Tristan Green left his small English town for Manhattan and a job at a high profile ad agency, but can’t seem to find his bearings. He spends a lot of time working late at night, eating and sleeping alone, and even more time meandering around his neighborhood staring into the darkened windows of shops. One night when he’s feeling really low, he wanders by a beautiful little bakery with the lights still on. The baker invites him in, and some time during that night Tristan realizes it’s the first time he’s really smiled in months.

Henry Livingston has always been the odd duck, the black sheep, the baker in an old money family where pedigree is everything and quirky personalities are hidden behind dry martinis and thick upper east side townhouse facades. Henry is drawn to Tristan’s easy country charm, dry English wit, and everything that is so different from Henry’s world.

Their new romance is all buttercream frosting and sugared violets until Tristan's need to fit in at work makes him do something he desperately wishes he could undo. Tristan has to prove to Henry that he can be trusted again before they can indulge in the sweet stuff they're both craving.

Review

The baking in this romance was amazing and comes with recipes. 

The book also showcases New York City. 

The love story between Tristen is sweet and tender. The loneliness Tristen feels so far from England and Henry's choice to not be part of the New York elite is nicely detailed.

Because the connection between the heroes charms, the conflicts in the book between Tristen and his awful work environment and then the over reaction of Henry of something that happens feels too heavy handed and made me want to skip around and took away from the pleasure of the book.

Daddy” is not a title Rue Murray wanted, but he never thought he’d have sex with a woman either. Now he’s the unwitting father of a newborn named Alice. Between bartending and cosmetology school, Rue doesn’t have time for babies, but he can’t give her up. What Rue needs is a babysitter, and he’s running out of options. He’s on the verge of quitting school to watch Alice himself when he remembers his reclusive new neighbor, Erik.

Erik Van Nuys is a sci-fi novelist with anxiety issues to spare. He doesn’t like people in general, and he likes babies even less. Still, with his royalties dwindling, he could use the extra cash. Reluctantly, he takes on the role of manny—and even more reluctantly, he finds himself falling for Alice and her flamboyant father.

Rue and Erik are as different as two people can be, and Alice is the unlikeliest of babies, but Rue has never been happier than when Alice and Erik are by his side. At least, not until he receives an offer that puts all his dreams within reach and he’s forced to choose: the future he’s always wanted, or the family he thought he never did.

Review

I loved this feel good romance with hidden depths. I adored the premise.

Rue is a wonderful hero. He works hard and loves his baby. He is fun and loving. This is book is a compelling look at single parenthood particularly with an infant.

I like romance novels that balance family life and friendship with the love story. One Small Thing does this well.

Erik is a great hero too who blooms as he falls in love and friendship.

I love the nerd aspect and the becoming friends and then lovers as well as the acceptance of each hero exactly how he is.

I wanted more time after they got together and after the first major couple crisis I honestly wanted more sexy times as well but what I got was very good and I know I will see more of this family in the next book in the series.

Are your Vampires getting ho mum? Do you need a change of bloodsucker? 

Here are some vampires that are something Special! They feed off emotions, walk in the day, only feed from other vampires and other wonders! 

My lists are never in any particular order. Enjoy!

1. I Burn For You by Susan Sizemore

The world holds great danger for Alec Reynard and his kind. As the dark hollows of his soul threaten to overwhelm him, he undergoes secret medical treatments that allow him to bear daylight. Living a double life as a bodyguard, he must also battle the powerful chemistry that explodes between him and Domini Lancer, a mere mortal -- and, unbelievably, his soulmate.

Domini knows nothing of Alec's true nature. But when danger threatens, he kidnaps her to his clan's stronghold to protect her....and there, he can no longer hide who -- or what -- he is. As the forces aligned against Domini draw near, Alec wonders whether she'll accept the darkness within him -- or whether she's actually a vampire slayer who's cleverly infiltrated his clan.

2. WyndRiver Sinner by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

n the year 3478, Reaper Cynyr Cree has been sent to the western territories by the High Council as their executioner in taking out rogues. He's hot, tired, dusty and not in the best of moods when he happens upon a young woman being attacked. Dispatching the assailant with a careless flick of his laser whip, Cynyr doesn't give the woman a second thought until she follows him to his camp in search of food and protection.

Sold by her ex-husband for a brace of horses, Aingeal has known the hardships of being the property of a Jakotai brave intent on keeping her at all costs and she has run away. Being rescued by an infamous Reaper seems the only way she can escape her captivity and she's willing to do what it takes to stay with Cree.

Taking lives comes easy to Cynyr. Living one is another matter. Always keeping his distance from others, he is stunned to realize he doesn't want to let Aingeal leave him.

When a man named Cynyr decides to make a woman named Aingeal his own, no man will ever take her from him.

3. Impure by Viola Grace

Ardel Sak was strong, confident and a stranger to herself. Her mind wiped of all but her name, she is given to a Vimpyr by the name of Sorcal. At first he wants nothing more than her blood, but after fighting for possession of her, his appetites take a decidedly carnal turn. In his arms, she finds the answer to a question she didn't know she should ask. What happens when an Impure Vimpyr and an Impure Terran join forces to fight the new exotic weapons dealers?It is a tale written in flesh and blood.

4. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually goodvampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

5. Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, ReganCooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a famil

6. Shadow's Caress by Patti O'Shea

Former vampire hunter Cass Lanier didn't think vampires could become ghosts...until the shade of Malachi James comes to her, arousing her with his erotic touch. Malachi was the last vampire she killed—an act she always regretted. Now Cass is his only hope of being brought back to life.

Then Cass discovers Malachi isn't the only one following her. Other hunters have learned she can resurrect the vampires she put to death, and they want to kill her first. Will Cass survive long enough to save Malachi and finally experience her phantom lover's caresses as pleasures of the flesh?

7. Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

8. Dark Awakening by Kendra Leigh Castle

or centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by his ruthless queen to locate a Seer-a human woman with a special gift-who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch awakens within him a hunger like he's never known . . .

Lily Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more than a Seer-she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these evil forces . . . or unleash her dark destiny?

9. Bad Mouth by Angela McCallister

Do you have a recommendation? Let me know!

To vote for the best of the best go to my Goodreads list: Special Vampires in Romances.

A Far Gone Night

Thomas O’Shea Mystery, #2

John Carenen

Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Neverland Publishing Compan
Date of Publication: September 27, 2014
Number of pages: 300
Cover Artist: Joe Font

Suffering from insomnia, wise-cracking tough guy Thomas O’Shea goes for a late-night stroll through the peaceful streets of Rockbluff, Iowa, and finds himself pausing downtown on the bridge that spans the Whitetail River. When he glances downstream, something catches his eye…something that looks like a body. He scrambles down to the riverbank, pulling the body of a young girl from the water. The girl is naked, with two bullet holes in the back of her head. Ever suspicious of law enforcement, O’Shea chooses not to mention the bullet holes when Deputy Stephen Doltch, on routine patrol, discovers him at the river’s edge.

When the coroner’s report lists the cause of death as “drowning,” Thomas confronts the coroner, but his questions are met with hostility. Then the coroner and his wife disappear, along with the body of the dead girl.

Teaming up with his friend Lunatic Mooning and Clancy Dominguez, an old buddy from his Navy SEAL days, Thomas and the other two men join together to bring justice to the dead girl, a quest that takes them to the Chalaka Reservation in Minnesota, seedy businesses adjacent to the Chalaka Casino, and straight into the world of organized crime.

A fast-paced story, laugh-out-loud moments and familiar, quirky characters from Carenen’s debut novel, Signs of Struggle, continue to enliven the complex world of Thomas O’Shea. Once again, Thomas gears up to find answers that will reveal who put the bullets in the girl’s head, why she was killed, and her identity, which may hit a little too close to home…

Guest Post: 

My name is Thomas O’Shea, and I am the main guy in John Carenen’s books, Signs of Struggle and, more recently, A Far Gone Night. I have issues. My faith in God is a little shaky, I drink a bit too much, and I like violence. Not for its own sake, but as a way of cleaning up messes made by bad guys.

My wife and two teenage daughters were killed by a drunk driver a few years ago, leaving me and my English Bulldog, Gotcha, as my only family. I used to live in south-central Georgia, but moved when I lost my wife, Karen; and my girls, Michelle and Annie. Too many memories. Too much pain remembering all those reminders of what I had, now gone. So I headed “home” to Iowa, where I grew up.

So I bought a house outside of Rockbluff a small town in northeast Iowa, and tried to retreat, tried to recover. But since I moved, I keep bumping into situations that pull me into worse situations. I stumbled onto a farm accident that wasn’t, and by the time I got through asking questions, there were dead people. In the South, “He needed killing” is a justifiable defense for shooting someone. I kept that with me. Then one night I pulled a body out of the river. The dead girl had two bullet holes in the back of her head, and when the county coroner gave cause of death as “drowning,” I started asking questions. The county coroner was a good guy, and so nothing was making sense. Surely he had discovered the bullet wounds during his examination. What was he covering up?

Then the county coroner and his wife disappeared, along with the girl’s body. Always a curious sort, I began asking questions, and the answers weren’t pretty. Soon I found myself following my nose to the Chalaka Casino on the Chalaka Indian Reservation in Minnesota, and quickly realized I could use some help as I was going up against some heavy hitters with organized crime connections. So I got my friend Lunatic Mooning (Ojibwa Indian owner of The Grain o’ Truth Bar & Grill, my favorite hangout) and Clancy Dominguez, an old buddy from Navy SEAL Training days, and went to work.

I didn’t expect to be outnumbered in a shootout at a deserted farmhouse in an Iowa blizzard, and I didn’t expect to be shot – twice – but things happen in the course of asking uncomfortable questions. Besides, some people consider me a smartass, so there’s that.

Fortunately, the woman I love who refuses to marry me, Olivia Olson, pitched in and helped me recover, or I wouldn’t be writing this today.

Ahhhh, I’ve already told you too much. My suggestion? Buy Carenen’s novels and get all the truth about my exploits. You’ll find me between those pages. Oh, and there’s another novel about me in the offing, to be finished and available late 2015 – The Face on the Other Side. My name’s Thomas O’Shea.


Giveaway: 

Author Bio:
John Carenen, a native of Clinton, Iowa, graduated with an M.F.A. in Fiction Writing from the prestigious University of Iowa Writers Workshop and has been writing ever since. His work has appeared in numerous popular and literary magazines, and he has been a featured columnist in newspapers in North and South Carolina. A novel, Son-up, Son-down was published by the National Institute of Mental Health.

His debut Thomas O’Shea mystery novel, Signs of Struggle, was published in October of 2012. A Far Gone Night, the long-anticipated sequel, continues the exploits of the enigmatic protagonist and the quirky characters of Rockbluff, Iowa.

John is currently an English professor at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. He and his wife live in their cozy cottage down a quiet lane in northern Greenville, South Carolina. He is a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Boston Red Sox.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads