Mandy's Romance Corner Reviews (Review Roundup)

An escape to an idyllic Irish seaside village is about to turn deadly in this riveting new novel by master of romantic suspense Carla Neggers.

For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan—especially since a Donovan is the reason for her broken heart.

Emma and Colin are in Ireland for their own personal retreat. Colin knows he's a reminder of everything Julianne wants to escape, but something about her trip raises his suspicion. Emma, an art crimes expert, is also on edge. Of all the Irish villages Julianne could choose…why Declan's Cross? 

Ten years ago, a thief slipped into a mansion in Declan's Cross. Emma's grandfather, a renowned art detective, investigated, but the art stolen that night has never been recovered and the elusive thief never caught.

From the moment Julianne sets foot on Irish soil, everything goes wrong. The well-connected American diver who invited her to Ireland has disappeared. And now Emma and Colin are in Declan's Cross asking questions.

As a dark conspiracy unfolds amid the breathtaking scenery of Declan's Cross, the race is on to stop a ruthless killer…and the stakes have never been more personal for Emma and Colin.

Mandy's Review:  Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers

This is another book in the Sharpe and Donovan series.  Carla Neggers is an awesome writer.  This story brings the reader lots of twists and turns, mystery and suspense, and lots of thrills.  Colin and Emma are in Ireland on a vacation of sorts when a murder draws them in.  I love the way Carla describes the Irish country, it makes me feel like I am there.  The mystery of in this book kept me up to the wee hours of the morning wanting to finish it.  A great book to read.  I give it 4 stars.

Rose Parker's husband has been lying. About everything.

When a conversation with her husband triggers questions, Rose Parker uncovers alarming answers that shatter her perfect life. But it is only when she shoves her belongings in her SUV and drives off that Rose realizes just how far from perfect her life actually was. She has nowhere to turn.

While debating between distressing sleeping arrangements-her mother’s house full of questions or a hotel room with too much solitude-Rose bumps into an acquaintance from her gardening class and allows bubbly, exuberant Becky to indulge her in a wild night full of whiskey, weeping, and whispered confidences. Suddenly, Rose has a new friend, a roof over her head, and two gorgeous men moving her out of her marital home.

As Rose struggles to settle into her new life, she remains determined to comprehend her past. And with time and distance and especially wine, comes knowledge. Frank wasn’t the only one lying to her. Rose was lying to herself.

Mandy's Review:  Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby

I have to say this book really hit home for me, you see I am Rose in this story.  It was a brilliantly written story about a woman's survival from the devastation brought on by her husband.  The story is heart wrenching, heart warming and heart felt.  Rose goes through so many real emotions in this book that you can't help but feel for her.  Rose survives and finds what she needs to get through and make a life for herself.  This is an awesome book that is must read.  I give it 5 stars

Former bakery employee Brenda Nevins is now a successful romance author of the Yolanda’s Yummery book series. Best friend and agent, Samantha Ho, has gotten her a movie deal and a reality TV show about her forthcoming bakery, named after her bestselling series. The frosting on Brenda’s cake is her engagement to handsome and sexy Warren Stillman, a Beverly Hills attorney.

Complications arise whenever any communication she sends or receives turns into snippets of a cheesy science fiction story. Her agent, fiancé, movie producer and anyone else on the receiving end thinks she’s playing a stupid joke. Brenda is trying to track down the person responsible for hijacking her career, her finances, and even her fiancé.

For Brenda, finding the culprit is necessary to make sure that her dreams aren’t derailed. In the process, she wonders if her aspirations are as dreamy as she’s imagined? 

This novella is approximately 30,000 words.

Mandy's Review:  Sweet Dreams by Lisa Maliga

This is a story about a woman who is on her way to stardom in her career and in her love life but her life is being hijacked by someone.    You need to read this book to find out what happens to Brenda.  This is a quirky story with a splash of romance thrown in.  It is a good, quick read.  I give it 3 1/2 stars.

You Lucky Dog! by Kate Kelly is an uplifting compilation of true stories about homeless dogs that survived and thrived against the odds to become celebrities. Kate skillfully warms hearts with stories about Toto from The Wizard of Oz, Rin Tin Tin, Benji, America's first dogs, and more. You Lucky Dog! beautifully recounts the adversity each of these amazing creatures faced en route to a grand destiny. 

Kate captures their very souls in moving descriptions of the devotion, loyalty and trust that changed both the fortune of these very special dogs and the lives of their human caregivers. Filled with historical facts and endearing tales of endurance and character these bite-sized stories make ideal reading for any dog lover. 

Kate Kelly is the successful author of more than 35 nonfiction books. She is a contributing blog writer to The Huffington Post. Her website www.AmericaComesAlive.com and monthly eLetters celebrate Kate's love of American history and America's dogs. During July and August Kate publishes three new stories of American dogs each week. She is an engaging speaker and has appeared on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, The View, CBS Early Show, CNN and MSNBC.

Mandy's Review:  You Lucky Dog by Kate Kelly

This book is great book for all those who love dogs.  This is a collection of stories about homeless dogs who persevere in all the life has dealt them.  I truly believe that dog is man's best friend.  These stories show the loyalty and love that dogs can give and bring to peoples lives.  If you are looking for a great up-lifting read this a good book to read.  I give it 4 stars.    

Author Robert Treskillard continues his Merlin Spiral series with book two, Merlin's Shadow, another fresh take on the ancient Arthurian myths. After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control, Merlin finds himself a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth, and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young king safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness, and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil.

