Tag: clean read

Mistakenly Married

Posted on by Frances

I’m sure that a few of you reading the title of this blog are scratching your heads, wondering what this one is all about. I promise you it’s not something weird! Mistakenly Married is actually a book! Let me share with you some things about it!

Mistakenly Married

By: Victorine E. Lieske

 

 

Penny’s gotten herself into another one of her crazy messes. She’s broke and about to be evicted. When her online boyfriend suggests they elope, she agrees. Why not? She loves him, even though she hasn’t met him, so she blows the last of her cash on a fun Las Vegas wedding. Except, William stands her up and the limo driver picks up the wrong guy. A smokin’ hot wrong guy. Too bad she doesn’t find out who he really is until after the wedding.

Harrison Williams needs a wife to gain access to his trust fund account. He goes to Las Vegas to meet someone, but there’s a mix up and he ends up at the Chapel-O-Love exchanging vows with Penny, a spirited girl in a cheap veil. When they realize the mistake, he convinces her to go back to Bel Air with him to prove that he’s married, and he agrees to pretend to be William so her family doesn’t have to know about her big mistake. Sounds like a good plan. What could go wrong?

 

If you’re into clean romances, this book is a must read! It does say on the Amazon page that it is a romantic comedy, which for those of you who like that will appreciate it all the more. However, I don’t consider it a romantic comedy myself. There was nothing that really made me laugh. But that doesn’t mean the book wasn’t good!

Quite the opposite, really. I think this book was great on many levels! I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and descriptive elements that were part of the story. Though the two main characters made a mistake, it was neat how they ended up falling in love with one another in the end. The build up of attraction and desire between the two was amazingly written!

Although I loved the ending where the two do end up together, I wish the way the book got there was different. But that’s not something I would change the rating of the book for. It’s just a personal opinion. The ending it has is still good!

Overall, Mistakenly Married is very well written! It was a fun, clean, and enjoyable read. I found myself wanting to read more each and every time I had to put it down! And, as a side note, I hear Victorine E. Lieske is kind of the queen of clean romance novels, having books on the New York Times and USA Today best sellers lists. So you know that this book is going to be good! I totally recommend reading if this is your sort of style!

 

To purchase, please visit the book’s Amazon page at:

www.amazon.com/dp/B01D3U63NG

 

 

 

Free Is Good!

Posted on by Frances

Who of you, by a show of hands, like to get things for free? I’m not talking about something broken or worthless or even something like a McDonald’s toy. What I’m referring to is something of value! Something you can actually use and enjoy very much! Even something that you could keep forever! Wouldn’t you love to have that “something” for free?!?!? I know I would!

 

So……that’s what I’m giving! Let me explain.

 

Saturday, March 25, is my 11th anniversary to my amazing husband. Though we’ve been married 11 years, we’ve known each other since 1994, making it 23 years of adventure, fun, and eventually love!

 

For those that don’t know, my husband and I grew up across the street from one another. His family moved in back in 1994, and since then our two families have been united in one way or another. We were good friends then, and after doing some growing up, we are very much in love!

 

Does that sound familiar to you? If it does, it’s because that is the storyline of my debut novel, Growing Up Neighbors! Being my first book and all, I wanted to write something I knew, and that was my own romance.

 

So what does this have to do with free?!?! I’m getting there! Because this weekend is my anniversary, and because this book is about my life, I am going to give away, to anyone who wants it, a FREE eBook copy of Growing Up Neighbors!! I have never given away a free novel before, but I figured this would be a good time to start!

 

To get your free copy, just go to the Amazon website and order it. It won’t cost a single penny! You’ll be able to keep it for as long as you want obviously, and I really think that you’ll enjoy it tremendously.

 

 

Growing Up Neighbors is considered a coming of age, young adult novel with a sweet, believable love story woven throughout. Starting today, Thursday, March 23, through Monday, March 27, you can get it for FREE here:

