Blog Tour ★ Hers to Tame by Rhenna Morgan
Friday, 27 March 2020
NOLA Knights #1
Published 16 March 2020 by Carina Press
Book two of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spin-off series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan
As an avtoritet for the most powerful crime syndicate in New Orleans, Kir Vasilek doesn’t act without purpose, doesn’t speak without thought and never, ever loses his cool. The lives of his brothers, his family, depend on it. But then Cassie McClintock strolls back into his life, and staying cool is next to impossible. Cassie was the one who got away—and Kir is willing to break all his own rules to keep it from happening ever again. It’s one thing to report on the Russian mafia; it’s quite another to sleep with one of them, especially one as dangerous, and as sinfully sexy, as Kir Vasilek. Even though the information he once provided helped make her career—and the memory of his touch still keeps her up at night—Cassie knows too much about his world to go down that path. But when Kir reaches out for help after a rival family comes for one of his own, Cassie doesn’t want to say no, either to investigating a gruesome murder or to the heat that pulls her right back into his arms…and his heart. Taming Kir—and helping to save the family she’s come to call her own—is not the story she thought she’d write, but it’s the one she’s determined will get a happy ending. Hers to Tame is the highly anticipated follow-up to His to Defend. And don’t miss Roman’s story in Mine to Keep, coming soon from Rhenna Morgan and Carina Press. This book is approximately 85,000 words
NOLA Knights series
Book 1: His to Defend
Book 2: Hers to Tame
Book 3:Mine to Keep
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Amazon•Apple•Audible•Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository
Books A Million•Carina Press•Google
Harlequin•Indiebound•Kobo•Libro.fm
Livraria Cultura•OverDrive
Thriftbooks•
The Book Depository
Books A Million•Carina Press•Google
Harlequin•Indiebound•Kobo•Libro.fm
Livraria Cultura•OverDrive
Thriftbooks•
We're getting this part out of the way before my brain blanks again. I'm forgetting the days, so it's a possibility. In accordance with the FTC guidelines, I received a copy of Hers to Tame from the publisher so I could participate in their blog tour. I get to give you my honest review and tell you what I liked and what I didn't like about the book. I'm required to tell you this every time I review a review copy because they think I can be bought by a free book. Yeah, okay...
Today, I get to talk about Hers to Tame, the second in the NOLA Knights series (trilogy, I hope there's more, but okay). The story follows Cassie McClintock and Kir Vasilek as they revisit the sparks they discovered in His to Defend and maybe, just maybe get it right this time if they can both get over their relationship issues. Cassie and Kir both used each other at the start of their relationship to further their own lives, Kir to advance his family's goals and Cassie to advance her career, but after some time apart to reassess, they've realised that their story isn't over just yet. But the same night that Kir and Cassie reconnect, all hell breaks loose in Kir's family when one of Kir's brothers-in-arms is murdered. To find the killer, Kir and Cassie team up professionally but Kir is determined to make their partnership more permanent.
I'm going to dive right in today. Cassie and Kir's relationship starting off with the mutual exploitation as the basis of their relationship bothers me so freaking much, y'all. I'm too cut-and-dry for that ish. So to me, this relationship wouldn't work. I have too many trust issues. I couldn't bring myself to trust my acquaintance-with-benefits (y'all know what I mean) as far as I could throw them, let alone actually form a lasting relationship with them that ends with a happily ever after. Neurotypicals be thinking differently, huh?.
I also wasn't a fan of the mstery/danger aspect of Her to Tame. While I loved the healthy dollop we had in His to Defend, what is in Hers to Tame pales in comparison for me. I get that it's more of a subtle bit but I feel deprived. That's as far as I'm going even though I want to vent because this blog is spoiler-free (aside from the content warning buttons). But it frustrates me. I had built -up anticipation. And I cry!
What I did like about Hers to Tame was Kir encouraging Cassie in her love of photography and helping her find opportunities. I loved Cassie's confidence in herself and in Kir when she faced the troubles that come with being a reporter and a significant other of a known member of the mafiya. And I would die for the mafiya sisters. They're perfection. "we adopt you. you're ours now." No arguments, y'all. I love them.
