Mirabelle Harbor: You Give Love a Bad Name by Marilyn Brant

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Impression of me when finding a new MB book to read...

Today, we're taking a trip back to Mirabelle Harbor with one of my favorite authors, Marilyn Brant!  It's a series, yes (or rather, YEEEESSSS, with the mandatory fist pump action of awesomeness), but they can be read as standalone titles.  How do I know?  From my own experience, of course!  Let's see, I've read books 1, 5, and now 3, in that very order, and though it's definitely a case for the more the merrier, they worked just fine.  Anywho, getting back on topic...

Our armchair journey started out as my Friday read pick and ended up as my late night-couldn't-put-it-down-until-the-final-epage-was-turned companion.  That's right, it didn't survive the night but could you really blame me?  Well, I guess you could seeing how I haven't actually told you anything about it yet, but trust me, you won't hold it against me when all is said and done.  Ladies and gents, get your wish lists ready because today's title is on deck...

You Give Love a Bad Name

Mirabelle Harbor, Book 3

by

Marilyn Brant

9780996117852

Twelfth Night Publishing

About the book...

"Nothing but love, 24/7" is the slogan of Mirabelle Harbor's only radio station, 102.5 "LOVE" FM. On the verge of turning thirty-five, local DJ Blake Michaelsen is well-known for several reasons: his very sexy on-air voice, his omnipresent family, his eligible bachelor status, and his reputation as one of the most impulsive men in Chicago's northern suburbs.

High-school French teacher and lifelong romantic Vicky Bernier is not at all wild about people who exhibit reckless conduct. (Blake.) Or men who have gigantic egos. (Blake.) Or grownups who still act like teenagers. (Blake, again.) She deals with enough adolescent behavior during the school day. Unfortunately, she's the staff advisor to the Homecoming Committee, and they've chosen him as their DJ for the big fall dance.

What happens when a man whose job it is to play love songs for a living is forced to admit his deepest secret-that he doesn't believe in true love-only to discover that the one woman who might capture his heart is the same woman who distrusts him the most?

No matter what you call it, with love there's an exception to every rule.

    

        

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She's hopeless romantic, teaching the younger generation one of the "love" languages, and holding out for her own Mr. Darcy.  He's got a voice most women melt for, spins the sounds of love for a living, but isn't so much a believer in Mr./Mrs. Right...more so of "right now".  What happens when their two divergent paths meet at a crossroads neither saw coming?  A most unexpected outcome, that's for certain, but one that'll leave them both as believers, one way or another...

Okay, so, I was more cryptic than I intended, but I don't want to spoil it for you!  It's definitely a read to experience first hand (as are the rest of this author's works), and there's nothing worse than having it ruined for you.  Still, this is a review, so I'll endeavor to impart a few thoughts from my own experience without over sharing.  Deal?  Here goes...

...Blake, Blake, Blake, Blake, BLAKE!

Despite that oh-so-hot exterior complete with "I'm-too-mistrusting-of-love-to-tame" air of indifference, I saw your marshmallow center.  The moments of terror you were put through punched holes in your never-growing-up exterior and we SAW YOU for who you really are, or could be if you owned it.  Grant it, there was a short span of time that I really wanted to punch you in the face.  No, it wasn't for the bantering, or the innuendos, it was when you were acting like a total girl even when you got what you wanted.  Yes, I said it.  You were acting like a girl and I say that with the utmost respect for my gender.  After you manned up (or is it better put as OWNED UP to what was really happening), we were square once again and on our way to bliss-ville...and what a trip it turned out to be!

...let's talk about you, Vicky Bernier!

I definitely think we would have been friends had I lived in your (technically fictitious) town.  Your love of animals, ability to hold your tongue despite needling from not-so-grown men, and desire to hold out for a relationship in lieu of a one night stand are all totally respectable traits.  Do I hold it against you that on one particular point, you conceded?  Nope.  In fact, I'm giving you a high five because of it.  It was on YOUR terms.  YOU made the decision.  You weren't coerced into it, or so caught up in the moment that your head was simply turned.  You made a conscious decision and hey, who could blame you?  The fact that it may have backfired in unexpected ways, well now...how could you have POSSIBLY known THAT would happen?  I mean, I know I didn't expect it...and I don't really think THEY did either, know what I mean? 

In the end, their eventual togetherness (though for the moment or forever, who could say?) made a great weekend (or night...definitely night) read.  It's filled with wonderful characters (including a particularly brilliant bartender! ^-^), matters of the heart, window steaming action (though more blush versus full on play by play ....thank you very much!), and a totally awesome (sorry, had to work my 80's in there somewhere...you'll get it when you read it) ending you won't want to miss.  Bookmarks up for Marilyn Brant on another fabulous read fit for her fans, as well as those of Contemporary Romance in general.

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About the author...