 

www.amazon.com/dp/B00PJGYW40

Dating the It Guy

Posted on by Frances
Dating the It Guy by
Krysten Lindsay Hager
YA contemporary romance
Published by Clean Reads
Blurb:
Emme is a sophomore in high school who starts dating, Brendon Agretti, the popular senior who happens to be a senator’s son and well-known for his good looks. Emme feels out of her comfort zone in Brendon’s world and it doesn’t help that his picture perfect ex, Lauren seems determined to get back into his life along with every other girl who wants to be the future Mrs. Agretti. Emme is already conflicted due to the fact her last boyfriend cheated on her and her whole world is off kilter with her family issues. Life suddenly seems easier keeping Brendon away and relying on her crystals and horoscopes to guide her. Emme soon starts to realize she needs to focus less on the stars and more on her senses. Can Emme get over her insecurities and make her relationship work? Life sure is complicated when you’re dating the it guy.
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HdfnUqZPKU
Short Excerpt:
“By the way, did you hear Lauren got into Senator Agretti’s old school?”
“Seriously? I wonder if she applied there because Brendon did,” I said.
Margaux snorted. “Duh, of course. Seriously, she might as well just pee on him to mark her territory.”
“Margaux, shut up,” Kylie said.
“Whatever. Anyway, the important thing is if Brendon knew she was applying there,” Margaux said. “Em, do you think he knew?”
I hoped Lauren was just trying to follow Brendon, but what if they had planned this whole thing while they were dating? What if he convinced her to apply there so they could go to college together, wear matching American flag sweaters with big scarves while drinking hot chocolate, and jump into leaf piles just like a preppy clothing catalog. At least now I didn’t have to worry about them reciting poetry to one another in South Bend, but still, what if they had made plans to go to school together?
“Don’t worry about it,” Kylie said. “She was probably trying to follow him—like she always does. She’s so pathetic.”

Continue reading “Dating the It Guy” →

Of Buds And Blossoms

Posted on by Frances

BLURB

Librarian Chloe McAlister finds solace in her books—and hats—but doesn’t know where to turn when her longtime crush gets engaged. On a whim, she signs up for a speed-dating mixer and convinces her best friend, Dill Thomas, to attend. All goes as planned until she realizes Dill means more to her than she thought … and he goes and falls for someone else.

This 10,000-word short story is perfect for your lunch break, workout, or while you wait in line at the mall. Read it today to experience a hint of spring any time of the year!

EXCERPT

“Is the beard a deal breaker? Serious question here.”

Chloe raised her brows. “Hm?”

“Do you like me rugged or clean? Be honest, I can take it.”

Dill had never cared about his appearance before, much less asked her about it. He was a no-frills kind of guy who couldn’t be bothered with designer clothes or the latest fashions. That’s why he lived in jeans and T-shirts at work and at home. For some reason, he was concerned about a beard? “You want my opinion?”

“Sure. You understand women better than I do. Would they be cool with this?”

Tilting her head to one side, then to the other, Chloe took a long, hard look at him. She pretended to give his question some thought, pursing her lips as she studied his face. His eyes still had the same self-assured, friendly sparkle in them as the freshman boy who always asked to borrow her lecture notes. A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing his playful, easygoing nature that hadn’t changed over the years. However, that’s where the déjà vu ended. Continue reading “Of Buds And Blossoms” →

The Lucky Cat

Posted on by Frances

Do you like cats? If you’re like me, then Yes, Yes, a billion times YES! Those who know me know I grew up with cats and, except the year I lived in an apartment with my then newly wed husband, I have always had at least one cat. So I think it’s safe to say that to read about a cat would be up my alley.

 

Not too long ago I came across a book by Lisa Shea called The Lucky Cat. It’s part of the Salem Massachusetts Mini Mystery series that Lisa has, which if you like the history of that city, these books would be just the thing for you. I didn’t have a lot of time to read so The Lucky Cat was the perfect fix! AND, I do need to share that I kind of know Lisa Shea is a big name so I was excited to pick this one up and see what her writing was like!

 

First, let me give you the rundown on The Lucky Cat:

  • As of January 24, 2017, it has 76 reviews with an average of 4.3 stars!
  • This is book one of thirty-one. You read that right, 31! She wrote one book a day from October 1 to October 31 back in 2014
  • It’s FREE!
  • With just 13 pages, you can read it in 10 minutes
  • It’s #17 in Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
  • #19 in 30 minute short reads: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
  • I’d recommend for ages 14 and up (unless you don’t want the younger ones to read about magic, luck, etc.)
  • Completely clean!
  • There’s a tiny cliffhanger, but not important enough to where you have to read the rest. However, I’d recommend reading them all to get the complete story

 

Kathy Taylor, a black female police officer turned private investigator, moved to Salem, Massachusetts; a town surrounded by wiccans, herbalists and the like.

 

Her first client comes in looking for a stolen cat. This black cat had the power to help the client’s daughter get well from cancer. Now the cat is gone and the client’s daughter is getting sick again.