Overall, I'm giving Hers to Tame 3 stars and 4 flames, I loved the romance, but the non-romance part of the story left me searching for the sizzle. I had no sizzle. Like I'm always saying, everybody reads a story different, so y'all might love this more than I did, so if it sounds like a book you'd enjoy, please give it a chance.
Today, I get to talk about Hers to Tame, the second in the NOLA Knights series (trilogy, I hope there's more, but okay). The story follows Cassie McClintock and Kir Vasilek as they revisit the sparks they discovered in His to Defend and maybe, just maybe get it right this time if they can both get over their relationship issues. Cassie and Kir both used each other at the start of their relationship to further their own lives, Kir to advance his family's goals and Cassie to advance her career, but after some time apart to reassess, they've realised that their story isn't over just yet. But the same night that Kir and Cassie reconnect, all hell breaks loose in Kir's family when one of Kir's brothers-in-arms is murdered. To find the killer, Kir and Cassie team up professionally but Kir is determined to make their partnership more permanent.
I'm going to dive right in today. Cassie and Kir's relationship starting off with the mutual exploitation as the basis of their relationship bothers me so freaking much, y'all. I'm too cut-and-dry for that ish. So to me, this relationship wouldn't work. I have too many trust issues. I couldn't bring myself to trust my acquaintance-with-benefits (y'all know what I mean) as far as I could throw them, let alone actually form a lasting relationship with them that ends with a happily ever after. Neurotypicals be thinking differently, huh?.
I also wasn't a fan of the mstery/danger aspect of Her to Tame. While I loved the healthy dollop we had in His to Defend, what is in Hers to Tame pales in comparison for me. I get that it's more of a subtle bit but I feel deprived. That's as far as I'm going even though I want to vent because this blog is spoiler-free (aside from the content warning buttons). But it frustrates me. I had built -up anticipation. And I cry!
What I did like about Hers to Tame was Kir encouraging Cassie in her love of photography and helping her find opportunities. I loved Cassie's confidence in herself and in Kir when she faced the troubles that come with being a reporter and a significant other of a known member of the mafiya. And I would die for the mafiya sisters. They're perfection. "we adopt you. you're ours now." No arguments, y'all. I love them.
Overall, I'm giving Hers to Tame 3 stars and 4 flames, I loved the romance, but the non-romance part of the story left me searching for the sizzle. I had no sizzle. Like I'm always saying, everybody reads a story different, so y'all might love this more than I did, so if it sounds like a book you'd enjoy, please give it a chance.
A native Oklahoman with two beautiful girls, Rhenna Morgan is a certified romance junkie and has a resume that reflects her passion for new experiences. Since graduating with a Bachelors in Radio, Television, and Film at Oklahoma State, she’s racked up positions ranging from on-air radio talent, skip tracer, and promotions director, to real estate agent, project manager, and business analyst.Like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dawn to dusk. To combat the crush of reality, she’s turned to romance as her primary source of escape ever since she cracked the spine on her first Christine Feehan book years ago. Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who fight to keep the women they want.
For advance release news and exclusive content, sign up for her newsletter on her website. You can also find her social media links there (or below), along with her smoking hot inspiration boards.
Visit Rhenna online!
Social Media include::
One of my lifelong friends has tested positive for this stupid virus. I'm having a time processing it. So, yeah.
Right now, I'm not sure where to direct you for non-profits. I do know that Global Giving has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund for those in need, including medical personnel and kids who rely on school meals. And Believe in Students partnered up with edquity and RISE to create a Student Relief Fund for students effected by capus closures. I'll be looking for more links in the coming days for y'all. But mostly, check in on your neighbours and the elderly and chronically ill. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, please check in on them. Self-isolation is not healthy for us. It wears. Send messages, poke them on facebook, send memes, randomly buy plants for them on etsy for them (plants are great serotonin boosters and they help purify the air of toxins!), call them, drive by their place and beep the horn until they come to the window and then wave like a maniac (I'm partial to that one, it's funny), just remind them they're not alone. ♥
Right now, I'm not sure where to direct you for non-profits. I do know that Global Giving has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund for those in need, including medical personnel and kids who rely on school meals. And Believe in Students partnered up with edquity and RISE to create a Student Relief Fund for students effected by capus closures. I'll be looking for more links in the coming days for y'all. But mostly, check in on your neighbours and the elderly and chronically ill. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, please check in on them. Self-isolation is not healthy for us. It wears. Send messages, poke them on facebook, send memes, randomly buy plants for them on etsy for them (plants are great serotonin boosters and they help purify the air of toxins!), call them, drive by their place and beep the horn until they come to the window and then wave like a maniac (I'm partial to that one, it's funny), just remind them they're not alone. ♥
Thursday, 26 March 2020
Hey, readers!
