Reading Between the Wines – Bev Elle’s Book Recommendations 12.03.18

 

The idea was just too novel to pass up. I enjoy drinking wine, and I enjoy reading, so combining these two loves of mine was a no-brainer. This week, I have a few new authors to introduce you to. Hope you’ll enjoy reading their words between sipping your favorite vino. I certainly will!

TRY A SIP OF THESE BOOKS!

THE LOVE GRIND by Devon Michaels

I have everything I ever wanted with one exception – Stacy.

MILES

I’ve always been respectful of my elders, managing the family fortune for my parents and making me a billionaire by the time I was twenty-five.

But lately my love for music is all I can think about.

Until now.

When a simple night out busking leaves me in the emergency room, I find myself hurting in more than one way.

Her name is Stacy Mayer – a registered nurse.

Slender and athletic, she had the softest blue eyes that made me want to drown myself in.

I want her.

I need her in my life.

But I don’t think I can fix this one mistake to make her mine.

Stacy

My dad left us when I was sixteen and it has been me and mom since then.

I think that is why I turned to nursing to support my mother, and MMA to give me an outlet for my frustrations.

Between work, looking after mom and training for the next fight, I don’t need any distractions.

Especially one that is so damned good looking he could be plucked off the cover of GQ!

He probably has a stable of women clawing their way into his bedroom.

Good for them.

The last thing I need is a man like Miles Barker in my life.

I don’t need my heart broken again.

The Love Grind is a standalone romance with a little steam, a little heat and an HEA to melt even the coldest heart!

BEHESIANS by ISAIYAN MORRIDON

Description

From tragedy comes destiny.

Cassidy is a 17-year-old girl being raised by her father in San Diego, California. Her existence is a mixed blessing, full of life but burdened with the knowledge that her mother died while giving birth to her. Her mother’s absence constantly weighs on her mind, but she trusts her loving father to protect her like he’s always done.

Until the day that she discovers the truth.

Cassidy is a Behesian – born with dark magic and the ability to do extraordinary things – and it was her mother’s parting gift to her. She’s not the only one out there and her dark gift makes her the strongest one alive. However, her father has kept her talents a secret, but not for her peace of mind. He works for The Brotherhood, a secretive organization that tracks and studies supernatural people… and his daughter is the perfect test subject.

She finally realizes the crucial decision she faces: either stay with her father, the only family she’s ever known – or join her new Behesian brethren in the ultimate fight for survival.

Behesian is a thrilling Young Adult novel about the choices we make and who we really are. Author Isaiyan Morrison crafts this compelling tale of self-discovery against a backdrop of magic, wonder and fate. Because when the true meaning of family gets lost between the lines, sometimes the only way forward… is through your heart.

Reading Between the Wines: Bev Elle’s Book Recommendations 11/19/18

 

The idea was just too novel to pass up. I enjoy drinking wine, and I enjoy reading, so combining these two loves of mine was a no-brainer. This week, I have a few new authors to introduce you to. Hope you’ll enjoy reading their words between sipping your favorite vino. I certainly will!

 

CHERISH HARD by Nalini Singh

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh kicks off her new Hard Play contemporary romance series with a sizzling story that’ll leave you smiling…

Sailor Bishop has only one goal for his future – to create a successful landscaping business. No distractions allowed. Then he comes face-to-face and lips-to-lips with a woman who blushes like an innocent… and kisses like pure sin.

Ísa Rain craves a man who will cherish her, aches to create a loving family of her own. Trading steamy kisses with a hot gardener in a parking lot? Not the way to true love. Then a deal with the devil (aka her CEO-mother) makes Ísa a corporate VP for the summer. Her main task? Working closely with a certain hot gardener.

And Sailor Bishop has wickedness on his mind.

As Ísa starts to fall for a man who makes her want to throttle and pounce on him at the same time, she knows she has to choose – play it safe and steady, or risk all her dreams and hope Sailor doesn’t destroy her heart.

My Review

I’ve seen Ms. Singh’s paranormal romances around and thought that was primarily what she wrote, but this Hard Play series of New Zealand brothers is exquisite. I couldn’t get enough of the Bishop boys. Do they have any more cousins?

Other Recommendations

CRACKED DAISY by N.S. Hill

Description

When the teacher’s pet, A.K.A. school jock offers to help me in algebra, things get tense. Just when I think my summer is gearing towards the worst possible path, Mica swoops in with his quick motorcycle and superb math skills saving the day. I am sure he is keeping a secret from the rest of the school but will I uncover something sinister or enchanting? Will it end in regretful revenge that seems to come easily for a Cracked Daisy like myself?

INNOCENT TEARS by Iris Blobel

Description

Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn McCormack, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it pulls the feet right out from underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight. He didn’t know about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.

With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’ ideas, and Emma is voicing her opinion, too, leaving Nadine right in the middle of it all, still grieving the loss of her mother. There’s no doubt she’s afraid about where and with whom she will settle.

Will a letter Flynn receives help him decide what to do?

Reading Between The Wines . . . November 13, 2018

 

The idea was just too novel to pass up. I enjoy drinking wine, and I enjoy reading, so combining these two loves of mine was a no-brainer. This week, I have a few new authors to introduce you to. Hope you’ll enjoy reading their words between sipping your favorite vino. I certainly will!

 

THE MUSE by L.M. HALLORAN

“A scorching hot Professor/Student Romance that burns up the pages!” — L.V. Lewis

In her final year of graduate school, Iris Eliot’s dreams are within reach. She’s ready to put the past behind her and embrace whatever the future brings.

Until the future brings him.

Professor James Beckett, bestselling author and award-winning poet, is the new head of the Creative Writing Department at her university. Brilliant and obnoxiously sexy, he’s more dangerous than Iris knows.

When Beckett sets his sights on Iris, it’s not just her heart on the line or her academic and professional careers. Surrendering to the way he makes her feel will rewrite her past.

My Review

Beckett and Eliot. The surnames were apropos to their vocations. Both writers, one a professor, the other his student and TA. This is a recipe for forbidden, hot romance. These two have an immediate chemistry which neither expects given their stations and the fact that he’s found himself in this position once before. Yet, Iris’s secrets, once finally revealed are served up with a healthy dose of betrayal that she just doesn’t see coming. There is much that one can criticize about this book, but it serves up exactly the recipe of romance, conflict and complications one would expect from just such a genre romance. Suspending disbelief allows one to enjoy this story for what it is: an achingly hot romance between two consenting adults, despite the secrets that could destroy them both.

Other Recommendations

A GIRL AND HER TIGER by Zoey Gong

Description

She didn’t plan on becoming a rebel…

After watching her parents serve in British households for her whole life, Priya grew to despise every aspect of British colonialism. After an introduction to a British family in an attempt to secure a servant position of her own ends in disaster, Priya runs away to try and find a better life.

But she doesn’t get far.

Alone on the streets of Bombay, Priya is kidnapped and taken captive aboard a smuggler’s ship bound for the slave markets of the Americas.

And in the cage next to her – is a ferocious mama tiger named Nabhitha!

When Priya and the tiger see a chance for escape, will Priya dare to take it? Or will she end up the tiger’s dinner?

Follow Priya and Nabhitha on a journey of courage and second chances.

A Girl and her Tiger is the third book in the Animal Companion Series, but each book is a stand-alone novel with new characters and adventures.

SHADOW WINGS by Anna Holloway

Description

Myra Dean thought she escaped the tragedy that pushed her to the new town. However, when her boss’ son rides in on his Harley, she finds herself wondering who he truly was. Was he the man of her dreams or was it his motorcycle brother, the golden eyed detective who melts her heart?
Cross and Blaze come from two different backgrounds but their duty is to protect Myra. She was born with the blood of two different species running through her veins making her a target for the demon, Malach. With the taste of her blood, he can do what no other demon could do, return to heaven.
Will Cross and Blaze figure out how to control their jealousy over Myra so they can protect her or will she have to save them instead?

Reading Between the Wines… October 22, 2018

 

The idea was just too novel to pass up. I enjoy drinking wine, and I enjoy reading, so combining these two loves of mine was a no-brainer. This week, I have a few new authors to introduce you to. Hope you’ll enjoy reading their words between sipping your favorite vino. I certainly will!

THE GIRL FROM BERLIN by Ronald H. Balson

In the newest novel from internationally-bestselling author Ronald. H. Balson, Liam and Catherine come to the aid of an old friend and are drawn into a property dispute in Tuscany that unearths long-buried secrets

An old friend calls Catherine Lockhart and Liam Taggart to his famous Italian restaurant to enlist their help. His aunt is being evicted from her home in the Tuscan hills by a powerful corporation claiming they own the deeds, even though she can produce her own set of deeds to her land. Catherine and Liam’s only clue is a bound handwritten manuscript, entirely in German, and hidden in its pages is a story long-forgotten…

Ada Baumgarten was born in Berlin in 1918, at the end of the war. The daughter of an accomplished first-chair violinist in the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic, and herself a violin prodigy, Ada’s life was full of the rich culture of Berlin’s interwar society. She formed a deep attachment to her childhood friend Kurt, but they were torn apart by the growing unrest as her Jewish family came under suspicion. As the tides of history turned, it was her extraordinary talent that would carry her through an unraveling society turned to war, and make her a target even as it saved her, allowing her to move to Bologna—though Italy was not the haven her family had hoped, and further heartache awaited.

What became of Ada? How is she connected to the conflicting land deeds of a small Italian villa? As they dig through the layers of lies, corruption, and human evil, Catherine and Liam uncover an unfinished story of heart, redemption, and hope—the ending of which is yet to be written.

Don’t miss Liam and Catherine’s lastest adventures in The Girl from Berlin!

My Review

Some might lament, “Another WWII book?” when they read the description of Ronald Balson’s The Girl From Berlin, but they would be oh so wrong on so many levels! This book is not just another WWII book, it is an excellent book set during that time, and told as the result of a present-day conflict over land deeds of a small Italian villa. Balson is no slouch in the research department. He thoroughly immerses his reader in this time period and gives information that I’ve not read anywhere else. The primary story is a biographical account of Ada Baumgarten’s life as a young Jewish girl in Berlin. The reader gets to follow her through her birth in 1918 to the 1930’s before the war came to Italy and then into the camps with her in the 1940’s. As a very talented violinist, Ada’s life opens up to the reader as if she’s with you having an intimate conversation. She deftly describes the locations, the concert halls, the farm where she lived in a way that brings magical imagery to life. While some historicals seem stilted and not very entertaining for me, I was enthralled by Mr. Balson’s writing. The way that Catherine and Liam were woven into the story through a property dispute in Tuscany was done so well, it was clear that they were incidental to Ada’s story and didn’t take over. The story had a believability about it that some are sorely lacking in these days, and was truly enjoyable. As the author uses Ada’s narrative and Catherine and Liam’s present-day investigation to peel back layer upon layer of conflict, we are exposed to a rich story of overcoming adversity in the most bitter backdrop imaginable. I reminded at times of The Diary of Anne Frank and Schindler’s List while reading The Girl From Berlin.

 

His Peace Her Pleasure by Keke Renee

Description

Peaches Ellinson has had enough of love and relationships. Now, the Harvard educated teacher by day, nude model by night, only wants to focus on her big picture dream to be the next great painter and well-respected gallery owner. With her goals in mind, she spends every spare minute doing what she can to make her business grow. The last thing she needs is a distraction, but life has other plans for her.
Santiago Garcia is a man who knows what he wants and knows how to get it, but his skills are challenged by a sexy artist who tests him at every turn. The harder he tries to make her his, the more she resists his demands, but he’s determined to change her mind.
Tempted by the strong, sexy man who makes her knees weak and her heart go aflutter, can Peaches keep her head in the game or will she give into her desires and let her life take a different path?

Notes

Warning: Adult Content, Erotic Romance with Alpha male and fast paced, Shorty Story with a HEA. No cliffhanger.

