Random Review: No Quick Fix by Mary Calmes #Review #Giveaway

Title: No Quick Fix
Author: Mary Calmes
Self-Published
Publication date: March 19, 2019
Length: 322 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

A retired SEAL is about to face his toughest assignment yet. As a nanny…

Fixer. Bodyguard. Advocate. Brann Calder is expected to play all these roles and more as a member of Torus Intercession, a security firm guaranteed to right what’s wrong. In the military, catastrophe was his specialty. Five months out of the service, Brann is still finding his way, so a new assignment might be just what he needs. Unless it includes two things sure to make a seasoned, battle-trained veteran nervous: life in a small town, and playing caretaker to two little girls.

Emery Dodd is drowning in the responsibility of single fatherhood. He’s picked up the pieces after losing his wife and is ready to move on now, hopeful that his engagement to a local patriarch’s daughter will not only enrich his community but will grant his daughters some stability too.

The only thing standing in Emery’s way is that he can’t he seem to keep his eyes—and hands—off the former soldier he’s hired to watch his girls until the wedding.

Emery’s future is riding on his upcoming nuptials, but being with Brann makes him and his family feel whole again. Too bad there’s no way for them to be together.

Or is there?

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Review

I don't know about y'all but to me, there is absolutely NOTHING better than a new Mary Calmes book. She is, without a doubt, one of the VERY few authors I will drop every single thing I am doing or have to do to read her new book. Be it dinner, or sleep or, shhhh ... work! ... I can't resist the temptation of falling into whatever world Mary has brought to life. Here's the thing about Mary's books that keeps me coming back for more and more. It's knowing, with absolute certainty, what I'm going to get from her books. I'm going to get a cast full of entertaining, unforgettable characters. There's going to be banter that will make me laugh out loud and scenes so touching and emotional they will bring tears to my eyes. Sure, some parts are a bit (or a lot depending on your perspective) over the top and there will most definitely be some insta-love, but you know what? I don't mind any of that in the least because Mary's books are my happy place. They're the kind of books that leave me happy and filled with sunshiney warmth, and I will smile for hours when I'm done. It's why for me, and for so many others, I re-read her books over and over again and never tire of them. Her new book, No Quick Fix is going to be at the top of that re-read pile because damn did I love me some Brann and Emery and those adorable kids! 

Ex-SEAL Brann Calder never could have imagined after spending years in life or death situations he'd wind up in a small town in Montana as a manny for two adorable little girls. Or that he'd be so freaking good at it! Brann effortlessly, it seems, falls into the role except for one tiny problem. He can't stop staring at their dad, Emery Dodd. Handsome, kind, and gentle, Emery is irresistible (almost as irresistible as his daughters!) but for one thing ... he's straight. Or so Brann thinks. So, he does what he must in regard to Emery and concentrates on Olivia and April and makes himself utterly irreplaceable to not only Emery and the girls but to the entire town. And like all of Mary’s books, everyone loves Brann. But really, how could they not? He’s charming and witty, snappy with the comebacks, is great with the girls, and is mostly clueless to the way Emery is always looking at him and touching him.

Like with all of Mary’s books, No Quick Fix is told only in Brann’s single point of view but Brann is such a wonderful character that is so much fun you don’t need anyone else. Mary’s writing is as flawless as ever. Her timing, the romance, the banter, the massive amounts of dialog that flows effortlessly, that feeling of coming home and being among friends—all of it is on display from beginning to end. I can not wait to get the next book in this series and fall in love with whoever stars in that one, but they’re going to have to work hard to top Brann and Emery!

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Audiobook Review: His Consort by Mary Calmes Narrated by Scott Smith #Review #Giveaway

Author: Mary Calmes
Narrator: Scott Smith
Title: His Consort
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication date: December 20, 2018
Length: 6 hours 33 minutes

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

A new life in New Orleans is all Jason Thorpe had hoped: His quaint little store attracts a devoted staff, and his warm, loving heart grants him a loyal circle of friends. He's perfectly content, having left behind the chill of a confusing and danger-filled night in Washington, until he discovers something unbelievable lurking in the steamy darkness of the shadowy streets of the Vieux Carré, something that turns out to be terrifying...and utterly mesmerizing.
The prince of the vampires, Varic Maedoc, is visiting New Orleans when he finds out the man who once helped his counselor is there in the Quarter. He thinks to simply meet and thank Jason - until he lays eyes on him. Varic's devoted himself to protect the honor of his race, and he's never wanted a mate before...but he immediately knows he must have this man, and no one else will do.
Varic may want to bring Jason safely into his world, but someone who doesn't like the human's soothing influence on vampires has deadly plans that would disrupt Varic's dreams. Now, unable to tell friend from foe, Jason finds himself wondering how to hold on to the prince's heart when he's fighting for his life.

Purchase on Audible

Review

As a die hard audiobook fan, it's always SUCH a pleasure when a favorite author and a favorite narrator team up for the first time. As any avid (or rabid, depending on your word preference!) listener knows, a narrator can make or break a story. Sometimes a narrator can bring the characters to life in such a way that they resonate on a deeper level than just reading the words on a page and other times, if the narrator and the author and characters don't mesh well, the audio falls flat. In the case of Mary Calmes' His Consort, Scott Smith did more than deliver a stellar performance. He made me fall in love with Jason Thorpe and Varic Maedoc all over again and left me wanting more. 

Scott Smith is one of those special narrators that just brings so much to add to your listening experience. The tone of his voice, the accents he uses, the pacing and cadence of the story combined with his unique inflections and the emotions that come through loud and clear in each scene all add to the enjoyment of listening to him. I'm a big fan of accents when they're done well, and Scott Smith is one of the best. He has a very unique way of making each voice match the character which is really what you want from a voice actor. Mary's books always wind up on my list of favorite audio books, and His Consort is no different. I am sure I'll listen to this one many times to come.

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Random Review: His Consort by Mary Calmes #Review #Giveaway

Author: Mary Calmes
Title: His Consort
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication Date: November 20, 2018
Length: 284 pages 

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

A new life in New Orleans is all Jason Thorpe had hoped: his quaint little store attracts a devoted staff and his warm, loving heart grants him a loyal circle of friends. He's perfectly content, having left behind the chill of a confusing and danger-filled night in Washington, until he discovers something unbelievable lurking in the steamy darkness of the shadowy streets of the Vieux Carré, something that turns out to be terrifying... and utterly mesmerizing.

The prince of the vampyrs, Varic Maedoc, is visiting New Orleans when he finds out the man who once helped his counselor is there in the Quarter. He thinks to simply meet and thank Jason—until he lays eyes on him. Varic’s devoted himself to protect the honor of his race, and he's never wanted a mate before... but he immediately knows he must have this man, and no one else will do.

Varic may want to bring Jason safely into his world, but someone who doesn’t like the human's soothing influence on vampyrs has deadly plans that would disrupt Varic's dreams. Now, unable to tell friend from foe, Jason finds himself wondering how to hold on to the prince’s heart when he’s fighting for his life.

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Amazon

Review

So what do you do when one of your all-time favorite authors writes a new book that's about a subject that's not on your go-to list of favorites? Well if that author is none other than the ever fabulous Mary Calmes you read the book anyway! I'll be honest, vampire books are not my usual thing, but when I found out Mary was going to be writing one, I knew I was going to read it. And boy am I glad I did! His Consort is every single thing I love about a Mary Calmes book with the added spiciness of blood, a teeny bit of violence, and the New Orleans setting was perfect for the vibe of the story. 

Mary is the QUEEN of single, first person POV and I fell in love with Jason right away. He's an ex-Special Forces soldier and has moved to New Orleans for a new start. It doesn't take long for him to start noticing the unusual things around him. The unusual things are, of course, vampyrs. I really enjoyed the way Mary gave us the back story and the world building she did to set the scene. Yes, it was a lot of information but in her usual way, it flowed seamlessly and really helped immerse me into the world and the story. Jason is adorable and in typical Mary fashion, finds himself in the midst of trouble without even knowing how he got there. The thing about a Calmes book is you know what you're going to get without even reading the first page. It doesn't make her books ordinary though, and even though there is insta-love and a huge cast of secondary characters with lots of humor and sexy times and sharp, fast paced dialogue, each book of hers is just so much fun. His Consort is no different. Yeah, once Jason figures out what's going on around him and that vampyrs are among his daily life, it doesn't take him long to become a central figure. Enter the vampyr prince, Varic. These two had chemistry like whoa and with the added element of blood and being a mate and the paranormal, it was even more intense. 