I'm so happy to be a part of Harlequin's launch of their new miniseries, Tactical Crime Division. It sounds right up my Harlequin Family's alley. I'm having each of these books delivered to my house so they can be added to the family library we're slowly rebuilding. My grandmother, my mother, and I are sure to enjoy these books and I hope that you'll join us in reading them! Without further hullabaloo from yours truly, let's get on with the glitter and pizzaz!
I'm so happy to be a part of Harlequin's launch of their new miniseries, Tactical Crime Division. It sounds right up my Harlequin Family's alley. I'm having each of these books delivered to my house so they can be added to the family library we're slowly rebuilding. My grandmother, my mother, and I are sure to enjoy these books and I hope that you'll join us in reading them! Without further hullabaloo from yours truly, let's get on with the glitter and pizzaz!
Perfect for fans of Criminal Minds and Blacklist...
Uncover the lives and loves of the FBI elite as they take on the toughest assignments. This is a new four-book miniseries featuring an ensemble cast of characters spread across 4 books, featuring 4 urgent cases, with one stellar team of crime-solving experts.
The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. Because of the growing concerns and need for ever-increasing response time to criminal events, the FBI created a specialized tech and tactical team combing specialists from several active divisions that include: weapons, crime scene investigation, protection, negotiation and IT.
Each title can be read as a standalone novel, featuring a unique hard to solve crime case.
Uncover the lives and loves of the FBI elite as they take on the toughest assignments. This is a new four-book miniseries featuring an ensemble cast of characters spread across 4 books, featuring 4 urgent cases, with one stellar team of crime-solving experts.
The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. Because of the growing concerns and need for ever-increasing response time to criminal events, the FBI created a specialized tech and tactical team combing specialists from several active divisions that include: weapons, crime scene investigation, protection, negotiation and IT.
Each title can be read as a standalone novel, featuring a unique hard to solve crime case.
Meet the Team!
The Books
Book #1: 48 Hour Lockdown by Carla Cassidy (on-sale March 17, 2020)
The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations. When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations. When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
Carla Cassidy is a New York Times bestselling author who has written more than 125 novels for Harlequin Books. She is listed on the Romance Writer's of America Honor Roll and has won numerous awards. Carla believes the only thing better than curling up with a good book to read is sitting down at the computer with a good story to write.
Barnes & Noble•GoogleIndiebound•Harlequin
Book #2: Secret Investigation by Elizabeth Heiter (on-sale April 21, 2020)
Book description: In the wake of a tragedy, the Tactical Crime Division is the first call. When ironclad body armor inexplicably fails and soldiers perish, the Tactical Crime Division jumps into action. Agent and former ranger Davis Rogers asks to go undercover to find the traitor responsible for the death of one of his friends, and Petrov Armor CEO Leila Petrov is happy to provide access to her company…especially once she discovers she’s being framed. But will their joint efforts be enough to uncover the truth?
Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists and a little romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and translated into eight languages. Visit her at her website.
Goodreads•Amazon
Barnes & Noble• Google
Indiebound•Harlequin
Book description: In the wake of a tragedy, the Tactical Crime Division is the first call. When ironclad body armor inexplicably fails and soldiers perish, the Tactical Crime Division jumps into action. Agent and former ranger Davis Rogers asks to go undercover to find the traitor responsible for the death of one of his friends, and Petrov Armor CEO Leila Petrov is happy to provide access to her company…especially once she discovers she’s being framed. But will their joint efforts be enough to uncover the truth?
Goodreads•Amazon
Barnes & Noble• Google
Indiebound•Harlequin
Book #3: Midnight Abduction by Nichole Severn (on-sale May 19, 2020)
Nichole Severn writes romantic suspense with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and a hell of a lot of guns. When she’s not writing, she’s injuring herself running and practicing yoga.
Goodreads•Amazon
Barnes & Noble•Google
Indiebound•Harlequin
Book description: For the Tactical Crime Division, no case is left cold. When Benning Reeves’s twins are kidnapped, the frantic father knows who can help: the Tactical Crime Division and Ana Ramirez. Even though Ana once shattered Benning’s heart, the special agent is the only one he can trust. But Ana is still tormented by the unresolved case that brought them together years before—a case somehow entangled with Benning’s children. It’s up to the TCD and Ana to discover why…before it’s too late.
Goodreads•Amazon
Barnes & Noble•Google
Indiebound•Harlequin
Book #4: Running Out of Time by Cindi Myers (on-sale June 16, 2020)
Cindi Myers became one of the most popular people in eighth grade when she and her best friend wrote a torrid historical romance and passed the manuscript around among friends. Fame was short-lived, alas; the English teacher confiscated the manuscript. Since then, Cindi has written more than 50 published novels. Her historical and contemporary romances and women’s fiction have garnered praise from reviewers and readers alike.
Goodreads•Amazon
Barnes & Noble•Google
Indiebound•Harlequin
Book description: When a terrorist is on the loose, the Tactical Crime Division is on the case. To find out who poisoned medications, two of TCD’s agents are tapped to go undercover posing as a married couple and infiltrate the company. But as soon as Jace Cantrell and Laura Smith arrive at Stroud Pharmaceuticals, someone ups the ante by planting explosives in their midst. Turns out that the small-town family business is hiding a million secrets. Could they unknowingly be protecting a vengeful killer?
Goodreads•Amazon
Barnes & Noble•Google
Indiebound•Harlequin
Wednesday, 25 March 2020
NOLA Knights #1
Published 14 October 2019 by Carina Press
Book one of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spinoff series by Men of Haven author, Rhenna Morgan.
His world. His rules. Her love.
Though his methods may be rough, when It comes to protecting what’s his, Russian vor, Sergei Petrovyh’s heart is always in the right place. That’s never been more true than when the gorgeous Evette Labadie asks him for a job. He knows enough to keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about her that calls to him — no matter how badly he burns top make her his.
Don’t think Evie hasn’t noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss who makes her favorite diner a regular stop. How can she not? He’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous. But everyone in her struggling New Orleans neighbourhood knows he’s the man to turn to. And right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble.
Her other needs — needs she knows damn well Sergei can more than satisfy — will have to wait.
Evie soon finds herself playing Cinderella to a man who, despite what people believe, is definitely more prince than villain. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day. But when a turf war between Sergei and a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her…or walk away from her best chance at a happily-ever-after of her very own.
NOLA Knights series
Book 1: His to Defend
Book 2: Hers to Tame
Book 3:Mine to Keep
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Angus & Robertson•Amazon•Apple•Audible•Barnes & Noble
Better World Books•The Book Depository
Books A Million•Carina Press•Google•Harlequin
Indiebound•Kobo•Libro.fm•Livraria Cultura•OverDrive
Thriftbooks•Walmart•Walmart Audio
Better World Books•The Book Depository
Books A Million•Carina Press•Google•Harlequin
Indiebound•Kobo•Libro.fm•Livraria Cultura•OverDrive
Thriftbooks•Walmart•Walmart Audio
His to Defend introduced me to a new-to-me author that I’ve since added to my list of favourites. Rhenna Morgan offers us a new series set in New Orleans centring around a Russian vor and the single mom who captured his attention from the first time he laid eyes on her in Miss Dorothy's diner. Sergei Petrovyh and Evie Labadie are the stars of His to Defend and I love them so freaking much, and I hope that y’all will too. Evie is a single mom willing to do anything and everything she can to make sure her son has everything he needs in his life. She sees no way out of the trouble she faces so she turns to the local yummy Russian mobster for some help. And Sergei Petroyvh gives his angel the world, whether she knows it or not.
