Sunday, January 17, 2021

REVIEW: Never Got Over You by S.L. Scott

 

Release Date: January 14


The universe shifts, and our stars realign.


I’d sworn off men. And then I met Nick Christiansen.

Technically, I fell for him, literally, the moment I landed in his quarterback-sized arms and looked into those soulful eyes. I blame the rum. Or was it tequila? 

Spoiler alert: It was those delectable dimples.

Either way, Nick was stupidly handsome and ridiculously charming. He held me like he cared and listened to me like I mattered. Captivated by great conversation and rock-hard abs, Nick had me reconsidering the “No Men” promise I’d made myself.

I still regret walking away the next day.
~
I can’t stop thinking about the one who got away. But then I run right into Natalie St. James. 

She’s still unwittingly gorgeous, if not more so, and as wildly quirky as I remember.

Sidebar: She’s on a date.

What do I expect? For her to still be thinking about me? 

I still regret what happens next. 

We didn’t get the love story we deserved the first time, then I screwed up our second chance. When the universe shifts and our stars realign, is the third time a charm? 

Grab Your Copy Here!


Never Got Over You by SL Scott is a book that is destined to capture every reader’s heart. I haven’t read a single book by Miss Scott that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. However, this book has a bit of a different feel. It is like a story of epic love. Love that is fated, destined. I loved that they met and they knew it could be something great but there were too many obstacles in their way. They parted ways. But life has a way of pushing things together or apart when necessary and Nick and Natalie were not done with each other.

Obviously, I’m being very vague in this review. I don’t want to tell you the story but it’s most definitely worth a read! The story is just as beautifully written. Almost in a poetic way that just made the book hard to put down. Scott has a way with making love seem so real. Nick and Natalie were really fun characters. They just worked together and I love how Scott created their situation and how it all came together after falling apart time after time. Great read!


I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.



Read an Excerpt Here:


He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “About that date? The offer still stands if you’re up for it.”

“Tonight?”

“Right now.”

Checking my watch, I purse my lips in thought. “I don’t know. I’m coming off a bad date, so that puts a lot of pressure on you to redeem my night. If you don’t, that will be two bad dates in one night. Might be a record.”

“I’m up for the challenge.” I knew he was, but I love that he takes the bait . . . I mean, up to the task. When he looks at me, it’s as if he sees my thoughts, and my cheeks heat in response. Taking a few steps closer, so close that my eyes dip closed as if I’m about to be kissed, he says, “As I see it, we have several options.” 

Playing off how bad I just misread that situation—again, I might add, recalling the last rejection from him that I barely survived—I tap my eye as if dust invaded the corner. “Sorry,” I reply, blinking like a crazy person. Lowering my arm, I latch my good eye onto him. “Several options, you say? Do tell.”

He gives me a second full once-over and then rubs the pad of his thumb over his bottom lip as if he’s devising a plan. The intensity of his eyes lands back on me. “We can get a drink at a nearby bar. Or maybe you’re up to hang out at my hotel suite . . . or your place. Whatever you want to do, I’m all yours.”

“Are you?”

A smirk splits his lips. “Since Catalina, but that’s old news, and I want to hear about the new you.”

“Like?”

“Natalie in New York versus you in California.”

Undecided on what I want to do, I look down the street one way and then the other, but with him standing so close, his scent has our past trickling back into my memories. I turn back to face him. “I know a place not too far from here. It’s low-key at this hour, but then turns into an after-hours dance club.”

“I prefer low key.” 

“Then we have ourselves a date.”

We make it to the corner before he says, “You look good, by the way.”

“Thanks. You aren’t so shabby yourself.” The sound of his laughter is addicting, and don’t get me started on that cute smile. I’d almost forgotten about those dimples. 

He playfully knocks his elbow into mine. “Looking on the bright side paid off.”

“How so?”

“You told me that if we look on the bright side, we won’t be strangers the next time we meet. And here we are—not strangers.”

“At the time, it was one of my wiser pieces of free advice.” 

“What about now?”

“I’d tell you to get my phone number. Much wiser, but you know, we could reintroduce ourselves and share our numbers just in case one of us goes MIA.” Hint. Hint. Hint.


Do you listen on Audible? Grab it here!
Narrators: Aiden Snow & Brooke Bloomingdale


Meet S.L. Scott

New York Times and USA Bestselling Author, S. L. Scott, was always interested in the arts. She grew up painting, writing poetry and short stories, and wiling her days away lost in a good book and the movies.

With a degree in Journalism, she continued her love of the written word by reading American authors like Salinger and Fitzgerald. 

She was intrigued by their flawed characters living in picture perfect worlds, but could still debate that the worlds those characters lived in were actually the flawed ones. 

This dynamic of leaving the reader invested in the words, inspired Scott to start writing with emotion while interjecting an underlying passion into her own stories.

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. She dreams of seeing one of her own books made into a movie one day as well as returning to Europe. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she's a pro.

Connect with S.L. Scott

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Thursday, January 14, 2021

RELEASE DAY: Never Got Over You by S.L. Scott

Release Date: January 14


The universe shifts, and our stars realign.


I’d sworn off men. And then I met Nick Christiansen.

Technically, I fell for him, literally, the moment I landed in his quarterback-sized arms and looked into those soulful eyes. I blame the rum. Or was it tequila? 

Spoiler alert: It was those delectable dimples.

Either way, Nick was stupidly handsome and ridiculously charming. He held me like he cared and listened to me like I mattered. Captivated by great conversation and rock-hard abs, Nick had me reconsidering the “No Men” promise I’d made myself.

I still regret walking away the next day.
~
I can’t stop thinking about the one who got away. But then I run right into Natalie St. James. 

She’s still unwittingly gorgeous, if not more so, and as wildly quirky as I remember.

Sidebar: She’s on a date.

What do I expect? For her to still be thinking about me? 

I still regret what happens next. 

We didn’t get the love story we deserved the first time, then I screwed up our second chance. When the universe shifts and our stars realign, is the third time a charm? 

Grab Your Copy Here!

Read an Excerpt Here:


He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “About that date? The offer still stands if you’re up for it.”

“Tonight?”

“Right now.”

Checking my watch, I purse my lips in thought. “I don’t know. I’m coming off a bad date, so that puts a lot of pressure on you to redeem my night. If you don’t, that will be two bad dates in one night. Might be a record.”

“I’m up for the challenge.” I knew he was, but I love that he takes the bait . . . I mean, up to the task. When he looks at me, it’s as if he sees my thoughts, and my cheeks heat in response. Taking a few steps closer, so close that my eyes dip closed as if I’m about to be kissed, he says, “As I see it, we have several options.” 

Playing off how bad I just misread that situation—again, I might add, recalling the last rejection from him that I barely survived—I tap my eye as if dust invaded the corner. “Sorry,” I reply, blinking like a crazy person. Lowering my arm, I latch my good eye onto him. “Several options, you say? Do tell.”

He gives me a second full once-over and then rubs the pad of his thumb over his bottom lip as if he’s devising a plan. The intensity of his eyes lands back on me. “We can get a drink at a nearby bar. Or maybe you’re up to hang out at my hotel suite . . . or your place. Whatever you want to do, I’m all yours.”

“Are you?”

A smirk splits his lips. “Since Catalina, but that’s old news, and I want to hear about the new you.”

“Like?”

“Natalie in New York versus you in California.”

Undecided on what I want to do, I look down the street one way and then the other, but with him standing so close, his scent has our past trickling back into my memories. I turn back to face him. “I know a place not too far from here. It’s low-key at this hour, but then turns into an after-hours dance club.”

“I prefer low key.” 

“Then we have ourselves a date.”

We make it to the corner before he says, “You look good, by the way.”

“Thanks. You aren’t so shabby yourself.” The sound of his laughter is addicting, and don’t get me started on that cute smile. I’d almost forgotten about those dimples. 

He playfully knocks his elbow into mine. “Looking on the bright side paid off.”

“How so?”

“You told me that if we look on the bright side, we won’t be strangers the next time we meet. And here we are—not strangers.”

“At the time, it was one of my wiser pieces of free advice.” 

“What about now?”

“I’d tell you to get my phone number. Much wiser, but you know, we could reintroduce ourselves and share our numbers just in case one of us goes MIA.” Hint. Hint. Hint.


Do you listen on Audible? Grab it here!
Narrators: Aiden Snow & Brooke Bloomingdale


Meet S.L. Scott

New York Times and USA Bestselling Author, S. L. Scott, was always interested in the arts. She grew up painting, writing poetry and short stories, and wiling her days away lost in a good book and the movies.

With a degree in Journalism, she continued her love of the written word by reading American authors like Salinger and Fitzgerald. 

She was intrigued by their flawed characters living in picture perfect worlds, but could still debate that the worlds those characters lived in were actually the flawed ones. 

This dynamic of leaving the reader invested in the words, inspired Scott to start writing with emotion while interjecting an underlying passion into her own stories.

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. She dreams of seeing one of her own books made into a movie one day as well as returning to Europe. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she's a pro.

Connect with S.L. Scott

Hosted By:

Friday, December 25, 2020

CLOSED FOR NOW!

I apologize profusely if I owe you a review or a post. My husband has been sick since September with COVID-19. He may have only been 38 years old but his autoimmune disorder had already put his body through the ringer. On December 9th, Don Koelsch III, the absolute love of my life, died. I haven't been able to truly review properly since. I'm sure I'll get back to it but I'm currently devastated and pretty miserable. We have an 11-year-old daughter as well and she needs me right now.

Thank you for your patience as I figure out my new normal,

Sara



WINFIELD, MO- Donald (Don) Bennett Koelsch III, 38, formerly of West Dover, VT, died on Wednesday, December 9, due to complications from COVID-19. He was born April 2, 1982, in Carson City, NV, to Cathy and Donald Koelsch.  

Mr. Koelsch attended Dover Elementary School where his witty, quirky personality began to shine. From there, he attended Wilmington High School in Wilmington, VT, graduating in 2001. While in high school, he began working for Mount Snow in West Dover, VT, where he spent many years and truly loved the wide range of experiences he gained. It was in his first position, at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington, VT, that his passion for food and cooking, and his strong work ethic, began to flourish. In each of those years, he gained new skills and built strong friendships. He often spoke of his time spent at Haystack and as a groomer at Mount Snow. Throughout his life, he carried those skills and connections, ensuring that wherever he went or whoever he met, he was prepared with knowledge and great stories.
He set off to K-State Salina, in Salina, KS, to become a professional pilot. Before finishing his degree, he returned home to West Dover to work with Don Koelsch Builders and met his soon-to-be wife on his birthday in 2006. He also volunteered at the West Dover Fire Department.  
Mr. Koelsch had various hobbies and lived a joyous life. He grew up an avid skier and snowboarder, sharing the passion with his family. They traveled across the United States, skiing and riding some of the most popular mountains. During the summer, he could be found on the family’s boat on Lake Whitingham. His father and he worked together for many years building houses and doing carpentry jobs. Mr. Koelsch learned a great deal at his father’s hands and looked up to him until his last day.
Mr. Koelsch married his bride Sara on July 29, 2007. They had one daughter, Amelia, in 2009, who was the treasure of his life. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with his girls. Every chance he could, he and Amelia played video games together, bonding over zombies. He loved being able to take both his girls out on his motorcycle and enjoyed the curves of a good Vermont back road.
Mr. Koelsch worked at a variety of jobs throughout his young life. He worked as a delivery driver at Blue Mountain Produce, and as a bank manager at People’s Bank, both in Wilmington, VT. He worked at Chimney Hill Rentals and received his real estate license. In 2019, he attended CDL school at Witte Brothers in Troy and spent the past year and a half working as an over-the-road truck driver. He found his true calling this last year and enjoyed every mile he put on his 18-wheeler.
Though his days on earth were short, Mr. Koelsch left a lasting memory on those he met. He was a dedicated father and doted on his only child. He was also a devoted, patient, and slightly unpredictable husband who always charmed his wife. He had a quick wit and a fun sense of humor that could put a smile on any of his family’s faces. 
He shared a love of cooking and often overused butter and bacon.
Mr. Koelsch is survived by his wife Sara; daughter Amelia; parents Cathy and Donald Koelsch Jr., of West Wardsboro, VT; sister Jana (Chad) Staro, of West Wardsboro, VT; brother Chad (DeeDee) Pressey, of Winona, MN; maternal grandparents Donald and Sylvia Johnson, of Red Bluff, CA; and several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Wanda and Donald Koelsch Sr., of Wilmington, VT.
Due to the nature of Mr. Koelsch’s death and the pandemic, a celebration of his life will be planned for the summer of 2021 or as soon as possible.
To honor his memory now, wear a mask and stay home if you are sick. 
In lieu of flowers donations for medical and financial bills as well as condolences can be sent to SaraKoelsch@gmail.com (donations via PayPal) or directly to GoFundMe at https://gf.me/u/y9uybr.


