Six Tinder Weeks by Bena Roberts (VBT: Book Review)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Six Tinder Weeks by author Bena Roberts!

Book Review

Six Tinder Weeks by Bena Roberts

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: December 9, 2017

Format: Paperback - 177 pages

               Kindle - 1786 KB

ISBN: 978-1973494232

ASIN: B0782MDCFT
Genre: Chick Lit / Romantic Comedy / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Amazon - US (Buy for $.99 or Free on Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon - UK

Amazon - Germany

Goodreads

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

Book Description:

Forty-something scientist Helen leaves her husband after twenty uninspired years of marriage. Plagued with making the wrong decisions she looks towards holistic therapy and the universe to guide her choices. She meets hairdresser Alex and takes his advice to download the dating app SPRK.

Helen embarks on a voyage of self-discovery, paganism, hedonism, and desire. What could go wrong? Well for one secret agent CJ is convinced that Helen is part of a notorious Romanian smuggling gang.

Six Tinder Weeks is not the usual romantic novel; it is realistic fiction full of twists, turns that will make you laugh out loud. If you like something different, then you will enjoy this Pandora's box of love, action and the unexpected.


My Book Review:

If you are looking for a sassy romantic comedy to while away a cold winter afternoon, then look no further, Six Tinder Weeks by author Bena Roberts is just what you need!

In Six Tinder Weeks, the reader is transported to Frankfurt, Germany where they meet forty-year-old Helen, who has decided to leave her husband and their twenty miserable years of marriage. Helen takes the reader along for the ride as she goes on a journey of self-discovery filled with humor and quirky trials and errors that will keep the reader in stitches. From changing her hairstyle to following her hair stylist's suggestion to join the online dating site SPKR filled with hilarious hookups, to getting a holistic treatment, Helen is a hot mess but along the way she learns a lot about herself and discovers what she really wants.

I really enjoyed reading this fun story, it's relatable and you can't help but get what Helen is going through in her life. The author does a great job of providing the reader with richly vivid descriptions of various European cities (Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Prague) while inserting a lot of quirky humor into the trials and tribulations that Helen endures during a six-week timeframe of finding herself. Add in the mix a host of characters (younger sister Portia, ex-husband Edward, hairstylist Alex, secret agent and SPKR member CJ Ramsey, and the other crazy SPKR dudes), and you have a truly fun romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud and leave a smile on your face ... well except for the cliffhanger ending that involves CJ and leaves you wondering if a sequel is in the works.

I would be remiss if I didn't applaud the author for weaving a realistic tale that anyone can relate to when it comes to the ups and downs of life and relationships. From middle age changes of hairstyles, to attempting to navigate the slippery slope of online dating sites, to figuring out who you are and what you want out of life and relationships, author Bena Roberts knocks this story out of the park!


RATING: 4 STARS 

About The Author

Bena is an expat British woman living with her family in Germany. She was a journalist, blogger, and analyst as well as CEO of quite a few geeky companies. She is a bookworm, gym bunny and partial to dry Italian red wine.

Bena's passion for writing began as a child in the cozy corner of her parent's bookshop in London. She grew up reading Sidney Sheldon, Judy Blume, and Marian Keyes. Six Tinder Weeks is her debut novel and is realistic fiction that will appeal to women, mums and especially those just divorced.


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Virtual Book Tour

Six Tinder Weeks by Bena Roberts (VBT Event Page Link)

Tour Schedule:

January 15 – Chick Lit Plus - Review
January 16 – Chick Lit Goddess – Novel Spotlight
January 17 – Book Lover in Florida – Review
January 18 – Beauty Books and Cats With Brooke – Review
January 18 – Tranquil Reader – Review
January 19 – Rainy Day Reviews – Review
January 19 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review

Cardinal Cabin by Joanne DeMaio (Book Review)

Cardinal Cabin by Joanne DeMaio

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: PB - September 10, 2017 / eBook - September 12, 2017

Format: Paperback - 268 pages

               Kindle - 2035 KB

               Nook - 1 MB

ISBN: 978-1548161712

ASIN: B074DZSDFS
BNID: 2940158587443

Genre: Holiday Romance / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Audible

iTunes

Kobo

Goodreads

Book Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes a heartwarming novel as merry and bright as a red-feathered cardinal taking flight.

Frank Lombardo's never been spontaneous. The closest he's come was accepting a side job chopping firewood for a lakeside community of rustic cabins. But with another lonely holiday season imminent, Frank's sister urges him to be spontaneous because, seriously, who does he ever expect to meet out in the woods?

With a suitcase in hand and a bit of reluctance, too, Penny Hart arrives at Cardinal Cabin on Snowflake Lake. It's only for a brief stay, though nobody knows where she is. Not her boss, not her friends...

Only Frank Lombardo. As the two unexpectedly meet at Addison's hidden hideaway, a spontaneous kiss sets everything amiss. But can the magic of this quaint New England town keep these snowy sweethearts together?

Cardinal Cabin is an enchanting tale about finding love where you least expect it. So come on inside. A cozy fire crackles, lights twinkle on the evergreen tree, snowflakes tap at the windowpanes, and little redbirds bring cheer this time of year.

Book Excerpt:

Click on the link to read an excerpt from Cardinal Cabin: http://a.co/3znhp9R

My Book Review:

In Cardinal Cabin, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader to the tranquil small New England town of Addison, Connecticut for a heartwarming Christmas tale of family, friendship, and finding unexpected love.

Penny Hart is a travel agent at Suitcase Escapes in Addison. She is a reluctant travel agent who doesn't like to leave the comfort of her home. But when her boss Ross recruits her for a holiday travel mystery promotion called "Where in New England is Penny?" Penny finds herself renting a bird-themed cabin (Cardinal Cabin), providing photo clues of her mystery location for two weeks leading up to Christmas at Snowflake Lake, a secluded lakeside community that is Addison's well-kept and treasured secret.

Frank Lombardo and his sister Gina own Addison Boathouse, which serves a dual purpose of boat storage on the lower level and a banquet hall on the upper level that has become the town's premier waterfront venue. Between the duties at the boathouse and a side job as a handyman at the lakeside cabin community of Snowflake Lake, Frank has no time for romance. But Gina wants her brother to loosen up, be spontaneous, and take a chance at finding love.

A walk in the snow-covered woods of Snowflake Lake provides an unexpected meeting between Penny and Frank that ends in a spontaneous kiss. Who would guess that this secluded lakeside community would help their relationship blossom into something more as a secretive travel promotion, the magic of cardinals and the mystique of little cardinal themed cabin by the lake, and Addison's holiday spirit gives them an unexpected chance at finding love?

Cardinal Cabin is a wonderful Christmas story that will tug at the heartstrings and fill the reader with seasonal joy. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a spellbinding tale set in the quaint New England town of Addison Cove, Connecticut, that captivates the reader's attention with a heartwarming romance. This delightful holiday tale has a rich description of the breathtaking small town setting, holiday tradition, lovely cardinals, Christmas decorations, and delicate swirls of snowflakes. Penny and Frank's find an unexpected chance at love as their story unfolds in a magical way that will make the reader believe in the power of love and friendship, and the joy of the holiday season.

There are not enough words that I can express about the simplicity and beauty in which author Joanne DeMaio weaves her wonderful heartwarming and multi-layered stories that are filled with a mixture of love, friendship, family, and life's unexpected special moments, it is simply breathtaking. As the readers follow Penny and Frank's story, they will discover the delightful secluded lakeside hideaway cardinal cabin, it is simply magical!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much this wonderful story spoke to my heart, especially because of my love of cardinals. When I saw that the author wrote a holiday novel with a cardinal theme, I knew it would become my favorite story, and I wasn't disappointed. The richly vivid description of the town of Addison and the hidden hideaway beauty of the bird-themed cabin lakeside community of Snowflake Lake is phenomenal, you'll yearn to visit the area and watch the lovely cardinals flit among the snow-capped tree branches. Ms. DeMaio has a special gift for transporting the readers into every story that she weaves while leaving them yearning for more!

Cardinal Cabin is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas. It is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for a very long time.


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love, and choices while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Currently at work on her next book, Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut.