His to Defend has well-rounded supporting characters in Miss Dorothy, Kir Vasilek, and Roman Kozlov. Sergei is the perfect alpha male, not the horrible overbearing always right type, but the caring, secure, capable of protecting those he loves, possessing a powerful presence, and just enough domineering to get the engines revving (don't judge me). She manages to deliver to me a few twists that I don't see coming and I'm grateful for that. I do hate predictability, y'all. While there is insta-attraction, we do not have insta-love and it makes for some major sparkage going on between Sergei and Evie. Sergei doesn't just work his way into Evie's good graces but he works his way into Evie's son, Emerson's heart as well.
But this story wouldn't be a mafiya romance if there wasn't some intrigue and danger. Evie is fired for a security breach she didn't cause and Sergei does some snooping to find out why she's to blame. And Sergei is an up-and-coming mobster in New Orleans with competition, and there's obviously some danger in that situation (no spoilers but oooh!). Emerson and Evie are both touched by Sergei's business and Evie has to decide whether or not she can handle this sort of life.
His to Defend has well-rounded supporting characters in Miss Dorothy, Kir Vasilek, and Roman Kozlov. Sergei is the perfect alpha male, not the horrible overbearing always right type, but the caring, secure, capable of protecting those he loves, possessing a powerful presence, and just enough domineering to get the engines revving (don't judge me). She manages to deliver to me a few twists that I don't see coming and I'm grateful for that. I do hate predictability, y'all. While there is insta-attraction, we do not have insta-love and it makes for some major sparkage going on between Sergei and Evie. Sergei doesn't just work his way into Evie's good graces but he works his way into Evie's son, Emerson's heart as well.
But this story wouldn't be a mafiya romance if there wasn't some intrigue and danger. Evie is fired for a security breach she didn't cause and Sergei does some snooping to find out why she's to blame. And Sergei is an up-and-coming mobster in New Orleans with competition, and there's obviously some danger in that situation (no spoilers but oooh!). Emerson and Evie are both touched by Sergei's business and Evie has to decide whether or not she can handle this sort of life.
Labadie women didn’t quit. Didn’t give up. They faced whatever they needed to face, and they smiled doing it.Overall, I'm giving His to Defend all 5 of my stars and 4 flames for heat. This was a stellar introduction to a new author and if you haven't read Rhenna Morgan, this is definitely a good starting place. I'm a bit upset I've never read a Rhenna Morgan story before but I'm remedying that as soon as possible. I've bought the series that NOLA Knights spun off from and I'm counting them as a treat for social distancing and surviving Ultra Family Togetherness Time.
A native Oklahoman with two beautiful girls, Rhenna Morgan is a certified romance junkie and has a resume that reflects her passion for new experiences. Since graduating with a Bachelors in Radio, Television, and Film at Oklahoma State, she’s racked up positions ranging from on-air radio talent, skip tracer, and promotions director, to real estate agent, project manager, and business analyst.Like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dawn to dusk. To combat the crush of reality, she’s turned to romance as her primary source of escape ever since she cracked the spine on her first Christine Feehan book years ago. Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who fight to keep the women they want.
For advance release news and exclusive content, sign up for her newsletter on her website. You can also find her social media links there (or below), along with her smoking hot inspiration boards.
Visit Rhenna online!
Social Media include::
Guess who's got internet installed? Turns out, quarantine with my entire family is the straw that breaks me. I've got my planner set up to be posting a lot and I'm putting together so weird/interesting posts I guess. We shall see how that goes! Let me know in the comments if you want to see anything different because hey, we're all stuck inside right now and I know we're all getting bored as all get out about now. I'm also posting on my TikTok now so, let's see how that goes, yeah?
