Happy post Hump Day! To off set your mid-week winter blahs (for those of you in the northern hemisphere), I have two romantic reads sure to perk you up. If you’re in the southern hemisphere, enjoying sunshine and warmth, these are perfect companions to take to the beach or pool. Both are new releases and both were penned by Story Empire colleagues. How cool is that? Naturally, I am super excited to share!
POUR IT ON
Keystone Couples #2
by Staci Troilo
One of my favorite types of stories are those built around misunderstandings, especially when it involves mistaken identity. Staci Troilo has penned a gem that dishes up—an appropriate pun for a tale centered in a restaurant—generous servings of humor and romance.
Restaurant owner, Romy Chandler, has lost her sommelier right before a huge meet-and-greet, and I do mean RIGHT before. Plus, Valentine’s Day is lingering around the corner. Rick Santucci is a vintner who needs to get his wine into the right establishments to grow his winery. Do you sense the stars aligning?
That’s all well and good, but Troilo, who has a deft touch with couples’ romance, isn’t about to let things proceed smoothly. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but let’s just say this short tale will warm your heart while tickling your funny bone. The dialogue is fast and flirty, the scenes stacking like dominos that tumble into a brilliant HEA ending.
Grab a glass of your favorite pinot or merlot, settle into a comfy seat, then Pour it On with this enchanting story that will leave you laughing on the sidelines and rooting for the characters. Troilo is a master of her craft who always delivers a polished tale. I can’t wait for the next Keystone Couples novella!
JAGGED FEATHERS
The White Rune Series #2
By Jan Sikes
Vann Noble is an ex-solider, suffering from PTSD, living off the grid in an isolated cabin. His companion is a stray dog nearly as damaged as he is, but with the same stalwart and loyal heart as Vann’s.
When Vann crosses paths with Nakina Bird—a woman clearly fleeing a dangerous situation—he’s determined to help her. Soon both are on the run, fleeing gunmen bent on retrieving a mysterious package Nakina was given by her former boss.
What stands out in this slick romance most is the time the author invested in her characters. It’s wonderful seeing how Vann and Nakina, both damaged in their own way, find themselves drawing closer together. Nakina also has a psychic gift and is tuned into the metaphysical. Symbols and signs are deftly woven into the plot, including a white rune stone that appeared in Ghostly Interference, book one in this series.
I liked seeing familiar characters return and meeting new ones. Champion, Vann’s dog, stole my heart with his devotion to Nakina. Most of all, the message of love over adversity and the commitment of two souls joining together shines through. The HEA is well-deserved and left me with a warm smile. I’m already looking forward to Colt’s story in the final book of the series. If you love romance woven with suspense and characters who will have you cheering, Jagged Feathers is an ideal read. Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention I love how the author wove the title into the story. A thoroughly enjoyable and romantic read.
Great reviews, Mae 🙂 I loved both of these stories!
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Thanks for adding your recommendation, Denise. Both kept me thoroughly entertained!
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Thank you, Denise!
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They sound happy reads!
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Yep. They both left me with a feel-good glow, Fraggle!
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Terrific reviews, Mae! I’ve got both books loaded on my Kindle. I’m looking forward to reading both stories. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy them, Jill. Both are great stories. Happy Reading!
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Great to hear, Jill! I hope you enjoy them both!
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Two wonderful reviews, Mae. I haven’t read Jagged Feathers (yet!), but I did get a chance to read Pour It On and laughed a lot, loved the humor!
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I loved the humor in Pour it On too, Priscilla. Staci handled it with a deft touch.
And I’m sure you’ll enjoy Jagged Feathers. I really loved the two leads.
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Great reviews, Mae. I loved Pour it On. I’m about halfway through Jagged Feathers and I’m enjoying it as well.
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Great to hear, Joan. Those additional testimonials are always welcome. Happy Reading!
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Thank you for your comment, Joan! I’m so glad you are enjoying Jagged Feathers!
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Wonderful reviews, Mae. Congratulations to Jan and Staci.
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Thank you, Craig. Staci and Jan both deserve a round of applause for these stories!
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Thank you, Craig!
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Two great reviews. Congrats to Staci and Jan. I adored Pour it On and will have to check out Jagged Feathers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mae 💕🙂
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I always love sharing reviews of good books, Harmony. Thanks for adding your boost to Pour it On, and I know you’ll enjoy Jagged Feathers. Happy Reading!
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Thank you, Harmony!
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Thank you, Mae, for sharing your reviews. I loved Pour It On, but I’ve yet to read Jagged Feathers. It’s on my TBR list. Congratulations to both authors! 😊
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Pour it On really seems to have many fans. Thanks for adding your endorsement too, Gwen. And I know Jan will be excited to hear Jagged Feathers is on your TBR. It’s an entertaining read!
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Thank you, Gwen. I hope you enjoy Jagged Feathers!
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I always enjoy a happily ever after story and when you add in well-developed characters and tickles to my funny bone, how could I possibly not put them on my TBR? Excellent reviews, Mae!
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These both have wonderful HEA’s Tessa, and Pour it On is loaded with humor. Every now and then I enjoy a diversion from the really heavy stuff and this little book is top-notch.
Vann and Ninka both have issues in Jagged Feathers they need to overcome, but I knew they were guaranteed an HEA at the end.
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Thank you, Lady Tessa!! I hope you enjoy both of these stories!
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Congratulations to Staci and Jan!
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Thanks for adding your congrats, Sharon! I know both authors appreciate it!
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Thank you, Sharon!
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Fabulous reviews, Mae! I just finished Staci’s novella (while drinking my fav cabernet!), and Jan’s is on my list. Congrats to both of them!
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HaHa! There’s no better way to enjoy Pour it On then with your favorite vintage, Teri. 🙂
I know Jan will appreciate hearing Jagged Feathers is on your read list. Both are such good reads!
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I laughed at your comment about your fav cabernet while reading Pour It On! 🙂 Such a great story. And, I hope you enjoy Jagged Feathers whenever you get to it!
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Mae, thank you so much for that amazing review. And what a delight to be showcased with Jan today. I really enjoyed her novel and am cheering her on.
Your words made my day. Much, much appreciated. 💕
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I’m thrilled to feature reviews for you and Jan today, Staci. I love supporting authors, but when I can give a boost to my SE colleagues, that’s even better. And Pour it On was pure gold! Such a delight!
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I feel the same way about all authors and especially SE authors.
Thanks again for all the kind words and never-ending support.
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❤
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Thank you, Staci! I feel the exact same way. It’s an honor to be here with you!
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❤️
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Congratulations, Jan and Staci, for the great reviews! I always enjoy your well-crafted reviews, Mae. Thank you for sharing.
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So glad you enjoyed the reviews, Mark. These are two excellent stories penned by fab authors. I just had to share my thoughts! 🙂
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Thank you, Mark!
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I’m hoping to finish the book I’m reading tonight, then I can read Staci’s. It’s been on my Kindle, waiting for me. Jan’s book sounds wonderful, too. I enjoy symbols and signs:)
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Judi, I know you’re going to enjoy both of these. Pour it On is so much fun, and there are plenty of symbols and signs in Jagged Feathers to add to the wonderful plot lines. I wish you happy reading!
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Thank you for stopping by, Judi Lynn. If you decide to pick up Jagged Feathers, I hope you enjoy it!
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Super reviews, Mae! I’m happy to say I have both of these books awaiting me. Now to find more time for reading! I’m still catching up on things to do that accumulated everywhere during my last breakthrough bout with you-know-what. But catchup I will! And then, my reading time will be a bit more generous, and I’ll start catching up with the goodies on my Kindle as well.
Congratulations Staci and Jan on these two great reviews! And best wishes to both of you for the loads and loads of sales! Sounds like you’ve earned them, to me! ☺❤
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Marcia, I know both Staci and Jan will appreciate hearing their books are on your read list. Those darn things are never under control, are they, LOL? But they are great for when life gives us a window to relax and read. I know you will enjoy both of these when you have a moment. Stay healthy and well, and thanks for adding your congrats for Staci and Jan!