This is a fun book. There was lots of action, lovable characters who I want more of *hint Mary ... Hadrian and Tiago please and thank you!* , and a swoony romance that was to die for. I am so glad Mary tried something new and I can only hope this is the first book of a series because I know I'm not alone in wanting more of this world. 

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Release Day Review: Twisted and Tied by Mary Calmes #Review #Giveaway

Author: Mary Calmes
Title: Twisted and Tied
Series: Marshals #4
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication Date: March 13, 2018
Length: 266 pages

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

Deputy US Marshal Miro Jones finally has everything he ever wanted. He’s head-over-heels in love and married to the man of his dreams, his partner Ian Doyle, he’s doing well at work, and all his friends are in good places as well. Things are all tied up nicely… until they’re not.

Change has never been easy for Miro, and when situations at work force the team he’s come to depend on to break apart, and worst of all, his and Ian’s individual strengths put them on two separate paths, he’s pretty certain everything just went up in smoke. But before he can even worry about the future, his past comes for a visit, shaking his world up even more. It’s hard to tell what road he should truly be on, but as he learns some paths are forged and others are discovered, it might be that where he's going is the right course after all. If he can navigate all the twists and turns, he and Ian might just get their happily ever after.

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Review

As a long time fan of Mary Calmes, there's really nothing sadder than when she reaches the end of a series. Her characters always feel like family and friends and their lives are so vividly written it's SO HARD to say good bye. This time it's not any easier. Ian Doyle and Miro Jones became fan (and my own!) favorites from Book 1 and I have fallen more and more in love with these guys with each book. I wasn't sure what to expect in Twisted and Tied, but Mary sure as hell did NOT disappoint. 

This will be an absolutely spoiler-free review because I'd hate to diminish anyone's experience even the slightest so I'll be vague and probably tease a little (I'm mean, sorrynotsorry!). Oh, and if you haven't read the free novella she released on Valentine's Day, Tried and True, stop right here and do that before going any farther!! I mean it, go. Now. Okay, if you're still reading I'm going to assume you've read book 3.5 and I'm not spoiling anything for you from here on out! There are big changes for our boys and the rest of their marshal crew. Mary hints at this in the blurb but you know her, she's going to do right by Ian and Miro and boy does she ever! It was SO much fun watching Ian and Miro interact and know they're married. SQUEE! As with life in general, this isn't the only change going on but sometimes you just have roll with it and see where it takes you. With Ian and Miro it's no different and I've gotta say, I enjoyed the ride. 

The thing that I've loved the most from this series (besides our marshals of course!) is the found family Ian and Miro have built. Not just with their fellow marshals (and the bromance with Eli and Miro makes my heart so, SO very happy), but with Miro's girls (Min, Aruna, Janet, and Catherine) and his boys (Cabot, Drake, and Josue) as well. They've all made this incredible amalgamation of people and backgrounds and it's just awesome to see. Ian's bond with Min also made me smile big. I wasn't expecting it and that's what makes it even better. 

In Twisted and Tied we tie up some loose ends and some others are just starting. Mary has told us we'll see Redeker and Callahan again and word on the street is our favorite metrosexual, Eli Kohn, is getting a book too! I can't tell you how excited I am for THAT! People, Twisted and Tied is the PERFECT send-off for our two beloved marshals. This book has everything you'd expect and probably a lot you don't. There's the same suspense, the same sense of family, the fabulous secondary characters we've all come to love. The plot moves lightning quick, but you never want it to end. Though, honestly, does anyone ever want one of Mary's books to end? Sam Kage is as wonderful and growly as always. Ian and Miro bicker and flirt and LOVE one another as only they can. Ian and Miro and all the rest will stay on everyone's favorite series list for a long time, and there's no where else they should be! Thank you Mary for this amazing, lovable ride!! <3 

Oh and I absolutely can NOT wait for Tristan's narration of this one; it's gonna kick ass! :)

