Dreamspell by Tamara Leigh

Synopsis:~

A time to live. A time to die. A time to dream.

Sleep disorders specialist Kennedy Plain has been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. When her research subject dies after trying to convince her he has achieved dream-induced time travel and her study is shelved, she enlists herself as a subject to complete her research. But when she dreams herself into 14th-century England and falls into the hands of Fulke Wynland, a man history has condemned as a murderer, she must not only stay alive long enough to find a way to return to her own time, but prevent Fulke from murdering his young nephews. And yet, the more time she spends with the medieval warrior, the more difficult it is to believe he is capable of committing the heinous crime for which he has been reviled for 600 years.

Baron Fulke Wynland has been granted guardianship of his brother’s heirs despite suspicions that he seeks to steal their inheritance. When the king sends a mysterious woman to care for the boys, Fulke is surprised by the lady's hostility toward him--and more surprised to learn she is to be his wife. But when his nephews are abducted, the two must overcome their mutual dislike to discover the boys' fate. What Fulke never expects is to feel for this woman whose peculiar speech, behavior, and talk of dream travel could see her burned as a witch. 

My take:~

Adored for her contemporary chick lit flavoured inspirational fiction, Tamara Leigh proves she is equally at home in the 14th century with her self published time travel romance, Dreamspell.  Tamara commenced her writing career penning medieval romance novels for the general market and her talent for historical romance is on display in this substantial and engaging story.  Fulke captures the imagination from the get go as he faces the hangman's noose for a heinous crime, a medieval warrior with a captive heart.  Kennedy is an intriguing woman, facing death of another kind, daring to dream of a life beyond her consciousness.  While cheating death in one world by travelling to another, Kennedy faces danger of an equally unrelenting nature as rumours she is a witch take flight.  Dreamspell is a novel of deep passion while remaining a clean read but unlike Tamara's contemporary novels, you will not find an overtly spiritual message.  Tamara's considerable gifts for character development, historical detail and palpable attraction with garner her devoted readers in this genre.  Fulke and Kennedy engaged me completely as they battled fear, attraction, betrayal and heartache and their journey will appeal to fans of Lisa Bergren's River of Time series and Linda Windsor's medieval romances.  Like Siri Mitchell, Tamara shows she can make the transition from romantic comedies to historical romance with ease and I am confidant Dreamspell will be the first of many successful historical novels from this gifted writer.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Buy Dreamspell for your e-reader or PC for the introductory price of $2.99
Review of Restless in Carolina and Character spotlight on Bridget & J.C.

Review of Leaving Carolina and Character spotlight on Piper & Axel

Review of Nowhere, Carolina and Character spotlight on Maggie & Reece

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's new look website (she has great recipes, too!)
Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming soon from Tamara Leigh

One of my favourite authors, Tamara Leigh, is soon to release her first self published ebook, a medieval time travel romance called Dreamspell.  I've had the privilege of reading Dreamspell and can say you are in for a special treat!  Fulke is one appealing hero :)  Though Tamara is well known in the CBA for her spirited contemporary romances, she is equally at home writing medieval romance novels, the genre in which she first published in the ABA.

Tamara has a fabulous new website which combines her love of writing with the joy of cooking ~ be sure to check out the great recipes!  I'll let you know when Dreamspell is available and I'll post my review at the same time, too.

A time to live. A time to die. A time to dream.

Sleep disorders specialist Kennedy Plain has been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. When her research subject dies after trying to convince her he has achieved dream-induced time travel and her study is shelved, she enlists herself as a subject to complete her research. But when she dreams herself into 14th-century England and falls into the hands of Fulke Wynland, a man history has condemned as a murderer, she must not only stay alive long enough to find a way to return to her own time, but prevent Fulke from murdering his young nephews. And yet, the more time she spends with the medieval warrior, the more difficult it is to believe he is capable of committing the heinous crime for which he has been reviled for 600 years.

Baron Fulke Wynland has been granted guardianship of his brother’s heirs despite suspicions that he seeks to steal their inheritance. When the king sends a mysterious woman to care for the boys, Fulke is surprised by the lady's hostility toward him--and more surprised to learn she is to be his wife. But when his nephews are abducted, the two must overcome their mutual dislike to discover the boys' fate. What Fulke never expects is to feel for this woman whose peculiar speech, behavior, and talk of dream travel could see her burned as a witch.