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So happy to hear Jagged Feathers and Pour It On are on your TBR list, Marcia. Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing your reviews, Mae! Both of these gems are at the top of my must read list!
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That’s fantastic to hear, Mar. I know both Staci and Jan will like hearing that. Happy Reading!
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Whoo hoo!! I’m honored, Marlena! Thank you!
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I don’t think it comes as a surprise!! *insert lol emoji, followed by wink emoji*
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Lovely reviews Mae. I loved Pour it On. Congratulations to Staci and Jan.
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I think it’s great we both have reviews of Pour it On up on our blogs today. It’s a 2-FER, LOL.
Thanks for adding your congrats for Staci and Jan.
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“Great minds think alike” comes to my mind in such situations. 😀
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🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Balroop!
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Great reviews – wish I was into romance!
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I don’t read much of it myself, Noelle, but every now and then I like a good romantic read and these both fit the ticket. Pour it On is also just a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. I love how light-hearted it was.
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I keep reading about these two books. They sound excellent. And your reviews are enticing.
Loved your post over at Story Empire about borrowing books through Libby.
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Both Pour it On and Jagged Feathers are excellent reads, Jacqui, and both have been getting a lot of well deserved buzz in the blogosphere.
Oh! I’m so glad you enjoyed the Libby post on SE. That app is a gem! I loved sharing about it and introducing it to readers who weren’t familiar with it. One of the better apps I’ve downloaded in a long time!
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Terrific reviews, Mae! Wow, I read two reviews of Pour it On this morning. It surely urge me to put it on top of the Kindle. I love Staci’s No Such Luke. Congratulations to Staci and Jan.
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I saw Balroop’s review of Pour it On this morning too, Miriam. I think it’s great we both reviewed the book on the same day.
And Jan’s Jagged Feathers is a treasure, too. Thanks for adding your congrats for both authors!
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Thank you, Miriam!
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Great reviews, Mae. Congratulations to Staci and Jan.
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Thank you, John! I love sharing reviews, especially from my SE family!
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😁
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Thank you, John!
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Can’t get over what fantastic book titles these are! (Great covers too.) They sound good. Thanks for sharing!
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Aren’t those titles and covers great, Betsy? Both are enough to draw me in, but the stories are beautifully crafted too. Thanks for checking out the reviews!
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Thank you, Betsy. I do think my cover designer did a fabulous job! And I love Staci’s cover, too!
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I am so honored to be sitting here with Staci in the review spotlight! Thank you so much, Mae, for your kind words about Jagged Feathers. And I agree 100% on your thoughts about Pour It On! A fabulous story!
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That’s so kind of you, Jan. On all counts. Thanks. Hugs!
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I really enjoyed the story, Jan. Vann and Nakina are both such great characters, and Champion stole my heart! You and Staci really kept me entertained. I’m delighted to share my reviews today!
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HI Mae, reviews of two lovely sounding books. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for visiting to check them out, Robbie. I really enjoyed both!
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Terrific reviews, Mae. They both sound amazing. Congrats to Staci and Jan!
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They were both very entertaining, Sue. Thanks for checking out the reviews!
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Terrific reviews Mae and have both waiting to be enjoyed.. congratulations Staci and Jan.. xx
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy both of these, Sally, and I know Staci and Jan will appreciate they’re on your read list!
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I thoroughly enjoyed Staci’s book (but then it’s Staci, so 🙂 ) and look forward to reading Jagged Feathers. Congrats to the authors on the wonderful reviews!
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Thanks for checking out the reviews, Jacquie. Staci did tell a wonderful tale (she always does), and I know you’ll enjoy Jan’s latest too. The two leads are wonderful. Happy reading!
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Thanks for sharing these wonderful reviews with us, Mae. Bravo to Jan and Staci! Cheers to all! 🙂
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Hi, Natalie! Thanks for dropping by to check out the reviews. Both stories kept me riveted and entertained!
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I look forward to reading both of these books by these authors. Thanks so much for the reviews, Mae.
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Thanks, Flossie. I’m glad you dropped by to check them out. They’re both perfect for Valentine’s Day!
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