Inklings and Notions

Friday, March 3, 2023

Merritt and Her Childhood Crush

I said I’d never set foot on Oakley Island again. Not so long as HE lived there. But after my life implodes, I’m reconsidering EVERYTHING. Including my reasons for avoiding the first—and only—man I’ve ever loved.

I’m a high achiever. Driven. Maybe a little TOO driven.

So when my boyfriend confesses to cheating AND steals the promotion I’ve been working toward for years, I do the unthinkable for someone like me.

I break.

But the timing couldn’t be better for me to fall apart—I can escape to the idyllic Oakley Island and oversee the renovations on my late grandmother’s estate.

There’s just one tiny, massive, little problem: no one told me the contractor is the grown up version of the boy I fell in love with years ago.

He was my first love. My first kiss.

My first heartbreak.

Now, I’m faced with seeing Hunter daily. Being his boss. Forging a new dynamic that fits our adult selves.

Hunter is bigger. Bearded. Talks in grunts rather than words.

And has just as much hold on me as he ever did.

Trouble is, Hunter’s life is on Oakley. His daughter is on Oakley. And it was never my plan to stay here permanently.
Do I really want to risk having my heart broken a second time? More importantly, do I want to risk breaking his?

Merritt and Her Childhood Crush is a second chance at childhood first love romantic comedy. The Oakley Island Romcoms follow three very different sisters as they renovate the house they inherited and find love on the island along the way. The stories are standalone, but if you like continuous stories, we recommend reading them in order. Each book is closed door, with sizzling chemistry but no spice.

My thoughts: I enjoyed returning to Oakley Island with another sister in this fun series! I was curious how Merritt would do on the island, after living in New York City and climbing the corporate ladder. I enjoyed her re-adjusting to island life and trying to figure out who she is in the new chapter of her life, even when life throws her a curve ball and she finds out she will be working with her high school flame. I would have liked a bit more of an update on how the house remodel was coming along, since the first story had more. And, I will admit to feeling a little bad for Hunter's ex (though, she does get annoying). This is such a delightfully fun series! I look forward to returning with the last sister, Sadie, when her book comes out!

I received this book from the author. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Cold Light of Day

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this suspenseful read! I didn't realize just how dangerous Alaska could be year round, with the wildlife, prolonged cold, and mud slides! I enjoyed reading more about the beautiful state as Autumn and Grier sought to figure out what was going on in her small town. The story kept me on my toes and guessing until I started to see things come together. This is a such a hard to put down story and I look forward to reading the other books in the series as they come out!

I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Under Fire

I have enjoyed this series and learning more about what the Secret Service does outside of protecting the President. Each book has been unique and suspenseful! That said, I had a harder time getting into this story, since it had a slower start. I feel like you do have to read the previous books to fully know what is going on between Tessa and Zane as they race to figure out who is threatening the President.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Fraser

Fraser JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Fraser by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fraser

Series: The Minnesota Marshalls #1

Author: Susan May Warren

Publisher: SDG Publishing

Release Date: February 14, 2023

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Fraser Marshall is pretty sure his career as a Spec Ops fighter is over. Yes, he’s gone into private security, working for Jones, Inc, but his last gig ended with him wounded and taken captive. And those wounds just won’t heal. The last thing he wants to do is stick around his family’s winery pressing grapes. But what choices does he have?

The answer comes via a panicked phone call from his kid brother, Creed.

Help, Fraser. I’m in over my head…

Yeah he is, because he’s run away with a princess, with her bodyguard hot on the trail. And said bodyguard, Pippa Butler is going to hunt them down, no matter the cost.

Even if she has to join forces with a bossy, arrogant former American SEAL. But Pippa has her own set of lethal skills, and if Fraser gets in the way, she’ll leave him on the side of the road. Still, maybe he’s not a terrible side-kick. He is handsome, and he makes her laugh…

No, no, bad Pippa! She has no room for a man—an American—in her life. And Fraser hasn’t ever considered slowing down. Even if Pippa has him wondering if there is a different future ahead.

But there’s more to the story than a Romeo-and-Juliet runaway romance. Princess Imani has seen a murder, and the perpetrator isn’t going to let her get away. Will Fraser and Pippa find the couple first?

And if they do, can they work together to keep them safe?

It’ll be tough if their hearts get in the way…

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading the adventures of the Montana Marshalls, so I was thrilled to see that the series had another branch off with Fraser kicking off the Minnesota Marshalls. The series starts off with a bang, when Fraser gets caught up with Princess Imani and her bodyguard, Pippa. I thought that the story was well written, full of suspense and adventure. While there are characters from the first series, this can be enjoyed as a stand alone.

I look forward to seeing where this series goes!

I received this book from Just Read tours. This is my honest review.

Also Available

About the Author

Susan May Warren

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanmaywarren.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Fraser and $10 Susan May Warren Store gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 21, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Her One in A Million

While renovating the MacKinnon mansion, Samantha Holt discovers three prized ceramics in a wall. The one in a million find could provide much needed funds for the restoration—and her family's struggling auction business. She calls a Chicago expert for a second opinion.

Zachary Reynolds arrives with his five-year-old daughter in tow, intending to leave with the vases immediately. Partly because the pottery won't reach its six-figure potential in a small-town sale, but mostly because the ceramics will secure his job in an impending merger with a larger firm—and he needs that guaranteed stability for his daughter.

Sam and Zach both need the pottery for very personal reasons, but only one can emerge victorious. As they research the history of the pieces and the mansion, however, the best choice isn’t clear-cut. Add in romantic feelings neither of them expected and things become even more complicated. With the odds stacked against them, can they both achieve the financial and personal success they crave?

My thoughts: I enjoyed returning to this series and the small town draw of Harmony. Reading about the mystery surrounding the vases was interesting, and I love the remodeling that takes place. My husband and I remodeled our old home, though we didn't find any real treasures in the walls.

I could relate to both of the characters, as they struggled to work together while having different plans for the vases. The author does a wonderful job of giving readers the chance to see each of the viewpoints. This is a wonderful continuation of the series!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023