BookShelf Reviews
 

 

No Second Chance

“What a totally fabulous read this was! … It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book totally in one sitting, but I just couldn’t put this one down. It is an exciting romantic suspense novel with some sensual content that is presented as a natural part of the story line. Toussaint makes the struggles and heart wrenching challenges of animal rescue work come alive through Hope, a brave and likable character who has overcome much personal adversity already in her life. Fears that she learned early haunt her, making her current situation all the more poignant. Devlin is a man with a good heart who is allowing the stresses and problems of his mother’s company to take over his life. Unlike many workaholic characters, Devlin is immediately endearing for his honorable motivations of love for his mother and desire to keep the family business stable during this time of transition and trouble. This book is a keeper for me.” Crystal at CK2SKWIPSANDKRITIQUES, Five stars and a Recommended Read

As romance novels go, this one is very good. Usually when reading books with horse references in them, I am driven nuts by the silly things the authors include that do not make sense to a real horse person. Maggie Toussaint, formerly of Frederick, obviously knows one end of a horse from the other. The book comes complete with handsome hero, a damsel in distress, a little mystery and a happy ending! The plot was very good and a little twist at the end was a nice surprise. A great gift for the romance lover in your life.-Caroline Del Grosso, THE EQUIERY

“…The plot is tight, slowing down in the right places to allow the reader to breath before picking up again. Hope is a likable heroine. She’s down to earth and has a hard-driving work ethic. She’s loyal to the ones she loves. Devlin is a little more complicated. His motivation is his family and his family is TES. Devlin’s not used to having deep feelings, and Hope can’t help wondering if his attraction to her is genuine or if it’s motivated by her owning a piece of his company. The supporting cast compliments Hope and Devlin well. Maggie Toussaint paints a wonderful visual of Hope and Devlin’s world using a good economy of words. Her love scenes are tasteful and not overly graphic, making the story sweet and sensual. Toussaint has an easy writing style that engages the reader. NO SECOND CHANCE is a riveting romantic suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.” —Steph at Classic Romance Revival

“Wonderful, exciting and suspenseful story. I read it all in one sitting because I just had to find out who the villain was and why he wanted to harm the heroine Hope and her mistreated horses refuge. She was a caring and generous person who was prepared to make great sacrifices for the animals she loved.

Devlin the hero, was wealthy, handsome, everything a hero should be. I have to confess I didn't like him over much for the first few pages, but I soon fell in love with him, just as Hope did. A man who was so caring and worried about his mother's wellbeing, well it didn't take long for me to have a change of heart.”
—Margaret Tanner, author of THE TROUBLE WITH PLAYBOYS

“I’m glad I took the first chance to read No Second Chance. Caught up in their story, I read the whole book in one sitting. If you have a quiet evening to curl up with a good book and you enjoy suspense, horses, Cinderella stories or all three — this book will satisfy.” —LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS

“…an enjoyable story with a likable couple and intriguing situations.”
Sandra Garcia-Myers, ROMANTIC TIMES

“…NO SECOND CHANCE is a fabulous contemporary romance with an intriguing social issue involving the rescue of horses; in fact the book proceeds are being donated to the real Day’s End Farm Horse [sic] rescuing mission. The story line is fast-paced from the onset and never slows down until the final confrontation…”
— Harriet Klausner, reviewer

“…NO SECOND CHANCE has equal parts of suspense and romance with no indication who the thief could be (Ray seems a little too obvious). Devlin and Hope are both likeable characters, and the story moves along at a good pace. It is a tale that will please most contemporary romance readers.”
— Marilyn Heyman, ROMANCE REVIEWS TODAY

“Five Stars! NO SECOND CHANCE by Maggie Toussaint is a suspense driven ride through the urban Baltimore boardroom and the pastures of rural Maryland. As Hope and Devlin race to discover the unknown villain attempting to ruin both their businesses, sparks of the very best kind fly between them. I loved the unique backdrop of Second Chance Farm, a rehab. farm for old or injured horses. A great read!”
– Victoria Daniels, author

“NO SECOND CHANCE sparkles and sizzles from the boardroom to the bedroom to the barn. Hope and Devlin team up on a dangerous journey to save their respective businesses while a determined villain tries to destroy them. A fast-paced story you’ll want to stay up all night reading.”
Liana Laverentz, award winning author of JAKE'S RETURN

“Corporate Boardroom meets Country! Suspense keeps you turning pages, romance keeps your heart pounding. You’ll be glad you picked up No Second Chance by Maggie Toussaint.”
M.K. Trent, author of LOCKING HORNS

“Suspense...steamy romance...a surprising twist...No Second Chance has it all. Maggie Toussaint writes a heart-warming tale that will keep you riveted and rooting for her heroine – right to the very last page.”
Karna Small Bodman, thriller author of GAMBIT

House of Lies

“A classic romance in House of Lies Maggie Toussaint pens a romantic tale of deceit, danger, and murder” T.A. Ridgell, author of FRACTURED SOULS

“Sparks fly as two well-crafted characters tangle with a crafty villain in House of Lies. Maggie Toussaint is an author to watch” -
Tracy Montoya, Harlequin Intrigue author of FINDING HIS CHILD

“Maggie Toussaint is a fresh voice filled with talent and characters that step off the page” – Diana Cosby, author of HIS CAPTIVE

“The perfect blend of heart-warming romance and suspense. House of Lies is a book you’ll definitely want to curl up with” – Gail Barrett, award winning author

“House of Lies is a tender tale of redemption, forgiveness – and romance”
– Hope Tarr, author of THE HAUNTING