 

Kathy takes on the case and quickly figures out what happened and why. The cat may be closer than you think and may have been taken for a very meaningful purpose.

 

This is the purr-fect (see what I did there?) short read! The mystery aspect was great as the author did a great job putting the pieces together. I think things were described well, and that this magical cat was sweet. I already have one black cat, but this nice mini mystery makes me want to get another! I rated this 5 out of 5 stars!

A Little Spice, Anyone?

Posted on by Frances

I had a little bit of time to read something quick so I was happy to see a short story by Liwen Ho available that sounded fun. I “know” Liwen Ho from a Facebook group. I figured it must be good…and boy was it good! Let me tell you about it!

 

A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story

 

 

Josh Pepper wants to be the next manager of the IT department – achievable until a new recruit, Cin Thomas, comes along. It’s his job to keep other men from getting distracted by her presence. Easy? He thought it would be until he got a whiff of her piercing green eyes, knowledge of IT and positive attitude.

 

With their weekly games, growing friendship and cute banter, Josh isn’t sure he wants to be the next manager anymore as that would make it wrong for him to date Cin. A short trip down an elevator may get them literally stuck, but it helps them figuratively realize the best way to move forward.

 

Book STATS

 

  • 4.6 stars out of 5 as of January 23, 2017
  • 17 total reviews as of January 23, 2017
  • As of today it’s free! AND it’s #1 in the Kindle Store for Holiday books!
  • Normally just $0.99!
  • It’s only 42 pages and takes maybe 30 minutes to read – perfect for break time or while waiting
  • This is book 2 of 2 in the “Seasons of Love” series, but is completely standalone
  • Great for 14 year olds and up
  • Very clean!

 

My Review

 

I gave A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story by Liwen Ho 5 stars! Here’s why: Liwen did a great job describing the scenes in such a way that you felt like you were in them. All of the IT information was believable, and I feel Liwen wrote on that field well. A nice thing about this short story is the blend of spices! Josh Pepper is the male lead character and Cin (short for Cinnamon) Thomas is the female lead character. On top of that, Liwen adds in fall beverages that just make you want welcome fall all over again, or try your best to run out and get a fall-flavored coffee! The ending is excellent, and I believe it was achieved in a believable way. I totally recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read.

 

If you want to read A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story, please click on the following link:

https://www.amazon.com/Spoonful-Spice-Short-Story-Seasons-ebook/dp/B01LVUZO57/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1485199470&sr=8-3&keywords=Liwen+Ho

The Last Safe Place

Posted on by Frances

I have a series I want to eventually write where all four novels are going to be psychological thrillers, and what better way to learn about this genre than read books in this genre! When searching for some popular stories, I came across The Last Safe Place by Ninie Hammon.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

 -The Last Safe Place: A Psychological Thriller is a clean, standalone novel

-As of January 14, 2017, it has 924 reviews with an average 4.4 stars!

-It is 325 pages long so took quite a while to read

-It’s #2 in Inspirational Literature & Fiction

-It’s #3 in Religious Contemporary Fiction

-I’d say it’s safe for anyone 18 and older (maybe mature 16 year olds and up), and this is only because of the violence and disturbing image descriptions

-It’s FREE! 

 

SUMMARY

 

Author, Gabriella Carmichael, finds herself getting caught up in a horror movie; one that she wrote herself. In her novel, Beast of Babylon, Gabriella creates a fictional world where Continue reading “The Last Safe Place” →

A Doggone Good Mystery

Posted on by Frances

NEW RELEASE!

The Case of the Curious Canine

It’s here! Book #7 in the Samantha Wolf Mysteries, and it’s a doggone good mystery!

(Although part of a series, it CAN be read on it’s own!)
The next best thing to owning your own dog is having a job where you get to take care of them. That’s what Sam figures when she, Ally, and Cassy all volunteer at a local animal shelter. But they don’t expect the trouble that comes along with the work.

When dogs start showing up at the shelter with odd symptoms, the director Continue reading “A Doggone Good Mystery” →

Introducing…

Posted on by Frances

I am so proud to announce that the third novel in my Neighbors Series, Long Lost Neighbors, has finally been released! And it became available on my birthday no less! What a great way to celebrate!

 

Long Lost Neighbors was so fun to write. There is actually quite a bit of truth about my life written within these pages so it was fun to relive some memories, as well as explore possibilities.

 

 

Here is what it’s all about: Continue reading “Introducing…” →