to five in a fine office is the best of all possible atmospheres. But for those who prefer to detail the story of their lives on creative canvasses, the daily commutes to and from the office is dead-end drives, for beyond the afterglow effect of receiving money with which to pay the bills, each hour spent in the office is but a slow march to death for their soul.

“Thus, the corporate ladder climb is all fine and good for the sort of Theodore Thirsty what derives joy from being toasty in Topeka in their luxury office. I do not in any case trust such Theodores. They seem initially to be people-pleasers, but all too often these men of mystery is sipping on subterfuge while minty descriptions slip from their silver tongues to camouflage lemony liabilities. If one is not a watchful Winifred in the company of these Theodores, one can find oneself knee-deep in the aftermath of consuming too great a portion of chili cheese custard.”

“It seems ter me, Ketil, that your old China Plate Pepper is much more the bloomin' sort of lassie wot prefers whimsy and wildflowers ter stuffy offices and climbin' of corporate ladders and whatnot,” Little John observed as he and Robin shared a platter of what looked disturbingly like a half-dozen large kangaroo rats that had been left out in the sun to bloat before being consumed, while Rilpu swallowed a creature resembling a fresh, plump toad. Yitzy the Yithian, meanwhile, seemed quite content to delicately sip the apricot-hued ambrosia of the Pxab Plume into one of his four trumpetlike mouths.

“It is a shame that the juice of the Pxab Plume is not more intoxicating,” Ketil quipped, pouring a serving of the beverage into a wine goblet the yellow hue of which reminded the spirit of Earth’s sun. “For I should quite like to blur the sight of you lot gorging yourselves on rodents and toads from my unfortunate brain.”

“You ain’t got a brain, Ketil, yer a ghost,” Robin chortled.

About the Author

C. L. Hart, the owner and sole employee of Naughty Netherworld Press, is spoken of in hushed tones. She is described as The Mad Scribe of the Northeastern Colorado Plains, The Terrible Old Woman, and The Author That Should Not Be.

When not penning sanity-destroying works of dystopian fiction, Lovecraftian fantasy, or old-school horror with the occasional sweet romance thrown in to upset the cosmic apple cart, Ms. Hart enjoys creating baked goods that she hopes will be considered palatable.

Ms. Hart shares a home in a remote rural town of 134 souls with her adult son and three cats. Her sense of fashion is best described as Early Twenty-First Century Unmade Bed. This disabled former nurse can usually be found arguing with herself about subplots or rehabilitating eldritch horrors.

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The Rock at the Bottom Release Blitz

Lorna & Tristan #3

20th Century Historical Fiction / Romance

Date Published: 03-21-2023

Stephen feels he is marked from day one to lose the ones he loves. His mother dies giving birth to him, and his alcoholic father makes sure Stephen never forgets it. To block out his father’s hate, fists, and belt, young Stephen loses himself in his imagination. Stories become his closest companions and barricades against a family that never wanted him. Once he can look his father in the eye, Stephen swears he will never be the monster his old man is. He vows he will become a published author, if for no other reason than to prove his father wrong.

While his dreams of being a bestselling novelist and falling in love come true, Stephen has much to prove to himself before he can write his own happy ending. Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Cleveland, Stephen fights the same alcoholic demons that plagued his father as he tries to begin a life free from his family. He meets equally headstrong Julie and is smitten, but their marriage is as fractured as his career is solid. He can find ten ways to write about being in love, but he has a hard time translating love on the page to love in real life. Julie slips between his fingers like sand, and Stephen sees his father staring back when he looks in the mirror.

Try as he might to rewrite his life, even going so far as to change his name, he has to wonder if he is the author or the killer of love.

About the Author

Cynthia Hilston is a stay-at-home mom of three young kids, happily married, and lives in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Writing has always been like another child to her. After twenty years of waltzing in the world of fan fiction, she stepped away to do her debut dance with original works of fiction, although she still dabbles in fan fiction.

In her spare time – what spare time? – she devours books, shamelessly watches Hallmark movies and When Calls the Heart, pets her orange and black kitties, looks at the stars, drinks wine or coffee with good friends, and dreams of what other stories she wishes to tell.

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ALAN Teaser Tuesday

(Devoted Guardians MC 3)

A Dixie Reapers Shifter MC Romance

Paranormal / MC Romance

Date Published: ‎ March 24, 2023

Publisher: ‎ Changeling Press LLC

Jolene – My life wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t have any real complaints -- until something went horribly wrong and one of my potions blew up, killing my husband. Raising our son on my own hasn’t been easy. Grief and guilt keep getting in my way. But a certain biker keeps stopping by to lend a helping hand. Is it wrong I wish he’d do more than fix my porch steps?

Alan – I knew Jolene was mine, even when she belonged to someone else. Now that she’s single, I might have a chance. I can’t rush this, though. Not after what she’s been through. Not till I’m sure she's ready. I’ll take my time, build a friendship with her, then lay all my cards on the table. Only one problem. I didn’t count on traffickers hitting our little town. Everything’s gone sideways. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my new family safe, even if I have to get my hands dirty.

WARNING: This is a Dixie Reapers Shifter MC story and contains bad language, violence, and adult situations. Recommended for adult readers 18+.

EXCERPT

I clutched Rhett’s hand and stared at Alan. “Are you sure about this? I don’t really know anyone there. What if they don’t want us around?”

“I asked the Pres, and he said it was fine.” Alan shoved his hands into his pockets. I’d noticed he did it a lot, and wondered if it was a nervous habit or something else. “But if you don’t want to go…”

“No! We want to,” I assured him. “I didn’t want them thinking we were trying to intrude. We aren’t part of the club, and it seems like it’s just the Devoted Guardians and their families.”

“It’s fine, Jolene. Come on. I brought the truck.”

We followed him out to the driveway, and I stood back and watched as he buckled Rhett into his car seat. Alan came around so much these days, he’d bought one for his truck. I didn’t know many men who would do something like that. Not when it wasn’t their own child. All the little things he did for us made me like him even more.

I still remembered when I’d thought he was a decade older than me. Knowing he was over one hundred still blew my mind. Then again, shifters lived a long time, like witches. Compared to him, I was still a baby at only twenty-six. My little Rhett was only six. As far as I knew, Alan didn’t have children, and hadn’t ever had a mate. Of course, none of it mattered. Our relationship wasn’t the romantic sort -- something I reminded myself of every single day. It didn’t stop my heart from racing every time he came near, or wishing there could be more between us.

Alan helped me into the truck, then reached over for the seatbelt and buckled me in. He’s just being nice. If I said it enough times, maybe I could make myself believe it. Not even Robby had done such a thing for me. I’d never met anyone like Alan before. Sure, I’d interacted with shifters, but none had taken care of us the way he did. He made me feel special, and I knew Rhett adored him. He constantly asked when we’d see Alan.

With Wolf Creek being so small, it didn’t take long to reach the park. I noticed the motorcycles right away, and Alan pulled into a spot nearby. He helped us from the truck, and Rhett took off. He might not have played with the other kids before, but it didn’t make him hesitate even a little. My hands trembled as I smoothed my clothes. Had I made the right decision? What if the women didn’t want me here? Just because Axe said it was okay didn’t mean I was actually welcome.

“Come on,” Alan said, holding out his hand. I took it and let him lead me over to the group. He released my hand near the women and went to join the other men in his club. He always referred to them as his brothers, even though he wasn’t related to any of them. I’d asked a few questions the last couple of months, wanting to know more about him and the Devoted Guardians, but I still didn’t understand everything.

I glanced at the women and gave them a smile. “Hi! I’m Jolene.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Emma,” one of them said, holding out her hand. I shook it and retreated, still not feeling comfortable.

“I’m Raya,” the other said.

“I’m so glad Alan invited us. Rhett can always use more friends,” I said. “Since Cody and Tanner are older, they aren’t in the same class at school. I know they’ve seen each other around town, but this is the first time they’ve been able to play.”

“How do you know Alan?” Emma asked.

“He helped us not too long ago. Actually, he’s been really great. Things have been hard the last few years. Alan seems to know what we need even before I do. He’s fixed my porch steps, replaced an outlet that no longer worked, and done so much more.” I smiled softly as I looked at the man in question. “And he’s so sweet to Rhett.”

“Has he asked you out on a date?” Emma asked.

“Oh, it’s not like that. I’m so much younger than him.”

“Axe is over one hundred fifty years old, and I’m only twenty-six,” Emma said. “It can’t be worse than that, can it?”

“No, it’s not,” I said. “Maybe it would work. I’m a little scared to find out. What if I’m wrong? Rhett already loves Alan so much. If we dated, then everything went wrong, it would devastate my little boy.”

Part of me wanted to hold back and not open up to these women so much. They were strangers, yet I started to feel at ease around them. Alan had told me about Axe and Emma, and I knew their relationship was still new. He hadn’t said much about Raya, other than Henry had recently found her. At least they hadn’t been with their men for years. We were all rather new when it came to the Devoted Guardians. Of course, they were actually with someone in the club. Alan and I were only friends.

“Henry hated me on sight,” Raya said. “He thought I was a dark mage. Then we had a chance to talk. He listened to what I’d been through, and when he bit me later that night, it felt… right. Sounds crazy, right?”

Emma shook her head. “Part of you sensed it. The same happened with me and Axe. Although, he was sweet from the beginning. From the moment we met, I felt drawn to him. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and quite honestly, I found it a little scary. Not Axe but my reaction to him.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “That’s how it feels when Alan is around. I want to get closer to him, and when I catch his scent, my body lights up and I want to crawl into his lap. Instead, I end up putting more space between us.”

“Maybe you’re his mate,” Emma said. “Axe said I was destined to be his. I heard it was the same with Henry. Once he got past the smell of black magick, he realized Raya was his.”

Raya nodded.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” I said. “I’m not sure he really feels like that about me though. He’s never flirted with me or asked me out. I think he just feels sorry for us and is such a sweet man he can’t help but try and ease our burden a little.”

Emma snorted. “Keep telling yourself that. I have a feeling you’ll be eating those words soon enough.”

About the Author

Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil's Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series. When Harley's writing, her motto is the hotter the better -- off-the-charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can't deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you've come to the right place. She doesn't shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.

Award-winning author Jessica Coulter Smith has been in love with the written word since she was a child writing her first stories in crayon. Today she's a multi-published author of over seventy-five novellas and novels. Romance is an integral part of her world and she firmly believes that love will find you at the right time, even if Mr. Right is literally out of this world.

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter: @changelingpress

Harley Wylde on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

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Monday, March 20, 2023

✱✱Book Review✱✱ MONTANA FREEDOM by Josie Jade & Janie Crouch

Daniel Clark is the leader. The one who ensures everyone makes it out alive.

He took that responsibility seriously when he and his team served in the Navy SEALs together, and he takes it seriously now at the Resting Warrior Ranch.

When he and his men broke up the Riders—the vicious dogfighting gang who also kept some human captives—they got everyone to safety.

Except for the woman who’d been caged—Emma. She disappeared into the night.

So when she shows up in his tiny Montana town—in bad physical shape, begging not to be taken to the hospital—Daniel can’t believe it. He does the only thing he can: brings her home.

He’s a warrior, not a caregiver, but he’ll have to be both in this case. The people after her don’t just want to put her in a cage this time. They want her dead.

But if they want to get to Emma, they’re going to have to go through Daniel. And that’s not going to happen.

Momma Says: 4 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

There is a serious lot happening in the less than 300 pages of Montana Freedom. It's suspenseful, it's intense, it's full of action and danger, and there's still time for romance! Seriously, once I started reading, there was no stopping. It's that intense. Plus, Daniel and Emma may just be my favorite Resting Warrior Ranch couple, and that's really saying something considering how I've felt about the first five. Found family is one of my favorite elements of this series, and the way these characters sacrifice for each other is something we could all use in our lives (even when we don't live with the danger these characters do). So, if you like a fast-moving romantic suspense, characters you can fall in love with - except the bad guys, of course - some danger, and some steamy goodness, The Resting Warrior Ranch series is one to read, and Montana Freedom is jam-packed with all of the above.

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✱✱Book Review✱✱ Release Blitz: The Skull Keeper by Mariëtte Whitcomb

Title: The Skull Keeper
Author: Mariëtte Whitcomb
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Cover Design: Jabber Media
Cover Image: Pexels
Release Date: March 20, 2023

Best friends on social media, Allysa and Morgan share a love of three things: thriller novels, true crime, and keeping secrets from each other.

As soon as Allysa asks Morgan to be her plus one at a funeral, Morgan jumps on the first available flight. Burying the dead might unearth the truth about what happened to Allysa’s brother twenty years earlier. She’s never believed he simply left town without saying goodbye.

Once they learn he’s the last known victim of a serial killer, Allysa and Morgan decide to do what the police couldn’t – bring him to justice.

When the hunters become the hunted, only one question remains – Do you know your friend well enough to save her life?

Momma says: 4 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

Well, that was one intense read! And a gruesome one. Seriously, take a look at the cover. If it bothers you to look at it, you might think twice about this book because many of the scenes in this one make the cover look quite tame. It's definitely not for the squeamish. That said, if you can handle the chapters from the POV of the killer and the details of torture that the killer comes up with, then this is a total mess with your mind psychological thriller - the best kind, in my opinion. There are whiplash-inducing twists and a story that is impossible to put down. I'll admit that I wasn't sure about the rapid-fire POV changes, but it really works for this book. I feel like it even adds to the story. I realize I'm being vague, but it's totally intentional. As much as I'd love to just lay it all out there and discuss the many elements of the book., I think spoilers would do a disservice to future readers. This is a book to read completely spoiler free. It's a well-thought-out thriller that kept me hooked all the way through.

Mariëtte Whitcomb studied Criminology and Psychology at the University of Pretoria. An avid reader of psychological thrillers and true crime books, writing allows her to pursue her childhood dream to hunt criminals, albeit fictional and born in the darkest corners of her imagination.

When Mariëtte isn't writing, she reads or spends time with her family, friends, and her two the miniature schnauzers.

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Falling For You Tour and Giveaway

Falling For You

A Buckeye Falls Novel #2

by Libby Kay

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Welcome to Buckeye Falls, Ohio!
Sparks fly in this small town as everyone’s favorite gruff pastry chef finally gives the sweetest guy in town a chance.

CeCe LaRue knows what she wants in life, and in the kitchen, and that’s control. She doesn’t have time for distractions—from her past or present. But that doesn’t mean a certain bright-eyed coworker hasn’t captured her heart.

Evan Lawson is a chronic optimist, and he brings his sunny disposition to everything he does, especially his job at the diner. It’s obvious why he loves his job so much, and it has everything to do with CeCe. He’s been crushing on her for a while, but he’s biding his time. Much like the perfect recipe, love cannot be rushed.

When a major food competition comes to town, Evan is thrilled at the prospect of competing. Despite her stellar culinary skills, CeCe is hesitant to participate. The celebrity chef host is more than a pretty face; he’s the painful past she’s been outrunning for years.

Can CeCe open herself up to the prospect of love and give Evan a chance? Can Evan’s optimism keep them both afloat?

Falling For You is part of the Buckeye Falls series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read. Author Libby Kay’s books are perfect for fans of Penny Reid and Sharon Sala’s smalltown romances. These sweet romances will have readers falling in love with Buckeye Falls, Ohio. Slip in to this enchanting smalltown and stay awhile! You might just fall in love…

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Falling Home

A Buckeye Falls Novel #1

Welcome to Buckeye Falls, Ohio!
‘Tis the Season for Second Chances…And this couple is going to need a Christmas Miracle!

When New York transplant Ginny Meyer returns to her small hometown to help her father recover from surgery, she isn’t looking for any complications. No Christmas caroling, no cookie decorating, and certainly no time spent with her ex-husband, Max. The trouble is, she’s looped into helping with the Christmas Jubilee—and a certain ex is her planning partner. Now all her plans to avoid Max disappear in a puff of tinsel. But she can resist his charms, right?

Max Sanchez has three great loves in his life—his diner, Christmas, and his ex-wife. He’s spent two years missing the woman who broke his heart and left town, and he’ll use any excuse to spend time with her. Max hopes some holiday cheer, and his famous cheese enchiladas, can help them find their way back together. Buckeye Falls hasn’t felt the same since Ginny left, and Max can tell she’s warming to the idea of staying in town. Now if only he could get her to stay with him…

With a little help from the residents of Buckeye Falls, this Christmas is bringing more than presents under the tree.

Author Libby Kay’s books are perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins’ second chance romances or Sharon Sala’s smalltown romances. Readers will fall in love with Buckeye Falls, Ohio and the townspeople as they embrace the holiday season. Slip in to this enchanting smalltown and stay awhile! You might just fall in love…

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Libby Kay lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband—traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Writing is a solitary job, and Libby loves to hear from readers. Reach out, ask questions, and review her stories anytime. She’d love to hear from you.

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