Mandy's Review:  Merlin's Shadow (The Merlin Spiral) by Robert Treskillard

This is the second book in a trilogy by Robert Treskillard.  The setting takes place during the time of King Arthur.  Robert brings the story to life and makes the reader feel like they are really back in mid-evil times.  His writing is brilliant, descriptive, and exciting.  This a great book to read.  I give it 5 stars.  

Private Investigator Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen another ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s—and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers. 

Before Liz can open a case file, Calista’s life coach is executed. Suspicious characters swarm around Calista like mosquitoes on a sultry lowcountry evening: her certifiable mother, a fake aunt, her control-freak psychoanalyst, a private yoga instructor, her peculiar housekeeper, and an obsessed ex-husband. Liz digs in to find a motive for murder, but she’s besieged with distractions. Her ex has marriage and babies on his mind. Her too-sexy partner engages in a campaign of repeat seduction. Mamma needs help with Daddy’s devotion to bad habits. And a gang of wild hogs is running loose on Stella Maris. 

With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own.

Mandy's Review:  Lowcountry Bombshell by  Susan M Boyer

This is a quick, fun read.  It is the second book in the Liz Talbot series.  It is a quirky story about a woman who is a dead look-a-like for Marilyn Monroe.  It lead to a fun adventure that keeps the reader entertained.  Susan Boyer does a great job with this story and it makes a great read.  I give it 4 stars.

"They each sense a powerful connection at their first meeting, but no one could have ever imagined the incredible scenario about to unfold, forever altering the lives of all involved. . . ." "DEANNA"

A new business venture takes priority over romance, yet she longs to meet her Mr. Right. At the same time, she's being haunted by a recurring nightmare, relentless in its tormenting attacks until desperation leads her to a dark and dangerous world. "JOSH"

At the pinnacle of a demanding career, with everything he worked for finally coming together, he begins to yearn for the serious relationship his cherished grandmother, ANNA, insists he needs. Neither could have ever suspected that a vintage keepsake would clear the path to true love. "FAITH"

Deanna's closest friend, her greatest ally through the best and worst of times, she believes she could supply an antidote for the horrifying dreams that are threatening her friend's well-being. If only Deanna would let her. "RIVKA and DAVID"

Fortified by young love, emboldened by circumstances, they stand strong against a ruthless enemy in a grueling fight for their lives.

Mandy's Review: Deja Vu by D.J. Starling

This is a very interesting book by D.J. Starling.  It is a unique look at love and the all the different roads that lead there.  They do a wonderful job of drawing the reader in and making them want to stay.  The writing is great, not too descriptive and well developed characters.  I give this book 4 stars.

"Believe in magic. Put a song in your heart. Know the power of love." FANTASYLAND "Won't you come on in? Meet all the lonely people. Be there when they discover that dreams that you dare to dream really do come true." "Sandi.".. Shattered by a devastating loss, she's struggling to move beyond her grief as she embarks on a new life. But when a charming stranger elicits a magnetic attraction, unyielding heartache overrides her desires and undermines her chance for happiness.

"Rick.".. Teen idol at fourteen, well-polished Hollywood playboy by seventeen, he enjoyed a hedonistic lifestyle into his twenties. Yet he's plagued by gnawing self-doubts and the fears they feed when his world is rocked by the sudden reappearance of a woman he had vowed to forget.

"Steve." . . Driven by staunch principles, he's satisfied with the simple, quiet life he leads. He never could have imagined the twists and turns in the path ahead that will change him forever and force him to battle guilt and betrayal in his quest for his heart's desire.

Mandy's Review:  Fantasyland by D.J. Starling

This is another great book by D.J. Starling.  The writing and story development is very intriguing.  The way the characters are developed and integrated into bringing the story to life and keeping it alive.  I highly recommend this book.  I give it 4 stars.

“If anyone objects to this union then speak now or forever hold your peace”. 

I couldn’t control my mouth. My heart and brain were working as one and no matter how hard I tried to intervene- the words they just…. just blurted out.

“I do!” I shouted as my legs were already half down the aisle. I ran, my legs moved quicker than my brain. I didn’t hesitate or look back, not even for a split second. I just ran. 

What had Olivia done and why?

She had it all. The perfect job, the perfect guy and the perfect life.

But this was about to change when familiar faces from the past tried to guide her towards different dreams.

Could she trust them or should she trust her heart?

Mandy's Review:  Finding Cloud 9 by Aryah B

This is a story about a young woman who had it all, but did she really?  You need to read this great book to find out what happens to Olivia.  It is a fun read with lovable characters.  Aryah does a great job on this book for us readers, I really enjoyed finding out about Olivia.  I give it 4 stars.

Beth Spencer’s world is torn apart when her mother dies, leaving her with no idea of who her family really is. Going through her mother’s possessions Beth finds a trail that leads her from her comfortable life, as a successful artist in Edinburgh; to a father she has never met in LA. As her father’s family welcome her into their life, Beth’s world is complicated even further by her feelings for her father’s stepson. Cal Anderson offers Beth the chance of a new life but can she find the courage to let go of her old one?
Family Ties is a novel about finding the courage to live the life that you’ve always hoped for.

Mandy's Review:  Family Ties by E. L. Lindley

E.L. Lindley does an excellent job of bringing this story to life for her readers.  It is a wonderful story of a woman named Beth Spencer who life is turned upside down upon the death of her mother.  She discovers she has a father she never knew about in L.A.  Through this journey she rediscovers herself along with a chance at happiness from an unexpected person.  This is a really good, quick read.  I definitely recommend this book.  I give it 3 1/2 stars.