Felicia Denise's Blog

This quick read delivered all the feels with a side of self-awareness and a double helping of snark and humor!

Turn-about is fair play and this time the woman’s the grump, and the MMC is ALL sunshine and smiles.

Tech developer Opal Richardson has been burned personally and professionally by love so do not even bring the subject up. Sterling Carter is happy to be back in his hometown of Atlanta after the chaos of corporate New York. He’s weeks away from launching his own PR firm and a relationship isn’t on his radar.

Yet, there’s just something about the abrasive Opal.

And Opal could focus on completing her industry-changing app if Sterling weren’t sex-on-legs… and a genuinely decent man.

It takes Opal’s go-big-or-go-home BFF, Asia, to kick things into high gear, and I’m so glad she did! While her machinations eventually leads to Opal and Sterling spending time alone, it also opens the door to true friendship and a connection that surprises them both.

The open communication in Grumpy Valentine is a key element and makes it a memorable read. Sometimes romance novels get bogged down in the running away and avoidance of lead characters. Seeing friends, adult children/parents, siblings, and lovers have honest, positive conversations the way adults do irl was welcome and refreshing!

Sterling’s a fun character. Not syrupy sweet, just genuine and matter-of-fact. No game… okay, not much, and no guile. The relationship he has with his older brother reminds me of my own brothers. Spot on! Opal is a strong, focused, intelligent young woman, but I didn’t think she and I were going to make it to the end of the story as friends. However, after two key conversations and some self-introspection, she stepped up like the boss chick I believed her to be.

Strong plot and great writing make this a must-read!

Enjoy!

About the Book

She’s a tech developer with walls higher than her ambitions; he’s a PR pro who keeps finding ways around them. Atlanta’s tech scene is about to get a lot more interesting.

The last thing developer Opal Richardson needs while launching a groundbreaking tech platform is a distraction. Especially not Sterling Carter, whose co-working space sits right across the courtyard from hers. He’s sexy, charming..and keeps showing up with an uncanny ability to climb right over her carefully constructed walls.

Sterling Carter’s recent return to Atlanta was supposed to be about launching his PR firm, not falling for the tall, stunning, sharp-tongued woman who challenges him from day one. Despite their instant chemistry, Opal’s painful past makes her hesitant to mix business with pleasure.

When a severe storm traps them together, their connection becomes impossible to ignore, sparking a passionate encounter that could either heal her wounds or break her heart completely.

Set in Atlanta’s bustling tech scene, GRUMPY VALENTINE is a steamy workplace romance where love moves at startup speed.

Grumpy Valentine

Author’s Website                Amazon

Image by hannahlmyers from Pixabay

5/5 Stars

The edgiest of the Rock Falls trilogy, No Cooldown for Love, brings former professional basketball player Mitchell Anderson and science journalist Dr. Hope Roman together when he rescues her from a car accident during a winter storm.

Weather conditions allow them only to make it as far as a popular B&B where only one room is available… and a singles’ retreat is being held.

While there is attraction and interest between Mitchell and Hope, both are closed off and guarded. He’s weathering a very public divorce from the gold-digger from hell and has a suspicious nature and trust issues. Hope grew up isolated in the foster care system, and just before her car accident, she attended the funeral of her mentor, the only person who’d ever cared about her and inspired her to succeed.

But the heart wants what the heart wants. While they’re snowed in, the couple make minor concessions to each other and Mitchell falls first. Hope’s emotional walls are simply too high to allow her to believe there’s any future for her and Mitchell, but she allows herself to indulge in the feelings for the moments.

After the worst of the storm passes, Mitchell takes Hope to his home to clear up all the issues from her car accident. They grow closer, and Mitchell introduces Hope to his besties, Linc and Tully, and anyone else in Rock Falls with eyes. Hope’s walls start to fall. But an ugly incident involving Mitchell’s venomous mother brings all his insecurities and trust issues roaring back to the forefront. During his meltdown, he verbally humiliates and rejects Hope. She walks away, realizing her gut instincts were right all along.

When Mitchell realizes what he’s done, he feels like the jerk of the world, and Tully and Linc… and everyone else in Rock Falls, have no problem agreeing with him. Mitchell begs for Hope’s forgiveness, but she’s not having it. His frustration grows when he finds out Hope’s not only left Rock Falls, she’s left the country. Now what, Mitchell?

The busybody folks of Rock Falls again make a warm, wonderful supporting cast. They’re nosy, but they mean well, and everything’s always done out of love and concern. Except for Mitchell’s mother.

This wouldn’t be the same story without João Carvalho, National Geographic photographer, colleague, and Hope’s only friend outside of Rock Falls. His snarky comments-and his one desire to become buddies with an NBA player-has him stealing every scene he’s in! His steadfast support of Hope makes him a keeper, and maybe even worthy of his own story.

No Cooldown for Love centers real-life issues realistically, but with just enough comedy to make it fun!

Enjoy!

About the Book

When ex-pro basketball player Mitchell Anderson sees an overturned car on the edge of a cliff during a nasty snowstorm, he knows he has only minutes to rescue the woman trapped inside. What he’s not expecting is their instant attraction, or that she can deliver one hell of a pick-up line even under the most terrifying of circumstances.

Hope Roman’s entire life is on the edge. She’s already overwhelmed with grief and upset, and nearly dying is pretty much the icing on a terrible, soggy cake. So it’s just her luck that she’s suddenly snowbound at a charming little inn with the hottest, yet down right grumpiest, man she’s ever met. And naturally, there’s only one room left.

Now the pillow barrier between them keeps disappearing. And the walls are coming down. But Hope knows she doesn’t belong in Mitchell’s world any more than he belongs in hers. The question is whether either of them can trust the other long enough to play for keeps…

No Cooldown for Love

Kindle Unlimited

It’s been six months since former pro-baseball player Lincoln “Linc” Conner overheard single mom Emma Henrikson make a disparaging remark about her love life and he’s never forgotten her.

Though everyone knows everyone–and their business–in the close-knit community of Rock Falls, Vermont, Linc only knows Emma as the landlady and bestie of Dawson Shay, the fiancée of his buddy, Tully Faulkner.

That all changes when Emma’s young daughter, Greer, joins the sports program at Linc’s community youth center. Willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary just to see her daughter smile, Emma visits the center to see if she can grant Greer’s wish while still meeting the demands of her overbearing boss at her low-paying job.

Emma’s flustered when she meets the man she’s had a crush on since high school, and who’s high school and professional careers she stalked followed closely, even after dropping out of school because of an unplanned pregnancy. Even though Linc flirts shamelessly with her, Emma doesn’t believe for a second he has any interest in her. She remembers the public photos of the women he dated, and a frumpy, plus-size single mother doesn’t compare.

The story’s pace picks up when Emma not only becomes an employee of the youth center but also Linc’s pretend fiancée!

Full disclosure–I am not a fan of the fake relationship craze AT ALL, but I’m giving Linc and Emma a pass, and Kudos to author Aliyah Burke, because the way this situation came out of left field (baseball pun intended) and played into the plotline worked beautifully!

I love their characters. They’re flawed and edgy with some fantastic romantic banter. Well-developed as individuals and as a couple, I couldn’t help but cheer for Emma and Linc .

Emma’s insecurities are not overplayed and realistically addressed. I felt she didn’t give herself enough credit for the amazing person she is and beat herself up too much, but it’s all she’s ever known.

However, it’s Linc’s demons that implode enough to shake up the town and lead Emma to consider leaving Rock Falls. He wants another chance and forgiveness from Emma, but he must forgive himself first.

While the onus is on Linc to repair things with Emma, he has amazing support from Linc and Mitchell. They’re loud, intrusive, and in-your-face, and a refreshing change from the standard fictional (and real) bromances. Their support for each other is unwavering. But they don’t hesitate to call each other out when they’re wrong, and that’s exactly what Tully and Mitchell do to Linc.

Emma’s never had friends until Dawson arrives in Rock Falls. She understands Emma’s insecurities and trust issues and can be there for her without judgement. However, that doesn’t mean she’s not always ready to deliver a few hard truths.