Bourne by Lisa T Bergren

Battle weary and injured, Marcello returns to his beloved Gabriella as danger still knocks at the castello gates.  Luca continues to woo Lia as she contemplates her future in the 14th century and Lord Rodolfo Greco faces inner demons that threaten to overtake him, mind and soul.  Travel once again to the River of Time in this ebook novella.

Honour. Sacrifice. Love. Make no mistake, words such as these are the lifeblood of Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series, and Bourne breathes life once again into the Bettarini sisters, their heroic Italian knights and the enigmatic Lord Rodolfo Greco. Bourne picks up where Torrent left off, as Marcello, Luca and Greco return from battle with physical wounds and emotional scars that are dangerously unseen. Written from both Gabi and Lia's perspectives, the girls continue to grapple with their 14th century home and the need to hide their true origins. Gabi realizes her new role at the castello brings unexpected responsibilities and sacrifice; Lia is forced to confront her feelings over the men in her life; Greco's reckless behaviour exposes his unfathomable pain; and Luca is forced to face his fears. Bergren's writing is evocative and intense, brilliantly captivating with a timeless appeal to any lover of exceptional storytelling. Bourne is an impressive addition to the unmissable River of Time series ~ simply put, I loved it and desperately want some more!

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character interviews with Luca,  Lia, Gabi and Marcello 
Reviews of Waterfall & Cascade
Character spotlight on Gabi, Marcello, Luca & Lia
Character spotlight on Lord Greco
Visit Lisa's author website and her travel website
Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren

Synopsis:~

The annual Deep Haven fishing contest draws professional and amateur anglers from across the country, but this year, Ross Springer is determined to win the top cash prize. In fact, he has no choice. It’s his last chance to leave a lasting legacy at Bethel College. He just never imagined his fundraising scheme would hook Abigail Cushman, the grad student who reminds him of all they’d had—and lost—every time she glances his way.

Abigail Cushman may not know the difference between a bass and a trout, but how hard can it be to catch a fish? She’s a quick learner, and she’s certain her smarts can net her a win over Ross Springer, the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.

In the ultimate showdown between brains and heart, will Ross and Abby reel in more than they bargained for? 

My take:~

I'm delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the second of Susan May Warren's e-book prequels, Hook, Line & Sinker!  Returning readers to her beloved Deep Haven, Susie tells a heart warming story of misconceptions, guilt and hidden love as estranged childhood friends, Abigail and Ross, oppose each other in a fishing contest.  Fun and sweet, the story took me back to my own University days when I was involved with a campus Christian group and met my future husband!  If you haven't read Susie's Deep Haven novels, this novella will certainly entice you to dive in and if you have, you just may be dusting them off your shelves for a reread.

With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Waiting for Morning, Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble
Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy ~ see how Susie pictures her characters
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Waiting for Dawn by Susan May Warren

Synopsis:~

In this prequel to Flee the Night—the first book in Susan May Warren’s critically acclaimed Team Hope series—Lacey Galloway leads a rather predictable life as a contractor for the Department of Defense. But news that Sergeant First Class Jim Micah is missing in action leads her on a dangerous trek overseas to rescue the man who secretly captured her heart.

Although her DOD connections quickly cut through the red tape, she also enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend and Micah’s best friend, Lieutenant John Montgomery. As they hatch a covert plan to find and rescue Micah, Lacey’s feelings are once again torn between the two men.

My take:~

Having had the pleasure of reading Susan May Warren's Team Hope series more than once, I was excited to hear about her e-book only prequel, Waiting for Dawn.  I adore Susie's writing but this one wasn't one of my favourites, I'm afraid.   Micah constantly dwells on his feelings for Lacey while on mission and John Montgomery ignores military protocol without a second thought.  I found the emphasis on both of these responses distracting and a little inauthentic for career military men.  Also, the ease with which Lacey enters Iraq and a war zone to rescue Micah raised my eyebrows more than once!  Discovering more about Micah, Lacey and John was intriguing and filled out more of their back story which I enjoyed.  Regardless of my thoughts on this novella, it has made me want to dive back into the series and read them with new eyes.  I love the idea of the prequel, especially for much loved books, so I will shortly be reading Hook, Line & Sinker, another e-book novella which Susan has written for her Deep Haven series, and I hope it grabs me more than this one.

With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble
Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy ~ see how Susie pictures her characters
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong