Review: A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Thriller

ISBN: 9780593099131
Release Date: December 3, 2019
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible
Nalini Singh Reading Order

On the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, Golden Cove is more than just a town where people live. The adults are more than neighbors; the children, more than schoolmates.

That is until one fateful summer—and several vanished bodies—shatters the trust holding Golden Cove together. All that’s left are whispers behind closed doors, broken friendships, and a silent agreement to not look back. But they can’t run from the past forever.

Eight years later, a beautiful young woman disappears without a trace, and the residents of Golden Cove wonder if their home shelters something far more dangerous than an unforgiving landscape.

It’s not long before the dark past collides with the haunting present and deadly secrets come to light.

Prepare to be swept away to a small New Zealand town that’s as beautiful as it is treacherous in A Madness of Sunshine. Nalini Singh’s thriller debut is as engaging and evocative as I would expect from a writer of her caliber.

Golden Cove is an isolated community where everyone knows everyone. But do they really? For even in a place like this, people have their secrets. Anahera Rawiri, a gifted, renowned pianist, has returned home after years away. Anahera is strong, kind, and recovering from pain and betrayal. Everything and nothing has changed about Golden Cove when Anahera returns; many of the people she once knew as well as herself are familiar strangers. The most interesting new addition? Detective Will Gallagher, Golden Cove’s one-man police force. Will is as strong and focused as Anahera. He also has demons of his own he’s facing, ones that are the reason he was sent out to the bush. Sparks fly immediately between Will and Anahera, but it’s their “otherness” – Anahera’s from her time away and Will from his newness to Golden Cove – that draws them together when tragedy strikes and a young woman goes missing. Her disappearance stirs up old ghosts and hidden shame from one summer years ago when three other women vanished.

Ms. Singh serves up an interesting double mystery in A Madness of Sunshine. The present day search for a missing young woman intertwines with the disappearance of three hikers back when Anahera was a teenager and each mystery is engaging in its own right. I loved watching the pieces unfold, loved how the lush landscape Ms. Singh details plays into the story itself. I also enjoyed uncovering the layers of the town and its residents. The sordid secrets were all interesting as they were unearthed and I liked feeling like I was digging deeper into many of the characters with each passing page. Though it is set a world away, in many ways A Madness of Sunshine reminded me of Nora Roberts’s romantic suspense titles from fifteen – twenty years ago (think Carolina Moon). It’s not the plots themselves, but rather the cadence of the story and the patterns of the characters that felt familiar (not a bad thing). The only downside is that I felt the mysteries weren’t too…well…mysterious.

A Madness of Sunshine is beautiful and dark, just like the world of Golden Cove. Even though I would have wished for a few more surprising moments, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Singh’s writing sucked me in each time I picked up the book and I loved watching Anahera and Will put the pieces together over the course of the story. Though my first love will always be Ms. Singh’s paranormal romances, I would dive into another thriller by her in a heartbeat.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: The Boss Who Stole Christmas by Jana Aston

The Boss Who Stole Christmas by Jana Aston
Series: Reindeer Falls, Book 1
Publisher: Rutherford Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

ASIN: B07ZV9C9Q9
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it here: Amazon | Audible

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a new boss for Christmas. Mine is the worst. The worst, hidden in a six foot tall package of male perfection. It’d be easier if he looked like an old Scrooge, wouldn’t it?

Nick Saint-Croix doesn’t look like an old scrooge. He’s hot as-

Um, never mind. Just bring me a new boss. Please.

Sincerely,
Holly Winter

Holly Winter loves Christmas, her hometown of Reindeer Falls, and her dream job at Flying Reindeer Toy Company. What she doesn’t love is her new boss, Nick Saint-Croix, the Grinch of Reindeer Falls. She has no idea why Nick took over the toy company after his uncle retired; the man has “big city” written all over him. But perhaps there is more to Nick than Holly sees…

The Boss Who Stole Christmas is capital “A” Adorable. It’s bright, cheerful, sexy, and just plain fun to read. I adored Jana Aston’s world of Reindeer Falls and cannot wait to see more of it.

Poor Nick. He’s pretty much the perfect hero and Holly’s assumptions about him have to hurt. Nick is far more caring, considerate, and kind than Holly gives him credit for and it’s clear from the start he and Holly are a perfect match in every way. On the one hand, if Holly hadn’t been convinced Nick was a Grinch then there would be no story. On the other, her image of him didn’t have much of a basis so I wanted to shake her a few times and it kept this story from being a solid five star read. In any other story Holly’s dogged determination to cast Nick in a bad light might have soured me and made me want to yell at Nick that he deserved more. But aside from her bias against Nick, Holly was a charming and fun heroine. She’s bright and full of passion and great ideas for the Flying Reindeer Toy Company. Her bright-eyed love of Christmas made me smile and Ms. Aston makes this story so bright and charming that I was willing to go along and wait for Holly to see the real Nick. I loved watching her come to see the man beneath the suit – and what a deliciously sexy man he was.

The Boss Who Stole Christmas is supremely sweet with a kick of spice. It’s never cloying but genuinely warm-hearted in its holiday cheer. I can’t wait to read more about Reindeer Falls and I really liked Holly’s sister Ginger, so I’m eager to dive into her story, If You Give a Jerk a Gingerbread.


FTC Disclosure: This book was purchased by me. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Three For All by Elia Winters

Three For All by Elia Winters
Series: Comes in Threes, Book 3
Publisher: Cecaelia Press
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Polyamorous Romance

ISBN: 9781951589004
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Elia Winters Reading Order

Geoff Robinson has no reason to feel insecure in his marriage to Patrick Walsh, even with Patrick’s polyamorous past and Geoff’s own inexperience. When Geoff starts fantasizing about bringing a woman into their bed, he has to admit that he’s trying to appease his own curiosity, and not Patrick’s. Threesomes are exciting, and surely one night of fun won’t cause any problems.

With the ink still fresh on her PhD, Lori Clark is finally ready to move to a bigger city and pursue her dream job. Her time in small-town Mapleton has an expiration date, so there seems to be little harm in a fling, even a fling with her sexy coworker and his husband. One night is never enough, though, and their chemistry together hints at the possibility of more than just an affair. The excitement of a new relationship makes Geoff and Patrick wonder if they’re just infatuated or destined for non-monogamy, but Lori’s future plans are pulling her away from both of them. Can a marriage survive when two people in love… both fall in love with someone else?

You’re not going to need to turn the heater on this winter because Three For All is hot as hell. Elia Winters’s third Comes in Threes story is a deliciously dirty polyam romance with a core of emotional honesty that makes it stand out.

Geoff and Patrick have been married almost seven years and their love and marriage is as solid as can be. They don’t talk much about Patrick’s polyamorous past anymore and Geoff has no doubt that Patrick is completely faithful. That doesn’t stop him from wondering if perhaps Patrick might want more…and if maybe he does as well. The chief reason for Geoff’s unquiet? His co-worker, Lori, who is not only intelligent and gorgeous, but shares a lot of common interests with both Geoff and Patrick. One of the things I love most about Three For All is Patrick and Geoff’s marriage. They have their bumps, uncertainties, and vulnerabilities, but they always talk to one another and there’s never any judgment. They are so solid they know they can be open and vulnerable to one another and it makes their love story that much stronger and more interesting.

With the ink still drying on her PhD, Lori has her eye on the prize. She’s going to leave Mapleton and move to New York City to pursue her dream of working as a relationship therapist, hopefully with an organization that supports people of color, LGBTQ people, and nontraditional relationships. She did her dissertation on polyamory and is intrigued when she realizes Goeff and Patrick are interested in inviting her to bed. What none of them count on is how quickly they start to fall for each other and fall into a triad relationship. Lori fears being the third wheel, but it’s clear she’s made for Patrick and Geoff. She’s also a fantastic heroine who is funny, interesting, and refreshingly self-aware.