“A yummy hero. A yummy romance. An intriguing mystery. What could be better? Maggie Toussaint gives us an enjoyable read” – Diane Gaston, RITA-award winning author

“Maggie Toussaint's House of Lies was surprisingly poignant for a romantic suspense novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been sitting on my bookshelf for a month but once I got started I couldn't put it down. I just needed to find out that secret. Well Done” - A. Jefferson of Richmond VA, posted to Amazon.com

“Like a donut’s cream-filled center, Maggie Toussaint’s debut novel contains secretive pleasures” – Darlene Gardner, Harlequin SuperRomance author

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was choc full of excitement and intrigue and the plot was very well written. I felt like I was pulled into the world the author created. I especially enjoyed the amazing amount of detail that was put into the character development. From the occupations of the main characters, to their favorite hobbies and everything in between, I loved the subtle and very accurate description of the characters' emotions and thought processes. The information didn't seem overwhelming. It was concise, but so true to the characters and the situations they were in. I was highly impressed by this. I would definitely give this book as a gift. This genre isn't usually one of my favorites, but I enjoyed this book very much. I was engrossed in the characters and loved how strong the heroine was. I would highly recommend it to anyone”
– Sweeter Romantic Notions (Note: the highest rating at SRN is ‘I would give this book as a gift!’)

“House of Lies by Maggie Toussaint is an exciting romantic suspense. Poignantly written, it touches on the emotional aspects of parental abandonment and the courage necessary to face the truth. The romance between Hannah and Jake is exceptionally well-developed and Hannah’s mother, Libby, is a sensitive character who added much to the story. I truly loved House of Lies and look forward to reading more novels this highly talented new author” -Linda Morelli, author and reviewer at http://www.lindamorelli.us

“Five stars! A wonderful read from the first page through to the last! Wonderful characters and a stunning plot make this a keeper that just couldn't be put down until I reached the last page and even then I wanted more. Maggie Toussaint is clearly a rising talent and I'll certainly be first in line for her future works” - Ellen Dye of Bloomery, WV, posted on www.thewildrosepress.com

“Five stars. House of Lies grabbed me from the start when it thrusts together the two main characters after the death of the female's father. The interest between them kept the same pace throughout, while also exploring the all-too-common curiosity of a person who grew up feeling distant from a parent. The author has done a great job of interweaving romance, suspense, and this same empathy for the main character. Keeps you guessing up until the very end when the final "secret" is revealed” – Sheila Langley of Jacksonville, FL, posted on Amazon.com

In For A Penny

Set in Hogan’s Glen, Md., this witty cozy from Toussaint (No Second Chance) introduces Cleopatra Jones, accountant, avid golfer and single mother of two. A handsome golf pro’s offer of romance gives Cleo a boost as she deals with her mother, her children and the Saint Bernard dumped on her by her ex-husband . . . the story takes some unexpected and dangerous turns as it builds to a satisfying conclusion.PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Toussaint's debut is a mildly amusing addition to the cozy ranks with possibilities for future development.” KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Maggie Toussaint's IN FOR A PENNY sparkles with wit and humor. Toussaint has created a small town filled with wacky characters and a sleuth--Cleo Jones--we can all relate to. She's funny, she's impulsive, and she's finding that there really is life after divorce. That life includes her children, a mother who puts fish in lasagne, a gorgeous golf pro, two frisky Saint Bernards, and, of course, murder. Anyone looking for a really fun read will find it in IN FOR A PENNY”
Judy Fitzwater, author of THE JENNIFER MARSH MYSTERIES and NO SAFE PLACE

“Even a philandering husband can't stop Cleopatra Jones, Maggie Toussaint's delightful new sleuth. But when she whacks her golf ball smack dab atop a dead body on the sixth green of the local club, it does make her pause -- just a tad. She hasn't time to dwell on it, however. The police arrest her best friend, her ex-husband seems to be involved up to his devious eyebrows, and Cleo's downright angry that her world has been turned upside down by him -- again. So she revs into full damn-the-torpedos mode until she peels away layers of subterfuge from the seemingly placid suburbs and cracks a case that baffles the local police. What a terrifically engrossing, rib-tickling debut from a talented new author. Don't miss it! ” Barbara Cummings, award winning author of A KILLING ON CHURCH GROUNDS

“Reading a Cleopatra Jones mystery is a nice way to spend an afternoon. This lighthearted story has a dash of romance and a lot of humor. Cleo is a delightful character, and her wacky family and friends add to the enjoyment.”ROMANTIC TIMES, 4 stars.

“Fans will enjoy this amateur sleuth as the heroine displays her moxie and loyalty by investigating the homicide expecting to prove her best friend is innocent. However every clue Cleo finds adds a nail to the case against Jonette. Fans will enjoy this fun mystery wondering whether the golf pro, the ex husband or no one will score with the heroine.” —Harriet Klausner, reviewer, Five stars

 

Seeing Red

“Maggie Toussaint brings life to these intriguing characters in her short novel,
Seeing Red. Whether describing the vibrant attraction between the lead characters or the suspense and mystery of the events that bring them closer together, this novel is a romantic treat.

Set in modern day, suburban Maryland, Ms. Toussaint's character descriptions leave you wanting to know more about Emma and Quentin's delightful family members. Her suspenseful dialogue and plots have you rooting for our hero and heroine from the very beginning. This is a great story that you won't want to put down and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a sweet, non-graphic romance.” —
LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS


“An excellent read.”
NIGHT OWL ROMANCE

“Read Seeing Red. It’s witty, fun, and fast-paced. One of the better romances I’ve read in months! I give it five flutes of champagne.” —COCKTAIL REVIEWS

 

 
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