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Flashback Friday: Steamroller by Mary Calmes #Review #Giveaway

Author: Mary Calmes
Book: Steamroller
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Anne Cain
Publication date: September 5, 2012
Length: 160 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

About the last thing Vincent Wade expected was for Carson Cress to ask him out. Vince is a dedicated biology student and a bit of a loner. Superstar quarterback Carson is larger than life, and he lives under a public microscope. There’s no way they should work. But Vince is learning that sometimes people just come steamrolling into your life and all you can do is hang on for the ride or lose your heart in the process. If their relationship can survive the fallout when an injury derails Carson’s future plans, maybe Vince can finally find something to believe in. 

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Review

I can't begin to tell you how many times I've read and listened to Steamroller by Mary Calmes. I've lost count, no lie. Whenever I'm in the mood, or in need of a story to make me feel like home, I pick up Steamroller. New Adult stories are among my very favorites and when it's written by the ever awesome Mary Calmes well, then it's a double win. I live in Lubbock so for Steamroller to be set in my city makes this even more like coming home for me. Vincent and Carson are so swoonarific (it's a word, just go with it) they'll make your heart melt and your sighs loud and many. 

Talk about opposites attracting. The nerd and the star quarterback is a tried and true romantic trope and it's really hard to pull off well, but in Mary's very capable hands, it completely works. As unbelievable as the story line itself really is, as a reader you don't even care because Vincent is the gruff and grumpy asshole you can't help but love and Carson is this larger than life guy but who somehow, is so nice and genuine that you want him and Vincent to be together. There are misunderstandings, side characters galore, some fancy cooking, and of course the romance. Steamroller is everything quintessential Mary Calmes. Insta-love that shouldn't work but does, snark, rapid fire dialogue, secondary characters that are almost as, if not equal to, the fabulous main characters. A bit of hurt/comfort, and throw in a bromance and evil parents and really, guys, this is all the things we love about Mary. I'm not going to go into detail about the story itself, just savor it. You'll thank me, trust me. 

The story isn't very long--you'll finish in a couple of hours at most--and at the end, you'll be sad because you'll want more. If you've never read Steamroller, be ready for Vincent and Carson to vault to the top of your favorite Mary couples. They will, I promise. As an extra special treat, I highly recommend listening to the audio version as well. Joshua Macrae does a spectacular job. His voice is dreamy and captures both Vincent and Carson perfectly. I am an audiobook addict and fanatic and I'm here to tell you this is one of the best ones there is. Oh and Mary, if you ever get the urge to visit these two again, DO IT, PLEASE?! I know there are lots of us who'd absolutely love to see what these two are up to! 

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Random Review: Kairos by Mary Calmes #Review #Giveaway

Author: Mary Calmes
Book: Kairos
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication date: December 15, 2017
Length: 137 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Sometimes the best day of your life is the one you never saw coming.

Joe Cohen has devoted the past two years of his life to one thing: the care and feeding of Kade Bosa. His partner in their PI business, roommate, and best friend, Kade is everything to Joe, even if their relationship falls short of what Joe desires most. But he won’t push. Kade has suffered a rough road, and Joe’s pretty sure he’s the only thing holding Kade together.

Estranged from his own family, Joe knows the value of desperately holding on to someone dear, but he never expected his present and past to collide just as Kade’s is doing the same. Now they’ve stumbled across evidence that could change their lives: the impact of Kade’s tragic past, their job partnership, and any future Joe might allow himself to wish for…. 

Buy Links

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Review

A new Mary Calmes book right before Christmas is the Best. Present. Ever! A little over the top, a bit unbelievable at times, but Kairos is chock full of all the things we love about a Mary Calmes book. Lovable, if clueless at times, characters, banter that is sharp and witty, and a pace that is lightning quick. I've said this before, but one of my most favorite things about a Mary book is that you feel like you're dropped in the middle of a scene, a conversation, and expected to just go along. Which we do, happily. Which makes us feel that much closer to the characters, as if they're friends we're just catching up with. I'll admit the first few books of Mary's I read, many years ago, left me a bit flummoxed and disoriented at first what with all the names and keeping track of who was who, but now I love it. It's like coming home, like visiting old friends even though they're brand new, and it let's me know that I'm definitely reading a Mary Calmes book. 

Kairos starts off with Joe and Kade in the middle of a conversation (see what I mean?! :) ) which quickly turns into a quasi argument where we learn a lot of information. First and foremost, Joe is head over heels in love with Kade. Who of course doesn't know this. Then we're thrust into the middle of a mess involving Kade's mentor and a kid named Declan. Joe and Kade are private investigators and are in the middle of a case as we begin Kairos but as things are often wont to do in a Mary Calmes book, things go astray quickly, and really, in the best kind of way. The easy camaraderie between Joe and Kade will remind you of Miro and Ian from the Marshals series, (the lusting after you best friend notwithstanding) but it's such a delight in and of itself it doesn't matter. 

There is insta-love, another trademark of Mary's, but as always, it just somehow works. What also works is how things come full circle and Joe winds up back with his estranged family and they all pick up as if he never left, only this time Kade and Declan are along for the ride. Since this is a novella things move fast, but again, you just enjoy the flow and ease that Mary's words bring you. You'll smile a lot, maybe roll your eyes a time or two, but in the end you're going to be happy and wanting more as any true fan always does. I enjoyed Kairos immensely and ummm ... that cover didn't hurt my enjoyment in the least either. Gorgeous!! I hope Joe and Kade pop up again somewhere, sometime, because I loved these guys. 

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Release Day Review: Late In The Day by Mary Calmes #Review #Giveaway

Author: Mary Calmes
Book: Late In The Day
Series: The Vault #2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication date: October 30, 2017
Length: 200 pages


Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Terrence Moss. Conrad Harris. Gold Team Leader. Darius Hawthorne. The Vault. Juggling all these names would bother some, but for Darius, it’s business as usual. When he closes a chapter in his life, he leaves a name—and the people associated with it—behind. He’s managed to keep a few colleagues, even fewer friends, and no companionship through his forty-plus years… but that’s now changing.

The newest chapter of his life is bringing serious change: a stable home, a recovered identity, an unlikely family, and now a chance encounter with the one man Darius ever loved: Efrem Lahm. The reasons they parted are still valid, and there’s no way they can trust each other. But Efrem has already decided he won’t let Darius go… and Darius will have to decide if he wants to take a chance with his heart this late in the day. 

Buy Links

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Review

Every reader has their favorite book by an author they love. That one book that no matter how many times you pick it up, that sense of coming home, that feeling of comfort like a warm blanket on a cold day never fades. For me and Mary Calmes it's her book, Mine. Sure I love A Matter of Time, and the Marshals series, and of course Frog (and every other book by her!) but my love of Mine is strong and true. So when Conrad Harris made a cameo appearance in Parting Shot, I might have flailed. When he showed up at the end of A Day Makes and made a significant impact, I squeed loudly enough Mary probably heard me. But when I found out Late in the Day was all Conrad, well, let's just say there was dancing and flailing AND squeeing. And omg people, that cover is to die for, yeah? *swoons*

I'm going to keep this review spoiler-free because as per usual, Mary drops us smack dab in the middle of the action. So you need to keep on your toes. It doesn't take long to get the background on what exactly it means that Conrad, or Darius as we learn is his true name, has been chosen to be The Vault. The premise behind this is super cool and I love how Mary shows us how it all works. 

I have to mention the Easter eggs. Because holy crackers y'all, there are SO MANY. Like, you should read Late in the Day with a notebook beside you and your GR open so you can look at Mary's other books. I am in awe how she's bringing so many things together and it was like Christmas with every page and every new reveal! I've read this twice already and picked up more things, more breadcrumbs and I bet if I read it three and four times, there'd be even more. Like with any book by Mary Calmes you have to suspend belief a bit, but really, isn't that what makes her books so much fun and the kind of book you can read over and over? 

Late in the Day is quintessential Calmes. Fast paced with a plot that's over the top but you can't help but get sucked into. Characters that seem like friends and family, a swoony romance and some pretty hot sexy times. This is Mary at her best and I'm already dying for the next book to see what happens next! Hopefully she doesn't make us wait too long. 

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