Book Review – The Cowboy’s Perfect Match

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Book Review, Cathy McDavid, Sweetheart Ranch series, The Cowboy's Perfect Match

Hard-working cowboys with a big heart are just so dang sexy!!

*****

The Cowboy’s Perfect Match

The Sweetheart Ranch #2

by Cathy McDavid

Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

He may not be perfect…

But he’s perfect for her!

Ryan DeMere is definitely enjoying the perks of being Sweetheart Ranch’s new wrangler—the best is working with head chef Bridget O’Malley. He’s fallen head over spurs for the talented and determined beauty. There’s just one hiccup. Bridget is holding out for Mr. Right—and Ryan doesn’t quite meet her requirements. But he’s determined to win Bridget over, because Ryan may not be perfect…but maybe their love could be.

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Also available

A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal, The Sweetheart Ranch #1

At a magical time of year…

Can a cowboy help falling in love?

For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…

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*****

Review:

Ryan is definitely one of my favorite heroes that I’ve read in a while.  He’s got a good sense of fun and his humor is very laid-back & contagious.  He takes things seriously when he needs to but also knows how to just enjoys life.  He’s a good foil for Bridget who unfortunately tends to takes things a little too seriously.

I enjoyed that their biggest obstacle is just plain ol’ timing (and that seriousness) and that there wasn’t too much drama between them.  Sometimes it is nice to just have a story that you can relax into and enjoy as it unfolds in a real way.  You can understand completely how two people have a good connection but just aren’t in a place where they can get involved.

Of course, love finds a way (with a little meddling) and everything works out in the end.  But it is the journey from flirting to more to trouble to that HEA ending that makes for an enjoyable read.  If you are looking for excitement and angst, you aren’t going to find a lot of it here.  Instead you get a slow burn romance that is perfect for a lazy couple of days of reading.

*****

Author Info:

As a sophomore in high school, NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid won a local writing competition with her self-illustrated children’s book. Who knew that small triumph would eventually lead to a career writing contemporary romances with over 1.3 million books sold? With forty-seven titles to date, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins recently married her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world four years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking men who ride the range or fight fires or hunt creatures all while sweeping the girl off her feet. It’s a tough job but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│BookBub│Amazon

*****

Giveaway:

One winner will receive:
$10 Amazon gift card
Author swag
A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal and The Bull Rider’s Valentine
(print to US winner only, Kindle copies to US or international)
Ends May 22, 2019

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b9a55db3361/

*****

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Book Review – Riding Hard

Tags

Bennett Boys Ranch series, Book Review, Lauren Landish, Riding Hard

Riding Hard

Bennett Boys Ranch, Book 2

by Lauren Landish

A city girl reins in the cowboy of her hottest dreams in Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish’s wild romance.

As the eldest brother, the responsibility for the family ranch now rests on Mark Bennett’s broad shoulders. He wouldn’t have it any other way—he loves being in charge. Working hard on the land helps him stay focused and keeps him from noticing what’s missing in his life—what he’ll never allow himself to have for fear that one small taste will break his careful control.

But a sweet blue-eyed blonde has just arrived in town, and the attraction between them is undeniably hot. So Mark tightens the reins around his heart—how can he tell her what he really wants?

Events planner Katelyn Johnson’s new gig is the wedding of a rodeo superstar. Right now, it’s tough not to focus on the rider’s tempting older brother. So far, getting beneath Mark’s gorgeously gruff exterior has been a pleasure.

What she needs to do is go a little deeper. But the closer they get, the more Mark pulls away. Katelyn’s not afraid of a challenge, though. Whatever deep desires he’s hiding, she wants in on his secrets.

All she has to do is get past his legendary reserve. With all her body, heart, and soul, there’s nothing she can’t handle.

(I didn’t read the first book in the series and, while I’m curious how Mark was portrayed there, I didn’t really feel like I missed anything.)