Joanne's novels include the New York Times Bestseller Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans; Whole Latte Life, a Kirkus Reviews Critics' Pick; Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes, a USA Today Bestseller; True Blend; The Denim Blue Sea; and Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer. Her latest summer books are Beach Blues, Beach Breeze, and The Beach Inn. Her latest wintry novel is Cardinal Cabin.

For a complete list of books and to learn more about the author, visit Joannedemaio.com. She also enjoys hearing from readers on her Facebook Page.


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Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean (Virtual Book Blast Event / Contest Giveaway)

In association with I Am A Reader, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book blast event for Hothouse Flower by Author Taylor Dean!

About The Book

Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean 
Book 3: Sound of Silence Series
Publisher: Taylor Dean Books
Publication Date: January 1, 2018
Format: Paperback - 236 pages
               Kindle - 949 KB
ISBN: 978-1548351229
ASIN: B078KPY7WH
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Buy The Book: 
Amazon
Goodreads

Buy The Series:
Book 1: Stone Silence
Book 2: Jailbird
Book 3: Hothouse Flower (Pub Date: January 1, 2018)
Amazon

Goodreads

Book Description:

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart.

I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.


Absolutely nothing.

Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.

The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series:

Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story 

Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story 

Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story

Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. 

They are not standalone and should be read in order.

Book Excerpt:

Read an excerpt from HOTHOUSE FLOWER:

Excerpt #1:

I'LL BE RIGHT down to help with dinner, Mom,” I holler. It will just be a few minutes because I’m busy staring out the window at the man I’ve loved nearly all my life.

He’s home. He’s actually home—just across the street from me, only yards away. I swear I can physically feel his presence and it’s killing me.

Jace Faraday. The love of my youth.

He just arrived at his mother’s house across the street. It’s early evening and I’m watching from my upstairs bedroom window just like I used to do as a teenager. All those old feelings I had for him are rushing over me just as strong as ever. Except now I’m a twenty-six year old woman and, sadly, I feel as though I’m too old to feel giddy over a man.

He is the one man in my life that I have ever truly loved. I loved everything about him from his huge smile to his soft voice to his fabulous laugh. I loved his brawny physique, yet the fact that he had such a gentle touch.

I loved his sense of humor the most of all. When we first started to say I love you to each other, they were serious moments and I knew he meant it as much as I did. As time went by, I would whisper I love you to him and he’d respond in a silly voice, “And I’ve grown fond of you.” It reduced me to a writhing mass of giggles every time.

I was young when I first met him. His family moved in across the street when I was in kindergarten. By the time I was in fifth grade, I was sure he was the man I would marry. I was just a little girl with stars in her eyes, someone who was in love with love. By then Jace was in the eighth grade and seemed larger than life to me.

That feeling of hero worship I felt as a little girl has never left me.

Excerpt #2:

“I apologize if that embarrassed you. That’s what creepy ex-boyfriends are for though. If you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find that I’m right.”

“That’s the exact definition?” I ask.

“In a nutshell. I believe it reads: A hideous creature made to embarrass and humiliate his former girlfriend during every single moment of her life. Warning: They should all be hunted down and killed.”

A half smile escapes. “That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

“Maybe. I promise to try my best to not stand outside of your window in the middle of the night with a boom box over my head.”

This time he makes me laugh aloud. “Just out of curiosity, what would the song be?”

“Oh, you know, a rousing rendition of George Michael belting out Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. After all, I’d have to wake you up before getting all romantic with my song choice.”

“So . . . what would the romantic song be?” I have to know.

“Don’t make me say it.”

“You brought it up. Don’t leave me hanging.”

“It would have to be . . . I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Not many know it, but it’s a gem of a song. It says everything that’s in my heart.”

It’s his ability to say silly things with a deadpan voice that makes him so funny. To me, at least. No one else ever laughs at his jokes quite like I do. I slap his arm playfully and Brit burrows deeper into his shoulder. “I’d go back to bed.”

“I’d resort to drastic measures then.”

“What drastic measures?”

“I’d have to pull out the Barry Manilow. He’s only to be used in rare moments and with extreme caution.”

About The Author

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

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Contest Giveaway

Blast Giveaway Details: $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/21/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 


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Virtual Book Blast Event

Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean ~ Book Blast Event Page Link