Right now, I'm not sure where to direct you for non-profits. I do know that Global Giving has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund for those in need, including medical personnel and kids who rely on school meals. And Believe in Students partnered up with edquity and RISE to create a Student Relief Fund for students effected by capus closures. I'll be looking for more links in the coming days for y'all. But mostly, check in on your neighbours and the elderly and chronically ill. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, please check in on them. Self-isolation is not healthy for us. It wears. Send messages, poke them on facebook, send memes, randomly buy plants for them on etsy for them (plants are great serotonin boosters and they help purify the air of toxins!), call them, drive by their place and beep the horn until they come to the window and then wave like a maniac (I'm partial to that one, it's funny), just remind them they're not alone. ♥
Right now, I'm not sure where to direct you for non-profits. I do know that Global Giving has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund for those in need, including medical personnel and kids who rely on school meals. And Believe in Students partnered up with edquity and RISE to create a Student Relief Fund for students effected by capus closures. I'll be looking for more links in the coming days for y'all. But mostly, check in on your neighbours and the elderly and chronically ill. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, please check in on them. Self-isolation is not healthy for us. It wears. Send messages, poke them on facebook, send memes, randomly buy plants for them on etsy for them (plants are great serotonin boosters and they help purify the air of toxins!), call them, drive by their place and beep the horn until they come to the window and then wave like a maniac (I'm partial to that one, it's funny), just remind them they're not alone. ♥
Saturday, 7 March 2020
Winchester, Tennessee #6
Published 1 March 2020
by Harlequin Intrigue
His disappearance changed her life forever.
Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane’s best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved—and the man he may have become—forever?
Discover more spine-tingling suspense in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series:
In Self Defense
The Dark Woods
The Stranger Next Door
The Safest Lies
Witness Protection Widow
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Before we start out, I’m getting this out of the way because I will forget to do it if I don’t. I got a review copy from the publisher so I could do my read and review thing. In other words. Per FTC guidelines so I won’t get fined, I’m telling you, the reader, that I got a free book to read from the publisher so I could review it! This doesn’t influence me in any manner because I am an opinionated woman who doesn’t know how to not speak her mind. But I don’t feel like paying the government money for not mentioning the free book thing, so here we are, stuck in this never-ending cycle of having to mention this. I got a free book to read from the publisher so I could talk about whether I liked it or not. Shocking, I know.
We’re returning to Winchester, Tennessee once again today with Before He Vanished and I am actually pretty excited to tell you that Debra Webb delivers two of my favourite tropes to me on a silver platter and I enjoyed every page of it! I’m talking about best friends to lovers and traumatic forgotten childhoods. Oh, my gods, that sounds so bad, but honestly, it’s a “samesies” relatable thing, I swear. Halle Lane and Andy Clark were best friends attached at the hip their entire childhood until Andy disappeared one day when they were seven. Twenty-five years later, Halle is an investigative reporter at the Winchester Gazette and takes the opportunity to launch an investigative series of articles on the anniversary of her friend’s disappearance. And somebody (I love mysterious somebodies) sends her article to Liam Hart in Napa, California. Liam and his sister, Claire, are both surprised to see little Liam’s face in an article about a missing kid from Tennessee twenty-five years ago. Liam’s steadfast that it’s a joke, but Claire’s more open to the idea and suggests he go to Tennessee. I like Claires. They’re always so astute. I need a Claire in my life, please.
The thing that really rubbed. Halle and Liam vacillate between their past and present relationships, Halle likens Liam to Andy every time you turn a page, understandably, but I do wonder if the romance is between Halle and Liam or Halle and Andy. Yes, they're the same guy, but does she love adult Liam because he's Andy and she never got to see that childhood first love thing through or not? I don't really see that explored in the book. The same goes for Liam. Halle was Andy's #1 everything, and twenty-five years later, he has her in his face again and is he Andy or is he Liam? Does he like Halle or did Andy and he's just seeing it through? And this really bothered me, okay?
Before He Vanished was a joy to read in that Webb spins the story in a way that you expect and then she hits you from behind with another twist and you sit there trying to figure out how you got there. I know I said in my previous Winchester review that I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but this time, Webb tied my ends up nice and neat for me, and she gave me cute childhood memories to boot! Before He Vanished has low-heat romance and a couple murders to be solved, oodles of intrigue, and just a splash predictability.
Now, as per usual, I have content warnings for you! If you feel that forewarned is forearmed, all you need to do is click the reveal button and you have the content and trigger warnings. As always, please practise care in your readings if any of these might be problematic for you, and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about them, I'll try my best to remember the details if I can't look them up! Please note that these warnings do contain spoiler materials.
Overall, I’m going to be giving Before He Vanished 4 stars and just 1 flame for heat. I’ve enjoyed finding Winchester, Tennessee and I’ve actually bought the The Undertaker’s Daughter series to read in my down-time so I’m obviously recommending this to y’all. This book is available wherever Harlequin romances are sold, so go check it out for yourself.
We’re returning to Winchester, Tennessee once again today with Before He Vanished and I am actually pretty excited to tell you that Debra Webb delivers two of my favourite tropes to me on a silver platter and I enjoyed every page of it! I’m talking about best friends to lovers and traumatic forgotten childhoods. Oh, my gods, that sounds so bad, but honestly, it’s a “samesies” relatable thing, I swear. Halle Lane and Andy Clark were best friends attached at the hip their entire childhood until Andy disappeared one day when they were seven. Twenty-five years later, Halle is an investigative reporter at the Winchester Gazette and takes the opportunity to launch an investigative series of articles on the anniversary of her friend’s disappearance. And somebody (I love mysterious somebodies) sends her article to Liam Hart in Napa, California. Liam and his sister, Claire, are both surprised to see little Liam’s face in an article about a missing kid from Tennessee twenty-five years ago. Liam’s steadfast that it’s a joke, but Claire’s more open to the idea and suggests he go to Tennessee. I like Claires. They’re always so astute. I need a Claire in my life, please.
The thing that really rubbed. Halle and Liam vacillate between their past and present relationships, Halle likens Liam to Andy every time you turn a page, understandably, but I do wonder if the romance is between Halle and Liam or Halle and Andy. Yes, they're the same guy, but does she love adult Liam because he's Andy and she never got to see that childhood first love thing through or not? I don't really see that explored in the book. The same goes for Liam. Halle was Andy's #1 everything, and twenty-five years later, he has her in his face again and is he Andy or is he Liam? Does he like Halle or did Andy and he's just seeing it through? And this really bothered me, okay?
Before He Vanished was a joy to read in that Webb spins the story in a way that you expect and then she hits you from behind with another twist and you sit there trying to figure out how you got there. I know I said in my previous Winchester review that I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but this time, Webb tied my ends up nice and neat for me, and she gave me cute childhood memories to boot! Before He Vanished has low-heat romance and a couple murders to be solved, oodles of intrigue, and just a splash predictability.
Now, as per usual, I have content warnings for you! If you feel that forewarned is forearmed, all you need to do is click the reveal button and you have the content and trigger warnings. As always, please practise care in your readings if any of these might be problematic for you, and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about them, I'll try my best to remember the details if I can't look them up! Please note that these warnings do contain spoiler materials.
Overall, I’m going to be giving Before He Vanished 4 stars and just 1 flame for heat. I’ve enjoyed finding Winchester, Tennessee and I’ve actually bought the The Undertaker’s Daughter series to read in my down-time so I’m obviously recommending this to y’all. This book is available wherever Harlequin romances are sold, so go check it out for yourself.
DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency and the Shades of Death series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. With this award Debra joined the ranks of a handful of authors like Nora Roberts and Carole Mortimer.
With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
Social Media include::
With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
Social Media include::
Guess who had to go to the after-hours care clinic last night and have glass removed from her hand because she dropped the blender that is apparently not plastic and whilst picking up the pieces and making sure the dogs maintained their stays outside of the kitchen and away from the glass, she rammed a nice chonk of glass in her hand? Yeah, me. I'm a smart cookie, honest. I also weirded the doc out because he's digging glass out of my hand without an anaesthetic of any sort and he kept asking if I was okay or if I needed a break. Nah, bruh. I'm good. And that's on messed up pain receptors because of past trauma and side effects of Aimovig.
In keeping with this review, today's post is dedicated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. If you're of a mind and the means to donate to this worthy cause, I defintely won't stop you.
In keeping with this review, today's post is dedicated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. If you're of a mind and the means to donate to this worthy cause, I defintely won't stop you.
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