My two favorite characters in this read make brief appearances which are more than memorable. Retired school employee Mrs. Juliet Sprague is a fierce octogenarian who says whatever she wants, whenever she wants, to whomever she wants. She’s not malicious, just honest to a fault, and her biting comments could leave marks. I loved her take-no-prisoners attitude.

Then there’s Rock Falls PD’s own Officer Parker Hewes, or as Linc referred to him, Barney Fife! Parker was crude, rude, offensive, bumbling, and stupid… and karma swooped in for him in record time! Hilarious scene!

Tinkering with Love is a fun read that shows love of family, friends… and self makes love of the heart even sweeter.

Enjoy!

(Read through Kindle Unlimited)

About the Book

Former pro baseball player Linc Conner knows exactly where his head’s at. Most of the time, he’s completely focused on running his community center and focusing on the kids. But when it comes to single mom Emma Henricksen, Linc can’t see straight. She’s driven, resourceful—not to mention that smart, extra-kissable mouth—and when she’s near, he gets lost in a fog of lust. But he needs her help to convince an investor they’re engaged.

Emma’s too busy raising her gifted little girl to have a sex life that’s not battery-operated. Still, how could she resist being engaged to a guy who’s the sexual equivalent of her favorite dessert topped with whipped cream and a cherry, even if it’s just pretend? Emma knows all too well that if something seems too good—or too tempting—to be true, it definitely is…

Now it’s a game of pretend with a whole lot of chemistry between the guy who’s used to playing the field—and the woman who opted out of the game long ago. All that’s missing is one helluva curveball…

A Sweet Spot for Love (Rock Falls 2)

Kindle Unlimited

In Tinkering with Love we meet retired pro-hockey play Tully Faulkner and recent west coast transplant, Dawson Shay. Tully’s returned to Rock Falls, Vermont to care for his sick mother, and Dawson left a toxic mother… and a cheating ex, for a fresh start and the opportunity to build her own motorcycle restoration business.

During a mountain team-building work retreat held by their employers, Tully and Dawson are instantly attracted to each other, until she learns the hunky hometown hero’s name then she hates him and is on a mission to make him look bad in front of their coworkers.

The week-long retreat is filled with biting remarks, hilarious banter, and heated glances by the couple, fanned and encouraged by their coworkers, Rock Falls residents… and Tully’s two lifelong best friends, Linc and Mitchell.

Tully is a fun character who’s used to being liked by everyone. Spending much of her childhood in foster care because of her mother’s addictions, Dawson is darker and more cynical. Reconnecting with her mother in early adulthood doesn’t give Dawson the love and support she craves because of her constant criticisms of Dawson’s plus-size figure and personal choices. Tully has his work cut out for him to find out why Dawson continues to push him away, and ultimately walks away.

Loved the support network Dawson found in the women… and men of Rock Falls. She’s learned to lean on, and listen to friends who consider her family.

Favorite characters? Torvald Harrellsson and Faust! One of these two may or may not be a goat!

Great read with a heart-melting ending!

Enjoy!

(Read through Kindle Unlimited)

About the Book

Dawson Shay could never be accused of being a bubbly ray of sunshine. Like, not ever. But her outlook on life has only gotten worse since she moved across the country for her dream job rebuilding motorcycles…only to lose the job to someone else. Now her run of bad luck includes a wilderness retreat with the entire company—including the asshat who stole her job. Fortunately, Tully Faulkner’s bearded, tattooed hotness is pretty much the perfect distraction.

Except, Tully isn’t just Mr. Hometown Hero, he’s also said asshat who stole her job. And if he thinks he can win her over with his ability to charm the pants off everybody else, he’s got another thing coming. But Dawson can’t avoid him forever… or the seriously hot sparks between them. Somewhere between the breathtaking northern lights and teaming up to win their company’s scavenger hunt, Dawson starts to think that Tully’s magic touch might be just what she’s been missing.

But even sexy gearheads have their secrets. And Dawson’s about to discover that falling for the too-perfect-to-be-true Tully might just backfire on her completely…

Tinkering with Love (Rock Falls Book 1)

Kindle Unlimited

For many writers, life took an extreme detour in 2020, and all the re-calibrating, refocusing, and reassessing to locate the path back to normalcy… and writing, were simple exercises in futility.

Some have made it back. Some still struggle.

While my journey was similar, it began nearly a year before the Pandemic with the deaths of my husband and mother.

Two amazing therapists, plus meditation, journaling and medication, helped me through my grief.

But not so much with writing. The words still eluded me. Plots wouldn’t come together. Characters were flat. Blank pages mocked me.

Without Den and Mom, my two biggest cheerleaders, rallied behind me, spurring me on, I couldn’t hold it together long enough to write a paragraph. I haven’t even been able to write a review for any of the 273 books I read up to mid-2023.

Back to Therapyville I went.

My stay there wasn’t as long this time. Fewer tears and no meds… just talking it through.

Did it help? Well, I am getting book reviews written.

As for my books? We’ll see.

Image by Daniel Braun from Pixabay

Image by Christos Giakkas from Pixabay

I love mushrooms and I love holidays, so obviously I’m more than happy to celebrate National Mushroom Day! While its origins are hazy, credit for starting the yearly celebration on October 15th goes to Australia.

Ancient cultures used mushrooms for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes, and they have always been on the periphery of the drug culture because of the hallucinogenic effects of their active ingredient, psilocybin. However, in modern times, research is revealing that ingesting small doses of psilocybin can have positive effects on mental health issues like depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction.

Hm, yeah… okay. But how about just cooking with them because they’re tasty? Works for me! Grilled, fried, sauteed, as a topping, or incorporated into burgers/loaves, I’ve never met a mushroom I didn’t like… or wouldn’t eat!

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, mushrooms were considered a pizza topping for weirdoes and something only vegetarians (then still a tiny portion of the population) purchased from the supermarket. However, my dad maintained a family garden for most of my childhood that sometimes included mushrooms. Yet, even then, mushrooms were used in soups and to make vegetable stocks for cooking.

Mushrooms came into their own, however, when steakhouses like Ponderosa and Sizzler served up mushrooms in a buttery sauce over steaks, and fast food businesses pushed mushroom and Swiss burgers to the top of their menus.

And I couldn’t have been happier.

I married a man who enjoyed mushrooms… or not. It didn’t matter to him. I could add mushrooms with wild abandon to pastas and casseroles and he’d eat them. Life was good.

Then they arrived. The children. The mushroom haters.

To be fair, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms are foods most children grow to enjoy as they mature. As did my three. Almost.

To this day, my now forty-year-old son still believes tomatoes in any form (except tomato sauce) are evil tools of the Dark Side. He and his younger sibs also believe no one should ever willingly eat “fungus,” and my daughter insists there’s a direct correlation between mushrooms and bad credit!

See what I had to deal with.

Making a bad situation worse, my eat-anything husband side-eyed dishes I prepared with mushrooms. Of course, this garnered him nothing but praise and accolades from our children. Bad Mom was torturing her family with fungus!

While I contemplated running away from home, I decided it was easier to prepare meals sans mushrooms and make them a side item for myself.

The sacrifices we make for our families!

Living alone now, I admit to perhaps an overindulgence in mushrooms, but refuse to admit how many packages are currently in my fridge.

My children are still not fungus fans. When discussing meals I plan to prepare, one of them will always respond with, “You’re going to ruin it with mushrooms, aren’t you?”

And yes, I am!

I’ve shared some of my favorite mushroom recipes from my Mushroom Mania board on Pinterest below, but my go-to mushroom meal is six to eight ounces of ANY type mushrooms sauteed in butter with minced garlic and three to five ounces of red wine until the liquid reduces by half. I pile them on lightly toasted sourdough bread with some smoked Gouda cheese, salt and pepper t taste and WOO HOO! It’s a party!

Enjoy National Mushroom Day by indulging in your favorite fungus!

From Pinch of Yum.com

From alphafoodie.com

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