Photo Credit: Suzanne German

Marilyn Brant has been told she writes with honesty, liveliness and wit (descriptors she’s grown terribly fond of) about complex, intelligent women — like her friends — and their significant personal relationships. Although her favorite pursuits undoubtedly involve books, she proves she’s not just a literary snob by confessing her lifelong fascination (read: obsession) with popular music, especially from the ’70s & ’80s, most flavors of ice cream, and a variety of sensuous body lotions/oils. Her family believes she’s lost unquantifiable hours to the allure of “Tasty” videos on Facebook, but she refuses to substantiate this claim.

      

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Special thanks to author Marilyn Brant for the ebook for review.  (THANK YOU!) For more information on this title, the author, or her growing body of works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now in "tree" and "e", so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Mirabelle Harbor: One Night Love Affair by Marilyn Brant

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the review spotlight on an ebook novella I recently had the pleasure of reading.  It's BOOK 5 in the Mirabelle Harbor series written by one of my favorite authors, Marilyn Brant!  Seriously, I know I'm fangirling here and all but, I really enjoy her writing, stories, characters, and the whole lot, so yeah...it's totally warranted...not to mention she is an absolute gem to chat with!  So, if you haven't made her acquaintance in some way or another to date, I definitely suggest you change that, STAT.  Anywho, getting back to the title at hand, it's time to direct that spotlight and your attention to today's ebook of choice...

One Night Love Affair

Mirabelle Harbor series, Book 5

by

Marilyn Brant

Twelfth Night Publishing

About the book...

After her first marriage ended in a divorce that left her heart in tiny shreds, Sharlene Michaelsen Boyd vowed to keep her distance from men, at least emotionally. An occasional one-night stand wasn’t out of the question, though, and with her closest friends hooking up with new loves, she finds herself in the mood for a little male company... Being the only sister with four brothers, not to mention the glue holding the Michaelsen family together after the death of their parents, Shar is used to being strong and in control. She’s a junior high English teacher who's persuasive, personable, and who knows just about everyone in the center of Mirabelle Harbor society, including her brother Blake’s super-sexy buddy, Declan Night.

As a former pro hockey player turned sportswriter and businessman, Dec has had his share of relationships, mostly meaningless, short-term flings. He always thought Blake’s little sister was a hottie, but he knew she was off limits—until one Friday night when the stars aligned and the opportunity to hook up presented itself. Shar’s intentions couldn’t have been clearer: This was for One Night Only. But, for the first time in his life, Dec wonders if, maybe, there isn’t something to be said for sticking with just one woman. Especially if that woman knows how to fulfill his every sensual fantasy.

Could one sizzling night turn into a love that has a shot at lasting forever?

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Okay, so full disclosure as always....

...yeah, that.

It's not erotica or anything, but it is pretty steamy, so yeah...no kiddos.  Capiche?  Alrighty then, moving on to the good stuff...

In two words, LOVED IT!

In a few more words...

Shar and Dec WERE made for each other, if not from the start then definitely from experience. Yeah, Blake (older, protective brother) called it like he saw it and was right... though how, and why, you'll have to discover on your own. 😉

I really love how these strong personalities were able to make a non-commitment commitment at first, and then when the flames of love tried to burn through their defenses... well, let's just say they were equally prepared to put them out or let them burn. (Right now I've got this parody song of Let It Go, entitled Let It Burn totally traipsing through my head...he he.) The outside intrusions throughout their "weekend only" (*snort*) get together added humor as well as another depth of love because so many cared for and about them; something helpful to remember when they were bugging the snot out of them to find out what in the world was going on!  It gave the story more depth, something a lot of novellas lack with the space/word count they are given, and though they often leave me wanting (and I would totally adore a longer novel to flesh out the story more and really get into the lives of these fab characters), I wasn't disappointed here in the least, nor do I think you will be.

So, in the end, if you're looking for a great add to your weekend, weeknight, or any other time reads, I highly recommend this one for ADULT contemporary romance fans (definitely some smexy times!).  While it is part of a series and how often have you heard the "it can be read by itself" line, from experience...this one works perfectly well as a stand alone...but really, WHY would you want to leave it at that?  Really, why?

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About the author...

Photo Credit: Suzanne German

Marilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary women’s fiction, romantic comedy & mystery. Her debut novel won RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award (2007), and she was named the Author of the Year (2013) by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She loves all things Jane Austen, has a passion for Sherlock Holmes, is a travel addict and a music junkie, and lives on chocolate and gelato. 

Catch up with her online...

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to author Marilyn Brant for the ebook for review.  (THANK YOU!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, her other works, or those forthcoming, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so grab your copy today to start your romance with this series so you're good and ready for the next!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

BLOG TOUR: The One That I Want by Marilyn Brant - Review + CONTEST!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 Today, we're playing host to a stop along the Xpresso Book Tours promotion for none other than one of my favorite authors, Marilyn Brant!  That's right.  If you haven't made her acquaintance as of yet, I highly suggest you do,  either online or through her written works.  Speaking of those written works, that's exactly what we're here to celebrate.  It's the second addition to her Mirabelle Harbor series, but reads perfectly well as a stand alone; trust me, I should know!  Ready or not, here comes today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

The One That I Want

by

Marilyn Brant

About the book...

The summer after her beloved husband died in a car accident, Julia Meriwether Crane is still picking up the pieces of her life in Mirabelle Harbor and trying to help her ten-year-old daughter adjust to this difficult new reality.

After her best friend Sharlene—one of the well-known Michaelsen siblings—talks her into finally going out on the town again, Julia finds herself stunned to be the object of interest of several different men: The boy who’d broken her heart back in high school. The college ex she’d left behind. And most surprising of all, the movie actor she’d always fantasized about but had never met in person until now. Can one woman have more than one “great love” in the same lifetime? And, if so, how can she be sure which man that’ll be?

Sometimes the person you think will be best for you…isn’t the one you really want. THE ONE THAT I WANT, a Mirabelle Harbor story.

AMAZON   |   APPLE   |   KOBO   |   B&N   |   SMASHWORDS

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The quick version?

The title expresses my sentiments exactly!

But you didn't come here for the quick version, at least not if you've been here before...

I was on Twitter perusing my feed and my eyes lighted upon a tweet from none other than author Marilyn Brant regarding an upcoming tour for her latest release.  I paused long enough to reread the 140 characters or less and immediately expressed my interest, after all....I've pretty much loved everything else I've read from this author's repetoire so I had a good idea of what I was getting myself into.  A few hundred keystrokes later and I was in.  *fist pump*  Then came the reading...

My immediate impressions were that Julia was a likable lead.  She carried herself well, was a good friend to all (but her bestie Shar was someone we should all be lucky enough to have in our corner), a great mother, and someone I would gladly call friend.  She may have been a bit of a pushover in some areas, but where it truly counted, she was a superstar.  Now, enter into the equation two boyfriends-of-years-past, and one heart throb superstar she had always dreamed of meeting one day.  Put all of them together and imagine them vying for our girl's attention....yeah.  Julia manages to keep her head about her, though being a tad more forceful in her no-go-away-and-never-come-back vibes would have helped end Kristopher's infatuation sooner rather than later (guy can not take a clue!), but that doesn't mean that's the end of her potential love story.  There's plenty of time for the tide to turn and what once seemed impossible, then improbable, to turn into reality...or is it?

I admit, I was as skeptical of Dane as Julia was, maybe even more so.  I truly didn't know whether to believe him or not, especially after his little revelation on how he views acting, but then he'd come off with something like this...

“I don’t find you boring, Julia. And, don’t take this the wrong way, but you aren’t exactly my idea of ‘normal’ either. You might have been as a teen— I didn’t know you then— but you grew up into someone with an exceptional soul.” 

...and I'd be smitten all over again.  The way he treats her daughter, as a person, someone to be counted, is beyond sweet, as was the fact that he sought Julia out in the first place after being such an a**hat.  It spoke volumes about his character, actor or not.  Then we have the time they spent together in the old neighborhood, the personal revelations shared with no ulterior motives...he introduces her to the BEST brownies in the known world for crying out loud!  What more could you ask for?

In the end, I was swept away once again and happy to have spent time in the creative mind of a writer who really knows her craft.  She creates characters we can truly feel, so much so that we're wishing on the stars with them, hoping for a happy ending despite the odds staring us in the face, and falling for that magical moment into the void that love creates.  Can it last for the proverbial girl next door and the big time star?  There's definitely more than a little shaky ground to navigate, but you never can tell... (unless you've read it like I have and simply WON'T tell because it would spoil the surprise ^-^)  Recommended read for Women's Fiction and Contemporary Romance fans in their older teens and beyond.

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About the author...

Marilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary women’s fiction, romantic comedy & mystery. She was named the Author of the Year (2013) by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She loves all things Jane Austen, has a passion for Sherlock Holmes, is a travel addict and a music junkie, and lives on chocolate and gelato. Look for all of the contemporary romances in her new Mirabelle Harbor series, beginning July 2015!

SITE   |   TWITTER   |   FACEBOOK   |   GOODREADS

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Special thanks to author Marilyn Brant and the entire crew at Xpresso Book Tours for both the review copy and the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on THIS TOUR, the title, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Book 1 in the series, Take a Chance on Me, is also available so should you wish to start at the beginning or simply get so caught up in this read that it becomes a necessary and desired addition to your "wish list", there is that option as well.  ^-^

In the mean time fair readers, I leave you with best wishes and a CHANCE TO WIN!  Surprised you didn't I?  You're welcome...but the thanks doesn't truly go to me.  It's a tour wide giveaway for your chance to win a SIGNED copy of Take a Chance on Me, a Marilyn Brant T-shirt, and specialty chocolate!  Talk about a triple threat prize pack!  If I wasn't hosting, I know I'd be entering, so do yourself a favor and enter.  You know you want to.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time...happy reading!