Whether they get together in twos or threes, Patrick, Geoff, and Lori are insanely hot. Sweetly submissive Patrick just about melted my heart, Geoff – who can be uncertain in some areas of his changing feelings – is confidently dominant, and Lori isn’t afraid to go for what she wants in the bedroom. Put them all together and you’re in for one hell of a ride. And while I cannot overstate how sexy Three For All is, it’s the characters themselves who make this story shine. They talk about polyamory, they learn, the guys become friends with Lori even as they fall for her and she for them. There’s no false drama, only honest emotion and very human fears and needs. There’s so much to love about this book and the way it discusses polyamorous relationships that I’ve barely touched on what readers will find.

Elia Winters writes polyam romance better than anyone else I’ve ever read and Three For All shows why. It’s erotic, sex-positive, funny, heartwarming, engaging, and just plain fun to read. Patrick, Lori, and Geoff are all unique, well-drawn characters who fit each other perfectly and I loved watching them become a family. So if you’re looking for a kinky good time that also has emotional depth, Three For All is the perfect book for you.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Elia Winters Book Order

Click on series title to jump to a particular reading order:

Comes in Threes
Slices of Pi
Stand Alones

Comes in Threes

1. Three-Way Split
Hannah Stewart, Mitchell Fredericks, and Ben Harrington
My Review

2. Just Past Two
Abby Burke and Sam Burke
My Review

3. Three For All (available 11/12/19)
Lori Clark, Geoff Robinson, and Patrick Walsh
My Review

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Slices of Pi

1. Even Odds
Isabel Suarez and Caleb Portland

2. Tied Score
Iris Parker and Owen Hobbs
My Review

3. Single Player
Matthew Abrams and Silas Benson


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Stand Alones

Playing Knotty
Emma Green and Ian Cooper
My Review

Purely Professional
Bridget Hartwell and Max Harlow

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Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information books that have not yet been included to this list.

https://eliawinters.com/

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Review: The Widow's Auction by Sabrina Jeffries

The Widow’s Auction by Sabrina Jeffries
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9780451488268
Ebook Source: Publisher
Print Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Sabrina Jeffries Reading Order

Though Isobel Lamberton, the widowed Lady Kingsley, is confounded by her dealings with the obstinate Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, his commanding presence sparks something deep within her. But such romantic thoughts are for naught. For Justin’s political aspirations always come first. And Isobel’s own secret past could damage both of them permanently.

So when Isobel’s friend talks her into participating in a scandalous auction of masked widows at a gentleman’s club, she reluctantly agrees…and soon begins to relish being an object of desire. But none desire her more than Justin, who recognizes the outspoken Isobel in disguise and sets out to teach her a lesson worth far more than money…

Isobel Lamberton, Lady Kingsley, and Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, are at loggerheads with one another. Both sit on the board of a boys’ school and each has their own proposal they are determined to see win the board vote. The two of them are driving one another mad. Isobel is frustrated with Justin’s high-handedness and he is equally frustrated with her stubbornness. What neither will admit – but all can see – is their deep attraction to one another. When Isobel is talked into participating in a scandalous widow’s auction and Justin finds himself at the same auction, determined to gain the support of one of their more degenerate board members, things come to a head and the passion takes hold. But what will morning bring?

I can’t count the number of times I’ve read The Widow’s Auction since it was first published in the Fantasy anthology. Justin and Isobel never fail to make me smile and I always fall into Sabrina Jeffries’s writing.

Isobel and Justin are clearly made for one another, but misconceptions and hidden fears are keeping them both from taking a risk making their feelings known. It takes a masked widow’s auction to give them that extra push, Isobel’s belief that Justin doesn’t recognize her making her more open than she would normally be. Isobel’s upbringing isn’t at all what Justin thinks it is; the way it marked her and how her marriage to the saintly Lord Kingsley shaped her persona are something he could never guess. I loved watching him come to understand her and for her to see past her biases and come to know the man beneath the perfect politician. One night of passion doesn’t solve everything, but it is exactly the push both Justin and Isobel need. They’re a perfect match in bed and out and I loved watching Isobel embrace her desires. The Widow’s Auction is a deliciously steamy read with two passionate protagonists and a happily ever after that’s guaranteed to satisfy.


FTC Disclosure:I received the eBook edition of this story for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: A Mackenzie Clan Christmas by Jennifer Ashley

A Mackenzie Clan Christmas by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 8.5 & Book 11.5
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9781984805584
Release Date: October 29, 2019
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible
Jennifer Ashley Reading Order

Celebrate the holidays with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ashley's Mackenzie clan in two heartwarming novellas.

Includes a never before published Mackenzie Christmas novella!
When the Mackenzie family gathers in Scotland to celebrate the holidays the love and joy of the Christmas spirit captures everyone's hearts.

And a reader favorite…A Mackenzie Clan Gathering
The Mackenzie clan has gathered for Hart's birthday at the sprawling family estate in Scotland. But before the festivities can start, the house is robbed, and thieves make off with an untold fortune in rare art.

Ian Mackenzie and his brothers must do what they can to retrieve the family treasure, but Ian is distracted by a family friend who claims he might have the power to "cure" Ian of his madness forever. All the Mackenzies must draw together as courage, love, and a tantalizing mystery serve to strengthen their bond, and redefine the meaning of family.

“A Mackenzie Yuletide” (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 11.5)
A ghostly visitor, a missing artifact, and multiple generations of Mackenzies getting in on both hunts? Sign me up! “A Mackenzie Yuletide” is a delightful Christmastime romp featuring one of my favorite families.

It’s December 1898 and Mac Mackenzie is at Kilmorgan painting when he spies a ghost. His siblings and their various offspring are determined to settle their supernatural debate over the existence of ghosts by catching the specter. Meanwhile, Ian Mackenzie is equally determined to get the perfect Hogmanay gift for his wife, Beth. But the priceless antique necklace has been stolen and he’s not the only person – or even the only Mackenzie – searching for it. Both mysteries are delightful, mostly because various Mackenzies team up to solve the cases.

Ian has always been a scene-stealer for me, so I was delighted to catch up with both him and his beloved Beth. Their love for one another and their children is as strong as ever and spending time with them was pure joy. And speaking of their children, author Jennifer Ashley gives an exciting peek into the minds of some of the Mackenzie children. The only downside to this? I desperately hope the younger Mackenzies get books of their own one day because they are as fascinating as their parents. Cam’s daughter, Gavina, intrigued me most of all and her determination never to wed means she’s practically begging for a book of her own.

The Mackenzie clan is bright, boisterous, and unique. The romantic and familial bonds are on full display in “A Mackenzie Yuletide” and made me smile more than once. I’m so glad I got to go on another adventure with the Mackenzies and I desperately hope Ms. Ashley has more stories in store for them.


“A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 8.5)
“A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” is a beautiful story brimming with emotion. Fans of the Mackenzies & McBrides series won’t want to miss this novella, for it’s sure to make you fall in love with the Mackenzies all over again.

Ian, Beth, and their children are the only Mackenzies in residence at Kilmorgan when thieves break in, stealing a good portion of the duke’s art collection. Ian is determined to track the culprits before the rest of his family shows up, but he’s sidetracked by the arrival of Beth’s late husband’s brother, a man who claims he can cure Ian of his “madness.” Ian and Beth are two of my all-time favorite characters, and in “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” we get to see how they’ve grown over the years they’ve been married. Their bond is stronger than ever, but when Ian is tempted with the possibility of being “cured,” it just about broke my heart, especially because he wants to do so for Beth’s sake. Of course, we know two things: (1) Beth loves him just the way he is and (2) Ian isn’t mad, nor does he need to be “cured” – he has Asperger’s, decades before anyone knows what that is. What follows I’ll leave readers to discover, but I will say that we get to see more interesting things about the Mackenzie family. Most importantly, Ms. Ashley touched my emotions showing the deep bonds of love – romantic and familial – among the Mackenzie clan.

The investigation into who is behind the art theft takes some interesting turns, tying into the series in an unexpected way. And though “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” is primarily Ian and Beth’s story, other family members do get their moments to shine. I’ll never get tired of seeing Hart with Ian; the duke’s love for his youngest brother never fails to grab me and revisiting this novella made me want to re-read their books all over again. If you’re new to the series, don’t worry – you’ll still be able to follow along. But truly, this story is probably best enjoyed if you’re already invested in the Mackenzie & McBrides series. I absolutely loved revisiting Ian and Beth and I hope Ms. Ashley continues to gift readers with more glimpses into what happens after happily ever after for the entire Mackenzie clan.


