Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, survived Waterloo, but can he survive the Season as London’s most eligible bachelor? Convinced his battle scars make him unlovable, and to escape Society’s matchmakers, Ross proposes a wedding in name only to shy, sensible Carenza Bettridge. Liberated from her cruel stepmother and bullying half-sisters, she blossoms into a confident, altogether desirable woman. He promised Carenza a convenient marriage, but inconveniently finds himself wanting more…
I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. Carenza is treated poorly by her steps but she puts up with it out of love for her dad. She pushes down any resentment and negative feelings in order to help him have a calm life. It means that she misses out on a lot of what others her age have but it doesn’t matter to her as long as her dad is happy. With Ross’s stay, thought, her dad’s starting to see exactly what that means and realizes that Ross may be able to help.
Ross’s experience in the war has left him with a lot of issues and his family pestering him to get married is not helping. It’s hard to witness Ross’s troubles with the feeling of being broken because of his scars and PTSD. But time spent with Carenza slowly builds him back up – her support shows she believes in his worth, doesn’t find him lacking, and that his scars are not as bad as he thinks they are.
Both characters have a lot more strength than they think they do and time together soon has them realizing that. There’s a bit of a struggle as they begin developing feelings for each other, which leads to drama as they work at letting go of their beliefs about themselves & start to understand they actually deserve a future together. It’s a satisfying journey and gives readers a wonderful HEA ending.
*****
Author Info:
Sarah Mallory is an award-winning author who has published more than 30 historical romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon. She loves history, especially the Georgian and Regency. She won the prestigious RoNA Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013. Sarah also writes romantic historical adventures as Melinda Hammond. Sarah lived for many years on the Yorkshire Pennines, taking inspiration from the wild and rugged moors. Then in 2018 she fell in love with Scotland and ran away to live on the rugged North West Coast, which is proving even more inspiring.
Ex-dancer Emily Williams turned her back on the sparkle of popular dancing show Strictly Dancing with Celebs to help those in need. Now the only dancing she does is teaching lonely pensioners to waltz, and the closest she gets to disco balls is making baubles with the homeless people in her Christmas crafts class.
She’s certainly not star-struck when Hollywood heart-throb Blake Harris is sent to her at short notice for community service, and has no desire to babysit the arrogant actor with his bad boy antics and selfish ways. Christmas might be a time for miracles, but Blake seems to be a lost cause.
But Emily’s reasons for abandoning her dancing passion means she understands the Hollywood wild child more than she’d like to admit. Could their time together, coupled with a dash of Christmas spirit, lead to a miracle change of heart for them both?Book 3 in Helen’s Spotlight series but they can all be read as standalone stories.
Book 3 in Helen’s Spotlight series but they can all be read as standalone stories.
Blake is your typical troubled, spoiled, rich star. But as he spends time doing community service at a local shelter, getting to know Emily and those that come to her center in need, he begins to look at himself a little more closely. To compare his own life to those with so many struggles and realize that he may have something in common with these people who live so differently than he does.
Emily feels strongly about he work at the community center. She’s struggling to keep up with everything that managing it requires, but being there and providing the help their users need is important to her. With Blake’s unwanted appearance, it quickly becomes obvious that there is more driving her to do what she does. Something that needs to be addressed before she breaks.
While I really enjoyed Emily and Blake’s story, especially the resolution to her side of things, I felt that there was a lost opportunity to really delve into his issues. The damage his parents have caused him, his issues with alcohol, and the failures of his previous relationships provide plenty of material to give Blake major growth. It’s there now, and enjoyable to read, but not in the depth that I think he really deserves. Instead we get a more lighthearted story of how Emily and those at the community center cause him to evaluate himself and realize the importance & satisfaction of truly helping others. It makes for a pleasant holiday read but I think it misses out a bit on what it really could be.
Although I think it could have been more,Buckley definitely puts readers into the holiday mood by delivering a feel good story with a delightful blend of humor & angst. You find yourself realizing, as Emily and Blake do, that there is more to him that meets the eye and that maybe Christmas will work its magic on them all.
*****
Author Info:
Ever since I was little I wanted to be a writer, to turn daydreams into books. I’m fascinated by fame, in love with Happy Ever Afters, and enthralled by slow-burn romances. I squeeze in time to write around looking after my two sons.
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Head Over Hooves, a must read small town romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is available today!
Head Over Hooves
Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series
by Erin Nicholas
Blurb:
You know in movies where the big city girl lands in a small town for the holidays and falls for the hunky guy who saves Christmas?
This isn’t that story.
But this guy does look fantastic in flannel. And out of flannel…
Finding true love with his one-and-only soul mate? Drew Ryan’s given up on that.
But a hot holiday fling in Louisiana, far from his responsibilities and good guy image back home, is now on the top of his list for Santa.
So when he’s knocked on his ass—literally—by a Christmas elf who’s stealing a sleigh full of gifts and using his reindeer to commit the crime, he definitely doesn’t expect to fall head over heels.
This holiday couldn’t get any worse for Rory Robins.
First, her hair wasn’t supposed to turn green. It’s not even Christmas green.
And the elf costume wasn’t supposed to be two sizes too small.
And her con-man father wasn’t supposed to show up and go all real-life-Grinch on her beloved new hometown.
And she definitely wasn’t supposed to run into anyone while trying to fix the problem. Especially not the hunky guy who already seems too good to be true.
But he does have a way of making her “cocoa” even hotter and a whole lot sweeter…
Still, he lives in Iowa. The only good thing her father ever gave her was a healthy distrust of men who are never around. She’s not doing a long-distance thing.
This little fling is only going to last as long as the temporary color of her hair.
Only nothing seems to be fading. And she might be asking Santa for just one more thing…
Nicholas’s newest is seriously cute, definitely funny, and quite steamy. I haven’t read any of the Iowa stories so Drew is new to me but I could appreciate his need to go somewhere new and let loose a little. He’s a good guy but he’s also got a naughty side and unfortunately no one at home is able to reconcile the two. A week in Louisiana sounds like the perfect opportunity to get a bit wild … except the first person he runs into isn’t the wild bayou fling he was hoping for. And their attraction is gonna be hard to resist.
Rory had her sense of security ripped away as a child and is desperately trying to find community & belonging in adulthood. In Autre, the Landrys are the epitome of a big, loving family and she is hoping to use Christmas to prove to them that she’s responsible and … worthy? Unfortunately she quickly realizes she’s over her head and, with her dad in the picture, it can only get worse. Meeting Drew is definitely a high point in a quickly spiraling day.
There is definitely insta-love, but it doesn’t make the romance any less enjoyable. Their’s is a connection that helps them understand & appreciate each other. It’s a connection that sizzles but also supports, allowing them to show all of themselves and to be accepted (even embraced) for it. It’s caring, comfort, encouragement, and chemistry all in one.
I think Head Over Hooves is my favorites by this author (not that I’ve read ALL that many) and quite possibly one of the most enjoyable stories I’ve read in a while. Nicholas is known for combining fun & zaniness with all the feels in her books and it’s no different here. She makes sure that readers understand where Rory is coming from and why she’s trying so hard to prove herself. She also makes sure that everyone, including Rory and Drew, see that he can be a stand-up guy while still embracing the bad boy underneath. It’s sexy and sweet and pretty much impossible to resist! And it wouldn’t be a BotBGW book without a good dose of the boisterous Landrys, escape artist goats, a trip to jail, and big bowl of Ellie’s gumbo 🙂
*****
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.
Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).
I always hoped I’d see her again after she rocked my world last Christmas. I never thought she’d have my baby in her arms.
I also didn’t see myself dressed as a deranged bear the first time I held my daughter, or even that I’d have a daughter. Navy SEAL life isn’t great for fatherhood, but seeing Jessie with Joy hits me like a happy holiday thunderbolt.
Jessie’s not sure she trusts me, and who can blame her? Maybe if we’d swapped more than ten words before falling into bed that snowy night, we wouldn’t be strangers. But I can’t regret our fling, just like I can’t ditch a military career I’ve spent my whole life wanting.
But maybe there’s something I want more. Jessie. A bond with our baby and heaps of happy, mixed-up holiday memories we’re making as we bond over giftwrap gaffes, sexy dreidel games, and kisses hot enough to melt mistletoe.
I just need to prove we belong together, preferably before one of us hops a flight and gets gone for good.
Joe was raised by his two moms, living all over the world doing environmental work. It was definitely an unusual childhood but it helped give him a more open view of things. He’s kind, caring, and confident, supportive of others and understanding of their needs. This helps him when he comes face to face with Jessie again.
Jessie’s upbringing also has had an impact on her life. She’s independent and strong (maybe a bit too much sometimes), dedicating her life to making the world a better place. Sidelined by an unexpected pregnancy, she occasionally flounders just a bit but she’s handled the change in her plans well. And her grit helps out when introducing Joe to his daughter. It’s not easy but he quickly proves himself to be a stand-up guy, showing the right amount of patience & concern for her feelings and she finds his enthusiasm for fatherhood hard to resist (I did too!).
I really enjoyed Joe and Jessie’s story. It’s short and sweet but I was pleased with how everything worked out for them. Knowing how their relationship started, there was the expected amount of awkwardness but Fenske mixes it with a good amount of humor and fun. She also throws in enough emotions to make the insta-love connection believable and a good amount of heat to show why they hooked up in the first place. Rounding it out are all the feels of Joe falling for his daughter and Jessie learning to let him, all of which lead to a feel-good ending perfect for a holiday read.
(This is the first in this series that I’ve read and while there were a lot of characters from the rest of the series it can be read as a standalone.)
The trouble with lies is they have a tendency to catch a man out.
The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, wants is a wife.
But since the only way to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay is the promise of impending nuptials, Hugh takes the most logical action: he invents a fake fiancée.
It’s the perfect plan – until Hugh learns that his mother is on a ship bound for England to meet his ‘beloved’. He needs a solution fast, and when he collides with a mysterious beauty, he might just have found the answer to his prayers.
Minerva Merriwell is desperate for money to support her sisters, and although she knows that posing as the Earl’s fiancée might seem nonsensical, it’s just too good an offer to refuse.
As the Merriwells descend upon Hugh’s estate, the household is thrown into turmoil as everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight. And with Hugh and Minerva’s romantic ruse turning into the real thing, is true love just one complication too many?
‘Filled with fabulously British banter, wit, and heart, this delightful book is one of my must-read rom-coms of the year’
Based on the blurb, you know going in there will be hijinks, mixed with a good amount of humor. And while I enjoyed the farce that Hugh manages to drag everyone into, it probably won’t be for everyone. It’s not exactly a believable story line but I found myself just sitting back, relaxing, and letting myself enjoy it.
Hugh has more than his fair share of charm, handsome, and funny. But he’s also tormented by secrets and convinced that he’ll never be good husband material. As with most of the book, a little straightforward communication would solve pretty much all of his problems.
Poor and desperate, Minerva has different problems brought on by her agreement to help Hugh in exchange for enough money to take care of her family. She quickly finds herself over her head and juggling too many things, watching as everything quickly goes sideways.
Full of great supporting characters (a couple of whom I hope will be get their own HEA in the next book), comedy, and lots of drama, Never Fall for Your Fiancée is lighthearted and fun, not to be taken too seriously but enjoyable all the same.
*****
Author Info:
When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty-two books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.
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An emotional and sexy novel about guarded hearts, finding love, and families lost and found by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will.
Maybe We Should
Silver Harbor series
by Melissa Foster
Releasing Nov 2nd, 2021
Montlake Romance
Blurb:
After spending years wondering who she was, tattoo artist Cait Weatherby finally found her answers on the sandy shores of Silver Island. With two half sisters she never knew existed, a group of friends she adores, and a devastatingly charming admirer who flirts with her at every turn, she’s ready to figure out her next steps. The trouble is, Cait lives in the shadows of a dark past, and she can’t afford complications that might cause her to lose the family she’s only just found—complications like blue-eyed boatbuilder Brant Remington, who is as open as she is guarded. If only the sexy charmer would take the hint…
Brant is Cait’s opposite in every way, but he’s drawn to everything about the sexy newcomer—from the quiet strength that rivals the caution in her mossy-green eyes to her tough facade that he can’t wait to strip away.
As Brant works his magic, Cait’s walls come down. But as sweet as that feels, Cait knows how quickly good things can turn bad. It’s going to take more than a little trust to beat the ghosts of her past and claim the future they both deserve.
The Silver Harbor series is published by Montlake Romance and will be available in paperback and audio formats at all book retailers, and exclusively in digital format for Kindle and Kindle apps. Download a free Kindle reading app here: http://bit.ly/FreeKindle_App1
Brant is pretty much perfect – caring, sweet, understanding, and patient (oh and hot) – which may annoy some (because seriously who is THAT perfect) but honestly the story is really about Cait. And she needs someone that is just that good to support her. She’s had a hard life and had finally found a safe place to land, only to have things shaken up with the discovery of her birth mother. And sisters! Sisters that come with awesome friends and the chance of a different future but only if she’s willing to let go of her past and take a chance.
I really enjoyed Cait’s journey. She was hesitant at first to get involved with Brant but when she does decide to give a relationship with him a try she gives it her all. It’s not immediate, she has to work on it, but with help from Brant, her sisters, and their friends she finds herself opening up and looking toward a future together on Silver Island.
I usually avoid romances that have a character that is not into relationships, mostly because they usually involve more drama than I prefer, but I also know that Foster is really good at what she does. And she once again proves it with Brant and Cait’s story. There’s a lot of emotion but not a lot of tumultuousness. Giving readers all the feels and a satisfying read, without a roller coaster ride to the happy ever after ending.
(While this is technically a stand alone, there are A LOT of characters from previous – and future – books that make an appearance. It may be confusing for some, but Foster does provide a family tree for those that want to see how everyone relates. And maybe figure out what books to add to their TBR pile 🙂 )
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a NYT, WSJ & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance 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 lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
After they’ve opened gifts, maybe he’ll unwrap her heart…
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his “honeymoon.” But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights—everything is conspiring against their “just friends” resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
Welcome to Moonlight Ridge, Tennessee, home to the Top Dog Dude Ranch, renowned for family-friendly rustic retreats that heal broken hearts. Some say it’s the majestic mountain vistas. Others vow there’s magic in the hot springs. All agree, there’s something special about the four-legged creatures at the Top Dog Dude Ranch that give guests a “new leash on love.”
First book in the series:
Last-Chance Marriage Rescue (Top Dog Dude Ranch #1) by Catherine Mann
“They’re about to step into a parent trap of their twins’ making!”
Her gaze shot up from the screen to look at him and she could have sworn an awareness crackled between them.
Surely only because they were both alone, treated poorly by someone who’d vowed to love them forever. As she knew all too well from her ugly breakup, the last thing he needed was anything muddling the recovery.
“No worries, Riley assured her, as if reading her thoughts, those brown eyes of his wise and knowing. “The ranch is family friendly and friend friendly, not just romance. And we are friends, Lucy. You’re my best friend.”
“And you’re mine.” She sighed, sagging back onto her heels just as Pickles curled up to sleep beside her. “So, say we’re discussing – just discussing – the possibility of me coming with you to spend Christmas at the Top Dog Dude Ranch. It seems unfair to take the trip without contributing. But I can hardly afford a trip to the corner store, much less a two-week vacation. And there’s missing work…”
A poor excuse at best, since most of the clients for her dog walking business we teachers who would be on Christmas break. She could see that he knew her excuse was thin.
She tried again, unsure why she was resisting when she’d taken so much help from him in the past. Lucy clasped her wrist over where he’d rubbed with his thumb…
Copyright Catherine Mann 2021
*****
Review:
Riley and Lucy have been friends forever, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. A kiss in high school hinted at the possibility of something more but the timing wasn’t right. Now, for the first time, they are in the same place and single at the same time. While they may tell everyone that there is nothing romantic between them, some long buried feelings are starting to surface. And spending time together at a romantic getaway, even with a small chaperone, is only making things more complicated.
Neither Riley nor Lucy has had the greatest history, and trusting in their emotions is hard, so taking a chance on losing a friendship that means so much to both of them is scary. But I felt like Mann does a good job of having them work through their feelings, understanding the seriousness of risking what they have for something more, and making sure that their attraction is real.
Blending together tender moments, holiday charm, and just a smidge of spice to heat things up a bit, Mann’s latest is the perfect read for those looking for a feel-good story to curl up with and while away a few hours. A delightful mix of friends-to-lovers and Christmas enchantment, it’ll leave you happy and satisfied, maybe even wanting a little more of the magic the Top Dog Dude Ranch can bring.
*****
Author Info:
USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Harlequin, Tule, Berkley, and Sourcebooks. With over seventy-five books released in more than twenty countries, she has won a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award. She’s also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. After years moving around the country bringing up four children, Catherine has settled back in her home state of South Carolina where she lives with her husband. The nest didn’t stay empty long though as they are both active in animal rescue. Catherine enjoys hearing from her readers and can be found online frequently on Facebook. She can also be reached via mail at: PO Box 290762, Columbia SC 29229. (For a free bookmark, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of The Cowboy’s Christmas Retreat. Three winners win a copy of Last Chance Marriage Rescue (Top Dog #1) with a PAW-tograph (autograph) from the author’s dog Biscuit. – US Only.
Sealed With a Kiss, an all-new romantic comedy filled with heated chemistry from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is available now!
Sealed With a Kiss
Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild
by Erin Nicholas
Blurb:
What’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend?
Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course.
Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight.
But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him…and a few articles of clothing end up on the floor…suddenly her simple, quiet life is tossed upside down.
Especially after the paparazzi catches a heat-of-the-moment kiss. Now everyone assumes she’s his girlfriend and, when she realizes that’s the best way to keep Donovan out of trouble, Naomi agrees to play along. Even though it puts her center stage with her private life in very public view. Again.
They’re a whirlwind of opposites-attract chemistry the fans love, but they’ll surely blow over faster than a Gulf Coast hurricane. As long as they can keep straight what’s real and what’s just a once-in-a-lifetime fantasy.
Naomi has been embracing her quiet life, loving & supporting her family & friends without drawing a lot of attention to herself. Falling in love with a man who thinks nothing of throwing himself on top of an alligator was so not part of her plans. But then she wasn’t in Donovan’s plans either, since he usually doesn’t stick around long enough to get emotionally attached. Here they are though … now what?
I really like Donovan and Naomi together. He shakes things up for her a little, helping her find a new passion, while she helps him realize that he’s loved and appreciated. There’s plenty of heat between the two, but there is also a lot of time spent exploring their feelings and learning more about themselves as well as each other. And it isn’t a Bayou book without it’s fair share of hilarious moments, flirty banter, and Autre hijinks.
Nicholas definitely knows how to give her readers a great mix of humor, fun, and spice. I haven’t read many of her stories but now that I’ve found her I look forward to every single one of her Bayou books. These Louisiana boys are all swagger, orneriness, & trouble – they need a smart, sassy woman to take them on and I love every minute of it. It is definitely a hoot to watch them lose their hearts.
(Standalone but it helps to have read at least some of the rest of the books to truly enjoy their eclectic, boisterous, loving group. It wouldn’t surprise me if the last couple of chapters have you searching for the rest of the books!)
*****
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.
Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).
The sexy Navy chief and his best friend’s adorkable little brother…
It’s petty, but Naval Chief Derrick Fox wishes he could exact a little revenge on his ex by showing off a rebound fling. His submarine is due to return to its Bremerton, Washington, home base soon and Derrick knows all too well there won’t be anyone waiting with a big, showy welcome.
Enter one ill-advised plan…
Arthur Euler is the guy you go to in a pinch—he’s excellent at out-of-the-box solutions. It’s what the genius music-slash-computer nerd is known for. So when he finds out Derrick needs a favor, he’s happy to help. He can muster the sort of welcome a Naval Chief deserves, no problem at all.
Except it is a problem. A very big problem.
When Arthur’s homecoming welcome is a little too convincing, when a video of their gangplank smooch goes enormously viral, they’re caught between a dock and a hard place. Neither of them ever expected a temporary fake relationship to look—or feel—so real. And Arthur certainly never considered he’d be fighting for a very much not-fake forever with a military man.
Arthur turned out hot. That was my first thought when I spotted him after I heard my name called. Derrick. My actual name, not Fox, not Chief, and outside of Calder a couple of times, I hadn’t heard that name in months. And definitely not like that, all eager and excited and happy. On the sub, hearing my name inevitably meant that someone needed something right that minute, but the way Arthur said it didn’t inspire dread at all.
I’d already been caught up in the energy of the day. Homecoming day was always exciting, even if I didn’t usually have someone waiting. The whole crew was jostling about, getting into our dress whites, making sure everything from our cover to the chest candy of ribbons and medals to the gig line was perfectly straight. Getting chosen to be on deck as we came into port was an honor, one that I usually let others, especially those with kids, fight over, since there was still plenty to do belowdecks in preparation and support. As the chief sonar tech, I was responsible for working with the A-gangers from engineering and the operations department to help navigate us in. Adrenaline was contagious, and by the time my department was cleared to disembark, I had enough energy to rival the reactor that powered the sub.
And then I heard my name.
I recognized Arthur’s red hair right away. But the rest…
Wow. Arthur had grown hot. Still shorter than me and skinnier, but wiry now, each lean muscle defined under a thin white shirt and tight jeans. No signs of his ever-present too-big nerd-humor tees. Same startling green eyes as before, though, and a new, more chiseled jaw sporting the perfect amount of fuzz. He’d grown into his long regal nose, and the hair that had seemed to have a life of its own when he’d been a teen was sculpted now, this perfectly styled wave that made me want to mess it up. His hands, which had always seemed too big for the rest of him, were clutching a giant sign.
For me.
And for a second—a literal instant when our eyes met and time stopped—I forgot it wasn’t real. And in that moment, I wanted it to be. Someone smiling that broadly for me. Had Steve ever been so happy to see me? Hell, I wasn’t even sure the poodle my grandmother had let me keep had been that happy. Arthur just radiated pure joy. The kid was one hell of an actor.
“Welcome home.” Even his voice was different. Deeper. Sexier.
“Hey,” I said because I was simply that brilliant at conversation. I reached an arm out, instinctively going for a handshake, but Arthur shifted his sign and met me partway, coming in for a hug.
A really tight hug.
Damn, he felt good. Amazing really. Solid muscle against me, hair tickling my nose, exactly as silky as it looked, strong arms able to haul me in and hold me tight. He smelled like mint and green tea, two things in short supply on a boat that tended to smell like old socks on a good day. Sweet. I inhaled deeply as his lips brushed my ear.
“Calder said to kiss you,” he whispered. “And I want to. But you gotta tell me you’re good with that first.”
Was I good with that? Hot guy who smelled like a concoction I wanted to drink every day for a month wanted to kiss me. And ordinarily, the friendship code would put Arthur far, far off-limits, but here was Calder telling us to kiss. It was a free pass, the sort I’d be a fool to turn down.
I wasn’t a fool.
And what harm could a peck do?
“Yeah.” My voice was a rough whisper, and I didn’t have a chance to brace myself before Arthur was sliding his mouth over from my ear to mouth. A double shot of tequila would have had less punch than the first brush of contact.
And okay, not a peck.
We were kissing. Arthur and I, which should have been weird but somehow wasn’t. At all. Someone whooped behind us, but almost all of my attention was riveted on Arthur, like I was on watch and every sense was heightened lest I miss something vital.
Like how soft his lips were. Full too. Or the bristle of his scruff against my cheek. I’d done a submarine shave that morning, not my best job, but close enough that the rasp of beard felt electric. Our chests were pressed so tightly that I could feel his heart pounding. Or maybe that was mine, blood zooming to places that had been in deep freeze for months.
“Wow.” Arthur pulled back, leaving me dazed and still clinging to him.
“Damn.” The statuesque purple-haired woman he’d been standing with laughed loudly and thumped Arthur’s shoulder. “Is that the best you can do? Your man has been at sea how many months?”
Your man. If only. If he were actually mine, we’d be racing across base, a mad dash to find a room with a door. But he wasn’t and all we’d ever have was this moment. A potent mix of want and resolve raced through me as suddenly I was determined to make this count.
I pulled him back to me, and this time when our mouths collided, I was ready. Ready to taste. Ready to absorb every single detail. Ready to seize control and kiss like the world might be ending.
And it could have. Not sure I would have noticed. Everything faded away. The crowd. The docks. The balloons Arthur had been clutching and his sign both as his strong hands clung to my shoulders as we kissed in earnest. He tasted like he smelled, sweet and minty, and his tongue against mine was like floodlights coming on.
“Welcome home,” Arthur breathed against my mouth as the sound of applause gradually pulled me back into awareness of our surroundings. Applause. Whoops of laughter. Clicking cameras. But still I couldn’t seem to look away from him.
*****
Review:
From reading other reviews on Goodreads, it looks like Albert has quite the following, especially for her military romances, and I’ve got to say that I can see why. Her writing is enjoyable and her characters are likable. Throw in a story-line that handles some of romance’s most popular tropes well and she delivers a satisfying read.
My favorite part is the support that solid, oh-so-serious Derrick gives Arthur and the enjoyment of life that the more laid back Arthur teaches him in return. They appreciate each other for who they are and prop each other up whenever they need it, balancing each other out. And, unlike a lot of romances, they talk! There is honesty between them as they face their concerns about themselves, their fake-becoming-not-so-fake relationship, and their future. It’s refreshing to not have a lot of miscommunication and drama or a third act that blows everything up before we finally get where we want to go.
Sailor Proof isn’t quite perfect though. While Derrick does a fantastic job of helping Arthur feel more comfortable within his family, I think there was an opportunity for them to really understand him and embrace him for who he is. For there to be a bit more of an adult relationship to develop between them all. Arthur does let go of some of his hurts and gets a better understanding of how things work in the other relationships in his family but I felt like there was a chance for more for this odd man out.
I also am not sure why Derrick didn’t feel like he was good enough for Arthur. I get that he’d been on his own for a long time, most of that spent in the military separated from people, and his last (and only real) relationship went belly up but it seems like there was more going on there. He’s a good, strong man and I was so happy for him that he found someone that fit him as well as Arthur. I’m just not sure why he didn’t get it sooner 🙂
Overall, though, these are somewhat minor complaints. I consider it a win if I finish a book feeling good for the characters and I definitely did that here. Sweet but hot, low angst but sexy, Sailor Proof is a slow burn that left me satisfied that Arthur and Derrick found their way to a happy ever after.
*****
Author Info:
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a Pacific Northwest romance writer of many critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series. To find out more, check out: http://www.annabethalbert.com. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content.
Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.
Discover a new Carina Adores book every month!
Meet Me in Madrid by Verity Lowell (coming October 26)
The Life Revamp by Kris Ripper (coming November 30)
If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis(coming December 28)
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins (coming January 25)
Sink or Swim by Annabeth Albert (coming February 22)
Jacob Vaughn represents everything I could ever want in a man, until he makes the wrong assumption about me. He says he’s sorry, but the damage has already been done. Can Jacob convince Zoe that he deserves a second chance? Fans of the Brentwood Baseball Series by Meghan Quinn will devour The Slider by A.M. Williams, a mistaken identity, single-parent romance.
*****
The Slider
Boys of Summer series
by A.M. Williams
Blurb:
How do you recover when a first impression goes wrong?
Zoe
Meeting Jacob Vaughn wasn’t what I expected when I went out with my best friend to celebrate my new job. Jacob was kind, funny, and easy to talk to.
He represents everything I want in a dream man.
But then he assumes something about me and makes comments that my nephew overhears.
He says he’s sorry, but it’s hard to let go of the hurt when I’m not the only person impacted. He hurt Noah, and that’s just not something I can easily forgive.
Jacob
Zoe Atkinson is the breath of fresh air I didn’t realize I needed. After saving her from a handsy drunk, I discover how amazing she is and can’t get her out of my mind.
Except, I’m coming out of a bad divorce and can’t think about anyone other than myself for now.
Then I ruin things by running my mouth, upsetting someone close to her, making me realize that I like her a whole lot more than I should.
I’ve got to figure out how to get us over this hump so I can show her that I’m serious about her and Noah.
We have to decide if we’ll let first impressions ruin what could be the best thing to happen to us.
The Slider is book five in A.M. Williams’ Boys of Summer baseball romance series. It’s a mistaken identity, single-parent romance with a recently divorced baseball player and an aunt that is now struggling to raise a teenager.
If you love men in tight pants and the sassy women they fall for, this series is for you.
The hottest man I’d ever seen in my entire life just walked into The Splinter.
It felt cliche to say that it was like that slow-mo entrance you see in the movies, but it really was like that.
A group of guys came in before him and he trailed them. It was like God smiled down on me when he did, too.
It was raining, so his hair was wet. Once inside, he reached up to run his hands through his hair, shaking the water out of it.
And his hair was gorgeous. This thick, lush brown color that was begging me to go over and help him shake the rest of that water out.
I didn’t because that would be weird. Much weirder than me being a creep from across the bar as I watched him join his friends at the table they’d claimed near the pool tables.
Those same pool tables I was sitting at with my friend and her friends. Though I wasn’t sure how good of a friend she was with them because there was something off about some of them.
They were nice, but catty. I’d never had many female friends growing up because I was a little awkward and lived in my head. So I also wasn’t the best at reading people.
Maybe my read was wrong.
But I didn’t think so.
They smiled when Cass introduced me, and they tried to include me in conversation initially. But then I was quickly forgotten by everyone except for Cass.
I was okay with that. I liked people watching.
Hence me noticing Mr. Good Looks when he walked in.
And I wasn’t the only one to notice him, either. The Cat Pack had as well.
“Did you see who just walked in?” one girl, a redhead, breathed.
“I did. I’ve never known him to come out before,” a brunette responded.
Cass sent me a look, nibbling her bottom lip, before looking back at her friends.
What was that about?
I sucked on my straw, it making the awfully slurping sound to tell me my drink was empty. That was my cue.
While the women were caught up in discussing Mr. Good Looking and his hot friends, I slipped away. Instead of going right for the bar, I veered toward the jukebox. I wasn’t too interested in picking a song to play, but I wanted some time away from Cass’s friends.
I flicked through the selections before digging a dollar from my pocket and feeding it to the machine and picking my songs.
Knowing I’d have to wait awhile, I turned toward the bar.
As I wound through the thickening crowd, I couldn’t help looking toward Mr. Good Looking to get another fix.
I caught sight of him and did a quick scan before forcing myself to look in front of me and not at him.
He would star in my fantasies later tonight.
Copyright 2021 A.M. Williams
*****
Review:
Zoe has had a rough few years and she’s doing her best to raise her nephew & figure out what she wants to do with her life. Overall, she’s doing quite well. Then a night out has her meeting Jacob in a bar and even though nothing comes of it then fate will keep bringing them together.
Jacob is fresh off a difficult divorce and not looking for anything during a night out with friends. He saves Zoe from a troublesome drunk because it is the right thing to do, not knowing that it will mean he won’t be able to forget her. Luckily he runs into her again a few months later … only to stick his foot in his mouth. It’s time to salvage his reputation, prove that he’s a better man than she thinks, and maybe discover a new love.
I will say there are a few issues. The sex scenes weren’t as smooth as they could have been and they felt a little awkward compared to the way the rest of the book was written. There are also quite a few times when things don’t match – people who have met before don’t react like it or conversations are held but a few pages later it’s like it never happened. The copy I read was due for at least one more edit and I’m hoping they caught some of these. But I would definitely say that the love story is more than worth it even if these things aren’t fixed.
The romance between Jacob and Zoe is sweet and I enjoyed watching them move past some early stumbles, get to know each other, and fall in love. Jacob is awesome with both Zoe and her nephew Jacob. Together they grow into a wonderful, supportive family unit.
*****
Author Info:
A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.
Romantic Reads and Such 