Vic’s Tasty Treat by Christina Rose Andrews

Description

After a bad break up, Paige was ready for a new beginning. She never expected that beginning would come in the form of her new neighbor’s blazing hot son, Vic, who was volun-told to help her prepare for the neighborhood Halloween extravaganza.

Vic was everything a red-blooded woman could want: smart, sweet, sexy. And ten years younger than her. Paige longed to make her Vic-filled fantasies a reality, but if that happens… what then? Especially when something unexpected happens to threaten her newfound happiness.

Reading Between The Wines … September 24, 2018

 

The idea was just too novel to pass up. I enjoy drinking wine, and I enjoy reading, so combining these two loves of mine was a no-brainer. This week, I have a couple of new authors to introduce you to. Hope you’ll enjoy reading their words between sipping your favorite vino. I certainly will!

The acclaimed, award-winning novel is now a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg, Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, and Common.  

8 starred reviews ∙ William C. Morris Award Winner ∙ National Book Award Longlist ∙ Printz Honor Book ∙ Coretta Scott King Honor Book ∙ #1 New York Times Bestseller!

“Absolutely riveting!” —Jason Reynolds

“Stunning.” —John Green

“This story is necessary. This story is important.” —Kirkus (starred review)

“Heartbreakingly topical.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A marvel of verisimilitude.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A powerful, in-your-face novel.” —Horn Book (starred review)

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

And don’t miss On the Come Up, Angie Thomas’s powerful follow-up to The Hate U Give.

 

My Review

I read this book when it debuted primarily because author Angie Thomas is from Mississippi, my home state, and because I’d heard about this book about a story that was practically ripped from today’s headlines. A young African American male is shot and killed by a police officer, and the female protagonist witnesses it. There is so much that could have gone wrong in writing such a story, but Thomas handles such sensitive and explosive subject matter it in just the right way. The book opened my eyes to some things which I as a minority wasn’t privy to, so I’m sure it is quite the educational story for readers in the majority. I was excited when I first heard it would be made into a movie, and now that time has come. The Hate U Give  movie releases nationwide on October 19th (but will air in limited venues on October 6th). I think this book and movie will be well worth the $12 bucks for either, or both.

 

Whiskey Heart by Caroline Tate

Description

They’ve shared a past and a lifetime’s worth of playful innuendos. But when a casual fling turns serious, will they both be down for the ride?

Riley Pratt is content living her quiet, less-than-thrilling life in the city minding her own business. Due to her hectic work schedule and self-made career as one of Savannah’s up-and-coming interior designers, she’s learned to keep her thoughts to herself and her eyes on the prize– a fruitful, shining career in design. Until Cameron Alden waltzes into town.

Always thinking up his next cocky comeback, Cameron is arrogant and annoyingly charming in all the wrong ways. Heir to the largest whiskey distillery in the South, he prides himself on being well-endowed but also claims he’s prudish as hell. Official word around town? He’s Savannah’s hottest bachelor. And he takes complete advantage of it.

Which… isn’t Riley’s glass of rosé. Though she can feel sparks flying rampant when they’re together, will Riley give him a chance? Or is she too sure that Cameron’s old habits will die hard, making her just another one-night stand?

 

Brighter Than The Boss by Marika Ray

Description

When a case of mistaken identity leads to a naked make-out session with my hot new employee, I decide to do the sensible thing and stay far, far away to save both our jobs. Trouble is, all the whiskey and women in the world can’t burn that memory out of my brain.

She’s everything I’m not: a happy, non-swearing, ray of sunshine. She’s positively annoying, but I can’t deny the burning attraction that sparks every time we’re near each other.

When a statewide tsunami warning puts my crew of lifeguards in a life or death emergency, Sunny and I have to set our feelings aside to work closely together. Crazy enough, the tsunami and tenuous job situation are the least of my worries when she starts digging around in my dark past.

 

Reading Between The Wines: Bev Elle’s Book Recommendations

Blake by Victoria H. Smith

Description

Her trip across the country led her to me, my town–my booth on my lunch break and I never forgot her. I never forgot our conversation or her… taste when I’d been fortunate enough to have it.