A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is perfect for any fan of Ms. Ashley’s Mackenzie family. It’s lovely to catch up with such beloved characters after their happily ever after, to see the bonds of love and family strengthen as their number grows. Both novellas warmed my heart and made me smile; they’re the perfect holiday reads that you can enjoy all year long.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: The Highland Outlaw by Heather McCollum

The Highland Outlaw by Heather McCollum
Series: The Campbells, Book 4
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9781640638716
Release Date: October 21, 2019
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Entangled

Shaw Sinclair, chief of the outcast clan of Sinclairs of Caithness in northern Scotland, has made a deal with the devil. Despite his strength and lethal skills, he needs help—specifically from a woman—to accomplish his mission to bring a bairn to safety to the coast. When he meets the brave and beautiful Alana Campbell at a Samhain Festival, he decides she's the one.

Alana Campbell is ready to show the world she's just as skillful with a sgian dubh as any man. Attracting the attention of the brawny chief who coerces her to join him on his journey to the coast of Scotland gives her that very opportunity. Sparks flash between them as they're forced to act as husband and wife to accomplish the deadly mission. However, when secrets threaten to tear them apart, they have to decide if their differences outweigh the reality of their feelings…

Shaw Sinclair grew up under the brutal thumb of his wastrel uncle who sold the Sinclair lands to the Campbells. Shaw takes his duties as chief of the Sinclair clan seriously and is determined to protect his people at all costs. His fears for their welfare are well-founded so when the chance to reclaim his lands and guarantee health and safety for his people is offered, he jumps on it. All he has to do is deliver a very important newborn to the coast where she’ll be taken to France. But when the baby is delivered to Shaw, starving and clearly in imminent danger, Shaw knows he and his trusted warriors are going to need help. Chance throws him in the path of Alana Campbell and when her problem-solving skills and kind heart show she’d be perfect to help with the baby, Shaw kidnaps then bargains with her to gain her assistance. Their journey is fraught with danger as they work together to care for and defend the child in their care. Threats they expect, but their mutual attraction is something neither could anticipate. Sinclairs and Campbells are enemies, so there’s no way anything could happen between Shaw and Alana. Is there?

The Highland Outlaw is an exciting, engaging ride thanks to its two leads. Alana and Shaw have great personalities and fantastic chemistry, making the pages of their story fly by.

Alana has a generous heart, a spine of steel, and a deadly aim. She’s exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy and I liked her resourcefulness and spirit. As for Shaw, he’s a chieftain desperate to save his people and will go to great lengths to do so. He’s also as protective as they come and has more honor than he gives himself credit for. He and Alana clash, then become allies in the name of protecting the baby in their charge, and then they become something much more. Their dialogue made me smile, their romance made me sigh, and the way they cared for their vulnerable charge absolutely melted my heart. I loved every bit of Alana and Shaw’s journey and hated it whenever I had to put The Highland Outlaw down because I so wanted them to get their happily ever after.

Feuding clans aren’t the only problem in Shaw and Alana’s way. There are also the men hunting the child they’re sworn to protect, whose origins I’ll leave readers to discover. Alana and the Sinclair warriors with her are outgunned and outnumbered, but I’ll put my money on these fearsome Highlanders any day of the week. And though I must be purposefully vague so as to avoid spoilers, I enjoyed how the secrets, questions of loyalty, and various plots unfolded over the course of the book. Author Heather McCollum balanced the action and the romance perfectly there was never a dull moment in this book.

The Highland Outlaw is the fourth book in the Campbells series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I’ve adored every single outing with the Campbell clan and the Highland Roses School, where women are taught everything from reading to self-defense. Alana and Shaw’s story is no exception and I dearly hope Ms. McCollum has more adventures in store for the Highland Roses. Ms. McCollum’s strong, compassionate, and skilled heroines and the brave, protective warriors who love them are always a draw for me.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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