Tuesday, December 8, 2020

REVIEW TOUR: Love Under the Stars by Kathleen Shoop


Love Under the Stars by Kathleen Shoop
Released September 20, 2020


1861, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Inspired by the true story of John and Phoebe Brashear who developed telescopes and lenses that are still in use today, Love Under the Stars brings the beginnings of their journey to life. Set against the steel mills of Pittsburgh, a young man has a mind for astronomy and physics, the gifted hands of a millwright, and the heart of a minister. Conflicted about which life path to take, he is further confounded when the love of his life shows up teaching Sunday school in the classroom next to his. 

Phoebe Stewart is headstrong, responsible, and meticulous about her role as baker and cook in her family's household. Despite her whip-smart mind, she understands that she will live a single woman's life with her family and revels in the caring and feeding fourteen household members. Then she meets John Brashear. He opens her eyes to a universe of heavenly bodies, a world of possibility beyond the walls of her home. 

Torn between the love growing between the two and Phoebe's devotion to her family, they navigate a path to where they can announce their plans to marry and buy a little home up on the South Side Slopes. It all seems to make sense… until it doesn’t. Can John and Phoebe fulfill their obligations while being true to their hearts? Can they make their dreams come true?

Available to buy from the following sites...




Seriously, who knew I would enjoy historical-type romances? Kathleen Shoop did, that's who. It doesn't matter the genre or the fluff that goes into her books. It's the love, the love and sense of family that Shoop really puts at the center of her stories.  Shoop is able mingle the history of the time into the burgeoning relationship between Phoebe and John. It's hard to not fall under their spell. With the immediate sense of love and longing, this story almost has a magical romantic feel to it. 

Shoop seems to carry the sense of family into all her books. There's overall a general theme of the main characters loved ones. In this one, Phoebe is struggling with this new intense feel of charmed love while still having that strong sense of family. So, beyond the sense of family, love is always hovering close by. Love Under the Stars emanates the pull of new love while struggling with family promises and the destiny of what may, or may not be.  

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.






NOW FOR THE 
AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY!!
 

 
Win $50 Amazon Giftcard
PLUS
Choice of paperback or ebook!
Ending on Sunday 13th December at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!


About Kathleen Shoop

Bestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Readers’ Favorite and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. Kathleen coordinates Mindful Writing Retreats and is a regular presenter at conferences for writers.

I adore writing historical fiction (The Letter series, After the Fog and Donora Stories that are coming soon!) but am having a blast writing romance like Home Again, Return to Love and Tending Her Heart (Endless Love series). Thank you so much for the time you take to read.

Follow the author on the following sites...


Amazon Author Page   Bookbub



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Monday, December 7, 2020

COVER REVEAL: Caught in the Chase by Kacey Shea


Caught in the Chase
by Author Kacey Shea
Release Date: December 17, 2020
Cover Design: Sommer Stein
Cover Model: Jonny James
Photographer: Wander Aguiar



This summer I'm leaving my hometown for a fresh start. It's a necessary choice in my pursuit of a full and sober life. Besides, escaping to the Outer Banks isn't a hardship. This seaside town holds everything I need and more. 

That is, until I run into Chase Matthews. 

He's an arrogant, cocky, self-absorbed jerk who has already come between me and my best friend once. The smart thing to do is keep him at a distance, even if he seems lost and alone. 

Instead, I'm compelled to help him.

Chase is broken and beautiful in ways I fully understand. It's been months since I've indulged in a drink, but I've found a new obsession. 

He's everything I want and the last thing I need. 

Each day draws us closer, but I can't allow myself to get caught up in Chase. We were only meant to have the summer. A temporary fling. Yet my heart has other plans. I don't know how I'll ever walk away. Even if he costs me everything.



 


Enter to win a signed paperbackhttps://bit.ly/CITCPaperbackGiveaway





Kacey Shea is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. She enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heroes with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after. 

Kacey has a free book for all newsletter subscribers along with bonus epilogues for her most beloved novels ➞ https://kaceysheabooks.com/newsletter-freebie
When she's not writing you will find her playing Uber to one of her three children, drinking iced tea by the gallon, or planning her next escape from the Arizona heat.


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