She had me in a world where she was mine and, even though the experience of her had only been for a short while, I took that memory into the rest of my life, Anita… the girl who spoke of dreams.

She reminded me of my dreams and that it was okay to have them. I made those desires into reality years later, after a fallen marriage and a lifetime of hesitance, but never once did Ann leave me.

I never thought I needed anyone when the girl with talks of dreaming finally made it back into my life over three decades later, my family and the strong boys I raised into men all I needed. Anita sure proved me wrong, because not only did I need that woman, I lived for her once I had her back in my life.

My sudden heart attack may have brought us back to each other, but our history…

It gave us both a second chance.

 

Only Between Us by Mila Ferrera

Description

Last semester, Romy escaped from an abusive relationship with the guy she’d thought was the man of her dreams. This semester she’s putting herself back together, determined to reclaim her passion for art and for life. When she signs up for a painting class at the local art co-op, the possibility of passion becomes very real — in the form of her teacher, Caleb. Both mysterious and seriously hot, Caleb bares his soul on his canvases, and Romy’s fascinated by what she sees.

Caleb is just trying to keep his head above water. Caring for his traumatized, unstable sister is getting harder every day, and his paintings are so dark and bleak that no one is buying. Teaching classes at the co-op is no longer enough, and now he’s going to have to sell more than just his art to the wealthy, sex-starved women in his classes. But when Romy comes along, she makes everything more complicated. She sees the truth in his paintings — a truth no one else has realized, until now.

Romy and Caleb might have a real shot together — one that could heal them both. But when ghosts from their pasts re-emerge, determined to keep them apart, will they be strong enough to hold on to each other?

Dare You To Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch

Description

THE FIRST INSTALLMENT IN THE HOMETOWN ANTIHERO SERIES.

“A quick-witted heroine, a fast-paced plot, and a twisty whodunit mystery kept me on my toes. Fans of Riverdale will adore Kylene Danners and devour this suspenseful story.” —USA Today bestselling author, K.A. Tucker

When her FBI agent father is framed for murder, Kylene is forced to move in with her grandfather, back to the small town that turned its back on her, and the boy who betrayed her.

All Ky cares about is clearing her father’s name, but someone won’t let her forget the photo scandal that drove her away two years ago. As the threats gain momentum, Ky finds an unlikely ally in the annoyingly attractive rookie FBI agent sent to keep an eye on her.

Determined to expose the town’s hidden skeletons, Ky unwittingly thrusts herself into a much bigger plot. They thought she’d forgive and forget. They’re about to learn they messed with the wrong girl.

 

The Research Trip by Christina Rose Andrews

Description

Conventions in Hawaii were supposed to be business mixed with fun. It’s why commercial real estate broker, Serena Khan, and her romance novelist husband, Frank Elliott, decided to attend one at the Seaside Villa Resort. Unfortunately, Serena’s trip has been all work with no play. And worse, the Seaside Villa Resort is nothing of the kind. Luckily she’s got a husband who knows just what to do to make their Hawaiian vacation a whole lot more memorable. And a lot more fun!

This is a short story with an established couple featuring light bondage and food play with a happy ending.

Why I’ve Been MIA

So, I’ve been missing in action for quite some time. “Why?”  You ask. My answer is, “LIFE!” I’ve been trying to keep my family afloat. Hubby lost his job last year and this set us back quite a bit. Since then we’ve both hunkered down and tried to keep us with a roof over our heads, food to eat, and just the ability to survive… That said, I’m back!

 

And now that I am, “What can you expect from me?” Well, glad you asked. I’m going to hunker down and write a series that I can publish back-to-back, re-establish a presence on social media, and build my brand from the ground up. Again! This will not be easy, so I’m asking those of you who haven’t abandoned me to be patient as I get my mojo working again. In the meantime I’ll be posting newsletters regularly, at least a couple of times a month until I’m ready to publish. Looking forward to interacting with you again!

Love,

Bev Elle

FOLLOW BEV ON BOOKBUB

To Get the most up-to-date news on her book releases!