This latest book by Aussie author Kandy Shepherd – of whose books I am an ardent fan – reminded me a little of her Party Queen series with three sassy and smart women in Australia who are supposed to plan parties but instead find true love in the most unexpected circumstances and men. I can’t really put my finger on it why, but it made me want to re-read those.
 
This story has one of the most unusual beginnings I’ve ever seen, and that alone spurred me to read on, although I already had a feeling from the blurb that I was going to love this book. I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say that Ashleigh gets found out in a rather compromising situation, and she’s in for more shocks shortly after. Right throughout what follows—having to be a Greek billionaire’s pretend girlfriend so he can nail an important deal—she shows courage again and again. What she sees as her weaknesses, I saw as her strengths and endearing qualities. She’s definitely not a meek heroine, but someone with a huge, kind heart who doesn’t really know what she wants and who she deserves. She was very believable and seemed like a perfect match for Lukas. She appeared stronger to me at the end of the book, and certainly happier than she had been.
 
Lukas – oh, how I love this name – is every bit the forbidden and handsome tycoon, but beneath the hard exterior and brusque formality live a hot-blooded Greek temperament and a slowly thawing heart. It was fascinating to see how Ashleigh got under his skin and how he had to wrestle a few inner demons to open up to her. He definitely won my heart over too, and not just because he came across as so swoonworthy and confident.
 
Christmas added a delightful undercurrent to the story, although it was merely something like an added bonus for me. I read this novel in one go, the way it always happens when I lay my hands on a new release by Kandy Shepherd. If you love sweet stories with a sensual tinge, authentic characters and an entertaining up-and-down, yes-and-no game of cat and mouse, then you’ll be in for a (holiday) treat with this romance.
 
Rating: 5/5
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The book will release on November 8. You can pre-order it here.

Genre: Historical romance
Release Date: June 24 2016
Publisher: Amelia Press
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With the Nazis poised to invade Guernsey in 1940, feisty student Lydia Le Page returns from England on the day the island is devastated by the first bombing of the war on British soil. 
Trapped on the German occupied island, two men enter Lydia’s life: Martin Martell, the handsome but mysterious rector and Major Otto Kruger, the ruthless German Kommandant who falls under her spell.

When Martin disappears, Lydia discovers a secret from her past that threatens her future. Will she be able to keep it from the enemy? And will she choose love or duty?
Occupying Love is a story of love, loss and the identity that makes us who we are.


EXTRACT

‘So you’ve met the handsome new rector, you lucky girl.’ Maggie’s eyes twinkled. ‘What did you think of him?’
‘He’s good looking, I’ll give you that. I gather you haven’t been introduced?’
‘I’ve had the odd glimpse since he replaced old man Ozanne, but believe me, tongues are wagging. Some folks say he’s a double agent put here by the Jerries, and that he daubed “V for Victory” on the prison walls. Isn’t it exciting?’
‘Exciting he may be,’ Lydia kept her voice casual, ‘but he’s not really my type.’
‘You mean you fancy him?’
‘I mean nothing of the sort, Maggie. He’s a rector, not a movie star – don’t you think of anything but the opposite sex?’
‘Not very often, to be frank. I think of food, of course, seeing as there’s never enough to go round, and going out after the curfew, and being able to buy whatever I like in the shops. What else is there to occupy my mind?’
‘You could help with the Sunday school at Torteval. The lady who leads it has gone to England.’
‘Me? Help with the Sunday school? You do make me laugh. There’s hardly any kids left on the island and those that are here wouldn’t gain much from me. Or much that would do them any good. I think all that book-learning’s gone to your brain. You need to relax a bit more.’ Maggie winked. ‘There’s a picture on at the Regal tonight. Do you want to come with me?’
Lydia pulled a face. ‘It’s German, with English subtitles. Are you still sure you want to go?’
‘You never know who you might meet.’ 
‘Oh, Maggie – you really are a hopeless case.’
 

​BUY LINKS
 
Occupying Love
Baggy Pants and Bootees
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I got my first break writing in a football magazine when I was 15 and have been writing ever since. An NCTJ qualified journalist, I spent my early years on the Blackpool Evening Gazette and Lytham St Annes Express in Lancashire.  I then helped to set up a family PR and publishing company on the Fylde Coast and freelanced for national newspapers and magazines, including Woman.

My debut novel Baggy Pants and Bootees was released as an e-book in February 2014 by a small publishing house based in Britain and Germany. A time-slip novel set between World War Two and the ‘swinging sixties, it was published as a paperback in August 2014.

Born in Guernsey, I have always wanted to write a novel set in the Occupation of the Channel Islands, after hearing so many stories about life under German rule from my grandparents, whose home was requisitioned by the enemy. Occupying Love is the result.
After spending several years in the Midlands I now live in Lancashire with my husband of 45 years. We have two daughters and two granddaughters who we spend lots of time with.
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A member of the Society of Authors and the Romantic Novelists’ Association I am currently working on a sequel to Baggy Pants and Bootees.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/guernseygirlie
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MarilynChapma77
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7912863.Marilyn_Chapman
Google+   https://plus.google.com/guernseygirlie
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-chapman
Blog:  http://guernseygirlie.blogspot.co.uk/
​

The Book Club and author Adite Banerjie have asked “What does safe zone mean to you?” Here’s my answer.
 
I graduated from German high school in mid-2016 and then migrated to Sri Lanka with my parents. It was a huge step for me as I had only ever been there for short holidays and was used to the European way of life. Suddenly living in a struggling Asian country where everything seemed louder, dirtier, more public, more complicated and decidedly hotter was like being thrown head-long into a No Safe Zone – especially as I was (still am) an introvert and had previously hardly done more than study and read.
 
What helped me? Reading. I used the very few, precious German paperbacks that I had brought with me to anchor myself, to soothe my nerves with something familiar which made me temporarily forget all the changes. And then I progressed to books I bought in Sri Lanka, some international and some by local authors, to get a different look at things. Writing into a diary and reading my thoughts put into words helped me too. So books became my Safe Zone and made it easier for me to settle down on this exotic little island in the Indian Ocean. And then I fell in love…but that’s a different story. ;-)
 

You can buy the romantic suspense novel “No Safe Zone” by the fabulous Adite Banerjie here and read my 5-star review for it here.

As I have done it before with some anthologies / short story collections, I’m going to approach this review story by story. It’s the author’s debut, if you don’t consider submissions to other multi-author anthologies, and that makes this gem of a book stand out even more.
 
A SECRET IN THEIR CLOSET
 
Creepy. Captivating. Curiosity-arousing. Okay, I cheated because I wanted 2 c’s, but that is exactly what this first story is, kicking things off with a fright and a whirlwind of possibilities. I found it even more terrifying as there’s a daily soap on Sri Lankan television right now about a girl who was murdered being reincarnated, and about hypnosis. Let me not spoil anything for you here and just say that it’s an awesome choice for a first story because it made me want to read on and on.
 
BETRAYAL
 
Another one I wouldn’t have braced without some tea in my stomach. Whoa. Such raw intensity. So many emotions swirling in the air, a putrid stench, an acrid smell, something hideous that makes me feel like I need to cleanse myself. If a story can do that to a reader, then it surely proves the author’s worth. Brilliant. I will remember the images this story conjured for a long time, squirming and worrying because they seem so stark but are pulled right out of real life.
 
CHICLETS
 
“This is one fear we all face—who will believe us?” For me, this sums up the essence not only of this story, but of all the stories in the book. And of life. For aren’t we all afraid that what we have to say or what we feel won’t be taken serious? I also loved the astute observation about those suffering from racism often being prone to racist tendencies themselves. This is definitely a different kind of ‘immigrant story’.
 
FORGIVE ME, FOR I HAVE SINNED
 
This one is interesting. I can’t put into words what I felt while reading it, whereas my emotions reading the other stories are pretty clear to me. It caught me by surprise. I was fully expecting an illicit affair in true Bollywood fashion, but there’s much more hidden between the lines. I think the three protagonists in this story would make a great base for a full novel.
 
LOLITA
 
“She was someone’s dream and someone’s lust. She was someone’s passion and someone’s curse. Yet no one knew her nor did anyone dare to come near her. She was everyone’s unattainable dream.”
Perfect. Fits the title to a T, and sums up the protagonist’s life in a scarily apt fashion. Poetry hidden within prose. Tragedy in a few lines.
 
NO REGRETS
 
I was good at guessing what would follow / what the stories were about until I hit this “charm” of a story. Had me totally flabbergasted, and was again very different from the rest. Bless you, Facebook. *mysterious grin*
 
SUVARNA REKHA
 
This one caught me completely by surprise too. A bit of a gypsy feel to it, a bit of Indian mythologies and Western fairytales. And lots of tragedy. I love the association with the river.
 
THE LITTLE GODMOTHER
 
A heart-warming tale, again snatched right out of real life and hitting so many buttons that I’m still not sure how many different emotions I experienced in just a few minutes. Left me with a huge smile and a renewed love for “Cinderella”.
 
THE MISSING STAIRCASE
 
I had read this one before and instantly fallen in love with it, so I eagerly devoured it again. Perfect use of “staircase” in so many obvious and hidden ways. This will always remain one of my favourite stories by the author.
 
THE OTHER WOMAN
 
Brilliant title, brilliant spin to a tale that at first seems to obvious. I wish the story were longer, I’d love to read more about this seemingly unsolvable situation. Again, Ramesh has touched a taboo topic with sheer brilliance.
 
DADDY, HEAR ME OUT
 
Another heart-warming tale. It didn’t make me feel as much and as strongly as the others, but I love its message nevertheless. Be yourself. Never give up. Live your dream!
 
CLIFF NOTES
 
I had read this gem before too, but happily revisited it. You’re in for a surprise if you don’t know it. It’s a refreshingly different tale that gives the term “force of nature” a fascinating angle. And it’s also very drama-filled and neatly executed. In a way, it’s an excellent conclusion to the whole book.
 
All in all, I enjoyed this collection of short stories by Rubina Ramesh immensely. The author in me is shamelessly in love with the clever titles and in awe at her prowess in keeping things short. You will not find one sentence too much or one word out of place in these tales that are indeed first and foremost about one captivating thing, EMOTIONS. I only wish the stories were all a little longer, simply because they have such a huge potential.
 
Rating: 5/5
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Buy Links:
​Amazon US - Amazon India

I‘m a big fan of Adite Banerjie’s romance novels, especially of “Trouble Has A New Nameâ€, so I had been waiting with bated breath for a new release. “No Safe Zone†is a little different from her previous books, more suspenseful and overall written at a brisker pace with action and angst to mingle with the love story at its core.
 
Qiara wiggled her way into my heart stealthily instead of winning it immediately. Probably because there was such mayhem and I had the feeling she was a complete stranger at first. However, that didn’t make me like her any less. On the contrary, it made me feel as I were somehow caught up in the whole mess too, not knowing left from right and up from down. A few chapters into the book, fiery Qiara with her fierce determination, her vulnerable core, her energy and her smart, sassy mouth was like a good friend to me, and I was cheering for her all along, biting my nails.
 
Kabir is an awesome hero. Unlike Qiara, he had me fall for him straight away, and I only grew to like him even more throughout the novel. He is just the right combination of irresistible looks, confidence, intelligence, genuine care and tragic past to leave a lasting impression. A man like him seemed like the ideal match for Qiara, and it was a huge relief to find out he had valid reasons for standing her up years ago.
 
The villains were not that well fleshed out, but they all had their moments to shine and they were captivating enough. I loved they ingenuous way they were all linked to each other on some level, it made the story even more intricate and intriguing. I just wish their immense potential had been tapped into even more. The author has cleverly used the settings and the history / past of everyone to control the present, which advanced the plot. The romantic suspense was fast paced yet never forced.
 
The title had me a bit flabbergasted at first, reminding me vaguely of terrorism, but later on, it made a lot of sense. I think if you read between the lines, what shines through is that nothing in life is safe, secure and certain, and that we should not take anything for granted. Learning about Qiara’s dark past and Kabir’s fascinating secret as well the dynamics between the lead pair made me realize that. The background story of human trafficking underlined that, bringing to light the harsh and despicable reality in some countries. The use of the snakes was a wonderful idea, as were the other symbols in the novel like the tattoo.
 
I loved this book, but I felt it could have been a little longer and even more detailed, especially to let the evilness shine. However, there is plenty of struggle and a very satisfying happy ending, and the chemistry between Qiara and Kabir is positively explosive.
 
Rating: 4/5
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​Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 2016

What happens to the future when past and present collide?

JESS:  Six years ago Jess’s relationship with Talún Hansen was torn apart by one night of deception. He disappeared from Lynbrook village and she headed for university vowing never to let anyone break her heart again. Now a teacher, Jess returns from holiday to an unexpected phone call and life changing news which will eventually bring her back home once more.

TALUN: Six years on Talún Hawkeswood, as he is now known, is heir to his grandfather’s Norfolk farming empire. When he hears of trouble in the village due to Lynbrook Hall being put up for sale, going back is the last thing on his mind. But staying away is not an option either, not when someone he owes so much to is about to lose their home and their livelihood.

LILY: Splitting with her husband after her son Josh’s birth, Lily now works as part of an estate agency sales team.  She has always held onto her dream of finding a wealthy husband and a life of self-indulgence. When the sale of an important property brings her face to face with Talún once more, she realises despite the risks involved, the night they spent together six years ago may be the key to making those dreams come true.
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As Jess, Talún and Lily return to Lynbrook and the truth about what happened that summer is gradually revealed, Talun finds himself in an impossible situation. Still in love with Jess he is tied into to a trade off with Lily: his name and the lifestyle she craves in exchange for his son. And when a child is involved there is only one choice he can make…
 
AMAZON UK
AMAZON.COM
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Born and raised in rural Wiltshire, Jo Lambert grew up with a love of books and a vivid imagination. As a child she enjoyed creating her own adventure stories similar to Enid Blyton's Famous Five. Writing always stayed with her, but college, work and eventually marriage found it was kept very much in the background. However in 2009 she finally had her first novel - When Tomorrow Comes - published. Three other connected books - Love Lies and Promises, The Ghost of You and Me and Between Today and Yesterday followed. They became collectively known as the Little Court Series. 

In 2013 she decided to give up full time work to concentrate fully on her writing. Two other books have been written since - The Other Side of Morning which is the final book of the Little Court Series and Summer Moved On, a love story set in South Devon. Jo is about to publish, Watercolours in the Rain, and plans to begin work on her new book in early November 2016. She describes her writing style as drama driven romance.

Jo is married and lives in a village on the eastern edge of Bath with her husband, one small grey feline called Mollie and a green MGB GT.  She loves travel, red wine, rock music and has a passion for dark chocolate…
 
e-mail:
googleplus: google.com/+JoLambert
twitter: @jolambertwriter
website: http://jolambertbooks.com
blog:  http://jolambertwriter.wordpress.com
facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jo-Lambert-Author-Page/288274811277692?fref=ts
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​Blurb - The Viscount’s Bride

Matthew, Viscount Rathbourne, is dispatched to Cornwall to design a gazebo for his uncle. There, little does he realize how his life will change. Caught poaching ducal trout he meets Lady Kathleen.
What has him wondering, why is she hiding out here and not in London searching out a husband? Not that he wished to complain as he found her not only beautiful but his intellectual equal.
After two bodies turn up Matthew quickly learns Kathleen is stronger than any young lady of the ton he’d ever met.
As the mystery of who the murdered victims are is uncovered Matthew learns of a hidden, albeit interesting, fact about Kathleen. Should he allow her to continue with these late night excursions or put a halt to them?
When all the truths come out Matthew and Kathleen, now married are happy at who helped bring the murderers to justice.

 
Excerpt

As he got closer he slowed, not wishing to frighten them, and Matthew heard one say, “Do you believe he will accept your invitation to dine with us this eve?”
He cursed silently, suspecting the speaker was referring to him. Slowing his horse to a walk, Matthew spied them. Even from behind he could tell they were ladies as their dresses were of fine quality. Even more interesting was that they both had fishing poles in their hands and were casting flies out upon the river.
“I don’t know, daughter. From what I understand in the letter from Serena, Viscount Rathbourne is here under the direction of the Duke of Kettering to design a gazebo.”
Matthew was aware he was in trouble if this lady and his mother knew each other. He was about to announce his presence when--
“Then I’m sure we won’t as, from what I understand the duke can be a harsh task master. At least that’s the rumors I heard in the village.”
Matthew quickly decided the lady to his right was the daughter while the other the mother. This was going to be a very interesting meeting. Bringing Devil to a stop, he smiled to himself and took in a breath.
“Ladies, my uncle is a fair gentleman unless you cross him or disobey an order while under his command in the Guards.”
Their reaction was exactly what he’d expected. They dropped their poles and spun about. He’d been correct in his assumption. The lady on his right was the daughter, and never before had he seen such a beautiful lady. Not even the duchess could hold a candle to her.
“Ah, so the illusive viscount is for real. I’m Lady Elsie, Countess of Ashburn, and this is my daughter, Lady Kathleen.”
“M’ ladies, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I do hope you enjoy fishing on Radcliffe Hall property,” he politely informed them, all the while trying not to be firm in tone.
“Yes, m’ lord, we are as where the river crosses our estate is all rapids, thusly dangerous to get near,” Kathleen announced.
The sound of her voice sent warmth racing through him like no other lady had ever done. But it wasn’t just hearing her speak but the way the sun glinted off her sandy brown hair turning it cinnamon in color which had him spellbound. Then there was her heart-shaped face, soft full lips, and petite nose that helped in entrancing him.
“Then, by all means continue,” he said giving them a bow.
“Thank you, m’ lord, for we shall in the hopes of catching several more trout for this evening’s meal, to which I hope you will be joining us?” Elsie said.
“It will be my pleasure to sup with you and enjoy the duke’s fish, under one condition,” he replied with a smile.
“And what might that be, m’ lord?” Kathleen uttered.
“Please call me Matthew when no staff is present. Even at Radcliffe Hall I take care of my meals, except breakfast, as I never could cook an egg to satisfaction. I also don’t travel with a valet, only a tiger to handle my horses.”
 
Buy Links

US-http://tinyurl.com/h27cbqw
UK-http://tinyurl.com/zo4vk73
AU-http://tinyurl.com/zemrnmd
CA-http://tinyurl.com/jythyw8
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​I’ve been an avid reader ever since I was old enough to hold a red leather bound first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in my lap.
So it only seemed natural at some point in my life I take up pen and paper to start writing. Over time my skills slightly improved which I attribute to my English teachers.
My breakthrough came about in the mid 1970’s when I read a historical romance written by Sergeanne Golon, Angelique. This French husband and wife team opened my eyes to the real world of fiction. Stories about romance, beautiful damsels, handsome heroes and plots which kept me hooked. Of course, being a man, I had to keep my reading hidden from others as that wasn’t appropriate reading for men.
With this new found appreciation of the written word I took up other books and devoured them as a starving person would a plate of food. I them attempted to write again. I still wasn’t satisfied so I put it aside for years as other events entered my life.
Finally, in the early years of the new millennium I tried again to write and once again met with limited success. At least now I was able to get past the first page or two. Then, in 2006 a life changing event brought me back to my love, I took a job as a security officer. This allowed me plenty of time to read different genres.
My favourite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I wanted to attempt.
Since 2012 when my debut regency romantic suspense released I was hooked and have, except for a few contemporaries, focused on this genre.
Since 2012 I’ve lived in central Texas. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America and their local chapter.
 
Where to find the author

Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/pgq8vzz
Facebook Pages- http://tinyurl.com/nresq5j
Twitter- @ldowns2966
LinkedIn- http://tinyurl.com/e8t56
Goodreads- http://tinyurl.com/prcdmml
Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://tinyurl.com/kvfz468
Amazon- http://tinyurl.com/ktem76c

I’m a huge fan of Liza O’Connor’s books, regardless of the genre she tempts me with, so of course I wouldn’t want to miss this spectacular start of a new Science Fiction / Romance series. “A Scavenger’s Mission” (aptly titled on more than one level) has everything I’ve come to expect and love about the author’s novels.
 
Firstly, it’s brilliantly researched. The way of flying constantly had me gaping in awe, trying to figure out whether it would be doable in real life, and imagining things in my head and gaping in even more awe. It reminded me of a few sports, mainly of paragliding and kite surfing. It boggles the mind how much the author must have researched the whole topic to make it tiptoe the line between the possible and the impossible so fascinatingly.
 
Secondly, the characters are so complex and authentic that I fully expect them to actually exist somewhere on this planet. I actually found myself thinking “Alisha would be a huge help” when I watched the news last evening and the usual terrorism flickered on the screen. And those are the best books, wouldn’t you say? The ones that make you ponder and treat the protagonists like real people. I have a girl crush on Alisha, she’s just so amazing. Fearless, confident, independent, kind, smart and sassy, but with a vulnerable, feminine edge to her and with hopes and dreams that keep her from becoming a stereotypical superhero.
 
Thirdly, the author has woven a lot of real-life issues and criticism into the novel. It’s something that always strikes me when I read her books. This one reminded me a little of “The Gods of Probabilities”, dealing with environmental issues, social dynamics, crime and discrimination against women. But as usual, it was all interconnected with the plot and characters and made perfect sense without being too ‘in your face’.
 
Not only did I fall in love with Alisha, but her Colonel Logan was amazing too. Even the others, like Jack, wiggled their way into my heart and managed to surprise me all the time while still acting in character. Over all, there was a lot of suspense, many emotions all over the place, a tender love story at the core, and a grand finale which doesn’t exactly leave the reader hanging but isn’t a standard ‘happily ever after’ either.
 
Rating: 5/5

Buy link