Review - Jewell by Tina DeSalvo + A $50 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

TITLE:   Jewell

AUTHOR:   Tina DeSalvo

INFO:   Fiction, 347 pages

PUBLISHED:   Amazon, 2015

SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   "Tender, tense, a sweet yet sexy love story. In Jewel, Tina DeSalvo takes us inside our deep fears and fantasies in a tale as poignant as it is innovative and satisfying." Stella Cameron, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Alex Duggins Mysteries. 

Once invited into New Orleans’ historic mansions to evaluate prized antiques, Dr. Jewell Duet held a coveted professorship at a top university. With her deep 
knowledge of Louisiana history and antiquities, she was the go-to person for anyone requiring professional appraisals. But, one hasty decision cost her both her reputation and possibly her freedom. Now, as she waits to discover if her future includes prison, Jewell knows that taking the job at Sugar Mill is necessary if she is to support her beloved grandmother who has advanced dementia. 

Charming, sexy lawyer Beau Bienvenu's attraction to the intriguing historian vies with his distrust of her motives. Beau has one simple goal when it comes to the family that rescued him and made him part of their clan…protect them at all costs. He doesn't trust Jewell, nor her reason for taking the lowly job at Sugar Mill Plantation. What is she really up to? Is it possible Jewell and her quirky grandmother are there to try to profit from a Bienvenu family mystery? If so, both women are out of luck. 

Jewell and Beau are at odds about almost everything. The only things they agree on are that family is everything…and that their mutual attraction is inconvenient. 

Hope, Love and Second Chances Continue in the heart of Cajun Country 

EXCERPT:

“That’s really clever, Jewell,” Beau said, annoyingly complimenting her again, for the fiftieth time in the last ten minutes, on something mundane she’d done. “Did you paint those red wood wedges you placed under the tires to keep the camper from rolling?”

“Are you trying to inveigle me?” Jewell asked, hands on her hip, looking at the tall, lean, handsome Beau Bienvenu—still wearing his New Orleans Saints jersey like another man would wear an Armani suit. “Geez. Enough with the compliments on how well I set up the camper, take care of Mimi, handle the flashlight and the other dozen things you have been sucking up to me about. She shook her head. “Look. I get why you used the belt-and-suspenders approach with the restrictive clauses in the contract. I don’t like it but I get that you felt you were protecting Elli and Ben’s exposure, vulnerability. It was unnecessary, but you wouldn’t know that. I’m a stranger.” She sighed. “That is done. You did your job. This insincere complimenting on triviality is something else.” She looked at him directly in the eyes. “What, Beau? What’s this all about? What do you want? And, if you say sex, I want you to know, I have given you much more credit than to be so prosaic.” She shook her head, again. “No. I can tell this isn’t about that.”

MY TAKE:    I found this to be an enjoyable story with some exceptionally great characters. The author really sucks you in with Mimi and Jewell's relationship. You feel as if they are your own family members or dear friends. Their back and forth quips make you laugh out loud while still tugging at your heartstrings with the tenderness they share.

Beau is a perfect match for Jewell. They're sparring from the start and it is fun to watch the progression of their relationship. His lawyer's mind and personality haven't quite prepared him for her setting his world completely upside down.

I highly recommend this story as it's fun, touching and thoroughly entertaining.

  Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available now at:

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE

Tina DeSalvo enjoys using her imagination, humor, empathy and personal experiences to turn characters and situations into books that she hopes will entertain readers. Her first book, Elli, brought her in close contact with so many readers with whom she has loved sharing stories, laughs, tears and hugs. Tina has always been inspired by the people she meets and by hearing their personal journeys, not to mention the people she just observes along the way…so, watch out. You could be a character in her next book! 

Tina is married to her handsome Cajun hero, and they live in Louisiana. They have two sons, a wonderful daughter (in-law) and four delightful grandchildren.

If you'd like to know more about Tina DeSalvo, including info on her newest work, latest contests, where she’s speaking or having a book signing, where she gets her ideas, or to see her photos from when she meets her cherished readers…please visit her at her website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Tina is generously giving away a $50 giftcard to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble to one lucky winner. Enter below and be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more entries and to learn more about Tina's books. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Blog Tour Stops

November 19: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
November 19: Romorror Fan Girl
December 3:   The Reading Addict
December 10: Unabridged Andra's
December 17: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
December 17: Paranorma lRomance and Authors That Rock
December 17: Romantic Fanatic

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.