Damaged by an early relationship, Mark’s held himself back for a lot of years, considering himself to be unlovable.  And definitely too dark for someone as sweet as Katelyn.  As we begin to understand why Mark is the way he is, we fall a little more for the stand-offish cowboy who is so dedicated to his family but secretly dislikes himself just as much.  It’ll take a special woman to get through to him and make him realize that he’s worthy of love … and he’s just met his match.

I loved how everyone considered Mark to be cold and reserved but Katelyn was able to see below the surface to the real him.  She shows a lot of perseverance and grit pushing for what she wants, especially when what she wanted was Mark.  It’s a very adult thing to not turn tail and run at every bump in the road, even when that bump is as big as this particular cowboy, and Landish does a great job of giving us a heroine (and a hero) that we can get behind.

Riding Hard has just a little extra heat, a whole lot of understanding, and a hero who finally finds his perfect match.  I’m looking forward to seeing what she has in store for the next Bennett brother 🙂

Book Review – Needing to Love You

Tags

Book Review, Erin Rylie, Houston's Finest series, Needing to Love You

This one has to have one of my favorite endings I’ve read in a while.

*****

Needing to Love You

Houston’s Finest #2

by Erin Rylie

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Carlos Ramirez has always prided himself on two things: being damn good at his job on the Houston police force and being able to land any woman he wants. When a devastating car accident leaves him crippled and in excruciating pain, he begins to rely too heavily on his prescription painkillers. The only person who can help him heal is the only woman who has ever rejected him—and on more than one occasion. Living with Kelsey while he works through physical therapy wasn’t anything he ever expected to happen, but it might just be what he needs.

After a divorce that left her doubting her ability to love, Kelsey Byrne wants nothing to do with relationships. Unfortunately for her, the only man she could see herself loving needs a place to live and help while he recovers. She had a hard time pushing him away after a one-night stand, so how can she possibly keep him at arm’s length when he’s in her house every day, playing with her son, cooking her meals, and leaving her cute notes every morning? Carlos may be working his way into her heart one sweet gesture at a time, but can she give him everything knowing that she’s more than a little broken inside?

Grab Your Copy on Kindle Unlimited Today!
Amazon

*****

Review:

Warning: Some possible spoilers below

I feel bad because this is going to seem like a very negative review, but there were definitely highlights (like Carlos’s relationship with Kelsey’s son, his sweet wooing of her, and the strength it took to finally face up to their issues).  It’s just that these things really bugged me.  I think part of it was because I didn’t get the book I was expecting.  Based on the blurb, I thought the biggest problem would be Carlos’s addiction to pain but that played such a minor part to their personal issues with relationships and commitment.  Looking back on it, I can see where I got what they said they’d give me, but I’d decided it was going to be different and that’s hard to let go 🙂

This is the second in the series and it can stand on its own but maybe if I’d read the first book I’d understand Carlos better.  While he’s described as a happy guy but to me he’s just a smart ass that only has jokes and doesn’t try to connect with anyone.  Not even his partner and best friend.  This is addressed a bit at the end (the part I absolutely loved) but I felt like it needed to maybe be worked up to a bit more in the rest of the story.

I’m also NOT a fan of the whole manwhore thing – it’s gotten old.  From the very first Carlos talks about his feelings for Kelsey but he’s sleeping with just about anyone who will have him.  Sometimes intentionally to get a reaction out of her.  That is not an attractive feature for me and definitely doesn’t convince me of the depth of his feelings & commitment to a real relationship.  Once he moves in and they spend time together, his behavior does show more of that but sleeping around is just not my idea of a romantic hero.

It also surprises me that Kelsey talks about breaking him.  That seems to be a pretty big assumption about her importance and power over him, especially with his bed-hopping.  I do understand why she’d be hesitant to get involved again based on her recent divorce (and what I later find out are her own issues with letting people in), but it just struck me as weird all things considered.  Maybe after they’d spent some time together and he’d shown himself to be more dedicated but at the beginning it seemed a bit much.

I can see where Carlos’s brand of charm would be pretty hard to resist, though.  He’s sarcastic, but full of fun and he definitely displays a great amount of understanding.  He pays attention to Kelsey and tries to be what she needs.  It’s hard to resist someone that makes you smile and doesn’t give up.  And while Kelsey is reserved, she’s also a bit quirky and a good foil for Carlos’s silliness.  The two of them together just seemed to work.

Needing to Love You has humor, heat, and an ending that made me happy enough to forget any grumble I might have had.  While the epilogue sets readers up for the next story, the last 3 chapters provides the sweetness and closure that made for a satisfying HEA ending, leaving me a happy camper.

*****

Author Info:

I’m a Montana born, Texas raised New Jersey transplant with a degree in hospitality. At 29 years old, I decided it was finally time for me to pursue my real passion in life – writing. I’ve been writing princess stories and LOTR fan-fiction since I was in middle school, so the transition into romance has been fun!

When I’m not writing, I’m reading (fantasy, sci-fi and romance are my genres) or working. I’m currently obsessed with Brooklyn Nine Nine which should tell you all you need to know about my sense of humor.

Finally, I am 100% an old cat lady. My cats Socks and Kaz are little weirdos and I love them more than most people.

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*****

 

 

Book Review – Mad About Moon

Tags

Book Review, Mad About Moon, Melissa Foster, The Whiskeys series

I can’t say enough about this oh-so-awesome series!  (Just check out my reviews for the other books in this series 🙂 )

*****

Mad About Moon

The Whiskeys series

by Melissa Foster

Blurb:

Fall in love with Jed and Josie in this emotionally captivating, sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

The perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more!

Can true love strike twice in one lifetime?

Josie Beckley refuses to believe there is a limit on happiness. A decade after she escaped her abusive parents and lost touch with her siblings, the death of her husband leaves her and her son homeless. But Josie has never been one to wallow in sadness, and when she takes a chance on reconnecting with her siblings, a sinfully handsome bright light from her past shows up and offers to help her find a way out of the darkness.

Most people wouldn’t see Jed Moon as someone to look up to. He’s been in and out of jail and has lived a less-than-stellar lifestyle. But years ago one woman saw through his bullshit, and he’s never forgotten her. Now she’s back in his life, and as a prospect for the Dark Knights motorcycle club, Jed promises to keep an eye on the sassy, sexy single mother who has never stopped lighting his fantasies on fire.

Jed and Josie’s combustible connection is stronger than ever. Having Josie and her son in his life brings out all of Jed’s protective instincts-and visions of a future he never imagined having. But when a shocking revelation knocks the insatiable lovers to their knees, it forces them to make choices that could change their lives forever.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

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*****

Review:

As always with the Whiskeys, the latest book packs an emotional punch. There isn’t a lot of drama between Moon and Josie, which I appreciate in a romance, but their lives have not been easy and they have to face a lot from their pasts.

Josie was able to escape her abusive parents and find a happy life but seeing her siblings again means that she needs to decide if she’s willing to address old wounds.  Even here it is handled with depth but not melodrama – the past comes calling but it doesn’t run their lives.  I appreciate that a lot as Josie comes to terms with what she thought she knew about her past.

Jed has managed to come to terms with his own past and the things that he’s done, thanks to his friends, family, and the Dark Knights.  And now that he’s got a chance to reconnect with Josie and make a better life for himself, he stumbles over a couple of kids that are pretty much him as a teen.  Being able to help others is such a huge part of who Moon is and Foster works that in so perfectly here, finding a way for him to have a purpose he can embrace.

Foster knows how to deliver depth and dimension to her characters, their lives, and how they connect with,  love, & support those around them – you truly feel the family that they’ve created, regardless of blood, and it makes you want to be a part of their community.  Packed with humor, heat, and complex relationships, Mad About Moon once again allows readers to fall into a story just brimming with emotion.

*****

For more hot Whiskey love, check out Melissa’s other Whiskey novels.

TRU BLUE (Reviewed)
TRULY MADLY WHISKEY (Reviewed)
DRIVING WHISKEY WILD (Reviewed)
WICKED WHISKEY LOVE (Reviewed)
MAD ABOUT MOON
TAMING MY WHISKEY

And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!”New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

“Melissa Foster writes worlds that draw you in, with strong heroes and brave heroines surrounded by a community that makes you want to crawl right on through the page and live there.” – New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent

In TRU BLUE…
There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman’s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | KOBO |iBooks

In TRULY, MADLY, WHISKEY…
Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends.

Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his.

The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotionally charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

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In DRIVING WHISKEY WILD…
Special Forces veteran and Dark Knights Motorcycle Club member Bullet Whiskey lives to protect his family, their bar, and the residents of his small hometown. He’s rough, unapologetic, and haunted by a secret, painful past. He’s also a master at keeping people away, and when his sister hires gorgeous and sweet Finlay Wilson to help expand their biker bar, he knows just how to get rid of her.

After losing her boyfriend and her father, Finlay moves back to her hometown to be closer to the little family she has left. She needs her temporary job at Whiskey Bro’s to get her catering business off the ground, and she’s determined not to let the gruff, arrogant mountain of a man Bullet Whiskey scare her off.

Finlay is everything Bullet has never wanted. She’s afraid of his dog, afraid of motorcycles, and sweet enough to give him cavities, but as she weaves her way into the hearts of everyone around him, he’s powerless to resist her charms. Passion ignites, but trust doesn’t come easily, and when their pasts collide, Bullet finds out the true meaning of protecting those he loves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

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IN WICKED WHISKEY LOVE…
After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she’s finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. She’s still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle–and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn’t come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want–and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah’s worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

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IN TAMING MY WHISKEY…
Get ready for a wild ride as Dixie Whiskey finds forever love in TAMING MY WHISKEY, a funny, sexy, and emotionally riveting standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. The perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more!

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Releasing 6th November! Available to pre-order from …

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | KOBO | iBooks | GPlay | Paperback

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Bookbub
Amazon Author Page

Click to get your FREE Love in Bloom Series Reading Order

Also make sure you sign up for the Ladies Who Write Newsletter!  Your one-stop shop for heart-pounding romance!

*****

Giveaway:

Win a River of Love ebook
Two Winners, Ending on Sunday 5th May at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

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*****

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Book Review – Snitches Get Stitches

Tags

Bear Bottom MC series, Book Review, Lani Lynn Vale, Snitches Get Stitches

Big, bad, tattooed, and with a good heart … come meet Liner!

*****

Snitches Get Stitches

The Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 8

by Lani Lynn Vale

Blurb:

Good vs Bad.

Light vs Dark.

Right vs Wrong.

There are always two sides to every coin.

Josiah ‘Liner’ Paldecki knew the moment he laid eyes on her that there was something different about her. Something special. Something so unique that it practically poleaxed him the moment that their eyes met.

Except, the next time he saw her, it was like she was a different woman altogether. There was a blankness to her eyes that concerned him. An air of menace about her that honestly scared him to death. He’s more than man enough to admit it.
At first, Liner thinks it’s because she’s bi-polar, or possibly psychopathic.

Then he realizes the truth.

That there isn’t a single person that exhibits such different personalities, but two.

Two identical twin sisters, both completely different, yet exactly the same.

One with a soul, and one without.

One that has his heart, and one that only wants to destroy it.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CYHT8h

Amazon AU: https://goo.gl/5BsBwP

Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/1g6z59

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/q2VLfU

Kobo: https://goo.gl/ywsw6H

Nook: https://goo.gl/7pUrTU

Apple: https://apple.co/2JtLv7F

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2FnGha0

*****

Review:

While I won’t say that this is the most believable book (psychologists would have a field day!), but it is definitely very enjoyable.  I will admit to stopping another book in the middle when this one dropped on my ereader and I was glued to it until the very end, so that has to mean something 🙂

I really liked Lani – how she managed to be strong in little ways but is willing to do what she has to to protect those she loves.  This is one of those places that stretched realism because I can’t believe that people are really that awful or that no one else stepped in to help before Liner.  I know that most people have tunnel vision about those around them but surely someone would have noticed how badly she’d been treated.

Luckily for Lani, Liner paid attention and realized something was up.  Even though he can’t do much right away just the fact he notices is enough and sets into motion things that will lead Lani to a life.

Of course there has to be an attraction between the two of them and that’s the second part that I struggled with a little.  Lani’s life has been so screwed up that any kind of normal relationship isn’t going to happen without a boatload of therapy.  Vale writes it in a way that works as long as you don’t think about it too much – Lani’s quiet strength and Liner’s protectiveness easily has you forgetting about it.

There is a decent amount of suspense mixed in and, even though it is wrapped up pretty quickly, the ending had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see where things would go next.  (There is one part at the end that went by pretty quick but hurt my heart a little … I’m still not sure how I feel about that.)

I really like Vale’s writing style – it’s quick and catchy – and her characters have been consistently interesting.  Since I’ve only read one other in the series, I’m not sure if some of my troubles come from a lack of familiarity with the group.  Maybe more exposure to some of the characters would settle some of my concerns with the realism of their situations.  I’m definitely willing to get my hands on the others to find out!

*****

Author Info:

Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

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*****

Book Review – Take a Chance on Me

Tags

Book Review, Jane Porter, Love on Chance Avenue series, Take a Chance on Me

Take a Chance on Me

Love on Chance Avenue series

by Jane Porter

Savvy stylist Amanda Wright loves Marietta, her hair salon, and her clients, and no client is more dear to her heart than eighty-year-old Bette Justice–even if her years have made her a little fragile. So when Bette asks Amanda to help her convince her determined grandson, Tyler, a successful game designer, that Marietta is the right home for Bette, Amanda can’t say no.

Tyler Justice has a one-track mind–he wants to take care of his beloved grandmother. He can’t understand her resistance to move to Texas and is sure that the young friend she keeps mentioning–Amanda–is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. He reaches Marietta determined to put the salon owner in her place and bring his grandmother home…until smart, kind Amanda starts to tug at his heart in ways he never expected.

But just as Tyler and Amanda start to form a real connection, will a long-buried family secret destroy their chance at love?

Is it wrong that my favorite character was Tyler’s grandmother?  She’s got grit and spunk and I definitely want her to adopt me.  That’s not to say that the rest aren’t good too, but I dearly love that old lady.

There aren’t a lot of surprises here.  It’s obvious that Bette is going to stay and that between her and Amanda, he’ll have a reason to move.  And Amanda will need to face her history and address past hurts & secrets in order to be able to look to her future.  You know things are going to work out but it is getting there that Porter makes work.

Wholesome and sweet (with a little drama to keep things hopping), Take a Chance on Me is one of those small town romances where by the end you want to move there and become friends with everyone.

(This is the first in this series that I’ve read, but it didn’t seem to make a difference so I think it can be read as a stand alone.)

Book Review – Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane

Tags

Book Review, Honeymoon Harbor series, JoAnn Ross, Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane

Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane

Honeymoon Harbor series

by JoAnn Ross

Lose yourself in the magic, charm and romance of Christmas in the Pacific Northwest as imagined in JoAnn Ross’s heartwarming Honeymoon Harbor series. 

Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Jolene Wells is forever indebted to the mother who encouraged her to fly—all the way to sunny LA and a world away from Honeymoon Harbor. Although Jolene vowed never to look back, returning home isn’t even a question when her mom faces a cancer scare. Which means running into Aiden Mannion all over town, the first boy she ever loved—and lost—and whom she can barely look in the eye.

Aiden’s black-sheep reputation may have diminished when he joined the marines, but everything he’s endured since has left him haunted. Back in Honeymoon Harbor to heal, he’s talked into the interim role of police chief, and the irony isn’t lost on the locals, least of all Aiden. But seeing Jolene after all these years is the unexpected breath of fresh air he’s been missing. He’s never forgotten her through all his tours, but he’s not sure anymore that he’s the man she deserves.

Despite the secret they left between them all those years ago, snow is starting to fall on their picturesque little town, making anything seem possible…maybe even a second chance at first love.

Second chance romances are hit and miss for me, but here Ross definitely has a winner.  I loved how Aiden and Jolene get to know each other again and manage to find their way into a HEA.  This is one of those feel good versions that work for me.

Ross’s main characters are complex and the supporting cast of family & friends are a delight.  She delivers quirky world, full of love & support.  But for those who are a little more of a … purist, I feel I should give a heads up about Aiden’s otherworldly friend.  I found him to be a fantastic addition to the story, and something Aiden definitely needed, but a ghostly friend won’t be for everyone.

Small town romances are definitely high on my list of favorites and setting them during Christmas just makes them all the better.  (Oh, and I personally don’t think it is ever the wrong time for a great Christmas story!)  If you are an addict of those Hallmark-y holiday movies, you definitely have to get your hands on this one.

 

Book Review – The Charmer in Chaps

Tags

Book Review, Julia London, Princes of Texas series, The Charmer in Chaps

The Charmer in Chaps

Princes of Texas series

by Julia London

A Texas Prince Meets His Match…

Cimarron County knows the youngest son of the fabled Prince family as a womanizing hell-raiser, but Luca has changed and he intends to prove it. There’s just one problem—a woman with sparkling eyes and more fight than a barnyard cat.
 
After a childhood of living in foster homes, Ella Kendall has exactly three things to her name: A dog, a pig, and the rundown house she just inherited. Luca may not remember her from high school, but she definitely remembers him. He is as seductive as he was then, but Ella isn’t about to fall for his flirting. She recognizes a playboy cowboy when she sees one.
 
Luca knows Ella has learned the hard way to trust no one but herself. Yet the closer he gets to Ella, the more he wants to be the only one she leans on. Because Ella is the only woman for him, and he wants to be the man who finally gives her the home she truly deserves.

I’m not a huge fan of the modern rake as a character (I don’t know why it works better for me in a historical) and Luca irritated me at first meeting, but while he was busy trying to win over Ella, he charmed me too.  I grew to admire his determination and hard work, especially with the lack of real support from his family.  As shiny as he looks from the outside, he has troubles that has followed him from his childhood and it takes a strong person to be willing to pursue a dream and try to improve not only themselves but the world while they are at it.

I honestly didn’t expect to like Ella.  Usually when authors write about foster care kids they make them too independent and too afraid of commitment.  While Ella is hesitant to get involved with Luca, her history of keeping herself walled off from others is more nuanced and less heavy handed.

If anything brought the story down for me it was Ella’s devotion to Stacy.  I get that there was a bond there that is hard for her to ignore.  It’s also easy to understand why Stacy does the things she does, both for the reader and Ella … but she’s not a very good friend.  She blows in and out of Ella’s life, doesn’t really support her, and does illegal things.  At some point, your history together stops being that important.  I really wanted better for Ella.

London wonderfully blends together multifaceted characters, personal growth, family dysfunction, and life in the vast Texas plains to give readers a emotional and complex story.  A very promising start to a new series!

Book Review – All In

Tags

All In, Book Review, Bridgeport Social Club series, Shelley Shepard Gray

All In

Bridgeport Social Club series

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Meredith Hunt is content with her solo life. She owns and runs a successful Pilates studio, volunteers at the high school every week, and recently bought a house. She can take care of herself, which is good because she has a hard time relying on other people. When she’s mugged and a handsome man comes to her rescue, she doesn’t know how to accept his help—or how to stop staring into his chocolate-brown eyes.

Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport to offer his fifteen-year-old son, Finn, a better life. Here, Finn has a chance to play football for a good team and maybe even earn a college scholarship. And Ace scored a job at a top-notch garage, where he gets to fix up classic cars. Plus, they could both use some distance from Finn’s toxic mom. The last thing on his mind is falling in love, but he can’t help offering assistance to a gorgeous redhead in need.

Thrown together by a careless criminal, Meredith and Ace can’t deny their attraction. But can they open their hearts—and their lives—to make room for love?

Shelley Shepard Gray’s Bridgeport Social Club series explores how communities can come together to support each other, whether it’s around a poker table, in a Pilates studio, or anywhere in between. Get ready to fall in love with a group of men and women who, even when they feel lost, refuse to lose hope.

Like Take a Chance, All In is more than just a romance.  There is the relationship between Ace and Meredith, but we also have Meredith learning to open herself up to others, Ace & Finn developing a better relationship, Finn settling in to a new school, and Finn’s interactions with the awkward girl next door.  (I do wish we’d gotten a bit more there.  I think that there was so much opportunity to develop not only their interactions together but also the way they are viewed by other kids.)  It all works together to create a beautiful tapestry capturing small town life.

I will say that Gray pleasantly surprised me with the ending.  I thought for sure I knew where things were going and the conflict Ace & Meredith would have to face before they could have their HEA … but I was wrong!  I love a book that doesn’t take the obvious angle.

All In is a lovely, sweet, and believable story of finding love and belonging.  Shelley Shepard Gray is a skilled writer, drawing her readers into the character’s lives and making them feel real.  I really hope she continues bringing us stories from Bridgeport.

**Those who are fans of SSG’s writing need to be aware this is a different style than her previous Amish romances.  Like with the first story in this series, I think that a lot of people think they know what to expect and then are surprised by a clean but more contemporary romance.  Just a warning 🙂 **

Book Review – Hissy Fit

Tags

Book Review, Hissy Fit, Lani Lynn Vale, Southern Gentleman series

This book is so not what I expected … and SO much better for it!

*****

Hissy Fit

The Southern Gentleman Series, Book 1

by Lani Lynn Vale

Release Day: March 19th

Blurb:

He is the one that never looks her way.
He is handsome and strong.
He is rough around the edges and mean.
He is everything she’s ever wanted.
He doesn’t even know she exists.
Her life is a joke.

She doesn’t step on cracks in the sidewalk.
She laughs at inappropriate times.
She talks when she shouldn’t.
She is clumsy and trips on air.
She is finally on his radar.
God help her now.

GOODREADS: https://bit.ly/2EZuBee
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2BPEgzZ
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2Rp1dng
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2QYP7SD
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2TjIaYR
B&N: https://bit.ly/2R4VkMV
Apple Books – https://apple.co/2VNY3bh

*****

Review:

The blurb is such that I wasn’t sure what I was going to get so when it landed on my e-reader I opened it up just to see.  And didn’t put it down until I was done!  I loved goofy, sweet, fun Raleigh.  From the very first page (and the subsequent awkward encounter with Ezra) I wanted to be bestest, life-long friends with her.  Klutzy, funny, and awkward, Raleigh will win your heart and you’ll be cheering when she finally gets her guy.

I will saw there were a few times that I wanted to smack Ezra on the head.  He’s either totally clueless or a bit of an *ss because he let another women get a little too handsy with him.  More than once after starting a relationship with Raleigh.  I get that maybe he didn’t realize the signals that Raleigh might be picking up but after the first time it made her huffy I would have thought that he’d get a clue.  Outside of that, though, I found him to be a pretty good guy.  He takes care of the guys on his team and his family.  And wants he sees Raleigh he’s ready to take on anything she needs him to.

While this is a more light-hearted book overall, it isn’t afraid to tackle some harsher topics when it needs to.  This is only the second book by Vale that I’ve read, but it’s not going to be my last.  (Lord Have Mercy, the next book in this series, is out soon and I’m already trying to figure out how to get my hands on it!)

*****

Author Info:

Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

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*****